bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
On the fatigue damage micromechanisms in Si‐solution–strengthened spheroidal graphite cast iron
Authors: Sujakhu S. , Castagne S. , Sakaguchi M. , Kasvayee K.A. , Ghassemali E. , Jarfors A.E.W. , Wang W. 
Published: October 2017

AbstractGraphite nodules in spheroidal graphite cast iron (SGI) play a vital role in fatigue crack initiation and propagation. Graphite nodules growth morphology can go through transitions to form degenerated graphite elements other than spheroidal graphite nodules in SGI microstructure. These graphite particles significantly influence damage micromechanisms in SGI and could act differently than spheroidal graphite nodules. Most of the damage mechanism studies on SGI focused on the role of spheroidal graphite nodules on the stable crack propagation region. The role of degenerated graphite elements on SGI damage mechanisms has not been frequently studied. In this work, fatigue crack initiation and propagation tests were conducted on EN‐GJS‐500‐14 and observed under scanning electron microscope to understand the damage mechanisms for different graphite shapes. Crack initiation tests showed a dominant influence of degenerated graphite elements where early cracks initiated in the microstructure. Most of the spheroidal graphite nodules were unaffected at the early crack initiation stage, but few of them showed decohesion from the ferrite matrix and internal cracking. In the crack propagation region, graphite/ferrite matrix decohesion was the frequent damage mechanism observed with noticeable crack branching around graphite nodules and the crack passing through degenerated graphite elements. Finally, graphite nodules after decohesion acted like voids which grew and coalesced to form microcracks eventually causing rapid fracture of the remaining section.
Ledipasvir and Sofosbuvir for untreated HCV genotype 1 infection in end stage renal disease patients: A prospective observational study
Authors: Surendra Mandarapu , Raju Sree Bhushan , Sridhar Nimmagadda , Vijay Kiran Bangillapati , Rajesh Goli , Anvesh Golla , Raju Nallagasu 
Published: October 2017

AbstractIntroduction: Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection in end stage renal disease (ESRD) is associated with increased mortality. Recently, numerous directly acting antiviral agents have been approved for the management of HCV. Ledipasvir along with Sofosbuvir has been approved for management of genotype 1 infection in patients with eGFR ≥30 mL/min. However, there is paucity of data regarding its role in the management of patients on dialysis.Material and Methods: This is a single center prospective open label observational study to assess the safety and efficacy of Ledipasvir and Sofosbuvir in hemodialysis (HD) patients who were diagnosed with HCV genotype 1 infection. Eligibility criteria were treatment naive HD patients with normal liver histology. We administered Ledipasvir and Sofosbuvir combination tablet on alternate days for a period of 12 weeks. Primary efficacy end point was the assessment of sustained virological response (SVR12), and the safety end point was the discontinuation of therapy secondary to adverse drug effects.Results: A total of 21 patients were treated with this regimen. Two patients expired during the study period and are not related to the therapy. SVR12 was achieved in all the 19 patients. None of the patients in our study discontinued the therapy or had severe adverse drug effects. One patient had head ache and another patient had giddiness which were managed symptomatically.Conclusion: Ledipasvir and Sofosbuvir combination therapy on alternate days, is effective even in ESRD patients, with excellent SVR12 rates, and it is as safe as in other population groups, without any major adverse reactions.
Feasibility of sustained low efficiency dialysis in critically sick pediatric patients: A multicentric retrospective study
Authors: Sethi Sidharth K. , Sinha Rajiv , Jha Pranaw , Wadhwani Nikita , Raghunathan Veena , Dhaliwal Maninder , Bansal Shyam B. , Kher Vijay , Lobo Valentine , Sharma Jyoti , Raina Rupesh 
Published: October 2017

AbstractIntroduction: Sustained low‐efficiency dialysis (SLED) has emerged as a cost effective alternative to Continuous Renal Replacement Therapy in the management of hemodynamically unstable adult patients with acute kidney injury. The objective of the study was to document the SLED practices in these centers, and to look at the feasibility, and tolerability of SLED in critically sick pediatric patients.Methods: It was a retrospective record review from January 2010 to June 2016 done in four tertiary pediatric nephrology centers in India. All pediatric patients undergoing SLED in the collaborating centers were included in the study. Basic demographic data, prescription parameters and outcomes of patients were recorded.Findings: During the study period a total of 68 children received 211 sessions of SLED. PRISM score at admission in patients was 13.33 ± 9.15. Fifty‐seven patients were ventilated (84%). Most of the patients had one or more organ system involved in addition to renal (n = 64; 94%). Heparin free sessions were achievable in 153 sessions (72%). Out of 211 sessions, 148 sessions were on at least one inotrope (70.1%). Overall premature terminations had to be done in 27 sessions (13% of all sessions), out of which 7 sessions had to be terminated due to circuit clotting (3.3%). Intradialytic hypotension or need for inotrope escalation was seen in 31 (15%) sessions but termination of the session for drop in BP was required in only 20 (9%) sessions.Conclusion: SLED is a feasible method of providing renal replacement in critically ill pediatric patients.
The working hours of unpaid child workers in the handloom industry in India
Authors: Pal Jadab Kumar , Chakraborty Sonali , Tewari Hare Ram , Chandra Vinod 
Published: October 2017

AbstractThis paper investigates the effects of socio‐economic factors on the allocation of working time of unpaid child workers in the handloom industry. Based on regression and other statistical analysis of primary data collected from a field survey of 327 households engaged in the family‐based handloom industry of Ramna Etbar Nagar of Domkal Block, a village of Murshidabad district within the state of West Bengal, India, the results show that allocation of working hours depends on many of the socio‐economic factors of the household. The Lorenz curve shows that there is an unequal distribution in allocation of working hours among the working children, and boys work more compared to girls for a higher schedule of work. It has also been found that the larger the size of the households, the higher the number of looms, and the higher the allocation of working hours of children.
Trends in acquisitions of physician practices and subsequent clinical integration: A mixed methods study
Authors: West Jacob , Johnson Garret , Jha Ashish K. 
Published: October 2017

AbstractRationale, aims, and objectivesThe US health care system is marked by a high degree of fragmentation in both delivery and financing. Some evidence suggests that attempts to reduce fragmentation have led to significant provider consolidation, including hospital acquisitions of physician groups, or “vertical integration.” The objective was to use time‐series data to quantify trends in and characteristics of hospital acquisitions of physician practices. A secondary objective was to use case studies to determine the motivations for these acquisitions and to identify what integration results from these transactions.MethodsData on annual hospital acquisition of physician practices was used to quantify trends and characteristics of acquiring hospitals between 2006 and 2013. Four in‐depth case studies, including structured interviews with hospital leadership, were then conducted of recent hospital acquisitions of primary care practices.ResultsAcquisitions of physician practices have been increasing over the last decade and peaked in 2011. Most acquisitions were of small primary care, multi‐specialty, or cardiology practices. The case studies revealed that the primary motivation for hospital acquisitions was to increase referrals and negotiate higher payment rates. These transactions resulted in very limited clinical integration, while all acquiring hospitals sought to integrate health information systems.ConclusionsAmong 4 case‐studies of hospital acquisition of physician practices, the primary motivation was financial and competitive motivations. This suggests that policymakers should be mindful of the potential negative effects of these acquisitions on health care costs, as well as the uncertainty of clinical benefits. Policymakers may need supplementary strategies to deliver the goals of reduced costs and improved quality of care.
Gallbladder stones and gallbladder polyps associated with increased risk of colorectal adenoma in men
Authors: Liu Yen‐Ling , Wu Jin‐Shang , Yang Yi‐Ching , Lu Feng‐Hwa , Lee Chih‐Ting , Lin Wan‐Ju , Chang Chih‐Jen 
Published: October 2017

AbstractBackground and AimsMost cases of colorectal cancer develop via an adenoma to carcinoma sequence. Gallbladder polyps share some risk factors with colorectal polyps. Little is known about the relationship between gallbladder diseases and different status of colorectal polyps by gender. This study was to investigate the association of gallbladder stones and polyps with colorectal adenomas by gender in a Taiwanese population.MethodsA total of 7066 eligible subjects who underwent a total colonoscopy as a part of health check‐up between January 2001 and August 2009 were recruited. Colonoscopic findings were classified into polyp‐free, non‐neoplastic polyps and colorectal adenomas. Gallbladder stones and gallbladder polyps were diagnosed based on ultrasonographic findings.ResultsThere was a significant difference in the status of colon polyps between subjects with and without gallbladder polyps. However, the status of colon polyps was not significantly different between subjects with or without gallbladder stones. After adjusting obesity, fasting plasma glucose, and other variables, there was a positive relationship between gallbladder polyps and colorectal adenomas (odds ratio [OR]: 1.396, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.115–1.747) but not non‐neoplastic polyps in all subjects. In men, gallbladder polyps (OR: 1.560, 95% CI: 1.204–2.019) and gallbladder stones (OR: 1.465, 95% CI 1.081–1.984) were positively associated with colorectal adenomas. In women, neither gallbladder polyps nor gallbladder stones were significantly related to colon polyps.ConclusionsBoth gallbladder polyps and gallbladder stones were associated with an increased risk of colorectal adenomas in men but not in women. Gender difference was significant for the association between gallbladder lesions and colorectal polyps.
Transmission electron microscopy of AlGaAs/GaAs quantum cascade laser structures
Authors: WALTHER T. , KRYSA A.B. 
Published: October 2017

SummaryQuantum cascade lasers can be efficient infrared radiation sources and consist of several hundreds of very thin layers arranged in stacks that are repeated periodically. Both the thicknesses of the individual layers as well as the period lengths need to be monitored to high precision. Different transmission electron microscopy methods have been combined to analyse AlGaAs/GaAs quantum cascade laser structures in cross‐section. We found a small parabolic variation of the growth rate during deposition, affecting the stack periodicity and a reduced aluminium content of the AlGaAs barriers, whereas their widths as well as those of the GaAs quantum wells agreed with the nominal values within one atomic layer. Growth on an offcut substrate led to facets and steps at the interfaces.
Two cases of liver lobe torsion in a white‐lipped tamarin (Saguinus labiatus) and an Alaotran gentle lemur (Hapalemur alaotrensis)
Authors: Silvetti S. , Kubiak M. , Justice W.S.M. , Stidworthy M.F. 
Published: October 2017

AbstractThis paper describes liver lobe torsion in a white‐lipped tamarin (Saguinus labiatus) and an Alaotran gentle lemur (Hapalemur alaotrensis). Both animals had a history of acute collapse, and diagnosis was made post‐mortem. To the authors’ knowledge, these are the first reported cases of this pathology in non‐human primates.
HETERODOX THEORIES OF ECONOMIC GROWTH AND INCOME DISTRIBUTION: A PARTIAL SURVEY
Authors: Dutt Amitava Krishna 
Published: October 2017

AbstractHeterodox theories of economic growth and income distribution are surveyed, focusing on major theories and recent contributions. First, a general framework for examining growth and distribution is discussed, in terms of which classical‐Marxian and post‐Keynesian–Kaleckian and other theories are presented. Since this framework examines how variables are determined in equilibrium, second, dynamics behind equilibria are examined, focusing on goods market and labor market changes. Third, the framework is extended in a variety of ways to examine additional models addressing productivity growth and technical change, money and inflation, finance and debt, additional distributional considerations, multisector issues, open economy questions, and the environment. It is concluded that the literature on heterodox theories of growth and distribution is vibrant, large, and growing, and addresses many issues that are ignored or neglected in orthodox theories, including power, unemployment, and aggregate demand.
Robust optical tracking of individual ejecta particles in hypervelocity impact experiments
Authors: Gulde Max , Kortmann Lukas , Ebert Matthias , Watson Erkai , Wilk Jakob , Schäfer Frank 
Published: October 2017

AbstractNew insights into the kinematics of ejecta clouds and the dynamics of crater formation are gained from the introduction of an approach to track individual particles ejected from a horizontal hypervelocity impact of a 2 mm aluminum sphere at 6.3 km s−1 into vertically aligned Carrara marble. Particle trajectories are determined with 500 ns temporal resolution inside a 1–2 mm thick laser light sheet illuminating a single plane within the ejecta plume. In contrast to optical flow analysis, the methodology presented here enables us to track individual particles instead of relying on field‐averaged information. This is realized by correlating particles not via their geometric shape but through their trajectory directly. It robustly identifies even partially obscured or strongly tumbling particles, allowing for a comprehensive physical description of the highly dynamical excavation process based on the precise determination of position, time, and ejection velocity of each individual particle. Specifically, we find ejecta particles launched in a short window of about 0–25 μs after impact and up to a radial distance of 10 mm from the impact location. During this time interval, the transient crater radius grows from 2 ± 1 mm to 6 ± 2 mm. Velocities between 70 m s−1 and 1 km s−1 are observed and reveal a substantial steepening of the ejecta curtain within 15 μs after the impact. We additionally determine the particle size and find a μ‐parameter of 0.6 for Carrara marble which is consistent with theoretical predictions for nonporous materials.
Embryonated chicken eggs: An experimental model for Pythium insidiosum infection
Authors: Verdi Camila M. , Jesus Francielli P. K. , Kommers Glaucia , Ledur Pauline C. , Azevedo Maria I. , Loreto Erico S. , Tondolo Juliana S. M. , Andrade Eduardo N. C. , Schlemmer Karine B. , Alves Sydney H. , Santurio Janio M. 
Published: October 2017

SummaryPythiosis is a severe disease caused by Pythium insidiosum. Currently, the research on the treatment of pythiosis uses rabbits as an experimental infection model. To reduce the use of animals in scientific experimentation, alternative models are increasingly necessary options. The objective of this study was to establish a new experimental infection model for pythiosis using embryonated chicken eggs. First, we tested the inoculation of 4 zoospore concentrations into the egg allantoic cavity at 3 embryonic days. We observed that increased zoospore concentration causes a decrease in survival time, and at a later embryonic day (the 14th) of infection, embryos showed delayed mortality. To confirm the reproducibility of the model, we chose the 14th embryonic day for the inoculation of 50 zoospores/egg, and the experiment was repeated twice. Mortality began with 30% embryos 48 hours after inoculation, and 95% embryos died within 72 hours. There was no mortality in the uninfected control group. The infection was confirmed by culture, PCR and histopathology. Immunohistochemistry confirmed the presence of hyphae in blood vessels in the umbilical cords in 95% of embryos and only 1 liver (5%). Our results suggest that embryonated eggs can be a very useful alternative infection model to study pythiosis.
Aerophagia in adolescents is associated with exposure to adverse life events and psychological maladjustment
Authors: Rajindrajith S. , Hettige S. , Gulegoda I. , Jayawickrama N. , De Silva S. C. , Samarakoon H. K. , de Silva R. L. , Abeyagunawardena S. , Devanarayana N. M. 
Published: October 2017

AbstractBackgroundAerophagia is a common childhood functional gastrointestinal disorder. We studied the association between adverse life events (ALEs), psychological maladjustment, somatization, and aerophagia (AP) in adolescents. We also assessed the impact of AP on their health‐related quality of life (HRQoL).MethodsA cross‐sectional survey was conducted on 2500 subjects of 13‐18 years in 8 randomly selected schools in Sri Lanka. Translated, validated, and self‐administered questionnaires were used to collect data. Aerophagia was diagnosed using Rome III criteria.Key ResultsA total of 2453 questionnaires were analyzed (males 1200 [48.9%], mean age 14.8 years, SD 1.6 years). Of them, 371 adolescents had AP (15.1%). Aerophagia was associated with exposure to physical abuse (20.4% vs. 12.7% in controls, P < .0001), emotional abuse (20.3% vs. 8.2% in controls, P < .0001), and other ALEs (22% vs. 10.2% in controls, P < .001). One hundred and ninety (51.2%) adolescents with AP and 775 (37.2%) controls had a personality score above the international cutoff value of 105, indicating psychological maladjustment (odds ratio 1.77, 95% confidence interval 1.42‐2.21, P < .0001). Those with AP had higher somatization (16.4 vs. 8.9) and lower overall HRQoL scores (77.0 vs. 85.1, P < .0001). HRQoL scores of adolescents with AP were lower in all domains, namely, physical (80.6 vs. 86.9), emotional (69.1 vs. 80.3), social (83.8 vs. 90.5), and school (72.6 vs. 82.5) functioning (P < .0001).Conclusions and InferencesAerophagia was associated with exposure to ALEs and psychological maladjustment. Affected teenagers suffer from more somatic symptoms and has a poor HRQoL.
Identification of genes encoding glycosyltransferases involved in lipopolysaccharide synthesis in Porphyromonas gingivalis
Authors: Shoji M. , Sato K. , Yukitake H. , Kamaguchi A. , Sasaki Y. , Naito M. , Nakayama K. 
Published: October 2017

SummaryPorphyromonas gingivalis can synthesize both A‐LPS and O‐LPS lipopolysaccharides, which contain anionic O‐polysaccharides and conventional O‐polysaccharides, respectively. A‐LPS can anchor virulence proteins to the cell surface, so elucidating the mechanism of A‐LPS synthesis is important for understanding the pathogenicity of this bacterium. To identify the genes involved in LPS synthesis, we focused on uncharacterized genes encoding the glycosyltransferases, PGN_0361, PGN_1239, PGN_1240 and PGN_1668, which were tentatively named gtfC, gtfD, gtfE and gtfF, respectively, and characterized their mutants. We found that disruption of gtfC and gtfF resulted in A‐LPS deficiency. In addition, a gtfD mutant had abnormal A‐LPS synthesis, and a gtfE mutant exhibited a rough‐type LPS that possesses a short oligosaccharide with lipid A‐core. We then constructed a gtfC and gtfD double mutant, because their amino acid sequences were very similar, and this mutant similarly possessed a rough‐type LPS. Cross‐complementation analysis revealed that the GtfD protein is a functional homologue of the Escherichia coli WbbL protein, which is a rhamnosyltransferase. These results suggested that the GtfE protein is essential for the synthesis of both O‐LPS and A‐LPS, and that GtfC and GtfD proteins may work together to synthesize the two kinds of LPS. In addition, the GtfF protein was essential for A‐LPS synthesis, although this may be achieved in a strain‐specific manner.
Optimising mobility through the sit‐to‐stand activity for older people living in residential care facilities: A qualitative interview study of healthcare aide experiences
Authors: Kagwa Sharon A. , Boström Anne‐Marie , Ickert Carla , Slaughter Susan E. 
Published: October 2017

Aims and objectivesTo explore the experience of HCAs encouraging residents living in residential care to complete the sit‐to‐stand activity and to identify the strategies HCAs used to integrate the activity into their daily work routines.BackgroundDecreased mobility in advanced ageing is further reduced when entering a residential care facility. Interventions such as the sit‐to‐stand activity have been shown to have a positive effect on the mobility of older people. There is evidence to suggest that healthcare aides are able to support residents to complete the sit‐to‐stand activity as part of their daily work routines; however, little is known about how healthcare aides actually do this with residents living in residential care.DesignA qualitative interview study included seven purposively sampled HCAs working in residential care facilities. Semistructured interviews were analysed using inductive qualitative content analysis.ResultsThe HCAs’ experience with the sit‐to‐stand activity was represented by the following four categories: Resident participation, Feeling misunderstood and disrespected, Time and workload, and Management involvement. HCAs identified three strategies to help them support residents to complete the sit‐to‐stand activity: Motivating residents, Completing activity in a group and Using time management skills.ConclusionsHCAs reported some encouragement from managers and cooperation from residents to complete the sit‐to‐stand activity with residents; however, they also felt constrained by time limitations and workload demands and they felt misunderstood and disrespected. HCAs were able to identify several strategies that helped them to integrate the sit‐to‐stand activity into their daily routines.Implications for practiceThis study highlights the challenges and supportive factors of implementing the sit‐to‐stand activity into the daily work routine of HCAs. The study also identifies the strategic role of nurse managers when implementing interventions in residential care facilities.