bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Supercritical CO2 Radial Turbine Design Performance as a Function of Turbine Size Parameters
Authors: Qi Jianhui , Reddell Thomas , Qin Kan , Hooman Kamel , Jahn Ingo H. J. 
Published: September 2016

Supercritical CO2 (sCO2) radial inflow turbine are an enabling technology for small scale concentrated solar thermal power. They are a research direction of the Australian Solar Thermal Research Initiative (ASTRI). This study uses the 1D meanline design code TOPGEN, to explore the radial turbine design space under consideration of sCO2 real gas properties. TOPGEN maps a parametric design space defined by flow and head coefficient.
The preliminary design code is used explore the feasibility, geometry and performance of sCO2 turbines in the 100kW to 200kW range in order to assess feasible design spaces and to investigate turbine scaling. Turbines are scaled with respect to power, while maintaining specific speed constant and with respect to speed. This analysis shows that both scaling approaches change the feasible design space and that both geometric constraints such as blade height or operational constraints such as blade natural frequency can significantly limit the design space.
Detailed analysis of four shortlisted designs shows that turbine efficiencies close to 85% can be attained for 100kW and 200kW output powers, even when operating at reduced rotor speeds. This work provides new insight towards the design of small scale radial turbines for operation with sCO2 and highlights scaling issues that may arise when testing sub-scale turbine prototypes.
Classification of breast lesions using segmented quantitative ultrasound maps of homodyned K distribution parameters
Authors: Byra Michał , Nowicki Andrzej , Wróblewska‐Piotrzkowska Hanna , Dobruch‐Sobczak Katarzyna 
Published: September 2016

PurposeStatistical modeling of an ultrasound backscattered echo envelope is used for tissue characterization. However, in the presence of complex structures within the analyzed area, estimation of parameters is disturbed and unreliable, e.g., in the case of breast tumor classification. In order to improve the differentiation of breast lesions, the authors proposed a method based on the segmentation of homodyned K distribution parameter maps. Regions within lesions of different scattering properties were extracted and analyzed. In order to improve the classification, the best‐performing features were selected from various regions and then combined.MethodsA radio‐frequency data set consisting of 103 breast lesions was used in the authors’ analysis. Maps of homodyned K distribution parameters were created using an algorithm based on signal‐to‐noise ratio, kurtosis, and skewness of fractional‐order envelope moments. A Markov random field model was used to segment parametric maps. Features of different segments were extracted and evaluated based on bootstrapping and the receiver operating characteristic curve. To determine the best‐performing feature subset, the authors applied the joint mutual information criterion.ResultsIt was found that there were individual features which performed better than the ones commonly used for lesion characterization, like the parameter obtained through averaging of values over the whole lesion. The authors selected and discussed the best‐performing features. Properties of different extracted regions were important and improved the distinction between benign and malignant tumors. The best performance was obtained by combining four features with the area under the receiver operating curve of 0.84.ConclusionsThe study showed that the analysis of internal changes in lesion parametric maps leads to a better classification of breast tumors. The authors recommend combining multiple features for characterization, instead of using only one parameter, especially in the case of heterogeneous lesions.
Proposing evidence-based strategies to strengthen implementation of healthcare reform in resource-limited settings: a summative analysis
Authors: Manyazewal Tsegahun , Oosthuizen Martha J , Matlakala Mokgadi C 
Published: September 2016

ObjectivesMany resource-limited countries have adopted and implemented healthcare reform to improve the quality of healthcare, but few have had much impact and strategies in support of these efforts remain limited. We aimed to explore and propose evidence-based strategies to strengthen implementation of healthcare reform in resource-limited settings.DesignDescriptive and exploratory designs in two phases. Phase I involved assessing the effectiveness of the healthcare reform implemented in Ethiopia in the form of business process reengineering, with evidence compiled from healthcare professionals through a self-administered questionnaire; and phase II involved proposing strategies and seeking consensus from experts using Delphi method.SettingPublic hospitals in central Ethiopia.Participants406 healthcare professionals and 10 senior health policy experts.FindingsThe healthcare reform that we evaluated was able to restructure hospital departments into case teams, with the goal of adopting a ‘one-stop shopping’ approach. However, shortages of critical infrastructure, furniture and supplies and job dissatisfaction continued to hamper the system. The most important predictors that influenced implementation of the reform were financial resources, top management commitment and support, collaborative working environment and information technology (IT). Five strategies with 14 operational objectives and 67 potential interventions that could strengthen the reform are proposed based on their strategic priority, which are as follows: reinforce patient-centred quality of care services; foster a healthy and respectful workforce environment; efficient and accountable leadership and governance; efficient use of hospital financing and maximise innovations and the use of health technologies.ConclusionsEffective implementation of healthcare reform remained a challenge for governments in resource-limited settings. Resilient operational, clinical and governance functions of health systems, as well as a motivated and committed health workforce, are important to move healthcare reform processes forward. Political commitments at this juncture might be critical though there need to be a clear demarcation between political and technical engagements.
Manitoba mothers and fetal alcohol spectrum disorders study (MBMomsFASD): protocol for a population-based cohort study using linked administrative data
Authors: Singal Deepa , Brownell Marni , Hanlon-Dearman Ana , Chateau Dan , Longstaffe Sally , Roos Leslie L 
Published: September 2016

IntroductionFetal alcohol spectrum disorder (FASD) is a significant public health concern. To prevent FASD, factors that place women at risk for giving birth to children with FASD must be investigated; however, there are little data in this area. This paper describes the development of the Manitoba mothers and FASD study, a retrospective cohort of mothers whose children were diagnosed with FASD, generated to investigate: (1) risk factors associated with giving birth to children with FASD; (2) maternal physical and health outcomes, as well as the usage of health and social services.MethodsThe study population will be identified by linking children diagnosed with FASD from a provincially centralised FASD assessment clinic (from 31 March 1999 to 31 March 2012) to their birth mothers using de-identified administrative health data housed at the Manitoba Centre for Health Policy. Preliminary analysis has identified over 700 mothers, which is the largest sample size in this field to date. A comparison cohort of women with children who did not have an FASD diagnosis matched on the region of residence, date of birth of child with FASD and socioeconomic status will be generated to compare exposures and outcomes. Potential demographic, socioeconomic, family history, and physical and mental health risk factors will be investigated by linking a range of health and social databases, furthering insight into the root causes of drinking during pregnancy. The longitudinal data will allow us to document the usage patterns of healthcare and social services throughout significant periods in these women's lives to identify opportunities for prevention.Ethics and disseminationEthical approval has been obtained by the University of Manitoba's Health Research Ethics Board and the Manitoba Health Information Privacy Committee. Dissemination of study results will include engagement of stakeholders and policymakers through presentations and reports for policymakers, in parallel with scientific papers.
All Patients with Diabetes Should Have Annual UACR Tests. Why is That So Hard?
Authors: Willison Alice , Tully Vicki , Davey Peter 
Published: September 2016

The urine albumin creatinine ratio (UACR) detects abnormal levels of protein in the urine and should be performed annually to detect kidney disease in patients with diabetes mellitus. UK national audits show that 25% of patients do not have annual tests and our data suggested that some patients had more than one test per year.Data from 20 patients showed that 55% had more than one UACR test per year, with a total of 19 unnecessary tests at an estimated cost of £20,000 per year. However 20% had not had a UACR in the previous year, so unreliable testing was potentially causing harm as well as waste. Process mapping showed that having a UACR test depended on whether the patient brought a urine sample to the clinic. Most (72%) patients were unaware that the urine sample was used to detect kidney damage. We encountered barriers when finding a process to automate measures of reliability of UACR testing using computer protocol, and therefore created a patient information leaflet. The first version of the leaflet was too technical and several changes were suggested by patients. After reading the revised leaflet 99% of patients understood the reason for UACR testing and 64% felt more motivated to bring in urine samples. The phlebotomist disseminated the patient information leaflet with a median of 90% reliability for six consecutive clinics. The patient information leaflet has the potential to improve patient involvement in their care and to increase the number of patients who bring urine samples to the clinic. However, this could increase the number of unnecessary tests unless the process of test ordering is changed to ensure that UACR is only measured annually.
Patients’ perceptions and views of surgery and radioiodine ablation in the definitive management of Graves’ disease
Authors: Hookham Jessica , Truran Peter , Allahabadia Amit , Balasubramanian Sabapathy P 
Published: September 2016

ABSTRACTBackgroundPatients’ perceptions and preferences influence the choice of radioiodine ablation (RIA) or surgery in the definitive management of Graves’ disease. This study aimed to evaluate their concerns, experiences and satisfaction following definitive treatment.MethodsA postal survey of patients who had treatment with surgery or RIA between January 2011 and June 2013 for Graves’ disease was conducted.ResultsOf 214 patients, 136 (64%) responded. The majority of patients felt actively involved in decision making (83.8%) and were satisfied (84.9%) with their treatment. Compared with RIA, patients who underwent surgery were more satisfied with their treatment (p=0.008). Discussion with the doctor was the most useful aid to decision making. Feeling involved in decision-making process was associated with improved satisfaction (p&lt;0.001).Common reasons for not choosing surgery were need for general anaesthesia, scarring and voice change. Avoiding close contact, risk of persistent hyperthyroidism and worsening eye disease were common reasons for not choosing RIA. Ongoing concerns were hypothyroidism, scarring and eye problems after surgery and hypothyroidism and eye problems after RIA.ConclusionsThis study provides insight into patients’ experiences of surgery and RIA for Graves’ disease and reinforces the importance of patient involvement in the decision-making process.
Alterations in the echocardiographic variables of the right ventricle in asymptomatic patients with breast cancer during anthracycline chemotherapy
Authors: Abdar Esfahani Morteza , Mokarian Fariborz , Karimipanah Mohammad 
Published: September 2016

ABSTRACTBackgroundAnthracycline-induced cardiotoxicity can reach an irreversible phase; therefore great efforts are made to diagnose it early. As the right ventricle (RV) is smaller than the left, the right side of the heart is probably influenced by anthracycline to a greater extent and in a shorter time. The purpose of the present study was to investigate the early effects of chemotherapy on the right side of the heart.MethodsThis cross-sectional study was performed in Isfahan University hospitals from August 2014 to December 2015. Subjects were 67 patients with breast cancer who were planned to receive anthracycline for the first time. Echocardiography was performed before administration of anthracycline and 6 months later. Variables included right heart measures (RV end-diastolic dimensions, right atrium length and diameter), RV fractional area change (RVFAC), index of myocardial performance (Tei index), tricuspid annular plane systolic excursion (TAPSE), pulmonary artery systolic pressure, lateral tricuspid annular early and late diastolic velocities, and tissue Doppler diastolic and systolic velocities.ResultsForty-nine of the subjects completed the study. RV end-diastolic diameters and Tei index (0.31 to 0.37) were significantly increased (p&lt;0.001). RVFAC (49.83% to 43.59%) and TAPSE (18.8 to 17.7 mm) were significantly decreased (p&lt;0.001). There was a significant reduction in E (57.06 to 46.59 cm/s, p&lt;0.001), E/A ratio (1.42 to 1.18, p&lt;0.001), E′ (16.73 to 12.4 cm/s, p&lt;0.001), E′/A′ ratio (1.21 to 0.9, p&lt;0.001) and S′ (12.59 to 10.57 cm/s, p&lt;0.001). Systolic pulmonary arterial pressure (20.63 to 22.24 mm Hg, p=0.04) was significantly increased.ConclusionsThis study shows a significant decrease in RV systolic and diastolic function during chemotherapy for 6 months. These reductions are in the normal range and can probably be considered an early indicator of anthracycline-induced cardiotoxicity.
Effect of the BSCCO superconducting properties by tiny Y2O3 addition
Authors: Dong Yan , Sun Aimin , Xu Bin , Zhang Hongtao , Zhang Meng 
Published: September 2016

In this paper, the effect of tiny Y2O3 addition in (Bi,[Formula: see text]Pb)-2223 superconductor prepared by solid state reaction technique was studied. The properties of samples have been investigated via X-ray diffraction (XRD), resistance–temperature ([Formula: see text]–[Formula: see text]) curve, scanning electron microscope (SEM) and energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS). XRD data indicated that all samples are multiphase and the major phases are high-temperature phases and low-temperature phases. The volume fraction of (Bi,[Formula: see text]Pb)-2223 is not great change with tiny Y2O3 addition. All samples exhibit superconducting phase with the critical transition temperature and one-step transition, however, the transition width was decreased with the Y2O3 addition up to 0.04 wt.% and sharp increased with the excessive oxide addition. SEM pictures show that the Y2O3 appeared on the flake-type grains surface obviously, but the number and size of the hole between grains are decreased in the 0.04 wt.% addition.
Incorporating geomorphology in engineering geological ground models
Authors: Griffiths J. S. 
Published: September 2016

Abstract
Ground models should be a fundamental outcome from all site investigations for civil engineering development and planning projects. Without them, it is not possible to: define the ground conditions; identify any geohazards or other engineering constraints; identify potential resources; provide a basis for construction tendering; establish risk registers; determine reference conditions; design the works; or evaluate the environmental consequences of projects. A methodology for ground model development has yet to be fully established, but understanding geomorphological processes and landforms is central to the creation of effective models. Therefore, it is necessary to develop a methodology that ensures geomorphology is fully integrated into the already well-defined approaches for investigating and interpreting the geological and geotechnical conditions. This happens most effectively where geomorphology is seen as part of engineering geology and is fully integrated in the site investigation process. This is not a universal situation however, as a great deal of geomorphological research is undertaken as part of physical geography and is not widely accessed during standard desk studies. Engineering geologists need to access this high-quality research and bring it into ground models that are presently biased towards geology and geotechnics. When this is achieved, engineering geological ground models will become genuinely fit for purpose.
Siting method of the ancients in the excavation of Longyou Caverns, 2000 years ago
Authors: Li Lihui , Deng Xiaolong , Tan Yufang , Huang Beixiu , Yang Zhifa 
Published: September 2016

Abstract
In June 1992, five large rock caverns were unearthed in a village near Longyou County in Zhejiang Province, south China. The caverns were manually excavated about 2000 years ago in argillaceous siltstone of Cretaceous age. Faults are not well developed, however there are clay interlayers within argillaceous siltstone bedding at each cavern. Field investigations suggest that the ancients had realized the influence of the clay interlayers on the stability of caverns and altered their location and layout accordingly. Several preserved trial adits at the site are good evidence of this conclusion. These adits are apparently abandoned due to the presence of clay interlayers. This is probably the earliest known use of geological exploration by adit methods, an approach now widely used. In this paper, the engineering geological conditions, especially the development of the clay interlayers, are presented in some detail. Statistical analysis shows that the numbers and average thickness of clay interlayers in the five completed caverns are less than those in other outcrops. It is concluded that trial adit methods and experience by geological observation were adopted by the ancients 2000 years ago in the excavation of underground rock caverns.
The Complexity of Finite-Valued CSPs
Authors: Thapper Johan , Živný Stanislav 
Published: September 2016

We study the computational complexity of exact minimization of rational-valued discrete functions. Let Γ be a set of rational-valued functions on a fixed finite domain; such a set is called afinite-valued constraint language. The valued constraint satisfaction problem, VCSP(Γ), is the problem of minimizing a function given as a sum of functions from Γ. We establish a dichotomy theorem with respect to exact solvability forallfinite-valued constraint languages defined on domains ofarbitraryfinite size.We show that every constraint language Γ either admits a binary symmetric fractional polymorphism, in which case the basic linear programming relaxation solves any instance of VCSP(Γ) exactly, or Γ satisfies a simple hardness condition that allows for a polynomial-time reduction from Max-Cut to VCSP(Γ).
BPTF Depletion Enhances T-cell–Mediated Antitumor Immunity
Authors: Mayes Kimberly , Alkhatib Suehyb G. , Peterson Kristen , Alhazmi Aiman , Song Carolyn , Chan Vivian , Blevins Tana , Roberts Mark , Dumur Catherine I. , Wang Xiang-Yang , Landry Joseph W. 
Published: September 2016

AbstractGenetic studies in fruit flies have implicated the chromatin remodeling complex nucleosome remodeling factor (NURF) in immunity, but it has yet to be studied in mammals. Here we show that its targeting in mice enhances antitumor immunity in two syngeneic models of cancer. NURF was disabled by silencing of bromodomain PHD-finger containing transcription factor (BPTF), the largest and essential subunit of NURF. We found that both CD8+ and CD4+ T cells were necessary for enhanced antitumor activity, with elevated numbers of activated CD8+ T cells observed in BPTF-deficient tumors. Enhanced cytolytic activity was observed for CD8+ T cells cocultured with BPTF-silenced cells. Similar effects were not produced with T-cell receptor transgenic CD8+ T cells, implicating the involvement of novel antigens. Accordingly, enhanced activity was observed for individual CD8+ T-cell clones from mice bearing BPTF-silenced tumors. Mechanistic investigations revealed that NURF directly regulated the expression of genes encoding immunoproteasome subunits Psmb8 and Psmb9 and the antigen transporter genes Tap1 and Tap2. The PSMB8 inhibitor ONX-0914 reversed the effects of BPTF ablation, consistent with a critical role for the immunoproteasome in improving tumor immunogenicity. Thus, NURF normally suppresses tumor antigenicity and its depletion improves antigen processing, CD8 T-cell cytotoxicity, and antitumor immunity, identifying NURF as a candidate therapeutic target to enhance antitumor immunity. Cancer Res; 76(21); 6183–92. ©2016 AACR.
Chronic Stress Facilitates Lung Tumorigenesis by Promoting Exocytosis of IGF2 in Lung Epithelial Cells
Authors: Jang Hyun-Ji , Boo Hye-Jin , Lee Ho Jin , Min Hye-Young , Lee Ho-Young 
Published: September 2016

Abstract
Molecular insights into how chronic stress affects lung tumorigenesis may offer new routes to chemoprevention. In this study, we show that chronic stress in mice chemically or genetically initiated for lung cancer leads to the release of norepinephrine and other catecholamines, thereby promoting lung tumorigenesis. Mechanistically, norepinephrine induced phosphorylation of L-type voltage-dependent calcium channels (VDCC) through the β-adrenergic receptor–PKA pathway. VDCC triggered calcium mobilization, thereby inducing activation of IGF-1R via exocytosis of insulin-like growth factor 2 (IGF2). Mice expressing lung-specific IGF-1R exhibited accelerated lung tumor development in response to chronic stress. Notably, clinically approved antihypertensive drugs that block L-type VDCC prevented the effects of chronic stress or norepinephrine on the IGF2/IGF-1R signaling cascade, along with transformation of lung epithelial cells and lung tumor formation. Overall, our results identify an actionable mechanism to limit the effects of chronic stress on lung tumorigenesis. Cancer Res; 76(22); 6607–19. ©2016 AACR.
Implante de pericárdio de eqüino preservado em glicerina em solução de continuidade do diafragma de cão
Authors: Ranzani José Joaquim Titton , Gandolfi Waldir , Franco Marcello , Castro Gladys Bastos de , Nicoletti José Luiz de Mello 
Published: September 2016

0 presente trabalho teve como objetivo o uso de pericárdio de eqüino conservado em glicerina na correção cirúrgica de lesões diafragmáticas em cães adultos, sem raça definida. O procedimento cirúrgico envolveu: laparatomia; excisão de fragmento de 4 x 4 cm da porção muscular do diafragma; substituição por implante de pericárdio através de sutura contínua, festonada, com categute cromado 3-0. Os cães apresentaram pós-operatório normal, sem restrição respiratória. Os animais foram sacrificados 7, 15, 30, 45 e 60 dias após o implante (5 animais/grupo), observando-se as achados macroscópicos "in situ" e estudando-se a histopatologia do enxerto e dos tecidos circundantes. Macroscopicamente, o enxerto obliterou o orifício induzido, determinou aderência com o fígado e saco pericárdico e exibiu diminuição progressiva de tamanho, sem interferência na elasticidade do diafragma. A avaliação microscópica mostrou período inicial (dias 7 e 15) de reação inflamatória aguda, seguido de fenômenos de reparação com a formação de neomembrana fibrosa, obliterante da solução de continuidade.