bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Effects of Nb and V on the Precipitation Phases of MX in Q345E Applicable to Cryogenic Flange
Authors: Li Jie , Fan Dingdong , Xia Yunjin 
Published: June 2014

AbstractThermodynamic software (Thermo-Calc) is utilized to Q345E applicable to cryogenic flange. The aim is to study the equilibrium precipitation phases between 400 and 1600 °C, and the solubility of Nb and V in austenite. The effects of alloying elements, such as C, N, Nb and V, on these equilibrium precipitation phases are also discussed. Besides theoretical calculation, transmission electron microscopy (TEM) is used to observe these precipitation phases. The results show that main equilibrium precipitation phases are M7C3, MX#1 (Nb-rich), MX#2 (V-rich) and AlN. Among them, the MX#1 phase is composed of major elements (Nb, C, and N) and minor elements (V and Cr). For MX#2 phase, its major elements are V, C, Nb, and N, and minor element is Cr. The precipitation amount and temperature of MX#1 phase were controlled by Nb content, and little affected by the contents of C, N and V. TEM results reveal that the size of precipitation phases varied from several nanometers to more than 100 nm. Large precipitation particles belong to MX#1 phase (Nb-rich), and their morphology tends to be cubic. On the other side, the small precipitation particles are attributed to MX#2 phase (V-rich), and their morphology is spherical or elliptical. These results are consistent with the thermodynamic calculation results about phase composition and precipitation temperature of MX#1 and MX#2.
Emergency Department and Urgent Care for Children Excluded From Child Care
Authors: Hashikawa Andrew N. , Brousseau David C. , Singer Dianne C. , Gebremariam Achamyeleh , Davis Matthew M. 
Published: June 2014

BACKGROUND:Children in child care are frequently unnecessarily excluded for illness. We investigated parental use of urgent medical evaluation for sick children unable to attend child care.METHODS:In May 2012, authors conducted a nationally representative survey of parents, who completed online questions regarding child illness causing absence from child care and their medical care-seeking behavior. Main outcome was parents’ use of emergency department or urgent care (ED/UC).RESULTS:Overall survey participation rate was 62%. Of participating parent cohort with children 0 to 5 years old, 57% (n = 357) required child care, of which 84% (n = 303) required out-of-home child care. Over 88% of parents sought acute medical care for their sick children unable to attend child care. Approximately one-third of parents needed a doctor’s note for employers and/or child care. Parents sought medical evaluation (&gt;1 option possible) from primary care (81%), UC (26%), or ED (25%). ED/UC use was most common for rash (21%) and fever (15%). Logistic regression indicated ED/UC use was significantly higher among single/divorced parents (odds ratio [OR] = 4.3; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 2.5–13.5); African American parents (OR = 4.2; 95% CI: 1.2–14.6); parents needing a doctor’s note (OR = 4.2; 95% CI: 1.5–11.7); and those with job concerns (OR = 3.4; 95% CI: 1.2–9.7).CONCLUSIONS:A substantial proportion of parents whose sick children cannot attend child care seek care in ED/UC. Training child care professionals regarding appropriate illness exclusions may decrease ED/UC visits by lowering child care exclusions.
Caregiver-Mediated Intervention for Low-Resourced Preschoolers With Autism: An RCT
Authors: Kasari Connie , Lawton Kathy , Shih Wendy , Barker Tyson V. , Landa Rebecca , Lord Catherine , Orlich Felice , King Bryan , Wetherby Amy , Senturk Damla 
Published: June 2014

OBJECTIVES:
To compare 2 short-term, community caregiver training interventions for preschool-aged children with Autism Spectrum Disorder who had low resources. Low resource was defined by the US Department of Housing and Urban Development low-income index or 1 “indicator,” (eg, Medicaid eligibility). Child outcomes focused on joint engagement, joint attention, and play.

METHODS:
Participants included 112 families of a child who had Autism Spectrum Disorder who met criteria for being low-resourced and who were randomly assigned to 1 of 2 3-month interventions, group caregiver education or individualized caregiver-mediated intervention (CMM). Children were assessed for social communication skills pre- and post-treatment, and followed up at 3 months.

RESULTS:
All children improved in joint engagement and initiating joint attention, with significantly greater improvement by the CMM group. Outcomes on play skills were mixed, with improvement of symbolic play for the CMM group and no change in functional play skills. Joint engagement maintained over time for the CMM group, and initiating joint attention maintained for both groups over time.

CONCLUSIONS:
This study is among the first randomized trials comparing 2 active interventions with a large sample of low-resourced families. Results suggest improvements in core autism deficits of joint engagement, joint attention, and symbolic play with relatively brief, caregiver-mediated interventions, but additional support is necessary to maintain and generalize these gains over time.
Autism Spectrum Disorders and Race, Ethnicity, and Nativity: A Population-Based Study
Authors: Becerra Tracy A. , von Ehrenstein Ondine S. , Heck Julia E. , Olsen Jorn , Arah Onyebuchi A. , Jeste Shafali S. , Rodriguez Michael , Ritz Beate 
Published: June 2014

OBJECTIVE:
Our understanding of the influence of maternal race/ethnicity and nativity and childhood autistic disorder (AD) in African Americans/blacks, Asians, and Hispanics in the United States is limited. Phenotypic differences in the presentation of childhood AD in minority groups may indicate etiologic heterogeneity or different thresholds for diagnosis. We investigated whether the risk of developing AD and AD phenotypes differed according to maternal race/ethnicity and nativity.

METHODS:
Children born in Los Angeles County with a primary AD diagnosis at ages 3 to 5 years during 1998–2009 were identified and linked to 1995–2006 California birth certificates (7540 children with AD from a cohort of 1 626 354 births). We identified a subgroup of children with AD and a secondary diagnosis of mental retardation and investigated heterogeneity in language and behavior.

RESULTS:
We found increased risks of being diagnosed with AD overall and specifically with comorbid mental retardation in children of foreign-born mothers who were black, Central/South American, Filipino, and Vietnamese, as well as among US-born Hispanic and African American/black mothers, compared with US-born whites. Children of US African American/black and foreign-born black, foreign-born Central/South American, and US-born Hispanic mothers were at higher risk of exhibiting an AD phenotype with both severe emotional outbursts and impaired expressive language than children of US-born whites.

CONCLUSIONS:
Maternal race/ethnicity and nativity are associated with offspring’s AD diagnosis and severity. Future studies need to examine factors related to nativity and migration that may play a role in the etiology as well as identification and diagnosis of AD in children.
Serum Endothelin-1, MMP-9, and Myeloperoxidase and Coronary Artery Morphology as Detected by Multi-Slice CT Angiography in Intermediate and High Risk Asymptomatic Subjects
Authors: Goldhammer E. , Moshe Y. Ben , Lubovich A. , Rivlin Y. , Maor I. , Zeina R. , Rosenschein U. 
Published: June 2014

Objectives:
To study possible correlation between Endothelin-1, Matrix-metallo-proteinase- 9, and Myeloperoxidase serum activity and coronary CT angiography findings of atherosclerotic coronary artery disease in intermediate - high risk asymptomatic subjects.

Methods:
65 consecutive asymptomatic subjects, 53 males and 12 females, mean age 58.8 +/-10.9 s.d., referred by their primary practitioner for the evaluation of coronary artery atherosclerotic disease by Cardiac CT exam were selected for the study. One serum sample was drawn from each participant and examined for the levels of Endothelin -1, MMP-9, MPO serum activity. Obstructive coronary artery disease was defined as at least 50 percent stenosis of one or more coronary segments. Plaques were identified as calcified or soft according to the CT Hounsfield attenuation number.

Results:
The Endothelin activity level was significantly elevated in subjects with significant obstructive coronary artery disease (p=0.022). Furthermore, high Endothelin activity level was found to correlate with calcified plaque burden (p=0.006), and to be an independent determinant of lesion severity (R2 = 0.124, R2 change = 0.006, p= 0.008)

Conclusions:
Endothelin-1 may be a marker of significant obstructive coronary disease and calcified plaque burden in asymptomatic subjects. The significance of MMP-9 and MPO as markers of atherosclerosis in such subjects has not been definitely clarified.
Patient Preferences for Noninsulin Diabetes Medications: A Systematic Review
Authors: Purnell Tanjala S. , Joy Susan , Little Emily , Bridges John F.P. , Maruthur Nisa 
Published: June 2014

OBJECTIVE
An evidence-based synthesis of patient preferences for management of hyperglycemia is needed. Our objective was to systematically review patient preferences for noninsulin diabetes medications in adults with type 2 diabetes.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS
We searched the PubMed, Embase, CINAHL, and EconLit databases for articles published on or before 23 January 2013. We included English-language studies of adult patients with type 2 diabetes that assessed patient preferences for diabetes medication treatment. Titles, abstracts, and articles were reviewed by at least two independent reviewers. Study data and quality were abstracted with standard protocols.

RESULTS
Of 2,811 titles identified in our original search, 10 articles met inclusion criteria for the systematic review. Studies were conducted from 2007 to 2012 among diverse patient populations in the U.S., Sweden, Denmark, and the U.K. Methods used to assess patient preferences included discrete choice experiments (e.g., conjoint analysis), time tradeoff exercises, standard gamble, and patient surveys. Key attributes of diabetes medication associated with patient preferences included treatment benefits (e.g., glycemic control and weight loss/control), treatment burden (e.g., administration, frequency, and cost), and side effects (e.g., weight gain, gastrointestinal effects, and hypoglycemia).

CONCLUSIONS
Various clinical and quality of life–related factors influence patient preferences for noninsulin diabetes medications. Treatment efficacy with regard to glycemic control and weight loss/control and the risk of treatment-related hypoglycemia and gastrointestinal effects are reported to be important drivers of patient treatment selections. Future work is needed to identify practical methods for incorporating patient preferences into treatment decision making and patient-centered care.
Numerical Solution of Fractional Neutron Point Kinetics Model in Nuclear Reactor
Authors: Nowak Tomasz Karol , Duzinkiewicz Kazimierz , Piotrowski Robert 
Published: June 2014

Abstract
This paper presents results concerning solutions of the fractional neutron point kinetics model for a nuclear reactor. Proposed model consists of a bilinear system of fractional and ordinary differential equations. Three methods to solve the model are presented and compared. The first one entails application of discrete Grünwald-Letnikov definition of the fractional derivative in the model. Second involves building an analog scheme in the FOMCON Toolbox in MATLAB environment. Third is the method proposed by Edwards. The impact of selected parameters on the model’s response was examined. The results for typical input were discussed and compared.
Positivity and Asymptotic Stability of Descriptor Linear Systems with Regular Pencils
Authors: Kaczorek Tadeusz 
Published: June 2014

Abstract
The positivity and asymptotic stability of the descriptor linear continuous-time and discrete-time systems with regular pencils are addressed. Necessary and sufficient conditions for the positivity and asymptotic stability of the systems are established using the Drazin inverse matrix approach. Effectiveness of the conditions are demonstrated on numerical examples.
Dynamic Systems with a Finite Degrees of Freedom Number
Authors: Ładziński Radosław 
Published: June 2014

Abstract
Taking as a starting point the law of conservation of the total energy of the system, and introducing two basic state functions - the Lagrangian and the Rayleigh function, the general form of the equation of motion for any dynamic system with a finite number of degrees of freedom is derived. The theory is illustrated by considering the rotating - type electromechanical energy converter with six degrees of freedom being the model of all essentially important types of DC and AC machines, including rotating power amplifiers, induction - and synchronous type motors - all of them discussed from both, the steady-state and the transient point of view. In the next part of the paper there is described a simple electric circuit with its model characterized by the holonomic constraints of the velocity-type. Finally, there is presented the kinematics and dynamics of the interesting mechanical system - the gyroscope placed on the rotating Earth.
Simulation of thermal fluid dynamics in parabolic trough receiver tubes with direct steam generation using the computer code ATHLET
Authors: Hoffmann A. , Merk B. , Hirsch T. , Pitz-Paal R. 
Published: June 2014

Abstract
In the present feasibility study the system code ATHLET, which originates from nuclear engineering, is applied to a parabolic trough test facility. A model of the DISS (DIrect Solar Steam) test facility at Plataforma Solar de Almería in Spain is assembled and the results of the simulations are compared to measured data and the simulation results of the Modelica library “DissDyn”. A profound comparison between ATHLET Mod 3.0 Cycle A and the “DissDyn” library reveals the capabilities of these codes. The calculated mass and energy balance in the ATHLET simulations are in good agreement with the results of the measurements and confirm the applicability for thermodynamic simulations of DSG processes in principle. Supplementary, the capabilities of the 6-equation model with transient momentum balances in ATHLET are used to study the slip between liquid and gas phases and to investigate pressure wave oscillations after a sudden valve closure.
Experimental study of flow inversion in MTR upward flow research reactors
Authors: Khedr A. , Abdel-Hadi E. A. , Talha K. A. , Abdel-Latif S. H. 
Published: June 2014

Abstract
The core cooling of upward flow MTR pool type Research Reactor (RR) at the later stage of pump coast down is experimentally handled to clarify the effect of some operating parameters on RR core cooling. Therefore, a test rig is designed and built to simulate the core cooling loop at this stage. The core is simulated as two vertical channels, electrically heated, and extended between upper and lower plenums. Two elevated tanks filled with water are connected to the two plenums. The first one constitutes a left branch, connected to the lower plenum, and is electrically heated to simulate the core return pipe. The second one constitutes the right branch, connected to the upper plenum, and is cooled by refrigerant circuit to simulate the reactor pool. Channel coolant and wall temperatures at different power and branch temperatures are measured, registered and analyzed. The results show that at this stage of core cooling two cooling loops are established; an internal circulation loop between the channels dominated by the difference in channel's power and an external circulation loop between the branches dominated by the temperature difference between branches. Also, there is a double inversion in core flow, upward-downward-upward flow. This double inversion increases largely the channel's wall temperature. Complementary safety analysis to evaluate this phenomenon must be performed.
Expression of the Mouse MHC Class Ib H2-T11 Gene Product, a Paralog of H2-T23 (Qa-1) with Shared Peptide-Binding Specificity
Authors: Chen Lili , Reyes-Vargas Eduardo , Dai Hu , Escobar Hernando , Rudd Brant , Fairbanks Jared , Ho Alexander , Cusick Mathew F. , Kumánovics Attila , Delgado Julio , He Xiao , Jensen Peter E. 
Published: June 2014

Abstract
The mouse MHC class Ib gene H2-T11 is 95% identical at the DNA level to H2-T23, which encodes Qa-1, one of the most studied MHC class Ib molecules. H2-T11 mRNA was observed to be expressed widely in tissues of C57BL/6 mice, with the highest levels in thymus. To circumvent the availability of a specific mAb, cells were transduced with cDNA encoding T11 with a substituted α3 domain. Hybrid T11D3 protein was expressed at high levels similar to control T23D3 molecules on the surface of both TAP+ and TAP− cells. Soluble T11D3 was generated by folding in vitro with Qa-1 determinant modifier, the dominant peptide presented by Qa-1. The circular dichroism spectrum of this protein was similar to that of other MHC class I molecules, and it was observed to bind labeled Qa-1 determinant modifier peptide with rapid kinetics. By contrast to the Qa-1 control, T11 tetramers did not react with cells expressing CD94/NKG2A, supporting the conclusion that T11 cannot replace Qa-1 as a ligand for NK cell inhibitory receptors. T11 also failed to substitute for Qa-1 in the presentation of insulin to a Qa-1–restricted T cell hybridoma. Despite divergent function, T11 was observed to share peptide-loading specificity with Qa-1. Direct analysis by tandem mass spectrometry of peptides eluted from T11D3 and T23D3 isolated from Hela cells demonstrated a diversity of peptides with a clear motif that was shared between the two molecules. Thus, T11 is a paralog of T23 encoding an MHC class Ib molecule that shares peptide-binding specificity with Qa-1 but differs in function.
Immunoproteasomes Shape the Transcriptome and Regulate the Function of Dendritic Cells
Authors: de Verteuil Danielle A. , Rouette Alexandre , Hardy Marie-Pierre , Lavallée Stéphanie , Trofimov Assya , Gaucher Étienne , Perreault Claude 
Published: June 2014

Abstract
By regulating protein degradation, constitutive proteasomes (CPs) control practically all cellular functions. In addition to CPs, vertebrates express immunoproteasomes (IPs). The major nonredundant role ascribed to IPs is their enhanced ability to generate antigenic peptides. We report that CPs and IPs differentially regulate the expression of &gt;8000 transcripts in maturing mouse dendritic cells (DCs) via regulation of signaling pathways such as IFN regulatory factors, STATs, and NF-κB. IPs regulate the transcription of many mRNAs and maturation of a few of them. Moreover, even when engineered to present optimal amounts of antigenic peptide, IP-deficient DCs are inefficient for in vivo T cell priming. Our study shows that the role of IPs in DCs is not limited to Ag processing and reveals a major nonredundant role for IPs in transcription regulation. The dramatic effect of IPs on the transcriptional landscape could explain the various immune and nonimmune phenotypes observed in vertebrates with IP deficiency or mutations.
Recognizing and Alleviating Moral Distress Among Obstetrics and Gynecology Residents
Authors: Aultman Julie , Wurzel Rachel 
Published: June 2014

Abstract

Background
Obstetrics and gynecology residents face difficult clinical situations and decisions that challenge their moral concepts.

Objective
We examined how moral and nonmoral judgments about patients are formulated, confirmed, or modified and how moral distress may be alleviated among obstetrics-gynecology residents.

Methods
Three focus groups, guided by open-ended interview questions, were conducted with 31 obstetrics-gynecology residents from 3 academic medical institutions in northeast Ohio. Each focus group contained 7 to 14 participants and was recorded. Two investigators independently coded and thematically analyzed the transcribed data.

Results
Our participants struggled with 3 types of patients perceived as difficult: (1) patients with chronic pain, including patients who abuse narcotics; (2) demanding and entitled patients; and (3) irresponsible patients. Difficult clinical encounters with such patients contribute to unalleviated moral distress for residents and negative, and often inaccurate, judgment made about patients. The residents reported that they were able to prevent stigmatizing judgments about patients by keeping an open mind or recognizing the particular needs of patients, but they still felt unresolved moral distress.

Conclusions
Moral distress that is not addressed in residency education may contribute to career dissatisfaction and ineffective patient care. We recommend education and research on pedagogical approaches in residency education in a model that emphasizes ethics and professional identity development as well as the recognition and alleviation of moral distress.
Relationship Between Postinterview Correspondence From Residency Program Applicants and Subsequent Applicant Match Outcomes
Authors: Swan Emma C. , Baudendistel Thomas E. 
Published: June 2014

Abstract

Background
Studies show postinterview communication from applicants may affect their placement on the program's National Resident Matching Program (NRMP) rank order list.

Objective
To determine whether postinterview correspondence from applicants to a residency program is associated with the applicant's subsequent position on the program's rank list.

Methods
During 2 recruitment seasons, we collected postinterview correspondence from applicants to 1 residency program. Applicant characteristics and the content and timing of correspondence were compared with the applicant's position on the program's rank list. Data were analyzed using the Pearson χ2 test.

Results
Of 470 applicants interviewed, 290 (61.7%) sent unsolicited correspondence to the program after interviewing. Ten percent (29 of 290) stated they planned to rank the program first, 11.7% (34 of 290) that they planned to rank it highly, and 78.3% (227 of 290) gave no indication of ranking intentions. Applicants who corresponded were no more likely to be ranked in the top 2 quartiles on the rank list than those who did not (P  =  .32) nor were applicants who communicated plans to rank the program “first” or “highly” ranked higher than other corresponding applicants (P  =  .34). Of the 16 applicants who planned to rank the program “first” and who were ranked in the program's match range, 5 did not match with the program, suggesting they may have misled the program.

Conclusions
Postinterview correspondence by applicants was not associated with position on the rank order list. Correspondence does not benefit the applicant and can lead to misleading statements, which may violate the NRMP participation agreement.