bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Autoclaved Composites with Nanostructured Silica Additive
Authors: Nelubova Victoria , Strokova Valeria , Cherevatova Alla , Altynnik Nataliya , Sobolev Konstantin 
Published: July 2014

ABSTRACTThis article deals with the development of autoclaved composites (AC) with nanostructured additive (NSA) and reports on the beneficial effects of NSA in autoclaved lime-silica mixtures.Based on the results of X-ray diffraction and electron microscopy investigation, the effects of hydrothermal conditions on the mechanisms of lime-silica interaction are revealed. It is demonstrated that the addition of NSA intensifies the formation of the C-S-H phase, reduces the quantities of amorphous phases and enables the formation of low-base calcium hydrosilicates (11Å-tobermorite and xonotlite).The physical and mechanical properties of autoclaved composites with NSA are investigated and optimized. The reported research demonstrates the feasibility of NSA application to improve the performance of autoclaved materials.
Cement Composites Reinforced with Functionalized Carbon Nanotubes
Authors: Petrunin Sergey , Vaganov Viktor , Sobolev Konstantin 
Published: July 2014

ABSTRACTThis paper reports on the effect of surface functionalization of multi-wall carbon nanotubes on the strength and structure of portland cement composites. Reference nanotubes and nanotubes functionalized by carboxylic groups are used in this research.Grafting of functional groups on the surface of the nanotubes allows the acceleration of cement hydration. It is established that the use of carboxylated nanotubes contributed to early strength development. The multi-wall carbon nanotubes reinforced composites are characterized by the high content of the calcium silicate hydrates and a very dense structure.
Characterization of All Carbon Composites Reinforced with In situ Synthesized Carbon Nanostructures
Authors: Hernandez F. C. Robles , Calderon H. A. , Barber D. , Okonkwo A. , Olivares R. Ordoñez , Hadjiev V. 
Published: July 2014

ABSTRACTIn this work results are presented regarding carbon composites produced by high energy mechanical milling and consolidated by spark plasma sintering. The involved energy input in such a processing method has been used to develop composite materials and to synthesize effective in-situ reinforcement. In the as milled and sintered composites various dispersions of graphene, graphitic carbon, and diamonds in an amorphous matrix are found. The graphene, graphitic carbon and diamond phases are synthesized primarily during milling. The TEAM-05 microscope has been used for characterization that is complemented with Raman results. The spark plasma sintering method enhances the presence of graphene, graphitic carbon and diamonds.
The Application of Nano-Structured Silica Based Admixture in Gypsum Binders
Authors: Voitovich E.V. , Cherevatova A.V. , Zhernovsky I.V. , Fisher H.-B. , Sobolev K. 
Published: July 2014

ABSTRACTThis article reports on a new composite gypsum binder (CGB) with nanostructured silica-based admixture (NSS). NSS is obtained by a wet ultrafine milling of quartz sand resulting in the formation of an inorganic polydisperse binding system, which has a high concentration of active nanoscale phase (about 10%). Developed CGB contains hemihydrate gypsum and nano-component based on quartz sand. It is observed that the addition of 15–20 % of NSS improves the rheological properties of gypsum systems through the formation of solvate shells hindering the access of water to gypsum particles; this process also retards the setting of binder.The experimental program used infrared IR spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction (XRD) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) to reveal the contribution of NSS. The porosity of CGB is analyzed by the kinetics of water adsorption and BET. The XRD and IR investigations determined the formation of a new sulfosilicate phase, hydroxyellestadite during the hydration of CGB. With the addition of NSS an overall reduction in pore volume, as well as the shifts in macro-, meso- and nano- porosity values are observed.Analysis of CGB microstructure reveals that in the presence of the NSS the size and morphology of crystals are changed contributing to the formation of dense fine-grained structure. Experimental studies have demonstrated that the composite gypsum binders with NSS are characterized by reduced water absorption and increased density, as well as improved mechanical performance especially, higher compressive strength.
Development and Implementation of the AVAILS+ Collaborative Forecasting Tool for Production Assurance in the Kuwait Oil Company, North Kuwait (KOC NK)
Authors: Al-Saad Bader , Murray Paul A. , Vanderhaeghen Maurice , Yannimaras Demetrios , Naime Rami Kansao 
Published: July 2014

Summary
AVAILS+ is a short-term forecasting tool designed to lead the production-assurance efforts of the North Kuwait Asset [Sabriyah, Raudhatain, Ratqa, Abdali, and Bahrah fields of the Kuwait Oil Company (KOC)]. The term "AVAILS" is a shorthand term for "Available Production," whereas the "+" connotes the extended capabilities of both the technology (suite of dashboard metrics) and the methodology (team building and collaboration).
The tool has been developed jointly between KOC North Kuwait (KOC NK) and Quantum Reservoir Impact (QRI). AVAILS+ design principles are firmly rooted within Reservoir Competency Asymmetric Assessment (RCAA) (Saleri and Toronyi 2011), QRI's empirically driven investigative process for qualifying and quantifying reservoir fundamentals.
As a technology, the tool can best be described as an "enterprise mashup," a collection of exploration-and-production data stores integrated into a reservoir-analytics engine with dashboards for tracking primary drivers of the production forecast. This high degree of data integration, coupled with its visual nature (dashboards), enables better cross-organization transparency and collaboration with respect to execution of the recovery plan for production assurance.
There is nothing novel about short-term forecasts, metrics, dashboards, or fit-for-purpose databases—all which are components of this enterprise mashup. What is unique is the way in which AVAILS + elegantly unifies these components into a strategic decision-making engine for KOC NK. There have been genuine new insights within this business-intelligence approach to managing the reservoirs of KOC NK, all leading the workforce to an improved understanding of reservoir fundamentals and, consequently, better, more-informed, and more-timely decisions.
Clinical signs and outcome of dogs treated medically for degenerative lumbosacral stenosis: 98 cases (2004–2012)
Authors: De Decker Steven , Wawrzenski Lauren A. , Volk Holger A. 
Published: July 2014

Abstract
Objective—To compare clinical signs of dogs treated medically or surgically for degenerative lumbosacral stenosis (DLSS) and assess outcome after medical treatment.
Design—Retrospective case series.
Animals—Client-owned dogs treated medically (n = 49) or surgically (49) for DLSS.
Procedures—Medical records from 2004 to 2012 were reviewed. Dogs were included if they had clinical signs, clinical examination findings, and MRI abnormalities consistent with DLSS. Several variables were compared between surgically and medically treated dogs: age, sex, duration of clinical signs, presence or absence of neurologic deficits, urinary and fecal incontinence, concurrent medical conditions, and medical treatment before referral. Medical treatment after obtaining a final diagnosis of DLSS consisted of restricted exercise in combination with anti-inflammatory and analgesic drugs. Surgical treatment consisted of dorsal lumbosacral laminectomy. Outcome for medically treated dogs was obtained via a standardized questionnaire.
Results—Neurologic deficits were observed significantly more often in surgically treated dogs. Surgically treated dogs had unsuccessful medical treatment before referral significantly more often than did medically treated dogs. Thirty-one of 49 (63.3%) medically treated dogs were available for follow-up evaluation. Of these 31 dogs, 17 (55%) were managed successfully, 10 (32.3%) were managed unsuccessfully and underwent surgical treatment, 3 (9.7%) were euthanized because of progression of clinical signs, and 1 (3.2%) was alive but had an increase in severity of clinical signs after medical management.
Conclusions and Clinical Relevance—Clinical signs differed in dogs treated medically or surgically for DLSS. Medical treatment for dogs with DLSS was associated with a fair prognosis.
Placement of a caudal vena cava stent for treatment of Budd-Chiari–like syndrome in a 4-month-old Ragdoll cat
Authors: Hoehne Sabrina N. , Milovancev Milan , Hyde Aleshia J. , deMorais Helio A. , Scollan Kate F. , Nemanic Sarah 
Published: July 2014

Abstract
Case Description—A 16-week-old 1.5-kg (3.3-lb) sexually intact male Ragdoll kitten that had a 9-week history of marked modified transudate ascites was evaluated. A membranous obstruction of the caudal vena cava at the cranial aspect of the liver was identified via CT angiography.
Clinical Findings—Physical examination findings included a markedly distended abdomen and panting. Testing for circulating FIV antibody and FeLV antigen, a PCR assay for feline coronavirus performed on a sample of peritoneal fluid, and fecal flotation yielded negative results. A diagnosis of Budd-Chiari–like syndrome secondary to a membranous obstruction of the caudal vena cava was made.
Treatment and Outcome—The cat was anesthetized, and the subhepatic portion of the caudal vena cava was identified and accessed via median celiotomy and direct venipuncture. A 6F 8 × 24-mm balloon-expandable nitinol biliary stent was placed across the stenotic area under fluoroscopic guidance. The patient remained free of clinical signs at the last follow-up 13 months following the procedure.
Clinical Relevance—Budd-Chiari–like syndrome is a rare phenomenon in veterinary medicine, and congenital malformations should be considered in young feline patients with ascites. Computed tomography angiography proved to be a helpful adjunctive imaging technique to establish a diagnosis in this case. To the authors’ knowledge, this is the first report of successful treatment of a congenital caudal vena cava obstruction by means of stent placement in a juvenile cat.
Suspected primary hypoparathyroidism in a domestic ferret (Mustela putorius furo)
Authors: de Matos Ricardo E. , Connolly Maren J. , Starkey Simon R. , Morrisey James K. 
Published: July 2014

Abstract
Case Description—A 4-year-old castrated male domestic ferret (Mustela putorius furo) was examined because of a 3-week history of intermittent seizures, signs of depression, hypocalcemia, and hyperphosphatemia.
Clinical Findings—Plasma biochemical analysis confirmed hyperphosphatemia (17.7 mg/dL) and low concentrations of total (4.3 mg/dL) and ionized (0.49 mmol/L) calcium. Serum parathyroid hormone concentration (2.30 pmol/L) was low or in the low part of the reference interval.
Treatment and Outcome—Calcium gluconate was administered (2.0 mg/kg/h [0.9 mg/lb/h], IV), followed by a transition to administration of calcium carbonate (53 mg/kg [24.1 mg/lb], PO, q 12 h) and dihydrotachysterol (0.02 mg/kg/d [0.009 mg/lb/d], PO). Attitude of the ferret improved and seizures ceased as blood calcium concentrations increased. The ferret was reexamined because of seizures approximately 1 year after oral maintenance administration of dihydrotachysterol and calcium was initiated. The ferret responded well to emergency and long-term treatment but then was lost to follow-up monitoring. The ferret died approximately 2 years after the initial evaluation and treatment. Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy was diagnosed during necropsy, but the parathyroid glands could not be identified.
Clinical Relevance—To the authors’ knowledge, primary hypoparathyroidism has not previously been reported in a ferret. The condition should be considered for ferrets with hypocalcemia and hyperphosphatemia without azotemia. Treatment with dihydrotachysterol and oral supplementation of calcium appeared to be a viable option for long-term management.
Self-regulating genes. Exact steady state solution by using Poisson representation
Authors: Sugár István , Simon István 
Published: July 2014

Abstract
Systems biology studies the structure and behavior of complex gene regulatory networks. One of its aims is to develop a quantitative understanding of the modular components that constitute such networks. The self-regulating gene is a type of auto regulatory genetic modules which appears in over 40% of known transcription factors in E. coli. In this work, using the technique of Poisson Representation, we are able to provide exact steady state solutions for this feedback model. By using the methods of synthetic biology (P.E.M. Purnick and Weiss, R., Nature Reviews, Molecular Cell Biology, 2009, 10: 410–422) one can build the system itself from modules like this.
Spontaneous pneumomediastinum: ten years of our experience in diagnosis and outcome
Authors: Hromis Sanja , Zvezdin Biljana , Kopitovic Ivan , Milutinov Senka , Kolarov Violeta , Vukoja Marija , Zaric Bojan 
Published: July 2014

Abstract
Spontaneous pneumomediastinum (SPM) is a rare clinical condition that may be mild but also dramatic with sudden onset of chest pain and dyspnea accompanied by swelling and subcutaneous crepitations. The objective of this study was to analyze the clinical presentation and outcome of SPM in a specialized pulmonary tertiary care centre over a 10 years year period. In subsequent followup, we received information related to recurrence episodes of SPM by patients or their GPs physicians. Eighteen patients, 15 (83%) men, mean age 24 years (SD ±7.86) were diagnosed with SPM. Predominant symptoms were chest pain and cough (n=11) then dyspnea (n=9). Asthma was the most common predisposing condition (n=12). Pneumomediastinum was present on chest radiograph in 17 cases (94%), and in one case it was detected only by computed tomography. The mean length of hospital stay was 7 days (SD ±4.4 days). All our patients recovered and there were no complications. Recurrent event occurred in one asthma patient, 2 years after the first episode. Although, SPM is usually a self-limiting and benign condition, close monitoring is necessary. Recurrence is rare, but possible, with no evidence that routine monitoring of those patients is needed.
A case of myositis with immunological background associated with statin use
Authors: Protić Dragana , Baltić Snežana , Stupar Nada , Pavlov-Dolijanović Slavica , Mugoša Snežana , Todorović Zoran 
Published: July 2014

Abstract
Statins might cause and/or aggravate the immune-mediated myositis in patients on long-term, stable treatment. We provide a case of polymyositis with an immunological background and gastrointestinal and urinary manifestations in patient on long-term, stable atorvastatin treatment for the past six years. The diagnose of polymyositis was established based on clinical symptoms and signs, electromyography and laboratory test results (elevated aspartate aminotransferase 279 U/L, reference range 0–40 U/L; alanine aminotransferase 198 U/L, 0–33 U/L; lactate dehydrogenase 2200 U/L, 103-227 U/L; creatine kinase 7820 U/L, 15–84 U/L; and positive antinuclear antibodies test, titer of 1:160, with suspect antisynthetase antibodies). Polymyositis was probably related to atorvastatin treatment (Naranjo score, 5). Other probable causes of the myositis were rejected. Coricosteroid therapy, methotrexate and supplementation with vitamin D did not improve the condition. The patient remained bedridden and died two months after the hospital discharge due to the acute myocardial infarction.
Motivation, rébellion, climat de la classe et popularité perçue : étude sur 23 000 adolescents du collège
Authors: Lieury Alain , Lorant Sonia , Trosseille Bruno , Vourc’h Ronan , Fenouillet Fabien 
Published: July 2014

Le but principal de cet article est d’explorer un nouveau concept de « rébellion » dans le cadre d’une variante de la théorie de l’autodétermination (SDT). La première étude est une enquête longitudinale sur un échantillon 23 886 élèves en 6 e et trois ans plus tard. La moitié des élèves sont en motivation extrinsèque. Chez les élèves de 3 e , 11 % sont en situation de rébellion (16 % chez les redoublants) et 8 % sont amotivés (13 % chez les redoublants). L’estime des professeurs (climat de la classe) est corrélée avec la rébellion. Dans la deuxième étude (élèves de 16 ans en filières professionnelles) une échelle de popularité perçue mesure trois facteurs, « leader », « respect » et « conseiller » : seule une corrélation faible entre les facteurs « leader » et « rébellion » émerge. Les élèves rebelles sont moins sensibles à la perception d’incompétence mais plus sensibles au climat de la classe, ce qui laisse aux éducateurs des pistes de remédiation.
Evaluation of Femtosecond Laser-Assisted and Manual Clear Corneal Incisions and Their Effect on Surgically Induced Astigmatism and Higher-Order Aberrations
Authors: Nagy Zoltán Z. , Dunai Árpád , Kránitz Kinga , Takács Ágnes Ildikó , Sándor Gábor László , Hécz Réka , Knorz Michael C. 
Published: July 2014

PURPOSE:
To evaluate femtosecond laser-assisted and manual clear corneal incisions and their effect on surgically induced astigmatism (SIA) and corneal higher-order aberrations (HOAs).

METHODS:
In a prospective randomized study, conventional phacoemulsification with a 2.8-mm clear corneal incision using a disposable keratome was performed in 20 eyes of 20 patients (manual group), and femtosecond laser-assisted cataract surgery with a 2.8-mm biplanar clear corneal tunnel created by a femtosecond laser (LenSx; Alcon Laboratories, Inc., Aliso Viejo, CA) was performed in 20 eyes of 20 patients (femtosecond laser group). Corneal topography readings and corneal wavefront aberrations (diameter: 9.0 mm) were obtained using a Scheimpflug camera (Pentacam HR; Oculus Optikgerate, Wetzlar, Germany) preoperatively and 3 months postoperatively.

RESULTS:

There was no significant difference in SIA between the groups (femtosecond laser group: 0.47 ± 0.13 vs manual group: 0.41 ± 0.14;
P
= .218), but the axis deviation of the SIA axis from the previously planned axis was significantly smaller in the femtosecond laser group compared to the manual group (4.47°± 2.59° vs 7.38°± 4.72°, respectively;
P
= .048). Corneal HOAs increased significantly in both groups (femtosecond laser group: 0.13 ± 0.09 to 0.18 ± 0.12,
P
= .025; manual group: 0.13 ± 0.05 to 0.15 ± 0.05,
P
= .002), but preoperative and postoperative values did not differ significantly between them (
P
= .472 and .078, respectively). Lower-order and total corneal aberration values remained stable in both groups (
P
> .05).

CONCLUSIONS:
There was no difference in SIA and induced HOAs between manual and femtosecond laser-created clear corneal incisions.

[
J Refract Surg.
2014;30(8):522–525.]
Corneal Collagen Cross-linking (CXL) Combined With Refractive Procedures for the Treatment of Corneal Ectatic Disorders: CXL Plus
Authors: Kymionis George D. , Grentzelos Michael A. , Portaliou Dimitra M. , Kankariya Vardhaman P. , Randleman J. Bradley 
Published: July 2014

PURPOSE:
To discuss current combined corneal collagen cross-linking (CXL) and refractive surgical techniques (herein termed “CXL plus”) for the treatment of corneal ectatic disorders to improve functional visual acuity in addition to corneal stability from CXL alone.

METHODS:
Literature review.

RESULTS:
Efficacious combined treatments with CXL include: photorefractive keratectomy, transepithelial phototherapeutic keratectomy, intrastromal corneal ring segments implantation, phakic intraocular lens implantation, and multiple combined procedures. Some uncertainty remains as to the optimal strategies for each patient. A decision tree is proposed to facilitate optimal patient management.

CONCLUSIONS:
With multiple adjuvant techniques, CXL plus is likely to benefit many patients with corneal ectatic disorders. The appropriate combined procedure will depend on multiple factors, such as refraction, corneal thickness, and degree of irregular astigmatism.

[
J Refract Surg.
2014;30(8):566–576.]
Computerized Provider Order Entry Reduces Length of Stay in a Community Hospital
Authors: Peters K. , Shaha S.H. , Schreiber R. 
Published: July 2014

SummaryObjective: Does computerized provider order entry (CPOE) improve clinical, cost, and efficiency outcomes as quantified in shortened hospital length of stay (LOS)? Most prior studies were done in university settings with home-grown electronic records, and are now 20 years old. This study asked whether CPOE exerts a downward force on LOS in the current era of HITECH incentives, using a vendor product in a community hospital.Methods: The methodology retrospectively evaluated correlation between CPOE and LOS on a per-patient, per-visit basis over 22 consecutive quarters, organized by discipline. All orders from all areas were eligible, except verbals, and medication orders in the emergency department which were not available via CPOE. These results were compared with quarterly case mix indices organized by discipline. Correlational and regression analyses were cross-checked to ensure validity of R-square coefficients, and data were smoothed for ease of display. Standard models were used to calculate the inflection point.Results: Gains in CPOE adoption occurred iteratively house-wide, and in each discipline. LOS decreased in a sigmoid shaped curve. The inflection point shows that once CPOE adoption approaches 60%, further lowering of LOS accelerates. Overall there was a 20.2% reduction in LOS correlated with adoption of CPOE. Case mix index increased during the study period showing that reductions in LOS occurred despite increased patient complexity and resource utilization.Conclusions: There was a 20.2% reduction in LOS correlated with rising adoption of CPOE. CPOE contributes to improved clinical, cost, and efficiency outcomes as quantified in reduced LOS, over and above other processes introduced to lower LOS. CPOE enabled a reduction in LOS despite an increase in the case mix index during the time frame of this study.Citation: Schreiber R, Peters K, Shaha SH. Computerized provider order entry reduces length of stay in a community hospital. Appl Clin Inf 2014; 5: 685–698http://dx.doi.org/10.4338/ACI-2014-04-RA-0029
Informal Learning Processes in an Elementary Music Classroom
Authors: Davis Sharon 
Published: July 2014

Abstract
The purpose of this study was to describe the nature of the learning and teaching processes that emerged in an elementary music setting in which popular music and informal learning processes were salient components of the pedagogical approach. Initial research questions focused on the ways in which children engage in learning popular music in a general music setting and the pedagogical approaches used by the teacher in support of the children’s use of informal learning processes. Participants in this action research study were 24 nine- and ten-year old students in one fourth-grade class. Data were gathered using multiple ethnographic techniques including video and audio recording, field notes, and multiple interviews. A narrative discussion describes the informal processes that the children used in order to cover a popular song of their choice. Working with popular music fostered immediate engagement and escalated the emotional connection to the music, which was paramount to the children. Performing meaningful music uncovered musical identity, propelled performance agency, and promoted social consciousness.