bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Mathematical Modelling of Microwave Pyrolysis
Authors: Khaghanikavkani Elham , Farid Mohammed M. 
Published: November 2013

Abstract
This study deals with a detailed numerical investigation of the microwave heating process in plastic pyrolysis. The pyrolysis of high-density polyethylene (HDPE) was studied using a single-mode microwave cavity, TE10 mode, at 2.45 GHz with two different absorbents, as carbon and silicon carbide, and the results were compared. The temperature distribution inside the sample was determined by solving the conservation equations coupled with the microwave and chemical kinetic equations. Lambert’s law was applied to describe the electromagnetic field in the microwave cavity. The effective heat capacity method was used to account for the latent heat in the melting range of plastic. The heat of the reaction was taken into account using first-order kinetic equations assuming a single-step reaction. One-dimensional model equations were solved using the finite difference method utilising MATLAB codes. The model developed in this study provides a better understanding of the fundamental mechanisms of the microwave pyrolysis of HDPE based on a combination of electromagnetic field and thermal models. The primary focus was to incorporate and investigate the effect of the phase changes and reaction during microwave pyrolysis. The results show that the temperature profile strongly depends on the physical properties of the material. Silicon carbide provides more uniform heating distribution compared with carbon.
5-Years Later – Have Faculty Integrated Medical Genetics into Nurse Practitioner Curriculum?
Authors: Maradiegue Ann H. , Edwards Quannetta T. , Seibert Diane 
Published: November 2013

AbstractMany genetic/genomic educational opportunities are available to assist nursing faculty in their knowledge and understanding of genetic/genomics. This study was conducted to assess advance practice nursing faculty members’ current knowledge of medical genetics/genomics, their integration of genetics/genomics content into advance practice nursing curricula, any prior formal training/education in genetics/genomics, and their comfort level in teaching genetics/genomic content. A secondary aim was to conduct a comparative analysis of the 2010 data to a previous study conducted in 2005, to determine changes that have taken place during that time period. During a national nurse practitioner faculty conference, 85 nurse practitioner faculty voluntarily completed surveys. Approximately 70% of the 2010 faculty felt comfortable teaching basic genetic/genomic concepts compared to 50% in 2005. However, there continue to be education gaps in the genetic/genomic content taught to advance practice nursing students. If nurses are going to be a crucial member of the health-care team, they must achieve the requisite competencies to deliver the increasingly complex care patients require.
Sodium-hydrogen exchanger inhibitory potential of Malus domestica, Musa × paradisiaca, Daucus carota, and Symphytum officinale
Authors: Verma Vivek , Singh Nirmal , Jaggi Amteshwar Singh 
Published: November 2013

Abstract

Background: The involvement of sodium-hydrogen exchangers (NHE) has been described in the pathophysiology of diseases including ischemic heart and brain diseases, cardiomyopathy, congestive heart failure, epilepsy, dementia, and neuropathic pain. Synthetic NHE inhibitors have not achieved much clinical success; therefore, plant-derived phytoconstituents may be explored as NHE inhibitors.

Methods: In the present study, the NHE inhibitory potential of hydroalcoholic and alkaloidal fractions of Malus domestica, Musa × paradisiaca, Daucus carota, and Symphytum officinale was evaluated. The different concentrations of hydroalcoholic and alkaloidal extracts of the selected plants were evaluated for their NHE inhibitory activity in the platelets using the optical swelling assay.

Results: Among the hydroalcoholic extracts, the highest NHE inhibitory activity was shown by M. domestica (IC50=2.350±0.132 μg/mL) followed by Musa × paradisiaca (IC50=7.967±0.451 μg/mL), D. carota (IC50=37.667±2.517 μg/mL), and S. officinale (IC50=249.330±1.155 μg/mL). Among the alkaloidal fractions, the highest NHE inhibitory activity was shown by the alkaloidal fraction of Musa × paradisiacal (IC50=0.010±0.001 μg/mL) followed by D. carota (IC50=0.024±0.002 μg/mL), M. domestica (IC50=0.031±0.005 μg/mL), and S. officinale (IC50=4.233±0.379 μg/mL). The IC50 of alkaloidal fractions was comparable to the IC50 of synthetic NHE inhibitor, EIPA [5-(N-ethyl-N-isopropyl)amiloride] (IC50=0.033±0.004 μg/mL).

Conclusions: It may be concluded that the alkaloidal fractions of these plants possess potent NHE inhibitory activity and may be exploited for their therapeutic potential in NHE activation-related pathological complications.
On certain submodules of Weyl modules for
SO(2n + 1,𝔽) with char(𝔽) = 2
Authors: Cardinali Ilaria , Pasini Antonio 
Published: November 2013

Abstract.
For

k
=
1
,
2
,
...
,
n
-
1

${k = 1, 2,\ldots ,n-1}$

let

V
k

=
V

(

λ
k

)

${V_k = V(\lambda _k)}$

be the Weyl module for the special orthogonal group

G
=
SO
(
2
n
+
1
,
𝔽
)

${G = \mathrm {SO}(2n+1,\mathbb {F})}$

with respect to the k-th fundamental dominant weight λ
k
of the root system of type Bn
and put

V
n

=
V

(
2

λ
n

)

${V_n = V(2\lambda _n)}$

. It is well known that all of these modules are irreducible when char(𝔽) ≠ 2 while when char(𝔽) = 2 they admit many proper submodules. In this paper, assuming that char(𝔽) = 2, we prove that Vk
admits a chain of submodules

V
k

=

M
k

⊃

M

k
-
1

⊃
⋯
⊃

M
1

⊃

M
0

⊃

M

-
1

=
0

${V_k = M_k \supset M_{k-1}\supset \dots \supset M_1\supset M_0 \supset M_{-1} = 0}$

where Mi
≅ Vi
for

1
,
...
,
k
-
1

${1,\ldots , k-1}$

and M
0 is the trivial 1-dimensional module. We also show that for

i
=
1
,
2
,
...
,
k

${i = 1, 2,\ldots , k}$

the quotient M

i
/ M

i-2 is isomorphic to the so-called i-th Grassmann module for G. Resting on this fact we can give a geometric description of M

i-1 / M

i-2 as a submodule of the i-th Grassmann module. When 𝔽 is perfect, G ≅ Sp(2n,𝔽) and M

i
/ M

i-1 is isomorphic to the Weyl module for Sp(2n,𝔽) relative to the i-th fundamental dominant weight of the root system of type Cn
. All irreducible sections of the latter modules are known. Thus, when 𝔽 is perfect, all irreducible sections of Vk
are known as well.
Creating a National Home Visiting Research Network
Authors: Duggan Anne , Minkovitz Cynthia S. , Chaffin Mark , Korfmacher Jon , Brooks-Gunn Jeanne , Crowne Sarah , Filene Jill , Gonsalves Kay , Landsverk John , Harwood Robin 
Published: November 2013

Home visiting can play a key role in the early childhood system of services. For home visiting to achieve its potential, decision-makers must make informed choices regarding adoption, adaptation, coordination, scale-up, and sustainment. We need a coordinated, focused, and theory-based home visiting research infrastructure to inform such decisions.
The transdisciplinary Home Visiting Research Network (HVRN) was established in July 2012 with funding from the Health Resources and Services Administration. Its goal is to promote the translation of research findings into policy and practice. Its objectives are to (1) develop a national home visiting research agenda, (2) advance the use of innovative research methods; and (3) provide a research environment that is supportive of the professional development of emerging researchers interested in home visiting. A Management Team designs and directs activities to achieve these objectives through Work Teams. A Steering Committee of national leaders representing stakeholder groups oversees progress. HVRN’s Coordinating Center supports the Work Teams and HVRN’s Home visiting Applied Research Collaborative, a practice-based research network of home visiting programs. This article describes HVRN’s rationale, approach, and anticipated products. We use home visiting–primary care coordination as an illustration, noting potential roles for pediatric practices and pediatric researchers and research educators in HVRN activities.
HVRN creates the infrastructure for a rigorous program of research to inform policy and practice on home visiting as part of the system of services to improve family functioning, parenting, and child outcomes.
Engaging and Retaining Abused Women in Perinatal Home Visitation Programs
Authors: Sharps Phyllis , Alhusen Jeanne L. , Bullock Linda , Bhandari Shreya , Ghazarian Sharon , Udo Ifeyinwa E. , Campbell Jacquelyn 
Published: November 2013

OBJECTIVES:Intimate partner violence (IPV) during pregnancy affects 0.9% to 17% of women and affects maternal health significantly. The impact of IPV extends to the health of children, including an increased risk of complications during pregnancy and the neonatal period, mental health problems, and cognitive delays. Despite substantial sequelae, there is limited research substantiating best practices for engaging and retaining high-risk families in perinatal home visiting (HV) programs, which have been shown to improve infant development and reduce maltreatment.METHODS:The Domestic Violence Enhanced Home Visitation Program (DOVE) is a multistate longitudinal study testing the effectiveness of a structured IPV intervention integrated into health department perinatal HV programs. The DOVE intervention, based on an empowerment model, combined 2 evidence-based interventions: a 10-minute brochure-based IPV intervention and nurse home visitation.RESULTS:Across all sites, 689 referrals were received from participating health departments. A total of 339 abused pregnant women were eligible for randomization; 42 women refused, and 239 women were randomly assigned (124 DOVE; 115 usual care), resulting in a 71% recruitment rate. Retention rates from baseline included 93% at delivery, 80% at 3 months, 76% at 6 months, and 72% at 12 months.CONCLUSIONS:Challenges for HV programs include identifying and retaining abused pregnant women in their programs. DOVE strategies for engaging and retaining abused pregnant women should be integrated into HV programs’ federal government mandates for the appropriate identification and intervention of women and children exposed to IPV.
Randomized Controlled Trial of Universal Postnatal Nurse Home Visiting: Impact on Emergency Care
Authors: Dodge Kenneth A. , Goodman W. Benjamin , Murphy Robert A. , O’Donnell Karen , Sato Jeannine 
Published: November 2013

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES:Although nurse home visiting has proven efficacious with small samples, scaling up to community populations with diverse families has not yet proven effective. The Durham Connects program was developed in collaboration with community leaders as a brief, universal, postnatal nurse home visiting intervention designed to screen for risk, provide brief intervention, and connect families with more intensive evidence-based services as needed. This study tested program effectiveness in reducing infant emergency medical care between birth and age 12 months.METHODS:All 4777 resident births in Durham, North Carolina across 18 months were randomly assigned, with even birth date families to intervention and odd birth date families to control. Intervention families were offered 3 to 7 contacts between 3 and 12 weeks after birth to assess family needs and connect parents with community resources to improve infant health and well-being. Hospital records were analyzed by using an intent-to-treat design to evaluate impact among a representative subset of 549 families.RESULTS:After demographic factors (ie, birth risk, Medicaid status, ethnicity, and single parenthood) were covaried, relative to control families, families assigned to intervention had 50% less total emergency medical care use (mean [M] emergency department visits and hospital overnights) (Mintervention = 0.78 and Mcontrol = 1.57; P &lt; .001, effect size = 0.28) across the first 12 months of life.CONCLUSIONS:This brief, universal, postnatal nurse home visiting program improves population-level infant health care outcomes for the first 12 months of life. Nurse home visiting can be implemented universally at high fidelity with positive impacts on infant emergency health care that are similar to those of longer, more intensive home visiting programs. This approach offers a novel solution to the paradox of targeting by offering individually tailored intervention while achieving population-level impact.
Association between GFR Estimated by Multiple Methods at Dialysis Commencement and Patient Survival
Authors: Wong Muh Geot , Pollock Carol A. , Cooper Bruce A. , Branley Pauline , Collins John F. , Craig Jonathan C. , Kesselhut Joan , Luxton Grant , Pilmore Andrew , Harris David C. , Johnson David W. 
Published: November 2013

Summary

Background and objectives
The Initiating Dialysis Early and Late study showed that planned early or late initiation of dialysis, based on the Cockcroft and Gault estimation of GFR, was associated with identical clinical outcomes. This study examined the association of all-cause mortality with estimated GFR at dialysis commencement, which was determined using multiple formulas.

Design, setting, participants, & measurements
Initiating Dialysis Early and Late trial participants were stratified into tertiles according to the estimated GFR measured by Cockcroft and Gault, Modification of Diet in Renal Disease, or Chronic Kidney Disease-Epidemiology Collaboration formula at dialysis commencement. Patient survival was determined using multivariable Cox proportional hazards model regression.

Results
Only Initiating Dialysis Early and Late trial participants who commenced on dialysis were included in this study (n=768). A total of 275 patients died during the study. After adjustment for age, sex, racial origin, body mass index, diabetes, and cardiovascular disease, no significant differences in survival were observed between estimated GFR tertiles determined by Cockcroft and Gault (lowest tertile adjusted hazard ratio, 1.11; 95% confidence interval, 0.82 to 1.49; middle tertile hazard ratio, 1.29; 95% confidence interval, 0.96 to 1.74; highest tertile reference), Modification of Diet in Renal Disease (lowest tertile hazard ratio, 0.88; 95% confidence interval, 0.63 to 1.24; middle tertile hazard ratio, 1.20; 95% confidence interval, 0.90 to 1.61; highest tertile reference), and Chronic Kidney Disease-Epidemiology Collaboration equations (lowest tertile hazard ratio, 0.93; 95% confidence interval, 0.67 to 1.27; middle tertile hazard ratio, 1.15; 95% confidence interval, 0.86 to 1.54; highest tertile reference).

Conclusion
Estimated GFR at dialysis commencement was not significantly associated with patient survival, regardless of the formula used. However, a clinically important association cannot be excluded, because observed confidence intervals were wide.
Recognition of CKD After the Introduction of Automated Reporting of Estimated GFR in the Veterans Health Administration
Authors: Wang Virginia , Maciejewski Matthew L. , Hammill Bradley G. , Hall Rasheeda K. , Van Scoyoc Lynn , Garg Amit X. , Jain Arsh K. , Patel Uptal D. 
Published: November 2013

Summary

Background and objectives
Early detection of CKD is important for slowing progression to renal failure and preventing cardiovascular events. Automated laboratory reporting of estimated GFR (eGFR) has been introduced in many health systems to improve CKD recognition, but its effect in large, United States–based health systems remains unclear.

Design, setting, participants, & measurements
Using Veterans Affairs (VA) laboratory and administrative data, two nonoverlapping national cohorts of patients receiving care in VA medical centers before (n=66,323) and after (n=16,670) implementation of automated eGFR reporting between 2004 and 2010 were identified. Recognition was assessed by the presence of new CKD diagnostic codes, use of additional diagnostic testing, outpatient nephrology visits, or overall CKD recognition (receipt of at least one of these outcomes) for each patient during the 12-month period after their first eligible creatinine or eGFR laboratory result. Generalized estimating equations were used to assess change before and after automated eGFR reporting.

Results
Overall CKD recognition increased from 22.1% of veterans before eGFR reporting to 27.5% in the post-eGFR reporting period (odds ratio [OR], 1.19; 95% CI, 1.12 to 1.27; P<0.001). Higher overall CKD recognition was driven largely by increased documentation of CKD diagnosis codes in medical records (OR, 1.31; 95% CI, 1.21 to 1.41; P<0.001) and diagnostic testing for CKD (OR, 1.13; 95% CI, 1.03 to 1.24; P<0.01) rather than outpatient nephrology consultation. Automated eGFR reporting was not associated with greater CKD recognition among black or older patients (P=0.07).

Conclusions
Automated eGFR laboratory reporting improved documentation of CKD diagnoses but had no effect on nephrology consultation. These findings suggest that to advance CKD care, further strategies are needed to ensure appropriate follow-up evaluation to confirm and effectively evaluate CKD.
Dietary Phthalates and Low-Grade Albuminuria in US Children and Adolescents
Authors: Trasande Leonardo , Sathyanarayana Sheela , Trachtman Howard 
Published: November 2013

Summary

Background
Low-grade albuminuria is an indicator of endothelial dysfunction and is associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular disease. A graded level of exposure to bisphenol A was recently identified to be associated with increased risk of low-grade albuminuria in children and adults. Because bisphenol A and phthalates coexist as dietary contaminants, this study investigated whether exposure to phthalates is also associated with low-grade albuminuria.

Design, setting, participants, & measurements
Data were examined from 667 children who participated in the 2009–2010 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey and who had results for urinary phthalate metabolites and albumin excretion. Urinary albumin and creatinine concentrations were measured in a first morning specimen using a solid-phase fluorescent immunoassay and a Roche/Hitachi Modular P Chemistry Analyzer with an enzymatic method, respectively. Phthalate metabolites were analyzed in a separate spot urine sample from each participant, using high-performance liquid chromatography and tandem mass spectroscopy.

Results
For each (roughly) 3-fold increase in metabolites of di-2-ethylhexylphthalate (a high molecular weight phthalate commonly found in foods), a 0.55 mg/g increase in albumin/creatinine ratio (ACR) was identified (P=0.02), whereas a 1.30-fold odds of a higher ACR quartile was also identified for each (roughly) 3-fold increase (P=0.02). Higher ACR was not identified in relationship to metabolites of lower molecular phthalates commonly found in lotions or shampoos, suggesting specificity.

Conclusions
Although reverse causation and unmeasured confounders represent alternative explanations, these findings, in conjunction with our earlier data on bisphenol A, indicate that a wide array of environmental toxins may adversely affect albuminuria and potentially increase the risk of cardiovascular disease. In view of the potential long-term health implications of ongoing exposure in this vulnerable subpopulation, our data support both further study and renewed regulatory efforts to limit exposure during childhood.
Integrative Algorithms in the Diagnostics of Lysosomal Storage Diseases / INTEGRATIVNI ALGORITMI U DIJAGNOSTICI POREMEĆAJA U SKLADIŠTENJU LIZOZOMA
Authors: Fumić Ksenija , Bilić Karmen , Rogić Dunja 
Published: November 2013

Summary
Lysosomal storage disorders (LSDs) are a clinically heterogeneous group of more than 50 disorders which still represent a challenge in modern medicine. The efficacy of many current and proposed therapies relies heavily upon early detection and treatment prior to the onset of irreversible pathology. Although there are multiple paths and algorithms to a final diagnosis, the diagnostic strategy for LSDs still mostly relies on initial clinical suspicion followed by adequate specialist and laboratory management - a selective screening approach. Despite the fact that the technology of tandem mass spectrometry enables newborn screening, such screening is generally acceptable only for a population at high risk for a certain LSD. As diagnostic testing for these disorders may be difficult, communication between the clinician who has established clinical suspicion and laboratory personnel will help complete this process.
Habitat Vulnerability for the Nile Crocodile (Crocodylus Niloticus) in Nasser Lake (Egypt)
Authors: Salem Ashraf Hussein Ibrahim 
Published: November 2013

ABSTRACT
The study presents the results of a field investigation of the crocodile nesting sites on Lake Nasser, observed during the breeding season 2009-2010. A relatively low number of nesting sites was found, explained by the intensity of anthropogenic activity in the area and by the low water levels of Lake Nasser. Based on analysis of satellite imaging and its correlation with the biotope data of the lake shores, a classification system of habitats and of their suitability for crocodile nesting was established. Correlated with land use information, the results can lead to the identification of potential nesting sites for the Nile crocodile, establishing a legal protection system for such habitats.
Environmental Indicators of Water Quality in the Cibin River (Transylvania, Romania)
Authors: Iancu Ramona , Oprean Letiţia , Stegăruş Diana , Tiţa Ovidiu , Boicean Adrian , Lengyel Ecaterina 
Published: November 2013

ABSTRACTWater pollution has become a worldwide problem and its influence over the health of human populations grows every day. This study was carried out to determinate the rate level of pollution of the Cibin River (Transylvania, Romania) via physical-chemical and microbiological tests. Water samples were measured at six different locations along the Cibin River for a period of 12 months. Analysis methods used to determine physical-chemical quality indices for water were as follows: O2- ISO 5814/99, pH - SR ISO 10523-97, PO4-KIT Merck, SO4-- PS/LE 17, conductivity - Sonda, NH4+- SR ISO 7150-1/2001, NO3-- SR ISO 7890/2000, NO2-- SR EN 26777 - ISO 6777/2002, chlorides - SR ISO 9297/2001, CCOCr - SR ISO 6060/96, CBO5- SR ISO 5815/95, suspended solids - STAS 6953/81, residues - STAS 9187/95. The water samples were analyzed also from a sanitary and public health point of view, for example: total number of mesophilic bacteria, total number of yeasts and moulds, total coliforms, total fecal coliforms, Enterococcus and Escherichia coli, according to current Romanian legislation and normatives (Order 1146/2002). The significant results place the river in the first (sampling stations 1, 2 and 3) and second (sampling stations 4, 5 and 6) water Quality Class. Due to the fact that the upper dam reservoir at Gura Râului is the main source of drinking water for Sibiu, it is certain that this water presents optimal characteristics for human consumption and is thus declared to be one of the healthiest water sources in Romania.