bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Endovenous Laser Application
Authors: Pongratz T. , Siegrist K. , Burgmeier C. , Barth H.-D. , Schmedt C.-G. , Sroka R. 
Published: June 2013

SummaryIntroduction: Endoluminal vein treatment is a promising minimal invasive treatment option for peoples suffering from varicose veins. The basic mechanism underlying this procedure is to selectively induce heat in the vessel wall with the result of denaturation of proteins and shrinkage of collagen fibers due to energy application. So far energy could be applied either as RF-current, laser light or water steam. The different approaches to deliver such forms of energies are described.Methods: Investigations on heat dependent vein tissue effects were performed. The degree of shrinkage and wall thickening due to heat induction was calculated. Tensile test on vein tissue were performed. Investigation using the radial emitting laser fibre in the ox-foot-model under reproducible condition were done and wavelengths dependent tissue reaction were explored.Results: The experiments clearly demonstrate the degree of the shrinkage of length and diameter, the thickening of the vein wall, as well as the decrease of the elasticity of the tissue. The optical irradiation pattern of the radial emitting laser fiber serves for safe and reproducible energy application directly to the vein wall. Using a laser wavelength with high absorption by the tissue water needs reduced irradiation and irradiance compared to wavelengths with less water absorption. Conclusion: An experimental approach to improve laser application for endovenous varicose treatment is described. Laser parameters and treatment parameters were found which are now under clinical testing. The demonstrated tissue effects may help to find further arguments for clinical findings and sensations described by the patients during follow-up.
Modelling the Heat and Mass Transfer during Hot Pressing of Medium Density Fibreboard
Authors: Gupta Arun , Jordan Patrick , Pang Shusheng 
Published: June 2013

Abstract
This paper discusses the development of a one-dimensional mathematical model to describe the heat and mass transfer during the hot-compression of medium density fibreboard (MDF) composite panels. Five primary variables were considered during the model development: air content, water vapour content, bound water content, and temperature within the mat, and the extent of the cure of the adhesive system, characterized by the cure index. Different heat and mass transfer processes were identified for the transport of the heat and the moisture phases. The heat was transported by conduction and convection due to a temperature gradient, and the exothermic energy released by the curing of the urea formaldehyde resin, while the water phases were transported by bulk flow and diffusion due to total pressure and concentration gradients. The resulting differential-algebraic equation system was solved by the finite difference method. The mathematical model predicted temperature, moisture content, partial vapour pressures, and extent of adhesive cure within the mat structure under a typical hot-compression process. The model results allow a better understanding of the interacting mechanisms involved in a complex production process. The model can also assist to optimize the hot-pressing parameters for improved quality of MDF panel products, while reducing pressing time.
Selberg zeta functions on odd-dimensional hyperbolic manifolds of finite volume
Authors: Pfaff Jonathan 
Published: June 2013

Abstract

We study Selberg zeta functions Z(s,σ)
associated
to locally homogeneous vector bundles over the unit-sphere bundle
of a complete oriented odd-dimensional hyperbolic spin manifold of finite
volume. We assume a
certain condition on the fundamental group of the manifold. A priori, the Selberg zeta functions are defined only for s in some
right half-plane of ℂ. We will prove that for any locally homogeneous bundle
the functions Z(s,σ)
have a meromorphic continuation to ℂ and we will give a complete
description of their singularities in terms of spectral data of
the underlying manifold. Our work generalizes results of
Bunke and Olbrich to the non-compact situation. As an application of our results
one can compare the normalized Reidemeister torsions on hyperbolic 3-manifolds with
cusps which were introduced by Menal-Ferrer
and Porti to the corresponding regularized analytic torsions.
Determination of partially hydrolyzed polyacrylamide in wastewater produced from polymer flooding by colloid titration
Authors: Fang Shenwen , Duan Ming , Xia Yini , Wang Hu , Li Linyu 
Published: June 2013

Abstract
Colloid titration has been widely used to determine the charge carried by macromolecules and the concentration of anionic and cationic polyelectrolytes in paper making and food service industries. This method is simple and the materials used are non-volatile and harmless, but it has not previously been used to determine the partially hydrolyzed polyacrylamide (HPAM) in wastewater produced from polymer flooding. In this paper, colloid titration was used to determine the HPAM in wastewater produced from polymer flooding in an oilfield. When the HPAM concentration (Cp) was <200 mg/l, the relationship between the Cp and the titration value (Vp) was linear. This linear relationship was influenced by the pH of wastewater and the hydrolysis degree of HPAM; Vp increased with the pH and the hydrolysis degree. However, it was independent of the concentration of solubilized crude oil and salt concentration in the wastewater and the molecular weight of the HPAM. Recovery tests showed that the determination of HPAM in the wastewater by colloid titration was reliable. It was also found that the colloid titration and starch iodide method had similar accuracies for determination of the HPAM and that colloid titration was a better method for the analyst.
Improving On-Time Start of Day and End of Day for a Pediatric Surgical Service
Authors: Varughese Anna M. , Adler Elena , Anneken Amy , Kurth C. Dean 
Published: June 2013

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE:
In multicase pediatric ear, nose, and throat operating rooms (ORs), brief delays in early case start times often produce a cascading effect of lengthy delays by the end of the day and can often lead to patient, family, and staff dissatisfaction and increased labor costs due to unplanned overtime. We sought to improve actual end of day relative to scheduled end of day from 40% to 60%.

METHODS:
Key drivers of the process included case scheduling, ordering of sedative medications, and nurse availability in the postanesthesia care unit to receive the patient from the anesthesia provider. A multidisciplinary team conducted a series of tests of change addressing the various key drivers. Data were collected by using an independent, impartial data collector as well as being extracted from the hospital information technology system. Data were analyzed by using control charts and statistical process control methods.

RESULTS:
The percentage of ORs ending on time increased from 40% to 60%. Appropriate scheduling of complex cases increased from 10% to 87%, and accurate scheduling of case duration improved from 21% to 48%. Timely premedication increased from 55% to 90% and immediate availability of a nurse in the postanesthesia care unit from 68% to &gt;90%.

CONCLUSIONS:
By applying quality-improvement methods, significant improvements were made in a multicase pediatric ear, nose, and throat OR. The impact can be significant by reducing wait times for patients, as well as staff overtime for the institution.
CT Scan Utilization Patterns in Pediatric Patients With Recurrent Headache
Authors: DeVries Andrea , Young Paul C. , Wall Eric , Getchius Thomas ScD , Li Chia-hsuan , Whitney John , Rosenberg Alan 
Published: June 2013

OBJECTIVE:
Although unnecessary for children with headache and normal history, computed tomography (CT) scans are widely used. This study sought to determine current practice patterns of neuroimaging to diagnose pediatric headache in a variety of treatment settings and to identify factors associated with increased use of neuroimaging.

METHODS:
This retrospective claims analysis included children (aged 3–17 years) with ≥2 medical claims for headache. The primary outcome was CT scan utilization on or after first presentation with headache in a physician’s office or emergency department (ED).

RESULTS:
Of 15 836 patients, 26% (4034 patients; mean age: 11.8 years) had ≥1 CT scan, 74% within 1 month of index diagnosis. Patients with ED visits were 4 times more likely to undergo a CT scan versus those without ED visits (P &lt; .001 [95% confidence interval: 3.9–4.8]). However, even outside the ED, use of CT scans remained widespread. Two-thirds of patients with CT scans had no ED use. Among patients with no ED utilization, &gt;20% received a CT scan during the study period. Evaluation by a neurologist was strongly associated with a lower likelihood of CT scan compared with other provider specialties (odds ratio: 0.37; P &lt; .01 [95% confidence interval: 0.30–0.46]).

CONCLUSIONS:
Use of CT scans to diagnose pediatric headache remains high despite existing guidelines, low diagnostic yield, and high potential risk. Implementing quality improvement initiatives to ensure that CT scans in children are performed only when truly indicated will reduce unnecessary exposure to ionizing radiation and associated cancer risks.
Cardiorespiratory Fitness and Adiposity in Metabolically Healthy Overweight and Obese Youth
Authors: Sénéchal Martin , Wicklow Brandy , Wittmeier Kristy , Hay Jacqueline , MacIntosh Andrea C. , Eskicioglu Pinar , Venugopal Niranjan , McGavock Jonathan M. 
Published: June 2013

OBJECTIVE:
Controversy exists surrounding the contribution of fitness and adiposity as determinants of the Metabolically Healthy Overweight (MHO) phenotype in youth. This study investigated the independent contribution of cardiorespiratory fitness and adiposity to the MHO phenotype among overweight and obese youth.

METHODS:
This cross-sectional study included 108 overweight and obese youth classified as MHO (no cardiometabolic risk factors) or non-MHO (≥1 cardiometabolic risk factor), based on age- and gender-specific cut-points for fasting glucose, triglycerides, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, systolic and diastolic blood pressure, and hepatic steatosis.

RESULTS:
Twenty-five percent of overweight and obese youth were classified as MHO. This phenotype was associated with lower BMI z-score (BMI z-score: 1.8 ± 0.3 vs 2.1 ± 0.4, P = .02) and waist circumference (99.7 ± 13.2 vs 106.1 ± 13.7 cm, P = .04) compared with non-MHO youth. When matched for fitness level and stratified by BMI z-score (1.6 ± 0.3 vs 2.4 ± 0.2), the prevalence of MHO was fourfold higher in the low BMI z-score group (27% vs 7%; P = .03). Multiple logistic regression analyses revealed that the best predictor of MHO was the absence of hepatic steatosis even after adjusting for waist circumference (odds ratio 0.57, 95% confidence interval 0.40–0.80) or BMI z-score (odds ratio 0.59, 95% confidence interval 0.43–0.80).

CONCLUSIONS:
The MHO phenotype was present in 25% of overweight and obese youth and is strongly associated with lower levels of adiposity, and the absence of hepatic steatosis, but not with cardiorespiratory fitness.
Office-Based Care for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, and Questioning Youth
Authors: Levine David A. ,   the COMMITTEE ON ADOLESCENCE, Braverman Paula K. , Adelman William P. , Breuner Cora C. , Levine David A. , Marcell Arik V. , Murray Pamela J. , O’Brien Rebecca F. 
Published: June 2013

This Technical Report was reaffirmed April 2021.
The American Academy of Pediatrics issued its last statement on homosexuality and adolescents in 2004.This technical report reflects the rapidly expanding medical and psychosocial literature about sexual minority youth. Pediatricians should be aware that some youth in their care may have concerns or questions about their sexual orientation or that of siblings, friends, parents, relatives, or others and should provide factual, current, nonjudgmental information in a confidential manner. Although most lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and questioning (LGBTQ) youth are quite resilient and emerge from adolescence as healthy adults, the effects of homophobia and heterosexism can contribute to increased mental health issues for sexual minority youth. LGBTQ and MSM/WSW (men having sex with men and women having sex with women) adolescents, in comparison with heterosexual adolescents, have higher rates of depression and suicidal ideation, higher rates of substance abuse, and more risky sexual behaviors. Obtaining a comprehensive, confidential, developmentally appropriate adolescent psychosocial history allows for the discovery of strengths and assets as well as risks. Pediatricians should have offices that are teen-friendly and welcoming to sexual minority youth. This includes having supportive, engaging office staff members who ensure that there are no barriers to care. For transgender youth, pediatricians should provide the opportunity to acknowledge and affirm their feelings of gender dysphoria and desires to transition to the opposite gender. Referral of transgender youth to a qualified mental health professional is critical to assist with the dysphoria, to educate them, and to assess their readiness for transition. With appropriate assistance and care, sexual minority youth should live healthy, productive lives while transitioning through adolescence and young adulthood.
Unipolar Resistive Switching and Associated Photoresponse in Sm doped BiFeO3 Thin Film Grown by RF Sputtering
Authors: Katiyar Rajesh K. , Misra Pankaj , Sharma G. L , Morell Gerardo , Scott J. F , Katiyar Ram S. 
Published: June 2013

ABSTRACTNonvolatile unipolar resistive switching has been observed in Sm doped BFO thin films in Pt/Sm: BFO/SRO stack geometry. The initial forming voltage was found to be ∼ 11 V. After the forming process repeatable switching of the resistance of Sm:BFO film was obtained between low and high resistance states with nearly constant resistance ratio ∼ 105 and non overlapping switching voltages in the range of 0.7-1 V and 4-6 V respectively. The temperature dependent measurements of the resistance of the device indicated metallic and semiconducting conduction behavior in low and high resistance states respectively. The current conduction mechanism of the Pt/Sm:BFO/SRO device in low resistance states was found to be dominated by the Ohmic behavior while in case of high resistance state and at high voltages it deviated significantly from normal Ohmic behavior and was found to correspond the Pool-Frankel (PF) emission. The Pt/Sm:BFO/SRO structure also showed efficient photo-response in high and low resistance states with increase in photocurrent which was significantly higher in low resistance state when illuminated with white light.
Novel intermediate reflector layer for optical and morphological tuning in the Micromorph thin film tandem cell
Authors: Orhan J.-B. , Vallat-Sauvain E. , Marmello M. , Kroll U. , Meier J. , Laux E. , Grange D. , Farine Brunner S. , Keppner H. 
Published: June 2013

ABSTRACTPECVD growth of the microcrystalline silicon junction on a highly textured amorphous top cell often leads to defective absorber layers and finally to low quality bottom cell. This paper reports on the current status of using an innovative smoothening/reflective layer (SRL) as alternative intermediate reflector between top and bottom cell of a Micromorph tandem device deposited on as-grown highly textured LPCVD ZnO layer. Manufacturing of the SRL layer is realized by “liquid phase” deposition technologies. Optical and electrical properties, smoothening effect and photoelectrical results of Micromorph tandem devices are discussed. The implementation of our novel SRL results in the growth of a crack-free bottom cell and to an efficient current transfer from the bottom to the top cell.
Temperature Dependence of 1/f Noise and Electrical Conductivity Measurements on p-type a-Si:H Devices
Authors: Lopes V. C. , Hanson E. , Whitfield D. , Shrestha K. , Littler C. L. , Syllaios A. J. 
Published: June 2013

ABSTRACTNoise and electrical conductivity measurements were made at temperatures ranging from approximately 270°K to 320°K on devices fabricated on as grown Boron doped p-type a-Si:H films. The room temperature 1/f noise was found to be proportional to the bias voltage and inversely proportional to the square root of the device area. As a result, the 1/f noise can be described by Hooge’s empirical expression [1]. The 1/f noise was found to be independent of temperature in the range investigated even though the device conductivity changed by a factor of approximately 4 over this range. Conductivity temperature measurements exhibit a T-0.25 dependence, indicative of conduction via localized states in the valence band tail [2,3]. In addition, multiple authors have analyzed hole mobility in a-Si:H and find that the hole mobility depends on the scattering of mobile holes by localized states in the valence band tail [4-7]. We conclude that the a-Si:H carrier concentration does not change appreciably with temperature, and thus, the resistance change in this temperature range is due to the temperature dependence of the hole mobility. Our results are applicable to a basic understanding of noise and conductivity requirements for a-Si:H materials used for microbolometer ambient temperature infrared detection.
Crystallization Kinetics of Plasma-Produced Amorphous Silicon Nanoparticles
Authors: Lopez Thomas , Mangolini Lorenzo 
Published: June 2013

ABSTRACTThe use of a continuous flow non-thermal plasma reactor for the formation of silicon nanoparticles has attracted great interest because of the advantageous properties of the process [1]. Despite the short residence time in the plasma (around 10 milliseconds), a significant fraction of the precursor, silane, is converted and collected in the form of nanopowder. The structure of the produced powder can be tuned between amorphous and crystalline by adjusting the power of the radio-frequency excitation source, with higher power leading to the formation of crystalline particles. Numerical modeling suggests that higher excitation power results in a higher plasma density, which in turn increases the nanoparticle heating rate due to the interaction between ions, free radicals and the nanopowder suspended in the plasma [2]. While the experimental evidence suggests that plasma heating may be responsible for the formation of crystalline powder, an understanding of the mechanism that leads to the crystallization of the powder while in the plasma is lacking. In this work, we present an experimental investigation on the crystallization kinetic of plasma-produced amorphous powder. Silicon nanoparticles are nucleated and grown using a non-thermal plasma reactor similar to the one described in [1], but operated at low power to give amorphous nanoparticles in a 3-10 nm size range. The particles are then extracted from the reactor using an orifice and aerodynamically dragged into a low pressure reactor placed in a tube furnace capable of reaching temperatures up to 1000°C. Raman and TEM have been used to monitor the crystalline fraction of the material as a function of the residence time and temperature. It is expected that for a residence time in the annealing region of approximately ∼300 milliseconds, a temperature of at least 750 °C is needed to observe the onset of crystallization. A range of crystalline percentages can be observed from 750 °C to 830 °C. A discussion of particle growth and particle interaction, based on experimental evidence, will be presented with its relation to the overall effect on crystallization. Further data analysis allows extrapolating the crystallization rate for the case of this simple, purely thermal system. We conclude that thermal effects alone are not sufficient to explain the formation of crystalline powder in non-thermal plasma reactors.
Feasibility of Outpatient Fully Integrated Closed-Loop Control
Authors: Kovatchev Boris P. , Renard Eric , Cobelli Claudio , Zisser Howard C. , Keith-Hynes Patrick , Anderson Stacey M. , Brown Sue A. , Chernavvsky Daniel R. , Breton Marc D. , Farret Anne , Pelletier Marie-Josée , Place Jérôme , Bruttomesso Daniela , Del Favero Simone , Visentin Roberto , Filippi Alessio , Scotton Rachele , Avogaro Angelo , Doyle Francis J. 
Published: June 2013

OBJECTIVE
To evaluate the feasibility of a wearable artificial pancreas system, the Diabetes Assistant (DiAs), which uses a smart phone as a closed-loop control platform.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS
Twenty patients with type 1 diabetes were enrolled at the Universities of Padova, Montpellier, and Virginia and at Sansum Diabetes Research Institute. Each trial continued for 42 h. The United States studies were conducted entirely in outpatient setting (e.g., hotel or guest house); studies in Italy and France were hybrid hospital–hotel admissions. A continuous glucose monitoring/pump system (Dexcom Seven Plus/Omnipod) was placed on the subject and was connected to DiAs. The patient operated the system via the DiAs user interface in open-loop mode (first 14 h of study), switching to closed-loop for the remaining 28 h. Study personnel monitored remotely via 3G or WiFi connection to DiAs and were available on site for assistance.

RESULTS
The total duration of proper system communication functioning was 807.5 h (274 h in open-loop and 533.5 h in closed-loop), which represented 97.7% of the total possible time from admission to discharge. This exceeded the predetermined primary end point of 80% system functionality.

CONCLUSIONS
This study demonstrated that a contemporary smart phone is capable of running outpatient closed-loop control and introduced a prototype system (DiAs) for further investigation. Following this proof of concept, future steps should include equipping insulin pumps and sensors with wireless capabilities, as well as studies focusing on control efficacy and patient-oriented clinical outcomes.
Is Incretin-Based Therapy Ready for the Care of Hospitalized Patients With Type 2 Diabetes?
Authors: Schwartz Stanley , DeFronzo Ralph A. 
Published: June 2013

Significant data suggest that overt hyperglycemia, either observed with or without a prior diagnosis of diabetes, contributes to an increase in mortality and morbidity in hospitalized patients. In this regard, goal-directed insulin therapy has remained as the standard of care for achieving and maintaining glycemic control in hospitalized patients with critical and noncritical illness. As such, protocols to assist in the management of hyperglycemia in the inpatient setting have become commonplace in hospital settings. Clearly, insulin is a known entity, has been in clinical use for almost a century, and is effective. However, there are limitations to its use. Based on the observed mechanisms of action and efficacy, there has been a great interest in using incretin-based therapy with glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonists instead of, or complementary to, an insulin-based approach to improve glycemic control in hospitalized, severely ill diabetic patients. To provide an understanding of both sides of the argument, we provide a discussion of this topic as part of this two-part point-counterpoint narrative. In this point narrative as presented below, Drs. Schwartz and DeFronzo provide an opinion that now is the time to consider GLP-1 receptor agonists as a logical consideration for inpatient glycemic control. It is important to note the recommendations they propose under “incretin-based approach” with these agents represent their opinion for use and, as they point out, well-designed prospective studies comparing these agents with insulin will be required to establish their efficacy and safety. In the counterpoint narrative following Drs. Schwartz and DeFronzo’s contribution, Drs. Umpierrez and Korytkowski provide a defense of insulin in the inpatient setting as the unquestioned gold standard for glycemic management in hospitalized settings.
—William T. Cefalu
Editor in Chief, Diabetes Care