bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Case Study: Community Nursing Care Plan for a Man With Functional and Psychosocial Problems Following a Stroke
Authors: Brito‐Brito Pedro Ruyman , Fernandez‐Gutierrez Domingo Angel ,   Los Cristianos Clinical Case Work Group, M. Smith Hilary
Published: March 2015

Purpose

The study aims to use the standardized nursing process to assist a middle‐aged man with functional and psychosocial problems following a stroke.

Data Sources

Data were obtained from interviews with the patient during primary care nurse consultations, electronic health record reviews, and reports from other professionals. To build the care plan, we used available scientific evidence, and we also considered a nurse–patient agreement.

Data Synthesis

We used clinical reasoning with NANDA‐I classification, the Nursing Outcomes Classification, and the Nursing Interventions Classification to select nursing diagnoses, patient outcomes, and nursing interventions.

Conclusions

Psychosocial problems complicate the management of a patient with functional consequences after a stroke. This fact has high impact on people who are going through this process.
Trends in Observation‐prone Emergency Department Visits Among Michigan Children, 2007–2011
Authors: Macy Michelle L. , Cohn Lisa , Clark Sarah J.
Published: March 2015

Objectives

To the best of the authors’ knowledge, admission of children under observation status in community hospitals has not been examined. The hypothesis of this study was that there has been an increase in observation charge code use over time and variations in the application of observation charge codes across hospital types.

Methods

This was a cross‐sectional analysis of 5 years (2007 through 2011) of administrative claims data from Michigan residents enrolled in Medicaid, Blue Cross/Blue Shield of Michigan preferred provider organization, and Blue Cross Network health maintenance organization compiled into a single data set. Emergency department (ED) visits to facilities in Michigan made by children (younger than 18 years) were selected. Observation‐prone ED visits were identified based on the presence of International Classification of Diseases, Ninth Revision, Clinical Modification (ICD‐9‐CM) codes. Counts of observation‐prone ED visits were determined and descriptive statistics were calculated. Changes over time in the proportion of visits with observation charge codes by hospital type were assessed with chi‐square analysis.

Results

The observation‐prone ICD‐9‐CM codes were identified in 881,622 ED visits made by children to 142 Michigan facilities during the 5‐year study period. Overall, the vast majority of visits (n = 646,499; 91.0%) with the selected ICD‐9‐CM codes resulted in discharge from the ED without associated observation or inpatient charge codes. Among the 64,288 visits that resulted in admission for observation or inpatient care, observation charge codes without inpatient charge codes were applied to 22,933 (35.7%) admissions, observation and inpatient charge codes were applied to 4,756 (7.4%) admissions, and inpatient charge codes without observation charge codes were applied to 36,599 (56.9%) admissions. Hospitals with pediatric ED and inpatient services (Type 1 and Type 2 hospitals) had higher proportions of ED visits that went on to admission for observation or inpatient care (15.9 and 10.7%) than hospitals without pediatric ED services (Type 3 and Type 4 hospitals; 7.2 and 3.7%). The proportion of admissions that had observation charge codes for all hospital types increased over time, most prominently among Type 1 and Type 2 hospitals.

Conclusions

The application of observation charge codes to Michigan children with observation‐prone conditions has increased over time across all hospital types. There is a need to evaluate pediatric observation care in diverse settings to compare the effectiveness of different models.
Are medical comorbid conditions of bipolar disorder due to immune dysfunction?
Authors: Rosenblat J. D. , McIntyre R. S.
Published: March 2015

Objective

Epidemiological data have shown a clear association between bipolar disorder (BD) and medical comorbidities. The aim of this article was to assess the evidence of immune dysfunction as a key mediator of this observed association.

Method

For this narrative clinical overview, the MEDLINE/PubMed, EMBASE, Google Scholar, and ClinicalTrials.gov databases were searched for relevant articles.

Results

Bipolar disorder has been shown to have an increased prevalence in patients with autoimmune disorders, cardiovascular disease, and metabolic dysfunction. Further, an elevation in proinflammatory cytokines in BD has been repeatedly demonstrated. Several mechanisms have been proposed to explain the effect of immune dysfunction on mood and cognition. Anti‐inflammatory agents including TNF‐α inhibitors, non‐steroidal anti‐inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), minocycline and omega‐3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (O3PUFA) are being investigated for their use as novel treatment of BD in patients with immune dysfunction.

Conclusion

Immune dysfunction appears to be an important mediator of the association observed between BD and medical comorbidities. It therefore serves as a potential novel target for treatment of BD. Further, the observed bidirectional interaction merits screening for psychiatric disorders in patients with immune dysfunction and vice versa to allow for early detection and treatment of this at risk population.
Identification of novel peptide biomarkers to predict safety and efficacy of cow's milk oral immunotherapy by peptide microarray
Authors: Martínez‐Botas J. , Rodríguez‐Álvarez M. , Cerecedo I. , Vlaicu C. , Diéguez Mª. C. , Gómez‐Coronado D. , Fernández‐Rivas M. , de la Hoz B.
Published: March 2015

Background

Cow's milk oral immunotherapy (CM‐OIT) is still an experimental treatment. The development of novel biomarkers to predict the safety and efficacy of CM‐OIT is crucial to translate this treatment to common clinical practice.

Objective

To analyse long‐term changes in IgE and IgG4 epitope binding profile induced by CM‐OIT to identify safety and efficacy biomarkers.

Methods

We studied 25 CM‐allergic children who underwent CM‐OIT and seven non‐treated CM‐allergic children as controls. CM‐OIT patients were classified as low, moderate, and high risk according to the number of allergic reactions (safety), time required to achieve desensitization (efficacy) and need of premedication. IgE and IgG4 peptide microarray immunoassay was performed using a library of overlapping peptides of CM proteins at baseline, after oral desensitization, and 6, 12, and 24 months of follow‐up.

Results

Cow's milk oral immunotherapy induced a rapid increase of IgG4‐binding epitopes and a slow decrease in IgE‐binding epitopes. High‐risk patients recognized a statistically significant higher number of IgE peptides in caseins at all the times studied. Similar but less pronounced changes were observed for IgG4‐positive peptides. Clustering analysis grouped together the high‐risk patients, and we identified 13 regions of caseins significantly differed between groups of patients. Bioinformatics analysis selected two sets of 16 IgE‐binding peptides at baseline that predicted safety (R2 = 0.858) and efficacy (R2 = 0.732), respectively, of CM‐OIT.

Conclusion and Clinical Relevance

We found two sets of IgE‐binding peptides that can be used as novel biomarkers to predict the safety and efficacy of CM‐OIT before starting treatment.
Clinical outcomes in sensitized heart transplant patients bridged with ventricular assist devices
Authors: Kidambi Sumanth , Mohamedali Burhan , Bhat Geetha
Published: March 2015

Background

Left ventricular assist devices (LVADs) as a bridge to transplant (BTT) have been known to cause allosensitization, as measured by panel‐reactive antibody (PRA) levels. The goal of this study was to measure the impact of this allosensitization on outcomes.

Methods

Panel‐reactive antibodies were analyzed in BTT patients, with sensitization defined as peak PRAs ≥ 10%. Baseline characteristics and outcomes in the two patient groups were evaluated using descriptive statistics, Kaplan–Meier, and regression analysis.

Results

Thirty‐eight patients were included in the study (17 sensitized vs. 21 non‐sensitized). There were more women in the sensitized group (47% vs. 10%, p = 0.023). There was no difference in mean times to high‐grade acute cellular rejection (ACR; 18.3 months in sensitized vs. 36.9 months in non‐sensitized). Five patients in the sensitized groups developed antibody‐mediated rejection (AMR) vs. 0 in the non‐sensitized, and all five patients died (Kaplan–Meier log‐rank p = 0.024). There was also a significant difference in the incidence of infection at the one‐ to six‐month stage (52.9% vs. 19.0%, p = 0.03).

Conclusion

Sensitization appears to have a negative effect on mortality. This mortality appears to be concentrated in patients with AMR, and we postulate that the development of AMR in a sensitized patient may be a predictor of mortality.
Preterm birth and the school years
Authors: Huddy Charlotte
Published: March 2015

This commentary is on the original article by Johnson et al. on pages 571–577 in this issue.
Ascocarp formation ofHymenoscyphus fraxineuson several‐year‐old pseudosclerotial leaf rachises ofFraxinus excelsior
Authors: Kirisits T.
Published: March 2015

The ash dieback pathogenHymenosycphus fraxineuscan form ascocarps on pseudosclerotial leaf rachises ofFraxinus excelsiornot only in the year after leaf fall but also on older rachises, at least up to five growing seasons after the leaves have been shed. The significance of this finding for the epidemiology of ash dieback is discussed.
Exploring differences between central located test and home use test in a living lab context
Authors: Karin Wendin , Annika Åström , Anna Ståhlbröst
Published: March 2015

The concept of Living Labs (LLs) has evolved to support the creation of experience‐based development of innovations in real‐life, user‐driven and open environments. Two types of consumer product tests used generally are central location tests (CLT) and home use tests (HUT) where the acceptability or liking of a product or group of products is determined together with the view of whether one product is preferred over other products. This article explores the similarities and differences between CLT and HUT test results in a LL context. In both settings, the acceptance of five flavoured chocolate bars was evaluated for appearance, odour, taste/flavour, texture and overall liking. Apart from the mean values of liking in the two tests, data were analysed to identify consumer segments. Qualitative data were also collected by asking for consumer comments on the tested samples. The results show that independent of test method the bars were evaluated equally and all accepted by the consumers. A clear difference between CLT and HUT testing was that CLT consumers significantly differed from the HUT consumers, giving the test samples lower scores. For example, the mean values of the overall acceptance scores given by HUT consumers varied between 6.0 and 6.6, while for CLT consumers the corresponding values varied from 5.4 to 5.9. Another difference was the number of comments from consumers. CLT consumers richly commented on the products in a verbose way, while HUT consumers used the opportunity to comment very sparingly. Considering the cluster analysis as yet another difference between the testing methods, clusters from the CLT were more distinct and the number was higher with five clusters in CLT and four in HUT. Clusters where consumers liked all the products in both test settings were twice as many for HUT than in CLT. Applying the LL approach, there is a need for methods and approaches that capture a rich picture of consumers during test performance without being intrusive or obstructive of activities and context. The approach offers the opportunity for companies to have consumers not only test products but also offer input that can stimulate new innovations and give consumers more power and influence.
A Novel Electrocardiographic T‐Wave Measurement (Tp‐Te Interval) as a Predictor of Heart Abnormalities in Hypertension: A New Opportunity for First‐Line Electrocardiographic Evaluation
Authors: Ferrucci Andrea , Canichella Flaminia , Battistoni Allegra , Palano Francesca , Francia Pietro , Ciavarella Giuseppino Massimo , Volpe Massimo , Tocci Giuliano
Published: March 2015

The aim of the study was to evaluate the role of conventional and new markers of early cardiac organ damage (OD) on 12‐lead electrocardiography (ECG) in 25 outpatients with newly diagnosed untreated essential hypertension compared with 15 normotensive, otherwise healthy individuals. Each participant underwent ECG, echocardiographic, and blood pressure (BP) measurements. Conventional and new ECG indexes for cardiac OD (Tp‐Te interval, ventricular activation time, and P‐wave analysis) were also measured. Clinic and 24‐hour ambulatory BP levels as well as left ventricular mass indexes were significantly higher in hypertensive than in normotensive patients. No significant differences were found between the two groups for ECG and echocardiographic markers of OD. Only Tp‐Te interval was higher in hypertensive than in normotensive individuals (3.06 mm vs 2.24 mm; P<.0001), even after adjustment for anthropometric and clinical parameters. Preliminary results of this study demonstrated prolonged Tp‐Te interval in newly diagnosed, untreated hypertensive outpatients compared with normotensive individuals.
Influence of Whitening and Regular Dentifrices on Orthodontic Clear Ligature Color Stability
Authors: Oliveira Adauê S. , Kaizer Marina R. , Salgado Vinícius E. , Soldati Dener C. , Silva Roberta C. , Moraes Rafael R.
Published: March 2015

Objectives

This study evaluated the effect of brushing orthodontic clear ligatures with a whitening dentifrice containing a blue pigment (Close Up White Now, Unilever, London, UK) on their color stability, when exposed to a staining agent.

Materials and Methods

Ligatures from 3M Unitek (Monrovia, CA, USA) and Morelli (Sorocaba, SP, Brazil) were tested. Baseline color measurements were performed and nonstained groups (control) were stored in distilled water whereas test groups were exposed for 1 hour daily to red wine. Specimens were brushed daily using regular or whitening dentifrice. Color measurements were repeated after 7, 14, 21, and 28 days using a spectrophotometer based on the CIE L*a*b* system.

Results

Decreased luminosity (CIE L*), increased red discoloration (CIE a* axis), and increased yellow discoloration (CIE b* axis) were generally observed for ligatures exposed to the staining agent. Color variation was generally lower in specimens brushed with regular dentifrice, but ligatures brushed with whitening dentifrice were generally less red and less yellow than regular dentifrice. The whitening dentifrice led to blue discoloration trend, with visually detectable differences particularly apparent according to storage condition and ligature brand.

Conclusions

The whitening dentifrice containing blue pigment did not improve the ligature color stability, but it decreased yellow discoloration and increased a blue coloration.

Clinical Significance

The use of a whitening dentifrice containing blue pigment during orthodontic treatment might decrease the yellow discoloration of elastic ligatures.
Co‐Authorship Network Analysis in Industrial Ecology Research Community
Authors: Kim Junbeum , Perez Charles
Published: March 2015

Many scientific collaboration networks have been extensively studied from different perspectives, such as network degree analysis or centrality. However, there has been little study of the scientific collaboration network in the industrial ecology (IE) research domain and community. In this study therefore, we collected co‐authorship keywords and related data from 1,032 publications between 1997 and 2012 from the most influential journal on the topic: the Journal of Industrial Ecology. An evaluation of publications in terms of network characteristics was conducted. Journal characteristics, such as publications by each author, number of co‐authors per paper, and keywords, were identified. Further, we developed a co‐authorship network and maps with network centrality analysis, components, and cluster analysis. The results of this study clearly show the main topics of the science, structure of scientific collaboration, and status of individual researchers within the IE research community.
Media‐Induced Elevation as a Means of Enhancing Feelings of Intergroup Connectedness
Authors: Oliver Mary Beth , Kim Keunyeong , Hoewe Jennifer , Chung Mun‐Young , Ash Erin , Woolley Julia K. , Shade Drew D.
Published: March 2015

The majority of research on media counter‐stereotyping of race/ethnicity has tended to employ positive portrayals or counter‐stereotypical exemplars as a primary strategy in eliciting positive attitudes among White participants. In contrast, this article reports the results of an experiment on the unique role of affective responses to media messages as a mechanism in inducing greater feelings of connectedness with a diversity of racial/ethnic groups. Our focus is on the affective response of elevation specifically, which refers to feelings of being moved, touched, and inspired by images of people engaged in morally beautiful acts such as love, generosity, and kindness. Results show that the experience of elevation in response to inspiring videos was associated with heightened feelings of overlap between the self and humanity, with this overlap associated with greater feelings of connectedness with those from a diversity of racial/ethnic groups. This connection was also associated with more favorable attitudes.
Where We Have Been and Where We Can Go From Here: Looking to the Future in Research on Media, Race, and Ethnicity
Authors: Tukachinsky Riva
Published: March 2015

This special issue illuminates the ways in which media portrayals and practices, together, create barriers to inclusion for diverse groups and normalize existing patterns of relegation on and off the screen. Media representations of race and ethnicity have critical consequences for intergroup relationships and for marginalized group members’ self‐concept. A synthesis of the research included in this volume demonstrates the significance of these questions across media outlets, their relevancy despite the rise of new technologies, and their application to social contexts outside the United States. Finally, this concluding article suggests directions for future research and offers implications for policies that can foster prosocial outcomes.
Protective effect of fucosterol isolated from the edible brown algae, Ecklonia stolonifera and Eisenia bicyclis, on tert-butyl hydroperoxide- and tacrine-induced HepG2 cell injury
Authors: Choi Jae Sue , Han Yu Ran , Byeon Jeong Su , Choung Se-Young , Sohn Hee Sook , Jung Hyun Ah
Published: March 2015

Objectives

Fucosterol is the primary sterol found in brown algae. Recently, considerable interest has been generated regarding fucosterol due to its potential antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and antidiabetic effects. The aim of this study was to investigate the protective effects of fucosterol on tert-butyl hydroperoxide (t-BHP)- and tacrine-induced oxidative stress in HepG2 cells.

Methods

Fucosterol by itself exhibited no cytotoxicity at concentrations below 100 μm by the 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyl tetrazolium bromide assay. The increased intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) and decreased glutathione levels observed in t-BHP- and tacrine-treated HepG2 cells were ameliorated by fucosterol pretreatment, indicating that the protective effects of fucosterol are mediated by the induction of cellular defence mechanisms against oxidative stress. Moreover, elevated alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) levels in tacrine-treated mice were significantly reduced after oral administration of fucosterol.

Key findings

The hepatoprotective effects of fucosterol may occur via an increase in the hepatic level of glutathione and a decrease in ROS production, thereby preventing hepatic damage and the resultant increases in ALT and AST activity.

Conclusion

These results suggest that fucosterol may be an effective hepatoprotective agent that could be useful for preventive therapies against oxidative stress-related hepatotoxicity.
Impact‐related noncoaxial deformation in the Pułtusk H chondrite inferred from petrofabric analysis
Authors: Krzesińska Agata , Gattacceca Jérôme , Friedrich Jon M. , Rochette Pierre
Published: March 2015

Petrofabrics in chondrites have the potential to yield important information on the impact evolution of chondritic parent asteroids, but studies involving chondritic petrofabrics are scarce. We undertook an analysis of the Pułtusk H chondrite regolith breccia. Measurements of anisotropy of magnetic susceptibility and quantitative tomographic examination of metal grains are presented here and the results are compared with petrographic observations. The major fabric elements are in Pułtusk shear fractures cutting the light‐colored chondritic clasts as well as brittly and semibrittly deformed, cataclased fragments in dark matrix of regolith breccia. Cataclasis is accompanied by rotation of silicate grains and frictional melting. Fabric of metal grains in chondrite is well defined and coherently oriented over the breccia, both in the clasts and in the cataclastic matrix. Metal grains have prolate shapes and they are arranged into foliation plane and lineation direction, both of which are spatially related and kinematically compatible to shear‐dominated deformational features. We argue that the fabric of Pułtusk was formed in response to impact‐related noncoaxial shear strain. Deformation promoted brittle cataclastic processes and shearing of silicates, and, simultaneously, allowed for ductile metal to develop foliation and lineation. We suggest that plastic flow is the most probable mechanism for the deformation of metal grains in the shear‐dominated strain field. The process led also to the formation of large metal nodules and bands in the dark matrix of breccia.
Amino acid analyses of R and CK chondrites
Authors: Burton Aaron S. , McLain Hannah , Glavin Daniel P. , Elsila Jamie E. , Davidson Jemma , Miller Kelly E. , Andronikov Alexander V. , Lauretta Dante , Dworkin Jason P.
Published: March 2015

Exogenous delivery of amino acids and other organic molecules to planetary surfaces may have played an important role in the origins of life on Earth and other solar system bodies. Previous studies have revealed the presence of indigenous amino acids in a wide range of carbon‐rich meteorites, with the abundances and structural distributions differing significantly depending on parent body mineralogy and alteration conditions. Here we report on the amino acid abundances of seven type 3–6 CK chondrites and two Rumuruti (R) chondrites. Amino acid measurements were made on hot water extracts from these meteorites by ultrahigh‐performance liquid chromatography with fluorescence detection and time‐of‐flight mass spectrometry. Of the nine meteorites analyzed, four were depleted in amino acids, and one had experienced significant amino acid contamination by terrestrial biology. The remaining four, comprised of two R and two CK chondrites, contained low levels of amino acids that were predominantly the straight chain, amino‐terminal (n‐ω‐amino) acids β‐alanine, and γ‐amino‐n‐butyric acid. This amino acid distribution is similar to what we reported previously for thermally altered ureilites and CV and CO chondrites, and these n‐ω‐amino acids appear to be indigenous to the meteorites and not the result of terrestrial contamination. The amino acids may have been formed by Fischer–Tropsch‐type reactions, although this hypothesis needs further testing.
Music therapy with disorders of consciousness: current evidence and emergent evidence‐based practice
Authors: Magee Wendy L. , O'Kelly Julian
Published: March 2015

Patients with prolonged disorders of consciousness (PDOC) stemming from acquired brain injury present one of the most challenging clinical populations in neurological rehabilitation. Because of the complex clinical presentation of PDOC patients, treatment teams are confronted with many medicolegal, ethical, philosophical, moral, and religious issues in day‐to‐day care. Accurate diagnosis is of central concern, relying on creative approaches from skilled clinical professionals using combined behavioral and neurophysiological measures. This paper presents the latest evidence for using music as a diagnostic tool with PDOC, including recent developments in music therapy interventions and measurement. We outline standardized clinical protocols and behavioral measures to produce diagnostic outcomes and examine recent research illustrating a range of benefits of music‐based methods at behavioral, cardiorespiratory, and cortical levels using video, electrocardiography, and electroencephalography methods. These latest developments are discussed in the context of evidence‐based practice in rehabilitation with clinical populations.
Familiarity with music increases walking speed in rhythmic auditory cuing
Authors: Leow Li‐Ann , Rinchon Cricia , Grahn Jessica
Published: March 2015

Rhythmic auditory stimulation (RAS) is a gait rehabilitation method in which patients synchronize footsteps to a metronome or musical beats. Although RAS with music can ameliorate gait abnormalities, outcomes vary, possibly because music properties, such as groove or familiarity, differ across interventions. To optimize future interventions, we assessed how initially familiar and unfamiliar low‐groove and high‐groove music affected synchronization accuracy and gait in healthy individuals. We also experimentally increased music familiarity using repeated exposure to initially unfamiliar songs. Overall, familiar music elicited faster stride velocity and less variable strides, as well as better synchronization performance (matching of step tempo to beat tempo). High‐groove music, as reported previously, led to faster stride velocity than low‐groove music. We propose two mechanisms for familiarity's effects. First, familiarity with the beat structure reduces cognitive demands of synchronizing, leading to better synchronization performance and faster, less variable gait. Second, familiarity might have elicited faster gait by increasing enjoyment of the music, as enjoyment was higher after repeated exposure to initially low‐enjoyment songs. Future studies are necessary to dissociate the contribution of these mechanisms to the observed RAS effects of familiar music on gait.
Music‐evoked emotions: principles, brain correlates, and implications for therapy
Authors: Koelsch Stefan
Published: March 2015

This paper describes principles underlying the evocation of emotion with music: evaluation, resonance, memory, expectancy/tension, imagination, understanding, and social functions. Each of these principles includes several subprinciples, and the framework on music‐evoked emotions emerging from these principles and subprinciples is supposed to provide a starting point for a systematic, coherent, and comprehensive theory on music‐evoked emotions that considers both reception and production of music, as well as the relevance of emotion‐evoking principles for music therapy.
An Experimental Comparison Of Directly And Indirectly Derived Modulation Transfer Functions
Authors: Yang Chia‐Hsiang , Wang Shue‐Chia , Shih Peter T. Y. , Lee Pei‐Shan , Liu Jeng‐Lun
Published: March 2015

The modulation transfer function (MTF) is the indicator most frequently used for image resolution assessment. Traditionally in photogrammetry, the MTF is directly estimated using specifically designed targets such as the USAF 1952 three‐bar resolution test target, but it can also be indirectly derived from the system degradation function known as the point‐spread function (PSF). Theoretically, MTF and PSF are related through a spatial–frequency domain transformation (a Fourier transformation), meaning the same attributes are expressed in different domains. When using real images, however, it is not clear whether these two functions produce the same result. In this study, both spatial and frequency domain approaches were experimentally compared through simulations. Results show that the MTF derived from the PSF has better accuracy than an MTF estimated directly from the resolution target.
Factors that influence sunscreen application thickness and potential preservative exposure
Authors: Novick Rachel , Anderson Grace , Miller Eric , Allgeier Daniel , Unice Ken
Published: March 2015

Background/Purpose

Studies have shown that individuals apply less than the 2 mg/cm2 lotion sunscreen needed to achieve the labeled SPF. However, there is little information regarding the application of spray and stick sunscreens. The objectives of this study were to measure the amount of sunscreen applied to skin by different application methods, to examine the relationship between application and demographic factors, and to evaluate the potential for sensitization from the preservative methylisothiazolinone (MI) in lotion sunscreens.

Methods

Fifty‐two participants applied lotion, spray, and stick sunscreen and answered a questionnaire. Lotion sunscreens were tested for MI content, and a margin of safety for the induction of skin sensitization was calculated.

Results

The geometric means for the application thickness of lotion, spray, and stick sunscreens were 1.1, 1.6, and 0.35 mg/cm2, respectively. Several factors influenced sunscreen application thickness, including age and skin type. The MI concentration in tested sunscreen lotions ranged from <1 to 5.6 ppm, and likely MI exposures were below the threshold for induction of allergy (margin of safety > 8.1).

Conclusions

In this study, sunscreen users applied different amounts of sunscreen depending on the application method, affording different levels of sun protection. Typical use of the sunscreens is not likely to result in MI sensitization.
In vivo visualization of honeycomb pattern, cobblestone pattern, ringed pattern, and dermal papillae by confocal laser scanning microscopy
Authors: Xiang W. , Peng J. , Song X. , Xu A. , Zhang D. , Liu J. , Bi Z.
Published: March 2015

Background

In vivo confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM) represents a promising technique for noninvasive visualization of lesions. Honeycomb pattern, cobblestone pattern, ringed pattern and dermal papillae are terms commonly used to describe CLSM architectures. Understanding of these four terms individually or in combination on confocal images facilitates the diagnosis and differential diagnosis of skin diseases.

Methods

Seventy‐eight patients and 5 healthy controls were enrolled in the study. Their lesions were imaged with the VivaScope 1500 reflectance confocal microscope.

Results

Concerning these four terms mentioned above, they had different features in different skin diseases and played an important role in the understanding of skin diseases individually or in combination.

Conclusion

By understanding the CLSM features of honeycomb pattern, cobblestone pattern, ringed pattern and dermal papillae individually or in combination, the findings support the roles of these characteristic architectures in diagnosis and differential diagnosis of skin diseases.
Integrating learning and research at the "Biomath" conference series
Authors: Anguelov Roumen , Markov Svetoslav
Published: March 2015

We give a short description of the annual international conference series in the field of biomathematics "Biomath". A main goal of this conference series is to attract young scientists and integrate learning and research activities during the meetings and the subsequent publication process. We share our experience on the use of specific organizational formats.
Characteristic Analysis of Pressure Fluctuation in a Three-Stage Rotodynamic Multiphase Pump
Authors: Zhang Jinya , Cai Shujie , Zhu Hongwu , Qiang Rui
Published: March 2015

In order to investigate the pressure fluctuation in a three-stage rotodynamic multiphase pump developed by authors, a bench test is set which choose the mixture of water and air as medium. Nine monitors are set in the pump including the inlet of each impeller, the interfaces of the rotor-stator and the middle section of each impeller. It turns out that the minimum pressure fluctuation is located in the interfaces of the rotor-stator in each stage and the maximum is in the interface of two stages. The domain frequency is the blade passing frequency of the impeller and its multipliers and there is no higher frequency. The coefficients of the pressure fluctuation is first decreased and then increased with the increase of the inlet gas volume fraction at the same rotational speed. But it increases with the increase of rotational speed at the same inlet gas volume fraction.
Vibration Analysis System for a Bicycle With a Rider and Two Infant Seats
Authors: Ota S. , Nishiyama S. , Shinohara T.
Published: March 2015

This paper describes a vibration analysis system for a rider and two infants riding on a bicycle with two infant seats. To examine the vibrations of the rider and infants, a vibration model and a simulation system were designed for this bicycle–rider–infant system. The vibration characteristics in the analytical results were compared with the experimentally measured results. The effects of the vibrations on the occupants owing to the altered centroid of the bicycle were investigated. This investigation indicated that the analytical results corresponded with the measurement results for the occupants. When the centroid of the bicycle was moved forward, the root mean square (RMS) acceleration values for the front infant increased, whereas the maximum acceleration values decreased. In contrast, both the RMS and maximum values of acceleration for the rear infant increased when the centroid of the bicycle was moved forward. However, both the RMS and maximum values of acceleration for the rider increased when the centroid of the bicycle was moved backward. On the basis of these results, a relationship between the centroid of the bicycle and the transient response of the occupants was found by using the proposed vibration analysis system.
An Online Automatic Balancing System to Actively Reduce Vibration of Machine Tool Motorized Spindle
Authors: Fan Hongwei , Jing Minqing , Zhi Jingjuan , Liu Heng , Xin Wenhui
Published: March 2015

Mass imbalance is one of main vibration sources for rotating machine tool spindle, which has many negative effects on spindle bearing and work-piece surface. In order to reduce these harmful effects, an online automatic balancing system is investigated in this paper. The system proposed is composed of sensor, electromagnetic ring balancer and active controller. The electromagnetic ring balancer uses an annular coil to generate the pulsing drive magnetic field and uses the counterweight plate to obtain the required correction mass. When the spindle rotates, if unbalance occurs the proposed balancer will be driven to reach the predetermined angular position under the electromagnetic field to then realize balance, the balanced position can be determined according to the measured signals and the adaptive influence coefficient method. The new single-plane self-balancing motorized spindle and DSP-based controller were developed to validate design of the proposed online active balancing system. The experimental results show that the developed balancing system is effective for vibration suppression of rigid spindle.
Effect of Secondary Air Configuration in Gas Turbine Combustor Firing Natural Gas
Authors: Zaid Akram , Farag Ahmed , Belal Tarek M.
Published: March 2015

The effect of secondary air inlet conditions on natural gas combustor is investigated numerically. Secondary air inlet conditions include its amount, position, total number of inlet ports and its arrangement along the combustor. The secondary air is introduced normally through inlet ports at different levels along the combustor. Each level includes a number of ports distributed around the combustor periphery. The number of ports levels varied from four up to sixteen and the number of ports in each level varied from four up to sixteen ports. Thus, the total number of ports varied from 16 up to 256. The combustor used has an air swirler at its upstream. Primary air, secondary air and fuel lines are also included. The sheer-stress transport (SST) k-omega model was used to simulate the turbulent isothermal flow and the non-premixed combustion model was used to simulate the turbulent reacting flow. For validating the model, a comparison between the measured and the calculated axial temperature distribution is made which show a reasonable agreement. Primary air swirl number of 0.87 and air to fuel ratio of 30 are used in this study. Secondary air leads to a decrease in flame size. For secondary to primary air ratio (SPAR) greater than 0.3, the flame became narrower in diameter and shorter in length. For certain secondary air configuration, NO, CO, CO2 are decreased with secondary air and are further decreased when increasing the value of SPAR.
Application of Homogenization Theory to Study the Mechanics of Cortical Bone
Authors: Hage Ilige S. , Shehadeh Mu'tasem A. , Hamade Ramsey F.
Published: March 2015

Homogenization theory is utilized to study the effect on the axial stiffness of secondary osteons in cortical bone due to the presence of micro porous features (e.g., lacunae, canaliculi clusters, and Haversian canals). Specifically, 2 geometric characteristics were used to describe these features within the secondary osteons: volume fraction (% porosity) and shape (circular- or elliptical-shaped). Such information was determined for each individual porous feature from an image segmentation methodology developed earlier by Hage and Hamade. For each feature, aspect ratio vectors (or arrays of ratios for each individual porous feature) were used to classify each pore inhomogeneity as cylindrical, elliptical or irregular shape. Two prominent homogenization theories were used: the Mori-Tanaka (MT) and the generalized self-consistent method (GSCM). Using the results of image segmentation, it was possible to calculate the respective Eshelby tensors of each porous feature. To calculate the isotropic stiffness tensors for matrix (Cm) and pores (Cp) the Young’s modulus and Poisson’s ratio for the matrix (Em, νm) were assigned as obtained from literature and as those of blood (Ep=10MPa, νp= 0.3), respectively. The effective elastic stiffness tensors (C*) for the secondary osteons were obtained from which axial Young’s modulus was obtained as function of volume fraction (% porosity) of each pore type and their individual shapes. The normalized axial Young’s modulus was found to 1) significantly decrease with increasing volume fraction (%) of porosity and 2) for the same % porosity, to slightly decrease (increase) with increasing ratio of circular-shaped to elliptical-shaped (elliptical-shaped to circular-shaped) porous features. These findings were validated using experimental micro-indentation study performed on secondary osteons.
Experimental Research on Dynamic Characteristics of a Rolling Agricultural Tire: Measurement of Forces Acting on Tire Shaft
Authors: Fujita Katsuhide , Saito Takashi , Kaneko Mitsugu
Published: March 2015

When agricultural machines are operated on pavements, the lug excitation force occurring on a rolling agricultural tire is primary cause of the vibration. Therefore, it is important to investigate the lug excitation force in order to clarify the vibration generation mechanism. In our previous study, it is considered that the dynamic behavior of a rolling agricultural tire is influenced by the vibration characteristics of the tire. Further, only the rigid modes among the natural modes could affect the rolling tire behavior. So, we modeled the tire as a circular rigid ring supported on an elastic foundation with contact model. This rigid ring model can be valid to investigate the lug excitation force, while it is necessary to measure forces acting on tire shaft in order to estimate the lug excitation force. In this study, the test equipment is modified to measure tire shaft forces at rolling, by improved supporting structure equipped with 6-component force transducers and the shaft force characteristics are investigated. It is confirmed that the vibration characteristics of the tire influence the shaft force characteristics.
Frequency Analysis and Interpolated Spectra of Time-Limited Samples in 3D RF Imaging
Authors: Kim HyungTae , Jin KyungChan , Kim SeungTaek
Published: March 2015

Fast Fourier Transform (FFT) calculates integer harmonic components, but ignores other frequency components such as non-integer harmonics and non-harmonics. In a practical sampling problem, the length of a sampled signal is finite and the sampling time is minimized. Therefore, it is necessary for interpolation to improve the accuracy of frequency analysis considering 1/m harmonic components and zero-padding (ZP) technique. The proposed method was applied to a 3D RF profile measurement system and the resolution was improved to 1/m.
Mechanics of Hip Dysplasia Reduction in Infants With the Pavlik Harness Using Patient-Specific Geometry
Authors: Huayamave Victor , Rose Christopher , Zwawi Mohammed , Divo Eduardo , Moslehy Faissal , Kassab Alain , Price Charles
Published: March 2015

A physics-based computational model of neonatal Developmental Dysplasia of the Hip (DDH) following treatment with the Pavlik Harness was developed to obtain muscle force contribution in order to elucidate biomechanical factors influencing the reduction of dislocated hips. Clinical observation indicates that reduction occurs in deep sleep and involves passive muscle action. Consequently, a set of five (5) adductor muscles, namely, the Adductor Brevis, Adductor Longus, Adductor Magnus, Pectineus, and Gracilis were identified as mediators of reduction using the Pavlik Harness. A Fung-type model was used to characterize the hyperelastic stress-strain muscle response. Four grades (1–4) of dislocation as specified by the International Hip Dysplasia Institute (IHDI) were considered. A three-dimensional model of the pelvis-femur-lower limb assembly of a representative 10 week-old female was generated based on CT scans of a 6-month and 14-year old female as well as the visible human project with the aid of anthropomorphic scaling of anatomical landmarks.

The muscle model was calibrated to achieve equilibrium at 90° flexion and 80° abduction. The hip was computationally dislocated according to the grade under investigation, the femur was restrained to move in an envelope consistent with Pavlik Harness restraints, and the dynamic response under passive muscle action and under the effect of gravity was resolved using the ADAMS solver in Solidworks.

Results of the current model with an anteversion angle of 50° show successful reduction IHDI Grades 1–3, while IHDI Grade 4 failed to reduce with the Pavlik Harness. These results are consistent with a previous study based on a simplified anatomically-consistent synthetic model and clinical reports of very low success of the Pavlik Harness for Grade 4. However, our model indicates that it is possible to achieve reduction of Grade 4 dislocation by hyperflexion. This finding is consistent with clinical procedures that utilize hyperflexion to help achieve reduction for patients with severe levels of DDH for whom the Pavlik Harness fails.
A Portable Handheld Oxygen Blender: A Novel Design to Reduce Early Oxygen Toxicity
Authors: Deshpande Girish , Oroskar Gautham , Oswald Derek
Published: March 2015

Oxygen is an essential therapeutic agent used extensively in all hospitals for patients with compromised function of the respiratory or cardiac systems. All patients (with the exception of neonates with certain heart diseases) are resuscitated with 100% oxygen. The American Heart Association Guidelines for Resuscitation state that it is essential in the post-resuscitative phase to decrease the concentration of O2 provided to keep oxyhemoglobin saturation (SpO2) > 94%, with a goal of avoiding hyperoxia while ensuring adequate oxygen delivery. Hyperoxia has been shown to be responsible for worsening tissue injury via oxidative damage following ischemia-reperfusion. Therefore, it is important in the post-resuscitative phase to use the lowest inspired oxygen concentration (FiO2) that will maintain SpO2 ≥ 94%. To address this, clinicians use oxygen blenders: devices that mix room air (21% O2) and medical grade oxygen (100% O2) to create a desirable FiO2. Current oxygen blenders have the disadvantage of being wall-mounted, bulky, and are limited to a small set of oxygen delivery devices (nebulizers, mechanical ventilators) with which they can interface. We developed an oxygen blending device capable of mixing room air and 100% O2 using the venturi principle. The device features a cylindrical body with a venturi nozzle and an entrainment window. It is handheld, portable, and machined from acrylic plastic. An oxygen blender with these features allows for appropriate oxygen therapy during patient transport. As oxygen flows through the device from the inlet orifice, atmospheric air is drawn in through the window, mixed, and then delivered to the patient through the outlet orifice. We designed the outlet orifice to have the same dimensions as the inlet orifice, allowing for universal integration with any device that connects to standard oxygen tubing. The entrainment window area can be adjusted by twisting a cover over the body of the blender, thus adjusting the FiO2 delivery. Using a venturi nozzle of 6.35 mm in diameter and an entrainment window area of 97 mm2, we achieved FiO2 ranging from 40% to 50% using input flow of 100% O2 at 6 L/min at 50 psi (via rotameter). The key feature of this device is that it can be interposed between any standard oxygen tubing allowing control of FiO2 at the bedside of the patient in hospital or during transport. Further work is needed to achieve a wider FiO2 range.
Temperature Measurements in Powder-Bed Electron Beam Additive Manufacturing
Authors: Price Steven , Lydon James , Cooper Ken , Chou Kevin
Published: March 2015

Thermal characteristics such as process temperatures and melt pool sizes offer important information in metal additive manufacturing (AM) technologies such as powder-bed electron beam additive manufacturing (EBAM). In this study, a near infrared (NIR) thermal imager was employed to acquire build surface process temperatures during EBAM fabrications using Ti-6Al-4V powder. Challenges in NIR temperature measurements for EBAM were tackled including compensating temperatures due to the transmission loss and estimating the emissivity of Ti-6Al-4V in its molten state. At a beam speed of about 728 mm/s, a beam current of about 7.2 mA and a diameter of 0.55 mm, the maximum process temperature is on the order of around 2700 °C, and the melt pools have dimensions of about 2.72 mm and 0.72 mm in length and width, respectively.
Understanding Biofilm Growth Dynamics Within a Stagnant Culture of Sporosarcina Pasteurii
Authors: Bhaduri S. , Mitra S. K. , Kumar A.
Published: March 2015

Biofilms are bacterial colonies that form at interfaces, where bacteria are encased in extracellular polymeric substances (EPS). Biofilms are ubiquitous in both artificial systems and our environment. Here we focus on understanding biofilm growth within a stagnant pool of confined diluted culture of the bacteria. Sporosarcina pasteurii is taken as the model bacterium for this study. The motivation behind the choice of this organism stems from the fact that S. Pasteurii has the unique ability to precipitate calcite inside the host media which has tremendous applications in reservoir and restoration engineering. As the biofilm evolves with time inside the confinement, the dynamics of transport is recorded continuously by an optical microscope and the data processed digitally to gain valuable insights into the bio-physical aspects of the system.