bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Bone Remodelling Model Based on Generalised Thermodynamic Potentials and Optimisation Applied to a Trabecula with Cyclic Loading
Authors: Tormena F. V. , Mercuri E. G. F. , Hecke M. B.
Published: March 2015

Background: Bone diseases caused by an imbalance of bone turnover represent a major public health concern worldwide. Studies involving bone remodelling mechanisms can assist in the treatment of osteoporosis, osteopenia and in cases of fractures. In recent decades several authors have developed bone remodelling models.

Aim: The aim of this study is to propose a model based on the thermodynamic framework to describe the process of bone remodelling. A secondary aim is to model a trabecula subjected to cyclic loading and calibrate the model with experimental data.

Methods: Thermodynamic potentials are used to generate the functions of state based on internal scalar variables. The evolution of the variables in time is determined by dissipation potentials, which are created through the use of convex analysis. Constitutive equations are solved with mathematical programming algorithms and the numerical implementation of this theory uses the Finite Elements Method for spatial discretization.

Results: The proposed theory was applied to a one-dimensional example, and two situations (an undamaged material and an initially damaged material) were simulated. The one-dimensional example shows a microscopic view of a trabecula under the influence of a growing load cycle throughout 1200 days. This dynamic process may represent the rehabilitation of an athlete, starting with light exercises up to a very heavy physical activity.

Conclusions: The model was able to represent one bone remodelling cycle in the trabecula. Although it is not yet possible to obtain an experimental curve of a traction testin vivo, thein silicomodel showed a process of damage that is similar to the static test of the literature. The results also suggest a modification in the equation adopted for the Helmholtz potential shown here. This study presents a consistent thermodynamic formalism for bone remodelling, which may allow further contributions as the incorporation of chemical reactions, mass transference and anisotropic damage.
Development of a Novel Fully Passive Treadmill Training Paradigm for Lower Limb Therapeutic Intervention
Authors: Huq M. Saiful , Tokhi M. O.
Published: March 2015

A simulation based study of a completely new form of body-weight supported treadmill training (BWSTT) technique which is fully passive in nature is presented in this paper. The approach does not require any powered means at the lower limbs and is implemented using a combination of coordinated joint locking/unlocking and flexible torque transfer mechanisms. The hip extension pertaining to the stance phase of the gait cycle is achieved through the stance foot being literally dragged by the treadmill belt while the required manoeuvring of the trunk is expected to be accomplished by the voluntary arm-support from the subject. The swing phase, on the other hand, is initiated through appropriately coupling the swing knee with the contralateral extending hip and eventually achieve full knee extension through switching the treadmill speed to a lower value. Considering adequate support from the able arms, the process effectively turns the frictional force at the foot-treadmill belt interface into an agent causing the required whole body mechanical energy fluctuation during the gait cycle.

The simulation platform consists of a dynamic planer (sagittal) full body humanoid model along with the treadmill model developed within a CAD based software environment interfaced with passive viscoelastic joint properties implemented in Simulink. The voluntary upper body effort as well as control of the gait cycle are also developed within MATLAB/Simulink environment. The gait cycle generated using the new concept is thoroughly investigated through this simulation study.
Convective Heat Transfer Analysis on Prandtl Fluid Model with Peristalsis
Authors: Alsaedi A. , Batool Naheed , Yasmin H. , Hayat T.
Published: March 2015

The effects of magnetohydrodynamic (MHD) on peristaltic transport of Prandtl fluid in a symmetric channel have been studied under the assumptions of long wave length and low-Reynolds number. Channel walls are considered compliant in nature. Series solutions of axial velocity, stream function and temperature are given by using regular perturbation technique for small values of Prandtl fluid parameter. The effects of physical parameters on the velocity, streamlines and temperature are examined by plotting graphs.
Peristaltic Flow with Inclined Magnetic Field and Convective Boundary Conditions
Authors: Noreen S. , Qasim M.
Published: March 2015

Peristaltic flow of viscous fluid in an asymmetric inclined channel with heat transfer and inclined magnetic field is examined. The convective boundary conditions have been handled. Complexity of emerging equations is simplified by utilizing long wavelength and low Reynolds number approximation. Variation of emerging parameters embedded in flow system are discussed. It is observed that an increase in Brikman number increases the temperature profile. Further, it is seen that temperature distribution is an increasing function of Biot number at lower wall.
Design Considerations of a Lower Limb Exoskeleton System to Assist walking and Load-Carrying of Infantry Soldiers
Authors: Yu Seungnam , Han Changsoo , Cho Ilje
Published: March 2015

This paper describes the development of a wearable exoskeleton system for the lower extremities of infantry soldiers and proposes appropriate design criteria based on existing case studies. Because infantry soldiers carry a variety of equipment, the interference with existing equipment and additional burden of the exoskeleton support system should be minimized. Recent studies have shown that a user only needs to be supported in the gravitational direction when walking on flat terrain; however, active joints are necessary to support walking over rough and sloped terrain such as mountains. Thus, an underactuated exoskeleton system was considered: passive joints are applied to the hip and ankle joints, and active joints are applied to the knee joints to exploit the dynamic coupling effect of the link structure and muscular activation patterns when the user is going up and down stairs. A prototype of the exoskeleton system was developed and validated through a simple stair-climbing experiment.
On Extraction of Chemical Potentials of Quarks from Particle Transverse Momentum Spectra in High Energy Collisions
Authors: Zhao Hong , Liu Fu-Hu
Published: March 2015

We present two methods to extract the chemical potentials of quarks in high energy collisions. The first method is based on the ratios of negatively/positively charged particles, and the temperatures extracted from the transverse momentum spectra of related hadrons are needed. The second method is based on the chemical potentials of some particles, and we also need the transverse momentum spectra of related hadrons. To extract the quark chemical potentials, we would like to propose experimental collaborations to measure simultaneously not only the transverse momentum spectra ofp-,p,K-,K+,π-, andπ+, but also those ofD-,D+,B-, andB+(even those ofΔ++,Δ-, andΩ-) in high energy nuclear collisions.
A Generalization of Electromagnetic Fluctuation-Induced Casimir Energy
Authors: Zheng Yi
Published: March 2015

Intermolecular forces responsible for adhesion and cohesion can be classified according to their origins; interactions between charges, ions, random dipole—random dipole (Keesom), random dipole—induced dipole (Debye) are due to electrostatic effects; covalent bonding, London dispersion forces between fluctuating dipoles, and Lewis acid-base interactions are due to quantum mechanical effects; pressure and osmotic forces are of entropic origin. Of all these interactions, the London dispersion interaction is universal and exists between all types of atoms as well as macroscopic objects. The dispersion force between macroscopic objects is called Casimir/van der Waals force. It results from alteration of the quantum and thermal fluctuations of the electrodynamic field due to the presence of interfaces and plays a significant role in the interaction between macroscopic objects at micrometer and nanometer length scales. This paper discusses how fluctuational electrodynamics can be used to determine the Casimir energy/pressure between planar multilayer objects. Though it is confirmation of the famous work of Dzyaloshinskii, Lifshitz, and Pitaevskii (DLP), we have solved the problem without having to use methods from quantum field theory that DLP resorted to. Because of this new approach, we have been able to clarify the contributions of propagating and evanescent waves to Casimir energy/pressure in dissipative media.
Radiative Heat Transfer in Participating Medium and Dynamic Region Monte Carlo Method by Region Adaption
Authors: Ai Qing , Liu Hua , Xia Xinlin , Sun Chuang , Xie Ming
Published: March 2015

A dynamic region Monte Carlo method (DRMC) is proposed to simulate radiative heat transfer in participating medium. The basic principle and solution procedure of this method is described; radiative heat transfer in a two-dimensional rectangular region of absorbing, emitting, and/or scattering gray medium is analyzed. A comparison between DRMC and the traditional Monte Carlo method (TMC) is investigated by analyzing the simulated temperature distribution, the computing time, and the number of the sampling bundles. The investigation results show that, to compare with TMC, the DRMC can obviously reduce the computing time and storage capacity under the same solution precision for radiative transfer in optically thick medium; the DRMC allows bypassing the difficulties encountered by TMC in the limit of optically thick extinction.
CNP-pGC-cGMP-PDE3-cAMP Signal Pathway Upregulated in Gastric Smooth Muscle of Diabetic Rats
Authors: Cai Ying-Lan , Zhang Mo-Han , Huang Xu , Jiang Jing-Zhi , Piao Li-Hua , Jin Zheng , Xu Wen-Xie
Published: March 2015

Our previous studies have shown that CNP-NPR-B/pGC-cGMP is upregulated in the diabetic rats. The present study was designed to determine whether the upregulation of CNP-NPR-B/pGC-cGMP signal pathway affects cGMP-PDE3-cAMP signal pathway in diabetic gastric smooth muscle. The gastric smooth muscle motility was observed by using isometric measurement. PDEs expressions in diabetic gastric smooth muscle tissue were observed by using immunohistochemistry, Western blotting, and RT-PCR methods. The results demonstrated that the inhibitory effect of CNP on the spontaneous contraction of gastric antral circular smooth muscle was potentiated in STZ-induced diabetic rat. CNP-induced increase of cGMP and cAMP was much higher in diabetic gastric smooth muscle tissue than in controls. The expression of PDE3 is downregulated while the levels of gene expression of PDE1, PDE2, PDE4, and PDE5 were not altered in the diabetic gastric smooth muscle tissue. The results suggest that the sensitivity of gastric smooth muscle to CNP is potentiated via activation of CNP-pGC-cGMP-PDE3-cAMP signal pathway in STZ-induced diabetic rats, which may be associated with diabetes-induced gastric motility disorder.
Luminex and Other Multiplex High Throughput Technologies for the Identification of, and Host Response to, Environmental Triggers of Type 1 Diabetes
Authors: Purohit Sharad , Sharma Ashok , She Jin-Xiong
Published: March 2015

Complex interactions between a series of environmental factors and genes result in progression to clinical type 1 diabetes in genetically susceptible individuals. Despite several decades of research in the area, these interactions remain poorly understood. Several studies have yielded associations of certain foods, infections, and immunizations with the onset and progression of diabetes autoimmunity, but most findings are still inconclusive. Environmental triggers are difficult to identify mainly due to (i) large number and complex nature of environmental exposures, including bacteria, viruses, dietary factors, and environmental pollutants, (ii) reliance on low throughput technology, (iii) less efforts in quantifying host response, (iv) long silent period between the exposure and clinical onset of T1D which may lead to loss of the exposure fingerprints, and (v) limited sample sets. Recent development in multiplex technologies has enabled systematic evaluation of different classes of molecules or macroparticles in a high throughput manner. However, the use of multiplex assays in type 1 diabetes research is limited to cytokine assays. In this review, we will discuss the potential use of multiplex high throughput technologies in identification of environmental triggers and host response in type 1 diabetes.
A New Energy Management Technique for PV/Wind/Grid Renewable Energy System
Authors: Mengi Onur Ozdal , Altas Ismail Hakki
Published: March 2015

An intelligent energy management system (IEMS) for maintaining the energy sustainability in renewable energy systems (RES) is introduced here. It consists of wind and photovoltaic (PV) solar panels are established and used to test the proposed IEMS. Since the wind and solar sources are not reliable in terms of sustainability and power quality, a management system is required for supplying the load power demand. The power generated by RES is collected on a common DC bus as a renewable green power pool to be used for supplying power to loads. The renewable DC power bus is operated in a way that there is always a base power available for permanent loads. Then the additional power requirement is supplied from either wind or PV or both depending upon the availability of these power sources. The decision about operating these systems is given by an IEMS with fuzzy logic decision maker proposed in this study. Using the generated and required power information from the wind/PV and load sides, the fuzzy reasoning based IEMS determines the amount of power to be supplied from each or both sources. Besides, the IEMS tracks the maximum power operating point of the wind energy system.
A Biomechanical Comparison of Two Intramedullary Implants for Subtrochanteric Fracture in Two Healing Stages: A Finite Element Analysis
Authors: Wu Xinlei , Yang Ming , Wu Lijun , Niu Wenxin
Published: March 2015

Background. The biomechanical effect of two implants, namely, proximal femoral nail antirotation for Asia (PFNA-II) and Expert Asian Femoral Nail (A2FN), for treating subtrochanteric fracture during healing stages, is still unclear.Methods. A 3D finite element model of an intact femur was constructed and validated. The fractured and postoperative models were accordingly produced. The postoperative models were loaded with the peak joint forces during gait for the soft and hard callus stages. The effects of stress distribution on the implants, femoral head and callus, and the deformation of the proximal femur were examined.Results. Both implants showed similar biomechanical effect in two healing stages. As the healing duration increased, the von Mises stress of two implants and the tensile stress of the femoral head decreased, whereas the compressive stress of the femoral head increased. However, the PFNA-II operation resulted in higher stress on the implant, lower stress on the proximal femur, and lower compressive stress and higher tensile stress on the callus than A2FN operation.Conclusions. The A2FN implant may provide a biomechanically superior construct for subtrochanteric fracture healing. However, the upper screw of the A2FN implant may be more likely to be loose in the healing process.
A Pilot Study on Gait Kinematics of Old Women with Bound Feet
Authors: Zhang Yan , Feng Neng , Hu Nanzhi , Gu Yaodong
Published: March 2015

Foot binding has a long and influential history in China. Little is known about biomechanical changes in gait caused by bound foot. The purpose of this study was to investigate the differences in lower limb kinematics between old women with bound feet and normal feet during walking. Six old women subjects (three with bound feet and three controls with normal feet) volunteered to participate in this study. Video data were recorded with a high speed video camera and analysed in the SIMI motion analysis software. Compared to normal controls, bound feet subjects had faster gait cadence with shorter stride length as well as smaller ankle and knee range of motion (ROM). During preswing phase, ankle remained to be dorsiflexion for bound foot subjects. The data from bound foot group also demonstrated that toe vertical displacement increased continuously during whole swing phase without a minimum toe clearance (MTC). The findings indicate that older women with bound feet exhibit significant differences in gait pattern compared to those with normal feet, which is characterised by disappeared propulsion/push-off and reduced mobility of lower limb segments.
Elution of Monomers from Provisional Composite Materials
Authors: Schulz Simon Daniel , Laquai Tobias , Kümmerer Klaus , Bolek Richard , Mersch-Sundermann Volker , Polydorou Olga
Published: March 2015

The aim of this study was to evaluate the elution of substances from different materials used for the manufacturing of temporary indirect restorations, after storage in saliva and ethanol 75%. 10 samples of three chemically cured materials (Protemp 3 Garant, Systemp.c&b, and Trim) and one light-cured material (Clip F) were stored in saliva and ethanol 75% for 24 h, 7, and days 28 days. From the storage media at each time period, samples were prepared and analysed by LC-MS/MS, in order to access the elution of monomers. The results differed among the materials (P≤ 0.05). No monomers were detected in the samples of Protemp 3 Garant and Clip F. Substances were detected only in ethanol samples of Systemp.c&b and Trim. The amount of BisGMA, TEGDMA, and UDMA 2 released from Systemp.c&b was higher compared to Trim. Storage time affected the release of substances (P≤ 0.05). The highest release was observed within the first 24 h. It can be concluded that provisional resin composite materials do not show high release of monomers and this release is material dependent. However, the detection of additional peaks during the analysis, suggesting the formation of by-products of the eluted substances, may not be in favour of these materials with respect to their toxicity.
An Enhanced Analytical Target Cascading and Kriging Model Combined Approach for Multidisciplinary Design Optimization
Authors: Jiang Ping , Wang Jianzhuang , Zhou Qi , Zhang Xiaolin
Published: March 2015

Multidisciplinary design optimization (MDO) has been applied widely in the design of complex engineering systems. To ease MDO problems, analytical target cascading (ATC) organizes MDO process into multilevels according to the components of engineering systems, which provides a promising way to deal with MDO problems. ATC adopts a coordination strategy to coordinate the couplings between two adjacent levels in the design optimization process; however, existing coordination strategies in ATC face the obstacles of complicated coordination process and heavy computation cost. In order to conquer this problem, a quadratic exterior penalty function (QEPF) based ATC (QEPF-ATC) approach is proposed, where QEPF is adopted as the coordination strategy. Moreover, approximate models are adopted widely to replace the expensive simulation models in MDO; a QEPF-ATC and Kriging model combined approach is further proposed to deal with MDO problems, owing to the comprehensive performance, high approximation accuracy, and robustness of Kriging model. Finally, the geometric programming and reducer design cases are given to validate the applicability and efficiency of the proposed approach.
Tsallis Statistical Interpretation of Transverse Momentum Spectra in High-EnergypA Collisions
Authors: Li Bao-Chun , Zhang Zhao , Kang Jun-Hui , Zhang Guo-Xing , Liu Fu-Hu
Published: March 2015

In Tsallis statistics, we investigate charged pion and proton production forpCu andpPb interactions at 3, 8, and 15 GeV/c. Two versions of Tsallis distribution are implemented in a multisource thermal model. A comparison with experimental data of the HARP-CDP group shows that they both can reproduce the transverse momentum spectra, but the improved form gives a better description. It is also found that the difference betweenqandq′is small when the temperatureT = T′for the same incident momentum and angular interval, and the value ofqis greater thanq′in most cases.
Experienced Discrimination in Home Mortgage Lending: A Case of Hospital Employees in Northern Italy
Authors: Secchi Davide , Seri Raffaello
Published: March 2015

This article proposes a framework for the analysis of experienced discrimination in home mortgages. It addresses the problem of home mortgage lending discrimination in one of the richest areas of northern Italy. Employees of a local hospital were interviewed to study their perception (or experience) of discriminatory behavior related to home financing. The analysis follows two steps. The first evaluates self-selection (the probability that individuals apply) and the second focuses on the likelihood that applications are accepted by the bank. Findings show that discrimination is likely to appear when the applicant’s nationality is considered. In addition to its findings, the study (a) provides an original econometric model on a two-step procedure to test perceived discrimination and (b) suggests a method and approach that may constitute a point of reference for those willing to study perceived discrimination.
The Influence of International Scope on the Relationship Between Patented Environmental Innovations and Firm Performance
Authors: Bermúdez-Edo Maria , Hurtado-Torres Nuria E. , Ortiz-de-Mandojana Natalia
Published: March 2015

The literature on the natural-resource-based view of firms has mostly focused on the positive relationship between financial performance and environmental innovation. The present study extends this research by addressing recent calls to identify the specific managerial approaches that affect a firm’s ability to financially benefit from an innovative environmental strategy. In particular, the focus is on how the selected international scope of patented environmental innovations affects a firms’ financial performance. The sample used included a 5-year data panel of 3,087 environmental patent applications by the 79 Information and Communication Technology firms in the Financial Times Global 500 firms list. The findings indicate that the geographical scope of the exploitation of environmental patents increases the positive relationship between patented environmental innovation and financial performance whereas the geographical scope of knowledge sourcing of environmental patents does reduce this performance.
The Role of Short-Termism and Uncertainty Avoidance in Organizational Inaction on Climate Change
Authors: Slawinski Natalie , Pinkse Jonatan , Busch Timo , Banerjee Subhabrata Bobby
Published: March 2015

Despite increasing pressure to deal with climate change, firms have been slow to respond with effective action. This article presents a multi-level framework for a better understanding of why many firms are failing to reduce their absolute greenhouse gas emissions, which contribute to climate change. The concepts of short-termism and uncertainty avoidance from research in psychology, sociology, and organization theory can explain the phenomenon of organizational inaction on climate change. Antecedents related to short-termism and uncertainty avoidance reinforce one another at three levels—individual, organizational, and institutional—and result in organizational inaction on climate change. The article also discusses the implications of this multi-level framework for research on corporate sustainability.
Developing social work education in Myanmar
Authors: Costello Susie , Aung U Taik
Published: March 2015

Myanmar is transitioning to democracy after five decades of military rule. The government plans to strengthen the national capacity for social welfare and social work training. Drawing on their experiences in developing and teaching Post-Graduate Diploma in Social Work in Yangon since 2006, the authors consider what forms of social work are relevant to Myanmar in its context as an emerging democracy in the Asia-Pacific region. The authors contend that, grounded in principles of human rights and social justice, Myanmar social workers have key roles to play in determining the future of social work and development in Myanmar.
“The Right-To-The-City Question” and Indigenous Urban Populations in Capital Cities in Cameroon
Authors: Njoh Ambe J
Published: March 2015

This paper explores the implications of state land tenure modernization and urbanization-promotion initiatives for human rights in Cameroon. The aim is to promote understanding of the implications of these initiatives for the right-to-the-city of indigenous urban residents. It is argued that the implications are more severe in politico-administrative headquarters than elsewhere in the country. Three different cities have served, at some point, as national politico-administrative headquarters in Cameroon, the study’s empirical referent. The designation of any city as a politico-administrative headquarters invariably creates a land scarcity problem in that city. The problem is aggravated for the city’s indigenous population by colonial and post-colonial planning policies. For this reason, the policies are said to be in violation of basic human rights as stipulated by the UN Declaration of Universal Human Rights as well as the African Charter.
Theorycrafting the Classroom
Authors: Finseth Carly
Published: March 2015

When games are approached as a pedagogical methodology, the homologies between games and technical communication are highlighted: pedagogy that teaches people to play and succeed within certain confines; classroom assessment that provides meaningful feedback to encourage self-improvement; instructional design that incorporates gaming theory and game design principles; and usability to ensure optimum success. This article provides an overview of these topics for instructors to consider when designing a technical writing course as a game.
The Spatial and Social Network Dimensions of Mobile Communication
Authors: Arie Yossef , Mesch Gustavo S.
Published: March 2015

Studies have shown that ethnic segregation is conducive to social segregation. With the advent of information and communication technologies, mobile communication can support non-local social interactions and reconfigure the network composition of ethnic groups. This study focused on the similarities and differences between ethno-national groups in the structure of their cell phone communications. Data for this study include a sample of 9,099 business customers’ mobile phone calls from an Israeli mobile operator and tested two theoretical explanations. The social stratification approach predicts that mobile communication will reflect the patterns of spatial and social stratification that exist in society. On the other hand, the social diversification hypothesis expects that residentially and socially segregated minority groups will take advantage of mobile communication to diversify their social contacts and to engage in mobile communications with non-local and out-group ties. The findings suggest that in the information society, both structural conditions (the stratification approach) and social incentives (the diversification approach) are relevant for the understanding of inter-ethnic mobile communication, and structural conditions reduced inter-group mobile communication patterns. The Arab Israeli minority was more likely than the Jewish Israeli majority to engage in mobile communication with non-local ties and out-group members. Yet, structural conditions reduced inter-group mobile communication patterns. The theoretical implications of the findings for inter-group mobile communication are discussed.
Implications in medical imaging of the new ICRP thresholds for tissue reactions
Authors: Vañó E. , Miller D.L. , Dauer L.
Published: March 2015

The International Commission on Radiological Protection (ICRP) statement on tissue reactions, issued by the Commission in April 2011, reviewed epidemiological evidence and suggested that there are some tissue reactions where threshold doses are or may be lower than those previously considered. For the lens of the eye, the threshold is now considered to be 0.5 Gy. The absorbed dose threshold for circulatory disease in the heart and brain may be as low as 0.5 Gy. These values can be reached in some patients during interventional cardiology or neuroradiology procedures. They may also be of concern for repeated computed tomography examinations of the head. The new thresholds should be considered in optimisation strategies for clinical procedures, especially in patients likely to require repeated interventions. The new dose thresholds also affect occupational protection for operators and staff. Some operators do not protect their eyes or their brain adequately. After several years of work without proper protection, the absorbed doses to the lens of the eye and the brain of staff can exceed 0.5 Gy. More research is needed to understand the biological effects of cumulative incident air kerma and the instantaneous air kerma rates currently used in medical imaging. The new thresholds, and the need for specific occupational dosimetry related to lens doses, should be considered in radiation protection programmes, and should be included in the education and training of professionals involved in fluoroscopy guided procedures and computed tomography.
Networks, Proximities, and Interfirm Knowledge Exchanges
Authors: Usai Stefano , Marrocu Emanuela , Paci Raffaele
Published: March 2015

Building on previous literature that provides extensive evidence concerning flows of knowledge generated by interfirm agreements, in this article, we aim to analyze how the occurrence of such collaborations is driven by multidimensional proximity among participants and by their position within firms’ networks. More specifically, we assess how the likelihood that two firms set up a partnership is influenced by their bilateral geographical, technological, organizational, institutional, and social proximity and by their position within networks. Our analysis is based on agreements in the form of joint ventures or strategic alliances, announced over the period 2005–2012, in which at least one partner is localized in Italy. We consider the full range of economic activities, which allows us to offer a general scenario and to investigate specifically the role of technological relatedness across different sectors. The econometric analysis, based on the logistic framework for rare events, provided three noteworthy results. First, all five dimensions of proximity jointly exert a positive and relevant effect in determining the probability of interfirm knowledge exchanges, signaling that they complement each other rather than function as alternative channels. Second, the highest impact on probability is due to technological proximity, followed by organizational, geographical, and institutional proximities, while social proximity has a limited effect. Third, we find evidence concerning the positive role played by networks, through preferential attachment effects, in enhancing the probability of interfirm agreements.
Multimodality Management of High‐Risk Head and Neck Basal Cell Carcinoma Requiring Free‐Flap Reconstruction
Authors: Burch M. Benjamin , Chung Thomas K. , Rosenthal Eben L. , Schmalbach Cecelia E.
Published: March 2015

Objectives

(1) Investigate overall survival (OS) and disease‐free survival (DFS) for high‐risk head and neck basal cell carcinoma (HNBCC) requiring large extirpation with free‐flap reconstruction. (2) Determine impact of prognostic features—tumor size, subsite, number of high‐risk features, perineural invasion, and bony invasion—on high‐risk HNBCC survival. (3) Determine survival benefit of adjuvant radiation for high‐risk HNBCC.

Study Design

Case series with chart review (2002‐2013).

Setting

Academic tertiary care center.

Subjects and Methods

Consecutive head and neck patients (N = 431) required free‐flap reconstruction following tumor extirpation, 38 for aggressive HNBCC. All cases were high risk. DFS and OS were examined using Kaplan‐Meier analysis. Prognostic variables and adjuvant radiation were analyzed utilizing Student’s t test for continuous variables and Fisher’s exact testing for categorical dependent variables. Complications were reported.

Results

Mean tumor diameter was 5.17 cm (range, 1.2‐15.0 cm). Mean follow‐up was 19.9 months. Overall 2‐year survival was 80%, falling to 66% at 5 years. Two‐year disease‐free survival was 72%. Six patients recurred (n = 5 local, 1 distant). Adjuvant radiotherapy improved DFS (P <. 01) but not OS (P =. 66). Tumors >2.5 cm did not affect OS (P =. 61), regardless of subsite. Bone involvement (44.7% cases) did not affect DFS (P =. 39) or OS (P =. 18).

Conclusions

Larger HNBCC warranting free tissue transfer do not confer worse outcomes, independent of subsite. Adjuvant radiotherapy does not improve OS but significantly affected DFS, allowing for 13.7 additional months of DFS. Bone involvement does not influence DFS or OS and should not preclude surgery, even in advanced cases requiring free‐flap reconstruction.
News Framing as Identity Performance
Authors: Shahin Saif
Published: March 2015

This study examines how two publications with a common religious affiliation—“Muslim/Islamic”—but different racial affiliations—“indigenous/Black” and “immigrant/Arab”—frame news events. It develops two interrelated ideas. First, identity is not simply an “individual level” but also a higher, “organizational level” of influence on news. Second, news organizations perform their identities in how they frame news. Comparative frame analysis reveals that identity performance, even at the organizational level, is context sensitive. The two publications, Muslim Journal and Islamic Horizons, use similar news frames when their shared religious identity is salient, but framing diverges in contexts where their differing racial identities become active. Racial identities also color how these publications construct and relate to “America.” Conceptualizing news organizations as reflexive actors with fluid identities and news frames as the contextual identity performance of these actors allows us to see how news media simultaneously reflect and reproduce social reality.
Comparison of preferences for end-of-life care among patients with advanced cancer and their caregivers: A discrete choice experiment
Authors: Malhotra Chetna , Farooqui Muhammad Assad , Kanesvaran Ravindran , Bilger Marcel , Finkelstein Eric
Published: March 2015

Background:

Patients with advanced cancer often have to make difficult decisions, such as how much to spend on moderately life-extending treatments. This and other end-of-life decisions are also influenced by their informal caregivers. Understanding the relative value that patients and their caregivers place on various aspects of end-of-life care can help clinicians tailor treatments to best meet the preferences of their patients.

Aim:

To quantify willingness to pay of patients with advanced cancer and their caregivers to extend the patients’ life by 1 year and to compare this result to their willingness to pay for other end-of-life improvements.

Design:

Cross-sectional survey using a discrete choice experiment.

Participants:

A total of 211 patients with stage IV cancer and their informal caregivers.

Results:

The willingness to pay of patients to extend their life by 1 year (S$18,570; 95% confidence interval: S$6687–S$30,542) was not statistically different from their willingness to pay to avoid severe pain (S$22,199; S$11,648–S$32,450), to die at home (S$31,256; S$21,249–S$41,391), not be a burden on family and friends (S$4051; −S$3543 to S$11,568), or to receive a high-quality health-care experience (S$16,191; S$9266–S$23,037). Consistent with our hypothesis, caregivers had a greater willingness to pay than patients to extend life (S$61,368; S$37,030–S$86,210) and for most other end-of-life improvements.

Conclusion:

Results highlight the importance of pain management, supporting home deaths, and addressing other end-of-life concerns, in addition to efforts to extend life. Differences in willingness to pay of patients and caregivers suggest the need for eliciting patient preferences during treatment decision making as opposed to relying on caregiver input.
3-Methyl-methcathinone: Pharmacokinetic profile evaluation in pigs in relation to pharmacodynamics
Authors: Shimshoni Jakob A , Britzi Malka , Sobol Eyal , Willenz Udi , Nutt David , Edery Nir
Published: March 2015

3-Methyl-methcathinone (3-MMC) is a novel, synthetic cathinone analog, recently linked to poisoning events among recreational users. The lack of pharmacological data on 3-MMC, prompted us to explore its pharmacokinetic profile as well as its effect on feeding behavior, weight gain, and serum biochemistry. 3-MMC was administered to male pigs (n=3, three months old) as a single intravenous dose (0.3 mg/kg), followed by a multiple oral dose administration (3 mg/kg) for five days and plasma and tissue concentrations determined. Concomitantly a control group consisting of two healthy male pigs received saline solution instead of 3-MMC according to the same administration schedule. 3-MMC effects on complete blood count, biochemistry, feed intake, and body weight were examined. The pigs were sacrificed and submitted to a pathological and histopathological examination. 3-MMC displayed rapid absorption with a peak concentration achieved within 5–10 min after oral ingestion and a plasma half-life of 0.8 h. The bioavailability was about 7%. 3-MMC tissue levels were below detectable levels 24 h after the last oral dosage. No treatment-related clinical signs were observed and no histopathological findings were detected. 3-MMC caused significant change in daily feed intake and weight gain over time. The animals treated with 3-MMC displayed a lower rate of increase in mean body weight. Caution needs to be practiced in terms of extrapolating the present data to human safety, due to the low sample size, low dosage, and the relatively short study duration as well as the lack of data on abuse potential of 3-MMC.
Influence of the clamps configuration on residual stresses field in friction stir welding process
Authors: Casavola Caterina , Cazzato Alberto , Moramarco Vincenzo , Pappalettere Carmine
Published: March 2015

Friction stir welding is a joining process developed in 1991 by The Welding Institute. This welding technique is a solid-state joining process leading to joints with good mechanical performance and low residual stresses. In all welding techniques, the clamping systems have an important role in determining the quality of the welds and mechanical characteristics. Even more in friction stir welding, the position of the clamps plays a critical role because it is mainly a mechanical process with high forces involved. In this article, the correlation between the residual stress field and configurations of clamps has been established numerically. For this purpose an uncoupled thermo-mechanical finite element analysis has been carried out. The mechanical loads due to the tool have been also implemented into the model. The thermal and mechanical models have been validated on temperature field recorded by an infrared camera and residual stress field measured by X-ray diffraction analysis. The friction stir welding test was conducted on 6-mm-thick 5754 H111 aluminium alloy plates.
Medication overuse, healthy lifestyle behaviour and stress in chronic headache: Results from a population-based representative survey
Authors: Westergaard Maria Lurenda , Glümer Charlotte , Hansen Ebba Holme , Jensen Rigmor Højland
Published: March 2015

Aim

This cross-sectional study investigated associations between chronic headache (CH) with and without medication overuse, healthy lifestyle behaviour, and stress.

Methods

Questionnaires were sent to 129,150 adults. Those with headache ≥15 days per month for three months were classified as having CH then further described as having medication-overuse headache (MOH) or CH without medication overuse. Associations between headache and daily smoking, physical inactivity, obesity, excessive drinking, illicit drug use, and high stress were analysed by logistic regression.

Results

CH with and without medication overuse (prevalence 1.8% and 1.6%, respectively) had strong, graded associations with stress. Associations with daily smoking, physical inactivity, and obesity were significant only for MOH. Odds for MOH were highest among people who had all three factors compared to those who had none (OR 2.8 in women and 5.1 in men). High stress plus any of these three factors had synergistic effects in MOH but not clearly in those who had CH without overuse. Associations between CH subtypes and excessive drinking or illicit drug use were not statistically significant.

Conclusion

Results suggest strong links between healthy lifestyle behaviour and stress in MOH. Stress reduction and promoting healthy behaviour are highly relevant in MOH management.
TENS effects on salivary stress markers: A pilot study
Authors: Ortu E , Pietropaoli D , Mazzei G , Cattaneo R , Giannoni M , Monaco A
Published: March 2015

Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) is extensively used as pain relief through endorphins release. Moreover, recent findings showed a role in the activation of the autonomic nervous system (ANS); it was evidenced by modification in the heart rate variability and ANS-related marker. The objective of this pilot study is to evaluate salivary alpha amylase (sAA) as a marker of stress in two groups of healthy subjects, one receiving ultra-low frequency transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (ULF-TENS) and one without stimulation. Sixty healthy people were enrolled. The test group consisted of 30 participants (15 men, 15 women). The control group consisted of 30 participants (15 men, 15 women). Statistical analysis showed that sAA levels were statistically different between men and women independently from TENS; we hypothesize that treatment could influence sAA levels because it is thought to activate μ opioid receptors. The results of this study seem to indicate that the analysis of sAA, through a non-invasive saliva sample, could be an efficient aid for understanding the functions of the autonomic nervous system.
Snake (Vipera berus) bite: The cause of severe anaphylactic shock and hepatocellular injury
Authors: Pałgan K , Kuźmiński A , Janik A , Gotz-Żbikowska M , Bartuzi Z
Published: March 2015

Vipera berus bites lead to a variety of clinical manifestations. Local swelling, coagulopathy, nephrotoxicity, cardiac effects and myotoxicity are known to be associated with envenoming by a viper bite. Although a variety of clinical manifestations have been reported in viper bite cases, anaphylactic reactions and liver injury events have not been described. We report a unique case of an anaphylaxis and transitional liver cell injury due to a Vipera berus bite in the case of a 58-year-old man with no past history suggestive of allergy and liver disease. These observations need to be further explored with laboratory studies to identify the venom components which could have pre-disposed the patient to the development of these complications.
Anti-biofilm activity of pseudoalteromonas haloplanktis tac125 against staphylococcus epidermidis biofilm: Evidence of a signal molecule involvement?
Authors: Parrilli E , Papa R , Carillo S , Tilotta M , Casillo A , Sannino F , Cellini A , Artini M , Selan L , Corsaro MM , Tutino ML
Published: March 2015

Staphylococcus epidermidis is recognized as cause of biofilm-associated infections and interest in the development of new approaches for S. epidermidis biofilm treatment has increased. In a previous paper we reported that the supernatant of Antarctic bacterium Pseudoalteromonas haloplanktis TAC125 presents an anti-biofilm activity against S. epidermidis and preliminary physico-chemical characterization of the supernatant suggested that this activity is due to a polysaccharide. In this work we further investigated the chemical nature of the anti-biofilm P. haloplanktis TAC125 molecule. The production of the molecule was evaluated in different conditions, and reported data demonstrated that it is produced in all P. haloplanktis TAC125 biofilm growth stages, also in minimal medium and at different temperatures. By using a surface coating assay, the surfactant nature of the anti-biofilm compound was excluded. Moreover, a purification procedure was set up and the analysis of an enriched fraction demonstrated that the anti-biofilm activity is not due to a polysaccharide molecule but that it is due to small hydrophobic molecules that likely work as signal. The enriched fraction was also used to evaluate the effect on S. epidermidis biofilm formation in dynamic condition by BioFlux system.
Impact of smoking on guided tissue regeneration using a biocomposite poly (lactic-co-glycolic) acid/sub-micron size hydroxyapatite with a rubber dam as an alternative barrier
Authors: Stramazzotti D , Coiana C , Zizzi A , Spazzafumo L , Sauro S , D’Angelo AB , Rubini C , Aspriello SD
Published: March 2015

The purpose of our study was to critically evaluate the results obtained from a guided tissue regeneration technique after 12 months using a bocomposite poly (lactic-co-glycolic) acid/sub-micron size hydroxyapatite (PLGA/HA) with a rubber dam as a barrier in smoking and non-smoking patients. We selected 36 patients (18 current smokers and 18 non-smokers) diagnosed with chronic advanced periodontitis with a periodontal site (probing depth [PD] >5) amenable to regenerative surgery. Twelve months after surgery, the periodontal parameters were found to have statistically improved, when non-smokers were compared with smokers, in: PD reduction (6.3 ± 2.1 mm vs. 3.6 ± 1.9 mm); CAL gain (4.4 ± 1.1 vs. 2.8 ± 2.2 mm); recession (1.8 ± 1.4 mm vs. 0.8 ± 0.9 mm); and hard tissue fill (4.7 ± 0.8 mm vs. 2.8 ± 2.1 mm). Furthermore, since we found PD baseline differences between groups, smoking seemed not to influence the outcomes achieved (CAL gain and ΔREC) 12 months post surgery with respect to PD baseline. The use of PLGA/HA with a rubber dam significantly improved the periodontal parameters in both smoking and non-smoking subjects. This improvement was nevertheless lower in smokers than the non-smokers, confirming the negative impact of smoking on periodontal regeneration.
Mechanisms of Partner Violence Reduction in a Group HIV-Risk Intervention for Hispanic Women
Authors: McCabe Brian E. , Gonzalez-Guarda Rosa M. , Peragallo Nilda P. , Mitrani Victoria B.
Published: March 2015

The objective of this study was to test whether partner communication about HIV and/or alcohol intoxication mediated reductions in intimate partner violence (IPV) in SEPA ( Salud [health], Educación [education], Promoción [promotion], y [and] Autocuidado [self-care]), a culturally specific, theoretically based group HIV-risk reduction intervention for Hispanic women. SEPA had five sessions covering sexually transmitted infection (STI)/HIV prevention, partner communication, condom negotiation and use, and IPV. SEPA reduced IPV and alcohol intoxication, and improved partner communication compared with controls in a randomized trial with adult U.S. Hispanic women (SEPA, n = 274; delayed intervention control, n = 274) who completed structured interviews at baseline and 3, 6, and 12 months post-baseline. Parallel process latent growth curve models indicated that partner communication about HIV mediated the reduction in male-to-female IPV in SEPA, B = −0.78, SE = 0.14, p< .001, but alcohol intoxication did not, B = −0.15, SE = 0.19, p = .431. Male-to-female IPV mediated the intervention effect on female-to-male IPV, B = −1.21, SE = 0.24, p< .001. Skills building strategies originally designed to enhance women’s communication with their partners about sexual risk behaviors also worked to reduce male-to-female IPV, which in turn reduced female-to-male IPV. These strategies could be integrated into other types of health promotion interventions.