bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Material Aspects of Hot Rolling and Cooling Conditions for Strips from Martensitic Steel
Authors: Dziedzic Michal , Turczyn Stanislaw , Kuzminski Zbigniew
Published: May 2016

The paper focuses on experimental and numerical investigations of own designed, casted and then hot rolled martensitic steel. In order to understand the effect of the thermo-mechanical rolling parameters on the formation of the microstructure and resulting mechanical properties many tests and experiments have been performed. Martensitic steels offer satisfied balance of cost production, light weight and mechanical properties. These characteristics are achieved by using low alloy steel as a basis, and strict control of rolling conditions, strain rate, cooling rate and coiling temperature.
Arvedi ESP Technology - The Hot Rolling of HS and AHS Thin Gauge Steel Strips
Authors: Venturini Roberto , Avancini Paolo Daniele , Barbier Nicola , Rizzi Alessandro
Published: May 2016

After 5 years from start-up, Arvedi ESP Technology has achieved outstanding performances in terms of production, products and quality. The technology has proved particularly suitable for the production of thin gauge strips (< 2 mm). This paper presents the experiences in the production of high strength and advanced high strength steels, such as micro-alloyed S550MC, dual phase DP600 and ferritic bainitic HR60 in thin gauge strips on the ESP line of Acciaieria Arvedi S.p.A. in Cremona. Some aspects of the industrial production process for these steel grades are highlighted on the basis of casting and rolling parameters and microstructural and mechanical investigation.
Substitution of Rare Earths in Magnesium Alloys
Authors: Hoppe Roland , Kurz Gerrit , Letzig Dietmar
Published: May 2016

Magnesium alloys containing rare earth elements have better properties in terms of of formability, strength and corrosion resistance. Due to the tight supply situation these elements should be partially or complete substituted, for example by calcium. Microstructural studies of casted alloys of new compositions, and the influence of various heat treatments on their microstructure are investigated. The mechanical properties of the rolled materials are also presented and discussed. The works presented in this paper are results of the ongoing BMBF project SubSEEMag.
CD275-Independent IL-17–Producing T Follicular Helper–like Cells in Lymphopenic Autoimmune-Prone Mice
Authors: Smith Christopher , Buhlmann Janet E. , Wang Xiaogan , Bartlett Amber , Lim Bing , Barrington Robert A.
Published: May 2016

T cells undergo homeostatic expansion and acquire an activated phenotype in lymphopenic microenvironments. Restoration of normal lymphocyte numbers typically re-establishes normal homeostasis, and proinflammatory cytokine production returns to baseline. Mice deficient in guanine nucleotide exchange factor RasGRP1 exhibit dysregulated homeostatic expansion, which manifests as lymphoproliferative disease with autoantibody production. Our previous work revealed that autoreactive B cells lacking RasGRP1 break tolerance early during development, as well as during germinal center responses, suggesting that T cell–independent and T cell–dependent mechanisms are responsible. Examination of whether a particular T cell subset is involved in the breach of B cell tolerance revealed increased Th17 cells in Rasgrp1-deficient mice relative to control mice. Rasgrp1-deficient mice lacking IL-17R had fewer germinal centers, and germinal centers that formed contained fewer autoreactive B cells, suggesting that IL-17 signaling is required for a break in B cell tolerance in germinal centers. Interestingly, a fraction of Th17 cells from Rasgrp1-deficient mice were CXCR5+ and upregulated levels of CD278 coordinate with their appearance in germinal centers, all attributes of T follicular helper cells (Tfh17). To determine whether CD278–CD275 interactions were required for the development of Tfh17 cells and for autoantibody, Rasgrp1-deficient mice were crossed with CD275-deficient mice. Surprisingly, mice deficient in RasGRP1 and CD275 formed Tfh17 cells and germinal centers and produced similar titers of autoantibodies as mice deficient in only RasGRP1. Therefore, these studies suggest that requirements for Tfh cell development change in lymphopenia-associated autoimmune settings.
A Novel Technique for Constructing Difference Schemes for Systems of Singularly Perturbed Equations
Authors: Hsieh Po-Wen , Shih Yin-Tzer , Yang Suh-Yuh , You Cheng-Shu
Published: May 2016

In this paper, we propose a novel and simple technique to construct effective difference schemes for solving systems of singularly perturbed convection-diffusion-reaction equations, whose solutions may display boundary or interior layers. We illustrate the technique by taking the Il'in-Allen-Southwell scheme for 1-D scalar equations as a basis to derive a formally second-order scheme for 1-D coupled systems and then extend the scheme to 2-D case by employing an alternating direction approach. Numerical examples are given to demonstrate the high performance of the obtained scheme on uniform meshes as well as piecewise-uniform Shishkin meshes.
Accurate and Efficient Numerical Methods for Computing Ground States and Dynamics of Dipolar Bose-Einstein Condensates via the Nonuniform FFT
Authors: Bao Weizhu , Tang Qinglin , Zhang Yong
Published: May 2016

We propose efficient and accurate numerical methods for computing the ground state and dynamics of the dipolar Bose-Einstein condensates utilising a newly developed dipole-dipole interaction (DDI) solver that is implemented with the non-uniform fast Fourier transform (NUFFT) algorithm. We begin with the three-dimensional (3D) Gross-Pitaevskii equation (GPE) with a DDI term and present the corresponding two-dimensional (2D) model under a strongly anisotropic confining potential. Different from existing methods, the NUFFT based DDI solver removes the singularity by adopting the spherical/polar coordinates in the Fourier space in 3D/2D, respectively, thus it can achieve spectral accuracy in space and simultaneously maintain high efficiency by making full use of FFT and NUFFT whenever it is necessary and/or needed. Then, we incorporate this solver into existing successful methods for computing the ground state and dynamics of GPE with a DDI for dipolar BEC. Extensive numerical comparisons with existing methods are carried out for computing the DDI, ground states and dynamics of the dipolar BEC. Numerical results show that our new methods outperform existing methods in terms of both accuracy and efficiency.
On Fully Decoupled, Convergent Schemes for Diffuse Interface Models for Two-Phase Flow with General Mass Densities
Authors: Grün Günther , Guillén-González Francisco , Metzger Stefan
Published: May 2016

In the first part, we study the convergence of discrete solutions to splitting schemes for two-phase flow with different mass densities suggested in [Guillen-Gonzalez, Tierra, J.Comput.Math. (6)2014]. They have been formulated for the diffuse interface model in [Abels, Garcke, Grün, M3AS, 2012, DOI:10.1142/S0218202511500138] which is consistent with thermodynamics. Our technique covers various discretization methods for phase-field energies, ranging from convex-concave splitting to difference quotient approaches for the double-well potential. In the second part of the paper, numerical experiments are presented in two space dimensions to identify discretizations of Cahn-Hilliard energies which are ϕ-stable and which do not reduce the acceleration of falling droplets. Finally, 3d simulations in axial symmetric geometries are shown to underline even more the full practicality of the approach.
A New Weak Galerkin Finite Element Scheme for the Brinkman Model
Authors: Zhai Qilong , Zhang Ran , Mu Lin
Published: May 2016

The Brinkman model describes flow of fluid in complex porous media with a high-contrast permeability coefficient such that the flow is dominated by Darcy in some regions and by Stokes in others. A weak Galerkin (WG) finite element method for solving the Brinkman equations in two or three dimensional spaces by using polynomials is developed and analyzed. The WG method is designed by using the generalized functions and their weak derivatives which are defined as generalized distributions. The variational form we considered in this paper is based on two gradient operators which is different from the usual gradient-divergence operators for Brinkman equations. The WG method is highly flexible by allowing the use of discontinuous functions on arbitrary polygons or polyhedra with certain shape regularity. Optimal-order error estimates are established for the corresponding WG finite element solutions in various norms. Some computational results are presented to demonstrate the robustness, reliability, accuracy, and flexibility of the WG method for the Brinkman equations.
Maternal and Perinatal Mortality in the 21st Century
Authors: Antsaklis Aris
Published: May 2016

The maternal mortality ratio measures how safe it is to become pregnant and give birth in a geographic area or a population. The total number of maternal deaths observed annually fell from 526,000 in 1980 to 358,000 in 2008, a 34% decline over this period. Similarly, the global MMR declined from 422 in 1980 to 320 in 1990 and was 250 per 100,000 live births in 2008, a decline of 34% over the entire period and an average annual decline of 2.3%.

More specifically, in 1990 around 58% of maternal deaths worldwide occurred in Asia and 36% in sub-Saharan Africa. In contrast, in 2008, 57% of global maternal deaths occurred in sub-Saharan Africa and 39% in Asia. In Europe, the main causes of death from any known direct obstetric complication remains bleeding (13%), thromboembolic events (10.1%), complicationassociated birth, hypertensive disease of pregnancy (9.2%), and amniotic fluid embolism (10.6%).

Preterm birth is the most common cause of perinatal mortality (PNM) causing almost 30% of neonatal deaths, while birth defects cause about 21% of neonatal deaths. The PNM rate refers to the number of perinatal deaths per 1,000 total births. Perinatal mortality rate may be below 10 for certain developed countries and more than 10 times higher in developing countries. Perinatal health in Europe has improved dramatically in recent decades. In 1975, neonatal mortality ranged from 7 to 27 per 1,000 live births in the countries that now make up the EU. By 2005, it had declined to 8 per 1,000 live births.

We need to bring together data from civil registration, medical birth registers, hospital discharge systems in order to have European Surveys which present exciting research possibilities.

How to cite this article

Antsaklis A. Maternal and Perinatal Mortality in the 21st Century. Donald School J Ultrasound Obstet Gynecol 2016;10(2):143-146.
Screening for Fetal Aneuploidies in 1st Trimester
Authors: Athanasiadis Apostolos P , Zavlanos AI
Published: May 2016

Effective screening of fetal aneuploidy started in the early 1960s, initially based on the age of the mother. Recent screening protocols based on various maternal serum factors and on new ultrasound techniques during the 1st and 2nd trimester offered to all pregnant women noninvasive prognostic methods for risk assessment of chromosomal abnormalities and performanceinvasive prenatal diagnostic methods only in high-risk cases. In this review, we discuss the ultrasound and biochemical markers of chromosomal abnormalities in the 1st trimester, the evaluation of free fetal deoxyribonucleic acid in the peripheral blood of pregnant women, and different antenatal screening protocols as known today.

How to cite this article

Athanasiadis AP, Zavlanos AI. Screening for Fetal Aneuploidies in 1st Trimester. Donald School J Ultrasound Obstet Gynecol 2016;10(2):147-153.
Diagnosis and Counseling of Fetal Mild Ventriculomegaly
Authors: D'Addario Vincenzo , Cialdella M , Volpe G
Published: May 2016

Mild ventriculomegaly (MVM) is defined as a lateral ventricular diameter measured at the level of the atrium of .10 mm but < 15 mm. Prenatal evaluation includes targeted sonographic examination for central nervous system (CNS) and extra- CNS abnormalities (present in 41.4% of the cases), and diagnostic amniocentesis for chromosomal analysis (3% of chromosomopaties in isolated cases) and infectious disease studies (1.5% incidence). Individualized patient counseling is based on these test results. Optimal postnatal care involves appropriate pediatric neurologic and developmental specialists.

Learning objectives

After completion of this article, the reader will be able to define the normal appearance and size of the fetal cerebral ventricles, to list the conditions associated with MVM, and to counsel the parents properly.

How to cite this article

D'Addario V, Cialdella M, Volpe G. Diagnosis and Counseling of Fetal Mild Ventriculomegaly. Donald School J Ultrasound Obstet Gynecol 2016;10(2):154-159.
Epidemiology and Prevention of Fetal Death and Stillbirth
Authors: Dudenhausen Joachim W , Grünebaum Amos
Published: May 2016

In high-income countries, the stillbirth rate did not change during the last decades. For prevention of stillbirth we need an international consens about risk factors, causes and classification of stillbirth, national fetal registries and standadized protocols for stillbirth evaluation. The knowledge from these data may lead to further prevention strategies.

How to cite this article

Dudenhausen JW, Grünebaum A. Epidemiology and Prevention of Fetal Death and Stillbirth. Donald School J Ultrasound Obstet Gynecol 2016;10(2):160-162.
Early Neonatal Morbidity after Term Delivery: How should We respond?
Authors: Stanojevic Milan , Leko Lana
Published: May 2016

Aim

The aim of this retrospective study was to investigate the influence of gestational age and mode of delivery at term on early neonatal morbidity and mortality in a tertiary maternity center in a 10-year period.

Materials and methods

The data were derived from the medical records between January 1, 2005, and December 31, 2014, from the University Hospital “Sveti Duh,” Zagreb, Croatia. There were 30,363 live born term infants included in the study. The data from the medical records have been used to analyze their mode of delivery, morbidity, and mortality.

Results

Term newborn infants delivered by cesarean section (CS) had increased prevalence of lower Apgar scores, resuscitation, neonatal convulsions, and neonatal encephalopathy, respiratory pathology (except for amniotic fluid aspiration), and mechanical ventilation. Early and late neonatal deaths were more prevalent in term infants delivered by CS. The prevalence of birth trauma (except for facial nerve palsy) and hyperbilirubinemia was significantly increased in vaginally born neonates. The prevalence of perinatal infections was equal in both groups of infants. Morbidity and mortality of term newborn infants presented as prevalence per 1,000 live born, regardless of the mode of a delivery week by week from 37 through 41 weeks of gestation, were also investigated. The highest prevalence for most of the observed parameters were at 37 to 41 weeks of gestation, while the lowest prevalence was observed at a gestational age between 39 and 40 weeks. This was not the case for the 1st and the 5th minute 4 to 7 Apgar scores, birth injuries, respiratory pathology, and late neonatal deaths.

Conclusion

Early-term delivery was connected with more morbidity and mortality in the early neonatal period. It seems that the best gestational age to be born is at 39 to 40 weeks of gestation. Mode of delivery at term counts as well, showing that vaginal delivery at term had the lowest risk of morbidity and mortality.

How to cite this article

Stanojevic M, Leko L. Early Neonatal Morbidity after Term Delivery: How should We respond? Donald School J Ultrasound Obstet Gynecol 2016;10(2):180-184.
Lake spray aerosol generation: A method for producing representative particles from freshwater wave breaking
Authors: May Nathaniel W. , Axson Jessica L. , Watson Alexa , Pratt Kerri A. , Ault Andrew P.
Published: May 2016

Abstract. Wave breaking action in bodies of freshwater produces atmospheric aerosols via a similar mechanism to sea spray aerosol (SSA) from seawater. The term lake spray aerosol (LSA) is proposed to describe particles formed by this mechanism, which have been observed over the Laurentian Great Lakes. Though LSA has been identified from size distribution measurements during a single measurement campaign, no measurements of LSA composition or relationship to bubble bursting dynamics have been conducted. A LSA generator utilizing a plunging jet, similar to many SSA generators, was constructed for the generation of aerosol from freshwater samples and model salt solutions. To evaluate this new generator, bubble and aerosol number size distributions were measured for salt solutions representative of freshwater (CaCO3) and seawater (NaCl) at concentrations ranging from that of freshwater to seawater (0.05–35 g L−1), synthetic seawater (inorganic), synthetic freshwater (inorganic), and a freshwater sample from Lake Michigan. Following validation of the bubble and aerosol size distributions using synthetic seawater, a range of salt concentrations was investigated. Decreasing salt concentrations from seawater to freshwater led to greater bubble coalescence and formation of larger bubbles, which generated larger particles and lower aerosol number concentrations. The systematic studies of the model salts, synthetic freshwater, and Lake Michigan sample indicate that LSA is characterized by a larger bubble size distribution, compared to seawater, with a peak near 300 μm. This resulted in a bimodal aerosol size distribution with a primary mode (180 ± 20 nm) larger than that of SSA, and a secondary mode (46 ± 6 nm) smaller than that of SSA. This new method for studying LSA under isolated conditions is needed as models, at present, utilize SSA parametrizations for freshwater systems, which are not accurate for predicting climate properties of the different size distributions observed for LSA. Given the abundance of freshwater globally, this potentially important source of aerosol needs to be thoroughly characterized, as the sizes produced are relevant to light scattering, cloud condensation nuclei (CCN), and ice nuclei (IN) concentrations over the bodies of freshwater.
Climate and resource information as tools for dealing with farmer-pastoralist conflicts in the Sahel
Authors: Mertz Ole , Rasmussen Kjeld , Rasmussen Laura Vang
Published: May 2016

Abstract. Conflicts between pastoralists and farmers in the Sahel arise from competition over land and water resources or because of livestock damages to crops. Rather than being linked to larger environmental change processes such as climate change, they are often causes by inappropriate zoning of land, governance and unequal power relations between stakeholders in the conflicts. In this paper, we explore whether improved weather and resource information and improvement in its communication could prevent conflicts or reduce their severity. Based on a survey of key stakeholders and studies on pastoral access to and use of information, we conclude that improved information may both reduce and increase the level of conflict, depending on the context. Communication of improved information will need to go beyond just the weather and resource information and also include the multiple options for herd movements as well as providing information on herd crowding and potential conflict areas.
Combined measurement and modeling of the hydrological impact of hydraulic redistribution using CLM4.5 at eight AmeriFlux sites
Authors: Fu Congsheng , Wang Guiling , Goulden Michael L. , Scott Russell L. , Bible Kenneth , G. Cardon Zoe
Published: May 2016

Abstract. Effects of hydraulic redistribution (HR) on hydrological, biogeochemical, and ecological processes have been demonstrated in the field, but the current generation of standard earth system models does not include a representation of HR. Though recent studies have examined the effect of incorporating HR into land surface models, few (if any) have done cross-site comparisons for contrasting climate regimes and multiple vegetation types via the integration of measurement and modeling. Here, we incorporated the HR scheme of Ryel et al. (2002) into the NCAR Community Land Model Version 4.5 (CLM4.5), and examined the ability of the resulting hybrid model to capture the magnitude of HR flux and/or soil moisture dynamics from which HR can be directly inferred, to assess the impact of HR on land surface water and energy budgets, and to explore how the impact may depend on climate regimes and vegetation conditions. Eight AmeriFlux sites with contrasting climate regimes and multiple vegetation types were studied, including the Wind River Crane site in Washington State, the Santa Rita Mesquite savanna site in southern Arizona, and six sites along the Southern California Climate Gradient. HR flux, evapotranspiration (ET), and soil moisture were properly simulated in the present study, even in the face of various uncertainties. Our cross-ecosystem comparison showed that the timing, magnitude, and direction (upward or downward) of HR vary across ecosystems, and incorporation of HR into CLM4.5 improved the model-measurement matches of evapotranspiration, Bowen ratio, and soil moisture particularly during dry seasons. Our results also reveal that HR has important hydrological impact in ecosystems that have a pronounced dry season but are not overall so dry that sparse vegetation and very low soil moisture limit HR.
Precipitation ensembles conforming to natural variations derived from a regional climate model using a new bias correction scheme
Authors: Kim Kue Bum , Kwon Hyun-Han , Han Dawei
Published: May 2016

Abstract. This study presents a novel bias correction scheme for regional climate model (RCM) precipitation ensembles. A primary advantage of using model ensembles for climate change impact studies is that the uncertainties associated with the systematic error can be quantified through the ensemble spread. Currently, however, most of the conventional bias correction methods adjust all the ensemble members to one reference observation. As a result, the ensemble spread is degraded during bias correction. Since the observation is only one case of many possible realizations due to the climate natural variability, a successful bias correction scheme should preserve the ensemble spread within the bounds of its natural variability (i.e. sampling uncertainty). To demonstrate a new bias correction scheme conforming to RCM precipitation ensembles, an application to the Thorverton catchment in the south-west of England is presented. For the ensemble, 11 members from the Hadley Centre Regional Climate Model (HadRM3-PPE) data are used and monthly bias correction has been done for the baseline time period from 1961 to 1990. In the typical conventional method, monthly mean precipitation of each of the ensemble members is nearly identical to the observation, i.e. the ensemble spread is removed. In contrast, the proposed method corrects the bias while maintaining the ensemble spread within the natural variability of the observations.
Localized Coherence of Freak Waves
Authors: Latifah Arnida L. , van Groesen E.
Published: May 2016

Abstract. This paper investigates in detail a possible mechanism of energy convergence leading to freak waves. We give examples of a freak wave as a (weak) pseudo-maximal wave to illustrate the importance of phase coherence. Given a time signal at a certain position, we identify parts of the time signal with successive high amplitudes, so-called group events, that may lead to a freak wave using wavelet transform analysis. The local coherence of the critical group event is measured by its time spreading of the most energetic waves. Four types of signals have been investigated; dispersive focussing, normal sea condition, thunder storm condition, and an experimental irregular wave. In all cases presented in this paper, it is shown that a high correlation exists between the local coherence and the appearance of a freak wave. This makes it plausible that freak waves can be developed by local interactions of waves in a wave group and that the effect of waves that are not in the immediate vicinity is minimal. This indicates that a local coherence mechanism within a wave group can be one mechanism that leads to the appearance of a freak wave.
Monitoring offshore wind farm power performance with SCADA data and advanced wake model
Authors: Mittelmeier Niko , Blodau Tomas , Kühn Martin
Published: May 2016

Abstract. Wind farm underperformance can lead to significant losses in revenues. Efficient detection of wind turbines operating below their expected power output and immediate corrections help maximise asset value. The presented method estimates the environmental conditions from turbine states and uses pre-calculated power matrices from a numeric wake model to predict the expected power output. Deviations between the expected and the measured power output are an indication of underperformance. The confidence of detected underperformance is estimated by detailed analysis of uncertainties of the method. Power normalisation with reference turbines and averaging several measurement devices can reduce uncertainties for estimating the expected power. A demonstration of the method’s ability to detect underperformance in the form of degradation and curtailment is given. Underperformance of 8 % could be detected in a triple wake condition.
Laser Peripheral Iridotomy Changes Anterior Chamber Architecture
Authors: Theinert Christian , Wiedemann Peter , Unterlauft Jan D.
Published: May 2016

Purpose

The pressure gradient between anterior and posterior chamber in acute angle closure (AAC) and primary angle closure suspects is balanced by a sufficient laser peripheral iridotomy (LPI). The anterior chamber changes induced by LPI in patients with unilateral AAC were examined and compared to healthy eyes to define threshold values, which may help to discriminate between healthy and diseased eyes.

Methods

Using Scheimpflug photography, anterior chamber depth (ACD), anterior chamber volume (ACV), anterior chamber angle (ACA), and central corneal thickness (CCT) were measured before and after LPI in both eyes of unilateral AAC cases. These measurements were compared to a group of healthy control eyes to determine threshold values for ACD, ACV, and ACA.

Results

The ACD, ACV, and ACA increased significantly in the 25 AAC eyes after LPI. The ACD, ACV, ACA, and CCT values in the AAC eyes obtained before LPI were compared to a control group of 59 healthy eyes with wide open chamber angles. The cutoff values revealed by receiver operating characteristic analysis were 2.1 mm for ACD, 90.5 mm2 for ACV, and 27.25° for ACA.

Conclusions

Our results confirm the significant changes of the anterior segments architecture induced by LPI in AAC eyes. The found threshold values for ACD, ACV, and ACA may help in daily clinical routine to discriminate between healthy eyes and those in need for a prophylactic LPI.
Quality of Reduction and Prognosis of Developmental Dysplasia of the HIP: A Retrospective Study
Authors: Ge Yihua , Cai Haiqing , Wang Zhigang
Published: May 2016

Introduction

Using limited MRI we evaluated the quality of closed reduction and prognosis in a group of patients with developmental dysplasia of the hip (DDH).

Methods

Limited MRI was performed on 28 DDH patients (41 hips) after closed reduction. All the hips were divided into deep and incomplete concentric reduction groups according to the femoral head-acetabular distance (FAD) and the shape of the labrum on limited MRI. The abduction angle of the hips, and the initial and final acetabular index (AI) were measured. Presence or absence of the ossification centre of the femoral head before treatment, the Tönnis classification and avascular necrosis of the femoral head and types (Bucholz and Ogden type) were recorded. The data of the 2 groups were analysed with SPSS software.

Results

We found no significant differences in age, gender, side, preoperative ossification centre of the femoral head, preoperative AI, decreased postoperative AI and abduction angles of hips between the 2 groups. There were significant statistical differences in the preoperative Tönnis grade, FAD after reduction, AI at the final follow-up, severe residual deformity and severe avascular necrosis of the femoral head (p<0.05). The cure rate showed a significant trend (p = 0.052).

Conclusions

Limited MRI enables effective determination of the quality of reduction immediately after closed reduction. The prognosis of the deep concentric reduction group was better than the group with incomplete concentric reduction.
Quantification of Pelvic Tilt and Rotation by Width/Height Ratio of Obturator Foramina on Anteroposterior Radiographs
Authors: Kanazawa Masayuki , Nakashima Yasuharu , Arai Takayuki , Ushijima Takahiro , Hirata Masanobu , Hara Daisuke , Iwamoto Yukihide
Published: May 2016

Objective

Compared to sagittal pelvic tilt, only a few studies have examined axial rotation on anteroposterior radiographs. We therefore quantified 3-D pelvic rotation using the width and height ratio of the obturator foramina under the various pelvic tilts.

Methods

Using CT reconstructions of 10 healthy pelvises, anterior pelvic planes (APPs) were rotated by 20° in 5° increments on the axial plane with various degrees of sagittal pelvic tilt. The correlation between the pelvic rotation angle and the width ratio (WR) in the axial plane and the height/width ratio (H/W) in the sagittal plane were examined.

Results

Axial pelvic rotation and WR showed a high linear correlation regardless of the sagittal tilt, with the correlation coefficient ranging from 0.93 to 0.98 in males and 0.87 to 0.95 in females. The angle that resulted in a WR of 1:2 was approximately 13° in males and 18° in females. H/W also showed a linear regression with sagittal tilt. Axial rotation was determined by the following equation incorporating pelvic tilts; axial rotation (male:female) = (19.9:24.2) + (2.1:3.6) × Hright/Wright + (0.9:1.5) × Hleft/Wleft - (23.2:25.1) × WR.

Conclusions

Pelvic tilt and rotation could be quantified by the equation using width and height ratios of the obturator foramina on a plain anteroposterior radiograph. Width and height ratios of the obturator foramina proved to be useful parameters in clinical practice for understanding pelvic rotation.
Return to Sports Activity with Short Stems or Standard Stems in Total HIP Arthroplasty in Patients Less than 50 Years Old
Authors: Del Piccolo Nicolandrea , Carubbi Chiara , Mazzotta Alessandro , Sabbioni Giacomo , Filanti Mattia , Stagni Cesare , Dallari Dante
Published: May 2016

Background

The aim of this study was to compare return to sport activity between a short femoral cementless stem and a conventional femoral cementless stem in total hip arthroplasty in patients 50 years old and younger.

Methods

We retrospectively reviewed 55 patients (61 hips) treated with a short femoral cementless stem and 28 patients (32 hips) treated with a conventional femoral cementless stem 50 years old and younger from December 2009 and December 2014. Their mean age was 39.86 (22-49) years and 38.68 (18-49) years, respectively. The mean follow-up was 54.1 (15-68) months and 52.7 (15-72) months, respectively. They were pre- and postoperatively evaluated by the clinical and radiological examination.

Results

No patients with the short stem had intraoperative fracture, but 1 patient with the conventional stem had intraoperative fracture. At final follow-up, there was no statistically significant difference in Harris Hip Score, and radiographic review level between 2 stems. No hip with the short stem had thigh pain, but 6 hips with the conventional stem had thigh pain at the final follow-up. No component was revised for aseptic loosening in either group. There were no differences observed in the return to sports activity between the 2 groups.

Conclusions

Our study demonstrated that both short cementless stem and conventional cementless stem provided stable fixation and achieved a satisfactory result in patients 50 years old and younger. There is no difference in return to sports activity level after the procedure.
HIP Osteochondral Lesions: Arthroscopic Evaluation
Authors: Fontana Andrea , Mancini Donato , Gironi Antonello , Acerbi Alberto
Published: May 2016

Background

Hip arthroscopy has allowed the diagnosis and treatment of chondral injuries.

Methods

We retrospectively analysed the intraoperative data of 359 patients treated with hip arthroscopy from January 2012 to December 2013. We estimated the frequency, location and extension of acetabular cartilage (AC) injuries and their correlation to femoroacetabular impingement (FAI).

Results

Grade 1 and 2 acetabular chondral lesions were not statistically significant in incidence, location and extension. Chondral lesions were absent on the acetabulum in 3.9% of cases, significantly lower compared to the femoral head (32.0%). 101 (28.1%) were affected by an acetabular chondral lesion. In 244 (68.0%) the chondral lesion was located on both acetabulum and femoral head. On the acetabulum, peripheral superior and superior-posterior area were frequently involved. Grade 4 acetabular chondral defects showed a significant high location on the superior-anterior, superior and superior-posterior area, involving both the peripheral and central surface. Delamination was present in 113 (31.5%) patients. Patients affected by acetabular delamination showed a reduced injury extension if compared to grade 3 or 4. 81 patients (25%) revealed acetabular chondral lesions grade 2a, 3 and 4 without any radiological, clinical or arthroscopic sign of FAI.

Conclusions

Location, extension and degree of hip chondral lesions show a progression toward a progressive degeneration. The high percentage of chondral delamination in the hip must be taken in consideration. The presence of symptomatic chondral lesion in cases with no radiological evidence of FAI, suggests that their aetiopathogenesis could be related to biomechanical alterations.
Mini-Open Approach for Femoroacetabular Impingement: 10 Years Experience and Evolved Indications
Authors: Bellotti Vittorio , Cardenas Carlomagno , Astarita Emanuele , Moya Esther , De Meo Federico , Ezechieli Marco , Ribas Manuel
Published: May 2016

Introduction

Femoroacetabular impingement (FAI) has been proposed as a possible cause of early osteoarthritis of the hip. The treatment of this condition and its related lesions can be performed by 3 methods: surgical dislocation of the hip; pure arthroscopic; and anterior mini-open technique with or without arthroscopic assistance.

Methods

We describe the anterior mini-open technique and report our experience over the last decade in the treatment of FAI and different associated pathologies of the hip.

Results

This technique was found to be safe and reliable, allowing tissue preservation and providing a clinical improvement similar to the purely arthroscopic-treated patient, even in complex cases.

Discussions

According to our experience there are several presentations of FAI and associated hip conditions, where other authors advocate surgical dislocation, which can be conducted through a mini-open approach when increased surgical skills are reached. Moreover, this technique was found to be useful as an additional tool to consider, even for surgeons involved in the arthroscopic learning curve.
Maximum Surgical Effort is Warranted for Recurrent Adult Granulosa Cell Tumors of Ovary
Authors: Karalok Alper , Ureyen Isin , Tasci Tolga , Basaran Derman , Turkmen Osman , Boran Nurettin , Cirik Derya Akdag , Kimyon Gunsu , Tulunay Gokhan , Turan Taner
Published: May 2016

Purpose

Adult granulosa cell tumor (AGCT) of ovary is a rare tumor and usually has a benign course. Due to its indolent nature, recurrences are observed in a wide period and data on management of recurrences in AGCT are relatively sparse. We aimed to evaluate the clinical features, management, and survival of patients with recurrent AGCT.

Methods

The data of 144 patients with AGCT treated in Etlik Zubeyde Hanim Teaching and Research Hospital between 1990 and 2013 were retrospectively evaluated. Patients with radiologic or pathologic recurrences were included in the analysis.

Results

A total of 18 patients (12.5%) with recurrent AGCT were included. Median follow-up was 97.5 months (range 6-255 months). A total of 16 patients underwent salvage surgery and maximal debulking was achieved in 13 patients. Ten patients had unifocal and 8 had multifocal tumors. Maximal debulking could be achieved in all patients with unifocal recurrence. On the other hand, maximal debulking could only be obtained in 3 patients (37%) with multifocal recurrence (p = 0.031). Multifocality of recurrent disease and the presence of residual tumor after surgery were associated with diminished progression-free survival and overall survival (31 vs 207 months, p = 0.031; and 22 vs 220 months, p = 0.005, respectively).

Conclusions

Multifocal recurrence and suboptimal surgery were related with poor survival outcomes in patients with AGCT recurrence. Surgical treatment of recurrent AGCT should aim to achieve no visible disease.
Crizotinib Primary Resistance Overcome by Ceritinib in a Patient with ALK-Rearranged Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer
Authors: Facchinetti Francesco , Caramella Caroline , Auger Nathalie , Planchard David , Adam Julien , Lacroix Ludovic , Remon Jordi , Massard Christophe , Soria Jean-Charles , Friboulet Luc , Besse Benjamin
Published: May 2016

We report on the case of a patient affected by advanced non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) harboring an anaplastic lymphoma kinase (ALK) gene rearrangement who did not respond to crizotinib but subsequently benefited from treatment with ceritinib (LDK378). Although second-generation ALK inhibitors have shown activity in patients pretreated with crizotinib who experienced secondary resistance, this is the first report to date describing their efficacy in a case of primary resistance. Of note, none of the previously described molecular mechanisms explaining resistance to crizotinib was detected on either the initial or post-crizotinib biopsies. We hypothesize that crizotinib was powerless in controlling disease progression due to its inadequate inhibition of ALK signaling. Although we lack any molecular evidence elucidating the primary crizotinib resistance, we believe that ceritinib treatment led to tumor regression thanks to its superior biological potency.
Management and Therapeutic Response of a Prostate Ductal Adenocarcinoma: A Still Unknown Tumour?
Authors: Martorana Eugenio , Micali Salvatore , Pirola Giacomo Maria , Reggiani Bonetti Luca , Clò Vera , Ghaith Ahmed , Bianchi Giampaolo
Published: May 2016

Ductal adenocarcinoma is a rare subtype of prostate cancer with a worse prognosis.

Histologically, it is characterized by the presence of tall, pseudostratified columnar epithelium with abundant cytoplasm organized in a papillary or cribriform-papillary pattern. Several clinical differences distinguish this subtype of prostate cancer by the conventional acinar adenocarcinoma: exophytic growth into the prostatic urethra, different clinical presentation, different sites of metastasis and more aggressiveness. The rarity of this tumour forced to base our knowledge on small case series or on individual case reports, and does not help to establish appropriate guidelines. Therefore, the diagnosis of this tumour masks clinical implications that are still not well-understood.

We report the case of a 69-year-old Caucasian man with a diagnosis of pure prostate ductal adenocarcinoma that early developed multiple metastases after radical prostatectomy. The patient started hormonal therapy with a fast biochemical and radiologic (positron emission tomography–computed tomography, PET-CT) hormonal escape. Therefore, we took the decision to perform chemotherapy with Taxotere along with prednisolone with a relative stability of prostate-specific antigen (PSA) level, but a new PET-CT scan showed a further progression of the disease. Finally, the patient underwent therapy with Abiraterone acetate that did not stop the cancer progression.

No therapeutic options available showed a good control of disease progression. PSA proved to be a poor marker while, on the contrary, PET-CT scan has proved to be particularly useful in the management of the disease progression. More efforts are required to add new knowledge about this tumour and assess what is known until now.
Single Laser Incision for Treatment of Congenital Bladder Neck Sclerosis: New Technique
Authors: Mattioli Stefano , Picinotti Alessandro , Burgio Andreina
Published: May 2016

Introduction

The primary bladder neck obstruction (PBNO) has been recognized in 41-45% of young men suffering from a chronic lower urinary tract symptom (LUTS). Few studies are published in the literature about the use of laser devices in the surgical treatment of PBNO and none about the use of Thulium laser. The aim of our study is to report the results of our follow-up in the endoscopic treatment of PBNO with Thulium laser.

Materials and methods

From January 2012 to January 2015, we treated 214 patients using Thulium laser for primary bladder neck sclerosis. All patients had symptoms suggestive of LUTS or prostatism: filling or irritative symptoms and voiding or obstructive symptoms. In 157 patients, the incision was performed unilaterally at 7 o'clock of the bladder neck. In 57 cases, bilateral incision was performed at 5 and 7 o’ clock without vaporizing the tissue between the two incisions. We chose to make the incision bilaterally in cases wherein a single incision was not enough to solve the obstruction from the bladder neck and prevent a recurrence. Bladder irrigation was used overnight in all cases, and the catheter was removed after 24 hours.

Results

One hundred ninety-six patients enrolled completed 1-year follow-up: 157 patients underwent unilaterally incision and 39 bilateral incision. In 179 cases (91.3%), there was unchanged antegrade ejaculation, while reduced semen volume was reported by 14 men (7.1%) and retrograde ejaculation by only 3 (1.5%), but these patients underwent bilateral incision. The quality of orgasm and sexual satisfaction was not permanently changed by the operation.

Conclusions

In patients with PBNO, it is possible to perform endoscopic treatment with Thulium laser that we think is an effective and safe procedure, not affecting sexual functioning and particularly retrograde ejaculation.
Review of non-Welsh residents' unintentional injuries presenting to an Emergency Department in South Wales: A nine-year retrospective study
Authors: Battle Ceri E , Evans Vanessa , Evans Phillip A
Published: May 2016

Background: Non-residents visiting an area often have limited local knowledge of the natural environmental conditions, exacerbating their risk of unintentional injuries. The aim of this study was to determine the impact of unintentional injuries of non-Welsh residents presenting to the Emergency Department of a regional trauma unit in South Wales. Methods: A retrospective hospital database review was undertaken from 2006 to 2014. All patients presenting to the ED with a non-Welsh postcode, with a diagnosis of unintentional injury were included in the study. Data collected included age, sex, time of year of presentation, injury mechanism, body part injured and patient outcome. Descriptive data were recorded and analysed. Results: From 2006 to 2014, overall attendance of non-Welsh residents to the ED was 4323. A total of 2961 (68%) patients were male, with a median age of 28 (IQR: 18–47). The most common time of year for non-Welsh resident presentations to the ED was the summer. A mechanical fall was the most commonly reported mechanism of injury. There was a significantly higher prevalence of mechanical falls and alleged assaults in the non-resident cohort, when compared to residents presenting with unintentional injuries (both p < 0.001). Conclusions: This is the first study to investigate unintentional injuries of non-Welsh residents and their impact on an ED in the UK. Further prospective research is needed in order to investigate whether the introduction of new public health policies impact on ED services in tourist areas in the UK.
Regional blocks for the management of acute traumatic pain in the emergency department
Authors: Bashir Khalid , Pervaiz Muhammad Arshad , Shehata Osama Mohammad Ali , Khan Sibghatullah
Published: May 2016

Regional blocks provide adequate analgesia in trauma patients. The aim of this study was to review the current practice of emergency department physicians in the use of regional blocks.

A cross-sectional survey was conducted among emergency department physicians and anesthesiologists. The response rate was 100% (n = 107). 79% (n = 57) of the anesthesiologists were found to provide regional blocks however, 48.5% (n = 17) of emergency physicians administer local blocks. Only 2.8% of emergency physicians held a formal qualification in regional anesthesia.

There is a need to train ED physicians in regional blocks so that the pain in trauma patients can be managed early.
A contribuição da noção de tecnoestética de Gilbert Simondon para o projeto de transformação da tecnologia de Andrew Feenberg
Authors: Carvalho Jairo Dias
Published: May 2016

resumo: O objetivo do artigo é explicitar o projeto de transformação da tecnologia de Andrew Feenberg a partir do conceito de design e da noção de tecnoestética de Gilbert Simondon. Queremos entender qual seria o papel da tecnoestética na transformação do design da tecnologia. O uso das categorias tecnoestéticas, como prazer no uso dos objetos técnicos e a incorporação deste uso ao sentido do eu, pode fornecer um critério para a intervenção democrática na constituição do design dos objetos técnicos?abstract: The article explains Andrew Feenberg’s project of transforming technology through Gilbert Simondon’s concept of design and his notion of the techno-aesthetic. We want to understand what role the techno-aesthetic would play in the transformation of technological design. Can the use of techno-aesthetic categories (like pleasure in the use of technical objects) and the incorporation of this use in the self’s sense provide a criterion for democratic intervention in the constitution of technical objects’ design?
A questão técnica e a condição humana em Hannah Arendt e Karl Marx
Authors: Vieira Júlia Lemos
Published: May 2016

resumo: A crítica de Hannah Arendt a Karl Marx perpassa a questão da técnica. Arendt sugerira que Marx contribuíra para a elevação do animal laborans à condição humana moderna quando indicou que a emancipação humana estaria na vitória dos trabalhadores. Empreenderemos uma refutação à crítica de Arendt, indicando que Marx recusa a tradicional cisão entre vida ativa e vida contemplativa, para se opor à alienação do homem no  labor, e não o contrário. Indicaremos, assim, que Marx estava mais próximo de Arendt do que ela imaginava, dado ter criticado justamente a redução do homem a uma atividade que acaba por dar a todas as demais atividades uma forma meramente utilitária. Para ambos é preciso evitar empreender uma inversão hierárquica do pensar sobre o agir.abstract: Hannah Arendt’s critique to Karl Marx permeates the question of technique. Arendt suggested that Marx had contributed to elevate the animal laborans to the modern human condition when he indicated that human emancipation would lie in the workers’ victory. This text affords a rebuttal to this criticism of Arendt, indicating that Marx refuses the traditional split between vita activa and vita contemplativa in order to oppose the alienation of man to labor. We will indicate that Marx was closer to Arendt than she imagined, since he rightly criticized the reduction of man to an activity that ends up giving to all other activities a purely utilitarian form. To both of them it is necessary to avoid undertaking a hierarchical reversal of thinking over acting.