bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Role of Commodity Market in Price Discovery Mechanism in India: A Study of Silver
Authors: Dangi Vandana
Published: January 2017

Price discovery is the important function of the commodity derivative market. The long run and causal relationship between two variables establish the price discovery mechanism between the two variables. The present treatise studied the price discovery by statistically testing the cointegration and causality between the spot returns and future returnsof silver. The present study is based on the spot and future prices of silver for a period of five years starting from 1 January 2008 and up to 31 December 2012. Data was studied for stationarity, cointegration and causality by applying Augmented Dickey-Fuller test, Johansen cointegration test and Granger casualty test respectively. The silver price series were found non stationary; and these series were transformed to stationary series by estimating their differentiated log.The results of Johansen cointegration test indicate that the cointegration exists between the spot returns and future returnsof silver. The result of Granger casualty test is unidirectional. The future market leads spot market but the spot market does not lead future market. So, the long run and causal relationship between the spot returns and future returns of silver indicates the virtuous performance of commodity market in the price discovery of silver.
A Study on Cattle Insurance in Villages of Gandhinagar District
Authors: Trivedi Jigna , Kunal Soni Bindiya
Published: January 2017

Livestock enterprises are flourishing business of rural India and are interwoven in socio-economic fabric of villages. 62% of rural India largely depends on dairy farming, which provides supplementary income to crop farmers. Crop farming and cattle rearing are strategic business units of rural enterprise, which provides part-time occupation to women and make them empowered. In the study a noteworthy point was found that women were engaged in cattle rearing from childhood. Cattle must be protected against the various types of risk such as death, disease, epidemic episode, burglary, fodder risk, dry-period risk, and permanent total or partial disability to provide milk etc. It was very rare to see that all the cattle were insured. Cattle insurance was availed due the motivation of Village Cooperative Society (VCS). Insurance was sold on partneragent model and that too from a single company with whom VCS had a close tie-up. Lower amount of cattle valuation proved to be fatal in the event of death of the cattle and its replacement with new cattle, due to escalating prices. Broadening the riders and introduction of novel annuity or medi-claim plans would open up scope for cattle insurance business and safeguard the recipients against major risk inherent in cattle rearing.
Thoracic compression myelopathy due to the progression of dystrophic scoliosis, the presence of a paraspinal tumor, and high and excessive amplitude movement of the shoulder
Authors: Kurosawa Takashi , Yurube Takashi , Kakutani Kenichiro , Maeno Koichiro , Uno Koki , Kurosaka Masahiro , Nishida Kotaro
Published: January 2017

The authors present a case of 45-year-old man with neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF-1) and thoracic scoliosis, previously undergoing fusion surgery, who developed myelopathy. This patient further complained of lightning pain when he extended and horizontally abducted the convex-side shoulder. Radiological examination revealed the progression of dystrophic scoliosis with opened spinal canals and the presence of a neurofibroma behind the spinal cord at the apical levels. Delayed development of spinal instability can occur due to dystrophy even postoperatively in patients with NF-1. After tumor resection, he had rapid recovery from myelopathy and no recurrence of radiating pain despite shoulder movement. These findings provide a speculation that high, intense amplitude movement of the shoulder toward the spinal canal causes the impingement on the neurofibroma, resulting in indirect compression of the exposed spinal cord. This is the first report describing thoracic compression myelopathy associated with paraspinal displacement of the scapula.
Health-related Self-efficacy of Indian Female Employees
Authors: Ram Tika , Laxmi
Published: January 2017

Role of female employees in today’s workforce is increasing at rapid rate but negligence of their health is also not uncommon in India. Globalisation and demands of recovering market in this regard laid burden on female employees to compete in challenging environment. There is strong need to have confidence in them in order to perform and feel well. Therefore, reliable and valid instrument to check the health-related self-efficacy is essential. Present study tried to check the reliability and validity of self-rated abilities for health practices scale (SRAHP) developed by Becker, Stuifbergen, Oh and Hall (1993). The study also examines the differences in health-related self-efficacy of female employees on the basis of demographic characteristics. Findings of the study indicate that observed variables of nutrition, exercise, psychological well-being and responsible health behaviour (RHB) lies in concerned dimension of health-related self-efficacy. The statistical properties are satisfactory to examine health-related self-efficacy even without combining this scale with particular disease. Indian females have moderate level of health-related self-efficacy.
Biologic Approaches for the Treatment of Partial Tears of the Anterior Cruciate Ligament
Authors: Dallo Ignacio , Chahla Jorge , Mitchell Justin J. , Pascual-Garrido Cecilia , Feagin John A. , LaPrade Robert F.
Published: January 2017

Background:

Anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR) has been established as the gold standard for treatment of complete ruptures of the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) in active, symptomatic individuals. In contrast, treatment of partial tears of the ACL remains controversial. Biologically augmented ACL-repair techniques are expanding in an attempt to regenerate and improve healing and outcomes of both the native ACL and the reconstructed graft tissue.

Purpose:

To review the biologic treatment options for partial tears of the ACL.

Study Design:

Review.

Methods:

A literature review was performed that included searches of PubMed, Medline, and Cochrane databases using the following keywords: partial tear of the ACL, ACL repair, bone marrow concentrate, growth factors/healing enhancement, platelet-rich plasma (PRP), stem cell therapy.

Results:

The use of novel biologic ACL repair techniques, including growth factors, PRP, stem cells, and bioscaffolds, have been reported to result in promising preclinical and short-term clinical outcomes.

Conclusion:

The potential benefits of these biological augmentation approaches for partial ACL tears are improved healing, better proprioception, and a faster return to sport and activities of daily living when compared with standard reconstruction procedures. However, long-term studies with larger cohorts of patients and with technique validation are necessary to assess the real effect of these approaches.
Do Muscle Strength Deficits of the Uninvolved Hip and Knee Exist in Young Athletes Before Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction?
Authors: Hannon Joseph , Wang-Price Sharon , Goto Shiho , Garrison J. Craig , Bothwell James M.
Published: January 2017

Background:

Muscle strength of the involved limb is known to be decreased after injury. Comparison with the uninvolved limb has become standard of practice to measure progress and for calculation of limb symmetry indices (LSIs) to determine readiness to return to sport. However, some literature suggests strength changes in the uninvolved limb also are present after lower extremity injury.

Purpose:

To examine the uninvolved limb strength in a population of adolescent athletes after an anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury and compare strength values with those of the dominant limb in a healthy control group.

Study Design:

Cohort study; Level of evidence, 3.

Methods:

A total of 64 athletes were enrolled in this study, including 31with injured ACLs (mean age, 15.6 ± 1.4 years) and 33 healthy controls (mean age, 14.9 ± 1.9 years). The median time from injury to testing was 23 days for the ACL-injured group. Participants underwent Biodex isokinetic strength testing at 60 deg/s to assess quadriceps and hamstring strength. Isometric hip strength (abduction, extension, external rotation) was measured using a handheld dynamometer. The muscle strength of the uninvolved limb of the ACL-injured group was compared with that of the dominant limb of the healthy control group.

Results:

The results showed a significant difference in quadriceps muscle strength between the 2 study groups ( P < .001). Isokinetic quadriceps strength of the uninvolved limb in the ACL group was significantly decreased by 25.5% ( P < .001) when compared with the dominant limb of the control group.

Conclusion:

The results of this study demonstrate a decreased isokinetic strength of the quadriceps muscle in the uninvolved limb after ACL injury as compared with healthy controls. Consideration should be taken when using the uninvolved limb for comparison when assessing quadriceps strength in a population with an ACL injury.
Accredited Orthopaedic Sports Medicine Fellowship Websites
Authors: Yayac Michael , Javandal Mitra , Mulcahey Mary K.
Published: January 2017

Background:

A substantial number of orthopaedic surgeons apply for sports medicine fellowships after residency completion. The Internet is one of the most important resources applicants use to obtain information about fellowship programs, with the program website serving as one of the most influential sources. The American Orthopaedic Society for Sports Medicine (AOSSM), San Francisco Match (SFM), and Arthroscopy Association of North America (AANA) maintain databases of orthopaedic sports medicine fellowship programs. A 2013 study evaluated the content and accessibility of the websites for accredited orthopaedic sports medicine fellowships.

Purpose:

To reassess these websites based on the same parameters and compare the results with those of the study published in 2013 to determine whether any improvement has been made in fellowship website content or accessibility.

Study Design:

Cross-sectional study.

Methods:

We reviewed all existing websites for the 95 accredited orthopaedic sports medicine fellowships included in the AOSSM, SFM, and AANA databases. Accessibility of the websites was determined by performing a Google search for each program. A total of 89 sports fellowship websites were evaluated for overall content. Websites for the remaining 6 programs could not be identified, so they were not included in content assessment.

Results:

Of the 95 accredited sports medicine fellowships, 49 (52%) provided links in the AOSSM database, 89 (94%) in the SFM database, and 24 (25%) in the AANA database. Of the 89 websites, 89 (100%) provided a description of the program, 62 (70%) provided selection process information, and 40 (45%) provided a link to the SFM website. Two searches through Google were able to identify links to 88% and 92% of all accredited programs.

Conclusion:

The majority of accredited orthopaedic sports medicine fellowship programs fail to utilize the Internet to its full potential as a resource to provide applicants with detailed information about the program, which could help residents in the selection and ranking process. Orthopaedic sports medicine fellowship websites that are easily accessible through the AOSSM, SFM, AANA, or Google and that provide all relevant information for applicants would simplify the process of deciding where to apply, interview, and ultimately how to rank orthopaedic sports medicine fellowship programs for the Orthopaedic Sports Medicine Fellowship Match.
Prevalence of Different Optical Coherence Tomography Findings in a Spanish Cohort With High Myopia
Authors: Ruão Miguel , Andreu-Fenoll María , Dolz-Marco Rosa , Gallego-Pinazo Roberto
Published: January 2017

Purpose:

To evaluate the prevalence of different optical coherence tomography (OCT) findings in European patients with high myopia.

Methods:

Cross-sectional study conducted in the Macula Unit of the University and Polytechnic Hospital La Fe (Valencia, Spain). A total of 134 myopic eyes of 69 patients (16 males and 53 females) were included. All patients underwent a spectral domain OCT examination at least once. The presence of tractional and atrophic myopic maculopathy and choroidal neovascularization (CNV) was evaluated through OCT scans.

Results:

The prevalence of tractional myopic maculopathy was found in 53.7% of the eyes. Within this group, 9.7% had foveal retinoschisis, 23.9% extrafoveal retinoschisis, 31.3% internal limiting membrane rigidity, 24.6% epiretinal membrane, and none had vitreomacular traction. The most prevalent OCT finding was chorioretinal atrophy, present in 79.1% of the eyes. Choroidal neovascularization was present in 61.9% of the eyes. There was a trend toward higher prevalence of CNV in eyes with patchy atrophy with foveal involvement compared to those without foveal involvement (81.8% vs 65.5%; P = .103).

Conclusion:

The prevalence of CNV was quite high, especially in patients with patchy atrophy with foveal involvement.
Management of Large Submacular Hemorrhages Due to Exudative AMD Utilizing Pars Plana Vitrectomy, Subretinal Tissue Plasminogen Activator, and Gas Insertion Compared With Antivascular Endothelial Growth Factor Alone
Authors: Liu Enchun M. , Rajagopal Rithwick , Smith Bradley T. , Grand M. Gilbert
Published: January 2017

Purpose:

To assess the outcomes of patients with large submacular hemorrhage (SMH) due to age-related macular degeneration in this era of anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF).

Methods:

Retrospective analysis of 149 eyes of 149 patients receiving pars plana vitrectomy, subretinal tissue plasminogen activator, and gas injection (“surgical group”; n = 80) or anti-VEGF alone (“anti-VEGF group”; n = 69). Changes in visual acuity (VA), number of anti-VEGF injections, and percentage of patients with ≥3 line VA gains are compared between groups.

Results:

Patients in the surgical group had larger SMH than those in the anti-VEGF group, 30.35 versus 14.57 mm2 ( P < .0001). Both groups experienced similar visual gains (−0.35 logarithm of the minimal angle of resolution [logMAR] vs −0.23 in logMAR, surgical vs anti-VEGF group; P = .36). The percentage of patients gaining ≥3 lines of VA was 55% in the surgical group and 54% in the anti-VEGF group. The surgical group achieved best-recorded VA sooner (3.7 compared to 4.6 months; P = .04) and required fewer injections (3.4 injections vs 4.7 in the anti-VEGF group; P = .001).

Conclusion:

Surgical intervention was favored for larger hemorrhages of shorter duration. Despite extensive hemorrhage and poor baseline VA, both groups showed similar rate of significant VA improvement.
Intravitreal Dexamethasone Implant in a Case of Recurrent Posterior Scleritis
Authors: Dubey Nidhi , Minija C. K. , Shanmugam Mahesh P.
Published: January 2017

We report a patient with posterior scleritis who developed a recurrence on systemic immunosuppressive therapy that improved dramatically following an intravitreal dexamethasone implant. A 47-year-old male presented with sudden painless vision decline in the left eye of 3-day duration; corrected visual acuity was 20/200. The anterior chamber depth was shallow, and an exudative retinal detachment with peripheral shallow choroidal detachment was seen. B-scan ultrasonography confirmed findings typical for posterior scleritis. A short course of tapering oral steroids and chronic methotrexate treatment were initiated with resolution of the visual decrease and the ocular abnormalities. Despite the maintenance methotrexate, he returned with a complaint of new visual decline in the left eye. His best-corrected visual acuity was 20/30, and peripheral shallow exudative retinal with choroidal detachment was again noted. Oral steroids were returned to his regimen. His exudative retinal detachment continued to worsen, so pulse intravenous methylprednisolone therapy was started, resulting in minimal improvement. Furthermore, his immunosuppressives had to be modified due to systemic complications. Consequently, an intravitreal dexamethasone implant was injected into the left eye with subsequent improvement in his vision and resolution of his exudative retinal detachment.
Sertraline: A New Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitor
Authors: Tolbert Sandra R. , Fuller Matthew A.
Published: January 2017

Objective:

Sertraline is a naphthylamine antidepressant. It is chemically unrelated to tricyclic, tetracyclic, or other available antidepressant agents. This article evaluates the published clinical trials of sertraline, a new serotonin reuptake inhibitor, for the treatment of depression and obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD).

Data Sources:

English-language journal articles published between 1978 and 1990.

Study Selection:

Five studies comparing sertraline with placebo or amitriptyline were evaluated. All were short-term, double-blind, outpatient studies. Two double-blind, placebo-controlled trials evaluated sertraline in the treatment of OCD.

Data Extraction:

Studies were assessed for sample size, study design, duration of therapy, dosage, adverse effects, and results.

Data Synthesis:

Three of the five studies comparing sertraline with amitriptyline support its efficacy as an antidepressant. The remaining two trials compared placebo with sertraline and had conflicting results. Two studies evaluated sertraline in OCD. One study, which had a small sample size, produced negative results; however, the other study, evaluating a larger sample size, found sertraline to be superior to placebo. The most common adverse effects with sertraline were dry mouth, nausea, diarrhea, male sexual dysfunction, tremor, dyspepsia, and insomnia. The dosage range for sertraline is 50–200 mg, given once daily.

Conclusions:

The results from the clinical trials reviewed suggest that sertraline is an effective antidepressant with efficacy rates similar to amitriptyline. Sertraline appears to be a promising new antidepressant; however, further clinical trials with other tricyclics and serotonin reuptake inhibitors are warranted.
Reassessment of External Insulin Infusion Pumps
Authors: Hotta S. Steven , Adams Diane
Published: January 2017

Objective:

To discuss the potential role of continuous subcutaneous insulin infusion (CSII) therapy in patients with insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus (IDDM).

Data Sources:

Published studies describing intensive insulin therapy are reviewed and evaluated.

Data Synthesis:

CSII delivers insulin at a preset basal rate and at bolus doses, when needed, throughout the day. Although this technology allows for greater lifestyle flexibility, the risks of hypoglycemia and ketoacidosis are also increased if the pump malfunctions. Studies have shown that CSII therapy may offer some advantages over conventional insulin therapy; however, the full impact of these benefits has yet to be determined. The National Institutes of Health has recommended seven commercially available insulin pumps for patient use. Cost ranges between $2000 and $3500; the average lifespan is about five years.

Conclusions:

CSII may be a viable alternative to multiple daily injections for maintaining glycemic control in patients with IDDM who require intensive insulin therapy.
A Primer of Drug Safety Surveillance: An Industry Perspective
Authors: Allan Marjorie C.
Published: January 2017

Objective:

To place the fundamentals of clinical drug safety surveillance in a conceptual framework that will facilitate understanding and application of adverse drug event data to protect the health of the public and support a market for pharmaceutical manufacturers' products. Part III of this series describes management of adverse-event data. This process involves an interplay of regulations, labeling, and product knowledge. Types of databases are defined and the scope of paper files and computerized files is discussed. Database management is discussed in terms of four processes: Receipt, retention, retrieval, and review of adverse-event reports. A summary of the application of the fundamentals to the incident described in the scenario shows that knowledge of the fundamentals may be sufficient to make a substantial contribution to the health of patients and the commercial well-being of manufacturers.

Data Sources:

This review uses primary sources from the federal laws (regulations), commentaries, and summaries. Very complex topics are briefly summarized in the text and additional readings are listed in the appendix. Secondary sources, ranging from newspaper articles to judicial summaries, illustrate the interpretation of adverse drug events and opportunities for drug safety surveillance intervention.

Study Selection:

The reference materials used were articles theoretically or practically applicable in the day-to-day practice of drug safety surveillance.

Data Synthesis:

The role of clinical drug safety surveillance in product monitoring and drug development is described. The process of drug safety surveillance is defined by the Food and Drug Administration regulations, product labeling, product knowledge, and database management. Emphasis is placed on the dynamic interaction of the components of the process. Suggestions are offered to facilitate communication of a review of adverse-event data for various audiences.

Conclusions:

Careful drug safety surveillance is beneficial to the health of the public and the commercial well-being of manufacturers. Attention to the basic principles is essential and, as illustrated, may be sufficient to resolve some problems.
Nebulized Morphine for the Treatment of Dyspnea in Cancer Patients
Authors: Neudeck Brien L , Smith Kelly M
Published: January 2017

Objective:

To review the literature concerning the use of nebulized opioids to treat dyspnea in terminally ill cancer patients.

Data Sources:

English-language journal articles were obtained by a MEDLINE search (1966-August 1997).

Study Selection:

All clinical trials and case reports involving nebulized opioids. Representative studies discussing neurogenic inflammation and pulmonary opioid receptors were also reviewed.

Data Extraction:

Studies were selected for review on the basis of study design and use of nebulized opioids. Case reports were selected from the palliative care literature.

Data Synthesis:

High-density, low-affinity opioid receptors have been identified in lung tissue and may play a role in the alleviation of dyspnea in some patients. The activation of these receptors in the lung may attenuate the release of inflammatory mediators and neuropeptides such as substance P. However, because nebulized opioids are absorbed buccally or through the airway mucosa, the relief observed may be due to a central rather than peripheral effect.

Conclusions:

Several case reports in the palliative care literature have described favorable results when nebulized opioids are used to treat dyspnea. However, data from controlled trials in populations other than patients with cancer do not substantiate the use of nebulized opioids. Unfortunately, controlled clinical trials have not been conducted in cancer patients; thus, extrapolation is difficult. Well-designed clinical trials in patients with cancer are necessary to determine the efficacy of nebulized morphine in treating dyspnea.
Necrotizing Fasciitis Associated with Nonsteroidal Antiinflammatory Drug Use
Authors: Rivey Michael P , Allington Douglas R , Dunham Amanda L Henry
Published: January 2017

Objective:

To describe a case of necrotizing fasciitis (NF) that occurred following minor clean surgery in a seemingly otherwise healthy man who was taking over-the-counter (OTC) ibuprofen 200 mg and aspirin 325 mg before surgery.

Case Summary:

A 71-year-old white man underwent an uncomplicated laparoscopic cholecystectomy. His only medical disorder prior to surgery was osteoarthritis, for which he took OTC-strength ibuprofen; his only other regular medication was one aspirin 325-mg tablet daily for prevention of cardiac disease. Within 48 hours of the surgery, the onset of NF was apparent, and extensive tissue excision and debridement was required 1 week after the operation. All nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) were withheld. The patient survived a complicated clinical course over the next month.

Discussion:

A review of proposed risk factors for the development of NF in the patient indicated surgery and NSAID use. Analysis of the probability of NSAID use as a causative factor for the adverse reaction of NF suggests a possible role. This case suggests that NSAID use in lower OTC dosages may contribute to the onset or course of NF. The case report adds to existing literature suggesting an association between NSAID use and the development or course of NF.

Conclusions:

NSAIDs are widely used drugs, and any association as a causative or provocative factor for NF is a rare finding. However, practitioners should be aware of the proposed association.
Safety and Efficacy of Cefoperazone Plus Sulbactam versus Ceftazidime in the Empiric Treatment of Febrile Neutropenia
Authors: Chandrasekar Pranatharthi H
Published: January 2017

Objective:

To compare the safety and efficacy of cefoperazone plus sulbactam (CPZ + SB) (3 g [2:1] every 8 h) and ceftazidime (CTZ) (2 g every 8 h) as monotherapy in the empiric treatment of febrile neutropenia in patients with cancer.

Patients:

One hundred eighteen cancer patients with chemotherapy-associated neutropenia and fever. Most patients (82) received norfloxacin and fluconazole as prophylaxis.

Results:

Fifty-nine patients were enrolled in the CPZ + SB group, and 59 were enrolled in the CTZ group. The mean duration of antibiotic therapy was less than 10 days in both groups. Forty-three patients (19 in the CPZ + SB group and 24 in the CTZ group) were bacteremic, and 7 others had cellulitis. Of the 56 microorganisms producing bacteremia, 51 were gram-positive bacteria, mostly staphylococci (28 isolates) and streptococci (22 isolates). Gram-positive cocci were more frequently resistant to CTZ than to CPZ + SB (77% vs. 40%, respectively; p < 0.002). However, the clinical response rate at 72 hours of therapy was 53% in the CPZ + SB group and 52% in the CTZ group (p = 1.0). At the end of therapy, clinical responses were similar in the two groups (p = 0.19). Clinical success with antibiotic modification was seen in 42% of the CPZ + SB recipients and in 58% of CTZ recipients (p = 0.10). Bacteriologic eradication among bacteremic patients appeared to be slightly better in the CPZ + SB group (79% vs. 54%; p = 0.09). Except for rashes in 3 patients (1 in the CPZ + SB group and 2 in the CTZ group), both drugs were well tolerated. Adverse events included superinfections, transient elevation of serum transaminase concentrations, diarrhea, and chills.

Conclusions:

CPZ + SB was superior to CTZ in its in vitro activity against aerobic gram-positive cocci encountered in the study; however, the clinical efficacy and safety of the two drug treatments were similar in the empiric therapy for febrile neutropenia.
Trazodone-Associated Syncope in a Patient with Congenital Cardiac Anomalies
Authors: Bhatara Vinod S , Awadallah Sami
Published: January 2017

Objective:

To report a case of trazodone-associated syncope in a 19-year-old woman with congenital cardiac anomalies and to review risk factors and mechanisms involved in this case.

Case Summary:

A 19-year-old woman diagnosed with Noonan syndrome with congenital cardiac anomalies tolerated sertraline, but had a syncopal episode when trazodone was used. There was no recurrence of syncope after the trazodone was discontinued.

Discussion:

The syncopal episode could have resulted from either trazodone or congenital heart disease, but it most likely resulted from a trazodone–congenital heart disease interaction. Trazodone is not cardiotoxic in most patients; our patient was probably vulnerable to the cardiotoxic effects of trazodone due to congenital cardiac defects.

Conclusions:

Trazodone can precipitate arrhythmias or syncope in susceptible patients with heart disease and should be prescribed cautiously in patients with congenital heart disease. In such cases, it may be safer to use a selective serotonin-reuptake inhibitor.
Orientational randomness and its influence on the barrier properties of flake-filled composite films
Authors: Papathanasiou TD , Tsiantis A
Published: January 2017

This direct numerical study investigated the effect of orientational randomness on the barrier properties of flake-filled composites. Over 2500 simulations have been conducted in two-dimensional, doubly periodic unit cells, each containing 500 individual flake cross-sections which, besides being spatially random, assume random orientations within an interval [−ɛ, +ɛ] ([Formula: see text]). We consider long flake systems (aspect ratio α = 50, 100, and 1000) from the dilute (αϕ = 0.01) to the concentrated (αϕ = 15) regime, where (ϕ) is the flake volume fraction. At each (ɛ) and (αϕ), several realizations are generated. At each of those, the steady-state diffusion equation is solved, the mass flux across a boundary normal to the diffusion direction is computed and an effective diffusivity Deff calculated from Fick’s Law. The computational results for Deff are analyzed and the effects of (ɛ) and (αϕ) are quantified. These differ in the dilute (αϕ < 1) and in the concentrated regimes (1 < αϕ < 15). In the dilute regime, the barrier improvement factor is a linear function of (ɛ) and a power function of (αϕ), with the exponent (∼1.07) independent of orientation. In concentrated systems, we find that for aligned flakes or flakes showing small deviations from perfect alignment, the barrier improvement factor approaches the quadratic dependence on (αϕ) predicted by theory. However, the power exponent is found to decrease as (ɛ) increases, from 1.71 in the aligned system (ɛ = 0) to ∼0.9 in the fully random system (ɛ = π/2). We propose a scaling which incorporates the effects of both (αϕ) and (ɛ) on the barrier improvement factor, resulting in a master curve for all (αϕ) and (ɛ). Our results suggest that the anticipated barrier property improvement may not be realized if the flake orientations exhibit a significant scatter around the desired direction.
A review of filled and pristine polycarbonate blends and their applications
Authors: Kausar Ayesha
Published: January 2017

Polycarbonate is an important thermoplastic polymer. Due to its high performance, polycarbonate has a range of engineering applications in construction, automotive, aircraft, data storage, electrical, and telecommunication hardware. However, polycarbonate’s use is limited in advanced applications due to limitations, such as strong hydrophobicity, relatively limited chemical functionality, high melt viscosity, notch sensitivity of mechanical properties, and relative softness. Blending with other thermoplastic polymers improves its physical characteristics. The present review outlines up-to-date developments concerning the design and application of polycarbonate blends. A particular emphasis has been given to establish polycarbonate blends such as:

• polycarbonate/polyethylene

• polycarbonate/poly(methyl methacrylate)

• polycarbonate/poly(vinylchloride)

• polycarbonate/ polystyrene

• polycarbonate/polyurethane

• polycarbonate/polyester

• polycarbonate/poly(ɛ-caprolactone).

To improve the polycarbonate blend properties, fillers including organic and inorganic reinforcement materials (carbon nanotube, montmorillonite nanoclay, and metal nanoparticle) have also been employed. Polycarbonate blend applications in biomedical, flame retardant, and membrane materials have also been reviewed. To fully exploit the future potential for polycarbonate-based engineering materials, the structure–property relationship and compatibilization mechanisms need to be further explored.
The amyloidogenic light chain is a stressor that sensitizes plasma cells to proteasome inhibitor toxicity
Authors: Oliva Laura , Orfanelli Ugo , Resnati Massimo , Raimondi Andrea , Orsi Andrea , Milan Enrico , Palladini Giovanni , Milani Paolo , Cerruti Fulvia , Cascio Paolo , Casarini Simona , Rognoni Paola , Touvier Thierry , Marcatti Magda , Ciceri Fabio , Mangiacavalli Silvia , Corso Alessandro , Merlini Giampaolo , Cenci Simone
Published: January 2017

Key Points

Amyloidogenic PCs show unique PI susceptibility and altered organelle homeostasis, consistent with defective autophagy. Amyloidogenic LC production is an intrinsic cellular stressor that sensitizes to PI toxicity.
Three-dimensional morphological changes of the temporomandibular joint and functional effects after mandibulotomy
Authors: Al-Saleh Mohammed A. Q. , Punithakumar Kumaradevan , Lagravere Manuel , Boulanger Pierre , Jaremko Jacob L. , Wolfaardt John , Major Paul W. , Seikaly Hadi
Published: January 2017

Background

The midline and paramedian mandibulotomy are surgical procedures that divide the mandibular bone into two halves and disconnects the condylar heads of the TMJ from each other. This study aimed to prospectively evaluate the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) functional and morphological changes after mandibulotomy using a reconstructed 3D models of the TMJ.

Methods

Sixteen adult patients diagnosed with oral and oropharyngeal tumors with planned surgical mandibulotomy (test group, 9 patients) or transoral (control group, seven patients) treatments were included in the study. MRI and CBCT images were obtained immediately preceeding surgery and 6–8 weeks after surgery. Using the MRI-CBCT registered images, TMJ tissues were segmented at the two occasions by the same operator and 3D models were reconstructed for morphological assessment. Changes across time were measured using the volume overlap and Hausdorff distance of the disc and condyle 3D models. Disc-condyle relationship was measured using point-based and color map analysis. To assess the early functional changes, the Jaw function limitation scale ( JFLS) and the maximum mouth opening were measured. Two-sample Hotelling T2 t-test was performed to determine the significance of the morphological and clinical outcomes’ differences between the two groups.

Results

The two-sample Hotelling T2 t-test showed significant differences (T2 (df1,df2) = 0.97 (5,26), p <0.01) between the mean values of all outcomes among the 2 groups. The change in disc displacement was significantly different between the two groups ( p <0.05). However, the condylar displacement was not significantly different between the two groups ( p =0.3). The average of the JFLS score was five times larger after mandibulotomy, and was 2 times larger after transoral surgery ( p < 0.01). Patients showed decrease in the average of the maximum interincisal mouth opening by 11 mm after mandibulotomy, and by 5.4 mm after transoral surgery.

Conclusion

The quantitative assessment of the TMJ showed minimal changes of the condylar position and variable degrees of articular disc displacement associated with the paramedian split mandibulotomy. As well, limited jaw functions and vertical mouth opening were noticed more in the mandibultomy group compared to the transoral group in 6- weeks after surgery.
Why Does China Allow Freer Social Media? Protests versus Surveillance and Propaganda
Authors: Qin Bei , Strömberg David , Wu Yanhui
Published: January 2017

In this paper, we document basic facts regarding public debates about controversial political issues on Chinese social media. Our documentation is based on a dataset of 13.2 billion blog posts published on Sina Weibo—the most prominent Chinese microblogging platform—during the 2009–2013 period. Our primary finding is that a shockingly large number of posts on highly sensitive topics were published and circulated on social media. For instance, we find millions of posts discussing protests, and these posts are informative in predicting the occurrence of specific events. We find an even larger number of posts with explicit corruption allegations, and that these posts predict future corruption charges of specific individuals. Our findings challenge a popular view that an authoritarian regime would relentlessly censor or even ban social media. Instead, the interaction of an authoritarian government with social media seems more complex.
ATLANTIS IN SPAIN III
Authors: Papamarinopoulos S.P
Published: January 2017

Plato three times in his text mentioned that the Atlantean events occurred 9000 years before Solon’s 6th century B.C. but once he also mentioned 8000 years for the same events. Taking into account the number of the Athenian Kings and the mean span of their successive generations which is more or less 30 years who governed Athens before the 12th century B.C., it is concluded that all of them together span a 350 year period which of course has nothing to do with the 10th millennium claimed by Plato. These Kings together with Theseus the first King of Athens correspond in the 2ed millennium B.C. The archaeological findings in the Acropolis mentioned by Plato, the collapse of the Achaean World, the loss of the writing system in Greece, the assault of the Atlantes have been proved to be of the 12th century B.C. The ancient sources and the archaeological findings in Egypt show a lunar calendrical system practised by the priests who transmitted the story of Atlantis to Solon in the 6th century B.C. Dividing therefore these thousands of years by 12.37 which is the number of the full moon in a year the platonic dates are landing in the end of the 13th to the beginning of the 12th century B.C. Considering the visibility from Atlantis of the celestial bears which are implied as general North indicators Plato himself invalidated the 10th millennium B.C., as the period of the Atlantean events, since no celestial bears can play such a role as celestial North’s constellation because the Earth’s axis of rotation does not pass through them. This conclusion forces a different interpretation in Plato’s thousands of years for the Atlantean events. The only logical explanation is that the thousands of years is moon months understood as years. Plato used the word island for Atlantis which is associated with events belonging in the late Bronze Age in which the word island had the meaning of either promontory or peninsula. The resolution of this major issue removed entirely the 2400 year misunderstanding between the word island and peninsula since Herodotus in the 5th century B.C. added the word peninsula for first time offering to the island today’s exclusive meaning. In other words Atlantis was as much an island as Peloponnesus was which an island was never. He also used with the common word Atlantis three different geological entities: a giant island, a horseshow basin and a system of concentric rings associated with geothermal springs and with black, white and red rocks.
ATLANTIS IN SPAIN V
Authors: Papamarinopoulos S.P
Published: January 2017

Following strictly Plato’s information we reach Iberia and there we discovered the basic geomorphological characteristics of a horseshow shape flat and elongated basin which is surrounded by mountains. The basin reaches the Atlantic Ocean. This valley is Andalusia and it was missed by Herodotus and Hecateus, who lived a century earlier than Plato, and constructed North West Europe’s map. The Iberian civilization is reflected in the Greek myths prior to Plato too. Atlantis’ catastrophe in the shape of the concentric scheme’s, being in Iberia’s coast, was realized by earthquakes and a tsunami. The discovery of the very first Mycenaean vase’s fragment, in Guadalquivir’s estuary by Spanish archaeologists in 1990, offered the first archaeological evidence that the prehistoric Greeks had visited Atlantis after all before the 12th century B.C. The recent interest of the Spanish Archaeological Survey in Andalusia initiated because it has been proved geologically that the region had not been submerged since the last ice age. New evidence suggests that the waters may have receded in time for the Iberians in the period Tartesssos to build an urban centre, which was later destroyed by earthquakes and a tsunami as Plato describes in Timaeos and Critias for this region. Although platonic Atlantis could not be considered, as Thucydides would prefer, a historical text but it cannot be considered as a single paramyth either since some parts of his text have been proved already. It can be considered as a genuine myth containing a true prehistoric kernel covered firstly by a layer of inventions produced by transmitting people, the story, from generation to generation between the actual occurrence of the event within the 12th century B.C. and Solon’s 6th century B.C. who recorded it and then of the 4th century B.C. when Plato wrote down. Atlantis is also covered by a platonic paramythical layer full of mathematics and musicological information which is recognized and can be removed liberating the genuine myth’s kernel from the platonic intervention.
WANDERING ABOUT MINERALOGY AND PETROLOGY
Authors: Katagas Ch.
Published: January 2017

Over the past few years an intense amount of research on various themes stimulated the development of Mineralogy and all its diversity, and many exciting discoveries have been made. New or technologically developed analytical and experimental methods such as ion microprobe, powerful MAS NMR, LA-ICP-MS, IR, Raman, XAS spectroscopies, beams of high intensity, Synchrotron radiation that enhanced the sensitivity of conventional spectroscopic and XRD techniques, beams of neutrons, widely available information and tremendous computing and modelling facilities have turned out to be excellent tools, promoting the ability of mineralogy in solving global and societal challenges. Mineralogy today offers insights into important scientific issues, including sustainable development, evolution of the Earth and origins of life, deep Earth processes, physics and chemistry of Earth materials, fluids, magmas, igneous rocks and time scales, archaeomineralogy, nano-, geo-, and bio- environmental sciences. The mineralogical sciences today are going through a period of rapid expansion and diversification and this trend is going to continue in future. There is now great potential for much interesting work in the latter areas but also the need to somehow protect the coherence of our discipline.
ΤΗE PELAGONIAN NAPPE PILE IN NORTHERN GREECE AND FYROM. STRUCTURAL EVOLUTION DURING THE ALPINE OROGENY: A NEW APROACH
Authors: Kilias Ad. , Frisch W. , Avgerinas A. , Dunkl I. , Falalakis G. , Al. Et
Published: January 2017

The geometry of kinematics and the deformation history of the Pelagonian nappe pile during the Alpine orogeny have been studied in Northern Greece and FYROM. Deformation was started in Middle-Late Jurassic time and was initially associated with ocean-floor subduction followed by ophiolites obduction, nappe stacking and duplication of the Pelagonian continent. The footwall Pelagonian segment from top to bottom was metamorphosed under greenschist to amphibolit facies conditions and a relative high pressure (T = 450o to 620o C and P = 12,5 to 8 kb). Blueschist facies metamorphic assemblages of Late Jurassic age are immediately developed between both hangingwall and footwall Pelagonian segments. Transgressive Late Jurassic-Early Cretaceous neritic limestones and clastic sediments on the top of the obducted ophiolites are maybe related to extension and basins formation simultaneously with the nappe stacking and metamorphism at the lower structural levels of the Pelagonian nappes. Contractional tectonics and nappe stacking continued during the Albian-Aptian time. Simultaneously retrogression and pressure decreasing taken place at the tectonic lower Pelagonian footwall segment. Low grade mylonitic shear zones, possible related to extension, are developed during Late Cretaceous time simultaneously with basins formation and sedimentation of neritic Late Cretaceous to Paleocene limestones and flysch. Intense shortening and imbrication under semi-ductile to brittle conditions occurred during Paleocene to Eocene time resulting the onset of the dome like formation of the footwall Pelagonian segment. The next stages of deformation from Oligocene to Quaternary are related to brittle extension and the final uplift and configuration of the Pelagonian nappe pile.
GEOLOGICAL AND MAGNETIC SUSCEPTIBILITY MAPPING OF MOUNT GIOUCHTA (CENTRAL CRETE)
Authors: Kokinou E. , Kamberis E. , Sarris A. , Tzanaki I.
Published: January 2017

Giouchta Mt. is located south of Heraklion city, in Crete. It is an N-S trending morphological asymmetric ridge, with steep western slope whilst the eastern slope represents a smoother relief, composed of Mesozoic limestone and Eocene- lower Oligocene flysch sediments of the Gavrovo -Tripolis zone. The present study focuses on the geological structure of Mt. Giouchta. Field mapping and tectonic analysis is performed for this purpose. The dominant structures are contractional in nature, deformed by normal faulting related to the extensional episodes initiated in Serravallian times. The strain pattern in the area is revealed from strain analysis. It is inferred that the orientation of the stress field in the area has changed several times: the N-S, stress field which was dominant during Late Serravallian times changed to NE-SW (in Late Serravallian? - Early Tortonian) and subsequently to WNW-ESE (Early to Middle Tortonian) to become NW-SE in Late Tortonian. This orientation changed also during the Quaternary times trending from NW-SE (Early Pleistocene) to ENE-WSW (Middle Pleistocene-Holocene). In addition to the above, surface soil samples were collected in the wider area of mount Giouchta and they were analyzed in order to determine the magnetic susceptibility. GIS techniques were used for mapping the spatial distribution of the geological features and the magnetic measurements on the topographic relief of the area. Statistical analysis techniques were also applied in order to investigate the relation of faulting and magnetic susceptibility. Maps representing the spatial distribution of the above measurements were created by using appropriate interpolation algorithms.
PATTERNS OF DUCTILE DEFORMATION IN ATTICO-CYCLADIC MASSIF
Authors: Spanos D. , Koukouvelas I. , Kokkalas S. , Xypolias P.
Published: January 2017

The area of Lavrion constitutes the westernmost part of the Attico-Cycladic massif where the allochthonous Cycladic Greenschist-Blueschist unit overthrusts the para-authochthonous Basal unit. The tectonic contact of these units forms a crustal scale thrust zone which is the continuation of the Evia thrust. Our research was focused on quartz-rich schists of the overlying allochthonous unit. Combination of microstructural, finite strain data and quartz and calcite c-axis fabrics analysis was used to characterize the kinematics of rock flow within the thrust zone. The latter was formed under conditions of progressive exhumation and decompression of the high-pressure schists of the AtticoCycladic massif. A dominant top-to-the-ENE sense of shearing along the thrust zone is inferred by several shear sense criteria. The analysis of several specimens collected from various structural depths manifest that the deformation close to the thrust zone occurred under approximately plane strain conditions and was characterized by an Rxz strain ratio which fluctuates between 3 and 6.5.
Επίδραση του Γερμανικού Θεάτρου-Ντοκουμέντο της Δεκαετίας του '60 στη Σύγχρονη Ελληνική Δραματουργία
Authors: Μαράκα Λίλα
Published: January 2017

[Χωρίς περίληψη]
Modeling z-shaped disturbance along the Pedersen ray of oblique sounding ionogram using adaptation of IRI to experimental data
Authors: Романова Елена , Romanova Elena , Котович Галина , Kotovich Galina , Пономарчук Сергей , Ponomarchuk Sergey , Ким Антон , Kim Anton
Published: January 2017

We present the results of numerical modeling of a traveling ionospheric disturbance that causes z-shaped bends at the Pedersen ray of oblique incidence ionograms. The results of trajectory synthesis of oblique incidence ionograms are given for the ionosphere, taking into account the traveling ionospheric disturbance. In the work, we use the International Reference Ionosphere, adapted to experimental data, and the Model of Ionosphere and Plasmasphere.