bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The relationship between lingual and hypoglossal nerve function and quality of life in head and neck cancer
Authors: Elfring T. , Boliek C. A. , Winget M. , Paulsen C. , Seikaly H. , Rieger J. M.
Published: November 2013

Sensorimotor impairment of the tongue has the potential to affect speech and swallowing. The purpose of this study was to critically examine the effects of nerve preservation and reinnervation after reconstruction of the base of tongue on patient‐perceived outcomes of quality of life (QoL) related to speech and swallowing through completion of the EORTC QLQ‐H&N35 stan‐dardised questionnaire. Thirty participants with a diagnosis of base of tongue cancer underwent primary resection and reconstruction with a radial forearm free flap, which may or may not have included nerve repair to the lingual nerve, hypoglossal nerve or both. Eight QoL domains sensitive to changes in motor and sensory nerve function were included in the analysis. Transected lingual and hypoglossal nerves were associated with difficulty in swallowing, social eating, dry mouth and social contact. There were fewer problems reported when these nerves were either repaired or left intact. There were no significant differences between patient nerve status and QoL outcomes for speech, sticky saliva and use of feeding tubes. This study was the first to examine the impact of sensory or motor nerve transection and reconstruction on health‐related QoL outcomes.
Combining Cluster Analysis, Surface Response Methodology and JAR Scales to Increase Consumer Input in Optimizing Acceptability of a High‐Protein Soy Dessert
Authors: Arancibia Carla , Bayarri Sara , Costell Elvira
Published: November 2013

Acceptance of a new high‐protein (6.75 g/serving), citrus‐flavored, soy‐based dessert with different concentrations of sucrose (5–17%) and citrus flavor (50–350 ppm) has been optimizing using the response surface method (RSM) in conjunction with consumer segmentation and with just‐about‐right (JAR) scales. Relationships between acceptability scores and composition variables were determined for the overall consumer population (130 consumers) and for two subgroups of consumers with different preference criteria, identified by cluster analysis. While for subgroup I (44 consumers) the composition factors did not show a clear influence on acceptability, for subgroup II (86 consumers) acceptability was well explained in terms of sucrose and citrus flavor contents (R2 = 94.4). Results obtained using JAR scales showed that the main differences between both consumer subgroups were related to adequacy of citrus flavor, sweetness and consistency data. Relating JAR percentages and hedonic data provide useful information for explaining differences in hedonic scores.

Practical Applications

The design of soy‐based dessert formulations, with adequate protein content and good sensory quality, is important to ensure their market success. It is important to take consumer opinions into account during formulation development to obtain a marketable product. In this respect, considering possible differences in preference criteria among consumer populations and combining information provided by RSM and by JAR scales can be very useful. Such tools can help to improve product acceptance through the modification of product formulation.
Personality Classification of Consumers: A Comparison of Variables, Standardization and Clustering Methods
Authors: Cherdchu Panat , Chambers Edgar
Published: November 2013

The use of personality trait measurement is increasing in sensory evaluation for linking certain variables (i.e., consumption behavior and product preferences) to particular attributes. For this study, 976 consumers rated agreement on 44 statements from the Big Five Inventory using a 5‐point Likert‐type scale. Data handling methods for personality segmentation were compared: (1) the original 44 variables versus the five computed personality variables; (2) standardization versus nonstandardization of data; and (3) k‐means versus Ward's hierarchical clustering method used with principal component analysis.

Results indicate using the five computed variables in mapping gave higher percentages of explained variability because of the small number of input variables. However, maps created from the 44 individual variables illustrated that participants were distributed throughout and separated visually into groups. Standardization of the data set did not affect mapping or classification. k‐means and Ward's clustering methods provided different classification results within the same data set.

Results suggest that when using the Big Five personality traits measurement, the original 44 unstandardized variables and k‐means clustering should be used for obtaining consumer segmentation because this captures the greater variability inherent in the 44 variable tests and easily separates consumers into personality groups.

Practical Applications

Previous research has demonstrated that demographic and economic information provides insufficient explanation for consumer preference and other subjective responses. An application of personality research would aid researchers in understanding psychological factors that influence subjective responses. The study suggests that when using the Big Five personality traits tool, taking time to compute five personality traits is not needed and, in fact, detracts from grouping consumers into clusters. In addition, there is no need to standardize data during data preparation. However, selecting and using an appropriate clustering method for placing consumers into personality groups does impact the outcome. Based on this research k‐means clustering is recommended. The personality classification could be applied in consumer segmentation for a better understanding of consumers.
Testosterone Levels and Sexual Function Disorders in Depressive Female Patients: Effects of Antidepressant Treatment
Authors: Kumsar Şükrü , Kumsar Neslihan Akkişi , Sağlam Hasan Salih , Köse Osman , Budak Salih , Adsan Öztuğ
Published: November 2013

Introduction

Women suffer from depression more frequently than men, which indicates that sex hormones might be involved in the etiology of this disease.

Aims

The purpose of this study was to assess the relationship between testosterone and depression pathophysiology in depressive women along with sexual function. We also investigated whether antidepressant treatment causes any change in levels of this hormone or in sexual function.

Methods

Premenopausal female patients aged 25–46 years (n = 52) with diagnosed major depression were included in this study as the patient group, and 25- to 46-year-old premenopausal women without depression (n = 30) were included as the control group.

Main Outcome Measures

Serum testosterone and sex hormone-binding globulin (SHBG) levels were measured twice, before and after the antidepressant treatment. Bioavailable testosterone (cBT) levels were calculated using the assay results for total testosterone (TT), SHBG, and albumin according to the formulas of Vermeulen et al. Depression severity was measured using the 17-item Hamilton Depression Rating Scale, and sexual function was evaluated with the Arizona Sexual Experience Scale.

Results

The mean TT and cBT levels significantly increased in the patient group after the antidepressant treatment (P < 0.001). Pre-treatment TT and cBT levels were significantly lower in the patient group than in the control group (P < 0.001). Similar results were obtained for post-treatment serum TT and cBT levels in the patient and control groups (P > 0.05). There were no significant differences among the groups in terms of SHBG level.

Conclusion

The low testosterone levels in depressed women compared with women in the control group and the elevated levels post-pharmacotherapy suggest that testosterone may be involved in depression.
Visualizing hepatitis B virus with biarsenical labelling in living cells
Authors: Sun Shuzhen , Yan Jingjun , Xia Chao , Lin Yuanyuan , Jiang Xiaorui , Liu Haojing , Ren Huanping , Yan Junwei , Lin Jusheng , He Xingxing
Published: November 2013

Background

Study on viruses has greatly benefited from visualization of viruses tagged with green fluorescent protein (GFP) in living cells. But GFP tag, as a large inserted fragment, is not suitable for labelling Hepatitis B virus (HBV) that is a compact virion with limited internal space.

Aim

To visualize HBV in living cells, we constructed several recombinant HBV fluorescently labelled with biarsenical dye to track the behaviour of HBV in the cytoplasm of infected cells.

Methods

By mutagenesis, a smaller size tetracysteine (TC) tag (C‐C‐P‐G‐C‐C) that could be bound with a biarsenical fluorescent dye was genetically inserted at different cell epitopes of HBV core protein expressed in transfected cells.

Result

Confocal microscopy and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) observations showed that TC‐tagged core proteins bound with biarsenical dye could specifically fluoresce in cells and be incorporated into nucleocapsid to form fluorescent virions. The recombinant fluorescent HBV virions retained their infectivity as wild‐type ones. Moreover, tracking of fluorescent HBV particles in living cells reveals microtubule‐dependent motility of the intracellular particles.

Conclusion

To the best of our knowledge, this is the first time to generate fluorescent HBV virions with biarsenical labelling and to visualize their trafficking in living cells. The fluorescent HBV may become one highly valuable tool for further studying detailed dynamic processes of HBV life cycle and interaction of HBV with host in live‐imaging approach.
Soluble thrombomodulin attenuates sinusoidal obstruction syndrome in rat through suppression of high mobility group box 1
Authors: Nakamura Kojiro , Hatano Etsuro , Miyagawa‐Hayashino Aya , Okuno Masayuki , Koyama Yukinori , Narita Masato , Seo Satoru , Taura Kojiro , Uemoto Shinji
Published: November 2013

Background

Sinusoidal obstruction syndrome (SOS) is a drug‐induced liver injury caused by anticancer treatment such as oxaliplatin‐based chemotherapy in patients with hepatic colorectal metastases. SOS is also associated with postoperative morbidity after hepatectomy.

Aims

The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of recombinant human soluble thrombomodulin (rTM) in a monocrotaline (MCT)‐induced SOS model in rats.

Methods

Rats were administered rTM by intravenous injection (3 mg/kg) and subcutaneous injection (3 mg/kg) concurrently with MCT administration. Other rats received the same volume of normal saline (NS) and MCT. Liver tissue and blood were collected 48 h after MCT administration to evaluate SOS. Survival after 30% partial hepatectomy was also investigated in both groups. Electron microscopy and immunohistochemistry were used to examine sinusoidal endothelial cells (SECs). Serum concentrations of high mobility group box 1 (HMGB1) and neutrophil accumulation were also measured.

Results

In the NS group, liver histology showed SOS phenotypes. In the rTM group, these changes were suppressed, total SOS scores were significantly lower, and serum transaminase levels were significantly reduced compared with the NS group. Survival after 30% hepatectomy was significantly higher in the rTM group (57% vs. 22%, P = 0.0070). Electron microscopy and immunohistochemistry showed a protective effect of rTM on SECs. rTM also attenuated the serum HMGB1 level (9.2 vs. 19.6 ng/ml, P = 0.0086), active neutrophil recruitment and myeloperoxidase activity.

Conclusion

rTM preserved SECs and attenuated MCT‐induced SOS in rats through suppression of circulatory HMGB1 and neutrophil accumulation, resulting in improved survival after hepatectomy.
FoxO3a modulation and promotion of apoptosis by interferon‐α2b in rat preneoplastic liver
Authors: Parody Juan P. , Ceballos Maria P. , Quiroga Ariel D. , Frances Daniel E. , Carnovale Cristina E. , Pisani Gerardo B. , Alvarez Maria L. , Carrillo Maria C.
Published: November 2013

Background

FoxO3a, a member of the FOXO family of transcription factors, is expressed in adult liver and modulates the expression of genes involved in apoptosis. FoxO3a is post‐translationally regulated, negatively by PI3K/Akt and MAPK/Erk and positively by oxidative stress/JNK pathways. In previous works, we have demonstrated that interferon‐α2b (IFN‐α2b) induces apoptosis of hepatic preneoplastic foci through the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS).

Aims

To investigate the post‐translational signal events triggered by the oxidative stress induced by IFN‐α2b and the modulation of FoxO3a transcriptional activity during these events in rat preneoplastic liver.

Methods

Adult male Wistar rats were subjected to a two‐phase model of hepatocarcinogenesis. A group of animals received IFN‐α2b and another group received IFN‐α2b and ascorbic acid (ASC), by intraperitoneal injection. Lipid peroxidation, immunohistochemistry, immunoblotting, co‐immunoprecipitation and sqRT‐PCR assays were performed to explore the role of ROS, JNK, Akt, Erk, FoxO3a, β‐catenin and PUMA in the IFN‐α2b‐mediated apoptotic mechanism.

Results

In vivo IFN‐α2b treatment induced endogenous production of ROS which activated JNK. IFN‐α2b blocked the activation of Akt and Erk, avoiding FoxO3a activity repression. Activated JNK was responsible for the nuclear translocation and transcriptional activity of FoxO3a which positively modulated the expression of PUMA, a proapoptotic player. In addition, nuclear FoxO3a competed for the nuclear β‐catenin associated to TCF, inhibiting the canonical Wnt signalling pathway.

Conclusions

The data presented here propose a model in which in vivo IFN‐α2b treatment induces nuclear translocation and transcriptional activity of FoxO3a, triggering the mitochondrial apoptotic pathway in hepatic preneoplastic foci.
Sphingolipid signalling mediates mitochondrial dysfunctions and reduced chronological lifespan in the yeast model of Niemann‐Pick type C1
Authors: Vilaça Rita , Silva Elísio , Nadais André , Teixeira Vítor , Matmati Nabil , Gaifem Joana , Hannun Yusuf A. , Sá Miranda Maria Clara , Costa Vítor
Published: November 2013

The Niemann‐Pick type C is a rare metabolic disease with a severe neurodegenerative phenotype characterized by an accumulation of high amounts of lipids (cholesterol and sphingolipids) in the late endosomal/lysosomal network. It is caused by loss‐of‐function point mutations in either NPC1 or NPC2, which seem to mediate proper intracellular lipid transport through endocytic pathway. In this study, we show that yeast cells lacking Ncr1p, an orthologue of mammalian NPC1, exhibited a higher sensitivity to hydrogen peroxide and a shortened chronological lifespan. These phenotypes were associated with increased levels of oxidative stress markers, decreased levels of antioxidant defences and mitochondrial dysfunctions. Moreover, we report that Ncr1p‐deficient cells displayed high levels of long chain bases (LCB), and that Sch9p‐phospho‐T570 and Sch9p levels increased in ncr1Δ cells through a mechanism regulated by Pkh1p, a LCB‐activated protein kinase. Notably, deletion of PKH1 or SCH9 suppressed ncr1Δ phenotypes but downregulation of de novo sphingolipid biosynthesis had no protective effect, suggesting that LCBs accumulation may result from an increased turnover of complex sphingolipids. These results suggest that sphingolipid signalling through Pkh1p‐Sch9p mediate mitochondrial dysfunction, oxidative stress sensitivity and shortened chronological lifespan in the yeast model of Niemann‐Pick type C disease.
The interplay between the GATA transcription factors AreA, the global nitrogen regulator and AreB in Fusarium fujikuroi
Authors: Michielse C. B. , Pfannmüller A. , Macios M. , Rengers P. , Dzikowska A. , Tudzynski B.
Published: November 2013

Nitrogen metabolite repression (NMR) in filamentous fungi is controlled by the GATA transcription factors AreA and AreB. While AreA mainly acts as a positive regulator of NMR‐sensitive genes, the role of AreB is not well understood. We report the characterization of AreB and its interplay with AreA in the gibberellin‐producing fungus Fusarium fujikuroi. The areB locus produces three different transcripts that each code for functional proteins fully complementing the areB deletion mutant that influence growth and secondary metabolism. However, under nitrogen repression, the AreB isoforms differ in subcellular localization indicating distinct functions under these conditions. In addition, AreA and two isoforms of AreB colocalize in the nucleus under low nitrogen, but their nuclear localization disappears under conditions of high nitrogen. Using a bimolecular fluorescence complementation (BiFC) approach we showed for the first time that one of the AreB isoforms interacts with AreA when starved of nitrogen. Cross‐species complementation revealed that some AreB functions are retained between F. fujikuroi and Aspergillus nidulans while others have diverged. By comparison to other fungi where AreB was postulated to function as a negative counterpart of AreA, AreB can act as both repressor and activator of transcription in F. fujikuroi.
Reduced E‐cadherin expression is associated with abdominal pain and symptom duration in a study of alternating and diarrhea predominant IBS
Authors: Wilcz‐Villega E. , McClean S. , O'Sullivan M.
Published: November 2013

Background

Increased intestinal permeability and altered expression of tight junction (TJ) proteins may be implicated in the pathogenesis of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). This study aimed to investigate the expression of adherens junction (AJ) protein E‐cadherin and TJ proteins zonula occludens (ZO)‐1 and claudin (CLD)‐1 and associations with IBS symptoms.

Methods

Junctional proteins were immunostained in cecal biopsy tissue of Rome II IBS patients (n = 34) comprising both alternating (IBS‐A) and diarrhea predominant (IBS‐D) subtypes, and controls (n = 12). IBS symptom duration, abdominal pain severity and stool frequency were assessed for IBS patients. Protein expression was determined by immunofluorescence.

Key Results

E‐cadherin and ZO‐1 protein expression was significantly lower (p = 0.03 and p = 0.016, respectively) in the cecal surface epithelium of the IBS group comprising both IBS‐A and IBS‐D subtypes. CLD‐1 expression was not significantly altered compared with controls. On subtype analysis, ZO‐1 expression was significantly reduced in both IBS‐A and IBS‐D compared with controls, whereas E‐cadherin was reduced only in IBS‐A. Lower E‐cadherin expression was associated with longer symptoms duration specifically in IBS‐A patients (rs = −0.76, p = 0.004). Reduced E‐cadherin associated with abdominal pain severity in the overall IBS group (rs = −0.36, p = 0.041), but this association was unrelated to IBS subtype.

Conclusions & Inferences

E‐cadherin protein expression in the cecum was significantly lower in IBS‐A compared with controls and associated with longstanding symptoms. E‐cadherin was further associated with abdominal pain severity in the IBS group overall, but unrelated to IBS subtype. Altered E‐cadherin expression may provide novel insights into mechanisms underlying intestinal barrier dysfunction in IBS.
Secondary learning and the unintended benefits of collaborative mechanisms: The Federal Aviation Administration's voluntary disclosure programs
Authors: Mills Russell W. , Reiss Dorit Rubinstein
Published: November 2013

Along with other types of process‐oriented regulation, voluntary disclosure programs are increasingly used by regulatory agencies to supplement traditional inspection activities. Voluntary disclosure programs provide incentives, such as immunity or reduced regulatory enforcement to those submitting reports, while providing regulatory agencies with valuable information on existing risks and areas of non‐compliance. This article contributes to the discussion of voluntary disclosure programs by highlighting an important unconsidered benefit of such programs: the secondary learning they generate, above and beyond information about violations. Beyond the information submitted by firms contained in the self‐disclosures, the programs generate information and insights about the usual practices of the industry, the division of labor, typical problems, and ways to handle them – those details often invisible to those outside an organization or inside the organization but not “on the ground.” This additional information provides important benefits to both industry management and agency officials. We demonstrate the existence of secondary learning and describe the effect of the structure of voluntary programs on secondary learning with evidence from two case studies of the Federal Aviation Administration's voluntary disclosure programs: the Aviation Safety Action Program and the Voluntary Disclosure Reporting Program.
Rituximab in severe, treatment‐refractory interstitial lung disease
Authors: Keir Gregory J. , Maher Toby M. , Ming Damien , Abdullah Reza , de Lauretis Angelo , Wickremasinghe M. , Nicholson Andrew G. , Hansell David M. , Wells Athol U. , Renzoni Elisabetta A.
Published: November 2013

Background and objective

In patients with severe interstitial lung disease (ILD) progressing despite conventional immunosuppression, rituximab, a B‐lymphocyte depleting monoclonal antibody, may offer an effective rescue therapy.

Methods

Retrospective assessment of 50 patients with severe, progressive ILD (of varying aetiologies, excluding idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF)) treated with rituximab between 2010 and 2012. Change in pulmonary function tests compared with pre‐rituximab levels was assessed at 6–12 months post‐treatment.

Results

ILD was associated with connective tissue disease in 33 patients, hypersensitivity pneumonitis in 6 patients and miscellaneous conditions in 11 patients. At the time of rituximab administration, patients had severe physiologic impairment with a median forced vital capacity (FVC) of 44.0% (24.0–99.0%) and diffusing capacity of carbon monoxide (DLCO) of 24.5% (11.4–67.0%). In contrast with a median decline in FVC of 14.3% and DLCO of 18.8% in the 6–12 months prior to rituximab, analysis of paired pulmonary function data revealed a median improvement in FVC of 6.7% (P < 0.01) and stability of DLCO (0% change; P < 0.01) in the 6–12 months following rituximab treatment. Two patients developed serious infections (pneumonia) requiring hospitalization following rituximab, and 10 patients died from progression of underlying ILD, a median of 5.1 (1.2–24.5) months after treatment.

Conclusions

In patients with severe, progressive non‐IPF ILD unresponsive to conventional immunosuppression, rituximab may offer an effective therapeutic intervention. Future prospective, controlled trials are warranted to validate these findings, and to assess safety outcomes.
Can parallel use of different running shoes decrease running‐related injury risk?
Authors: Malisoux L. , Ramesh J. , Mann R. , Seil R. , Urhausen A. , Theisen D.
Published: November 2013

The aim of this study was to determine if runners who use concomitantly different pairs of running shoes are at a lower risk of running‐related injury (RRI). Recreational runners (n = 264) participated in this 22‐week prospective follow‐up and reported all information about their running session characteristics, other sport participation and injuries on a dedicated Internet platform. A RRI was defined as a physical pain or complaint located at the lower limbs or lower back region, sustained during or as a result of running practice and impeding planned running activity for at least 1 day. One‐third of the participants (n = 87) experienced at least one RRI during the observation period. The adjusted Cox regression analysis revealed that the parallel use of more than one pair of running shoes was a protective factor [hazard ratio (HR) = 0.614; 95% confidence interval (CI) = 0.389–0.969], while previous injury was a risk factor (HR = 1.722; 95%CI = 1.114–2.661). Additionally, increased mean session distance (km; HR = 0.795; 95%CI = 0.725–0.872) and increased weekly volume of other sports (h/week; HR = 0.848; 95%CI = 0.732–0.982) were associated with lower RRI risk. Multiple shoe use and participation in other sports are strategies potentially leading to a variation of the load applied to the musculoskeletal system. They could be advised to recreational runners to prevent RRI.
Level Set-Based Topology Optimization of Hinge-Free Compliant Mechanisms Using a Two-Step Elastic Modeling Method
Authors: Zhu Benliang , Zhang Xianmin , Fatikow Sergej
Published: November 2013

This paper presents a two-step elastic modeling (TsEM) method for the topology optimization of compliant mechanisms aimed at eliminating de facto hinges. Based on the TsEM method, an alternative formulation is developed and incorporated with the level set method. An efficient algorithm is developed to solve the level set-based optimization problem for improving the computational efficiency. Two widely studied numerical examples are performed to demonstrate the validity of the proposed method. The proposed formulation can prevent hinges from occurring in the resulting mechanisms. Further, the proposed optimization algorithm can yield fewer design iterations and thus it can improve the overall computational efficiency.
A Light Harvesting Policy on Black Counter Electrode for Enhanced Performance of Dye-Sensitized Solar Cells
Authors: Chien Chi-Hui , Tsai Ming-Lang , Hsieh Chi-Chang , Li Yan-Huei , Chao Yuh J.
Published: November 2013

This work presents a novel light harvesting policy for a black counter electrode (BCE) to enhance the performance of dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs), which uses a metal-based light scattering layer (MLSL) that is formed from Al@SiO2 core-shell microflakes prepared and coated on BCE. DSSCs based on BCE with and without the MLSL are compared as well. Analysis results of electrochemical impedance spectra (EIS) indicate that, while not affecting the charge transfer resistance at BCE, MLSL exhibits a low electron transport resistance in the TiO2/electrolyte interface. Our results further demonstrate that MLSL reflects light to the TiO2 electrode, subsequently increasing photocurrent density by 68.68% (from 2.65 to 4.47 mA/cm2) and improving the power conversion efficiency by 49.64%.
Finite Element Prediction of Transchondral Stress and Strain in the Human Hip
Authors: Henak Corinne R. , Ateshian Gerard A. , Weiss Jeffrey A.
Published: November 2013

Cartilage fissures, surface fibrillation, and delamination represent early signs of hip osteoarthritis (OA). This damage may be caused by elevated first principal (most tensile) strain and maximum shear stress. The objectives of this study were to use a population of validated finite element (FE) models of normal human hips to evaluate the required mesh for converged predictions of cartilage tensile strain and shear stress, to assess the sensitivity to cartilage constitutive assumptions, and to determine the patterns of transchondral stress and strain that occur during activities of daily living. Five specimen-specific FE models were evaluated using three constitutive models for articular cartilage: quasilinear neo-Hookean, nonlinear Veronda Westmann, and tension-compression nonlinear ellipsoidal fiber distribution (EFD). Transchondral predictions of maximum shear stress and first principal strain were determined. Mesh convergence analysis demonstrated that five trilinear elements were adequate through the depth of the cartilage for precise predictions. The EFD model had the stiffest response with increasing strains, predicting the largest peak stresses and smallest peak strains. Conversely, the neo-Hookean model predicted the smallest peak stresses and largest peak strains. Models with neo-Hookean cartilage predicted smaller transchondral gradients of maximum shear stress than those with Veronda Westmann and EFD models. For FE models with EFD cartilage, the anterolateral region of the acetabulum had larger peak maximum shear stress and first principal strain than all other anatomical regions, consistent with observations of cartilage damage in disease. Results demonstrate that tension-compression nonlinearity of a continuous fiber distribution exhibiting strain induced anisotropy incorporates important features that have large effects on predictions of transchondral stress and strain. This population of normal hips provides baseline data for future comparisons to pathomorphologic hips. This approach can be used to evaluate these and other mechanical variables in the human hip and their potential role in the pathogenesis of osteoarthritis (OA).
Simulation and Evaluation of a Bone Sawing Procedure for Orthognathic Surgery Based on an Experimental Force Model
Authors: Yanping Lin , Dedong Yu , Xiaojun Chen , Xudong Wang , Guofang Shen , Chengtao Wang
Published: November 2013

Bone sawing is widely used in orthognathic surgery to correct maxillary deformities. Successful execution of bone sawing requires a high level of dexterity and experience. A virtual reality (VR) surgical simulator can provide a safe, cost-effective, and repeatable training method. In this study, we developed a VR training simulator with haptic functions to simulate bone-sawing force, which was generated by the experimental force model. Ten human skulls were obtained in this study for the determination of surgical bone-sawing force. Using a 5-DOF machining center and a micro-reciprocating saw, bone specimens with different bone density were sawed at different feed rates (20, 40, and 60 mm/min) and spindle speeds (9800, 11,200 and 12,600 cycles per minute). The sawing forces were recorded with a piezoelectric dynamometer and a signal acquisition system. Linear correlation analysis of all experimental data indicates that there were significant positive linear correlations between bone-sawing force and bone density and tool feed rate and a moderate negative linear correlation with tool spindle rate. By performing multiple regression analysis, the prediction models for the bone-sawing procedure were determined. By employing Omega.6 as a haptic device, a medical simulator for the Lefort I osteotomy was developed based on an experimental force model. Comparison of the force-time curve acquired through experiments and the curve computed from the simulator indicate that the obtained forces based on the experimental force model and the acquired data had the same trend for the bone-sawing procedure of orthognathic surgery.
A Method for Predicting Collagen Fiber Realignment in Non-Planar Tissue Surfaces as Applied to Glenohumeral Capsule During Clinically Relevant Deformation
Authors: Amini Rouzbeh , Voycheck Carrie A. , Debski Richard E.
Published: November 2013

Previously developed experimental methods to characterize micro-structural tissue changes under planar mechanical loading may not be applicable for clinically relevant cases. Such limitation stems from the fact that soft tissues, represented by two-dimensional surfaces, generally do not undergo planar deformations in vivo. To address the problem, a method was developed to directly predict changes in the collagen fiber distribution of nonplanar tissue surfaces following 3D deformation. Assuming that the collagen fiber distribution was known in the un-deformed configuration via experimental methods, changes in the fiber distribution were predicted using 3D deformation. As this method was solely based on kinematics and did not require solving the stress balance equations, the computational efforts were much reduced. In other words, with the assumption of affine deformation, the deformed collagen fiber distribution was calculated using only the deformation gradient tensor (obtained via an in-plane convective curvilinear coordinate system) and the associated un-deformed collagen fiber distribution. The new method was then applied to the glenohumeral capsule during simulated clinical exams. To quantify deformation, positional markers were attached to the capsule and their 3D coordinates were recorded in the reference position and three clinically relevant joint positions. Our results showed that at 60deg of external rotation, the glenoid side of the posterior axillary pouch had significant changes in fiber distribution in comparison to the other sub-regions. The larger degree of collagen fiber alignment on the glenoid side suggests that this region is more prone to injury. It also compares well with previous experimental and clinical studies indicating maximum principle strains to be greater on the glenoid compared to the humeral side. An advantage of the new method is that it can also be easily applied to map experimentally measured collagen fiber distribution (obtained via methods that require flattening of tissue) to their in vivo nonplanar configuration. Thus, the new method could be applied to many other nonplanar fibrous tissues such as the ocular shell, heart valves, and blood vessels.
Plastic Limit Loads for Slanted Through-Wall Cracks in Cylinder and Plate Based on Finite Element Limit Analyses
Authors: Cho Doo-Ho , Choi Young-Hwan , Huh Nam-Su , Shim Do-Jun , Choi Jae-Boong
Published: November 2013

The plastic limit load solutions for cylinder and plate with slanted through-wall cracks (TWCs) are developed based on the systematic three-dimensional (3D) finite element (FE) limit analyses. As for loading conditions, axial tension, global bending, and internal pressure are considered for a cylinder with slanted circumferential TWC, whereas, axial tension and internal pressure are considered for a plate and a cylinder with slanted axial TWC. Then, the verification of FE model and analysis procedure employed in the present numerical work was confirmed by employing the existing solutions for both cylinder and plate with idealized TWC. Also, the geometric variables of slanted TWC which can affect plastic limit loads were considered. Based on the systematic FE limit analysis results, the slant correction factors which represent the effect of slanted TWC on plastic limit load were provided as tabulated solutions. By adopting these slant correction factors, the plastic limit loads of slanted TWC can be directly estimated from existing solutions for idealized TWC. Furthermore, the modified engineering estimations of plastic limit loads for slanted TWC are proposed based on equilibrium equation and von Mises yield criterion. The present results can be applied either to diverse structural integrity assessments or for accurate estimation of fracture mechanics parameters such as J-integral, plastic crack opening displacement (COD) and C*-integral for slanted TWC based on the reference stress concept (Kim, et al., 2002, “Plastic Limit Pressure for Cracked Pipes Using Finite Element Limit Analyse,” Int. J. Pressure Vessels Piping, 79, pp. 321–330; Kim, et al., 2001, “Enhanced Reference Stress-Based J and Crack Opening Displacement Estimation Method for Leak-Before-Break Analysis and Comparison With GE/EPRI Method,” Fatigue Fract. Eng. Mater. Struct., 24, pp. 243–254; Kim, et al., 2002, “Non-Linear Fracture Mechanics Analyses of Part Circumferential Surface Cracked Pipes,” Int. J. Fract., 116, pp. 347–375.)
Does Prior Acupuncture Exposure Affect Perception of Blinded Real Or Sham Acupuncture?
Authors: Dilli Caitlin R , Childs Rebecca , Berk Julie , Christian M K , Nguyen Nancy , Brown R Preston , Kluger Benzi M
Published: November 2013

Objective

To determine if acupuncture-exposed and naïve participants differ in their perceptions of real and sham acupuncture under blinded conditions.

Methods

The setting was an outpatient clinic at the Colorado School of Traditional Chinese Medicine. Participants were between the ages of 18 and 90 years. Acupuncture-exposed participants had at least five prior acupuncture treatments, with one treatment in the month prior to the study date. Acupuncture-naïve participants had experienced no prior acupuncture treatments. Participants with dementia, cognitive impairment, or neuropathy were excluded. In total, 61 acupuncture-exposed and 59 acupuncture-naïve participants were blindfolded and received either real acupuncture or toothpick sham acupuncture treatment. Following treatment, participants completed a questionnaire rating the realness of the acupuncture and were asked how they made this determination. We used a previously developed scale rating treatments from 1 (definitely real needle) to 5 (definitely imitation needle) to assess outcome.

Results

Perceptions of the real treatment were rated as more real than sham treatments for all participants. Further analysis revealed that prior acupuncture exposure did not influence ratings of real treatments, but exposed participants rated sham treatments as significantly less real than naïve participants.

Conclusions

Acupuncture-naïve and exposed participants both reported different perceptions of real and sham acupuncture using a blindfolded toothpick protocol. This suggests that future trials should carefully monitor participant perceptions of treatments received, even for naïve individuals. Differences between groups further suggest that participants with significant and/or recent exposure to real acupuncture may introduce bias to blinded clinical acupuncture trials.
Serum ferritin and nutritional status: insights from an eating disorders clinic population
Authors: Nemba Kuria , Lewis Barry , Watson Hunna , Hoiles Kimberley , Zhang Guicheng , Forbes David
Published: November 2013

Objective

To determine the relationship between serum ferritin and malnutrition in newly assessed patients at a paediatric eating disorders clinic.

Design

This was a prospectively assessed clinical cohort study.

Setting

Intake assessment clinic of a tertiary eating disorders service for children and adolescents.

Methods

Clinical, anthropometric and laboratory features of children and adolescents were systematically measured. The relationship of serum ferritin to other clinical, anthropometric and laboratory measures was determined using linear regression.

Results

A total of 121 female patients aged 9.5–17.6 years were included, with body mass index (BMI) z score −5.7 to 1.9 (median −1.3). Using multiple regression, serum ferritin was inversely associated with BMI z score (regression coefficient (β)=−0.234, 95% CI −0.413 to −0.055) and serum insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1) (β=−0.476, 95% CI −0.884 to −0.068) and positively associated with alanine aminotransferase (β=0.357, 95% CI 0.055 to 0.659, controlling for age, pubertal stage and serum iron).

Conclusions

In malnourished adolescents with eating disorders increased serum ferritin is associated with lower BMI z score and serum IGF-1.
Boerhaave's syndrome presenting as an upper gastrointestinal bleed
Authors: Lee William , Siau Keith , Singh Gurjit
Published: November 2013

A 64-year-old man without any significant medical history presented to accident and emergency department with haematemesis and melaena, quite similar to an upper gastrointestinal bleed. However, the unexplained left-sided neck pain with a history of overnight vomiting prompted further imaging. Air was visible in the soft tissues on a lateral X-ray of the neck, which led to a CT scan and this showed a proximal-mid oesophageal rupture. The patient was stabilised and transferred to a cardiothoracic unit for observation. An inpatient endoscopy did not detect a perforation and the patient was discharged 5 days later without any further complications. This case report highlights how a high oesophageal rupture can mimic an upper gastrointestinal bleed and also the need for further imaging when there is an incongruent history, so that appropriate care is provided to minimise mortality.
Fracture of tibial tuberosity in an adult
Authors: Albuquerque Rodrigo Pires e , Campos André Siqueira , Araújo Gabriel Costa Serrão de , Gameiro Vinícius Schott
Published: November 2013

The fracture of tibial tuberosity is a rare lesion and still more unusual in adults. We describe a case in an adult who suffered a left knee injury due to a fall from height. No risk factors were identified. The lesion was treated with surgical reduction and internal fixation. The rehabilitation method was successful, resulting in excellent function and rage of motion of the knee. The aim of this study was to present an unusual case of direct trauma of the tibial tuberosity in an adult and the therapy performed.
Association of note quality and quality of care: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Edwards Samuel T , Neri Pamela M , Volk Lynn A , Schiff Gordon D , Bates David W
Published: November 2013

Background

While physician notes are known to vary in organisation, content and quality, the relationship between note quality and clinical quality is uncertain.

Methods

We performed a cross-sectional study of outpatient visit physician notes by adult patients with coronary artery disease or diabetes mellitus seen in 2010. We assessed physician note quality using the 9-item Physician Documentation Quality Instrument (PDQI-9) and compared this to disease-specific clinical quality scores constructed from data extracted from the electronic health record (EHR). We also assessed the presence of typical note subsections, and indicators of quality care in physician notes.

Results

We evaluated 239 notes, written by 111 physicians; 110 notes were written by primary care physicians, 52 by cardiologists and 77 by endocrinologists. Reason for visit was absent in 10% of notes, medication list was not present in the note in 19.7% and timing for follow-up was absent in 18.0% of notes. Significant copy/pasted material was present in 10.5% of notes. Laboratory quality indicators were more often found in other EHR sections than in the physician note. Clinical quality scores for diabetes and coronary artery disease (CAD) showed no significant association with subjective note quality (diabetes: r −0.119, p=0.065, CAD: r −0.124, p=0.06).

Conclusions

Notes varied in documentation method and length, and important note subsections were frequently missing. Key clinical data to support quality patient care were often not present in physician notes, but were often found elsewhere in the EHR. Subjective assessment of note quality did not correlate with clinical quality scores, suggesting that writing high-quality notes and meeting quality measures are not mutually reinforcing activities.
Vulnerability to harvest by anglers differs across climate, productivity, and diversity clines
Authors: Mogensen Stephanie , Post John R. , Sullivan Michael G.
Published: November 2013

We contrast catchability of walleye (Sander vitreus) and northern pike (Esox lucius) populations with angling fisheries across regions that differ twofold in growing-degree-days and productivity and sixfold in fish diversity. Populations of both species in Alberta, Wisconsin, Minnesota, and Oneida Lake, New York, had density-dependent catchability with approximately tenfold higher catchability in Alberta than in the other regions when density was controlled for. There is no evidence that the higher catchability estimates for Alberta walleye and northern pike are due to differential spatial distributions, enhanced hook avoidance due to catch and release or to differential size structure of the populations, or to differences in harvest regulations. We argue that the most likely explanation for the tenfold higher catchability is increased hunger resulting in enhanced foraging activity in the region with a substantially shorter growing season, lower prey productivity, and lower prey community diversity. Regardless of the proximate causes, higher catchability of fish harvested in recreational fisheries in Alberta substantially increases their vulnerability to overharvest and collapse if angling effort is unabated.
COLLABORATIVE COMBINATION OF NEURON-LINGUISTIC CLASSIFIERS FOR LARGE ARABIC WORD VOCABULARY RECOGNITION
Authors: KACEM ECHI AFEF , BEN CHEIKH IMEN , BELAÏD ABDEL
Published: November 2013

Most of the actual research in writing recognition focuses on specific applications where the vocabulary is relatively small. Many applications can be opened up when handling with large vocabulary. In this paper, we studied the classifier collaboration interest for the recognition of a large vocabulary of arabic words. The proposed approach is based on three classifiers, named Transparent Neuronal Networks (TNN), which exploit the morphological aspect of the Arabic word and collaborate for a better word recognition. We focused on decomposable words which are derived from healthy tri-consonantal roots and easy to proof the decomposition. To perform word recognition, the system extracts a set of global structural features. Then it learns and recognizes roots, schemes and conjugation elements that compose the word. To help the recognition, some local perceptual information is used in case of ambiguities. This interaction between global recognition and local checking makes easier the recognition of complex scripts as Arabic. Several experiments have been performed using a vocabulary of 5757 words, organized in a corpus of more than 17 200 samples. In order to validate our approach and to compare the proposed system with systems reported in ICDAR 2011 competition, extensive experiments were conducted using the Arabic Printed Text Image (APTI) database. The best recognition performances achieved by our system have shown very promising results.
A construction of Cohen–Macaulay f-graphs
Authors: Mahmood H. , Anwar I. , Zafar M. K.
Published: November 2013

In this paper, we define and characterize the f-graphs. Also, we give a construction of f-graphs and importantly we show that the f-graphs obtained from this construction are Cohen–Macaulay.
Construction of systems of polynomial equations with exact p-Divisibility via the covering method
Authors: Castro Francis N. , Rubio Ivelisse M.
Published: November 2013

We present an elementary method to compute the exact p-divisibility of exponential sums of systems of polynomial equations over the prime field. Our results extend results by Carlitz and provide concrete and simple conditions to construct families of polynomial equations that are solvable over the prime field.
On projective covers of semimodules and perfect semirings
Authors: Il'in S. N.
Published: November 2013

We consider two natural concepts of "perfectness" in a semiring context: the perfectness in terms of projective covers, and the perfectness in Bass's sense. For both cases we show that the class of right (left) perfect semirings coincides with the class of right (left) perfect rings; in particular, we completely confirm Conjecture of [Y. Katsov, Toward homological classification of semirings: Serre's conjecture and Bass's perfectness in a semiring context. Algebra Universalis52 (2004) 197–214].
Redesigning a Supply Chain Distribution Network: Formulation and Genetic Algorithm-Based Solution Procedure
Authors: Zhou Lina , Xu Xiaofei , Deng Shengchun , Liu Xudong
Published: November 2013

Distribution affects company cost and customer satisfaction. Distribution network design is a strategic concern for nearly all companies, and must be periodically reviewed to ensure fitness to today's rapidly changing business environment. Unlike most of previous research, this paper investigates a highly complicated and realistic distribution network, and develops a multi-objective model to achieve an effective redesign solution. Reconfiguring cost, service differentiation, multiple products, and optional capacity levels are simultaneously considered. A determinant code-based encoding structure is designed to represent the complicated multi-objective optimization problem, and a genetic algorithm (GA)-based procedure is developed as a solution. The paper provides an application example using actual data. Finally, a comparison between the empirical results and those of the Prüfer-based GA demonstrate the efficiency of the proposed GA.