bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Electromagnetic Immunity - Off-Vehicle Source (Reverberation Chamber Method) - Part 16 - Immunity to Radiated Electromagnetic Fields
Authors:   Electromagnetic Compatibility (EMC) Standards
Published: February 2017

Vehicle electrical/electronic systems may be affected when immersed in an electromagnetic field generated by sources such as radio and TV broadcast stations, radar and communication sites, mobile transmitters, cellular phones, etc. This part of SAE J551 specifies off-vehicle radiated source test methods and procedures for testing passenger cars and commercial vehicles within a Reverberation Chamber. The method is used to evaluate the immunity of vehicle mounted electronic devices in the frequency range of 80 MHz to 2 GHz, with possible extensions 20 MHz to 10 GHz, depending upon chamber size and construction. Three methods for calibrating and applying electromagnetic fields are described in the document: 1) Mode Tuned Reverberation Chamber method, 2) Mode Stir (Standard) Reverberation Chamber method and 3) Mode Stir (Hybrid) Reverberation Chamber method. Optional pulse modulation testing at HIRF (High Intensity Radiated Fields) test levels, based upon currently known environmental threats, has been included in this revision of the standard. Each method has its advantages and disadvantages which are discussed in each individual test section. All methods have been proven to be effective at finding potential field issues at the vehicle level. SAE J551-1 specifies general definitions, practical use, and basic principles of the test procedure. Specific chamber characterization procedures, formulas and calibration procedures for the Mode Tuned and Mode Stir (Standard) methods can be found in SAE J1113-28 and J1113-27 respectively. Chamber characterization procedures for the Mode Stir (Hybrid) method are described in 6.3 of this document.
Terminologija v poklicnem vsakdanu: stanje in potrebe
Authors: Logar Nataša , Benevol Gabrijelčič Katja , Bren Urban , Dolenc Sašo , Krapež Katarina , Romih Miro , Žagar Karer Mojca , Krek Simon , Gorjanc Vojko , Jemec Tomazin Mateja , Arhar Holdt Špela , Fišer Darja
Published: February 2017

Terminologija v poklicnem vsakdanu: stanje in potrebe
Zgoščena predstavitev slovarjev izgovarjav s končnimi super pretvorniki
Authors: Golob Žiga , Vesnicer Boštjan , Žganec Gros Jerneja , Žganec Mario , Dobrišek Simon
Published: February 2017

Računalniški modeli končnih pretvornikov omogočajo zgoščeno predstavitev slovarjev izgovarjav, ki jih uporabljajo tako sintetizatorji govora kot tudi razpoznavalniki govora. V članku je predstavljen nov tip končnih pretvornikov, t. i. končni super pretvorniki, s katerimi lahko slovarje izgovarjav predstavimo z manjšim številom stanj in prehodov kot z uporabo običajnih minimalnih determinističnih končnih pretvornikov. Predstavljen je učinkovit postopek gradnje končnih super pretvornikov, ki ohranjajo svojo determinističnost, poleg besed iz danega slovarja izgovarjav pa lahko sprejmejo in pretvorijo tudi nekatere druge besede, ki niso bile zastopane v izvirnem slovarju. Oddani izhodni fonetični prepisi za določene sprejete izvenslovarske besede so sicer lahko napačni, vendar se izkaže, da je napaka pri pretvorbi primerljiva z napakami, ki jih dosegajo trenutno najboljše metode za samodejno grafemsko-fonemsko pretvorbo besed za slovenski jezik. Za preizkus in preverjanje predlaganega postopka gradnje končnih super pretvornikov je bil uporabljen slovar izgovarjav SI-PRON za slovenski jezik, ki vsebuje več kot milijon različnih slovarskih vnosov. Rezultati poskusov so med drugim podali presenetljivo ugotovitev, da se velikost končnih pretvornikov z naraščanjem obsega slovarja prek določenega števila besed prične zmanjševati, kar pripisujemo predvsem velikemu številu pregibnih oblik besed v slovenščini.
A Livestock Trampling Function for Potential Emission Rate of Wind-blown Dust in a Mongolian Temperate Grassland
Authors: Munkhtsetseg Erdenebayar , Shinoda Masato , Ishizuka Masahide , Mikami Masao , Kimura Reiji , Nikolich George
Published: February 2017

Abstract. Mongolian Grasslands is one of the natural dust source regions and it contributes to anthropogenic dust due to its long tradition of raising livestock. Decades of abrupt changes in a nomadic society necessitate a study on effects of livestock trampling on dust emissions, so that research studies may help maintain sustainable ecosystem and well-conditioned atmospheric environment. For scaling the effect strength of trampling, therefore, we conducted a mini-wind tunnel experiment (by PI-SWERL® device) to measure dust emission fluxes from trampling (at 3 disturbance levels of livestock density, N) and zero trampling (the background level) at test areas in a Mongolian temperate grassland. We found the substantial increase in dust emissions due to the livestock trampling. This positive effect of trampling on dust emissions was persistent throughout all wind friction velocities, u* (varying from 0.44 to 0.82 ms−1). Significantly higher dust loading had occurred after a certain disturbance level has reached by the livestock trampling. Our result suggests that both friction velocity (u*) and disturbance level of livestock density (N) has enormous combinational effect on dust emission from trampling test surface. Furthermore, we successfully developed a livestock trampling function dependant on u* and N. In the livestock trampling function, almost 4 times greater of determinant power for u* than of for N was determined (fL (N, u*) ∼ N1.1u*4). It points that the effect strength of trampling get magnified with an increase in u*, and, therefore dust will emit much as stronger wind prevails at the trampled surfaces. This finding indicates that the effect of trampling can be seen or get into a play in emission when wind is strong. It emphasizes that a better management for livestock allocation coupled with strategies to prevent dust loads is needed, however, there are many uncertainties and assumptions to be improved in this study. The applicability of our result is feasible with a care to other areas beyond the study location.
Organic carbon mass accumulation rate regulates the flux of
reduced substances from the sediments of deep lakes
Authors: Steinsberger Thomas , Schmid Martin , Wüest Alfred , Schwefel Robert , Wehrli Bernhard , Müller Beat
Published: February 2017

Abstract. The flux of reduced substances from the sediment to the bottom water (Fred) is one of the major factors contributing to the consumption of oxygen in the hypolimnia of lakes and thus crucial for lake oxygen management. This study presents sediment porewater measurements at different water depths from five deep lakes of differing trophic states. Fred was directly proportional to the total organic carbon mass accumulation rate (TOC-MAR) measured in the sediments. In eutrophic lakes Fred decreased systematically with increasing mean hypolimnion depth (zH). In Lake Baldegg, both TOC-MAR and Fred increased with depth due to sediment focusing. Temporarily anoxic conditions increased Fred even in the oligotrophic Lake Aegeri, while Fred was surprisingly low in the 310 m deep but eutrophic Lake Geneva. As TOC-MAR and zH are based on more commonly available data sets, these relationships provide an estimate for the O2 consumption by Fred, where no direct flux measurements are available.
Total energy and potential enstrophy conserving schemes for the shallow water equations using Hamiltonian methods – Part 1: Derivation and properties
Authors: Eldred Christopher , Randall David
Published: February 2017

Abstract. The shallow water equations provide a useful analogue of the fully compressible Euler equations since they have similar characteristics: conservation laws, inertia-gravity and Rossby waves, and a (quasi-) balanced state. In order to obtain realistic simulation results, it is desirable that numerical models have discrete analogues of these properties. Two prototypical examples of such schemes are the 1981 Arakawa and Lamb (AL81) C-grid total energy and potential enstrophy conserving scheme, and the 2007 Salmon (S07) Z-grid total energy and potential enstrophy conserving scheme. Unfortunately, the AL81 scheme is restricted to logically square, orthogonal grids, and the S07 scheme is restricted to uniform square grids. The current work extends the AL81 scheme to arbitrary non-orthogonal polygonal grids and the S07 scheme to arbitrary orthogonal spherical polygonal grids in a manner that allows for both total energy and potential enstrophy conservation, by combining Hamiltonian methods (work done by Salmon, Gassmann, Dubos, and others) and discrete exterior calculus (Thuburn, Cotter, Dubos, Ringler, Skamarock, Klemp, and others). Detailed results of the schemes applied to standard test cases are deferred to part 2 of this series of papers.
Coupling a three-dimensional subsurface flow and transport model with a land surface model to simulate stream-aquifer-land interactions (PFLOTRAN_CLM v1.0)
Authors: Bisht Gautam , Huang Maoyi , Zhou Tian , Chen Xingyuan , Dai Heng , Hammond Glenn , Riley William , Downs Janelle , Liu Ying , Zachara John
Published: February 2017

Abstract. A fully coupled three-dimensional surface and subsurface land model is developed and applied to a site along the Columbia River to simulate three-way interactions among river water, groundwater, and land surface processes. The model features the coupling of the Community Land Model version 4.5 (CLM4.5) and a massively-parallel multi-physics reactive transport model (PFLOTRAN). The coupled model, named PFLOTRAN_CLM v1.0, is applied to a 400 m × 400 m study domain instrumented with groundwater monitoring wells along the Columbia River shoreline. PFLOTRAN_CLM v1.0 simulations are performed at three spatial resolutions over a five-year period to evaluate the impact of hydro-climatic conditions and spatial resolution on simulated variables. Results show that the coupled model is capable of simulating groundwater-river water interactions driven by river stage variability along managed river reaches, which are of global significance as a result of over 30,000 dams constructed worldwide during the past half century. Our numerical experiments suggest that the land-surface energy partitioning is strongly modulated by groundwater-river water interactions through expanding the periodically inundated fraction of the riparian zone, and enhancing moisture availability in the vadose zone via capillary rise in response to the river stage change. Furthermore, spatial resolution is found to impact significantly the accuracy of estimated the mass exchange rates at the boundaries of the aquifer, and it becomes critical when surface and subsurface become more tightly coupled with groundwater table within six to seven meters below the surface. Inclusion of lateral subsurface flow impacted both the surface energy budget and subsurface transport processes. The coupled model developed in this study can be used for improving mechanistic understanding of ecosystem functioning, biogeochemical cycling, and land-atmosphere interactions along river corridors under historical and future hydro-climatic changes. The dataset presented in this study can also serve as a good benchmarking case for testing other integrated models.
Daily Landsat-scale evapotranspiration estimation over a forested landscape in North Carolina, USA, using multi-satellite data fusion
Authors: Yang Yun , Anderson Martha C. , Gao Feng , Hain Christopher R. , Semmens Kathryn A. , Kustas William P. , Noormets Asko , Wynne Randolph H. , Thomas Valerie A. , Sun Ge
Published: February 2017

Abstract. As a primary flux in the global water cycle, evapotranspiration (ET) connects hydrologic and biological processes and is directly affected by water and land management, land use change and climate variability. Satellite remote sensing provides an effective means for diagnosing ET patterns over heterogeneous landscapes; however, limitations on the spatial and temporal resolution of satellite data, combined with the effects of cloud contamination, constrain the amount of detail that a single satellite can provide. In this study, we describe an application of a multi-sensor ET data fusion system over a mixed forested/agricultural landscape in North Carolina, USA, during the growing season of 2013. The fusion system ingests ET estimates from the Two-Source Energy Balance Model (TSEB) applied to thermal infrared remote sensing retrievals of land surface temperature from multiple satellite platforms: hourly geostationary satellite data at 4 km resolution, daily 1 km imagery from the Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) and biweekly Landsat thermal data sharpened to 30 m. These multiple ET data streams are combined using the Spatial and Temporal Adaptive Reflectance Fusion Model (STARFM) to estimate daily ET at 30 m resolution to investigate seasonal water use behavior at the level of individual forest stands and land cover patches. A new method, also exploiting the STARFM algorithm, is used to fill gaps in the Landsat ET retrievals due to cloud cover and/or the scan-line corrector (SLC) failure on Landsat 7. The retrieved daily ET time series agree well with observations at two AmeriFlux eddy covariance flux tower sites in a managed pine plantation within the modeling domain: US-NC2 located in a mid-rotation (20-year-old) loblolly pine stand and US-NC3 located in a recently clear-cut and replanted field site. Root mean square errors (RMSEs) for NC2 and NC3 were 0.99 and 1.02 mm day−1, respectively, with mean absolute errors of approximately 29 % at the daily time step, 12 % at the monthly time step and 0.7 % over the full study period at the two flux tower sites. Analyses of water use patterns over the plantation indicate increasing seasonal ET with stand age for young to mid-rotation stands up to 20 years, but little dependence on age for older stands. An accounting of consumptive water use by major land cover classes representative of the modeling domain is presented, as well as relative partitioning of ET between evaporation (E) and transpiration (T) components obtained with the TSEB. The study provides new insights about the effects of management and land use change on water yield over forested landscapes.
The influence of antecedent conditions on flood risk in sub-Saharan Africa
Authors: Bischiniotis Konstantinos , van den Hurk Bart , Jongman Brenden , Coughlan de Perez Erin , Veldkamp Ted , Aerts Jeroen
Published: February 2017

Abstract. Most flood early warning systems have predominantly focused on forecasting floods with lead times of hours or days. However, physical processes during longer – seasonal – time scales can also contribute to flood generation. In this study, the hydro-meteorological pre-conditions of 501 historical damaging flood events over the period 1980 to 2010 in sub-Saharan Africa are analyzed. These are separated into a) a short-term weather scale period (0–7 days) and b) a long-term seasonal-scale period (up to 6 months) before the flood event. Total 7-day precipitation is used to evaluate weather-scale conditions, while seasonal-scale conditions are reflected in the Standardized Precipitation Evapotranspiration Index (SPEI). Although the latter has been used for drought detection, because of its characteristics can also become a wetness monitoring tool. Results indicate that, although heavy 7-day lead precipitation is connected with the majority of the reported floods (72 %), more than 50 % of all floods exhibited higher than average antecedent conditions during the 6 preceding months. In case of extremely wet weather and seasonal scale conditions (SPEI > 2) the probability of flood is close to 50 %. The combined analysis of the two periods revealed that seasonal-scale information should not be neglected, and seasonal SPEI information could be a useful – additional – input to the weather-scale flood forecasts to improve flood preparedness.
Seiche excitation in a highly stratified fjord of southern Chile: the Reloncaví fjord
Authors: Castillo Manuel I. , Pizarro Oscar , Ramírez Nadin , Cáceres Mario
Published: February 2017

Abstract. We describe a seiche process based on current, temperature, and sea-level data obtained from the Reloncaví fjord (41.6° S, 72.5° W) in southern Chile. We combined 4 months of acoustic Doppler current profiler (ADCP) data with sea-level, temperature, and wind time series to analyze the dynamics of low-frequency (periods > 1 day) internal oscillations in the fjord. Additionally, seasonal conductivity, temperature, and depth (CTD) data from 19 along-fjord stations were used to characterize the seasonality of the density field. The density profiles were used to estimate the internal long-wave phase speed (c) using two approximations: (1) a simple reduced gravity model (RGM) and (2) a continuously stratified model (CSM). No major seasonal changes in c were observed using either approximation (e.g., the CSM yielded 0.73 < c < 0.87 m s−1 for mode 1). The natural internal periods (TN) were estimated using Merian's formula for a simple fjord-like basin and the above phase speeds. Estimated values of TN varied between 2.9 and 3.5 days and were highly consistent with spectral peaks observed in the along-fjord currents and temperature time series. We conclude that these oscillations were forced by the wind stress, despite the moderate wind energy. Wind conditions at the end of winter gave us an excellent opportunity to explore the damping process. The observed damping time (Td) was relatively long (Td =  9.1 days).
Restoration of Photoreceptors in Eyes with Diabetic Macular Edema
Authors: Muftuoglu Ilkay K. , Unsal Erkan , Ozturker Zeynep K.
Published: February 2017

Purpose

To show the prognostic value of foveal microstructures using optical coherence tomography (OCT) for the restoration of inner segment/outer segment (IS/OS) junction layer following resolution of diabetic macular edema (DME).

Methods

Forty-one eyes of 39 patients with IS/OS damage at the time of DME that showed complete resolution of DME were included. Eyes were divided into 2 groups based on the IS/OS integrity at final visit, when edema was completely resolved: always damage group (damage at baseline and at final visit) and initial damage group (damage only at baseline). The OCT characteristics including the extent of the IS/OS damage, central subfield thickness (CST), maximum retinal thickness (MRT), presence or absence of subretinal fluid, duration of diabetic retinopathy, and duration of DME were studied. The integrity of IS/OS was evaluated at baseline and at last follow-up as percentage (0%-100%).

Results

Forty-four percent of eyes (18 eyes) achieved complete restoration of IS/OS after resolution of DME. There was no significant difference in CST or MRT during DME between the 2 groups. The always damage group had more IS/OS damage at baseline visit (23.6% ± 6.4% vs 10.7% ± 3.4%, p = 0.043) with a longer duration of DME (p = 0.025). Despite a borderline significance in visual acuity between the 2 groups at baseline (p = 0.05), the always damage group ended up with worse vision at last follow-up (p<0.001).

Conclusions

Patients with shorter duration of DME and less baseline IS/OS damage were more likely to have intact (restored) IS/OS after resolution of DME.
Effects of Panretinal Laser Photocoagulation on the Corneal Nerve Plexus and Retinal Nerve Fiber Layer in Retinal Vein Occlusion
Authors: Bitirgen Gulfidan , Belviranli Selman , Malik Rayaz A. , Kerimoglu Hurkan , Ozkagnici Ahmet
Published: February 2017

Purpose

To determine the effects of panretinal photocoagulation (PRP) on corneal sub-basal nerve plexus (SBNP) and peripapillary retinal nerve fiber layer (RNFL) thickness in patients with unilateral central retinal vein occlusion (CRVO) who had previously undergone PRP treatment.

Methods

Sixty-four eyes of 32 patients (19 male, 13 female) with unilateral ischemic type CRVO who had undergone PRP treatment at least 6 months previously were included in this cross-sectional study. The laser scanning in vivo corneal confocal microscope was used to determine corneal SBNP parameters. The peripapillary RNFL thickness was assessed with spectral-domain optical coherence tomography. Data obtained from the PRP-treated eyes were compared with those of the fellow unaffected eyes.

Results

The mean age of patients was 63.5 ± 10.7 years (range 45-85 years). The mean nerve fiber density (NFD), nerve branch density, and nerve fiber length (NFL) were significantly lower in PRP-treated eyes compared with fellow eyes (p<0.001 for all). Average peripapillary RNFL thickness was significantly lower in PRP-treated eyes than in fellow eyes (p = 0.007). The NFD and NFL showed a modest but significant positive correlation with average peripapillary RNFL thickness (r = 0.310, p = 0.013 and r = 0.272, p = 0.030, respectively).

Conclusions

Significant reductions in corneal SBNP parameters and average peripapillary RNFL thickness were observed in the eyes of patients receiving PRP for the treatment of ischemic CRVO.
Survival of Hydroxy Apatite-Coated Cups: Acetabular Screws Involve a Lower Rate of Revision Surgery due to Aseptic Loosening
Authors: Natera Luis , Valera Marius , Gómez Esther Moya , Ibañez Natalia , Crusi Xavier , Sancho Rogelio
Published: February 2017

Background

It is believed that the path of acetabular screws may represent a shuttle between hydroxyapatite (HA) particles and the liner. The aim was to assess the relationship between acetabular screws and revision surgery for aseptic loosening in total hip arthroplasties (THAs).

Material and methods

A retrospective multicentric study was performed. Patients older than 18 years and patients who underwent THA with both the stem and cup HA-coated were included. The rate of revision-surgery considering only aseptic loosening was calculated. The proportion of cases in which acetabular screws were used was registered, as well as the proportion of cups that showed osteolysis. The statistical relationship between acetabular screws and osteolysis, as well as acetabular screws and revision-surgery for aseptic loosening were assessed.

Results

There were 749 cases. Mean age 62.1 (45–84) years. Mean follow-up 14.19 (8.9-16.7) years. Revision surgery was performed in 12.8% (96/749) of the cups. 73.95% (71/96) of the revised cups showed aseptic loosening. The overall 15-year survival of the cups considering only aseptic loosening was 84.4%. Acetabular screws were used in 47.5% (356/749) of the cups. Acetabular screws were used in 40.44% (55/136) of the cups that showed osteolysis. The use of acetabular screws was associated with less osteolysis (p = 0.006). Acetabular screws were used in 35.21% (25/71) of the cups that were revised for aseptic loosening. The use of acetabular screws was associated with a lower rate of revision surgery (p = 0.020).

Conclusions

In THA with the stem and cup HA-coated, the use of acetabular screws is associated with a lower rate of revision surgery.
Adverse Reaction to Metal Debris in a Consecutive Series of DUROM™ Hip Resurfacing: Pseudotumour Incidence and Metal Ion Concentration
Authors: Hartmann Albrecht , Kieback Jan-Dirk , Lützner Jörg , Günther Klaus-Peter , Goronzy Jens
Published: February 2017

Introduction

The aim of this study was to evaluate the incidence of adverse reactions to metal debris (ARMD) in a consecutive series of DUROM™ Hip Resurfacing Arthroplasty (HRA) at mid-term follow-up.

Methods

Between October 2003 and March 2007 a total of 134 consecutive DUROM™ HRA in 121 patients were performed at our institution. Follow-up could be obtained in 101 unrevised patients (83%) at a mean time of 8.51 ± 0.97 years postoperatively and included patient-related outcome measurement, plain radiographs, MARS-MRI as well as whole blood metal ion assessment.

Results

17 (16.5%) out of 103 hips revealed pseudotumour occurrence in MRI investigation, 1 (10.6%) with a diameter of ≥2 cm. Higher incidence of pseudotumours was found patients with femoral component size <50 mm. 38 patients had elevated cobalt levels, 36 of them (35%) in the range of 2-7 μg/l and 2 patients (1.9%) at a rate of >7 μg/l. In contrast to cobalt determination, only elevated chromium values showed a positive association with pseudotumour occurrence and size.

Discussion

A significant proportion of patients developed pseudotumours and metal ion elevation in a consecutive cohort of DUROM™ HRA after mid-term follow-up. The incidence, however, seems not to differ from results of other well performing resurfacing brands; clinical relevance of our findings is unclear. Regarding potential local as well as systemic effects of metal particle release, close follow-up of patients is essential, even with clinically well-performing implants.
The Corail Stem as a Reverse Hybrid – Survivorship and X-Ray Analysis at 10 Years
Authors: Wangen Helge , Nordsletten Lars , Boldt Jens G. , Fenstad Anne M. , Beverland David E.
Published: February 2017

Background

The use of a cemented cup together with an uncemented stem in total hip arthroplasty (THA) has become popular in Norway and Sweden during the last decade. The results of this prosthetic concept, reverse hybrid THA have been sparsely described. We report our experience of reverse hybrid THA, using the Elite plus polyethylene cemented cup together with the Corail fully hydroxyapatite-coated uncemented stem and a 28-mm alumina ceramic head.

Patients and methods

132 consecutive reverse hybrid hip arthroplasties were performed from January 2000 to December 2003 in 126 patients with a mean age of 54.3 years (28-65). All patients were routinely reviewed at 3 months, 1, 5, 7 and 10 years postoperatively. At each follow-up patients were seen either by a consultant orthopaedic surgeon or a senior trainee. Anteroposterior pelvic and lateral x-rays of the hip were taken at each visit. To estimate the survival of the THAs we used the Kaplan-Meier method with 95% confidence interval (CI). Logistic regression analysis was performed to determine which factors affected the presence of radiolucency around the femoral stem.

Results

The mean follow-up was 11.1 years (9.0-14.2). 1 patient was lost to follow-up, and 7 patients were deceased at the time of 10-year follow up. At 10 years 7 patients have had further surgery. 5 for infection, 1 periprosthetic femoral fracture and 1 heterotopic bone formation. All stems were classified as well fixed. 2 cups were defined as loose at 10 years. 1 patient is scheduled for revision the other refused revision. The clinical outcome and radiological findings were assessed in 123 hips. The mean Harris Hip Score was 94 (35-100) at 10 years and the mean WOMAC score was 89 (30.2-100).

Conclusions

We report good results with respect to clinical outcome and survival of the reverse hybrid concept in patients younger than 65. A successful outcome depends on meticulous preoperative planning, use of modern cementing techniques in the acetabulum and experience in implanting an uncemented stem.
Bikini versus Traditional Incision Direct Anterior Approach: Is There any Difference in Soft Tissue Damage?
Authors: Lanting Brent A. , Hartley Kirk C. , Raffoul Adam J. , Burkhart Timothy A. , Sommerville Lyndsay , Martin Glynn R. , Howard James L. , Johnson Marjorie
Published: February 2017

Introduction

The direct anterior approach for total hip replacements has reported advantages of improved early function and muscle preservation. In an effort to improve healing and cosmesis, a change in the orientation of the incision has been proposed. Traditionally, the skin incision is in-line with the tensor fasciae latae muscle belly. The bikini incision is orthogonal to this orientation. The hypothesis was that muscle damage would be increased by using the bikini incision.

Methods

A traditional or bikini incision was performed on 18 cadaveric hips. On each of the 9 specimens, the traditional incision was performed on 1 side, and a bikini incision on the contralateral hip, with an even distribution of right or left side. Blinded anatomists performed the hip dissections, and assessed for muscle damage as well as for damage to the lateral femoral cutaneous nerve.

Results

No difference in muscle damage was identified in the tensor fasciae latae between muscle groups. Muscle damage was very minimal to the gluteus medius and minimus. Damage to the lateral femoral cutaneous nerve occurred equally for both the bikini and traditional skin incisions.

Conclusions

The bikini incision for the direct anterior approach to the hip can be performed safely, with no increase in muscle damage or damage to the lateral femoral cutaneous nerve compared to the traditional incision.
The Cup-Cage Reconstruction for Pelvic Discontinuity has Encouraging Patient Satisfaction and Functional Outcome at Median 6-Year Follow-Up
Authors: Konan Sujith , Duncan Clive P. , Masri Bassam A. , Garbuz Donald S.
Published: February 2017

Introduction

The aim of this study was to review the clinical, radiological and patient-reported outcomes with the use of cup-cage construct for pelvic discontinuity at our institution.

Methods

24 patients were identified at median 6-year (minimum 2 year, maximum 10 years) follow-up. 1 patient was converted to excision arthroplasty for infection. A further 3 patients required revision for instability but the cup-cage construct was not revised.

Results

We noted encouraging pain relief (mean WOMAC pain 85.6) and good functional outcome (mean WOMAC function 78.2, mean UCLA 5, mean OHS 78.6). Patient satisfaction with regards pain relief, function and return to recreational activities were noted to be good.

Conclusions

The cup-cage construct is a viable method of dealing with complex pelvic discontinuity. However, the failure rate due to loosening (4 cases) in this and other reports does prompt the need for further refinement of the technique and technology in this very challenging group of patients, as well as continued evaluation at the mid- and long-term so as to confirm the ongoing success of this method of reconstruction.
Biomimetic Principles to Develop Blood Compatible Surfaces
Authors: Semak Vladislav , Fischer Michael B. , Weber Viktoria
Published: February 2017

Functionalized biomaterial surface patterns capable of resisting nonspecific adsorption while retaining their bioactivity are crucial in the advancement of biomedical technologies, but currently available biomaterials intended for use in whole blood frequently suffer from nonspecific adsorption of proteins and cells, leading to a loss of activity over time. In this review, we address two concepts for the design and modification of blood compatible biomaterial surfaces, zwitterionic modification and surface functionalization with glycans – both of which are inspired by the membrane structure of mammalian cells – and discuss their potential for biomedical applications.
Early cannulation graft Flixene™ for conventional and complex hemodialysis access creation
Authors: Hinojosa Carlos A. , Soto-Solis Saul , Olivares-Cruz Sandra , Laparra-Escareno Hugo , Gomez-Arcive Zeniff , Anaya-Ayala Javier E.
Published: February 2017

Purpose

The Flixene™ (Atrium™, Hudson, NH) is a trilaminate composite polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) graft that allows access within 72 hours. We evaluate our initial experience with this device for conventional and complex hemodialysis access creation.

Methods

Retrospective review in end-stage renal disease (ESRD) patients who underwent access creation with Flixene from January 2013 to July 2014. For our analysis, the patients were divided in two groups: those with complex access configurations tunneled in the chest and/or abdominal wall (thoraco-abdominal wall access [TAWA]), and those tunneled in conventional sites (extremity access [EA]). Patient's demographics, indications, complications, reinterventions, patency rates and factors influencing outcomes were evaluated.

Results

In 19 patients (54% men; mean age 44 years ± 18), 24 grafts were implanted, (13 EA [54%] vs. 11 TAWA), all patent after surgery. Central venous occlusive disease (CVOD) was present in all patients with TAWA and in 7/13 (54%) EA patients (p = 0.016). Early cannulation (within 72 hours) was successful in 12 EA and 5 TAWA grafts (p = 0.044). Complication rates including infection, thrombosis, bleeding and steal syndrome were 8/11 (73%) in TAWA and 5/13 (38%) in EA (p = 0.02). At 12 months, primary patency rates for EA and TAWA were 25% and 41%; secondary patency rates were 55% and 41%, respectively.

Conclusions

Early cannulation (EC) grafts are viable alternatives for conventional and complex access creation that allowed early cannulation (<72 hours) in 17 (70%) of our cases. Primary and secondary patency rates at 12 months were equivalent to data reported on ePTFE grafts.
Factors influencing dialysis arteriovenous graft survival
Authors: Valerianova Anna , Kudlicka Jaroslav , Chytilova Eva , Grauova Barbora , Krupickova Zdislava , Malik Jan
Published: February 2017

Purpose

Dysfunction and loss of patency of dialysis arteriovenous grafts (AVGs) are serious causes of morbidity in patients on dialysis. Various risk factors associated with shorter AVG patency have been blamed, but the results of the studies were controversial. The aim of this study was to assess if associated diseases, biochemical markers and other parameters associated with atherosclerosis influence patency of AVGs in a large vascular access centre.

Methods

We conducted a retrospective study that included patients with AVGs patent for at least 3 weeks after creation. We included variables associated with atherosclerosis into the analysis (coronary artery disease, diabetes mellitus, chronic heart failure, arterial hypertension, smoking history and cholesterol and triglyceride levels) and characteristics of the graft (shape, feeding artery). The data was assessed using log-rank (Cox-Mantel) test. The differences were shown using Kaplan-Meier graphs. The observation period was limited to 1000 days after access creation.

Results

Overall, 338 patients were included in the study. Significantly higher risk of access failure was associated with presence of coronary artery disease (p = 0.0035). Higher serum cholesterol levels were associated with longer survival of the graft in 1000 days of surveillance (p = 0.04).

Conclusions

Coronary artery disease negatively influences the cumulative patency of vascular access. Higher serum cholesterol levels are associated with lower AVG failure risk over a 1000-day period, which probably corresponds to the worse disease status of the patients with lower cholesterol values.
Arteriovenous fistula maturation in patients with permanent access created prior to or after hemodialysis initiation
Authors: Duque Juan C. , Martinez Laisel , Tabbara Marwan , Dvorquez Denise , Mehandru Sushil K. , Asif Arif , Vazquez-Padron Roberto I. , Salman Loay H.
Published: February 2017

Introduction

Multiple factors and comorbidities have been implicated in the ability of arteriovenous fistulas (AVF) to mature, including vessel anatomy, advanced age, and the presence of coronary artery disease or peripheral vascular disease. However, little is known about the role of uremia on AVF primary failure. In this study, we attempt to evaluate the effect of uremia on AVF maturation by comparing AVF outcomes between pre-dialysis chronic kidney disease (CKD) stage five patients and those who had their AVF created after hemodialysis (HD) initiation.

Methods

We included 612 patients who underwent AVF creation between 2003 and 2015 at the University of Miami Hospital and Jackson Memorial Hospital. Effects of uremia on primary failure were evaluated using univariate statistical comparisons and multivariate logistic regression analyses.

Results

Primary failure occurred in 28.1% and 26.3% of patients with an AVF created prior to or after HD initiation, respectively (p = 0.73). The time of HD initiation was not associated with AVF maturation in multivariate logistic regression analysis (p = 0.57). In addition, pre-operative blood urea nitrogen (p = 0.78), estimated glomerular filtration rate (p = 0.66), and serum creatinine levels (p = 0.14) were not associated with AVF primary failure in pre-dialysis patients.

Conclusions

Our results show that clearance of uremia with regular HD treatments prior to AVF creation does not improve the frequency of vascular access maturation.
Improving outcomes of short peripheral vascular access in oncology and chemotherapy administration
Authors: Bertoglio Sergio , van Boxtel Ton , Goossens Godelieve A. , Dougherty Lisa , Furtwangler Rhoikos , Lennan Elaine , Pittiruti Mauro , Sjovall Katarina , Stas Marguerite
Published: February 2017

A short peripheral intravenous catheter or cannula (PIVC) is frequently used to deliver chemotherapy in oncology practice. Although safe and easy to insert, PIVCs do fail, leading to personal discomfort for patients and adding substantially to treatment costs. As the procedure of peripheral catheterization is invasive, there is a need for greater consistency in the choice, insertion and management of short PIVCs, particularly in the oncology setting where there is a growing trend for patients to receive many different courses of IV treatment over a number of years, sometimes with only short remissions. This article reviews best practice with respect to PIVCs in cancer patients and considers the necessity for bundling these actions. Two care bundles, addressing both insertion and ongoing care and maintenance, are proposed. These have the potential to improve outcomes with the use of short PIVCs for vascular access in oncology practice.
A comparison of efficacy of endovascular versus surgical repair for the treatment of arteriovenous fistula stenosis in Taiwan
Authors: Fan Szu-Shan , Chen Chien-Wen , Lu Kuo-Cheng , Mao Hung-Chung , Chen Miao-Pei , Chou Chu-Lin
Published: February 2017

Background

Percutaneous transluminal angioplasty (PTA) and fistula reconstruction surgery are therapeutic options for vascular access occlusion in hemodialysis patients. However, owing to its convenience, PTA has gradually become the preferred therapeutic option for fistula stenosis or occlusion. This study investigated the effects of the two therapeutic methods on the vascular access maintenance duration (number of days) and maintenance costs of fistula in dialysis patients from different dialysis units.

Methodology

In this study, 544 hemodialysis patients from 2 dialysis units in a teaching hospital in the southern area of Taiwan were included in the analysis of the frequency of PTA or revascularization surgery and the use of related medical resources by conducting a retrospective chart review.

Results

The frequency of PTA in the patients undergoing long-term hemodialysis was not significantly associated with their demographic characteristics. The efficacy of PTA has declined with shorter maintenance duration with increasing PTA frequency. The cost profile of PTA was more expensive than that of fistula revascularization surgery.

Conclusions

In this study, PTA was found to be just a temporary solution for fistula thrombosis, whereas fistula reconstruction surgery is inexpensive and improves survival time. Therefore, dialysis units should establish an appropriate standard of care to avoid over-reliance on PTA in order to reduce the fistula failure rate, improve the dialysis efficacy, and reduce the psychological stress in patients, as well as to reduce the maintenance costs and rationalize the medical expenses.
Clinical Significance of Circulating Tumor Cells in Patients with Small-cell Lung Cancer
Authors: Wang Yu-Li , Liu Chun-Hua , Li Jing , Ma Xiao-Ping , Gong Ping
Published: February 2017

Background

This study investigated the correlation of the presence of circulating tumor cells (CTCs) with clinical characteristics, and the predictive value of CTCs for progression-free survival (PFS) in patients with small-cell lung cancer (SCLC).

Methods

Samples were obtained from 42 patients with SCLC before and after the first cycle of chemotherapy. CTCs were quantitated by negative immunomagnetic enrichment and immunocytochemistry using anti-CD45 and anti-pancytokeratin antibodies.

Results

CTCs were positive (≥2) in 76.19% of patients with SCLC and negative in the control group. The presence of CTCs was positively correlated with 6 clinical characteristics. PFS was 6.055 and 10.670 months for patients with ≥2 and <2 CTCs/7.5 mL of blood before chemotherapy; after chemotherapy PFS was 4.862 and 10.535 months, respectively.

Conclusions

This study showed that both baseline CTC numbers and the change in CTC numbers after 1 cycle of chemotherapy are significant prognostic factors of PFS for SCLC.
Stereotactic Ablative Radiation Therapy as a Potential Curative Treatment in Duodenal Adenocarcinoma: A Case Report
Authors: Aquilanti Francesco Maria , Barba Maria Cristina , Bianciardi Federico , Tolu Barbara , Nardiello Barbara , Raza Giorgio Hamid , El Gawhary Randa , D'Ambrosio Chiara , Gentile PierCarlo
Published: February 2017

Purpose

One of the rarest gastrointestinal neoplasm is small bowel cancer. Experience with its treatment modalities is limited. Stereotactic ablative radiation therapy (SABR) has improved, with image-guided radiation therapy becoming a curative option in many tumors. Especially when surgery cannot be performed due to comorbidities, SABR provides a good toxicity profile and an excellent tumor control rate owing to its specific schedule: high dose on a limited and well-defined area.

Methods

An 83-year-old man had arterial hypertension and congestive cardiomyopathy, with recent history of upper abdominal pain, weight loss over 10 kg, and progressive severe fatigue. The patient underwent endoscopy that showed a large mass partially obstructing the second part of the duodenum; a biopsy revealed a moderately differentiated adenocarcinoma. A staging CT scan confirmed localized disease. Due to the patient's age and comorbidities, a SABR was proposed as the preferred treatment. In order to localize the tumor during radiotherapy sessions, surgical clips were placed endoscopically next to the lesion as fiducial markers. The patient received 25 Gy in 5 fractions on alternate days.

Results

Resolution of duodenal obstruction and bleeding lasted for 14 months. The patient died of myocardial infarction.

Conclusions

This case suggests that SABR could have a role in the palliative treatment of small bowel cancers, with good toxicity profile, particularly in patients for whom surgical treatment is not a viable option.
The Reality of Applying Human Resources Diversity Management and Its Impact on Workers’ (Performance, Cooperation, Commitment and Loyalty): A Field Study on the Jordanian Food Industry Companies
Authors: Abu Bakir Sahar Mohammad
Published: February 2017

Globalization, political instability, poverty, forced immigration and many other factors created a state of diversity in the composition of the world population, and accordingly diversity transferred into organizations, causing a big and unavoidable challenge to business organizations. Diverse human resources can be a source of success if they are well managed strategically, and could be the opposite if they were ignored, and don’t have the needed inclusiveness.This study aimed first to find out the degree to which the Jordanian food industry companies are engaged in Human Resources Diversity Management (DM) in terms of (equity and justice in applying human resources strategies), empowerment and religious freedom. And second to examine the influence of (DM) strategies on workers (performance, cooperation, commitment and loyalty), 150 of non-Jordanian workers at 5 companies operating at King Abdulla the second industrial city were surveyed, depending on the workers responses it was found that the 5 companies do engage in (DM) strategies, except for staffing which is restricted by the Jordanian Labor Law, the results of multiple regression showed that all DM strategies have an influence on workers performance.Empowerment has only an influence on workers cooperation, and religious freedom affects workers commitment and loyalty.The researcher recommended that more involvement in organizational activities, equity, justice and good treatment, will enhance workers cooperation, commitment and loyalty.
Religion and Resilience of Parents with a Child with Autism Spectrum Disorders
Authors: Kavaliotis Paschalis
Published: February 2017

The resilience of parents with children with autism is a key concept in the confrontation of the autism challenges which demand parents who are mentally healthy and who will be in a position to satisfy the special needs of their autistic children, however, without sinking into loneliness and isolation which affect the less resistant families and upset their inner balance. The parents resort to various sources for the strengthening of resilience, it is the power of God both as a cause of the origin of autism and as the unique or one of the possible ways of resolving the problem. This survey investigated the views on divine will as to the origin and confrontation of autism in families of Christians and Muslims and it attempted to highlight the possible differences in the culture of these groups that are different in terms of culture and religion. The parents of 312 autistic children in Greece, all of them couples, namely 624 men and women, constituted the population sample. The quantitative survey results showed that the Greek Christians satisfy more efficiently their child’s needs, perhaps because they attribute lesser importance to the factor of the Divine compared to the parents of other religions. The weaker connection between the origin and management of the disease and the Divine will allows them to invest in scientific help for addressing a problem which in fact they perceive in more positive social terms than the Muslims do.
Analyzing the Relationship between Organizational Culture and Silence with Organizational Health among Employers of Fars Maskan Bank
Authors: Foshat Asiyeh , Zarei Reza
Published: February 2017

This study aims to analyze the relationship between organizational culture and silence with organizational health. The methodology of the study is correlation, and its statistical population is 642 that are all employers in Maskan Bank in Fars province. Sampling was executed through one-phase clustering sampling in which 130 persons were selected as statistical sample. Three questionnaires of organizational health (Hawaii et al., 1987), organizational culture (Hofstede, 1980), and organizational silence (Vacola & Bouradas, 2005) were used for collecting data. Data was analyzed step to step using Pearson correlation coefficient and multiple regression tests. Results indicated that there is a significant inverse relationship between organizational culture and silence with organizational health (less than 0.01). Higher level managers’ view of silence (among elements of organizational silence) and patriarchy (among elements of organizational culture) are capable of predicting organizational health in inverse. Other elements are not significantly capable in predicting organizational health.
An interview with Paul Seedhouse on Video Enhanced Observation (VEO): A New Tool for Teacher Training, Professional Development and Classroom Research
Authors: Batlle Rodríguez Jaume
Published: February 2017

The author interviewed Dr. Paul Seedhouse (Newcastle University, United Kingdom) about Video Enhanced Observation (VEO) in teacher training, profesional development, and classroom research.