bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Rapid tooling using 3D printing system for manufacturing of customized tracheal stent
Authors: L. Melgoza Evila , Vallicrosa Guillem , Serenó Lidia , Ciurana Joaquim , A. Rodríguez Ciro
Published: January 2014

Purpose

– This work aims to present the design of a new continuous tool-path strategy for open-source low-cost fused deposition modeling (FDM) machines, such as Fab@Home or RepRap; and the development of an innovative integrated tool to design and fabricate customized tracheal stents with any FDM machine and six patient parameters. Both contributions were validated and implemented by obtaining a customized medical-grade silicone tracheal stent.

Design/methodology/approach

– For the design of the new deposition strategy, a Python programming language was used. The new tool-path strategy was proposed as a continuous path to avoid drops and gaps and to improve the accuracy of the final model. Meanwhile, patient parameters were obtained by medical doctors and introduced into the innovative integrated system. On the one hand, one mold generated automatically, and viewed with Matlab® software, was fabricated with a Fab@Home machine, optimized with the continuous tool-path strategy. On the other hand, the same generated mold was viewed in SolidWorks/Excel software and was fabricated using a commercial FDM machine. Finally, the mold was filled with medical grade silicone, and a silicone tracheal stent was obtained.

Findings

– Path planning for extrusion technologies is still a major concern, especially for open-source FDM machines. The results obtained in this work show the benefits of applying the newly developed continuous tool-path strategy to optimize the performance and efficiency of these machines. In addition, the proposed innovative integrated system allows the fabrication of customized tracheal stents rapidly and affordably.

Practical implications

– The possibility of obtaining customized tracheal stents is a worthy challenge. Medical doctors could play a more active role and interact during the design process, helping to obtain more suitable stents. The method proposed herein would provide the opportunity to obtain real values from the trachea of a patient in the operating room and quickly fabricate a customized stent that would fit the patient's trachea perfectly.

Originality/value

– The results obtained in this work are relevant and have future applications in both the medical and the additive manufacturing fields. The optimized tool-path strategy can help to improve and enhance the use of low-cost FDM machines. Moreover, the innovative automatic design approach to fabricate tracheal stents may open new market opportunities in the medical device field.
Process capability analysis of fused deposition modelling for plastic components
Authors: Singh Rupinder
Published: January 2014

Purpose

– The purpose of the present study is process capability analysis of fused deposition modelling (FDM) process as rapid pattern making (RDPM) solutions for plastic components.

Design/methodology/approach

– Starting from the identification of component, prototypes with ABS plastic material were produced and dimensional measurements were made with coordinate measuring machine (CMM). Some important mechanical properties were also compared to verify the suitability of the components.

Findings

– The study highlighted the best settings of orientation, support material quantity for the selected component as a case study on FDM machine from dimensional accuracy and economic point of view as RDPM solution for plastic components.

Practical implications

– This process ensures rapid production of statistically controlled pre-series technological prototypes and proof of concept at less production cost and time. Final components produced are acceptable as per ISO standard UNI EN 20286-I and DIN16901.

Originality/value

– The results of the study suggest that FDM process lies in ±4.5 sigma (σ) limit in regard to dimensional accuracy of plastic component is concerned and may be gainfully employed as RDPM solution for bio-medical applications.
Additive manufacturing and digital design assisted precise apicoectomy: a case study
Authors: Liu Yunfeng , Liao Wenqing , Jin Guangsheng , Yang Quanming , Peng Wei
Published: January 2014

Purpose

– The purpose is to realize precise apicoectomy with less surgical risk and improved quality and efficiency.

Design/methodology/approach

– First, the procedure of precise apicoectomy based on additive manufacturing (AM) and digital design is proposed. With CT images of the patient's oral, a 3D model of alveolar bone and teeth is reconstructed, and based on this model, the infected tissue and enclosed root tip can be determined. Thus, a surgical plan can be created based on clear anatomical relationships and minimal negative constraints, which will then determine the drill position, direction and depth, as well as the resection length of root tip. With this plan, a surgical guide design is performed via a composite model from reversed plaster models and hard tissue models from CT, and accessory tools including drill with stop plane and handle are also selected. With the surgical guide, the virtual plan in the computer can be realized in the clinic.

Findings

– With this methodology, the dentist can perform root-end resection with greater accuracy, save more than 30 percent of operatory time, and the discomfort to the patient is reduced to a minimum.

Practical implications

– The proposed methodology has been used in ten cases for root-end resections. In fact, this method of designing a computer-based treatment plan with a 3D model of a patient and applying it in the clinic through guiding tools can be used in other surgeries, such as orthognathic surgery or osteotomy.

Originality/value

– This case report illustrates that with AM and digital design methods, optimal operational plans can be designed and realized for apicoectomy, and the quality and efficiency of clinical surgery are greatly improved compared with conventional methods.
The influence of power position on the depth of collaboration
Authors: Kähkönen Anni-Kaisa
Published: January 2014

Purpose

– This paper aims to analyze the influence of power on the depth of collaboration by discussing the power relations and collaborative relationships between buyers and suppliers in networks. The aim is to shed light on how power position in a network influences the depth of collaboration.

Design/methodology/approach

– The study utilizes a case research as a method and analyzes a network from the Finnish food industry. The empirical data comprises 29 semi-structured interviews conducted among the personnel of four case companies.

Findings

– The findings of the study suggest that the network actors' power relations affect the form of the relationships. It seems that power influences the depth of collaboration, which is minimal if the actors do not have balanced power positions. Highlighting the importance of the network context, the results also indicate that the role and position in the network may crucially determine the character of the power relations if the actors are otherwise in balanced positions.

Practical implications

– The results have implications for purchasing and supply chain managers and practitioners in terms of shedding light on the relation between power and collaboration. It enhances understanding of how power influences collaboration, and of how a wider network perspective could determine the power relations between the companies. Managers need to be aware of the effects of power on the nature of their relationships and, moreover, on the depth of collaboration. This enhances their ability to determine their positions in relation to other companies, and to develop relationships offering opportunities for deeper collaboration.

Originality/value

– The literature review reveals that the issues of power and collaboration in the network context have rarely been connected and discussed in relation to each other. This constitutes a clear and notable research gap given the implication that the relation between power and collaboration, in terms of the influence of power position, is still an unexplored area. Moreover, whereas most previous studies on the phenomenon of power concentrate on analyzing dyadic relationships, this study raises the question of the network context.
Contractor practices for managing extended supply chain tiers
Authors: Pala Mesut , Edum-Fotwe Francis , Ruikar Kirti , Doughty Nathan , Peters Chris
Published: January 2014

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to examine how contractor firms manage their relationships with extended supply chain tiers and investigate the range of ICT technologies used to facilitate such practices.

Design/methodology/approach

– An on-line questionnaire survey was conducted to gather information about supply chain management operations, supplier relationship management and the ICT technologies used by contractor firms to manage their extended supply chain tiers.

Findings

– The extended supply chain relationships of contractor firms are primarily composed of contractual, technical and financial entities, but findings suggest that the vision to consider extended supply chain firms when selecting suppliers are still myopic. Majority of ICT technologies are used between Tier 1 supply chain firms and there is an inconsistency in the number of technologies adopted with the extended supply chain tiers. Despite having a high involvement relationship with Tier 2 downstream firms, findings indicate a lack of use of ICT technologies to manage the organisational, personal and technological interactions with these firms.

Research limitations/implications

– On the basis of different relationship types this study develops an initial framework for management of supply chains that are facilitated by relevant ICT technologies.

Originality/value

– This paper provides insights into the management of extended supply chain firms by contractor firms from a relationship-centric perspective and develops an initial framework for relationship-centric supply chain management.
Supply chain management as Lakatosian research program
Authors: Gold Stefan
Published: January 2014

Purpose

– There is an ongoing and controversial debate about the current state of maturity of supply chain management (SCM) as research discipline and its future development. Openness to theory of other fields is on the one hand welcome and on the other hand denounced as arbitrariness hampering the progression of SCM. This paper aims to contribute to this debate outlining one promising framework that structures the field and provides guidance for its evolution.

Design/methodology/approach

– This paper conceives SCM as a Lakatosian research program from a philosophy of knowledge perspective that allows for continuously developing the knowledge base of SCM. After outlining the peculiarities of knowledge development according to Lakatos, the hard core of the program is delimitated from its protective belt by means of various analytical criteria referring to the meta, discipline, and practice level. The distinction framework is illustratively applied to four SCM research articles.

Findings

– Developing SCM as a Lakatosian research program entails two main challenges: consensus regarding the irrefutable hard core and theoretic and methodological openness regarding its protective belt.

Research limitations/implications

– Meeting these challenges requires distinguishing between hard core and protective belt. Thus, the Lakatosian viewpoint facilitates both the integration of knowledge from a diversified range of research designs into the body of SCM knowledge and safeguards its stability and its identity as research program.

Originality/value

– This paper is a rare attempt of grounding SCM in a coherent conceptualization of scientific knowledge development.
Prioritisation of performance indicators in air cargo demand management: an insight from industry
Authors: May Alexander , Anslow Adrian , Wu Yue , Ojiako Udechukwu , Chipulu Max , Marshall Alasdair
Published: January 2014

Purpose

– Real operational data are used to optimise the performance measurement of air cargo capacity demand management at Virgin Atlantic Cargo by identifying the best KPIs from the range of outcome-based KPIs in current use.

Design/methodology/approach

– Intelligent fuzzy multi-criteria methods are used to generate a ranking order of key outcome-based performance indicators. More specifically, KPIs used by Virgin Atlantic Cargo are evaluated by experts against various output criteria. Intelligent fuzzy multi-criteria group making decision-making methodology is then applied to produce rankings.

Findings

– A useful ranking order emerges from the study albeit with the important limitation that the paper looked solely at indices focussing exclusively on outcomes while ignoring behavioural complexity in the production of outcomes.

Originality/value

– This paper offers a practical overview of the development of performance measures useful for air cargo capacity demand management.
The resilience of energy supply chains: a multiple case study approach on oil and gas supply chains to Europe
Authors: Urciuoli Luca , Mohanty Sangeeta , Hintsa Juha , Gerine Boekesteijn Else
Published: January 2014

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to enhance the understanding about how energy supply chains work to build resilience against exogenous security threats and thereafter what support mechanisms should be introduced or improved by the European Union.

Design/methodology/approach

– Five case studies and data collection from multiple sources is used to understand what exogenous security threats could lead to the disruption of oil and gas flows to Europe, how energy companies, from a supply chain perspective, are working to manage these threats and finally, how the EU may coordinate the security of the energy sector in collaboration with supply chain companies.

Findings

– Results show that today, oil and gas supply chains have in place a good combination of disruption strategies, including portfolio diversification, flexible contracts, transport capacity planning and safety stocks. The most relevant security threats the companies fear, include hijacking of vessels (sea piracy), but also terrorism, and wars. Finally, the study highlights that the European Union has built a comprehensive portfolio of strategies to deal with scarcity of oil and gas resources. However, these approaches are not often synchronized with supply chain strategies.

Practical implications

– The paper provides guidance for supply chain managers dealing with critical suppliers located in conflict environments. The paper recommends that supply chain managers fine tune their strategies in coordination with governmental actions in foreign politics, dependence reduction and crisis management. This may be achieved by closer communication with governments and potentially through the creation of a pan-European sector alliance.

Originality/value

– Previous research discusses the topic of supply chain resilience and supply chain risk management. However, none of these studies report on exogenous security threats and disruption strategies of oil and gas supply chains. At the same time, previous research lacks detailed studies describing the interaction between governments and energy supply chains.
Supply chain relationships, supplier support programmes and stimulating investment: evidence from the Armenian dairy sector
Authors: Dries Liesbeth , Gorton Matthew , Urutyan Vardan , White John
Published: January 2014

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to evaluate the determinants of supply chain relationships, the provision of supplier support measures and the role that support measures play in stimulating investment by suppliers in emerging economies.

Design/methodology/approach

– The paper draws on survey evidence for 300 commercial dairy farms in Armenia. The identification of potential determinants of supply chain relationships and support programmes is based on literature on supply chain management and transaction cost economics.

Findings

– Positive determinants of supplier support programmes are the degree of exclusivity of the buyer-supplier relationship, initial capital of the supplier, co-operation between suppliers, and foreign ownership of the buyer. Support programmes are less likely to be offered in very competitive environments. Support measures such as loans, physical inputs and guaranteed prices facilitate supplier investments.

Research limitations/implications

– Research is limited to cross-sectional data for a single country and further testing would help assess the generalizability of the findings.

Practical implications

– The findings highlight the gains that can be made from openness to international firms. The negative competition effect suggests that buyers are constrained in their ability to monitor use of the provided services in an environment where a lot of buyers are competing for the same supply. Improving the enforcement capability of companies under these circumstances is an important challenge for the industry and policy makers.

Originality/value

– The novelty of the study lies in the investigation of the relationships between the nature of supply chain linkages and suppliers' investments.
Dynamic structural health monitoring of a civil engineering structure with a POF accelerometer
Authors: Costa Antunes Paulo , Miguel Dias João , Varum Humberto , André Paulo
Published: January 2014

Purpose

– In this work, the paper aims to demonstrate the feasibility of plastic optical fiber (POF) based accelerometers for the structural health monitoring (SHM) of civil engineering structures based on measurements of their dynamic response, namely to estimate natural frequencies. These sensors use POFs, combining the advantages of the optical technology with the robustness of this particular kind of fiber. The POF sensor output is directly compared with the signal from an electrical sensor, demonstrating the potential use of such sensors in structural monitoring applications.

Design/methodology/approach

– Within this work, the paper demonstrates the feasibility of using a low-cost acceleration system based on a POF accelerometer on the dynamic monitoring of a civil engineering structure, aiming its natural frequency evaluation, which is a primary parameter to be used in SHM methods and numerical models calibration.

Findings

– A low-cost POF-based accelerometer was used in the characterization of a civil engineering structural component, located in a building at the University of Aveiro Campus, being used to estimate its natural frequency with a relative error of 0.36 percent, comparatively to the value estimated recurring to a calibrated electronic sensor.

Originality/value

– Optical fiber sensors take advantage of the fibers properties, such as immunity to electromagnetic interference and electrical isolation. They are very attractive for use in hostile environments, like submerse environments or flammable atmospheres where electrical currents might pose a hazard. The advantages of POF itself should also be considered, like resistance to hash environments, robustness, flexibility, low-cost interrogation units and high numeric aperture (lower cost components). The paper demonstrates the feasibility of using a low-cost acceleration system based on a POF accelerometer on the dynamic monitoring of a civil engineering structure, aiming its natural frequency evaluation.
Flame detection in grey-scale images of a B/W camera
Authors: Do Yongtae
Published: January 2014

Purpose

– Fire is a common disaster. Even though simple sensors such as those detecting smoke or heat are popularly employed, they require close proximity to fire. In order to obtain more reliable and more complete information, fire detection by vision sensing has recently acquired increasing attention. In the vision-based fire sensing, colour is usually used as an important cue for flame detection. However, considering there are still a large number of black-and-white (B/W) CCTV cameras installed for security purposes, a technique that can detect flame reliably in grey-scale images will be useful to protect human lives and property from the fire disaster. The paper aims to discuss these issues.

Design/methodology/approach

– This article describes the automatic detection of fire flames in the grey-scale image sequences by a two-level image processing scheme: pixel-level and frame-level. In pixel-level processing, an evaluation function is devised to extract pixels that possibly belong to the flame region, particularly to its boundaries. Extracted fire pixel candidates are verified in frame-level processing by monitoring their distribution variations in sequential images. A circle is fitted to the candidate pixels in each image for efficient monitoring, and the presence of flame is reasoned when the position and size of the circle increase with high fluctuations.

Findings

– Experimental results show that the proposed method can detect flame quite reliably using the intensity information and its temporal variations in grey-scale image sequences.

Originality/value

– This paper presents a novel technique of vision-based flame detection. Unlike most existing techniques, the proposed technique is based on the grey-scale images of a B/W camera. To the best of the author's knowledge, it may be the first of its kind developed for general application to indoor and outdoor scenes.
Lasers sensors very accurately measure both speed and length in real time
Authors: Bloss Richard
Published: January 2014

Purpose

– Review of the advancements in non-contact laser sensors for much more accurate real time speed as well as length measurements. The paper aims to discuss these issues.

Design/methodology/approach

– In-depth review of a number of applications of laser sensors.

Findings

– A wide range of manufacturers in the converting industries have solved measurement problems and realized major improvements in product quality, cost of production and productivity by applying laser measurement as well as reduction in scrap.

Practical implications

– Others with the need to make very accurate measurements of speed and length in real time may find that laser sensors may provide the answer.

Originality/value

– An expert insight into how to solve real time speed and length measurement problems.
Tapered plastic optical fiber coated with single wall carbon nanotubes polyethylene oxide composite for measurement of uric acid concentration
Authors: Batumalay Malathy , Ahmad F. , Lokman Asiah , Jasim A.A. , Wadi Harun Sulaiman , Ahmad H.
Published: January 2014

Purpose

– A simple tapered plastic optical fiber (POF) sensor is proposed and demonstrated for measurement of uric acid concentrations in de-ionized water. The paper aims to discuss these issues.

Design/methodology/approach

– The sensor operates based on intensity modulation technique as the tapered POF probe which was coated by a single walled carbon nonotubes polyethylene oxide (SWCNT-PEO) composite is immersed into the uric acid solution. The probe was fabricated using an etching method and has a waist diameter of 0.46 mm and tapering length of 10 mm.

Findings

– As the concentration varies from 0 to 500 ppm, the output voltage of the sensor increases linearly from 6.13 to 7.35 mV with a sensitivity of 0.0023 mV/% and a linearity of more than 97.20 percent. The SWCNT-PEO composite coating increases the sensitivity of the proposed sensor due to the effective cladding refractive index, which increases with the coating and thus allows more light to be transmitted from the tapered fiber.

Originality/value

– This is the first demonstration of the tapered POF sensor for measurement of uric acid concentrations in de-ionized water.
Review of recent trends in gas sensing technologies and their miniaturization potential
Authors: Lakkis Sari , Younes Rafic , Alayli Yasser , Sawan Mohamad
Published: January 2014

Purpose

– This paper aims to give an overview about the state of the art and novel technologies used in gas sensing. It also discusses the miniaturization potential of some of these technologies in a comparative way.

Design/methodology/approach

– In this article, the authors state the most of the methods used in gas sensing discuss their advantages and disadvantages and at last the authors discuss the ability of their miniaturization comparing between them in terms of their sensing parameters like sensitivity, selectivity and cost.

Findings

– In this article, the authors will try to cover most of the important methods used in gas sensing and their recent developments. The authors will also discuss their miniaturization potential trying to find the best candidate among the different types for the aim of miniaturization.

Originality/value

– In this article, the authors will review most of the methods used in gas sensing and discuss their miniaturization potential delimiting the research to a certain type of technology or application.
Methicillin‐resistant Staphylococcus aureus carriage among veterinary staff and dogs in private veterinary clinics in Hokkaido, Japan
Authors: Ishihara Kanako , Saito Mieko , Shimokubo Natsumi , Muramatsu Yasukazu , Maetani Shigeki , Tamura Yutaka
Published: January 2014

To explore the prevalence and molecular characteristics of methicillin‐resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) in veterinary medical practices, MRSA carriage was tested among 96 veterinarians (Vets), 70 veterinary technicians (VTs) and 292 dogs with which they had contact at 71 private veterinary clinics (VCs) in Hokkaido, Japan. MRSA isolates were obtained from 22 Vets [22.9%] and 7 VTs [10%]. The prevalence of MRSA among Vets was as high as that found in an academic veterinary hospital in our previous study. In contrast, only two blood donor dogs and one dog with liver disease (1.0%, 3/292) yielded MRSA. All MRSA‐positive dogs were reared or treated in different VCs, in each of which at least one veterinary staff member carrying MRSA worked. Sequence types (ST) identified by multilocus sequence typing, spa types, and SCCmec types for canine MRSA isolates (ST5‐spa t002‐SCCmec II [from two dogs] or ST30‐spa t021‐SCCmec IV [from a dog]) were concordant with those from veterinary staff members in the same clinics as the MRSA‐positive dogs, with which they had potentially had contact. Most MRSA isolates from veterinary staff were the same genotype (SCCmec type II and spa type t002) as a major hospital‐acquired MRSA clone in Japan. The remaining MRSA was the same genotypes as domestic and foreign community‐associated MRSA. Measures against MRSA infection should be provided in private VCs.
Riparian vegetation has disproportionate benefits for landscape‐scale conservation of woodland birds in highly modified environments
Authors: Bennett Andrew F. , Nimmo Dale G. , Radford James Q.
Published: January 2014

Identifying landscape patterns that allow native fauna to coexist with human land use is a global challenge. Riparian vegetation often persists in anthropogenic environments as strips of natural or semi‐natural vegetation that provide habitat for many terrestrial species. Its relative contribution to landscape‐scale conservation is likely to change as environments become increasingly modified. We used a ‘whole of landscape’ approach to test the hypothesis that riparian vegetation offers disproportionate benefits, relative to non‐riparian vegetation, for the conservation of woodland birds in highly modified agricultural landscapes.

We selected 24 landscapes, each 100 km2, along a gradient of landscape change represented by decreasing cover of native vegetation (from 60% to <2%), in an agricultural region in SE Australia. Bird species were systematically surveyed at three riparian and seven non‐riparian sites in wooded vegetation in each landscape.

Riparian sites supported a greater richness of woodland‐dependent species, a group of conservation concern, than did non‐riparian sites. The composition of assemblages also differed between site types.

At the landscape scale, the pooled richness of bird assemblages at riparian and non‐riparian sites, respectively, decreased with overall loss of tree cover despite constant sampling effort. Within landscapes, the β‐diversity of woodland species among non‐riparian sites increased (composition became less similar) as landscape tree cover declined. In contrast, riparian assemblages were relatively stable with no change in β‐diversity. Importantly, as landscape tree cover declined, the proportion of woodland species uniquely present at riparian sites increased and made a greater contribution to overall landscape diversity.

Synthesis and applications. Landscape‐scale richness of woodland species declines as landscape tree cover is lost. In highly depleted landscapes, riparian vegetation retains a relatively rich, stable assemblage compared with that in heterogeneous remnants of non‐riparian vegetation and consequently contributes disproportionately to landscape‐scale diversity. These observations, together with the diverse benefits of riparian vegetation for aquatic ecosystems, mean that protection and restoration of riparian vegetation is a high priority in anthropogenic environments. Importantly, such actions are directly amenable to individual land managers, and the benefits will accumulate to enhance the persistence and conservation of species at landscape and regional scales.
Xylose‐fermenting Pichia stipitis by genome shuffling for improved ethanol production
Authors: Shi Jun , Zhang Min , Zhang Libin , Wang Pin , Jiang Li , Deng Huiping
Published: January 2014

Xylose fermentation is necessary for the bioconversion of lignocellulose to ethanol as fuel, but wild‐type Saccharomyces cerevisiae strains cannot fully metabolize xylose. Several efforts have been made to obtain microbial strains with enhanced xylose fermentation. However, xylose fermentation remains a serious challenge because of the complexity of lignocellulosic biomass hydrolysates. Genome shuffling has been widely used for the rapid improvement of industrially important microbial strains. After two rounds of genome shuffling, a genetically stable, high‐ethanol‐producing strain was obtained. Designated as TJ2‐3, this strain could ferment xylose and produce 1.5 times more ethanol than wild‐type Pichia stipitis after fermentation for 96 h. The acridine orange and propidium iodide uptake assays showed that the maintenance of yeast cell membrane integrity is important for ethanol fermentation. This study highlights the importance of genome shuffling in P. stipitis as an effective method for enhancing the productivity of industrial strains.
Comparison of Sustained Low‐Efficiency Dialysis With Acetate‐Free and Acetate‐Containing Bicarbonate Dialysate in Unstable Patients
Authors: Unarokov Zaur M. , Mukhoedova Tamara V. , Shuvaeva Olga V.
Published: January 2014

This work is focused on the problem of maintenance of intradialytic hemodynamic safety in unstable patients with acute kidney injury (AKI). A hypothesis that “small” quantities of acetate in standard bicarbonate dialysate can cause pronounced acetatemia and exacerbate cardiovascular instability was tested. In this prospective randomized study, a group of patients with AKI after cardiac surgery was treated with sustained low‐efficiency dialysis with either acetate‐containing bicarbonate dialysate or acetate‐free dialysate, where acetate is replaced by hydrochloric acid. It was demonstrated that application of acetate‐containing bicarbonate dialysate results in blood acetate levels up to 12 times the normal level. Additionally, it is associated with a 3.8‐fold‐increased risk of hemodynamic complications in comparison with acetate‐free dialysate. The choice of acetate‐free or acetate‐containing bicarbonate dialysate does not influence adequacy of correction of the acid–base and electrolyte content of blood.
Industry classification considering spatial distribution of manufacturing activities
Authors: Sohn Jungyul
Published: January 2014

This study examines the spatial distribution of manufacturing activities in Korea to introduce spatial distributional aspects to industry classifications. One hundred and sixty two administrative units in mainland Korea with 180 manufacturing sectors were analysed for this purpose. In the main analysis, the spatial distribution and association of individual sectors are examined using concentration and agglomeration measures, and 180 sectors are then classified along with the values of these measures. The classification is conducted using factor analysis for identifying groups of industries with a common spatial distribution pattern. The analysis identifies five major industry groups in terms of their spatial distribution patterns.
Hierarchical dose–response modeling for high‐throughput toxicity screening of environmental chemicals
Authors: Wilson Ander , Reif David M. , Reich Brian J.
Published: January 2014

High‐throughput screening (HTS) of environmental chemicals is used to identify chemicals with high potential for adverse human health and environmental effects from among the thousands of untested chemicals. Predicting physiologically relevant activity with HTS data requires estimating the response of a large number of chemicals across a battery of screening assays based on sparse dose–response data for each chemical‐assay combination. Many standard dose–response methods are inadequate because they treat each curve separately and under‐perform when there are as few as 6–10 observations per curve. We propose a semiparametric Bayesian model that borrows strength across chemicals and assays. Our method directly parametrizes the efficacy and potency of the chemicals as well as the probability of response. We use the ToxCast data from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) as motivation. We demonstrate that our hierarchical method provides more accurate estimates of the probability of response, efficacy, and potency than separate curve estimation in a simulation study. We use our semiparametric method to compare the efficacy of chemicals in the ToxCast data to well‐characterized reference chemicals on estrogen receptor (ER) and peroxisome proliferator‐activated receptor (PPAR) assays, then estimate the probability that other chemicals are active at lower concentrations than the reference chemicals.
Timing and Dose Regimens of Marrow Mesenchymal Stem Cell Transplantation Affect the Outcomes and Neuroinflammatory Response After Ischemic Stroke
Authors: Wang Liu‐Qing , Lin Zhen‐Zhen , Zhang Hong‐Xia , Shao Bei , Xiao Li , Jiang Hui‐Gang , Zhuge Qi‐Chuan , Xie Luo‐Kun , Wang Brian , Su Dong‐Ming , Jin Kun‐Lin
Published: January 2014

Aims

Intravenous transplantation of bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs) had been documented to improve functional outcome after ischemic stroke. However, the timing and appropriate cell number of transplantation to achieve better outcome after an episode of stroke remain further to be optimized.

Methods

To determine the optimal conditions, we transplanted different concentrations ofBMSCs at different time points in a rat model of ischemic stroke. Infarction volume and neurological behavioral tests were performed after ischemia.

Results

We found that transplantation ofBMSCs at 3 and 24 h, but not 7 days after focal ischemia, significantly reduced the lesion volume and improved motor deficits. We also found that transplanted cells at 1 × 106to 107, but not at 1 × 104to 105, significantly improved functional outcome after stroke. In addition to inhibiting macrophages/microglia activation in the ischemic brain,BMSCtransplantation profoundly reduced infiltration of gamma delta T (γδT) cells, which are detrimental to the ischemic brain, and significantly increased regulatory T cells (Tregs), along with altered Treg‐associated cytokines in the ischemic brain.

Conclusions

Our data suggest that timing and cell dose of transplantation determine the therapeutic effects after focal ischemia by modulating poststroke neuroinflammation.
Anthocyanins Protect against Kainic Acid‐induced Excitotoxicity and Apoptosis via ROS‐activated AMPK Pathway in Hippocampal Neurons
Authors: Ullah Ikram , Park Hyun Young , Kim Myeong Ok
Published: January 2014

Introduction

Excitotoxicity is an important mechanism involved in neurodegeneration. Kainic acid (KA)‐induced excitotoxicity results an unfavorable stress, and we investigated the signaling pathways activated in such conditions.

Aims

Here, we sought to determine the cellular and biochemical benefits of anthocyanins extracted from Korean black bean against KA‐induced excitotoxicity and neuronal cell death.

Methods and results

Mouse hippocampal cell line (HT22) and primary prenatal rat hippocampal neurons were treated with KA to induce excitotoxicity. Incubation of the cells with KA alone significantly decreased cell viability, elevated intracellular Ca2+ level, increased generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and loss of mitochondrial membrane potential (ΔψM). These events were accompanied by sustained phosphorylation and activation of AMP‐activated protein kinase (AMPK). Kainic acid induced upregulation of Bax, decrease in Bcl‐2, release of cytochrome‐c, and activation of caspase‐3 in both cell types. Anthocyanins attenuated KA‐induced dysregulation of Ca2+, ROS accumulation, activation of AMPK, and increase in percentage of apoptotic cells. Pretreatment of the cells with compound C, an inhibitor of AMPK, diminished the KA‐induced activation of AMPK and caspase‐3. The activation of AMPK through elevation of cellular ROS and Ca2+ levels is required for KA‐induced apoptosis in hippocampal neurons.

Conclusions

In summary, our data suggest that although anthocyanins have diverse activities, at least part of their beneficial effects against KA‐induced hippocampal degeneration can be attributed to their well‐recognized antioxidant properties.
Long Noncoding RNA Profiles Reveal Three Molecular Subtypes in Glioma
Authors: Li Rui , Qian Jin , Wang Ying‐Yi , Zhang Jun‐Xia , You Yong‐Ping
Published: January 2014

Background

Gliomas are the most lethal type of primary brain tumor in adult. Long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs), which are involved in the progression of various cancers, may offer a potential gene therapy target in glioma.

Methods and Findings

We first classified gliomas into three molecular subtypes (namely LncR1, LncR2 and LncR3) in Rembrandt dataset using consensus clustering. Survival analysis indicated that LncR3 had the best prognosis, while the LncR1 subtype showed the poorest overall survival rate. The results were further validated in an independent glioma dataset GSE16011. Additionally, we collected and merged data of the two databases (Rembrandt and GSE16011 dataset) and analyzed prognosis of each subtype in WHO II, III and IV gliomas. The similar results were obtained. Gene Set Variation Analysis (GSVA) demonstrated that LncR1 subtype enriched cultured astroglia's gene signature, while LncR2 subtype was characterized by neuronal gene signature. Oligodendrocytic was rich in LncR3. In addition, IDH1 mutation and 1p/19q LOH were found rich with LncR3, and EGFR amplification showed high percentage in LncR1 in GSE16011 dataset.

Conclusions

We report a novel molecular classification of glioma based on lncRNA expression profiles and believe that it would provide a potential platform for future studies on gene treatment for glioma and lead to more individualized therapies to improve survival rates.
Clinical and epidemiological features of textile contact dermatitis:an Italian multicentre study
Authors: Lisi Paolo , Stingeni Luca , Cristaudo Antonio , Foti Caterina , Pigatto Paolo , Gola Massimo , Schena Donatella , Corazza Monica , Bianchi Leonardo
Published: January 2014

Background

The prevalence of occupational and non‐occupational textile dermatitis seems to be increasing, probably because of changed textile manufacturing techniques.

Objective

Evaluation of the clinical features and epidemiology of textile contact dermatitis (TCD) in Italy.

Methods

Demographic data, clinical history aspects, atopy and positive patch test reactions to occupational and non‐occupational allergens were investigated in 277 textile dermatitis patients.

Results

Contact dermatitis was the most frequent clinical presentation (95.3%). TCD was more common in females, in the fourth to fifth decades of life, and in atopic dermatitis patients. The lesions were prevalently eczematous (74.2%), and mostly located on the trunk and lower limbs in non‐occupational cases, and on the hands in textile workers. Allergic TCD (58.3%) was more frequent than irritant TCD. The dyes (Disperse Blue 124, Disperse Blue 106, and Disperse Yellow 3) were most frequently responsible (79.8%), especially in non‐occupational TCD. Formaldehyde and resins were more important in occupational TCD. Concomitant reactions among textile dyes and/or finishing resins were observed in 50.0% of patients.

Conclusions

Some strategies (sensitization potential of new textile chemicals, more stable dyes, reduced levels of formaldehyde in clothing, and collaboration with textile industry and trade associations) should be adopted to decrease the TCD incidence and update the textile patch testing series.
German psoriasis registry PsoBest: objectives, methodology and baseline data
Authors: Augustin Matthias , Spehr Christina , Radtke Marc A. , Boehncke Wolf‐Henning , Luger Thomas , Mrowietz Ulrich , Reusch Michael , Strömer Klaus , Wozel Gottfried , Kiedrowski Ralph v. , Rustenbach Stephan J. , Purwins Sandra , Reich Kristian
Published: January 2014

Background

The German psoriasis registry PsoBest records the long‐term efficacy, safety, patient benefit and treatment regimens of psoriasis.

Patients and methods

Patients with moderate or severe psoriasis are included in PsoBest when treatment with a conventional systemic agent or biologic is started for the first time. Observation time is five years. Standardized physician and patient case report forms are obtained every three to six months. Baseline data of patients included by 31 December 2012 are presented and compared to the national health care study PsoHealth 2007 (n = 2,009).

Results

602 dermatology practices and clinics have been registered and 199 have recruited n = 2,556 patients (63 % by practices, 37 % by clinics). Initially, n = 808 received biologics (316 adalimumab, 34 efalizumab, 209 etanercept, 75 infliximab, 22 golimumab, 152 ustekinumab) and n = 1,651 conventional systemic therapy (928 fumaric acid esters, 518 methotrexate, 161 cyclosporine A, 191 other drugs or UV treatment). Compared to PsoHealth, patients in PsoBest had on average a higher disease severity (PASI 14.7 vs. 10.1; DLQI 11.0 vs. 7.5; EQ‐5D VAS 54.0 vs. 64.5), shorter disease duration (18.2 vs. 21.3 yrs.), lower age (47.3 vs. 51.5), higher rates of psoriatic arthritis (20.5 vs. 19.1 %) and nail psoriasis (55.0 vs. 35.6 %). On average patients receiving biologics were younger, more often male and had higher disease severity and comorbidity.

Conclusions

Patients in PsoBest represent patients with a high burden of disease.
Everyday psychological functioning in children with unilateral cerebral palsy: does executive functioning play a role?
Authors: Whittingham Koa , Bodimeade Harriet L , Lloyd Owen , Boyd Roslyn N
Published: January 2014

Aim

To identify whether executive functioning mediates the effect of having unilateral cerebral palsy (CP) on executive functioning in everyday life, psychological functioning, and social functioning.

Method

A cross‐sectional cohort of 46 children with unilateralCP(25 males, 21 females; mean age 11y 1mo,SD2y 5mo; 24 right‐sided, 22 left‐sided) and 20 children with typical development (nine males, 11 females; mean age 10y 10mo,SD2y 4mo). Cognitive executive functioning was tested using a neuropsychological battery. Executive functioning in everyday life was measured with the Behavior Rating Inventory of Executive Function (BRIEF; teacher and parent reports) and psychological and social functioning by the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ). Analysis included analysis of covariance and bootstrapping.

Results

Children with unilateralCPwere found to have significantly decreased functioning, compared with children with typical development, on theBRIEFBehavioral Regulation Index, theBRIEFMetacognition Index, and on theSDQemotion, conduct, hyperactivity, and peer problems subscales. Group differences were mediated by cognitive executive functioning for theBRIEFMetacognition Index (teacher and parent report), theBRIEFBehavioral Regulation Index (parent report only), theSDQconduct subscale, and theSDQhyperactivity subscale.

Interpretation

This study suggests that the increased risk of children with unilateralCPexperiencing executive functioning difficulties in everyday life, conduct problems, and hyperactivity can be partly explained by decreased cognitive executive functioning abilities relative to children with typical development.
The Topological Multiplicities of Power: The Limits of Governing theOlympics
Authors: Müller Martin
Published: January 2014

This article proposes that economic geography would benefit from a closer consideration of the topological multiplicities of power, that is, the multiple contending configurations of networks that make power a precarious accomplishment through creating constant overflows. It develops this argument by tracing how the circulation of knowledge in the preparation for theOlympicGames establishes sociomaterial networks that are meant to allow theInternationalOlympicCommittee to coordinate the organization of the event. On the basis of Bruno Latour's concept of the oligopticon, the article develops a sociomaterial notion of power to govern at a distance that emerges through the triple movement of collecting and mobilizing information, casting it into stable intermediaries, and recirculating knowledge. At the same time, a parallel narrative considers how this power and its spatial reach remain always partial and are transformed by overflows as elements move in and out of networks and how forces outside the network bear on it, creating “absent presences.” Giving adequate attention to these topological multiplicities of sociomaterial networks offers an important counterweight to the dominant notion of stable social networks in economic geography and is particularly useful when analyzing the governance of projects and various other forms of ephemeral, distributed organizing.
Spike synchronization in cat primary visual cortex depends on similarity of surround‐suppression magnitude
Authors: Naito Tomoyuki , Kasamatsu Takuji , Sato Hiromichi
Published: January 2014

In the primary visual cortex (V1), the spike synchronization seen in neuron pairs with non‐overlapping receptive fields can be explained by similarities in their preferred orientation (PO). However, this is not true for pairs with overlapping receptive fields, as they can still exhibit spike synchronization even if their POs are only weakly correlated. Here, we investigated the relationship between spike synchronization and suppressive modulation derived from classical receptive‐field surround (surround suppression). We found that layer 4 and layer 2/3 pairs exhibited mainly asymmetric spike synchronization that had non‐zero time‐lags and was dependent on both the similarity of the PO and the strength of surround suppression. In contrast, layer 2/3 and layer 2/3 pairs showed mainly symmetric spike synchronization that had zero time‐lag and was dependent on the similarity of the strength of surround suppression but not on the similarity in POs. From these results, we propose that in cat V1 there exists a functional network that mainly depends on the similarity in surround suppression, and that in layer 2/3 neurons the network maintains surround suppression that is primarily inherited from layer 4 neurons.