bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effects of Continuous Irrigation During Burring on Thermal Necrosis and Fusion Strength in a Rabbit Arthrodesis Model
Authors: Haddad Steven L. , Hsu Andrew R. , Templin Cary R. , Ren Yupeng , Stewart Bruce , Kohli Navjot S. , Zhang Li-Qun
Published: June 2014

Background:

High-speed burring used to prepare bony surfaces during arthrodesis procedures can increase heat generation that may impede healing and fusion. Irrigation during burring has the potential to improve early healing of burred bone surfaces and result in a stronger fusion mass. The purpose of this study was to determine the effects of continuous irrigation during burring on thermal necrosis and fusion strength in an in vivo arthrodesis animal model.

Methods:

A small joint rabbit ulnohumeral arthrodesis model was developed and utilized in 16 New Zealand white rabbits. Joints were prepared and contoured using a high-speed cutting burr and fixed in compression with crossed screws to obtain fusion. Prepared bony surfaces were either irrigated (n = 8) with chilled 6°C (43°F) saline or not irrigated (n = 8). Specimens were harvested, radiographed, mechanically tested for torque to failure and stiffness, and evaluated for histology.

Results:

Fusion rate was 100% (8/8) when joints were irrigated during burring and 75% (6/8) when joints were not irrigated ( P = .45). Mechanical testing showed a mean torque to failure of 0.85 Nm and 0.72 Nm in irrigated and nonirrigated specimens, respectively ( P = .57). Histology showed evidence of less mature osseous formation in nonirrigated specimens compared to irrigated specimens.

Conclusion:

There was an overall trend toward decreased fusion rate and lower fusion mass strength in nonirrigated fusion specimens compared with those treated with chilled irrigation during bone preparation.

Clinical Relevance:

Continuous chilled irrigation during bone preparation with burring may have a positive effect on fusion rate and fusion mass strength for arthrodesis procedures.
Victim Participation in Intimate Partner Violence Prosecution
Authors: Cerulli Catherine , Kothari Catherine L. , Dichter Melissa , Marcus Steve , Wiley James , Rhodes Karin V.
Published: June 2014

Are intimate partner violence (IPV) victims safer if they use the criminal justice system? Concerns about perpetrator retaliation, in the face of data that protection orders can reduce future harm, make it important to understand how victim utilization (calling 911, talking to the prosecutor, and proceeding with prosecution) affects subsequent safety. We hypothesized participation would improve victims’ safety, measured by decreases in subsequent IPV-related 911 calls and/or emergency department visits. Findings support contact with the prosecutor’s office was associated with reduction in police-reported IPV, regardless of the victim’s wish to proceed. Policy implications support pro-prosecution strategies coupled with victim contact.
Adjusting Rates of Homicide Clearance by Arrest for Investigation Difficulty
Authors: Roberts Aki
Published: June 2014

Scholars have criticized the use of homicide clearance rates to measure police performance, as many incident- and jurisdiction-level characteristics beyond police control influence these rates. The current study estimated adjusted measures and rates of homicide arrest clearance, accounting for jurisdictional and incident characteristics related to investigation difficulty, for 85 agencies. Comparing agencies’ raw and adjusted measures indicates that 16% would be miscategorized as being above or below average in performance if the assessment of performance used raw rates. Adjusted homicide clearance rates, while not a singular indicator of overall success, offer a better police agency performance measure than raw rates.
Obstetrical brachial plexus injuries: Late functional results of the Steindler procedure
Authors: Gilbert A. , Valbuena S. , Posso C.
Published: June 2014

We reviewed late functional results of a modified Steindler procedure in patients with obstetrical brachial plexus palsy and poor active elbow flexion. From 1982 to 2005, we reviewed final functional results and complications of 27 cases with flexion weakness of the elbow secondary to obstetrical brachial plexus injury, treated with a modified Steindler procedure. At the end of the follow-up, the mean active elbow flexion was 97° and the mean extensor lag was 10°. In the long-term follow-up, the modified Steindler procedure maintained good results in 67% of the cases in our series, and this percentage raised by 82% when the wrist extensor was present or restored before the Steindler procedure. There were poor results in 19% of the patients, but no major complications.
Preventive Effects of Eccentric Training on Acute Hamstring Muscle Injury in Professional Baseball
Authors: Seagrave Richard A. , Perez Luis , McQueeney Sean , Toby E. Bruce , Key Vincent , Nelson Joshua D.
Published: June 2014

Background:

Hamstring injuries are the second most common injury causing missed days in professional baseball field players. Recent studies have shown the preventive benefit of eccentric conditioning on the hamstring muscle group in injury prevention. Specifically, Nordic-type exercises have been shown to decrease the incidence of acute hamstring injuries in professional athletes.

Purpose:

This was a prospective study performed in coordination with a single Major League Baseball (MLB) organization (major and minor league teams) that targeted the effects of Nordic exercises on the incidence of acute hamstring injuries in the professional-level baseball player.

Study Design:

Prospective cohort study; Level of evidence, 2.

Methods:

The daily workouts of 283 professional baseball players throughout all levels of a single MLB organization were prospectively recorded. The intervention group participated in the Nordic exercise program and was compared with a randomly selected control group of professional athletes within the organization not participating in the exercise program. The incidence of hamstring injuries in both groups was compared, and the total number of days missed due to injury was compared with the 2 previous seasons.

Results:

There were 10 hamstring injuries that occurred during the 2012 season among the 283 professional athletes that required removal from play. There were no injuries that occurred in the intervention group (n = 65, 0.00%; P = .0381). The number needed to treat (NNT) to prevent 1 hamstring injury was 11.3. The average repetitions per week of the injured group were assessed at multiple time points (2, 4, 6, and total weeks) prior to injury. There were significantly fewer repetitions per week performed in the injured group at all time points compared with overall average repetitions per week in the noninjured group ( P = .0459, .0127, .0164, and .0299, respectively). After beginning the Nordic exercise program, there were 136 total days missed due to a hamstring injury during the 2012 season. This number was less than the 2011 season (273 days missed) and the 2010 season (309 days missed).

Conclusion:

Study results indicate the initiation of Nordic hamstring exercises may decrease the incidence of acute hamstring injuries and potentially decrease the total number of days missed due to injury in professional baseball players.

Clinical Relevance:

The financial and competitive interest in professional baseball players is of large importance to the player, team, and fans. Prevention of injuries is as important to all parties involved as the treatment and rehabilitation following an injury. This prospective study shows the initiation of a simple, free exercise can reduce the incidence of hamstring injury in the professional-level baseball player.
Material adhesion and stresses on friction stir welding tool pins
Authors: Mehta M. , De A. , DebRoy T.
Published: June 2014

During friction stir welding, polygonal tool pins experience severe stresses and, under certain conditions, loss of functionality due to adhesion of plasticised material on their surfaces. The extent of adhesion is analysed for various pin geometry and welding conditions based on the theory of machining. The effective stresses on the polygonal pins are evaluated following the principles of mechanics. The results show that the polygonal pins with fewer sides can avoid permanent adhesion of plasticised material at higher weld pitch, which is defined as a ratio of welding speed and tool rotational speed. The computed pin geometries for minimum adhesion are compared with the pin profiles recommended by various investigators based on independent experiments. The computed stresses show that pins with larger number of sides will experience lower stresses for any given set of welding variables.
BMP signaling balances murine myeloid potential through SMAD-independent p38MAPK and NOTCH pathways
Authors: Cook Brandoch D. , Evans Todd
Published: June 2014

Key Points

In differentiating ESCs, embryonic myelopoiesis is restricted by BMP signaling, independent of SMAD1/5 activity. Blocking BMP signaling enhances Notch activity and deactivates p38MAPK, causing increased C/EBP levels and increased myeloid progenitors.
Fixed points for generalized "Equation missing"-contractions on generalized metric spaces
Authors: Aydi Hassen , Karapınar Erdal , Samet Bessem
Published: June 2014

In this paper, we introduce some generalized(α,ψ)-contractive mappings in the setting of generalized metric spaces and, based on the very recent paper (Kirk and Shahzad in Fixed Point Theory Appl. 2013:129, 2013), we omit the Hausdorff hypothesis to prove some fixed point results involving such mappings. Some consequences on existing fixed point theorems are also derived.

MSC:46T99, 47H10, 54H25.
Association of purine asymmetry, strand-biased gene distribution and PolC within Firmicutes and beyond: a new appraisal
Authors: Saha Sanjoy Kumar , Goswami Aranyak , Dutta Chitra
Published: June 2014

Background

The Firmicutes often possess three conspicuous genome features: marked Purine Asymmetry (PAS) across two strands of replication, Strand-biased Gene Distribution (SGD) and presence of two isoforms of DNA polymerase III alpha subunit, PolC and DnaE. Despite considerable research efforts, it is not clear whether the co-existence of PAS, PolC and/or SGD is an essential and exclusive characteristic of the Firmicutes. The nature of correlations, if any, between these three features within and beyond the lineages of Firmicutes has also remained elusive. The present study has been designed to address these issues.

Results

A large-scale analysis of diverse bacterial genomes indicates that PAS, PolC and SGD are neither essential nor exclusive features of the Firmicutes. PolC prevails in four bacterial phyla: Firmicutes, Fusobacteria, Tenericutes and Thermotogae, while PAS occurs only in subsets of Firmicutes, Fusobacteria and Tenericutes. There are five major compositional trends in Firmicutes: (I) an explicit PAS or G + A-dominance along the entire leading strand (II) only G-dominance in the leading strand, (III) alternate stretches of purine-rich and pyrimidine-rich sequences, (IV) G + T dominance along the leading strand, and (V) no identifiable patterns in base usage. Presence of strong SGD has been observed not only in genomes having PAS, but also in genomes with G-dominance along their leading strands – an observation that defies the notion of co-occurrence of PAS and SGD in Firmicutes. The PolC-containing non-Firmicutes organisms often have alternate stretches of R-dominant and Y-dominant sequences along their genomes and most of them show relatively weak, but significant SGD. Firmicutes having G + A-dominance or G-dominance along LeS usually show distinct base usage patterns in three codon sites of genes. Probable molecular mechanisms that might have incurred such usage patterns have been proposed.

Conclusion

Co-occurrence of PAS, strong SGD and PolC should not be regarded as a genome signature of the Firmicutes. Presence of PAS in a species may warrant PolC and strong SGD, but PolC and/or SGD not necessarily implies PAS.
Cluster-based segmentation of dual-echo ultra-short echo time images for PET/MR bone localization
Authors: Delso Gaspar , Zeimpekis Konstantinos , Carl Michael , Wiesinger Florian , Hüllner Martin , Veit-Haibach Patrick
Published: June 2014

Background

Magnetic resonance (MR)-based attenuation correction is a critical component of integrated positron emission tomography (PET)/MR scanners. It is generally achieved by segmenting MR images into tissue classes with known attenuation properties (e.g., bone, fat, soft tissue, lung, air). Ultra-short echo time (UTE) have been proposed in the past to locate bone tissue. In this study, tri-modality computed tomography data was used to develop an improved algorithm for the localization of bone in the head and neck.

Methods

Twenty patients were scanned using a tri-modality setup. A UTE acquisition with 22-cm transaxial and 24-cm axial field of view was acquired, with a resolution of 1.5 × 1.5 × 2.0 mm3. The sequence consisted of two echoes (30 μs, 1.7 ms) with a flip angle of 10° and 125-kHz bandwidth. The CT images of all patients were classified by thresholding and used to compute maps of the posterior probability of each tissue class, given a pair of UTE echo values. The Jaccard distance was used to compare with CT the bone masks obtained when using this information to segment the UTE datasets.

Results

The results show the desired bony structures as a cluster pattern in the space of dual-echo measurements. The clusters obtained for the tissue classes are strongly overlapped, indicating that the MR data will not, regardless of the chosen space partition, be able to completely differentiate the bony and soft structures.

The classification obtained by maximizing the posterior probability compared well to previously published methods, providing a more intuitive and robust choice of the final classification threshold. The distance between MR- and CT-based bone masks was 59% on average (0% being a perfect match), compared to 76% and 69% for two previously published methods.

Conclusions

The study of tri-modality datasets shows that improved bone tissue classification can be achieved by estimating maps of the posterior probability of voxels belonging to a particular tissue class, given a measured pair of UTE echoes.
Intensive care unit admission in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease: patient information and the physician’s decision-making process
Authors: Schmidt Matthieu , Demoule Alexandre , Deslandes-Boutmy Emmanuelle , Chaize Marine , de Miranda Sandra , Bèle Nicolas , Roche Nicolas , Azoulay Elie , Similowski Thomas
Published: June 2014

Introduction

ICU admission is required in more than 25% of patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) at some time during the course of the disease. However, only limited information is available on how physicians communicate with COPD patients about ICU admission.

Methods

COPD patients and relatives from 19 French ICUs were interviewed at ICU discharge about their knowledge of COPD. French pulmonologists self-reported their practices for informing and discussing intensive care treatment preferences with COPD patients. Finally, pulmonologists and ICU physicians reported barriers and facilitators for transfer of COPD patients to the ICU and to propose invasive mechanical ventilation.

Results

Self-report questionnaires were filled in by 126 COPD patients and 102 relatives, and 173 pulmonologists and 135 ICU physicians were interviewed. For 41% (n = 39) of patients and 54% (n = 51) of relatives, ICU admission had never been expected prior to admission. One half of patients were not routinely informed by their pulmonologist about possible ICU admission at some time during the course of COPD. Moreover, treatment options (that is, non-invasive ventilation, intubation and mechanical ventilation or tracheotomy) were not explained to COPD patients during regular pulmonologist visits. Pulmonologists and ICU physician have different perceptions of the decision-making process pertaining to ICU admission and intubation.

Conclusions

The information provided by pulmonologists to patients and families concerning the prognosis of COPD, the risks of ICU admission and specific care could be improved in order to deliver ICU care in accordance with the patient’s personal values and preferences. Given the discrepancies in the decision-making process between pulmonologists and intensivists, a more collaborative approach should probably be discussed.
Systematic analysis of the ability of Nitric Oxide donors to dislodge biofilms formed by Salmonella enterica and Escherichia coli O157:H7
Authors: Marvasi Massimiliano , Chen Charles , Carrazana Manuel , Durie Ian A , Teplitski Max
Published: June 2014

Biofilms in the industrial environment could be problematic. Encased in extracellular polymeric substances, pathogens within biofilms are significantly more resistant to chlorine and other disinfectants. Recent studies suggest that compounds capable of manipulating nitric oxide-mediated signaling in bacteria could induce dispersal of sessile bacteria and provide a foundation for novel approaches to controlling biofilms formed by some microorganisms. In this work, we compared the ability of five nitric oxide donors (molsidomine, MAHMA NONOate, diethylamine NONOate, diethylamine NONOate diethylammonium salt, spermine NONOate) to dislodge biofilms formed by non-typhoidal Salmonella enterica and pathogenic E. coli on plastic and stainless steel surfaces at different temperatures. All five nitric oxide donors induced significant (35-80%) dispersal of biofilms, however, the degree of dispersal and the optimal dispersal conditions varied. MAHMA NONOate and molsidomine were strong dispersants of the Salmonella biofilms formed on polystyrene. Importantly, molsidomine induced dispersal of up to 50% of the pre-formed Salmonella biofilm at 4°C, suggesting that it could be effective even under refrigerated conditions. Biofilms formed by E. coli O157:H7 were also significantly dispersed. Nitric oxide donor molecules were highly active within 6 hours of application. To better understand mode of action of these compounds, we identified Salmonella genomic region recA-hydN, deletion of which led to an insensitivity to the nitric oxide donors.
Detection of sharp lateral discontinuities through the analysis of surface-wave propagation
Authors: Bergamo Paolo , Socco Laura Valentina
Published: June 2014

Surface-wave (SW) techniques are mainly used to retrieve 1D velocity models and are therefore characterized by a 1D approach, which might prove unsatisfactory when relevant 2D effects are present in the investigated subsurface. In the case of sharp and sudden lateral heterogeneities in the subsurface, a strategy to tackle this limitation is to estimate the location of the discontinuities and to separately process seismic traces belonging to quasi-1D subsurface portions. We have addressed our attention to methods aimed at locating discontinuities by identifying anomalies in SW propagation and attenuation. The considered methods are the autospectrum computation and the attenuation analysis of Rayleigh waves (AARW). These methods were developed for purposes and/or scales of analysis that are different from those of this work, which aims at detecting and characterizing sharp subvertical discontinuities in the shallow subsurface. We applied both methods to two data sets, synthetic data from a finite-element method simulation and a field data set acquired over a fault system, both presenting an abrupt lateral variation perpendicularly crossing the acquisition line. We also extended the AARW method to the detection of sharp discontinuities from large and multifold data sets and we tested these novel procedures on the field case. The two methods are proven to be effective for the detection of the discontinuity, by portraying propagation phenomena linked to the presence of the heterogeneity, such as the interference between incident and reflected wavetrains, and energy concentration as well as subsequent decay at the fault location. The procedures we developed for the processing of multifold seismic data set showed to be reliable tools in locating and characterizing subvertical sharp heterogeneities.
Nonstretch normal moveout through iterative partial correction and deconvolution
Authors: Biondi Ettore , Stucchi Eusebio , Mazzotti Alfredo
Published: June 2014

Source to receiver distances used in seismic data acquisition have been steadily increasing and it is now common to work with data acquired with more than 10 km of offset. Subbasalt exploration and seismic undershooting are just two applications in which long-offset reflections are sought. However, such reflections are often subjected to muting to suppress normal moveout (NMO) stretch artifacts, thus causing a loss of valuable information. To retrieve these portions of the recorded wavefield, we developed a nonstretch NMO correction based on wavelet estimation and on an iterative procedure of partial NMO correction and deconvolution. We evaluated this methodology using fourth-order traveltime curve approximations to increase the offset of usable reflections, but it can be adapted to traveltime curves of any order. Time- and space-variant wavelets, estimated by means of singular value decomposition along the sought traveltimes, were used to build the desired output for the deconvolution that aims at retrieving the original shape of the partially stretched wavelets. We tested our method on a synthetic gather presenting time and offset varying wavelets, on a real-marine line simulating an undershooting pattern and on true undershooting land-marine data. These examples demonstrated that our new algorithm effectively limits the stretching associated with the NMO correction and enables the recovery of those portions of the stacked sections that are typically lost from muting in the standard NMO correction.
From Content to Context
Authors: Ferdman Bertie
Published: June 2014

In this article, Bertie Ferdman offers historical context for the recent prominence of curatorial practices in the presentation of performance. Discussing a range of alternative presenting models and bridges between the visual and performing arts, she traces the evolution of the performance curator from the logistic concerns of programming to more conceptual work.
“Not until Zimbabwe Is Free Can We Stop to Think about It”
Authors: Barnes Teresa
Published: June 2014

This article contributes to the fledgling literature on solidarity with individual African liberation struggles other than the South African antiapartheid movement by focusing on one of several connections made by the Zimbabwe African National Union (ZANU) with radicals in the United States. In 1979, a time of global revolutionary optimism, discussions were held about building solidarity between ZANU and the Federation of Women's Health Centers, a radical wing of the women's health movement. The proposed links held the promise of developing new understandings of gendered embodiment and anticolonial struggle and perhaps even of novel, radical practices of social emancipation in soon-to-be-liberated Zimbabwe and in the United States. But cultural differences, historical ignorance, insensitivities, and conflicting understandings of gendered and political propriety scuttled the efforts, providing early intimations of race and gender fault lines in the two movements that were to become increasingly apparent in the coming decades.
Waves of Segregation
Authors: Laderman Scott
Published: June 2014

In 1985 several of the world's leading professional surfers announced that they would boycott the South African leg of the surfing world tour. This decision followed years of debate within the surfing community about whether and how to respond to the brutality of apartheid. While most scholarship on the athletic component of the antiapartheid movement has focused on major team sports whose professional associations either subscribed to or rejected the boycott call, this article traces the evolution of that debate among surfers, showing how, by the mid-1980s, a small core of committed professionals had individually decided that they could no longer compete in conditions of South African unfreedom.
Campaigning against Apartheid in East and West Germany
Authors: Hartmann Heike , Lewerenz Susann
Published: June 2014

The essay addresses the visual strategies of East and West German antiapartheid campaigns of the 1970s and the 1980s. By investigating the ways in which posters visualized the system of and the struggle against apartheid and examining the images they used to call for solidarity, it sheds light on the protagonists of antiapartheid solidarity in the German Democratic Republic and Federal Republic of Germany and examines their objectives, their strategies, and their perception of themselves and of others. The essay places East and West German solidarity posters in the broader context of the divided but entangled history of postfascist Germany, the Cold War, the era of decolonization, and the formation of the transnational antiapartheid movement.
RFK in the Land of Apartheid: A Ripple of Hope., directed by Tami Gold and Larry Shore (Shoreline Productions, 2009. 56 mins.)
Authors: Chafe William H.
Published: June 2014

This review assesses a documentary on Robert F. Kennedy's 1966 speech in South Africa against apartheid. Putting the speech into a historical context, it argues how important it was for someone of Kennedy's stature to speak so eloquently and passionately about the power individuals can exercise in helping to change the course of history.
Struggles on the Page
Authors: Skinner Rob
Published: June 2014

This article combines an overview of the historiography of antiapartheid movements with a case study of radical scholarship on South Africa in the 1960s. It highlights the ways that antiapartheid activism effectively framed public understanding of the idea of apartheid and its application in South Africa. Using the British African solidarity movement as an example, it addresses the mutually constitutive relationship between the antiapartheid movement and radical analyses of South African politics and society. From the emergence of international responses to apartheid that began in the 1950s, activist research was at the leading edge of organized opposition to South African government policies and a transnational influence on radical politics in Britain.
Some Early Roots of the Global Antiapartheid Movement?
Authors: Limb Peter
Published: June 2014

Peter Limb reviews Robert Trent Vinson's The Americans Are Coming! Dreams of African American Liberation in Segregationist South Africa.
Extracellular matrilin-2 deposition controls the myogenic program timing during muscle regeneration
Authors: Deák Ferenc , Mátés Lajos , Korpos Éva , Zvara Ágnes , Szénási Tibor , Kiricsi Mónika , Mendler Luca , Keller-Pintér Anikó , Ózsvári Béla , Juhász Hajnalka , Sorokin Lydia , Dux László , Mermod Nicolas , Puskás László G. , Kiss Ibolya
Published: June 2014

Here we identify a role for the matrilin-2 (Matn2) extracellular matrix protein in controlling early steps of myogenic differentiation. We observed Matn2 deposition around proliferating, differentiating and fusing myoblasts in culture and during muscle regeneration in vivo. Matn2 silencing delayed expression of the Cdk inhibitor p21 and of the Nfix, MyoD, Myog myogenic genes, explaining the retarded cell cycle exit and myoblast differentiation. Matn2 expression rescue restored differentiation and the expression of p21 and of the myogenic genes. TGF-β1 inhibited myogenic differentiation at least in part by repressing Matn2 expression, which inhibited the onset of a positive feedback loop whereby Matn2 and Nfix activate each other's expression as well as myoblast differentiation. In vivo, myoblast cell cycle arrest and muscle regeneration was delayed in Matn2−/− relative to wild-type mice. Trf3 and myogenic gene expression levels robustly dropped in Matn2−/− fetal limbs and in differentiating primary myoblast cultures, establishing Matn2 as a key modulator of the regulatory cascade that initiates terminal myogenic differentiation. Our data thus identify Matn2 as a critical component of a genetic switch that modulates tissue repair onset.
Stepwise and cooperative assembly of a cytokinetic core complex in yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae
Authors: Tian Chen , Wu Yehui , Johnsson Nils
Published: June 2014

Actomyosin ring (AMR) contraction and the synthesis of extracellular material are interdependent pathways of cytokinesis in the yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae and other eukaryotes. How these interdependent pathways are physically connected is central for understanding cytokinesis. The yeast IQGAP (Iqg1p) belongs to the conserved AMR. The F-BAR domain-containing Hof1p is member of a complex that stimulates cell wall synthesis. We report on the stepwise formation of a physical connection between both proteins. The C-terminal IQ-repeats of Iqg1p first bind to the essential myosin light chain before both proteins assemble with Hof1p into the Mlc1p-Iqg1p-Hof1p bridge (MIH). Mutations in Iqg1p that disrupt the MIH alter Hof1p targeting to the AMR and impair AMR contraction. Epistasis analyses of two IQG1 alleles that are incompatible with MIH formation support the existence and functional significance of a large cytokinetic core complex. We propose that the MIH acts as hinge between the AMR and the proteins involved in cell wall synthesis and membrane attachment.
Fabrication and Characterization of TiO2/CH3NH3PbI3-based Photovoltaic Devices
Authors: Zushi Masahito , Suzuki Atsushi , Akiyama Tsuyoshi , Oku Takeo
Published: June 2014

TiO2/CH3NH3PbI3-based photovoltaic devices were fabricated by a spin-coating method using a mixture solution. Photovoltaic properties of the solar cells were investigated by optical absorption, current density–voltage characteristics, and incident photon to current conversion efficiency. Effects of TiO2 addition and hole-transport layers were also investigated. Microstructures of the cells were investigated by transmission electron microscopy, which indicated a nanoparticle structure of TiO2, and atomic arrangements of Pb atoms in the CH3NH3PbI3 crystal were also directly observed.
Rapid Synthesis of Cypress-like Gold Dendrites and Their Applications in Surface-enhanced Raman Scattering and Catalysis
Authors: Tao Wenyu , Zhao Aiwu , Chen Xucheng , Gan Zibao , Gao Qian , Wang Dapeng , Guo Hongyan
Published: June 2014

In this work, high-quality cypress-like Au dendrites were successfully synthesized by a fast, green, and cost-effective method. Time-dependent morphological evolution experiments revealed the growth process. The as-prepared Au dendrites with nanoscale roughness exhibited both excellent surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) and high catalytic activity, indicating their potential applications in catalysis and SERS-related detection and analysis.
Efficient Glycosylation Using In(OTf)3 as a Lewis Acid: Activation of N-Phenyltrifluoroacetimidate or Thioglycosides with Halogenated Reagents or PhIO
Authors: Salmasan Regina M , Manabe Yoshiyuki , Kitawaki Yuriko , Chang Tsung-Che , Fukase Koichi
Published: June 2014

In(OTf)3 efficiently activated N-phenyltrifluoroacetimidate and In(OTf)3 in combination with various halogenated reagents or PhIO promoted glycosylation using thioglycoside in good yields. The combination with iodine interhalogens (e.g., ICl or IBr) effectively promoted α-sialylation.
Silica Nanospheres Functionalized by Ferrocene-containing [2]Rotaxane
Authors: Yu Gilbert , Suzaki Yuji , Maekawa Yujin , Abe Tomoko , Osakada Kohtaro , Yokoi Toshiyuki
Published: June 2014

[2]Rotaxane having ferrocenyl group at a terminal of the axle molecule was immobilized to the surface of silica nanospheres by condensation of the triethoxysilyl terminal group with OH groups of the silica.
The Acoustical Design of the Christchurch Town Hall
Authors: Marshall Harold
Published: June 2014

The Christchurch Town Hall (New Zealand) was opened on September 30 1972. Disastrous earthquakes hit Christchurch in September 2010 and February 2011. Most of the CBD and the historic buildings were destroyed or damaged by the February event, including much of the Town Hall complex. The City Council in November 2012, resolved to restore the entire building but at the time of writing there remains uncertainty. The intention of this paper is to put on record the history of the Christchurch Town Hall design in case it does not survive the political after-shocks of the earthquakes. With the building's future now in jeopardy it seems appropriate to set out the process that led to this unique design, acknowledge the many contributors, outline its research base, the innovations in predictive technology employed, the evaluation of its acoustical properties and the learning that flowed from it.
Sound-Strength Driven Parametric Design of an Acoustic Shell in a Free Field Environment
Authors: Palma Marco , Sarotto Maddalena , Echenagucia Tomás Méndez , Sassone Mario , Astolfi Arianna
Published: June 2014

Focusing on the issues of sound propagation in a free field condition and on the concept of uniform sound energy in an outdoor performance environment, our research aimed to develop a computer-aided process for the generation of reflective acoustic surfaces to be used as concert-shells, a computational design tool for acoustic form-finding. The project is ultimately aimed to investigate the acoustic potential of complex and doubly-curved surfaces through the analysis of the Total Relative Sound Level / Strength parameter (G), with reference to the proposed values set by M. Barron, based upon the source-receiver distance and the subsequent subjective judgments on loudness.

A simplified and fast ray-tracing acoustic simulation algorithm was developed in combination with parametrically controlled shape variations of the reflective surfaces. Sound energy uniformity evaluation function considering the direct and reflected sound components was written in order to define and evaluate the rate of distribution uniformity of sonic energy over an audience. This evaluation function was used in a genetic algorithm that enabled us to explore a wide set of surface morphologies which allowed us to isolate the fittest one to our specific uniformity requirements. At the end of the genetic search, an acoustic simulation plug-in called Pachyderm was employed with both NURBS and mesh-based acoustic simulations in order to validate the genetically selected surfaces with specific reference to G values.

A further step of resultant data visualization and human selection was necessary to compare the output data and to evaluate the final surfaces from an architectural perspective.
The Effect of Lap Splice Length on the Cyclic Lateral Load Behavior of RC Members with Low-Strength Concrete and Plain Bars
Authors: Goksu C. , Yilmaz H. , Chowdhury S.R. , Orakcal K. , Ilki A.
Published: June 2014

Many existing reinforced concrete buildings in developing countries located in seismic areas do not possess sufficient strength and ductility characteristics to resist the effects of severe earthquakes. Among other deficiencies, improper detailing of reinforcement and poor quality of materials are major causes of poor seismic performance. More specifically, inadequate lap splice lengths provided at floor levels on plain column longitudinal bars, particularly when concrete strength is low, is a widespread deficiency that has not been investigated in detail to date. Information on the behavior of such columns under earthquake actions is extremely important for reliable assessment of the seismic safety of many existing structures with detailing deficiencies and poor construction quality. In this study, the effect of lap splice length on the cyclic lateral load behavior of low-strength RC columns with plain longitudinal bars (14 mm diameter) was investigated experimentally. The specimens were designed to represent columns with low axial loads. The geometric ratio of the longitudinal reinforcement and the volumetric ratio of the lateral reinforcement of the columns are 1% and 0.8%, respectively. The test program included five RC columns with lap splice lengths of 25, 35, 44 and 55 times longitudinal bar diameter, as well as a reference specimen with continuous longitudinal bars. Test results clearly demonstrated that presence of 180-degree hooks at the ends of the lap splice reduces the negative influence of the inadequate lap splice length on RC member performance, even in the case of low-strength concrete. All specimens reached their flexural strengths and did not experience considerable strength degradation until large drift levels. Test observations were supported with findings of a fiber-based analytical model, which also demonstrated the influence of hooks on improving the bond slip behavior along inadequate lap splices.
Dynamic Analysis of Train-Rail-Bridge Interaction considering Concrete Creep of a Multi-Span Simply Supported Bridge
Authors: Yang Hongyin , Chen Zhijun , Zhang Hailong , Fan Jianping
Published: June 2014

A moving wheel-rail interaction element incorporating rail irregularity is derived, and the finite element equations of motion for the train-rail-bridge interaction system are established. Then, the long-term creep deformation increment of an actual pre-stressed concrete girder is predicted based on the modified creep-prediction model, and the real rail creep irregularity of a multi-span simply supported bridge is analyzed in consideration of the rail smoothing effect. Finally, the influence of the rail smoothing effect on the dynamic response is discussed by a numerical example. Also, the influences of the creep irregularities at different periods are investigated, and the effects of a control method of delaying the track-laying time for about half year for mitigating the creep irregularity are studied. The results indicate that the periodic creep irregularity can excite significantly both the natural vibration and the forced vibration for the vehicle, and leads to the sharp impact at the beam end, thereby increasing dramatically the car body acceleration and the contact force. The continuous rail structure can smooth obviously the turning angle of the creep deformation and the impact at the beam end, and should be taken into account for a more accurate analysis. Moreover, the control method has distinct control effects, especially for the car body acceleration as well as the bridge acceleration.
Wear behaviour of polyurethane composites with respect to the other mechanical properties
Authors: Porąbka Anna , Archodoulaki Vasiliki-Maria , Molnar Wolfgang , Laska Jadwiga
Published: June 2014

Two series of polyurethane matrix composites were prepared. As generally resistant to wear, the PUs can be used as matrices for wear protective and load-bearing composites. The objective of this study was to compare the mechanical properties of composites containing 5% vol. of selected ceramic particles, and unmodified PUs. The effect of various particles on physical and mechanical properties was studied. The results showed that the mechanical properties changed compared to reference materials: modulus improved in certain materials and in different temperatures, revealing the favourable influence of FA and SiO2 particles. In turn, Rm and wear resistance decreased with the type and shape of filler.
Study on distributed privacy preserving data mining
Authors: Wang Binli , Shen Yanguang
Published: June 2014

Recently, with the rapid development of network, communications and computer technology, privacy preserving data mining (PPDM) has become an increasingly important research in the field of data mining. In distributed environment, how to protect data privacy while doing data mining jobs from a large number of distributed data is more far-researching. This paper describes current research of PPDM at home and abroad. Then it puts emphasis on classifying the typical uses and algorithms of PPDM in distributed environment, and summarizing their advantages and disadvantages. Furthermore, it points out the future research directions in the field.
Global Sourcing Approach to Improve Cash Flow of Agribusiness Companies in Brazil
Authors: Hamad Ricardo , Gualda Nicolau Dionísio Fares
Published: June 2014

We developed a multiechelon location-inventory modeling approach and applied it to redesign the global network of four large transnational agricultural companies operating in Brazil. The results show that tax planning is the most significant factor in minimizing the operating cash outflow and that inventory carrying costs play a more important role than transfer freight, handling, and fixed costs. Distribution centers and production plants in countries within the Mercosur are excellent targets for cash outflow reduction and service level improvement. Furthermore, contrary to common sense, reducing operating costs can sometimes increase cash outflow in companies with large volumes of tax credit in Brazil. Our methodology generated processes that helped one company reduce its logistic cash outflow by 49 percent and its logistics costs by $10 million.
Cyclic Consumption and Replenishment Decisions for Vendor-Managed Inventory of Multisourced Parts in Dell’s Supply Chain
Authors: Katariya Abhilasha Prakash , Çetinkaya Sıla , Tekin Eylem
Published: June 2014

Multisourcing and vendor-managed inventory (VMI) programs with percentage supply allocations (PSAs) are two common practices in the electronics industry. A PSA is a prenegotiated percentage of a multisourced part’s total demand, which should be provided by a supplier. For parts within Dell’s supply chain for which these practices are applicable, we provide a framework to implement pull-based replenishments, verify its feasibility, and demonstrate the potential benefits via simulation. Specifically, we investigate two decisions to meet customer demand and PSAs with minimal inventory: (1) how to allocate actual customer demand among multiple suppliers, and (2) what guidelines Dell should specify to suppliers for VMI hub replenishments. For demand allocations, we propose a consumption cycle based on the PSAs. We consider a heuristic replenishment policy and develop an algorithm to compute the policy parameters, which can be used as supplier guidelines. The proposed approach presents a significant opportunity for cost savings. Dell used the results of this project (1) to address skepticism toward a pull-based approach in managing VMI replenishments, (2) to gain stakeholder support to implement a pull-based approach, and (3) to emphasize the need for a change in Dell’s philosophy on managing demand allocations to suppliers and VMI hub replenishments.
Sell Probabilistic Goods? A Behavioral Explanation for Opaque Selling
Authors: Huang Tingliang , Yu Yimin
Published: June 2014

Probabilistic or opaque selling, whereby a seller hides the exact identity of a product until after the buyer makes a payment, has been used in practice and received considerable attention in the literature. Under what conditions, and why, is probabilistic selling attractive to firms? The extant literature has offered the following explanations: to price discriminate heterogeneous consumers, to reduce supply–demand mismatches, and to soften price competition. In this paper, we provide a new explanation: to exploit consumer bounded rationality in the sense of anecdotal reasoning. We build a simple model where the firm is a monopoly, consumers are homogeneous, and there is no demand uncertainty or capacity constraint. This model allows us to isolate the impact of consumer bounded rationality on the adoption of opaque selling. We find that although it is never optimal to use opaque selling when consumers have rational expectations, it can be optimal when consumers are boundedly rational. We show that opaque selling may soften price competition and increase the industry profits as a result of consumer bounded rationality. Our findings underscore the importance of consumer bounded rationality and show that opaque selling might be even more attractive than previously thought.
A Reduced-Cost Iterated Local Search Heuristic for the Fixed-Charge Transportation Problem
Authors: Buson Erika , Roberti Roberto , Toth Paolo
Published: June 2014

The fixed-charge transportation problem (FCTP) is a generalization of the transportation problem where an additional fixed cost is paid for sending a flow from an origin to a destination. We propose an iterated local search heuristic based on the utilization of reduced costs for guiding the restart phase. The reduced costs are obtained by applying a lower bounding procedure that computes a sequence of nondecreasing lower bounds by solving a three-index mathematical formulation of the problem strengthened with valid inequalities. The proposed method was tested on two sets of benchmark instances from the literature. The first set was used to evaluate the state-of-the-art heuristics for the problem; the proposed heuristic was able to provide new best-knownupper bounds on all 124 open instances. On the second set of instances, which was recently introduced for testing the currently best exact method for the problem, the new heuristic was able to provide provably good upper bounds within short computing times.
An overview of cardiac risk in patients with chronic eating disorders
Authors: Myatt Rebecca
Published: June 2014

Patients with chronic eating disorders are at risk of a cardiac event. This is a small but significant problem. Electrolyte disturbances are common and may precipitate repolarisation abnormalities, leading to cardiac arrhythmias and sudden death. Structural changes, such as left ventricular myopathy and mitral valve prolapse, have been demonstrated in patients with anorexia nervosa. The cardiac nurse should have an increased awareness of risk in patients with known or suspected chronic eating disorder. Cardiac abnormalities are reversible with resumption of normal eating habits and weight gain.
Reducing the demand on cardiology services
Authors: Sosin Michael
Published: June 2014

Dr Michael Sosin outlines how Nottingham University Hospitals NHS Trust is transforming cardiology care and improving operational efficiency
Managing the physical health needs of service users
Authors: Elston Ruth , Linsley Paul
Published: June 2014

People with mental disorders and disabilities have a higher risk of poor physical health, and higher mortality and morbidity rates than the rest of the population. Evidence suggests that physical health can be enhanced by improved monitoring and lifestyle interventions at the point of contact and that nurses and other healthcare professionals can contribute greatly to this process. Despite extensive research into the physical health of people with a severe mental illness, little literature exists that illustrates the service user's perspective on how they meet their own physical health needs and access services. This became the justification and focus for the small-scale pilot study that follows.
Disparity in women's mental health and wellbeing
Authors: Hayes Catherine
Published: June 2014

The female gender has become a fundamental determinant of mental health and wellbeing. Gender has a direct influence on the degree of control women have over their ability to govern their own mental health status, and is of significance in defining susceptibility, vulnerability and exposure to the risk of decline in mental health and wellbeing over a lifetime trajectory.
The challenge of dignity in mental health
Authors: Hadland Rachel , Lambert Nicky
Published: June 2014

Dignity is preserved and compromised through our words and actions; so what is it that we need to say and do? Our understanding of dignity is changeable and influenced by culture; therefore, it needs to be revisited from time to time. Mental health nurses must find a way to engage with this topic so that service users can be seen, heard and understood. The Francis Inquiry encouraged us to look outwards to understand the situation nursing is faced with, but this article will encourage mental health nurses to look inwards at their own practice in relation to dignity. It will consider the way in which we manage the emotions provoked by challenging situations, particularly moral judgement and individual dynamics. Suggestions will be made for moving the debate forward and supporting ourselves, service users and colleagues in a world of competing demands.