bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Identity‐based schemes for a secured big data and cloud ICT framework in smart grid system
Authors: Ye Feng , Qian Yi , Hu Rose Qingyang 
Published: November 2016

AbstractSmart grid is an intelligent cyber physical system (CPS). The CPS generates a massive amount of data for efficient grid operation. In this paper, a big data‐driven, cloud‐based information and communication technology (ICT) framework for smart grid CPS is proposed. The proposed ICT framework deploys hybrid cloud servers to enhance scalability and reliability of smart grid communication infrastructure. Because the data in the ICT framework contains much privacy of customers and important data for automated controlling, the security of data transmission must be ensured. In order to secure the communications over the Internet in the system, identity‐based schemes are proposed especially because of their advantage in key management. Specifically, an identity‐based signcryption (IBSC) scheme is proposed to provide confidentiality, non‐repudiation, and data integrity. For practical purposes, an identity‐based signature scheme is relaxed from the proposed IBSC to provide non‐repudiation only. Moreover, identity‐based schemes are also proposed to achieve signature delegation within the ICT framework. Security of the proposed IBSC scheme is rigorously analyzed in this work. Efficiency of the proposed IBSC scheme is demonstrated with an implementation using modified Weil pairing over an elliptic curve. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The performance implications of resource and pay dispersion: The case of Major League Baseball
Authors: Hill Aaron D. , Aime Federico , Ridge Jason W. 
Published: November 2016

Research summary: Building on research in strategic management that has found that high levels of pay dispersion are detrimental to firm performance; we examine the potential dependence of those findings on similar dispersion in the latent potential of those resources to contribute to performance. We find that congruence between resource value dispersion and pay dispersion is positively related to organizational performance. Additionally, we find that this congruence moderates the effects of both organizational resources and organizational pay levels on organizational performance. These findings contribute to a growing line of research that explores the implications of key human resource value and pay combinations for organizational performance.Managerial summary: While differences in income between key employees (i.e., dispersed pay) can instill feelings of inequity and be detrimental to organizational performance, such differences may also increase the odds of attracting star talent and help performance. In the context of Major League Baseball (MLB), we find that performance improves when dispersions in pay are congruent with the dispersion in the contributions that team members make to their organizations. We also find that the positive effects on performance of higher total pay and of level of organizational talent are enhanced by congruent pay and contribution dispersions. These findings suggest organizations may benefit from consistent dispersions in pay and talent and that important contributions by key organizational members need to be visible when organizations have dispersed pay structures. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Biological and environmental surface interactions of nanomaterials: characterization, modeling, and prediction
Authors: Chen Ran , Riviere Jim E. 
Published: November 2016

The understanding of nano‐bio interactions is deemed essential in the design, application, and safe handling of nanomaterials. Proper characterization of the intrinsic physicochemical properties, including their size, surface charge, shape, and functionalization, is needed to consider the fate or impact of nanomaterials in biological and environmental systems. The characterizations of their interactions with surrounding chemical species are often hindered by the complexity of biological or environmental systems, and the drastically different surface physicochemical properties among a large population of nanomaterials. The complexity of these interactions is also due to the diverse ligands of different chemical properties present in most biomacromolecules, and multiple conformations they can assume at different conditions to minimize their conformational free energy. Often these interactions are collectively determined by multiple physical or chemical forces, including electrostatic forces, hydrogen bonding, and hydrophobic forces, and calls for multidimensional characterization strategies, both experimentally and computationally. Through these characterizations, the understanding of the roles surface physicochemical properties of nanomaterials and their surface interactions with biomacromolecules can play in their applications in biomedical and environmental fields can be obtained. To quantitatively decipher these physicochemical surface interactions, computational methods, including physical, statistical, and pharmacokinetic models, can be used for either analyses of large amounts of experimental characterization data, or theoretical prediction of the interactions, and consequent biological behavior in the body after administration. These computational methods include molecular dynamics simulation, structure–activity relationship models such as biological surface adsorption index, and physiologically‐based pharmacokinetic models. WIREs Nanomed Nanobiotechnol 2017, 9:e1440. doi: 10.1002/wnan.1440This article is categorized under:

Nanotechnology Approaches to Biology > Nanoscale Systems in Biology
Toxicology and Regulatory Issues in Nanomedicine > Toxicology of Nanomaterials
The Health Gain Obtainable from Pancreatic Resection for Adenocarcinoma in the Elderly
Authors: Cucchetti Alessandro , Ercolani Giorgio , Pezzilli Raffaele , Cescon Matteo , Frascaroli Giacomo , Pinna Antonio Daniele 
Published: November 2016

AbstractBackgroundIn treating pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC), age does not represent a contraindication to surgery, even if aging is known to increase postoperative mortality and morbidity. Furthermore, long‐term outcome remains poor and there is much debate on whether to operate or not in elderly patients. The aim of this study was to provide a general framework to evaluate the health gain obtainable from surgery for PDAC in relationship with age and tumor stage.MethodsA Monte Carlo simulation model was built taking into consideration pertinent literature from population‐based studies regarding surgical and non‐surgical outcomes for stages I–II PDAC. The health gain obtainable from surgery, in comparison to the choice of not resecting patients, was measured through number needed‐to‐treat (NNT) calculation.ResultsConsidering the typical stage I–II PDAC characteristics, the model showed that the mean lifespan after surgery was 28.1 ± 3.9 months and 9.3 ± 1.5 months after non‐surgical therapies. The NNT with surgery in order to prevent one death at 5 years was 6 (95% CI 4–10), indicating an overall high gain obtainable from surgery. Sensitivity analyses on patient age and tumor stage suggested that starting from 76 years onward, the NNT progressively increases, resulting in a low cure rate of surgery in the elderly and becoming potentially harmful for patients aged above 80 years. These figures were more pronounced for tumor stages IIA and IIB.ConclusionsThe present general framework suggests that the lifespan benefit obtainable from pancreatectomy in elderly patients is uncertain especially with the advancing of the tumor stage.
Early Revision Surgery for Tibial Plateau Non-union and Mal-union
Authors: Van Nielen Dominic L. , Smith Christopher S. , Helfet David L. , Kloen Peter 
Published: November 2016

Background Although relatively rare, non-unions and mal-unions of tibial plateau fractures present significant challenges for the orthopedic surgeon. With careful pre-operative planning, tibial plateau mal-union or non-union revision surgery with intra-articular and varus opening osteotomies can provides good functional results when performed early (within 1 year) after primary surgical procedure. Questions/Purposes We present our treatment algorithm for approaching and treating non-union or mal-union of tibial plateau fractures. Our aim is to give surgeons treating these difficult injuries an overview of the pertinent literature as well as describe the challenges and pitfalls we have experienced when treating non-union or mal-union of tibial plateau fractures. Methods Using two case examples from our institution, one for mal-union and one for mal-reduction, we describe our treatment algorithm and surgical technique for managing these difficult injuries. We also provide a brief literature review outlining relevant studies and summarizing outcomes for similar injuries. A systematic literature review was conducted with the aim of determining the methods and outcomes commonly reported in the literature regarding revision surgery following tibial plateau non-union or mal-union. Due to the nature of revision surgery, there are no long-term randomized trials dealing with outcomes, but rather several smaller case series exist from which larger conclusions have to be drawn. Results To date, we have successfully treated approximately 35 patients with this technique, and clinical follow-up continues to show good functional outcomes with reduced pain and little radiographic evidence of arthritic changes. Restoring long leg alignment, anatomic reduction of the articular surface, and achieving stable internal fixation are paramount in achieving the best long-term outcome. Due to the shallow soft tissue envelope around the proximal tibia, and the tendency for these fractures to fall into progressive valgus collapse, these problems can seem intimidating and complex. However, with well-planned surgery and meticulous surgical technique, reliable healing can be achieved. Conclusion By outlining our method, we hope to provide other surgeons with an algorithm to guide clinical and operative decision making. These difficult injuries can be daunting to treat, but if performed before the onset of severe degenerative arthritis, early revision surgery, as we describe, can be a viable alternative to total knee arthroplasty, particularly in younger, more active patients.
Amputation and rotationplasty in children with limb deficiencies: Current concepts
Authors: Sakkers Ralph , van Wijk Iris 
Published: November 2016

Purpose Amputations and fitting surgery have a long history in children with limb deficiencies. With the current developments in limb reconstruction and new techniques in prosthetics, the indications for amputation and fitting surgery might have shifted, but still have a very important role in creating high functional performance, optimal participation and quality of life. The purpose of this current concepts article is to give an overview of the indications, dilemmas and technical considerations in the decision-making for amputation and fitting surgery. A special part of this overview is dedicated to the indications, variations and outcomes in rotationplasties. Methods The article is based on the experience of a multidisciplinary reconstruction team for children with complex limb deficiencies, as well as research of the literature on the various aspects that cover this multidisciplinary topic. Results For those children with a more severe limb deficiency, reconstruction is not always feasible for every patient. In those cases, amputation with prosthetic fitting can lead to a good result. Outcomes in quality of life and function do not significantly differ from the children that had reconstruction. For children with a postaxial deficiency with a femur that is too short for lengthening, and with a stable ankle and foot with good function, rotationplasty offers the best functional outcome. However, the decision-making between the different options will depend on different individual factors. Conclusions Amputations and rotationplasties combined with optimal prosthesis fitting in children with more severe limb deficiencies may lead to excellent short- and long-term results. An experienced multidisciplinary team for children with complex limb deficiencies should guide the patient and parents in the decision-making between the different options without or with prosthesis.
Community- and Healthcare-Associated Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus Strains: An Investigation Into Household Transmission, Risk Factors, and Environmental Contamination
Authors: Ng Wil , Faheem Amna , McGeer Allison , Simor Andrew E. , Gelosia Antonella , Willey Barbara M. , Watt Christine , Richardson David C. , Wong Henry , Ostrowska Krystyna , Vernich Lee , Muller Matthew P. , Gnanasuntharam Piraveina , Porter Vanessa , Katz Kevin 
Published: November 2016

OBJECTIVETo measure transmission frequencies and risk factors for household acquisition of community-associated and healthcare-associated (HA-) methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA).DESIGNProspective cohort study from October 4, 2008, through December 3, 2012.SETTINGSeven acute care hospitals in or near Toronto, Canada.PARTICIPANTSTotal of 99 MRSA-colonized or MRSA-infected case patients and 183 household contacts.METHODSBaseline interviews were conducted, and surveillance cultures were collected monthly for 3 months from household members, pets, and 8 prespecified high-use environmental locations. Isolates underwent pulsed-field gel electrophoresis and staphylococcal cassette chromosome mec typing.RESULTSOverall, of 183 household contacts 89 (49%) were MRSA colonized, with 56 (31%) detected at baseline. MRSA transmission from index case to contacts negative at baseline occurred in 27 (40%) of 68 followed-up households. Strains were identical within households. The transmission risk for HA-MRSA was 39% compared with 40% (P=.95) for community-associated MRSA. HA-MRSA index cases were more likely to be older and not practice infection control measures (P=.002–.03). Household acquisition risk factors included requiring assistance and sharing bath towels (P=.001–.03). Environmental contamination was identified in 78 (79%) of 99 households and was more common in HA-MRSA households.CONCLUSIONHousehold transmission of community-associated and HA-MRSA strains was common and the difference in transmission risk was not statistically significant.Infect Control Hosp Epidemiol 2016;1–7
Is It Valid to Compare Surgical Site Infections Rates Between Countries? Insights From a Study of English and Norwegian Surveillance Systems
Authors: Meijerink Hinta , Lamagni Theresa , Eriksen Hanne Merete , Elgohari Suzanne , Harrington Pauline , Kacelnik Oliver 
Published: November 2016

OBJECTIVETo assess whether differences in surveillance methods or underlying populations significantly influence internationally reported national SSI rates by comparing surveillance data from 2 countries.DESIGNRetrospective cohort.SETTINGEngland and Norway.METHODSWe assessed the population under surveillance and surveillance methodology to compare SSI rates in 2 countries (September 2012–January 2015) for 4 surgical categories: coronary artery bypass graft (CABG), colon surgery, cholecystectomy, and hip prosthesis (HPRO). We compared the inpatient SSI incidence using logistic regression, adjusting for the following known risk factors: sex, age, ASA score, wound class, postoperative hospital days, and operation duration. Subsequently, we restricted further analyses to the procedures reported by both countries.RESULTSThere were important differences in case definitions for superficial infection, so we restricted our analyses to deep incisional and organ-space SSIs. For CABG, the crude odds ratio (OR) for England compared to Norway was 2.4 (95% CI, 1.4–4.4), whereas adjusted OR (aOR) lost significance (aOR, 1.1; 95% CI, 0.57–2.0). For colon surgery the decreased odds (OR, 0.68; 95% CI, 0.56–0.81) remained significant after adjustment (aOR, 0.42; 95% CI, 0.34–0.51). We found no associations for cholecystectomy. For HPRO, the crude OR suggested no significant difference (OR, 1.2; 95% CI, 0.72–2.1), whereas the aOR was significantly lower in England (aOR, 0.45; 95% CI, 0.25–0.81). Including only the subset of procedures reported by both countries yielded comparable results.CONCLUSIONDifferences in case definitions and population under surveillance in the English and Norwegian SSI surveillance systems affected SSI estimates, making the comparison of crude rates unreliable. Standardized definitions and adjustment for established risk factors are essential for European comparisons to guide related public health actions.Infect Control Hosp Epidemiol 2017;38:162–171
An Ottoman variation on the state of siege: The invention of theidare-i örfiyyeduring the first constitutional period
Authors: Lévy-Aksu Noémi 
Published: November 2016

AbstractThis paper focuses on a little-known aspect of the first constitutional period in the Ottoman Empire: the introduction ofidare-i örfiyye(an equivalent of the state of siege) into the Ottoman legal system. With a name rooted in the Ottoman legal tradition and a definition clearly inspired by the nineteenth-century French “état de siège,” theidare-i örfiyyewas a case of legal hybridization that combined the Ottoman political and legal tradition with transnational (or transimperial) legal circulation. This paper seeks to understand how and why different legal references were combined in order to make it possible, under exceptional circumstances, to suspend the ordinary legal order. At the same time, it analyzes the first application of theidare-i örfiyye, which occurred during the Russo-Turkish War of 1877–1878, to show how local and diplomatic reactions to this exceptional state of affairs were crucial for the further definition of the notion. Through a critical approach to legal texts and archival documents, the article discusses how various legal sources, the political context of the early Hamidian reign, and local experiences all shaped the notion ofidare-i örfiyye, soon transforming it into a tool of government for exceptional and (more frequently) non-exceptional times.
Conventionally Heated Microfurnace for the Graphitization of Microgram-Sized Carbon Samples
Authors: Yang Bin , Smith A M 
Published: November 2016

AbstractA new type of miniaturized, externally heated graphitization reaction furnace, the microconventional furnace (MCF), was constructed following our development of the laser heated furnace (LHF). The MCF is comprised of a gas reactor, a cold finger cooling system, and a compact resistive heater, which can raise the temperature of the hot finger to 850°C. The gas reactor is provided with three integrated valves to connect with the hydrogen/vacuum manifold, to isolate the reactor, and to connect with sample vessels. We made two types of MCF: the type 1 furnace (volume of 0.9 mL), with an integral stainless steel cold finger, and the type 2 furnace (volume from 1.3 to 10 mL), with a changeable glass cold finger. The MCF is designed for above atmospheric pressure (up to 2500 mbar) operation to decrease the overall graphitization time and improve the carbon yield. The MCF provides an effective solution for producing graphite from carbon dioxide (CO2) sample gas from 5 to 2000 µg of carbon with only 0.083 μg of 100 pMC extraneous carbon added. Cross-contamination tests show that the MCFs have no memory effect from previous samples.
Change in serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D with antiretroviral treatment initiation and nutritional intervention in HIV-positive adults
Authors: Yilma Daniel , Kæstel Pernille , Olsen Mette F. , Abdissa Alemseged , Tesfaye Markos , Girma Tsinuel , Krarup Henrik , Mølgaard Christian , Michaelsen Kim F. , Ritz Christian , Kirk Ole , Andersen Åse B. , Friis Henrik 
Published: November 2016

AbstractLow vitamin D level in HIV-positive persons has been associated with disease progression. We compared the levels of serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D) in HIV-positive and HIV-negative persons, and investigated the role of nutritional supplementation and antiretroviral treatment (ART) on serum 25(OH)D levels. A randomised nutritional supplementation trial was conducted at Jimma University Specialized Hospital, Ethiopia. The trial compared 200 g/d of lipid-based nutrient supplement (LNS) with no supplementation during the first 3 months of ART. The supplement provided twice the recommended daily allowance of vitamin D (10 μg/200 g). The level of serum 25(OH)D before nutritional intervention and ART initiation was compared with serum 25(OH)D of HIV-negative individuals. A total of 348 HIV-positive and 100 HIV-negative persons were recruited. The median baseline serum 25(OH)D level was higher in HIV-positive than in HIV-negative persons (42·5 v. 35·3 nmol/l, P<0·001). In all, 282 HIV-positive persons with BMI>17 kg/m2 were randomised to either LNS supplementation (n 189) or no supplementation (n 93) during the first 3 months of ART. The supplemented group had a 4·1 (95 % CI 1·7, 6·4) nmol/l increase in serum 25(OH)D, whereas the non-supplemented group had a 10·8 (95 % CI 7·8, 13·9) nmol/l decrease in serum 25(OH)D level after 3 months of ART. Nutritional supplementation that contained vitamin D prevented a reduction in serum 25(OH)D levels in HIV-positive persons initiating ART. Vitamin D replenishment may be needed to prevent reduction in serum 25(OH)D levels during ART.
The Reeb Graph of a Map Germ from ℝ3 to ℝ2 with Isolated Zeros
Authors: Batista Erica Boizan , Costa João Carlos Ferreira , Nuño-Ballesteros Juan J. 
Published: November 2016

AbstractWe consider finitely determined map germs f : (ℝ3, 0) → (ℝ2, 0) with f–1(0) = {0} and we look at the classification of this kind of germ with respect to topological equivalence. By Fukuda's cone structure theorem, the topological type of f can be determined by the topological type of its associated link, which is a stable map from S2 to S1. We define a generalized version of the Reeb graph for stable maps γ : S2→ S1, which turns out to be a complete topological invariant. If f has corank 1, then f can be seen as a stabilization of a function h0: (ℝ2, 0) → (ℝ, 0), and we show that the Reeb graph is the sum of the partial trees of the positive and negative stabilizations of h0. Finally, we apply this to give a complete topological description of all map germs with Boardman symbol Σ2, 1.