bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Friction and wear of the intervertebral disc endoprosthesis manufactured with use of selective laser melting process
Authors: Mróz Adrian Bartlomiej , Lapaj Lukasz , Wisniewski Tomasz , Skalski Konstanty , Leshchynsky Volf 
Published: October 2017

Purpose
Orthopaedic implants, such as intervertebral disc endoprostheses (IDEs) are difficult to manufacture by means of conventional methods because of their complex shape. However, technologies developed in recent years, such as selective laser melting, could simplify this process. Although this method is attractive in both manufacturing and rapid prototyping of IDEs, little is known about their tribological performance. The functional aim of the work is to conduct a tribological evaluation of the ASTM F75 alloy after selective laser melting process and to investigate the viability of the technology in IDE design. The research aim was an explanation of the wear mechanism of bearing surfaces with respect to the reference material.

Design/methodology/approach
In this paper, the tribological test results of a lumbar IDE prototype fabricated by selective laser melting and forging is presented and compared. The endoprostheses were fabricated from commercially available ASTM F75 powder using a selective laser melting device. As a reference material, a forged ASTM F1537 LC alloy was used. Comparative wear and friction tests were carried out with the use of a unique spine simulator.

Findings
The obtained results confirm the viability of the selective laser technology in endoprosthesis design. Unfortunately, poorer tribological wear resistance of endoprostheses produced by means of selective laser melting (SLM) technology compared with that of the reference material calls into question the possibility of using these technologies in the manufacturing process of endoprosthesis' components exposed to tribological wear.

Originality/value
This paper presents the friction and wear behaviour of the lumbar IDE prototype. The tests were carried out in motion and loading conditions close to those we observe in the lumbar spine.
Low cost digital fabrication approach for thumb orthoses
Authors: Fernandez-Vicente Miguel , Escario Chust Ana , Conejero Andres 
Published: October 2017

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to describe a novel design workflow for the digital fabrication of custom-made orthoses (CMIO). It is intended to provide an easier process for clinical practitioners and orthotic technicians alike. It further functions to reduce the dependency of the operators’ abilities and skills.Design/methodology/approachThe technical assessment covers low-cost three-dimensional (3D) scanning, free computer-aided design (CAD) software, and desktop 3D printing and acetone vapour finishing. To analyse its viability, a cost comparison was carried out between the proposed workflow and the traditional CMIO manufacture method.FindingsThe results show that the proposed workflow is a technically feasible and cost-effective solution to improve upon the traditional process of design and manufacture of custom-made static trapeziometacarpal (TMC) orthoses. Further studies are needed for ensuring a clinically feasible approach and for estimating the efficacy of the method for the recovery process in patients.Social implicationsThe feasibility of the process increases the impact of the study, as the great accessibility to this type of 3D printers makes the digital fabrication method easier to be adopted by operators.Originality/valueAlthough some research has been conducted on digital fabrication of CMIO, few studies have investigated the use of desktop 3D printing in any systematic way. This study provides a first step in the exploration of a new design workflow using low-cost digital fabrication tools combined with non-manual finishing.
Influence of processing parameters on creep and recovery behavior of FDM manufactured part using definitive screening design and ANN
Authors: Mohamed Omar Ahmed , Masood Syed Hasan , Bhowmik Jahar Lal 
Published: October 2017

Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to investigate the effect of process parameters of fused deposition modelling (FDM) 3D printing process on viscoelastic responses (creep compliance and recoverable compliance) of FDM built parts using a novel experimental design technique.

Design/methodology/approach
As part of the process characterization, a recently developed class of three-level design methodology – definitive screening design (DSD) – was used in this study to fit a second-order polynomial regression model. Artificial neural network (ANN) was also used to determine the optimal process parameters to improve creep compliance and recoverable compliance. The relationship between layer thickness, air gap, raster angle, build orientation, road width, number of contours and creep performance of FDM fabricated part was thereafter established empirically. Scanning electron microscope (SEM) is used to examine and characterize the morphology of the structures for some samples.

Findings
This study found that the creep resistance of FDM-manufactured part is significantly influenced by layer thickness, air gap, raster angle and number of contours and it can be improved by optimizing the settings of the selected parameters. The relationship between FDM process parameters and creep properties was determined, with the best creep performance observed by using 0.127 mm of layer thickness, zero air gap, zero raster angle, build orientation of 17.188°, road width of 0.4572 mm and 10 contours. Finally, the result is verified by confirmation experiments. The results prove that a DSD is a very effective design in characterizing the influence of process parameters on creep properties of FDM-built part at the lowest cost.

Originality/value
The originality of this paper lies in characterizing and optimizing the effect of process parameters on creep performance of FDM manufactured part that has not been studied in all previous studies. The paper highlights, for the first time, how the application of DSD can overcome most of the limitations encountered in the conventional techniques. This study can be used as a guide to the different additive manufacturing users of various industries and the results provide a good technical database on how FDM process parameters influence the creep performance of manufactured parts.
Epidemiology and comorbidities of patients with chronic urticaria in Korea: A nationwide population‐based study
Authors: Kim Bo Ri , Yang Seungkeol , Choi Jee Woong , Choi Chong Won , Youn Sang Woong 
Published: October 2017

AbstractFew population‐based studies have focused on the epidemiology and comorbidities of chronic urticaria (CU) or chronic spontaneous urticaria (CSU). The objective of this study was to obtain information on the epidemiology and comorbidities associated with CU and CSU in Korea. We conducted a cross‐sectional analysis using a national health insurance database. An algorithm based on the International Classification of Diseases, 10th revision, was used for the identification of patients with CU and CSU, and an age–sex adjusted logistic regression model was used to assess the risk of comorbidities in these patients. The average annual prevalence rates of CU and CSU during the 4‐year period between 2010 and 2013 were 3.08% and 1.40%, respectively. The prevalence rates of CU and CSU were higher in women than men (1:1.39 and 1:1.34, respectively) and peaked at 0–9 and 70–79 years, respectively. After adjustment for age and sex, the patients with CU and CSU were found to have a significantly higher prevalence rate of CU/CSU‐related diseases, compared with those without CU (mean adjusted odds ratio, 8.46; 95% confidence interval, 8.10–8.83). Allergic rhinitis, drug allergies, asthma, thyroid diseases and cancers were the most common comorbidities. Stomach, thyroid, liver and prostate cancers were the most prevalent cancers. This study provides large epidemiological data on the prevalence rates of CU and CSU, and their comorbidities, in Korea. Patients with CU and CSU impose a higher burden, in terms of specific comorbidities, than those without CU.
Effects of moisturizing skincare on skin barrier function and the prevention of skin problems in 3‐month‐old infants: A randomized controlled trial
Authors: Yonezawa Kaori , Haruna Megumi , Matsuzaki Masayo , Shiraishi Mie , Kojima Reiji 
Published: October 2017

AbstractAn effective newborn skincare protocol has not been established. We aimed to evaluate the effects of moisturizing skincare, including using lotion and reducing routine bathing. Our hypothesis was that moisturizing skincare would improve skin barrier function. This randomized controlled trial included 227 healthy Asian newborns between 1 week and 3 months old. We compared moisturizing skincare (bathing every 2 days and using lotion daily; intervention, n = 113) to daily bathing without lotion (control, n = 114). We assessed the skin barrier function (transepidermal water loss [TEWL], stratum corneum hydration [SCH], skin pH and sebum secretion) as a primary outcome at 3 months old. We also assessed the incidence of skin problems according to parents’ diary reports. Compared with the control, the intervention group had a lower face TEWL (mean ± standard deviation, 14.69 ± 7.38 vs 17.08 ± 8.26 g/m2 per h, P = 0.033), higher face SCH (60.38 ± 13.66 vs 53.52 ± 14.55, P = 0.001) and higher body SCH (58.89 ± 12.96 vs 53.02 ± 10.08, P < 0.001). Compared with the control, newborns in the intervention group had significantly lower rates of diaper dermatitis between birth and 1 month old (6.3% vs 15.9%, P = 0.022), and tended to have lower rates of body skin problems between 1 and 3 months (42.1% vs 55.2%, P = 0.064). Moisturizing skincare was effective for improving skin barrier function and preventing newborns’ diaper dermatitis. The results of our study may help parents make informed decisions about newborn skincare.
Human papillomavirus type 6/11 identified in an epidermoid cyst of the scrotum
Authors: Kawase Masaaki , Egawa Kiyofumi , Ishiji Takaoki , Nakagawa Hidemi 
Published: October 2017

AbstractTo date, epidermoid cysts associated with human papillomavirus (HPV) infection have been described mainly in palmoplantar locations, and have involved HPV types 60 and 57. In contrast, HPV‐6/11 is a major cause of condyloma acuminatum. Here, we report the case of a healthy 31‐year‐old man who presented to our clinic with a 1‐month history of a 1‐cm, reddish‐brown, cystic scrotal tumor with a punctum. The lesion was studied histologically, immunohistochemically and by DNA–DNAin situ hybridization. Histology revealed an epidermoid cyst with vacuolated keratinocytes with shrunken nuclei (koilocytes) in the cyst wall. Immunostaining was positive for HPV antigens and in situ hybridization revealed HPV‐6/11 DNA in the koilocytes. This is the first report of an HPV‐6/11‐associated epidermoid cyst in the anogenital skin of an immunocompetent individual.
Associations between anti‐melanoma differentiation‐associated gene 5 antibody and demographics, clinical characteristics and laboratory results of patients with dermatomyositis: A systematic meta‐analysis
Authors: Li Ju , Liu Yan , Li Yongsheng , Li Fang , Wang Kai , Pan Wenyou , Meng Deqian 
Published: October 2017

AbstractAnti‐melanoma differentiation‐associated gene 5 (MDA5) antibody is a specific biomarker in patients with dermatomyositis (DM). Results from several studies that examined the relationship between anti‐MDA5 antibody and the demographics, clinical characteristics and laboratory results of DM patients have been conflicting. The purpose of this study was to identify the relationship, if any, of anti‐MDA5 antibody with demographics, clinical characteristics and laboratory results of DM patients. PubMed, Web of Science, Embase and the Cochrane Library databases were searched for studies without language restrictions conducted before 16 March 2017. Stata version 12.0 software was used to calculate pooled odds ratios or weighted mean differences and corresponding 95% confidence intervals to determine the relationship between anti‐MDA5 antibody and patient characteristics. Twenty studies comprising 1500 cases were included in this meta‐analysis. Anti‐MDA5 antibody was strongly associated with clinically amyopathic DM (CADM) and rapidly progressive interstitial lung disease (RPILD). Anti‐MDA5 antibody also increased the risk of developing eight characteristics comprising Gottron's sign or papules, mechanic's hand, V rash, skin ulcers, panniculitis, alopecia, arthritis/arthralgia and pneumomediastinum, but reduced the risk of muscle weakness, classic DM (CDM) and elevated creatine kinase (CK). Our meta‐analysis indicated that anti‐MDA5 antibody is related to muscle weakness, Gottron's sign or papules, mechanic's hand, V rash, skin ulcers, panniculitis, alopecia, arthritis/arthralgia, pneumomediastinum, RPILD, CDM, CADM and elevated CK in patients with DM.
Comparison of coastal phytoplankton composition estimated from the V4 and V9 regions of the 18S rRNA gene with a focus on photosynthetic groups and especially Chlorophyta
Authors: Tragin Margot , Zingone Adriana , Vaulot Daniel 
Published: October 2017

SummaryWe compared the composition of eukaryotic communities using two genetic markers (18S rRNA V4 and V9 regions) at 27 sites sampled during Ocean Sampling Day 2014, with a focus on photosynthetic groups and, more specifically green algae (Chlorophyta). Globally, the V4 and V9 regions of the 18S rRNA gene provided similar images of alpha diversity and ecological patterns. However, V9 provided 20% more OTUs built at 97% identity than V4. 34% of the genera were found with both markers and, of the remnant, 22% were found only with V4 and 44% only with V9. For photosynthetic groups, V4 and V9 performed equally well to describe global communities at different taxonomic levels from the division to the genus and provided similar Chlorophyta distribution patterns. However, at lower taxonomic level, the V9 dataset failed for example to describe the diversity of Dolichomastigales (Chlorophyta, Mamiellophyceae) emphasizing the lack of V9 sequences for this group and the importance of the reference database for metabarcode analysis. We conclude that in order to address questions regarding specific groups (e.g., a given genus), it is necessary to choose the marker based not only on the genetic divergence within this group but also on the existence of reference sequences in databases.
Synergistic activity of Bacillus thuringiensis δ‐endotoxin and TMOF against Culex pipiens and Spodoptera littoralis larvae
Authors: Mohammed Ahmed M.A. , Diab Mervat R. , Khalil Sayed M.S. 
Published: October 2017

AbstractTrypsin Modulating Oostatic Factor (TMOF) is a decapeptide hormone that inhibits the biosynthesis of digestive enzymes in the mosquito midgut. The hormone inhibits food digestion and ultimately leads to starvation and death. It has been used as a biological insecticide to control mosquitoes. In an attempt to increase the insecticidal activity of TMOF, a combination of CryIC (δ‐endotoxin from Bacillus thuringiensis) and TMOF was determined. Eight recombinant proteins fused with GST (glutathione‐S‐transferase) were expressed in Escherichia coli cells. Their insecticidal activities were determined against Culex pipiens and Spodoptera littoralis larvae. Purified GST‐TMOF and its analogue GST‐YDPAS exhibited a moderate toxicity on C. pipiens larvae with LC50 of 145.9 and 339.9 μg/mL, respectively. Unexpectedly, no mortality was observed in first instar larvae of S. littoralis. Puirified GST‐TMOF and GST‐YDPAS together with Bt toxin showed a synergistic toxic effect on both Culex and Spodoptera larvae. In the presence of 100 μg/mL GST‐TMOF and GST‐YDPAS, the median lethal concentration of entomocidus on culex larvae decreased from 52.1 to 16.7 and 31.9 μg/mL, respectively. Likewise, GST‐TMOF and GST‐YDPAS incorporated with 0.07 μg/cm2 of enotmocidus showed insecticidal activity against S. littoralis with LC50 of 16.4 and 21.9 μg/cm2. The E. coli lysates containing GST‐CryIC and its 3′‐truncated version showed low toxicity against the lepidopteran insect (10.8 and 16.6 μg/cm2) compared to 0.15 μg/cm2 of the native crystalline form of CryIC. Similarly, the mosquitocidal activity of the recombinant Bt toxins was low.
Scheduled to work hard: The relationship between non‐standard working hours and work intensity among European workers (2005–2015)
Authors: Piasna Agnieszka 
Published: October 2017

AbstractWork intensity is of central importance for organisational performance, as well as workers' health and well‐being, yet its determinants at the workplace‐level remain underresearched. This article addresses this gap by examining consequences of working time adjustments for work intensity and the role of control over scheduling in influencing when working time adjustments have stronger effect on work intensity. Working hours are analysed on three dimensions: duration, distribution and flexibility. Analysis uses the European Working Conditions Survey (2005–2015) and a sample of employees from EU28 countries. Findings reveal that work intensity is closely related to the timing of work. Working long days or weeks, at night, on weekends, and with changes in hours imposed by employers is associated with more intense work. Moreover, the impact of non‐standard hours on work intensity differs depending on who (workers or employers) has control over their scheduling.
Opportunities for groundwater microbial electro‐remediation
Authors: Pous Narcís , Balaguer Maria Dolors , Colprim Jesús , Puig Sebastià 
Published: October 2017

SummaryGroundwater pollution is a serious worldwide concern. Aromatic compounds, chlorinated hydrocarbons, metals and nutrients among others can be widely found in different aquifers all over the world. However, there is a lack of sustainable technologies able to treat these kinds of compounds. Microbial electro‐remediation, by the means of microbial electrochemical technologies (MET), can become a promising alternative in the near future. MET can be applied for groundwater treatment in situ or ex situ, as well as for monitoring the chemical state or the microbiological activity. This document reviews the current knowledge achieved on microbial electro‐remediation of groundwater and its applications.
Association of glucocorticoid receptor gene polymorphisms with systemic lupus erythematosus in a Chinese population
Authors: Chen Yang‐Fan , Xu Jian‐Hua , Zou Yan‐Feng , Lian Li , Wang Fen , Chen Shan‐Yu , Cai Jing , Li Mu 
Published: October 2017

AbstractObjectivesTo identify the association of glucocorticoid receptor (GR) gene polymorphism with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE).MethodsA case‐control study was carried out, in which 400 Chinese patients with SLE and 400 normal people were enrolled. DNA was extracted using a genomic DNA extraction kit, and tagged single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) were identified by Haploview (4.0) Project from the Chinese HapMap Project. Eighteen tagged SNPs of the GR gene were genotyped by the Multiplex SNaPshot technique.ResultsTwo GR gene SNPs were associated with the pathogenesis of SLE: rs6865292 (dominant model: crude odds ratio [OR] = 1.526, 95% CI: 1.151–2.025, P = 0.003; adjusted OR = 1.525, 95% CI: 1.149–2.023, P = 0.004; PBH = 0.036) and rs9324921 (dominant model: crude OR = 1.556, 95% CI: 1.173–2.062, P = 0.002; adjusted OR = 1.553, 95% CI: 1.171–2.060, P = 0.002; PBH = 0.036). The haplotype analysis of GR gene SNPs manifested that the haplotype of ‘CCGGG’ (OR = 2.701, 95% CI: 1.348–5.410, P = 0.004; PBH = 0.036) was a risk factor for the development of SLE. A lower frequency of A‐allele of SNP rs4607376 (P = 0.021; OR = 0.794, 95% CI: 0.652–0.966, PBH = 0.126), higher frequency of C‐allele of SNP rs6865292 (P = 0.019, OR = 1.317, PBH = 0.126) and A‐allele of SNP rs9324921 (P = 0.019, OR = 1.317, PBH = 0.126) may be risk factors for developing SLE. The rs7719514 (recessive model: crude P = 0.044; adjusted P = 0.044, PBH = 0.264), rs7701443 (recessive model: crude P = 0.044, adjusted P = 0.045; PBH = 0.264), rs4607376 (recessive model: crude P = 0.027; adjusted P = 0.026; PBH = 0.264) and haplotype ‘CAGCG’ (P = 0.044; PBH = 0.198) showed marginal association with the pathogenesis of SLE. In the case group, there were no significant differences between non‐lupus nephritis and lupus nephritis. Further, we found that the SNP rs12054797 (F = 3.228, P = 0.041, PBH = 0.342), rs2963156 (F = 3.163, P = 0.043, PBH = 0.342) might be marginally associated with disease activity.ConclusionsThe study indicates that GR genetic polymorphisms may play a major role in the pathogenesis and development of SLE.
Which Democracy for a Union of States? A Comparative Perspective of the European Union
Authors: Fabbrini Sergio 
Published: October 2017

AbstractThe article investigates the democratic model of the European Union (EU) from a comparative perspective. A democratic model concerns the way in which systemic divisions, expression of structural cleavages, are institutionally and politically regulated in order to generate authoritative decisions applicable to all members (citizens and territorial units) of the political system. On the bases of a critique of the statist paradigm that influences comparative politics literature, the article has shown that unions of asymmetrical and differentiated states (as the United States, Switzerland and the supranational EU) function according to a democratic logic different from the ones characterizing the nation states. Unions of states function without both a government and a state because structured on multiple separation of powers that segment sovereignty horizontally and vertically. The segmentation of sovereignty constitutes a condition for preventing domination of the larger and powerful states on the smaller and weaker ones.
EU Insights for Political Inclusion in International Institutions
Authors: von Bogdandy Armin 
Published: October 2017

AbstractThis text approaches the issue of strengthening the democratic legitimacy of international institutions from a comparative legal perspective. It argues that Articles 9 to 12 of the Treaty on European Union can help to conceptualize and develop the elements of such democratic legitimation. The core statement of this contribution is: A democratization of governance beyond the state, in particular in the sense of a better political inclusion of citizens in the exercise of public authority by international institutions, can well be theoretically conceived and practically realized.
The Internal and External Levers to Achieve Global Democracy
Authors: Archibugi Daniele , Cellini Marco 
Published: October 2017

AbstractThe paper explores the methods to introduce democratic devices in global governance. The first part makes an attempt to define what democratic global governance is and what its aims are. The second part provides some benchmark to identify when and how international organizations, the most important and visible part of global governance, correspond to the values of democracy. The third part presents what we label the internal and the external levers. The internal lever is defined as the ways in which democratization within countries helps to foster more transparent, accountable and participatory forms of global governance. The external lever is defined as the ways in which international organizations contribute to promote democratic transition and consolidation in their members. Neither the internal nor the external levers work effectively if they are left to inter‐governmental bargaining only. An active participation of non‐governmental actors is needed in order to make them effective. The paper finally discusses a list of proposals to democratize global governance.