bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Free vibration analysis of four parameter functionally graded plates accounting transverse shear mode
Authors: Taj M. N. A. Gulshan , Chakrabarti Anupam , Talha Mohammad 
Published: September 2014

In the present investigation, free vibration analysis of functionally graded material (FGM) plate is performed incorporating higher order shear deformation theory in conjunction with C0 based finite element formulation. The cubic component of thickness term is incorporated in in-plane fields and constant variation of thickness is assumed for transverse component. The theory incorporates the realistic parabolic variation of transverse shear stresses thus eliminates the use of shear correction factor. Aluminium/Zirconia plate is considered for the analysis and the effective properties are assumed to have smooth and gradual variation in the thickness direction and remain constant in in-plane direction. The spatial variation of properties pertaining to homogeneous and FGM plate is estimated by means of power law, which is described by the four parameters. With respect to dynamic analysis, it is vital for an analyst to know whether the top of the plate is ceramic or metal rich, and inversely bottom of the plate is ceramic or metal rich. This phenomenon can be described by choosing the appropriate values of the parameters appears in the power law. In the study, prominence has been given to study the influence of power law parameters on frequency response of FGM plates so as to accomplish different combination of FGM profiles. Thin and moderately thick FGM plates are analyzed to generate the frequency values of the FGM plate. The imperative conclusions presented regarding the choice of parameter in the power law could be useful for designer to arrive for particular material profile of FGM plate.
A direct evidence of fatigue damage growth inside silicon MEMS structures obtained with EBIC technique
Authors: Huy Vu Le , Kamiya Shoji 
Published: September 2014

Electron beam induced current (EBIC) is a semiconductor analysis technique performed in a scanning electron microscope (SEM) or scanning transmission electron microscope (STEM). It is able to sense defects beneath the surface even invisible by SEM. This paper presents the results of a trial to observe the defect growth inside silicon MEMS structures under fatigue loading by applying EBIC technique. The tests were performed on two specimens fabricated from an n-type single crystal silicon wafer. While the test region of the specimens was repeatedly subjected to compressive stress, EBIC images were obtained to visualize damage evolution which presented by the growth of the dark region on EBIC images. It was proved that the damage is not due to the growth of oxidation layer on the surface of the specimens but due to the growth of intrinsic defects of silicon crystal. The results would be evidences to elucidate that the fatigue damages grow inside silicon MEMS structures but not in oxidation layer.
Dynamic stability analysis of laminated composite plates with piezoelectric layers
Authors: Chung Nguyen Thai , Luong Hoang Xuan , Xuan Nguyen Thi Thanh 
Published: September 2014

Research on the stability to determine the critical value of structures is a complex issue but of real significance. Piezoelectric composite plate is one of the structures which have the ability to control the mechanical behaviors under loads. One of the prominent capabilities of this structure is the ability to control its vibration and stability. Using the finite element method (FEM) and construction calculation program in Matlab, the authors analyzed the elastic stability of piezoelectric composite plates under dynamic in-plane loads, taking into account damping properties of the structure. Critical loads and other factors affecting the stability of the plate are investigated.
A coupling successive approximation method for solving Duffing equation and its application
Authors: Bich Dao Huy , Bich Nguyen Dang 
Published: September 2014

The paper proposes an algorithm to solve a general Duffing equation, in which a process of transforming the initial equation to a resulting equation is proposed, and then the coupling successive approximation method is applied to solve the resulting equation. By using this algorithm a special physical factor and complex-valued solutions to the general Duffing equation are revealed. The proposed algorithm does not use any assumption of small parameters in the equation solving. The coupling successive procedure provides an analytic approximated solution in both real-valued or complex-valued solution. The procedure also reveals a formula to evaluate the vibration frequency, \(\varphi\), of the non-linear equation. Since the first approximation solution is in a closed-form, the chaos index of the general Duffing equation and the chaotic characteristics of solutions can be predicted. Some examples are used to illustrate the proposed method. In the case of chaotic solution, the Pointcaré conjecture is used for solution verification.
Comparison of Crestal Bone Loss Around Dental Implants Placed in Healed Sites Using Flapped and Flapless Techniques: A Systematic Review
Authors: Vohra Fahim , Al‐Kheraif Abdulaziz A. , Almas Khalid , Javed Fawad 
Published: September 2014

Background: The aim of the present systematic review is to compare the crestal bone loss (CBL) around dental implants placed in healed sites using flapped and flapless surgical techniques.Methods: The focused question was, “Does flapped and flapless surgical technique influence CBL around dental implants placed in healed sites?” Databases were searched from 1975 up to and including May 2014 using different combinations of the following keywords: “crestal bone loss”; “dental implant”; “surgery”; “flap”; and “flapless.” Unpublished data, experimental studies, letters to the editor, review articles, case reports, commentaries, and articles published in languages other than English were excluded. In all studies, the test group comprised implants placed using flapless surgery, and the control group, implants placed after reflection of a full‐thickness mucoperiosteal flap.Results: Ten clinical studies were included. In five studies, CBL around implants was comparable between the test and control groups. In four studies, implants in the test group showed significantly less CBL compared with the control group. In one study, CBL was significantly higher in the test group than the control group.Conclusion: CBL around dental implants placed in healed sites using flapped and flapless techniques is comparable.
Spinal Surgery in Patients with Parkinson’s Disease: Unsatisfactory Results, Failure and Disappointment
Authors: Sapkas G. , Lykomitros V. , Soultanis K. , Papadopoulos E.C. , Papadakis M. 
Published: September 2014

Previous studies on spinal surgery in PD patients report an exceptionally high rate of complications. Failure and re -operation are frequent outcomes. This is a retrospective case series with the aim of establishing the rate of complications in patients with concomitant Parkinson’s disease.
Ten patients were subjected to spinal surgery from 2005 to 2009. The indications and type of operation varied. Cases of Failed Back Surgery and re-operation were sought. Follow – up was between 6 – 42 months. All 10 patients presented some clinical or radiological complication. The most common complications were screw pull – out and progressive spinal deformity. Re – operations were performed in 5 patients, while clinical and radiological results were poor in the majority of cases. Patients with Parkinson’s disease have a very high complication rate and often have to undergo revision surgery. This particular group of patients should be informed of the increased risk of failure and be closely followed – up on a regular basis.
1,2‐Dichlorobenzene Pretreatment via Phosphoric Acid‐Mediated Fenton Reagent
Authors: Richmond Mark D. 
Published: September 2014

ABSTRACT: A large industrial water resource recovery facility needed to significantly reduce the amount of 1,2‐dichlorobenzene (ODCB) entering its biological treatment units. Numerous Advanced Oxidation Processes (AOPs) were considered based on literature and industry reports. Many AOPs appear to be incompatible with some of the native species present in groundwater or wastewater matrices. Iron, in particular, is often viewed as a nuisance increasing the complexity of the overall treatment scheme. The approach used in the current study was to incorporate the new AOP into the existing groundwater matrix and facilities as much as possible. To that end, native iron was exploited as the reaction catalyst, an acid was selected to fit with current macro nutrient needs of the biotreatment units, and the reactor was designed to require minimum modification of the existing facilities. The “green chemical” (Noyori, 2003) treatment process selected was demonstrated at full‐scale, achieving good agreement with the results of prior laboratory studies. Up to eighty percent destruction of ODCB was demonstrated in a new pretreatment unit whose effluent fit seamlessly with the existing bioreactors.
A Flaked Stone Crescent from a Stratified, Radiocarbon-Dated Site in the Northern Great Basin
Authors: Smith Geoffrey M. , Pattee Donald D. , Pellegrini Evan , Finley Judson Bird , Fagan John L. 
Published: September 2014

Seven sites in the Far West have produced crescents in dated contexts: of these, only two are in the Great Basin. Single dates from both Great Basin sites—the Sunshine Locality and Fort Rock Cave—suggest that crescents date to the terminal Pleistocene. Crescents from dated contexts in California suggest that they were also used during the early Holocene. We report the discovery of a crescent from a stratified, radiocarbon-dated rockshelter in southeast Oregon initially occupied ∼9600 calendar years ago (cal B.P.). Although crescents may date to the terminal Pleistocene elsewhere in the Great Basin, our find indicates that they were also used during the early Holocene. Crossover Immunoelectrophoresis analysis of the crescent produced a positive reaction for pronghorn, suggesting that the tool contacted that taxon during butchering or hafting activities.
A Unique Pattern of Bisphenol A Effects on Nerve Growth Factor Gene Expression in Embryonic Mouse Hypothalamic Cell Line N-44
Authors: Warita Katsuhiko , Mitsuhashi Tomoko , Hoshi Nobuhiko , Ohta Ken-ichi , Suzuki Shingo , Takeuchi Yoshiki , Miki Takanori 
Published: September 2014

AbstractWe investigated the toxicity of bisphenol A (BPA) by determining the gene expression of nerve growth factor (Ngf in the embryonic mouse cell line mHypoE-N44 derived from the hypothalamus exposed to BPA dose range between 0.02 and 200 μmol L-1 for 3 h. Ngf mRNA levels decreased in a dose-dependent manner, with significant reductions observed in the 2 to 50 μmol L-1 BPA treatment groups compared to controls. However, at 100 to 200 μmol L-1 the NgfmRNA gradually increased and was significantly higher than control, while the expression of the apoptosis-related genes Caspase 3 and transformation-related protein 73 decreased significantly. These results suggest that in an embryonic hypothalamic cell line the higher doses of BPA induce a unique pattern of Ngf gene expression and that BPA has the potential to suppress apoptosis essential for early-stage brain development.
Cadmium, Lead, and Mercury Exposure Assessment Among Croatian Consumers of Free-Living Game
Authors: Lazarus Maja , Prevendar Crnić Andreja , Bilandžić Nina , Kusak Josip , Reljić Slaven 
Published: September 2014

AbstractFree-living game can be an important source of dietary cadmium and lead; the question is whether exposure to these two elements is such that it might cause adverse health effects in the consumers. The aim of this study was to estimate dietary exposure to cadmium, lead, and mercury from free-living big game (fallow deer, roe deer, red deer, wild boar, and brown bear), and to mercury from small game (pheasant and hare), hunted in Croatia from 1990 to 2012. The exposure assessment was based on available literature data and our own measurements of metal levels in the tissues of the game, by taking into account different consumption frequencies (four times a year, once a month and once a week). Exposure was expressed as percentage of (provisional) tolerable weekly intake [(P)TWI] values set by the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA). Consumption of game meat (0.002-0.5 % PTWI) and liver (0.005-6 % PTWI) assumed for the general population (four times a year) does not pose a health risk to consumers from the general population, nor does monthly (0.02-6 % PTWI) and weekly (0.1-24 % PTWI) consumption of game meat. However, because of the high percentage of free-living game liver and kidney samples exceeding the legislative limits for cadmium (2-99 %) and lead (1-82 %), people should keep the consumption of certain game species’ offal as low as possible. Children and pregnant and lactating women should avoid eating game offal altogether. Free-living game liver could be an important source of cadmium if consumed on a monthly basis (3-74 % TWI), and if consumed weekly (11-297 % TWI), it could even give rise to toxicological concern.
Quality of Life Benefit after Endoscopic Frontal Sinus Surgery
Authors: ElBadawey Mohamed R. , Alwaa Ahmad , ElTaher Mostafa , Carrie Sean 
Published: September 2014

Background There is a lack of reports on the quality of life (QOL) assessment after frontal sinus surgery. This study aimed to assess the QOL of patients after one of three frontal sinus procedures, using the Glasgow Benefit Inventory (GBI) and the 22-item Sino-Nasal Outcome Test (SNOT-22). Methods We designed an observational study with two arms. The first arm was a cross-sectional retrospective study recruiting all patients (with rhinosinusitis or mucocele) who had balloon sinuplasty, frontal recess clearance, or endoscopic modified Lothrop procedure in our tertiary referral unit at Newcastle upon Tyne Hospitals, between April 2010 and April 2012. The second arm was a prospective cohort study recruiting all patients having frontal sinus procedures between April 2012 and September 2012. The QOL was measured primarily by the GBI and SNOT-22 questionnaires. A total of 45 patients were recruited. Retrospectively, we identified 27 patients, of whom 19 (70%) returned the questionnaires. Eighteen patients were recruited in the prospective cohort and 14 (77.7%) of them completed the questionnaires 3 months postoperatively. Results The total benefit of frontal sinus surgery was found to be +31 for the retrospective group and +25.59 for the prospective arm. The three domains of GBI showed a positive impact after surgery. The general domain scored +37.5 in the retrospective study and +29.76 for the prospective one. The social domain scored +18.81 retrospectively and +21.42 prospectively. The physical domain scores were +17.71 retrospectively and +13 prospectively. The SNOT-22 preoperative score was +59.8 and this significantly improved to +35.2 (p = 0.017). Conclusion Our study is the first report of QOL benefit after all three frontal sinus procedures using the validated GBI, showing benefit in all aspects of health domains. The physical symptoms and QOL assessed by SNOT-22 significantly improved after all three procedures.
A Multicenter Study of the Clinical Features of Allergic Rhinitis in Central China
Authors: Chen Jianjun , Zhao Yan , Li Bin , Zhang Quanming , Wan Lijia , Liu Jun , Tian Xingde , Li Guoyi , Zhou Jie , Zhang Long , Wang Pengju , Cheng Qi , Liang Jianwei , Zhao Ping , He Jingpei , Lou Zhihong , Lu Haitao , Zhou Yi , Zhang Yuanfen , Chen Xiangjun , Pan Fangming , Zhang Zhimao , Zeng Ligang , He Benchao , Zeng Ying , Xu Xiaoyan , Kong Weijia 
Published: September 2014

Background Several epidemiological surveys of allergic rhinitis (AR) have been conducted in China. However, the clinical features of AR are still not clear enough. The aim of the current study was to perform a multicenter investigation to evaluate the clinical features of AR in China. Methods A multicenter investigation was performed in 13 allergy centers in central China. A disease-related questionnaire was completed by each patient themselves or with guardian assistance after the diagnosis of AR. The clinical features of AR and allergen profile were analyzed. Results Eleven thousand four patients who were diagnosed with AR were recruited in this study. The percentages of classification of AR according to the Allergic Rhinitis and Its Impact on Asthma guidelines were 9.7% intermittent mild (IM), 3.1% persistent mild (PM), 33.9% intermittent moderate–severe (IMS), and 53.3% persistent moderate–severe (PMS). There were 61.6 and 42.2% AR patients who had concomitant ocular or lower respiratory symptoms in clinic. The occurrence of ocular and lower respiratory symptoms was found to be gradually increased from IM, PM, and IMS to PMS. Cold air and temperature change were the two most common factors triggering the nasal symptoms. Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus and Dermatophagoides farinae were the most important allergens of central China. Conclusions This study has contributed to a better understanding of clinical features of AR in China.
Analysis of a Database to Predict the Result of Allergy Testing in vivo in Patients with Chronic Nasal Symptoms
Authors: Lacagnina Valerio , Leto-Barone Maria S. , La Piana Simona , Seidita Aurelio , Pingitore Giuseppe , Di Lorenzo Gabriele 
Published: September 2014

Background This article uses the logistic regression model for diagnostic decision making in patients with chronic nasal symptoms. We studied the ability of the logistic regression model, obtained by the evaluation of a database, to detect patients with positive allergy skin-prick test (SPT) and patients with negative SPT. The model developed was validated using the data set obtained from another medical institution. Methods The analysis was performed using a database obtained from a questionnaire administered to the patients with nasal symptoms containing personal data, clinical data, and results of allergy testing (SPT). All variables found to be significantly different between patients with positive and negative SPT (p < 0.05) were selected for the logistic regression models and were analyzed with backward stepwise logistic regression, evaluated with area under the curve of the receiver operating characteristic curve. A second set of patients from another institution was used to prove the model. Results The accuracy of the model in identifying, over the second set, both patients whose SPT will be positive and negative was high. The model detected 96% of patients with nasal symptoms and positive SPT and classified 94% of those with negative SPT. Conclusion This study is preliminary to the creation of a software that could help the primary care doctors in a diagnostic decision making process (need of allergy testing) in patients complaining of chronic nasal symptoms.
Grass Pollen Sublingual Immunotherapy: A Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Study in Elderly Patients with Seasonal Allergic Rhinitis
Authors: Bozek Andrzej , Kolodziejczyk Krzysztof , Warkocka-Szoltysek Barbara , Jarzab Jerzy 
Published: September 2014

Background This study evaluates the safety and efficacy of specific sublingual immunotherapy (SLIT) against grass pollen allergens in patients >60 years of age with seasonal allergic rhinitis (SAR) and/or asthma. This study sought to assess nasal symptoms during the grass pollen season, reduce medication use, and monitor adverse reactions during immunotherapy. Methods Seventy-eight 60- to 70-year-old patients with SAR and a confirmed grass pollen allergy according to skin-prick tests, nasal provocation, and measurement of serum IgE were included in the study. The patients were individually randomized to the act or placebo groups using a double-blind method. A total of 41 subjects in the SLIT group (5 grass pollen mixture) and 37 subjects in the placebo group were monitored for 3 years. The patients were required to record each use of an antiallergy medication on a diary card. Results Thirty-eight patients completed 3 years (preseasonal) of SLIT, and 34 subjects finished the placebo treatment in the same time period. The total nasal symptom score decreased by 64% in the active group and 7% in the placebo group a SLIT. This difference was only significant in the active group (p < 0.05). At the end of therapy, the total medication score of the active group decreased significantly by a maximum of 51% (p < 0.05), whereas the total medication score of the placebo group had an insignificant decrease. None of the study participants had systemic adverse reactions during the study period. Conclusions SLIT in elderly patients with a grass pollen allergy generated significant clinical improvement in the active group compared with the placebo group for grass pollen season. This therapy was well tolerated.
International Study of the Incidence of Particular Types of Septal Deformities in Chronic Rhinosinusitis Patients: The Outcomes from Five Countries
Authors: Cingi Cemal , Muluk Nuray Bayar , Acar Mustafa , Skitarelić Neven , Markešić Josip , Vugrinec Ozren , Passali Desiderio , Bellussi Luisa , Passali Giulio Cesare , Passali Francesco Maria , Lopatin Andrey , Kirdeeva Alena , Ivanchenko Olga , Sarafoleanu Codrut , Negrila Andreea Mezei , Manea Claudiu 
Published: September 2014

Background Chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) may be more frequent in patients with particular types of septal deformities. The aim of this article was to investigate the incidence of particular types of septal deformities in adult CRS patients and healthy volunteers in various countries to determine whether some of them are more frequent in those groups. Methods This international multicentric study involved 505 subjects from five countries: Croatia, Romania, Italy, Russia, and Turkey. The types of septal deformities were observed and grouped according to the Mladina classification. Subjects were examined by means of native anterior rhinoscopy, anterior rhinoscopy after decongestion, and fiber endoscopy with topical anesthesia. CRS patients have been diagnostically proved by computed tomography scanning of the paranasal sinuses. Results Considering the CRS patients, the prevalence of so-called vertical deformities (types 2, 3, and 4) was seen. Among them, type 3 deformity was found most frequently in Turkey, Croatia, Italy, and Romania. Conclusion Type 3 deformity has been found frequently in CRS patients in all five of the countries. Russian subjects exhibited a high frequency of type 4 deformity. Because this type consists of types 2 and 3, the later, again, has been proven to be prevalent in CRS patients also in this group of patients.