bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Development of barrel heating system in injection molding machine via induction heating
Authors: Bui Huy-Tien , Hwang Sheng-Jye 
Published: April 2015

Purpose– The purpose of this paper is to develop a barrel heating system using induction heating instead of resistance heating. And, a working coil for the induction heating system was designed so that the barrel has uniform temperature distribution.Design/methodology/approach– A coupling design combining the pitch of turns of working coil with the magnetic flux concentrators in the barrel induction heating system was developed to achieve uniform temperature distribution which was approximately the same as temperature uniformity obtained from that of resistance heating system.Findings– In contrast to resistance heating method, induction heating is more efficient because the heating is directly applied on the work-piece. Its heating rate is higher than that of resistance heating method. However, the uneven temperature distribution in the barrel is the main disadvantage of the induction heating system. But, with proper design of adjusting the pitch of turns at the center of working coil and adding magnetic flux concentrators at areas with lower magnetic flux, the barrel heating system via induction can achieve temperature distribution uniformity.Originality/value– Under proper design of working coil, the barrel heating system by induction method can achieve the same uniform temperature distribution as the barrel heated by resistance method, and could be practically used in an injection molding machine.
Tensile and fatigue behavior of layered acrylonitrile butadiene styrene
Authors: Ziemian Sophia , Okwara Maryvivian , Ziemian Constance Wilkens 
Published: April 2015

Purpose
– This paper aims to define the effect of specimen mesostructure on the monotonic tensile behavior and tensile-fatigue life of layered acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS) components fabricated by fused deposition modeling (FDM).

Design/methodology/approach
– Tensile tests were performed on FDM dogbone specimens with four different raster orientations according to ASTM standard D638-03. Resulting ultimate tensile stresses (UTS) for each raster orientation were used to compute the maximum stress for fatigue testing, i.e. 90, 75, 60 and 50 or 45 per cent nominal values of the UTS. Multiple specimens were subjected to tension – tension fatigue cycling with stress ratio of R = 0.10 in accordance with ASTM standard D7791-12.

Findings
– Both tensile strength and fatigue performance exhibited anisotropic behavior. The longitudinal (0°) and default (+45/−45°) raster orientations performed significantly better than the diagonal (45°) or transverse (90°) orientations in regards to fatigue life, as displayed in the resulting Wohler curves.

Practical implications
– Raster orientation has a significant effect on the fatigue performance of FDM ABS components. Aligning FDM fibers along the axis of the applied stress provides improved fatigue life. If the direction of applied stresses is not expected to be constant in given application, the default raster orientation is recommended.

Originality/value
– This project provides knowledge to the limited work published on the fatigue performance of FDM ABS components. It provides S-N fatigue life results that can serve as a foundation for future work, combining experimental investigations with theoretical principles and the statistical analysis of data.
Mechanical and thermal properties of photopolymer/CB (carbon black) nanocomposite for rapid prototyping
Authors: Chiu Shih-Hsuan , Wicaksono Sigit Tri , Chen Kun-Ting , Chen Chiu-Yen , Pong Sheng-Hong 
Published: April 2015

Purpose
– The purpose of this paper is to evaluate the mechanical properties of photopolymer/CB (carbon black) nanocomposite when applied in a visible-light rapid prototyping (RP) machine.

Design/methodology/approach
– The mechanical properties of the samples such as hardness and tensile strength along with thermal stability were analyzed. The curing time behavior of the photopolymer/CB nanocomposites was tested by using a rigid-body pendulum rheometer. The shrinkage property and dimensional stability were also analyzed using the technique according to ASTM D2566 and ASTM D1204, respectively.

Findings
– The results showed that the prototype fabricated from pristine photopolymer tended to exhibit poor mechanical properties and low thermal stability. However, after adding the photopolymer with various concentrations of nano-CB and dispersant in appropriate composition, the photopolymer/CB nanocomposite prototype not only reduced its curing time but also enhanced its mechanical properties, thermal stability and dimensional stability.

Practical implications
– The presented results can be used in a visible-light RP machine.

Originality/value
– The mechanical and thermal properties of photopolymer are improved with nano-CB additives for a RP system.
Five‐year efficacy of finasteride in 801 Japanese men with androgenetic alopecia
Authors: Yoshitake Toshihiro , Takeda Akira , Ohki Kensaku , Inoue Yuko , Yamawaki Takanori , Otsuka Saori , Akimoto Minekatsu , Nemoto Mitsuru , Shimakura Yasuhito , Sato Akio 
Published: April 2015

AbstractFinasteride is standard medical treatment for androgenetic alopecia; however, no large studies with 5 years or more of follow up have been performed in Japan. The authors followed Japanese men with androgenetic alopecia treated with finasteride for 5 years to evaluate long‐term treatment efficacy. Of 903 men treated with finasteride (1 mg/day), 801 patients were evaluated over 5 years by modified global photographic assessment. Although the proportion of improvement was high (99.4%), modified global photographic assessment scores after 5 years of treatment were lower in patients with more advanced disease as measured by the modified Norwood–Hamilton scale. After separating patients into “sufficient” and “insufficient” efficacy groups according to the modified global photographic assessment score after 5 years (scores ≥6 and <6, respectively), multivariate analysis showed that independent risk factors of insufficient efficacy were age at start of treatment of 40 years or more (P = 0.021) and classification on the modified Norwood–Hamilton scale (P < 0.001), whereas presence of stress at start of treatment was a negative predictor (P = 0.025). In conclusion, continuous finasteride treatment for 5 years improved androgenetic alopecia with sustained effect among Japanese. Younger age and less advanced disease at start of treatment were the key predictors of higher finasteride efficacy.
Higher Education and the Referendum on Scottish Independence
Authors: Riddell Sheila , Minty Sarah , Weedon Elisabet , Hunter Blackburn Lucy 
Published: April 2015

AbstractDuring the course of the referendum campaign, the Scottish government argued that free tuition for Scottish and EU students symbolised Scotland's preference for universal services and was intrinsically fairer than the ‘marketised’ systems operating in the rest of the UK. Invoking principles of both social justice and pragmatism, three distinct critiques of the Scottish government's higher education policy were mounted and adopted by different policy actors for different political purposes. Following a discussion of these arguments, this article concludes that a more nuanced discussion of higher education policy in Scotland is required, focusing not just on the absence of tuition fees but also on the distribution of debt and allocation of funds across the entire education system. We also note that the focus on tuition fees policy suggests that higher education systems across the UK are set on a process of divergence, whereas there are strong pressures towards policy convergence in areas such as research policy and internationalisation.
Emergency Department Performance Measures Updates: Proceedings of the 2014 Emergency Department Benchmarking Alliance Consensus Summit
Authors: Wiler Jennifer L. , Welch Shari , Pines Jesse , Schuur Jeremiah , Jouriles Nick , Stone‐Griffith Suzanne 
Published: April 2015

AbstractObjectivesThe objective was to review and update key definitions and metrics for emergency department (ED) performance and operations.MethodsForty‐five emergency medicine leaders convened for the Third Performance Measures and Benchmarking Summit held in Las Vegas, February 21–22, 2014. Prior to arrival, attendees were assigned to workgroups to review, revise, and update the definitions and vocabulary being used to communicate about ED performance and operations. They were provided with the prior definitions of those consensus summits that were published in 2006 and 2010. Other published definitions from key stakeholders in emergency medicine and health care were also reviewed and circulated. At the summit, key terminology and metrics were discussed and debated. Workgroups communicated online, via teleconference, and finally in a face‐to‐face meeting to reach consensus regarding their recommendations. Recommendations were then posted and open to a 30‐day comment period. Participants then reanalyzed the recommendations, and modifications were made based on consensus.ResultsA comprehensive dictionary of ED terminology related to ED performance and operation was developed. This article includes definitions of operating characteristics and internal and external factors relevant to the stratification and categorization of EDs. Time stamps, time intervals, and measures of utilization were defined. Definitions of processes and staffing measures are also presented. Definitions were harmonized with performance measures put forth by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) for consistency.ConclusionsStandardized definitions are necessary to improve the comparability of EDs nationally for operations research and practice. More importantly, clear precise definitions describing ED operations are needed for incentive‐based pay‐for‐performance models like those developed by CMS. This document provides a common language for front‐line practitioners, managers, health policymakers, and researchers.
Impact of irradiation and immunosuppressive agents on immune system homeostasis in rhesus macaques
Authors: Meyer C , Walker J , Dewane J , Engelmann F , Laub W , Pillai S , Thomas Charles R , Messaoudi I 
Published: April 2015

SummaryIn this study we examined the effects of non-myeloablative total body irradiation (TBI) in combination with immunosuppressive chemotherapy on immune homeostasis in rhesus macaques. Our results show that the administration of cyclosporin A or tacrolimus without radiotherapy did not result in lymphopenia. The addition of TBI to the regimen resulted in lymphopenia as well as alterations in the memory/naive ratio following reconstitution of lymphocyte populations. Dendritic cell (DC) numbers in whole blood were largely unaffected, while the monocyte population was altered by immunosuppressive treatment. Irradiation also resulted in increased levels of circulating cytokines and chemokines that correlated with T cell proliferative bursts and with the shift towards memory T cells. We also report that anti-thymocyte globulin (ATG) treatment and CD3 immunotoxin administration resulted in a selective and rapid depletion of naive CD4 and CD8 T cells and increased frequency of memory T cells. We also examined the impact of these treatments on reactivation of latent simian varicella virus (SVV) infection as a model of varicella zoster virus (VZV) infection of humans. None of the treatments resulted in overt SVV reactivation; however, select animals had transient increases in SVV-specific T cell responses following immunosuppression, suggestive of subclinical reactivation. Overall, we provide detailed observations into immune modulation by TBI and chemotherapeutic agents in rhesus macaques, an important research model of human disease.
A new bacterial disease observed on Quercus myrsinifolia
Authors: Ishihara M. , Takikawa Y. , Akiba M. , Kawabe Y. 
Published: April 2015

SummaryThis is the first report of a new bacterial disease occurring on Quercus myrsinifolia in the nurseries of the Kyushu district in Japan. The main symptoms are shoot and twig blight, which begins with black necrotic lesions. In addition, unclear blackish discolorations, bacterial ooze and water‐soaked lesions were observed as early symptoms, and spindle‐shaped cankers and stem cankers with irregular surface were observed as secondary symptoms. The blight symptoms observed on the current‐year shoots were first observed during the rainy season and continued until autumn (June–October). In summer, the symptoms were pronounced. A yellowish bacterium was consistently isolated from the affected shoots of Q. myrsinifolia, and on inoculation into healthy trees, it caused the same symptoms, which were more severe after wound inoculation than after non‐wound inoculation. Wound inoculation also caused the disease symptoms on Quercus spp., Fagus crenata and Lithocarpus glaber, but not on several other species of Fagaceae. The causal bacterium was identified as Xanthomonas arboricola based on its morphological, cultural and biochemical characteristics and genetic sequence analysis of 16S rDNA, 16S‐23S spacer regions and gyrB. To our knowledge, there are no previous records of xanthomonads causing shoot blight on fagaceous plants like Q. myrsinifolia. Therefore, we postulate that the shoot blight of Q. myrsinifolia is a new bacterial disease. We propose the name of the disease to be ‘bacterial shoot blight’ based on its main symptoms.
All‐cause mortality following a cancer diagnosis amongst multiple sclerosis patients: a Swedish population‐based cohort study
Authors: Roshanisefat H. , Bahmanyar S. , Hillert J. , Olsson T. , Montgomery S. 
Published: April 2015

Background and purposeA reduced cancer risk amongst patients with multiple sclerosis (MS) has been reported. Theoretically, this could represent a genuine reduction in risk or, alternatively, ‘diagnostic neglect’, where cancer is undiagnosed when symptoms are misattributed to MS.ObjectiveAssess all‐cause mortality risk following a cancer diagnosis in patients with MS compared with a cohort without MS.PatientsA cohort of MS patients (n = 19 364) and a cohort of the general population (n = 192 519) were extracted from national Swedish registers from 1969 to 2005. All‐cause mortality after cancer in MS was compared with the general population. Poisson regression analysis was conducted in the MS and non‐MS cohorts separately. The models were adjusted for follow‐up duration, year at entry, sex, region and socioeconomic index. The two cohorts were combined and differences in mortality risk were assessed using interaction testing.ResultsThe adjusted relative risk (and 95% confidence interval) for all‐cause mortality following a cancer diagnosis in MS patients (compared with MS patients without cancer) is 3.06 (2.86–3.27; n = 1768) and amongst those without MS 5.73 (5.62–5.85; n = 24 965). This lower magnitude mortality risk in the MS patients was confirmed by multiplicative interaction testing (P < 0.001).ConclusionsA consistent pattern of lower magnitude of all‐cause mortality risk following cancer in MS patients for a range of organ‐specific cancer types was found. It suggests that cancer diagnoses tend not to be delayed in MS and diagnostic neglect is unlikely to account for the reduced cancer risk associated with MS. The lower magnitude cancer risk in MS may be due to disease‐associated characteristics or exposures.
German Language Adaptation of the Headache Management Self‐Efficacy Scale (HMSE‐G) and Development of a New Short Form (HMSE‐G‐SF)
Authors: Graef Julia E. , Rief Winfried , French Douglas J. , Nilges Paul , Nestoriuc Yvonne 
Published: April 2015

ObjectiveThis study aims to develop and validate a German version of French and colleagues’ Headache Management Self‐efficacy Scale and to construct an abbreviated form for use in behavioral headache research. Furthermore, the contribution of headache‐specific self‐efficacy to pain‐related disability in German chronic headache sufferers was examined.BackgroundHeadache‐specific self‐efficacy refers to an individuals’ confidence that they can engage in behaviors to either prevent headache episodes or to manage headache‐related pain and disability. Self‐efficacy beliefs have been shown repeatedly to be positively associated with psychological well‐being, effective coping, and enhanced treatment outcomes.MethodsA cross‐sectional sample of 304 individuals diagnosed with either migraine, chronic tension‐type headache, or a combination of 2 or more headache disorders completed the German Headache Management Self‐efficacy Scale and questionnaires assessing headache activity, pain‐related coping, general self‐efficacy, depression, and anxiety. Responsiveness of the scale was analyzed in a longitudinal subsample of 32 inpatients undergoing headache treatment. Finally, a short form was constructed and evaluated regarding psychometric properties.ResultsThe German Headache Management Self‐efficacy Scale showed good reliability (Cronbach's α = 0.87) as did the 6‐item short form (Cronbach's α = 0.72). In the longitudinal sample, both versions showed a good ability to change over time (SRM= 0.52‐1.16). Chronic headache patients with higher levels of self‐efficacy reported lower levels of disability (r = −0.26 to −0.31). Multiple regression analyses revealed headache intensity and headache‐specific self‐efficacy as strongest predictors of headache‐related disability (βself‐efficacy = −0.21, βintensity = 0.26).ConclusionsBoth the 25‐item version and the 6‐item version appear to be valid, reliable measures of self‐efficacy beliefs. These scales will allow clinicians to identify headache sufferers with low levels of headache‐specific self‐efficacy with the goal of enhancing this expectancy for improvement. The new short form can help accomplish this goal without adding significantly to the burden of the self‐report assessment batteries used in clinical settings.
Risk of urethral stricture recurrence increases over time after urethroplasty
Authors: Han Justin S , Liu Joceline , Hofer Matthias D , Fuchs Amanda , Chi Amanda , Stein Daniel , Dielubanza Elodi , Ballek Nathaniel , Gonzalez Chris M 
Published: April 2015

AbstractObjectiveTo report a single institutional experience with urethroplasty outcomes and success rates at long‐term follow up.MethodsA retrospective review was carried out of all urethroplasties performed by a single surgeon from 2000 to 2010. A total of 347 patients underwent urethroplasty during this time period, of which 227 had minimum 1‐year follow‐up data available. Demographic, clinical, pathological and outcome data were reviewed. Recurrence was defined by patient reported urinary symptoms or need for subsequent intervention. Statistical analyses were carried out using SPSS statistical software.ResultsA total of 26% of all patients had a recurrence at a mean follow up of 62 months (range 13–147 months). The recurrence rate after anastomotic urethroplasty was 18%, as compared with 31% after substitution urethroplasty. Mean time to recurrence was 34 months (range 5–87). On univariate analysis, use of abdominal skin graft, history of prior urethroplasty, lichen sclerosus and length of follow up were statistically significant predictors of recurrence. On multivariate analysis, only history of prior urethroplasty and length of follow‐up time exceeding 48 months were statistically significant predictors of recurrence.ConclusionsUrethroplasty for urethral stricture is the most durable treatment modality, regardless of surgical approach. However, there is an ongoing risk of recurrence with the passage of time. Patients should be counseled appropriately on the potential for late recurrence of stricture disease after urethroplasty.
Use of romiplostim in patients with chronic idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura during perioperative period
Authors: Ramakrishna R. , Rehman A. , Ramakrishna S. , Alexander W. , Yeo W. W. 
Published: April 2015

AbstractIntroductionIn patients with chronic idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura (cITP), the platelet count tends to be quite variable and, in the majority of cases, specific therapy is not warranted on a regular basis. However, patients with low platelet count (<30 nL) or with bleeding complications would require therapy, such as prednisolone, intravenous immunoglobulin infusions, splenectomy and/or immunosuppression. Romiplostim, a thrombopoietin agonist, has also proven to be useful in improving platelet counts. cITP can be associated with bleeding complications perioperatively. As such, a higher platelet count is warranted (approximately 80 nL), particularly for invasive surgeries, such as orthopaedic surgery, cardio‐thoracic surgery, head and neck surgery and abdominal surgery, where risk of bleeding is quite high already.AimThe aim of this study is to evaluate the safety and efficacy of short‐term use of romiplostim, perioperatively.MethodsPatients with chronic ITP requiring major surgical interventions were enrolled in the study. Patients with malignancies or myelodysplastic syndromes, major bleeding disorders, under 18 years of age or pregnancy were excluded.ConclusionThis study has shown that the use of romiplostim is safe and effective in improving platelet counts preoperatively and that this could achieve excellent haemostasis, with no associated bleeding complications or rebound thrombocytopenia. A larger study involving multiple centres is required to verify these findings.
Development of a PCR Assay for Rapid Detection of Cronobacter sakazakii from Powdered Infant Formula Using a Target Sequence Identified by Comparative Genomic Analysis
Authors: Chen Wanyi , Yu Shuijing , Ren Jing , Shi Chunlei , Hang Feng , Guo Benheng 
Published: April 2015

AbstractThe occurrence of outbreaks of Cronobacter sakazakii causing necrotizing meningitis in China highlights the need for strain characterization of this pathogenic species. In this study, SMM system was utilized to mine for new molecular markers of C. sakazakii. One C. sakazakii‐specific CDS (>ref|NC_009778.1|:c1077329‐1076055) with a length of 1,275 bp was used to design a primer set. A PCR assay was developed and optimized to detect C. sakazakii. The PCR assay amplified a 498 bp DNA product from all 43 C. sakazakii strains tested but not from 30 other bacteria strains. The detection limit was 7.11 pg/PCR (equivalent 1,422 genomic copies) when the genomic DNA of C. sakazakii ATCC 29544 was 10‐fold diluted. Three powdered infant formulas from different commercial brands were inoculated with the strain ATCC 29544 at the level of 56 cells contamination, and the target fragments (498 bp) were produced after samples were enriched for 6 h at 37C.Thirty food samples were detected simultaneously by this PCR assay and the conventional method, and a coincident detecting result was found between the PCR assay and the conventional method. This method provides a useful tool for rapid identification of C. sakazakii in food and environmental matrices.Practical ApplicationsThe gold standard based on the FDA‐recommended methods for isolation and identification of Cronobacter sakazakii from powdered infant formula is time consuming and labor intensive. A PCR assay has been established to detect C. sakazakii. This method provides a useful tool for rapid and accurate identification of C. sakazakii in food when a large number of food samples need to be rapidly isolated and identified.