bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Pain management protocols, peri-operative pain and patient satisfaction after total knee replacement
Authors: Chang C. B. , Cho W-S. 
Published: October 2012

In a prospective multicentre study we investigated variations in pain management used by knee arthroplasty surgeons in order to compare the differences in pain levels among patients undergoing total knee replacements (TKR), and to compare the effectiveness of pain management protocols. The protocols, peri-operative levels of pain and patient satisfaction were investigated in 424 patients who underwent TKR in 14 hospitals. The protocols were highly variable and peri-operative pain levels varied substantially, particularly during the first two post-operative days. Differences in levels of pain were greatest during the night after TKR, when visual analogue scores ranged from 16.9 to 94.3 points. Of the methods of managing pain, the combined use of peri-articular infiltration and nerve blocks provided better pain relief than other methods during the first two post-operative days. Patients managed with peri-articular injection plus nerve block, and epidural analgesia were more likely to have higher satisfaction at two weeks after TKR. This study highlights the need to establish a consistent pain management strategy after TKR.
Signaling Creditworthiness in Peruvian Microfinance Markets: The Role of Information Sharing
Authors: Frisancho Veronica 
Published: October 2012

Abstract
Using borrower-level data from FINCA, one of Peru's leading microfinance institutions (MFIs), this paper evaluates the effect on borrowers' access to credit of FINCA's decision to share information on individual outstanding debt records (positive information) as well as group default records (negative information). Since all borrowers were simultaneously exposed to the same policy, the paper develops a creative identification strategy that relies on the exogenous variation of the opening and closing dates of loan cycles across lending groups. A credit expansion effect is identified for some borrowers in FINCA who looked more creditworthy after their positive records were exposed, suggesting that other lenders targeted FINCA clients with good credit records. This credit expansion effect seems to have hurt FINCA through higher default rates as its better clients were skimmed off.
Asymmetric Information And Overeducation
Authors: Mendolicchio Concetta , Paolini Dimitri , Pietra Tito 
Published: October 2012

Abstract
We consider an economy where production may use labor of two different skill levels. Workers are heterogeneous and, by investing in education, self-select into one of the two skills. Ex-ante, when firms choose their investments in physical capital, they do not know the level of human capital prevailing in the labor market they will be active in. We prove existence and constrained inefficiency of competitive equilibria, which are always characterized by overeducation. An increase in total expected surplus can be obtained by shrinking, at the margin, the set of workers investing in high skills. This can be implemented by imposing taxes on the cost of investing in high skills or by imposing a progressive labor earning tax.
Education, Maternal Smoking, and the Earned Income Tax Credit
Authors: Cowan Benjamin , Tefft Nathan 
Published: October 2012

Abstract
We estimate and explore mechanisms of the impact of the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) expansions on the smoking behavior of women. Differential increases in federal EITC benefits by family size in the mid-1990s allow for a comparison of smoking status changes between mothers with one and more than one child. We exploit these changes in a difference-in-differences framework using data from the 1993-2001 waves of the Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS) and show that the increase in EITC benefits yielded a significant decline in the likelihood of being a current smoker among unmarried mothers with less than a college degree. Although women with a high school degree or less and women with some college education received similar benefit increases on average and exhibited similar labor supply responses, the reduction in the likelihood of smoking was concentrated among those with some college.
Is The Age-Period-Cohort Model Well Suited to an Epidemic Context? The Case of the French BSE Epidemic
Authors: Sala Carole , Durand Benoit , Costagliola Dominique , Ducrot Christian , Calavas Didier 
Published: October 2012

Abstract
Although Age-Period-Cohort (APC) models are routinely used in time-trend analyses of chronic diseases, few examples of their application to epidemic diseases are available. APC analyses of the French bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE) epidemic revealed an unexpected period effect, which was attributed to the design of the study, in connection with low BSE prevalence and a short surveillance period. The aim of our study was to evaluate the relevance of this hypothesis, the behaviour of the APC model in an epidemic context (e.g. the BSE epidemic) and the impact of including the period effect in an APC model on the estimate of birth cohort effects. We simulated datasets mimicking the French BSE epidemic and its variable pattern, as well as duration and the surveillance time period, and analysed them with a categorical APC model. Results showed a period effect in 44% of analysed datasets, although no period effect had been introduced in the data simulation process. This type of artefactual period effect was detected when a sudden change in cohort prevalence occurred over a short period of time. Additionally, in the context of BSE, including a period effect in the model may dramatically affect the estimation of cohort prevalence, depending on epidemic pattern and, as expected, duration and the surveillance time period according to the year in which highly infected birth cohorts are detected as BSE cases.
Baer involutions and polarities in Moufang planes of characteristic two
Authors: Knarr Norbert , Stroppel Markus 
Published: October 2012

Abstract
We classify those polarities of Moufang planes in characteristic two that have at least one absolute point. Along the way, we determine the Baer involutions of the planes in question and show that the corresponding Baer subplanes will be pappian or non-desarguesian Moufang planes.
Logarithmic limit sets of real semi-algebraic sets
Authors: Alessandrini D. 
Published: October 2012

Abstract
This paper is about the logarithmic limit sets of real semi-algebraic sets, and, more generally, about the logarithmic limit sets of sets definable in an o-minimal, polynomially bounded structure. We prove that most of the properties of the logarithmic limit sets of complex algebraic sets hold in the real case. This includes the polyhedral structure and the relation with the theory of non-Archimedean fields, tropical geometry and Maslov dequantization.
Fractal curvature measures of self-similar sets
Authors: Winter Steffen , Zähle Martina 
Published: October 2012

Abstract
Fractal Lipschitz-Killing curvature measures C
k

f (F; ·), k = 0; ...; d, are determined for a large class of self-similar sets F in ℝd. They arise as weak limits of the appropriately rescaled classical Lipschitz-Killing curvature measures Ck(Fε; ·) from geometric measure theory of parallel sets Fε for small distances ε. Due to self-similarity the limit measures appear to be constant multiples of the normalized Hausdorff measures on F, and the constants agree with the corresponding total fractal curvatures Ck
f (F) This provides information on the ’second order’ geometric fine structure of such fractals.
A class of lattices and boolean functions related to the Manickam–Miklös–Singhi conjecture
Authors: Bisi Cinzia , Chiaselotti Giampiero 
Published: October 2012

Abstract
The aim of this paper is to build a new family of lattices related to some combinatorial extremal sum problems, in particular to a conjecture of Manickam, Miklös and Singhi. We study the fundamental properties of such lattices and of a particular class of boolean functions defined on them.
Differential diagnosis of pseudotrisomy 13 syndrome
Authors: Carlón Danízar Vásquez , de la Rosa Rodríguez Margarita Alvarez , Pérez Ana I. Padilla , Wallin Ingrid Martínez , Luque Juan M. Troyano 
Published: October 2012

Abstract
Pseudotrisomy 13 syndrome is determined by the combination of three findings: holoprosencephaly, postaxial polydactyly, and a normal karyotype. We report two cases of a prenatal diagnosis of pseudotrisomy 13 syndrome and one case of a suspected hydrolethalus syndrome, another disorder with a similar phenotype and karyotype. Thorough literature search yields limited information, and the genetic cause of this syndrome remains unclear; however, it is thought to be monogenic and inherited as an autosomal recessive disorder. Given the poor prognosis and the easily recognizable malformations associated with this disease, it is important to perform an early diagnosis.
Regularization by projection for a backward problem of the time-fractional diffusion equation
Authors: Ren Caixuan , Xu Xiang , Lu Shuai 
Published: October 2012

Abstract.
Time-fractional diffusion equations, which frequently appear in the diffusion process, describe the continuous time random walk phenomena. In this paper we investigate a backward time-fractional diffusion equation where one wants to extract the initial temperature distribution from the observation data provided along the final time

t
=
T

${t=T}$

. Based upon the eigenfunction expansion, an analytical solution is deduced. However, such an approach does not depend continuously on the observation data. Hence, we propose a regularization by projection method where the truncated level plays the role of the regularization parameter. Under appropriate regularity assumptions of the exact solution, a uniform error estimate with an optimal convergence rate between the reconstructed solution and the exact one is obtained both for a priori and a posteriori parameter choice strategies. Finally, numerical examples are presented to illustrate the validity and effectiveness of the proposed method.
Potential solvent for reconditioning polyolefin waste materials
Authors: Hadi Arkan J. , Najmuldeen Ghazi Faisal , Ahmed Iqbal 
Published: October 2012

Abstract
Waste polymer reconditioning was examined by a method of dissolution/reprecipitation on low- and high-density polyethylene (PE) and polypropylene (PP). Toluene and petroleum ether, in different proportions, were used as solvents, and n-hexane was used as a non-solvent. Commercial polymer products used on an everyday basis were used with a virgin polymer, to optimize the qualities of the final product, and 98% polymer was recovered in each case. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) images and tensile mechanical properties of the samples, before and after recycling, were analyzed. The potential recycling-based degradation of the polymer was further investigated by measuring the thermal properties (melting point and crystallinity) before and after recycling, using differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). High reconditioning was observed in most recycled samples, with no significant difference from the virgin materials. The studied technique seems to be viable for waste polyolefin polymer recycling.
Hierarchical structure of marine shell biomaterials: biomechanical functionalization of calcite by brachiopods
Authors: Schmahl Wolfgang W. , Griesshaber Erika , Kelm Klemens , Goetz Andreas , Jordan Guntram , Ball Alexander , Xu Dayin , Merkel Casjen , Brand U. 
Published: October 2012

AbstractBiologic structural materials for skeletons or teeth show a hierarchical architecture, where organic macromolecules and mineral substance form a hybrid composite material with its components inter-weaved on many length scales. On the nanostructure level brachiopods form hybrid composite mesocrystals of calcite with occluded organic molecules. On the microstructure level several types of materials are produced, on which the electron back-scatter diffraction (EBSD) technique gives insight in texture and architecture. We describe the calcite single-crystal fiber composite architecture of the secondary layer involving organic matrix membranes, the competitive-growth texture of the columnar layer and the nano-structuring of the primary layer. In the overall skeleton the organic biopolymers provide flexibility and tensile strength while the mineral provides a high elastic modulus, compressive strength, hardness and resistance to abrasion. The hierarchical composite architecture, from the nanostructure to the macroscopic level provides fracture toughness. The morphogenesis of the biomaterial as a whole and of the mineral crystals is guided by the organic matrix and most probably involves amorphous calcium carbonate (ACC) precursors. In this paper we review the hierarchical architecture of rhynchonelliform brachiopod shells, which is very distinct from mollusk nacre.
First Principles Calculations of NMR Chemical Shifts of Liquid Water at an Amorphous Silica Interface
Authors: Guo Xiang Yang , Watermann Tobias , Keane Shane , Allolio Christoph , Sebastiani Daniel 
Published: October 2012

Abstract
We investigate the anomalous structure and hydrogen bond network of water molecules confined inside a silica nanopore (MCM-41 type). In addition to geometric data, we use proton NMR chemical shifts as a measure for the strength of the H-bonding network. We compute the 1H NMR shifts of confined water based on a first principle approach in the framework of density functional perturbation theory under periodic boundary conditions. The hydrophilic character of the silica is well manifested in the water density profile. Our calculations illustrate both the modifications of the 1H NMR chemical shifts of the water with respect to bulk water and a considerable slowing down of water diffusion. In the vicinity of silanols, weakly hydrogen bonded liquid water is observed, while at the center region of the pore, the hydrogen bonding network is enhanced with respect to bulk water.
Transient and Steady-State Shear Banding in a Lamellar Phase as Studied by Rheo-NMR
Authors: Medronho Bruno , Olsson Ulf , Schmidt Claudia , Galvosas Petrik 
Published: October 2012

Abstract
Flow fields and shear-induced structures in the lamellar (L
α
) phase of the system triethylene glycol mono n-decyl ether (C10E3)/water were investigated by NMR velocimetry, diffusometry, and
2
H NMR spectroscopy. The transformation from multilamellar vesicles (MLVs) to aligned planar lamellae is accompanied by a transient gradient shear banding. A high-shear-rate band of aligned lamellae forms next to the moving inner wall of the cylindrical Couette shear cell while a low-shear-rate band of the initial MLV structure remains close to the outer stationary wall. The band of layers grows at the expense of the band of MLVs until the transformation is completed. This process scales with the applied strain. Wall slip is a characteristic of the MLV state, while aligned layers show no deviation from Newtonian flow. The homogeneous nature of the opposite transformation from well aligned layers to MLVs via an intermediate structure resembling undulated multilamellar cylinders is confirmed. The strain dependence of this transformation appears to be independent of temperature. The shear diagram, which represents the shear-induced structures as a function of temperature and shear rate, contains a transition region between stable layers and stable MLVs. The steady-state structures in the transition region show a continuous change from layer-like at high temperature to MLV-like at lower temperature. These structures are homogeneous on a length scale above a few micrometers.
NMR Force Microscopy of Ammonium Sulfate with 12 μm Resolution
Authors: Manzanera Isaac , Markert John T. 
Published: October 2012

ABSTRACTPosition-dependent force-detected NMR measurements on a 25x15x7 μm3 single crystal of ammonium sulfate (NH4)2SO4 were performed at room temperature in a sample-on-oscillator configuration. Force signals were detected with 12 μm resolution in a one-dimensional scan. Measurements of NMR relaxation times T2* = 1.5 ± 0.3 μs, T2 = 44 ± 2 μs, and T1 = 5.6 ± 0.7 s were obtained in an 8-T magnetic field, revealing an unexpected frequency-dependent fluctuation spectrum at room temperature.
Biomimetic Nanohybrids for Combined imaging and Cancer Therapy
Authors: Topete A. , Iglesias P. , Alatorre-Meda M. , Cambón A. , Alvarez E. , Costoya J.A. , Barbosa S. , Taboada P. , Mosquera V. 
Published: October 2012

ABSTRACTIn this work, we have developed a multifunctional theranostic nanoplatform consisting of a poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA) biodegradable matrix covered by a gold shell, which provides the system with NIR absorption ability and subsequent generation of hyperthermia effect. Inside the PLGA nanoparticle, the chemotherapeutic drug doxorubicin (DOXO) and the NIR dye isocyanine green (ICG) were loaded. The characterization of the particles, their in vitro cytotocixity combining NIR light irradiation and chemotherapy and their preliminary in vivo biodistribution is analyzed.
Effect of Essential Oil and Chlorhexidine Mouthwashes on Gingival Fibroblast Survival and Migration
Authors: Tsourounakis Ioannis , Palaiologou‐Gallis Angela A. , Stoute Diana , Maney Pooja , Lallier Thomas E 
Published: October 2012

Background: Chemical plaque control is the most commonly recommended means of oral hygiene after periodontal surgery. Commercially available mouthwashes contain a variety of active ingredients that have bactericidal properties but may potentially be toxic to the host cells. The goal of this in vitro study is to investigate the effect of commercially available mouthwashes on the survival and migratory capacity of human fibroblasts.Methods: Human gingival and periodontal ligament (PDL) fibroblasts were treated with commercially available mouthwashes that contained either chlorhexidine (CHX) or essential oils (EO) as the active ingredient. Each mouthwash was tested over a range of concentrations for its ability to affect fibroblast survival and migration, as well as long‐term effects on cell viability.Results: Undiluted mouthwashes induced near‐complete cell death 24 hours after only a 60‐second treatment. Dilutions of 15% to 20% for both CHX and EO mouthwashes resulted in 50% cell death. When diluted to 10% to 15%, EO did not reduce cell migration, whereas similar dilutions of CHX resulted in reduced cell migration. Concentrations of 10% of both EO and CHX mouthwashes retained most of their antibacterial capacity. Treatment with EO did not result in gingival fibroblast death, whereas 5% CHX resulted in near‐complete gingival fibroblast death 7 days after exposure.Conclusions: The results of this in vitro study indicate that diluted EO displayed no detectable detrimental effects on human gingival and PDL fibroblasts, whereas diluted CHX reduced both cell migration and long‐term survival. Both solutions retained their antimicrobial activity in lower concentrations.
Association Between Periodontitis and Gestational Diabetes Mellitus: A Case‐Control Study
Authors: Esteves Lima Rafael Paschoal , Miranda Cota Luís Otávio , Costa Fernando Oliveira 
Published: October 2012

Background: Some studies have reported an association between gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) and periodontitis. The aim of the present study is to analyze this potential association and the influence of risk variables associated with GDM.Methods: This case‐control study includes 360 women, 90 with GDM and 270 controls. Participants received a full‐mouth periodontal examination with a record of bleeding on probing (BOP), probing depth (PD), and clinical attachment level (CAL). Periodontitis is defined as the presence in ≥4 teeth of ≥1 sites with PD ≥4 mm and CAL ≥3 mm associated with BOP. The influence of risk variables in the occurrence of GDM is tested through univariate analysis and multivariate logistic and multinomial regression. Odds ratio (ORs) and respective confidence intervals (CIs) are calculated and reported.Results: The prevalence of periodontitis was 40% in the case group (GDM) and 46.3% in the control group. There was a lack of association between periodontitis and GDM (OR = 0.74; 95% CI = 0.40 to 1.38). The multivariate final logistic regression model retained the following as significant variables associated with GDM: maternal age (OR = 2.65; 95% CI = 1.97 to 3.56), chronic hypertension (OR = 3.16; 95% CI = 1.35 to 7.42), and body mass index (OR = 1.99; 95% CI = 1.41 to 2.81).Conclusions: A high prevalence of periodontitis was found among cases and controls, with no association between periodontitis and GDM. The present study suggests the need for implementation of health policies directed to the periodontal care of pregnant women.
Palatonasal Recess on Medial Wall of the Maxillary Sinus and Clinical Implications for Sinus Augmentation via Lateral Window Approach
Authors: Chan Hsun‐Liang , Monje Alberto , Suarez Fernando , Benavides Erika , Wang Hom‐Lay 
Published: October 2012

Background: Anatomic variations of the maxillary sinus determine the degree of difficulty in performing sinus augmentation. Whereas some variations, e.g., the septum and morphology of the sinus, have been extensively studied, the structure of the medial wall has never been investigated. The aims of this study are to measure the location and angulation of the palatonasal recess (PNR) on the medial wall and identify risk sites that are related to the shape of the PNR.Methods: Cone‐beam computed tomography (CBCT) scans were screened from the University of Michigan School of Dentistry database. Edentulous sites with <10 mm between the floor of the maxillary sinus and the alveolar crest were selected. The residual ridge height (RH), the distance between the PNR and the alveolar crest, and the angulation of the PNR were measured on the selected sagittal planes. The percentage of sites (risk sites) with recesses that were <90°and <15 mm from the alveolar crest was calculated. The PNR location and angulation were compared among premolar and molar edentulous sites.Results: Two hundred seventy‐four sites were studied. The mean ± SE PNR location was 14.2 ± 2.8 mm, 13.1 ± 2.2 mm, and 12.5 ± 2.5 mm for the second premolar, first molar, and second molar sites, respectively, with significant differences between the second premolar and second molar sites. The mean PNR angulation was 109.8° ± 25.3°, 121.6° ± 22.1°, and 144.9° ± 23.1° in the corresponding sites, with significant differences among the site groups. The respective percentages of risk sites were 15%, 8.2%, and 2.4% in the second premolar, first molar, and second molar sites.Conclusions: Maxillary sinuses with acute‐angled PNRs might present a challenge for performing sinus augmentation. Therefore, this anatomic structure should be carefully evaluated.