bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Preliminary Study on Composite Hip Prostheses Made by Resin Transfer Molding
Authors: Reinhardt Andreas , Advani Suresh G. , Santare Michael H. , Miller Freeman 
Published: April 2011

Metal hip implants used in arthroplastic surgery have an elastic modulus which is an order of magnitude higher than the modulus of the surrounding cortical bone. Therefore the metal implant assumes most of the applied loads resulting in resorption of the unloaded bone material by the human body which can cause the impant to loosen. In addition, patients may experience allergic reaction due to the release of metal ions or particles caused by friction, wear or enzymatic effects. Composite materials offer potential benefits such as tailorable mechanical properties, enhanced damage tolerance and fatigue life and improved biocompatibility. Based on structural analysis and mold filling simulation, prototypes of a hip prosthesis were manufactured using the resin transfer molding process. The preform of the prototype consists of braided high strength carbon fiber socks which are wrapped around a balsa wood insert. Two fiber architectures with different fiber angles (20° and 15° relative to the stem axis) were used. The maximum average fiber volume fraction obtained was about 38%. The mechanical performance of the composite hip prostheses was evaluated by static, fatigue and impact testing. Static testing verified that composite prostheses with the 20° braid carbon fiber preform exhibited an ultimate load of 7.5 kN, which is ten times the body weight of a 75 kg person. Fatigue testing showed that two million load cycles can be performed with a maximum load of 5 kN for the implants with the 20° reinforcement and 5.5 kN with 15° preform. The use of this type of prostheses in press fit applications was verified by conducting impact tests, simulating the hammer blows executed during the surgery. The study lays out the scientific base for a new manufacturing technique for composite hip prostheses using the resin transfer molding process and shows that prostheses with similar stiffness to the surrounding bone can be manufactured. All steps of the development cycle, including design, structural analyis, mold filling simulation, manufacturing and evaluation of performance, were performed on a basic level. The mechanical performance, especially fatigue and impact resistance were found to be excellent. The design of the implant and the mold need further revision in order to enhance mechanical performance, to ease manufacturing and to improve quality.
Effect of Cylindrically Orthotropic Carbon Fibers with Transversely Isotropic Core on Effective Thermal Conductivity of Unidirectional Composites
Authors: Rodríguez Alfonso Corz , Cabeza José M. Gutiérrez 
Published: April 2011

Carbon fibers can be considered cylindrically orthotropic. Depending on the arrangement of basal planes, predominant configurations are circumferential and radial, but in the core of the fiber, the alignment is undetectable, and consequently it is considered as transversely isotropic. In composites reinforced with these types of fibers, the effective thermal conductivity transverse to the fiber direction will be affected by the core and by the thermal resistance between the fiber and the matrix. The analytical models available are not adequate because they assume that the fiber is totally homogeneous. In this paper, a model of finite elements is presented, which allows combination of the effects of core with the cylindrical orthotropic of the fiber and the thermal contact resistance between the fiber and the matrix. The effective conductivity of composites with orthotropic and inhomogeneous fibers are compared to those with orthotropic and homogeneous fibers. This allows evaluation of the effect for the different morphology of the fibers. The model reveals a significant effect for radially orthotropic fibers (pitch-based). The model also contributes to a better understanding of the heat flux paths in cylindrically orthotropic and inhomogeneous fibers. Finally, this numerical simulation can be of interest first, in the microstructural studies focused on the relationship between the transverse thermal conductivity of carbon fibers and some microstructural parameters, and secondly, in the studies designed to estimate the interfacial contact resistance.
Ductility of Concrete Beams Reinforced with FRP Bars and Steel Fibers
Authors: Alsayed Saleh H. , Alhozaimy Abdulrahman M. 
Published: April 2011

A total of 18 concrete beams were tested to study the influence of adding steel fibers (SF) to concrete mix on the ductility of concrete beams reinforced with fiber reinforced plastics bars (FRP beams). The main variables in the study were the type and volume fraction of the steel fiber. The study also investigated the accuracy of an available model, developed originally to predict the flexural strength of concrete beams reinforced with SF and steel bars (SF-steel beams), after modification in estimating the flexural capacity of the fibrous FRP beams (SF-FRP beams). The results indicate that the ductility of FRP beams is less than 50% of that of the respective steel beams. The results also reveal that the ductility of SF-FRP beams is directly related to the fiber content. In addition, the test results show that inclusion of 1% of hooked SF can improve the ductility of FRP beams to be the same as that of the steel beams. Furthermore, comparison between the predicted and measured flexural capacity of SF-FRP beams shows that the modified model can predict the measured results within a reasonable accuracy.
Interlaminar Shear Behavior of Thick Carbon/Epoxy Composite Materials
Authors: Oh Je Hoon , Kim Jin Kook , Lee Dai Gil , Jeong Kwang Seop 
Published: April 2011

The interlaminar shear behavior of thick carbon/epoxy composite laminates was investigated using the Iosipescu shear test. In order to manufacture thick test specimens, both the conventional autoclave cure cycle recommended by prepreg manufacturer and the modified autoclave cure cycle incorporating cooling and reheating steps were used. A 3-dimensional linear finite element analysis was performed to assess the uniformity of the shear stress field in the test section as well as to predict the failure mode of the specimen. For more accurate analysis of the stress field, contact elements were used between the specimen and the fixture, and the shear stress field in the thickness direction was taken into account. From the analysis, the failure region in the specimen was predicted and the correction factor was calculated to compensate for the non-uniformity of the shear stress field in the gage section. From the shear test, the interlaminar shear strength and shear modulus were obtained, and the interlaminar properties of the specimens manufactured by the conventional autoclave cure cycle were compared with those of the specimens manufactured by the modified autoclave cure cycle.
Clinical and Pathologic Predictors of Recurrence and Survival in Spindle Cell Squamous Cell Carcinoma
Authors: Spector Matthew E. , Wilson Kevin F. , Light Emily , McHugh Jonathan B. , Bradford Carol R. 
Published: April 2011

ObjectiveTo determine clinicopathologic predictors of recurrence and survival in patients with spindle cell squamous cell carcinoma (SpSCC).Study DesignHistorical cohort study.SettingTertiary care hospital.Subjects and MethodsForty‐eight patients (mean age, 65.2 years; 35 men, 13 women) who underwent definitive treatment for pathologically confirmed SpSCC between 1987 and 2009 were identified and reviewed. The main outcome measures were time to recurrence and overall survival, while controlling for clinical and pathologic parameters (age, sex, TNM classification, stage, tumor subsite, smoking status, treatment modality, margin status).ResultsOf 48 patients, there were 25 oral cavity, 15 laryngeal, 7 oropharyngeal, and 1 maxillary sinus tumors. Treatment included surgery in 32, radiation in 9, and concurrent chemoradiation in 7 patients. The 3‐year overall survival for the cohort was 62% with a median follow‐up of 59 months; 52.1% (25/48) of patients developed a recurrence, and 88% (22/25) recurred locally or locoregionally. Recurrence occurred within 2 years in 72% (18/25) of patients. Age, sex, initial T and N classification, overall stage, tumor subsite, smoking status, treatment modality, and margin status were not predictive of recurrence or overall survival.ConclusionPatients with SpSCC are at high risk of developing locoregional recurrence, but no measured clinical or pathologic parameter was predictive of survival. Although overall survival is similar to that of patients with conventional SCC, closer follow‐up should be considered in these patients to allow earlier detection and treatment of these locally aggressive tumors.
Second Primaries after Major Salivary Gland Cancer
Authors: Megwalu Uchechukwu C. , Shin Edward J. 
Published: April 2011

ObjectivesTo evaluate the risk of second primary cancers in patients with major salivary gland cancer using a large population database and to examine the effects of sex, salivary gland cancer histology, and radiation therapy on the risk of second primaries.Study DesignPopulation‐based study using the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Result (SEER) cancer database.Subject and MethodsThe subjects were 15,572 men and women ages 15 and above, diagnosed with cancer of the major salivary glands from 1973 to 2006.ResultsThere was an increased risk of oral cavity (standardized incidence ratio [SIR] = 3.48, P <. 05), salivary (SIR = 9.97, P <. 05), lung and bronchus (SIR = 1.60, P <. 05), kidney (SIR = 1.68, P <. 05), and thyroid (SIR = 2.66, P <. 05) cancers. Men had an increased risk of developing kidney cancer (SIR = 1.70, P <. 05) compared with women (SIR = 1.64, P >. 05). Patients with mucoepidermoid carcinoma had an increased risk of a second salivary gland cancer (SIR = 8.97, P <. 05) and thyroid cancer (SIR = 3.97, P <. 05). Patients with adenoid cystic carcinoma had an increased risk of oral cavity (SIR = 3.76, P <. 05) and nasopharyngeal (SIR = 16.88, P <. 05) cancers. Patients with acinar cell carcinoma had an increased risk of salivary (SIR = 31.36, P <. 05), kidney (SIR = 2.98, P <. 05), and thyroid (SIR = 3.85, P <. 05) cancers. Patients who received radiation therapy had a higher incidence of lung and bronchus (SIR = 2.11, P <. 05), laryngeal (SIR = 3.08, P <. 05), and thyroid (SIR = 2.95, P <. 05) cancers compared with patients who did not receive radiation therapy (SIR = 1.18, 0.48, and 2.39, respectively; P >. 05). Patients had an increased risk of developing second primaries, even 10 years after diagnosis of primary salivary gland cancer.ConclusionsPatients with major salivary gland cancers are at a risk for certain second primary cancers. This highlights the need for long‐term surveillance in these patients, not only for recurrence but also for second primary cancers.
Effect of Ciprofloxacin/Dexamethasone versus Ciprofloxacin/Hydrocortisone on Lipopolysaccharide‐Induced Experimental Otitis Media
Authors: Dattaray Piali , Pudrith Charles , Nyc Mary Ann , Martin Dusan , Kim You Hyun , Jahng Patrick , Chung You Sun , Wall G. Michael , Jung Timothy 
Published: April 2011

ObjectivesThe purpose of this study is to compare the effect of topical ciprofloxacin/dexamethasone versus topical ciprofloxacin/hydrocortisone on the outcome of lipopolysaccharide (LPS)–induced otitis media with effusion in chinchillas.Study DesignA randomized experimental animal study.SettingJerry L. Pettis Veteran’s Medical Center.Subjects and MethodsOtitis media with effusion was induced in 5 groups of chinchillas, 6 per group, by injecting 0.3 mL (1 mg/mL) ofSalmonella entericLPS into the superior bullae of each chinchilla with a venting needle in place. Each group was treated with 0.2 mL of test substance at −2, 24, 48, and 72 hours relative to the 0‐hour LPS induction. Group 1 was treated with vehicle control. Groups 2 to 5 received 0.3% ciprofloxacin with either 0.1% dexamethasone (group 2), 1% dexamethasone (group 3), 0.1% hydrocortisone (group 4), or 1% hydrocortisone (group 5). The outcome of each treatment was measured by the amount of middle ear effusion present and mucosal thickness at 120 hours posttreatment.ResultsCiprofloxacin/dexamethasone 1% significantly (P=. 0150) reduced middle ear effusion compared with control. Ciprofloxacin/dexamethasone 1% significantly reduced the mucosal thickness when compared with vehicle control (P=. 0005), ciprofloxacin/dexamethasone 0.1% (P=. 0240), and ciprofloxacin/hydrocortisone 0.1% (P= 1.00). Results also showed a dose‐response effect between the ciprofloxacin/dexamethasone concentrations.ConclusionsThis study demonstrated that treatment with a combination of topical ciprofloxacin and corticosteroid decreased the middle ear effusion when compared with the control group and that ciprofloxacin/dexamethasone suspension reduced the severity of LPS‐induced experimental otitis media more than ciprofloxacin/hydrocortisone did.
Pseudomonas Biofilm Formation after Haemophilus Infection
Authors: Ojano‐Dirain Carolyn , Antonelli Patrick J. 
Published: April 2011

ObjectivesTympanostomy tube (TT) biofilm formation may lead to refractory otorrhea and occlusion. Biofilms are commonly composed of multiple microbial species. One species may promote or inhibit biofilm formation by other species. The aim of this study was to determine if Haemophilus influenzae (HI) promotes the development of Pseudomonas aeruginosa (PA) biofilm on TTs.Study DesignControlled, in vitro.SettingAcademic research laboratory.Subjects and MethodsFluoroplastic TTs (20 per group) were exposed to plasma, allowed to dry, and cultured with HI for 7 days. TTs were either gas sterilized or treated for 24 hours with 10 or 3000 µg/mL ciprofloxacin. Half of the TTs from each treatment group underwent bacterial counts or scanning electron microscopy. The remainder, as well as TTs not exposed to HI, were cultured with PA for 4 days and treated with gentamicin to kill planktonic PA. Biofilm formation was quantified with bacterial counts.ResultsTTs treated with ciprofloxacin 3000 µg/mL had lower HI counts than TTs treated with 10 µg/mL (P =. 0001), but viable HI persisted. PA biofilm formation on TTs with prior HI biofilm and treated with ciprofloxacin 10 µg/mL or gas sterilization was not different than TTs without HI. Less PA biofilm formed on TTs with HI treated with 3 mg/mL ciprofloxacin (P =. 002).ConclusionsHI biofilm does not promote PA biofilm formation on TTs. Use of high‐dose ototopical therapy to clear HI may reduce subsequent PA biofilm formation.
Genome-wide analysis of the role of GlnR in Streptomyces venezuelae provides new insights into global nitrogen regulation in actinomycetes
Authors: Pullan Steven T , Chandra Govind , Bibb Mervyn J , Merrick Mike 
Published: April 2011

Abstract

Background
GlnR is an atypical response regulator found in actinomycetes that modulates the transcription of genes in response to changes in nitrogen availability. We applied a global in vivo approach to identify the GlnR regulon of Streptomyces venezuelae, which, unlike many actinomycetes, grows in a diffuse manner that is suitable for physiological studies. Conditions were defined that facilitated analysis of GlnR-dependent induction of gene expression in response to rapid nitrogen starvation. Microarray analysis identified global transcriptional differences between glnR
+ and glnR mutant strains under varying nitrogen conditions. To differentiate between direct and indirect regulatory effects of GlnR, chromatin immuno-precipitation (ChIP) using antibodies specific to a FLAG-tagged GlnR protein, coupled with microarray analysis (ChIP-chip), was used to identify GlnR binding sites throughout the S. venezuelae genome.

Results
GlnR bound to its target sites in both transcriptionally active and apparently inactive forms. Thirty-six GlnR binding sites were identified by ChIP-chip analysis allowing derivation of a consensus GlnR-binding site for S. venezuelae. GlnR-binding regions were associated with genes involved in primary nitrogen metabolism, secondary metabolism, the synthesis of catabolic enzymes and a number of transport-related functions.

Conclusions
The GlnR regulon of S. venezuelae is extensive and impacts on many facets of the organism's biology. GlnR can apparently bind to its target sites in both transcriptionally active and inactive forms.
Dissection of genetic and environmental factors involved in tomato organoleptic quality
Authors: Carli Paola , Barone Amalia , Fogliano Vincenzo , Frusciante Luigi , Ercolano Maria R 
Published: April 2011

Abstract

Background
One of the main tomato breeding objectives is to improve fruit organoleptic quality. However, this task is made somewhat challenging by the complex nature of sensory traits and the lack of efficient selection criteria. Sensory quality depends on numerous factors, including fruit colour, texture, aroma, and composition in primary and secondary metabolites. It is also influenced by genotypic differences, the nutritional regime of plants, stage of ripening at harvest and environmental conditions. In this study, agronomic, biochemical and sensory characterization was performed on six Italian heirlooms grown in different environmental conditions.

Result
We identified a number of links among traits contributing to fruit organoleptic quality and to the perception of sensory attributes. PCA analysis was used to highlight some biochemical, sensory and agronomic discriminating traits: this statistical test allowed us to identify which sensory attributes are more closely linked to environmental conditions and those, instead, linked to the genetic constitution of tomato. Sweetness, sourness, saltiness and tomato flavour are not only grouped in the same PCA factor, but also result in a clear discrimination of tomato ecotypes in the three different fields. The three different traditional varieties cluster on the basis of attributes like juiciness, granulosity, hardness and equatorial diameter, and are therefore more closely related to the genetic background of the cultivar.

Conclusion
This finding suggests that a different method should be undertaken to improve sensory traits related to taste perception and texture. Our results might be used to ascertain in what direction to steer breeding in order to improve the flavour characteristics of tomato ecotypes.
Adjuvant therapy for locally advanced renal cell cancer: A systematic review with meta-analysis
Authors: Scherr Adolfo JO , Lima Joao Paulo SN , Sasse Emma C , Lima Carmen SP , Sasse André D 
Published: April 2011

Abstract

Background
Many adjuvant trials have been undertaken in an attempt to reduce the risk of recurrence among patients who undergo surgical resection for locally advanced renal cancer. However, no clear benefit has been identified to date. This systematic review was conducted to examine the exact role of adjuvant therapy in renal cancer setting.

Methods
Randomized controlled trials were searched comparing adjuvant therapy (chemotherapy, vaccine, immunotherapy, biochemotherapy) versus no active treatment after surgery among renal cell cancer patients. Outcomes were overall survival (OS), disease-free survival (DFS), and severe toxicities. Risk ratios (RR), hazard ratios (HR) and 95% confidence intervals were calculated using a fixed-effects meta-analysis. Heterogeneity was measured by I2. Different strategies of adjuvant treatment were evaluated separately.

Results
Ten studies (2,609 patients) were included. Adjuvant therapy provided no benefits in terms of OS (HR 1.07; 95%CI 0.89 to 1.28; P = 0.48 I2 = 0%) or DFS (HR 1.03; 95%CI 0.87 to 1.21; P = 0.77 I2 = 15%) when compared to no treatment. No subgroup analysis (immunotherapy, vaccines, biochemotherapy and hormone therapy) had relevant results. Toxicity evaluation depicted a significantly higher frequency of serious adverse events in the adjuvant group.

Conclusions
This analysis provided no support for the hypothesis that the agents studied provide any clinical benefit for renal cancer patients although they increase the risk of toxic effects. Randomized trials are underway to test targeted therapies, which might open a new therapeutic frontier. Until these trials yield results, no adjuvant therapy can be recommended for patients who undergo surgical resection for renal cell cancer.
Factors associated with compliance among users of solar water disinfection in rural Bolivia
Authors: Christen Andri , Duran Pacheco Gonzalo , Hattendorf Jan , Arnold Benjamin F , Cevallos Myriam , Indergand Stefan , Colford John M , Mäusezahl Daniel 
Published: April 2011

Abstract

Background
Diarrhoea is the second leading cause of childhood mortality, with an estimated 1.3 million deaths per year. Promotion of Solar Water Disinfection (SODIS) has been suggested as a strategy for reducing the global burden of diarrhoea by improving the microbiological quality of drinking water. Despite increasing support for the large-scale dissemination of SODIS, there are few reports describing the effectiveness of its implementation. It is, therefore, important to identify and understand the mechanisms that lead to adoption and regular use of SODIS.

Methods
We investigated the behaviours associated with SODIS adoption among households assigned to receive SODIS promotion during a cluster-randomized trial in rural Bolivia. Distinct groups of SODIS-users were identified on the basis of six compliance indicators using principal components and cluster analysis. The probability of adopting SODIS as a function of campaign exposure and household characteristics was evaluated using ordinal logistic regression models.

Results
Standardised, community-level SODIS-implementation in a rural Bolivian setting was associated with a median SODIS use of 32% (IQR: 17-50). Households that were more likely to use SODIS were those that participated more frequently in SODIS promotional events (OR = 1.07, 95%CI: 1.01-1.13), included women (OR = 1.18, 95%CI: 1.07-1.30), owned latrines (OR = 3.38, 95%CI: 1.07-10.70), and had severely wasted children living in the home (OR = 2.17, 95%CI: 1.34-3.49).

Conclusions
Most of the observed household characteristics showed limited potential to predict compliance with a comprehensive, year-long SODIS-promotion campaign; this finding reflects the complexity of behaviour change in the context of household water treatment. However, our findings also suggest that the motivation to adopt new water treatment habits and to acquire new knowledge about drinking water treatment is associated with prior engagements in sanitary hygiene and with the experience of contemporary family health concerns.
Household-level factors like the ownership of a latrine, a large proportion of females and the presence of a malnourished child living in a home are easily assessable indicators that SODIS-programme managers could use to identify early adopters in SODIS promotion campaigns.

Trial Registration
ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT00731497