bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Microstructure‐based modelling and FE implementation of filler‐induced stress softening and hysteresis of reinforced rubbers
Authors: Lorenz H. , Klüppel M. , Heinrich G. 
Published: May 2012

AbstractReinforcement of rubber by nanoscopic fillers induces strong nonlinear mechanical effects such as stress softening and hysteresis. The proposed model aims to describe these effects on a micromechanical level in order to predict the stress‐strain behaviour of a rubber compound. The material parameters can be obtained by fitting stress‐strain tests. These quantities have a clear defined physical meaning. The previously introduced “dynamic flocculation model” was extended for general deformation histories. Stress softening is modelled by hydrodynamic reinforcement of rubber elasticity due to strain amplification by stiff filler clusters. Under stress these clusters can break and become softer, leading to a decreasing strain amplification factor. Hysteresis is attributed to cyclic breakdown and re‐aggregation of damaged clusters. When stress‐strain cycles are not closed, not all of these clusters are broken at the turning points. For the resulting “inner cycles” additional elastic stress contributions of clusters are taken into account. The uniaxial model has been generalized for three‐dimensional stress states using the concept of representative directions. The resulting 3D‐model was implemented into a Finite Element code, and an example simulation is shown. Good agreement between measurement and simulation is obtained for uniaxial inner cycles, while the 3D‐generalization simulates the behaviour closer to the experiment than the original model.
Characteristic directions of closed planar motions
Authors: Dathe H. , Gezzi R. 
Published: May 2012

AbstractWe investigate some properties of closed planar motions. These motions appear between two coordinate systems, fixed and moving. We focus on three aspects: The area enclosed by the paths of points belonging to each of these reference systems, the polar moment of inertia, and the natural average of a path. First, we consider a formula proposed by Jakob Steiner. It states that, for a motion with a complete turn, the points enclosing the same area lie on a circle. Moreover, all circles for different areas have a common center. We start by deriving the Steiner formula relative to both frames. We emphasize that, for practical applications such as in biomechanics, the Steiner circle reduces to a straight line. Then, the centrodes are considered in relation to the Steiner point or normal. We next consider the polar moment of inertia. Its coefficients are shown to be related to those of the Steiner point or normal. Thirdly, the natural average of a path is introduced. Its coefficients are shown to be related to those previously discussed. Finally, we show how the results can be applied to experimentally measured motions. As an example, we consider human gait in the sagittal direction. The most important part of this motion is described as a double hinge driven by the hip and knee angle, which is a simple model for a planar motion. We conclude that, for practical purposes, the Steiner line allows us to visualize a selected direction of motion under consideration.
Effect of Triclosan‐Coated Sutures on the Incidence of Surgical Wound Infection After Lower Limb Revascularization Surgery: A Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Turtiainen Johanna , Saimanen Eija I. T. , Mäkinen Kimmo T. , Nykänen Antti I. , Venermo Maarit A. , Uurto Ilkka T. , Hakala Tapio 
Published: May 2012

AbstractBackgroundSurgical wound infection (SWI) is a common complication after peripheral vascular surgery. In a prospective study, triclosan‐coated sutures were reported to decrease the incidence of surgical site infection after various surgical procedures. The aim of our study was to test the hypothesis that use of triclosan‐coated sutures decreases the incidence of SWI after lower limb vascular surgery.MethodsThis prospective, randomized, multicenter, double‐blinded trial was conducted between July 2010 and January 2011 in five hospitals in Finland. We randomly allocated 276 patients undergoing lower limb revascularization surgery to a study (n = 139) or a control (n = 137) group. Surgical wounds in the study group were closed with triclosan‐coated suture material, and wounds in the control group were closed with noncoated sutures. The main outcome measure was SWI. A surgical wound complication was considered to be an infection if there were bacteria isolated from the wound or if there were areas of localized redness, heat, swelling, and pain around the wound appearing within 30 days after the operative procedure. Logistic regression analysis was used to assess the independent effect of triclosan‐coated sutures on the incidence of SWI.ResultsAltogether, 61 (22.1 %) patients developed SWI. SWI occurred in 31 (22.3 %) patients in the study group and in 30 (21.9 %) patients in the control group (odds ratio 1.10, 95% confidence interval 0.61–2.01, p = 0.75.)ConclusionsThe use of triclosan‐coated sutures does not reduce the incidence of SWI after lower limb vascular surgery.
Implications of seasonal variation in nitrate export from forested ecosystems: a review from the hydrological perspective of ecosystem dynamics
Authors: Ohte Nobuhito 
Published: May 2012

AbstractIn recent decades, the seasonal variation in NO3− discharge from forest ecosystems has been used increasingly by ecologists and hydrologists as a diagnostic indicator of the nutrient status of ecosystems. Major factors underlying the seasonal patterns of stream NO3− concentration include seasonal variations in (1) ecosystem nutrient demand, (2) solute transport capability of the hydrological condition, and (3) in‐stream nutrient usage and supply. In this article I show how case studies have helped elucidate the dominant controlling factors by comparing data from Japanese catchments with previously compiled data from studies in North America and Europe. Moreover, I explain the different influences that hydrological and biogeochemical controls exert in regions with rainy (Japan) and dry (northeastern United States and Europe) summers. The seasonal variation in hydrological conditions is the predominant controlling factor in Japanese forests, whereas nutrient demand may predominate in the northeastern United States and Europe. I emphasize the importance of comparing seasonal patterns among regions with differing climates to obtain more universal explanations of seasonal variations in NO3−‐related biogeochemical and hydrological dynamics in a forest ecosystem. In addition, multi‐scale investigations will be needed to provide insight into the relative contributions of hillslope biogeochemical effects and in‐stream biological activities.
On the response of large-amplitude internal waves to upstream disturbances
Authors: Camassa Roberto , Viotti Claudio 
Published: May 2012

AbstractLarge-amplitude internal solitary waves generate shear flows that intensify from the wings of the waves to their maxima. Upstream perturbations of the hydrostatic equilibrium in the form of wave packets along the path of wave propagation are expected to trigger shear instability and ultimately generate Kelvin–Helmholtz roll-ups. In contrast, as shown here with accurate simulations of incompressible stratified Euler equations, large internal waves can act as suppressors of perturbations. The precise understanding of the mechanisms leading to different outcomes, including whether instability is excited, is the focus of this work. Under the action of shear flows, small-amplitude wave packets undergo stretching and filamentation, which lead to significant absorption of perturbation energy into the background shear. It is found that this typical behaviour is present in the self-induced shear by internal waves, regardless of whether the shear is stable or unstable, and can leave a quieter state in the wave’s wake for a wide range of perturbation parameters. In the unstable case, even once perturbations are selected to excite the instability, our results show that this absorption can act to reduce growth in the strong-shear region, effectively making roll-up development observable only downstream of the wave crest. Our approach is both analytical and numerical; a model valid for relatively thin pycnoclines and suitable for local spectral analysis is devised and used. Energy diagnostics on the simulations are implemented to validate the numerics and illustrate the energy exchanges between background wave flow and its shear. A link between the absorption mechanism and the clustering of local eigenvalues along the wave is proposed. This promotes an energetic coupling among neutral modes stronger than what may be expected to occur in slowly varying flows, and gives rise to multi-modal transient dynamics of the kind often referred to as non-normality effects. For those cases in which the wave-induced shear meets the conditions for local instability, it is found that the growth of disturbances is selective with respect to the sign of the mode excited upstream. Elements of this phenomenon are interpreted by asymptotic analysis for spatial growth in time-independent slowly varying media.
APPROXIMATELY BIPROJECTIVE BANACH ALGEBRAS AND NILPOTENT IDEALS
Authors: POURMAHMOOD-AGHABABA HASAN 
Published: May 2012

AbstractBy introducing a new notion of approximate biprojectivity we show that nilpotent ideals in approximately amenable or pseudo-amenable Banach algebras, and nilpotent ideals with the nilpotency degree larger than two in biflat Banach algebras cannot have the special property which we call ‘property (𝔹)’ (Definition 5.2 below) and hence, as a consequence, they cannot be boundedly approximately complemented in those Banach algebras.
Total thyroidectomy for amiodarone-associated thyrotoxicosis: should surgery always be delayed for pre-operative medical preparation?
Authors: Pierret C , Tourtier J-P , Pons Y , Merat S , Duverger V , Perrier E 
Published: May 2012

AbstractObjective:Amiodarone can induce severe hyperthyroidism that justifies its withdrawal and the introduction of antithyroid drugs. Continuing amiodarone use, failure to control hyperthyroidism and poor clinical progress may require thyroidectomy. This study aimed to evaluate patients’ post-operative development and mid-term outcome after thyroidectomy for amiodarone-associated thyrotoxicosis.Study design:Prospective case series.Setting:Tertiary care centre.Subjects and methods:We prospectively collected cases of amiodarone-associated thyrotoxicosis requiring thyroidectomy due to failure of antithyroid treatment, despite amiodarone discontinuation. Post-thyroidectomy complications were compared immediately, 30 days and one year post-operatively, and also for scheduled versus emergency surgery cases.Results:Of 11 total cases, nine scheduled thyroidectomy cases had no morbidity after elective surgery. Two cases required emergency surgery for multiple organ failure and cardiac problems. Immediate post-operative complications (mostly haemodynamic) occurred in both cases (emergencyvsroutine surgery,p = 0.018).Conclusion:In such cases, pre-operative medical treatment is vital to limit peri- and post-operative complications, but surgery should not be delayed if the haemodynamic status deteriorates. Surgery, with careful anaesthesia, is the cornerstone of the treatment.
The fate of the oculomotor system in clinical bilateral anophthalmia
Authors: BRIDGE HOLLY , RAGGE NICOLA , JENKINSON NED , COWEY ALAN , WATKINS KATE E. 
Published: May 2012

AbstractThe interdependence of the development of the eye and oculomotor system during embryogenesis is currently unclear. The occurrence of clinical anophthalmia, where the globe fails to develop, permits us to study the effects this has on the development of the complex neuromuscular system controlling eye movements. In this study, we use very high-resolution T2-weighted imaging in five anophthalmic subjects to visualize the extraocular muscles and the cranial nerves that innervate them. The subjects differed in the presence or absence of the optic nerve, the abducens nerve, and the extraocular muscles, reflecting differences in the underlying disruption to the eye’s morphogenetic pathway. The oculomotor nerve was present in all anophthalmic subjects and only slightly reduced in size compared to measurements in sighted controls. As might be expected, the presence of rudimentary eye-like structures in the socket appeared to correlate with development and persistence of the extraocular muscles in some cases. Our study supports in part the concept of an initial independence of muscle development, with its maintenance subject to the presence of these eye-like structures.
Increased Marijuana Use and Gender Predict Poorer Cognitive Functioning in Adolescents and Emerging Adults
Authors: Lisdahl Krista M. , Price Jenessa S. 
Published: May 2012

AbstractThis study sought to characterize neuropsychological functioning in MJ-using adolescents and emerging adults (ages 18–26) and to investigate whether gender moderated these effects. Data were collected from 59 teens and emerging adults including MJ users (n = 23, 56% female) and controls (n = 35, 50% female) aged 18–26 (M = 21 years). Exclusionary criteria included independent Axis I disorders (besides SUD), and medical and neurologic disorders. After controlling for reading ability, gender, subclinical depressive symptoms, body mass index, and alcohol and other drug use, increased MJ use was associated with slower psychomotor speed/sequencing ability (p < .01), less efficient sustained attention (p < .05), and increased cognitive inhibition errors (p < .03). Gender significantly moderated the effects of MJ on psychomotor speed/sequencing ability (p < .003) in that males had a more robust negative relationship. The current study demonstrated that MJ exposure was associated with poorer psychomotor speed, sustained attention and cognitive inhibition in a dose-dependent manner in young adults, findings that are consistent with other samples of adolescent MJ users. Male MJ users demonstrated greater cognitive slowing than females. Future studies need to examine the neural substrates underlying with these cognitive deficits and whether cognitive rehabilitation or exercise interventions may serve as a viable treatments of cognitive deficits in emerging adult MJ users. (JINS, 2012, 18, 1–11)
Cognitive and Prepulse Inhibition Deficits in Psychometrically High Schizotypal Subjects in the General Population: Relevance to Schizophrenia Research
Authors: Giakoumaki Stella G. 
Published: May 2012

AbstractSchizophrenia and schizotypal personality disorder share common clinical profiles, neurobiological and genetic substrates along with Prepulse Inhibition and cognitive deficits; among those, executive, attention, and memory dysfunctions are more consistent. Schizotypy is considered to be a non-specific “psychosis-proneness,” and understanding the relationship between schizotypal traits and cognitive function in the general population is a promising approach for endophenotypic research in schizophrenia spectrum disorders. In this review, findings for executive function, attention, memory, and Prepulse Inhibition impairments in psychometrically defined schizotypal subjects have been summarized and compared to schizophrenia patients and their unaffected first-degree relatives. Cognitive flexibility, sustained attention, working memory, and Prepulse Inhibition impairments were consistently reported in high schizotypal subjects in accordance to schizophrenia patients. Genetic studies assessing the effects of various candidate gene polymorphisms in schizotypal traits and cognitive function are promising, further supporting a polygenic mode of inheritance. The implications of the findings, methodological issues, and suggestions for future research are discussed. (JINS, 2012,18, 1–14)
Variation in supermarket exposure to energy-dense snack foods by socio-economic position
Authors: Cameron Adrian J , Thornton Lukar E , McNaughton Sarah A , Crawford David 
Published: May 2012

AbstractObjectiveThe present study aimed to examine the availability of energy-dense, nutrient-poor snack foods (and fruits and vegetables) in supermarkets located in socio-economically advantaged and disadvantaged neighbourhoods.DesignCross-sectional supermarket audit.SettingMelbourne, Australia. Measures included product shelf space and number of varieties for soft drinks, crisps, chocolate, confectionery and fruits and vegetables, as well as store size.SubjectsThirty-five supermarkets (response 83 %) from neighbourhoods in the lowest and highest quintile of socio-economic disadvantage.ResultsShelf space allocated to soft drinks (23·6 mv. 17·7 m,P= 0·006), crisps (16·5 mv. 13·0 m,P= 0·016), chocolate (12·2 mv. 10·1 m,P= 0·022) and confectionery (6·7 mv. 5·1 m,P= 0·003) was greater in stores from socio-economically disadvantaged neighbourhoods. After adjustment for store size (stores in disadvantaged areas being larger), shelf space for confectionery (6·3 mv. 5·6 m,P= 0·024) and combined shelf space for all energy-dense foods and drinks (55·0 mv. 48·9 m,P= 0·017) remained greater in stores from socio-economically disadvantaged neighbourhoods. The ratio of shelf space allocated to fruits and vegetables to that for energy-dense snack foods also varied by socio-economic disadvantage after adjustment for store size (most disadvantagedv. least disadvantaged: 1·7v. 2·1,P= 0·025). Varieties of fruits and vegetables and chocolate bars were more numerous in less disadvantaged areas (P< 0·05).ConclusionsExposure to energy-dense snack foods and soft drinks in supermarkets was greater in socio-economically disadvantaged neighbourhoods. This may impact purchasing, consumption and cultural norms related to eating behaviours and may therefore work against elimination of the known socio-economic gradient in obesity levels. Reform of supermarket stocking practices may represent an effective means of obesity prevention.
End-of-life spiritual care at a VA medical center: Chaplains' perspectives
Authors: Chang Bei-Hung , Stein Nathan R. , Trevino Kelly , Stewart Max , Hendricks Ann , Skarf Lara M. 
Published: May 2012

AbstractObjective:Spiritual care is an essential component of quality palliative care. Recognizing the importance, the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) mandates the inclusion of chaplains in a palliative care consult team (PCCT). The purpose of this study is to explain the process and content of spiritual care provided in a VA Medical Center from chaplains' perspectives.Method:Five Christian chaplains who provide care to patients at end of life were interviewed. Each interview was recorded and transcribed. Analysis based on the grounded theory was used to identify themes from each interview question.Results:The PCCT in this study appeared to have a strong referral and communication system in which every palliative care patient was seen by a chaplain and the care plan was discussed with an interdisciplinary team. Chaplains reported providing a range of services, which addressed religious, spiritual, emotional, family, and illness concerns. Chaplains were aware of the unique spiritual needs of veterans, including working through guilt for killing in war and requiring forgiveness. Chaplains' ideas for improvement of spiritual care services included increasing time to provide care, providing bereavement care and support to families, and adding chaplains with different religious backgrounds. Chaplains reported how their own spirituality influenced the care they provided.Significance of results:Spiritual care in the VA can include a range of services and should consider the unique needs of the veteran population. Future studies can build upon our findings from chaplains to learn about the perspectives of patients, family, and other healthcare providers of spiritual care. This information would allow identification of strengths of current spiritual care practices and areas for care improvement, and ultimately could improve the well-being of patients at the end of life.
Cultural and religious considerations in pediatric palliative care
Authors: Wiener Lori , McConnell Denice Grady , Latella Lauren , Ludi Erica 
Published: May 2012

AbstractObjective:A growing multicultural society presents healthcare providers with a difficult task of providing appropriate care for individuals who have different life experiences, beliefs, value systems, religions, languages, and notions of healthcare. This is especially vital when end-of-life care is needed during childhood. There is a dearth of literature addressing cultural considerations in the pediatric palliative care field. As members of a specific culture often do not ascribe to the same religious traditions, the purpose of this article was to explore and review how culture and religion informs and shapes pediatric palliative care.Method:Comprehensive literature searches were completed through an online search of nine databases for articles published between 1980 and 2011: PsychINFO, MEDLINE®,Journal of Citation Reports-Science Edition, Embase, Scopus, CINAHL®, Social Sciences Citation Index (SSCI), EBSCO, and Ovid. Key terms included:culture, transcultural,spiritual, international,ethnic,customsorreligionANDend-of-life,palliative care,death,dying,cancer, orhospice, andchildren,pediatrics, orpediatric oncology. Reference lists in the retrieved articles were examined for additional studies that fit the inclusion criteria, and relevant articles were included for review. In addition, web-based searches of specific journals were conducted. These included, but were not limited to:Qualitative Health Research,Psycho-Oncology,Journal of Psychosocial Oncology,Journal of Pediatric Psychology,Journal of Pediatric Health Care,Journal of Pediatric Oncology Nursing,Omega,Social Work in Health Care, andJournal of Palliative Medicine.Results:Thirty-seven articles met eligibility criteria. From these, seven distinct themes emerged that have implications for pediatric palliative care. These include the role of culture in decision-making, faith and the involvement of clergy, communication (spoken and unspoken language), communicating to children about death (truth telling), the meaning of pain and suffering, the meaning of death and dying, and location of end-of-life care.Significance of results:The review of the literature provides insight into the influence of religion and how culture informs lifestyle and shapes the experiences of illness, pain, and end-of-life care. Recommendations for providing culturally sensitive end-of-life care are offered through the framework outlined in the Initiative for Pediatric Palliative Care Quality Improvement Project of 2002. Cultural traditions are dynamic, never static, and cannot be generalized to all families. Guidelines to aid in approaches to palliative care are provided, and providers are encouraged to define these important differences for each family under their care.