bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Calculations for central stress minimum under sand piles using continuum analysis
Authors: Jeong H.‐Y. , Moore I.D. 
Published: December 2009

AbstractThe use of conventional continuum mechanics can provide solutions to a variety of problems involving the physics of granular solids. However, analysts have resorted to artificial constraints to obtain the counter‐intuitive experimental results where vertical stresses across the rigid base under a conical sand pile reach a local minimum, not a global maximum, beneath the apex. An explanation is provided here of how to use the finite element method, a numerical procedure based on conventional continuum mechanics, to calculate the dip in vertical stress beneath the apex of the stockpiled mass. Results from the numerical simulations reveal that the dip in vertical stress across the rigid base under the stockpile results from stress redistribution within the mass as it is slowly constructed with successive accumulation of many thin layers, shear failure of most but not all of the constituent material, and elastic deformation parameters for the stockpiled material that correspond to constant volume conditions.
Jump conditions and kinetic relations at moving discontinuities
Authors: Berezovski A. , Maugin G.A. 
Published: December 2009

AbstractThe problem of the kinetics of moving discontinuities is described on the example of the propagating phase‐transition front that corresponds to a stress‐induced martensitic transformation in an elastic bar. The kinetic relation is derived under the assumption of a linear dependence between the stress jump at the phase boundary and the driving force. The derived kinetic relation is consistent with jump relations and satisfies limiting requirements. The comparison of the developed theory with available experimental data is made in the case of the dynamics of a straight brittle crack. The corresponding kinetic relation is derived under the same assumption as in the case of phase boundary. Classical results for Homalite‐100 as well as recent experiments for Polyester/TiO2 are compared with the prediction of the kinetic relation. The agreement between theory and experiment is rather good, especially for such a simple theoretical model.
Highly scalable parallel domain decomposition methods with an application to biomechanics
Authors: Klawonn A. , Rheinbach O. 
Published: December 2009

AbstractHighly scalable parallel domain decomposition methods for elliptic partial differential equations are considered with a special emphasis on problems arising in elasticity. The focus of this survey article is on Finite Element Tearing and Interconnecting (FETI) methods, a family of nonoverlapping domain decomposition methods where the continuity between the subdomains, in principle, is enforced by the use of Lagrange multipliers. Exact onelevel and dual‐primal FETI methods as well as related inexact dual‐primal variants are described and theoretical convergence estimates are presented together with numerical results confirming the parallel scalability properties of these methods. New aspects such as a hybrid onelevel FETI/FETI‐DP approach and the behavior of FETI‐DP for anisotropic elasticity problems are presented. Parallel and numerical scalability of the methods for more than 65 000 processor cores of the JUGENE supercomputer is shown. An application of a dual‐primal FETI method to a nontrivial biomechanical problem from nonlinear elasticity, modeling arterial wall stress, is given, showing the robustness of our domain decomposition methods for such problems.
2D static Green's function for an inhomogeneous elastic solid
Authors: Watanabe K. 
Published: December 2009

AbstractAn exact closed form 2D Green's function for an inhomogeneous elastic solid is presented. Assuming a unidirectional exponential inhomogeneity, the Green's function is expressed in terms of the modified Bessel function of the second kind. It is pointed out that the decomposition of the Green's function into the grading and non‐grading terms is impossible in the sense of the closed form solution. An exponential decay of the Green's function is also found at the far‐field, although the logarithmic singularity at the far‐field exists in the homogeneous 2D solid. In addition, it is shown that a biaxial inhomogeneity can be reduced to the unidirectional inhomogeneity and the present Green's function covers both uni‐ and bi‐axial inhomogeneities.
Factors Influencing the Long‐Term Survival in Patients with Esophageal Cancer Who Underwent Esophagectomy After Chemoradiotherapy
Authors: Takeuchi Hiroya , Saikawa Yoshiro , Oyama Takashi , Ozawa Soji , Suda Koichi , Wada Norihito , Takahashi Tsunehiro , Nakamura Rieko , Shigematsu Naoyuki , Ando Nobutoshi , Kitajima Masaki , Kitagawa Yuko 
Published: December 2009

AbstractBackgroundSalvage esophagectomy is potentially the only treatment available that can offer a chance of long‐term survival when definitive chemoradiotherapy (CRT) fails to achieve local control for patients with esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC). However, salvage esophagectomy is a highly invasive procedure with various postoperative complications compared to planned esophagectomy after neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy (CRT). We hypothesize that severe postoperative complications may affect not only surgical mortality but also tumor recurrence and long‐term survival for patients with salvage esophagectomy after definitive CRT.MethodsFor the present study we reviewed the surgical procedures, postoperative complications, and the prognosis of 65 consecutive patients with thoracic ESCC who underwent the esophagectomy after neoadjuvant (neoadjuvant group: n = 40) or definitive (salvage group: n = 25) CRT.ResultsMost patients underwent right‐transthoracic extended esophagectomy and reconstruction using gastric conduit by way of subcutaneous route with left cervical anastomosis. The incidence of postoperative pneumonia was found to be higher in the salvage group than in the neoadjuvant group. In both groups, the survival of patients with R0 resection was significantly better than those with R1/R2 resection. Moreover, in the salvage group, the postoperative survival rate of patients with pneumonia or bacteremia/sepsis was significantly lower than that for patients who did not suffer the same complications. In the neoadjuvant group, R0 resection was selected to be the only independent prognostic factor in univariate and multivariate analysis. In contrast, in the salvage group, R0 resection and bacteremia/sepsis remained significant and were independent of the other factors in multivariate analysis.ConclusionsThis study reveals that postoperative morbidity affects not only the perioperative mortality but also the long‐term survival of patients with ESCC who undergo salvage esophagectomy after definitive CRT.
Pelvic hydatid (echinococcal) disease
Authors: Chelli Dalenda , Methni Ahlem , Gatri Chaima , Boudaya Fethia , Affes Malika , Chennoufi Mohamed Bedis 
Published: December 2009

AbstractObjectiveTo study epidemiologic and clinical features of pelvic hydatid disease and discuss its management.MethodA retrospective analysis of 11 cases of pelvic hydatid disease managed over 7 years and 8 months at the Maternity and Neonatalogy Unit, Tunisian Medical Center La Rabta, Tunis, Tunisia. All cases were identified from histopathologic reports.ResultsThe 11 affected patients had a mean age of 41.6 years (range, 22–79 years), 6 had a history of surgery for hydatid disease, 8 presented for chronic pelvic pain, and 1 was admitted for acute surgical abdomen. On physical examination, 6 had a pelvic mass. An ultrasound examination suggested the diagnosis preoperatively in 6. All were treated surgically. Primary laparoscopy was performed in 5 patients. Unroofing (or partial cystectomy) was performed in 6 patients and complete cystectomy in 4. The postoperative course was uneventful in all cases. Recurrence occurred only in 1 patient, 6 months after initial surgery.ConclusionPelvic hydatid disease is rare and its diagnosis often difficult preoperatively. The treatment mainstay is surgery. The laparoscopic approach seems to be safe and effective, and may increasingly replace laparotomy.
A simple procedure to prevent chronic vaginal colpotomy wound bleeding after laparoscopically assisted vaginal hysterectomy
Authors: Seow Kok‐Min , Lin Yu‐Hung , Hwang Jiann‐Loung , Huang Lee‐Wen , Pan Ching‐Pin 
Published: December 2009

AbstractObjectiveTo determine whether injecting the colpotomy wound with diluted vasopressin decreases vaginal bleeding after laparoscopically assisted vaginal hysterectomy (LAVH).MethodsIn this prospective controlled study 100 patients who underwent LAVH from July 1, 2005 to June 30, 2007, were randomized to receive an injection of vasopressin (n = 50) or normal saline (n = 50) solution in the colpotomy wound.ResultsIn the vasopressin group, bleeding from the colpotomy wound occurred for more than 7 days in 9 patients (18%), and none was bleeding after 1 month; in the control group, the corresponding values were 29 (58%) and 2 (4%). Compared with the study group, the control group had a significantly higher rate of chronic bleeding from the colpotomy wound for more than 7 days and for more than 14 days after LAVH (P < 0.001 for both).ConclusionInfiltrating the colpotomy wound with diluted vasopressin was found to prevent chronic vaginal bleeding, which frequently occurs following LAVH.
Resolution of hyperacusis associated with depression, following lithium administration and directive counselling
Authors: Attri D , Nagarkar A N 
Published: December 2009

AbstractIntroduction:Hyperacusis may be described as a decreased threshold for discomfort from sound. It may have a serious impact on an individual's lifestyle, as a result of decreased sociability and inability to spend time with family and friends due to intolerance of sound.Subject:We present a case of hyperacusis associated with depression, with no other audiological abnormality. The patient reported greater difficulty during the depressive episode.Method:Audiological investigation was undertaken, followed by counselling and medication for depression.Results and conclusion:The pathophysiological mechanism of hyperacusis in depression is discussed. Outcomes following treatment with directive counselling and lithium (an antidepressant) are described. Research indicates that both hyperacusis and depression can be caused by hypoactivity of 5-hydroxytryptamine (also known as serotonin) in the brain. The patient reported improvement which cannot be explained solely on the basis of counselling. Enhancement of serotonin activity due to lithium, prescribed for depression, may also play a role in alleviation of hyperacusis.
Isolated fungus ball mimicking mucocele or frontal sinus tumour: a diagnostic pitfall
Authors: Popko M , Broglie M A , Holzmann D 
Published: December 2009

AbstractObjective:To demonstrate the clinical, radiological and diagnostic pitfalls of managing an isolated frontal sinus fungus ball, and to compare with the literature.Material and methods:Retrospective analysis of two cases and literature review.Results:Isolated frontal sinus fungus ball is a rare cause of frontal sinus disease. We present two cases of isolated frontal sinus fungus ball which pre-operatively were suspected to be either a tumour or a mucocele. In both cases, cheesy, clay-like material was found intra-operatively within the frontal sinus, suggesting a fungus ball. Effective treatment included surgical debridement via an exclusively endoscopic or an external approach, variously. Final histopathological and mycological analysis revealed Aspergillus fumigatus. A literature review revealed 20 reported cases of isolated frontal sinus fungus ball, confirming the low prevalence of the disease.Conclusions:Frontal sinus fungus ball should be considered in the differential diagnosis of chronic, nonspecific forehead symptoms. To evaluate the underlying disease, computed tomography scans should first be performed, followed by magnetic resonance imaging if malignancy is suspected. It is essential to be aware of the possibility of an atypical fungus ball appearance on computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging scans. If bony destruction and calcification coexist on radiological images, then endoscopic biopsy is an indispensable part of the diagnostic procedure, and should be performed to collect material for both histological and mycological analysis, and to aid surgical planning. In cases of sinus fungus ball, an endoscopic approach for biopsy may be curative.
The ‘Unfinished Business’ of Malaysia's Decolonisation: The Origins of the Guthrie ‘Dawn Raid’
Authors: YACOB SHAKILA , WHITE NICHOLAS J. 
Published: December 2009

AbstractIn a ‘dawn raid’ on the London Stock Exchange on 7 September 1981, the premiere British rubber and oil palm conglomerate in Malaysia, the Guthrie Corporation Limited, was taken into local control in less than four hours. This was the most dramatic Malaysian acquisition of a foreign company during the restructuring of the country's post-colonial economy during the 1970s and 1980s, and the Guthrie Dawn Raid remains a celebrated but, at the same time, contested juncture in contemporary Malaysian memory. Drawing upon a variety of sources—including original interviews and correspondence with key participants in, and observers of, the Guthrie Dawn Raid, as well as newly released British documents related to the Anglo-Malaysian events of September 1981—this article presents a new interpretation of the origins of this most iconic of Malaysian corporate takeovers. In particular, it stresses the long-term aspirations of a key (but often overlooked) figure within the late and post-colonial Malay bureaucratic and economic elite, Ismail Mohamed Ali. At the same time, the article emphasizes the specific requirements of Malaysia's New Economic Policy against the backdrop of burgeoning intra-Malaysian ethnic business competition.
Industrialisation and Handicraft Cloth: The Jiangsu Peasant Economy in the Late Nineteenth and Early Twentieth Centuries
Authors: JUNYA MA , WRIGHT TIM 
Published: December 2009

AbstractThis paper analyses the trajectories of handicraft cloth production in three major sub-regions of Jiangsu Province in the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries. In contrast to traditional focus on the bankruptcy of rural handicrafts in the face of competition from the modern industry, it argues that the fate of handicrafts depended on the specific characteristics of each sub-regional economy. Thus in Song-Tai, handicraft weaving declined as labour was drawn off into modern industry. In Tong-Hai the availability of machine-spun yarn in the market enabled the development of a commercialised handicraft weaving sector. Finally, in Xu-Huai-Hai machine-spun yarn enabled the inhabitants to substitute their own subsistence handicraft production for cloth purchased from elsewhere.
A novel five-degrees-of-freedom decoupled robot
Authors: Gallardo-Alvarado Jaime , Orozco-Mendoza Horacio , Rico-Martínez José M. 
Published: December 2009

SUMMARYIn this work a new nonoverconstrained redundant decoupled robot, free of compound joints, formed from three parallel manipulators, with two moving platforms and provided with six active limbs connected to the fixed platform, called LinceJJP, is presented. Interesting applications such as multi-axis machine tools with parallel kinematic architectures, solar panels, radar antennas, and telescopes are available for this novel spatial mechanism.
The health technology assessment adaptation toolkit: Description and use
Authors: Turner Sheila , Chase Deborah L. , Milne Ruairidh , Cook Andrew , Hicks Nicholas J. , Rosten Claire , Payne Liz , Coles Suzanne , Bell Eleanor 
Published: December 2009

Objectives: Adapting health technology assessment (HTA) reports for different contexts could reduce the need for multiple reports on the same health technology with resultant saving of time and resources. This article describes an instrument, the adaptation toolkit, which has been developed to aid in the process of adaptation of HTA reports.Methods: The toolkit was developed by a partnership of HTA agencies and networks from across Europe. The role of the toolkit is to guide the user through the process of selecting possible relevant material from these report(s), assessing the relevance, reliability, and transferability of the material, and adapting it for the desired context.Results: The adaptation toolkit has been developed, it comprises a collection of resources that help the user assess whether data and information in existing HTA reports should and could be adapted for their own setting. The toolkit contains two sections: a preliminary speedy sifting section and the main toolkit. The main toolkit includes five domains: (i) technology use and development, (ii) safety, (iii) effectiveness (including efficacy), (iv) economic evaluation, and (v) organizational aspects. Legal, ethical, and social aspects are beyond the scope of the toolkit. The toolkit is designed for the adaptation of evidence synthesis rather than primary research.Conclusions: The completed current version of the toolkit contains checklists and resources to aid in the adaptation of HTA reports. This collection of resources is available for use by all HTA agencies and can be accessed at: http://www.eunethta.net/upload/WP5/EUnetHTA_HTA_Adaptation_Toolkit_October08.pdf..
Web-based toolkit to facilitate European collaboration on evidence generation on promising health technologies
Authors: Quentin Fabienne , Carbonneil Cédric , Moty-Monnereau Céline , Berti Elena , Goettsch Wim , Lee-Robin Sun Hae 
Published: December 2009

Background: Several countries have developed policy frameworks allowing timely access to promising health technologies on the condition that additional evidence is generated. However, an important barrier to evidence generation is the lack of structured collaboration among health technology assessment (HTA) agencies.Objectives: One of the aims of Work Package 7 (WP7) of the European network for Health Technology Assessment (EUnetHTA) Project was to determine the types of structured collaboration that could facilitate evidence generation and to develop a Web-based toolkit to support such collaboration.Methods: Collaboration modalities were defined by all WP7 Partners. Initial emphasis was on information sharing. Standardized forms for information sharing were developed and tested. An information technology development phase followed with the creation of the Web-based toolkit (Web site).Results: Three levels of collaboration were agreed on: (i) sharing information, (ii) coordinated action, and (iii) joint action. The Web site allows access to structured and standardized forms for requesting information, posting information in response to a request, and posting information spontaneously. An online database contains all of the information requested or posted. Pilot tests on twenty-one promising technologies were satisfactory.Conclusions: This new Web site for sharing information on evidence generation should help countries reach robust decisions on the timely adoption of promising health technologies. It will only become fully operational if EUnetHTA Partners supply relevant, accurate, and updated information, and regularly use the Web site.
Systems to support health technology assessment (HTA) in Member States of the European Union with limited institutionalization of HTA
Authors: Moharra Montse , Espallargues Mireia , Kubesch Nadine , Estrada Maria-Dolors , Parada Antoni , Vondeling Hindrik , Lo Scalzo Alessandra , Cristofides Stelios , Turk Eva , Raab Martin 
Published: December 2009

Objectives: The aim of this study was to support health technology assessment (HTA) capacity building in Member States of the European Union with limited experience or without institutionalized HTA. The main output is a Handbook on HTA Capacity Building.Methods: The methods used were worldwide surveys of (i) HTA organizations, (ii) information management units, and (iii) HTA educational programs. The results of two surveys (i & ii) were combined with expert opinion to produce the Handbook on HTA Capacity Building.Results:Survey of HTA organizations (n = 41, response rate 35 percent). Most of the organizations were established by the government (61 percent), and all were not-for-profit. Working on HTA (80.5 percent) and doing research (63.4 percent) were the main lines of activity. Survey on information management units (n = 23, response rate 23 percent). Most (74.2 percent) of the responding HTA agencies reported having personnel dedicated to HTA information services. Survey on HTA educational programs (n = 48, response rate 60 percent). In total, nine Master of Science (MSc) programs were identified (three MSc in HTA and six MSc in HTA-related areas). Handbook on HTA Capacity Building. A group of twenty experts from thirteen countries developed the handbook. It consists of nine chapters focusing on HTA institutional development (structural setup, work processes, and visibility).Conclusions: Setting up organizational structures and establishing effective HTA programs that guide key policy decisions is a challenging task. There are no standard models or pathways. “One size fits all” is not a useful principle because of the wide systemic and cultural differences between countries. The Handbook on HTA Capacity Building includes approaches for overall institutional development, especially in formulating objectives, setting up structures, and defining work processes.
European network for Health Technology Assessment, EUnetHTA: Planning, development, and implementation of a sustainable European network for Health Technology Assessment
Authors: Kristensen Finn Børlum , Mäkelä Marjukka , Neikter Susanna Allgurin , Rehnqvist Nina , Håheim Lise Lund , Mørland Berit , Milne Ruairidh , Nielsen Camilla Palmhøj , Busse Reinhard , Lee-Robin Sun Hae , Wild Claudia , Espallargues Mireia , Chamova Julia 
Published: December 2009

Objectives: The European network on Health Technology Assessment (EUnetHTA) aimed to produce tangible and practical results to be used in the various phases of health technology assessment and to establish a framework and processes to support this. This article presents the background, objectives, and organization of EUnetHTA, which involved a total of sixty-four partner organizations.Methods: Establishing an effective and sustainable structure for a transnational network involved many managerial, policy, and methodological tools, according to the objective of each task or Work Package. Transparency in organization, financial transactions, and decision making was a key principle in the management of the Project as was the commitment to appropriately involve stakeholders.Results: EUnetHTA activities resulted in a clear management and governance structure, efficient partnership, and transnational cooperation. The Project developed a model for sustainable continuation of the EUnetHTA Collaboration.Conclusions: The EUnetHTA Project achieved its goals by producing a suite of practical tools, a strong network, and plans for continuing the work in a sustainable EUnetHTA Collaboration that facilitates and promotes the use of HTA at national and regional levels. Responsiveness to political developments in Europe should be balanced with maintaining a high level of ambition to promote independent, evidence-based information and well-tested tools for best practice based on a strong network of HTA institutions.