A novel experimental procedure based on pure shear testing of dermatome-cut samples applied to porcine skin

This paper communicates a novel and robust method for the mechanical testing of thin layers of soft biological tissues with particular application to porcine skin. The key features include the use of a surgical dermatome and the highly defined deformation kinematics achieved by pure shear testing. Thin specimens of accurate thickness were prepared using a dermatome and were subjected to different quasi-static and dynamic loading protocols. Although simple in its experimental realisation, pure shear testing provides a number of advantages over other classic uni- and biaxial testing procedures. The preparation of thin specimens of porcine dermis, the mechanical tests as well as first representative results are described and discussed in detail. The results indicate a pronounced anisotropy between the directions along and across the cleavage lines and a strain rate-dependent respons

Володимир Антонович і Дмитро Яворницький: до історії наукових і особистих взаємин

Невід’ємною складовою інтелектуальної історії є дослідження міжособистісних стосунків науковців. Особливо, якщо кожен із них є знаковою постаттю, уособленням поєднання високого професіоналізму і патріотичної громадянської позиції. Дослідження останнього часу, присвячені В.Б.Антоновичу визначають його безперечно новаторську місію у складанні першої науково доказової національно-демократичної концепції минулого України та розробленні періодизації вітчизняного історичного процесу

A Miocene tectonic inversion in the Ionian Sea (Central Mediterranean): evidence from multi-channel seismic data

It is widely accepted that the Central and Eastern Mediterranean are remnants of the Neo-Tethys. However, the orientation and timing of spreading of this domain remain controversial. Here, we present time migrated and pre-stack depth migrated NW-SE oriented Archimede (1997) lines together with the PrisMed01 (1993) profile to constrain the evolution of the Ionian basin. Our interpretation allows us to identify a large-scale set of SW-NE striking reverse faults beneath the Ionian Abyssal Plain. These primarily NW vergent faults are characterized by a spacing comprised between 10 to 20 km and a dip ranging from 60 to 65{degree sign}. Following very recent paleogeographic reconstructions, we propose that the set of N{degree sign}55 features initially formed as normal faults during the NW-SE trending seafloor spreading of the Ionian basin after its late Triassic-early Jurassic rifting. Based on geometric comparisons with the intraplate deformation observed beneath the Central Indian Ocean, we show that the inherited oceanic normal faults were reactivated under compression as reverse faults. Well-developed Tortonian syntectonic basins developed NW of the major faults and the base of the Messinian evaporites (Mobile Unit) is slightly folded by the activity of the faults. We show that 3-4 km of total shortening occurs over a 80 km wide area beneath the Ionian Abyssal Plain, resulting in a bulk shortening of 3.5-5 %. We propose a link between the Tortonian-early Messinian inversion of the fault pattern and a plate tectonic reorganization prior to the main phase of back-arc opening of the Tyrrhenian domain

Quality-of-life effects of prophylactic salpingo-oophorectomy versus gynecologic screening among women at increased risk of hereditary ovarian cancer

Recommendations for women at high risk of ovarian cancer include periodic gynecologic screening (GS) and prophylactic bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy (PBSO). The aim of the current study was to determine the quality-of-life (QOL) effects of PBSO versus GS. Questionnaire data were obtained from 846 high-risk women who had participated in this nationwide, cross-sectional, observational study. Forty-four percent of the women had undergone PBSO, and 56% had opted for GS. Topics addressed by the questionnaire included generic QOL, cancer-specific distress, endocrine symptoms, and sexual functioning. No statistically significant between-group differences were observed in generic QOL (Short Form-36), with women in both the PBSO and GS groups scoring similarly to the general population. Compared with GS, PBSO was associated with fewer breast and ovarian cancer worries (P < .001) and more favorable cancer risk perception (P < .05). However, the PBSO group reported significantly more endocrine symptoms (P < .001) and worse sexual functioning (P < .05) than the GS group. Eighty-six percent of women would choose PBSO again, and 63% would recommend it to a friend with familial risk of ovarian cancer. PBSO had no measurable adverse impact on generic QOL of high-risk women. The favorable effects of PBSO in terms of reduced cancer worries and low perceived cancer risk need to be weighed against the increase in endocrine and sexual symptoms. Balanced information will help clinicians and high-risk women to make informed decisions about the optimal preventive health strateg