bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
A Simplified Method to Predict Damage of Axially-Loaded Circular RC Columns Under Lateral Impact Loading
Authors: Liu Bin , Fan Wei , Huang Xu , Shao Xudong , Kang Lijing 
Published: June 2020

AbstractDetailed finite element (FE) models are often employed to predict the impact responses of reinforced concrete (RC) columns. However, they always require substantial investments of time and effort in modeling and analysis so that they are not widely used in practice, particularly in preliminary designs. Moreover, although some simplified models have been established for beams and slabs under impact loading, few attempts have been made on modeling RC columns. For these reasons, this paper proposes a simplified modeling method to accurately capture the impact-induced response and damage of circular RC columns. In the proposed method, a two-degree-of-freedom (DOF) system was used to describe the interaction between the impactor and the impacted column. The formulas, and procedure to estimate the force–deformation relationship with strain-rate effects were presented according to the section-based analysis. The influence of the unloading stiffness on the residual deformation was addressed, and the method to determine the unloading stiffness of circular columns was proposed. Furthermore, a fiber-based beam-column element modeling method was developed to estimate the force–deformation relationship of the columns with strain-rate effects. The proposed simplified method was demonstrated by the drop-hammer impact tests to be capable of predicting the impact response of RC columns well. Its accuracy in the residual deformation is superior to that of the detailed FE simulation. Parametric studies were performed to investigate the damage characteristics of axially-loaded circular RC columns under various impact scenarios.
A randomised controlled pilot trial of two interventions to manage dry mouth in pre-operative elective surgical patients
Authors: Morton Leesa , Siu Amanda Tsan Yue , Fowler Samuel , Zhou Chen , Nixon Christopher , Campbell Doug 
Published: June 2020

Abstract
Background
Dry mouth is a common perioperative patient complaint. There are a number of treatments used for dry mouth in other settings which are effective. None have been tested previously in the perioperative setting. Interventions to Manage Dry mouth (IM DRY) compared the effect of water and a saliva substitute on mouth dryness. The primary objective was to demonstrate the feasibility of conducting a large randomised controlled trial and secondary scientific aims were to assess treatment potential efficacy.

Methods
Single blind, pilot randomised controlled trial (RCT) of 101 pre-operative elective surgical patients who were randomised to water or saliva substitute (Biotene oral rinse, GlaxoSmithKline, Australia) at a tertiary, university hospital. Dry mouth was assessed by 100 mm visual analogue scale (VAS) and 5-point Likert score.

Results
One hundred participants completed follow-up and comprised the analysis dataset. All feasibility outcomes were achieved (recruitment rate > 5 participants a week, >95% completeness of the dataset, study protocol acceptability to staff, acceptability to participants > 66% and adherence to time limits within the protocol). Mean recruitment rate was 6 participants per week. These data were 99% complete. There were no adverse side effects or complications noted. There were no concerns raised by staff regarding acceptability. Overall, there was a mean of 30 min (± SD 5 min) between delivery of the intervention and the assessment, 30 min being the target time. The difference in VAS post intervention was − 11.2 mm (95% CI − 17.3 to − 5.1 mm) for water and − 12.7 mm (95% CI − 18.7 to − 6.7 mm) for saliva substitute. The proportion of patients who had improved dry mouth increased from 52% for water to 62% for saliva substitute.

Conclusions
IM DRY successfully achieved its primary feasibility aims: recruitment rate, completeness of these, acceptability and protocol adherence. Saliva substitutes, used in the perioperative management of dry mouth, may be a simple, inexpensive, and low risk solution to help alleviate this common complaint. A large randomised controlled trial is feasible and is currently recruiting (ANZCTR 12619000132145).

Ethics and Trial registration
Northern A New Zealand Health and Disability Ethics Committee (reference 17/NTA/152). Australian New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry (Number: 12618001270202). Registered retrospectively 18 October 2018.
Prioritising target non-pharmacological interventions for research in Parkinson’s disease: achieving consensus from key stakeholders
Authors: Bogosian Angeliki , Rixon Lorna , Hurt Catherine S. 
Published: June 2020

Abstract
Background
In 2014 Parkinson’s UK conducted a research prioritisation exercise with stakeholders highlighting important clinical research questions. The exercise highlighted the need for effective interventions to be developed and tested to tackle a range of non-motor symptoms including: sleep quality, stress and anxiety, mild cognitive impairment, dementia and urinary problems. The present work set out to build on this exercise by prioritising types of non-pharmacological interventions to be tested to treat the identified non-motor symptoms.

Methods
A Patient and Public Involvement exercise was used to reach consensus on intervention priorities for the treatment of non-motor symptoms. A Delphi structure was used to support the feedback collected. A first-round prioritisation survey was conducted followed by a panel discussion. Nineteen panellists completed the first-round survey (9 people with Parkinson’s and 10 professionals working in Parkinson’s) and 16 participated in the panel discussion (8 people with Parkinson’s and 8 professionals working in Parkinson’s). A second-round prioritization survey was conducted after the panel discussion with 13 people with Parkinson’s.

Results
Physical activity, third wave cognitive therapies and cognitive training were rated as priority interventions for the treatment of a range of non-motor symptoms. There was broad agreement on intervention priorities between health care professionals and people with Parkinson’s. A consensus was reached that research should focus on therapies which could be used to treat several different non-motor symptoms. In the context of increasing digitisation, the need for human interaction as an intervention component was highlighted.

Conclusion
Bringing together Parkinson’s professionals and people with Parkinson’s resulted in a final treatment priority list which should be both feasible to carry out in routine clinical practice and acceptable to both professionals and people with Parkinson’s. The workshop further specified research priorities in Parkinson’s disease based on the current evidence base, stakeholder preferences, and feasibility. Research should focus on developing and testing non-pharmacological treatments which could be effective across a range of symptoms but specifically focusing on tailored physical activity interventions, cognitive therapies and cognitive training.
18F-FDG PET-guided diffusion tractography reveals white matter abnormalities around the epileptic focus in medically refractory epilepsy: implications for epilepsy surgical evaluation
Authors: Poirier Stefan E. , Kwan Benjamin Y. M. , Jurkiewicz Michael T. , Samargandy Lina , Steven David A. , Suller-Marti Ana , Lam Shin Cheung Victor , Khan Ali R. , Romsa Jonathan , Prato Frank S. , Burneo Jorge G. , Thiessen Jonathan D. , Anazodo Udunna C. 
Published: June 2020

Abstract
Background
Hybrid PET/MRI can non-invasively improve localization and delineation of the epileptic focus (EF) prior to surgical resection in medically refractory epilepsy (MRE), especially when MRI is negative or equivocal. In this study, we developed a PET-guided diffusion tractography (PET/DTI) approach combining 18F-fluorodeoxyglucose PET (FDG-PET) and diffusion MRI to investigate white matter (WM) integrity in MRI-negative MRE patients and its potential impact on epilepsy surgical planning.

Methods
FDG-PET and diffusion MRI of 14 MRI-negative or equivocal MRE patients were used to retrospectively pilot the PET/DTI approach. We used asymmetry index (AI) mapping of FDG-PET to detect the EF as brain areas showing the largest decrease in FDG uptake between hemispheres. Seed-based WM fiber tracking was performed on DTI images with a seed location in WM 3 mm from the EF. Fiber tractography was repeated in the contralateral brain region (opposite to EF), which served as a control for this study. WM fibers were quantified by calculating the fiber count, mean fractional anisotropy (FA), mean fiber length, and mean cross-section of each fiber bundle. WM integrity was assessed through fiber visualization and by normalizing ipsilateral fiber measurements to contralateral fiber measurements. The added value of PET/DTI in clinical decision-making was evaluated by a senior neurologist.

Results
In over 60% of the patient cohort, AI mapping findings were concordant with clinical reports on seizure-onset localization and lateralization. Mean FA, fiber count, and mean fiber length were decreased in 14/14 (100%), 13/14 (93%), and 12/14 (86%) patients, respectively. PET/DTI improved diagnostic confidence in 10/14 (71%) patients and indicated that surgical candidacy be reassessed in 3/6 (50%) patients who had not undergone surgery.

Conclusions
We demonstrate here the utility of AI mapping in detecting the EF based on brain regions showing decreased FDG-PET activity and, when coupled with DTI, could be a powerful tool for detecting EF and assessing WM integrity in MRI-negative epilepsy. PET/DTI could be used to further enhance clinical decision-making in epilepsy surgery.
Changes to the Monitoring Trends in Burn Severity program mapping production procedures and data products
Authors: Picotte Joshua J. , Bhattarai Krishna , Howard Danny , Lecker Jennifer , Epting Justin , Quayle Brad , Benson Nate , Nelson Kurtis 
Published: June 2020

Abstract
Background
The Monitoring Trends in Burn Severity (MTBS) program has been providing the fire science community with large fire perimeter and burn severity data for the past 14 years. As of October 2019, 22 969 fires have been mapped by the MTBS program and are available on the MTBS website (https://www.mtbs.gov). These data have been widely used by researchers to examine a variety of fire and climate science topics. However, MTBS has undergone significant changes to its fire mapping methodology, the remotely sensed imagery used to map fires, and the subsequent fire occurrence, burned boundary, and severity databases. To gather a better understanding of these changes and the potential impacts that they may have on the user community, we examined the changes to the MTBS burn mapping protocols and whether remapped burned area boundary and severity products differ significantly from the original MTBS products.

Results
As MTBS data have been used over the course of many years and for many disparate applications, users should be aware that the MTBS burned area and severity products have been actively reviewed and revised to benefit from more robust satellite image availability and to address any observed quality issues. In a sample of 123 remapped fires, we found no significant change in the burned area boundary products when compared to the original mapped fires; however, significant changes did exist in the distribution of unburned, low, and moderate burn severity pixels within the thematic product.

Conclusions
Analysis of these remapped fires provides a look into how the MTBS fire mapping methods have evolved over time. In the future, additional changes to the MTBS data record may impact data users’ downstream applications. The MTBS program has an established continuous improvement approach to the MTBS methodology and products, and subsequently encourages users to confirm that they are using the most recent data.
A Xanthomonas oryzae type III effector XopL causes cell death through mediating ferredoxin degradation in Nicotiana benthamiana
Authors: Ma Wenxiu , Xu Xiameng , Cai Lulu , Cao Yanyan , Haq Fazal , Alfano James R. , Zhu Bo , Zou Lifang , Chen Gongyou 
Published: June 2020

AbstractPlant pathogenic bacteria engage in an ongoing struggle for survival. Gram negative phytopathogenic prokaryotes deploy type III secretion system to deliver effector proteins into plant cells to manipulate the host cellular environment. In many cases, the targets of these effector proteins are unknown. The bacterial blight pathogen,Xanthomonas oryzaepv.oryzae(Xoo), causes a devastating disease in rice and theXoo-rice interaction is an example of the ongoing evolutionary battle between plants and pathogens. In this study, we show that an effector XopL fromXooexhibits E3 ubiquitin ligase activity and induces cell death in the nonhostNicotiana benthamiana(Nb). Through yeast two-hybrid, co-immunoprecipitation, and biomolecular fluorescence complementation assays, it was shown that XopL interacts with ferredoxin (NbFd), an electron transport molecule in plant chloroplasts. XopL induced defense-related response inNband specifically targeted NbFd for ubiquitination and ubiquitin-mediated degradation, a process that increased the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS). This study demonstrates the ubiquitination and degradation of NbFd as a result of XopL activity, which further illustrates the tremendous functional diversity inXanthomonaseffector proteins.
Workplace activity classification from shoe-based movement sensors
Authors: Fridolfsson Jonatan , Arvidsson Daniel , Doerks Frithjof , Kreidler Theresa J. , Grau Stefan 
Published: June 2020

AbstractBackgroundHigh occupational physical activity is associated with lower health. Shoe-based movement sensors can provide an objective measurement of occupational physical activity in a lab setting but the performance of such methods in a free-living environment have not been investigated. The aim of the current study was to investigate the feasibility and accuracy of shoe sensor-based activity classification in an industrial work setting.ResultsAn initial calibration part was performed with 35 subjects who performed different workplace activities in a structured lab setting while the movement was measured by a shoe-sensor. Three different machine-learning models (random forest (RF), support vector machine and k-nearest neighbour) were trained to classify activities using the collected lab data. In a second validation part, 29 industry workers were followed at work while an observer noted their activities and the movement was captured with a shoe-based movement sensor. The performance of the trained classification models were validated using the free-living workplace data. The RF classifier consistently outperformed the other models with a substantial difference in in the free-living validation. The accuracy of the initial RF classifier was 83% in the lab setting and 43% in the free-living validation. After combining activities that was difficult to discriminate the accuracy increased to 96 and 71% in the lab and free-living setting respectively. In the free-living part, 99% of the collected samples either consisted of stationary activities or walking.ConclusionsWalking and stationary activities can be classified with high accuracy from a shoe-based movement sensor in a free-living occupational setting. The distribution of activities at the workplace should be considered when validating activity classification models in a free-living setting.
Improved biofertilizer properties of digestate from codigestion of brewer’s spent grain and palm oil mill effluent by manure supplementation
Authors: Ndubuisi-Nnaji Uduak U. , Ofon Utibe A. , Ekponne Nicanor I. , Offiong Nnanake-Abasi O. 
Published: June 2020

AbstractThe biofertilizer quality of anaerobically codigested agroindustrial residues from brewer’s spent grain and palm oil mill effluent was evaluated after supplementation with different livestock manure in order to validate its use as organic fertilizer. Manure supplementation assay was performed using different animal manure-inoculum to demonstrate the influence of inoculum-type on the nutrient status, plant growth promoting bacteria (PGPB) and other plant growth promoting attributes of the resultant digestate. In addition to elevated nutrient levels (K > P > Ca > Mg > S > N), the plethora of essential microbial groups (phosphate solubilizers > diazotrophs > auxin producers) that enhance nutrition and promote plant growth was evinced in the supplemented digestate compared to the control. On the other hand, environmental risk assessment revealed a notable yet inadequate reduction in indicator bacteria and putative pathogens (> 3.0 log CFU mL− 1) with potentially toxic elements within publicly available requirements. The preponderance of PGPB with excellent biofertilizing attributes observed in this study could be leveraged upon by plants thus substantiating its potential for use as organic fertilizer. However, the presence of pathogens highlights the importance of post-treatment hygienization to eliminate its biosafety risk.
Looking at the facts about suicide
Authors: Kelly Brendan D. 
Published: June 2020

SUMMARYMost human actions, including suicide, are motivated by variable mixes of rational and irrational factors. Notwithstanding debates about rational suicide, the vast majority of people who die by suicide suffer deeply beforehand. Those who present to mental health services in suicidal crises do so in search of treatment, care and support. It is a privilege to try to provide it.
Specificity, redundancy and dosage thresholds among gata4/5/6 genes during zebrafish cardiogenesis
Authors: Sam Jessica , Mercer Emily J. , Torregroza Ingrid , Banks Kelly M. , Evans Todd 
Published: June 2020

ABSTRACT
The Gata4/5/6 sub-family of zinc finger transcription factors regulate many aspects of cardiogenesis. However, critical roles in extra-embryonic endoderm also challenge comprehensive analysis during early mouse cardiogenesis, while zebrafish models have previously relied on knockdown assays. We generated targeted deletions to disrupt each gata4/5/6 gene in zebrafish and analyzed cardiac phenotypes in single, double and triple mutants. The analysis confirmed that loss of gata5 causes cardia bifida and validated functional redundancies for gata5/6 in cardiac precursor specification. Surprisingly, we discovered that gata4 is dispensable for early zebrafish development, while loss of one gata4 allele can suppress the bifid phenotype of the gata5 mutant. The gata4 mutants eventually develop an age-dependent cardiomyopathy. By combining combinations of mutant alleles, we show that cardiac specification depends primarily on an overall dosage of gata4/5/6 alleles rather than a specific gene. We also identify a specific role for gata6 in controlling ventricle morphogenesis through regulation of both the first and second heart field, while loss of both gata4/6 eliminates the ventricle. Thus, different developmental programs are dependent on total dosage, certain pairs, or specific gata4/5/6 genes during embryonic cardiogenesis.
This article has an associated First Person interview with the first author of the paper.
Creative entrepreneurship and urban space: Exploring the location preferences of creative professionals in Αthens during the economic recession
Authors: Lavanga Mariangela , Loots Ellen , Konomi Maria Adela , Avdikos Vasilis , Iliopoulou Eirini 
Published: June 2020

Δημιουργική επιχειρηματικότητα και αστικός χώρος: Εξερευνώντας τις προτιμήσεις εγκατάστασης των δημιουργικών επαγγελματιών στην Αθήνα κατά τη διάρκεια της οικονομικής ύφεσηςΟι σχέσεις μεταξύ της δημιουργικότητας, του χώρου και της οικονομικής δραστηριότητας έχει εξεταστεί με πολλούς τρόπους στην ακαδημαϊκή έρευνα. Από τη μια πλευρά, η συσπείρωση επιχειρήσεων σε έναν τόπο έχει βρεθεί ότι προάγει τη δημιουργικότητα στο αστικό περιβάλλον (βλέπε θεωρίες clustering). Από την άλλη πλευρά, τα δημιουργικά άτομα φαίνεται ότι ενθαρρύνουν την οικονομική ανάπτυξη των πόλεων, έλκοντας εργοδότες σε μέρη όπου επιθυμούν να διαμείνουν. Και τρίτον, τα ειδικά χαρακτηριστικά ενός τόπου, ιδιαίτερα των αστικών τόπων, έχουν αποδειχθεί ότι έχουν θετικό αντίκτυπο στην ατομική δημιουργικότητα. Η μελέτη μας προσπαθεί να εμπλουτίσει την παραπάνω σχέση, διερευνώντας τους οικονομικούς και μη οικονομικούς παράγοντες που ωθούν δημιουργικούς εργαζομένους να επιλέξουν το κέντρο της Αθήνας ως τόπος εγκατάστασης των επιχειρήσεών τους και τα άμεσα και έμμεσα οφέλη αυτών των παραγόντων σε σχέση με τη δημιουργική τους εργασία. Με αυτόν τον τρόπο συγχωνεύουμε τις μικρο- και μακρο απόψεις που υπάρχουν για τη σχέση μεταξύ δημιουργικής επιχειρηματικότητας και τόπου σε ένα περιβάλλον που μπορεί να έχει πειραματικό χαρακτήρα, δεδομένου ότι ο αστικός ιστός στην Αθήνα έπρεπε να αναδημιουργηθεί λόγω της οικονομικής κρίσης του 2009 και των επακόλουθων μέτρων λιτότητας.
Fibroblast growth factor-6 enhances CDK2 and MATK expression in microvesicles derived from human stem cells extracted from exfoliated deciduous teeth
Authors: Othman Ahmed , Mubarak Rabab , Sabry Dina 
Published: June 2020

Background: Stem cells from human exfoliated deciduous teeth (SHEDs) are considered one of the most convenient sources of adult stem cells. This study aimed to examine the effect of fibroblast growth factor 6 (FGF-6) on SHEDs and evaluate CDK2 and MATK gene expression in SHED-derived microvesicles (MVs). SHEDs were cultured from deciduous teeth pulp. Methods: SHEDs were divided into two groups: the control group and test groups, with and without FGF-6 supplementation, respectively. After the third passage, SHED proliferation was assessed by MTT assay. MVs were purified and CDK2 and MATK gene expression was assessed by real-time polymerase chain reaction. SHEDs were identified by their positivity for CD90 and CD73, and negativity for CD45 and CD34. Results: SHEDs proliferation in the test group was significantly higher than in the control group (P<0.001). mRNA from SHED-derived MVs from the test group exhibited a markedly elevated expression of CDK2 and MATK, (P<0.002 and P<0.005, respectively) in comparison with those of the control group. FGF-6 enhanced the proliferation of SHEDs. Proliferation enhancement is favorable for the production of a large number of stem cells, which will then be beneficial for cell-based therapies. Conclusions: CDK2 and MATK genes in SHED-derived MVs can be used as molecular biomarkers for SHED proliferation.
Recent advances in understanding glucose transport and glucose disposal
Authors: Olson Ann Louise , Humphries Kenneth 
Published: June 2020

Deficient glucose transport and glucose disposal are key pathologies leading to impaired glucose tolerance and risk of type 2 diabetes. The cloning and identification of the family of facilitative glucose transporters have helped to identify that underlying mechanisms behind impaired glucose disposal, particularly in muscle and adipose tissue. There is much more than just transporter protein concentration that is needed to regulate whole body glucose uptake and disposal. The purpose of this review is to discuss recent findings in whole body glucose disposal. We hypothesize that impaired glucose uptake and disposal is a consequence of mismatched energy input and energy output. Decreasing the former while increasing the latter is key to normalizing glucose homeostasis.