bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Experimental Study on Damage Evaluation, Pore Structure and Impact Tensile Behavior of 10-Year-Old Concrete Cores After Exposure to High Temperatures
Authors: Chen Xudong , Shi Dandan , Guo Shengshan 
Published: March 2020

AbstractHigh temperatures impose a negative effect on the mechanical properties of concrete. An experimental setup designed by the theory of nonlinear resonance vibration, the method of mercury intrusion porosimetry (MIP) and split Hopkinson pressure bar (SHPB) were used to test damage, porosity and mechanical properties of the pre-heated Brazilian discs of 10-year-old concrete respectively. According to the nondestructive test, the hysteretic nonlinearity parameters βh became larger as the temperature went up. The damage calculated by βh, which was 0, 0.57, 0.88 and 0.95 at 20 °C, 200 °C, 400 °C and 600 °C respectively, could be fitted by a power function. Based on MIP, the compound lognormal distribution model was used to simulate the pore size distributions. The quantitative relationship between porosity and damage was established by a power function, with the porosities of 13.96% at 20 °C, 15.77% at 200 °C, 19.17% at 400 °C and 20.22% at 600 °C. Finally, by the method of impact splitting tensile tests under gas pressures of 0.3 MPa, 0.4 MPa and 0.5 MPa, which represented impact velocity of 7.11 m/s, 10.26 m/s and 13.02 m/s respectively, the dynamic tensile strengths were obtained and the quantitative relationship between damage and macroscopic splitting tensile strength was established and the average value of exponential parameter b was 0.281.
Technologies for supporting high-order geodesic mesh frameworks for computational astrophysics and space sciences
Authors: Florinski Vladimir , Balsara Dinshaw S. , Garain Sudip , Gurski Katharine F. 
Published: March 2020

AbstractMany important problems in astrophysics, space physics, and geophysics involve flows of (possibly ionized) gases in the vicinity of a spherical object, such as a star or planet. The geometry of such a system naturally favors numerical schemes based on a spherical mesh. Despite its orthogonality property, the polar (latitude-longitude) mesh is ill suited for computation because of the singularity on the polar axis, leading to a highly non-uniform distribution of zone sizes. The consequences are (a) loss of accuracy due to large variations in zone aspect ratios, and (b) poor computational efficiency from a severe limitations on the time stepping. Geodesic meshes, based on a central projection using a Platonic solid as a template, solve the anisotropy problem, but increase the complexity of the resulting computer code. We describe a new finite volume implementation of Euler and MHD systems of equations on a triangular geodesic mesh (TGM) that is accurate up to fourth order in space and time and conserves the divergence of magnetic field to machine precision. The paper discusses in detail the generation of a TGM, the domain decomposition techniques, three-dimensional conservative reconstruction, and time stepping.
ICT diffusion and the finance–growth nexus: a panel analysis on ECOWAS countries
Authors: Alimi Ahmed S. , Adediran Idris A. 
Published: March 2020

AbstractIn this study, we rely on the extension of the endogenous growth theory to consider the role of ICT diffusion in the finance–growth nexus theoretically informed via the supply-leading and demand-following theses. Motivated by current realities highlighting the significance of information and communication technologies (ICTs) to modern societies, the study evaluates the foregoing research objective in ECOWAS countries over the 2005–2016 period based on the justification of the ICT diffusion into the ECOWAS region around the early 2000s. Innovatively, the study constructs an ICT diffusion index covering fixed telephone lines, mobile cellular subscription and Internet penetration as relevant media for ICT dispersion. We adopt the pooled mean group estimator on a dynamic panel ARDL model for robust analysis of the subject matter. We find that financial development (its main and alternative measure) alone inhibits growth of ECOWAS countries, but its interaction with ICT diffusion promotes economic growth in the region. The implication of our research findings for the West African region is that financial sector development efforts have to be strengthened by investment in ICT infrastructure, improved Internet penetration and further integration of electronic finance policies.
Guidance Statement for the Management of Febrile Neutropenia in Pediatric Patients Receiving Cancer-Directed Therapy in Central America and the Caribbean
Authors: Melgar Mario , Reljic Tea , Barahona Guillermo , Camacho Kattia , Chang Alicia , Contreras Johanny , Espinoza Darrell , Estripeaut Dora , Gamero Mario , Luque Marco , Mentor Girlande , Zacasa Pamela , Homsi Maysam , Caniza Miguela A. , Kumar Ambuj , Mukkada Sheena 
Published: March 2020

PURPOSE Our objective was to provide regionally appropriate, resource-conscious recommendations for the diagnosis and treatment of pediatric patients with febrile neutropenia. METHODS A multinational panel of Central American and Caribbean clinicians who deliver pediatric oncology care prioritized clinically important questions and then used the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation methodology to provide recommendations on the selected topics. RESULTS Twenty-two questions and 2 definitions were included in the guideline, which was intended to establish minimum care standards for pediatric patients treated in regional centers. Of all the included studies, 6.9% were conducted in low- and middle-income countries, and no studies were performed in countries represented on the panel. CONCLUSION The panel made recommendations on the basis of existing evidence but identified important gaps in knowledge from the region and from resource-limited settings that may affect the clinical applicability of these recommendations. These deficiencies suggest a research agenda that will enable future guidelines to be more responsive to the local context.
Fecal Immunochemical Test as a Screening Method for Colorectal Cancer in University College Hospital Ibadan, Nigeria
Authors: Labaeka Elizabeth O. , Irabor Achiaka E. , Irabor David O. 
Published: March 2020

PURPOSEColorectal cancer (CRC) is a disease of public health importance because of the increasing incidence of the disease and presentation in advanced stage of the disease in Western Africa. CRC is amenable to screening because of the long course of premalignant lesions before final development of the disease. Despite this, the practice of CRC screening is inadequate at the sites in this study. The fecal immunochemical test (FIT) is one of the recommended noninvasive methods for CRC screening. It has a sensitivity of 96%, specificity of 90%, and an overall accuracy of 95%. We aimed to determine the practicability of FIT for CRC screening in patients aged 40 to 75 years who attended primary care clinics in the University College Hospital, Ibadan, Nigeria.PATIENTS AND METHODSA total of 422 patients selected by systematic random sampling were recruited and offered free FIT screening. Participants with a positive finding had additional GI examination, including a digital rectal examination, proctoscopy, and colonoscopy, if no lesion was biopsied during proctoscopy.RESULTSThe mean (± standard deviation) age of the respondents was 62 ± 9.61 years. The prevalence of a positive FIT in the study was 10.1%. The FIT was not completed by 3.8% of patients, and the rate of completion of additional evaluation after a positive FIT reduced as the investigations became invasive, with 36.8% and 71.1% noncompletion rates for proctoscopy and colonoscopy, respectively.CONCLUSIONA FIT-based screening for age and risk-appropriate patients is practical in this environment, where the capacity and acceptability of colonoscopy are limited.
Vitamin B12 and Folate Concentrations in Recent-onset Type 2 Diabetes and the Effect of Metformin Treatment
Authors: Kanti Georgia , Anadol-Schmitz Evrim , Bobrov Pavel , Strassburger Klaus , Kahl Sabine , Zaharia Oana P , Sarabhai Theresia , Karusheva Yanislava , Burkart Volker , Markgraf Daniel F , Trenkamp Sandra , Ziegler Dan , Szendroedi Julia , Roden Michael ,   for the GDS Group, Roden M , Al-Hasani H , Buyken A E , Eckel J , Geerling G , Herder C , Icks A , Kotzka J , Kuß O , Lammert E , Markgraf D , Müssig K , Rathmann W , Szendrödi J , Ziegler D 
Published: March 2020

Abstract

Context
Vitamin B12 and folate deficiency are not only linked to hematological, neurological, and cardiovascular diseases, but are also associated with insulin resistance. Metformin can decrease vitamin B12 and folate concentrations.

Objective
To examine (1) effects of short-term metformin treatment on serum holotranscobalamin (holoTC) and folate and (2) their association with insulin sensitivity in recent-onset type 2 diabetes.

Design
This cross-sectional analysis comprised patients (known disease duration &lt;12 months) on metformin monotherapy (MET, n = 123, 81 males, 53 ± 12 years) or nonpharmacological treatment (NPT, n = 126, 77 males, 54 ± 11 years) of the German Diabetes Study.

Main Outcome Measures
HoloTC (enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay), cobalamin, and folate (electrochemiluminescence); beta-cell function and whole-body insulin sensitivity, measured during fasting (HOMA-B, HOMA-IR) and intravenous glucose tolerance tests combined with hyperinsulinemic–euglycemic clamp tests.

Results
HoloTC (105.4 [82.4, 128.3] vs 97 [79.7, 121.9] pmol/L) and folate concentrations (13.4 [9.3, 19.3] vs 12.7 [9.3, 22.0] nmol/L) were similar in both groups. Overall, holoTC was not associated with fasting or glucose-stimulated beta-cell function and insulin-stimulated glucose disposal. Cobalamin measurements yielded similar results in representative subgroups. In NPT but not MET, folate levels were inversely correlated with HOMA-IR (r = –0.239, P = .007). Folate levels did not relate to insulin sensitivity or insulin secretion in the whole cohort and in each group separately after adjustment for age, body mass index, and sex.

Conclusions
Metformin does not affect circulating holoTC and folate concentrations in recent-onset type 2 diabetes, rendering monitoring of vitamin B12 and folate dispensable, at least during the first 6 months after diagnosis or initiation of metformin.
Demonstration of wideband metal mesh filters for submillimeter astrophysics using flexible printed circuits
Authors: Uno Shinsuke , Takekoshi Tatsuya , Oshima Tai , Yoshioka Keisuke , Wuy Chin Kah , Kohno Kotaro 
Published: March 2020

We developed a wideband quasi-optical band-pass filter covering 170–520 GHz by exploiting the recent advancements in commercially available flexible printed circuit (FPC) fabrication technologies. We designed and fabricated a three-layered stack of loaded hexagonal grid metal meshes using a copper pattern with a narrowest linewidth of

50

µ

m

on a polyimide substrate. The measured frequency passband shape was successfully reproduced through a numerical simulation using a set of parameters consistent with the dimensions of the fabricated metal meshes. FPC-based metal mesh filters will provide a new pathway toward the on-demand development of millimeter/submillimeter-wave quasi-optical filters at low cost and with a short turnaround time.
Soliton detuning of 68.5  THz in the near-infrared in a highly nonlinear suspended core tellurite fiber
Authors: Karpate Tanvi , Stepniewski Grzegorz , Pysz Dariusz , Rampur Anupamaa , Stepanenko Yuriy , Buczynski Ryszard , Klimczak Mariusz 
Published: March 2020

We demonstrate an isolated phenomenon of soliton self-frequency shift over a bandwidth of 68.5 THz in the near-infrared spectral range. We designed, fabricated, and characterized a suspended core microstructured fiber made of highly nonlinear tellurite glass. The fiber is designed for a flat anomalous dispersion to leverage on Raman scattering-assisted frequency shift of a fundamental-order soliton. We demonstrate a prominent soliton with an input-power-based tunability in the spectral range from the 1560 nm central pump wavelength up to around 2400 nm central wavelength of the frequency-shifted soliton, when the fiber is pumped with 90 fs pulses from a commercial, fiber-based, mode-locked laser.
The Rhetorical Legacy of Wangari Maathai, Eddah M. Mutua, Alberto Gonzalez and Anke Wolbert (eds) (2018)
Authors: Ogbu Silk Ugwu 
Published: March 2020

Abstract
Lanham: Lexington Books, 221 pp.,
ISBN 978-1-49857-112-8, h/bk, $83.07
Effect of Polypropylene Short Fibers on Energy Absorption Capacity and Durability of Concrete
Authors: Eidan Javad , Rasoolan Iraj , Poorveis Davood , Rezaeian Abbas 
Published: March 2020

Abstract
This article presents an experiment-based study on the effect of low contents (1–2 kg/m3) of polypropylene short fibers of 6 and 12-mm length on energy absorption capacity and durability of concrete. The area under the stress–strain curve up to strain at maximum load and the water permeability obtained from stress–strain curves and the water penetration test, respectively, were considered to represent energy absorption capacity and durability of concrete, respectively. The results revealed that the addition of both 6 and 12-mm fibers enhances the behavior of concrete significantly. The mixes containing 2 kg/m3 polypropylene fibers showed the best performance. It was also concluded that 6-mm fibers have a better effect on energy absorption (an increase of 69 %) over 12-mm fibers, which showed a better effect on water permeability (a decrease of 53 %). Scanning electron microscope analysis was used to determine the failure mode of fibers and also verify well distribution of fibers in concrete.
Rubber Evaluations With Instron Testing Machine*Contribution No. 193 from the Research Laboratory of the Goodyear Tire and Rubber Co.
Authors: Gehman S. D. , Clifford R. P. 
Published: March 2020

Results are presented from an investigation undertaken to explore new opportunities for the evaluation of rubber from stress-strain characteristics obtained with an lnstron testing machine. The resistance strain gage load recording system, and the flexibility of control of the crosshead motions introduce a variety of possibilities not available with the usual pendulum type of rubber tester.
Accurate recording of the load-elongation curves for low elongations is .of particular interest for many technical applications. Reproducible deformation histories can be applied readily to test specimens and the e?ects on load-elongation curves observed. The transient character of the first-stretch load-elongation curve usually used in rubber testing is apparent by comparison with equilibrium curves after repeated cycling. The facility with which such data is obtained makes use of equilibrium curves feasible. Load relaxation at either constant elongation or constant compression may be recorded directly. Creep at constant load can also be determined. The e?ect of rate of longation on the load-elongation curves can be correlated with creep curves. The low load ranges available and the smooth crosshead motion give reproducible recording of load-elongation curves for raw rubber and raw compounds. These results have significance for some phases of processibility. The use of a small ring-shaped test specimen secured with a rotary cutter provides an elegant technique for sampling the tensile properties of the rubber in vulcanized rubber articles. Hysteresis may be evaluated by recording the decay of the vibratory load for the free vertical vibrations of a test specimen and attached mass. Hysteresis determinations can also be made over large ranges of amplitude by recording load-elongation cycles and measuring areas. Compressive as well as tensile loading may be used.
Results from these various procedures are given to illustrate the versatility and flexibility in testing with this equipment. They indicate important fields of usefulness for it in rubber testing other than routine testing for ultimate elongation and tensile strength, for which it is not particularly well adapted.
Somatostatin-Expressing Interneurons in the Auditory Cortex Mediate Sustained Suppression by Spectral Surround
Authors: Lakunina Anna A. , Nardoci Matthew B. , Ahmadian Yashar , Jaramillo Santiago 
Published: March 2020

Sensory systems integrate multiple stimulus features to generate coherent percepts. Spectral surround suppression, the phenomenon by which sound-evoked responses of auditory neurons are suppressed by stimuli outside their receptive field, is an example of this integration taking place in the auditory system. While this form of global integration is commonly observed in auditory cortical neurons, and potentially used by the nervous system to separate signals from noise, the mechanisms that underlie this suppression of activity are not well understood. We evaluated the contributions to spectral surround suppression of the two most common inhibitory cell types in the cortex, parvalbumin-expressing (PV+) and somatostatin-expressing (SOM+) interneurons, in mice of both sexes. We found that inactivating SOM+cells, but not PV+ cells, significantly reduces sustained spectral surround suppression in excitatory cells, indicating a dominant causal role for SOM+cells in the integration of information across multiple frequencies. The similarity of these results to those from other sensory cortices provides evidence of common mechanisms across the cerebral cortex for generating global percepts from separate features.SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENTTo generate coherent percepts, sensory systems integrate simultaneously occurring features of a stimulus, yet the mechanisms by which this integration occurs are not fully understood. Our results show that neurochemically distinct neuronal subtypes in the primary auditory cortex have different contributions to the integration of different frequency components of an acoustic stimulus. Together with findings from other sensory cortices, our results provide evidence of a common mechanism for cortical computations used for global integration of stimulus features.
Growth hormone retesting during puberty: a cohort study
Authors: Cavarzere Paolo , Gaudino Rossella , Sandri Marco , Ramaroli Diego Alberto , Pietrobelli Angelo , Zaffanello Marco , Guzzo Alessandra , Salvagno Gian Luca , Piacentini Giorgio , Antoniazzi Franco 
Published: March 2020

Objectives
To report the frequency and characteristics of growth hormone (GH) deficiency (GHD) in adolescents who had normalized GH secretion at mid-puberty and to identify possible factors predictive for GH sufficiency at puberty.

Design
Clinical analysis of children affected by GHD at five time points: diagnosis; first year of therapy; intermediate stage of puberty; retesting and end of growth phase.

Methods
The study population was 80 children with idiopathic GHD and treated with GH for at least 2 years. Treatment was discontinued at the intermediate stage of puberty. Retesting with an arginine test was performed 12 weeks later. If GH peak at retesting was ≥8 μg/L, the therapy was definitively discontinued, otherwise it was restarted and continued until achievement of near-final height.

Results
GH therapy was discontinued in 44 children (55%), and restarted in 36 (45%). No evidence of differences in definitive height and in the delta height between the genetic target and the definitive height was found between the two groups. The only predictive factor for GHD at mid-puberty was the insulin growth factor-1 (IGF-1) level at 1 year of GH treatment.

Conclusions
GH secretion should be retested at mid-puberty. Retesting at puberty may reduce potential side effects and minimize costs, without impairing growth potential and final height.
Revista Latinoamericana de Derechos Humanos: 20 años
Authors: Cerdas Agüero Evelyn 
Published: March 2020

This paper aims to review 20 years of history of the Revista Latinoamericana de Derechos Humanos (Latin American Journal of Human Rights) since its inception as DEHUIDELA in 2009. The article proposes that this publication is born as an effort of the Instituto de Estudios Latinoamericanos (Institute of Latin American Studies) (IDELA) to support the Human Rights program, as well as an opportunity to develop various themes that will stimulate the students of the Institute in their research topics. Starting with a new effort in 2009, the journal takes a step to become an indexed scientific publication whose main focus is the publication of works related to human rights as perceived from various disciplines and approaches. It is concluded that the work input over the years has made Revista Latinoamericana de Derechos Humanos a quality print and electronic publication that contributes to the dissemination of knowledge of human rights in Latin America from the public university.es
Venda Sexy: Memorias no oficiales de un centro de detención
Authors: Arellano Hermosilla Claudia 
Published: March 2020

The following article reflects on the memories and stories of women who were survivors of the Centro de Detención y Tortura la Venda Sexy (Venda Sexy Detention and Torture Center), of the Directorate of National Intelligence (DINA), during the military dictatorship in Chile. This precinct, in particular, exacerbated the repression, inclined towards sexual political violence. Within these extremely repressive conditions there existed instances of resistance and sorority among women, which allowed them to bend that historical wound, towards an assemblage process, which has translocated to the current feminist struggle.
Apuntes jurisprudenciales: La sentencia del caso Cuscul Piraval y otros Vs. Guatemala, emitida por la Corte Interamericana de Derechos Humanos
Authors: Díaz Pérez Alejandro 
Published: March 2020

The judgement of Case of Cuscul Piraval and Others V. Guatemala of August 23, 2018, issued by the Inter-American Court of Human Rights represents the first specific condemnation of the principle of progressivity. However, this substantial advance in the justiciability of economic, social and cultural rights is accompanied by enormous challenges yet to be overcome by the Inter-American system. The present article reflects on these challenges by analyzing this important resolution.