bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Mechanical behaviour of Steel fibre reinforced concrete beams: a review
Authors: Fares Amin Al-Khwaja Aysar , Keong Choong Kok , Geem-Eng Tan 
Published: September 2020

Abstract
Concrete is one of the most widely utilized material in the world. It is mainly used in construction due to its capability to be formed to any required shape. This because of the good workability of the fresh concrete. However, concrete is still a brittle material that makes it tends to fail under tension. Thus, a material with high tensile strength needs to be included in the mixture such as steel rebars and steel fibres (SF). This review paper summarizes previous studies that investigated the effect of SFs addition on the mechanical properties of reinforced concrete (RC) beams. Researchers in all previous studies agreed that the addition of fibres in RC beams can noticeably improve the mechanical properties, serviceability, and durability of RC beams. Generally, the effect of SFs on the RC beams was dependent on various factors such as aspect ratios, volume percentages, and type of SFs. It was confirmed that the optimum SFs content ranged from 0.75 to 1.5 V.%, depending on the strength of concrete. However, more studies are required to further understand the effect of fibres on the properties of concrete in beams with different cross-sectional shapes.
Effect of hydrogen embrittlement towards thermal and mechanical behavior of NiTi shape memory alloy
Authors: Ng C W , Mahmud A S , Razali M F , Ahmad M N 
Published: September 2020

Abstract
NiTi arch wires are susceptible to hydrogen embrittlement upon contact with dental brackets in oral cavity during orthodontic treatment. This study investigated the effect of hydrogen absorption and diffusion over time towards the thermal and mechanical properties of NiTi shape memory wire. The hydrogen absorption process was carried out via electrolytic charging at constant current density for 16 hours in 1.0 weight percent (wt.%) sodium sulphate solution. The hydrogen charged wires were aged at room temperature in air for different durations to allow further inward diffusion of the hydrogen into the specimens. The results show that after hydrogen charging, the latent heat of forward and reverse martensitic phase transformation of the NiTi wire changed from 19.96 to 11.98 J/g, and 19.21 to 13.42 J/g, respectively. Further suppression and disappearance of thermal transformation peaks were observed as the charged specimen aged for 7 days. The transformation stress level on tensile deformation increased by almost 90 MPa after hydrogen charging, and exhibited non-flat stress plateau after further aging.
Evaporation rate of molten copper in argon and nitrogen gas flow and characteristics of condensed particles
Authors: Yokoyama S , Nakano K , Sasano J 
Published: September 2020

Abstract
Copper has been levitation-melted in room temperature Ar and N2 gas flows to investigate the evaporation rate and characteristics of condensed particles. The evaporation measured experimentally increased with the increases of the temperature of the levitated Cu, and the gas flow rate. The site, the concentration and temperature at the vapor condensation in the gas film around the levitated Cu was analysed using the temperature distribution and the critical supersaturation concentration of Cu vapor. There was a linear relationship between the calculated and the experimentally obtained evaporation rates. The calculated evaporation rate was larger than the experimentally measured rate. The condensed particles were metallic Cu. When the temperature at the vapor condensation site was lower than the melting point of Cu, the vapor condensed as a solid phase, and the solid particles did not grow with collision-coalescence of the particles. Therefore, the size of them was not influenced by the temperature of levitated Cu and the gas flow rate. When the temperature at the condensation site was higher than the melting point, the size of them was increased by the distance which was the difference in the position at the melting point and the vapor condensation.
Effect of Modulation of the Astrocytic Glutamate Transporters’ Expression on Cocaine-Induced Reinstatement in Male P Rats Exposed to Ethanol
Authors: Hammad Alaa M , Alasmari Fawaz , Sari Youssef 
Published: September 2020

Abstract

Aim
Reinforcing properties of ethanol and cocaine are mediated in part through the glutamatergic system. Extracellular glutamate concentration is strictly maintained through several glutamate transporters, such as glutamate transporter 1 (GLT-1), cystine/glutamate transporter (xCT) and glutamate aspartate transporter (GLAST). Previous findings revealed that cocaine and ethanol exposure downregulated GLT-1 and xCT, and that β-lactam antibiotics restored their expression.

Methods
In this study, we investigated the effect of ampicillin/sulbactam (AMP/SUL) (200 mg/kg, i.p.), a β-lactam antibiotic, on cocaine-induced reinstatement and locomotor activity in male alcohol preferring (P) rats using free choice ethanol (15 and 30%, v/v) and water. We also investigated the effect of co-exposure to ethanol and cocaine (20 mg/kg, i.p.) on GLT-1, xCT and GLAST expression in the nucleus accumbens (NAc) core, NAc shell and dorsomedial prefrontal cortex (dmPFC).

Results
Cocaine exposure decreased ethanol intake and preference. Cocaine and ethanol co-exposure acquired place preference and increased locomotor activity compared to ethanol-exposed rats. GLT-1 and xCT expression were downregulated after cocaine and ethanol co-exposure in the NAc core and shell, but not in dmPFC. AMP/SUL attenuated reinstatement to cocaine as well attenuated the decrease in locomotor activity and ethanol intake and preference. These effects were associated with upregulation of GLT-1 and xCT expression in the NAc core/shell and dmPFC. GLAST expression was not affected after ethanol and cocaine co-exposure or AMP/SUL treatment.

Conclusion
Our findings demonstrate that astrocytic glutamate transporters within the mesocorticolimbic area are critical targets in modulating cocaine-seeking behavior while being consuming ethanol.
By Whose Authority? Sexual Ethics, Postmodernism, and Orthodox Christianity
Authors: Ford Mary S 
Published: September 2020

Abstract
The traditional Christian teaching is that engaging in sexual activity, whether heterosexual or homosexual, outside the marriage of one man and one woman is sinful (as distinct from having thoughts about illicit sexual desire, which need not be sinful as long as they are not meditated and/or acted upon—in the same way that the Church teaches about any “logismoi”). In direct contrast, there are those in the Church who quite recently have begun to insist that the traditional teachings concerning sexual sin need to be changed. In particular, the effort is being made to have the Church accept homosexual behavior as not sinful or problematic in any way—at least not for committed homosexuals, as comparable to committed heterosexuals in a marriage. As we all know, this relatively recent view has been promoted heavily in the media and popular culture, and even by our national government. As we make our observations, we will particularly focus on traditional Orthodox Christianity as the fullness of the truth and, thus, the source of the true alternative to this “new” outlook that is gripping much of popular Western culture today.
Financial subordination and uneven financialization in 21st century Africa
Authors: Kvangraven Ingrid Harvold , Koddenbrock Kai , Sylla Ndongo Samba 
Published: September 2020

AbstractThe financialization debate has not paid enough attention to the African continent. The continent’s populations and governments have found creative ways of dealing with the capitalist world market and political power relations since decolonization in the late 1950s. However, several forms of structural dependence and subordination persist. We ask in this article how the global process of financialization has unfolded across the continent and what it means for relations of dependence. We understand financialization as the global expansion of financial practices, and, in particular, the financial sector, that followed the end of the Bretton Woods era. We consider to what extent it has occurred at all in the four case study countries of Mauritius, Nigeria, Zambia, and South Africa. The empirical analysis of aggregate country data shows that financialization is, at best, an uneven and patchy process on the continent, not a general structural shift in the way capital accumulation is organized. Rather, where financialization occurred, it appears to have diversified the relations of dependence that states, corporations, and populations have found themselves in.
Treatment of Coronavirus Disease 2019 Patients With Prolonged Postsymptomatic Viral Shedding With Leflunomide: A Single-center Randomized Controlled Clinical Trial
Authors: Wang Mengmei , Zhao Yang , Hu Weihua , Zhao Dong , Zhang Yunting , Wang Tao , Zheng Zhishui , Li Xiaochen , Zeng Shaolin , Liu Zhenlian , Lu Li , Wan Zhihui , Hu Ke 
Published: September 2020

AbstractBackgroundWe aimed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of leflunomide, an approved dihydroorotate dehydrogenase inhibitor, to treat coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) patients with prolonged postsymptomatic viral shedding.MethodsWe conducted a prospective, randomized controlled, open-label trial involving hospitalized adult COVID-19 patients with prolonged polymerase chain reaction (PCR) positivity. Patients were randomly assigned to receive either leflunomide (50 mg every 12 hours, 3 consecutive times, orally; then 20 mg once daily for 8 days), in addition to nebulized interferon alpha 2a (IFN-α-2a, 3 million IU each time, twice daily for 10 days), or nebulized IFN-α-2a alone for 10 days. The primary endpoint was the duration of viral shedding.ResultsA total of 50 COVID-19 patients with prolonged PCR positivity were randomized into 2 groups: 26 were assigned to the leflunomide plus IFN-α-2a group, and 24 were assigned to the interferon-alone group. Treatment with leflunomide was not associated with a difference from the interferon-alone group in the duration of viral shedding (hazard ratio for negative reverse-transcription PCR, 0.70 [95% confidence interval, .391–1.256]; P = .186). In addition, the patients given leflunomide did not have a substantially shorter length of hospital stay than patients treated with interferon alone, with median durations of 29.0 (interquartile range [IQR], 19.3–47.3) days and 33.0 (IQR, 29.3–42.8) days, respectively (P = .170). Two leflunomide recipients were unable to complete the full 10-day course of administration due to adverse events.ConclusionsIn COVID-19 patients with prolonged PCR positivity, no benefit in terms of the duration of viral shedding was observed with the combined treatment of leflunomide and IFN-α-2a beyond IFN-α-2a alone.
A Theory of Professional Identity in Journalism: Connecting Discursive Institutionalism, Socialization, and Psychological Resilience Theory
Authors: Raemy Patric 
Published: September 2020

AbstractStudies about journalists’ professional identity have so far been scarce. However, understanding the constitution and formation processes of professional identity helps to explore journalists’ and journalism’s identity, performance, and adaption to challenges. The study enhances theories about journalistic roles, professional identity, and adaptation processes in journalism, based on a synthesis of literature from different fields as well as qualitative interviews with 20 journalists from print and online Swiss newspapers. This research proposes a model that explains: (a) the constitution of professional identity in journalism as an additive, relational, and hierarchical concept; and (b) the process of formation at three distinct level of analysis. The idea is that different theories address adaptation processes on distinctive analytical fields: discursive institutionalism captures the relationship between journalists’ and journalism’s identity (macro); socialization theory focuses on the adaption process into a social community (meso); and resilience theory explains individuals’ adaptation in face of challenges (micro).
Comparative differences in the atherosclerotic disease burden between the epicardial coronary arteries: quantitative plaque analysis on coronary computed tomography angiography
Authors: Bax A Maxim , van Rosendael Alexander R , Ma Xiaoyue , van den Hoogen Inge J , Gianni Umberto , Tantawy Sara W , Hollenberg Emma J , Andreini Daniele , Al-Mallah Mouaz H , Budoff Matthew J , Cademartiri Filippo , Chinnaiyan Kavitha , Choi Jung Hyun , Conte Edoardo , Marques Hugo , de Araújo Gonçalves Pedro , Gottlieb Ilan , Hadamitzky Martin , Leipsic Jonathon A , Maffei Erica , Pontone Gianluca , Shin Sanghoon , Kim Yong-Jin , Lee Byoung Kwon , Chun Eun Ju , Sung Ji Min , Lee Sang-Eun , Virmani Renu , Samady Habib , Stone Peter H , Berman Daniel S , Min James K , Narula Jagat , Lin Fay Y , Chang Hyuk-Jae , Shaw Leslee J ,   for the PARADIGM Investigators
Published: September 2020

Abstract

Aims
Anatomic series commonly report the extent and severity of coronary artery disease (CAD), regardless of location. The aim of this study was to evaluate differences in atherosclerotic plaque burden and composition across the major epicardial coronary arteries.

Methods and results
A total of 1271 patients (age 60 ± 9 years; 57% men) with suspected CAD prospectively underwent coronary computed tomography angiography (CCTA). Atherosclerotic plaque volume was quantified with categorization by composition (necrotic core, fibrofatty, fibrous, and calcified) based on Hounsfield Unit density. Per-vessel measures were compared using generalized estimating equation models. On CCTA, total plaque volume was lowest in the LCx (10.0 ± 29.4 mm3), followed by the RCA (32.8 ± 82.7 mm3; P &lt; 0.001), and LAD (58.6 ± 83.3 mm3; P &lt; 0.001), even when correcting for vessel length or volume. The prevalence of ≥2 high-risk plaque features, such as positive remodelling or spotty calcification, occurred less in the LCx (3.8%) when compared with the LAD (21.4%) or RCA (10.9%, P &lt; 0.001). In the LCx, the most stenotic lesion was categorized as largely calcified more often than in the RCA and LAD (55.3% vs. 39.4% vs. 32.7%; P &lt; 0.001). Median diameter stenosis was also lowest in the LCx (16.2%) and highest in the LAD (21.3%; P &lt; 0.001) and located more distal along the LCx when compared with the RCA and LAD (P &lt; 0.001).

Conclusion
Atherosclerotic plaque, irrespective of vessel volume, varied across the epicardial coronary arteries; with a significantly lower burden and different compositions in the LCx when compared with the LAD and RCA. These volumetric and compositional findings support a diverse milieu for atherosclerotic plaque development and may contribute to a varied acute coronary risk between the major epicardial coronary arteries.
Pulmonary valve endocarditis in adults with congenital heart disease: the role of echocardiography in a case series
Authors: Fusco Flavia , Scognamiglio Giancarlo , Correra Anna , Merola Assunta , Colonna Diego , Palma Michela , Romeo Emanuele , Sarubbi Berardo 
Published: September 2020

Abstract

Background
Pulmonary valve (PV) endocarditis is a frequent complication during follow-up in patients with repaired right ventricular outflow tract (RVOT) obstruction and poses relevant diagnostic and treatment challenges. We aimed to describe in details the possible different clinical presentations of this rare condition and to highlight the role of both transthoracic and transoesophageal echocardiography which, in experienced hands, may provide comprehensive useful information for the clinicians.

Case summary
We below describe the clinical presentation and the echo findings of three cases of pulmonary valve endocarditis complicating disease course after different repair modalities of congenital right ventricular outflow tract obstruction.

Discussion
The present case series outlines the diagnostic challenges of this increasingly frequent complication during follow-up of patients with congenital RVOT dysfunction after both surgical and percutaneous repair. Despite the diffusion of multimodality imaging, echocardiography with PV-dedicated views play a pivotal role in diagnosing such condition and guiding clinical management. Furthermore, this case series highlight that the suspicion of infective endocarditis should be raised whenever a sudden increase in transvalvular gradient is found during follow-up.
Mechanisms, features, and significance of diastolic mitral regurgitation: a case series
Authors: Li Quan , Liu Yu , Zuo Wuxu , Chen Haiyan , Zhao Weipeng , Dong Lili , Pan Cuizhen , Shu Xianhong 
Published: September 2020

Abstract

Background
Diastolic mitral regurgitation (DMR) is a type of functional mitral regurgitation. Its occurrence in the diastolic phase of cardiac cycle renders DMR an easily ignored entity. Confusing it with systolic mitral regurgitation occasionally happens. The reversal of left atrioventricular pressure gradient during diastole and the incomplete closure of mitral valve are the essential conditions for DMR. Diastolic mitral regurgitation develops under various situations, where the mechanisms of diastolic reversal of left atrioventricular pressure gradient differ.

Case summary
Patient 1 was a 50-year-old man diagnosed with 2:1 second-degree atrioventricular block (AVB). Patient 2 was a 70-year-old man diagnosed with first-degree AVB. Patient 3 was a 66-year-old man diagnosed with atrial fibrillation with long intermission and occasional atrial flutter with unequal conduction. Patient 4 was a 54-year-old woman diagnosed with dilated cardiomyopathy with complete left bundle branch block. Patient 5 was a 36-year-old man diagnosed with severe acute aortic regurgitation secondary to subacute bacterial endocarditis.

Discussion
Although the degree of DMR is relatively mild, its appearance generally prompts further clinical considerations. The appreciation of DMR has an incremental value for diagnosing and evaluating the underlying cardiovascular disease.
Recurrent seizures in a young woman: when video-EEG diagnoses a cardiac cause: a case report
Authors: Chaumont Corentin , Bourilhon Julie , Chastan Nathalie , Mirolo Adrian , Eltchaninoff Hélène , Anselme Frédéric 
Published: September 2020

AbstractBackgroundWhile transient loss of consciousness is a frequent presenting symptom, differential diagnosis between syncope and epilepsy can be challenging. Misdiagnosis of epilepsy leads to important psychosocial consequences and eliminates the opportunity to treat patient’s true condition.Case summaryA 39-year-old woman presenting with recurrent seizures since her childhood was referred to neurological consultation. Electroencephalograms (EEGs) and magnetic resonance imaging previously performed were normal. A sleep-deprived video-EEG was performed and highlighted after 12 h of sleep deprivation a progressive dropping of the heart rate followed by a complete heart block without ventricular escape rhythm and asystole for about 30 s. Her EEG recording later showed diffuse slow waves traducing a global cerebral dysfunction and suffering. The diagnosis of vaso-vagal syncope with predominant cardioinhibitory response was made and a dual-chamber pacemaker with rate-drop response algorithm was implanted. After a 2 years of follow-up, the patient remained free of syncope.DiscussionPatients presenting with loss of consciousness and convulsion are often diagnosed with epilepsy despite normal EEGs. In patients presenting with recurrent seizures with unclear diagnosis of epilepsy or in a situation of drug-resistant epilepsy, syncope diagnosis should always be considered and a risk stratification is necessary. The benefit of pacemaker implantation in patients with recurrent vaso-vagal syncope is still very controversial. Only patients presenting with spontaneous asystole should be considered for pacemaker implantation in case of recurrent vaso-vagal syncope.
Case report of asymptomatic very late presentation of ALCAPA syndrome: review of the literature since pathophysiology until treatment
Authors: Cambronero-Cortinas Esther , Moratalla-Haro Pedro , González-García Ana Elvira , Oliver-Ruiz José María 
Published: September 2020

Abstract

Background
Anomalous origin of the left coronary artery (LCA) from the pulmonary artery (ALCAPA) is an unusual congenital heart defect which affects approximately 1 in 300 000 live births and accounts for 0.5% of all congenital heart disease. Without surgical intervention, most patients die in infancy (nearly 90%).

Case summary
We present a rare case of an asymptomatic 67-year-old female. Transthoracic echocardiography demonstrated a dilated right coronary artery (RCA) and multiple collaterals. ALCAPA was confirmed by multidetector computed tomography. The left main artery was seen originating from the pulmonary artery and well-developed collaterals were visualized between the RCA and LCA. No areas of myocardial infarction were identified on cardiac magnetic resonance. Stress studies showed no inducible ischaemia.

Discussion
Our clinical case of an ALCAPA patient who survived and remained asymptomatic to their late 60’s, highlights the importance of well-collateralized and pressurized coronary system to maintain adequate myocardial perfusion. Physicians should be aware of this congenital anomaly as appropriate early diagnosis is crucial to prevent irreversible myocardial damage, acute ischaemia, and arrhythmias, and can improve patient outcomes. Surgical treatment is suggested irrespective of symptomatology or the presence of inducible myocardial ischaemia.
MitraClip-related infective endocarditis in a frail, elderly patient: a case report
Authors: Leow Kevin , Isreb Courtney , Brown Martin 
Published: September 2020

Abstract

Background
The incidence of infective endocarditis (IE) following a MitraClip is rare with 17 reported cases in the literature. The reported mortality rate is high, at 41%, despite both medical and surgical therapies. To date, this is the first documented case of IE following a MitraClip procedure in Australia.

Case summary
An 88-year-old male presented with a 1-week history of confusion and dyspnoea. Clinical examination was significant for a temperature of 37.7°C, a pansystolic murmur and bilateral pitting oedema to mid-shin, but no peripheral stigmata of IE. His history included a MitraClip procedure 11 weeks prior for severe mitral regurgitation. Initial blood cultures grew enterococcus faecalis. A transthoracic echocardiogram did not identify vegetations on the MitraClip. Subsequent transoesophageal echocardiogram (TOE) identified a 4 mm × 2 mm echodensity on the posterior mitral valve leaflet suggestive of IE. He was deemed not suitable for surgical intervention due to poor cognitive reserve and his medical comorbidities, so he commenced intravenous (IV) Ampicillin and Ceftriaxone which was later changed to Benzylpenicillin. Repeat TOE 2 weeks later showed the vegetation to have increased to ∼1 cm in length, so his treatment was reverted to Ampicillin. A further TOE 4 weeks later showed reduction in size to 5 mm × 2 mm. After 6 weeks of IV antibiotics, the patient was discharged on lifelong oral antibiotics.

Discussion
Infective endocarditis following MitraClip procedure is rare. This disease has a high mortality rate despite optimal medical and surgical therapy. Increased awareness amongst clinicians is important given an increasing volume of MitraClip procedures.