bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Comparison of seismic performance of reinforced concrete frame structure and composite frame structure using response spectrum analysis
Authors: Karthiga Shenbagam N , Santhosh R , Kannan V 
Published: March 2020

Abstract
This research is mainly focused on the behaviour of the concrete and composite framed structures when such structural buildings are subjected to special loadings such as seismic loading. To evaluate the forces and failures in such building subjected to seismic forces linear dynamic statistical analysis method - Response spectrum analysis is carried out. This method results us with a complete response of time history at each and every particular joint by showing its displacements and member forces. In this an RC framed structure of M25 grade of concrete with G+7 storey and also a Composite structure of G+6 storey is modelled in ETABS as per Indian Standard Code 1893: 2002 Part(I). The building is situated in Himachal Pradesh with a seismic intensity of zone factor V. The concept of strong column weak beam is adopted here throughout the paper. Response spectrum analysis technique was used with the help of ETABS for both the composite and reinforced concrete structure. The results were explained in detail having the parameters in consideration with the base shear, storey deflection and storey drift are compared for each model.
Aerodynamic design and structural optimization of a wing for an Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV)
Authors: Raja Sekar K , Ramesh M , Naveen R , Prasath M S , Vigneshmoorthy D 
Published: March 2020

Abstract
This paper summarizes the process of structural design, analyses and optimization for weight reduction of a UAV wing. A semi-monocoque wing structure that consists of ribs, spars and skin are efficiently optimized for Weight minimization without reducing the Strength to weight ratio. Initially a solid wing surface is designed with the air foil co-ordinates of NACA 2412. The CFD Analysis is carried out to get pressure distribution on various arrangements of wing by changing angles of attack. From the CFD results the variation of coefficient of lift for different angle of attack is determined. The pressure fields obtained from CFD analysis is imposed on structural members for structural analysis. Optimization of this wing is done considering various cases until the required performance is obtained. The results are obtained for the optimized wing and this helps in obtaining reduced weight of the wing and increased strength to weight ratio. Results show that substantial improvement has been achieved in comparison to the standard model.
60 GHz Low-Noise Amplifier for Detection Systems
Authors: Sanoussy Diao Pape 
Published: March 2020

Abstract
This paper presents a 60 GHz low-noise amplifier (LNA) to improve detection systems performance. The considered system is based on impulse radar technology. The LNA is designed in GaAs metamorphic High Electron Mobility Transistor (m-HEMT) technology. Three stages common source transistors are used with inductive degeneration for a good tradeoff between gain and noise. The post-layout simulation results show a noise factor of 2.06 dB and a gain of 14.5 dB at 60.2 GHz, for a power consumption of 13.5 mW. The simulated nonlinear characteristics show an IP
1dB
(Input 1 dB compression Point) of -10 dBm and an IIP3 (Input third-order Intercept Point) of -4.4 dBm. The LNA occupies an area of 1.56 × 1.29 mm2.
Deep Fading in a Reverberation Chamber for Wireless Device Testing
Authors: Cammin Christoph , Krush Dmytro , Heynicke Ralf , Scholl Gerd 
Published: March 2020

Abstract
Reverberation chambers (RCs) are a feasible option as test environment for evaluation of wireless devices with integrated antenna as they inherently emulate a Rayleigh fading channel. In this paper the dependency of deep fading on the frequency and position/orientation of an equipment under test (EUT) antenna is evaluated for different numbers of RC steps and loading conditions. The measured data were applied to an exemplary standard for wireless communication. The measurement results are highly repeatable and independent of frequency or position/orientation of the EUT and loading conditions.
Monthly storminess over the Po River Basin during the past millennium (800–2018 CE)
Authors: Diodato Nazzareno , Ljungqvist Fredrik Charpentier , Bellocchi Gianni 
Published: March 2020

Abstract
Reconstructing the occurrence of diluvial storms over centennial to millennial time-scales allows for placing the emergence of modern damaging hydrological events in a longer perspective to facilitate a better understanding of their rate of return in the absence of significant anthropogenic climatic forcing. These extremes have implications for the risk of flooding in sub-regional river basins during both colder and warmer climate states. Here, we present the first homogeneous millennium-long (800–2018 CE) time-series of diluvial storms for the Po River Basin, northern Italy, which is also the longest such time-series of monthly data for the entire Europe. The monthly reconstruction of damaging hydrological events derives from several types of historical documentary sources and reveals 387 such events, allowing the construction of storm severity indices by transforming the information into a monthly, quantitative, record. A period of reduced diluvial storms occurred in the ninth and tenth centuries, followed by a stormier period culminating in the eleventh and thirteenth centuries. More complex patterns emerge in the fourteenth to sixteenth centuries, with generally wetter and stormier conditions than during other centuries. From the seventeenth century onwards the number of damaging hydrological events decreases, with a return in recent decades to conditions similar to those prior to the thirteenth century The flood frequency tended to increase for all seasons during periods of low solar irradiance, suggesting the presence of solar-induced circulation changes resembling the negative phases of the Atlantic Multidecadal Variability as a controlling atmospheric mechanism.
The Influence of Photo Editing Applications on Patients Seeking Facial Plastic Surgery Services
Authors: Othman Sammy , Lyons Tanner , Cohn Jason E , Shokri Tom , Bloom Jason D 
Published: March 2020

Abstract

Background
The utilization of the smartphone and social media have introduced paradigm shifts to cosmetic surgery. Much has been studied regarding social media and its influences in plastic surgery; however, little is known about facial editing applications and how these relate to plastic surgery practices.

Objectives
The authors sought to discover if face-editing applications influence patients’ pursuit of plastic surgery, who utilizes these applications, and why.

Methods
An anonymous survey was administered between September and December 2019, including questions about demographics, familiarity, and utilization of face-editing applications, motivations in utilization and influences towards pursuing cosmetic procedures, and attitudes towards applications.

Results
Seventy patients completed the survey and 32.9% admitted to utilizing face-editing applications. Patients utilizing applications were significantly younger (36.9 years) than those who did not (54 years [P &lt; 0.001]). Among those familiar with applications, women were significantly more likely than men to utilize them (100% vs 78.6%, respectively [P = 0.047]). Social media was the most common influence for utilizing apps (87%). The majority confirmed that these applications played a role in pursuing cosmetic procedures (56.5%). Most patients did not regret their utilization of these applications (87%).

Conclusions
Face-editing applications serve a role regarding patient decision-making to pursue cosmetic surgery. Several motivators exist for application utilization, the largest of which is social media. Younger females are the most likely demographic to utilize applications and generally do not express regret in doing so. Plastic surgeons would benefit by understanding patient motivations and expectations created by utilizing these applications.
Association of midlife stroke risk with structural brain integrity and memory performance at older ages: a longitudinal cohort study
Authors: Zsoldos Enikő , Mahmood Abda , Filippini Nicola , Suri Sana , Heise Verena , Griffanti Ludovica , Mackay Clare E , Singh-Manoux Archana , Kivimäki Mika , Ebmeier Klaus P 
Published: March 2020

Abstract
Cardiovascular health in midlife is an established risk factor for cognitive function later in life. Knowing mechanisms of this association may allow preventative steps to be taken to preserve brain health and cognitive performance in older age. In this study, we investigated the association of the Framingham stroke-risk score, a validated multifactorial predictor of 10-year risk of stroke, with brain measures and cognitive performance in stroke-free individuals. We used a large (N = 800) longitudinal cohort of community-dwelling adults of the Whitehall II imaging sub-study with no obvious structural brain abnormalities, who had Framingham stroke risk measured five times between 1991 and 2013 and MRI measures of structural integrity, and cognitive function performed between 2012 and 2016 [baseline mean age 47.9 (5.2) years, range 39.7–62.7 years; MRI mean age 69.81 (5.2) years, range 60.3–84.6 years; 80.6% men]. Unadjusted linear associations were assessed between the Framingham stroke-risk score in each wave and voxelwise grey matter density, fractional anisotropy and mean diffusivity at follow-up. These analyses were repeated including socio-demographic confounders as well as stroke risk in previous waves to examine the effect of residual risk acquired between waves. Finally, we used structural equation modelling to assess whether stroke risk negatively affects cognitive performance via specific brain measures. Higher unadjusted stroke risk measured at each of the five waves over 20 years prior to the MRI scan was associated with lower voxelwise grey and white matter measures. After adjusting for socio-demographic variables, higher stroke risk from 1991 to 2009 was associated with lower grey matter volume in the medial temporal lobe. Higher stroke risk from 1997 to 2013 was associated with lower fractional anisotropy along the corpus callosum. In addition, higher stroke risk from 2012 to 2013, sequentially adjusted for risk measured in 1991–94, 1997–98 and 2002–04 (i.e. ‘residual risks’ acquired from the time of these examinations onwards), was associated with widespread lower fractional anisotropy, and lower grey matter volume in sub-neocortical structures. Structural equation modelling suggested that such reductions in brain integrity were associated with cognitive impairment. These findings highlight the importance of considering cerebrovascular health in midlife as important for brain integrity and cognitive function later in life (ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT03335696).
Confidence in Decision-Making during Probabilistic Tactile Learning Related to Distinct Thalamo–Prefrontal Pathways
Authors: Wang Bin A , Pleger Burkhard 
Published: March 2020

Abstract
The flexibility in adjusting the decision strategy from trial to trial is a prerequisite for learning in a probabilistic environment. Corresponding neural underpinnings remain largely unexplored. In the present study, 28 male humans were engaged in an associative learning task, in which they had to learn the changing probabilistic strengths of tactile sample stimuli. Combining functional magnetic resonance imaging with computational modeling, we show that an unchanged decision strategy over successively presented trials related to weakened functional connectivity between ventralmedial prefrontal cortex (vmPFC) and left secondary somatosensory cortex. The weaker the connection strength, the faster participants indicated their choice. If the decision strategy remained unchanged, participant’s decision confidence (i.e., prior belief) was related to functional connectivity between vmPFC and right pulvinar. While adjusting the decision strategy, we instead found confidence-related connections between left orbitofrontal cortex and left thalamic mediodorsal nucleus. The stronger the participant’s prior belief, the weaker the connection strengths. Together, these findings suggest that distinct thalamo–prefrontal pathways encode the confidence in keeping or changing the decision strategy during probabilistic learning. Low confidence in the decision strategy demands more thalamo–prefrontal processing resources, which is in-line with the theoretical accounts of the free-energy principle.
Habitat openness and edge avoidance predict Saltmarsh Sparrow abundance better than habitat area
Authors: Marshall Hallie , Blomberg Erik J , Watson Valerie , Conway Meaghan , Cohen Jonathan B , Correll Maureen D , Elphick Chris S , Hodgman Thomas P , Kocek Alison R , Kovach Adrienne I , Shriver W Gregory , Wiest Whitney A , Olsen Brian J 
Published: March 2020

Abstract
The Saltmarsh Sparrow (Ammospiza caudacuta) is a tidal marsh bird facing rapid population decline throughout its range, largely caused by degradation and loss of breeding habitat. Thus, there is a need to preserve tidal marshes in the northeastern United States, but to do so requires an understanding of the habitat features that support robust populations. Previous studies have shown Saltmarsh Sparrow abundance increases with marsh size, but in similar bird species, area sensitivity is more directly linked to edge avoidance. Whether additional landscape features affect the abundance of Saltmarsh Sparrows is unknown. We explored how the height of objects on the horizon, an index of habitat openness, affected the abundance of Saltmarsh Sparrows. Our primary goal was to determine whether the angle to the highest point on the horizon (“angle to maximum horizon”) predicted abundance better than marsh area or distance to the marsh edge. We used N-mixture models to evaluate the combination of spatial factors that best predicted Saltmarsh Sparrow abundance while also accounting for survey-level variables that could influence detection probability. We found that the interaction between distance to edge and angle to maximum horizon best predicted abundance. Taller objects on the horizon were negatively correlated with bird abundance, and this effect was strongest within 50 m of the marsh edge. When we considered the predictive powers of patch area, distance to edge, and angle to maximum horizon individually, angle to maximum horizon was the best single predictor. We found the highest abundance of Saltmarsh Sparrows at point locations where the angle to maximum horizon was 0.0°, and at angles greater than 12° the predicted abundance fell below 1 bird per survey point. We propose that managers should prioritize marsh openness and experimentally test the effect of marsh edge manipulations when making conservation decisions for this rapidly declining species.
The evaluation of aortic stenosis, how the new guidelines are implemented across Europe: a survey by EACVI
Authors: Michalski Blazej , Dweck Marc R , Marsan Nina Ajmone , Cameli Matteo , D’Andrea Antonello , Carvalho Ricardo Fontes , Holte Espen , Podlesnikar Tomaz , Manka Robert , Haugaa Kristina H 
Published: March 2020

Abstract
Aortic stenosis (AS) is the most prevalent valvular disease in developed countries, with a prevalence that is set to expand further with an ageing population. The most recent guidelines on valvular heart disease published by the European Society of Cardiology and the European Association for Cardio-Thoracic Surgery, aim to standardize the diagnosis and management of valvular heart diseases. The imaging criteria of the current guidelines are mostly based on EACVI Recommendations, with an appropriate diagnostic workflow being of major importance, to ensure streamlined and efficient patient assessment and accurate diagnoses and decisions regarding the timing of surgery. The EACVI Scientific Initiatives Committee, therefore, created a survey on the imaging assessment of patient with AS to investigate the diagnostic patient pathways used in different centres across Europe. In particular, we conducted this survey to better understand the use and access of advanced imaging techniques in AS including 3D transthoracic echocardiography and 3D transoesophageal echocardiography, cardiac computed tomography, and cardiovascular magnetic resonance.
Speckle tracking deformation imaging to detect regional fibrosis in hypertrophic cardiomyopathy: a comparison between 2D and 3D echo modalities
Authors: Pagourelias Efstathios D , Mirea Oana , Duchenne Jürgen , Unlu Serkan , Van Cleemput Johan , Papadopoulos Christodoulos E , Bogaert Jan , Vassilikos Vasilios P , Voigt Jens-Uwe 
Published: March 2020

Abstract

Aims
We aimed at directly comparing three-dimensional (3D) and two-dimensional (2D) deformation parameters in hypertrophic hearts and depict which may best reflect underlying fibrosis in hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM), defined by late gadolinium enhancement (LGE) in cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR).

Methods and results
We included 40 HCM [54.1 ± 14.3 years, 82.5% male, maximum wall thickness (MWT) 19.3 ± 4.8 mm] and 15 hypertensive (HTN) patients showing myocardial hypertrophy (58.1 ± 15.6 years, 80% male, MWT 12.8 ± 1.4 mm) who have consecutively undergone 2D-, 3D-speckle tracking echocardiography and LGE CMR. Deformation parameters (2D and 3D) presented overall poor to moderate correlations, with 3D_longitudinal strain (LS) and 3D_circumferential strain (CS) values being constantly higher compared to 2D derivatives. By regression analysis, hypertrophy substrate (HCM vs. hypertension) and hypertrophy magnitude were the parameters to influence 2D–3D LS and CS strain correlations (R2 = 0.66, P &lt; 0.001 and R2 = 0.5, P = 0.001 accordingly). Among segmental deformation indices, 2D_LS showed the best area under the curve [AUC = 0.78, 95% confidence intervals (CI) (0.75–0.81), P &lt; 0.0005] to detect fibrosis, with 3D deformation parameters showing similar AUC (0.65) and 3D_LS presenting the highest specificity [93.1%, 95% CI (90.6–95.1)].

Conclusions
In hypertrophic hearts, 2D and 3D deformation parameters are not interchangeable, showing modest correlations. Thickness, substrate, and tracking algorithm calculating assumptions seem to induce this variability. Nevertheless, among HCM patients 2D_peak segmental longitudinal strain remains the best strain parameter for tissue characterization and fibrosis detection.
The Ecological Impact of Transportation Infrastructure
Authors: Asher Sam , Garg Teevrat , Novosad Paul 
Published: March 2020

Abstract
There is a long-standing debate over whether new roads unavoidably lead to environmental damage, especially forest loss, but causal identification has been elusive. Using multiple causal identification strategies, we study the construction of new rural roads to over 100,000 villages and the upgrading of 10,000 kilometers of national highways in India. The new rural roads had precisely zero effect on local deforestation. In contrast, the highway upgrades caused substantial forest loss, which appears to be driven by increased timber demand along the transportation corridors. In terms of forests, last mile connectivity had a negligible environmental cost, while expansion of major corridors had important environmental impacts.
Evaluation of Clinically Meaningful Changes in Measures of Frailty
Authors: Jang Il-Young , Jung Hee-Won , Lee Hea Yon , Park Hyungchul , Lee Eunju , Kim Dae Hyun 
Published: March 2020

Abstract

Background
To determine the clinically meaningful changes and responsiveness of widely used frailty measures.

Methods
We analyzed data from a prospective cohort study of 1,135 community-dwelling older adults who underwent assessments of frailty and health-related quality of life using the EuroQol-5D at baseline and 1 year later. Frailty measures included deficit-accumulation frailty index (FI); frailty phenotype; Fatigue, Resistance, Ambulation, Illness, and Loss of Weight scale; and the Study of Osteoporotic Fracture (SOF) index. We determined the clinically meaningful changes by the distribution-based method and the anchor-based method using the EuroQol-5D score and responsiveness indices.

Results
Frailty measures were available in 925 participants at 1 year (81.5%). Based on the distribution-based method, small and large clinically meaningful changes were 0.019 and 0.057 for FI, 0.249 and 0.623 for frailty phenotype, 0.235 and 0.587 for FRAIL scale, and 0.116 and 0.289 for SOF index, respectively. The anchor-based estimates of small and large changes were 0.028 and 0.076 for FI, 0.097 and 0.607 for frailty phenotype, 0.269 and 0.368 for FRAIL scale, and 0.023 and 0.287 for SOF index, respectively. Based on the responsiveness index, per-group sample sizes to achieve 80% power in clinical trials, ranged from 51 (FI) to 7,272 (SOF index) for a small change and 9 (FI) to 133 (FRAIL scale) for a large change.

Conclusions
The estimates of clinically meaningful change of frailty measures can inform the choice of frailty measures to track longitudinal changes of frailty in clinical trials and clinical care of community-dwelling older adults.
Comparison of Disease Phenotypes and Clinical Characteristics Among South Asian and White Patients with Inflammatory Bowel Disease at a Tertiary Referral Center
Authors: Bodiwala Vimal , Marshall Timothy , Das Kiron M , Brant Steven R , Seril Darren N 
Published: March 2020

AbstractBackgroundThe prevalence and clinical features of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) vary among different racial and ethnic groups. The aim of this study was to compare the clinical and phenotypic features of Crohn’s disease (CD) and ulcerative colitis (UC) in South Asian patients living in the United States with those of a white cohort.MethodsThe demographic, clinical, and phenotypic characteristics of 73 South Asian patients (31 CD and 42 UC) who presented initially to our tertiary referral center from 2012 to 2016 and had subsequent follow-up were retrospectively compared with those of 408 consecutive white patients (245 CD and 163 UC).ResultsSouth Asian IBD patients were significantly more likely to have UC (58.0% vs 40.0%; P = 0.005) than white patients. South Asians with CD were less likely to have a family history of IBD (9.7% vs 26.9%; P = 0.037) and required fewer CD-related surgeries (22.5% vs 46.1; P = 0.012). South Asians were also less likely to be active or former smokers in both the CD (P = 0.004) and UC (P = 0.020) groups. South Asians with UC had a higher incidence of Clostridium difficile infection compared with white patients (19.0% vs 8.6%; P = 0.050).ConclusionsA cohort of South Asian patients with IBD were more likely to have UC and had differing family and tobacco risk factors, requirements for surgery, and Clostridium difficile infection rates as compared with white patients.