bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Mechanical and durability studies on high‐volume fly‐ash concrete
Authors: Kumar Manish , Sinha Anand Kumar , Kujur Jitu 
Published: September 2020

AbstractThis article presents the experimental results on accelerated carbonation‐induced corrosion and related durability properties such as AC impendence, half‐cell potential, water permeability, and volume of permeable voids test of concrete made with high‐volume Class F fly ash (FA). Concrete specimens were prepared by substituting ordinary portland cement with FA at varying replacement levels (0–70%). High‐volume FA concrete shows the continuous gain in the compressive strength and ultrasonic pulse velocity over a period of 365 days. The durability properties of concrete made with FA up to 50% shows the significant improvement. The scanning electron microscopy photomicrographs also support the findings and shows that the replacement of cement with FA densifies the concrete matrix due to the formation of more calcium silicate hydrate gels.
Post‐hatching growth of the limbs in an altricial bird species
Authors: Yan Jianjian , Zhang Zihui 
Published: September 2020

AbstractThe fore‐ and hindlimbs of birds are specialized to perform different functions. The growth patterns of limb bones and their relationship with the ontogeny of locomotion are critical to our understanding of variation in morphological, physiological and life‐history traits within and among species. Unfortunately, the ontogenetic development of limb bones has not been well explored, especially in altricial birds. In this study, we sampled the entire measurements of the pigeon (Columba livia) of individual skeletons, to investigate the ontogenetic allometry of limb bones by reduced major axis regression. The ulna and humerus were found to be positively allometric in relation to body mass, with the ulna growing more rapidly than the humerus. Together with previous data, this suggests that strong positive allometric growth in forelimb bones could be a common trend among diverse Carinatae groups. Hindlimb was dominated by positive allometry, but was variable in the growth of the tarsometatarsus which included three allometric patterns. A greater dorsoventral diameter in the midsection of the humerus and ulna confers superior bending resistance and is ideal for flapping/gliding flight. Shape variation in the midsection of different hindlimb components reflects different mechanical loading, and the markedly inverse trend between the tibiotarsus and tarsometatarsus before 28 days of age also suggests loading change before fledging. Before fledging, the growth of the leg bones was prior to that of the wing bones. This kind of asynchronous development of the fore‐ and hindlimbs was associated with the establishment and improvement of different functions, and with shifts in the importance of different functions over time.
Introduction: Conceptualising the Demography of Disasters
Authors: Karácsonyi Dávid , Taylor Andrew 
Published: September 2020

AbstractUnderstanding and documenting intersects between disasters and human demographic change is an emerging academic field. Both the study of disasters and demographic issues are broad constructs in their own rights. While it may seem obvious to link the two, as we have in this book, disasters can impact on populations and population change in multifarious, obtuse and complex ways. Our aim in this book is to extend the nascent work to improve disaster policy and planning processes through enhancing knowledge about the demography-disaster nexus. In this chapter, we overview contemporary debates and paradigm shifts within the field of disaster studies to provide conceptual links between these and the field of demography. To conclude, we outline the topics and case studies which form the basis for individual chapters in this book.
Compounding Impacts of Lifeline Infrastructure Failure During Natural Hazard Events
Authors: Singh Emma A. 
Published: September 2020

AbstractCritical infrastructures, such as transportation systems, communication networks, power and water utilities, have become so integrated into our modern and globalised world that they are commonly taken for granted. That is, until their services are disrupted. The failure of these lifeline services during natural hazard events has the potential to impact populations by exacerbating the hazard itself and/or hindering their ability to respond to or recover from the event. The failure of lifeline infrastructure can also propagate outside the reach of the hazard footprint, causing disruption in regions not directly impacted by the event. Understanding the potential flow-on effects from lifeline failure during natural hazard events is vital for future disaster mitigation, response and recovery. The 2009 South-Eastern Australia heatwave and the 2010 Eyjafjallajökull eruption in Iceland are drawn on to highlight and discuss the vulnerability of lifelines to disruption from natural hazard shocks and the compounding impacts of lifeline failure during natural hazard events.
Disruptions and Diversions: The Demographic Consequences of Natural Disasters in Sparsely Populated Areas
Authors: Carson Dean B. , Carson Doris A. , Axelsson Per , Sköld Peter , Sköld Gabriella 
Published: September 2020

AbstractTheEight Dsmodel (Carson and Carson 2014) explains the unique characteristics of human and economic geography for sparsely populated areas (SPAs) asdisconnected,discontinuous,diverse,detailed,dynamic,distant,dependentanddelicate. According to the model, SPAs are subject to dramatic changes in demographic characteristics that result from both identifiableblack swanevents and less apparenttipping pointsin longer-term processes of demographic change (Carson et al. 2011). The conceptual foundations for this assertion are clear. Populations in SPAs can experience large and long-term impacts on the overall demographic structure as a result of decisions by a relatively small number of people.High levels of migration and mobility cause constant shifts in the demographic profile and prime SPAs to adapt to many different demographic states (Carson and Carson 2014). The Northern Territory of Australia, for example, experienced previously unseen waves of pre-retirement aged migrants in the past decade or so (Martel et al. 2013) as evidence ofdetailedbut important changes to past trends. However, while dramatic demographic changes are conceptually possible and occasionally observable, there have been few attempts to examine the conditions under which such changes are likely to occur or not to occur. This is an important question particularly in relation to black swan events such as natural disasters because effective disaster management policy and planning is at least partially dependent on understanding who is affected and in what ways (Bird et al. 2013).
Wnt signaling in kidney: the initiator or terminator?
Authors: Meng Ping , Zhu Mingsheng , Ling Xian , Zhou Lili 
Published: September 2020

AbstractThe kidney is a key organ in the human body that excretes toxins and sustains the water–electrolyte balance. During embryonic development and disease progression, the kidney undergoes enormous changes in macrostructure, accompanied by a variety of microstructural histological changes, such as glomerular formation and sclerosis, tubule elongation and atrophy, interstitial establishment, and fibrosis progression. All of these rely on the frequent occurrence of cell death and growth. Notably, to overcome disease, some cells regenerate through self-repair or progenitor cell differentiation. However, the signaling mechanisms underlying kidney development and regeneration have not been elucidated. Recently, Wnt signaling has been noted to play an important role. Although it is a well-known developmental signal, the role of Wnt signaling in kidney development and regeneration is not well recognized. In this review, we review the role of Wnt signaling in kidney embryonic development, tissue repair, cell division, and progenitor cell differentiation after injury. Moreover, we briefly highlight advances in our understanding of the pathogenic mechanisms of Wnt signaling in mediating cellular senescence in kidney parenchymal and stem cells, an irreversible arrest of cell proliferation blocking tissue repair and regeneration. We also highlight the therapeutic targets of Wnt signaling in kidney diseases and provide important clues for clinical strategies.
Gaining insight on mitigation of rubeosis iridis by UPARANT in a mouse model associated with proliferative retinopathy
Authors: Locri Filippo , Pesce Noemi A. , Aronsson Monica , Cammalleri Maurizio , De Rosa Mario , Pavone Vincenzo , Bagnoli Paola , Kvanta Anders , Dal Monte Massimo , André Helder 
Published: September 2020

Abstract
Proliferative retinopathies (PR) lead to an increase in neovascularization and inflammation factors, at times culminating in pathologic rubeosis iridis (RI). In mice, uveal puncture combined with injection of hypoxia-conditioned media mimics RI associated with proliferative retinopathies. Here, we investigated the effects of the urokinase plasminogen activator receptor (uPAR) antagonist—UPARANT—on the angiogenic and inflammatory processes that are dysregulated in this model. In addition, the effects of UPARANT were compared with those of anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) therapies. Administration of UPARANT promptly decreased iris vasculature, while anti-VEGF effects were slower and less pronounced. Immunoblot and qPCR analysis suggested that UPARANT acts predominantly by reducing the upregulated inflammatory and extracellular matrix degradation responses. UPARANT appears to be more effective in comparison to anti-VEGF in the treatment of RI associated with PR in the murine model, by modulating multiple uPAR-associated signaling pathways. Furthermore, UPARANT effectiveness was maintained when systemically administered, which could open to novel improved therapies for proliferative ocular diseases, particularly those associated with PR.

Key messages
• Further evidence of UPARANT effectiveness in normalizing pathological iris neovascularization.
• Both systemic and local administration of UPARANT reduce iris neovascularization in a model associated with proliferative retinopathies.
• In the mouse models of rubeosis iridis associated with proliferative retinopathy, UPARANT displays stronger effects when compared with anti-vascular endothelial growth factor regimen.
How stationarity contradicts intergenerational equity
Authors: Asheim Geir B. , Banerjee Kuntal , Mitra Tapan 
Published: September 2020

AbstractWe show how the condition of stationarity may contradict intergenerational equity. By formalizing the intuition that less sensitivity remains for the continuation of the stream if sensitivity for the interests of the present is combined with stationarity, we point out conflicts (a) between stationarity and the requirement of not letting the present be dictatorial, and (b) between stationarity and equal treatment of generations. We use the results to interpret the non-stationarity of the Chichilnisky and Rank-discounted utilitarian social welfare functions. Non-stationarity combined with time invariance leads to time inconsistency. We illustrate how such non-stationary social welfare functions can be applied in the Ramsey model if time invariance is imposed.
Fungal bioremediation of soil co-contaminated with petroleum hydrocarbons and toxic metals
Authors: Li Qianwei , Liu Jicheng , Gadd Geoffrey Michael 
Published: September 2020

Abstract
Much research has been carried out on the bacterial bioremediation of soil contaminated with petroleum hydrocarbons and toxic metals but much less is known about the potential of fungi in sites that are co-contaminated with both classes of pollutants. This article documents the roles of fungi in soil polluted with both petroleum hydrocarbons and toxic metals as well as the mechanisms involved in the biotransformation of such substances. Soil characteristics (e.g., structural components, pH, and temperature) and intracellular or excreted extracellular enzymes and metabolites are crucial factors which affect the efficiency of combined pollutant transformations. At present, bioremediation of soil co-contaminated with petroleum hydrocarbons and toxic metals is mostly focused on the removal, detoxification, or degradation efficiency of single or composite pollutants of each type. Little research has been carried out on the metabolism of fungi in response to complex pollutant stress. To overcome current bottlenecks in understanding fungal bioremediation, the potential of new approaches, e.g., gradient diffusion film technology (DGT) and metabolomics, is also discussed.

Key points
• Fungi play important roles in soil co-contaminated with TPH and toxic metals.
• Soil characteristics, enzymes, and metabolites are major factors in bioremediation.
• DGT and metabolomics can be applied to overcome current bottlenecks.
Automatic semantic segmentation of kidney cysts in MR images of patients affected by autosomal-dominant polycystic kidney disease
Authors: Kline Timothy L. , Edwards Marie E. , Fetzer Jeffrey , Gregory Adriana V. , Anaam Deema , Metzger Andrew J. , Erickson Bradley J. 
Published: September 2020

Abstract
Purpose
For patients affected by autosomal-dominant polycystic kidney disease (ADPKD), successful differentiation of cysts is useful for automatic classification of patient phenotypes, clinical decision-making, and disease progression. The objective was to develop and evaluate a fully automated semantic segmentation method to differentiate and analyze renal cysts in patients with ADPKD.

Methods
An automated deep learning approach using a convolutional neural network was trained, validated, and tested on a set of 60 MR T2-weighted images. A three-fold cross-validation approach was used to train three models on distinct training and validation sets (n = 40). An ensemble model was then built and tested on the hold out cases (n = 20), with each of the cases compared to manual segmentations performed by two readers. Segmentation agreement between readers and the automated method was assessed.

Results
The automated approach was found to perform at the level of interobserver variability. The automated approach had a Dice coefficient (mean ± standard deviation) of 0.86 ± 0.10 vs Reader-1 and 0.84 ± 0.11 vs. Reader-2. Interobserver Dice was 0.86 ± 0.08. In terms of total cyst volume (TCV), the automated approach had a percent difference of 3.9 ± 19.1% vs Reader-1 and 8.0 ± 24.1% vs Reader-2, whereas interobserver variability was − 2.0 ± 16.4%.

Conclusion
This study developed and validated a fully automated approach for performing semantic segmentation of kidney cysts in MR images of patients affected by ADPKD. This approach will be useful for exploring additional imaging biomarkers of ADPKD and automatically classifying phenotypes.
The effect of pre-operative high doses of methylprednisolone on pain management and convalescence after total hip replacement in elderly: a double-blind randomized study
Authors: Gądek Artur , Liszka Henryk , Zając Małgorzata 
Published: September 2020

Abstract
Purpose
The aim of the study was to assess whether administration of a single dose of methylprednisolone in the group patients above 65 years of age will be effective in complex analgesic management after total hip arthroplasty (THA).

Methods
Seventy-seven patients above 65 years old were double-blind randomized into two: the study and controls groups. Pre-operatively, the study group received as a single dose of 125 mg intravenous methylprednisolone, while the others saline solution as placebo. Peri-operatively, all the patients were administered opioid and nonopioid analgesic agents. We measured the levels of inflammatory markers (leukocytosis, C-reactive protein—CRP), pain intensity level (visual analog scale—VAS; numerical rating scale—NRS), the life parameters, and noted complications.

Results
Following administration of methylprednisolone were significantly lower levels of CRP on all the four post-operative days; leukocytosis on the second day; the VAS/NRS score at rest after six, 12, and 18 hours post-operatively, diminished the dose of parenteral opioid preparations (oxycodone hydrochloride), the duration of analgesia by peripheral nerve block was significantly higher as compared with the placebo group (p < 0.000001). No infectious complications were noted; there was one patient who developed post-operative delirium.

Conclusion
A single dose of methylprednisolone significantly reduces the level of post-operative pain at rest on the day of THA in the group patients above 65 years of age, decreases the dose of opioid analgesic agents, and significantly decreases the level of inflammatory markers, without infectious processes.
Structure of the space of taboo-free sequences
Authors: Manuel Cassius , von Haeseler Arndt 
Published: September 2020

AbstractModels of sequence evolution typically assume that all sequences are possible. However, restriction enzymes that cut DNA at specific recognition sites provide an example where carrying a recognition site can be lethal. Motivated by this observation, we studied the set of strings over a finite alphabet with taboos, that is, with prohibited substrings. The taboo-set is referred to as $$\mathbb {T}$$
T
and any allowed string as a taboo-free string. We consider the so-called Hamming graph $$\varGamma _n(\mathbb {T})$$

Γ
n

(
T
)

, whose vertices are taboo-free strings of length n and whose edges connect two taboo-free strings if their Hamming distance equals one. Any (random) walk on this graph describes the evolution of a DNA sequence that avoids taboos. We describe the construction of the vertex set of $$\varGamma _n(\mathbb {T})$$

Γ
n

(
T
)

. Then we state conditions under which $$\varGamma _n(\mathbb {T})$$

Γ
n

(
T
)

and its suffix subgraphs are connected. Moreover, we provide an algorithm that determines if all these graphs are connected for an arbitrary $$\mathbb {T}$$
T
. As an application of the algorithm, we show that about $$87\%$$

87
%

of bacteria listed in REBASE have a taboo-set that induces connected taboo-free Hamming graphs, because they have less than four type II restriction enzymes. On the other hand, four properly chosen taboos are enough to disconnect one suffix subgraph, and consequently connectivity of taboo-free Hamming graphs could change depending on the composition of restriction sites.
Higher-order semi-layerwise models for doubly curved delaminated composite shells
Authors: Szekrényes András 
Published: September 2020

AbstractThis work deals w ith the development and extension of higher-order models for delaminated doubly curved composite shells with constant radii of curvatures. The mechanical model is based on the method of four equivalent single layers and the system of exact kinematic conditions. A remarkable addition of this work compared to some previous ones, is a modified and improved continuity condition between the delaminated and undelaminated parts of the shell. Using the principle of virtual work, the equilibrium equations of the shell systems are brought to the stage and solved by using the classical Lévy plate formulation under simply supported conditions. Four different scenarios of elliptic and hyperbolic delaminated shells are investigated providing the solutions for the mechanical fields as well as for the J-integral. The analytical results are compared to 3D finite element calculations, and excellent agreement was obtained for the displacement components and normal stresses. On the contrary, it was found that the transverse shear stresses are captured quite differently by the proposed method and the finite element models. Although the role of shear stresses should not be underrated, they seem to be marginal because the distributions of the J-integral components are in very good agreement with the numerically determined energy release rates.
DeTrAs: deep learning-based healthcare framework for IoT-based assistance of Alzheimer patients
Authors: Sharma Sumit , Dudeja Rajan Kumar , Aujla Gagangeet Singh , Bali Rasmeet Singh , Kumar Neeraj 
Published: September 2020

AbstractHealthcare 4.0 paradigm aims at realization of data-driven and patient-centric health systems wherein advanced sensors can be deployed to provide personalized assistance. Hence, extreme mentally affected patients from diseases like Alzheimer can be assisted using sophisticated algorithms and enabling technologies. Motivated from this fact, in this paper,
DeTrAs: Deep Learning-based Internet of Health Framework for the Assistance of Alzheimer Patients is proposed. DeTrAs works in three phases: (1) A recurrent neural network-based Alzheimer prediction scheme is proposed which uses sensory movement data, (2) an ensemble approach for abnormality tracking for Alzheimer patients is designed which comprises two parts:
(a) convolutional neural network-based emotion detection scheme and (b) timestamp window-based natural language processing scheme, and (3) an IoT-based assistance mechanism for the Alzheimer patients is also presented. The evaluation of DeTrAs depicts almost 10–20% improvement in terms of accuracy in contrast to the different existing machine learning algorithms.
Empirical fragility assessment using conditional GMPE-based ground shaking fields: application to damage data for 2016 Amatrice Earthquake
Authors: Miano A. , Jalayer F. , Forte G. , Santo A. 
Published: September 2020

AbstractRecent earthquakes have exposed the vulnerability of existing buildings; this is demonstrated by damage incurred after moderate-to-high magnitude earthquakes. This stresses the need to exploit available data from different sources to develop reliable seismic risk components. As far as it regards empirical fragility assessment, accurate estimation of ground-shaking at the location of buildings of interest is as crucial as the accurate evaluation of observed damage for these buildings. This implies that explicit consideration of the uncertainties in the prediction of ground shaking leads to more robust empirical fragility curves. In such context, the simulation-based methods can be employed to provide fragility estimates that integrate over the space of plausible ground-shaking fields. These ground-shaking fields are generated according to the joint probability distribution of ground-shaking at the location of the buildings of interest considering the spatial correlation structure in the ground motion prediction residuals and updated based on the registered ground shaking data and observed damage. As an alternative to the embedded coefficients in the ground motion prediction equations accounting for subsoil categories, stratigraphic coefficients can be applied directly to the ground motion fields at the engineering bedrock level. Empirical fragility curves obtained using the observed damage in the aftermath of Amatrice Earthquake for residential masonry buildings show that explicit consideration of the uncertainty in the prediction of ground-shaking significantly affects the results.