bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Enhancing the Ductility of a Reinforced Concrete Beam using Engineered Cementitious Composite
Authors: Bastian M A , Tambusay A , Komara I , Sutrisno W , Irawan D , Suprobo P. 
Published: June 2020

Abstract
A series of small-scale rectangular reinforced concrete beams made with different mix proportions were presented. The beams were fabricated using normal concrete designated as specimen control (NC), normal concrete blended with supplementary material using Class F fly ash (SMFA), and engineered cementitious composite (ECC). The beams comprised of similar reinforcement where the ratio of compression, tension, and transverse bars were 1.0%, 1.5%, and 1.0% respectively. To this end, the beams were tested under four-point bending and they were intended to fail in flexure mode. The tests also aimed to provide direct evidence regarding the improvement of beam ductility due to the use of ECC. Furthermore, the performance of test beams on the overall strength, crack pattern, and damage state was also assessed. To corroborate the experimental work, an analytical work employing nonlinear finite element analysis using Abaqus was also included. From this study, it was found that each beam demonstrated a discernible ductile plateau upon the post-cracking region with Beam ECC showing the largest ductility compared to the other two thereby suggesting that the use of ECC could enhance the beam ductility. It was also shown that the flexural cracks manifested in Beam ECC were less critical, signifying that ECC is a damage-tolerant composite. Furthermore, the overall results of predicted load-deflection and damage state obtained from Abaqus were also in a good agreement with the experimental results.
Estimation of Shear Wave Velocity Using Horizontal to Vertical Spectrum Ratio (HVSR) Inversion to Identify Faults in Pacitan
Authors: Haryono A , Sungkono  , Caesardi M A , Santosa B J , Syaifuddin F , Widodo A 
Published: June 2020

Abstract
Pacitan is one of the cities in Indonesia which is located around a subduction zone with many faults. Grindulu Fault is one of the active faults in Pacitan. In order to mitigate hazard in the area, detailed information about the existence and characteristic of the fault is needed. Thus, imaging of Grindulu Fault using shear wave velocity (Vs) was carried out. 1-D of Vs was revealed by inversion of HVSR from microtremor data using the Monte Carlo algorithm. Furthermore, several Vs were processed using interpolation approach to determine two-dimensional (2-D) cross-section of Vs. Based on the contrast of Vs and considering the geological conditions in Pacitan area, the existence of Grindulu Fault and other faults were identified.
National French Survey of Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19) Symptoms in People Aged 70 and Over
Authors: Annweiler Cédric , Sacco Guillaume , Salles Nathalie , Aquino Jean-Pierre , Gautier Jennifer , Berrut Gilles , Guérin Olivier , Gavazzi Gaetan 
Published: June 2020

Abstract

The objective of this national French survey was to determine the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) semiology in seniors (n = 353; mean, 84.7 ± 7.0 years). A total of 57.8% of patients exhibited ≤3 symptoms, including thermal dysregulation (83.6%), cough (58.9%), asthenia (52.7%), polypnea (39.9%), and gastrointestinal signs (24.4%). Patients ≥80 years exhibited falls (P = .002) and asthenia (P = .002). Patients with neurocognitive disorders exhibited delirium (P &lt; .001) and altered consciousness (P = .001). Clinical peculiarities of COVID-19 were reported in seniors.

Clinical Trials Registration
NCT04343781.
Sex differences in the vascular access of hemodialysis patients: a cohort study
Authors: MacRae Jennifer M , Clarke Alix , Ahmed Sofia B , Elliott Meghan , Quinn Rob R , James Matthew , King-Shier Kathryn , Hiremath Swapnil , Oliver Matthew J , Hemmelgarn Brenda , Scott-Douglas Nairne , Ravani Pietro ,   Alberta Kidney Disease Network
Published: June 2020

Abstract

Background
We describe differences for probability of receiving a fistula attempt, achieving fistula use, remaining catheter-free and the rate of access-related procedures as a function of sex.

Methods
Prospectively collected vascular access data on incident dialysis patients from five Canadian programs using the Dialysis Measurement Analysis and Reporting System to determine differences in fistula-related outcomes between women and men. The probability of receiving a fistula attempt and the probability of fistula use were determined using binary logistic regression. Catheter and fistula procedure rates were described using Poisson regression. We studied time to fistula attempt and time to fistula use, accounting for competing risks.

Results
We included 1446 (61%) men and 929 (39%) women. Men had a lower body mass index (P &lt; 0.001) and were more likely to have coronary artery disease (P &lt; 0.001) and peripheral vascular disease (p &lt; 0.001). A total of 688 (48%) men and 403 (43%) women received a fistula attempt. Women were less likely to receive a fistula attempt by 6 months {odds ratio [OR] 0.64 [95% confidence interval (CI) 0.52–0.79]} and to achieve catheter-free use of their fistula by 1 year [OR 0.38 (95% CI 0.27–0.53)]. At an average of 2.30 access procedures per person-year, there is no difference between women and men [incidence rate ratio (IRR) 0.97 (95% CI 0.87–1.07)]. Restricting to those with a fistula attempt, women received more procedures [IRR 1.16 (95% CI 1.04–1.30)] attributed to increased catheter procedures [IRR 1.50 (95% CI 1.27–1.78)]. There was no difference in fistula procedures [IRR women versus men 0.96 (95% CI 0.85–1.07)].

Conclusion
Compared with men, fewer women undergo a fistula attempt. This disparity increases after adjusting for comorbidities. Women have the same number of fistula procedures as men but are less likely to successfully use their fistula.
Exploring primary care physician experiences conducting practice-based research on adult vaccination: a qualitative evaluation study in Greece
Authors: Tsiligianni Ioanna , Oikonomou Nikolaos , Papaioannou Anastasia , Tatsioni Athina , Gougourelas Dimitrios , Birka Sofia , Domeyer Philippe-Richard J , Tsimtsiou Zoi 
Published: June 2020

Abstract

Background
Research in primary care is necessary to empower its role in health systems and improve population health.

Objective
The aim of this evaluation study was to assess the experiences of primary care physicians who participated as researchers in a multi-centre, mixed-methodology study on adult vaccination supported by a newly established practice-based research network.

Methods
Twenty-three physicians participated as researchers, operating in their own practices in 10 different prefectures of Greece. After the completion of the study, they were asked to reflect on their experiences in the research by providing written responses to the questions on the evaluation tool of the study. The open-ended questions were analyzed using thematic content analysis.

Results
Mean age of the researchers was 42.9 years old (±3.9, min 35, max 49) and 11 (47.8%) were male. Six themes emerged as beneficial for the participating researchers: (i) raised awareness of patients’ needs, (ii) enhancement of clinical practice and services offered, (iii) positive impact on the doctor–patient relationship, (iv) personal satisfaction, (v) enrichment of their curriculum vitae and (vi) improvement of research skills. All researchers were interested in participating in future studies.

Conclusion
The experience of conducting clinical research on adult vaccination in their own practices within a network was reported to be very rewarding. The benefits gained from their participation could be a valuable tool in promoting research and enhancing the quality of primary health care.
Effect of salbutamol on neuromuscular junction function and structure in a mouse model of DOK7 congenital myasthenia
Authors: Webster Richard G , Vanhaesebrouck An E , Maxwell Susan E , Cossins Judith A , Liu Weiwei , Ueta Ryo , Yamanashi Yuji , Beeson David M W 
Published: June 2020

Abstract
Congenital myasthenic syndromes (CMS) are characterized by fatigable muscle weakness resulting from impaired neuromuscular transmission. β2-adrenergic agonists are an effective treatment for DOK7-CMS. DOK7 is a component within the AGRN-LRP4-MUSK-DOK7 signalling pathway that is key for the formation and maintenance of the synaptic structure of the neuromuscular junction (NMJ). The precise mechanism of action of β2-adrenergic agonists at the NMJ is not fully understood. In this study, we investigated whether β2-adrenergic agonists improve both neurotransmission and structural integrity of the NMJ in a mouse model of DOK7-CMS. Ex-vivo electrophysiological techniques and microscopy of the NMJ were used to study the effect of salbutamol, a β2-adrenergic agonist, on synaptic structure and function. DOK7-CMS model mice displayed a severe phenotype with reduced weight gain and perinatal lethality. Salbutamol treatment improved weight gain and survival in DOK7 myasthenic mice. Model animals had fewer active NMJs, detectable by endplate recordings, compared with age-matched wild-type littermates. Salbutamol treatment increased the number of detectable NMJs during endplate recording. Correspondingly, model mice had fewer acetylcholine receptor-stained NMJs detected by fluorescent labelling, but following salbutamol treatment an increased number were detectable. The data demonstrate that salbutamol can prolong survival and increase NMJ number in a severe model of DOK7-CMS.
Comprehensive Drug Screening of Whole Blood by LC–HRMS–MS in a Forensic Laboratory
Authors: Stephenson Jon B , Flater Melanie L , Austin Joseph , Bain Lisa T , Holt Lisa A , Mehan Jessica M 
Published: June 2020

Abstract
As the number of prescriptions, over-the-counter medications and drugs of abuse continue to increase, forensic laboratories are faced with the challenge of developing more comprehensive screening methods in order to detect them in whole blood samples. Another challenge faced by forensic laboratories is detecting and identifying novel synthetic compounds as they emerge and change. Traditional drug screening methods include enzyme immunoassay (EIA) and either gas or liquid chromatography paired with mass spectrometry (GC–MS or LC–MS-MS, respectively). While these methods are good, they have their disadvantages. For example, EIA requires special reagents for each drug class, GC–MS requires extensive sample preparation, and LC–MS-MS only detects drugs on a known inclusion lists of compounds of interest. Described here is the development of a robust and comprehensive screening method for drugs in whole blood samples that eliminates the aforementioned disadvantages of the traditional methods. Using a Q Exactive Focus™ liquid chromatography–high-resolution accurate mass spectrometer (LC–HRMS-MS), a method was developed that is capable of detecting ~200 drugs at a concentration of 2 μg/L for most analytes. This method also employs a more automated data processing feature which reduces processing time. Finally, it has the added benefit of retroactive data analysis, which allows it to be used for unknown drug analysis as well. Used as an initial screening method, the comprehensive drug screen using LC–HRMS-MS has the potential to take on two of the most important challenges faced by forensic laboratories today.
Genetic Melting Pot in Blacklegged Ticks at the Northern Edge of their Expansion Front
Authors: Talbot Benoit , Leighton Patrick A , Kulkarni Manisha A 
Published: June 2020

AbstractBlacklegged ticks (Ixodes scapularis) are considered to be the main vector of Lyme disease in eastern North America. They may parasitize a wide range of bird and mammal hosts. Northward dispersal of blacklegged ticks has been attributed largely to movement of hosts to areas outside of the current range of the tick, in conjunction with climate change. To better understand the drivers of range expansion in the blacklegged tick, we need investigations of the genetic connectivity and differentiation of tick populations at a fine spatial scale using appropriate markers. In this study, we investigated genetic connectivity and differentiation in blacklegged ticks, in an area of putatively recent advance in Ontario and Quebec, Canada, using microsatellite markers. Our findings suggest patchy differentiation of alleles, no spatial pattern of genetic structure, and genetic subdivision within sites, which are consistent with the very limited evidence available near the leading edge of range expansion of blacklegged ticks into Canada. These findings are consistent with the prevailing hypothesis, drawn from a variety of fields of study, suggesting that migratory birds from a variety of regions may be bringing hitchhiking ticks northward into Canada.
The Potential of Domestic and International Courts to Protect Women’s Right to Family Life in the North Caucasus
Authors: Kogan Vanessa 
Published: June 2020

Abstract
The North Caucasus region of Russia is known for spawning the highest number of adverse judgments from the European Court of Human Rights compared to any other Russian region—over 500 as of mid-2020. Since 2005, the Court has found Russia responsible for enforced disappearances, extrajudicial killings and torture carried out on a mass scale during the second Chechen war and in its aftermath. The Head of the Chechen Republic, Ramzan Kadyrov, has become internationally infamous for the brutal repression of even his mildest critics, ensuring that most Chechens will be too afraid to claim their rights in any forum. Domestically, the Russian federal authorities have either ignored or tacitly condoned the increasing subversion of state law in the region in favour of de facto customary norms—adat—and elements of sharia law that have had a devastating effect mainly on women’s and girls’ rights. Harmful traditional practices such as ‘honour killings’, child marriage, bride-kidnapping, and—in certain remote mountain regions of Dagestan—female genital mutilation take place on a regular basis. Yet such violations, however grave, do not easily lend themselves to litigation. This practice note focuses on one of the few areas in the region in which systematic focused litigation is being carried out in domestic courts, often against enormous odds: the systematic denial of women’s right to family life after divorce or the death of their children’s biological father.
Cuticular waxes of nectarines during fruit development in relation to surface conductance and susceptibility to Monilinia laxa
Authors: Oliveira Lino Leandro , Quilot-Turion Bénédicte , Dufour Claire , Corre Marie-Noëlle , Lessire René , Génard Michel , Poëssel Jean-Luc 
Published: June 2020

Abstract
The cuticle is composed of cutin and cuticular waxes, and it is the first protective barrier to abiotic and biotic stresses in fruit. In this study, we analysed the composition of and changes in cuticular waxes during fruit development in nectarine (Prunus persica L. Batsch) cultivars, in parallel with their conductance and their susceptibility to Monilinia laxa. The nectarine waxes were composed of triterpenoids, mostly ursolic and oleanolic acids, phytosterols, and very-long-chain aliphatics. In addition, we detected phenolic compounds that were esterified with sugars or with triterpenoids, which are newly described in cuticular waxes. We quantified 42 compounds and found that they changed markedly during fruit development, with an intense accumulation of triterpenoids during initial fruit growth followed by their decrease at the end of endocarp lignification and a final increase in very-long-chain alkanes and hydroxylated triterpenoids until maturity. The surface conductance and susceptibility to Monilinia decreased sharply at the beginning of endocarp lignification, suggesting that triterpenoid deposition could play a major role in regulating fruit permeability and susceptibility to brown rot. Our results provide new insights into the composition of cuticular waxes of nectarines and their changes during fruit development, opening new avenues of research to explore brown rot resistance factors in stone fruit.
Impact of first-wave COronaVIrus disease 2019 infection in patients on haemoDIALysis in Alsace: the observational COVIDIAL study
Authors: Keller Nicolas , Chantrel François , Krummel Thierry , Bazin-Kara Dorothée , Faller Anne Laure , Muller Clotilde , Nussbaumer Thimothée , Ismer Manfred , Benmoussa Abdellatif , Brahim-Bouna Mohamed , Beier Stéphanie , Perrin Peggy , Hannedouche Theirry 
Published: June 2020

Abstract

Background
There are only scarce data regarding the presentation, incidence, severity and outcomes of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) in patients undergoing long-term haemodialysis (HD). A prospective observational study was conducted in eight HD facilities in Alsace, France, to identify clinical characteristics of HD patients with COVID-19 and to assess the determinants of the risk of death.

Methods
All HD patients tested positive for COVID-19 from 5 March to 28 April 2020 were included. Collected data included patient characteristics, clinical features at diagnosis, laboratory data, treatments and outcomes.

Results
Among 1346 HD patients, 123 tested positive for COVID-19. Patients had a median age of 77 years (interquartile range 66–83), with a high number of comorbidities (3.2 ± 1.6 per patient). Symptoms were compatible in 63% of patients. Asthenia (77%), diarrhoea (34%) and anorexia (32%) were frequent at diagnosis. The delay between the onset of symptoms and diagnosis, death or complete recovery was 2 (0–5), 7 (4–11) and 32 (26.5–35) days, respectively. Treatment, including lopinavir/ritonavir, hydroxychloroquine and corticosteroids, was administered in 23% of patients. The median C-reactive protein (CRP) and lymphocyte count at diagnosis was 55 mg/L (IQR 25–106) and 690 Ly/µL (IQR 450–960), respectively. The case fatality rate was 24% and determinants associated with the risk of death were body temperature {hazard ratio [HR] 1.96 [95% confidence interval (CI) 1.11–3.44]; P = 0.02} and CRP at diagnosis [HR 1.01 (95% CI 1.005–1.017); P &lt; 0.0001].

Conclusions
HD patients were found to be at high risk of developing COVID-19 and exhibited a high rate of mortality. While patients presented severe forms of the disease, they often displayed atypical symptoms, with the CRP level being highly associated with the risk of death.
DISTORTION OF SPHERES AND SURFACES IN SPACE
Authors: Baader Sebastian , Studer Luca , Züst Roger 
Published: June 2020

Abstract
It is known that the surface of a cone over the unit disc with large height has smaller distortion than the standard embedding of the 2-sphere in $\mathbb{R}^3$. In this note we show that distortion minimizers exist among convex embedded 2-spheres and have uniformly bounded eccentricity. Moreover, we prove that $\pi /2$ is a sharp lower bound on the distortion of embedded closed surfaces of positive genus.
Gut Microbiome Critically Impacts PCB-induced Changes in Metabolic Fingerprints and the Hepatic Transcriptome in Mice
Authors: Lim Joe Jongpyo , Li Xueshu , Lehmler Hans-Joachim , Wang Dongfang , Gu Haiwei , Cui Julia Yue 
Published: June 2020

AbstractPolychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) are ubiquitously detected and have been linked to metabolic diseases. Gut microbiome is recognized as a critical regulator of disease susceptibility; however, little is known how PCBs and gut microbiome interact to modulate hepatic xenobiotic and intermediary metabolism. We hypothesized the gut microbiome regulates PCB-mediated changes in the metabolic fingerprints and hepatic transcriptome. Ninety-day-old female conventional and germ-free mice were orally exposed to the Fox River Mixture (synthetic PCB mixture, 6 or 30 mg/kg) or corn oil (vehicle control, 10 ml/kg), once daily for 3 consecutive days. RNA-seq was conducted in liver, and endogenous metabolites were measured in liver and serum by LC-MS. Prototypical target genes of aryl hydrocarbon receptor, pregnane X receptor, and constitutive androstane receptor were more readily upregulated by PCBs in conventional conditions, indicating PCBs, to the hepatic transcriptome, act partly through the gut microbiome. In a gut microbiome-dependent manner, xenobiotic, and steroid metabolism pathways were upregulated, whereas response to misfolded proteins-related pathways was downregulated by PCBs. At the high PCB dose, NADP, and arginine appear to interact with drug-metabolizing enzymes (ie, Cyp1–3 family), which are highly correlated with Ruminiclostridium and Roseburia, providing a novel explanation of gut-liver interaction from PCB-exposure. Utilizing the Library of Integrated Network-based Cellular Signatures L1000 database, therapeutics targeting anti-inflammatory and endoplasmic reticulum stress pathways are predicted to be remedies that can mitigate PCB toxicity. Our findings demonstrate that habitation of the gut microbiota drives PCB-mediated hepatic responses. Our study adds knowledge of physiological response differences from PCB exposure and considerations for further investigations for gut microbiome-dependent therapeutics.
Telemedicine and the COVID-19 Pandemic: Are We Ready to Go Live?
Authors: Mills Emily C. , Savage Elizabeth , Lieder Jessica , Chiu Ernest S. 
Published: June 2020

ABSTRACT
Telemedicine use in the field of wound care had been increasing in popularity when the novel coronavirus 2019 paralyzed the globe in early 2020. To combat the constraints of healthcare delivery during this time, the use of telemedicine has been further expanded. Although many limitations of telemedicine are still being untangled, the benefits of virtual care are being realized in both inpatient and outpatient settings. In this article, the advantages and disadvantages of telemedicine are discussed through two case examples that highlight the promise of implementation during and beyond the pandemic.
Opioid free anesthesia: feasible?
Authors: Chia Pamela A. , Cannesson Maxime , Bui Christine C. Myo 
Published: June 2020

Purpose of review
The present review aims to address the feasibility of opioid free anesthesia (OFA). The use of opioids to provide adequate perioperative pain management has been a central practice of anesthesia, and only recently has been challenged. Understanding the goals and challenges of OFA is essential as the approach to intraoperative analgesia and postsurgical management of pain has shifted in response to the opioid epidemic in the United States.

Recent findings
OFA is an opioid sparing technique, which focuses on multimodal or balanced analgesia, relying on nonopioid adjuncts and regional anesthesia. Enhanced recovery after surgery protocols, often under the auspices of a perioperative pain service, can help guide and promote opioid reduced and OFA, without negatively impacting perioperative pain management or recovery.

Summary
The feasibility of OFA is evident. However, there are limitations of this approach that warrant discussion including the potential for adverse drug interactions with multimodal analgesics, the need for providers trained in regional anesthesia, and the management of pain expectations. Additionally, minimizing opioid use perioperatively also requires a change in current prescribing practices. Monitors that can reliably quantify nociception would be helpful in the titration of these analgesics and enable anesthesiologists to achieve the goal in providing personalized perioperative medicine.