bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
A Three-Dimensional Constitutive Model for Polycrystalline Shape Memory Alloys Under Large Strains Combined With Large Rotations
Authors: Xu Lei , Baxevanis Theocharis , Lagoudas Dimitris 
Published: November 2018

Shape Memory Alloys (SMAs), known as an intermetallic alloys with the ability to recover its predefined shape under specific thermomechanical loading, has been widely aware of working as actuators for active/smart morphing structures in engineering industry. Because of the high actuation energy density of SMAs, compared to other active materials, structures integrated with SMA-based actuators has high advantage in terms of tradeoffs between overall structure weight, integrity and functionality. The majority of available constitutive models for SMAs are developed within infinitesimal strain regime. However, it was reported that particular SMAs can generate transformation strains nearly up to 8%–10%, for which the adopted infinitesimal strain assumption is no longer appropriate. Furthermore, industry applications may require SMA actuators, such as a SMA torque tube, undergo large rotation deformation at work. Combining the above two facts, a constitutive model for SMAs developed on a finite deformation framework is required to predict accurate response for these SMA-based actuators under large deformations.
A three-dimensional constitutive model for SMAs considering large strains with large rotations is proposed in this work. This model utilizes the logarithmic strain as a finite strain measure for large deformation analysis so that its rate form hypoelastic constitutive relation can be consistently integrated to deliver a free energy based hyper-elastic constitutive relation. The martensitic volume fraction and the second-order transformation strain tensor are chosen as the internal state variables to characterize the inelastic response exhibited by polycrystalline SMAs. Numerical experiments for basic SMA geometries, such as a bar under tension and a torque tube under torsion are performed to test the capabilities of the newly proposed model. The presented formulation and its numerical implementation scheme can be extended in future work for the incorporation of other inelastic phenomenas such as transformation-induced plasticity, viscoplasticity and creep under large deformations.
On the Lifetime Performance of a Styrenic Rubber Membrane for Dielectric Elastomer Transducers
Authors: Yi Chen , Agostini Lorenzo , Fontana Marco , Moretti Giacomo , Vertechy Rocco 
Published: November 2018

Dielectric Elastomer Transducers (DETs) are solid-state electrostatic devices with variable capacitance that can convert electrical energy into mechanical energy and vice-versa.
Recent theoretical and experimental studies demonstrated that DETs made of materials like silicone elastomer and natural rubber can operate at very high energy densities.
Practical applicability of DETs is strongly affected by their reliability and lifetime, which depend on the maximum strain and electrical loads that are cyclically applied on such devices.
To date, very little knowledge and experimental results are available on the subject.
In this context, this paper reports on an extensive lifetime assessment campaign conducted on frame-stretched circular DET specimens made of a commercial styrenic rubber membrane subjected to cyclic electrical loading.
Three-dimensional plate geometry and P-wave velocity models of the subduction zone in SW Japan: Implications for seismogenesis
Authors: Nakanishi Ayako , Takahashi Narumi , Yamamoto Yojiro , Takahashi Tsutomu , Ozgur Citak Seckin , Nakamura Takeshi , Obana Koichiro , Kodaira Shuichi , Kaneda Yoshiyuki 
Published: November 2018

ABSTRACT
To accurately estimate the coseismic rupture area in a Nankai megathrust earthquake and predict seismic and tsunami hazards, various three-dimensional models of the subducting plate geometry and simple seismic velocity models of the subduction zone in SW Japan have been proposed. However, to ensure consistency among studies, more realistic and reliable standard models must be developed. Here, we use wide-angle ocean-bottom seismographic survey results to develop models of the three-dimensional geometry of the subducting plate and of the three-dimensional P-wave velocity structure around the Nankai Trough. We confirmed the reliability of the proposed models by comparing theoretical first arrivals, calculated from two-dimensional structure models sampled from the three-dimensional model along seismic profile lines, with observed traveltime data. The proposed models are the first to be visible and to attempt to represent the actual seismic velocity structures around the entire Nankai Trough in SW Japan. Although the spatial validity of the three-dimensional velocity structure model could not be strictly evaluated, we confirmed that the differences between hypocenter parameters determined from previously published seismic tomography results and those obtained by using our three-dimensional structure model were sufficiently small (latitude and longitude within ±0.1° and depth within approximately ±5 km). Therefore, our three-dimensional structure model is suitable for use as an initial model for hypocenter determination.
Understanding the impact of delegated home visiting services accessed via general practice by community-dwelling patients: a realist review protocol
Authors: Abrams Ruth , Wong Geoffrey , Mahtani Kamal Ram , Tierney Stephanie , Boylan Anne-Marie , Roberts Nia , Park Sophie 
Published: November 2018

IntroductionIn western countries, early visiting services (EVS) have been proposed as a recent intervention to reduce both general practitioner workload and hospital admissions among housebound individuals experiencing a healthcare need within the community. EVS involves the delegation of the patient home visits to other staff groups such as paramedics or nursing staff. However, the principles of organising this care are unknown and it remains unclear how different contexts, such as patient conditions and the processes of organising EVS influence care outcomes. A review has been designed to understand how EVS are enacted and, specifically, who benefits, why, how and when in order to provide further insight into the design and delivery of EVS.Methods and analysisThe purpose of this review is to produce findings that provide explanations of how and why EVS contexts influence their associated outcomes. Evidence on EVS will be consolidated through realist review—a theory-driven approach to evidence synthesis. A realist approach is needed as EVS is a complex intervention. What EVS achieve is likely to vary for different individuals and contexts. We expect to synthesise a range of relevant data such as qualitative, quantitative and mixed-method research in the following stages: devising an initial programme theory, searching evidence, selecting appropriate documents, extracting data, synthesising and refining the programme theory.Ethics and disseminationA formal ethics review is not required as this study is secondary research. Findings will be disseminated in a peer-reviewed journal, at national and international conferences and to relevant professional associations.PROSPERO registration numberCRD42018096518.
Comparison of two bedside evaluation methods of dysphagia in patients with acute stroke
Authors: Ye Ting , Huang Shengyan , Dong Yi , Dong Qiang 
Published: November 2018

BackgroundDysphagia is a common complication after stroke. Water swallowing test (WST) is a recognised but limited tool in providing details about dysphagia, including severity and how to adjust the diet based on the test results.MethodsWe performed a prospective observational study of comparing WST and volume–viscosity swallow test (V-VST) in patients with acute stroke within 14 days. All patients had WST and if failed would have a V-VST. The primary outcome was to compare the dysphagia levels assessed by these two test tools. The secondary outcome was to explore the predictive capability in patients who were at high risk of pneumonia by these two swallowing tests.ResultsConsecutively 276 patients with stroke were enrolled in our study, and 197 had normal WST. Among 79 patients who had both WST and V-VST, 20 showed swallowing safety and effectiveness by V-VST. The chance of being on tube feeding was strongly related to the positive results of failed WST (p<0.001). Both tests showed good predictive ability in patients with stroke for pneumonia even some of them were placed on tube feeding (p=0.001 in WST and p<0.001 in V-VST).ConclusionsV-VST performed better as a clinical screening test for dysphagia in patients with acute stroke at the bedside.Trial registration numberChiCTR1800016442.
Texture zero mass matrices and nature of neutrinos
Authors: Ahuja Gulsheen , Gupta Manmohan 
Published: November 2018

For Majorana as well as Dirac neutrinos, attempt has been made to carry out a comparative study of the predictions of Fritzsch-like texture 6, 5 and 4 zero leptonic mass matrices. In particular, considering normal hierarchy of neutrino masses, we have examined how the parameter space available to the mixing angles with respect to the lightest neutrino mass changes for the two types of neutrinos.
Endoplasmic reticulum stress contributes to the pathogenesis of stress urinary incontinence in postmenopausal women
Authors: Zhou Yong , Liu Xiaoxia , Li Wenjuan , Sun Xiaoyan , Xie Zhenwei 
Published: November 2018

Objective To investigate the relationship between endoplasmic reticulum stress (ERS) and the pathogenesis of stress urinary incontinence (SUI) in postmenopausal women. Methods Anterior vaginal wall tissue was collected from postmenopausal women with SUI and control subjects. Western blotting was performed for glucose-regulated protein (GRP78), inositol-requiring enzyme 1(IRE1), protein kinase-like endoplasmic reticulum kinase (PERK), activating transcription factor 6 (ATF6), C/EBP-homologous protein (CHOP), and B-cell lymphoma 2 (Bcl-2). Additionally, mRNA expression levels of PERK, activating transcription factor 4 (ATF4), and CHOP were examined by real-time polymerase chain reaction. Results GRP78 protein and mRNA expression levels were significantly lower in women with SUI, compared with control subjects. PERK and p-PERK expression levels were higher in women with SUI than in control subjects. However, no differences in IRE1 or ATF6 expression levels were observed in either group. Notably, higher CHOP and lower Bcl-2 protein expression levels were detected in women with SUI, compared with control subjects. Furthermore, PERK, ATF4, and CHOP mRNA expression levels were significantly higher in women with SUI than in control subjects. Conclusions Alterations of ERS markers in SUI suggest that ERS may be involved in the development of SUI in postmenopausal women.
Occupational performance in the basic and instrumental daily activities of persons with low vision who received rehabilitation services
Authors: Duquette Josée , Loiselle Jocelyn , Fréchette Claire , Déry Lise , Senécal Marie-Josée 
Published: November 2018

Introduction The objective was to describe the occupational performance in basic and instrumental daily activities of persons living in the community who have received comprehensive interdisciplinary low vision rehabilitation services. Method The Mesure de l'impact de la déficience visuelle dans les activités quotidiennes (a measure of the impact of visual impairment in daily activities) was administered at home to 102 individuals who participated in a comprehensive low vision rehabilitation program. Performance in 16 near-vision activities was measured with the person's aids and strategies; nine more global tasks were questionnaire-based. Handicap scores were obtained by multiplying performance × importance ratings. Results Average performance was satisfactory or very satisfactory for 21/25 items, even if 92% of the participants had a moderate or severe visual impairment. A severe or total handicap was present in at least one activity for 79% of the subjects. The most handicapping activities required visual searches of finely printed information on a complex or visually crowded document, or shopping and mobility. Conclusion People with low vision who took part in a comprehensive rehabilitation program generally face no or slight handicap situations in their basic and instrumental daily activities. However, major handicap situations may remain in some important activities.
Warts and all: Fingolimod and unusual HPV-associated lesions
Authors: Triplett James , Kermode Allan G , Corbett Alastair , Reddel Stephen W 
Published: November 2018

Background: Fingolimod is used to reduce relapse rates in relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis (MS). It is a sphingosine 1-phosphate (S1P) analogue having antagonistic effects on S1P receptors. Its immunosuppressive effect is due to reduced circulating lymphocyte numbers, and it may also be associated with impaired intrinsic cancer surveillance. Fingolimod side effects include increased rates and severity of viral infections particularly varicella zoster. Methods: We present five cases of chronic and treatment refractory warts associated with fingolimod therapy. Results: Each of the five cases presenting with chronic warts while receiving fingolimod therapy had prolonged periods of lymphopenia and improvements were seen following dose reduction or cessation of fingolimod. Conclusion: Cutaneous warts are associated with human papilloma virus (HPV) infection, suggesting an increased risk of other HPV-driven conditions such as cervical cancer following fingolimod administration. HPV viruses are responsible for approximately 90% of cervical cancers as well as a significant portion of anogenital cancers and have a high prevalence in sexually active adults. Given the reduced immune response to viral infections and potential impaired cancer surveillance in those receiving fingolimod, HPV vaccination and frequent assessment for the development of HPV-associated malignancies are recommended.
Differences in Maternal Risk Factors Among Undocumented Latinas in Nebraska by Country of Origin
Authors: Held Mary L. , Anderson Kelly , Kennedy Daniel , Vernon Elizabeth , Wilkins Jennifer , Lindley Lisa C. 
Published: November 2018

Objective: This study compared maternal risk factors by country of origin for 4,188 Mexican and Guatemalan unauthorized immigrants. Method: Data were drawn from 2007 to 2011 public birth certificate records of unauthorized immigrant mothers residing in Nebraska at the time of delivery. The study sample included 4,188 women ages 18 years or older and originating from either Mexico or Guatemala. Risk factors, including age risk, preexisting health risks, pregnancy health risks, and prior pregnancy risks, were examined by country of origin. Stata 11.0 was used to compute descriptive statistics and conduct χ2 test for binary variables and Student t test for continuous variables. Results: Analyses found that Mexican and Guatemalan participants have distinct maternal risk factors. Mexican participants were older and at greater risk of obesity and excessive weight gain during pregnancy, while Guatemalan participants were more likely to receive inadequate prenatal care. Conclusion: Findings suggest that both Mexican and Guatemalan immigrants encounter maternal risk factors that could threaten not only their own health but that of their infants as well. Health and social service providers can tailor education and outreach efforts that are specific to Latina subgroups by origin. Furthermore, targeted strategies to delivering prenatal care to unauthorized immigrants are essential for the well-being of mothers and newborns.
Perspectives of caregivers and volunteers on Stepping Stones for people with dementia
Authors: Han Areum , Brown Diane 
Published: November 2018

Rationale: Current knowledge in experiences and potential benefits of group-based activity programmes on people with dementia and their caregivers is inconsistent, depending on the quality of interventions. Lacking standardisation in the programme’s content and structure, therefore, requires research in a structured group-based activity programme with more details. Objectives This study explored perspectives of spouses of people with dementia and older volunteers about Stepping Stones, involving a theme-based activity group and a support group. Methodology: Interpretative phenomenological analysis was used to analyse individual interview data with 12 people. Results Findings suggest that (1) Stepping Stones promotes participation of people with dementia in a happy, comfortable and accepting environment; (2) Stepping Stones fulfils a deep need of family caregivers; (3) Stepping Stones is well organised with a purpose and expertise and (4) The partnership between the community and the university makes the programme unique. Conclusion Programmes like Stepping Stones can be beneficial by promoting participation of people with dementia and fulfilling a need of caregivers. These findings contribute to evidence of group-based activity programmes, in which activities were well planned by a faculty and students in occupational therapy.
Expression of mitochondrial dysfunction-related genes and pathways in paclitaxel-induced peripheral neuropathy in breast cancer survivors
Authors: Kober Kord M , Olshen Adam , Conley Yvettte P , Schumacher Mark , Topp Kimberly , Smoot Betty , Mazor Melissa , Chesney Margaret , Hammer Marilyn , Paul Steven M , Levine Jon D , Miaskowski Christine 
Published: November 2018

Background Paclitaxel is one of the most commonly used drugs to treat breast cancer. Its major dose-limiting toxicity is paclitaxel-induced peripheral neuropathy (PIPN). PIPN persists into survivorship and has a negative impact on patient’s mood, functional status, and quality of life. No interventions are available to treat PIPN. A critical barrier to the development of efficacious interventions is the lack of understanding of the mechanisms that underlie PIPN. Mitochondrial dysfunction has been evaluated in preclinical studies as a hypothesized mechanism for PIPN, but clinical data to support this hypothesis are limited. The purpose of this pilot study was to evaluate for differential gene expression and perturbed pathways between breast cancer survivors with and without PIPN. Methods Gene expression in peripheral blood was assayed using RNA-seq. Differentially expressed genes (DEG) and pathways associated with mitochondrial dysfunction were identified between survivors who received paclitaxel and did (n = 25) and did not (n = 25) develop PIPN. Results Breast cancer survivors with PIPN were significantly older; more likely to be unemployed; reported lower alcohol use; had a higher body mass index and poorer functional status; and had a higher number of lower extremity sites with loss of light touch, cold, and pain sensations and higher vibration thresholds. No between-group differences were found in the cumulative dose of paclitaxel received or in the percentage of patients who had a dose reduction or delay due to PIPN. Five DEGs and nine perturbed pathways were associated with mitochondrial dysfunction related to oxidative stress, iron homeostasis, mitochondrial fission, apoptosis, and autophagy. Conclusions This study is the first to provide molecular evidence that a number of mitochondrial dysfunction mechanisms identified in preclinical models of various types of neuropathic pain including chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy are found in breast cancer survivors with persistent PIPN and suggest genes for validation and as potential therapeutic targets.
Risk factors for complications after volar plate fixation of distal radial fractures
Authors: Sirniö Kai , Flinkkilä Tapio , Vähäkuopus Marko , Hurskainen Antti , Ohtonen Pasi , Leppilahti Juhana 
Published: November 2018

This study assessed risk factors for complications after volar plate fixation of distal radial fractures. An assessment of electronic patient records from 2008 to 2016 identified 867 patients with a total of 881 distal radial fractures who underwent volar plating in our hospital. A total of 132 complications after volar plate fixation of distal radial fractures were observed (complication rate 15%). Surgery performed by a low-volume surgeon and patient age less than 40 years were the most important risk factors for plate-related complications. In logistic regression analysis, operation performed by a low-volume surgeon and patient age less than 40 years were independent predictors of plate-related complications. Patient age less than 40 years and low-volume surgeon were also found to be independent risk factors for plate-related secondary operations. Surgical delay had no effect on the complication rate. Level of evidence: IV
Extended spectrum beta-lactamase mediated resistance in carriage and clinical gram-negative ESKAPE bacteria: a comparative study between a district and tertiary hospital in South Africa
Authors: Founou Raspail Carrel , Founou Luria Leslie , Essack Sabiha Yusuf 
Published: November 2018

Abstract
Background
Gram-negative ESKAPE bacteria are increasingly implicated in several difficult-to-treat infections in developed and developing countries. They are listed by the World Health Organization as resistant bacteria of critical priority in research.

Objectives
To determine the risk factors, prevalence, phenotypic profiles, genetic diversity and clonal relatedness of extended-spectrum β-lactamase (ESBL)-producing multi-drug resistant (MDR) Gram-negative ESKAPE bacteria in the faecal carriage and clinical samples from patients in an urban, tertiary and a rural, district hospital in uMgungundlovu District, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa.

Methods
This study took place in a district and tertiary hospital during a two-months period from May to June 2017 in uMgungundlovu district, South Africa. Rectal swabs collected from hospitalized patients, at admission, after 48 h and at discharge (whenever possible) formed the carriage sample while clinical isolates routinely processed in the microbiological laboratory during the sampling period were also collected and formed the clinical sample. Gram-negative ESKAPE bacteria were screened for ESBL production on selective MacConkey agar and confirmed using ROSCO kits. Minimum inhibitory concentrations were determined, and real-time and multiplex polymerase chain reaction were used to ascertain the presence of blaCTX-M group-1-2-9, blaCTX-M group 8/25, blaSHV, blaTEM, blaOXA-1-like, blaKPC, blaVIM, blaIMP, blaGES and AmpC genes. Genomic fingerprinting was also performed using ERIC-PCR. Risk factors for ESBL-mediating MDR Gram-negative ESKAPE colonization were ascertained by univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses.

Results
Overall prevalence of carriage of ESBL-mediating MDR Gram-negative ESKAPE was 37.21% (16/43), 42.31% (11/26) and 57.14% (4/7) at admission, after 48 h and at discharge respectively. The prevalence of ESBL-mediating MDR Gram-negative ESKAPE bacteria in faecal carriage (46%) was higher than clinical samples (28%). Colonization was mainly associated with the referral from district to tertiary hospital with high statistical significance (OR: 14.40, 95% CI 0.98–210.84). blaCTX-M-group-9, blaCTX-M-group-1 and blaSHV were the main resistance genes identified. Several patients carried more than two different isolates. A Klebsiella pneumoniae (K1) clone was circulating within wards and between hospitals.

Conclusion
The study highlights the high prevalence of ESBL-mediating MDR Gram-negative ESKAPE bacteria in carriage and clinical samples among hospitalized patients in uMgungundlovu, South Africa. The wide dissemination of these resistant ESKAPE bacteria in hospitals necessitates improvements in routine screening and reinforcement of infection, prevention and control measures.