bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Analysis of dynamic displacement of reinforced concrete deep beams made of high strength concrete Part I: Analysis of dynamic displacement of a reinforced concrete deep beam made of high strength C100 grade concrete
Authors: Cichorski Waldemar 
Published: April 2018

The work presented is a three-part set of studies containing a comparative analysis of the displacement state of rectangular concrete deep beams made of concrete of different classes of very high strength, loaded dynamically. The analysis was carried out on the basis of the method presented in this paper [1], which allows for the physical nonlinearity of structural materials: concrete and reinforcing steel to be taken into account. Each part of the work contains the results of numerical solutions of the displacement state of the deep beams separately for the concrete strength of C100 grade, C200 grade, and C300 grade, in each case reinforced with ordinary steel and increased strength steel. Comparative analysis is carried out in Part Two and Part Three, where the results obtained in these parts are respectively compared with the results obtained in the preceding parts. The analysis includes the mutual relations of mechanisms for achieving dynamic load carrying — capacity. The results describing the variation of displacements in time indicate the characteristic features of the deep beam effort and allow for the inference on reaching the state of the dynamic load carrying — capacity. In general, the work confirmed the accuracy of the assumptions and deformation models of concrete and steel as well as the effectiveness of methods of analysis proposed in paper [1] for the problems of numerical simulation of reinforced concrete deep beams behaviour under dynamic loading. The key assumptions used in the analysis are presented in the first part of the paper. The characteristic features of structural materials: concrete and reinforcing steel are presented, taking into account the modified idea of modelling of the dynamic properties of concrete as a material of very high strength. An analysis of the displacement state of rectangular reinforced concrete deep beams made of very high strength concrete of C100 grade under dynamic load for two types of reinforcing steel — ordinary and increased strength — was carried out. Key words: mechanics of structures, reinforced concrete structures, deep beams, dynamic load, physical nonlinearity
Motor Oil Classification Using Color Histograms and Pattern Recognition Techniques
Authors: Ahmadi Shiva , Mani-Varnosfaderani Ahmad , Habibi Biuck 
Published: April 2018

Abstract
Motor oil classification is important for quality control and the identification of oil adulteration. In this work, we propose a simple, rapid, inexpensive and nondestructive approach based on image analysis and pattern recognition techniques for the classification of nine different types of motor oils according to their corresponding color histograms. For this, we applied color histogram in different color spaces such as red green blue (RGB), grayscale, and hue saturation intensity (HSI) in order to extract features that can help with the classification procedure. These color histograms and their combinations were used as input for model development and then were statistically evaluated by using linear discriminant analysis (LDA), quadratic discriminant analysis (QDA), and support vector machine (SVM) techniques. Here, two common solutions for solving a multiclass classification problem were applied: (1) transformation to binary classification problem using a one-against-all (OAA) approach and (2) extension from binary classifiers to a single globally optimized multilabel classification model. In the OAA strategy, LDA, QDA, and SVM reached up to 97% in terms of accuracy, sensitivity, and specificity for both the training and test sets. In extension from binary case, despite good performances by the SVM classification model, QDA and LDA provided better results up to 92% for RGB-grayscale-HSI color histograms and up to 93% for the HSI color map, respectively. In order to reduce the numbers of independent variables for modeling, a principle component analysis algorithm was used. Our results suggest that the proposed method is promising for the identification and classification of different types of motor oils.
Developing Inclusivity and Exclusivity Panels for Testing Diagnostic and Detection Tools Targeting Burkholderia pseudomallei, the Causative Agent of Melioidosis
Authors: Williamson Charles H D , Wagner David M , Keim Paul , Sahl Jason W 
Published: April 2018

Abstract
Background: Diagnostic tools designed to target Burkholderia pseudomallei, the causative agent of melioidosis that was classified as a Tier 1 Select Agent by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, have typically suffered from false-positive and false-negative results because of a lack of understanding of the genomic diversity of B. pseudomallei and its genetic near neighbors. Objective: In this review, we discuss a strategy for using comparative genomics to guide the design of inclusivity and exclusivity panels for the validation of assays as defined by the Standard Method Performance Requirement (SMPR). Methods: Based upon a literature review, comparative genomic analyses, and hands-on experience with diagnostic development and testing, we describe important factors to consider when developing inclusivity and exclusivity panels for testing diagnostic and/or detection tools. Results: The genomic diversity of B. pseudomallei is substantial, with the genome characterized by horizontal gene transfer, including the acquisition of genomic islands from near-neighbor species. This genomic diversity, core genome reduction, and signal erosion can complicate molecular diagnostic tool development and validation. Conclusions: Accurate diagnostic and/or detection tools targeting B. pseudomallei, an important pathogen from a public health and biodefense perspective, are needed for many applications. Utilizing whole genome sequencing data and comparative genomic techniques can guide the development and validation of such tools. Amplicon sequencing assays and assay redundancy can provide improved assay performance. Highlights: When developing and validating diagnostic and/or detection tools targeting B. pseudomallei, it is important to consider genomic diversity, genome reduction, and signal erosion to reduce the effects of typical diagnostic errors.
Loop-Mediated Isothermal Amplification for Detection of Endogenous Sad1 Gene in Cotton: An Internal Control for Rapid Onsite GMO Testing
Authors: Singh Monika , Bhoge Rajesh K , Randhawa Gurinderjit 
Published: April 2018

Abstract
Background: Confirming the integrity of seed samples in powdered form is important prior to conducting a genetically modified organism (GMO) test. Rapid onsite methods may provide a technological solution to check for genetically modified (GM) events at ports of entry. In India, Bt cotton is the commercialized GM crop with four approved GM events; however, 59 GM events have been approved globally. GMO screening is required to test for authorized GM events. The identity and amplifiability of test samples could be ensured first by employing endogenous genes as an internal control. Objective: A rapid onsite detection method was developed for an endogenous reference gene, stearoyl acyl carrier protein desaturase (Sad1) of cotton, employing visual and real-time loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP). Methods: The assays were performed at a constant temperature of 63°C for 30 min for visual LAMP and 62ºC for 40 min for real-time LAMP. Positive amplification was visualized as a change in color from orange to green on addition of SYBR® Green or detected as real-time amplification curves. Results: Specificity of LAMP assays was confirmed using a set of 10 samples. LOD for visual LAMP was up to 0.1%, detecting 40 target copies, and for real-time LAMP up to 0.05%, detecting 20 target copies. Conclusions: The developed methods could be utilized to confirm the integrity of seed powder prior to conducting a GMO test for specific GM events of cotton. Highlights: LAMP assays for the endogenous Sad1 gene of cotton have been developed to be used as an internal control for onsite GMO testing in cotton.
Sideband Asymmetry in Ionospheric Cross Modulation
Authors: de Boer P. T. , Vester M. 
Published: April 2018

AbstractWe study the phenomenon of ionospheric cross modulation between LF/MF broadcast stations using modern reception techniques, allowing us to see details that were not seen with the analog receiving techniques from the 1940s. We show experimentally that the sidebands of the transferred modulation are often asymmetric, in amplitude and/or phase. We give qualitative and quantitative explanations for this asymmetry, based on taking contributions from outside the first Fresnel zone into account. The asymmetry is found to be strongest for longer paths, lower carrier frequency, and disturbing transmitter closer to the receiver.
The Prismatic Topography of Pinctada maxima Shell Retains Stem Cell Multipotency and Plasticity In Vitro
Authors: Alakpa Enateri V. , Saeed Anwer , Chung Peter , Riehle Mathis O. , Gadegaard Nikolaj , Dalby Matthew J. , Cusack Maggie 
Published: April 2018

AbstractThe shell of the bivalve mollusc Pinctada maxima is composed of the calcium carbonate polymorphs calcite and aragonite (nacre). Mother‐of‐pearl, or nacre, induces vertebrate cells to undergo osteogenesis and has good osteointegrative qualities in vivo. The calcite counterpart, however, is less researched in terms of the response of vertebrate cells. This study shows that isolation of calcite surface topography from the inherent chemistry allows viable long‐term culture of bone marrow derived mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs). Self‐renewal is evident from the increased gene expression of the self‐renewal markers CD63, CD166, and CD271 indicating that cells cultured on the calcite topography maintain their stem cell phenotype. MSCs also retain their multipotency and can undergo successful differentiation into osteoblasts and adipocytes. When directed to adipogenesis, MSCs cultured on prism replicas are more amenable to differentiation than MSCs cultured on tissue culture polystyrene indicating a higher degree of plasticity in MSCs growing on calcite P. maxima prismatic topography. The study highlights the potential of the calcite topography of P. maxima as a biomimetic design for supporting expansion of MSC populations in vitro, which is of fundamental importance if it meets the demands for autologous MSCs for therapeutic use.
Sulfonimidamides: Synthesis and Applications in Preparative Organic Chemistry
Authors: Nandi Ganesh Chandra , Arvidsson Per I. 
Published: April 2018

AbstractDuring the last one and half decades, chemists within vastly different areas of science have witnessed a rising interest in chemical matters incorporating the sulfonimidamide functional group. New synthetic routes to sulfonimidamides have been reported, and the utility of these products has been demonstrated in synthetic, medicinal, agrochemical, and material science applications. In this review, we described the synthesis of sulfonimidamide and their applications in synthetic organic chemistry.magnified image
The role of diversification in community assembly of the oaks (QuercusL.) across the continental U.S.
Authors: Cavender‐Bares Jeannine , Kothari Shan , Meireles José Eduardo , Kaproth Matthew A. , Manos Paul S , Hipp Andrew L. 
Published: April 2018

Premise of the StudyEvolutionary and biogeographic history, including past environmental change and diversification processes, are likely to have influenced the expansion, migration, and extinction of populations, creating evolutionary legacy effects that influence regional species pools and the composition of communities. We consider the consequences of the diversification process in shaping trait evolution and assembly of oak‐dominated communities throughout the continental United States (U.S.).MethodsWithin the U.S. oaks, we tested for phylogenetic and functional trait patterns at different spatial scales, taking advantage of a dated phylogenomic analysis of American oaks and the U.S. Forest Service (USFS) Forest Inventory and Analysis (FIA).Key ResultsWe find (1) phylogenetic overdispersion at small grain sizes throughout the U.S. across all spatial extents and (2) a shift from overdispersion to clustering with increasing grain sizes. Leaf traits have evolved in a convergent manner, and these traits are clustered in communities at all spatial scales, except in the far west, where species with contrasting leaf types co‐occur.ConclusionsOur results support the hypotheses that (1) interspecific interactions were important in parallel adaptive radiation of the genus into a range of habitats across the continent and (2) that the diversification process is a critical driver of community assembly. Functional convergence of complementary species from distinct clades adapted to the same local habitats is a likely mechanism that allows distantly related species to coexist. Our findings contribute to an explanation of the long‐term maintenance of high oak diversity and the dominance of the oak genus in North America.
A probiotic modulates the microbiome and immunity in multiple sclerosis
Authors: Tankou Stephanie K. , Regev Keren , Healy Brian C. , Tjon Emily , Laghi Luca , Cox Laura M. , Kivisäkk Pia , Pierre Isabelle V. , Hrishikesh Lokhande , Gandhi Roopali , Cook Sandra , Glanz Bonnie , Stankiewicz James , Weiner Howard L. 
Published: April 2018

ObjectiveEffect of a probiotic on the gut microbiome and peripheral immune function in healthy controls and relapsing‐remitting multiple sclerosis (MS) patients.MethodsMS patients (N = 9) and controls (N = 13) were orally administered a probiotic containing Lactobacillus, Bifidobacterium, and Streptococcus twice‐daily for two months. Blood and stool specimens were collected at baseline, after completion of the 2‐month treatment, and 3 months after discontinuation of therapy. Frozen peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) were used for immune cell profiling. Stool samples were used for 16S rRNA profiling and metabolomics.ResultsProbiotic administration increased the abundance of several taxa known to be depleted in MS such as Lactobacillus. We found that probiotic use decreased the abundance of taxa previously associated with dysbiosis in MS, including Akkermansia and Blautia. Predictive metagenomic analysis revealed a decrease in the abundance of several KEGG (Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes) pathways associated with altered gut microbiota function in MS patients, such as methane metabolism, following probiotic supplementation. At the immune level, probiotic administration induced an anti‐inflammatory peripheral immune response characterized by decreased frequency of inflammatory monocytes, decreased mean fluorescence intensity (MFI) of CD80 on classical monocytes, as well as decreased human leukocyte antigen (HLA) D related MFI on dendritic cells. Probiotic administration was also associated with decreased expression of MS risk allele HLA‐DQA1 in controls. Probiotic‐induced increase in abundance of Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium was associated with decreased expression of MS risk allele HLA.DPB1 in controls.InterpretationOur results suggest that probiotics could have a synergistic effect with current MS therapies. Ann Neurol 2018
Wood‐Derived Ultrathin Carbon Nanofiber Aerogels
Authors: Li Si‐Cheng , Hu Bi‐Cheng , Ding Yan‐Wei , Liang Hai‐Wei , Li Chao , Yu Zi‐You , Wu Zhen‐Yu , Chen Wen‐Shuai , Yu Shu‐Hong 
Published: April 2018

AbstractCarbon aerogels with 3D networks of interconnected nanometer‐sized particles exhibit fascinating physical properties and show great application potential. Efficient and sustainable methods are required to produce high‐performance carbon aerogels on a large scale to boost their practical applications. An economical and sustainable method is now developed for the synthesis of ultrathin carbon nanofiber (CNF) aerogels from the wood‐based nanofibrillated cellulose (NFC) aerogels via a catalytic pyrolysis process, which guarantees high carbon residual and well maintenance of the nanofibrous morphology during thermal decomposition of the NFC aerogels. The wood‐derived CNF aerogels exhibit excellent electrical conductivity, a large surface area, and potential as a binder‐free electrode material for supercapacitors. The results suggest great promise in developing new families of carbon aerogels based on the controlled pyrolysis of economical and sustainable nanostructured precursors.
Urbanising the Rural: Reflections on India's National Rurban Mission
Authors: Singh Chandni , Rahman Andaleeb 
Published: April 2018

AbstractIndia's development trajectory is marked by growing economic prosperity but high inequality, which often exacerbates the existing rural–urban divide. One of the current policy instruments to address this divide is the National Rurban Mission, which aims to improve infrastructure and service provision, facilitate regional development and attract investment in rural areas. Against the backdrop of growing rural unrest on one hand and emerging evidence of unsustainable development in the urban on the other, we examine the National Rural Mission and its discursive underpinnings. We find that while the mission and its stated aims are a promising step to improve regional development, its focus on ‘smart villages’ and seeing urbanisation as the only development model, undermines the strengths and challenges in rural India. We highlight ways in which the mission can avoid some past pitfalls of development interventions in India while strengthening its mandate of facilitating inclusive regional development.
Immunolocalization of G Protein‐Coupled Estrogen Receptor in the Pig Epididymis
Authors: Malivindi Rocco , Aquila Saveria , Rago Vittoria 
Published: April 2018

ABSTRACTThe presence of estrogen in the genital ducts of different mammalian species has been extensively studied and the estrogen influence on the functional activity of the male genital tract has been hypothesized. Conversely, very few data have been reported on pig excurrent ducts: the localization of classical estrogen receptors (ERα and ERβ) is scarcely known, while the expression of the G protein‐coupled receptor (GPER1), a membrane estrogen receptor, is still unknown in pig. The aim of the present study was to evaluate GPER1 expression in the different regions of the mature pig epididymis, using immunohistochemistry, western blot and RT‐PCR analyses. The results showed that GPER1 is mainly expressed in the epithelial cells of the corpus epididymis compared to the caput and the cauda, while muscle cells are moderately immunostained and stromal cells are unstained. The presence of GPER1 was confirmed by Western blot and RT‐PCR analyses. In our study, we have demonstrated for the first time the GPER1 expression in male porcine epididymis, revealing a new mediator of estrogen signaling at this site. In conclusion, these new data suggest that estrogen action via GPER1 may contribute to sperm maturation in the corpus and sperm protection/storage in the cauda. Interestingly, the presence of GPER1 in the muscle layer may be indicative of a possible GPER1 involvement in the estrogen regulation of duct contractility. Anat Rec, 2018. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
CCL21 as a Potential Serum Biomarker for Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension in Systemic Sclerosis
Authors: Hoffmann‐Vold Anna‐Maria , Hesselstrand Roger , Fretheim Håvard , Ueland Thor , Andreassen Arne K. , Brunborg Cathrine , Palchevskiy Vyacheslav , Midtvedt Øyvind , Garen Torhild , Aukrust Pål , Belperio John A. , Molberg Øyvind 
Published: April 2018

ObjectiveSystemic sclerosis (SSc) is a major cause of pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH). Murine models indicate key roles for chemokines CCL19 and CCL21 and their receptor CCR7 in lung inflammation leading to PAH. The objective of this study was to assess the chemokine CCL19–CCL21 axis in patients with SSc‐related PAH.MethodsSerum samples obtained from 2 independent prospective SSc cohorts (n = 326), patients with idiopathic PAH (n = 12), and healthy control subjects (n = 100) were analyzed for CCL19/CCL21 levels, by enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay. The levels were defined as either high or low, using the mean + 2 SD value in controls as the cutoff value. Risk stratification at the time of PAH diagnosis and PAH‐related events were performed. Descriptive and Cox regression analyses were conducted.ResultsCCL21 levels were higher in patients with SSc compared with controls and were elevated prior to the diagnosis of PAH. PAH was more frequent in patients with high CCL21 levels (≥0.4 ng/ml) than in those with low CCL21 levels (33.3% versus 5.3% [P < 0.001]). In multivariate analyses, CCL21 was associated with PAH (hazard ratio [HR] 5.1, 95% CI 2.39–10.76 [P < 0.001]) and occurrence of PAH‐related events (HR 4.7, 95% CI 2.12–10.46, P < 0.001). Risk stratification at the time of PAH diagnosis alone did not predict PAH‐related events. However, when risk at diagnosis was combined with high or low CCL21 level, there was a significant predictive effect (HR 1.3, 95% CI 1.03–1.60 [P = 0.027]). A high CCL21 level was associated with decreased survival (P < 0.001).ConclusionCCL21 appears to be a promising marker for predicting the risk of SSc‐related PAH and PAH progression. CCL21 may be part of a dysregulated immune pathway linked to the development of lung vascular damage in SSc.
A dual‐label time‐resolved fluorescence immunoassay for the simultaneous determination of carcinoembryonic antigen and squamous cell carcinoma antigen
Authors: Mao Qian , Liu Xiaohong , Chen CuiCui , Ye Jingwen , Liang Huankun , Li Binxian , Sun Xinyi , Sun Lin , Sun Yuman , Mu Xiaomei , Li Laiqing 
Published: April 2018

AbstractAmong women worldwide, cervical cancer is the second‐most common cancer, and cervical smears and DNA detection have low sensitivity or are too expensive. The concentrations of carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) and squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) in the serum were detected using a sandwich immunoassay. The CEA and SCC in the serum were captured by anti‐CEA and anti‐SCC antibodies. After combining other anti‐CEA‐ and anti‐SCC‐labeled antibodies with europium (III) (Eu3+) and samarium (III) (Sm3+) chelates, CEA and SCC were detected with time‐resolved fluorometry (TRF). The linear correlation coefficients (R2) of the CEA and SCC standard curves were 0.9997 and 0.9997, respectively. The minimum detection level for CEA was 1.15 ng/mL (the linear dynamic range was 3.24–543.67 ng/mL), and the average recovery was 100.83%. The sensitivity for SCC detection was 0.54 ng/mL (the linear dynamic range was 2.47–96.58 ng/mL), and the average recovery was 101.02%. High R2 between the results of commercial assays and this method were obtained (R2 = 0.9983 for CEA, R2 = 0.9878 for SCC). These findings indicated that the dual‐label TRFIA invented in this study has high sensitivity, accuracy, and specificity in clinical analysis, which indicates that this method could be used for the early diagnosis and follow‐up surveillance of cervical cancer.
Systematicity of Search Index: A new measure for exploring information search patterns
Authors: Perkovic Sonja , Bown Nicola J. , Kaptan Gulbanu 
Published: April 2018

AbstractMany studies on information search in multi‐attribute decision making rely on the analysis of transitions from 1 piece of information to the next. One challenge is to categorize information search that includes an equal amount of alternative‐ and attribute‐wise transitions. We propose a measure, the Systematicity of Search Index (SSI), for exploring information search based on sequences of either alternative‐ or attribute‐wise transitions. The SSI explores information search in terms of systematicity or the proportion of nonrandom search, that is, search that is alternative‐ or attribute‐wise, corrected for chance. Our experiment confirms the validity of the SSI and shows that the SSI can shed light on processes not captured by the measures analysing single transitions, such as Payne's Search Index.