bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Investigation of Calculating Stress Intensity Factor at Surface Point and its Inclusion in Engineering Standards
Authors: Xu Steven X. , Thorwald Greg , Le Delliou Patrick , Cipolla Russell C. 
Published: October 2018

Article A-3000 of Appendix A in ASME Section XI provides methods to calculate stress intensity factors that are used in Section XI linear elastic fracture mechanics based flaw evaluation procedures. The ASME Section XI Working Group on Flaw Evaluation has been in the process of rewriting Article A-3000 of Appendix A. The rewrite of Article A-3000 includes implementation of closed-form equations for stress intensity factor influence coefficients for cylinder geometries.
Closed-form relations for stress influence coefficients G0 and G1 for axial flaws on the outside surface in cylinders were recently developed and implemented into the 2017 Edition of ASME Section XI Appendix A. The closed-form equations were implemented with one restriction on the application related to very long flaws. This restriction was taken as an interim approach to addressing a technical concern from the US NRC staff. NRC staff had technical concern on the large percentage fitting errors for the G1 influence coefficients at surface point for some very long flaws. An action was assigned within the ASME Section XI Working Group on Flaw Evaluation to investigate the accuracy of surface point G values for very long flaws. The intent of the investigation is to provide technical justification for using the closed-form equations with no restriction and to identify any issues in the source data or during the fitting process. This paper describes current results from this ongoing investigation.
Friction Factor Between Gasket and Flange Surface
Authors: Schaaf Manfred , Zeuss Rainer 
Published: October 2018

In December 2013, a new version of EN 1591-1 (1) was issued. Apart from several other modifications, the treatment of external loads was included in this calculation standard for circular bolted flanged joints. In the former standard, only axial forces and bending moments resulting from the piping system were considered; in the new issue lateral forces and shear moments can also be treated.
There are two possibilities to counterbalance the lateral forces and the shear moments: firstly by metallic contact of the flanges and secondly by friction between the gasket and the flange surfaces. While the first option cannot occur in the type of flange connection (with a floating gasket between the flanges) covered by EN 1591-1, the lateral displacement of the flanges can only be prevented by friction between the gasket and flange surfaces. Therefore, the friction factor μG was introduced in the calculation procedure.
In an informative annex of EN 1591-1 (Annex E), some friction factors are published exemplarily. These factors are based on values published in the German nuclear codes KTA 3201.2 (2) and KTA 3211.2 (3). The origin of these values can’t be retraced anymore. For this reason, it is stated in Annex E that these values are probably very conservative, and that an experimental determination of the factors should be preferentially used. Incidentally, overly conservative friction factors lead to higher required bolt forces to counterbalance the external loads, which may result in an overstressing of the components of the bolted flanged joint.
Therefore, the European Sealing Association (ESA) decided to determine generic data for different types of gaskets which could be published in the next revision of EN 1591-1. In this paper the results of this project are presented.
FAST Club: The Impact of a Physical Activity Intervention on Executive Function in Children With Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder
Authors: Pritchard Orr Alison B. , Keiver Kathy , Bertram Chris P. , Clarren Sterling 
Published: October 2018

Physical activity (PA) has been demonstrated to have positive effects on cognitive function, particularly executive function (EF) skills. Animal models suggest PA may be effective in ameliorating some of the neuropsychological effects of fetal alcohol spectrum disorder (FASD), but this approach has not been extended to humans. The purpose of this study was to develop a PA program, FAST Club, for children with FASD and to evaluate its effect on a measure of EF. Using a wait-list control design, 30 children age 7–14 yr participated in FAST Club for 2 × 1.5-hr sessions/week for 8 weeks. EF was assessed using the Children’s Color Trails Test. Significant improvements in T scores on the Children’s Color Trails Test were seen immediately postprogram, and this improvement was sustained at 3 months postprogram. These findings provide evidence to support the use of PA as a means to improve EF in children with FASD.
Tuberous sclerosis complex: a clinical case with multiple ophthalmological manifestations
Authors: Maio Tiago , Lemos José , Moreira Jorge , Sampaio Filipa 
Published: October 2018

The tuberous sclerosis complex is a rare disease, with autosomal dominant transmission, with multisystemic involvement including ophthalmologic. Retinal hamartomas and retinal achromic patch are the most frequent ocular findings. Other ophthalmic signs and symptoms are relatively rare in this disease.We describe the case of a young woman with tuberous sclerosis who presented with horizontal binocular diplopia and decreased visual acuity without complaints of nausea, vomiting or headache. She had right abducens nerve palsy, pale oedema of both optic discs and retinal hamartomas. An obstructive hydrocephalus caused by an intraventricular expansive lesion was identified in brain CT.Observation by the ophthalmologist is indicated in all confirmed or suspected cases of tuberous sclerosis to aid in clinical diagnosis, monitoring of retinal hamartomas or identification of poorly symptomatic papilloedema.
A qualitative exploration of information-seeking by electronic nicotine delivery systems (ENDS) users in New Zealand
Authors: Robertson Lindsay , Hoek Janet , Blank Mei-Ling , Richards Rosalina , Ling Pamela , Popova Lucy , McMillan Lydia 
Published: October 2018

ObjectivesGiven recent increases in awareness and uptake of electronic nicotine delivery systems (ENDS), we aimed to explore ENDS users’ information needs and search behaviours and whether information gaps exist.DesignQualitative study using semistructured interviews that probed participants’ smoking behaviours and ENDS use; data in this study examine ENDS information-seeking behaviours. We used qualitative description to analyse interview transcripts.Participants and settingWe recruited 39 current ENDS users (20 dual users and 19 exclusive ENDS users who reported having previously smoked cigarettes regularly) aged 18 and over, from three urban centres in New Zealand.ResultsSeveral participants used Google to search for information on ENDS’ health effects, but described the material they retrieved as vague or contradictory. Some interpreted the absence of information on long-term health effects as evidence ENDS did not pose potential health risks, and several perceived e-liquids as benign. Many relied on information sourced from other ENDS users, gleaned from online forums, YouTube or from discussions with friends and acquaintances; these sources typically presented ENDS positively. Several participants found specialist ENDS retailers provided valuable advice; non-specialist store staff generally lacked detailed product knowledge and sometimes offered inaccurate information.ConclusionPeople seeking information on ENDS’ health effects are more likely to retrieve recommendations, product reviews and endorsements from online sources or through exchanges with other users, than they are to find scientific data. Health authorities could help meet potential users’ information needs by, first, creating and frequently updating objective lay summaries of the latest scientific evidence; second, by mandating licensing for retailers with guidelines to disclose uncertainty over ENDS’ efficacy for cessation and longer-term health effects, and the need for complete substitution of ENDS for combustible cigarettes among those who use these products.
Funding and policy incentives to encourage implementation of point-of-care C-reactive protein testing for lower respiratory tract infection in NHS primary care: a mixed-methods evaluation
Authors: Johnson Matthew , Cross Liz , Sandison Nick , Stevenson Jamie , Monks Thomas , Moore Michael 
Published: October 2018

ObjectivesUtilisation of point-of-care C-reactive protein testing for lower respiratory tract infection has been limited in UK primary care, with costs and funding suggested as important barriers. We aimed to use existing National Health Service funding and policy mechanisms to alleviate these barriers and engage with clinicians and healthcare commissioners to encourage implementation.DesignA mixed-methods study design was adopted, including a qualitative survey to identify clinicians’ and commissioners’ perceived benefits, barriers and enablers post-implementation, and quantitative analysis of results from a real-world implementation study.InterventionsWe developed a funding specification to underpin local reimbursement of general practices for test delivery based on an item of service payment. We also created training and administrative materials to facilitate implementation by reducing organisational burden. The implementation study provided intervention sites with a testing device and supplies, training and practical assistance.ResultsDespite engagement with several groups, implementation and uptake of our funding specification were limited. Survey respondents confirmed costs and funding as important barriers in addition to physical and operational constraints and cited training and the value of a local champion as enablers.ConclusionsAlthough survey respondents highlighted the clinical benefits, funding remains a barrier to implementation in UK primary care and appears not to be alleviated by the existing financial incentives available to commissioners. The potential to meet incentive targets using lower cost methods, a lack of policy consistency or competing financial pressures and commissioning programmes may be important determinants of local priorities. An implementation champion could help to catalyse support and overcome operational barriers at the local level, but widespread implementation is likely to require national policy change. Successful implementation may reproduce antibiotic prescribing reductions observed in research studies.
Clinician perceptions of a prototype wearable exercise biofeedback system for orthopaedic rehabilitation: a qualitative exploration
Authors: Argent Rob , Slevin Patrick , Bevilacqua Antonio , Neligan Maurice , Daly Ailish , Caulfield Brian 
Published: October 2018

ObjectivesThis study explores the opinions of orthopaedic healthcare professionals regarding the opportunities and challenges of using wearable technology in rehabilitation. It continues to assess the perceived impact of an exemplar exercise biofeedback system that incorporates wearable sensing, involving the clinician in the user-centred design process, a valuable step in ensuring ease of implementation, sustained engagement and clinical relevance.DesignThis is a qualitative study consisting of one-to-one semi-structured interviews, including a demonstration of a prototype wearable exercise biofeedback system. Interviews were audio-recorded and transcribed, with thematic analysis conducted of all transcripts.SettingThe study was conducted in the orthopaedic department of an acute private hospital.ParticipantsTen clinicians from a multidisciplinary team of healthcare professionals involved in the orthopaedic rehabilitation pathway participated in the study.ResultsParticipants reported that there is currently a challenge in gathering timely and objective data for the monitoring of patients in orthopaedic rehabilitation. While there are challenges in ensuring reliability and engagement of biofeedback systems, clinicians perceive significant value in the use of wearable biofeedback systems such as the exemplar demonstrated for use following total knee replacement.ConclusionsClinicians see an opportunity for wearable technology to continuously track data in real-time, and feel that feedback provided to users regarding exercise technique and adherence can further support the patient at home, although there are clear design and implementation challenges relating to ensuring technical accuracy and tailoring rehabilitation to the individual. There was perceived value in the prototype system demonstrated to participants which supports the ongoing development of such exercise biofeedback platforms.
Predictors of electrocardiographic QT interval prolongation in men with HIV
Authors: Wu Katherine C , Zhang Long , Haberlen Sabina A , Ashikaga Hiroshi , Brown Todd T , Budoff Matthew J , D’Souza Gypsyamber , Kingsley Lawrence A , Palella Frank J , Margolick Joseph B , Martínez-Maza Otoniel , Soliman Elsayed Z , Post Wendy S 
Published: October 2018

ObjectiveHIV-infected (HIV+) individuals may be at increased risk for sudden arrhythmic cardiac death. Some studies have reported an association between HIV infection and prolongation of the electrocardiographic QT interval, a measure of ventricular repolarisation, which could potentiate ventricular arrhythmias. We aimed to assess whether HIV+ men have longer QT intervals than HIV-uninfected (HIV−) men and to determine factors associated with QT duration.MethodsWe performed resting 12-lead ECGs in 774 HIV+ and 652 HIV− men in the Multicenter AIDS Cohort Study (MACS). We used multivariable linear and logistic regression analyses to assess associations between HIV serostatus and Framingham corrected QT interval (QTc), after accounting for potential confounders. We also determined associations among QTc interval and HIV-related factors in HIV+ men. In a subgroup of participants, levels of serum markers of inflammation were also assessed.ResultsAfter adjusting for demographics and risk factors, QTc was 4.0 ms longer in HIV+ than HIV− men (p<0.001). Use of antiretroviral therapy (ART), specific ART drug class use and other HIV-specific risk factors were not associated with longer QTc. Among the subgroup with inflammatory biomarker measurements, higher interleukin-6 (IL-6), intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1) and B-cell activating factor levels were independently associated with longer QTc and their inclusion partially attenuated the HIV effect.ConclusionsHIV+ men had longer QTc, which was associated with higher levels of systemic inflammatory factors. This longer QTc may contribute to the increased risk for sudden arrhythmic cardiac death in some HIV+ individuals.
Novel methodology to discern predictors of remission and patterns of disease activity over time using rheumatoid arthritis clinical trials data
Authors:   RA-MAP Consortium
Published: October 2018

ObjectivesTo identify predictors of remission and disease activity patterns in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) using individual participant data (IPD) from clinical trials.MethodsPhase II and III clinical trials completed between 2002 and 2012 were identified by systematic literature review and contact with UK market authorisation holders. Anonymised baseline and follow-up IPD fromnon-biological armswere amalgamated. Multiple imputation was used to handle missing outcome and covariate information. Random effects logistic regression was used to identify predictors of remission, measured by the Disease Activity Score 28 (DAS28) at 6 months. Novel latent class mixed models characterised DAS28 over time.ResultsIPD of 3290 participants from 18 trials were included. Of these participants, 92% received methotrexate (MTX). Remission rates were estimated at 8.4%(95%CI 7.4%to9.5%) overall, 17%(95%CI 14.8%to19.4%) for MTX-naïve patients with early RA and 3.2% (95% CI 2.4% to 4.3%) for those with prior MTX exposure at entry. In prior MTX-exposed patients, lower baseline DAS28 and MTX reinitiation were associated with remission. In MTX-naïve patients, being young, white, male, with better functional and mental health, lower baseline DAS28 and receiving concomitant glucocorticoids were associated with remission. Three DAS28 trajectory subpopulations were identified in MTX-naïve and MTX-exposed patients. A number of variables were associated with subpopulation membership and DAS28 levels within subpopulations.Conclusions Predictors of remission differed between MTX-naïve and prior MTX-exposed patients at entry. Latent class mixed models supported differential non-biological therapy response, with three distinct trajectories observed in both MTX-naïve and MTX-exposed patients. Findings should be useful when designing future RA trials and interpreting results of biomarker studies.
Mixed lineage kinase-3 prevents cardiac dysfunction and structural remodeling with pressure overload
Authors: Calamaras Timothy D. , Baumgartner Robert A. , Aronovitz Mark J. , McLaughlin Angela L. , Tam Kelly , Richards Daniel A. , Cooper Craig W. , Li Nathan , Baur Wendy E. , Qiao Xiaoying , Wang Guang-Rong , Davis Roger J. , Kapur Navin K. , Karas Richard H. , Blanton Robert M. 
Published: October 2018

Myocardial hypertrophy is an independent risk factor for heart failure (HF), yet the mechanisms underlying pathological cardiomyocyte growth are incompletely understood. The c-Jun NH2-terminal kinase (JNK) signaling cascade modulates cardiac hypertrophic remodeling, but the upstream factors regulating myocardial JNK activity remain unclear. In this study, we sought to identify JNK-activating molecules as novel regulators of cardiac remodeling in HF. We investigated mixed lineage kinase-3 (MLK3), a master regulator of upstream JNK-activating kinases, whose role in the remodeling process had not previously been studied. We observed increased MLK3 protein expression in myocardium from patients with nonischemic and hypertrophic cardiomyopathy and in hearts of mice subjected to transverse aortic constriction (TAC). Mice with genetic deletion of MLK3 (MLK3−/−) exhibited baseline cardiac hypertrophy with preserved cardiac function. MLK3−/− mice subjected to chronic left ventricular (LV) pressure overload (TAC, 4 wk) developed worsened cardiac dysfunction and increased LV chamber size compared with MLK3+/+ littermates ( n = 8). LV mass, pathological markers of hypertrophy ( Nppa, Nppb), and cardiomyocyte size were elevated in MLK3−/− TAC hearts. Phosphorylation of JNK, but not other MAPK pathways, was selectively impaired in MLK3−/− TAC hearts. In adult rat cardiomyocytes, pharmacological MLK3 kinase inhibition using URMC-099 blocked JNK phosphorylation induced by neurohormonal agents and oxidants. Sustained URMC-099 exposure induced cardiomyocyte hypertrophy. These data demonstrate that MLK3 prevents adverse cardiac remodeling in the setting of pressure overload. Mechanistically, MLK3 activates JNK, which in turn opposes cardiomyocyte hypertrophy. These results support modulation of MLK3 as a potential therapeutic approach in HF. NEW & NOTEWORTHY Here, we identified a role for mixed lineage kinase-3 (MLK3) as a novel antihypertrophic and antiremodeling molecule in response to cardiac pressure overload. MLK3 regulates phosphorylation of the stress-responsive JNK kinase in response to pressure overload and in cultured cardiomyocytes stimulated with hypertrophic agonists and oxidants. This study reveals MLK3-JNK signaling as a novel cardioprotective signaling axis in the setting of pressure overload.
IL1-Induced JAK/STAT Signaling Is Antagonized by TGFβ to Shape CAF Heterogeneity in Pancreatic Ductal Adenocarcinoma
Authors: Biffi Giulia , Oni Tobiloba E. , Spielman Benjamin , Hao Yuan , Elyada Ela , Park Youngkyu , Preall Jonathan , Tuveson David A. 
Published: October 2018

AbstractPancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is poorly responsive to therapies and histologically contains a paucity of neoplastic cells embedded within a dense desmoplastic stroma. Within the stroma, cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAF) secrete tropic factors and extracellular matrix components, and have been implicated in PDAC progression and chemotherapy resistance. We recently identified two distinct CAF subtypes characterized by either myofibroblastic or inflammatory phenotypes; however, the mechanisms underlying their diversity and their roles in PDAC remain unknown. Here, we use organoid and mouse models to identify TGFβ and IL1 as tumor-secreted ligands that promote CAF heterogeneity. We show that IL1 induces LIF expression and downstream JAK/STAT activation to generate inflammatory CAFs and demonstrate that TGFβ antagonizes this process by downregulating IL1R1 expression and promoting differentiation into myofibroblasts. Our results provide a mechanism through which distinct fibroblast niches are established in the PDAC microenvironment and illuminate strategies to selectively target CAFs that support tumor growth.Significance:Understanding the mechanisms that determine CAF heterogeneity in PDAC is a prerequisite for the rational development of approaches that selectively target tumor-promoting CAFs. Here, we identify an IL1-induced signaling cascade that leads to JAK/STAT activation and promotes an inflammatory CAF state, suggesting multiple strategies to target these cells in vivo.See related commentary by Ling and Chiao, p. 173.This article is highlighted in the In This Issue feature, p. 151
Status of studies on zooplankton fauna of Arunachal Pradesh, India
Authors: Sinha Bikramjit 
Published: October 2018

This paper gives a brief review of the studies on zooplankton fauna of Arunachal Pradesh, the major shareholder of the eastern Himalaya biodiversity hotspot. Altogether, 66 species of zooplankton (45 Rotifera, 20 Cladocera, & one Copepoda) have been recorded along with their distribution in the state, wherever available. It is apparent that there is a lack of serious taxonomic studies on all three major groups of zooplankton from this Himalayan state. The urgency and importance of documenting the zooplankton fauna of this biogeographically unique and biodiversity-rich state is highlighted in view of the fragility of the ecosystem as well as the effect of climate change.
Fishing Cat Prionailurus viverrinus Bennett, 1833 (Carnivora: Felidae) distribution and habitat characteristics in Chitwan National Park, Nepal
Authors: Mishra Rama , Basnet Khadga , Amin Rajan , Lamichhane Babu Ram 
Published: October 2018

The Fishing Cat is a highly specialized and threatened felid, and its status is poorly known in the Terai region of Nepal. Systematic camera-trap surveys, comprising 868 camera-trap days in four survey blocks of 40km2 in Rapti, Reu and Narayani river floodplains of Chitwan National Park, were used to determine the distribution and habitat characteristics of this species. A total of 19 photographs of five individual cats were recorded at three locations in six independent events. Eleven camera-trap records obtained during surveys in 2010, 2012 and 2013 were used to map the species distribution inside Chitwan National Park and its buffer zone. Habitat characteristics were described at six locations where cats were photographed. The majority of records were obtained in tall grassland surrounding oxbow lakes and riverbanks. Wetland shrinkage, prey (fish) depletion in natural wetlands and persecution threaten species persistence. Wetland restoration, reducing human pressure and increasing fish densities in the wetlands, provision of compensation for loss from Fishing Cats and awareness programs should be conducted to ensure their survival. We also recommend studying genetic diversity of sub-populations, as well as habitat use by radio-tagging.