bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
A mesh objective method for modeling crack propagation using the smeared crack approach
Authors: Burnett D. J. , Schreyer H. L. 
Published: October 2018

SummaryThis paper presents a mesh objective method for modeling crack propagation in brittle materials using a conventional finite element formulation. The primary shortcoming of the smeared crack approach is its pathological sensitivity to the mesh orientation, which is manifested by shear locking and stress field misalignment around the crack tip. Such undesirable characteristics preclude the ability to model arbitrary crack propagation at an angle through the mesh. Several techniques are developed to address these shortcomings. First, to preclude shear locking, a modified failure constitutive model is developed, which projects out the spurious stress increments as the crack opens. If a crack exists in an element, a crack tracking algorithm is used to identify the neighboring elements most likely to show crack continuation. This algorithm also identifies a crossover element when a crack passes through adjacent sides of an element. Then, the characteristic element length used in the constitutive equation is changed with the objective of providing the correct failure energy per unit crack length, a procedure called crossover scaling. The examples provided demonstrate that the developed methods work collectively to provide a simple and efficient method for modeling failure in brittle materials without mesh bias.
Preparation and Reactivation of Heterogeneous Palladium Catalysts and Applications in Sonogashira, Suzuki, and Heck Reactions in Aqueous Media
Authors: Zhang Sheng‐Yan , Yu Kai , Guo Yu‐Shuang , Mou Rui‐Qi , Lu Xiao‐Fan , Guo Dian‐Shun 
Published: October 2018

AbstractA new type of heterogeneous palladium catalyst, PdMgAl‐LDH, was facilely prepared by the immobilization of Pd2+ species in the layers of a Mg‐Al layered double hydroxide (LDH) with co‐precipitation, and then fully characterized by using powder XRD, thermogravimetric differential thermal analysis, TEM, energy‐dispersive X‐ray spectroscopy, and X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy techniques. These catalysts can efficiently catalyze copper‐free Sonogashira, Suzuki and Heck coupling reactions of various aryl iodides, bromides, and chlorides in aqueous media under phosphine‐ligand‐ and organic‐base‐free conditions. These catalysts feature easy recovery through simple filtration and could be reused at least six times without a marked loss in activity. Notably, they can be facilely reactivated by a combination of nitrolysis with co‐precipitation. The basic LDH skeletons could effectively stabilize the Pd0 species created in situ and donate electron density to the Pd0 center to facilitate the oxidative addition of aryl halides, thus the PdMgAl‐LDH catalysts are stable during catalysis.
Development and validation of the McGill body image concerns scale for use in head and neck oncology (MBIS‐HNC): A mixed‐methods approach
Authors: Rodriguez Ana Maria , Frenkiel Saul , Desroches Justin , De Simone Avina , Chiocchio Francois , MacDonald Christina , Black Martin , Zeitouni Anthony , Hier Michael , Kost Karen , Mlynarek Alex , Bolster‐Foucault Clara , Rosberger Zeev , Henry Melissa 
Published: October 2018

AbstractObjectiveThe aim of this study was to develop and validate a patient‐reported outcome measure to evaluate body image concerns in head and neck cancer (HNC) patients.MethodsItems were created using a combination of deductive (eg, US Food and Drug Administration Qualification of Clinical Outcome Assessments, literature review) and inductive approaches (eg, subject matter experts, HNC patients). Items were translated for use in both Canadian English and Canadian French using back‐translation. A two‐step empirical validation process using the Classical Test Theory (CTT) and Rasch Measurement Theory (RMT) was conducted with 224 and 258 HNC patients, respectively, having undergone disfiguring surgery within the past 3 years.ResultsAnalyses suggest two subscales for MBIS‐HNC: social discomfort (10 items) and negative self‐image (11 items). The McGill Body Image Concerns Scale–Head and Neck Cancer (MBIS‐HNC) is reliable with high internal consistency (0.98), high test‐retest reliability over a two‐week period (ICC = 0.88), moderate to high convergent validity (range r = 0.43‐0.81), and divergent validity (range r = 0.12‐0.15). RMT was used in addition to CTT. Disordered thresholds led to the modification of the number of response options, and items were deleted based on differential item functioning and high local dependency. Unidimensionality of both subscales and supporting a total score was confirmed. The measure was however characterized by the presence of an important floor effect, confirmed with poor targeting as demonstrated by the person‐item threshold distribution.ConclusionEvidence gathered from our theory‐driven validation study using CTT and RMT provides practitioners and researchers with a useful and easy to use self‐report measure.
Bayesian modeling and test planning for multiphase reliability assessment
Authors: Gilman James F. , Fronczyk Kassandra M. , Wilson Alyson G. 
Published: October 2018

AbstractWe propose a Bayesian hierarchical model to assess the reliability of a family of vehicles, based on the development of the joint light tactical vehicle (JLTV). The proposed model effectively combines information across three phases of testing and across common vehicle components. The analysis yields estimates of failure rates for specific failure modes and vehicles as well as an overall estimate of the failure rate for the family of vehicles. We are also able to obtain estimates of how well vehicle modifications between test phases improve failure rates. In addition to using all data to improve on current assessments of reliability and reliability growth, we illustrate how to leverage the information learned from the three phases to determine appropriate specifications for subsequent testing that will demonstrate if the reliability meets a given reliability threshold.
Footprint of knowledge acquisition improvement in failure diagnosis analysis
Authors: Yazdi Mohammad 
Published: October 2018

AbstractFault tree analysis (FTA) as an effective and efficient risk assessment tool are widely used to analyze the reliability of a complex system. In this context, FTA can properly improve the safety performance of the system by preventing an event which may lead to occurrence of a catastrophic accident. However, traditional FTA is still suffering from dynamic structure demonstration and importantly epistemic uncertainty processing. In this study, a novel methodology is introduced using Bayesian updating mechanism to deal with dynamic structure and 2‐tuple fuzzy set named as intuitionistic fuzzy numbers are employed to cope with subjectivity of uncertainty processing. Accordingly, the most critical system components which affect the system reliability are recognized by using an appropriate sensitivity analysis method. The proposed methodology is then applied on a real case study application (a brake fluid filling system) in order to examine the effectiveness and feasibility of the approach. The results illustrated that the new methodology can have enough benefits for diagnosing the systems' faults compared with listing approaches of safety and reliability analysis. In terms of empirical case study, “electromotor failure” was evaluated as the second most critical basic event in conventional‐based approaches, whereas in the novel methodology “high pressure liquefied material” was recognized as the second one.
Human chorionic gonadotropin value and its change prior to methotrexate treatment can predict the prognosis in ectopic tubal pregnancies
Authors: Watanabe Koichi , Chigusa Yoshitsugu , Kondoh Eiji , Mogami Haruta , Horie Akihito , Baba Tsukasa , Mandai Masaki 
Published: October 2018

AbstractPurposeTo investigate the role of beta‐human chorionic gonadotropin (HCG) level and its change prior to methotrexate (MTX) treatment as predictors of treatment success and to access the posttreatment observation period for ectopic tubal pregnancy.MethodsClinical data of 41 females treated with MTX for tubal pregnancies were reviewed and analyzed retrospectively.ResultsAmong 41 patients, 34 achieved complete resolution without surgery. No statistically significant difference was observed in the presence of hemorrhagic ascites, serum progesterone levels, or diameters of adnexal mass between the MTX success and failure groups. Serum HCG levels on the day of MTX administration (day 1) were significantly lower in the MTX success group. Moreover, % HCG change per day, which represents the increment ratio of HCG prior to MTX treatment, was significantly lower in the MTX success group. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves demonstrated that the treatment success was predicted by % HCG change per day less than +12.6% per day with a sensitivity of 87% and a specificity of 71%. The duration from treatment to complete recovery was strongly correlated with day 1 HCG levels.ConclusionsPretreatment HCG change is a significant predictor of therapeutic success of MTX treatment, and the treatment period may be predicted from initial HCG levels.
Anisotropically Aligned Cell‐Laden Nanofibrous Bundle Fabricated via Cell Electrospinning to Regenerate Skeletal Muscle Tissue
Authors: Yeo Miji , Kim Geun Hyung 
Published: October 2018

AbstractFor muscle regeneration, a uniaxially arranged micropattern is important to mimic the structure of the natural extracellular matrix. Recently, cell electrospinning (CE) has been tested to fabricate cell‐laden fibrous structures by embedding cells directly into micro/nanofibers. Although homogenous cell distribution and a reasonable cell viability of the cell‐laden fibrous structure fabricated using the CE process are achieved, unique topographical cues formed by an aligned fibrous structure have not been applied. In this study, a CE process to achieve not only homogeneous cell distribution with a high cell viability, but also highly aligned cells, which are guided by aligned alginate fibers is employed. To attain the aligned cell‐laden fibrous structure, various processing conditions are examined. The selected condition is applied using C2C12 myoblast cells to ensure the biocompatibility and guidance of cell elongation and alignment. As a control, a cell‐printed scaffold using a 3D bioprinter is used to compare the efficiency of cell alignment and differentiation of myoblasts. Highly arranged, multinucleated cell morphology is confirmed in the CE scaffold, which successively facilitates myogenic differentiation. It is believed that this study will be a new platform for obtaining cell alignment and will significantly benefit the efforts on muscle regeneration.
APOE genotypes as a risk factor for age‐dependent accumulation of cerebrovascular disease in older adults
Authors: Lamar Melissa , Yu Lei , Rubin Leah H. , James Bryan D. , Barnes Lisa L. , Farfel Jose Marcelo , Gaiteri Chris , Buchman Aron S. , Bennett David A. , Schneider Julie A. 
Published: October 2018

AbstractIntroductionApolipoprotein E (APOE) is a susceptibility gene for late‐onset Alzheimer's disease neuropathology; less is known about the relationship between APOE and cerebrovascular disease (CVD) neuropathology.MethodsWe investigated associations of APOE status with arteriolosclerosis, macroinfarcts and microinfarcts, and atherosclerosis in 1383 adults (65.9–108.2 years at death) with and without dementia. Excluding ε2/ε4 carriers, multivariable regressions for each CVD‐related neuropathology compared ε4 and ε2 carriers to ε3/ε3 carriers adjusting for confounders including age and Alzheimer's neuropathology.ResultsThree hundred forty‐two individuals (24.7%; ∼87.7 years at death; 39.9% nondemented) were ε3/ε4 or ε4/ε4, and 180 (13.0%; ∼89.9 years at death; 66.6% nondemented) were ε2/ε3 or ε2/ε2. ε4 carriers had higher odds of macroinfarcts (odds ratio = 1.41, 95% confidence interval: 1.02–1.94, P = .03), whereas ε2 carriers had higher odds of moderate‐to‐severe arteriolosclerosis (odds ratio = 1.68, 95% confidence interval: 1.15–2.45, P = .006) compared to ε3/ε3 carriers. Age‐stratified analyses suggested that these relationships were driven by ε4 carriers <90 years at death and ε2 carriers ≥90 years at death, respectively.DiscussionAPOE differentially affects type and timing of CVD‐related neuropathology.
CDT2‐controlled cell cycle reentry regulates the pathogenesis of Alzheimer's disease
Authors: Huang Fang , Wang Minghui , Liu Rong , Wang Jian‐Zhi , Schadt Eric , Haroutunian Vahram , Katsel Pavel , Zhang Bin , Wang Xiaochuan 
Published: October 2018

AbstractIntroductionAltered cell cycle reentry has been observed in Alzheimer's disease (AD). Denticleless (DTL) was predicted as the top driver of a cell cycle subnetwork associated with AD.MethodsWe systematically investigated DTL expression in AD and studied the molecular, cellular, and behavioral endophenotypes triggered by DTL overexpression.ResultsWe experimentally validated that CDT2, the protein encoded by DTL, activated cyclin‐dependent kinases through downregulating P21, which induced tau hyperphosphorylation and Aβ toxicity, two hallmarks of AD. We demonstrated that cyclin‐dependent kinases inhibition by roscovitine not only rescued CDT2‐induced cognitive defects but also reversed expression changes induced by DTL overexpression. RNA‐seq data from the DTL overexpression experiments revealed the molecular mechanisms underlying CDT2 controlled cell cycle reentry in AD.DiscussionThese findings provide new insights into the molecular mechanisms of AD pathogenesis and thus pave a way for developing novel therapeutics for AD by targeting AD specific cell cycle networks and drivers.
Smaller medial temporal lobe volumes in individuals with subjective cognitive decline and biomarker evidence of Alzheimer's disease—Data from three memory clinic studies
Authors: Hu Xiaochen , Teunissen Charlotte E. , Spottke Annika , Heneka Michael T. , Düzel Emrah , Peters Oliver , Li Siyao , Priller Josef , Buerger Katharina , Teipel Stefan , Laske Christoph , Verfaillie Sander C.J. , Barkhof Frederik , Coll‐Padrós Nina , Rami Lorena , Molinuevo Jose Luis , van der Flier Wiesje M. , Jessen Frank 
Published: October 2018

AbstractIntroductionPrevious studies showed associations of brain volume differences and biomarker evidence for Alzheimer's disease (AD) in subjective cognitive decline (SCD). The consistency of this finding across SCD studies has not been investigated.MethodsWe studied gray matter volume differences between SCD subjects with and without cerebrospinal fluid biomarker evidence for AD across three European memory clinic samples (German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases Longitudinal Cognitive Impairment and Dementia study, Amsterdam, Barcelona). Analysis of covariance models with samples and cerebrospinal fluid biomarkers as between‐subject factors were calculated.ResultsA significant main effect for AD biomarker (Aβ42− > Aβ42+) in the left medial temporal lobe (MTL) was found, with the absence of main effects for sample or interaction effects between AD biomarker and sample. This indicates consistent lower left MTL volume across three samples in SCD subjects with abnormal Aβ42 levels.DiscussionOur results support the model that in the presence of AD pathology, SCD corresponds to the late preclinical stage (stage 2 of AD) with smaller MTL volumes.
Re-imagining rotorcraft advanced design
Authors: Sinsay J. D. 
Published: October 2018

ABSTRACTAdvanced design offices have traditionally applied conceptual design techniques based on semi-empirical methods in an attempt to develop an accurate prediction of aircraft designs at the end of the development process. Continuing advances in computer capability and rotorcraft analysis software present an opportunity to re-think conceptual design to include the greater use of physics-based analyses. A roadmap for developing this capability is outlined, taking into account techniques and ideas from Model-Based Systems Engineering, Design Thinking and Multidisciplinary Optimisation. Recent activities that demonstrate some of these desired capabilities are briefly described along with lessons learned.
Familiar faces, familiar spaces: Social similarity and co-presence in non-relational behavioral convergence
Authors: BEHLER RACHEL , SUH CHAN , BRASHEARS MATTHEW , SHI YONGREN 
Published: October 2018

AbstractSocial influence is frequently measured through an ego's direct ties. Although influence may also stem from an ego's indirect ties, reference group, and casual contacts, it is difficult to capture their impact using existing network methods. We identify and trace the influence stemming from an ego's “familiar others,” consisting of those socially similar individuals with whom the ego comes in contact at school, but does not necessarily share a relationship. To evaluate the role of familiar others, we investigate unhealthy weight behaviors in adolescence using data from the National Longitudinal Study of Adolescent to Adult Health. Our results demonstrate that familiar others' unhealthy weight-related behaviors are strong predictors of the ego's own weight behaviors, net of immediate alters' behaviors, and individual-level characteristics. Further, we find that this relationship is stronger and more robust than that between egos and their direct ties. These results suggest that familiar others constitute a key source of social influence that is distinct from the influence of network alters.
Effect of graded calcium supplementation in low-nutrient density feed on tibia composition and bone turnover in meat ducks
Authors: Zhang Huaiyong , Zeng Qiufeng , Bai Shiping , Wang Jianping , Ding Xuemei , Xuan Yue , Su Zhuowei , Zhang Keying 
Published: October 2018

AbstractBoth genetic selection and increasing nutrient density for improving growth performance had inadvertently increased leg problems of meat ducks, which adversely affects animal welfare. We hypothesised that slowing weight gain with improving tibia quality probably enhanced tibial mechanical properties and alleviated leg deformities. Therefore, the present study aimed to evaluate the effect of graded Ca supplementation in a low-nutrient density (LND) diet on tibia composition and bone turnover in meat ducks. A total of 720 15-d-old male meat ducks were randomly assigned and fed a standard nutrient density positive control (PC) diet containing 0·9 % Ca, and four LND diets with 0·5, 0·7, 0·9 and 1·1 % Ca, respectively. Ducks fed the 0·5 % Ca LND diet and the PC diet had higher incidence of tibial dyschondroplasia (TD). When compared with the 0·5 % Ca LND diet, LND diets with ≥0·7 % Ca significantly improved tibia composition, microarchitecture and mechanical properties, and consequently decreased the incidence of TD. Furthermore, LND diets with ≥0·7 % Ca increased osteocyte-specific gene mRNA expression, blocked the expression of osteoblast differentiation marker genes including osteocalcin, collagenase-1 and alkaline phosphatase (ALP), and also decreased the expression of osteoclast differentiation genes, such as vacuolar-type H+-ATPase, cathepsin K and receptor activator of NF-κB. Meanwhile bone markers such as serum ALP, osteocalcin (both osteoblast markers) and tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase (an osteoclast marker) were significantly decreased in at least 0·7 % Ca treated groups. These findings indicated that LND diets with ≥0·7 % Ca decreased bone turnover, which subsequently increased tibia quality for 35-d-old meat ducks.
Moderate coffee consumption is inversely associated with the metabolic syndrome in the Korean adult population
Authors: Kim Youngyo , Je Youjin 
Published: October 2018

AbstractResults from studies investigating the association between coffee consumption and the metabolic syndrome in Koreans have been inconsistent and remain controversial. We examined coffee intake in relation to the metabolic syndrome using data from the Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 2012–2015, with 8387 adults aged 19–64 years. Furthermore, we conducted a stratified analysis by obesity status (BMI <25 v. ≥25 kg/m2) to examine whether the association varied by obesity status. A 112-item FFQ was used to assess diet. Multivariable logistic regression models were used to determine the association of coffee consumption (<1, 1–2, 3–4 and ≥5 times/d) and the metabolic syndrome. Compared to people who consumed <1 time/d of coffee, the OR for the metabolic syndrome in those who consumed 3–4 times/d of coffee was 0·75 (95 % CI 0·58, 0·97). However, ≥5 times/d of coffee consumption was not significantly associated with the metabolic syndrome. By obesity status, in non-obese people, those consuming more coffee had lower odds of the metabolic syndrome, showing a significant linear trend (P-trend=0·0248). In obese people, the OR for the metabolic syndrome in people with 3–4 times/d of coffee consumption v. <1 time/d was 0·68 (95 % CI 0·50, 0·93), but ≥5 times/d of coffee consumption showed a non-significant positive association. Our findings suggest that moderate coffee consumption of 3–4 times/d is inversely associated with the metabolic syndrome in Korean adults. The association between heavy coffee consumption of ≥5 times/d and the metabolic syndrome varied by obesity status.
Factors influencing satisfaction with oral contraceptive pills and injectables among past users in Kenya
Authors: Odwe George , Mumah Joyce , Obare Francis , Wamukoya Marylene , Machiyama Kazuyo , Cleland John , Casterline John 
Published: October 2018

AbstractThis study examines factors associated with satisfaction with oral pills and injectables among past users in Kenya based on a baseline survey for the 2-year prospective longitudinal study Improving Measurement of Unintended Pregnancy and Unmet Need for Family Planning conducted in 2016. Married women aged 15–39 years were interviewed using a structured questionnaire that captured information on reproduction, contraceptive knowledge and beliefs and attitudes towards contraception in general and towards specific methods. A multivariate logistic regression analysis was used to examine factors that influenced satisfaction with oral pills and injectables among past users in one urban site (Nairobi slums) and one predominantly rural site (Homa Bay in western Kenya). Results showed that dissatisfaction with pills and injectables is common among past users in both rural and urban Kenya (ranging from 39% to 56%). The distinctive contribution of the study lies in its ability to relate method-specific beliefs to overall satisfaction. Perception of effectiveness, ease of use and safety for long-term use had statistically significant influences on satisfaction with pills in both urban and rural sites while partner’s approval was only important in Nairobi. For injectables, the perception of safety for long-term use was significant in the urban but not the rural site. Unlike pills, the belief that members of a woman’s social network had used a method and found it satisfactory was a particularly powerful influence on satisfaction (AOR=2.8 in rural and 3.2 in urban). Perception of accessibility and fears about infertility were not found to be statistically associated with satisfaction for either pills or injectables. Surprisingly, the effects of all perceived contraceptive attributes were the same for major socio-demographic strata of the populations. The findings underscore the need for targeted counselling and community-based communication interventions to address negative and erroneous perceptions about family planning methods.