bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Modelling of R/C members accounting for shear failure localisation: Finite element model and verification
Authors: Zimos Dimitrios K. , Mergos Panagiotis E. , Kappos Andreas J. 
Published: March 2018

SummaryReinforced concrete (R/C) frame buildings designed according to older seismic codes represent a large part of the existing building stock worldwide. Their structural elements are often vulnerable to shear or flexure‐shear failure, which can eventually lead to loss of axial load resistance of vertical elements and initiate vertical progressive collapse of a building. In this study, a computationally efficient member‐type finite element model for the hysteretic response of shear critical R/C frame elements up to the onset of axial failure is presented; it accounts for shear‐flexure interaction and considers, for the first time, the localisation of shear strains, after the onset of shear failure, in a critical length defined by the diagonal failure plane. Its predictive capabilities are verified against experimental results of column and frame specimens and are shown to be accurate not only in terms of total response, but also with regard to individual deformation components. The accuracy, versatility, and simplicity of this finite element model make it a valuable tool in seismic analysis of complex R/C buildings with shear deficient structural elements.
Speleothems in a north Cuban cave register sea‐level changes and Pleistocene uplift rates
Authors: De Waele Jo , D'Angeli Ilenia M. , Bontognali Tomaso , Tuccimei Paola , Scholz Denis , Jochum Klaus Peter , Columbu Andrea , Bernasconi Stefano M. , Fornós Joan J. , Grau González Esteban R. , Tisato Nicola 
Published: March 2018

AbstractA flight of marine terraces along the Cuban coast records Quaternary sea‐level highstands and a general slowly uplifting trend during the Pleistocene. U/Th dating of these limestone terraces is difficult because fossil reef corals have been affected by open system conditions. Terrace ages are thus often based on geological and geomorphological observations. In contrast, the minimum age of the terraces can be constrained by dating speleothems from coastal mixing (flank margin) caves formed during past sea‐level highstands and carving the marine limestones. Speleothems in Santa Catalina Cave have ages >360 ka and show various cycles of subaerial–subaqueous corrosion and speleothem growth. This suggests that the cave was carved during the MIS 11 sea‐level highstand or earlier. Some stalagmites grew during MIS 11 through MIS 8 and were submerged twice, once at the end of MIS 11 and then during MIS 9. Phreatic overgrowths (POS) covering the speleothems suggest anchialine conditions in the cave during MIS 5e. Their altitude at 16 m above present sea level indicates a late Pleistocene uplift rate of <0.1 mm/ka, but modelling also shows uplift to have been insignificant over a long timespan during the middle Pleistocene since the cave was carved. Our study shows that some flank margin caves in the region of Matanzas are older than commonly believed (i.e. MIS 11 rather than MIS 5). These caves not only can be preserved but are good markers of interglacial sea‐level highstands, more reliable than marine abrasion surfaces. Copyright © 2018 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Transceiver design for STBC transmission over MIMO multiple‐access SC‐FDE systems
Authors: Sheikh‐Hosseini Mohsen 
Published: March 2018

AbstractThis paper investigates the transceiver design for a multiple‐input multiple‐output multiple‐access system,Jcochannel users each havingQantennas and an array‐processing receiver employingMreceive antennas, in which the single‐carrier frequency‐domain equalization technique is used as the physical layer solution for the transmission of different space‐time block coding (STBC) schemes. Assuming quasi‐static fading model and no channel state information at the user terminals, a transceiver design is provided for this system utilizingM=Jreceive antennas for interference cancellation, frequency‐domain equalization, and detection of the users. First, this design is considered for orthogonal and generalized coordinate interleaved orthogonal design STBCs as 2 single‐symbol decodable STBC schemes and then extended to quasi‐orthogonal STBC as a double‐symbol decodable STBC scheme. For this extension, each quasi‐orthogonal system ofJusers andQtransmit antennas is converted to 2 orthogonal subsystems ofJcochannel users each havingQantennas and then each subsystem is detected using the proposed method for orthogonal STBC transmission. Finally, the average bit error rate of the obtained designs is numerically illustrated for different STBC schemes with various numbers of users and transmitting antennas.
Microstructure Reconstruction and Characterization of the Porous GDLs for PEMFC Based on Fibers Orientation Distribution
Authors: Simaafrookhteh S. , Shakeri M. , Baniassadi M. , Sahraei A. Alizadeh 
Published: April 2018

AbstractThe 3D microstructure of the gas diffusion layers (GDLs) is generated, using a stochastic reconstruction approach. The method uses basic input parameters and fibers orientation distribution and is capable to model carbon fiber and binder phases of all types of carbon fiber GDLs with different structural parameters. Morphological operators of image processing are used to add the binder to the fibrous skeleton in three dimensions. Binder impregnation, pore size distribution and tortuosity factor of the reconstructed GDL are evaluated and compared with literature. Twenty and forty percentages of binder volume fraction are used to reconstruct the microstructure. To further investigate the reliability of our approach, mass transport properties of the reconstructed microstructure, namely absolute permeability, effective diffusivity of the pore space and effective thermal conductivity, are investigated through a finite volume equation solver in AVIZO. Only 4% of discrepancy between the absolute permeability calculation and the value reported by the manufacturer is observed in the through‐plane direction. Finally, in order to show the flexibility of the methodology the microstructure of a commercial Toray GDL is also reconstructed and characterized. The proposed method is proved to be a high‐speed and versatile tool for research and development in the GDL material design.
Network‐based decoupling of local gyrification in obsessive‐compulsive disorder
Authors: Reess Tim Jonas , Rus Oana Georgiana , Gürsel Deniz A. , Schmitz‐Koep Benita , Wagner Gerd , Berberich Götz , Koch Kathrin 
Published: March 2018

AbstractGyrification is associated with cortical maturation and closely linked to neurodevelopmental processes. Obsessive‐compulsive disorder has previously been associated with neurodevelopmental risk factors. Using graph theoretical modeling we examined structural covariance patterns to assess potential disruptions in processes associated with neurodevelopment in OCD. In total 97 patients and 92 healthy controls underwent magnetic resonance imaging. Structural covariance networks based on local gyrification indices were constructed using an atlas‐based parcellation scheme. Network properties were assessed using the network‐based statistic as well as global and local graph theoretical measures. Correlations between gyrification and symptom severity as well as age of disease onset were examined. Network‐based statistic analysis revealed one cluster with significantly decreased structural covariance in patients comprising mainly ventral brain regions (p = .041). Normalized characteristic path length was found to be impaired in patients (p = .051). On a nodal level, left middle frontal sulcus displayed a significantly decreased local clustering coefficient (p < .001). Finally, gyrification in several inferior frontal nodes significantly correlated with age of onset but not symptom severity. The decrease in a gyrification‐based covariance network in OCD appears to be mostly confined to ventral areas in which gyrification starts the latest during development. This pattern may indicate that alterations taking place during development are potentially time locked to specific periods. Correlations between gyrification in inferio‐frontal nodes and age of onset potentially indicate a structural trait rather than state marker for OCD. Finally, a trend in impaired global integration capabilities may point towards potentially widespread global alterations during neurodevelopment in patients.
Effect of various foot wedge conditions on the electromyographic activity of lower extremity muscles during load lifting
Authors: Ghasemi Mohammad Hosein , Anbarian Mehrdad , Esmaeili Hamed 
Published: March 2018

AbstractThe level of muscle activity can be decreased with optimized foot wedge condition. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of different foot wedge conditions on the activity of selected lower extremity muscles during load lifting. Nine able‐bodied male subjects participated in this study. Electromyography activity of the vastus medialis (VM), vastus lateralis (VL), medialis gastrocnemius (MG), and soleus (SOL) muscles was recorded during dynamic load lifting using the squat technique in 5 conditions: i) non‐wedge (NW), ii) 1 cm heel height increasing (PW1), iii) 3 cm heel height increasing (PW3), iv) 1 cm in front of the feet (AW1), and v) 1 cm inside the feet (MW1). The results showed that the VM activity decreases in the MW1 compared to other conditions and significantly compared to the PW1 and PW3 conditions (p < .05). Decreases in the VL activity in the AW1 as well as in descending and ascending phases of MW1 were observed (p < .05). Also in the descending phase, the SOL activity in AW1 decreased significantly compared to NW condition (p < .05). However, there was no significant difference in MG activity between different conditions (p > .05). It seems that placing wedges in the anterior and medial area of the feet may decrease quadriceps muscles activity and probably can delay reaching time to fatigue during load lifting. These findings may be helpful in designing special shoes for ergonomics fields and work environments.
Alkaloid Synthesis via Gold‐Catalyzed Carbon‐Carbon Bond Formation Using Enamine‐type Nucleophile
Authors: Wang Shaozhong 
Published: March 2018

AbstractIn this account, various types of cyclizations/cycloisomerizations of alkyne substrates with internal enamine‐type nucleophiles including enamide, enaminone, enaminoester and in situ generated enamine in the presence of electrophilc transition metal catalysts (Pt, Rh, Cu, Au) are firstly introduced. Then, the applications of the gold‐catalyzed reactions in the synthesis of an array of alkaloids are discussed. These natural products feature heterocyclic structural motifs such as pyridine, azaanthraquinone, pyridoacridine, pyrrole, indole, indolenine and carbazole, as well as chiral tetrahydroindolizine, azocine units and six‐membered carbocycles bearing a quaternary carbon center.
Caffeic acid phenethyl ester guards against benign prostate hypertrophy in rats: Role of IGF‐1R/protein kinase‐B (Akt)/β‐catenin signaling
Authors: Omar Hany A. , Tolba Mai F. 
Published: March 2018

AbstractBenign prostate hypertrophy (BPH) is among the most common diseases with a huge impact on the quality of life of elderly men. There is a current need for the development of well‐tolerated and effective preventive strategies to improve the clinical outcome. Caffeic acid phenethyl ester (CAPE) is an important active ingredient isolated from honey‐bee propolis with potent anti‐proliferative, anti‐inflammatory and antioxidant effects. These properties promote CAPE as a promising candidate to be tested as an alternative therapy for BPH, which is still uninvestigated. Herein, we tested the ability of CAPE to guard against testosterone‐induced BPH and investigated the involvement of IGF1‐R/Akt/β‐catenin signaling as a protective mechanism in testosterone‐induced BPH rat model. Treatment with CAPE reduced testosterone‐induced increase in the prostate index and histopathological alterations. In addition, co‐treatment with CAPE significantly suppressed insulin‐like growth factor‐1 receptor (IGF‐1R)/Akt/β‐catenin/cyclinD1 axis as well as tumor necrosis factor‐α level and nuclear factor (NF)‐kB activity. Furthermore, the treatment with CAPE replenished the antioxidant defense systems, superoxide dismutase (SOD) and reduced glutathione (GSH) with subsequent reduction in prostate tissue lipid peroxides. This study highlights the potential merit of CAPE‐enriched propolis formulations to protect elderly men against the development of BPH. © 2018 IUBMB Life, 70(6):519–528, 2018
Biocompatibility of injectable resilin‐based hydrogels
Authors: Li Linqing , Stiadle Jeanna M. , Levendoski Elizabeth E. , Lau Hang K. , Thibeault Susan L. , Kiick Kristi L. 
Published: April 2018

AbstractVocal folds are connective tissues housed in the larynx, which can be subjected to various injuries and traumatic stimuli that lead to aberrant tissue structural alterations and fibrotic‐induced biomechanical stiffening observed in patients with voice disorders. Much effort has been devoted to generate soft biomaterials that are injectable directly to sites of injury. To date, materials applied toward these applications have been largely focused on natural extracellular matrix‐derived materials such as collagen, fibrin or hyaluronic acid; these approaches have suffered from the fact that materials are not sufficiently robust mechanically nor offer sufficient flexibility to modulate material properties for targeted injection. We have recently developed multiple resilin‐inspired elastomeric hydrogels that possess similar mechanical properties as those reported for vocal fold tissues, and that also show promising in vitro cytocompatibility and in vivo biocompatibility. Here we report studies that test the delivery of resilin‐based hydrogels through injection to the subcutaneous tissue in a wild‐type mice model; histological and genetic expression outcomes were monitored. The rapid kinetics of crosslinking enabled facile injection and ensured the rapid transition of the viscous resilin precursor solution to a solid‐like hydrogel in the subcutaneous space in vivo; the materials exhibited storage shear moduli in the range of 1000–2000 Pa when characterized through oscillatory rheology. Histological staining and gene expression profiles suggested minimal inflammatory profiles three weeks after injection, thereby demonstrating the potential suitability for site‐specific in vivo injection of these elastomeric materials. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part A: 106A: 2229‐2242, 2018.
Health, well‐being, and psychopathology in a clinical population: Structure and discriminant validity of Mental Health Continuum Short Form (MHC‐SF)
Authors: van Erp Taalman Kip Rogier M. , Hutschemaekers Giel J. M. 
Published: March 2018

AbstractObjectiveThe
literature suggests a distinction between illness (negative health) and the ability to cope with challenges such as illness (positive health). The two continua model of mental health distinguishes psychiatric symptoms (illness) from well‐being (positive health). Well‐being consists of hedonic, eudaimonic, and social well‐being, constituting one factor that is moderately correlated with psychopathology in the general population. In a mental health care population, we examined whether the three dimensions of well‐being are distinguishable and whether well‐being is also moderately correlated with symptoms.MethodA representative sample of 1,069 patients (63% female, 47% male; mean age: 42 years) voluntarily completed the Mental Health Continuum‐Short Form (MHC‐SF), a 14‐item test that assesses three components of well‐being.ResultsConfirmatory factor analysis revealed a model with strong correlations between the three subscales of the MHC‐SF, indicating poor discriminant validity. Furthermore, the MHC‐SF was strongly correlated (r = −.71) with the symptomatic distress scale of the OQ‐45. Exploratory factor analysis permitted a two‐factor solution, providing support for the two continua model of mental health. However, the explained variance of the second factor (well‐being) was meager in comparison with the first factor (psychopathology). The results of a canonic correlation did not confirm the two continua model, and only a model with one common canonical factor was significant.ConclusionsFor patients with clinical levels of psychopathology, the level of well‐being and psychopathology correlate much higher than in the general population. Well‐being and psychopathology are so entwined that the supposed distinction should be seriously questioned.
Casein based biogenic‐synthesized zinc oxide nanoparticles simultaneously decontaminate heavy metals, dyes, and pathogenic microbes: a rational strategy for wastewater treatment
Authors: Somu Prathap , Paul Subhankar 
Published: April 2018

AbstractBACKGROUNDWastewater management has become a great concern recently due to industrial and domestic discharges containing metals, organic pollutants and pathogenic microbes that contaminate water bodies and also cause waterborne diseases. Although there have been multiple conventional processes for removing contaminants, nanomaterials have recently gained importance for wastewater treatments.RESULTSHere, ZnONPCS with an average size of 10 nm was successfully synthesized by using casein as biogenic reducing and capping agent. Removal of three metals and two dyes was investigated and it was found that nearly 90% was removed. Adsorption isotherm data were best fitted with the Langmuir model, and the maximum adsorption capacity (mg g−1) was found to be 156.74 for Cd(II), 194.93 for Pd(II), 67.93 for Co(II), 115.47 for methylene blue and 62.19 for congo red. Repeated cycles of regeneration and reuse showed a drop in removal efficiency of 10–13%. Further, nanoparticles also showed efficient photo‐degradation of dyes within 240 min. Moreover, ZnONPCS demonstrated high antibacterial potential for Escherichia coli in the presence of metals and dyes.CONCLUSIONBiogenic synthesized ZnONPCS demonstrated simultaneous removal of metals, dyes as well as pathogenic microbes, and could be used as a cost‐effective and reusable system in various industrial effluent treatments. © 2018 Society of Chemical Industry
3D image fusion of whole‐heart dynamic cardiac MR perfusion and late gadolinium enhancement: Intuitive delineation of myocardial hypoperfusion and scar
Authors: von Spiczak Jochen , Mannil Manoj , Kozerke Sebastian , Alkadhi Hatem , Manka Robert 
Published: March 2018

BackgroundSince patients with myocardial hypoperfusion due to coronary artery disease (CAD) with preserved viability are known to benefit from revascularization, accurate differentiation of hypoperfusion from scar is desirable.PurposeTo develop a framework for 3D fusion of whole‐heart dynamic cardiac MR perfusion and late gadolinium enhancement (LGE) to delineate stress‐induced myocardial hypoperfusion and scar.Study TypeProspective feasibility study.SubjectsSixteen patients (61 ± 14 years, two females) with known/suspected CAD.Field Strength/Sequence1.5T (nine patients); 3.0T (seven patients); whole‐heart dynamic 3D cardiac MR perfusion (3D‐PERF, under adenosine stress); 3D LGE inversion recovery sequences (3D‐SCAR).AssessmentA software framework was developed for 3D fusion of 3D‐PERF and 3D‐SCAR. Computation steps included: 1) segmentation of the left ventricle in 3D‐PERF and 3D‐SCAR; 2) semiautomatic thresholding of perfusion/scar data; 3) automatic calculation of ischemic/scar burden (ie, pathologic relative to total myocardium); 4) projection of perfusion/scar values onto artificial template of the left ventricle; 5) semiautomatic coregistration to an exemplary heart contour easing 3D orientation; and 6) 3D rendering of the combined datasets using automatically defined color tables. All tasks were performed by two independent, blinded readers (J.S. and R.M.).Statistical TestsIntraclass correlation coefficients (ICC) for determining interreader agreement.ResultsImage acquisition, postprocessing, and 3D fusion were feasible in all cases. In all, 10/16 patients showed stress‐induced hypoperfusion in 3D‐PERF; 8/16 patients showed LGE in 3D‐SCAR. For 3D‐PERF, semiautomatic thresholding was possible in all patients. For 3D‐SCAR, automatic thresholding was feasible where applicable. Average ischemic burden was 11 ± 7% (J.S.) and 12 ± 7% (R.M.). Average scar burden was 8 ± 5% (J.S.) and 7 ± 4% (R.M.). Interreader agreement was excellent (ICC for 3D‐PERF = 0.993, for 3D‐SCAR = 0.99).Data Conclusion3D fusion of 3D‐PERF and 3D‐SCAR facilitates intuitive delineation of stress‐induced myocardial hypoperfusion and scar.Level of Evidence: 2Technical Efficacy: Stage 2J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2018;48:1129–1138.
Very late perforation by a Riata implantable cardioverter‐defibrillator lead—A case report
Authors: Nozoe Masatsugu , Sakamoto Kazuo , Nagatomo Daisuke , Suematsu Nobuhiro , Kubota Toru , Okabe Masanori , Yamamoto Yusuke 
Published: March 2018

AbstractCardiac perforation by a transvenous lead is an uncommon but serious complication. We herein present a case of very late perforation of a Riata implantable cardioverter‐defibrillator lead, which occurred 8 years after implantation. The patient was successfully treated with percutaneous lead extraction using an excimer laser. Lead perforation should be considered, even after years from implantation.
Innovative Discharge Process for Families with Pediatric Short Bowel Syndrome: A Prospective Nonrandomized Trial
Authors: Raphael Bram P. , Jorina Maria , Gallotto Mary , Grullon Glendalis , Dalton Meghan , Takvorian‐Bené Melissa , Tascione Christina , Rosa Carolyn , McClelland Jennifer , Gray Megan , Potemkin Alexis K. , Glavin Courtney , Gura Kathleen M. , Murphy Margaret K. , Leger Kierrah , Mahoney Judith , Kerr Jessica , Ozonoff Al , Duggan Christopher P. 
Published: March 2018

AbstractBackgroundHome parenteral nutrition (HPN) is a life‐sustaining therapy for short bowel syndrome (SBS) and other severe digestive diseases, but complications are common. We evaluated a predischarge HPN hands‐on training course to reduce complications in children with SBS, including hospital readmissions.MethodsWe conducted a prospective, nonrandomized controlled research study between April 1, 2014, and April 30, 2017. Eligible participants were children aged <18 years old with SBS and anticipated HPN dependence duration ≥6 months. Excluded participants had a previous history of discharge with a central venous catheter (CVC), HPN, or intravenous fluids or strictly palliative goals of care. An intervention group practiced hands‐on HPN within the hospital room for 24 hours using infusion equipment. The groups received standard teaching (CVC care, home infusion pump operation, HPN preparation and administration).ResultsNine children were assigned to the intervention group and 12 served as controls. The median age was 8.4 months, and length of stay (LOS) was 82 days. All participants experienced ≥1 event, with a total of 47 issues related to HPN. There were no significant associations between group assignment and 30‐day postdischarge events. Each additional week of LOS was associated with 11% increase in the odds of an emergency department visit (OR 1.11; 95% CI, 1.01‐1.26) and 16% increase in the odds of readmission (OR 1.16; 95% CI, 1.04‐1.37).ConclusionsPostdischarge events remained widespread despite HPN bedside interventions offered by this pilot intervention. With refinement of HPN discharge processes, quality benchmarks are needed.