bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Three‐dimensional elastic analysis of cracks with the g2 constant displacement discontinuity method
Authors: Xiroudakis George , Stavropoulou Maria , Exadaktylos George 
Published: July 2019

SummaryA new triangular element was created that could be used for the improvement of the accuracy of the constant displacement discontinuity method (CDDM). This element is characterized by three degrees of freedom in the three‐dimensional space as in the classical CDDM approach. The element is based on strain gradient elasticity theory that accounts for the difference of the average value of stress with the local stress at surfaces with large curvature (eg, crack borders, corners, and notches) in elastic bodies. The new element is characterized by a strain gradient term in addition to the two Lamè constants that gives a more representative value of the stresses at the centroid of crack edge elements compared with the classical elasticity solution and thus an accurate stress intensity factor. In this approach, special crack border elements with square‐root radius dependent displacements and numerical integrations are avoided. The extra strain gradient term is calibrated once only on the analytical solution for the penny‐shaped crack. In a verification stage, the accuracy of the computational algorithm for the elliptic and rectangular crack problems is demonstrated. Then, the algorithm, which also accounts for crack closure in compression, is applied for the modeling of crack propagation and crack interaction in uniaxial tension and compression loading. It is illustrated that the numerical predictions are in accordance with experimental evidence pertaining to uniaxial compression of transparent precracked specimens in the lab.
Noninvasive quantitative magnetization transfer MRI reveals tubulointerstitial fibrosis in murine kidney
Authors: Wang Feng , Wang Suwan , Zhang Yahua , Li Ke , Harris Raymond C. , Gore John C. , Zhang Ming‐Zhi 
Published: July 2019

Excessive tissue scarring, or fibrosis, is a critical contributor to end stage renal disease, but current clinical tests are not sufficient for assessing renal fibrosis. Quantitative magnetization transfer (qMT) MRI provides indirect information about the macromolecular composition of tissues. We evaluated measurements of the pool size ratio (PSR, the ratio of immobilized macromolecular to free water protons) obtained by qMT as a biomarker of tubulointerstitial fibrosis in a well‐established murine model with progressive renal disease. MR images were acquired from 16‐week‐old fibrotic hHB‐EGFTg/Tg mice and normal wild‐type (WT) mice (N = 12) at 7 T. QMT parameters were derived using a two‐pool five‐parameter fitting model. A normal range of PSR values in the cortex and outer stripe of outer medulla (CR + OSOM) was determined by averaging across voxels within WT kidneys (mean ± 2SD). Regions in diseased mice whose PSR values exceeded the normal range above a threshold value (tPSR) were identified and measured. The spatial distribution of fibrosis was confirmed using picrosirius red stains. Compared with normal WT mice, scattered clusters of high PSR regions were observed in the OSOM of hHB‐EGFTg/Tg mouse kidneys. Moderate increases in mean PSR (mPSR) of CR + OSOM regions were observed across fibrotic kidneys. The abnormally high PSR regions (% area) detected by the tPSR were significantly increased in hHB‐EGFTg/Tg mice, and were highly correlated with regions of fibrosis detected by histological fibrosis indices measured from picrosirius red staining. Renal tubulointerstitial fibrosis in OSOM can thus be assessed by qMT MRI using an appropriate analysis of PSR. This technique may be used as an imaging biomarker for chronic kidney diseases.
Model order reduction with Galerkin projection applied to nonlinear optimization with infeasible primal‐dual interior point method
Authors: Nigro P.S.B. , Simões E.T. , Pimenta P.M. , Schröder J. 
Published: July 2019

SummaryIt is not new that model order reduction (MOR) methods are employed in almost all fields of engineering to reduce the processing time of complex computational simulations. At the same time, interior point methods (IPMs), a method to deal with inequality constraint problems (which is little explored in engineering), can be applied in many fields such as plasticity theory, contact mechanics, micromechanics, and topology optimization. In this work, a MOR based in Galerkin projection is coupled with the infeasible primal‐dual IPM. Such research concentrates on how to develop a Galerkin projection in one field with the interior point method; the combination of both methods, coupled with Schur complement, permits to solve this MOR similar to problems without constraints, leading to new approaches to adaptive strategies. Moreover, this research develops an analysis of error from the Galerkin projection related to the primal and dual variables. Finally, this work also suggests an adaptive strategy to alternate the Galerkin projection operator, between primal and dual variable, according to the error during the processing of a problem.
Emergency centre triage category allocations and their associated patient flow timeframes in a private healthcare group in the Middle East
Authors: Dippenaar Enrico 
Published: July 2019

AbstractAims and ObjectivesTo identify and describe triage category allocations and their associated patient pathway timeframes in four emergency centres of a large private healthcare group in the United Arab Emirates.BackgroundThe classification of patients in accordance with their acuity level is a complex task that requires quick and accurate allocation. Triage system categories have predetermined timeframes in which patients should be seen by a physician or treatment initiated for the best possible outcome.Design and MethodsAn observational, cross‐sectional study was conducted through the prospective capture and evaluation of medical records from patients triaged in each of the four emergency centres (two hospitals and two clinics) over a period of a month. The STROBE statement was used as a reporting framework. Descriptive statistics were used to determine the timeframes associated with the patient pathway through each EC and contrasted against their allocated triage category.ResultsA total of 4,432 patient records were eligible for analysis from the four emergency centres. Triage category 4 (54.7%) was allocated the most with only a single category 1 patient seen between the four emergency centres. The median time from registration to triage was <10 min and triage to physician consult was <25 min. The overall length of stay of high‐acuity cases was between 1 hr 13 min–2 hr 44 min, compared with low‐acuity cases being 32–49 min. Overall time to physician was substantially lower than the targets set by the triage systems itself.
Synthesis and Characterization of Cellulose Derivatives from Industrial Towel Waste
Authors: Yıldız Şeyma , Morcali Mehmet H. , Ziba Cengiz A. , Copcu Burcu , Dolaz Mustafa 
Published: July 2019

AbstractThe paper covers the synthesis and characterization of cellulose derivatives from waste cellulose, namely, towel wastes. For this purpose, the cellulose acetate derivatives were synthesized from towel waste by applying the conventional chemical synthesis process. To clarify the structure of synthesized materials, some spectroscopic methods (FT‐IR, XRD, 1H‐NMR, 13C‐NMR) were used. Furthermore, thermal behavior and surface morphology of prepared materials were investigated by DTG‐TG and SEM, respectively. It was found that the degree of substitution values decreased as the duration of hydrolysis increased in cellulose diacetate synthesis. It was also understood that cellulose diacetate was dissolved in acetone differently from cellulose triacetate. Degree of substitution values of cellulose diacetate were compared by using 1H‐NMR and titrimetric method. These helped elucidate the expected reaction. The proposed method was easy compared with the conventional method.
Three‐Component Mannich Reaction Catalyzed by Mesostructured Cellular Foam Silica Immobilized H3PW12O40
Authors: Dong Hao , Fan Qinzhen , Luo Guanwei , Zhang Tengfei , Yang Hongyuan , Liu Qing , Zhao Guoming , Yang Jing 
Published: July 2019

AbstractOne‐pot three‐component Mannich reaction was carried out at room temperature using mesocellular cellular foam (MCF) silica loaded H3PW12O40 as catalyst. The H3PW12O40/MCF catalyst was prepared by the traditional impregnation method and confirmed by a series of characterizations such as nitrogen adsorption, X‐ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier‐transform infrared spectra (FT‐IR), scanning electron microscope (SEM) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The results showed that the H3PW12O40/MCF catalyst with 50 wt% loading of H3PW12O40 exhibited the highest catalytic activity for the Mannich reaction of benzaldehyde, aniline and acetophenone with the yield of 94% in 1.8 hours under the optimal condition. In addition, the H3PW12O40/MCF catalyst could be easily recycled and reused four times without significant decline of activity. This work provided an improved modification of the three‐component Mannich reaction in terms of efficient activity, mild reaction conditions, clean reaction profiles and a simple workup procedure.
One‐Step Synthesis of Epoxy Group‐Terminated Organosilica Nanodots: A Versatile Nanoplatform for Imaging and Eliminating Multidrug‐Resistant Bacteria and Their Biofilms
Authors: Chen Xiaokai , Zhang Xiaodong , Lin Fengming , Guo Yuxin , Wu Fu‐Gen 
Published: July 2019

AbstractMultidrug‐resistant bacteria (MRB) and their biofilms, both of which develop high levels of drug tolerance, cause severe threats to global health. This study demonstrates that biocompatible fluorescent silicon‐containing nanodots can be a multifunctional platform for simultaneously imaging and eliminating MRB and their biofilms. Ultrasmall epoxy group (oxirane)‐functionalized organosilica nanodots (OSiNDs) with a high photoluminescence quantum yield of ≈31% are synthesized via a simple one‐step hydrothermal treatment of an epoxy group‐containing silane molecule, 3‐glycidoxypropyltrimethoxysilane, and an organic dye, rose bengal. The resultant OSiNDs can be employed as a universal imaging reagent for visualizing various bacteria/biofilms, including MRB and their biofilms. Moreover, the epoxy group‐terminated OSiNDs can be conjugated with amine‐containing reagents only via the simple stirring of the mixtures at an elevated temperature (e.g., 60 °C) for several hours (e.g., 3 h) without the addition of activating reagents. The amine‐containing antibiotic vancomycin (Van) can thus be easily conjugated with the OSiNDs, and the obtained OSiNDs‐Van can successfully inhibit the growth of MRB and even eliminate their biofilms. Collectively, the present work may give new impetus to the development of novel antibacterial and anti‐biofilm agents for overcoming the drug resistance of bacteria.
Ethylene Receptors in Nonplant Species
Authors: Carlew T. Scott , Allen Cidney J. , Binder Brad M. 
Published: July 2019

AbstractThe effects of ethylene and ethylene signal transduction have been long studied in plants. It is only recently reported that a single‐celled cyanobacterium, Synechocystis, contains a functional ethylene receptor. However, it remains to be determined if functional ethylene receptors are more widespread. This review summarizes what is known about responses to ethylene, ethylene receptors, and signal transduction in nonplant species. A summary is provided of information gleaned from searches of sequenced genomes and the possibility that ethylene receptors are widespread in microbes is discussed.
Recent Advances and Sensing Applications of Carbon Dots
Authors: Xu Dong , Lin Qinlu , Chang Huan‐Tsung 
Published: July 2019

AbstractCarbon dots (C dots) with biocompatibility, brightness, stability against photoirradiation and salt, and ease in preparation have become important materials for sensing and imaging. They can be prepared from natural materials and small organic molecules through hydrothermal, microwave‐assistant, and electrochemical methods, with advantages of simplicity and low cost. To enhance the quantum yields of C dots in the red and near‐infrared regions, doping of C dots with heteroatoms such as nitrogen and sulfur has been suggested. C dots both with and without being functionalized recognition elements such as antibodies and aptamers are selective and sensitive for sensing of analytes, including metal ions (e.g., Fe3+, Hg2+, Cu2+), small molecules (e.g., H2O2, cysteine, glutathione), and biopolymers like proteins, as well as for in vitro and in vivo imaging. Depending on the size, charge, and surface ligands of C dots used to label cells, fluorescence images of different organelles are shown. Multicolor images of bacteria, mammalian cells, and plant tissues incubated with C dots are realized when excited at different wavelengths. In this review, many excellent sensing and imaging examples of C dots are presented to highlight their features and to show their challenges for analytical applications.
The Emotional Experience of Crisis Reporters: The Journey
Authors: Kotišová Johana 
Published: July 2019

AbstractThe chapter addresses the question: What is crisis reporters’ emotional experience? The author shows crisis reporters’ emotional labor by reconstructing an ideal-typical emotional path of a crisis reporter: from adventurous expectations related to the mythic notion of war correspondent through the frustration, boredom, and tiredness, to closeness and identification with on-site tragedies. From a long-term perspective, the continuous oscillation between boredom and intense emotions results in developing diverse emotional styles, among which cynicism holds a special position. Kotišová also lists reporters’ coping strategies and criticizes media organizations for not taking responsibility. Throughout this chapter, James goes through ordinary air experiences such as turbulences, joking with neighbors and drinking a beer, each serving as a metaphor for a corresponding topic within the empirical material.
Clinician‐patient communication during the diagnostic workup: The ABIDE project
Authors: Visser Leonie N.C. , Kunneman Marleen , Murugesu Laxsini , van Maurik Ingrid , Zwan Marissa , Bouwman Femke H. , Schuur Jacqueline , Wind Hilje A. , Blaauw Marjolijn S.J. , Kragt J.Jolijn , Roks Gerwin , Boelaarts Leo , Schipper Annemieke C. , Schooneboom Niki , Scheltens Philip , van der Flier Wiesje M. , Smets Ellen M.A. 
Published: July 2019

AbstractIntroductionWe aimed to describe clinician‐patient communication in the diagnostic process of memory clinics, specifically clinician behavior known to facilitate knowledgeable participation of patients during consultations.MethodsIn this multicenter, observational study, we audio‐recorded routine diagnostic consultations of 41 clinicians and 136 patients/caregivers at eight memory clinics. Patients/caregivers completed surveys after each audiotaped consultation. We used a study‐specific coding scheme to categorize communication behavior.ResultsClinicians often provided information on (results of) diagnostic testing. They infrequently invited questions and/or checked understanding. Clinician behavior to involve patients in decision‐making about diagnostic testing was limited. Of note, patients/caregivers rarely expressed their information or involvement preferences. Yet, approximately, one quarter of them would have liked to receive more information.DiscussionInvolving patients more explicitly by means of shared decision‐making could benefit the quality of care provided in memory clinics because it enables clinicians to attune the diagnostic workup to the individual patient's needs.
Factors Influencing Adoption of Conservation Agriculture in the Democratic Republic of the Congo
Authors: Mulimbi Willy , Nalley Lawton , Dixon Bruce , Snell Heather , Huang Qiuqiong 
Published: July 2019

AbstractEmpowering farmers to increase productivity by educating them on conservation agriculture (CA) could contribute to reducing vulnerability, alleviating food insecurity, and fighting poverty while being ecologically sustainable in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. This study assesses the effect of a CA-promotion agriculture program. Findings suggest that location of the farm, training, having accessed credit, belonging to a farmers’ group, and being a vulnerable female all drove adoption to varying degrees and directions. Results also suggest that policy makers and CA practitioners should emphasize the ability that CA has to increase income and food security, which could widen CA adoption.
Situating dissemination and implementation sciences within and across the translational research spectrum
Authors: Leppin Aaron L. , Mahoney Jane E. , Stevens Kathleen R. , Bartels Stephen J. , Baldwin Laura-Mae , Dolor Rowena J. , Proctor Enola K. , Scholl Linda , Moore Justin B. , Baumann Ana A. , Rohweder Catherine L. , Luby Joan , Meissner Paul 
Published: July 2019

AbstractThe efficient and effective movement of research into practice is acknowledged as crucial to improving population health and assuring return on investment in healthcare research. The National Center for Advancing Translational Science which sponsors Clinical and Translational Science Awards (CTSA) recognizes that dissemination and implementation (D&I) sciences have matured over the last 15 years and are central to its goals to shift academic health institutions to better align with this reality. In 2016, the CTSA Collaboration and Engagement Domain Task Force chartered a D&I Science Workgroup to explore the role of D&I sciences across the translational research spectrum. This special communication discusses the conceptual distinctions and purposes of dissemination, implementation, and translational sciences. We propose an integrated framework and provide real-world examples for articulating the role of D&I sciences within and across all of the translational research spectrum. The framework’s major proposition is that it situates D&I sciences as targeted “sub-sciences” of translational science to be used by CTSAs, and others, to identify and investigate coherent strategies for more routinely and proactively accelerating research translation. The framework highlights the importance of D&I thought leaders in extending D&I principles to all research stages.
The SMART IRB platform: A national resource for IRB review for multisite studies
Authors: Cobb Nichelle , Witte Elizabeth , Cervone Maria , Kirby Aaron , MacFadden Douglas , Nadler Lee , Bierer Barbara E. 
Published: July 2019

AbstractSingle institutional review board (IRB) review of multisite research increased in frequency over a decade ago with a proliferation of master IRB reliance agreements supporting statewide and regional consortia and disease- and population-specific networks. Although successful, the increasing number of agreements presented significant challenges and illuminated potential benefits of a single, nationwide agreement. Anticipated changes in federal regulations highlighted the need to systematize and simplify IRB reliance. To address these challenges, the NIH National Center for Advancing Translational Sciences funded a project to establish a national IRB reliance network that would support national adoption of single IRB (sIRB) review. The Streamlined, Multisite, Accelerated Resources for Trials (SMART) IRB Platform launched in July 2016 to facilitate dissemination, adoption, and implementation of a collaboratively developed master IRB reliance agreement and supportive tools and resources. More than 580 institutions have joined SMART IRB’s Master Common Reciprocal Institutional Review Board Authorization Agreement and begun using the SMART IRB platform to support sIRB arrangements. Here, we describe the tenets of the agreement and operational benefits and challenges of its use. SMART IRB’s early success affirms the utility of collaborative, flexible, and centralized approaches to supporting sIRB review while highlighting the need for further national harmonization.
Using data linkage methodologies to augment healthcare-associated infection surveillance data
Authors: Lee Seungwon , Ronksley Paul , Conly John , Garies Stephanie , Quan Hude , Faris Peter , Li Bing , Henderson Elizabeth 
Published: July 2019

AbstractBackground and objectives:The landscape of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) surveillance is changing rapidly. The primary objective of this study was to assess the benefit of linking population-based infection prevention and control surveillance data on methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) to hospital discharge abstract data (DAD). We assessed the value of this novel data linkage for the characterization of hospital-acquired (HA) and community-acquired MRSA (CA-MRSA) cases.Methods:Incident inpatient MRSA surveillance data for all adults (≥18 years) from 4 acute-care facilities in Calgary, Alberta, between April 1, 2011, and March 31, 2017, were linked to DAD. Personal health number (PHN) and gender were used to identify specific individuals, and specimen collection time-points were used to identify specific hospitalization records. A third common variable on admission date between these databases was used to validate the linkage process. Descriptive statistics were used to characterize HA-MRSA and CA-MRSA cases identified through the linkage process.Results:A total of 2,430 surveillance records (94.6%) were successfully linked to the correct hospitalization period. By linking surveillance and administrative data, we were able to identify key differences between patients with HA- and CA-MRSA. These differences are consistent with previously reported findings in the literature. Data linkage to DAD may be a novel tool to enhance and augment the details of base surveillance data.Conclusion and recommendations:This is the first Canadian study linking a frontline healthcare-associated infection AMR surveillance database to an administrative population database. This work represents an important methodological step toward complementing traditional AMR surveillance data practices. Data linkage to other data types, such as primary care, emergency, social, and biological data, may be the basis of achieving more precise data focused around AMR.
OPTIMAL CONTROL POLICIES FOR AN M/M/1 QUEUE WITH A REMOVABLE SERVER AND DYNAMIC SERVICE RATES
Authors: Badian-Pessot Pamela , Lewis Mark E. , Down Douglas G. 
Published: July 2019

AbstractWe consider an M/M/1 queue with a removable server that dynamically chooses its service rate from a set of finitely many rates. If the server is off, the system must warm up for a random, exponentially distributed amount of time, before it can begin processing jobs. We show under the average cost criterion, that work conserving policies are optimal. We then demonstrate the optimal policy can be characterized by a threshold for turning on the server and the optimal service rate increases monotonically with the number in system. Finally, we present some numerical experiments to provide insights into the practicality of having both a removable server and service rate control.