bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Experimental and analytical investigations of steel panel dampers for seismic applications in steel moment frames
Authors: Tsai Keh‐Chyuan , Hsu Chung‐Hsiang , Li Chao‐Hsien , Chin Pu‐Yuan 
Published: February 2018

SummaryA ductile Vierendeel frame can be constructed by incorporating steel panel dampers (SPDs) into a moment‐resisting frame (MRF). Thus, the stiffness, strength, and ductility of the lateral force–resisting system can be enhanced. The proposed 3‐segment SPD possesses a center inelastic core (IC) and top and bottom elastic joints. This paper discusses the mechanical properties, capacity design method, and buckling‐delaying stiffeners for the SPDs through the use of cyclic loading tests on 2 specimens. Tests confirm that SPDs' cyclic force vs deformation relationships can be accurately predicted using either the Abaqus or PISA3D model analyses. The paper also presents the capacity design method for boundary beams connected to the SPDs of a typical SPD‐MRF. The seismic performance of an example 6‐story SPD‐MRF is evaluated using nonlinear response history analysis procedures and 240 ground accelerations at 3 hazard levels. Results indicate that under 80 maximum considered earthquake ground accelerations, the mean‐plus‐one standard deviation of the shear deformation of the ICs in the SPDs is 0.055 rad, substantially less than the 0.11 rad deformational capacity observed from the SPD specimens. The experimental cumulative plastic deformation of the proposed SPD is 242 times the yield deformation and is capable of sustaining a maximum considered earthquake at least 8 times before failure. This paper introduces the method of using one equivalent beam‐column element for effective modeling of the 3‐segment SPD. The effects of the IC's relative height and stiffness on the overall SPD's elastic and postelastic stiffness, elastic deformation limits, and inelastic deformational demands are discussed.
Numerical study on factors that influence the in‐plane drift capacity of unreinforced masonry walls
Authors: Dolatshahi Kiarash M. , Nikoukalam Mohammad T. , Beyer Katrin 
Published: February 2018

SummaryDisplacement‐based assessment procedures require as input reliable estimates of the deformation capacity of all structural elements. For unreinforced masonry (URM) walls, current design codes specify the in‐plane deformation capacity as empirical equations of interstory drift. National codes differ with regard to the parameters that are considered in these empirical drift capacity equations, but the inhomogeneity of datasets on URM wall tests renders it difficult to validate the hypotheses with the currently available experimental data. This paper contributes to the future development of such empirical relationships by investigating the sensitivity of the drift capacity to the shear span, the aspect ratio, the axial load ratio, and the size of the wall. For this purpose, finite element models of URM walls are developed in Abaqus/Explicit and validated against a set of experimental results. The results show that the axial load ratio, the shear span, and the wall size are among the factors that influence the drift capacity the most. Empirical equations are mainly derived from test results on small walls, and the numerical results suggest that this can lead to a significant overestimation of the drift capacity for larger walls.
Simplified method for real‐time seismic damage assessment of motorway bridges: Transverse direction—Accounting for abutment stoppers
Authors: Sakellariadis Lampros , Agalianos Athanasios , Anastasopoulos Ioannis 
Published: February 2018

SummaryIn the context of developing a real‐time seismic damage assessment technique, this paper proposes a simplified model that accounts for abutment stoppers, focusing on the transverse direction. Detailed 3D finite element models of 4 bridges of the Attiki Odos motorway are developed and used as benchmarks to assess its efficiency. The selected bridges vary in length, pier typologies, clearances, and pier‐deck connections. The simplified model entails a SDOF system of a pier, with assemblies of gap elements, lateral and rotational springs, and dashpots (top and bottom), representing the deck, the bearings, the abutment stoppers, and the foundation. The effect of stoppers is initially studied, focusing on the response of the abutment‐embankment system. To shed more light on the role of abutment stoppers, a parametric study is conducted, considering a wide range of clearances. Subsequently, the effect of variabilities in span length and pier height is examined. The simplified method is extended to nonideally symmetric systems and verified against the 3D benchmarks. Finally, the model is modified to account for multicolumn piers. The extended simplified model offers a reasonable prediction of the seismic damage state, reducing significantly the computational cost, and allowing detailed parametric studies. The latter are used to develop nonlinear regression model equations correlating a selected damage index with statistically significant intensity measures. Such equations offer a viable alternative for network‐wide seismic damage assessment as part of a real‐time emergency response framework. A pilot implementation is presented, illustrating the applicability of the proposed methodology.
Blunted cortisol response to stress in patients with eating disorders: Its association to bulimic features
Authors: Vaz‐Leal Francisco J. , Ramos‐Fuentes María I. , Rodríguez‐Santos Laura , Chimpén‐López Carlos , Fernández‐Sánchez Nieves , Zamora‐Rodríguez Francisco J. , Beato‐Fernández Luis , Rojo‐Moreno Luis , Guisado‐Macías Juan A. 
Published: February 2018

SummaryObjectiveClinical research on cortisol response to stress in patients with eating disorders has provided controversial and even contradictory results. As this might be the consequence of the inclusion in the studies of heterogeneous clinical populations, 3 highly selected samples were studied.MethodsDexamethasone suppression test was performed on 15 restricting anorexia nervosa patients without history of bulimia nervosa (BN), 17 BN patients with normal weight and no history of anorexia nervosa, and 22 healthy controls. Three days later, the Trier Social Stress Test was applied, and 8 saliva samples were collected along the trial for cortisol assessment.ResultsWhen the patients were considered as a single group, a slightly blunted cortisol response to stress was observed, but when the 3 groups were considered separately, the blunted response was observed only in the BN patients.DiscussionThe results support the association between blunted cortisol response and bulimic features.
Gadolinium as a new emerging contaminant of aquatic environments
Authors: Rogowska Justyna , Olkowska Ewa , Ratajczyk Wojciech , Wolska Lidia 
Published: February 2018

Abstract

Since the 1980s, gadolinium (Gd)–based contrast agents (GBCAs) have been routinely used in magnetic resonance imaging as stable chelates of the Gd3+ ion, without toxic effects. Generally, GBCAs are considered some of the safest contrast agents. However, it has been observed that they can accumulate in patient tissue, bone, and probably brain (causing nephrogenic systemic fibrosis in patients with kidney failure or insufficiency and disturbance of calcium homeostasis in the organism). The GBCAs are predominantly removed renally without metabolization. Subsequently, they do not undergo degradation processes in wastewater-treatment plants and are emitted into the aquatic ecosystem. Their occurrence was confirmed in surface waters (up to 1100 ng/L), sediments (up to 90.5 μg/g), and living organisms. Based on a literature review, there is a need to investigate the contamination of different ecosystems and to ascertain the environmental fate of Gd. Long-term ecotoxicological data, degradation, metabolism, bioaccumulation processes, and biochemical effects of the Gd complexes should be explored. These data can be used to assess detailed environmental risks because currently only hotspots with high levels of Gd can be marked as dangerous for aquatic environments according to environmental risk assessments. Environ Toxicol Chem 2018;37:1523–1534. © 2018 SETAC
Effects of soot by-product from the synthesis of engineered metallofullerene nanomaterials on terrestrial invertebrates
Authors: Johnson David R. , Boyd Robert E. , Bednar Anthony J. , Weiss Charles A. , Hull Matt S. , Coleman Jessica G. , Kennedy Alan J. , Banks Cynthia J. , Steevens Jeffery A. 
Published: February 2018

Abstract

The synthesis of carbon-based nanomaterials is often inefficient, generating large amounts of soot with metals as waste by-product. Currently, there are no specific regulations for disposal of engineered nanomaterials or the waste by-products resulting from their synthesis, so it is presumed that by-products are disposed of in the same way as the parent (bulk) materials. We studied the terrestrial toxicity of soot from gadolinium metallofullerene nanomanufacturing on earthworms (Eisenia fetida) and isopods (Porcellio scaber). The metallofullerene soot consisted of carbon particle agglomerates in the nanometer and submicrometer ranges (1–100 and 101–999 nm, respectively), with metals used during nanomanufacturing detectable on the particles. Despite high metal concentrations (&gt;100 000 mg/kg) in the soot, only a relatively small amount of metals leached out of a spiked field soil, suggesting only moderate mobility. Seven- and 14-d exposures in field soil demonstrated that the soot was only toxic to earthworms at high concentrations (&gt;10 000 mg/kg); however, earthworms avoided spiked soils at lower concentrations (as low as 500 mg/kg) and at lower soil pH. The presence of soot in food and soil did not cause isopod avoidance. These data demonstrate that metallofullerene soot from nanomanufacturing may only be toxic to earthworms at high concentrations representative of improper disposal or accidental spills. However, our results indicate that terrestrial invertebrates may avoid soils contaminated with soot at sublethal concentrations. Environ Toxicol Chem 2018;37:1594–1605. Published 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. on behalf of SETAC. This article is a US government work, and as such, is in the public domain in the United States of America.
Abstract
Residual cube strength of coarse RCA concrete after exposure to elevated temperatures
Authors: Yang Hua , Zhao Hui , Liu Faqi 
Published: February 2018

SummaryAn experimental investigation was carried on the residual cube strength of concrete made with coarse recycled concrete aggregate (RCA) after exposure to temperatures of 20°C to 800°C. A total of 360 cube specimens were made with 2 water/cement ratios (w/c = 0.31 and 0.45) and 5 replacement percentages (r = 0%, 25%, 50%, 75%, and 100%) of coarse RCA. Effects of different cooling regimes (natural cooling, water cooling) on the residual compressive strength of coarse RCA concrete after exposure were also investigated. Experimental results show that the cube compressive strength and splitting tensile strength of coarse RCA concrete diminish with increasing temperature, of which the splitting tensile strength declines quicker than the compressive strength. The effects of coarse RCA replacement percentage and w/c ratio on losses in relative strength after being exposed to high temperatures are found to be insignificant. The results also reveal that the relative compressive strength of coarse RCA concrete cooled in water after heating process is lower than that of specimens cooled naturally.
Analytical contribution of deuterium 2D‐NMR in oriented media to 2H/1H isotopic characterization: the case of vanillin
Authors: Texier–Bonniot Tristan , Berdagué Philippe , Robins Richard J. , Remaud Gérald , Lesot Philippe 
Published: February 2018

AbstractThe evaluation of intramolecular 2H or 13C isotopic composition of vanillin by liquid‐state nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) is an illustrative example of the analytical challenges associated with molecular authenticity/traceability investigations in food products, and the determination/understanding of metabolic/synthetic pathways. Although isotopic ratio monitoring by 13C NMR (irm‐13C NMR) provides a valuable new source of isotopic information, the analysis of position‐specific (2H/1H) isotopic fractionation of vanillin remains incomplete because of the overlap of two aromatic 2H resonances, and the impossibility of separating these fortuitous isochronous nuclei by isotropic NMR. Exploiting the analytical potential of 2H 2D‐NMR in media containing polypeptide‐based liquid crystals, we show that all aromatic monodeuterated isotopomers can be spectrally discriminated on the basis of 2H residual quadrupolar couplings, ΔνQ(2H), thus enabling the determination of their relative proportions for the first time. After discussing the multiple relevant cofactors leading to the best discrimination and optimization of experimental conditions for reliable quantitative measurements by anisotropic 2D‐NMR, a comparative analysis of six vanillin samples from diverse origins is reported. How the 2H distribution might relate to the biosynthesis of vanillin is discussed.
Differences in Mercury Exposure among Wisconsin Anglers Arising from Fish Consumption Preferences and Advisory Awareness
Authors: Stevens Andrew L , Baird Ian G , McIntyre Peter B 
Published: February 2018

Abstract
Fish are frequently contaminated with mercury, raising concerns about the human health consequences of eating fish. We quantified mercury exposure and awareness of health advisories among three major ethnic groups of anglers in Madison, Wisconsin, using surveys of species preferences and consumption rates. African American anglers reported eating double and triple the amount of fish consumed by Hmong Americans and Whites, respectively. However, Hmong Americans preferred species with higher levels of contamination, resulting in net mercury exposure comparable to that of African Americans. Few anglers exceeded personal exposure recommendations, but the majority shared fish with family or friends. Children are particularly sensitive to the neurotoxic effects of heavy metals, and one-third of anglers reported providing fish to children. African Americans reported the least knowledge about advisories, but misconceptions about mercury existed in each ethnic group. Our findings highlight the need to tailor advisories for specific groups of anglers based on consumption rates, preferred species, and favored communication channels. Improved messaging is particularly important for guiding informed fish consumption by families.
Delta Smelt and Water Politics in California
Authors: Moyle Peter B , Hobbs James A , Durand John R 
Published: February 2018

Abstract
The Delta Smelt Hypomesus transpacificus is a small translucent fish that lives in the heart of California's water distribution system. It is an endemic species that is on verge of extinction, largely because it is in direct competition with people for water. This article discusses the controversy surrounding this fish by describing (1) the biology of Delta Smelt; (2) California's complex water storage and distribution system; (3) the history of Delta Smelt, including conservation efforts; (4) the present controversies surrounding it; and (5) the future of Delta Smelt. The decline of Delta Smelt is a strong indicator that the ecosystem of the Sacramento–San Joaquin Delta has undergone large-scale changes that make it an unfavorable environment for native fishes. Reversing the trajectory of the Delta Smelt toward extinction will require major shifts in California water policy and water use as well as active management of the smelt's habitat and life history.
Exploitation of heavy oil by supercritical CO2: Effect analysis of supercritical CO2 on H2O at superheated state in integral joint tubing and annuli
Authors: Sun Fengrui , Yao Yuedong , Li Xiangfang , Li Guozhen , Huang Liang , Liu Hao , Chen Zhili , Liu Qing , Liu Wenyuan , Cao Meng , Han Song 
Published: February 2018

AbstractThe injection of supercritical CO2 coupled with superheated steam (SHS) for heavy oil recovery can improve development efficiency. In order to help oil fields to improve the efficiency of CO2 and SHS utilization we must predict the thermophysical properties at well bottom. Based on the mass, energy, and momentum conservation equations, a non‐isothermal pipe‐flow model is established considering heat exchange between the integral joint tubing (IJT) and annuli. Coupled with the transient thermal conduction model in stratum and the S‐R‐K real gas model, a comprehensive model is established for the mixture flow in concentric dual‐tubing wells (CDTW). The model is solved by a numerical method and an iteration technique. The results show that: (a) the accuracy of the temperature profile calculation has been greatly improved compared with the previous model; (b) the heat‐carrying capacity per unit mass of the mixture and heating efficiency decrease with increasing supercritical CO2 content; (c) when a temperature difference exists between the IJT and annuli, a rapid flow of thermal energy exists inside the CDTW, which causes a significant temperature change near the wellbore, but the influence of temperature change on pressure profiles is negligible. © 2018 Society of Chemical Industry and John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Oncogenic mutations in KEAP1 disturbing inhibitory Nrf2‐Keap1 interaction: Activation of antioxidative pathway in papillary thyroid carcinoma
Authors: Danilovic Debora Lucia Seguro , de Mello Evandro Sobroza , Frazzato Eliana Salgado Turri , Wakamatsu Alda , de Lima Jorge Alexander Augusto , Hoff Ana Oliveira , Marui Suemi 
Published: February 2018

AbstractBackgroundNuclear factor erythroid 2‐like 2 (NFE2L2) encodes Nrf2, transcription factor of antioxidative genes. In the presence of reactive oxygen species, Keap1 (Kelch‐ECH‐associating protein‐1) inhibitor complex undergoes conformational changes disrupting Keap1‐Nrf2 binding and Nrf2 translocates into nucleus. We evaluated the presence of mutations in NFE2L2 and KEAP1 in papillary thyroid carcinomas (PTCs) and correlated them with clinical presentation.MethodsCoding regions of NFE2L2 and KEAP1 were sequenced in 131 patients with PTC. Clinical and histopathological features were analyzed. Immunohistochemical analysis of Nrf2 expression was performed in mutated carcinomas.ResultsAlthough no mutations were found in NFE2L2, missense mutations in KEAP1 were observed in 6 patients with PTC (4.6%). Immunohistochemistry showed increased Nrf2 expression in nuclei of all mutated carcinomas, which presented poor prognostic features in histopathology.ConclusionWe identified mutations in KEAP1 associated with Nrf2 overexpression in PTC. Mutations favored disruption of inhibitory interaction Nrf2‐Keap1 to enable increased antioxidant Nrf2 activity, possibly with prognostic consequences.
Double‐blind placebo‐controlled multicenter phase II trial to evaluate D‐methionine in preventing/reducing oral mucositis induced by radiation and chemotherapy for head and neck cancer
Authors: Hamstra Daniel A. , Lee Kuei C. , Eisbruch Avraham , Sunkara Prasad , Borgonha Sudhir , Phillip Babu , Campbell Kathleen C. M. , Ross Brian D. , Rehemtulla Alnawaz 
Published: February 2018

AbstractBackgroundThe purpose of this study was to test if oral D‐methionine (D‐met) reduced mucositis during chemoradiotherapy.MethodsWe conducted a placebo‐controlled double‐blind randomized phase II trial of D‐met (100 mg/kg p.o. b.i.d.) testing the rate of severe (grades 3‐4) mucositis.ResultsSixty patients were randomized. Grade 2 + oral pain was higher with placebo (79% vs 45%; P = .0165), whereas grade 2 + body odor was greater with D‐met (3% vs 41%; P = .0015). Mucositis was decreased with D‐met by the physician (World Health Organization [WHO], P = .007; Radiation Therapy Oncology Group [RTOG], P = .009) and patient functional scales (RTOG, P = .0023). The primary end point of grades 3 to 4 mucositis on the composite scale demonstrated a decrease with D‐met (48% vs 24%; P = .058), which was borderline in significance. A planned secondary analysis of a semiquantitative scoring system noted decreased oral ulceration (2.2 vs 1.5; P = .023) and erythema (1.6 vs 1.1; P = .048) with D‐met.ConclusionAlthough not meeting the primary end point, results of multiple assessments suggest that D‐met decreased mucositis.
Mixed adenoneuroendocrine carcinoma of the tongue arising within a congenital enteric cyst
Authors: Ligthelm Louis J. , Bunn Belinda K. , Raubenheimer Erich J. , van Heerden Willie F. P. 
Published: February 2018

AbstractBackgroundPrimary intestinal‐type adenocarcinoma of the tongue is rare. This represents the first reported case of a primary mixed adenoneuroendocrine carcinoma (MANEC) of the tongue arising within a congenital enteric cyst.MethodsA 52‐year‐old man presented with a midline tongue mass that was connected to the mucosal surface with an epithelial‐lined sinus tract. Morphological examination and immunohistochemical profiling of the neoplasm were performed.ResultsHistopathological evaluation showed a primary MANEC arising within a preexisting congenital enteric cyst, comprising both adenocarcinoma and neuroendocrine components. The adenocarcinoma had a colonic‐type morphology and coexpressed CK7, CK20, and CDX2. Imaging and colonoscopy excluded a distant primary colorectal neoplasm.ConclusionThe association of primary MANEC of the tongue with a gastrointestinal heterotopic cyst supports an origin from entrapped endodermal elements as opposed to salivary duct origin. This case raises the awareness of a rare yet prognostically important complication of a gastrointestinal heterotopic cyst.
Transoral radical tonsillectomy and retropharyngeal lymph node dissection with a flexible next generation robotic surgical system
Authors: Tsang Raymond K. , Wong Eddy W. Y. , Chan Jason Y. K. 
Published: February 2018

AbstractBackgroundThe purpose of this study was to describe the use of a novel flexible, single‐arm robot in performing a transoral radical tonsillectomy and retropharyngeal lymph node dissection.MethodsA 63‐year‐old man with a T1N2bM0 (American Joint Committee on Cancer seventh edition classification) squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) of the left tonsil underwent a transoral robotic radical tonsillectomy and retropharyngeal lymph node dissection, followed by a left selective neck dissection of levels I to IV.ResultsThe tonsillar tumor was removed completely with a negative margin that was followed by a dissection and removal of a retropharyngeal lymph node, completed with primary closure of the site. A left selective neck dissection was then performed. The patient was tolerating an oral diet on postoperative day 1 and had no robotic or surgically related complications at 30‐day follow‐up.ConclusionIt is feasible and safe to use this novel, flexible, single‐arm robot in performing a transoral robotic radical tonsillectomy and retropharyngeal lymph node dissection.