bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Operation of Flexible Multiproduct Modular Continuous Polymerization Plants
Authors: Schoppmeyer Christian , Vermue Henry , Subbiah Subanatarajan , Kohlmann Daniel , Ferlin Patrick , Engell Sebastian 
Published: April 2016

In this work, the operation of modular flexible continuous polymerization plants is investigated. For a benchmark problem (six products with an overall yearly demand of 20,000 t, two continuous production lines with modules that can be moved between the lines) that is defined by industrial speciality polymer producers, the optimal campaign planning problem is solved, minimizing the cost of cleaning and waste production. The results are compared to the production of the same portfolio of products in a batch plant. The results show that the changeovers between different products and production parameters lead to a loss of production capacity and additional costs. For long production campaigns (demand satisfaction on a monthly basis), these costs and losses are comparatively small, whereas for short demand satisfaction periods (one week) they are significant. On the other hand, longer demand satisfaction periods require a significant amount of product inventory and hence storage facilities.
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Magnetic barcode imaging for contrast agents
Authors: Hung Andy H. , Lilley Laura M. , Hu Fengqin , Harrison Victoria S.R. , Meade Thomas J. 
Published: April 2016

PurposeTo demonstrate a new MR imaging approach that unambiguously identifies and quantitates contrast agents based on intrinsic agent properties such as r1, r2,
, and magnetic susceptibility. The approach is referred to as magnetic barcode imaging (MBI).MethodsTargeted and bioresponsive contrast agents were imaged in agarose phantoms to generate T1, T2,
, and quantitative susceptibility maps. The parameter maps were processed by a machine learning algorithm that is trained to recognize the contrast agents based on these parameters. The output is a quantitative map of contrast agent concentration, identity, and functional state.ResultsMBI allowed the quantitative interpretation of intensities, removed confounding backgrounds, enabled contrast agent multiplexing, and unambiguously detected the activation and binding states of bioresponsive and targeted contrast agents.ConclusionMBI has the potential to overcome significant limitations in the interpretation, quantitation, and multiplexing of contrast enhancement by MR imaging probes. Magn Reson Med 77:970–978, 2017. © 2016 International Society for Magnetic Resonance in Medicine
Illness Experiences in Women with Oral Dryness as a Result of Sjögren's Syndrome: The Patient Point of View
Authors: Rojas‐Alcayaga Gonzalo , Herrera Ronda Andrea , Espinoza Santander Iris , Bustos Reydet Claudia , Ríos Erazo Matías , Wurmann Pamela , Sabugo Francisca , Geenen Rinie 
Published: April 2016

AbstractBackgroundSjögren's syndrome and the associated dryness can have multiple consequences. The aim of the present qualitative study was to give an in‐depth account of the life experiences of women with primary Sjögren's syndrome (pSS) and health‐related behaviours, and to summarize these experiences in an integrated model.MethodsTwelve women diagnosed with pSS who regularly attended the Hospital of the University of Chile participated in detailed interviews. The data were analysed using qualitative methods based on the principles of grounded theory.ResultsSelective coding identified three categories: illness experience, social interaction and psychological response. An integrated model was developed connecting these dynamic aspects and suggesting how they could lead to a life cycle crisis in cases of maladjustment. We found that problem‐solving strategies, reconstruction of identity, acceptance and a social support may prevent this life cycle crisis.DiscussionXerostomia and other consequences of pSS can have a profound influence on daily life. However, the severity of the consequences depends on individual experiences with the illness, social influences and the psychological responses of the patient. Physicians, dentists and other healthcare professionals can help the patient by listening to their problems and exploring solutions based on a psychological approach.
Does episiotomy influence vaginal resting pressure, pelvic floor muscle strength and endurance, and prevalence of urinary incontinence 6 weeks postpartum?
Authors: Bø Kari , Hilde Gunvor , Tennfjord Merete Kolberg , Engh Marie Ellstrøm 
Published: April 2016

AimsThe aim of the present study was to compare vaginal resting pressure (VRP), pelvic floor muscle (PFM) strength and endurance, and prevalence of urinary incontinence (UI) at 6 weeks postpartum, in women with and without lateral or mediolateral episiotomy.MethodsTwo hundred and thirty‐eight nulliparous pregnant women, mean age 28.5 years (SD 4.2) and pre‐pregnancy BMI 23.8 (SD 4.0) participated in the study. Lateral or mediolateral episiotomy was only performed for indications such as fetal distress or imminent risk of severe perineal tear. At 6 weeks postpartum, a vaginal balloon connected to a high precision pressure transducer was used to measure VRP (cm H2O), PFM strength (cm H2O), and endurance (cm H2O sec). All women completed the International Classification of Urinary Incontinence Short Form (ICIQ‐UI‐SF) by means of an electronic questionnaire.ResultsNo statistically significant differences were found in VRP (mean difference 0.0 cm H2O, 95%CI: −2.1 to 2.1), PFM strength (mean difference 1.3 cm H2O, 95%CI: −1.9 to 4.6), or PFM endurance (mean difference 12.1 cm H2O sec, 95%CI: −11.0 to 35.1) between women with or without episiotomy. No significant differences were found in prevalence of UI (37.5% vs. 46.6%) or SUI (23.6% vs. 35.6%), between women with or without episiotomy, respectively.ConclusionsPFM function and/or prevalence of post‐partum UI were not affected by a lateral or mediolateral episiotomy. Neurourol. Urodynam. 36:683–686, 2017. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Prediction of sacral neuromodulation treatment success in men with impaired bladder emptying—time for a new diagnostic approach
Authors: Rademakers Kevin L. , Drossaerts Jamie M. , van Kerrebroeck Philip E. , Oelke Matthias , van Koeveringe Gommert A. 
Published: April 2016

IntroductionDetrusor underactivity (DU) is currently a topic that receives major attention within functional urology. Urologists are often confronted with men who present with voiding dysfunction without bladder outlet obstruction (BOO) or after desobstructive or neuromodulation treatment. Their impaired bladder emptying is suspected to be related to failure of detrusor contractile function. Earlier research indicated that patients with non‐obstructive urinary retention (NOR), for example, detrusor underactivity (DU), have a lower success rate after sacral neuromodulation (SNM) compared to patients treated with SNM for storage dysfunction. However, predicting factors for treatment success in the NOR group have not yet been defined.Methods and EvidenceThe aim of this study was to assess whether the use of the new BOO‐contractility (Maastricht‐Hannover) nomogram can identify and predict SNM non‐responders. Our results in 18 men showed that only 20% of patients below the 10th percentile, but 86% of men between the 10 and 25th percentiles of the nomogram can be treated successfully with SNM. All successfully treated patients voided without needing self‐ catheterisation.ConclusionsThis pilot study showed for the first time that SNM treatment response in male patients with impaired bladder emptying can be predicted with the BOO‐contractility (Maastricht‐Hannover) nomogram. Men below the 10th percentile are likely to be treatment non‐responders, whereas the majority of men above the 10th percentile are responders. Neurourol. Urodynam. 36:808–810, 2017. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Effects of silodosin, a selective alpha‐1A adrenoceptor antagonist, on erectile function in a rat model of partial bladder outlet obstruction
Authors: Bastaskın Tugce , Kaya Ecem , Ozakca Isıl , Yilmaz Didem , Bayatlı Nur , Akdemir Alp Ozgur , Gur Serap 
Published: April 2016

AimWe investigated the effects of silodosin (selective α1A‐adrenoceptor antagonist) on erectile dysfunction (ED) in a rat model of bladder outlet obstruction.MethodsAdult male Sprague–Dawley rats (n = 32) were divided into four groups: (i) sham‐operated control; (ii) silodosin‐treated (sham) control (0.1 mg/kg/day); (iii) partial bladder outlet obstruction (PBOO); and (iv) silodosin‐treated with PBOO. PBOO was induced by ligation of the urethra for 6 weeks. In vivo, erectile responses were monitored by evaluating ratios of intracavernosal pressure (ICP)/mean arterial pressure (MAP). Organ‐bath studies were performed on corpus cavernosum (CC) strips. Penises were assessed at baseline for protein expression of neuronal nitric oxide synthase (nNOS) and Rho‐associated protein kinase (ROCK2) by Western blot. Immunohistochemistry and Masson trichrome staining were performed for analysis of nNOS protein levels and tissue alterations.ResultsThe ratio of ICP/MAP was significantly decreased in obstructed rats (0.26 ± 0.043, P < 0.01) compared to sham‐control rats (0.64 ± 0.10), which was restored by the treatment (0.59 ± 0.14, P < 0.01) compared with obstructed rats. Relaxation responses were significantly reduced in strips from the obstructed group. Silodosin restored nitrergic relaxant responses. nNOS expression in the obstructed group decreased, which was improved by treatment. The decreased smooth muscle/collagen ratio in the bladder obstructed group was reversed by the treatment.ConclusionsSilodosin improves erectile function in obstructed rats. Further clinical trials are needed to explore fully the potential benefits of silodosin in patients with benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH)/lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) in association with ED. Neurourol. Urodynam. 36:597–603, 2017. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Construction of high‐order complete scaled boundary shape functions over arbitrary polygons with bubble functions
Authors: Ooi Ean Tat , Song Chongmin , Natarajan Sundararajan 
Published: April 2016

SummaryThis manuscript presents the development of novel high‐order complete shape functions over star‐convex polygons based on the scaled boundary finite element method. The boundary of a polygon is discretised using one‐dimensional high order shape functions. Within the domain, the shape functions are analytically formulated from the equilibrium conditions of a polygon. These standard scaled boundary shape functions are augmented by introducing additional bubble functions, which renders them high‐order complete up to the order of the line elements on the polygon boundary. The bubble functions are also semi‐analytical and preserve the displacement compatibility between adjacent polygons. They are derived from the scaled boundary formulation by incorporating body force modes. Higher‐order interpolations can be conveniently formulated by simultaneously increasing the order of the shape functions on the polygon boundary and the order of the body force mode. The resulting stiffness‐matrices and mass‐matrices are integrated numerically along the boundary using standard integration rules and analytically along the radial coordinate within the domain. The bubble functions improve the convergence rate of the scaled boundary finite element method in modal analyses and for problems with non‐zero body forces. Numerical examples demonstrate the accuracy and convergence of the developed approach. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Geometrically nonlinear analysis of shells by quadrilateral flat shell element with drill, shear, and warping
Authors: Tang Yi Qun , Zhou Zhi Hua , Chan Siu Lai 
Published: April 2016

SummaryIn this paper, a four‐node quadrilateral flat shell element is proposed for geometrically nonlinear analysis based on updated Lagrangian formulation with the co‐rotational kinematics concept. The flat shell element combines the membrane element with drilling degrees of freedom and the plate element with shear deformation. By means of these linearized elements, a simplified nonlinear analysis procedure allowing for warping of the flat shell element and large rotation is proposed. The tangent stiffness matrix and the internal force recovery are formulated in this paper. Several classic benchmark examples are presented to validate the accuracy and efficiency of the proposed new and more proficient element for practical engineering analysis of shell structures. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
An n‐material thresholding method for improving integerness of solutions in topology optimization
Authors: Watts Seth , Tortorelli Daniel A. 
Published: April 2016

SummaryIt is common in solving topology optimization problems to replace an integer‐valued characteristic function design field with the material volume fraction field, a real‐valued approximation of the design field that permits ‘fictitious’ mixtures of materials during intermediate iterations in the optimization process. This is reasonable so long as one can interpolate properties for such materials and so long as the final design is integer valued. For this purpose, we present a method for smoothly thresholding the volume fractions of an arbitrary number of material phases which specify the design. This method is trivial for two‐material design problems, for example, the canonical topology design problem of specifying the presence or absence of a single material within a domain, but it becomes more complex when three or more materials are used, as often occurs in material design problems. We take advantage of the similarity in properties between the volume fractions and the barycentric coordinates on a simplex to derive a thresholding, method which is applicable to an arbitrary number of materials. As we show in a sensitivity analysis, this method has smooth derivatives, allowing it to be used in gradient‐based optimization algorithms. We present results, which show synergistic effects when used with Solid Isotropic Material with Penalty and Rational Approximation of Material Properties material interpolation functions, popular methods of ensuring integerness of solutions. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
On edge: the impact of race‐related vigilance on obesity status in African–Americans
Authors: Powell L. R. , Jesdale W. M. , Lemon S. C. 
Published: April 2016

SummaryObjectiveNearly half of African–Americans are classified as obese. Perceived racism has been associated with obesity, yet the internal experiences of racism have received little attention. African–Americans who face racism may ‘ready themselves’ to cope through survival strategies, including race‐related vigilance. This study explores the association between race‐related vigilance and obesity in African–Americans.Design and methodsThe Reactions to Race module of the Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance Survey (years 2002–2010) was used. Our sample size consisted of 12,214 African–Americans. Race‐related vigilance was assessed as ‘How often do you think about your race?’ and classified as never, <daily, daily and >daily. Obesity was dichotomized as body mass index ≥ 30 kg m−2 vs. <30 kg m−2 using self‐reported weight and height. Multivariable logistic models assessed the association between race‐related vigilance and obesity.ResultsSeventeen percent of respondents reported thinking about their race >daily; 14% daily; 31% <daily and 39% reported never thinking about their race. Compared with those who reported never thinking about their race, the adjusted odds of obesity were 0.91, 95% CI: 0.72–1.15 among those thinking about their race <daily; 1.09, 95% CI: 0.81–1.46 among those thinking about their race daily; and 1.37, 95% CI: 1.07–1.76 among those thinking about their race >daily.ConclusionsFrequently thinking about one's race was a risk factor for obesity in African–Americans in this study. Internalized impacts of racism captured through race‐related vigilance may be particularly detrimental to African–Americans, driving their risk for obesity.
Glucose Levels Before the Onset of Asparaginase Predicts Transient Hyperglycemia in Children With Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia
Authors: Gatzioura Irene , Papakonstantinou Eugene , Dimitriadou Meropi , Kourti Maria , Sidi Vassiliki , Triantafyllou Panagiota , Koliouskas Dimitrios , Christoforidis Athanasios 
Published: April 2016

BackgroundTransient hyperglycemia (TH) represents an acknowledged adverse event that occurs during treatment in children with acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) and has recently been associated with an increased risk for developing metabolic disturbances in future life. Our aim was to estimate the incidence of TH and to identify risk factors, thus serving as markers for identifying candidates for prevention interventions.ProcedureAll patients treated with induction treatment for ALL in our department from January 2004 to April 2015 had their data retrieved from medical files and retrospectively analyzed.ResultsOne hundred and two children with ALL treated at our department were identified (49 females and 53 males) with a mean age of 6.03 ± 3.78 years at the time of diagnosis. Sixteen patients developed TH (15.68%). Age at diagnosis >10 years is associated with an 11‐fold increase in the risk of developing TH. Additionally, fasting glucose on the eighth day of treatment is an important prognostic factor as fasting glucose >100 mg/dl at that time point is associated with a threefold increase in developing TH during residual treatment period.ConclusionsFasting glucose levels >110 mg/dl on the eighth day of treatment could serve as a trigger for intervention strategies that will prevent the development of TH in pediatric patients treated for ALL. Additional studies are needed to confirm and further extend this preliminary observation.
Thermomechanical improvement of glycerol plasticized maize starch with high loading of cellulose, flax and talc fillers
Authors: Battegazzore Daniele , Bocchini Sergio , Frache Alberto 
Published: April 2016

AbstractFor the purpose of extending the applicability fields of thermoplastic starch (TPS), a study on their properties with high filler loadings was performed. Two different organic natural reinforcements (cellulose and flax) and a typical mineral filler (talc) were incorporated in TPS using melt blending. The resulting composites were observed on fragile fracture surfaces by scanning electron microscopy to study the filler/matrix adhesion. Magnifications revealed good TPS−fibre interfacial interaction with limited debonding. The thermomechanical properties by dynamic mechanical thermal analysis (DMTA) and the correlation with the filler amount (from 10 to 50 wt%) were thoroughly investigated at 50% relative humidity and 23 °C. The tests evidenced a huge increase in composite storage moduli (E′) of more than 200% with respect to the neat matrix. Moreover, the resulting DMTA experimental data were interpolated with the Cox − Krenchel micromechanical model. To this aim, the necessary measures of the filler dimensions were calculated after the extrusion process on water‐dissolved residues using an optical microscope. This model was able to correctly follow the experimental results also at high filler loadings. © 2016 Society of Chemical Industry
Influence of the microstructure of gums on the mechanical properties of silicone high consistency rubbers
Authors: Stricher Arthur , Picard Loïc , Gabrielle Brice , Delebecq Etienne , Ganachaud François 
Published: April 2016

AbstractThis paper is devoted to the characterization and processing of high molar mass vinyl‐bearing polysiloxanes in high consistency silicone rubber (HCR) formulations. The molar masses of five different polydimethylsiloxane gums, bearing vinyl groups at the ends and along their chains, were evaluated by size exclusion chromatography and rheometry. 29Si and 1H NMR spectroscopy allowed the precise determination of the vinyl content and of the distribution in the different polymers. Typical HCRs formulated from these gums were heat‐cured to process silicone rubber materials that were then tested mechanically. The macromolecular properties were correlated to the final material network structure. The amount of reactive vinyl moieties, rather than their distribution along or at the end of chains, is a key parameter to tailor the material mechanical properties. © 2016 Society of Chemical Industry
Synthesis, structure and properties of nitronyl nitroxide diradicals with fused‐thiophene couplers
Authors: Tretyakov Evgeny , Okada Keiji , Suzuki Shuichi , Baumgarten Martin , Romanenko Galina , Bogomyakov Artem , Ovcharenko Victor 
Published: April 2016

AbstractFunctionalized diradicals are widely used in chemistry, physics, biology and material sciences because of their inherently high reactivity and magnetic activity, but the synthesis of planar diradical molecules is still a challenge. This paper describes the effective synthesis and properties of diradicals in which nitronyl nitroxide fragments and a fused‐thiophene bridge are almost coplanar. The diradicals DR1, DR2, DR4 were prepared in high yield by palladium‐catalyzed cross‐coupling of the (nitronyl nitroxide‐2‐ide)(triphenylphosphin)gold complex with 2,5‐diiodothieno[2,3‐b]thiophene, 2,5‐diiodothieno[3,2‐b]thiophene or 2,6‐diiododithieno[3,2‐b:2′,3′‐d]thiophene correspondingly. The torsion angles between planes of the nitronyl nitroxide fragments and fused‐thiophene systems lie in the range 2.6–8.5°. The planarity of DR2 and DR4 makes the Kekulé‐type coupler units effective bridges to transmit magnetic interactions by a spin polarization mechanism. According to the magnetic susceptibility measurements, supported by density functional theory calculations, the singlet–triplet energy splitting (2 J/kB) is −130 K for DR2 and close to −80 K for DR4. The singlet diradicals DR2 and DR4 are stable and demonstrate two one‐electron reversible electrochemical oxidation peaks and two‐electron quasi‐reversible reduction peaks resulting in the formation of the corresponding bis(oxoammonium) dication or bis(aminooxidanide) dianion. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Crystal structure of the flagellar accessory protein FlaH of Methanocaldococcus jannaschii suggests a regulatory role in archaeal flagellum assembly
Authors: Meshcheryakov Vladimir A. , Wolf Matthias 
Published: April 2016

AbstractArchaeal flagella are unique structures that share functional similarity with bacterial flagella, but are structurally related to bacterial type IV pili. The flagellar accessory protein FlaH is one of the conserved components of the archaeal motility system. However, its function is not clearly understood. Here, we present the 2.2 Å resolution crystal structure of FlaH from the hyperthermophilic archaeon, Methanocaldococcus jannaschii. The protein has a characteristic RecA‐like fold, which has been found previously both in archaea and bacteria. We show that FlaH binds to immobilized ATP—however, it lacks ATPase activity. Surface plasmon resonance analysis demonstrates that ATP affects the interaction between FlaH and the archaeal motor protein FlaI. In the presence of ATP, the FlaH‐FlaI interaction becomes significantly weaker. A database search revealed similarity between FlaH and several DNA‐binding proteins of the RecA superfamily. The closest structural homologs of FlaH are KaiC‐like proteins, which are archaeal homologs of the circadian clock protein KaiC from cyanobacteria. We propose that one of the functions of FlaH may be the regulation of archaeal motor complex assembly.