bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
To What Extent Can Hyperelastic Models Make Sense the Effect of Clay Surface Treatment on the Mechanical Properties of Elastomeric Nanocomposites?
Authors: Paran Seyed Mohammad Reza , Saeb Mohammad Reza , Formela Krzysztof , Goodarzi Vahabodin , Vijayan P Poornima , Puglia Debora , Khonakdar Hossein Ali , Thomas Sabu 
Published: April 2017

The poor knowledge about nonlinear mechanical behavior of elastomer nanocomposites arises from the incomplete information on the interface. Application of hyperelastic models provides more insights into the nature and the situation of interaction between the elastomeric matrix and nanofillers. The current work seeks to address the effect of interphase strength on tensile properties of the elastomer nanocomposites under large deformations. Acrylonitrile butadiene rubber (NBR)/clay nanocomposite is selected for modeling on account of complexities associated with exfoliation/intercalation of clay platelets. In particular, it is aimed to specify to what extent hyperelastic models can capture the effect of clay surface functionalization on the mechanical behavior of nanocomposites. Attachment of silane functional groups to the clay surface is confirmed by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, wide‐angle X‐ray diffraction, and thermogravimetric analyses. Different hyperelastic models are examined to detect the characteristic of NBR/clay nanocomposites. The powerfulness/weakness of the used models are featured by calculating the strain energy functions and material parameters, meanwhile, by comparing model outputs with experimental data of tensile tests.
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Intermittent theta‐burst stimulation rescues dopamine‐dependent corticostriatal synaptic plasticity and motor behavior in experimental parkinsonism: Possible role of glial activity
Authors: Cacace Fabrizio , Mineo Desirèe , Viscomi Maria Teresa , Latagliata Emanuele Claudio , Mancini Maria , Sasso Valeria , Vannelli Anna , Pascucci Tiziana , Pendolino Valentina , Marcello Elena , Pelucchi Silvia , Puglisi‐Allegra Stefano , Molinari Marco , Picconi Barbara , Calabresi Paolo , Ghiglieri Veronica 
Published: April 2017

ABSTRACTBackground: Recent studies support the therapeutic utility of repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation in Parkinson's disease (PD), whose progression is correlated with loss of corticostriatal long‐term potentiation and long‐term depression. Glial cell activation is also a feature of PD that is gaining increasing attention in the field because astrocytes play a role in chronic neuroinflammatory responses but are also able to manage dopamine (DA) levels.Methods: Intermittent theta‐burst stimulation protocol was applied to study the effect of therapeutic neuromodulation on striatal DA levels measured by means of in vivo microdialysis in 6‐hydroxydopamine‐hemilesioned rats. Effects on corticostriatal synaptic plasticity were studied through in vitro intracellular and whole‐cell patch clamp recordings while stepping test and CatWalk were used to test motor behavior. Immunohistochemical analyses were performed to analyze morphological changes in neurons and glial cells.Results: Acute theta‐burst stimulation induced an increase in striatal DA levels in hemiparkinsonian rats, 80 minutes post‐treatment, correlated with full recovery of plasticity and amelioration of motor performances. With the same timing, immediate early gene activation was restricted to striatal spiny neurons. Intense astrocytic and microglial responses were also significantly reduced 80 minutes following theta‐burst stimulation.Conclusion: Taken together, these results provide a first glimpse on physiological adaptations that occur in the parkinsonian striatum following intermittent theta‐burst stimulation and may help to disclose the real potential of this technique in treating PD and preventing DA replacement therapy‐associated disturbances. © 2017 International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society
Changes in disability in older adults with generalized radiographic osteoarthritis: A complex relationship with physical activity
Authors: Tak E.C.P.M. , van Meurs J.B. , Bierma‐Zeinstra S.M.A. , Hofman A. , Hopman‐Rock M. 
Published: April 2017

AbstractObjectiveThe aim of the present study was to report on factors associated with changes in disability after 5 years, with a focus on physical activity (PA) in community‐dwelling older adults with generalized radiographic osteoarthritis (GROA).MethodsAssessment of GROA (hand, knee, hip) and disability (Health Assessment Questionnaire) in the Rotterdam Study (cohort RS‐1, N = 7,983; with GROA, n = 821). A good outcome at follow‐up was defined as improved or mild disability, and a poor outcome as worsened or severe disability. Factors potentially associated with outcome were demographics, joint complaints, other chronic health problems or limitations (body mass index, number of chronic conditions, cognition), and level of different types of PA. Some of these assessments were repeated in between 1997 and 1999 (RS‐3), and between 2002 and 2004 (RS‐4).ResultsA total of 309 older adults with GROA and valid measures on RS‐3 and RS‐4 showed mild to moderate disability, with minor increases over 5 years (follow‐up N = 287 RS‐3 to RS‐4). PA levels decreased with increasing disability, especially in sport and walking. PA was univariately associated with a better outcome at follow‐up but when adjusted for other factors (higher age, having knee pain and stiffness, and having more than two other chronic conditions) was associated with negative changes in general and lower limb disability, although not with upper limb disability.ConclusionsThis was the first study to report that community‐dwelling older adults with GROA show moderate levels of disability, and that reduced levels of disability are associated with higher levels of PA, but when adjusted for other confounders this association is lost. Further research is needed to study the complex relationships between PA and other determinants of disability.
Negotiating Neoliberalism: Informalisation and Reformalisation of Industrial Relations in Norway's Agricultural Industry in the 21st Century
Authors: Rye Johan Fredrik 
Published: April 2017

AbstractThe flow of flexible and inexpensive low‐skilled manual labour across national borders has become a defining feature of the contemporary global political economy, often accompanied by neoliberalist labour market reforms and growth in the informalisation of labour relations in receiving economies. As a result, immigrant workers experience precarious and deteriorating wage and work arrangements. I discuss whether these are inevitable processes by analysing one particular case, that of the Norwegian agricultural industry since the turn of the century. In the first years after 2000, a growing number of low‐skilled Eastern European immigrants in Norway's agricultural industry faced precarious work arrangements as the industry drifted toward informalisation. Yet labour relations in Norwegian agriculture have since seen signs of reformalisation, resulting in higher wages and improved working conditions. I examine the characteristics of Norwegian society and its agricultural industry that have facilitated the reformalisation process. Important is the presence of strong and long‐lasting institutionalised structures of cooperation and negotiation between state agents and representatives of labour and capital, which promote more than economic rationalities among the industry's employers. The analysis builds on a mixed methods approach that addresses both macro and micro levels, as well as both institutionalised ‘objective facts’ and actors' subjective interpretations, by use of various quantitative and qualitative materials. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Subgraph statistics in subcritical graph classes
Authors: Drmota Michael , Ramos Lander , Rué Juanjo 
Published: April 2017

AbstractLet H be a fixed graph and a subcritical graph class. In this paper we show that the number of occurrences of H (as a subgraph) in a graph in of order n, chosen uniformly at random, follows a normal limiting distribution with linear expectation and variance. The main ingredient in our proof is the analytic framework developed by Drmota, Gittenberger and Morgenbesser to deal with infinite systems of functional equations [Drmota, Gittenberger, and Morgenbesser, Submitted]. As a case study, we obtain explicit expressions for the number of triangles and cycles of length 4 in the family of series‐parallel graphs. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Random Struct. Alg., 51, 631–673, 2017
Clinical and biochemical heterogeneity between patients with glycogen storage disease type IA: the added value of CUSUM for metabolic control
Authors: Peeks Fabian , Steunenberg Thomas A. H. , de Boer Foekje , Rubio‐Gozalbo M. Estela , Williams Monique , Burghard Rob , Rajas Fabienne , Oosterveer Maaike H. , Weinstein David A. , Derks Terry G. J. 
Published: April 2017

AbstractObjectiveTo study heterogeneity between patients with glycogen storage disease type Ia (GSD Ia), a rare inherited disorder of carbohydrate metabolism caused by the deficiency of glucose‐6‐phosphatase (G6Pase).Study designDescriptive retrospective study of longitudinal clinical and biochemical data and long‐term complications in 20 GSD Ia patients. We included 11 patients with homozygous G6PC mutations and siblings from four families carrying identical G6PC genotypes. To display subtle variations for repeated triglyceride measurements with respect to time for individual patients, CUSUM‐analysis graphs were constructed.ResultsPatients with different homozygous G6PC mutations showed important differences in height, BMI, and biochemical parameters (i.e., lactate, uric acid, triglyceride, and cholesterol concentrations). Furthermore, CUSUM‐analysis predicts and displays subtle changes in longitudinal blood triglyceride concentrations. Siblings in families also displayed important differences in biochemical parameters (i.e., lactate, uric acid, triglycerides, and cholesterol concentrations) and long‐term complications (i.e., liver adenomas, nephropathy, and osteopenia/osteoporosis).ConclusionsDifferences between GSD Ia patients reflect large clinical and biochemical heterogeneity. Heterogeneity between GSD Ia patients with homozygous G6PC mutations indicate an important role of the G6PC genotype/mutations. Differences between affected siblings suggest an additional role (genetic and/or environmental) of modifying factors defining the GSD Ia phenotype. CUSUM‐analysis can facilitate single‐patient monitoring of metabolic control and future application of this method may improve precision medicine for patients both with GSD and remaining inherited metabolic diseases.
Succession of algal communities in headwaters: a comparison of pine afforested and natural grassland streams
Authors: Cibils‐Martina Luciana , Principe Romina E. , Márquez Javier A. , Gari E. Noemí , Albariño Ricardo J. 
Published: April 2017

AbstractWe evaluated changes in the succession process in benthic algal communities of an afforested stream by comparing them with those in a grassland stream through analysis of temporal changes in composition, structure and functional traits in a 3‐month experiment. We hypothesized that sunlight intensity reduction as a result of streamside implanted tree shading reduces the succession rate and community physiognomic complexity. We selected two streams with different riparian cover (grassland and pine afforestation) for installation of unglazed tiles as artificial substrates. The tiles were collected from each stream after 23, 45 and 73 days of exposure. Afforestation produced changes in algal succession, with lower biomass, lower diversity at the beginning of the experiment, and an increase in the proportion of small, low‐profile, tolerant, unicellular and stalked algae, coinciding with the predominance of Achnanthidium. However, the grassland stream contained a higher proportion of intermediate‐size algae, as well as a larger proportion of high‐profile algae, coinciding with the expected results. In the afforested stream, succession proceeded toward the dominance of low‐profile species, that were tolerant of low‐light conditions. However, in grassland streams with higher sunlight availability, high‐profile algae prevailed without the displacement of tolerant forms. Overall, our results indicate that algal communities in afforested stream remain structurally simpler.
Preparing medical students for clinical practice: easing the transition
Authors: Teagle Alexandra R. , George Maria , Gainsborough Nicola , Haq Inam , Okorie Michael 
Published: April 2017

The transition from medical student to junior doctor is a challenge; the UK General Medical Council has issued guidance emphasizing the importance of adequate preparation of medical students for clinical practice. This study aimed to determine whether a junior doctor-led simulation-based course is an effective way of preparing final year medical students for practice as a junior doctor.
We piloted a new ‘preparation for practice’ course for final year medical students prior to beginning as Foundation Year 1 (first year of practice) doctors. The course ran over three days and consisted of four simulated stations: ward round, prescribing, handover, and lessons learnt. Quantitative and qualitative feedback was obtained.
A total of 120 students attended (40 on each day) and feedback was collected from 95 of them. Using a scale of 1 (lowest) to 5 (highest), feedback was positive, with 99% and 96% rating 4 or 5 for the overall quality of the program and the relevance of the program content, respectively. A score of 5 was awarded by 67% of students for the ward round station; 58% for the handover station; 71% for the prescribing station, and 35% for the lessons learnt station. Following the prescribing station, students reported increased confidence in their prescribing.
Preparation for practice courses and simulation are an effective and enjoyable way of easing the transition from medical student to junior doctor. Together with ‘on-the-job’ shadowing time, such programs can be used to improve students’ confidence, competence, and ultimately patient safety and quality of care.
Comparison of the excretory capacities of erythropoietin and U-74389G concerning serum creatinine levels
Authors: Tsompos Constantinos , Panoulis Constantinos , Toutouzas Konstantinos , Triantafyllou Aggeliki , Zografos George , Papalois Apostolos 
Published: April 2017

Introduction This study compared the excretory effects, the erythropoietin (Epo) and antioxidant drug U-74389G exert on serum creatinine levels through kidneys. 2 preliminary studies were used for this purpose including respectively one drug used in a renal ischemia–reperfusion (IR) protocol of an animal model. The preliminary studies are part of the present work. The subjects were pretreated in preliminary studies but the results of the same subjects were simply compared in the current work.Materials and methods The serum creatinine levels were evaluated at the 60th reperfusion min (for groups A, C and E) and at the 120th reperfusion min (for groups B, D and F) after IR in the 60 rats. Groups A and B received no drugs, rats from groups C and D were administered with Epo, whereas rats from groups E and F were administered with U-74389G.Results The first preliminary study recommended a non-significant excretory effect of Epo (p-value = 0.4430 > 0.05) than placebo for serum creatinine levels. The second preliminary study proved a very significant excretory effect of U-74389G (p-value = 0.0005 < 0.05) than placebo for serum creatinine levels. These 2 studies were co-evaluated since they came from the same experimental setting. The outcome of the co-evaluation was that U-74389G has at least 5-fold significant excretory action (p-value = 0.0000 < 0.05) than Epo for serum creatinine levels.Conclusions The U-74389G presents surprising effective excretory potencies for serum creatinine levels maybe of great importance in hemodialysis patients.
Changes in serum phosphate and potassium and their effects on mortality in malnourished African HIV-infected adults starting antiretroviral therapy and given vitamins and minerals in lipid-based nutritional supplements: secondary analysis from the Nutritional Support for African Adults Starting Antiretroviral Therapy (NUSTART) trial
Authors: Rehman Andrea Mary , Woodd Susannah Louise , Heimburger Douglas Corbett , Koethe John Robert , Friis Henrik , PrayGod George , Kasonka Lackson , Kelly Paul , Filteau Suzanne 
Published: April 2017

AbstractMalnourished HIV-infected patients starting antiretroviral therapy (ART) are at high risk of early mortality, some of which may be attributed to altered electrolyte metabolism. We used data from a randomised controlled trial of electrolyte-enriched lipid-based nutritional supplements to assess the association of baseline and time-varying serum phosphate and K concentrations with mortality within the first 12 weeks after starting ART. Baseline phosphate results were available from 1764 patients and there were 9096 subsequent serum phosphate measurements, a median of 6 per patient. For serum K there were 1701 baseline and 8773 subsequent measures, a median of 6 per patient. Abnormally high or low serum phosphate was more common than high or low serum K. Controlling for other factors found to affect mortality in this cohort, low phosphate which had not changed from the previous time interval was associated with increased mortality; the same was not true for high phosphate or for high or low K. Both increases and decreases in serum electrolytes from the previous time interval were generally associated with increased mortality, particularly in the electrolyte-supplemented group. The results suggest that changes in serum electrolytes, largely irrespective of the starting point and the direction of change, were more strongly associated with mortality than were absolute electrolyte levels. Although K and phosphate are required for tissue deposition during recovery from malnutrition, further studies are needed to determine whether specific supplements exacerbate physiologically adverse shifts in electrolyte levels during nutritional rehabilitation of ill malnourished HIV patients.
Arcus Divi Constantini: An Architectural Analysis and Chronological Proposal for the Arch of Janus in the Forum Boarium in Rome
Authors: Mateos Pedro , Pizzo Antonio , Ventura Ángel 
Published: April 2017

AbstractIn this article we present a new study of the Arch of Janus, analysing previously unpublished aspects of its architecture and chronology based on new data obtained from a recent research project. This study provides the first complete planimetric view of the monument, together with a stratigraphic reading of the structure, evaluating the different elements of spolia that were re-used in its construction. Also, the discovery of a new inscription that was re-used in building the arch finally confirms that it dates from the period of Constantius II (a.d. 357). Finally, we present a proposal for the reconstruction of the dedicatory inscription of the arch, preserved in the nearby church of San Giorgio al Velabro.
Surgical management of postoperative ductal aneurysm: a case report
Authors: Boutayeb Alaae , Mahfoudi Loubna , Moughil Said 
Published: April 2017

AbstractWe report the case of 24-year-old woman who presented with ductal aneurysm 7 years after a triple ligation of a patent ductus arteriosus. She underwent successful repair through median sternotomy and under moderate hypothermic circulatory arrest and selective cerebral perfusion.
Prevalence and composition of CHD at different altitudes in Tibet: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Zheng Jian-Yong , Qiu Yi-Gang , Li Dong-Tao , He Jiang-Chun , Chen Yu , Cao Yi , Liu Ying-Ming , Li Xian-Feng , Chi Hai-Tao , Li Tian-Chang 
Published: April 2017

AbstractBackgroundThe prevalence of CHD has been well described worldwide except in Tibet. This study aimed to illustrate the prevalence and composition of CHD in Tibetan children according to altitude.Methods and resultsIn the first part, we prospectively recruited 7088 unselected Tibetan children (4–17 years) from south-west Tibet. The total prevalence of CHD increased from 4.6/1000 below 4200 m to 13.4/1000 above 4700 m, with a female-to-male ratio of 1.3:3.1. The total prevalence and female prevalence of patent ductus arteriosus increased more than 10-fold. Females living above 4700 m had exceptionally high prevalence of patent ductus arteriosus (14.9/1000). The prevalence of atrial septal defect was comparable among different altitudes (3.3–3.8/1000). The prevalence of ventricular septal defect was 1.3/1000 below 4700 m, and no cases were found above this altitude. In the second part, we retrospectively reviewed the clinical data of 383 CHD children in Tibet and 73 children at lower altitudes. The percentage of isolated ventricular septal defect decreased from 54.8 to 3.1%, and the percentage of isolated patent ductus arteriosus increased from 8.2 to 68.4% with elevation. Children living below 4200 m (10.4–13.7%) had a larger proportion of complex CHD than those above this altitude (2.0–3.1%). Of the 20 Tibetan children with complex CHD, 14 (70.0%) lived below 4200 m.ConclusionsA wide variation in CHD prevalence and composition existed in Tibetan children among different altitudes.
Severe cardiac involvement in Gaucher type IIIC: a case report and review of the literature
Authors: Kör Yılmaz , Keskin Mehmet , Başpınar Osman 
Published: April 2017

AbstractGaucher disease is an autosomal-recessive lysosomal storage disease characterised by the accumulation of glucocerebroside in macrophages; it is caused by mutations in glucocerebrosidase gene-1 in many organ tissues such as the liver, spleen, and bone marrow. Its different clinical subtypes, according to the presence and severity of neurological symptoms, are as follows: type I, non-neuronopathic (95%); type II, acute neuronopathic; and type III, chronic neuronopathic. Type IIIC is a rare subgroup characterised by cardiovascular involvement as well as eye-movement disorders and late-onset neurological symptoms. In such cases, homozygous D409H is the most frequently detected mutation. In this article, we report the case of a patient, aged 15 years and 8 months, with complaints of syncope and a diagnosis of type IIIC Gaucher disease.
Simulation-based capital models: testing, justifying and communicating choices. A report from the life aggregation and simulation techniques working party
Authors: Androschuck T. , Gibbs S. , Katrakis N. , Lau J. , Oram S. , Raddall P. , Semchyshyn L. , Stevenson D. , Waters J. 
Published: April 2017

AbstractThe development of an economic capital model requires a decision to be made regarding how to aggregate capital requirements for the individual risk factors while taking into account the effects of diversification. Under the Individual Capital Adequacy Standards framework, UK life insurers have commonly adopted a correlation matrix approach due to its simplicity and ease in communication to the stakeholders involved, adjusting the result, where appropriate, to allow for non-linear interactions. The regulatory requirements of Solvency II have been one of the principal drivers leading to an increased use of more sophisticated aggregation techniques in economic capital models. This paper focusses on a simulation-based approach to the aggregation of capital requirements using copulas and proxy models. It describes the practical challenges in parameterising a copula including how allowance may be made for tail dependence. It also covers the challenges associated with fitting and validating a proxy model. In particular, the paper outlines how insurers could test, communicate and justify the choices made through the use of some examples.