bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Response prediction, experimental characterization and P‐spectra design of frames with viscoelastic–plastic dampers
Authors: Guo Jack Wen Wei , Christopoulos Constantin 
Published: April 2016

SummaryViscoelastic–plastic (VEP) dampers are hybrid passive damping devices that combine the advantages of viscoelastic and hysteretic damping. This paper first formulates a semi‐analytical procedure for predicting the peak response of nonlinear SDOF systems equipped with VEP dampers, which forms the basis for the generation of Performance Spectra that can then be used for direct performance assessment and optimization of VEP damped structures. This procedure is first verified against extensive nonlinear time‐history analyses based on a Kelvin viscoelastic model of the dampers, and then against a more advanced evolutionary model that is calibrated to characterization tests of VEP damper specimens built from commercially available viscoelastic damping devices, and an adjustable friction device. The results show that the proposed procedure is sufficiently accurate for predicting the response of VEP systems without iterative dynamic analysis for preliminary design purposes. A design method based on the Performance Spectra framework is then proposed for systems equipped with passive VEP dampers and is applied to enhance the seismic response of a six‐storey steel moment frame. The numerical simulation results on the damped structure confirm the use of the Performance Spectra as a convenient and accurate platform for the optimization of VEP systems, particularly during the initial design stage. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Fuzzy Sarsa Learning of Operational Instructions to Schedule Water Distribution and Delivery
Authors: Shahverdi Kazem , Monem Mohammad Javad , Nili Majid 
Published: April 2016

AbstractOperational instructions have a major role in improving water delivery performance in irrigation canals. Of different delivery systems, on‐request systems have higher flexibility than rotational ones and can be applied to present irrigation networks with minor changes. The main challenge in on‐request systems is determining appropriate operational instructions. The main objective of this paper is formulating a fuzzy Sarsa learning (FSL) system for learning operational instructions. As a result of its properties, including being model free and generalizable, FSL can learn in a limited number of situations and suggest operational instructions for a wide range of conditions. The FSL steps in an irrigation system include present depths observation and flows, selection and execution of the operational instructions, observing new depths and flows, and assigning reward to the applied operational instructions and learning accordingly. The physical and hydraulic data of the East Aghili Canal are used for evaluation of our FSL. The results support the suitability of FSL in terms of performance with respect to generalization and convenience of deployment; the total operation time decreased from 23.1 h in conventional operation to 5.76 h in FSL, the efficiency and adequacy indicators obtained were close to desired values, and water level deviations were less than 10%. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The 21st Conference of the Parties Climate Summit in Paris: A Slippery Slope
Authors: Mahapatra Sushanta Kumar , Ratha Keshab Chandra 
Published: April 2016

AbstractThe curious amalgam of the lack of a legal binding mechanism, existence of non‐substantive pledges, absence of generous attitude, deep divisions between developed and developing countries, undermining human rights, and less emphasis on farmers' issues brings the Paris Summit to a very risky position on climate change policy. The Paris accord may turn out to be a diplomatic triumph but a scientific failure. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Self‐medication and non‐adherence with antibiotics: the current situation in Pakistan
Authors: Ali Iftikhar , Ahmad Jawad , Khan Aziz U. , Khan Tahir M. , Khan Jehanzeb , Ul‐Haq Zia 
Published: April 2016

AbstractHealthcare reforms in Pakistan have increased the direct accessibility of medicines to the public through sales in pharmacy outlets. Many medicines are being dispensed without any prescription. This style of medicine distribution practice has been linked with irrational use of medicines and non‐compliance with medicines regulations. This discussion highlights the issues of self‐medication and non‐adherence to regulations with antibiotics that arise as a result of unregulated supply of these important medicines, and provides recommendations for ways in which these problems might be approached.
Evaluation of stability of melatonin in extemporaneously compounded oral suspensions
Authors: Friciu, Mihaela , Savji, Taslim , Zaraa, Sarra , Leclair Grégoire 
Published: April 2016

AbstractBackgroundMelatonin is commonly used to treat insomnia, sleep disturbance or hyperactivity disorders. It can be administered in paediatric patients as oral formulations prepared using either bulk powder or commercial products. Few studies have evaluated the stability of these oral formulations, but some storage conditions information may be lacking and a need has been identified for additional stability studies.AimThe aim of this research was to study the stability of extemporaneously prepared oral suspensions of melatonin (2 mg/mL), prepared from pure drug powder or commercial tablets using a proprietary dye‐free oral vehicle: Oral Mix SF (Medisca Pharmaceutique Inc.).MethodTwo melatonin oral liquid preparations were formulated: (a) tablets in Oral Mix SF and (b) pure drug powder in Oral Mix SF. Preparations were stored at room temperature (23–27°C) as well as under refrigeration (3–5°C) in amber plastic syringes (PreciseDose Dispenser™, Medisca Pharmaceutique Inc.) and amber polyethylene terephthalate (PET) bottles with appropriate closures for a period of 90 days. Preparations were assessed using a validated stability‐indicating high‐performance liquid chromatography method. Beyond use dates were evaluated by statistical analysis of the overall degradation trend.ResultsAll preparations were physically and chemically stable for at least 90 days in all storage conditions at room temperature and under refrigeration.ConclusionResults showed that compared to other vehicles, these suspensions had equivalent stability, indicating that Oral Mix SF is a viable dye‐free and sugar‐free alternative for extemporaneous compounding of melatonin.
Polymeric Nanogels with Tailorable Degradation Behavior
Authors: Chen Yinan , van Steenbergen Mies J. , Li Dandan , van de Dikkenberg Joep B. , Lammers Twan , van Nostrum Cornelus F. , Metselaar Josbert M. , Hennink Wim E. 
Published: April 2016

The aim of this study is to design a polymeric nanogel system with tailorable degradation behavior. To this end, hydroxyethyl methacrylate‐oligoglycolates‐derivatized poly(hydroxypropyl methacrylamide) (pHPMAm‐Gly‐HEMA) and hydroxyethyl methacrylamide‐oligoglycolates‐derivatized poly(hydroxyethyl methacrylamide) (pHEMAm‐Gly‐HEMAm) are synthesized and characterized. pHEMAm‐Gly‐HEMAm shows faster hydrolysis rates of both carbonate and glycolate esters than the same ester groups of pHPMAm‐Gly‐HEMA. pHEMAm‐Gly‐HEMAm nanogels have tailorable degradation kinetics from 24 h to more than 4 d by varying their crosslink densities. It is shown that the release of a loaded macromolecular model drug is controlled by degradation of nanogels. The nanogels show similar cytocompatibility as PLGA nanoparticles and are therefore considered to be attractive systems for drug delivery.
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Numerical modeling of hydraulic fracture propagation, closure and reopening using XFEM with application to in‐situ stress estimation
Authors: Mohammadnejad T. , Andrade J.E. 
Published: April 2016

SummaryIn this paper, a fully coupled model is developed for numerical modeling of hydraulic fracturing in partially saturated weak porous formations using the extended finite element method, which provides an effective means to simulate the coupled hydro‐mechanical processes occurring during hydraulic fracturing. The developed model is for short fractures where plane strain assumptions are valid. The propagation of the hydraulic fracture is governed by the cohesive crack model, which accounts for crack closure and reopening. The developed model allows for fluid flow within the open part of the crack and crack face contact resulting from fracture closure. To prevent the unphysical crack face interpenetration during the closing mode, the crack face contact or self‐contact condition is enforced using the penalty method. Along the open part of the crack, the leakage flux through the crack faces is obtained directly as a part of the solution without introducing any simplifying assumption. If the crack undergoes the closing mode, zero leakage flux condition is imposed along the contact zone. An application of the developed model is shown in numerical modeling of pump‐in/shut‐in test. It is illustrated that the developed model is able to capture the salient features bottomhole pressure/time records exhibit and can extract the confining stress perpendicular to the direction of the hydraulic fracture propagation from the fracture closure pressure. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Towards an optimal condition number of certain augmented Lagrangian‐type saddle‐point matrices
Authors: Estrin R. , Greif C. 
Published: April 2016

SummaryWe present an analysis for minimizing the condition number of nonsingular parameter‐dependent 2 × 2 block‐structured saddle‐point matrices with a maximally rank‐deficient (1,1) block. The matrices arise from an augmented Lagrangian approach. Using quasidirect sums, we show that a decomposition akin to simultaneous diagonalization leads to an optimization based on the extremal nonzero eigenvalues and singular values of the associated block matrices. Bounds on the condition number of the parameter‐dependent matrix are obtained, and we demonstrate their tightness on some numerical examples. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Prevalence and associated positive psychological variables of anxiety and depression among patients with central nervous system tumors in China: a cross‐sectional study
Authors: Bao Yijun , Li Lizhuo , Guan Yanlei , Wang Wei , Liu Yan , Wang Pengfei , Huang Xiaolong , Tao Shanwei , Wang Yunjie 
Published: April 2016

AbstractBackgroundAnxiety and depression have been identified as common psychological distresses faced by the majority of patients with cancer. However, no studies have investigated the relationship between positive psychological variables (hope, optimism and general self‐efficacy) and anxiety and depression among patients with central nervous system (CNS) tumors in China. Our hypothesis is that the patients with higher levels of hope, optimism or general self‐efficacy have lower levels of anxiety and depression when encountered by stressful life events such as CNS tumors.MethodsQuestionnaires, including the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale, the Herth Hope Index, the Life Orientation Scale‐Revised and the General Self‐Efficacy Scale, and demographic and clinical records were used to collect information about patients with CNS tumors in Liaoning Province, China. The study included 222 patients (effective response rate: 66.1%). Hierarchical linear regression analyses were performed to explore the associations among hope, optimism, general self‐efficacy and anxiety/depression.ResultsPrevalence of anxiety and depression were 42.8 and 32.4%, respectively, among patients with CNS tumors. Hope and optimism both were negatively associated with anxiety and together accounted for 21.4% of variance in anxiety. Similarly, hope and optimism both were negatively associated with depression and accounted for 32.4% of variance in depression.ConclusionsThe high prevalence of anxiety and depression among patients with CNS tumors should receive more attention in Chinese medical settings. To help reduce anxiety and depression, health care professionals should develop interventions to promote hope and optimism based on patients' specific needs.
Co‐worker perceptions of return‐to‐work opportunities for Japanese cancer survivors
Authors: Eguchi Hisashi , Wada Koji , Higuchi Yoshiyuki , Smith Derek R. 
Published: April 2016

AbstractPurposeThis study examined workplace factors and perceptions of Return‐to‐Work (RTW) opportunities for colleagues with cancer‐related symptoms and/or treatment side effects in Japan.MethodsWe conducted an online, cross‐sectional survey of 3710 employed Japanese individuals of working age. Colleagues' perceptions of RTW opportunities for cancer survivors were examined (using a Japanese questionnaire), along with workplace factors such as job demand, job control and workplace social support (using the Brief Job Stress Questionnaire). Associations between workplace factors and RTW opportunities were evaluated using multiple logistic regression analysis, with participants stratified in tertiles (low, middle and high) according to their levels of workplace social support and job control.ResultsColleagues' perceptions of inadequate RTW opportunities were associated with low workplace social support (middle tertile: Odds Ratio [OR] 1.22, 95% Confidence Interval [CI]: 1.08–1.36; low tertile: OR 1.43, 95%CI: 1.30–1.57; p for trend <0.01); low levels of job control (middle tertile: OR 1.27, 95%CI: 1.06–1.50; low tertile: OR 1.91, 95%CI: 1.64–2.21; p for trend <0.01); and no prior experience working with a cancer survivor (OR 2.08, 95%CI: 1.83–2.31).ConclusionsThis study suggests that workplace factors and prior experience of working with a cancer survivor may affect a colleagues' perception of RTW opportunities in Japanese workplaces. Consideration of workplace social factors (workplace support and job control), as well as increased openness and awareness of the particular needs of cancer survivors, is therefore essential to facilitate successful RTW in Japan, as elsewhere.Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
X‐ray radiation‐induced addition of oxygen atoms to protein residues
Authors: Wang Jimin 
Published: April 2016

AbstractThe additions of oxygen and peroxide to residues that result when proteins are exposed to the free radicals produced using the Fenton reaction or X‐rays have been studied for over a century. Nevertheless little is known about the impact these modifications have on protein crystal structures. Here evidence is presented that both kinds of modifications occur in protein crystals on a significant scale during the collection of X‐ray diffraction data. For example, at least 538 of the 5,351 residues of protein molecules in the crystal used to obtain the structure for photosystem II described by the PDB accession number 3ARC became oxygenated during data collection.
Trends in the Structural and Vibrational Properties of the Disulfanes S2X2 (X = H, Halogen, CH3, CF3)
Authors: Coronel Angelina C. , Fernández Lis E. , Varetti Eduardo L. 
Published: April 2016

AbstractThe geometrical parameters and associated force constants for the molecules XSSX (X = H, halogen, CH3, CF3) were studied using DFT quantum chemistry calculations. The study showed rather monotonic trends in these properties related to the SS bonds, although an anomalous behavior is noted when the substituent is CF3. The calculated vibrational frequencies allowed a confirmation of published band assignments, but corrections were necessary for S2F2 and S2H2.
Retrospective analysis of the elective tests of rigid proctosigmoidoscopy performed in the service of medical residency in Coloproctology of Hospital Santa Marcelina
Authors: Neto Isaac José Felippe Corrêa , Wercka Janaína , Cecchinni Angelo Rossi Silva , Lopes Eduardo Augusto , Watté Hugo Henriques , Souza Rogério Freitas Lino , Rolim Alexander Sá , Robles Laercio 
Published: April 2016

Abstract
Introduction Proctologic examination is a deeply intimate procedure which deals with a body area in which prejudices, taboos and constraints prevail, and may also relate to previous trauma; yet this procedure is of paramount importance for the investigation of patients with symptoms that foretell pathologies associated with distal colon, rectum and anus.
Objectives This study aimed to analyze all cases scheduled of rigid proctosigmoidoscopy performed by the Coloproctology Service, Hospital Santa Marcelina, in 8 of its 10 years of residency in the specialty.
Materials and methods We analyzed mean age, gender distribution, device's height of reach in relation to the anal verge, the percentage of abnormal tests stratified to perform, or not perform, anoscopy and proctosigmoidoscopy, and major diseases detected.
Results 844 rigid proctosigmoidoscopy procedures scheduled and performed by the Coloproctology Service, Hospital Santa Marcelina, between September 2006 and August 2014, were analyzed. The distribution was similar between genders and the mean age was 51.2 years. With respect to the device's height of reach from the anal verge, these values were stratified as follows: distance reached >15 cm, 10–15 cm, and <10 cm from the anal verge. Distances >15 cm from the anal verge were attained in 692 (82% of RR) tests, between 10 and 15 cm in 94 (11.1%) tests, and <10 cm in 58 (6.9%) tests.
Conclusion In this study, it was found that proctology examination and rigid proctosigmoidoscopy are mandatory procedures in cases of symptoms depending on these practices.
Philosophy as Total Axiomatics: Serious Metaphysics, Scrutability Bases, and Aesthetic Evaluation
Authors: KRIEGEL URIAH 
Published: April 2016

ABSTRACT:What is the aim of philosophy? There may be too many philosophical branches, traditions, practices, and programs to admit of a single overarching aim. Here, I focus on a fairly traditional philosophical project that has recently received increasingly sophisticated articulation, especially by Frank Jackson (1998) and David Chalmers (2012). In Section 1, I present the project and suggest that it is usefully thought of as ‘total axiomatics’: the project of attempting to axiomatize the total theory of the world. In Section 2, I raise a problem for the project that I call the ‘problem of multiple axiomatizations’. I consider some initially alluring but ultimately unpromising approaches to this problem in Section 3. In Section 4, I defend a surprising approach to the problem, according to which competing axiomatizations of the total theory of the world are effectively evaluated for their aesthetic virtues.
Mechanical Thrombectomy in Acute Ischemic Stroke: A Systematic Review
Authors: Lambrinos Anna , Schaink Alexis K. , Dhalla Irfan , Krings Timo , Casaubon Leanne K. , Sikich Nancy , Lum Cheemun , Bharatha Aditya , Pereira Vitor Mendes , Stotts Grant , Saposnik Gustavo , Kelloway Linda , Xie Xuanqian , Hill Michael D. 
Published: April 2016

AbstractAlthough intravenous thrombolysis increases the probability of a good functional outcome in carefully selected patients with acute ischemic stroke, a substantial proportion of patients who receive thrombolysis do not have a good outcome. Several recent trials of mechanical thrombectomy appear to indicate that this treatment may be superior to thrombolysis. We therefore conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis to evaluate the clinical effectiveness and safety of new-generation mechanical thrombectomy devices with intravenous thrombolysis (if eligible) compared with intravenous thrombolysis (if eligible) in patients with acute ischemic stroke caused by a proximal intracranial occlusion. We systematically searched seven databases for randomized controlled trials published between January 2005 and March 2015 comparing stent retrievers or thromboaspiration devices with best medical therapy (with or without intravenous thrombolysis) in adults with acute ischemic stroke. We assessed risk of bias and overall quality of the included trials. We combined the data using a fixed or random effects meta-analysis, where appropriate. We identified 1579 studies; of these, we evaluated 122 full-text papers and included five randomized control trials (n=1287). Compared with patients treated medically, patients who received mechanical thrombectomy were more likely to be functionally independent as measured by a modified Rankin score of 0-2 (odds ratio, 2.39; 95% confidence interval, 1.88-3.04; I2=0%). This finding was robust to subgroup analysis. Mortality and symptomatic intracerebral hemorrhage were not significantly different between the two groups. Mechanical thrombectomy significantly improves functional independence in appropriately selected patients with acute ischemic stroke.
Injury Deaths Related to Hurricane Sandy, New York City, 2012
Authors: Seil Kacie , Spira-Cohen Ariel , Marcum Jennifer 
Published: April 2016

AbstractObjectiveThis project aimed to describe demographic patterns and circumstances surrounding injury deaths in New York City (NYC) related to Hurricane Sandy.MethodsInjury deaths related to Hurricane Sandy were classified by using data from multiple sources: NYC’s Office of Vital Statistics death records, Office of Chief Medical Examiner case investigation files, and American Red Cross disaster mortality data. Injury deaths were classified as being related to Hurricane Sandy if they were caused directly by the storm’s environmental forces or if they were indirectly caused by an interruption of services, displacement, or other lifestyle disruption.ResultsWe identified 52 injury deaths in NYC related to Hurricane Sandy. Most decedents were male (75%); nearly half were aged 65 years and older (48%). Most (77%) deaths were caused by injuries directly related to Hurricane Sandy. Ninety percent of direct deaths were caused by drowning; most (73%) occurred within 3 days of landfall. Half (50%) of the 12 indirect deaths that occurred up to 30 days after the storm were caused by a fall. Nearly two-thirds (63%) were injured at home. Three-quarters (75%) of fatal injuries occurred in evacuation Zone A.ConclusionsRisk communication should focus on older adults, males, and those living in evacuation zones; more evacuation assistance is necessary. NYC’s fatal injury profile can inform future coastal storm planning efforts. (Disaster Med Public Health Preparedness. 2016;10:378–385)
Remembering spherical trigonometry
Authors: Conway John , Ryba Alex 
Published: April 2016

Although high school textbooks from early in the 20th century show that spherical trigonometry was still widely taught then, today very few mathematicians have any familiarity with the subject. The first thing to understand is that all six parts of a spherical triangle are really angles — see Figure 1.This shows a spherical triangle ABC on a sphere centred at O. The typical side is a = BC is a great circle arc from to that lies in the plane OBC; its length is the angle subtended at O. Similarly, the typical angle between the two sides AB and AC is the angle between the planes OAB and OAC.