bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
R/C frame–infill interaction model and its application to Indonesian buildings
Authors: Maidiawati  , Sanada Yasushi 
Published: August 2016

SummaryThis paper proposes a new analytical model for masonry‐infilled R/C frames to evaluate the seismic performance considering R/C frame–infill interactions. The proposed analytical model replaces masonry infill with a diagonal compression strut, which represents distributed compression transferred between frame and infill interfaces. The equivalent strut width is presented as a function of the frame–infill contact length, which can be evaluated by static equilibriums related to compression balance and lateral displacement compatibility at the frame–infill interfaces. The proposed analytical model was verified through comparisons with experimental results obtained for several brick masonry‐infilled R/C frames representing a typical R/C building with nonstructural masonry infill in Indonesia. As a result, good agreements were observed between the experimental and analytical values of the lateral strength and ductility of the infilled frames. The seismic performances of two earthquake‐damaged R/C buildings with different damage conditions were evaluated considering infill effects by applying the proposed analytical model. Consequently, the nonstructural brick masonry infill significantly affected the seismic resistances of the buildings, which seemed to lead to differing levels of damage for each building. These results indicate that the proposed analytical model can be an effective tool for more precisely screening earthquake‐vulnerable existing R/C buildings in Indonesia. Copyright © 2016 The Authors. Earthquake Engineering & Structural Dynamics Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.
TiO2 microspheres containing magnetic nanoparticles for intra‐arterial hyperthermia
Authors: Kanetaka Hiroyasu , Liu Gengci , Li Zhixia , Miyazaki Toshiki , Furuya Maiko , Kudo Tada‐aki , Kawashita Masakazu 
Published: August 2016

AbstractMagnetic microspheres measuring 15–35 µm in diameter are believed to be useful for intra‐arterial hyperthermia. In this study, we attempted to prepare titanium dioxide (TiO2) microspheres containing magnetic nanoparticles (MNPs). MNP‐containing TiO2 microspheres with diameters of approximately 30 µm were successfully obtained by sol–gel reaction of titanium tetraisopropoxide in a water‐in‐oil emulsion with added cosurfactant of 1‐butanol and subsequent heat treatment at 200°C. The microspheres showed ferrimagnetism owing to high content of MNPs in approximately 60 wt % and had a low‐crystalline TiO2 matrix. Furthermore, the agar phantom was heated to above 43°C after approximately 1 min under an alternating magnetic field of 100 kHz and 300 Oe and showed in vitro biocompatibility similar to that of MNP‐free TiO2 microspheres. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part B: Appl Biomater, 105B: 2308–2314, 2017.
Extracorporeal photopheresis as an immunomodulatory agent: Haematocrit‐dependent effects on natural killer cells
Authors: Becherucci V. , Allegro E. , Brugnolo F. , Piccini L. , Gori V. , Bisin S. , Bindi B. , Ceccantini R. , Pavan P. , Cunial V. , Gentile F. , Ermini S. , Bambi F. 
Published: August 2016

AbstractThe GvHD is a major cause of morbidity and mortality after allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT). Extracorporeal photopheresis (ECP) represents an alternative therapeutic strategy to immunosuppressive therapy. Although ECP is used since 1990s, the mechanism of action has not yet been completely clarified. We analyzed cells collected from 20 ECP procedures of 4 patients affected by chronic GvHD and, for comparison, Peripheral Blood Mononuclear Cells (PBMCs) of 10 healthy donors undergoing from same type of photochemiotherapy, evaluating by flow cytometry, the effects before and after photoactivation with 8‐MOP. The analysis showed a significant increase in cell death after ECP in particular in CD4 T lymphocytes as described in literature correlated with haematocrit value. Most interesting data emerge from the analysis of cytotoxic activity of NK cells, using flow cytometry analysis of surface expression of CD107a in the presence of target cells (K562). In all analyzed samples it was possible to document a statistically significant reduction of the cytotoxic activity of NK cells after photoactivation. The decrease of the cytotoxic activity was related to hematocrit value of leukoapheresis: in fact, lower HCT values were associated with a more marked reduction of cytotoxic activity. The study confirms literature data about the increase of cellular mortality induce by ECP. Furthermore, for the first time it is demonstrated that the ECP exerts a marked and significant inhibitory effect on the cytotoxic activity of NK cells. Our study suggests that lower values of hematocrit are associated with better treatment outcome.
Surface temperature trends from homogenized time series in South Africa: 1931–2015
Authors: Kruger Andries C. , Nxumalo M. 
Published: August 2016

ABSTRACTPrevious assessments of historical trends of measured surface temperature in South Africa have all shown a general upward trend, in both mean and extreme values, over recent decades. In addition, some regional differences in trends have been identified. Most of these studies focused on the period from about 1961 up to the last year that could be included before publication, and only climate stations situated in the same position for the entire analysis period were analysed. A data homogenization procedure enabled the combination of time series of stations from which trend analysis could be applied, extending the common analysis period for this study back to around 1931. The trend results, based on the World Meteorological Organization Expert Team on Climate Change Detection and Indices, continue to show the general warming trend shown in previous analyses, with a general increase in extreme warm events and a general decrease in extreme cold events across South Africa. The analysis of seasonal trends show that, while there are noteworthy differences on a regional basis, austral summer shows on average the strongest warming, followed by autumn, winter and spring. The central interior, which exhibited significant cooling in previous analyses, now shows non‐significant or similar trends when compared to the other parts of South Africa. There is no countrywide acceleration in the warming trends, but some regional consistencies in the temporal changes in trends could be determined, i.e. increases in trends in the central interior and decreases in trends along most of the coastal region.
A study of consumer retention of key information provided by clinical pharmacists during anticoagulant counselling
Authors: Masnoon Nashwa , Sorich Wassana , Alderman Christopher P. 
Published: August 2016

AbstractBackgroundPatient education delivered through pharmacist counselling is important in promoting the safe and effective use of anticoagulants.AimTo evaluate the extent to which patients retain information after counselling from a clinical pharmacist about the anticoagulant warfarin; to perform a brief analysis of the cost‐analysis of warfarin counselling; and to investigate relationships between case‐specific characteristics and patient outcomes.MethodA total of 22 patients was recruited. Eligibility criteria included age ≥18 years, new initiation of warfarin in hospital, intact cognition and an expectation of self‐administration of warfarin after discharge. Key elements of knowledge were assessed immediately after counselling and 6 weeks after counselling. The duration of each counselling session was recorded as a surrogate for costs involved, and case‐specific characteristics were documented.ResultsParticipants demonstrated an ability to recall an average (mean ± standard deviation) of 79.9 ± 14.6% of key information elements immediately after counselling, significantly higher than was observed 6 weeks after counselling (71.0 ± 11.7%; p = 0.02). The percentage of participants achieving an ‘acceptable’ score for knowledge was 68.2%, both immediately after counselling and 6 weeks later. No significant relationships between specific case characteristics and patient outcomes, duration of counselling or overall warfarin knowledge retention scores 6 weeks after counselling were demonstrable.ConclusionThese findings imply that more emphasis should be placed on educating patients on the critical information elements for warfarin counselling. Further research is required to explore potential relationships between case‐specific characteristics and patient outcomes, as well as the costs associated with the counselling process.
Human visual perception‐based localized backlight scaling method for high dynamic range LCDs
Authors: Park Jae Sung , Hwang Insung , Cho Nam Ik 
Published: August 2016

AbstractThis paper presents a backlight control algorithm for liquid crystal display devices, which considers the human visual properties that we are usually attracted to the saliencies in a scene. The saliency means regions or objects that have different contrast or color from the surrounding, and thus attract our attention, which can be measured in various ways from each pixel value and its relation with the surrounding ones. Hence, by keeping or boosting the backlight of salient regions while suppressing in others, the quality of salient regions and overall contrast are enhanced. In addition, power can be saved by backlight dimming in non‐salient regions, without loss of overall quality in terms of human visual perception. In this backlight control process, the amount of energy consumption is regulated so that the proposed method consumes less than or equal energy as before, by developing a power management algorithm based on the bit rate control strategies of MPEG2 video encoders. Precisely, the energy consumption in each backlight unit is controlled by a parameter, so that the sum of energies of overall backlight units is kept within a limit.
Validation of the laryngopharyngeal reflux color and texture recognition compared to pH‐probe monitoring
Authors: Du Chen , AL‐Ramahi Jehad , Liu Qingsong , Yan Yan , Jiang Jack 
Published: August 2016

Objective/HypothesisThe objective of this study was to determine the validity of our laryngopharyngeal reflux (LPR) diagnostic system from our previous study (Witt et al.) against the results of a standard pH probe monitoring. We hypothesized that subjects with abnormal pH probe results demonstrate color and texture abnormalities that would be classified as LPR according to artificial neural network (ANN) analysis.Study DesignRetrospective analysis.MethodsEighty‐two subjects, including 18 pH‐positive, 11 pH‐negative, and 53 control subjects were tested for LPR through multichannel intraluminal impedance 24‐hour pH (MII‐24pH) monitoring. Laryngoscopic images of all subjects were obtained. The hue and texture values of seven areas of interest, including true vocal folds, false vocal folds, arytenoids, and interarytenoid, were quantified using a hue calculation and two‐dimensional Gabor filtering. These served as inputs for the ANN. This was used to classify images through pattern recognition, and a receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis was performed to determine the effectiveness of the diagnosis.ResultsClassification accuracy for the combined hue and texture was 87.40%, with an area under the ROC curve of 0.910.ConclusionAlthough a previous study conducted classification based on RFS, this study suggests that color and texture analysis may be used to classify images based on the results of pH probing, a more objective approach for diagnosis. Additional studies should include more subjects to produce an even more accurate reading, and will use the color/texture analysis tool to test and confirm this application in a clinical setting.Level of Evidence3B. Laryngoscope, 127:665–670, 2017
Risk of sensorineural hearing loss with macrolide antibiotics: A nested case‐control study
Authors: Etminan Mahyar , Westerberg Brian D. , Kozak Frederick K. , Guo Michael Y. , Carleton Bruce C. 
Published: August 2016

ObjectivesTo determine the association between a diagnosis of sensorineural hearing loss (SNHL) and the prescription of a macrolide antibiotic.Study DesignRetrospective nested case‐control study.MethodsFrom the LifeLink (IMS, Danbury, CT) health claims database, we randomly selected a cohort of subjects 15 to 60 years old from 2006 to 2014. Cases were identified as patients diagnosed with SNHL, each matched by age and calendar time to 10 controls selected from the same cohort. All macrolide prescriptions (erythromycin, azithromycin, clarithromycin, and telithromycin) were identified, and statistical comparison of usage was compared between cases and controls.Amoxicillin and fluoroquinolone antibiotics were used as positive controls to further investigate confounding by infection. Albuterol was used as a negative control because this is a drug class not expected to be associated with SNHL or with a confounding condition potentially causing SNHL.ResultsFrom a cohort of 6,110,723 subjects, we identified 5,989 cases of SNHL and 59,890 corresponding controls. The rate ratio for one prescription of a macrolide was 1.36 (95% confidence inteval [CI]: 1.24–1.49) and for multiple prescriptions was 1.66 (95% CI: 1.42–1.94). Similar rate ratios were observed with multiple prescriptions of amoxicillin and fluoroquinolones.ConclusionA significant association between SNHL and macrolide use was likely due to confounding by indication for antibiotic treatment because the risk was also observed with fluoroquinolones and amoxicillin, antibiotics with no known ototoxic potential. Therefore, there does not appear to be an increased risk of SNHL in patients treated with macrolide antibiotics.Level of Evidence3b. Laryngoscope, 127:229–232, 2017
Laryngeal ultrasound and pediatric vocal fold nodules
Authors: Ongkasuwan Julina , Devore Danielle , Hollas Sarah , Jones Jeremy , Tran Brandon 
Published: August 2016

Objectives/HypothesisThe term vocal fold nodules refers to bilateral thickening of the membranous folds with minimal impairment of the vibratory properties of the mucosa. Nodules are thought to be related to repetitive mechanical stress, associated with voice use patterns. Diagnosis is typically made in the office via either rigid or flexible laryngeal stroboscopy. Depending on the individual child, obtaining an optimal view of the larynx can be difficult if not impossible. Recent advances in high‐frequency ultrasonography allows for transcervical examination of laryngeal structures. The goal of this project was to determine if laryngeal ultrasound (LUS) can be used to identify vocal fold nodules in dysphonic children.Study DesignProspective case‐control study in which the patient acted as his or her own control.MethodsForty‐six pediatric patients were recruited for participation in this study; the mean age was 4.8 years. Twenty‐three did not have any vocal fold lesions and 23 had a diagnosis of vocal fold nodules on laryngeal stroboscopy. Recorded LUSs were reviewed by two pediatric radiologists who were blinded to the nodule status.ResultsThere was substantial inter‐rater agreement (κ = 0.70, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.50‐0.89) between the two radiologists regarding the presence of nodules. There was also substantial agreement (κ = 0.87, 95% CI: 0.72‐1) between LUS and laryngeal stroboscopy. Sensitivity of LUS was 100% (95% CI: 85%‐100%) and specificity was 87% (95% CI: 66%‐97%).ConclusionsLUS can be used to identify vocal fold nodules in children with substantial agreement with laryngeal stroboscopy.Level of Evidence3b Laryngoscope, 127:676–678, 2017
It's the little things that count: Meiofaunal density and production in the sediment of two headwater streams
Authors: Majdi Nabil , Threis Ilka , Traunspurger Walter 
Published: August 2016

AbstractThe distribution of biomass production and its allocation across populations under environmental constraints draw a picture of community dynamics and energy flows in ecosystems. However, microscopic benthic invertebrates (meiofauna) are often overlooked in stream production budgets. We monitored the meiofauna dwelling in the sediment at two headwater stream sites (Ems and Furlbach, NW Germany) during 1 year. The two streams were similar in their granulometries and temperature regimes, but they differed in their flow velocities and nutrient balances, which allowed investigations of the effects of these factors on the density and production of different taxonomic groups of meiofauna. Meiofaunal production in the top 10‐cm sediment at Ems and Furlbach was 2.58 and 5.46 gC m−2 yr−1, respectively; these values are among the highest reported so far for a streambed. Allocation of density and production across taxonomic groups differed between the two streams. Tardigrades, rotifers, oligochaetes, and gastrotrichs thrived in the phosphate‐rich, slow‐flowing waters of the Ems, whereas nematodes, micro‐turbellarians, and harpacticoid copepods were better adapted to the nitrate‐rich, fast‐flowing waters of the Furlbach. Body‐size distribution varied across site and depth and was mostly multi‐modal, with important contributions of minute individuals weighing between 0.01 and 0.1 μgC. Our study shows that, despite their small size, meiofauna can produce substantial amounts of biomass and should thus be better considered in budgets and models of stream ecosystems.
Sexual dysfunction in women with Parkinson's disease
Authors: Varanda Sara , Ribeiro da Silva Joana , Costa Ana Sofia , Amorim de Carvalho Cristiana , Alves José Nuno , Rodrigues Margarida , Carneiro Gisela 
Published: August 2016

AbstractBackgroundSexual dysfunction in women with Parkinson's disease is poorly understood and research in this area is scarce. The objectives of this study were sexual function characterization in female Parkinson's disease patients, description of sexual dysfunctions, correlation with disease characteristics, and comparison with matched healthy controls.MethodsSocial and demographic data from consecutive female patients with Parkinson's disease and matched healthy controls were collected. The following instruments were used: UPDRS, the Hoehn and Yahr scale, the Beck Depression Inventory‐II, the Female Sexual Function Index, and the Sexual Dysfunction Inventory. The only exclusion criterion was cognitive deterioration precluding comprehension of the study scope and its instruments.ResultsOf the 95 patients identified, 61 were included. Mean age was 66 years (range 40—89 years), and mean disease duration was seven years (range 1‐18 years). Twenty‐nine presented an akinetic‐rigid syndrome, 25 tremoric disease, and, the remaining, a mixed type of disease. Mean “on” total/part III UPDRS scores were 46 ± 15.0 and 31 ± 8.9. Sexual dysfunction was present in 86.9% of patients and 79.0% of controls, according to the Female Sexual Function Index (p < .01), and in 57.4% of patients and 22.6% of controls, according to the Sexual Dysfunction Inventory (p < .001). Multivariate binary logistic regression identified age and depressive symptoms as positive predictors in the severity of sexual dysfunction. Disease duration, UPDRS part III score, Hoehn and Yahr stage, and antiparkinsonian medication did not show significant predictive value.ConclusionsSexual dysfunction is more prevalent in women with Parkinson's disease than in controls and is predicted by older age and severity of depressive symptoms. © 2016 International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society
Perspectives on hyperpolarised solution‐state magnetic resonance in chemistry
Authors: Dumez Jean‐Nicolas 
Published: August 2016

AbstractThis perspective article reviews some of the recent developments in the field of hyperpolarisation, with a focus on solution‐state NMR spectroscopy of small molecules. Two techniques are considered in more detail, dissolution dynamic nuclear polarisation (D‐DNP) and signal amplification by reversible exchange (SABRE). Some of the opportunities and challenges for applications of hyperpolarised solution‐state magnetic resonance in chemistry are discussed. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Design and implementation of embedded 8‐channel receive‐only arrays for whole‐brain MRI and fMRI of conscious awake marmosets
Authors: Papoti Daniel , Yen Cecil Chern‐Chyi , Hung Chia‐Chun , Ciuchta Jennifer , Leopold David A. , Silva Afonso C. 
Published: August 2016

PurposeThe common marmoset (Callithrix jacchus) is a New World primate of increasing interest to neuroscience and in translational brain research. The present work describes the design and implementation of individualized 8‐channel receive‐only radiofrequency (RF) coil arrays that provide whole‐brain coverage and allow anatomical and functional MRI experiments in conscious, awake marmosets.MethodsThe coil arrays were designed with their elements embedded inside individualized restraint helmets. The size, geometry, and arrangement of the coil elements were optimized to allow whole‐brain coverage. Coil‐to‐coil decoupling was achieved by a combination of geometric decoupling and low input impedance preamplifiers. The performance of the embedded arrays was compared against that of one 8‐channel receive‐only array built to fit the external surface of the helmets.ResultsThree individualized helmets with embedded coil arrays were built for three marmosets. Whole‐brain coverage was achieved with high sensitivity extending over the entire cortex. Visual stimulation of conscious awake marmosets elicited robust BOLD fMRI responses in both primary and higher order visual areas of the occipitotemporal cortex.ConclusionThe high sensitivity provided by embedded receive‐only coil arrays allows both anatomical and functional MRI data to be obtained with high spatial resolution in conscious, awake marmosets. Magn Reson Med 78:387–398, 2017. © 2016 International Society for Magnetic Resonance in Medicine
In vivo imaging of cancer cell size and cellularity using temporal diffusion spectroscopy
Authors: Jiang Xiaoyu , Li Hua , Xie Jingping , McKinley Eliot T. , Zhao Ping , Gore John C. , Xu Junzhong 
Published: August 2016

PurposeA temporal diffusion MRI spectroscopy based approach has been developed to quantify cancer cell size and density in vivo.MethodsA novel imaging microstructural parameters using limited spectrally edited diffusion (IMPULSED) method selects a specific limited diffusion spectral window for an accurate quantification of cell sizes ranging from 10 to 20 μm in common solid tumors. In practice, it is achieved by a combination of a single long diffusion time pulsed gradient spin echo (PGSE) and three low‐frequency oscillating gradient spin echo (OGSE) acquisitions. To validate our approach, hematoxylin and eosin staining and immunostaining of cell membranes, in concert with whole slide imaging, were used to visualize nuclei and cell boundaries, and hence, enabled accurate estimates of cell size and cellularity.ResultsBased on a two compartment model (incorporating intra‐ and extracellular spaces), accurate estimates of cell sizes were obtained in vivo for three types of human colon cancers. The IMPULSED‐derived apparent cellularities showed a stronger correlation (r = 0.81; P < 0.0001) with histology‐derived cellularities than conventional ADCs (r = −0.69; P < 0.03).ConclusionThe IMPULSED approach samples a specific region of temporal diffusion spectra with enhanced sensitivity to length scales of 10–20 μm, and enables measurements of cell sizes and cellularities in solid tumors in vivo. Magn Reson Med 78:156–164, 2017. © 2016 International Society for Magnetic Resonance in Medicine