bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Heart Failure in Pregnant Women
Authors: Mogos Mulubrhan F. , Piano Mariann R. , McFarlin Barbara L. , Salemi Jason L. , Liese Kylea L. , Briller Joan E. 
Published: January 2018

Background
Heart failure (HF) is a leading cause of maternal morbidity and mortality in the United States, but prevalence, correlates, and outcomes of HF-related hospitalization during antepartum, delivery, and postpartum periods remain unknown. The objective was to examine HF prevalence, correlates, and outcomes among pregnancy-related hospitalizations among women 13 to 49 years of age.

Methods and Results
We used the 2001 to 2011 Nationwide Inpatient Sample. Rates of HF were calculated by patient and hospital characteristics. Survey logistic regression was used to estimate adjusted odds ratios representing the association between HF and each outcome, stratified by antepartum, delivery, and postpartum periods. Joinpoint regression was used to describe temporal trends in HF and in-hospital mortality. Over 50 million pregnancy-related hospitalizations were analyzed. The overall rate of HF was 112 cases per 100 000 pregnancy-related hospitalizations. Although postpartum encounters represented only 1.5% of pregnancy-related hospitalizations, ≈60% of HF cases occurred postpartum, followed by delivery (27.3%) and antepartum (13.2%). Among postpartum hospitalizations, there was a significant 7.1% (95% confidence interval, 4.4–9.8) annual increase in HF from 2001 to 2006, followed by a steady rate through 2011. HF rates among antepartum hospitalizations increased on average 4.9% (95% confidence interval, 3.0–6.8) annually from 2001 to 2011. Women with a diagnosis of HF were more likely to experience adverse maternal outcomes, as reflected by outcome-specific adjusted odds ratios during antepartum (2.7–25), delivery (6–195), and postpartum (1.5–6.6) periods.

Conclusions
HF is associated with increased risk of maternal mortality and morbidities. During hospitalization, high-risk mothers need to be identified and surveillance programs developed before discharge.
Increased Levels of Lectin‐Like Oxidized Low‐Density Lipoprotein Receptor‐1 in Ischemic Stroke and Transient Ischemic Attack
Authors: Skarpengland Tonje , Skjelland Mona , Kong Xiang Yi , Skagen Karolina , Holm Sverre , Otterdal Kari , Dahl Christen P. , Krohg‐Sørensen Kirsten , Sagen Ellen L. , Bjerkeli Vigdis , Aamodt Anne Hege , Abbas Azhar , Gregersen Ida , Aukrust Pål , Halvorsen Bente , Dahl Tuva B. 
Published: January 2018

Background

Soluble lectin‐like oxidized low‐density lipoprotein receptor‐1 (
sLOX
‐1) has been shown to be increased in patients with acute ischemic stroke. Here, we evaluated plasma
sLOX
‐1 levels and vascular carotid plaque
LOX
‐1 (ie,

OLR
1

) gene expression in patients with ischemic stroke and transient ischemic attack (
TIA
) with particular focus on their relation to time since symptom onset.

Methods and Results

Plasma
sLOX
‐1 (n=232) and carotid plaque

OLR
1

gene expression (n=146) were evaluated in patients who were referred to evaluation for carotid endarterectomy, as well as in healthy control plasma (n=81). Patients were categorized according to presence of acute ischemic stroke or transient ischemic attack (n=35) ≤7 days, >7 days ≤3 months (n=90), >3 months (n=40), or no reported symptoms before study inclusion (n=67). Our major findings were the following: (1) Patients with carotid atherosclerosis had increased plasma
sLOX
‐1 levels as compared with controls. (2) Plaque

OLR
1

mRNA
levels were increased in carotid plaques (n=146) compared with nonatherosclerotic vessels (ie, common iliac arteries of organ donors, n=10). (3) There were no differences in
sLOX
plasma levels or

OLR
1

gene expression when analyzed according to the time since relevant cerebral ischemic symptoms. (4) Also patients with severe carotid atherosclerosis without any previous ischemic events had raised
sLOX
‐1 levels. (5) Immunostaining showed colocalization between
LOX
‐1 and macrophages within the carotid plaques. (6) Also patients with acute stroke (within 7 days) caused by atrial fibrillation (n=22) had comparable raised
sLOX
‐1 levels.

Conclusions

sLOX
‐1 levels are elevated in patients with ischemic stroke and transient ischemic attack independent of cause and time since the ischemic event.
Slippage of Tightrope Button in Syndesmotic Fixation of Weber C Malleolar Fractures: A Case Series
Authors: Ibnu Samsudin Mas’uud , Yap Ming Quan Wayne , Wei Luong Ang , Kwek Ernest Beng Kee 
Published: January 2018

Background: Tightrope fixation is an emerging technique for syndesmotic fixation with promising results. However, our case series highlights the slippage of Tightrope buttons as a complication of suture button syndesmotic fixation of Weber C malleolar fractures using limited contact dynamic compression (LCDCP) plates. Methods: We report a series of cases from our database in which slippage of the Tightrope button through the LCDCP holes in Weber C malleolar fractures was noted. We measured the medial clear space (MCS), tibiofibular clear space (TFCS), and distal tibiofibular overlap (DTFO) and computed the largest change in these measurements from the first postoperative follow-up radiographs. Patient records were reviewed for persistent symptoms that could be attributed to the loss of syndesmotic fixation and stability. Results: Follow-up radiographs of 3 patients showed a slippage of the Tightrope button through the LCDCP holes. Two of the patients reported persistent ankle pain and swelling with prolonged activity. The mean increases in MCS and TFCS among these patients were 0.7 (±0.081) mm and 1.5 (±0.798) mm, respectively. The mean decrease in DTFO was 2.2 (±0.864) mm. We next highlight 3 patients with Weber C malleolar fractures who underwent suture button syndesmotic fixation using double-stacked one-third tubular plates instead of the LCDCP. Conclusion: This case series reported Tightrope button slippage as an early complication of syndesmotic fixation of Weber C malleolar fractures. We propose the use of double-stacked one-third tubular plates instead of the LCDCP to avoid this complication. Level of Evidence: Level V, expert opinion.
Book reviews
Authors: Hassenkamp Anne-Marie , Hammick Marilyn , Gould Alison , Seaman Claire , Jackson Joanna , Sisson Elizabeth 
Published: January 2018

HIV and AIDS Care: Practical Approaches Counselling: The Deaf Challenge Musculoskeletal and Sports Injuries Hamilton and Whitney's Understanding Nutrition Stroke Rehabilitation: Structure and Strategy Listen to Me: Communicating the Needs of People with Profound Intellectual and Multiple Disabilities
Treatment of osteomyelitis defects by a vancomycin-loaded gelatin/β-tricalcium phosphate composite scaffold
Authors: Zhou J. , Zhou X. G. , Wang J. W. , Zhou H. , Dong J. 
Published: January 2018

ObjectiveIn the present study, we aimed to assess whether gelatin/β-tricalcium phosphate (β-TCP) composite porous scaffolds could be used as a local controlled release system for vancomycin. We also investigated the efficiency of the scaffolds in eliminating infections and repairing osteomyelitis defects in rabbits.MethodsThe gelatin scaffolds containing differing amounts of of β-TCP (0%, 10%, 30% and 50%) were prepared for controlled release of vancomycin and were labelled G-TCP0, G-TCP1, G-TCP3 and G-TCP5, respectively. The Kirby-Bauer method was used to examine the release profile. Chronic osteomyelitis models of rabbits were established. After thorough debridement, the osteomyelitis defects were implanted with the scaffolds. Radiographs and histological examinations were carried out to investigate the efficiency of eliminating infections and repairing bone defects.ResultsThe prepared gelatin/β-TCP scaffolds exhibited a homogeneously interconnected 3D porous structure. The G-TCP0 scaffold exhibited the longest duration of vancomycin release with a release duration of eight weeks. With the increase of β-TCP contents, the release duration of the β-TCP-containing composite scaffolds was decreased. The complete release of vancomycin from the G-TCP5 scaffold was achieved within three weeks. In the treatment of osteomyelitis defects in rabbits, the G-TCP3 scaffold showed the most efficacious performance in eliminating infections and repairing bone defects.ConclusionsThe composite scaffolds could achieve local therapeutic drug levels over an extended duration. The G-TCP3 scaffold possessed the optimal porosity, interconnection and controlled release performance. Therefore, this scaffold could potentially be used in the treatment of chronic osteomyelitis defects. Cite this article: J. Zhou, X. G. Zhou, J. W. Wang, H. Zhou, J. Dong. Treatment of osteomyelitis defects by a vancomycin-loaded gelatin/β-tricalcium phosphate composite scaffold. Bone Joint Res 2018;7:46–57. DOI: 10.1302/2046-3758.71.BJR-2017-0129.R2.
A computational simulation study to determine the biomechanical influence of posterior condylar offset and tibial slope in cruciate retaining total knee arthroplasty
Authors: Kang K-T. , Koh Y-G. , Son J. , Kwon O-R. , Lee J-S. , Kwon S. K. 
Published: January 2018

Objectives Posterior condylar offset (PCO) and posterior tibial slope (PTS) are critical factors in total knee arthroplasty (TKA). A computational simulation was performed to evaluate the biomechanical effect of PCO and PTS on cruciate retaining TKA. Methods We generated a subject-specific computational model followed by the development of ± 1 mm, ± 2 mm and ± 3 mm PCO models in the posterior direction, and -3°, 0°, 3° and 6° PTS models with each of the PCO models. Using a validated finite element (FE) model, we investigated the influence of the changes in PCO and PTS on the contact stress in the patellar button and the forces on the posterior cruciate ligament (PCL), patellar tendon and quadriceps muscles under the deep knee-bend loading conditions. Results Contact stress on the patellar button increased and decreased as PCO translated to the anterior and posterior directions, respectively. In addition, contact stress on the patellar button decreased as PTS increased. These trends were consistent in the FE models with altered PCO. Higher quadriceps muscle and patellar tendon force are required as PCO translated in the anterior direction with an equivalent flexion angle. However, as PTS increased, quadriceps muscle and patellar tendon force reduced in each PCO condition. The forces exerted on the PCL increased as PCO translated to the posterior direction and decreased as PTS increased. Conclusion The change in PCO alternatively provided positive and negative biomechanical effects, but it led to a reduction in a negative biomechanical effect as PTS increased. Cite this article: K-T. Kang, Y-G. Koh, J. Son, O-R. Kwon, J-S. Lee, S. K. Kwon. A computational simulation study to determine the biomechanical influence of posterior condylar offset and tibial slope in cruciate retaining total knee arthroplasty. Bone Joint Res 2018;7:69–78. DOI: 10.1302/2046-3758.71.BJR-2017-0143.R1.
Non-market strategy, competitiveness and export performance of Tunisian small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs)
Authors: Marzouk Wissem Ben 
Published: January 2018

Abstract
Public interest may threaten businesses and can likely trigger lobbying and pressure movements from interest groups, which may counteract business’s interests. In order to cope, companies strive to develop legitimacy among public institutions through compliance strategies to public policy mechanisms, also called Legitimation strategies. The aim of this article is to examine whether implementing legitimation and lobbying strategies towards governmental institutions offering export promotion programmes could enhance SMEs’ overseas competitiveness and export performance. A survey was conducted and a sample of 74 exporting SMEs was included for the collection of quantitative and qualitative data. The objective of the latter is to explain the relationships between the proposed concepts through the use of PLS-SEM. The data analysis results support the proposition of choosing and implementing certain types of non-market strategies that could lead to better export performance and enhance companies’ overseas competitiveness.
Damage Analysis of Tensioning Cable Anchorage Zone of a Bridge Superstructure, Using CDP Abaqus Material Model
Authors: Chróścielewski J. , Miśkiewicz M. , Pyrzowski Ł. , Sobczyk B. 
Published: January 2018

AbstractNumerical analysis of the tensioning cables anchorage zone of a bridge superstructure is presented in this paper. It aims to identify why severe concrete cracking occurs during the tensioning process in the vicinity of anchor heads. In order to simulate the tensioning, among others, a so-called local numerical model of a section of the bridge superstructure was created in the Abaqus Finite Element Method (FEM) environment. The model contains all the important elements of the analyzed section of the concrete bridge superstructure, namely concrete, reinforcement and the anchoring system. FEM analyses are performed with the inclusion of both material and geometric nonlinearities. Concrete Damage Plasticity (CDP) constitutive relation from Abaqus is used to describe nonlinear concrete behaviour, which enables analysis of concrete damage and crack propagation. These numerical FEM results are then compared with actual crack patterns, which have been spotted and inventoried at the bridge construction site.
Simulation of Seismic Response of Reinforced Concrete Beam-Column Joints with Nurbs Surface Fitting
Authors: Mirhosseini R. Tabatabaei 
Published: January 2018

Abstract This paper presents an approach based on NURBS (non-uniform rational B-splines) to achieve a seismic response surface (SRS) from a group of points obtained by using an analytical model of RC joints. NURBS based on the genetic algorithm is an important mathematical tool and consists of generalizations of Bezier curves and surfaces and B-splines. Generally, the accuracy of the design process of joints depends on the number of control points that are captured in the results of experimental research on real specimens. The values obtained from the specimens are the best tools to use in seismic analysis, though more expensive when compared to values simulated by SRSs. The SRS proposed in this paper can be applied to obtain surfaces that show site effect results on destructions of beam-column joint, taking into account different site conditions for a specific earthquake. The efficiency of this approach is demonstrated by the retrieval of simulated-versus-analytical results.
Deflection Ductility of Slabs Made of Hybrid Mesh-And-Fibre-Reinforced Cementbased Composite
Authors: Sakthivel P. B. 
Published: January 2018

Abstract Steel Mesh-Reinforced Cementitious Composites (SMRCC) (traditionally known as ferrocement) have been in existence for few decades, but have some limitations set on element thickness and number of reinforcing mesh layers and the resulting deflection ductility. Therefore, the author has made an attempt to explore whether deflection ductility will improve in mesh-reinforced cementitious composites (25 mm thick) if discontinuous fibres are added to slab elements. For this purpose, thin slab elements of dimensions 700 mm (length) × 200 mm (width) × 25 mm (thickness) were cast and subjected to four point bending tests. Based on the flexural tests conducted on SMRCC (Control Slab Elements, cast with Steel Mesh Volume of reinforcement, MVr=0.78, 0.94, and 1.23%) and Hybrid Mesh-and-Fibre-Reinforced Cement Based Composite (HMFRCBC) (Test Slab Elements, combining MVr=0.78, 0.94 and 1.23% and Polyolefin Fibre Volume fraction, PO-FVf=0.5-2.5% of volume of specimens, with 0.5% interval), load-deflection and the deflection ductility index were analyzed. From the flexural load-deflection curves it has been observed that HMFRCBC slabs demonstrate higher flexural load-carrying capacity and deflection ductility when compared to SMRCC slabs. This study shows that higher the polyolefin fibre volume fraction (PO-FVr) from 0.5 to 2.5% (with a 0.5% interval) in HMFRCBC slabs, the higher the flexural deflection ductility. The Deflection Ductility Index (DDI) of HMFRCBC (with 5 layers of mesh and PO-FVr=2.5%) is 4.5 times that of SMRCC. This study recommends that HMFRCBC can be used as an innovative construction material due to its higher flexural ductility characteristics.
Laboratory Hydraulic Fracturing Tests of Rock Samples with Water, Carbon Dioxide, and Slickwater
Authors: Stanisławek S. , Kędzierski P. , Miedzińska D. 
Published: January 2018

Abstract Hydraulic fracturing of rocks boosts the production rate by increasing the fracture-face surface area through the use of a pressurized liquid. Complex stress distribution and magnitude are the main factors that hinder the use of information gathered from in situ hydraulic fracturing in other locations. Laboratory tests are a good method for precisely determining the characteristics of these processes. One of the most important parameters is breakdown pressure, defined as the wellbore pressure necessary to induce a hydraulic fracture. Therefore, the main purpose of this investigation is to verify fracture resistance of rock samples fractured with the assistance of the most popular industry fluids. The experiments were carried out using a stand designed specifically for laboratory hydraulic fracturing. Repeatable results with a relative error within the range of 6-11% prove that the experimental methodology was correct. Moreover, the obtained results show that fracturing pressure depends significantly on fluid type. In the case of a water test, the fracturing pressure was 7.1±0.4MPa. A similar result was achieved for slickwater, 7.5±0.7MPa; however, a much lower value (4.7±0.5MPa) was registered in the case of carbon dioxide.
Performance Analysis of Flexible Pavement with Reinforced Ash
Authors: Subash S.M. , Mahendran N. , Kumar M. Manoj , Nagarajan M. 
Published: January 2018

AbstractCoal ash produced from thermal power plants as a substitute for conventional construction material has increased considerably in recent years. In the past, studies on partial replacement of soil were carried out with a single type of ash. Because of the insufficient evidence, limited research has been initiated on the productive usage of Fly and Bottom Ashes. This paper aims to study the properties of these materials and investigate their efficacy in road construction. Laboratory investigations were conducted to assess chemical and physical properties and mechanical performance to evaluate both ash types in pavement construction. The rutting factor is calculated for various combinations of coal ash materials with the addition of polypropylene fiber as a reinforcement in increments of 0.1% of its total weight with an aspect ratio of 200. The analytical tool ANSYS is used to validate the service life, vertical strain and quality of reinforced ash materials.
The Influence of Environmental Factors on Employee Comfort Based on an Example of Location Temperature
Authors: Szer I. , Błazik-Borowa E. , Szer J. 
Published: January 2018

AbstractWork in unfavorable, changing environmental conditions negatively affects people working on scaffoldings used on construction sites, which may increase the risk of occurrence of dangerous situations. The purpose of this article is to show the scale of temperature changes which workers are exposed to. The paper compares examples of temperature measurements obtained from a metrological station and during tests on scaffoldings located in the Lodz and Warsaw regions. This article also presents the methodology of examining environmental parameters of the surroundings where employees work on scaffoldings. Analysis results show that high temperatures and significant temperature variations frequently occur on the scaffoldings, which leads to a lack of adaptability and consequently to tiredness or decreased alertness. Unfavorable environmental conditions can lead to behaviors which, in turn, can cause accidents.
Software reliability growth modeling for agile software development
Authors: Rawat Shubham , Goyal Nupur , Ram Mangey 
Published: January 2018

Abstract
The frequent incremental release of software in agile development impacts the overall reliability of the product. In this paper, we propose a generic software reliability model for the agile process, taking permanent and transient faults into consideration. The proposed model is implemented using the NHPP (non-homogenous Poisson process) and the Musa model. The comparison of the two implementations yields an effective, empirical and reliable model for agile software development.
A robust algorithm to solve the signal setting problem considering different traffic assignment approaches
Authors: Adacher Ludovica , Gemma Andrea 
Published: January 2018

AbstractIn this paper we extend a stochastic discrete optimization algorithm so as to tackle the signal setting problem. Signalized junctions represent critical points of an urban transportation network, and the efficiency of their traffic signal setting influences the overall network performance. Since road congestion usually takes place at or close to junction areas, an improvement in signal settings contributes to improving travel times, drivers’ comfort, fuel consumption efficiency, pollution and safety. In a traffic network, the signal control strategy affects the travel time on the roads and influences drivers’ route choice behavior. The paper presents an algorithm for signal setting optimization of signalized junctions in a congested road network. The objective function used in this work is a weighted sum of delays caused by the signalized intersections. We propose an iterative procedure to solve the problem by alternately updating signal settings based on fixed flows and traffic assignment based on fixed signal settings. To show the robustness of our method, we consider two different assignment methods: one based on user equilibrium assignment, well established in the literature as well as in practice, and the other based on a platoon simulation model with vehicular flow propagation and spill-back. Our optimization algorithm is also compared with others well known in the literature for this problem. The surrogate method (SM), particle swarm optimization (PSO) and the genetic algorithm (GA) are compared for a combined problem of global optimization of signal settings and traffic assignment (GOSSTA). Numerical experiments on a real test network are reported.
Procedural generation of aesthetic patterns from dynamics and iteration processes
Authors: Gdawiec Krzysztof 
Published: January 2018

Abstract
Aesthetic patterns are widely used nowadays, e.g., in jewellery design, carpet design, as textures and patterns on wallpapers, etc. Most of the work during the design stage is carried out by a designer manually. Therefore, it is highly useful to develop methods for aesthetic pattern generation. In this paper, we present methods for generating aesthetic patterns using the dynamics of a discrete dynamical system. The presented methods are based on the use of various iteration processes from fixed point theory (Mann, S, Noor, etc.) and the application of an affine combination of these iterations. Moreover, we propose new convergence tests that enrich the obtained patterns. The proposed methods generate patterns in a procedural way and can be easily implemented on the GPU. The presented examples show that using the proposed methods we are able to obtain a variety of interesting patterns. Moreover, the numerical examples show that the use of the GPU implementation with shaders allows the generation of patterns in real time and the speed-up (compared with a CPU implementation) ranges from about 1000 to 2500 times.