bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Block rotation on impact – A factor to be considered in the design of rockfall protection embankments
Authors: Kister Bernd , Rubin Karl‐Heinz 
Published: August 2017

AbstractIn the course of several research projects carried out at the Lucerne University of Applied Sciences and Arts, the effect of block rotation on impact on protection embankments has been investigated. The occasion for these experimental studies was the conflicting statements in the literature about the influence of block rotation on impact and the different and mostly very simple models for the design and sizing of such structures. Considering this, both small‐scale quasi‐2D tests and half‐scale 3D tests were performed and evaluated. The test results show that block rotation, which has until now been neglected in the design and sizing of rockfall protection embankments, is actually of great significance. Three rules for the geometry of such structures could be derived from the test results.
Prediction of fault zones based on geological and geotechnical observations during tunnel construction
Authors: Lenz Gerold , Kluckner Alexander , Holzer Robert , Stadlmann Thomas , Schachinger Tobias , Gobiet Gerhard 
Published: August 2017

AbstractDuring the construction of the Semmering Base Tunnel, Lot SBT1.1, the drives have already encountered several fault zones in the Greywacke Zone. Because of the high overburden, the exact position of these fault zones is unknown at tunnel level; a common problem for all tunnelling projects in mountainous regions. Simple exploration drilling techniques such as percussion drillings, where only cuttings and not cores are won, do not always provide enough information to precisely specify the position of the fault zones or their nature ahead of the face. This is reason enough to examine other possibilities for the short‐term prediction of fault zones with differing characteristics ahead of the face. Usually displacement data evaluation provides the basis for a short‐term prediction of the system behaviour. However, experiences from Lot SBT1.1 show that applying this approach solely does not always yield satisfying results. A further systematic analysis of selected geological data can improve the short‐term prediction. In particular, changes of discontinuity and rock mass characteristics mapped at the tunnel face are analysed to spot significant trends indicating fault zones ahead of the face. These trends are then related to and verified by the results of displacement data evaluation. This combination of rock mass characteristics mapped at the face and state‐of‐the‐art evaluation of displacement data has helped to improve the reliability of short‐term predictions during the tunnel excavation.
Mutual fund skill in timing market volatility and liquidity
Authors: Foran Jason , O'Sullivan Niall 
Published: August 2017

AbstractWe investigate both market volatility timing and market liquidity timing for the first time among UK mutual funds. We find strong evidence that a small percentage of funds time market volatility successfully, that is, when conditional market volatility is higher than normal, systematic risk levels are lower. The evidence around market liquidity timing ability is similar although it is slightly less prevalent compared to volatility timing. Here, funds lower the fund market beta in anticipation of reduced market liquidity. We also find a positive relation between liquidity timing ability and fund abnormal performance where skilled liquidity timers outperform unskilled timers by around 3% p.a.—though this finding is driven by poor liquidity timing funds going on to yield negative alpha. However, despite the evidence of volatility and liquidity timing ability among funds, we fail to find in support of persistence in this timing. We find little evidence supporting market return timing ability.
Deterioration of insulin release rate response to glucose during oral glucose tolerance test is associated with an increased risk of incident diabetes in normal glucose tolerance subjects
Authors: Li Yuanyuan , He Shihui , Sun Yao , Li Guangwei , Xu Qingsong , Wang Chen , Jia Weiping 
Published: August 2017

Abstractβ‐Cell dedifferentiation, characterized by loss of glucose sensitivity (β‐cell glucose sensitivity [βCGS]), has been reported to play an important role in the development of type 2 diabetes (T2D). Traditionally, βCGS was derived from C‐peptide‐based method. However, C‐peptide was not routinely examined in normal subjects and diabetes never treated with insulin. Thus, the aim of the study was to evaluate the use of insulin in oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) in estimation of β‐cell glucose response ability. A total of 1,599 subjects including normal glucose tolerance (NGT), impaired glucose tolerance (IGT) and T2D were included in the study. A subgroup of NGT subjects (n = 591) were followed up for an average duration of 56.88 ± 20.76 months. Insulin release rate (IRRINS) in the function of glucose (IRRINS response to glucose [IRRG]) during OGTT was compared with βCGS. Both βCGS derived from C‐peptide by deconvolution approach and IRRG by insulin release progressively declined from NGT to IGT and T2D. Both βCGS and IRRG were associated with deposit of first‐phase insulin secretion (DI1st). After 56.88 ± 20.76 months, 32 (5.41%) NGT subjects had developed T2D. NGT subjects who progressed to diabetes after follow‐up had lower IRRG and DI1st levels than those who did not (P < 0.01). Furthermore, multiple logistic regression analyses showed that decreased IRRG was a significant independent risk predictor for future diabetes after adjustment of age, body mass index (BMI), homeostasis model assessment (HOMA)‐insulin resistance, DI1st and family history. NGT subjects with decreased IRRG during OGTT had defective early insulin secretion and were at higher risk of developing diabetes. IRRG could be a useful T2D predictor in NGT subjects. © 2017 IUBMB Life, 69(9):756–766, 2017
Estimating global bank network connectedness
Authors: Demirer Mert , Diebold Francis X. , Liu Laura , Yilmaz Kamil 
Published: August 2017

SummaryWe use LASSO methods to shrink, select, and estimate the high‐dimensional network linking the publicly traded subset of the world's top 150 banks, 2003–2014. We characterize static network connectedness using full‐sample estimation and dynamic network connectedness using rolling‐window estimation. Statically, we find that global bank equity connectedness has a strong geographic component, whereas country sovereign bond connectedness does not. Dynamically, we find that equity connectedness increases during crises, with clear peaks during the Great Financial Crisis and each wave of the subsequent European Debt Crisis, and with movements coming mostly from changes in cross‐country as opposed to within‐country bank linkages.
Distribution of cardiac troponin I in the Japanese general population and factors influencing its concentrations
Authors: Abe Naoya , Tomita Kenichiro , Teshima Mayumi , Kuwabara Maki , Sugawa Satoshi , Hinata Nae , Matsuura Masaaki , Fujiwara Mutsunori , Takaya Kazuhiko , Hiyoshi Toru , Uozumi Hiroki , Ikenouchi Hiroshi , Ishikawa Rie , Shojima Junko , Komatsu Junko 
Published: August 2017

BackgroundThe 99th percentile of cardiac troponin I level in the general population is accepted as the cut‐off for the diagnosis of acute myocardial infarction (AMI). However, it is not clear whether the cut‐offs derived in racially and geographically different populations are applicable in Japan.MethodsTroponin I was determined using the Abbott ARCHITECT STAT high‐sensitive troponin I immunoassay in 698 apparently healthy individuals who visited the Japanese Red Cross Medical Center for a health checkup.ResultsThe 99th percentile of the hsTnI in the overall population was 22.5 (95% confidence interval (CI), 16.8‐36.6) pg/mL, 17.7 (95% CI 12.0‐22.8) pg/mL for females and 30.6 (95% CI 17.1‐53.4) pg/mL for males. The median of the hsTnI in the overall population was 3.2 (95% CI, 3.0‐3.3) pg/mL, 2.6 (95% CI 2.4‐2.8) pg/mL for females and 4.0 (95% CI 3.8‐4.3) pg/mL for males. The age and gender had a significant influence on these values. The troponin I level also showed significant associations with the body mass index (BMI), the gamma glutamyl transferase (GGT), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR), and cardiac abnormalities by electrocardiography (ECG) but not with the high‐sensitive C‐reactive protein (hsCRP) level.ConclusionsThe 99th percentiles of the troponin I measured in the general population in Japan were comparable as the ones derived in the US, Germany, and Singapore. The troponin I level was dependent on the gender, age, BMI, and cardiac abnormalities found by ECG but not by the hsCRP level.
Immobilization of fluoride in cement clinkers using hydroxyl‐alumina modified paddy husk ash based adsorbent
Authors: Sarmah Susmita , Saikia Jitu , Bordoloi Dipak K , Kalita Paran J , Bora Jayanta J , Goswamee Rajib L 
Published: August 2017

AbstractBACKGROUNDPaddy husk ash (PHA) is a commonly available biowaste rich in silica which when coated with oligomeric aluminium hydroxyl species becomes a good adsorbent for the treatment of fluoride‐bearing water. This is due to the high affinity of Al3+ ions towards F‐ ion and the good coating of cationic oligomers over the silica surface. To control the serious environmental problem of post‐adsorption disposal of the sludge produced in the defluoridation process, studies were made to determine whether they can be further used as a raw material or additive for cement preparation.RESULTSThe surface modified PHA was used as a good adsorbent for fluoride and the resulting sludge was used as a cement clinker additive. The clinker formed was found to have the required cementitious phases. Also, on addition of the sludge the clinker formation temperature was lowered from conventional 1450 to 1350 °C, as the presence of Al–F coating over PHA worked as mineraliser. It was observed that the fluoride ion was immobilized in the cement matrix in a form that was difficult to leach out.CONCLUSIONOligomeric aluminium activated PHA acts as a good defluoridising adsorbent which when used for cement clinker formation immobilises the fluoride ion and reduces the clinkerization temperature. © 2017 Society of Chemical Industry
Developmental corticosterone treatment does not program immune responses in zebra finches (Taeniopygia guttata)
Authors: Grindstaff Jennifer L. , Merrill Loren 
Published: August 2017

AbstractDevelopmental conditions may impact the expression of immune traits throughout an individual's life. Early‐life challenges may lead to immunological constraints that are mediated by endocrine‐immune interactions. In particular, individual differences in the ability to mount immune responses may be programmed by exposure to stressors or glucocorticoid hormones during development. To test this hypothesis, we experimentally elevated levels of the glucocorticoid hormone corticosterone during the nestling and fledgling periods in captive zebra finches (Taeniopygia guttata). We subsequently challenged birds with the antigen lipopolysaccharide (LPS) on days 60 and 100 posthatch to determine if developmental exposure to elevated corticosterone impacted the later response to LPS. As measures of immune function, we quantified bacteria killing ability (BKA), haptoglobin concentrations, and LPS‐specific antibody responses at multiple time points. We also measured circulating corticosterone concentrations during the experimental period and on day 60 before and after endotoxin challenge. During the experimental period, corticosterone treatment elevated corticosterone levels. Corticosterone treatment did not induce programming effects on immune function or corticosterone production. Independent of treatment, individuals with higher corticosterone concentrations during the nestling period had lower BKA on day 36 and higher baseline corticosterone concentrations on day 60 posthatch. These results suggest a limited role for corticosterone exposure during early life to mediate immunological constraints later in life. Manipulation of cortisol may be necessary to conclusively determine if developmental glucocorticoid exposure can program immune function in birds. To determine if developmental stress can program the immune response, exposure to environmentally relevant stressors should also be manipulated.
A novel mr‐based method for detection of cartilage delamination in femoroacetabular impingement patients
Authors: Samaan Michael A. , Pedoia Valentina , Zhang Alan L. , Gallo Matthew C. , Link Thomas M. , Souza Richard B. , Majumdar Sharmila 
Published: August 2017

ABSTRACTIn this study, quantitative magnetic resonance based measurements were used to evaluate T1ρ and T2 mapping and heterogeneity in femoroacetabular impingement (FAI) patients with acetabular cartilage delamination and to determine the ability of these quantitative MR‐based measurements in detecting delamination. Unilateral hip joint MR‐scans of 36 FAI patients with arthroscopically‐confirmed acetabular cartilage delamination and 36 age, gender, and BMI matched controls were obtained. T1ρ and T2 mapping and heterogeneity of the hip joint articular cartilage were assessed in both groups using voxel‐based relaxometry (VBR). Quantitative MR‐based measurements were compared using statistical parametric mapping (SPM). Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis was used to assess the ability of these quantitative measurements in detecting delamination by calculating the area under the curve (AUC). Pearson partial correlations (r) were used to assess for associations between T1ρ and T2 radial heterogeneity with the alpha angle in FAI patients. T1ρ and T2 global acetabular values were significantly higher in FAI patients with a focal increase within the posterior acetabular cartilage. FAI patients exhibited increased anterior superior acetabular T1ρ and T2 heterogeneity and both of these measures demonstrated a strong ability to detect acetabular cartilage delamination (T1ρ AUC: 0.96, p < 0.001; T2 AUC: 0.93, p < 0.001). FAI patients with a larger alpha angle exhibited increased anterior superior acetabular T1ρ (r = 0.48, p = 0.02) and T2 (r = 0.42, p = 0.03) heterogeneity. T1ρ and T2 heterogeneity within the anterior superior acetabular cartilage was shown to be a sensitive measure in detecting delamination and may prove beneficial to clinicians in determining optimal interventions for FAI patients. © 2017 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 36:971–978, 2018.
Selective Laser Sintering 3D Printing: A Way to Construct 3D Electrically Conductive Segregated Network in Polymer Matrix
Authors: Li Zhichao , Wang Zhanhua , Gan Xinpeng , Fu Daihua , Fei Guoxia , Xia Hesheng 
Published: August 2017

AbstractSelective laser sintering (SLS), which can directly turn 3D models into real objects, is employed to prepare the flexible thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) conductor using self‐made carbon nanotubes (CNTs) wrapped TPU powders. The SLS printing, as a shear‐free and free‐flowing processing without compacting, provides a unique approach to construct conductive segregated networks of CNTs in the polymer matrix. The electrical conductivity for the SLS processed TPU/CNTs composite has a lower percolation threshold of 0.2 wt% and reaches ≈10−1 S m−1 at 1 wt% CNTs content, which is seven orders of magnitude higher than that of conventional injection‐molded TPU/CNTs composites at the same CNTs content. The 3D printed TPU/CNTs specimen can maintain good flexibility and durability, even after repeated bending for 1000 cycles, the electrical resistance can keep at a nearly constant value. The flexible conductive TPU/CNTs composite with complicated structures and shapes like porous piezoresistors can be easily obtained by this approach.
Universal mappings for certain classes of operators and polynomials between Banach spaces
Authors: Cilia Raffaella , Gutiérrez Joaquín M. 
Published: August 2017

AbstractA well‐known result of J. Lindenstrauss and A. Pełczyński (1968) gives the existence of a universal non‐weakly compact operator between Banach spaces. We show the existence of universal non‐Rosenthal, non‐limited, and non‐Grothendieck operators. We also prove that there does not exist a universal non‐Dunford–Pettis operator, but there is a universal class of non‐Dunford–Pettis operators. Moreover, we show that, for several classes of polynomials between Banach spaces, including the non‐weakly compact polynomials, there does not exist a universal polynomial.
Regularity and solvability of linear differential operators in Gevrey spaces
Authors: Araújo G. 
Published: August 2017

AbstractWe are interested in the following question: when regularity properties of a linear differential operator imply solvability of its transpose in the sense of Gevrey ultradistributions? This question is studied for a class of abstract operators that contains the usual differential operators with real‐analytic coefficients. We obtain a new proof of a global result on compact manifolds (global Gevrey hypoellipticity implying global solvability of the transpose), as well as some results in the non‐compact case by means of the so‐called property of non‐confinement of singularities. We provide applications to Hörmander operators, to operators of constant strength and to locally integrable systems of vector fields. We also analyze a conjecture stated in a recent paper of Malaspina and Nicola, which asserts that, in differential complexes naturally arising from locally integrable structures, local solvability in the sense of ultradistributions implies local solvability in the sense of distributions. We establish the validity of the conjecture when the cotangent structure bundle is spanned by the differential of a single first integral.
Quantitative susceptibility mapping: Report from the 2016 reconstruction challenge
Authors: Langkammer Christian , Schweser Ferdinand , Shmueli Karin , Kames Christian , Li Xu , Guo Li , Milovic Carlos , Kim Jinsuh , Wei Hongjiang , Bredies Kristian , Buch Sagar , Guo Yihao , Liu Zhe , Meineke Jakob , Rauscher Alexander , Marques José P. , Bilgic Berkin 
Published: August 2017

PurposeThe aim of the 2016 quantitative susceptibility mapping (QSM) reconstruction challenge was to test the ability of various QSM algorithms to recover the underlying susceptibility from phase data faithfully.MethodsGradient‐echo images of a healthy volunteer acquired at 3T in a single orientation with 1.06 mm isotropic resolution. A reference susceptibility map was provided, which was computed using the susceptibility tensor imaging algorithm on data acquired at 12 head orientations.Susceptibility maps calculated from the single orientation data were compared against the reference susceptibility map. Deviations were quantified using the following metrics: root mean squared error (RMSE), structure similarity index (SSIM), high‐frequency error norm (HFEN), and the error in selected white and gray matter regions.ResultsTwenty‐seven submissions were evaluated. Most of the best scoring approaches estimated the spatial frequency content in the ill‐conditioned domain of the dipole kernel using compressed sensing strategies. The top 10 maps in each category had similar error metrics but substantially different visual appearance.ConclusionBecause QSM algorithms were optimized to minimize error metrics, the resulting susceptibility maps suffered from over‐smoothing and conspicuity loss in fine features such as vessels. As such, the challenge highlighted the need for better numerical image quality criteria. Magn Reson Med 79:1661–1673, 2018. © 2017 International Society for Magnetic Resonance in Medicine.
Patient‐targeted websites on overactive bladder: What are our patients reading?
Authors: Clancy Aisling A. , Hickling Duane , Didomizio Laura , Sanaee May , Shehata Fady , Zee Rebekah , Khalil Hisham 
Published: August 2017

AimsPatients often turn to the Internet for information on medical conditions. We sought to evaluate the quality and readability of highly visible websites on overactive bladder (OAB).MethodsA survey of 42 consecutive patients attending outpatient urogynecology clinics was performed to identify the most commonly used Internet search engines and search terms for information on OAB. The three most commonly used search engines (Google, Bing, and Yahoo!) were then queried using the three most commonly used search terms. The first 20 relevant websites from each search were reviewed. After excluding duplicates, 35 websites were analyzed. Website quality of information on OAB was evaluated using the DISCERN score, JAMA benchmark criteria, and Health on the Net code (HONcode) accreditation status. Readability was assessed using the Simplified Measure of Gobbledygook (SMOG) and Dale‐Chall indices.ResultsWebsites were classified as advertisement/commercial (31%), health portal (29%), professional (26%), patient group (6%), and other (9%). The overall mean DISCERN score was 44 ± 18 (maximum possible score of 80). Three websites (9%) met all four JAMA benchmark criteria. Seventeen percent of websites provided adequate information on content authorship and contributions. Median SMOG and Dale‐Chall indices were 9.9 (IQR 9.3‐11.2) and 9.0 (IQR 8.1‐9.4), respectively. Nine websites (26%) were HONcode certified.ConclusionsPopular websites on OAB are of low quality, written for a high school to college‐level readership, and often lack adequate information to assess the potential for commercial bias. Patients should be cautioned that incomplete and potentially biased information on OAB is prevalent online.
A novel superhydrophobic surface based on low‐density polyethylene/ethylene‐propylene‐diene terpolymer thermoplastic vulcanizate
Authors: Liu Qingqing , Feng Ruotao , Hua Jing , Wang Zhaobo 
Published: August 2017

A novel superhydrophobic surface based on low‐density polyethylene (LDPE)/ethylene‐propylene‐diene terpolymer (EPDM) thermoplastic vulcanizate (TPV) was successfully fabricated where the etched aluminum foil was used as template. The etched aluminum template, consisted of countless micropores and step‐like textures, was obtained by metallographic sandpaper sanding and the subsequent acid etching. The surface morphology and the hydrophobic properties of the molded TPV surface were researched by using field emission scanning electron microscope and contact angle meter, respectively. From the microstructure observation of the superhydrophobic LDPE/EPDM TPV surface, the step‐like textures obtained via molding with etched aluminum foil template and a large number of fiber‐like structures resulted from the plastic deformation of LDPE matrix could be found obviously. The obtained TPV surface exhibited remarkable superhydrophobicity, with a contact angle of 152.0° ± 0.7° and a sliding angle of 3.1° ± 0.8°.