bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
A multi-mechanical nonlinear fibre beam-column model for corroded columns
Authors: Kashani Mehdi , Lowes Laura N , Crewe Adam J , Alexander Nicholas A 
Published: April 2016

Purpose
A new modelling technique is developed to model the nonlinear behaviour of corrosion damaged reinforced concrete (RC) bridge piers subject to cyclic loading. The model employs a nonlinear beam-column element with multi-mechanical fibre sections using OpenSees. The nonlinear uniaxial material models used in the fibre sections account for the effect of corrosion damage on vertical reinforcing, cracked cover concrete due to corrosion of vertical bars and damaged confined concrete due to corrosion of horizontal tie reinforcement. An advance material model is used to simulate the nonlinear behaviour of the vertical reinforcing bars that accounts for combined impact of inelastic buckling and low-cycle fatigue degradation. The basic uncorroded model is verified by comparison of the computation and observed response of RC columns with uncorroded reinforcement. This model is used in an exploration study of recently tested reinforced concrete components to investigate the impact of different corrosion models on the inelastic response of corrosion damaged RC columns.

Design/methodology/approach
A series of pushover and cyclic analyses on a hypothetical corroded RC columns are conducted. The impact of corrosion on reinforcing steel and concrete is modelled. The influence of cyclic degradation due to low-cycle fatigue is also modelled.

Findings
(1)	Corrosion has a more significant impact on ductility loss of RC columns than the strength loss (plastic moment capacity).

(2)	It was found that the flexural failure is initiated by buckling of vertical bars and crushing of core concrete which then followed by fracture of bars in tension.

(3)	The analyses results showed that for seismic performance and evaluation of existing corroded bridges monotonic pushover analysis is insufficient. The cyclic degradation due to low-cycle fatigue has a significant influence on the response of corroded RC columns.

Originality/value
The finite element developed in this paper is the most comprehensive model to date that is able to capture the onlinear behaviour of corroded RC columns under cyclic loading up to complete collapse.
Failure by corrosion in PC bridges: a case history of a viaduct in Italy
Authors: Colajanni Piero , Recupero Antonino , Ricciardi Giuseppe , Spinella Nino 
Published: April 2016

Purpose
The paper illustrates a viaduct collapse due to corrosion phenomena. Moreover, a contribution to the issues related to both the control of existing structures and design methods to be followed for the construction of new buildings is provided.

Design/methodology/approach
The objectives were achieved by in situ observations and numerical analyses. The effects of corrosion phenomena are investigated, and the progressive collapse analysis is provided to be helpful in this case.

Findings
The damages induced by corrosion phenomena have caused the collapse of the viaduct taken in to account. The performed numerical analyses were able to reproduce the effects of corrosion in terms of reduction of wires diameter.

Research limitations/implications
The research is limited to prestressed concrete viaduct with post-tensioned cables.

Practical implications
A monitoring plan, subdivided in several phases, is suggested, to avoid critical situations as these described.

Originality/value
The case study brought useful information on the effects of corrosion on the decks section, showing how the technology in post-tensioned cables is usually insidious and prone to the issues relating to corrosion of the wires
Conceptualising the linkage between professional scepticism and auditor independence
Authors: Chiang Christina 
Published: April 2016

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to examine the direct linkage between professional scepticism and auditor independence.Design/methodology/approachThe study reviews the extant literature on professional scepticism, auditor independence, conflict of interest and unconscious bias.FindingsAuditor independence is a fundamental antecedent to professional scepticism. However, auditor independence is impossible due to the auditor–client structure and conscious and unconscious personal bias. The threats to auditor independence are powerful incentives that reduce professional scepticism, making it difficult to exercise professional scepticism while making professional judgement.Practical implicationsAn understanding of the direct link between professional scepticism and auditor independence is necessary to appreciate the context and meaning of professional scepticism in relation to the greater body of literature and ongoing concerns of audit regulators. This paper, which conceptualises the linkage between professional scepticism and auditor independence, provides a platform for future research to be conducted to examine the validity of the discussions and how a discourse in a moral framework embedded within accounting education may assist in improving auditor independence and professional scepticism.Social implicationsIt is insufficient for audit regulators to assess professional scepticism by audit outputs. Threats to independence should be brought into the assessment. To ensure auditor independence is not compromised, auditors should be made aware of the ethical dimensions of their decisions and reminded constantly to monitor virtue ethics behaviours.Originality/valueThis paper brings into mainstream accounting and auditing literature and research a psychological perspective of auditor independence in the discussion of professional scepticism that is seldom examined.
Dynamic Termo - Mechanical Spectra of Pen/Pet Fibres
Authors: Aneja J. Militký 
Published: April 2016

PEN fibres are well known for their high performance properties, resistance, and good tensile properties. Their potential markets are the packaging, film and fibre markets. For tyre yarns in particular, the response to dynamic deformations at elevated temperatures is interesting. The ultimate modulus of PEN fibres is substantially higher than that of polethylenetrephtalate (PET). However, in the amorphous domains of PEN, the rotation of the naphthalene rings induces conformational transitions, which negatively influence the dynamic mechanical properties (Militký, 1999)
The main aim of this contribution is to measure and characterize the dynamic mechanical spectra of PEN fibres. These spectra are obtained at various levels of pre-straining. The analysis is based on the real part of the dynamic modulus and on an evaluation of the loss tangent. The simple model of dynamic behaviour based on the standard linear viscoelastic body is presented. The special apparatus for measuring dynamic behaviour under various types of deformation (tension, compression, bending, shearing) is described in detail.
Modelling Structural Effects on Single Romney Wool Fibre Stress-Strain Relationship, Bending Stiffness, and Curvature
Authors: Liu Huawu , Bryson Warren G. 
Published: April 2016

Using the stress-strain relationship of wool cells, a three-component model (cuticle, ortho-, and para-/mesocortex) was developed to model the bending properties and behaviour of the wool. The bending rigidity varied with not only the elastic moduli and geometry, but also the direction of the applied moment, whereas bending stiffness is insensitive to the direction of the load. The simulations indicated that the cuticle might contribute 25% of the bending stiffness in extreme cases and should not be ignored, as has been the case in previous studies.
Single fibre curvature (SFC), as a particular bending behaviour associated with the removal of moisture, was illustrated using finite element analysis. The physical properties of the three components (cuticle, ortho-, and para-/mesocortex) of Romney wool fibres are estimated using the stress-strain relationship models. The geometric configuration of the samples is built from true fibre images. The simulations are validated to be qualitatively consistent with the observations of SFC. The displacement, stress and strain energy of the wool fibre due to moisture desorption are mapped using coloured figures.
The Modeling of Insulin Controlled Release Process From Fibrous Artificial Store
Authors: Medovic Adela , Skundric Petar 
Published: April 2016

In the past, insulin was frequently administered by hypodermic injection, as liquids forms. To avoid problems incurred through the utilization of the injectable route of insulin administration, new dosage forms containing the insulin were introduced. Therefore, insulin delivery systems were developed to optimize the therapeutic properties of drug products and render them safer, more effective, and more reliable.The aim of this article is to present the modeling of the controlled releasing process of insulin from a fibrous artificial store. The release of insulin has been evaluated in both a physiological solution and blood serum in vitro and on experimental animals (mice) in vivo. On the basis of experimental results a mathematical model of diffusion-mediated release of insulin from cation-exchange fiber has been developed and presented in this paper.
Energy storage and fecundity explain deviations from ecological stoichiometry predictions under global warming and size‐selective predation
Authors: Zhang Chao , Jansen Mieke , De Meester Luc , Stoks Robby 
Published: April 2016

Summary

A key challenge for ecologists is to predict how single and joint effects of global warming and predation risk translate from the individual level up to ecosystem functions. Recently, stoichiometric theory linked these levels through changes in body stoichiometry, predicting that both higher temperatures and predation risk induce shifts in energy storage (increases in C‐rich carbohydrates and reductions in N‐rich proteins) and body stoichiometry (increases in C : N and C : P). This promising theory, however, is rarely tested and assumes that prey will divert energy away from reproduction under predation risk, while under size‐selective predation, prey instead increase fecundity.

We exposed the water flea Daphnia magna to 4 °C warming and fish predation risk to test whether C‐rich carbohydrates increase and N‐rich proteins decrease, and as a result, C : N and C : P increase under warming and predation risk.

Unexpectedly, warming decreased body C : N, which was driven by reductions in C‐rich fat and sugar contents while the protein content did not change. This reflected a trade‐off where the accelerated intrinsic growth rate under warming occurred at the cost of a reduced energy storage. Warming reduced C : N less and only increased C : P and N : P in the fish‐period Daphnia. These evolved stoichiometric responses to warming were largely driven by stronger warming‐induced reductions in P than in C and N and could be explained by the better ability to deal with warming in the fish‐period Daphnia.

In contrast to theory predictions, body C : N decreased under predation risk due to a strong increase in the N‐rich protein content that offsets the increase in C‐rich fat content. The higher investment in fecundity (more N‐rich eggs) under predation risk contributed to this stronger increase in protein content. Similarly, the lower body C : N of pre‐fish Daphnia also matched their higher fecundity.

Warming and predation risk independently shaped body stoichiometry, largely by changing levels of energy storage molecules. Our results highlight that two widespread patterns, the trade‐off between rapid development and energy storage and the increased investment in reproduction under size‐selective predation, cause predictable deviations from current ecological stoichiometry theory.
Landscape connectivity predicts chronic wasting disease risk in Canada
Authors: Nobert Barry R. , Merrill Evelyn H. , Pybus Margo J. , Bollinger Trent K. , Hwang Yeen Ten 
Published: April 2016

SummaryPredicting the spatial pattern of disease risk in wild animal populations is important for implementing effective control programmes. We developed a risk model predicting the probability that a deer harvested in a wild population was chronic wasting disease positive (CWD+) and evaluated the importance of landscape connectivity based on deer movements.We quantified landscape connectivity from deer ‘resistance’ to move across the landscape similar to the flow of electrical current across a hypothetical electronic circuit. Resistance values to deer movement were derived as the inverse of step selection function values constructed using movement data fromGPS‐collared deer.The topCWDrisk model indicated risk increased over time was higher among mule deerOdocoileus hemionusthan white‐tailed deerOdocoileus virginianus, males than females, and was greater in areas with high stream density and abundant agriculture. A metric of connectivity derived from mule deer movements outperformed models including Euclidean distance, with high connectivity being associated with highCWDrisk.TheCWDrisk model was a good predictor ofCWDoccurrence among an independent set of surveillance data collected in subsequent years.Synthesis and applications. We found that landscape connectivity was a major contributor to the spatial pattern of chronic wasting disease (CWD) risk on a heterogeneous landscape. For this reason, future disease surveillance programmes and models of disease spread should consider landscape connectivity. In the aspen parkland ecosystem, we recommend managers focus surveillance and control efforts along river valleys surrounded by agriculture where mule deer abound, because of the high risk ofCWDinfection.
Comparison of Morphology and Physicochemical Properties of Starch Among 3 Arrowhead Varieties
Authors: Li Aimin , Zhang Yunhong , Zhang Yongji , Yu Xurun , Xiong Fei , Zhou Rumei , Zhang Yongtai 
Published: April 2016

AbstractArrowhead (Sagittaria trifolia var. sinensis) is a source of starch worldwide, but arrowhead starch has been rarely studied. In this work, starch was separated from arrowhead corm. The morphology and physicochemical properties of starch were then investigated and compared among 3 different arrowhead varieties (Purple‐corm, Hongta, and Japanese). Results showed that starches from the 3 varieties similarly featured an oval shape containing a visible polarization cross, a CA‐type crystalline structure, and an ordered structure in the external granule region. However, starch content, granule size, crystal characteristics, and pasting properties differed among the 3 varieties. Japanese arrowhead exhibited the highest starch content and degree of ordered structure in the external granule region, as well as onset, peak, and final gelatinization temperature. Purple‐corm arrowhead starch demonstrated the highest amylose content and relative degree of crystallinity, smallest granule size, and lowest swelling power and solubility. Purple‐corm arrowhead starch also showed the highest gelatinization enthalpy, as well as peak, trough, final, and setback viscosities. This starch further presented the lowest breakdown viscosity and degree of hydrolysis by HCl and porcine pancreatic α‐amylase. These findings can provide useful references for arrowhead variety selection in food and nonfood industries.
Early Australian experience in robotic sleeve gastrectomy: a single site series
Authors: Silverman Candice D. , Ghusn Michael A. 
Published: April 2016

BackgroundThe use of robotic platforms in bariatric surgery has recently gained relevance. With an increased use of this technology come concerns regarding learning curve effects during the initial implementation phase. The sleeve gastrectomy though may represent an ideal training procedure for introducing the robot into bariatric surgical practice. The present review of the first 10 consecutive robotic sleeve gastrectomy procedures performed in an Australian bariatric programme by a single surgeon describes the evolution of the technique, learning curve and initial patient outcomes.MethodsBetween 2014 and 2015, robotic sleeve gastrectomies were performed as primary and revisional procedures by a consistent surgeon–assistant team. Technique evolution and theatre set‐up were documented. Patient demographics, operative time (robot docking and total operation time), additional operative procedures performed, operative and post‐operative complications at 1, 3 and 6 months post‐procedure and weight loss achieved at 6 months were retrospectively reviewed from a prospectively maintained database.ResultsTen robotic sleeve gastrectomies were performed without significant operative complications. One patient was treated as an outpatient with oral antibiotics for a superficial wound infection. The median total operative time was 123 min (interquartile range (IQR) 108.8–142.5), with a median incision to docking time of 19 min (IQR 15.0–31.8). Length of stay in hospital was 2–3 days. Median excess weight loss achieved at 6 months was 50% (IQR 33.9–66.5).ConclusionThis study describes a method of safely introducing the da Vinci robot into bariatric surgical practice.
Extended boiling of peanut progressively reduces IgE allergenicity while retaining T cell reactivity
Authors: Tao B. , Bernardo K. , Eldi P. , Chegeni N. , Wiese M. , Colella A. , Kral A. , Hayball J. , Smith W. , Forsyth K. , Chataway T. 
Published: April 2016

SummaryBackgroundCurrent peanut oral immunotherapy is hampered by frequent adverse events. It has been shown that boiling can reduce peanut allergenicity. Hypoallergenic peanut products have the potential to reduce treatment‐related reactions during desensitization.ObjectiveTo show that extended boiling (for up to 12 h) can progressively reduce peanut allergenicity while retaining T cell reactivity.MethodsRaw peanuts were boiled for half, 1, 2, 4 and 12 h in deionized water. After dehydration, boiled and raw peanuts were ground, defatted and soluble proteins extracted in PBS and cooking water (leachate) retained. SDS‐PAGE, Western blot, inhibition ELISA, mass spectrometry and skin prick test were used to characterize changes to peanut allergens and human IgE reactivity. T cell responses to raw and boiled peanut extracts were determined by proliferation of CD4+/CD25+/CD134+ T cells in peanut‐allergic and non‐allergic individuals.ResultsExtended boiling progressively reduced peanut allergenicity through a combination of leaching of allergens into cooking water, fragmentation of allergens and denaturation of conformational epitopes. Two‐hour boiling led to an eightfold reduction in IgE binding capacity of boiled peanuts as determined by inhibition ELISA, while 12‐h boiling led to a 19‐fold reduction. Mass spectrometry revealed an increasing number of unique allergen peptides with longer boiling times. Raw, 2‐ and 12‐h boiled peanut extracts were equivalent in their ability to stimulate T cell activation and proliferation.Conclusion and Clinical RelevanceProgressive reduction in peanut allergenicity with extended boiling does not affect T cell reactivity. Boiled peanuts may be a candidate for oral immunotherapy.
7,8‐dihydroxyflavone Ameliorates Motor Deficits Via Suppressing α‐synuclein Expression and Oxidative Stress in the MPTP‐induced Mouse Model of Parkinson's Disease
Authors: Li Xiao‐Huan , Dai Chun‐Fang , Chen Long , Zhou Wei‐Tao , Han Hui‐Li , Dong Zhi‐Fang 
Published: April 2016

SummaryBackgroundParkinson disease (PD) is a neurodegenerative disease characterized by the loss of dopaminergic neurons in the substantia nigra (SN) and diminished dopamine content in the striatum, which is at least partly associated with α‐synuclein protein overexpression in these neurons. Recent reports show that 7,8‐dihydroxyflavone (DHF), a TrkB agonist, has beneficial effects in animal model of PD. However, it is unclear whether the therapeutic effects of DHF are associated with the expression of α‐synuclein.AimsIn this study, we investigated the protective effects of DHF on 1‐methyl‐4‐phenyl‐1,2,3,6‐tetrahydropyridine (MPTP)‐induced deficit of motor functions, the loss of dopaminergic neurons and the expression of α‐synuclein as well as antioxidative activity in the C57BL/6 mice.ResultsMice were treated with MPTP (30 mg/kg, i.p.) once a day for 5 days to induce dopaminergic neuron death in the SN. DHF (5 mg/kg, i.p.) was administrated once a day from the first day of MPTP injection until 9 days after the last injection of MPTP. Behavioral tests showed that DHF succeeded in ameliorating the impaired motor functions in the MPTP‐treated mice. The immunohistochemical assay showed that the amelioration of motor function was accompanied by a reduction in the loss of dopaminergic neurons in the SN and striatum. Western blot analyses showed that DHF prevented the inactivation of TrkB and suppressed α‐synuclein overexpression in the SN and striatum following MPTP treatment. Antioxidative activity detection revealed that DHF prevented MPTP‐induced reduction in glutathione and total superoxide dismutase activity in the SN and striatum.ConclusionTaken together, these results indicate that DHF treatment may suppress the accumulation of α‐synuclein and oxidative stress via activating TrkB and subsequently block the loss of dopaminergic neurons in the SN and striatum, thereby ameliorating MPTP‐induced motor deficits in the C57BL/6 mice.
Characterization of the tumor microenvironment in primary cutaneous CD30‐positive lymphoproliferative disorders: a predominance of CD163‐positive M2 macrophages
Authors: De Souza Aieska , Tinguely Marianne , Burghart Daniel R. , Berisha Arbeneshe , Mertz Kirsten D. , Kempf Werner 
Published: April 2016

BackgroundThe tumor microenvironment is essential for tumor survival, growth and progression. There are only a few studies on the tumor microenvironment in cutaneous CD30‐positive lymphoproliferative disorders.MethodsWe assessed the composition of the tumor microenvironment using immunohistochemistry studies in skin biopsies from cases diagnosed with lymphomatoid papulosis (LyP: 18 specimens), primary cutaneous anaplastic large‐cell lymphoma (PC‐ALCL: 8 specimens), and reactive diseases harboring CD30‐positive cells (18 specimens).ResultsThe predominant cells present in LyP and PC‐ALCL were CD163+ M2 macrophages (44.7%, 35%), followed by CD8+ tumor infiltrating lymphocytes (11%, 15%), FOXP3+ T‐regulatory cells (9%, 4.5%) and programmed cell death 1(PD‐1) + lymphocytes (2.2%, 6.8%). In contrast, CD30‐positive reactive inflammatory and infectious disorders were characterized by higher numbers of CD123+ plasmacytoid dendritic cells (6.3%) when compared to LyP (1%), and PC‐ALCL (1.1%).ConclusionsKey differences exist between the microenvironment of CD30‐positive lymphoproliferative disorders and reactive conditions harboring CD30‐positive lymphocytes. The high number of tumor associated macrophages, and the close vicinity of these immune cells to the CD30‐positive tumor cells might suggest that tumor associated macrophages have direct influence on tumorigenesis in LyP and ALCL. Therefore, modulation of M2 macrophages may represent a new therapeutic strategy in cutaneous CD30‐positive lymphoproliferative disorders.