bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
A computer‐aided framework for product design with application to wheat straw polypropylene composites
Authors: Fatoni Rois , Elkamel Ali , Simon Leonardo , Almansoori Ali 
Published: October 2015

AbstractThe use of wheat straw and other agricultural byproduct fibres in polymer composite materials offers many economic and environmental benefits. Wheat straw has been recently commercialized as a new filler for polypropylene thermoplastic composites in automotive applications. However, to expand its application in the automotive industry and other sectors where highly‐engineered materials are needed, a systematic database and reliable composite property models are needed. For this purpose, this research aims to develop a product design approach based on mixture design methodologies and inverse optimization for wheat straw polypropylene (WS‐PP) composites for the automotive industry. The approach follows hierarchical steps starting from consumer needs and ending with specific end‐products. Relevant information obtained systematically from historical data is used to design experiments and develop response surface models of composite properties as a function of a composite's component proportion. The response surface models are used to simulate and optimize the composition formulation of the composite, which meets the targeted product specifications. The last step of the proposed methodology is to optimize the composite ingredients to maximize wheat straw utilization in the final composite while minimizing the overall material cost. A case study is presented for the design of wheat straw polypropylene/impact copolymer polypropylene (WS‐PP/ICP) composite for the automotive industry.
Degeneration of proprioceptive sensory nerve endings in mice harboring amyotrophic lateral sclerosis–causing mutations
Authors: Vaughan Sydney K. , Kemp Zachary , Hatzipetros Theo , Vieira Fernando , Valdez Gregorio 
Published: October 2015

ABSTRACTAmyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a neurodegenerative disease that primarily targets the motor system. Although much is known about the effects of ALS on motor neurons and glial cells, little is known about its effect on proprioceptive sensory neurons. This study examines proprioceptive sensory neurons in mice harboring mutations associated with ALS, in SOD1G93A and TDP43A315T transgenic mice. In both transgenic lines, we found fewer proprioceptive sensory neurons containing fluorescently tagged cholera toxin in their soma five days after injecting this retrograde tracer into the tibialis anterior muscle. We asked whether this is due to neuronal loss or selective degeneration of peripheral nerve endings. We found no difference in the total number and size of proprioceptive sensory neuron soma between symptomatic SOD1G93A and control mice. However, analysis of proprioceptive nerve endings in muscles revealed early and significant alterations at Ia/II proprioceptive nerve endings in muscle spindles before the symptomatic phase of the disease. Although these changes occur alongside those at α‐motor axons in SOD1G93A mice, Ia/II sensory nerve endings degenerate in the absence of obvious alterations in α‐motor axons in TDP43A315T transgenic mice. We next asked whether proprioceptive nerve endings are similarly affected in the spinal cord and found that nerve endings terminating on α‐motor neurons are affected during the symptomatic phase and after peripheral nerve endings begin to degenerate. Overall, we show that Ia/II proprioceptive sensory neurons are affected by ALS‐causing mutations, with pathological changes starting at their peripheral nerve endings. J. Comp. Neurol. 523:2477–2494, 2015. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Gold Nanoparticles in DNA‐Based Multilayer Films: Synthesis, Size Control, and Influence of the Multilayer Structure on Catalytic Properties
Authors: Zinchenko Anatoly , Nagahama Chihiro , Murata Shizuaki 
Published: October 2015

AbstractA method to prepare DNA‐based multilayered microcapsules as a host matrix for synthesizing ultrasmall gold nanoparticles of 2–4 nm in size is presented. Utilizing the intrinsic affinity of DNA for transition metal ions, ionic gold was first efficiently concentrated inside the DNA‐based multilayers assembled on a CaCO3 sacrificial template. Further reduction of ionic gold inside the multilayers resulted in the formation of high‐density, well‐dispersed 2–4 nm gold nanoparticles distributed evenly and exclusively inside the polyelectrolyte multilayers. Metallized multilayers containing ultrafine gold nanoparticles showed a good performance in catalytic reduction of nitroaromatic compounds and the catalytic activity of gold nanoparticles was enhanced with a decrease of host multilayer thickness. The influence of the multilayer structure and composition on size and catalytic activity of gold nanoparticles is discussed.
Retinal and choroidal alterations in patients with anorexia nervosa without vision loss
Authors: Moschos Marilita M. , Moustafa Giannis‐Aimant , Gonidakis Fragiskos , Papageorgiou Charalambos 
Published: October 2015

ABSTRACTObjectiveEvaluate the alterations of retinal anatomy and function, as well as choroidal thickness changes, in patients with anorexia nervosa (AN).Method13 female AN patients (26 eyes) and 20 female controls (40 eyes) were included. Assessment of the retinal and choroidal anatomy was performed by optical‐coherence‐tomography, while multifocal‐electroretinogram was used for measurements of the electrical activity of the macula. Statistical analysis was performed using t‐test.ResultsCentral macular thickness was found to be thinner in AN (140.04 ± 14.45, 150.85 ± 16.03, p = 0.007), likewise the ganglion cell complex and outer retinal layer (ORL) at most areas. ORL superiorly was thicker in AN (169.12 ± 2.55, 163.00 ± 8.70, p < 0.001), while retinal nerve fiber layer was not different between the two groups, except the inferior region (121.08 ± 18.52, 137.60 ± 7.30, p < 0.001). Choroidal thickness was evenly diminished in the anorectic group (p = 0.001‐0.027). Multifocal‐electroretinogram showed lower P1‐retinal response density amplitude of ring 1 in AN (159.04 ± 60.83, 292.43 ± 11.59, p < 0.001), but no significant difference concerning the P1‐response density amplitude of ring 2 (79.04 ± 21.89, 82.63 ± 9.10, p = 0.36).DiscussionIn AN patients, even without vision loss, significant changes occur in retinal and choroidal thickness, as well as in the electrical activity of the macula. However, this is a pilot study in a small sample that needs replication. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. (Int J Eat Disord 2016; 49:386–390)
Increased risk of stroke with darbepoetin alfa in anaemic heart failure patients with diabetes and chronic kidney disease
Authors: Bello Natalie A. , Lewis Eldrin F. , Desai Akshay S. , Anand Inder S. , Krum Henry , McMurray John J.V. , Olson Kurt , Solomon Scott D. , Swedberg Karl , van Veldhuisen Dirk J. , Young James B. , Pfeffer Marc A. 
Published: October 2015

AbstractAimsThe use of an erythropoesis‐stimulating agent, darbepoetin alfa (DA), to treat anaemia in patients with diabetes mellitus and chronic kidney disease was associated with a heightened risk of stroke and neutral efficacy in the Trial to Reduce Cardiovascular Events with Aranesp Therapy (TREAT), despite epidemiological data suggesting the contrary. However, this association has not been evaluated in another randomized, placebo‐controlled trial.Methods and resultsReduction of Events by Darbepoetin Alfa in Heart Failure (RED‐HF) was a randomized placebo‐controlled trial of DA in 2278 patients with systolic heart failure and anaemia, enrolled from 2006 to 2012 and followed for a median of 28 months. Within RED‐HF, 816 patients had diabetes mellitus and chronic kidney disease [estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) 20–60 mL/min/1.73 m2] and met inclusion criteria for TREAT. TREAT‐like RED‐HF patient data were analysed alone and combined at the patient level with the 4038 TREAT patients. In RED‐HF, the annualized event rate of stroke was 2.3 in patients on DA and 1.1 in patients randomized to placebo (P = 0.051). Analysis of the combined group (n = 4854) confirmed a nearly two‐fold increase in stroke risk [hazard ratio (HR) 1.94, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.43–2.63] and an overall neutral effect on mortality (HR 1.00, 95% CI 0.89–1.12) of raising haemoglobin with DA.ConclusionThe placebo‐controlled cohort of heart failure patients with anaemia, diabetes mellitus, and chronic kidney disease from RED‐HF provides confirmation of the increased stroke risk associated with DA use identified in TREAT.
Effectiveness of an interactive platform, and the ESC/HFA heartfailurematters.org website in patients with heart failure: design of the multicentre randomized e‐Vita heart failure trial
Authors: Wagenaar Kim P. , Broekhuizen Berna D.L. , Dickstein Kenneth , Jaarsma Tiny , Hoes Arno W. , Rutten Frans H. 
Published: October 2015

AimsElectronic health support (e‐health) may improve self‐care of patients with heart failure (HF). We aim to assess whether an adjusted care pathway with replacement of routine consultations by e‐health improves self‐care as compared with usual care. In addition, we will determine whether the ESC/HFA (European Society of Cardiology/Heart Failure Association) website heartfailurematters.org (HFM website) improves self‐care when added to usual care. Finally, we aim to evaluate the cost‐effectiveness of these interventions.MethodsA three‐arm parallel randomized trial will be conducted. Arm 1 consists of usual care; arm 2 consists of usual care plus the HFM website; and arm 3 is the adjusted care pathway with an interactive platform for disease management (e‐Vita platform), with a link to the HFM website, which replaces routine consultations with HF nurses at the outpatient clinic. In total, 414 patients managed in 10 Dutch HF outpatient clinics or in general practice will be included and followed for 12 months. Participants are included if they have had an established diagnosis of HF for at least 3 months. The primary outcome is self‐care as measured by the European Heart Failure Self‐care Behaviour scale (EHFScB scale). Secondary outcomes are quality of life, cardiovascular‐ and HF‐related mortality, hospitalization, and its duration as captured by hospital and general practitioner registries, use of and user satisfaction with the HFM website, and cost‐effectiveness.PerspectiveThis study will provide important prospective data on the impact and cost‐effectiveness of an interactive platform for disease management and the HFM website.Clinical Trial Registrationunique identifier: NCT01755988
Serum uric acid is associated with mortality and heart failure hospitalizations in patients with complicated myocardial infarction: findings from the High‐Risk Myocardial Infarction Database Initiative
Authors: von Lueder Thomas G. , Girerd Nicolas , Atar Dan , Agewall Stefan , Lamiral Zohra , Kanbay Mehmet , Pitt Bertram , Dickstein Kenneth , Zannad Faiez , Rossignol Patrick ,   for the High‐Risk Myocardial Infarction Database Initiative Investigators
Published: October 2015

AimsSerum uric acid (SUA) levels are associated with poorer outcomes in healthy cohorts and patients with stable and unstable coronary heart disease. We investigated the relationship betweenSUAand clinical outcomes in subjects with acute myocardial infarction (MI) complicated by reduced left ventricular (LV) function, heart failure (HF), or both.Methods and resultsUnivariable and multivariable Cox proportional hazards modelling was performed to study the association of baselineSUAand all‐cause mortality, cardiovascular (CV) mortality, andHFhospitalization in an individual patient meta‐analysis of four merged large randomized trials (CAPRICORN,EPHESUS,OPTIMAAL, andVALIANT). Three trials (excludingVALIANT) reportedSUA, which was available in a total of 12 677 subjects. The ranges ofSUAfor quartiles I–IVwere 45–280, 281–344, 345–420, and 420–1640 mmol/L, respectively. While almost 90% of patients in the lowestSUAquartile were alive after a mean follow‐up of 23 ± 11 months, <70% were alive in the highestSUAquartile. Compared with the lowestSUAquartile as reference, hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) ofSUAquartilesIIIandIVshowed an increase in all‐cause mortality [HR1.18, 95%CI0.95–1.46, andHR1.36, 95%CI1.11–1.67) andCVmortality (HR1.27, 95% 1.01–1.61, andHR1.47, 95%CI1.17–1.83).SUAquartilesIIIandIValso exhibited increasedHFhospitalization (HR1.22, 95%CI1.09–1.36, andHR1.28, 95%CI1.14–1.43;P< 0.001 for all comparisons) in multivariable analyses. The addition ofSUAwas associated with a significant improvement in reclassification to predictCVmortality (net reclassification improvement 17.6%, 95%CI14.9–20.5%,P< 0.001).ConclusionsElevatedSUAis associated with poor outcomes in patients afterMIcomplicated by reducedLVfunction,HF, or both. The quantification ofSUA, a low‐cost routinely available biomarker, could improve risk stratification of patients with complicatedMI.
Solid‐Phase Total Synthesis of the Proposed Structure of Coibamide A and Its Derivative: Highly Methylated Cyclic Depsipeptides
Authors: Sable Ganesh A. , Park Jaekwan , Kim Hyunsik , Lim Soo‐Jeong , Jang Soonmin , Lim Dongyeol 
Published: October 2015

AbstractThe solid‐phase total synthesis of the proposed structure of cyclic depsipeptide coibamide A and its derivative O‐desmethyl coibamide A is reported. In this study, we demonstrate the solid‐phase synthetic strategy and final solution‐phase O‐methylation for highly N‐methylated cyclic depsipeptides. On‐resin macrocyclization, N,N‐dimethylation and solution‐phase O‐methylation were the key steps of these syntheses. The mass of synthetic coibamide A is consistent with that of the natural product according to liquid chromatography‐mass spectroscopy (LCMS) analysis but significant differences are observed upon 1H and 13C NMR analysis. The 2D NMR analysis and modeling studies of the synthetic compound compared with the isolated natural compound revealed that either they are conformationally different or the stereochemistry of the natural product was incorrectly assigned.
Synthetic Studies on Indolocarbazoles: A Facile Synthesis of Staurosporinone Analogues
Authors: Raju Potharaju , Gobi Rajeshwaran Ganesan , Mohanakrishnan Arasambattu K. 
Published: October 2015

AbstractSynthesis of indolocarbazoles was achieved through thermal electrocyclization followed by triethyl phosphite‐mediated nitrene insertion reactions. Total synthesis of staurosporinone analogues was achieved from commercially available 2‐methylindole. The CDK5/p25 kinase inhibition potential of some representative staurosporinone analogues was explored by using the TRFRET kinase assay.
Potential estrogenic effects of wastewaters on gene expression in Pimephales promelas and fish assemblages in streams of southeastern New York
Authors: Baldigo Barry P. , George Scott D. , Phillips Patrick J. , Hemming Jocelyn D.C. , Denslow Nancy D. , Kroll Kevin J. 
Published: October 2015

Abstract

Direct linkages between endocrine-disrupting compounds (EDCs) from municipal and industrial wastewaters and impacts on wild fish assemblages are rare. The levels of plasma vitellogenin (Vtg) and Vtg messenger ribonucleic acid (mRNA) in male fathead minnows (Pimephales promelas) exposed to wastewater effluents and dilutions of 17α-ethinylestradiol (EE2), estrogen activity, and fish assemblages in 10 receiving streams were assessed to improve understanding of important interrelations. Results from 4-d laboratory assays indicate that EE2, plasma Vtg concentration, and Vtg gene expression in fathead minnows, and 17β-estradiol equivalents (E2Eq values) were highly related to each other (R2 = 0.98–1.00). Concentrations of E2Eq in most effluents did not exceed 2.0 ng/L, which was possibly a short-term exposure threshold for Vtg gene expression in male fathead minnows. Plasma Vtg in fathead minnows only increased significantly (up to 1136 μg/mL) in 2 wastewater effluents. Fish assemblages were generally unaffected at 8 of 10 study sites, yet the density and biomass of 79% to 89% of species populations were reduced (63–68% were reduced significantly) in the downstream reach of 1 receiving stream. These results, and moderate to high E2Eq concentrations (up to 16.1 ng/L) observed in effluents during a companion study, suggest that estrogenic wastewaters can potentially affect individual fish, their populations, and entire fish communities in comparable systems across New York, USA. Environ Toxicol Chem 2015;34:2803–2815. © 2015 The Authors. Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. on behalf of SETAC.
Hydro‐mechanical response of Opalinus Clay during excavation works – a synopsis from the Mont Terri URL
Authors: Giger Silvio B. , Marschall Paul , Lanyon Bill , Martin C. Derek 
Published: October 2015

AbstractIndurated clay formations are under consideration as potential host rock formations for the disposal of radioactive waste in several countries. The favourable features of such formations for deep geological repositories include an excellent hydraulic barrier function, high capacity for dissolved radionuclide retention and considerable self‐sealing potential. The development of a brittle fracture network (excavation‐induced damage zone, EDZ) around underground structures during construction and operation cannot however be avoided. To assess the impact of the EDZ on long‐term safety of the repository, a detailed structural inventory of the fracture network and the relevant hydro‐mechanical phenomena and processes during excavation and the subsequent operation phase is required. This then forms the geomechanical basis for the development of conceptual and numerical models of the EDZ. Here we present some empirical and experimental evidence from the Mont Terri Underground Research Laboratory (URL), summarizing the key phenomena and processes associated with the creation and evolution of an EDZ in the Opalinus Clay. In particular, the significance of rock mass anisotropy is highlighted, both as a likely origin for far‐reaching pore fluid pressure changes and as a controlling factor in EDZ development during the excavation process.
The influence of constitutive model selection on predicted stresses and yield in deep mine pillars – A case study at the Creighton mine, Sudbury, Canada
Authors: Walton Gabriel , Diederichs Mark , Punkkinen Allan 
Published: October 2015

AbstractBased on recent advances in modelling the post‐yield behaviour of brittle rock, the authors have developed a calibrated inelastic model of the 7,910 level (2.4 km depth) at the Creighton Mine in Sudbury, Ontario, Canada using data collected from the monitoring of pillar dilatancy. While this calibrated model represents a state‐of‐the‐art continuum approach for capturing the progressive development of yield and stresses in mine pillars, alternative state‐of‐practice approaches (elastic and perfectly plastic material models, for example) represent potentially acceptable options for practical application.The purpose of this study is to examine the influence of constitutive model choice on stress paths throughout the pillar system at the mining level of interest. The strengths and limitations of various material models are compared and contrasted. Elastic models are shown to adequately represent the larger scale pillar system behaviour from a stress transfer perspective, whereas the state‐of‐art brittle modelling approach is shown to be ideal for understanding specific pillar‐scale stresses and yield.
Long‐term deformation of mountain tunnel lining and ground under swelling rock condition
Authors: Isago Nobuharu , Kawata Kosuke , Kusaka Atsushi , Ishimura Toshiaki 
Published: October 2015

AbstractTo monitor deformation in a road tunnel in service, periodical inspections are performed and countermeasures are taken as needed. Cracking of the permanent lining and heaving of the road surface often occur, however, so it is difficult to assess the development of such deformation features from data acquired during the construction and service stages. In this paper, the deformation mechanism and the effect of countermeasures are discussed based on the results of in situ measurements over a six‐year period and of numerical analysis. The relationship between tunnel deformation and the occurrence of defects is examined using boring data. The mechanism of tunnel deformation when the characteristics of the ground indicates a swelling condition, and the relationship between the load acting on tunnel lining and the behaviour of countermeasures are also mentioned.
Deformation of clay rock under THM conditions
Authors: Zhang Chun‐Liang 
Published: October 2015

AbstractAs a potential host rock for deep geological disposal of radioactive waste, the Callovo‐Oxfordian and Opalinus clay rocks have been extensively investigated in the laboratory with respect to deformation under various thermo‐hydro‐mechanical conditions: (1) stresses covering the range from the initial lithostatic state to redistributed levels after excavation, (2) humidity variations representing ventilation during operation of tunnels as well as water migration from the far‐field and (3) heating from ambient temperature up to 100 °C and a subsequent cooling phase. For these highly consolidated clay rocks, a new concept is theoretically derived to explain the effective stress in the particle matrix and experimentally confirmed. The mechanical deformation of the clay rocks is determined by means of short‐ and long‐term compression experiments on quasi water‐saturated samples at ambient temperature. Reponses of the clay rocks to humidity changes are examined by drying and wetting the samples under different loading conditions. Thermal effects are studied by heating and cooling the stressed samples under drained and undrained conditions. The main findings are presented and discussed in this paper.
Lessons learned from deep‐seated landslides activated by tunnel excavation
Authors: Barla Giovanni , Debernardi Daniele , Perino Andrea 
Published: October 2015

AbstractThe interaction between deep‐seated landslides and infrastructure facilities is a topic of relevant interest in the rock mechanics literature. This paper discusses the case of deep‐seated landslides reactivated during excavation of two large twin tunnels in Italy, with an overview of the geological, hydrogeological and geotechnical conditions. The efforts made in order to gain an understanding of the complexities involved and the necessary quantification of the stability problems during tunnel excavation are presented in each case. Two‐ and three‐dimensional numerical modelling methods, used as a means to back‐analyze the reactivated landslide and the interaction with the tunnels, are discussed. It is shown how modelling associated with advanced real‐time monitoring may contribute to the understanding of the problems under study.