bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Spontaneous Coronary Artery Dissection with Cardiac Tamponade
Authors: Goh Anne C.H. , Lundstrom Robert J. 
Published: October 2015

Spontaneous coronary artery dissection is a rare cause of acute coronary syndrome. Clinical presentation ranges from chest pain alone to ST-segment-elevation myocardial infarction, ventricular fibrillation, and sudden death. The treatment of patients with spontaneous coronary artery dissection is challenging because the disease pathophysiology is unclear, optimal treatment is unknown, and short- and long-term prognostic data are minimal.
We report the case of a 70-year-old woman who presented with an acute ST-segment-elevation myocardial infarction secondary to a spontaneous dissection of the left anterior descending coronary artery. She was treated conservatively. Cardiac tamponade developed 16 hours after presentation. Repeat coronary angiography revealed extension of the dissection. Medical therapy was continued after the hemopericardium was aspirated. The patient remained asymptomatic 3 years after hospital discharge. To our knowledge, this is the first reported case of spontaneous coronary artery dissection in association with cardiac tamponade that was treated conservatively and had a successful outcome.
A Reminder of Methylene Blue's Effectiveness in Treating Vasoplegic Syndrome after On-Pump Cardiac Surgery
Authors: Manghelli Joshua , Brown Lisa , Tadros Hany B. , Munfakh Nabil A. 
Published: October 2015

The inflammatory response induced by cardiopulmonary bypass decreases vascular tone, which in turn can lead to vasoplegic syndrome. Indeed the hypotension consequent to on-pump cardiac surgery often necessitates vasopressor and intravenous fluid support. Methylene blue counteracts vasoplegic syndrome by inhibiting the formation of nitric oxide.
We report the use of methylene blue in a 75-year-old man who developed vasoplegic syndrome after cardiac surgery. After the administration of methylene blue, his hypotension improved to the extent that he could be weaned from vasopressors. The use of methylene blue should be considered in patients who develop hypotension refractory to standard treatment after cardiac surgery.
Platypnea-Orthodeoxia Syndrome: Diagnostic Challenge and the Importance of Heightened Clinical Suspicion
Authors: Henkin Stanislav , Negrotto Sara , Pollak Peter M. , Cullen Michael W. , O'Cochlain D. Fearghas , Wright R. Scott 
Published: October 2015

Platypnea-orthodeoxia syndrome is an uncommon condition of positional dyspnea and hypoxemia; symptoms occur when the patient is upright and resolve with recumbency. Causes can be broadly categorized into 4 groups: intracardiac shunting, pulmonary shunting, ventilation-perfusion mismatch, or a combination of these.
Platypnea-orthodeoxia syndrome should be suspected when normal arterial oxygen saturations are recorded while an individual is supine, followed by abrupt declines in those saturations when upright. Further investigations with use of imaging and cardiac catheterization aid in the evaluation. When platypnea-orthodeoxia syndrome is due to intracardiac shunting without pulmonary hypertension, intracardiac shunt closure can be curative.
In this article, we report a case of platypnea-orthodeoxia syndrome in an 83-year-old woman who was successfully treated by means of percutaneous transcatheter closure of an atrial septal defect.
Present-Day Hospital Readmissions after Left Ventricular Assist Device Implantation: A Large Single-Center Study
Authors: Hernandez Ruben E. , Singh Steve K. , Hoang Dale T. , Ali Syed W. , Elayda MacArthur A. , Mallidi Hari R. , Frazier O.H. , Meyers Deborah E. 
Published: October 2015

Left ventricular assist device (LVAD) therapy improves survival, hemodynamic status, and end-organ perfusion in patients with refractory advanced heart failure. Hospital readmission is an important measure of the intensity of LVAD support care.
We analyzed readmissions of 148 patients (mean age, 53.6 ± 12.7 yr; 83% male) who received a HeartMate II LVAD from April 2008 through June 2012. The patients had severe heart failure; 60.1% were in Interagency Registry for Mechanically Assisted Circulatory Support class 1 or 2. All patients were observed for at least 12 months, and readmissions were classified as planned or unplanned. Descriptive and multivariate regression analyses were used to identify predictors of unplanned readmission.
Twenty-seven patients (18.2%) had no readmissions or 69 planned readmissions, and 121 patients (81.8%) had 460 unplanned readmissions. The LVAD-related readmissions were for bleeding, thrombosis, and anticoagulation (n=103; 49.1%), pump-related infections (n=60; 28.6%), and neurologic events (n=28; 13.3%). The readmission rate was 2.1 per patient-year. Unplanned readmissions were for comorbidities and underlying cardiac disease (54.3%) or LVAD-related causes (45.7%). In the unplanned-readmission rate, there was no significant difference between bridge-to-transplantation and destination-therapy patients. Unplanned readmissions were associated with diabetes mellitus (odds ratio [OR]=3.3; P=0.04) and with shorter mileage from residence to hospital (OR=0.998; P=0.046).
Unplanned admissions for LVAD-related sequelae and ongoing comorbidities were common. Diabetes mellitus and shorter distance from residence to hospital were significant predictors of readmission. We project that improved management of comorbidities and of anticoagulation therapy will reduce unplanned readmissions of LVAD patients in the future.
Massive Pulmonary Artery Aneurysm Causing Left Main Coronary Artery Compression in the Absence of Pulmonary Hypertension
Authors: Yeh Doreen DeFaria , Ghoshhajra Brian , Inglessis-Azuaje Ignacio , MacGillivray Thomas , Liberthson Richard , Bhatt Ami B. 
Published: October 2015

We report the case of a 62-year-old woman who presented with classic symptoms of stable angina. Cardiac images and catheterization results revealed absent pulmonary valve syndrome and compression of the left main coronary artery by a massively dilated pulmonary artery aneurysm. The patient's anginal symptoms were relieved after pulmonary arterioplasty.
Others have described proximal left main coronary artery compression in the presence of a dilated and hypertensive pulmonary artery. To our knowledge, this is the first case in which a pulmonary artery aneurysm caused left main coronary insufficiency in the absence of pulmonary hypertension—a clinically important complication of congenital pulmonary valve-related pulmonary arteriopathy.
Design Of Hollow Section Overlap Joints With Reinforcing Rib Plate. Joint Resistance
Authors: Bródka J. 
Published: October 2015

AbstractThese joints are used when the designer and contractor anticipate difficulties during the construction of overlap joints. They were not included in the PN EN 1993-1-8 in full scale. Resistance assessment of such joints is presented in accordance with standard rules. The results were compared with the experimental studies carried out at the “Mostostal” Centre; while the former research activities and the legitimacy of the proposed method of assessing the resistance of these joints was confirmed. This is an example of an overlap joint calculation.
Flexural Behaviour Of Strengthened RC Beams With Multi-Directional Basalt Fibre - Reinforced Polymer Composites
Authors: Chandran A. , Neelamegam M. 
Published: October 2015

AbstractThe paper describes an experimental behaviour of the basalt fibre reinforced polymer composite by external strengthening to the concrete beams. The BFRP composite is wrapped at the bottom face of R.C beam as one layer, two layers, three layers and four layers. The different characteristics - are studied in - first crack load, ultimate load, tensile and compressive strain, cracks propagation, crack spacing and number of cracks etc. To - investigate, total of five beams size 100mm× 160mm×1700mm were cast. One beam is taken as control and others are strengthened with BFRP composite with layers. From this investigation, the first crack load is increased depending on the increment in layers from 6.79% to 47.98%. Similarly, the ultimate load carrying - capacity is increased from 5.66% to 20%. The crack’s spacing is also reduced with an increase in the number of layers
Load-Deflection Characteristics Of Steel, Polypropylene And Hybrid Fiber Reinforced Concrete Beams
Authors: Tamil Selvi M. , Thandavamoorthy T. S. 
Published: October 2015

AbstractConcrete is the most widely used construction material because of its specialty of being cast into any desired shape. The main requirements of earthquake resistant structures are good ductility and energy absorption capacity. Fiber reinforced concrete possesses high flexural and tensile strength, improved ductility, and high energy absorption over the conventional concrete in sustaining dynamic loads. The aim of this paper is to compare the properties of concrete beams in which three types of fibers are added individually. Steel fibers, polypropylene fibers and hybrid fibers were added to concrete in the weight ratio of four percentages in the preparation of four beam specimens. The fourth specimen did not contain fibers and acted as a control specimen. The dimensions of the beam specimens were 150 mm × 150 mm × 700 mm. The reinforced concrete beams of M30 grade concrete were prepared for casting and testing. Various parameters such as load carrying capacity, stiffness degradation, ductility characteristics and energy absorption capacity of FRC beams were compared with that of RC beams. The companion specimens were cast and tested to study strength properties and then the results were compared. All the beams were tested under three point bending under Universal Testing Machine (UTM). The results were evaluated with respect to modulus of elasticity, first crack load, ultimate load, and ultimate deflection. The test result shows that use of hybrid fiber improves the flexural performance of the reinforced concrete beams. The flexural behavior and stiffness of the tested beams were calculated, and compared with respect to their load carrying capacities. Comparison was also made with theoretical calculations in order to determine the load-deflection curves of the tested beams. Results of the experimental programme were compared with theoretical predictions. Based on the results of the experimental programme, it can be concluded that the addition of steel, polypropylene and hybrid fibers by 4% by weight of cement (but 2.14 % by volume of cement) had the best effect on the stiffness and energy absorption capacity of the beams.
Selected Aspects Of Design Lifespan Of Flexible Pavement With Anti-Fatigue Course
Authors: Nagórska M. , Nagórski R. , Błażejowski K. 
Published: October 2015

AbstractThe aim of the study is to compare flexible pavement design lifespans and the main factors which create their values for a standard structure and one with an anti-fatigue course AF at different parameter values of pavement and its load, relevant to their design processes. Depending on the mixture used for the anti-fatigue course or the course thickness, durability improvement of the pavement (compared to the durability of a standard structure) can be obtained by extending the design lifespan of the asphalt base course or by extending the design lifespan of the AF course. On sections with predominantly slow traffic, the lifespan decreases significantly compared to sections with typical vehicle speed - the relative decrease is greater if anti-fatigue course is applied.
The Problem Of Imputation Of The Missing Data From The Continuous Counts Of Road Traffic
Authors: Spławińska M. 
Published: October 2015

AbstractMissing traffic data is an important issue for road administration. Although numerous ways can be found to impute them in foreign literature (inter alia, the most effective method, that is Box-Jenkins models), in Poland, still only proven and simplified methods are applied. The article presents the analyses including an assessment of the completeness of the existing traffic data and works related to the construction of SARIMA model. The study was conducted on the basis of hourly traffic volumes, derived from the continuous traffic counts stations located in the national road network in Poland (Golden River stations) from the years 2005 – 2010. As a result, the proposed model was used to impute the missing data in the form of SARIMA (1.1,1)(0,1,1)168. The newly developed model can be used effectively to fill in the missing required days of measurement for estimating AADT by AASHTO method. In other cases, due to its accuracy and laboriousness of the process, it is not recommended.
Modal Parameter Identification Of Cable Stayed Bridge Based On Exploratory Data Analysis
Authors: Khan I. , Shan D. , Li Q. 
Published: October 2015

AbstractIn order to identify the modal parameters of civil structures it is vital to distinguish the defective data from that of appropriate and accurate data. The defects in data may be due to various reasons like defects in the data collection, malfunctioning of sensors, etc. For this purpose Exploratory Data Analysis (EDA) was engaged to envisage the distribution of sensor’s data and to detect the malfunctioning with in the sensors. Then outlier analysis was performed to remove those data points which may disrupt the accurate data analysis. Then Data Driven Stochastic Sub-space Identification (DATA-SSI) was engaged to perform the modal parameter identification. In the end to validate the accuracy of the proposed method stabilization diagrams were plotted. Sutong Bridge, one of the largest span cable stayed bridge was used as a case study and the suggested technique was employed. The results obtained after employing the above mentioned techniques are very valuable, accurate and effective.
Fuzzy Estimation Of Activities Duration In Construction Projects
Authors: Ibadov N. 
Published: October 2015

AbstractDuring implementation of construction projects, durations of activities are affected by various factors. Because of this, both during the planning phase of the project as well as the construction phase, managers try to estimate, or predict, the length of any delays that may occur. Such estimates allow for the ability to take appropriate action in terms of planning and management during the execution of construction works. This paper presents the use of the non-deterministic concept for describing the uncertainty of estimating works duration. The concept uses the theory of fuzzy sets. The author describes a method for fuzzy estimations of construction works duration based on the fact that uncertain data is an inherent factor in the conditions of construction projects. An example application of the method is presented. The author shows a fuzzy estimation for the duration of an activity, taking into consideration the distorting influence caused by malfunctioning construction equipment and delivery delays of construction materials.
Predicition Of Compressive Strength In Light-Weight Self-Compacting Concrete By ANFIS Analytical Model
Authors: Vakhshouri B. , Nejadi S. 
Published: October 2015

AbstractLight-weight Self-Compacting Concrete (LWSCC) might be the answer to the increasing construction requirements of slenderer and more heavily reinforced structural elements. However there are limited studies to prove its ability in real construction projects. In conjunction with the traditional methods, artificial intelligent based modeling methods have been applied to simulate the non-linear and complex behavior of concrete in the recent years. Twenty one laboratory experimental investigations on the mechanical properties of LWSCC; published in recent 12 years have been analyzed in this study. The collected information is used to investigate the relationship between compressive strength, elasticity modulus and splitting tensile strength in LWSCC. Analytically proposed model in ANFIS is verified by multi factor linear regression analysis. Comparing the estimated results, ANFIS analysis gives more compatible results and is preferred to estimate the properties of LWSCC.
Durability Assessment Of Monolithic Rammed Earth Walls
Authors: Narloch P. L. , Woyciechowski P. , Dmowska E. , Halemba K. 
Published: October 2015

AbstractOne of the main threats to constructions made from rammed earth is destruction due to exposure to water. The way to limit this dangerous phenomenon is to supplement the local soil mixtures with stabilizing agents. The main component used is Portland cement. This article analyses the results of research which focused on the resistance of rammed earth to water erosion. Because of the lack of national standards regarding the method of examining the durability of rammed earth, the research was based on the New Zealand standard NZS 4298: 1998. The results confirm the possibility of using rammed earth stabilized by cement in a temperate climate.
Nonlinear Vibration Analysis Of Prebuckling And Postbuckling In Laminated Composite Beams
Authors: Abdollahzadeh G. , Ahmadi M. 
Published: October 2015

AbstractIn this stud y, we attempt to analyse free nonlinear vibrations of buckling in laminated composite beams. Two new methods are applied to obtain the analytical solution of the nonlinear governing equation of the problem. The effects of different parameters on the ratio of nonlinear to linear natural frequencies of the beams are studied. These methods give us an agreement with numerical results for the whole range of the oscillation amplitude.
Investigation of the effects of vitamin D and calcium on intestinal motility: In vitro tests and implications for clinical treatment
Authors: Giraldi Guglielmo , Fioravanti Angelo , De Luca d’Alessandro Eugenia , Palmery Maura , Martinoli Lucia 
Published: October 2015

Abstract
The presence of vitamin D receptors in small intestine muscle cells may lead one to think that vitamin D may act locally, influencing intracellular calcium concentration and contributing to the contraction-relaxation regulation of the intestinal smooth muscle cells. This study investigates the potential effects of vitamin D and calcium on intestinal motility using an in vitro test.
Different calcium concentrations added to the tissue not pre-treated with 1,25-dihydroxycholecalciferol [1α,25(OH)2D3] produced no response at low doses (1.25 × 10−3 and 2.0 × 10−3 mol L−1) and only a very weak response at higher concentration (3.0 × 10−3 mol L−1). The addition of 1α,25(OH)2D3 (1.44 × 10−10 mol L−1) had no effect on isolated ileum motility. When calcium (3.0 × 10−3 mol L−1) was added after at least 3 hours, it evoked evident and persistent contractions for 60–90 minutes. The contractions were at about 40 % of the peak produced by acetylcholine. Thus, simultaneous intake of vitamin D and calcium might be a useful co-adjuvant in intestinal atony therapy aimed to stimulate normal gut motility in humans. These findings imply that supplemental vitamin D may be important in all cases where calcium has to be prescribed.
Contribution to diagnostics/prognostics of tuberculosis in children. II. Indicative value of metal ions and biochemical parameters in serum
Authors: Luterotti Svjetlana , Kordić Tončica Vukman , Letoja Ivka Zoričić , Dodig Slavica 
Published: October 2015

Abstract
Newly introduced methods of assaying simultaneously copper and zinc and zinc alone in serum by flame atomic-absorption spectrometry are simple and economical, especially in saving the consumption of serum material. Along with biochemical parameters, they have been successfully applied to diagnostics/prognostics of tuberculosis in children, through analyses of sera from pediatric patients with lung tuberculosis or suspected tuberculosis, enabling the follow-up of therapeutic efficiency. The prognostic strength of Cu and Cu/Zn ratio together with C-reactive protein, complement components C3 and C4, and erythrocyte sedimentation rate have been documented.
Conventional versus ultrasound and microwave assisted synthesis: Some new environmentally friendly functionalized picolinium-based ionic liquids with potential antibacterial activity
Authors: Messali Mouslim 
Published: October 2015

Abstract
A green chemistry approach has been adopted for the synthesis of thirty-four new picolinium-based ionic liquids using microwave (MW) and ultrasound (US) irradiation as well as conventional thermal heating. Their structures were confirmed by FT-IR, 1H NMR, 13C NMR, 11B NMR, 19F NMR, 31P NMR, mass spectra and elemental analyses. The antimicrobial profile of the novel ionic liquids was evaluated and the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) showed their moderate to low antimicrobial activity against eight types of human pathogens.
Use Of The Prebiotic Inulin In The Prevention Of Adverse Signs Of Acute Colitis
Authors: Emília Hijová , Alena Śoltésová , Rastislav Salaj , Jozef Kuzma , Ladislav Strojný , Alojz Bomba 
Published: October 2015

Abstract
The aim of this study was to investigate the influence of prebiotic inulin diet intervention on the activity of β-glucuronidase and counts of coliforms and lactobacilli in fresh caecal digesta, cytokine levels (IL-6, IL-8) and transcription nuclear factor kappa beta (NFkB) activities in the colon tissue and blood samples of rats with dextran sulphate sodium (DSS) induced acute colitis. Male Sprague-Dawley rats (8 per group) were randomly divided into three groups: Control, Acute colitis and Prebiotic. Colitis was induced using 5% DSS in drinking water for 7d. DSS application significantly increased the activity of β-glucuronidase (p<0.001), increased counts of coliform bacteria and decreased lactobacilli count (p<0.05) in comparison to the control group. Serum and tissue levels of IL-6 and IL-8 as well as tissue NFkB activities showed an increased expression in the acute colitis group. These results correspond to the average value of the disease activity index score (DAI) and revealed the maximum DAI score (6.5) in the acute colitis group. A decrease in the DAI score (4.13) was observed after application of the prebiotic inulin. Inulin diet intervention positively modified the number of microorganims and decreased β-glucuronidase activity. Colon tissue activities of NFkB were significantly suppressed (p<0.001). The synthesis of proinflammatory cytokines IL-6 (p<0.01) in the serum and in the colon tissue, as well as tissue IL-8 (p<0.05) in the prebiotic group were downregulated. These findings indicate that the dietary intake of inulin suppressed the expression of the observed markers, which play an important role in the inflammatory process, which predisposes to the use of inulin in the prevention or treatment of acute colitis in human and veterinary medicine.