bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Validation of the Performance of Pervious Concrete in a Field Application with Finite Element Analysis
Authors: Alam Md. Ashraful , Haselbach Liv , Cofer William F. 
Published: May 2012

Abstract
Pervious concrete is a paving material that has a number of stormwater and other environmental benefits. Most current applications of pervious concrete are in residential streets, parking lots, driveways, and sidewalks, and it is being considered for shoulders and more high volume applications. Characterizations of stress distribution and deflection patterns in pervious concrete systems may be useful parameters in the structural design of these high volume uses. Pervious concrete panels with tandem axle dual wheel loads were analyzed using finite element analysis. The wheel position was considered in the corner, center, and edge of the pavement. The critical stresses obtained from the analyses were compared against experimental tensile and compressive strengths obtained from samples from a field application for various pervious concrete layer thicknesses, and additional experimental data. It was found that pervious concrete panels of sufficient thickness have adequate strength to support the applied wheel loads. To compare the long term performance when subjected to cyclic loading, the critical tensile stresses for various pavement thicknesses were compared with pavement condition index (PCI) rating data obtained from a field application reflecting pavement performance of approximately 131,000 cycles of an 80 kN single-axle load. For this particular field application, it was found that, for cyclic loading, the required thickness of the pervious concrete layer was approximately 40 %–80 % higher compared with that for the static loading condition.
A Standby System with General Repair and Imperfect Switching
Authors: Ke Jau-Chuan , Yen Stéphane M. F. , Liu Tzu-Hsin , Hsu Ying-Lin 
Published: May 2012

Abstract
We study the statistical inferences of an availability system with imperfect switching, with the system consisting of one active component and one warm standby. The time-to-failure and time-to-repair of components are assumed to follow an exponential and a general distribution, respectively. We construct a consistent and asymptotically normal estimator of the availability of such a repairable system. Based on this estimator, an interval estimation and a testing hypothesis are developed using logit transformation. To implement the simulation inference for the system availability, we adopt two repair-time distributions, namely, lognormal and Weibull. Three Weibull distributions characterized by distinct shape parameters are considered. Finally, all simulation results are displayed in appropriate tables and curves to highlight the performance of the statistical inference procedures.
Determination of Optimum Fiber Content in a Fiber-Reinforced Clay
Authors: Amir-Faryar Behzad , Aggour M. Sherif 
Published: May 2012

Abstract
The inclusion of randomly distributed short virgin polypropylene fibers (C3H6) in clay has proven to significantly improve the geotechnical properties of clay such as shear, compressive, and tensile strengths, ductility, volume change, and so on. Those improvements have triggered great attention on the possibility of mixing fibers with clay to form a desirable composite. Because the percentage of fibers used is arbitrarily chosen by the users, the purpose of this study is to determine if there is an optimum fiber content and if it is a function of the type of fiber used. Compaction properties of clay-fiber composite using commercially available synthetic polypropylene, synthetic polypropylene fibers (monofilament and fibrillated) and kaolinite were determined. It was found that for a clay-fiber mix, there is an optimum fiber content and it is different for different types of fiber.
A Study of Process Quality Assessment for Golf Club-Shaft in Leisure Sport Industries
Authors: Chen Kuen-Suan , Chen Hsi-Tien , Wang Ching-Hsin 
Published: May 2012

Abstract
Effective management of process quality is crucial for attracting customers and maintaining their loyalty, and the quantification of quality for processes with multiple characteristics has recently been receiving considerable attention. This paper proposes a comprehensive process quality index to provide numerical measures for the precision, accuracy, and performance of processes in the manufacturing of golf club-shafts, using both smaller-the-better type and symmetric nominal-the-best type characteristics. The point estimates of these indices were replaced with joint confidence blocks in order to overcome a lack of reliability. Based on this index, we developed a control chart with process capability zones describing joint confidence blocks of all characteristics related to golf club-shafts within a single chart. Finally, we present an assessment procedure and illustrated examples with which to evaluate the process quality for the manufacture of golf club-shaft. The results reveal that the straightness and torsion of the club-shaft are “out of control” and unqualified, whereas the length, tip outer circumference, and butt outer circumference of the club-shaft are categorized as “excessive.” The application of this chart enables engineers involved in the manufacturing of golf equipment to simultaneously monitor and control the quality characteristics of golf club-shafts.
Comparison of Shape Parameters for Selected Coarse Aggregates in Oklahoma
Authors: Singh Dharamveer , Zaman Musharraf , Commuri Sesh 
Published: May 2012

Abstract
The performance of pavement can be significantly influenced by the gradation and shape parameters of the aggregates (i.e., angularity, texture, form, and sphericity). An accurate measurement of these properties is important for the development of specifications for the quality control and quality assurance of aggregates. The present study was undertaken in order to compare the shape parameters of different types and sizes of selected coarse aggregates that are commonly used in Oklahoma. Three different types of aggregates—granite, rhyolite, and limestone—were collected from stockpiles. Each type of aggregate was divided into three different sizes of coarse aggregates. These sizes include the following: passing through a 19 mm sieve and retained on a 12.5 mm sieve (CA1), passing through a 12.5 mm sieve and retained on a 9.5 mm sieve (CA2), and passing through a 9.5 mm sieve and retained on a 4.75 mm sieve (CA3). CA1 type aggregates had the largest size, followed by CA2 and CA3. An automated aggregate imaging measurement system was used to measure the shape parameters of the aggregates. The results show that the aggregates become smooth (low texture) and elongated (high form and low sphericity) as their size decreases. No relation was observed between the particle size and the angularity of the aggregates. A comparison of different types of aggregates indicated that, in general, granite aggregates were highly rough (high texture) and cubical (low form and high sphericity) compared to rhyolite and limestone aggregates. Similarly, the angularity of granite aggregates was found to be significantly different than that of rhyolite and limestone aggregates. The ranking of the aggregates was done based on the composite shape index factor (CI) for angularity, form, texture, and sphericity. The CI considers the combined effect of the gradation and shape parameters of aggregates. In addition, the ranking of aggregates was further verified by estimating the dynamic modulus (|E*|) of the mixes composed of granite, rhyolite, and limestone aggregates. The aggregate shape-based model developed by the authors was used to estimate |E*| of a mix using the aggregate shape parameter, frequency, viscosity of the asphalt binder, and volumetric properties of a mix. |E*| of a mix is considered as an important parameter in estimating the performance of flexible pavements in terms of fatigue, rutting, and low temperature cracking. Therefore, the ranking of aggregates based on |E*| of the mixes provides a better understanding of the performance of the aggregates. The results show that both methods for ranking the aggregates (i.e., CI factor and |E*|) showed similar results. Overall, the mix with rhyolite aggregate was ranked first, followed by the mixes with limestone and granite aggregates.
Dissolving Behavior of Carbohydrate Ingredients During Pre-Extraction Process of Alkaline Hydrogen Peroxide of Bamboos
Authors: Song Xueping , He Hui , Li Zhi , Wang Qing , Wang Shuangfei 
Published: May 2012

Abstract
In this work, alkaline peroxide mechanical pulp (APMP), with pre-extracted bamboo by alkaline hydrogen peroxide, is prepared and the effects of pre-extraction on APMP in beating, bleaching, and physical properties are discussed. The results show that after pre-extracting, the energy consumption of beating has a significant reduction, the brightness of unbleached and bleached pulp are increased 5.0 % ISO (International Organization for Standardization) and 6.94 % ISO, respectively, the post-color PC number is reduced more than double, and the yield of bleaching pulp is maintained well. However, the tensile index and the folding strength is decreased, the burst index is kept, and the tear index is increased slightly. Furthermore, with the change of maximum temperature and holding time, in extraction liquid the extraction rate of the main sugars (glucose, xylose, arabinose, galactose) are detected with high-performance anion chromatography, and the contents of solids and the pH variation also are investigated. It is found that with the extension and increase of holding time and temperature, the pH decreases constantly, the contents of solids and the dissolution rate of sugar increase continuously to the maximum when the holding time is 1 h, and the temperature is from 80°C to 90°C. The dissolution rate of xylose is less than 1 %, and the highest dissolution rates of arabinose and galactose are 7 % and 12 %, respectively.
MECHANISMS IN ENDOCRINOLOGY: Endogenous sex steroids and cardio- and cerebro-vascular disease in the postmenopausal period
Authors: Pappa Theodora , Alevizaki Maria 
Published: May 2012

ObjectiveCardio- and cerebro-vascular diseases are two leading causes of death and long-term disability in postmenopausal women. The acute fall of estrogen in menopause is associated with increased cardiovascular risk. The relative contribution of androgen to this risk is also being recognized. The use of more sensitive assays for estradiol measurement and the study of receptor and carrier protein gene polymorphisms have provided some new information on the clinical relevance of endogenous sex steroids. We provide an update on the role of endogenous sex steroids on cardio- and cerebro-vascular disease in the postmenopausal period.Design and methodsWe performed a PubMed search using the terms ‘endogenous estrogen’, ‘androgen’, ‘cardiovascular disease’, ‘cerebro-vascular disease’, ‘stroke’, ‘carotid artery disease’, and ‘subclinical atherosclerosis’.ResultsThe majority of studies show a beneficial effect of endogenous estrogen on the vasculature; however, there are a few studies reporting the contrary. A significant body of literature has reported associations of endogenous estrogen and androgen with early markers of atherosclerosis and metabolic parameters. Data on the relevance of endogenous sex steroids in heart disease and stroke are inconclusive.ConclusionsMost studies support a beneficial role of endogenous estrogens and, probably, an adverse effect of androgens in the vasculature in postmenopausal women. However, the described associations may not always be considered as causal. It is possible that circulating estrogen might represent a marker of general health status or alternatively reflect the sum of endogenous androgens aromatized in the periphery. Elucidating the role of sex steroids in cardio- and cerebro-vascular disease remains an interesting field of future research.
Asexuals, Polyploids, Evolutionary Opportunists...: The Population Genetics of Positive but Deteriorating Mutations
Authors: Bengtsson Bengt O 
Published: May 2012

Abstract
Some genetic phenomena originate as mutations that are initially advantageous but decline in fitness until they become distinctly deleterious. Here I give the condition for a mutation–selection balance to form and describe some of the properties of the resulting equilibrium population. A characterization is also given of the fixation probabilities for such mutations.
Nuclear spin polarization by out-of-plane spin injection from ferromagnet into an InAs heterostructure
Authors: Ishikura Tomotsugu , Hiraki Takahiro , Matsuda Takashi , Lee Joungeob , Yoh Kanji 
Published: May 2012

AbstractWe have investigated an InAs channel Hall-bar structure with ferromagnetic spin injector in one of the current terminals. After magnetizing the Fe electrode, spin polarized electrons are injected through the edge of the isolation mesa structure and the anomalous Hall voltage is observed, when electrons are injected from the ferromagnetic terminal. However, when electrons are injected from the non-magnetic metal (Ti/Au) of opposite terminal, the Hall voltage disappeared to the variation error level due to the fabrication imperfections. This result suggests the possibility that out-of-plane spin injection from the channel edge lead to perpendicular nuclear magnetic field. It is presumably caused by nuclear spin polarization in InAs channel near the spin source edge through Overhauser effect. The estimated internal magnetic field was 2000 Gauss.
Modulated Chemotherapy According to Modified Comprehensive Geriatric Assessment in 100 Consecutive Elderly Patients with Diffuse Large B-Cell Lymphoma
Authors: Spina Michele , Balzarotti Monica , Uziel Lilj , Ferreri Andrés José Marìa , Fratino Lucia , Magagnoli Massimo , Talamini Renato , Giacalone Annalisa , Ravaioli Elena , Chimienti Emanuela , Berretta Massimiliano , Lleshi Arben , Santoro Armando , Tirelli Umberto 
Published: May 2012

abstractLearning ObjectivesAfter completing this course, the reader will be able to: Use a modulation of chemotherapy according to modified geriatric assessment to improve outcomes for elderly patients with diffuse large B-cell lymphoma with an acceptable level of toxicity.Offer elderly patients the best tailored treatment while minimizing the dose-limiting toxicity.CME This article is available for continuing medical education credit at CME.TheOncologist.comChemotherapy is associated with toxicity in elderly patients with potentially curable malignancies, posing the dilemma of whether to intensify therapy, thereby improving the cure rate, or deescalate therapy, thereby reducing toxicity, with consequent risks for under- or overtreatment. Adequate tools to define doses and combinations have not been identified for lymphoma patients. We conducted a prospective trial aimed to evaluate the feasibility and efficacy of chemotherapy modulated according to a modified comprehensive geriatric assessment (CGA) in elderly (aged ≥70 years) patients with diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL). In June 2000 to March 2006, 100 patients were stratified using a CGA into three groups (fit, unfit, and frail), and they received a rituximab plus cyclophosphamide, doxorubicin, vincristine, and prednisone modulated in dose and drugs according to comorbidities and activities of daily living (ADL) and instrumental ADL scores.Treatment was associated with a complete response rate of 81% and mild toxicity: grade 4 neutropenia in 14%, anemia in 1%, and neurological and cardiac toxicity in 2% of patients. At a median follow-up of 64 months, 51 patients were alive, with 5-year disease-free, overall, and cause-specific survival rates of 80%, 60%, and 74%, respectively.Chemoimmunotherapy adjustments based on a CGA are associated with manageable toxicity and excellent outcomes in elderly patients with DLBCL. Wide use of this CGA-driven treatment may result in better cure rates, especially in fit and unfit patients.
Successful Case of Periodontal Tissue Repair With Fibroblast Growth Factor‐2: Long‐Term Follow‐Up and Comparison to Enamel Matrix Derivative
Authors: Ninomiya Masami , Azuma Tomoko , Kido Jun‐ichi , Murakami Shinya , Nagata Toshihiko 
Published: May 2012

Introduction: Basic fibroblast growth factor‐2 (FGF‐2) is a stimulatory agent for periodontal tissue regeneration and is efficacious on alveolar bone defects in periodontitis patients. Although cases treated with FGF‐2 have been reported, to the best of our knowledge, there is no information concerning long‐term observation of FGF‐2–treated cases. In this case report, a successful case treated with FGF‐2 over 9 years of follow‐up is described and compared to a case treated with enamel matrix derivative (EMD) in the same patient.Case Presentation: A phase 2A clinical trial of FGF‐2 application for periodontal regeneration therapy was conducted from 2001 to 2004. A 52‐year‐old female patient with periodontitis and symmetric bone defects at teeth #3 and #14 was selected. When flap surgery was performed, FGF‐2 (tooth #3) and EMD (tooth #14) were applied to the vertical bone defects that had progressed in the mesial sites. Clinical attachment gain and bone height time‐dependently increased at site #3. Direct observation of alveolar bone of site #3 at 36 weeks demonstrated recovery of mesial bone defect and furcation lesion. When the clinical parameters were compared between the sites, attachment gain and bone recovery rate were greater in site #3 than in site #14. These conditions have been maintained for 9 years.Conclusion: The present case report shows that topical application of FGF‐2 induced marked periodontal tissue repair in a vertical bone defect and a furcation lesion of the upper first molar, which has been well maintained for 9 years.
Nephrology Quiz and Questionnaire
Authors: Hricik Donald E. , Glassock Richard J. , Bleyer Anthony J. 
Published: May 2012

Summary
Presentation of the Nephrology Quiz and Questionnaire (NQQ) has become an annual “tradition” at the meetings of the American Society of Nephrology. It is a very popular session judged by consistently large attendance. Members of the audience test their knowledge and judgment on a series of case-oriented questions prepared and discussed by experts. They can also compare their answers in real time, using audience response devices, to those of program directors of nephrology training programs in the United States, acquired through an Internet-based questionnaire. Topics presented here include transplantation issues. These cases, along with single best answer questions, were prepared by Dr. Hricik. After the audience responses, the “correct” and “incorrect” answers were then briefly discussed and the results of the questionnaire were displayed. This article aims to recapitulate the session and reproduce its educational value for a larger audience—that of the readers of the Clinical Journal of the American Society of Nephrology. Have fun.
Association of HLA Genes with Clinical Outcomes of ANCA-Associated Vasculitis
Authors: Chang Dong-yuan , Luo Huan , Zhou Xu-jie , Chen Min , Zhao Ming-Hui 
Published: May 2012

Summary

Background and objectives
The HLA system plays a central role in the distinction between self antigens and non-self antigens. This study aimed to investigate the association between HLA genes and the outcomes of patients with ANCA-associated vasculitis (AAV).

Design, setting, participants, & measurements
This study recruited 152 consecutive Chinese patients with AAV. The predictive value of the HLA alleles for renal outcome, response to treatment, and all-cause mortality were analyzed.

Results
The proportion of patients with treatment failure was significantly higher in DRB1*0405-positive patients than in DRB1*0405-negative patients (41.7% versus 12.9%; P=0.008; corrected P=0.02). After adjusting for the other potential predictors, DRB1*0405 was still an independent predictor for the poor response to treatment (hazard ratio [HR], 5.91; 95% confidence interval [95% CI], 1.23–28.52; P=0.03). Renal survival was significantly worse in patients with DRB1*0405 than those without DRB1*0405 (P<0.001; corrected P<0.001). After adjusting for the other potential predictors, DRB1*0405 was still an independent predictor for ESRD (HR, 5.50; 95% CI, 2.18–13.88; P<0.001). The probability of all-cause mortality in patients with DPB1*0402 was significantly higher than those without DPB1*0402 (P=0.02; corrected P=0.04). After adjusting for the other potential predictors, DPB1*0402 was still an independent predictor for all-cause mortality (HR, 2.52; 95% CI, 1.21–5.28; P=0.01).

Conclusions
In AAV patients, DRB1*0405 might be an independent risk factor for the poor response to treatment and the deterioration of renal function, whereas DPB1*0402 might be an independent risk factor for all-cause mortality.
Health-Related Quality of Life Among German Youths With Early-Onset and Long-Duration Type 1 Diabetes
Authors: Stahl Anna , Straßburger Klaus , Lange Karin , Bächle Christina , Holl Reinhard W. , Giani Guido , Rosenbauer Joachim 
Published: May 2012

OBJECTIVE
To evaluate self- and parent reports of general health status and health-related quality of life (QoL) in children and adolescents with early-onset and long-lasting type 1 diabetes compared with the general population in Germany.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS
A total of 629 subjects aged 11 to 17 years, with a type 1 diabetes onset occurring from age 0 to 4 years during the years 1993–1999, and their parents, completed questionnaires, including the generic KINDL-R Questionnaire for Measuring Health-Related Quality of Life in Children and Adolescents, revised version, to assess QoL. The comparison group (n = 6,813) was a representative sample from the German Health Interview and Examination Survey for Children and Adolescents (KiGGS) study. Regression analyses were conducted using sociodemographic and health-related covariates.

RESULTS
Intensified insulin therapy was used to treat 93% of children and adolescents with type 1 diabetes. They reported “excellent” general health as often as peers (adjusted OR 0.83 [95% CI 0.66–1.04] for an “excellent” rating), but the parent-rated general health was worse than that in the general population (OR 0.60 [0.48–0.74]). The patients reported increased self-esteem (adjusted difference β = 4.39 [SE 0.82]; P &lt; 0.001) and well-being at school (β = 3.41 [0.77]; P &lt; 0.001) but lower well-being within their families (β = –2.42 [0.80]; P = 0.002). The self- and parent-reported total QoL did not differ between the patient group and the general population. The adjusted difference (SE) between the two samples in total QoL was β = 0.89 (0.52; P = 0.087) in the self-reports and β = –0.98 (0.53; P = 0.066) in the parent-reports.

CONCLUSIONS
Compared with the general population, the QoL and general health status were not impaired among those aged 11–17 years with early-onset type 1 diabetes, despite the challenges of modern therapy.