bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Density Functional Theory as a Data Science
Authors: Tsuneda✶ Takao 
Published: December 2019

AbstractThe development of density functional theory (DFT) functionals and physical corrections are reviewed focusing on the physical meanings and the semiempirical parameters from the viewpoint of data science. This review shows that DFT exchange‐correlation functionals have been developed under many strict physical conditions with minimizing the number of the semiempirical parameters, except for some recent functionals. Major physical corrections for exchange‐correlation function‐ als are also shown to have clear physical meanings independent of the functionals, though they inevitably require minimum semiempirical parameters dependent on the functionals combined. We, therefore, interpret that DFT functionals with physical corrections are the most sophisticated target functions that are physically legitimated, even from the viewpoint of data science.
Developmental dynamics of neurogenesis and gliogenesis in the postnatal mammalian brain in health and disease: Historical and future perspectives
Authors: Nakafuku Masato , del Águila Ángela 
Published: December 2019

AbstractThe mature mammalian brain has long been thought to be a structurally rigid, static organ since the era of Ramón y Cajal in the early 20th century. Evidence accumulated over the past three decades, however, has completely overturned this long‐held view. We now know that new neurons and glia are continuously added to the brain at postnatal stages, even in mature adults of various mammalian species, including humans. Moreover, these newly added cells contribute to structural plasticity and play important roles in higher order brain function, as well as repair after damage. A major source of these new neurons and glia is neural stem cells (NSCs) that persist in specialized niches in the brain throughout life. With this new view, our understanding of normal brain physiology and interventional approaches to various brain disorders has changed markedly in recent years. This article provides a brief overview on the historical changes in our understanding of the developmental dynamics of neurogenesis and gliogenesis in the postnatal and adult mammalian brain and discusses the roles of NSCs and other progenitor populations in such cellular dynamics in health and disease of the postnatal mammalian brain.This article is categorized under:
Adult Stem Cells, Tissue Renewal, and Regeneration > Stem Cell Differentiation and Reversion
Adult Stem Cells, Tissue Renewal, and Regeneration > Tissue Stem Cells and Niches
Adult Stem Cells, Tissue Renewal, and Regeneration > Regeneration
Adult Stem Cells, Tissue Renewal, and Regeneration > Stem Cells and Disease
Improving reliability and safety of airborne wind energy systems
Authors: Salma Volkan , Friedl Felix , Schmehl Roland 
Published: December 2019

AbstractAirborne wind energy systems use tethered flying devices to harvest wind energy beyond the height range accessible to tower‐based wind turbines. Current commercial prototypes have reached power ratings of up to several hundred kilowatts, and companies are aiming at long‐term operation in relevant environments. As consequence, system reliability, operational robustness, and safety have become crucially important aspects of system development. In this study, we analyze the reliability and safety of a 100‐kW technology development platform with the objective of achieving continuous automatic operation. We first outline the different components of the kite power system and its operational modes. In the next step, we identify failure modes, their causes, and effects by means of failure mode and effects analysis (FMEA) and fault tree analysis (FTA). Potentially hazardous situations and mechanisms which can render the system nonoperational are identified, and mitigation measures are proposed. We find that the majority of these measures can be performed by a failure detection, isolation, and recovery (FDIR) system for which we present a hierarchical architecture adapted from space industry.
Squalene lipotoxicity in a lipid droplet‐less yeast mutant is linked to plasma membrane dysfunction
Authors: Csáky Zsófia , Garaiová Martina , Kodedová Marie , Valachovič Martin , Sychrová Hana , Hapala Ivan 
Published: December 2019

AbstractSqualene is a naturally occurring triterpene with wide industrial applications. Due to limited natural resources, production of this valuable lipid in yeast is of high commercial relevance. Typically low levels of squalene in yeast can be significantly increased by specific cultivation conditions or genetic modifications. Under normal conditions, excess squalene is stored in lipid droplets (LD), while in a Saccharomyces cerevisiae mutant unable to form LD it is distributed to cellular membranes. We present here the evidence that squalene accumulation in this LD‐less mutant treated with squalene monooxygenase inhibitor terbinafine induces growth defects and loss of viability. We show that plasma membrane malfunction is involved in squalene toxicity. We have found that subinhibitory concentrations of terbinafine increased the sensitivity of LD‐less mutant to several membrane‐active substances. Furthermore, squalene accumulation in terbinafine‐treated LD‐less cells disturbed the maintenance of membrane potential and increased plasma membrane permeability to rhodamine 6G. LD‐less cells treated with terbinafine showed also high sensitivity to osmotic stress. To confirm the causal relationship between squalene accumulation, loss of viability and impaired plasma membrane functions we treated LD‐less cells simultaneously with terbinafine and squalene synthase inhibitor zaragozic acid. Reduction of squalene levels by zaragozic acid improved cell growth and viability and decreased plasma membrane permeability to rhodamine 6G in terbinafine‐treated LD‐less cells. Our results support the hypothesis that plasma membrane malfunction is involved in the mechanisms of squalene lipotoxicity in yeast cells with defective lipid storage.
Assessing possible hybridization among managed Nubian ibex in North America
Authors: Putnam Andrea S. , Nguyen Tram N. , Mott Alison , Korody Marisa L. , Ryder Oliver A. 
Published: December 2019

AbstractHybridization among closely related species is a concern in zoo and aquarium populations where unpedigreed animals are frequently exchanged with the private sector. In this study, we examine possible hybridization in a group of Nubian ibex (Capra nubiana) imported into the Association of Zoos and Aquariums’ (AZA) Species Survival Program (SSP) from a private institution. These individuals appeared smaller in stature than adult SSP Nubian ibex and were excluded from breeding recommendations over the concern that they were hybrids. Twenty‐six microsatellites were used to rule out recent hybridization with domestic goats, Siberian ibex (Capra sibirica), and Alpine ibex (Capra ibex). We argue that natural phenotypic variation across the large geographic range of Nubian ibex may account for the small stature of the imported ibex, as private institutions may have historically acquired individuals from locations that differed from the SSP founders. However, the imported Nubian ibex appeared genetically differentiated from the SSP Nubian ibex and may represent a source of genetic variation for the managed population.
Ultrasound imaging of the perineal body: a useful clinical tool
Authors: Asfour Victoria , Digesu Giuseppe Alessandro , Fernando Ruwan , Khullar Vik 
Published: December 2019

Abstract
Introduction and hypothesis
The perineal body is a fibromuscular pyramidal structure located between the vagina and the anus. It has been difficult to image because of its small size and anatomical location. This study used 2D transperineal ultrasound to measure the perineal body and assess whether there is an association with prolapse.

Methods
An observational, cross-sectional study was carried out in a tertiary level Urogynaecology department and included prolapse patients and healthy nulliparous volunteers (control group). This was a clinical assessment, including POP-Q and trans-perineal 2D ultrasound measurement of the perineal body height, length, perimeter, and area. Parametric tests were used, as the data were normally distributed. Results are reported as mean and 95% confidence interval (±95% CI).

Results
A total of 101 participants were recruited of which 22 were nulliparous healthy volunteers. Mean perineal body measurements in controls were height 22.5 ± 3.3 mm, length 17.4 ± 2.7 mm, perimeter 7.5 ± 0.9 mm, and area 2.8 ± 0.38 cm2. Perineal body measurements in 79 prolapse patients: height 16.9 ± 1.7 mm, length 16.0 ± 1.4 mm, perimeter 6.5 ± 0.5 mm and area 2.1 ± 0.5 cm2. A small perineal body was strongly associated with posterior compartment prolapse (paired t test, p < 0.0001) and wider POP-Q GH (paired t test, p = 0.0003). Surprisingly, Pelvic Organ Prolapse Quantification Perineal Body (POP-Q PB) of the two groups was not significantly different. A perineal body mid-sagittal area of less than 2.4 cm2 has been shown to be associated strongly with posterior compartment prolapse.

Conclusions
It is possible to measure the perineal body on 2D ultrasound. This technique facilitates the objective diagnosis of perineal deficiency. POP-Q PB does not predict the length or area of the perineal body.
An overview of microbial indigo-forming enzymes
Authors: Fabara Andrea N. , Fraaije Marco W. 
Published: December 2019

AbstractIndigo is one of the oldest textile dyes and was originally prepared from plant material. Nowadays, indigo is chemically synthesized at a large scale to satisfy the demand for dyeing jeans. The current indigo production processes are based on fossil feedstocks; therefore, it is highly attractive to develop a more sustainable and environmentally friendly biotechnological process for the production of this popular dye. In the past decades, a number of natural and engineered enzymes have been identified that can be used for the synthesis of indigo. This mini-review provides an overview of the various microbial enzymes which are able to produce indigo and discusses the advantages and disadvantages of each biocatalytic system.
Imaging of the adult male urethra, penile prostheses and artificial urinary sphincters
Authors: Ramanathan Subramaniyan , Raghu Vineetha , Ramchandani Parvati 
Published: December 2019

AbstractTo discuss the imaging appearances of various pathologies affecting adult male urethra and to review the role of imaging in the assessment of artificial urinary sphincters and penile prostheses. Diagnosis of common male urethral diseases heavily depends on two conventional fluoroscopic techniques namely retrograde urethrography and voiding cystourethrography. These are useful in evaluating common urethral diseases like traumatic injury, infections, and strictures. Cross-sectional imaging can be useful in evaluating periurethral pathologies. Artificial urinary sphincters, slings, and periurethral bulking agents are used in the management of urinary incontinence and imaging can be utilized to detect complications in these devices. Cross-sectional imaging especially MRI plays a significant role in evaluating the different types of penile prostheses and their malfunctioning.
Improvement in Polysomnographic Objective Sleep Quality in Adults with Pectus Excavatum After the Nuss Procedure
Authors: Yang Mei‐Chen , Lan Chou‐Chin , Wu Yao‐Kuang , Hsieh Min‐Shiau , Wei Bo‐Chun , Cheng Yeung‐Leung 
Published: December 2019

AbstractBackgroundPatients with pectus excavatum have a poorer subjective sleep quality and quality of life than the general population. The Nuss procedure has been shown to improve these patients’ quality of life, but data regarding their postoperative sleep quality are lacking. We aimed to evaluate the objective sleep quality of adults with pectus excavatum before and after the Nuss procedure.MethodsTwenty‐eight participants completed this study. Epworth Sleepiness Scale (ESS) scores for daytime sleepiness, Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) scores for subjective sleep quality, and overnight polysomnography for objective sleep quality were evaluated before and 6 months after the Nuss procedure.ResultsSubjective sleep quality improved after the Nuss procedure. The median PSQI score decreased from 7 [interquartile range (IQR): 5; 9] to 5 (IQR: 4; 7, p = 0.029); the median percentage of poor PSQI sleep quality decreased from 64.3 to 35.7% (p = 0.048). The median percentage of rapid eye movement sleep significantly increased after surgery [15.6% (IQR: 12.2%; 19.8%) vs. 20.4% (IQR: 14.5%; 24.9%), p = 0.016]. Sleep interruptions also improved, with the median arousal index decreasing from 9.5 (IQR: 4.8; 18.2) to 8.2 (IQR: 4.3; 12.1; p = 0.045). However, there was no significant change in ESS scores after surgery (p = 0.955).ConclusionsPectus excavatum may be associated with poor subjective and objective sleep quality in adults, and the condition may improve after the Nuss procedure. For adults with pectus excavatum who report poor subjective sleep quality, polysomnography should be considered to assess their preoperative and postoperative sleep condition.
Reduced risk of chronic GVHD by low-dose rATG in adult matched sibling donor peripheral blood stem cell transplantation for hematologic malignancies
Authors: Dou Liping , Hou Cheng , Ma Chao , Li Fei , Gao Xiaoning , Huang Wenrong , Wang Shuhong , Gao Chunji , Yu Li , Liu Daihong 
Published: December 2019

AbstractThe optimal rabbit anti-thymocyte globulin (rATG) graft-versus-host disease (GVHD) prophylaxis regimen in matched sibling donor peripheral blood stem cell transplantation (MSD-PBSCT) remains to be elucidated. In this prospective study, we used low-dose rATG for GVHD prophylaxis in patients or donors aged ≥ 40 years with hematological malignancies receiving MSD-PBSCT. rATG was administered to 40 patients at an intravenous dose of 5 mg/kg divided over day 5 and day 4 before graft infusion. No graft failure occurred. Median times to leukocyte engraftment and platelet engraftment were 11.0 days and 13.9 days. The cumulative incidence of grades 2–4 and grades 3–4 acute GVHD at day +100 was 30.0% and 2.6%. The 2-year cumulative incidence of extensive chronic GVHD and severe chronic GVHD was 11.4% and 14.7%. 93.5% (29/31) of patients had discontinued immunosuppressive medication within 3 years after transplantation. The 2-year cumulative incidence of transplant-related mortality (TRM) and relapse was 14.0% and 22.6%. The cumulative incidence of cytomegalovirus reactivation, Epstein–Barr virus reactivation, and fungal infection was 22.3%, 12.9%, and 12.5%. Kaplan–Meier estimates for overall survival, disease-free survival, and GVHD-free and relapse-free survival 3 years after transplantation were 68.9%, 68.9%, and 54.0%. rATG for GVHD prophylaxis is tolerable and efficacious at a 5 mg/kg total dose administered over 2 days (days −5 to −4) in patients receiving allogeneic MSD-PBSCT.
Novel imaging techniques to study postmortem human fetal anatomy: a systematic review on microfocus-CT and ultra-high-field MRI
Authors: Dawood Y. , Strijkers G. J. , Limpens J. , Oostra R. J. , de Bakker B. S. 
Published: December 2019

AbstractBackgroundMRI and CT have been extensively used to study fetal anatomy for research and diagnostic purposes, enabling minimally invasive autopsy and giving insight in human fetal development. Novel (contrast-enhanced) microfocus CT (micro-CT) and ultra-high-field (≥ 7.0 T) MRI (UHF-MRI) techniques now enable micron-level resolution that combats the disadvantages of low-field MRI and conventional CT. Thereby, they might be suitable to study fetal anatomy in high detail and, in time, contribute to the postmortem diagnosis of fetal conditions.Objectives(1) To systematically examine the usability of micro-CT and UHF-MRI to study postmortem human fetal anatomy, and (2) to analyze factors that govern success at each step of the specimen preparation and imaging.MethodMEDLINE and EMBASE were systematically searched to identify publications on fetal imaging by micro-CT or UHF-MRI. Scanning protocols were summarized and best practices concerning specimen preparation and imaging were enumerated.ResultsThirty-two publications reporting on micro-CT and UHF-MRI were included. The majority of the publications focused on imaging organs separately and seven publications focused on whole body imaging, demonstrating the possibility of visualization of small anatomical structures with a resolution well below 100 μm. When imaging soft tissues by micro-CT, the fetus should be stained by immersion in Lugol’s staining solution.ConclusionMicro-CT and UHF-MRI are both excellent imaging techniques to provide detailed images of gross anatomy of human fetuses. The present study offers an overview of the current best practices when using micro-CT and/or UHF-MRI to study fetal anatomy for clinical and research purposes.Key Points•Micro-CT and UHF-MRI can both be used to study postmortem human fetal anatomy for clinical and research purposes.•Micro-CT enables high-resolution imaging of fetal specimens in relatively short scanning time. However, tissue staining using a contrast solution is necessary to enable soft-tissue visualization.•UHF-MRI enables high-resolution imaging of fetal specimens, without the necessity of prior staining, but with the drawback of long scanning time.
Frequency and clinical features of treatment-refractory myasthenia gravis
Authors: Rath Jakob , Brunner Ines , Tomschik Matthias , Zulehner Gudrun , Hilger Eva , Krenn Martin , Paul Anna , Cetin Hakan , Zimprich Fritz 
Published: December 2019

Abstract
Background
To investigate the frequency and characterize the clinical features of treatment-refractory myasthenia gravis in an Austrian cohort.

Methods
Patient charts of 126 patients with generalized myasthenia gravis and onset between 2000 and 2016 were analyzed retrospectively. Patients were classified as treatment-refractory according to strict, predefined criteria. These mandated patients being at least moderately symptomatic (i.e., MGFA class III) or needing either maintenance immunoglobulins or plasma exchange therapy for at least 1 year in spite of two adequately dosed immunosuppressive drugs. Clinical features and outcome at last follow-up were compared to treatment-responsive patients.

Results
14 out of 126 patients (11.1%) met these criteria of treatment-refractory myasthenia gravis. Treatment-refractory patients had more frequent clinical exacerbations and more often received rescue treatments or a further escalation of immunosuppressive therapies. They also remained more severely affected at last follow-up. An early onset of myasthenia gravis was associated with a higher risk for a refractory course.

Conclusion
A small subgroup of patients with generalized myasthenia gravis do not respond sufficiently to standard therapies. Refractory disease has considerable implications for both patients and health care providers and highlights an unmet need for new treatment options.
An FFT-based spectral solver for interface decohesion modelling using a gradient damage approach
Authors: Sharma L. , Peerlings R. H. J. , Shanthraj P. , Roters F. , Geers M. G. D. 
Published: December 2019

AbstractThis work presents a fast Fourier transform (FFT) based method that can be used to model interface decohesion. The inability of an FFT solver to deal with sharp interfaces discards the use of conventional cohesive zones to model the interfacial mechanical behaviour within this framework. This limitation is overcome by approximating sharp interfaces (e.g. grain/phase boundaries) with an interphase. Within the interphase, the background plastic constitutive behaviour is inherited from the respective adjacent grains. The anisotropic kinematics of the decohesion process is modelled using a damage deformation gradient that is constructed by mapping the opening strains (in normal and tangential modes) to the associated projection tensors. The degradation (damage) of the interfacial opening resistances is modelled via a dimensionless nonlocal damage variable that prevents localisation of damage within the interphase. This nonlocal variable results from the solution of a gradient damage based regularisation equation within the interphase subdomain. The damage field is constrained to the interphase region by applying a relatively large penalisation on the damage gradients inside the interphase. The extent of nonlocality ensures that the damage is largely uniform in the direction perpendicular to the interphase, thus making its thickness the theoretical lengthscale for dissipation. To achieve model predictions that are objective with respect to the interphase thickness, scaling relations of the model parameters are proposed. The numerical performance is shown for a uniform opening case and then for a propagating crack. Finally, an application to an artificial polycrystal is shown.
Effects of vedolizumab in Japanese patients with Crohn’s disease: a prospective, multicenter, randomized, placebo-controlled Phase 3 trial with exploratory analyses
Authors: Watanabe Kenji , Motoya Satoshi , Ogata Haruhiko , Kanai Takanori , Matsui Toshiyuki , Suzuki Yasuo , Shikamura Mitsuhiro , Sugiura Kenkichi , Oda Kazunori , Hori Tetsuharu , Araki Takahiro , Watanabe Mamoru , Hibi Toshifumi 
Published: December 2019

Abstract
Background
Vedolizumab is a gut-selective humanized antibody that binds the α4β7 integrin. We evaluated efficacy and safety of vedolizumab in Japanese patients with moderate-to-severe Crohn’s disease (CD).

Methods
In this Phase 3, double-blind study (NCT02038920), 157 patients were randomized to receive intravenous vedolizumab 300 mg (n = 79) or placebo (n = 78) at Weeks 0, 2, and 6 (induction phase). Patients with CD activity index (CDAI)-70 response at Week 10 were randomized to receive vedolizumab 300 mg (n = 12) or placebo (n = 12) at Week 14, then every 8 weeks until Week 54 (maintenance phase). Primary endpoints were ≥ 100-point reduction in CDAI (CDAI-100 response) at Week 10 for induction, and clinical remission (CR: CDAI ≤ 150) at Week 60 for maintenance.

Results
At Week 10, 26.6% of patients who received vedolizumab and 16.7% who received placebo achieved CDAI-100 response (odds ratio [OR] [95% confidence interval (CI)] 1.80 [0.82–3.96]; p = 0.145). At Week 60, 41.7% of vedolizumab-treated patients and 16.7% of placebo-treated patients achieved CR (OR [95% CI] 3.57 [0.53–23.95]; p = 0.178). The incidence of adverse events was similar in both treatment groups in both induction and maintenance phases. In patients without prior anti-TNFα exposure or with inadequate response to anti-TNFα, vedolizumab showed improved outcomes over placebo in the induction phase. Age might be a possible predictive factor of CR for future research.

Conclusion
Vedolizumab showed a numerically greater efficacy versus placebo as induction therapy, but the difference was not statistically significant. Vedolizumab also showed a numerically greater efficacy in maintenance therapy, and was well tolerated.