bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Scalable synthesis of smooth PS@TiO2 core-shell and TiO2 hollow spheres in the (sub) micron size range: understanding synthesis and calcination parameters
Authors: Lechner Anna M. , Feller Tanja , Song Qimeng , Kopera Bernd A. F. , Heindl Lukas , Drechsler Markus , Rosenfeldt Sabine , Retsch Markus 
Published: March 2020

AbstractHollow spheres made from titanium dioxide (TiO2) are interesting structures because of their high surface area and low density, combined with semiconducting properties of the TiO2. However, the synthesis is still challenging because of the high reactivity of the titania precursors. Here, we present a simple, reproducible, and scalable way to synthesize TiO2 hollow spheres in the micrometer/sub-micrometer size range comprising three steps: synthesis of polystyrene template particles, growth of TiO2 shells, and calcination to hollow spheres. We investigate the importance of adjusting the seed particle surface functionalization via the appropriate choice of comonomer during the dispersion polymerization. An aging step and a calcination process at low temperatures are mandatory to retain the particle integrity during the seed particle removal. We provide a detailed characterization of each step of this process including electron microscopy, small angle X-ray scattering, and simultaneous thermal analysis.
Intratumoral submicron particle docetaxel inhibits syngeneic Renca renal cancer growth and increases CD4+, CD8+, and Treg levels in peripheral blood
Authors: Maulhardt Holly A. , Marin Alyson M. , diZerega Gere S. 
Published: March 2020

SummaryAdministration of chemotherapeutics as direct injections into tumors offers increased anti-tumor activity and reduced systemic toxicity. In this study, the Renca syngeneic murine xenograft model of renal cancer was used to evaluate the effects of intratumoral (IT) submicron particle docetaxel (NanoDoce®) on tumor growth and immunomodulation. Tumor volume (TV) was compared to controls, including intravenous (IV) chemotherapy. Flow cytometry of peripheral bloods and tumors was used to evaluate immune cell populations. Groups of animals were inoculated with a second Renca tumor at a site distant from the primary tumor. IT NanoDoce significantly reduced primary TV and reduced the growth rates of untreated secondary tumors. CD4+, CD8+ and Treg populations were increased in peripheral bloods from animals administered IT NanoDoce. Additional evaluation of the effect of IT NanoDoce on peripheral and local immune cell populations as well as the impact on sites of distant tumor growth are warranted.
Small Semantic Networks in Individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder Without Intellectual Impairment: A Verbal Fluency Approach
Authors: Ehlen Felicitas , Roepke Stefan , Klostermann Fabian , Baskow Irina , Geise Pia , Belica Cyril , Tiedt Hannes Ole , Behnia Behnoush 
Published: March 2020

AbstractIndividuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) experience a variety of symptoms sometimes including atypicalities in language use. The study explored differences in semantic network organisation of adults with ASD without intellectual impairment. We assessed clusters and switches in verbal fluency tasks (‘animals’, ‘human feature’, ‘verbs’, ‘r-words’) via curve fitting in combination with corpus-driven analysis of semantic relatedness and evaluated socio-emotional and motor action related content. Compared to participants without ASD (n = 39), participants with ASD (n = 32) tended to produce smaller clusters, longer switches, and fewer words in semantic conditions (no p values survived Bonferroni-correction), whereas relatedness and content were similar. In ASD, semantic networks underlying cluster formation appeared comparably small without affecting strength of associations or content.
The Vjosa River corridor: a model of natural hydro-morphodynamics and a hotspot of highly threatened ecosystems of European significance
Authors: Schiemer Fritz , Beqiraj Sajmir , Drescher Anton , Graf Wolfram , Egger Gregory , Essl Franz , Frank Thomas , Hauer Christoph , Hohensinner Severin , Miho Aleko , Meulenbroek Paul , Paill Wolfgang , Schwarz Ulrich , Vitecek Simon 
Published: March 2020

Abstract
Context
Large near-natural rivers have become rare in Europe, a fact reflected in the high conservation status of many riverine ecosystems. While the Balkan still harbors several intact river corridors, most of these are under pressure from planned hydropower constructions. Unfortunately, there is little information available on the hydromorphodynamics and biota of Balkan rivers under threat.

Objectives
We present a synthesis of research on the Vjosa in Southern Albania. Here, longitudinal continuity in water flow, undisturbed sediment transport and intact fluvial dynamics are still maintained, but threatened by two large dams planned in its downstream section. We intend to provide a first multidisciplinary inventory of this river system as an example of the knowledge base required for sound water management decisions in the Balkans.

Methods
Based on field work of a multidisciplinary consortium of scientists from Albania and other countries conducted from 2017 onwards, we summarize the most important findings on geomorphology of the riverine landscape, habitat turnover rates, vegetation ecology and selected animal taxa.

Results
We found evidence that significant areas (86%) of the river corridor are covered by habitats listed in Annex 1 of the European Union Habitats Directive. These are associated with a high number of threatened biota.

Conclusions
Our findings underscore the value of the Vjosa as one of the few remaining reference sites for dynamic floodplains in Europe and as a natural laboratory for interdisciplinary research. We emphasize that such multidisciplinary studies are a prerequisite for informed evaluation of potential impacts caused by hydropower plants.
Muscarinic Toxin 7 Signals Via Ca2+/Calmodulin-Dependent Protein Kinase Kinase β to Augment Mitochondrial Function and Prevent Neurodegeneration
Authors: Saleh Ali , Sabbir Mohammad Golam , Aghanoori Mohamad-Reza , Smith Darrell R. , Roy Chowdhury Subir K. , Tessler Lori , Brown Jennifer , Gedarevich Eva , Kassahun Markos Z. , Frizzi Katie , Calcutt Nigel A. , Fernyhough Paul 
Published: March 2020

AbstractMitochondrial dysfunction is implicated in a variety of neurodegenerative diseases of the nervous system. Peroxisome proliferator–activated receptor-γ coactivator-1α (PGC-1α) is a regulator of mitochondrial function in multiple cell types. In sensory neurons, AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) augments PGC-1α activity and this pathway is depressed in diabetes leading to mitochondrial dysfunction and neurodegeneration. Antimuscarinic drugs targeting the muscarinic acetylcholine type 1 receptor (M1R) prevent/reverse neurodegeneration by inducing nerve regeneration in rodent models of diabetes and chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy (CIPN). Ca2+/calmodulin-dependent protein kinase kinase β (CaMKKβ) is an upstream regulator of AMPK activity. We hypothesized that antimuscarinic drugs modulate CaMKKβ to enhance activity of AMPK, and PGC-1α, increase mitochondrial function and thus protect from neurodegeneration. We used the specific M1R antagonist muscarinic toxin 7 (MT7) to manipulate muscarinic signaling in the dorsal root ganglia (DRG) neurons of normal rats or rats with streptozotocin-induced diabetes. DRG neurons treated with MT7 (100 nM) or a selective muscarinic antagonist, pirenzepine (1 μM), for 24 h showed increased neurite outgrowth that was blocked by the CaMKK inhibitor STO-609 (1 μM) or short hairpin RNA to CaMKKβ. MT7 enhanced AMPK phosphorylation which was blocked by STO-609 (1 μM). PGC-1α reporter activity was augmented up to 2-fold (p < 0.05) by MT7 and blocked by STO-609. Mitochondrial maximal respiration and spare respiratory capacity were elevated after 3 h of exposure to MT7 (p < 0.05). Diabetes and CIPN induced a significant (p < 0.05) decrease in corneal nerve density which was corrected by topical delivery of MT7. We reveal a novel M1R-modulated, CaMKKβ-dependent pathway in neurons that represents a therapeutic target to enhance nerve repair in two of the most common forms of peripheral neuropathy.
Patients who do not complete cardiac rehabilitation have an increased risk of cardiovascular events during long-term follow-up
Authors: Sunamura M. , ter Hoeve N. , van den Berg-Emons R. J. G. , Boersma E. , Geleijnse M. L. , van Domburg R. T. 
Published: March 2020

Abstract
Background
Cardiac rehabilitation (CR) has favourable effects on cardiovascular mortality and morbidity. Therefore, it might reasonable to expect that incomplete CR participation will result in suboptimal patient outcomes.

Methods
We studied the 914 post-acute coronary syndrome patients who participated in the OPTImal CArdiac REhabilitation (OPTICARE) trial. They all started a ‘standard’ CR programme, with physical exercises (group sessions) twice a week for 12 weeks. Incomplete CR was defined as participation in <75% of the scheduled exercise sessions. Patients were followed-up for 2.7 years, and the incidence of cardiac events was recorded. Major adverse cardiac events (MACE) included all-cause mortality, non-fatal myocardial infarction and coronary revascularisation.

Results
A total of 142 (16%) patients had incomplete CR. They had a higher incidence of MACE than their counterparts who completed CR (11.3% versus 3.8%, adjusted hazard ratio [aHR] 2.86 and 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.47–5.26). Furthermore, the incidence of any cardiac event, including MACE and coronary revascularisation, was higher (20.4% versus 11.0%, aHR 1.54; 95% CI 0.98–2.44). Patients with incomplete CR were more often persistent smokers than those who completed CR (31.7% versus 11.5%), but clinical characteristics were similar otherwise.

Conclusion
Post-ACS patients who did not complete a ‘standard’ 12-week CR programme had a higher incidence of adverse cardiac events during long-term follow-up than those who completed the programme. Since CR is proven beneficial, further research is needed to understand the reasons why patients terminate prematurely.
The effect of ageing on skeletal muscle as assessed by quantitative MR imaging: an association with frailty and muscle strength
Authors: Farrow M. , Biglands J. , Tanner S. F. , Clegg A. , Brown L. , Hensor E. M. A. , O’Connor P. , Emery P. , Tan A. L. 
Published: March 2020

AbstractBackgroundSkeletal muscles undergo changes with ageing which can cause sarcopenia that can result in frailty. Quantitative MRI may detect the muscle-deficit component of frailty which could help improve the understanding of ageing muscles.AimsTo investigate whether quantitative MRI measures of T2, fat fraction (FF), diffusion tensor imaging and muscle volume can detect differences within the muscles between three age groups, and to assess how these measures compare with frailty index, gait speed and muscle power.Methods18 ‘young’ (18–30 years), 18 ‘middle-aged’ (31–68 years) and 18 ‘older’ (> 69 years) healthy participants were recruited. Participants had an MRI of their dominant thigh. Knee extension and flexion power and handgrip strength were measured. Frailty (English Longitudinal Study of Ageing frailty index) and gait speed were measured in the older participants.ResultsYoung participants had a lower muscle MRI T2, FF and mean diffusivity than middle-aged and older participants; middle-aged participants had lower values than older participants. Young participants had greater muscle flexion and extension power, muscle volume and stronger hand grip than middle-aged and older participants; middle-aged participants had greater values than the older participants. Quantitative MRI measurements correlated with frailty index, gait speed, grip strength and muscle power.DiscussionQuantitative MRI and strength measurements can detect muscle differences due to ageing. Older participants had raised T2, FF and mean diffusivity and lower muscle volume, grip strength and muscle power.ConclusionsQuantitative MRI measurements correlate with frailty and muscle function and could be used for identifying differences across age groups within muscle.
Main geological and mining factors affecting ground cracks induced by underground coal mining in Shanxi Province, China
Authors: Lian Xugang , Hu Haifeng , Li Tao , Hu Dongsheng 
Published: March 2020

AbstractAs one of the largest coal-rich provinces in China, Shanxi has extensive underground coal-mining operations. These operations have caused numerous ground cracks and substantial environmental damage. To study the main geological and mining factors influencing mining-related ground cracks in Shanxi, a detailed investigation was conducted on 13 mining-induced surface cracks in Shanxi. Based on the results, the degrees of damage at the study sites were empirically classified into serious, moderate, and minor, and the influential geological and mining factors (e.g., proportions of loess and sandstone in the mining depth, ratio of rock thickness to mining thickness, and ground slope) were discussed. According to the analysis results, three factors (proportion of loess, ratio of rock thickness to mining thickness, and ground slope) play a decisive role in ground cracks and can be respectively considered as the critical material, mechanical, and geometric conditions for the occurrence of mining surface disasters. Together, these three factors have a strong influence on the occurrence of serious discontinuous ground deformation. The results can be applied to help prevent and control ground damage caused by coal mining. The findings also provide a direct reference for predicting and eliminating hidden ground hazards in mining areas.
Understanding barriers to BIM implementation: Their impact across organizational levels in relation to BIM maturity
Authors: Siebelink Sander , Voordijk Hans , Endedijk Maaike , Adriaanse Arjen 
Published: March 2020

AbstractThis multiple case study of a contracting firm contributes to understanding the barriers that organizations face during the implementation of building information modeling (BIM) by providing insights into the impact of these barriers across different organizational levels (i.e., from top management to project teams) and by relating these barriers to different degrees of BIM maturity. First, we observe the dominance of barriers related to the motivation, competence, and time capacity of people across all levels of an organization. Second, the cluster of barriers at the middle-management level highlights the important role of this level in reducing these barriers. Third, only those cases with a low level of BIM maturity have struggled with lack of top management support, thereby highlighting the importance of such support in achieving BIM maturity growth. High BIM maturity situations are more prone to externally oriented barriers in attempting to further leverage the benefits of BIM. Our study provides insights on where to focus BIM implementation measures and how to enhance organizational BIM maturity.
Female Orgasm and Overall Sexual Function and Habits: A Descriptive Study of a Cohort of U.S. Women
Authors: Shaeer Osama , Skakke Ditte , Giraldi Annamaria , Shaeer Eman , Shaeer Kamal 
Published: March 2020

Abstract

Introduction
Few studies have investigated women's experiences with orgasm and the factors that they cite as important for their orgasmic function and sexual behavior related to foreplay and sexual stimulation.

Aim
To investigate and describe overall sexual function in a cohort of North American women, with a special focus on orgasmic function, satisfaction, triggers, risk factors, and sexual behavior.

Methods
A total of 303 women aged 18–75 years completed a 100-questionnaire survey, which included the Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI) questionnaire and questions on orgasmic function, duration of sexual activity, sexual behaviors and relationship, and the partner’s sexual function. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS to illuminate factors affecting sexual function.

Outcomes
The main outcome measures are FSFI score, satisfaction with sexual life, ability to reach orgasm, orgasm frequency, preferred sexual stimulation, and sexual habits.

Results
FSFI scores, which were calculated for the 230 women who reported having had a steady male sex partner in the preceding 6 months, showed that 41% of the 230 women were at risk for female sexual dysfunction (a cutoff less than 26.55) and 21% were dissatisfied with their overall sexual life. Almost 90% of the overall cohort reported good emotional contact with their partner, that their partner was willing to have sex, satisfaction with the partner’s penis size (wherever applicable), and good erectile function and ejaculatory control of their partner (wherever applicable). 81% of the overall cohort claimed to be sexually active. Around 70% (70–72) did reach orgasm frequently, but around 10% never did so. Vaginal intercourse was reported by 62% of the overall cohort as the best trigger of orgasm, followed by external stimulation from the partner (48%) or themselves (37%). External stimulation was reported to be the fastest trigger to orgasm.

Clinical Implications
The knowledge on how women reach orgasm and how it is related to the partners' willingness to have sex and other factors can be incorporated in the clinical work.

Strengths & Limitations
The use of a validated questionnaire and the relative large number of participants are strengths of the study. Limitations are the cross-sectional design, the lack of a sexual distress measure, and a possible selection bias.

Conclusion
Most women in the overall cohort were satisfied overall with their sexual life and partner-related factors, even though 41% (of those who cited a steady sex male partner) were at risk for female sexual dysfunction. Most women did reach orgasm through different kinds of stimulation. Correlation was good between preferred and performed sexual activities and positions.
Multimodal Evaluation of Functional Nerve Regeneration in Transgender Individuals After Phalloplasty with a Free Radial Forearm Flap
Authors: Küenzlen Lara , Nasim Sahra , van Neerven Sabien , Kühn Shafreena , Burger Anna E. , Sohn Michael , Rieger Ulrich M. , Bozkurt Ahmet 
Published: March 2020

Abstract

Background
Constructing a sensitive phallus is a key objective in sex affirmation surgery, but still there is a major lack of evidence in outcome analysis of postoperative sensibility of the newly constructed body part.

Aim
To evaluate the innervation and sensibility of a forearm free-flap neophallus with nerve coaptation by a broad-spectrum follow-up.

Methods
The phallic sensibility of 20 transgender individuals who underwent phalloplasty with a free radial forearm flap was evaluated by a standardized multimodal approach, examining 5 main sensory modalities. Measurements were performed in defined areas at the phallus and at the unoperated forearm as a control area. Additionally, all patients were asked to complete a questionnaire about their subjective quality of life and ability to orgasm.

Outcome
This study evaluated the following parameters: perception of pressure (Semmes-Weinstein monofilaments) and vibration (C64 Hz tuning fork), static two-point discrimination, sharp-blunt and hot-cold discrimination at the phallus and the forearm, sum score of calculated life satisfaction, and ability to orgasm.

Results
Most of the patients (n = 14) were able to perceive 2 or more sensory modalities tested at the newly constructed phallus. 2 patients did not develop any sensibility. Interestingly, the median values for vibration perception were similar for the phallus and the unoperated forearm. Pressure sensibility was present at the phallus, but less than at the forearm. Moreover, sharp-blunt sensibility was present in 11 patients. In contrast, clear cold-warm discrimination could not be achieved, although the majority of patients detected the cold stimulus. A two-point discrimination of up to 23 mm could not be detected in either body part. 15 patients experienced orgasms without difficulty after 23 months (n = 20 after 54 months).

Clinical Implications
We observed successful recovery of sensibility at the phalli for the majority of patients, including the preservation of orgasm.

Strengths & Limitations
Our institution is one of the few centers regularly performing phalloplasties in transgender patients, especially preferring the technique of Gottlieb and Levine. This study contributes to the few studies that perform sensory testing at the phallus and is unique in its kind in that it uses a multimodal approach. A limitation of this study is the limited number of cases and the limited validity of vibratory testing.

Conclusion
Confirming a promising tactile sensibility after phalloplasty with a neurovascular radial forearm flap, the next step would be to identify whether this reinnervation effectively develops due to nerve coaptation or spontaneous sprouting.
Sexual Motivation and Satisfaction Among Consensually Non-Monogamous and Monogamous Individuals
Authors: Mitchell Virginia E. , Mogilski Justin K. , Donaldson Sarah H. , Nicolas Sylis Claire A. , Welling Lisa L.M. 
Published: March 2020

Abstract

Background
Previous research has found differences in sexual motives and, separately, sexual satisfaction in consensually non-monogamous (CNM) and monogamous individuals and that these constructs are related to relationship outcomes (eg, relationship quality).

Aims
The present study sought to refine and expand on previous research by (i) using a more common, validated measure of sexual motives, (ii) measuring sexual satisfaction with multiple partners within CNM relationships, and (iii) examining how sexual motives are related to sexual satisfaction in CNM relationships.

Methods
Participants were recruited from a university and using online forums that CNM individuals frequently use (eg, reddit, Facebook). Individuals recruited included those in non-exclusive relationships with one partner (“non-exclusive single-partner;” n = 40), those in non-exclusive relationships with more than one partner (“non-exclusive multipartner;” n = 87), and monogamous individuals (n = 322). Data were analyzed using multivariate analysis of variance and hierarchical multiple regressions.

Outcomes
The main outcome measures of this study are scores on the Why Humans Have Sex Scale and the New Scale for Sexual Satisfaction.

Results
Non-exclusive multipartner participants were more motivated to have sex for physical motivations compared with monogamous participants. Although there were no significant differences in sexual satisfaction when comparing monogamous with non-exclusive multipartner participant's secondary and primary partners, unique patterns of sexual motivations were associated with sexual satisfaction based on relationship configuration.

Clinical Translation
Understanding the unique sexual motives associated with sexual satisfaction in various relationship configurations may help improve clinical approaches to couples counseling for both CNM and non-CNM populations.

Strengths and Limitations
Data were collected from CNM participants in a variety of relationship configurations and provide analyses comparing primary and secondary partners. However, these results are limited by a small sample of CNM participants who were intentionally recruited from self-identified CNM e-forums.

Conclusions
These findings add further understanding to the unique traits that characterize CNM individuals and the underlying motivational framework that may encourage individuals to initiate and maintain CNM relationships.