bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Fabrication of membranes of polyethersulfone and poly(N‐vinyl pyrrolidone): influence of glycerol on processing and transport properties
Authors: Handge Ulrich A , Gronwald Oliver , Weber Martin , Koll Joachim , Abetz Clarissa , Hankiewicz Birgit , Abetz Volker 
Published: February 2020

AbstractIn this study, we focus on membranes of polyethersulfone and poly(N‐vinyl pyrrolidone) and elucidate the influence of composition on the rheological, diffusion and precipitation properties of solutions which are used for membrane preparation via a non‐solvent‐induced phase separation process. The low‐molar‐mass component of the solution is a mixture of the solvent N‐methyl‐2‐pyrrolidone and the non‐solvent glycerol. Cloud point, viscosity and diffusion measurements as well as precipitation experiments were performed in order to achieve a comprehensive understanding of the time dependence of the precipitation process. The addition of glycerol yields an increase of viscosity and a stronger tendency for demixing. The enhanced tendency for demixing causes a more rapid precipitation process. The average relaxation time of the solution as a function of glycerol concentration follows a similar trend to its viscosity. The increase of viscosity is associated with the increase of the monomeric friction coefficient. Two diffusive processes with clearly separated time scales appear in dynamic light scattering experiments in the presence of glycerol. This phenomenon is discussed taking into account the phase behaviour of the solution and the quality of the solvent. The addition of glycerol yields a lower pure water permeance whereas the molecular weight cut‐off is not altered in the ultrafiltration range. © 2020 The Authors. Polymer International published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of Society of Chemical Industry.
Ultrasound‐Guided Cutting Wire Release of the Posterior Iliotibial Band: A Feasibility Study
Authors: Boettcher Brennan J. , Hollman John H. , Stuart Michael J. , Finnoff Jonathan T. 
Published: February 2020

BackgroundDistal iliotibial band friction syndrome (ITBFS) is a common cause of knee pain in endurance athletes. Nonsurgical treatment is usually successful, but surgery is occasionally required for recalcitrant cases. No published studies to date have evaluated the feasibility of an ultrasound‐guided (USG) partial iliotibial band (ITB) release.ObjectiveTo determine the feasibility of an USG partial ITB release using a cutting wire. A secondary aim was to assess whether adjacent structures were damaged. We hypothesized that the posterior distal ITB could be partially transected with a cutting wire under USG with no injury to adjacent structures.DesignCadaveric study.SettingQuaternary‐care academic institute.ParticipantsTen cadaveric knees ranging from 76‐89 years old with a mean body mass index of 21.9 kg/m2.InterventionsOne physician sonographer performed USG releases of the posterior ITBs at the level of the lateral femoral epicondyle with a cutting wire. Dissection was carried out by an independent second physician to assess for primary and secondary outcomes.Main Outcome Measures(1) Release of the posterior border of the ITB; (2) width of the release; (3) evaluation for any injury to adjacent structures; (4) technical difficulty of the procedure (0 = no difficulty, 10 = most difficult procedure possible); (5) duration of time it took to complete the procedure.ResultsAll 10 knees had the posterior border of the ITB transected. Mean release length was 16 mm (range 15‐17), which was within 1 mm of the target release length of 15 mm. No adjacent structures were damaged.ConclusionA USG release of the posterior ITB utilizing a cutting wire is feasible and safe in a cadaveric model. Translational research is warranted to determine how these results apply to the clinical setting.
Fully bio‐based thiol‐ene photocured thermosets from isosorbide and tung oil
Authors: Şeker Hazal , Çakmakçi Emrah 
Published: February 2020

AbstractDirect preparation of coatings from neat vegetable oils without any pretreatment or modification is an elegant way of demonstrating the potential of renewable sources and it is also in line with the principles of Green Chemistry. In this work, photocured coatings were prepared from tung oil (TO), hazelnut oil (HN), and isosorbide. First, a dithiol derivative of isosorbide (ISTMP) was synthesized and then mixed with TO, HN, and a cationic photoinitiator. For comparison, formulations were also prepared by using two different commercial thiol compounds. Coating formulations were applied onto glass substrates and cured under UV light where oxidative polymerization and photoinitiated thiol‐ene addition reactions took place concomitantly. Double bond conversion percentages, thermal degradation properties, water contact angles, and surface hardness of the coatings were determined. Furthermore, a model reaction between ISTMP and oleic acid was performed to prove that ISTMP reacts with the fatty acid. ISTMP containing formulation displayed a fast initial double bond conversion and its water contact angle value was found as 88 ± 3°. Rigid and thermally stable isosorbide ring improved both the thermal properties and the surface hardness of the coatings.
Does birth season influence the odds for asthma? Large cohort analysis
Authors: Goldberg Shmuel , Stein Avital , Picard Elie , Joseph Leon , Kedem Ron , Sommer Adir , Tzur Dorit , Cohen Shlomo 
Published: February 2020

AbstractBackground and ObjectiveFew studies have examined the possibility of a link between birth season and the risk for asthma. Those studies that mainly focused on young children, reached different conclusions regarding both the existence of such a link and the season with the highest risk. The purpose of this study was to reinvestigate the relationship between birth season and asthma in a very large cohort, larger than in all previous studies, focusing on adolescents.MethodsThe medical records of consecutive 17‐year‐old conscripts, born between 1978 and 1999, undergoing medical evaluation before their military service, were reviewed. The prevalence of asthma among conscripts was calculated according to the season of birth.ResultsData from 6 26 460 males and 4 54 104 females were collected. Asthma prevalence was 6.6% of the males and 5.8% of the females. Asthma prevalence was highest among those born in the summer and was approximately 9% higher in women and 6% higher in men than those born in the winter. Those born in the winter had the lowest prevalence of asthma. June was the birth month with the highest prevalence of asthma in both genders together with September among males.ConclusionsBeing born in the summer, especially in June, is associated with an increased risk of asthma compared with a winter birth among Israeli army conscripts. Further research is required to determine the impact of the season of birth on the risk of asthma in higher risk populations.
Combination drug therapy against OAB normalizes micturition parameters and increases the release of nitric oxide during chemically induced cystitis
Authors: Patel Bhavik , Perez Fernando , Aronsson Patrik , Alothmani Ranya , Carlsson Thomas , Winder Michael 
Published: February 2020

AbstractToday, monotherapy is the most common pharmacological treatment option for patients suffering from overactive bladder (OAB). Recent reports have indicated potential benefits of combination therapy, using a muscarinic antagonist and a β3‐adrenoceptor agonist. This may be of particular interest for therapy‐resistant patients with OAB and concomitant cystitis. The objective of the current study was to assess how combination therapy affects bladder parameters in health and cystitis and if the efficacy of the drugs can be linked to altered release of nitric oxide (NO). Rats were pretreated with either a combination of the muscarinic antagonist tolterodine and β3‐selective adrenoceptor agonist mirabegron or saline for 10 days. Forty‐eight hours prior to assessing micturition parameters in a metabolic cage, the rats were intraperitoneally injected with cyclophosphamide, causing cystitis, or saline. Urine samples were collected and analyzed for NO content. Bladder contractile properties were assessed in an organ bath setup. Induction of cystitis led to bladder overactivity. Combination therapy normalized bladder parameters. Both induction of cystitis and drug treatment increased the release of NO. The innate contractile properties of the bladder were unaffected by combination therapy. This study demonstrates positive effects of combination drug therapy on symptoms of OAB, possibly indicating it to be a good option for treatment of OAB during concomitant cystitis. It remains to be determined if increased release of NO is crucial for successful pharmacological treatment of bladder overactivity during cystitis.
Mule Deer Habitat Selection Following Vegetation Thinning Treatments in New Mexico
Authors: Sorensen Grant E. , Kramer David W. , Cain James W. , Taylor Chase A. , Gipson Philip S. , Wallace Mark C. , Cox Robert D. , Ballard Warren B. 
Published: February 2020

ABSTRACTMule deer (Odocoileus hemionus) survival and population growth in north‐central New Mexico, USA, was previously reported to be limited by nutritional constraints due to poor forage conditions in degraded habitats. Management recommendations suggested thinning of pinyon–juniper to improve habitat quality for mule deer. To evaluate the influence of these vegetation treatments, we monitored habitat selection by 48 adult female mule deer from 2011 to 2013 in a population previously reported to be nutritionally limited. Monitoring occurred 1–4 years after completion of treatments that were intended to improve forage conditions, including mechanical reduction of pinyon pine (Pinus edulis) and juniper (Juniperus spp.) density and senescent brush (Quercus gambelii–Cercocarpus montanus) cover. During the summer season, deer selected recently treated areas, but odds ratios decreased with treatment age. However, during winter, deer avoided more recently treated areas and selected thinned areas >4 years old. Deer selected mixed oak (Quercus spp.) and pinyon–juniper savanna vegetation cover types with a moderately open canopy and ponderosa pine (Pinus ponderosa) forests while avoiding grasslands and montane shrublands across all seasons. Deer selected areas closer to water and developed areas, northeast aspects, on gentle slopes, and at lower elevations. Creating a savanna‐like cover type may elicit a positive deer response as a result of their strong avoidance of dense, closed canopy pinyon–juniper woodlands. © 2020 The Wildlife Society.
Cost Effectiveness of Livestock Guardian Dogs for Predator Control
Authors: Saitone Tina L. , Bruno Ellen M. 
Published: February 2020

ABSTRACTPredation threatens the economic viability of sheep operations in the United States. Many producers recognize the need to complement lethal control methods with nonlethal strategies such as the use of livestock guardian dogs (LGDs), but little information exists on benefits and costs. We report on a comprehensive benefit–cost analysis of the decision to incorporate LGDs onto a sheep operation in Mendocino County, California, USA, based on data collected during 2013–2017, where livestock predation by coyotes (Canis latrans) has been a persistent problem. We estimated that for a representative sheep operation with a breeding flock of 500 adult females (ewes), the use of 5 LGDs reduced lambs and ewes lost to coyote predation by 43% and 25%, respectively, for a total savings of US$16,200 over 7 years. However, we found that costs, which included acquisition and maintenance expenses, exceed benefits of this investment over the 7‐year useful life of LGDs by US$13,413. Our results inform the adoption of LGDs, demonstrating that LGDs are only cost‐effective for certain types of operations, namely those where LGDs are able to achieve high rates of predator protection efficacy. © 2020 The Wildlife Society.
Transcendentality violation in type IIB string amplitudes
Authors: Basu Anirban 
Published: February 2020

Abstract
We analyze transcendentality for certain terms that arise in multiloop amplitudes in the low momentum expansion of the four graviton amplitude in type IIB string theory in ten dimensions, based on the constraints of supersymmetry and S-duality. This leads to several contributions that violate transcendentality beyond one loop at all orders in the low momentum expansion. We also perform a similar analysis for the five graviton amplitude, obtaining contributions that involve single-valued multiple zeta values beyond tree level.
Ärztliche Aufklärungspflichten nach Bekanntgabe eines Warnhinweises über unerwünschte Arzneimittelwirkungen
Authors: Duttge G. , Meyer T. 
Published: February 2020

Zusammenfassung
Hintergrund
Ausgehend von einem aktuellen Warnhinweis der Arzneimittelbehörden über eine erhöhte Suizidalität bei Einnahme hormoneller Kontrazeptiva werden in diesem Artikel die juristischen Konsequenzen der Umsetzung von neuen, aus klinischen Studien gewonnenen Erkenntnissen in geänderte Inhalte von ärztlichen Aufklärungsgesprächen diskutiert.

Methode und Ergebnisse
Die nach § 630e Bürgerliches Gesetzbuch (BGB) gebotene ärztliche Aufklärung verlangt grundsätzlich auch die Erwähnung seltener Arzneimittelwirkungen durch den behandelnden Arzt, sollten die verordneten Medikamente im Einzelfall schwerwiegende medizinische Folgen nach sich ziehen. Die Vorschrift sieht eine Aufklärungsverpflichtung des Behandelnden nicht nur bei kurativen, sondern auch bei ausschließlich präventiven Behandlungsmaßnahmen vor. In dieser Arbeit weisen wir auf die wissenschaftliche Evidenzlage von klinischen Studienergebnissen als der entscheidenden Vorbedingung für die Implementierung von geänderten Praktiken bei der ordnungsgemäßen Durchführung einer haftungsausschließenden Selbstbestimmungsaufklärung nach § 630e BGB hin. Zugleich werden die Auswirkungen einer Ergänzung der Gebrauchs- bzw. Fachinformationen für Arzneimittel auf den Umfang der Aufklärungspflichten des im individuellen Fall verordnenden Arztes thematisiert. Im Besonderen wird das Verhältnis von ärztlichen Aufklärungspflichten im individuellen Aufklärungsfall zu den generalisierten Informationsgegebenheiten nach § 11 bzw. § 11a Arzneimittelgesetz hervorgehoben.

Diskussion
Aktuelle Warnhinweise der Arzneimittelbehörden in Form von Rote-Hand-Briefen haben nicht zwingend juristische Konsequenzen für die Inhalte von ärztlichen Aufklärungsgesprächen.
Preserved C-peptide secretion is associated with fewer low-glucose events and lower glucose variability on flash glucose monitoring in adults with type 1 diabetes
Authors: Gibb Fraser W. , McKnight John A. , Clarke Catriona , Strachan Mark W. J. 
Published: February 2020

Abstract
Aims/hypothesis
We aimed to assess whether persistence of C-peptide secretion is associated with less glucose variability and fewer low-glucose events in adults with type 1 diabetes who use flash monitoring.

Methods
We performed a cross-sectional study of 290 adults attending a university teaching hospital diabetes clinic, with type 1 diabetes, who use flash monitoring and in whom a random plasma C-peptide was available in the past 2 years. Variables relating to flash monitoring were compared between individuals with low C-peptide (<10 pmol/l) and those with persistent C-peptide (either 10–200 pmol/l or 10–50 pmol/l). In addition, the relationship between self-reported hypoglycaemia and C-peptide was assessed (n = 167). Data are median (interquartile range).

Results
Individuals with preserved C-peptide secretion (10–200 pmol/l) had shorter duration of diabetes (15 [9–24] vs 25 [15–34] years, p < 0.001) and older age at diagnosis (23 [14–28] vs 15 [9–25] years, p < 0.001), although current age did not differ in this cohort. Preserved C-peptide was associated with lower time with glucose <3.9 mmol/l (3% [2–6%] vs 5% [3–9%], p < 0.001), fewer low-glucose events per 2 week period (7 [4–10] vs 10 [5–16], p < 0.001), lower SD of glucose (3.8 [3.4–4.2] vs 4.1 [3.5–4.7] mmol/l, p = 0.017) and lower CV of glucose (38.0 [35.0–41.6] vs 41.8 [36.5–45.8], p < 0.001). These differences were also present in those with C-peptide 10–50 pmol/l and associations were independent of diabetes duration and estimated HbA1c in logistic regression analysis. Preserved C-peptide was also associated with lower rates of self-reported asymptomatic hypoglycaemia (8.0% vs 22.8% in the past month, p = 0.028).

Conclusions/interpretation
Preserved C-peptide secretion is associated with fewer low-glucose events and lower glucose variability on flash monitoring. This suggests that individuals with preserved C-peptide may more safely achieve intensive glycaemic targets.
On local optimality of vertex type designs in generalized linear models
Authors: Idais Osama 
Published: February 2020

AbstractLocally optimal designs are derived for generalized linear models with first order linear predictors. We consider models including a single factor, two factors and multiple factors. Mainly, the experimental region is assumed to be a unit cube. In particular, models without intercept are considered on arbitrary experimental regions. Analytic solutions for optimal designs are developed under the D- and A-criteria, and more generally, for Kiefer’s$$\Phi _k$$Φk-criteria. The focus is on the vertex type designs. That is, the designs are only supported by the vertices of the respective experimental regions. By the equivalence theorem, necessary and sufficient conditions are developed for the local optimality of these designs. The derived results are applied to gamma and Poisson models.
Inflation word entropy for semi-compatible random substitutions
Authors: Gohlke Philipp 
Published: February 2020

AbstractWe introduce the concept of inflation word entropy for random substitutions with a constant and primitive substitution matrix. Previous calculations of the topological entropy of such systems implicitly used this concept and established equality of topological entropy and inflation word entropy, relying on ad hoc methods. We present a unified scheme, proving that inflation word entropy and topological entropy in fact coincide. The topological entropy is approximated by a converging series of upper and lower bounds which, in many cases, lead to an analytic expression.
Integrity of dural closure after autologous platelet rich fibrin augmentation: an in vitro study
Authors: Vasilikos I. , Beck J. , Ghanaati S. , Grauvogel J. , Nisyrios T. , Grapatsas K. , Hubbe U. 
Published: February 2020

AbstractBackgroundWatertight closure of the dura mater is fundamental in neurosurgery. Besides the classical suturing techniques, a variety of biomaterials have been proposed as sealants. Platelet rich fibrin (PRF) is an autologous biomaterial which can readily be obtained through low-speed centrifugation of patient’s own blood. It is rich in fibrin, growth factors, leucocytes and cytokines and has shown adhesive properties while promoting the physiological wound healing process. In this study, we investigated the effect of applying PRF in reinforcing the watertight dura mater closure.MethodsWe created an in vitro testing device, where the watertight dura mater closure could be hydrostatically assessed. On 26 fresh harvested bovine dura maters, a standardised 20-mm incision was closed with a running suture, and the leak pressure was measured first without (primary leak pressure) and then with PRF augmentation (secondary leak pressure). The two groups of measurements have been statistically analysed with the Student’s pairedttest.ResultsThe “running suture only group” had a leak pressure of 10.5 ± 1.2 cmH2O (mean ± SD) while the “PRF-augmented group” had a leak pressure of 47.2 ± 2.6 cm H2O. This difference was statistically significant (p < 0.001; pairedttest).ConclusionsAutologous platelet rich fibrin augmentation reliably reinforced watertight closure of the dura mater to a > 4-fold increased leak pressure after failure of the initial standard running suture technique.
Climate change vulnerability, water resources and social implications in North Africa
Authors: Schilling Janpeter , Hertig Elke , Tramblay Yves , Scheffran Jürgen 
Published: February 2020

AbstractNorth Africa is considered a climate change hot spot. Existing studies either focus on the physical aspects of climate change or discuss the social ones. The present article aims to address this divide by assessing and comparing the climate change vulnerability of Algeria, Egypt, Libya, Morocco, and Tunisia and linking it to its social implications. The vulnerability assessment focuses on climate change exposure, water resources, sensitivity, and adaptive capacity. The results suggest that all countries are exposed to strong temperature increases and a high drought risk under climate change. Algeria is most vulnerable to climate change, mainly due to the country’s high sensitivity. Across North Africa, the combination of climate change and strong population growth is very likely to further aggravate the already scarce water situation. The so-called Arab Spring has shown that social unrest is partly caused by unmet basic needs of the population for food and water. Thus, climate change may become an indirect driver of social instability in North Africa. To mitigate the impact of climate change, it is important to reduce economic and livelihood dependence on rain-fed agriculture, strengthen sustainable land use practices, and increase the adaptive capacity. Further, increased regional cooperation and sub-national vulnerability assessments are needed.
A semi-automated BPMN-based framework for detecting conflicts between security, data-minimization, and fairness requirements
Authors: Ramadan Qusai , Strüber Daniel , Salnitri Mattia , Jürjens Jan , Riediger Volker , Staab Steffen 
Published: February 2020

AbstractRequirements are inherently prone to conflicts. Security, data-minimization, and fairness requirements are no exception. Importantly, undetected conflicts between such requirements can lead to severe effects, including privacy infringement and legal sanctions. Detecting conflicts between security, data-minimization, and fairness requirements is a challenging task, as such conflicts are context-specific and their detection requires a thorough understanding of the underlying business processes. For example, a process may require anonymous execution of a task that writes data into a secure data storage, where the identity of the writer is needed for the purpose of accountability. Moreover, conflicts not arise from trade-offs between requirements elicited from the stakeholders, but also from misinterpretation of elicited requirements while implementing them in business processes, leading to a non-alignment between the data subjects’ requirements and their specifications. Both types of conflicts are substantial challenges for conflict detection. To address these challenges, we propose a BPMN-based framework that supports: (i) the design of business processes considering security, data-minimization and fairness requirements, (ii) the encoding of such requirements as reusable, domain-specific patterns, (iii) the checking of alignment between the encoded requirements and annotated BPMN models based on these patterns, and (iv) the detection of conflicts between the specified requirements in the BPMN models based on a catalog of domain-independent anti-patterns. The security requirements were reused from SecBPMN2, a security-oriented BPMN 2.0 extension, while the fairness and data-minimization parts are new. For formulating our patterns and anti-patterns, we extended a graphical query language called SecBPMN2-Q. We report on the feasibility and the usability of our approach based on a case study featuring a healthcare management system, and an experimental user study.