bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Increased Brachial Artery Compliance After Arteriovenous Fistula Creation as Measured by Shear Wave Elastography: Results From a Feasibility Study
Authors: MacDonald Conor‐James , Ross Rose , Houston John Graeme 
Published: November 2019

ObjectivesArterial stiffness has been proposed as a marker of arteriovenous fistula failure and can be measured locally by using ultrasound shear wave elastography (SWE). This preliminary study aimed to assess whether SWE measurements of the brachial artery were associated with arteriovenous fistula failure.MethodsData were collected on patients who were indicated for fistula creation. Preoperative and postoperative vessel diameters from B‐mode ultrasound, brachial artery SWE maps, and demographic data were collected. Logistic and linear regression analyses were used to determine whether any of these variables were related to the outcome of the fistula 3 months after creation.ResultsData were acquired for 33 patients. Shear wave velocity values decreased after fistula creation (mean ± SD, –1.2 ± 1 m/s; P < .05). No parameters were associated with failure of the fistula in the logistic regression analysis.ConclusionsNo markers were related to fistula failure, but a decrease in the shear wave velocity was observed in the brachial arteries after fistula creation, indicating increased compliance.
Technological intensity as a moderating variable for the intellectual capital–performance relationship
Authors: Palazzi Federica , Sgrò Francesca , Ciambotti Massimo , Bontis Nick 
Published: November 2019

AbstractThe purpose of this study is to provide empirical evidence of the moderating influence of technology intensity on the relationship between intellectual capital (IC) and corporate performance in Italian small‐ and medium‐sized enterprises (SMEs). An empirical analysis was developed for the period 2012–2016 and included 62,849 Italian SMEs. Data were collected from the AIDA database (Bureau Van Dijk—A Moody's Analytics Company), and the sample was composed of high‐tech, medium‐high‐tech, medium‐low‐tech, and low‐technology manufacturing firms, according to the “Classification of Manufacturing Industries by Technological Intensity,” as defined by the OECD. The empirical results highlight that profitability is significantly and positively affected by financial and physical capital efficiency and by human capital efficiency (HCE), but the effect of HCE is weak, and the structural capital efficiency has a negative effect on corporate performance. The time variables positively affect corporate performance, with the highest coefficient in 2016. Additionally, technology intensity reinforces the positive effect of HCE on firm performance: the higher the technological intensity, the higher the positive impact of HCE on corporate performance. The managerial implications are relevant; in fact, tangible, financial, and current assets (employed capital) represent the principal lever of performance for managers in technology sectors. The negative effect of structural capital could be caused by inefficient use of this resource, or the employed variable could not be adequate to effectively measure this IC component. It is necessary for managers to appreciate technological intensity as a contingency variable affecting the IC–performance relationship.
A novel similar habitat potential model based on sliding‐window technique for vegetation restoration potential mapping
Authors: Zhang Daojun , Xu Xin , Yao Shunbo , Zhang Jinting , Hou Xianhui , Yin Runsheng 
Published: November 2019

AbstractVegetation restoration potential mapping (VRPM) is of great importance for regional ecosystem restoration planning after long‐term land degradation or short‐term disasters. However, there are some problems to be solved in the current models for evaluating the potential of vegetation restoration. First, the models for VRPM are mostly established based on a knowledge‐driven index system. Although this kind of model is logically rigorous, it relies too much on expert knowledge and is relatively inefficient, especially for large‐area vegetation restoration assessments. Second, because of the spatial heterogeneity, as well as the absence of important indicators, the traditional global‐based evaluation models are difficult to adapt to the entire study area. In this study, an improved data‐driven approach, that is, a sliding‐window based similar habitat potential model, is developed for VRPM. The advantages of the new model include: (a) it is more efficient in determining the importance of each influencing factor without resorting to expert knowledge; (b) it is more locally adaptive than the global model because it performs sample training, rule building, and vegetation restoration potential calculation in each current local window. We provide a case‐study to show the modeling process and result interpretation of the new model.
Automated production processes in the rotor blade industry – Solutions for a continuous direct textile layup
Authors: Franke J. , Ohlendorf J.‐H. , Thoben K.‐D. 
Published: November 2019

AbstractRecent efforts concerning the automation of production processes for wind turbine rotor blades involve several new challenges. The technical fabrics used present specific features in handling due to their limp characteristics. Because of the steady growth of modern offshore wind turbine dimensions, larger rotor blade mold surfaces have to be covered with technical fabrics which influence the size and the weight of the handling systems used for automation. For an economic production of future wind turbine types, an increase in efficiency – by shortening the process cycle times – is crucial. Consequently, the time‐consuming process steps need to be automated. The article focuses on the continuous direct textile layup process and delivers ideas and solutions for the resulting challenges of process steps like storing, cutting and draping a technical textile in an automated rotor blade production.
Modeling of the ductile damage – Application for bar shearing
Authors: Moakhar S. , Hentati H. , Barkallah M. , Louati J. , Haddar M. , Bonk C. , Behrens B.A. 
Published: November 2019

AbstractThe finite element method is becoming a reliable tool for designing manufacturing processes. Even in bar shearing, which is a basic operation in the metalworking industry, the finite element method is increasingly employed for the optimization of the process. Ductile damage modeling is crucial thereby. Recent experimental investigations have shown that, in particular, triaxiality and temperature must be considered in the constitutive description of damage in the shear zone. In this context, the Hooputra's criterion is in this work applied for the numerical simulation of shearing taking account of different stress states and temperatures. The parameterization of the model is based on wide experimental investigations. Characterization tests on smooth and notched cylindrical specimens as well as on flat shear specimens are carried out. The selected material for this investigation is the aluminum alloy AW6082. Subsequently, the numerical calculation of shearing is performed. By comparing the simulation results with data from experimental shearing, the importance of the consideration of the temperature gradients and the different triaxiality values in the shear zone is proven.
Creep properties of a U‐type notch plate in Ni‐based superalloy
Authors: Gan W. , Wen Z. , Pei H. , Gao H. 
Published: November 2019

AbstractIn the present investigation, the effect of notch on creep rupture behavior and creep rupture life of a Ni‐based superalloy has been assessed by performing creep tests on smooth and U‐notched plate specimen under 0°C. The finite element analysis coupled with continuum damage mechanics are carried out to understand the stress distribution across the notch throat and the creep damage evolution under multi‐axial stress state. The creep rupture life of U‐notched specimen is much larger than that of plane plate specimen under the same stress condition, indicating that there is a strengthening effect on notch specimen. Creep rupture life increases with increasing the notch radius, the smaller notch radius can induce the creep rupture easier. The effect of notch on the creep damage is also studied. It is found that the location of the maximum creep damage and the maximum equivalent creep strain initiates first at the notch root and gradually moves to the inside as the notch radius increases.
Antimicrobial resistance: A multifaceted problem with multipronged solutions
Authors: Gil‐Gil Teresa , Laborda Pablo , Sanz‐García Fernando , Hernando‐Amado Sara , Blanco Paula , Martínez José Luis 
Published: November 2019

AbstractInfectious diseases still stand as a major cause of morbidity and mortality, and this problem can be worsened with the current antimicrobial resistance crisis. To tackle this crisis more studies analyzing the causes, routes, and reservoirs where antimicrobial resistance can emerge and expand, together with new antimicrobials and strategies for fighting antimicrobial resistance are needed. In the current special issue of MicrobiologyOpen, a set of articles dealing with the multiple faces of antimicrobial resistance are presented. These articles provide new information for understanding and addressing this problem.
Combining culture and culture‐independent methods reveals new microbial composition of halitosis patients' tongue biofilm
Authors: Bernardi Sara , Karygianni Lamprini , Filippi Andreas , Anderson Annette Carola , Zürcher Andrea , Hellwig Elmar , Vach Kirstin , Macchiarelli Guido , Al‐Ahmad Ali 
Published: November 2019

AbstractBackgroundOral malodor is a very discomforting condition deriving from the presence of volatile sulfur compounds in the expired air. In halitosis of intraoral etiology, the volatile sulfur compounds are metabolic products of the oral microorganisms within the biofilm coating the tongue dorsum as well as other tissues in the oral cavity. The aim of this study was to characterize and compare the microbial composition of tongue biofilm in volunteers suffering from halitosis and healthy volunteers by means of both the culture method and culture‐independent cloning technique.ResultsA high bacterial variety (more than 80 different species) was detected using the combination of both methods. A distinct bacterial composition was revealed in the halitosis‐associated biofilms compared with the health‐associated biofilms. Actinomyces graevenitzii was shown to be significantly associated with the halitosis condition. The culture method identified 47 species, included Veillonella rogosae, never isolated from the tongue biofilm of halitosis patients so far. In the healthy condition, the culture‐dependent method showed that the most frequent species were Streptococcus parasanguinis among the aerobes and Veillonella spp. among the anaerobes. The culture‐independent cloning method detected more than 50 species. Streptococci, in particular S. mitis/oralis, S. pseudopneumoniae, and S. infantis as well as Prevotella spp., were found most frequently in halitosis patients. Streptococcus salivarius and Rothia mucilaginosa were found more frequently in the healthy condition.ConclusionsThe combination of the culture‐dependent and culture‐independent cloning techniques allowed for a widespread analysis of the tongue biofilm in halitosis patients. The results can support further pharmacological research for new antimicrobial agents and halitosis therapy strategies.
A scaffold‐free Bio 3D nerve conduit for repair of a 10‐mm peripheral nerve defect in the rats
Authors: Takeuchi Hisataka , Ikeguchi Ryosuke , Aoyama Tomoki , Oda Hiroki , Yurie Hirofumi , Mitsuzawa Sadaki , Tanaka Mai , Ohta Souichi , Akieda Shizuka , Miyazaki Yudai , Nakayama Koichi , Matsuda Shuichi 
Published: November 2019

AbstractIntroductionA Bio 3D printed nerve conduit was reported to promote nerve regeneration in a 5 mm nerve gap model. The purpose of this study was to fabricate Bio 3D nerve conduits suitable for a 10 mm nerve gap and to evaluate their capacity for nerve regeneration in a rat sciatic nerve defect model.Materials and MethodsEighteen F344 rats with immune deficiency (9–10 weeks old; weight, 200–250 g) were divided into three groups: a Bio 3D nerve conduit group (Bio 3D, n = 6), a nerve graft group (NG, n = 6), and a silicon tube group (ST, n = 6). A 12‐mm Bio 3D nerve conduit or silicon tube was transplanted into the 10‐mm defect of the right sciatic nerve. In the nerve graft group, reverse autografting was performed with an excised 10‐mm nerve segment. Assessments were performed at 8 weeks after the surgery.ResultsIn the region distal to the suture site, the number of myelinated axons in the Bio 3D group were significantly larger compared with the silicon group (2,548 vs. 950, p < .05). The myelinated axon diameter (MAD) and the myelin thickness (MT) of the regenerated axons in the Bio 3D group were significantly larger compared with those of the ST group (MAD: 3.09 vs. 2.36 μm; p < .01; MT: 0.59 vs. 0.40 μm, p < .01).ConclusionsThis study indicates that a Bio 3D nerve conduit can enhance peripheral nerve regeneration even in a 10 mm nerve defect model.
Low‐profile annular ring‐shaped continuous transverse stub antenna array with two‐dimensional beam scanning
Authors: Lou Tian , Yang Xue‐Xia , Qiu Houtong 
Published: November 2019

AbstractA low profile two‐dimensional beam scanning antenna array formed by annular ring‐shaped continuous transverse stubs (CTS) is proposed. The annular ring‐shaped CTS array is constructed on two substrate layers by the substrate integrated waveguide (SIW) technique and fed by a planar SIW horn, which is located at the center of the antenna array. A 360° azimuth beam scanning could be achieved by rotating the feed SIW horn around the antenna axle, while the elevation beam scanning would be obtained with the frequency‐scanning. This SIW‐CTS array is designed, fabricated, and tested. The measured −10 dB reflection coefficient bandwidth is from 15.2 to 22 GHz (36.5%). The measured main beam scanning range in the elevation is 27.6° with the frequency varying, while the array gain is between 17 and 18.9 dBi.
Side‐to‐side supercharging nerve allograft enhances neurotrophic potential
Authors: Isaacs Jonathan , Feger Mark A. , Mallu Satya , Patel Gaurangkumar , Debkowska Monika , Yager Dorne , Ernst Brady , Chilukuri Sravya , Moser Matthew , Kurtz Camden 
Published: November 2019

AbstractIntroductionCritical limitations of processed acellular nerve allograft (PNA) are linked to Schwann cell function. Side‐to‐side bridge grafting may enhance PNA neurotrophic potential.MethodsSprague–Dawley rats underwent tibial nerve transection and immediate repair with 20‐mm PNA (n = 33) or isograft (ISO; n = 9) or 40‐mm PNA (n = 33) or ISO (n = 9). Processed acellular nerve allograft groups received zero, one, or three side‐to‐side bridge grafts between the peroneal nerve and graft. Muscle weight, force generation, and nerve histomorphology were tested 20 weeks after repair. Selected animals underwent neuron back labeling with fluorescent dyes.ResultsInner axon diameters, g‐ratios, and axon counts were smaller in the distal vs proximal aspect of each graft (P < .05). Schwann cell counts were greater, with a lower proportion of senescent cells for groups with bridges (P < .05). Retrograde labeling demonstrated that 6.6% to 17.7% of reinnervating neurons were from the peroneal pool.DiscussionBridge grafting positively influenced muscle recovery and Schwann cell counts and senescence after long PNA nerve reconstruction.
Outcome measures in a cohort of ambulatory adults with spinal muscular atrophy
Authors: Elsheikh Bakri , King Wendy , Peng Juan , Swoboda Kathy J. , Reyna Sandra P. , LaSalle Bernard , Prior Thomas W. , Arnold W. David , Kissel John T. , Kolb Stephen J. 
Published: November 2019

AbstractIntroductionWith the advent of disease‐altering therapies for spinal muscular atrophy (SMA), there is a requirement to better characterize outcome measures, particularly in milder forms of disease.MethodsMaximal voluntary isometric contraction testing and 6‐minute walk test (6MWT) performed in ambulatory SMA adults as part of the SMA‐VALIANT trial were analyzed. Test–retest reliability and correlation with other candidate biomarkers and outcomes were investigated.ResultsMaximal voluntary isometric contraction testing and 6MWT showed good test–retest reliability (intraclass correlation coefficient = 0.98 and 0.85, respectively). Maximal voluntary isometric contraction testing and 6MWT demonstrated very strong correlation (r = 0.83, P <. 0001), and each correlated with the SMA Functional Rating Scale (r = 0.7, P < .0001 and r = 0.65, P = .0001, respectively), lean muscle mass (r = 0.68, P < .0001 and r = 0.56, P = .001, respectively), and ulnar compound muscle action potential (r = 0.57, P = .0008 and r = 0.47, P = .008, respectively).DiscussionMaximal voluntary isometric contraction testing and 6MWT are suitable outcomes for use in ambulatory adults with SMA. Maximal voluntary isometric contraction testing may be preferable because of superior test–retest reliability and closer associations with other outcomes and biomarkers of neuromuscular function.
Bladder reinnervation by somatic nerve transfer to pelvic nerve vesical branches does not reinnervate the urethra
Authors: Barbe Mary F. , Braverman Alan S. , Salvadeo Danielle M. , Gomez‐Amaya Sandra M. , Lamarre Neil S. , Brown Justin M. , De Elise J. , McIntyre Brian S. , Day Emily P. , Cruz Geneva E. , Frara Nagat , Ruggieri Michael R. 
Published: November 2019

AbstractAimsWe sought to determine whether somatic lumbar nerve transfer to the pelvic nerve's anterior vesical branch after sacral decentralization for detrusor muscle reinnervation also leads to aberrant innervation of the bladder outlet.MethodsTwenty‐six female mongrel hound dogs underwent transection of sacral dorsal and ventral spinal roots (ie, sacral decentralization). Immediately afterward, 12 received genitofemoral nerve transfer and 9 received femoral nerve branch transfer. Five were left sacrally decentralized. Controls included 3 sham‐operated and 6 unoperated. Eight months postsurgery, the bladder and urethra were injected with retrograde tracing dyes cystoscopically. After 3 weeks, detrusor and urethral pressures were assayed electrophysiologically immediately before euthanasia and characterization of neural reinnervation.ResultsElectrical stimulation of spinal cords or roots did not lead to increased urethral sphincter pressure in nerve transfer animals, compared with decentralized animals, confirming a lack of functional reinnervation of the bladder outlet. In contrast, mean detrusor pressure increased after lumbar cord/root stimulation. In sham/unoperated animals, urethral and bladder dye injections resulted in labeled neurons in sacral level neural structures (dorsal root ganglia [DRG], sympathetic trunk ganglia [STG], and spinal cord ventral horns); labeling absent in decentralized animals. Urethral dye injections did not result in labeling in lumbar or sacral level neural structures in either nerve transfer group while bladder dye injections lead to increased labeled neurons in lumbar level DRG, STG, and ventral horns, compared to sacrally decentralized animals.ConclusionPelvic nerve transfer for bladder reinnervation does not impact urethral sphincter innervation.
Whole brain 7T‐fMRI during pelvic floor muscle contraction in male subjects
Authors: Groenendijk Ilse M. , Luijten Sven P. R. , de Zeeuw Chris I. , Holstege Joan C. , Scheepe Jeroen R. , van der Zwaag Wietske , Blok Bertil F. M. 
Published: November 2019

AbstractAimThe primary aim of this study is to demonstrate that 7‐tesla functional magnetic resonance imaging (7T‐fMRI) can visualize the neural representations of the male pelvic floor in the whole brain of a single subject.MethodsIn total, 17 healthy male volunteers (age 20‐47) were scanned in a 7T‐MRI scanner (Philips Achieva). The scanning protocol consisted of two functional runs using a multiband echo planar imaging sequence and a T1‐weighted scan. The subjects executed two motor tasks, one involving consecutive pelvic floor muscle contractions (PFMC) and a control task with tongue movements.ResultsIn single subjects, results of both tasks were visualized in the cortex, putamen, thalamus, and the cerebellum. Activation was seen during PFMC in the superomedial and inferolateral primary motor cortex (M1), supplementary motor area (SMA), insula, midcingulate gyrus (MCG), putamen, thalamus, and in the anterior and posterior lobes of the cerebellum. During tongue movement, activation was seen in the inferolateral M1, SMA, MCG, putamen, thalamus, and anterior and posterior lobes of the cerebellum. Tongue activation was found in the proximity of, but not overlapping with, the PFMC activation. Connectivity analysis demonstrated differences in neural networks involved in PFMC and tongue movement.ConclusionThis study demonstrated that 7T‐fMRI can be used to visualize brain areas involved in pelvic floor control in the whole brain of single subjects and defined the specific brain areas involved in PFMC. Distinct differences between brain mechanisms controlling the pelvic floor and tongue movements were demonstrated using connectivity analysis.
Emotional symptoms and family functioning in caregivers of children with newly diagnosed leukemia/lymphomas and solid tumors: Short‐term changes and related demographic factors
Authors: Peterson Rachel K. , Chung Joanna , Barrera Maru 
Published: November 2019

AbstractBackgroundPediatric oncology diagnoses are distressing to caregivers. However, researchers have not investigated the impact that the type of cancer diagnosis has on caregiver anxiety, depression, distress, and family functioning. The purpose of this study was to longitudinally investigate the early trajectory of caregiver psychological symptoms of anxiety, depression, distress, and family functioning near diagnosis and 6 months later by cancer type, and to examine the demographic factors that may be associated with caregiver emotional and family functioning outcomes.MethodsCaregivers (n = 122) of children with a recent diagnosis of leukemia/lymphoma or solid tumor completed self‐report measures of psychological and family functioning (Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale, Distress Thermometer, and Family Environment Scale).ResultsIn general, caregivers endorsed elevated psychological symptoms at the time of diagnosis, which decreased 6 months later. Caregivers of children with solid tumors endorsed greater anxiety across time than caregivers of children with leukemia/lymphoma did. In addition to caring for a child with a solid tumor, female sex, non‐White ethnicity, and non‐English language spoken in the home were factors associated with anxious and depressive symptoms and poorer family functioning.ConclusionWhen creating psychosocial interventions for families of children with cancer, the unique demands of solid tumor treatments, the caregiver's sex, and cultural characteristics must be considered to promote coping, resiliency, and problem‐solving skills around the time of diagnosis, particularly in more vulnerable families.