bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Random Branching of Polymer Chains with Schulz–Zimm Distribution. 1. Bivariate Distribution and Related Formulae
Authors: Tobita Hidetaka 
Published: February 2020

AbstractAnalytical solution for the bivariate distribution W(r,k) of the degree of polymerization r and the number of branch points k is obtained for the random branching of polymer chains that follow the Schulz–Zimm distribution, or in mathematical term, the gamma distribution. It is found that when the bivariate distribution is normalized to make the total area unity, the normalized distribution follows another gamma distribution. The bivariate distribution function enables one to determine various useful properties of the branched polymer system, including full weight fraction distribution W(r), the number‐ and weight‐average degree of polymerization having k branch points, the expected branching density ρ for a given degree of polymerization r or a given number of branch points k. The branching density at large r limit, ρr → ∞ is an important property to represent the branched polymer system, rather than the average branching density of the whole system, and the value of ρr → ∞ can be determined for the present random branched system. The effect of the distribution breadth of the primary chains can be investigated by using the formulae developed in this article.
Performance of Two Survey Gears Targeting Elasmobranchs in a Shallow, Subtropical Estuary
Authors: Roskar Grace , McCallister Michael P. , Ajemian Matthew J. 
Published: February 2020

Abstract
Fishery-independent surveys have become increasingly prevalent in recent decades for monitoring the population trends of highly mobile species like elasmobranchs (sharks and rays). Despite the utility of gear evaluations for streamlining costs and increasing the efficiency of fishery-independent surveys, these assessments are sparse for elasmobranch-specific surveys. Catch data were examined from a fishery-independent longline and gill-net survey that targeted elasmobranchs in Florida's southern Indian River Lagoon from July 2016 to September 2018. The goal of the study was to assess the effects of the type of longline bait that is used (Striped Mullet Mugil cephalus versus Atlantic Mackerel Scomber scombrus) and the size of gill-net mesh (15.2- versus 20.3-cm stretch mesh) on the species composition, catch per unit effort (CPUE), and size distribution of captured elasmobranchs. Elasmobranchs were caught more often in the gill net than on the longline. Striped Mullet yielded a significantly higher CPUE of elasmobranchs than Atlantic Mackerel did. Although Striped Mullet caught more sharks than Atlantic Mackerel did, the mean length of the sharks did not differ between groups that were captured with the two bait types. Species composition differed with respect to bait type; significantly more Bull Sharks Carcharhinus leucas and Atlantic Sharpnose Sharks Rhizoprionodon terraenovae were caught with Striped Mullet. Elasmobranch abundances were similar between the two sizes of gill-net mesh. However, species composition differed, with a greater abundance of both Atlantic Stingrays Hypanus sabinus and Bull Sharks caught in the 15.2-cm mesh. Elasmobranchs that were caught in the 20.3-cm mesh were significantly larger than those caught in the 15.2-cm mesh. The length distributions for the common species (Bull Sharks, Atlantic Stingrays, and Bluntnose Stingrays H. say) differed significantly with respect to the two mesh sizes. This study is the first assessment of a standardized elasmobranch-specific survey in this nationally significant estuary and increases our understanding of the performance of complementary gear types for targeting sharks and rays in a shallow lagoonal system.
Novel SMAD3 p.Arg386Thr genetic variant co‐segregating with thoracic aortic aneurysm and dissection
Authors: Engström Karolina , Vánky Farkas , Rehnberg Malin , Trinks Cecilia , Jonasson Jon , Green Anna , Gunnarsson Cecilia 
Published: February 2020

AbstractBackgroundPathogenic variants in the SMAD3 gene affecting the TGF‐β/SMAD3 signaling pathway with aortic vessel involvement cause Loeys‐Dietz syndrome 3, also known as aneurysms–osteoarthritis syndrome.MethodsDescription of clinical history of a family in Sweden using clinical data, DNA sequencing, bioinformatics, and pedigree analysis.ResultsWe report a novel SMAD3 variant, initially classified as a genetic variant of uncertain clinical significance (VUS), and later found to be co‐segregating with aortic dissection in the family. The index patient presented with a dissecting aneurysm of the aorta including the ascending, descending, and abdominal parts. Genotype analysis revealed a heterozygous missense SMAD3 variant: NM_005902.3(SMAD3): c.11576G > C (p.Arg386Thr). The same variant was also identified in a 30 years old formalin‐fixed paraffin‐embedded block of tissue from a second cousin, who died at 26 years of age from a dissecting aneurysm of the aorta.ConclusionA “variant of uncertain significance” according to the ACMG guidelines has always a scope for reappraisal. Genetic counselling to relatives, and the offering of surveillance service is important to families with aortic aneurysm disease. The report also highlight the potential use of FFPE analysis from deceased relatives to help in the interpretation of variants.
QPSK detection using glow discharge detector and a photodiode for millimeter‐wave and terahertz communication
Authors: Ben‐Laish Moti , Rozban Daniel , Aharon Avihai , Abramovich Amir , Yitzhaky Yitzhak , Kopeika Natan 
Published: February 2020

AbstractThe terahertz gap (0.1‐10 THz) is an attractive frequency band for new applications. In wireless communication, it can serve as a high capacity link. The lack in use of that gap exists due to a lack of available commercial communications technology systems in that region. We have found that neon indicator lamps or glow discharge detectors (GDD) can be used as simple and very inexpensive detectors in that frequency gap. In modern modulation techniques, the signal phase should be recovered. This article is a proof of concept of detection of quadratic amplitude modulated millimeter‐wave signals by a GDD and photodiode using a heterodyne detection method.
Multifunctional linear‐polarized terahertz focusing metasurface
Authors: Kou Wei , Zhang Yaxin , Chen Ting , Yang Ziqiang , Liang Shixiong 
Published: February 2020

AbstractIn this article, we propose a multifunctional linear‐polarized terahertz focusing metasurface enabling terahertz focusing at different focal distances for efficient terahertz wave‐front manipulation. Due to the subtle resonance response of two orthogonal electric dipoles in each unit structure, the change in length will contribute to the phase shift depending on the polarization direction of the normal terahertz wave, correspondingly, phase distributions on the metasurface can be efficiently controlled in both vertical and horizontal directions. Numerical simulations demonstrate that two different focal distances can be achieved under a normal incidence wave with different polarization. The one focal distance is 12 mm under normally incident plane wave with x polarization, while another focal distance is 4.4 mm under y‐polarized component at 0.30 THz. This design method can significantly expand the capabilities of metasurfaces in controlling EM waves and open a pathway in designing multifunctional meta‐devices to satisfy diversified application demands.
Characterization of the extensor digitorum communis tendon using high‐frequency ultrasound shear wave elastography
Authors: Hsiao Yan‐Yi , Yang Tai‐Hua , Chen Pei‐Yu , Hsu Hsiu‐Yun , Kuo Li‐Chieh , Su Fong‐Chin , Huang Chih‐Chung 
Published: February 2020

PurposeHand tendon injuries caused by various accidents are common in emergency departments. The assessment of tendon properties is crucial for evaluating the effectiveness of therapy or rehabilitation during recovery after hand injuries. Many recent studies have indicated that the shear wave velocity (SWV) of tendons is related to their stiffness. However, measurement of SWV of hand tendon is still a challenge because the small size of tendon and the limitation of existing ultrasound systems for detecting fast SWV.MethodsWe propose a high‐frequency ultrasound (HFUS) elastography system using an external vibrator to measure the SWV of the extensor digitorum communis (EDC) tendon. First, animal studies were performed by measuring the SWV and stress of porcine tendons using the proposed HFUS elastography and materials testing systems respectively. In the human experiment, SWVs were measured during hand extension and flexion. The applied stress from a finger during the movements was recorded synchronously by using a load cell.ResultsThe experimental results reveal that a favorable linear correction (R2 of 0.96) was obtained between tendon SWV and stress in animal studies. In the human (hand) EDC tendon experiments, the SWV increased with the extension and flexion of the hand. The SWV of the EDC tendon was in the range of 20 to 135 m/s as the applied force from the finger of a healthy human increased to 50% maximal voluntary contraction.ConclusionsAll the experimental results show that the proposed HFUS elastography system can be used to characterize the EDC tendon and has potential use for evaluating tendon stiffness during recovery after hand injures.
Diagnosing schizophrenia with network analysis and a machine learning method
Authors: Jo Young Tak , Joo Sung Woo , Shon Seung‐Hyun , Kim Harin , Kim Yangsik , Lee Jungsun 
Published: February 2020

AbstractObjectiveSchizophrenia is a chronic and debilitating neuropsychiatric disorder. It has been suggested that impaired brain connectivity underlies the pathophysiology of schizophrenia. Network analysis has thus recently emerged in the field of schizophrenia research.MethodsWe investigated 48 schizophrenia patients and 24 healthy controls using network analysis and a machine learning method. A number of global and nodal network properties were estimated from graphs that were reconstructed using probabilistic brain tractography. These network properties were then compared between groups and used for machine learning to classify schizophrenia patients and healthy controls.ResultsIn classifying schizophrenia patients and healthy controls via network properties, the support vector machine, random forest, naïve Bayes, and gradient boosting machine learning models showed an encouraging level of performance. The overall connectivity was revealed as the most significant contributing feature to this classification among the global network properties. Among the nodal network properties, although the relative importance of each region of interest was not identical, there were still some patterns.ConclusionIn conclusion, the possibility exists to classify schizophrenia patients and healthy controls using network properties, and we have found that there is a provisional pattern of involved brain regions among patients with schizophrenia.
Semi‐automated volumetry of MRI serves as a biomarker in neuromuscular patients
Authors: Müller Madlaine , Dohrn Maike F. , Romanzetti Sandro , Gadermayr Michael , Reetz Kathrin , Krämer Nils A. , Kuhl Christiane , Schulz Jörg B. , Gess Burkhard 
Published: February 2020

AbstractBackgroundMuscle MRI is of increasing importance for neuromuscular patients to detect changes in muscle volume, fat‐infiltration, and edema. We developed a method for semi‐automated segmentation of muscle MRI datasets.MethodsAn active contour‐evolution algorithm implemented within the ITK‐SNAP software was used to segment T1‐weighted MRI, and to quantify muscle volumes of neuromuscular patients (n = 65).ResultsSemi‐automated compared with manual segmentation was shown to be accurate and time‐efficient. Muscle volumes and ratios of thigh/lower leg volume were lower in myopathy patients than in controls (P < .0001; P < .05). We found a decrease of lower leg muscle volume in neuropathy patients compared with controls (P < .01), which correlated with clinical parameters. In myopathy patients, muscle volume showed a positive correlation with muscle strength (rleft = 0.79, pleft < .0001). Muscle volumes were independent of body mass index and age.ConclusionsOur method allows for exact and time‐efficient quantification of muscle volumes with possible use as a biomarker in neuromuscular patients.
What developments are needed to achieve less‐invasive urodynamics? ICI‐RS 2019
Authors: Gammie Andrew , Speich John E. , Damaser Margot S. , Gajewski Jerzy B. , Abrams Paul , Rosier Peter F. W. M. , Arlandis Salvador , Tarcan Tufan , Finazzi Agrò Enrico 
Published: February 2020

AbstractAimsTo assess the state of technologies for urodynamics that are less invasive than standard cystometry and pressure‐flow studies and to suggest areas needing research to improve this.MethodsA summary of a Think Tank debate held at the 2019 meeting of the International Consultation on Incontinence Research Society is provided, with subsequent analysis by the authors. Less‐invasive techniques were summarized, classified by method, and possible developments considered. Discussions and recommendations were summarized by the co‐chairs and edited into the form of this paper by all authors.ResultsThere is a full spectrum of technologies available for less‐invasive assessment, ranging from simple uroflowmetry through imaging techniques to emerging complex technologies. Less‐invasive diagnostics will not necessarily need to replace diagnosis by, or even provide the same level of diagnostic accuracy as, invasive urodynamics. Rather than aiming for a technique that is merely less invasive, the priority is to develop methods that are either as accurate as current invasive methods, or spare patients from the necessity of invasive methods by improving early triaging.ConclusionsTechnologies offering less‐invasive urodynamic measurement of specific elements of function can be potentially beneficial. Less‐invasive techniques may sometimes be useful as an adjunct to invasive urodynamics. The potential for current less‐invasive tests to completely replace invasive urodynamic testing is considered, however, to be low. Less‐invasive techniques must, therefore, be tested as screening/triaging tools, with the aim to spare some patients from invasive urodynamics early in the treatment pathway.
Estimate of the proportion of uncertain diagnoses of pudendal neuralgia in women with chronic pelvic‐perineal pain: A systematic review with a descriptive data synthesis
Authors: Indraccolo Ugo , Nardulli Roberto , Indraccolo Salvatore R. 
Published: February 2020

AbstractBackgroundThere is a gap between pudendal neuralgia (PN) due to pudendal entrapment syndrome and PN without pudendal entrapment syndrome. The latter could have atypical symptoms.AimDefining a rate of atypical PN from a clinical series of female patients with chronic pelvic‐perineal pain.MethodsThe atypical PN was defined as a pain not meeting clinical criteria for pudendal entrapment syndrome. The effect size was the rate of atypical PN. Such a rate was expected to be found among patients screened for enrollment in clinical series on pudendal neuropathic pain. A systematic search was performed looking for clinical series on PN. Studies must report information on female patients, pelvic‐perineal pain, at least a clinical criterion for diagnosing the pudendal neurogenic origin of pain, the proportion of patients with pain not meeting the clinical criterion/a for diagnosing the pudendal entrapment pain.ResultsFrom 2637 references, nine studies were included for qualitative analysis. Three of them were not suitable for data synthesis: one assessed the rate of PN after hip arthroscopy; second enrolled miscellaneous patients, a third investigated patients with gynecological diseases. Six studies involved patients with suspicion of pudendal entrapment symptoms (205 patients observed), allowing data synthesis. One of these series was judged as being of good quality. The overall rate of atypical PN is 0.013 (95% confidence interval, 0.008‐0.021), I2 0%. Further analysis suggests the risk of bias for all studies.ConclusionsAtypical PN in females is low when clinical criteria for pudendal entrapment syndrome are applied.
Quantitative theory for the transverse relaxation time of blood water
Authors: Li Wenbo , van Zijl Peter C.M. 
Published: February 2020

AbstractAn integrative model is proposed to describe the dependence of the transverse relaxation rate of blood water protons (R2blood = 1/T2blood) on hematocrit fraction and oxygenation fraction (Y). This unified model takes into account (a) the diamagnetic effects of albumin, hemoglobin and the cell membrane; (b) the paramagnetic effect of hemoglobin; (c) the effect of compartmental exchange between plasma and erythrocytes under both fast and slow exchange conditions that vary depending on field strength and compartmental relaxation rates and (d) the effect of diffusion through field gradients near the erythrocyte membrane. To validate the model, whole‐blood and lysed‐blood R2 data acquired previously using Carr‐Purcell‐Meiboom‐Gill measurements as a function of inter‐echo spacing τcp at magnetic fields of 3.0, 7.0, 9.4 and 11.7 T were fitted to determine the lifetimes (field‐independent physiological constants) for water diffusion and exchange, as well as several physical constants, some of which are field‐independent (magnetic susceptibilities) and some are field‐dependent (relaxation rates for water protons in solutions of albumin and oxygenated and deoxygenated hemoglobin, ie, blood plasma and erythrocytes, respectively). This combined exchange‐diffusion model allowed excellent fitting of the curve of the τcp‐dependent relaxation rate dispersion at all four fields using a single average erythrocyte water lifetime, τery = 9.1 ± 1.4 ms, and an averaged diffusional correlation time, τD = 3.15 ± 0.43 ms. Using this model and the determined physiological time constants and relaxation parameters, blood T2 values published by multiple groups based on measurements at magnetic field strengths of 1.5 T and higher could be predicted correctly within error. Establishment of this theory is a fundamental step for quantitative modeling of the BOLD effect underlying functional MRI.
An extended/generalized phase‐field finite element method for crack growth with global‐local enrichment
Authors: Geelen Rudy , Plews Julia , Tupek Michael , Dolbow John 
Published: February 2020

SummaryAn extended/generalized finite element method (XFEM/GFEM) for simulating quasistatic crack growth based on a phase‐field method is presented. The method relies on approximations to solutions associated with two different scales: a global scale, that is, structural and discretized with a coarse mesh, and a local scale encapsulating the fractured region, that is, discretized with a fine mesh. A stable XFEM/GFEM is employed to embed the displacement and damage fields at the global scale. The proposed method accommodates approximation spaces that evolve between load steps, while preserving a fixed background mesh for the structural problem. In addition, a prediction‐correction algorithm is employed to facilitate the dynamic evolution of the confined crack regions within a load step. Several numerical examples of benchmark problems in two‐ and three‐dimensional quasistatic fracture are provided to demonstrate the approach.
Hyper‐reduced direct numerical simulation of voids in welded joints via image‐based modeling
Authors: Lacourt Laurent , Ryckelynck David , Forest Samuel , de Rancourt Victor , Flouriot Sylvain 
Published: February 2020

SummaryDefects such as gas pores can be formed and trapped in the fusion zone during laser welding. These defects can significantly affect the mechanical reliability of the welded joint. Current nondestructive inspection technologies are able to detect micro‐voids in a mass production context. Finite element analysis can therefore be used to assess the lifetime of an observed component via image‐based modeling. Unfortunately, running a simulation per component entails a huge and generally unaffordable computational cost. In addition, voids do not admit a parametric modeling. In this paper, a numerical method is proposed to study the impact of defects on the mechanical response of a welded joint. It is based on model order reduction techniques that decrease the computational cost of each simulation related to an image‐based modeling. To tackle the reduction of nonparametric defects, a multiscale construction of the reduced basis is proposed, although no scale separation is assumed when computing the mechanical response of the structure. Some empirical modes are representing the structure behavior and other empirical modes are related to the defect‐induced local fluctuations. They are then assembled to simulate a defective joint. Assets and limitations of the proposed method are explored through a simplified two‐dimensional (2D) problem. For the sake of reproducibility, this 2D problem is fully parametric. Finally, a realistic three‐dimensional (3D) industrial case is presented, where voids geometries have been measured via computed tomography. This 3D problem being nonparametric, fluctuation modes must be computed on the fly, once the computed tomography has been performed.
Plasma levels of matrix metalloproteinase‐9 (MMP‐9) are associated with cognitive performance in patients with schizophrenia
Authors: Kudo Noriko , Yamamori Hidenaga , Ishima Tamaki , Nemoto Kiyotaka , Yasuda Yuka , Fujimoto Michiko , Azechi Hirotsugu , Niitsu Tomihisa , Numata Shusuke , Ikeda Manabu , Iyo Masaomi , Ohmori Tetsuro , Fukunaga Masaki , Watanabe Yoshiyuki , Hashimoto Kenji , Hashimoto Ryota 
Published: February 2020

AbstractAimMatrix metalloproteinase‐9 (MMP‐9) has been shown to modulate synaptic plasticity and may contribute to the pathophysiology of schizophrenia. This study investigated the peripheral levels of MMP‐9 and its association with cognitive functions in patients with schizophrenia to see the possible involvement of MMP‐9 in pathophysiology of schizophrenia, especially in cognitive decline.MethodsWe measured the plasma levels of MMP‐9 in 257 healthy controls and 249 patients with schizophrenia, including antipsychotic drug–free patients. We also explored the possible association between plasma MMP‐9 levels and cognitive performance in healthy controls and patients with schizophrenia using the Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale, Third Edition (WAIS‐ III), the Wechsler Memory Scale‐Revised (WMS‐R), and the Rey Auditory Verbal Learning Test (AVLT).ResultsWe found that the plasma levels of MMP‐9 were significantly higher in patients with schizophrenia, including antipsychotic drug–free patients, than in healthy controls. We found a significant negative association between plasma MMP‐9 levels and cognitive performance in controls and patients with schizophrenia.ConclusionTogether, these convergent data suggest a possible biological mechanism for schizophrenia, whereby increased MMP‐9 levels are associated with cognitive impairment.