bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Efficacy of transcutaneous perineal electrostimulation versus intracavitary anal electrostimulation in the treatment of urinary incontinence after a radical prostatectomy: Randomized controlled trial
Authors: Pané‐Alemany Regina , Ramírez‐García Inés , Kauffmann Stéphanie , Blanco‐Ratto Laia , Carralero‐Martínez Andrea , Sánchez Ruiz Emília 
Published: July 2021

AbstractAimTo compare the efficacy of the treatment with transcutaneous perineal electrostimulation versus intracavitary electrostimulation to reduce the frequency of urinary incontinence after radical prostatectomy and the impact on the quality of life (QoL).MethodsThis single‐blind equivalence‐randomized controlled trial equally (1:1) randomly allocated men with urinary incontinence post radical prostatectomy into surface electrodes perineal group (intervention group, IG) and intra‐anal probe group (control group, CG). Outcomes included changes in the 24h‐Pad Test (main variable), and ICIQ‐SF (International Consultation on Incontinence Questionnaire Short‐Form), SF‐12 (Short Form Health Survey), and I‐QOL (incontinence quality of life questionnaire) questionnaires. Clinical data were collected at baseline, 6 and 10 weeks. For the comparisons between variables, χ2 test and Student's t test were used. Equivalence was analyzed by estimating the mean change (90% confidence interval) of urinary incontinence based on the Pad Test. The analysis was performed for the per‐protocol and the intention‐to‐treat populations. Statistical significance level was set at p < 0.05.ResultsSeventy patients were included, mean age 62.8 (SD 9.4) years. Mean baseline 24h‐Pad Test was 328.3 g (SD 426.1) and a significant decrease (p < 0.001) in the grams of urine loss at 5 weeks (159.1 g in the IG and 121.7 g in the CG), and at 10 weeks of treatment (248.5 g in the IG and 235.8 g in the CG) was observed. However, the final difference in the grams of urine loss between both treatments showed the absence of statistical significance (p = 0.874). In both groups, the ICIQ‐SF, I‐QOL, and SF‐12 questionnaires revealed a significant improvement in QoL.ConclusionSurface and intra‐anal electrostimulation treatments reduced significantly losses of urine, but differences in grams of urine loss throughout the therapy between groups were not significant, suggesting that the efficacy of the two treatments is not statistically different. Nonetheless, the improvement observed in both groups was statistically significant and clinically relevant.
Visualization of Ethereum P2P network topology and peer properties
Authors: Maeng Soohoon , Essaid Meryam , Lee Changhyun , Park Sejin , Ju Hongteak 
Published: July 2021

SummaryEthereum is arguably the second most popular cryptocurrency‐based network after Bitcoin. Both use the distributed ledger technology known as the blockchain, which is considered secure. However, the provided security level is proportional to the number of connected nodes, the number of influential nodes, and the supported amount of hash power. Thus, the knowledge of the network properties and nodes' behavior is helpful to protect the network from possible attacks such as double‐spending attacks, DDoS attacks, 51% attacks, and Sybil attacks. This paper proposes a node discovery mechanism, which performs a P2P link discovery on the Ethereum main network. For that, we develop Search‐node, a modified version of Ethereum client that searches for all participating nodes in the blockchain network, stores the node information in the Bucket, and then processes the peer discovery method. Based on the collected data, we first visualize the Ethereum network topology and analyze the attributes of the network such as node degree, path length, diameter, and clustering coefficient. We then analyze the node properties and provide analytical results regarding the relationship between nodes, heavily connected nodes, node geo‐distribution, security issues, and possible attacks over the influential nodes. As a result, we have identified 68,406 nodes with a total of 642,034 edges. By analyzing the collected data, we have found that the diameter in the Ethereum network is equal to 8. The node degree is over 19, which is two times higher than the default configuration.
Uncertainty quantification by optimal spline dimensional decomposition
Authors: Dixler Steven , Jahanbin Ramin , Rahman Sharif 
Published: July 2021

AbstractAn optimal version of spline dimensional decomposition (SDD) is unveiled for general high‐dimensional uncertainty quantification analysis of complex systems subject to independent but otherwise arbitrary probability measures of input random variables. The resulting method involves optimally derived knot vectors of basis splines (B‐splines) in some or all coordinate directions, whitening transformation producing measure‐consistent orthonormalized B‐splines equipped with optimal knots, and Fourier‐spline expansion of a general high‐dimensional output function of interest. In contrast to standard SDD, there is no need to select the knot vectors uniformly or intuitively. The generation of optimal knot vectors can be viewed as an inexpensive preprocessing step toward creating the optimal SDD. Analytical formulas are proposed to calculate the second‐moment properties by the optimal SDD method for a general output random variable in terms of the expansion coefficients involved. It has been shown that the computational complexity of the optimal SDD method is polynomial, as opposed to exponential, thus mitigating the curse of dimensionality by a discernible magnitude. Numerical results affirm that the optimal SDD method developed is more precise than polynomial chaos expansion, sparse‐grid quadrature, and the standard SDD method in calculating not only the second‐moment statistics, but also the cumulative distribution function of an output random variable. More importantly, the optimal SDD outperforms standard SDD by sustaining nearly identical computational cost.
The shifted boundary method for solid mechanics
Authors: Atallah Nabil M. , Canuto Claudio , Scovazzi Guglielmo 
Published: July 2021

AbstractWe propose a new embedded/immersed framework for computational solid mechanics, aimed at vastly speeding up the cycle of design and analysis in complex geometry. In many problems of interest, our approach bypasses the complexities associated with the generation of CAD representations and subsequent body‐fitted meshing, since it only requires relatively simple representations of the surface geometries to be simulated, such as collections of disconnected triangles in three dimensions, widely used in computer graphics. Our approach avoids the complex treatment of cut elements, by resorting to an approximate boundary representation and a special (shifted) treatment of the boundary conditions to maintain optimal accuracy. Natural applications of the proposed approach are problems in biomechanics and geomechanics, in which the geometry to be simulated is obtained from imaging techniques. Similarly, our computational framework can easily treat geometries that are the result of topology optimization methods and are realized with additive manufacturing technologies. We present a full analysis of stability and convergence of the method, and we complement it with an extensive set of computational experiments in two and three dimensions, for progressively more complex geometries.
TheBDF2 FDMfor the fourth‐order equations with the multi‐termR‐Lfractional integral kernels
Authors: Liu Yuan , Zhang Haixiang , Yang Xuehua , Liu Yanling 
Published: July 2021

AbstractIn this paper, we formulated the finite difference method for the fourth order integro‐differential equation with the Riemann‐Liouville multi‐term fractional integral kernels. The formally two‐step backward differentiation formula method and second‐order convolution quadrature are used in time. Theand‐norm stability and convergence at each time level are given. Numerical results show that our scheme obtains the expected optimal convergence rates.
Greater financial toxicity relates to greater distress and worse quality of life among breast and gynecologic cancer survivors
Authors: Benedict Catherine , Fisher Sophie , Schapira Lidia , Chao Sabrina , Sackeyfio Sarah , Sullivan Tara , Pollom Erqi , Berek Jonathan S. , Kurian Allison W. , Palesh Oxana 
Published: July 2021

AbstractBackgroundFinancial toxicity includes distress and burden from cancer‐related costs. Women are more likely to experience worse cancer‐related financial outcomes than men. This study evaluated breast and gynecologic cancer patients' subjective experiences of financial toxicity and associations with distress and quality of life (QOL).MethodsA cross‐sectional survey study included measures of financial toxicity (Comprehensive Score for Financial Toxicity [COST] Version 2), distress (Patient Health Questionnaire), and QOL (Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy). Chi‐square, t‐tests, and ANOVAs examined bivariate relationships. Two regression models tested associations between financial toxicity and distress and QOL, controlling for covariates. Financial toxicity subgroups were compared based on a validated grading system.ResultsParticipants (N = 273; 74% breast cancer) averaged 54.65 years (SD = 12.08), were 3.42 years (SD = 4.20) post‐diagnosis, and 33% reported cancer‐related change in employment status. Financial toxicity was “mild” overall (COST M = 26.11, SD = 11.14); 32% worried about cancer‐related financial problems (quite a bit/very much; item‐level analysis). Worse financial toxicity related to younger age (p < 0.001), identifying as a non‐Asian minority (p = 0.03) or Hispanic (p = 0.01), being single (p < 0.001), lower education (p = 0.004), lower income (p < 0.001), late‐stage disease (p = 0.001), recurrent disease (p = 0.004), and active treatment (p < 0.001). In separate multivariable models, greater financial toxicity related to greater distress (β = −0.45 p < 0.001) and worse QOL (β = 0.58, p < 0.001). Financial toxicity subgroups reported clinically significant differences in distress and QOL (p's < 0.05).ConclusionsCancer‐related financial burden is associated with pervasive negative effects and may impact subgroups differently. Future research should explore financial experiences across subgroups, aiming to better identify those at risk and build targeted interventions.
EVALI versus MIS‐C, one more overlapping diagnosis to consider
Authors: Cruz‐Vidal Diego A. , Mull Eric S. , Taveras Jeanette , Shell Richard , Hunt Garrett W. , Fowler Brian , Wallihan Rebecca , Erdem Guliz 
Published: July 2021

AbstractWe describe six teenagers presenting with fever and severe abdominal symptoms admitted with concerns for multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children (MIS‐C). Laboratory evaluation revealed elevated markers of inflammation, lymphopenia, and increased D‐dimers. Imaging studies revealed multifocal airspace disease and ground‐glass opacities. SARS‐CoV‐2 polymerase chain reaction and serologies were negative. All patients reported a history of vaping, prompting E‐cigarette, or vaping, product use‐associated lung injury (EVALI) diagnosis. MIS‐C has overlapping clinical and laboratory features highlighting the added challenge of diagnosing EVALI during the COVID‐19 pandemic.Keywords COVID‐19 pandemic, EVALI, MIS‐C
MRSA strains with distinct accessory genes predominate at different ages in cystic fibrosis
Authors: Porterfield Harry S. , Maakestad Lucas J. , LaMarche Mason M. , Thurman Andrew L. , Kienenberger Zoe E. , Pitcher Nicholas J. , Hansen Alexis R. , Zirbes Christian F. , Boyken Linda , Muyskens Bethany L. , Pezzulo Alejandro A. , Singh Sachinkumar B. , Twait Erik , Ford Bradley , Diekema Daniel J. , Reeb Valérie , Fischer Anthony J. 
Published: July 2021

AbstractRationaleMethicillin resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) is prevalent and consequential in cystic fibrosis (CF). Whole genome sequencing (WGS) could reveal genomic differences in MRSA associated with poorer outcomes or detect MRSA transmission.ObjectivesTo identify MRSA genes associated with low lung function and potential MRSA transmission in CF.MethodsWe collected 97 MRSA isolates from 74 individuals with CF from 2017 and performed short‐read WGS. We determined sequence type (ST) and the phylogenetic relationship between isolates. We aligned accessory genes from 25 reference genomes to genome assemblies, classified isolates by accessory gene content, and correlated the accessory genome to clinical outcomes.ResultsThe most prevalent ST were ST5 (N = 55), ST8 (N = 15), and ST105 (N = 14). Closely related MRSA strains were shared by family members with CF, but rarely between unrelated individuals. Three clusters of MRSA were identified by accessory genome content. Cluster A, including ST5 and ST105, was highly prevalent at all ages. Cluster B, including ST8, was more limited to younger patients. Cluster C included 6 distantly related strains. Patients 20 years old and younger infected with Cluster A had lower forced expiratory volume in the first second (FEV1) and higher sputum biomass compared to similar‐aged patients with Cluster B.ConclusionsIn this CF cohort, we identified MRSA subtypes that predominate at different ages and differ by accessory gene content. The most prevalent cluster of MRSA, including ST5 and ST105, was associated with lower FEV1. ST8 MRSA was more common in younger patients and thus has the potential to rise in prevalence as these patients age.
Long noncoding RNA highly upregulated in liver cancer promotes the progression of hepatocellular carcinoma and attenuates the chemosensitivity of oxaliplatin by regulating miR‐383‐5p/vesicle‐associated membrane protein‐2 axis
Authors: Li Peng , Li Yuwei , Ma Lieting 
Published: July 2021

AbstractWe aimed to explore the function and underlying mechanism of highly upregulated in liver cancer (HULC; an long noncoding RNAs) in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and chemosensitivity of oxaliplatin (Oxa). The expression of HULC, miR‐383‐5p, and vesicle‐associated membrane protein‐2 (VAMP2) was detected by quantitative real‐time polymerase chain reaction. Western blot assay was applied for measuring the protein expression of cyclinD1, cleaved‐caspase‐3, light Chain 3 I/II, p62, and VAMP2. Cell viability and Oxa IC50 value were determined by Cell Counting Kit‐8 assay. A colony formation assay was conducted to evaluate colony formation ability. Cell apoptosis was assessed by flow cytometry. The interaction between miR‐383‐5p and HULC or VAMP2 was predicted by bioinformatics analysis and verified by dual‐luciferase reporter assay and RNA immunoprecipitation assay. The mice xenograft model was established to investigate the roles of HULC in vivo. HULC and VAMP2 were overexpressed whereas miR‐383‐5p was lowly expressed in HCC tissues. HULC overexpression promoted the progression of HCC cells and inhibited chemosensitivity of Oxa by increasing cell proliferation and protective autophagy and inhibiting apoptosis, whereas HULC silence presented opposite effects. Moreover, miR‐383‐5p was a direct target of HULC and miR‐383‐5p reversed the effects of HULC on the progression of HCC cells and chemosensitivity of Oxa. Besides, HULC acted as a molecular sponge of miR‐383‐5p to regulate VAMP2 expression. HULC promoted the progression of HCC and inhibited Oxa sensitivity by regulating miR‐383‐5p/VAMP2 axis, elucidating a novel regulatory mechanism for chemosensitivity of Oxa and providing a potential lncRNA‐targeted therapy for HCC.
Development of a database strategy based on liquid chromatography–quadrupole time‐of‐flight mass spectrometry for the screening of 75 estrogenic chemicals from treated sewage effluent
Authors: Yagishita Mayuko , Kubo Takuya , Otsuka Koji , Nakayama Shoji F. , Nakajima Daisuke 
Published: July 2021

AbstractThe detection of endocrine disrupting chemicals such as estrogenic compounds in environmental samples is a hot topic of research. In this context, this study describes a new screening method for 75 estrogenic chemicals from environmental water samples based on two databases built from the data obtained from liquid chromatography with quadrupole time‐of‐flight mass spectrometry. A first database, named “DATABASE I,” is constructed from the retention time and m/z of molecular weight‐related ions with measured accurate mass of the 75 estrogenic chemicals. A second database, “DATABASE II,” includes the collision‐induced fragmentation spectra with measured accurate mass of the compounds. These databases are respectively applied for a rough screening and precise identification of the estrogenic chemicals of sewage effluents as follows: Step (1): A treated sewage effluent sample is subjected to analysis using the time‐of‐flight scan mode, and a rough screening using DATABASE I is performed. Step (2): The obtained candidate estrogenic chemicals by step 1 are measured using the targeted tandem mass spectrometry mode in which collision energy dependence fragmentations of them are induced. The resulting fragmentation mass spectra are screened using DATABASE II. The application of these two databases improved the accuracy in the identification of estrogenic chemicals, reducing the risk of misidentification.
Standardization of a protein extraction protocol for the proteomic analysis of the leaves of Oryza sativa L. cv. BRS AG
Authors: Vighi Isabel Lopes , Seixas Neto Amilton , de Sousa Guilherme Feijó , de Carvalho Juliana Oliveira , da Silva Pinto Luciano 
Published: July 2021

AbstractThe rice cultivar BRS AG (Oryza sativa L.) is a cereal developed to serve as a raw material for ethanol production or animal feed, contributing to an increasing energy demand and the economic sustainability of the rice sector. However, only few studies have reported this new cultivar. As proteomic analysis is crucial in understanding the physiological and adaptive behavior of BRS AG rice leaves under biotic and abiotic stresses, the present study compared the following three precipitation protocols for the protein extraction of leaf tissue in two‐dimensional electrophoresis analysis: phenol method, trichloroacetic acid‐acetone method, and a third method developed in our laboratory (BIOPRO). The efficiency and repeatability of the protein extraction protocols were evaluated by two‐dimensional electrophoresis analysis. Our results indicate that the BIOPRO protocol was the most efficient in protein extraction as compared to the efficiency of other protocols. We detected a greater amount of protein (15.44 μg/μL) and 414 spots, and the BIOPRO protocol provided the best results regarding reproducibility, focusing, resolved spots, the intensity of spots, and single spot detection. This novel protocol is useful for extracting high‐quality proteins from leaves and presents an efficient removal of contaminants, which is directly linked to a better resolution for two‐dimensional electrophoresis analysis.
Sectional analysis of the cyclic behavior of steel fiber reinforced concrete
Authors: Vandecruys Eline , De Smedt Maure , Vrijdaghs Rutger , Verstrynge Els , Vandewalle Lucie 
Published: July 2021

AbstractSteel fiber reinforced concrete (SFRC) is known for improving the tensile post‐cracking fatigue behavior of concrete. This paper presents a method to obtain the cyclic tensile behavior of SFRC through sectional analysis, using a limited amount of input parameters. The analytical model is divided into two parts: a monotonic and cyclic model. The monotonic model calculates the uniaxial stress‐crack width curves or constitutive laws of SFRC that fulfill the beam's equilibrium with the smallest error. Afterwards, when the constitutive law is known, the cyclic model predicts the behavior during progressive load cycles. Two methods are used to implement the damage caused by cyclic loading: based on the experimental stiffness during cyclic direct tensile tests (DTTs) and based on a relation between the plastic crack width and the crack width at unloading. The latter option is preferred as no additional DTTs are needed. The proposed methodology therefore eliminates the need for challenging DTTs and only requires more feasible monotonic three‐point bending tests (3PBTs) for model calibration. The model is validated by means of DTTs and cyclic 3PBTs and its potential for extension to fatigue loading is shown.
An experimental investigation on the impermeability and durability of concrete with a novel and multifunctional hydrophobic admixture addition
Authors: Zhang Bo , Li Qingbin , Ma Rui , Niu Xujing , Yang Lin , Hu Yu , Zhang Jinliang 
Published: July 2021

AbstractIn order to improve the durability of concrete, hydrophobic technology is used to isolate the contact between concrete and external water. The addition of hydrophobic admixture is a popular method, but most of the hydrophobic agents mixed with cement sacrifice the partial strength of concrete to improve the hydrophobicity. In this paper, a novel and multifunctional hydrophobic admixture named YREC was prepared, which has a positive effect on strength, impermeability, and durability under freeze–thaw attack. The chloride resistance permeability of concrete mixed with YREC increases by 5.3 times. Water contact angles up to 108 ± 2° were achieved on the concrete. The action mechanism of YREC was investigated using multiscale pore size distribution by means of nitrogen adsorption and mercury intrusion porosimetry, scanning electron microscope, X‐ray diffraction testing, and thermogravimetric analysis (TG). The results indicate that YREC particles can accelerate cement hydration based on TG‐DTG analysis. YREC can be more effectively applied in practical engineering due to the simpler preparation process and cheaper raw material.