bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The effects of testosterone administration on muscle areas of the trunk and pelvic floor in hysterectomized women with low testosterone levels: proof-of-concept study
Authors: Tapper John , Huang Grace , Pencina Karol M. , Li Zhuoying , Arver Stefan , Martling Anna , Blomqvist Lennart , Buchli Christian , Travison Thomas G. , Storer Thomas W. , Bhasin Shalender , Basaria Shehzad 
Published: September 2019

Abstract

Objective:
The aim of this study was to determine the effect of testosterone administration on trunk and pelvic floor muscle area in women with low testosterone levels.

Methods:
Participants were hysterectomized women with total testosterone<31 ng/dL and/or free testosterone<3.5 pg/mL; participating in the Testosterone Dose Response in Surgically Menopausal Women (TDSM) trial. All participants received a standardized transdermal estradiol regimen during the 12-week run-in period, and were then randomized to receive weekly intramuscular injections of placebo, or 3, 6.25, 12.5, or 25 mg testosterone enanthate for 24 weeks. Muscle areas of the trunk and pelvis were measured at baseline and end of treatment using 1.5 Tesla magnetic resonance imaging. Total and free testosterone levels were measured by liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry and equilibrium dialysis, respectively. Testosterone effect on muscle areas was analyzed using linear regression models.

Results:
A total of 24 women who had available baseline and posttreatment magnetic resonance imaging were included in the analysis. Increased cross-sectional areas of the paraspinal, psoas, and abdominal wall muscles were seen after testosterone administration. The estimated mean change (95% CI; P value) between treatment groups was 4.07 cm2 (1.26-6.88; P = 0.007) for paraspinal, 1.60 cm2 (0.10-3.09; P = 0.038) for psoas major, and 7.49 cm2 (1.96-13.02; P = 0.011) for abdominal wall muscles. Increases in psoas muscle area were significantly associated with changes in free testosterone concentrations. No significant changes in obturator internus and pelvic floor muscle areas were observed.

Conclusion:
Short-term testosterone administration in women with low testosterone levels was associated with increased trunk muscle area.
Rescue and concomitant analgesics in placebo-controlled trials of pharmacotherapy for neuropathic pain and low back pain
Authors: Grøvle Lars , Hasvik Eivind , Haugen Anne Julsrud 
Published: September 2019

Abstract
Rescue medication is commonly offered to participants in placebo-controlled trials of analgesic drugs. The use of pain medication in addition to the placebo or experimental drug may complicate the interpretation of effects and tolerability, but this issue has received little methodological attention. This study examined the handling and reporting of rescue and concomitant analgesic use in trials of pharmacotherapy for neuropathic pain and low back pain. We based our review on 265 trials included in 2 recent systematic reviews: 83 trials of low back pain and 182 of neuropathic pain. In total, 117 (44%) trials permitted rescue medication and 126 (48%) allowed participants to continue all or some of their usual analgesics. The utilization of rescue medication increased over time, occurring in 18% of trials before 2000 compared with 55% after 2000. Forty-one trials (16%) permitted both rescue analgesics and continued use of prestudy analgesics. More than one-third of the trials permitting rescue medication did not report the actual rescue drug consumption, and over half of the trials allowing concomitant analgesics did not report whether intake changed during the trial. Only 22 (19%) of the trials permitting rescue medication included complete information about whether rescue medication was used as an outcome, specified the drugs used, specified how consumption was assessed and measured, and reported and analyzed the use of rescue medication in each trial arm. Our findings suggest that poorly described procedures and incomplete reporting are likely to hinder the interpretation, critical appraisal, and replication of trial results.
Resonant waves and localization phenomena in lattices
Authors: Abdukadirov Sagdulla A. , Ayzenberg-Stepanenko Mark V. , Osharovich Gregory G. 
Published: September 2019

Transient wave processes in mass-spring lattices excited by point oscillating sources are studied. Dispersion properties of uniform periodic three-dimensional (3D) square-cell and two-dimensional (2D) hexagonal-cell lattices including revealed star-shaped localization phenomena are analysed. The resonant-like waves and localization-like patterns in non-uniform lattices possessing predetermined and randomly distributed defects are numerically examined in order to identify the sensitivity of star-shape forms to different types of defects.
This article is part of the theme issue ‘Modelling of dynamic phenomena and localization in structured media (part 1)’.
Frequency-dependent impedance and surface waves on the boundary of a stratified dielectric medium
Authors: Cherednichenko Kirill , Graham William 
Published: September 2019

We analyse waves propagating along the interface between half-spaces filled with a perfect dielectric and a Lorentz material. We show that the corresponding interface condition leads to a generalization of the classical Leontovich condition on the boundary of a dielectric half-space. We study when this condition supports propagation of (dispersive) surface waves. We derive the related dispersion relation for waves along the boundary of a stratified half-space and determine the relationship between the loss parameter, frequency and wavenumber for which interfacial waves exist.
This article is part of the theme issue ‘Modelling of dynamic phenomena and localization in structured media (part 1)’.
Rats Sniff off Toxic Air
Authors: Chen Haoxuan , Li Xinyue , Yao Maosheng 
Published: September 2019

AbstractBreathing air is a fundamental human need, yet its safety, when challenged by various harmful or lethal substances, is often not properly guarded. For example, air toxicity is currently monitored only for single or limited number of known toxicants, thus failing to fully warn against possible hazardous air. Here, we discovered that within minutes living rats emitted distinctive profiles of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) via breath when exposed to various airborne toxicants such as endotoxin, O3, ricin, and CO2. Compared to background indoor air, when exposed to ricin or endotoxin aerosols breath-borne VOC levels, especially that of carbon disulfide, were shown to decrease; while their elevated levels were observed for O3 and CO2 exposures. A clear contrast in breath-borne VOCs profiles of rats between different toxicant exposures was observed with a statistical significance. Differences in MicroRNA regulations such as miR-33, miR-146a and miR-155 from rats’ blood samples revealed different mechanisms used by the rats in combating different air toxicant challenges. Similar to dogs, rats were found here to be able to sniff against toxic air by releasing a specific breath-borne VOC profile. The discovered science opens a new arena for online monitoring air toxicity and health effects of pollutants.TOC
Early life stress impairs social function through AVP-dependent mechanisms
Authors: Brydges Nichola M. , Hall Jessica , Best Caroline , Rule Lowenna , Watkin Holly , Drake Amanda J. , Lewis Catrin , Thomas Kerrie L. , Hall Jeremy 
Published: September 2019

AbstractImpaired social function is a core feature of many psychiatric illnesses. Adverse experiences during childhood increase risk for mental illness, however it is currently unclear whether stress early in life plays a direct role in the development of social difficulties. Using an animal model of pre-pubertal stress (PPS), we investigated effects on social behaviour, oxytocin and arginine vasopressin (AVP). We also explored social performance and AVP expression in participants with borderline personality disorder (BPD) who experienced a high incidence of childhood stress. Social behaviour was impaired and AVP expression increased in animals experiencing PPS and participants with BPD. Behavioural deficits in animals were rescued through administration of the AVP receptor 1a antagonist Relcovaptan (SR49059). AVP levels and recognition of negative emotions were significantly correlated in BPD participants only. In conclusion, early life stress plays a profound role in the precipitation of social dysfunction, and AVP mediates at least part of this effect.
Age-related differences in white matter: Understanding tensor-based results using fixel-based analysis
Authors: Kelley Shannon , Plass John , Bender Andrew R. , Polk Thad A. 
Published: September 2019

AbstractAging is associated with widespread alterations in cerebral white matter (WM). Most prior studies of age differences in WM have used diffusion tensor imaging (DTI), but typical DTI metrics (e.g., fractional anisotropy; FA) can reflect multiple neurobiological features, making interpretation challenging. Here, we used fixel-based analysis (FBA) to investigate age-related WM differences observed using DTI in a sample of 45 older and 25 younger healthy adults. Age- related FA differences were widespread but were strongly associated with differences in multifiber complexity (CX), suggesting that they reflected differences in crossing fibers in addition to structural differences in individual fiber segments. FBA also revealed a frontolimbic locus of age-related effects and provided insights into distinct microstructural changes underlying them. Specifically, age differences in fiber density were prominent in fornix, bilateral anterior internal capsule, forceps minor, body of the corpus callosum and corticospinal tract, while age differences in fiber cross section were largest in cingulum bundle and forceps minor. These results provide novel insights into specific structural differences underlying major WM differences associated with aging.
Multi-scale systems genomics analysis predicts pathways, cell types and drug targets involved in normative human cognition variation
Authors: Pai Shraddha , Hui Shirley , Weber Philipp , Narayan Soumil , Whitley Owen , Li Peipei , Labrie Viviane , Baumbach Jan , Bader Gary D 
Published: September 2019

AbstractAn open challenge in human genetics is to better understand the link between genotype variation and the various molecular, cellular, anatomical and physiological systems that it can affect. To address this challenge, we performed genotype-phenotype-systems analysis for accuracy in nine cognitive tasks from the Philadelphia Neurodevelopmental Cohort (3,319 individuals aged 8-21 years). We report a region of genome-wide significance within the 3’ end of the FBLN1 gene (p=4.6×10−8), associated with nonverbal reasoning, a heritable form of complex reasoning ability. Integration of published brain-specific ‘omic maps reveals that FBLN1 shows greatest expression in the fetal brain, is a marker of neural progenitor cells, is differentially expressed in schizophrenia and increases genetic risk for bipolar disorder. These findings suggest that nonverbal reasoning and FBLN1 variation warrant further investigation in studies of neurodevelopmental disorders and psychosis. Using genotype-pathway analysis, we identify pathways related to development and to autonomic nervous system dysfunction associated with working memory accuracy. Top-ranking pathway genes include those genetically associated with multiple diseases with working memory deficits, such as schizophrenia and Parkinson’s disease, and that are also markers for specific brain cell types. Our findings identify novel molecular players involved in specific cognitive tasks and link variants to genes, pathways, cell types, diseases and drugs. This work advances the “molecules-to-behaviour” view of cognition, and provides a framework for using systems-level organization of data for other biomedical domains.
State-dependent pontine ensemble dynamics and interactions with cortex across sleep states
Authors: Tsunematsu Tomomi , Patel Amisha A , Onken Arno , Sakata Shuzo 
Published: September 2019

AbstractThe pontine nuclei play a crucial role in sleep-wake regulation. However, pontine ensemble dynamics underlying sleep regulation remain poorly understood. By monitoring population activity in multiple pontine and adjacent brainstem areas, here we show slow, state-predictive pontine ensemble dynamics and state-dependent interactions between the pons and the cortex in mice. On a timescale of seconds to minutes, pontine populations exhibit diverse firing across vigilance states, with some of these dynamics being attributed to cell type-specific activity. Pontine population activity can predict pupil dilation and vigilance states: pontine neurons exhibit longer predictable power compared with hippocampal neurons. On a timescale of sub-seconds, pontine waves (P-waves) are observed as synchronous firing of pontine neurons primarily during rapid eye movement (REM) sleep, but also during non-REM (NREM) sleep. Crucially, P-waves functionally interact with cortical activity in a state-dependent manner: during NREM sleep, hippocampal sharp wave-ripples (SWRs) precede P-waves. On the other hand, P-waves during REM sleep are phase-locked with ongoing hippocampal theta oscillations and are followed by burst firing in a subset of hippocampal neurons. Thus, the directionality of functional interactions between the hippocampus and pons changes depending on sleep states. This state-dependent global coordination between pontine and cortical regions implicates distinct functional roles of sleep.
Evidence for pre-climacteric activation of AOX transcription during cold-induced conditioning to ripen in European pear (Pyrus communis L.)
Authors: Hendrickson Christopher , Hewitt Seanna , Swanson Mark E. , Einhorn Todd , Dhingra Amit 
Published: September 2019

AbstractEuropean pears (Pyrus communis L.) require a range of cold-temperature exposure to induce ethylene biosynthesis and fruit ripening. Physiological and hormonal responses to cold temperature storage in pear have been well characterized, but the molecular underpinnings of these phenomena remain unclear. An established low-temperature conditioning model was used to induce ripening of ‘D’Anjou’ and ‘Bartlett’ pear cultivars and quantify the expression of key genes representing ripening-related metabolic pathways in comparison to non-conditioned fruit. Physiological indicators of pear ripening were recorded, and fruit peel tissue sampled in parallel, during the cold-conditioning and ripening time-course experiment to correlate gene expression to ontogeny. Two complementary approaches, Nonparametric Multi-Dimensional Scaling and efficiency-corrected 2-(ΔΔCt), were used to identify genes exhibiting the most variability in expression. Interestingly, the enhanced alternative oxidase (AOX) transcript abundance at the pre-climacteric stage in ‘Bartlett’ and ‘D’Anjou’ at the peak of the conditioning treatments suggests that AOX may play a key and a novel role in the achievement of ripening competency. There were indications that cold-sensing and signaling elements from ABA and auxin pathways modulate the S1-S2 ethylene transition in European pears, and that the S1-S2 ethylene biosynthesis transition is more pronounced in ‘Bartlett’ as compared to ‘D’Anjou’ pear. This information has implications in preventing post-harvest losses of this important crop.
The relationship between cash holdings, investment opportunities and financial constraint with audit fees
Authors: Mohammadi Mohammad , Kardan Behzad , Salehi Mahdi 
Published: September 2019

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to investigate the relationship between cash holdings, investment opportunities and financial constraint with audit fees in Iran.Design/methodology/approachIn order to collect data, all manufacturing companies listed on the Tehran Stock Exchange are used to test the hypotheses during 2008–2015. Panel data and combined data regression model were used for data analysis. Tests were performed using R statistical software.FindingsThe results obtained from the statistical analysis of research hypotheses indicated that there is a significant relationship between cash holdings and audit fees. Furthermore, the relationship between cash holdings, financial constraints and audit fees was significant. In addition, there was no significant relationship between cash holdings, investment opportunities and audit fees.Originality/valueThe current study employed a unique topic in terms of a developing country, and the results may give strength to other developing nations.
A sustainable value generator in the Italian wine industry
Authors: Gromis di Trana Melchior , Bava Fabrizio , Pisoni Pietro 
Published: September 2019

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to investigate the economic impact of a shift toward a more sustainable model in the wine industry. In particular it aims to identify the business activities which are more involved in this process under an economic perspective, as well as the strategies applied to guarantee profits.Design/methodology/approachThis research is based on a single case study: Casa E. di Mirafiore e Fontanafredda. It is one of the main wine producers in Italy as well as one of the main drivers for the diffusion of a sustainable culture in the region.FindingsThe company value chain in the short time is negatively influenced by these changes, but at the same time they are strategic investments able to provide new opportunities for sales and cost reductions.Research limitations/implicationsThe work uses a sole case study approach. As theoretical implications the study highlights how the “green shift” may be supported under an economic perspective. And it also shows the need to extend the evaluation over the sole company.Practical implicationsThis research reduces an information gap concerning the economic effect produced by a sustainable conversion. It may inspire other companies to perform this evolution.Originality/valueThe research explores how Fontanafredda performed a conversion of its business model toward sustainability. This analysis is performed on the value chain but also over it.
The careers of university professional staff: a systematic literature review
Authors: Gander Michelle , Girardi Antonia , Paull Megan 
Published: September 2019

PurposeHuman capital is a key component of the success of organisations, and career development of staff is a vital component to both increasing and retaining human capital. Universities are no different, their people are key to their mission. There has been limited rigorous study of the careers of professional staff in the academy. The paper aims to discuss these issues.Design/methodology/approachA systematic literature review methodology resulted in a review of 23 articles dedicated to research on careers of professional staff in higher education (HE). Thematic analysis identified a series of enablers and barriers that influence career development and progression.FindingsCareer enablers and barriers have been found to exist at both the institutional and individual levels. Within the HE context, professional staff have a hybrid career mindset, desiring traditional and more contemporary career factors, leading to a reciprocal relationship between the organisation and the individual.Research limitations/implicationsThere is a need for future research to investigate the hybrid career mindset, and the reciprocal relationship, both to add depth to understanding of careers for professional staff in universities, and to examine this in other settings.Practical implicationsUniversities may need to consider ways to integrate institutional support for high performance work systems (HPWS) with opportunities for professional staff, while individuals may need to consider adopting career self-management behaviours (CSMB) to fit their hybrid mindset.Originality/valueThis review has highlighted organisations and individuals will benefit if the relationship between HPWS and CSMB is better understood for the hybrid career mindset.
Maximum propulsive efficiency of two pitching and plunging plates in tandem at low Reynolds number
Authors: Ortega-Casanova Joaquin , Fernandez-Feria Ramon 
Published: September 2019

PurposeThis paper aims to consider the thrust force generated by two plunging and pitching plates in a tandem configuration in forward flight to find out the configuration that maximizes the propulsive efficiency with high-enough time-averaged lift force.Design/methodology/approachTo that end, the Navier–Stokes equations for the incompressible and two-dimensional flow at Reynolds number $500 are solved. As the number of parameters is quite large, the case of constant separation between the plates (half their chord length), varying seven non-dimensional parameters related to the phase shift between the heaving motion of the foils, the phase lag between pitch and heave of each plate independently and the frequency and amplitude of the heaving and pitching motions are considered. This analysis complements some other recent studies where the separation between the foils has been used as one of the main control parameters.FindingsIt is found that the propulsive efficiency is maximized for a phase shift of 180° (counterstroking), when the reduced frequency is 2.2 and the Strouhal number based on half the plunging amplitude is 0.17, the pitching amplitude is 25° and when pitch leads heave by 135° in both the fore -plate and the hind plate. The propulsive efficiency is about 20 per cent, just a bit larger than that of an isolate plate with the same motion as the fore-plate, but the corresponding lift force is negligible for a single plate. The paper discusses this vortical flow structure in relation to other less efficient ones. Finally, the effect of the separation between the plates and the Reynolds number is also briefly discussed.Originality/valueThe kinematics of two flapping plates in tandem configuration that maximizes the propulsive efficiency are characterized discussing physically the associated vortical flow structures in comparison with less efficient kinematic configurations. A much larger number of parameters in the optimization procedure than in previous related works is considered.
The influence of basalt fabrics modifications on their resistance to contact heat and comfort properties
Authors: Miśkiewicz Pamela , Frydrych Iwona , Pawlak Wojciech 
Published: September 2019

Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to present the influence of modifying the fabric surface made from basalt fibers by the magnetron sputtering of chromium and aluminum layers on its resistance to contact heat and comfort properties.

Design/methodology/approach
In order to modify the surface of basalt fabric, the process of physical deposition from the gas phase was used. It relies on creating a coating on a selected substrate by applying physical atoms, molecules or ions of specific chemical compounds. The trial of modification was carried out using the magnetron sputtering method due to the material versatility, application flexibility and ability to apply layers on substrates of various sizes and properties.

Findings
The findings obtained regarding the heat resistance to contact heat and thermal insulation (comfort) properties show different values depending on the type of metal deposited and the thickness of coating layer. It was found that the modification of basalt fabric surface at the micrometer level changes the tested parameters.

Research limitations/implications
This paper presents the results of resistance to contact heat and thermal insulation properties only for the twill fabric made of basalt fiber. The surface modification of fabric was carried out using the chromium and aluminum of two values of layer thickness (1 and 5 µm).

Originality/value
So far, no tests have been carried out to modify the surface of fabric made from basalt fiber yarns using the magnetron sputtering method. In addition, it has not been studied, how the modification of fabric affects its resistance to contact heat and thermophysiological properties.