bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Prevalence of Maternal Birth Trauma in Nepali Women
Authors: Turel Friyan , Caagbay Delena , Dietz Hans Peter 
Published: April 2018

ObjectivesPelvic organ prolapse is very common among women in Nepal, especially uterine prolapse. This would suggest a high rate of levator trauma, which is a strong predictor of such prolapse in the Western world. Hence, we decided to study the prevalence of maternal birth trauma in Nepali women.MethodsIn November 2016, we offered an interview, clinical examination, and 4‐dimensional translabial sonography to women attending a gynecology clinic. Of 129 women seen, 5 were excluded due to previous pelvic surgery. Translabial sonography volume data sets were obtained and analyzed by tomographic imaging for levator ani and anal sphincter trauma at a later date, blinded against all clinical data.ResultsMean age was 39 (21–74) years, median vaginal parity was 2 (0–9), mean age at first delivery 21 (14–40). Seventeen (14%) had not given birth vaginally; of these, 14 (11%) delivered by cesarean only, and 3 (2%) were nulliparous. Tomographic assessment for levator avulsion and anal sphincter trauma was possible in 124 women and performed as previously described. We found 2 (2%) unilateral avulsions and significant external anal sphincter defects in another 2 women.ConclusionsLevator and anal sphincter trauma are significantly less prevalent in Nepali women in comparison to Western populations. This is intriguing, especially in view of the high prevalence of prolapse in Nepali women.
Relationship Between Ultrasonographic and Biochemical Markers of Tubal Ectopic Pregnancy and Success of Subsequent Management
Authors: Nadim Batool , Lu Chuan , Infante Fernando , Reid Shannon , Condous George 
Published: April 2018

ObjectivesTo determine whether there is an association between morphologic types of tubal ectopic pregnancy (EP), 0‐hour human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) levels, and subsequent management success.MethodsWe conducted a prospective study (November 2006–December 2015). Women had a diagnosis of EP by transvaginal ultrasonography if they had an inhomogeneous mass adjacent to the ovary and moving separately from it (“blob” sign), a mass with a hyperechoic ring around the gestational sac (“bagel” sign), or a gestational sac with an embryonic pole with or without a yolk sac with or without cardiac activity. The morphologic type, EP size, and 0‐hour hCG level were analyzed. A multivariate analysis determined any correlation between these variables and nonsurgical management success.ResultsA total of 7350 consecutive women underwent transvaginal ultrasonography, of whom 301 (4.2%) had a diagnosis of tubal EP; 181 (60.1%) had the blob sign; 90 (29.9%) had the bagel sign; and 23 (7.6%) were noted to have an embryo (14 viable and 9 nonviable). Eighty‐three of 301(27.5%) women had expectant management; 67 of 301(22.2%) were given methotrexate; and 151 of 301 (50%) had surgery. Success rates for the groups were 77%, 75%, and 100%, respectively. No difference between the morphologic type and success rate of treatment was noted. Although there was a significant correlation between the EP mass size and 0‐hour hCG level, the mass size itself was not correlated with the success rate of either medical or expectant management. Overall higher 0‐hour hCG levels were associated with management failure. In the expectant group, median hCG level for failure was 589 IU/L versus 366 IU/L for success, whereas in the medical group, the median for failure was 1244 IU/L versus 7629 IU/L for success.ConclusionsThere is no significant correlation between the morphologic type and size of EP with a nonsurgical management outcome. A likely successful outcome is related to a lower level of serum hCG at presentation.
The effect of oxygen availability on long‐distance electron transport in marine sediments
Authors: Burdorf Laurine D. W. , Malkin Sairah Y. , Bjerg Jesper T. , van Rijswijk Pieter , Criens Francis , Tramper Anton , Meysman Filip J. R. 
Published: April 2018

AbstractCable bacteria are long, multicellular, filamentous bacteria that can conduct electrons over centimeter distances in marine and freshwater sediments. Recent studies indicate that cable bacteria are widely present in many coastal environments, where they exert a major influence on the biogeochemistry of the sediment. Their energy metabolism can be based on the aerobic oxidation of sulfide, and hence to better understand their natural occurrence and distribution, we examined the growth and activity of cable bacteria in relation to bottom water oxygenation. To this end, we conducted laboratory sediment incubations at four different O2 levels in the overlying water (10%, 20%, 40%, and 100% air saturation). The abundance of cable bacteria was determined by fluorescence in situ hybridization, while their activity was assessed via microsensor profiling and geochemical pore‐water analysis. Cable bacteria did not develop in the 10% air saturation O2 incubation but were present and active at all higher O2 levels. These data show that microbial long‐distance electron transport can occur under a wide range of bottom water O2 concentrations. However, the growth rate was notably slower at lower oxygen concentrations, suggesting a reduced metabolic activity of the population when the O2 supply becomes restricted. Finally, in response to lower O2 levels, cable bacteria filaments appear to partially emerge out of the sediment and extend into the overlying water, thus likely enhancing their oxygen supply.
Tuning the Mechanical Properties of BIEE‐Crosslinked Semi‐Interpenetrating, Double‐Hydrophilic Hydrogels
Authors: Papaparaskeva Georgia , Voutouri Chrysovalantis , Gkretsi Vasiliki , Achilleos Mariliz , Safarik Ivo , Pospiskova Kristyna , Stylianopoulos Triantafyllos , Krasia‐Christoforou Theodora 
Published: April 2018

AbstractDouble‐hydrophilic, semi‐interpenetrating (semi‐IPN) hydrogels are synthesized by encapsulating hydrophilic polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP) linear chains in structure‐defined 1,2‐bis‐(2‐iodoethoxy)ethane (BIEE)‐crosslinked (poly(2‐(dimethylamino)ethyl methacrylate) (pDMAEMA) hydrogels. A series of semi‐IPN double‐hydrophilic hydrogels are prepared in which the pDMAEMA/BIEE content is kept the same and only the PVP content is varied, from 0 up to 33 wt%. The mechanical properties of the water‐swollen hydrogels are experimentally evaluated under unconfined compressive loading conditions, while a nonlinear hyperelastic constitutive equation is used to predict their mechanical response. No significant difference is found in the mechanical response of the semi‐IPN PVP/pDMAEMA/BIEE hydrogel containing 5 wt% PVP compared to the pDMAEMA/BIEE analog, however, for greater loading percentages (15 and 33 wt% of PVP), the semi‐IPN hydrogels exhibit less stiffness/higher ductility. Furthermore, in vitro biocompatibility studies are carried out for the pDMAEMA/BIEE and the semi‐IPN PVP/pDMAEMA/BIEE, indicating that both the formulations exhibit no toxicity in cultured cells.
Influence of Aspartate Moieties on the Self‐Healing Behavior of Histidine‐Rich Supramolecular Polymers
Authors: Enke Marcel , Köps Lukas , Zechel Stefan , Brendel Johannes C. , Vitz Jürgen , Hager Martin D. , Schubert Ulrich S. 
Published: April 2018

AbstractAspartate incorporated into the protein structure of mussel byssal threads is believed to play an important role, besides the reversible histidine–zinc interactions, in the self‐healing behavior of mussel byssal threads. Therefore, copolymers containing both aspartate and histidine moieties are synthesized in order to investigate the influence of aspartate on the complexation of zinc(II) as well as on the self‐healing behavior and the mechanical properties of the resulting supramolecular networks. For this purpose, isothermal titration calorimetry measurements of a model aspartate compound as well as of these copolymers are performed and the thermodynamic parameters are utilized for the design of self‐healing copolymers. For this purpose, n‐lauryl methacrylate‐based copolymers containing histidine and aspartate are synthesized and crosslinked with zinc(II) acetate. The self‐healing behavior of the supramolecular networks is investigated using scratch healing tests and the mechanical properties by nanoindentation.
Ultrasensitive Fluorescence Lifetime Tuning in Patterned Polymer Composite Nanofibers with Plasmonic Nanostructures for Multiplexing
Authors: Zhang Jun , Li Xin , Li Sheng , Zhang Jun Cheng , Yan Xu , Yu Gui Feng , Yang Da Peng , Long Yun Ze 
Published: April 2018

AbstractRegulating fluorescence lifetime of lanthanide nanocomposites is highly desired for optical multiplexing applications, for instance, security printing, anticounterfeiting, and data storage. Herein, sensitive fluorescence lifetime tuning in nanocomposite fibers is reported which are composed of silica‐coated gold nanorods assembled in Eu‐polystyrene nanofibers. The prepared nanofibers possess unique properties of tunable fluorescence lifetime and distinct textured patterns together with superior flexibility and superhydrophobicity. In a single 612 nm emission channel, over ten different populations of fluorescence lifetime from the range of 322–551 µs are harvested. Thanks to the tunable fluorescence lifetime and different textured patterns, a security pattern to demonstrate optical multiplexing applications is designed. The security pattern hides the real information of “69” in a noticeable scene that shows fake information “8” under UV radiation or “13” by only watching their pattern structures.
Effect of Crosslinker Length and Architecture on the Thermomechanical Properties of CNT‐Loaded Elastomeric Polymer Matrix Composites
Authors: Wang Meng , Dheressa Ermias , Brown Kristen A. , Green Matthew D. 
Published: April 2018

AbstractAn evolving understanding of elastomeric polymer nanocomposites continues to expand commercial, defense, and industrial products and applications. This work explores the thermomechanical properties of elastomeric nanocomposites prepared from bisphenol A diglycidyl ether and three amine‐terminated poly(propylene oxides) (Jeffamines). The Jeffamines investigated include difunctional crosslinkers with molecular weights of 2000 and 4000 g mol−1 and a trifunctional crosslinker with a molecular weight of 3000 g mol−1. Additionally, carbon nanotubes (CNTs) are added, up to 1.25 wt%, to each thermoset. The findings indicate that the T
g and storage modulus of the polymer nanocomposites can be controlled independently within narrow concentration windows, and that effects observed following CNT incorporation are dependent on the crosslinker molecular weight. Finally, the impact of crosslinker length and architecture as well as CNT addition on the molecular weight between crosslink points in the glassy and rubbery states are discussed.
Monofunctional and Telechelic Polyethylenes Carrying Phosphonic Acid End Groups
Authors: Nzahou Ottou Winnie , Norsic Sébastien , D'Agosto Franck , Boisson Christophe 
Published: April 2018

AbstractMonofunctional or telechelic polyethylenes (PEs) carrying phosphonic acid end groups are obtained from functional PE produced by catalyzed chain growth (CCG) on magnesium. CCG is first used to produce iodo‐end‐functionalized PE (PE‐I) that is efficiently turned into phosphonate end‐functionalized PE (PE‐P(O)(OEt)2) in the presence of triethylphosphite through the Michaelis–Arbuzov reaction. A simple treatment of the resulting PE‐P(O)(OEt)2 with bromotrimethylsilane leads to the targeted phosphonic acid end‐functionalized PE (PE‐P(O)(OH)2) for the first time. Vinyl‐end‐functionalized analogs (Vin‐PE‐P(O)(OEt)2) are produced using vinyl‐end‐functionalized PE‐I (Vin‐PE‐I) recently obtained through CCG. A cross‐metathesis reaction is then employed to couple Vin‐PE‐P(O)(OEt)2 and produce after treatment with bromotrimethylsilane the corresponding unprecedented α‐ω‐(diphosphonic acid) telechelic PE ((OH)2(O)P‐PE‐P(O)(OH)2).
Multihydroxy‐Anthraquinone Derivatives as Free Radical and Cationic Photoinitiators of Various Photopolymerizations under Green LED
Authors: Zhang Jing , Hill NicholasS. , Lalevée Jacques , Fouassier Jean‐Pierre , Zhao Jiacheng , Graff Bernadette , Schmidt Timothy W. , Kable Scott H. , Stenzel Martina H. , Coote Michelle L. , Xiao Pu 
Published: April 2018

AbstractMultihydroxy‐anthraquinone derivatives [i.e., 1,2,4‐trihydroxyanthraquinone (124‐THAQ), 1,2,7‐trihydroxyanthraquinone (127‐THAQ), and 1,2,5,8‐tetrahydroxyanthraquinone (1258‐THAQ)] can interact with various additives [e.g., iodonium salt, tertiary amine, N‐vinylcarbazole, and 2‐(4‐methoxystyryl)‐4,6‐bis(trichloromethyl)‐1,3,5‐triazine] under household green LED irradiation to generate active species (cations and radicals). The relevant photochemical mechanism is investigated using quantum chemistry, fluorescence, cyclic voltammetry, laser flash photolysis, steady state photolysis, and electron spin resonance spin‐trapping techniques. Furthermore, the multihydroxy‐anthraquinone derivative‐based photoinitiating systems are capable of initiating cationic photopolymerization of epoxides or divinyl ethers under green LED, and the relevant photoinitiation ability is consistent with the photochemical reactivity (i.e., 124‐THAQ‐based photoinitiating system exhibits highest reactivity and photoinitiation ability). More interestingly, multihydroxy‐anthraquinone derivative‐based photoinitiating systems can initiate free radical crosslinking or controlled (i.e., reversible addition−fragmentation chain transfer) photopolymerization of methacrylates under green LED. It reveals that multihydroxy‐anthraquinone derivatives can be used as versatile photoinitiators for various types of photopolymerization reactions.
Adreno‐muscarinic synergy in the male human urinary outflow tract
Authors: Walther Sebastian , Strittmatter Frank , Hennenberg Martin , Gratzke Christian , Stief Christian G. , Roosen Alexander 
Published: April 2018

AimTo examine putative interaction between adrenergic and muscarinic contractile activation in the human urinary outflow tract.MethodsTissue from the trigone and prostatic urethra was obtained from 12 cystectomy and 16 prostatectomy specimen. Contractions were elicited by exposure to exogenous agonists before and after inhibition of Rho kinase and protein kinase c (PKC). Immunofluorescence and Western‐blot studies were performed using antibodies to muscarinic M3‐receptors (M3‐R) and alpha1A‐adrenoreceptors (alpha1A‐AR). The study is registered with ClinicalTrials.gov, number NCT01227447.ResultsThere was strong co‐localization of M3‐R and alpha1A‐AR on trigonal and urethral myocytes. Western blot analysis revealed a significantly higher expression of alpha1A‐AR in the superficial than in the deep trigone. Phenylephrine (PE, 1 μm) augmented contractions induced by carbachol (CA, 3 μm) to more than threefold control in the male superficial trigone, and to about sevenfold control in the proximal urethra. No such potentiation could be detected in female bladder outlet. Both PKC inhibitor GF 109203X and Rho kinase inhibitor Y‐27632 reduced responses to 1 μM PE as well as to 3 μM CA significantly. However, the synergistic effect of the combined intervention remained proportionally unaffected.ConclusionsMuscarinic and adrenergic receptor activation exerts a strong synergistic effect in the male human bladder trigone and proximal urethra.
Quantification of liver function by linearization of a two‐compartment model of gadoxetic acid uptake using dynamic contrast‐enhanced magnetic resonance imaging
Authors: Simeth Josiah , Johansson Adam , Owen Dawn , Cuneo Kyle , Mierzwa Michelle , Feng Mary , Lawrence Theodore S. , Cao Yue 
Published: April 2018

Dynamic gadoxetic acid‐enhanced magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) allows the investigation of liver function through the observation of the perfusion and uptake of contrast agent in the parenchyma. Voxel‐by‐voxel quantification of the contrast uptake rate (k1) from dynamic gadoxetic acid‐enhanced MRI through the standard dual‐input, two‐compartment model could be susceptible to overfitting of variance in the data. The aim of this study was to develop a linearized, but more robust, model. To evaluate the estimated k1 values using this linearized analysis, high‐temporal‐resolution gadoxetic acid‐enhanced MRI scans were obtained in 13 examinations, and k1 maps were created using both models. Comparison of liver k1 values estimated from the two methods produced a median correlation coefficient of 0.91 across the 12 scans that could be used. Temporally sparse clinical MRI data with gadoxetic acid uptake were also employed to create k1 maps of 27 examinations using the linearized model. Of 20 scans, the created k1 maps were compared with overall liver function as measured by indocyanine green (ICG) retention, and yielded a correlation coefficient of 0.72. In the 27 k1 maps created via the linearized model, the mean liver k1 value was 3.93 ± 1.79 mL/100 mL/min, consistent with previous studies. The results indicate that the linearized model provides a simple and robust method for the assessment of the rate of contrast uptake that can be applied to both high‐temporal‐resolution dynamic contrast‐enhanced MRI and typical clinical multiphase MRI data, and that correlates well with the results of both two‐compartment analysis and independent whole liver function measurements.
Equus asinus remains (Mammalia, Perissodactyla) from the protohistoric site of Pech Maho (Sigean, South of France) and variation in donkey size during the Iron Age
Authors: Boulbes N. , Gardeisen A. 
Published: April 2018

AbstractThe equid deposits exhumed from the Pech Maho oppidum are a unique source of information for documenting the morphology of these animals during the Iron Age. About a hundred remains were attributed to the domestic donkey, which is the focus of this study, and confirm the presence of this species in the south of Gaul before Romanisation. Up until now, only rare elements of this species had been recorded throughout the territory. The donkey from Pech Maho is characterised by its small size with a withers height of less than 1 m (0.96) and a weight of about 100 kilos. Archaeological comparisons show that this small size was common during the Iron Age in the North Mediterranean Basin.
Structural Modulation of Chromic Response: Effects of Binding‐Site Blocking in a Conjugated Calix[4]pyrrole Chromophore
Authors: Březina Václav , Ishihara Shinsuke , Lang Jan , Hanyková Lenka , Ariga Katsuhiko , Hill Jonathan P. , Labuta Jan 
Published: April 2018

AbstractHerein, we modulate the chromic response of a highly colored tetrapyrrole macrocycle, namely, tetrakis(3,5‐di‐tert‐butyl‐4‐oxocyclohexadien‐2,5‐yl)porphyrinogen (OxP) by structural modification. N‐Benzylation at the macrocyclic nitrogen atoms leads to stepwise elimination of the two calix[4]pyrrole‐type binding sites ofOxPand serial variation of the chromic properties of the products, double N‐benzylatedBz2OxPand tetra N‐benzylatedBz4OxP. The halochromic (response to acidity) and solvatochromic (response to solvent polarity) properties were studied by using UV/Vis spectroscopy and NMR spectroscopy in nonpolar organic solvents. Titration experiments were used to generate binding isotherms to elucidate their binding properties with difluoroacetic acid. Differences in the halochromic properties of the compounds allowed construction of a colorimetric scale of acidity in nonpolar solvents, as the compounds in the seriesOxP,Bz2OxP, andBz4OxPare increasingly difficult to protonate but maintain their propensity to change color upon protonation. The concurrent effects of binding‐site blocking and modulation of acidity sensitivity are important new aspects for the development of colorimetric indicators.
Youths in foster care with language delays: Prevalence, causes, and interventions
Authors: Krier Jessie C. , Green Tonika Duren , Kruger Ashley 
Published: April 2018

AbstractChildren in the foster care system often face many educational challenges, including having an increased risk of language delays compared to the general population, with an estimated 35%–73% of the foster youth population experiencing language difficulties. Language delays are caused by many factors, but for children in foster care, one major antecedent is child abuse and neglect. Early delays greatly impact long‐term outcomes for children, including delays in their reading, writing, and social competence. This article explores possible causes of language delays for youths in foster care, describes the negative impact of language delays, and identifies evidence‐based practices for early intervention within the child welfare system and primary and secondary schools, specifically targeting practices for school psychologists, school counselors, school social workers, and speech pathologists.
A path to the powerhouse: systems‐to‐structure approaches for studying mitochondrial proteins
Authors: Pagliarini David J. 
Published: April 2018

AbstractThe young investigator award from the Protein Society was a special honor for me because, at its essence, the goal of my laboratory is to define what obscure proteins do. Years ago, I stumbled into mitochondria as a venue for this work, and these organelles continue to define the biological theme of my laboratory. Our approaches are fairly broad, reflecting my own somewhat unorthodox training among diverse scientific fields spanning organic synthesis, chemical biology, mechanistic biochemistry, signal transduction, and systems biology. Yet, whatever the theme or the discipline, we aim to understand how proteins work—especially those that hide in the dark corners of mitochondria. Below, I recount my own path into this arena of protein science, and describe how my experiences along the way have shaped our current multi‐disciplinary efforts to define the inner workings of this complex biological system.
Highly Symmetric Quintic Quotients
Authors: Candelas Philip , Mishra Challenger 
Published: April 2018

AbstractThe quintic family must be the most studied family of Calabi‐Yau threefolds. Particularly symmetric members of this family are known to admit quotients by freely acting symmetries isomorphic to . The corresponding quotient manifolds may themselves be symmetric. That is, they may admit symmetries that descend from the symmetries that the manifold enjoys before the quotient is taken. The formalism for identifying these symmetries was given a long time ago by Witten and instances of these symmetric quotients were given also, for the family , by Goodman and Witten. We rework this calculation here, with the benefit of computer assistance, and provide a complete classification. Our motivation is largely to develop methods that apply also to the analysis of quotients of other CICY manifolds, whose symmetries have been classified recently. For the quotients of the quintic family, our list contains families of smooth manifolds with symmetry , and , families of singular manifolds with four conifold points, with symmetry and , and rigid manifolds, each with at least a curve of singularities, and symmetry . We intend to return to the computation of the symmetries of the quotients of other CICYs elsewhere.