bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Correlation of MRI features of urethral diverticulum and pre‐ and post‐operative stress urinary incontinence
Authors: Seth Jai H. , Naaseri Sahar , Solomon Eskinder , Pakzad Mahreen , Hamid Rizwan , Ockrim Jeremy , Greenwell Tamsin J. 
Published: November 2018

AimsThe complexity of urethral diverticulectomy depends on location, size, and degree of circumferential involvement. MRI features were examined to predict functional outcome after surgery for urethral diverticulum (UD).MethodsA prospectively acquired database was of all patients who have had surgical excision of UD at a tertiary center since 2004 was reviewed. Particular focus was pre‐ and post‐operative urodynamically proven stress urinary incontinence (USUI), and pre‐operative MRI features. MRI parameters included diverticular volume, degree of circumferential involvement around the urethra, distance of the Os of UD to bladder neck and urethral length. Students t‐test and Mann‐Whitney U‐test were used to compare rates of de novo USUI.ResultsThere were 100 patients (mean age 45.8 yrs), who had excision of UD since 2004, with a minimum follow‐up of 10 months (range 10‐112 months). Full MRI data was available for 83 patients. Fourteen were of simple configuration (16.8%), 32 were horseshoe (38.6%), and 37 (44.6%) were circumferential. Twenty‐five (25%) patients had pre‐operative USUI, while 12 (12%) patients developed de novo USUI post‐excision. While, the majority of patients with de novo USUI (67%) had >270° circumferential involvement of urethra, the pre‐operative diverticular volume did not predict the likelihood of USUI developing (P = 0.3). A shorter urethral length was associated with pre‐operative USUI.Conclusions25% of all patients had pre‐op USUI, and diverticular volume and urethral length was significantly smaller in this group. The majority of patients with de novo USUI had complex diverticula configuration with higher baseline circumferential angle around urethra, with 67% of angle's between 270 and 360°
Governing Indigenous Difference Differently: The Politics of Disgust, Compassion and Care
Authors: Vincent Eve 
Published: November 2018

ABSTRACTThis essay concerns two experimental governmental interventions undertaken in Ceduna, far west South Australia. The first scenario involves a local council initiative, which I argue was designed to expunge public spaces of the presence of disturbing Indigenous bodies, which elicited local disgust. The second case involves a current federal government trial of stringent welfare reform measures. I argue that this case was framed primarily in terms of suffering, which arouses compassion and demands intervention. Thus the essay explores how disgust and respectability, suffering and compassion, as well as alterity, circulate and come to settle on different Indigenous bodies. Focussing on the governing of Indigenous people, I use these two policy experiments to track the state's penalization and abandonment of, interventions into, and concern for Indigenous lives in a single setting.
Predictive model algorithms identifying early and advanced stage ER+/HER2− breast cancer in claims data
Authors: Beachler Daniel C. , de Luise Cynthia , Yin Ruihua , Gangemi Kelsey , Cochetti Philip T. , Lanes Stephan 
Published: November 2018

AbstractPurposeClaims databases offer large populations for research, but lack clinical details. We aimed to develop predictive models to identify estrogen receptor positive (ER+) and human epidermal growth factor negative (HER2−) early breast cancer (ESBC) and advanced stage breast cancer (ASBC) in a claims database.MethodsFemale breast cancer cases in Anthem's Cancer Care Quality Program served as the gold standard validation sample. Predictive models were developed from clinical knowledge and empirically from claims data using logistic and lasso regression. Model performance was assessed by classification rates and c‐statistics. Models were applied to the HealthCore Integrated Research Database (claims) to identify cohorts of women with ER+/HER2− ESBC and ASBC.ResultsThe validation sample included 3184 women with ER+/HER2− ESBC and 1436 with ER+/HER2− ASBC. Predictive models for ER+/HER2− ESBC and ASBC included 25 and 20 factors, respectively. Models had robust discrimination in identifying cases (c‐stat = 0.92 for ESBC and 0.95 for ASBC). Compared with a traditional a priori algorithm developed with clinical insight alone, the ER+/HER2− ASBC‐predictive model had better positive predictive value (PPV) (0.91, 95% CI, 0.90‐0.93, vs 0.69, 95% CI, 0.66‐0.73) and sensitivity (0.54 vs 0.35). Models were applied to the claims database to identify cohorts of 33 001 and 3198 women with ER+/HER2− ESBC and ASBC.ConclusionWe conducted a validation study and developed predictive models to identify in a claims database cohorts of women with ER+/HER2− ESBC and ASBC. The models identified large cohorts in the claims data that can be used to characterize indications in the evaluation of targeted therapies.
Theoretical Study on the Catalytic Oxidation of p‐Iodophenol by Horseradish Peroxidase in a Chemiluminescent System
Authors: Liu Jian , Lai Jiahui , Qi Liguo , Liu Xiumei , Zhang Lili , Li Yibin 
Published: November 2018

AbstractOxidation of p‐iodophenol (PIP) by horseradish peroxidase (HRP) is a key factor contributing to the enhancement effect of PIP in the luminol‐HRP‐H2O2 chemiluminescent (CL) system. However, the mechanism of enhancement is still unproved to this day. Herein we use quantum mechanics (QM) calculations to study the process of PIP oxidation by HRP, compound I (HRP−I) and compound II (HRP‐II), and try to uncover the enhancement mechanism. The calculations demonstrate that the oxidation process of PIP by HRP−I/HRP‐II involve a proton‐coupled electron‐transfer step and reveal the crucial role of a bridging water molecule. Besides, the reaction of HRP with PIP shows remarkably lower barriers in comparison with the reaction with luminol. This suggests that the enhancer PIP accelerates the turnover of HRP enzyme, which may facilitate the enhancement effect of PIP in the luminol CL system.
Synthesis of Benzimidazoles via Domino Intra and Intermolecular C‐N Cross‐Coupling Reaction
Authors: Kondraganti Lakshmi , Manabolu Surendra babu , Dittakavi Ramachandran 
Published: November 2018

AbstractThe synthesis of aminobenzimidazoles has been demonstrated under mild reaction conditions using cobalt catalyst in one pot reaction. This methodology involved domino intra and intermolecular C‐N cross‐coupling reaction. In addition, functional group tolerance has been also explored.
Learnings about the complexity of extracellular tau aid development of a blood‐based screen for Alzheimer's disease
Authors: Chen Zhicheng , Mengel David , Keshavan Ashvini , Rissman Robert A. , Billinton Andrew , Perkinton Michael , Percival‐Alwyn Jennifer , Schultz Aaron , Properzi Michael , Johnson Keith , Selkoe Dennis J. , Sperling Reisa A. , Patel Purvish , Zetterberg Henrik , Galasko Douglas , Schott Jonathan M. , Walsh Dominic M. 
Published: November 2018

AbstractIntroductionThe tau protein plays a central role in Alzheimer's disease (AD), and there is huge interest in measuring tau in blood and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF).MethodsWe developed a set of immunoassays to measure tau in specimens from humans diagnosed based on current best clinical and CSF biomarker criteria.ResultsIn CSF, mid‐region‐ and N‐terminal‐detected tau predominated and rose in disease. In plasma, an N‐terminal assay (NT1) detected elevated levels of tau in AD and AD‐mild cognitive impairment (MCI). Plasma NT1 measurements separated controls from AD‐MCI (area under the curve [AUC] = 0.88) and AD (AUC = 0.96) in a discovery cohort and in a Validation Cohort (with AUCs = 0.79 and 0.75, respectively).DiscussionThe forms of tau in CSF and plasma are distinct, but in each specimen type, the levels of certain fragments are increased in AD. Measurement of plasma NT1 tau should be aggressively pursued as a potential blood‐based screening test for AD/AD‐MCI.
Concurrent Assessment of Penile Blood Flow and Circumference as Indicators of Male Sexual Arousal
Authors: Bossio Jennifer A. , Singh Manya , Pukall Caroline F. 
Published: November 2018

Abstract

Introduction
The current study aims to validate a new imaging tool to assess men’s sexual psychophysiological responding: laser Doppler imaging (LDI), which directly measures subcutaneous genital blood flow. In this study, we concurrently assessed genital sexual arousal in a sample of men using the LDI and the current gold standard of male sexual psychophysiology, the penile strain gauge (PSG).

Aim
To (i) assess the validity of the LDI as a measure of male sexual arousal, (ii) evaluate the relationship between the LDI and PSG, and (iii) compare sexual concordance produced by the LDI and PSG.

Methods
A total of 25 male participants (Mage = 24.28 years, SD = 6.10, range 18–37) watched 4 experimental films (ie, anxiety-provoking, humorous, erotic, neutral nature content) while their sexual arousal was assessed. Genital sexual arousal was assessed using the LDI (blood perfusion) and PSG (penile tumescence) concurrently. Subjective sexual arousal was assessed using continuous and discrete self-reported measures.

Main Outcome Measure
Results demonstrate the validity of the LDI as an imaging-based measure of male genital arousal, and one that is comparable to the PSG.

Results
Significant increases in genital blood flow assessed via the LDI were observed for erotic, but not anxiety-provoking, humorous, or neutral films (F[1.65, 39.57] = 18.23, P &lt; .001, ηp2 = .43). A moderate, positive correlation between genital arousal measured via the LDI and PSG concurrently was observed (r = .40), despite considerable across-participant variability. In the current sample, the LDI and PSG both produced strong sexual concordance estimates (r = .51 and r = .46, respectively). When all LDI and PSG concordance estimates were correlated, a moderate relationship was revealed (r = .37).

Clinical Implications
As a new imaging tool for male sexual psychophysiological arousal, the LDI holds promise for improving our understanding of issues related to men’s sexual health.

Strength & Limitations
Movement artifacts produced by penile engorgement were a limitation to the LDI as an imaging technique. Further, the LDI used in the current study was a discrete measure of arousal, whereas the PSG was continuous; future research would benefit by using continuous measurement capabilities of contemporary LDI systems.

Conclusion
As a valid measure of genital sexual arousal in men, the LDI holds promise as a tool that can be used to explore more nuanced questions about human sexuality, including cross-gender comparisons and real-time exploration of genital arousal patterns.
Novel Concept Enabling an Old Idea: A Flexible Electrode Array to Treat Neurogenic Erectile Dysfunction
Authors: Skoufias Spyridon , Sturny Mikaël , Fraga-Silva Rodrigo , Papaioannou Theodore G. , Stergiopoulos Nikolaos , Adamakis Ioannis , Constantinides Constantinos A. 
Published: November 2018

AbstractIntroductionMany studies have shown that electrostimulation of the cavernosal nerve can induce and maintain penile erection. Based on these discoveries, neurostimulation to activate the erectile response has been considered a potential solution to treat erectile dysfunction (ED). However, despite recognized potential, this technology has not been further developed. The barrier is the complex anatomy of the human cavernous nerve, which challenges the intraoperative identification of the cavernosal nerves for electrode placement.AimTo overcome this major barrier, we proposed a practical solution: a 2-dimensional flexible electrode array that can cover the entire plexus area, ensuring that at least 1 of the electrodes will be in optimal contact with the cavernosal nerve, without the need of intraoperative identification. The present study aims to evaluate this concept intraoperatively.Methods24 patients enrolled for open radical prostatectomy were recruited. During the surgical procedures, the electrode array was positioned on the pelvic plexus (on the prostatic apex or pelvic wall) and electrical stimulation was applied to induce penile erection. Penile erectile response was assessed by (i) visual change of penile tumescence and (ii) by a penile plethysmograph system.Main Outcome MeasureAbility and success rate of evoking penile response were measured by applying electrical stimulation using the developed electrode array.ResultsElectrical stimulation produced immediate penile response in all cases when tested before (on prostatic apex) or after prostate removal (on pelvic wall). Clear visual penile engorgement was observed in 75% of the cases, whereas 25% showed minimal to moderate penile tumescence. As expected, patients with lower International Index of Erectile Function-5 score presented a reduced response, whereas stimulation before prostate removal showed greater response than following removal. Interestingly, erectile response was potentiated by bilateral stimulation (circumference increase [mm]: 2.7 ± 1.02 vs. 8.2 ± 1.9, P = .01).Clinical ImplicationsThese data bring sufficient proof of concept of a conceivable novel medical implant for the treatment of ED caused by mechanical nerve injury, such as prostatectomy and spinal cord injury.Strength & LimitationsThis is the first approach that can ensure the optimal site stimulation of the erectogenic neuronal path within the lower pelvic area and overcome the major barrier of individual anatomic variability. However, because this study was performed intraoperatively in an acute scenario, further studies are needed to evaluate its chronic efficacy for clinical practice.ConclusionThe flexible electrode array concept can ensure the electrostimulation of erectogenic neuronal path when positioned on the prostate apex or pelvic floor.
Low Reynolds number proprotor aerodynamic performance improvement using the continuous surface curvature design approach
Authors: Avital E. J. , Korakianitis T. , Motallebi F. 
Published: November 2018

ABSTRACTLow Reynolds number blade profiles of ReC=105–2×105 as based on the chord length and used for small unnamed air vehicles, and near space applications are investigated for single and counter-rotating (co-axial) proprotors, i.e. acting as rotors or propellers. Such profiles are prone for early stall, significantly reducing their maximum lift to drag ratio. Two profiles previously designed by our continuous surface curvature design approach named as CIRCLE are investigated in order to improve the performance of the proprotors. The profiles are redesigns of the common symmetric NACA0012 and asymmetric E387 profiles. Using general arguments based on composite efficiency and rotor’s lift to drag ratio, the performance envelope is noticeably increased when using the redesigned profiles for high angles of attack due to stall delay.A new approach is derived to account for the distance between the rotors of a co-axial proprotor. It is coupled with a blade element method and is verified against experimental results. Single and co-axial CIRCLE-based proprotors are investigated against the corresponding non-CIRCLE-based proprotors at hover and axial translation. Noticeable improvements are observed in thrust increase and power reduction at high angles of attack of the blade’s profiles, particularly for the co-axial configuration. Plots of thrust, torque, power, composite efficiency and aerodynamic efficiency distributions are given and analysed.
Transparency effects on policy compliance: disclosing how defaults work can enhance their effectiveness
Authors: PAUNOV YAVOR , WÄNKE MICHAELA , VOGEL TOBIAS 
Published: November 2018

AbstractFrom an ethical standpoint, transparency is an essential requirement in public policy-making. Ideally, policy-makers are transparent and actively disclose the presence, purpose and means of a decision aid. From a practical point of view, however, transparency has been discussed as reducing the effectiveness of decision aids. In the present paper, we elaborate on how transparency affects the effectiveness of defaults. In three experiments, we manipulated whether the endorser was transparent about the default or not and assessed participants’ decisions to opt out or comply. Throughout the experiments, we found that proactive transparency reduced opt-out rates as compared to a non-transparent default condition. Moreover, proactive disclosure of a default reduced opt-out rates as compared to informed control groups, where participants imagined they had retrieved the default-related information by themselves (Studies 1 and 2). The results further indicate that a lack of proactive disclosure may lead targets to perceive the endorser as less sincere and to feel deceived, which in turn hinders the effectiveness of the default. In general, our findings lend support to the proactive transparency paradigm in governance and show that a default-based policy can be transparent and effective at the same time.
Antibiotic prescribing upon discharge from the hospital to long-term care facilities: Implications for antimicrobial stewardship requirements in post-acute settings
Authors: Weber Bo R. , Noble Brie N. , Bearden David T. , Crnich Christopher J. , Ellingson Katherine D. , McGregor Jessina C. , Furuno Jon P. 
Published: November 2018

AbstractObjectiveTo quantify the frequency and outcomes of receiving an antibiotic prescription upon discharge from the hospital to long-term care facilities (LTCFs).DesignRetrospective cohort study.SettingA 576-bed, academic hospital in Portland, Oregon.PatientsAdult inpatients (≥18 years of age) discharged to an LTCF between January 1, 2012, and June 30, 2016.MethodsOur primary outcome was receiving a systemic antibiotic prescription upon discharge to an LTCF. We also quantified the association between receiving an antibiotic prescription and 30-day hospital readmission, 30-day emergency department (ED) visit, and Clostridium difficile infection (CDI) on a readmission or ED visit at the index facility within 60 days of discharge.ResultsAmong 6,701 discharges to an LTCF, 22.9% were prescribed antibiotics upon discharge. The most prevalent antibiotic classes prescribed were cephalosporins (20.4%), fluoroquinolones (19.1%), and penicillins (16.7%). The medical records of ~82% of patients included a diagnosis code for a bacterial infection on the index admission. Among patients prescribed an antibiotic upon discharge, the incidence of 30-day hospital readmission to the index facility was 15.9%, the incidence of 30-day ED visit at the index facility was 11.0%, and the incidence of CDI on a readmission or ED visit within 60 days of discharge was 1.6%. Receiving an antibiotic prescription upon discharge was significantly associated with 30-day ED visits (adjusted odds ratio [aOR], 1.2; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.02–1.5) and with CDI within 60 days (aOR, 1.7; 95% CI, 1.02–2.8) but not with 30-day readmissions (aOR, 1.01; 95% CI, 0.9–1.2).ConclusionsAntibiotics were frequently prescribed upon discharge to LTCFs, which may be associated with increased risk of poor outcomes post discharge.
An autofocusing method for imaging the targets for TWI radar systems with correction of thickness and dielectric constant of wall
Authors: Kaushal Sandeep , Kumar Bambam , Singh Dharmendra 
Published: November 2018

AbstractIn through the wall imaging systems, wall parameters like its thickness and dielectric constant play an important role in the true and correct image formation of an object behind the wall made of various materials like brick cement, wood, plastic, etc. Incorrect estimation of these parameters leads to dislocation of the object and smearing or blurriness of the image too. A new autofocusing technique for a stepped frequency continuous wave -based radar at the frequency of 1–3 Ghz has been developed that corrects the wall's parameters like its thickness and dielectric constant and provides a better focused image of the target. For this purpose, a peak signal to noise ratio -based autofocusing technique has been developed by using curve fitting and the genetic algorithm. It is observed that the proposed technique has capability to focus the image up to good extent.
Distribution of PPX2 Mutations Conferring PPO-Inhibitor Resistance in Palmer Amaranth Populations of Tennessee
Authors: Copeland J. Drake , Giacomini Darci A. , Tranel Patrick J. , Montgomery Garret B. , Steckel Lawrence E. 
Published: November 2018

AbstractProtoporphyrinogen IX oxidase (PPO)–inhibiting herbicides (WSSA Group 14) have been used in agronomic row crops for over 50 yr. Broadleaf weeds, including glyphosate-resistant Palmer amaranth, have been controlled by this herbicide site of action PRE and POST. Recently, Palmer amaranth populations were reported resistant to PPO inhibitors in 2011 in Arkansas, in 2015 in Tennessee, and in 2016 in Illinois. Historically, the mechanism for this resistance involves the deletion of a glycine at position 210 (ΔG210) in a PPO enzyme encoded by the PPX2 gene; however, the ΔG210 deletion did not explain all PPO inhibitor–resistant Palmer amaranth in Tennessee populations. Recently, two new mutations within PPX2 (R128G, R128M) that confer resistance to PPO inhibitors were identified in Palmer amaranth. Therefore, research is needed to document the presence and distribution of the three known mutations that confer PPO inhibitor resistance in Tennessee. In 2017, a survey was conducted in 18 fields with Palmer amaranth to determine whether resistance existed and the prevalence of each known mutation in each field. Fomesafen was applied at 265 g ai ha–1 to Palmer amaranth infestations within each field to select for resistant weeds for later analysis. Where resistance was described (70% of surviving plants), the ΔG210 mutation was detected in 47% of resistant plants. The R128G mutation accounted for 42% of resistance, similar to the frequency of the ΔG210 mutation. The R128M mutation was less frequent than the other two mutations, accounting for only 10% of the resistance. All mutations detected in this study were heterozygous. Additionally, no more than one of the three PPX2 mutations were detected in an individual surviving plant. Similar to previous research, about 70% of PPO resistance was accounted for by these three known mutations, leaving about 30% of resistance not characterized in Tennessee populations. Survivors not showing the three known PPO mutations suggest that other resistance mechanisms are present.