bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Evaluation of sacral neuromodulation system with new six‐contact points electrode in pigs
Authors: Wang Yiming , Liao Limin , Cong Huiling , Zhao Lingna , Chen Guoqing , Wang Zhaoxia , Li Xing 
Published: March 2019

AbstractAimsWe investigated the effects of sacral neuromodulation using the new six‐contact electrode vs the four‐contact electrode in pigs.MethodsRandomly, a six‐contact electrode was implanted in eight pigs in one side of the third sacral (S3) foramen, and a four‐contact electrode was implanted in the other side using the same method. Using an external neurostimulator, the number of contact points (sensitive voltage ≤ 2 V) of both electrodes (SacralStim and InterStim systems) was calculated. Cystometry was performed by infusing normal saline or acetic acid. Then sacral neuromodulation with the SacralStim and InterStim systems was induced at a voltage at which we could observe perianal and/or tail movement. Multiple cystometrograms were performed to determine the effects of the two systems on the micturition reflex.ResultsThe mean number of sensitive points of six‐contact electrodes of the SacralStim system (2.63 ± 0.32) was higher than that of the quadripolar‐lead electrodes of the InterStim system (1.38 ± 0.18), and the difference was statistically significant (P < 0.05). Acetic acid‐induced bladder overactivity significantly reduced bladder capacity to 54.89% ± 4.7% of the normal saline control level. During acetic acid infusion, sacral neuromodulation with the SacralStim system suppressed bladder overactivity and significantly increased bladder capacity to 70.41% ± 5.4% of the normal saline control level, compared with the acetic acid level (
P < 0.05). Moreover, sacral neuromodulation with the InterStim system also significantly increased bladder capacity to 69.63% ± 5.3% of the normal saline control level, compared with the acetic acid level (
P < 0.05). No significant differences were found in the results obtained using the two systems (
P > 0.05).ConclusionsThe six‐contact electrode of the SacralStim system had more sensitive points (<2 V) than that of the quadripolar‐lead electrode of InterStim system. Potentially, it has more postimplantation programming options and battery savings manifested by lower voltage will increase the longevity of the stimulator. Further studies of sacral neuromodulation with six‐contact electrodes in clinical practice are needed.
Effect of radical prostatectomy on involuntary pelvic floor muscle contraction
Authors: Gerbaud Florian , Charlanes Audrey , Chesnel Camille , Voiry Caroline , Le Breton Frederique , Amarenco Gérard , Manceau Philippe 
Published: March 2019

AbstractAimsRadical prostatectomy may cause stress urinary incontinence (SUI). We compared continent and incontinent men after radical prostatectomy, in regard to the change of the temporal pattern of pelvic floor activation during cough.MethodsTwenty‐two patients were included in this prospective, multicentric study. All patients gave their informed consent. Simultaneous recordings of electromyographic activity of external anal sphincter (EAS EMG) and external intercostal muscle (EIC EMG) during cough were performed with a pair of pregelled surface electrodes. Cough effort caused an involuntary pelvic contraction. Intercostal muscles recording was chosen because they are one of the muscular components of cough initiation with diaphragm muscle. Twenty‐four‐hour pad‐weighing test was used to quantify urinary incontinence. The primary endpoint was the latency between the onset of EIC EMG and EAS EMG (RT3), during a cough effort. We also measured the contraction time, the maximum EAS EMG activity, and the area under the curve.ResultsAll the patients were analyzed: 12 continent and 10 with SUI. The median age was 66 years old. Both groups were similar except in term of follow‐up. Median latency was increased by −1.7 ms (−47.9; +34.2) to 55.8 ms (+47.5; +80) in patients with SUI (P = 0.0033; Table 2). The duration of the contraction, the maximum EAS EMG activity and the area under the curve were not different.ConclusionsThe latency between the onset of EIC EMG and EAS EMG is increased in patients with SUI after radical prostatectomy. It may be one of the reasons for SUI in these patients.
Age‐dependent changes in metabolite profile and lipid saturation in dystrophic mice
Authors: Lee‐McMullen Brittany , Chrzanowski Stephen M. , Vohra Ravneet , Forbes Sean C. , Vandenborne Krista , Edison Arthur S. , Walter Glenn A. 
Published: March 2019

Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy (DMD) is a fatal X‐linked genetic disorder. In DMD, the absence of the dystrophin protein causes decreased sarcolemmal integrity resulting in progressive replacement of muscle with fibrofatty tissue. The effects of lacking dystrophin on muscle and systemic metabolism are still unclear. Therefore, to determine the impact of the absence of dystrophin on metabolism, we investigated the metabolic and lipid profile at two different, well‐defined stages of muscle damage and stabilization in mdx mice. We measured NMR‐detectable metabolite and lipid profiles in the serum and muscles of mdx mice at 6 and 24 weeks of age. Metabolites were determined in muscle in vivo using 1H MRI/MRS, in isolated muscles using 1H‐HR‐MAS NMR, and in serum using high resolution 1H/13C NMR. Dystrophic mice were found to have a unique lipid saturation profile compared with control mice, revealing an age‐related metabolic change. In the 6‐week‐old mdx mice, serum lipids were increased and the degree of lipid saturation changed between 6 and 24 weeks. The serum taurine‐creatine ratio increased over the life span of mdx, but not in control mice. Furthermore, the saturation index of lipids increased in the serum but decreased in the tissue over time. Finally, we demonstrated associations between MRI‐T2, a strong indicator of inflammation/edema, with tissue and serum lipid profiles. These results indicate the complex temporal changes of metabolites in the tissue and serum during repetitive bouts of muscle damage and regeneration that occur in dystrophic muscle.
Finite difference time domain modelling as support to ground penetrating radar surveys of precast concrete units
Authors: Campo Davide 
Published: March 2019

ABSTRACTPrecast concrete elements are commonly employed in the construction industry, however failing to comply with manufacturers’ guidelines and poor construction practice can lead to loss of efficiency compromising the usability of the building. This paper presents two case studies where ground penetrating radar surveys, performed to investigate the cause of failure of precast concrete elements, were supported by the finite difference time domain numerical approach. In the first case, the model was built after the survey for a better understanding of the complex reflection patterns unexpectedly experienced and to provide a clear interpretation; in the second case, the numerical simulation was performed prior to the survey, according to the information already available on the precast unit. The synthetic radargrams were then used as a valuable reference to assess the precast element internal conditions: on site, the comparison of the real radargrams with the synthetic ones allowed to address safely the intrusive works necessary to determine the concrete quality and during the processing step, any deviation from the ideal ground penetrating radar response gave potentially an indication of anomalies in the assembly operations that could be identified. The finite difference time domain method should then be considered as complementary to ground penetrating radar surveys aimed to investigate precast elements.
Relationship Between Strength Parameters and Functional Performance Tests in Patients With Severe Knee Osteoarthritis
Authors: Bily Walter , Sarabon Nejc , Löfler Stefan , Franz Carlo , Wakolbinger Robert , Kern Helmut 
Published: March 2019

BackgroundDecreased leg muscle strength is a major determinant of reduced function in patients with knee osteoarthritis (OA). The identification of a strength parameter that is best correlated with functional performance is important for monitoring rehabilitation results.ObjectiveTo determine which muscle strength measurements show the highest correlation with functional capacity in patients with severe knee OA shortly before total knee arthroplasty (TKA).DesignCross‐sectional exploratory study.SettingOutpatient rehabilitation department at a university teaching hospital.PatientsThe sample included 75 patients (51 female) scheduled for primary TKA, recruited through multistage sampling.Methods or InterventionsIndependent variables were peak isometric, isokinetic concentric, and eccentric leg extensor strength measured on the leg press, as well as peak isometric knee extensor strength measured on the strength chair. Two multiple regression analyses were performed, one including all strength measures and the other including all of the strength ratios. Pearson correlation coefficients were calculated between the strength measures and functional test scores.Main Outcome MeasurementsDependent variables were the Timed Up and Go Test (TUG) and the Stair Test (ST).ResultsThe regression analysis including all strength measures could explain 11.9% of the variance of the TUG (P = .068, not significant [NS]) and 21.5% of the variance of the ST (P = .009, significant). The regression model for the strength ratios explained 11.8% of the variance of the TUG (P = .090, NS) and 6.3% of the ST (P = .217, NS).ConclusionsAlthough univariate analysis confirmed significant correlations between strength measurements and functional tests, multiple regression analysis revealed a higher predictive value for the ST than for the TUG. The use of both muscle strength tests and performance‐based function tests is advisable to evaluate functional impairments of patients with knee OA.Level of EvidenceIII
Ground‐glass burden as a biomarker in neuroendocrine cell hyperplasia of infancy
Authors: Spielberg David R. , Brody Alan S. , Baker Michael L. , Woods Jason C. , Towe Christopher T. 
Published: March 2019

AbstractBackgroundNeuroendocrine cell hyperplasia of infancy (NEHI) is a rare pediatric interstitial lung disease (ILD). Distinct chest computed tomography (CT) define its radiographic appearance—specifically, ground‐glass (GG) opacities most prominent in the right middle lobe (RML) and lingula. We sought to quantitatively validate this description and correlate radiologic findings with clinical presentation.MethodsTwenty‐one children with NEHI were identified retrospectively, alongside 10 age‐matched controls without lung disease. Clinical histories were reviewed for NEHI subjects. Semiautomated image analysis was used to measure lung volume and density. A patient‐specific Hounsfield unit threshold defining GG was developed to quantify GG and assess its distribution in each subject.ResultsNEHI subjects had more GG than controls (37.9 ± 11.3% vs 14.0 ± 2.7%, P < 0.0001). The proportion of GG in the RML and lingula was greater in NEHI patients compared to controls (1.43 ± 0.37 vs 0.45 ± 0.21,
P < 0.0001). GG preferentially involved the RML and lingula in 20/21 NEHI subjects. There was more GG distribution in NEHI subjects who were prescribed continuous oxygen compared with those using only nocturnal oxygen (45.7 ± 8.9% vs 29.3 ± 6.1%,
P = 0.003).ConclusionsWe confirm the previously reported finding that most patients with childhood ILD and a distinctive pattern of GG distribution on CT scan are likely to have NEHI. The amount of GG may be a biomarker for severity of respiratory disease.
Regulation of biosynthesis, perception, and functions of strigolactones for promoting arbuscular mycorrhizal symbiosis and managing root parasitic weeds
Authors: Yoneyama Koichi , Xie Xiaonan , Yoneyama Kaori , Nomura Takahito , Takahashi Ikuo , Asami Tadao , Mori Narumi , Akiyama Kohki , Kusajima Miyuki , Nakashita Hideo 
Published: March 2019

AbstractStrigolactones (SLs) are carotenoid‐derived plant secondary metabolites that play important roles in various aspects of plant growth and development as plant hormones, and in rhizosphere communications with symbiotic microbes and also root parasitic weeds. Therefore, sophisticated regulation of the biosynthesis, perception and functions of SLs is expected to promote symbiosis of beneficial microbes including arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) fungi and also to retard parasitism by devastating root parasitic weeds. We have developed SL mimics with different skeletons, SL biosynthesis inhibitors acting at different biosynthetic steps, SL perception inhibitors that covalently bind to the SL receptor D14, and SL function inhibitors that bind to the serine residue at the catalytic site. In greenhouse pot tests, TIS108, an azole‐type SL biosynthesis inhibitor effectively reduced numbers of attached root parasites Orobanche minor and Striga hermonthica without affecting their host plants; tomato and rice, respectively. AM colonization resulted in weak but distinctly enhanced plant resistance to pathogens. SL mimics can be used to promote AM symbiosis and to reduce the application rate of systemic‐acquired resistance inducers which are generally phytotoxic to horticultural crops. © 2019 Society of Chemical Industry
Statistical post‐processing of dual‐resolution ensemble forecasts
Authors: Baran Sándor , Leutbecher Martin , Szabó Marianna , Ben Bouallègue Zied 
Published: March 2019

The computational cost as well as the probabilistic skill of ensemble forecasts depends on the spatial resolution of the numerical weather prediction model and the ensemble size. Periodically, e.g. when more computational resources become available, it is appropriate to reassess the balance between resolution and ensemble size. Recently, it has been proposed to investigate this balance in the context of dual‐resolution ensembles, which use members with two different resolutions to make probabilistic forecasts. This study investigates whether statistical post‐processing of such dual‐resolution ensemble forecasts changes the conclusions regarding the optimal dual‐resolution configuration.Medium‐range dual‐resolution ensemble forecasts of 2 m temperature have been calibrated using ensemble model output statistics. The forecasts are produced with ECMWF's Integrated Forecast System and have horizontal resolutions between 18 and 45 km. The ensemble sizes range from 8 to 254 members. The forecasts are verified with SYNOP station data. Results show that score differences between various single‐ and dual‐resolution configurations are strongly reduced by statistical post‐processing. Therefore, the benefit of some dual‐resolution configurations over single‐resolution configurations appears to be less pronounced than for raw forecasts. Moreover, the ranking of the ensemble configurations can be affected by the statistical post‐processing.
Revised typification of Campanula sibirica (Campanulaceae)
Authors: Sennikov Alexander N. , Tikhomirov Valery N. 
Published: March 2019

AbstractThe protologue of Campanula sibirica included two taxonomically discordant elements. The first element (two illustrations, depicting a plant from Italy) is identifiable as C. dichotoma, and the second element (one specimen from Siberia at LINN, collected by J.G. Gmelin) belongs to C. sibirica subsp. sibirica. Although the specimen was left unannotated by Linnaeus, it is part of the original material because of its morphological characters and provenance; this is confirmed from the correspondence between Linnaeus and Gmelin. This specimen is designated as the lectotype, and this choice supersedes the earlier “lectotypification” (correctable to neotypification) with a specimen at LINN that was sent to Linnaeus by G.A. Scopoli in 1762.
The cellular landscape of mid‐size noncoding RNA
Authors: Boivin Vincent , Faucher‐Giguère Laurence , Scott Michelle , Abou‐Elela Sherif 
Published: March 2019

Noncoding RNA plays an important role in all aspects of the cellular life cycle, from the very basic process of protein synthesis to specialized roles in cell development and differentiation. However, many noncoding RNAs remain uncharacterized and the function of most of them remains unknown. Mid‐size noncoding RNAs (mncRNAs), which range in length from 50 to 400 nucleotides, have diverse regulatory functions but share many fundamental characteristics. Most mncRNAs are produced from independent promoters although others are produced from the introns of other genes. Many are found in multiple copies in genomes. mncRNAs are highly structured and carry many posttranscriptional modifications. Both of these facets dictate their RNA‐binding protein partners and ultimately their function. mncRNAs have already been implicated in translation, catalysis, as guides for RNA modification, as spliceosome components and regulatory RNA. However, recent studies are adding new mncRNA functions including regulation of gene expression and alternative splicing. In this review, we describe the different classes, characteristics and emerging functions of mncRNAs and their relative expression patterns. Finally, we provide a portrait of the challenges facing their detection and annotation in databases.This article is categorized under:
Regulatory RNAs/RNAi/Riboswitches > Regulatory RNAs
RNA Structure and Dynamics > RNA Structure, Dynamics, and Chemistry
RNA Structure and Dynamics > Influence of RNA Structure in Biological Systems
RNA Evolution and Genomics > RNA and Ribonucleoprotein Evolution
Scrotoplasty at Time of Penile Implant is at High Risk for Dehiscence in Diabetics
Authors: Gupta Nikhil K. , Sulaver Randy , Welliver Charles , Kottwitz Michael , Frederick Luke , Dynda Danuta , Köhler Tobias S. 
Published: March 2019

ABSTRACT

Introduction
Scrotoplasty has become a common practice during insertion of penile prosthesis, improving patient perception of penile length. Previous reports on scrotoplasty outcomes have only focused on the perceived benefits. The risk of wound complications after scrotoplasty is unknown.

Aim
Identify wound complications and associated risk factors of scrotoplasty with insertion of penile prosthesis.

Methods
A retrospective review of a single-surgeon series (T.S.K.) of patients who underwent scrotoplasty with initial insertion of inflatable penile prosthesis (IPP) was performed from 2009–2014. Surgical outcomes and wound complications after scrotoplasty were examined, along with patient information, including basic demographics, medical comorbidities, and perioperative data.

Main Outcome Measures
Studied outcomes included rate of wound complications after scrotoplasty and IPP insertion and identification of risk factors for wound dehiscence.

Results
Of the 103 scrotoplasties performed during the study period, a total of 15 had mild, moderate, or major wound dehiscence. Of these 15 cases, 9 had mild dehiscence and 5 cases had moderate dehiscence and required stitches to be placed in clinic to reinforce the closure. 1 patient had a major dehiscence requiring a return to the operating room for a washout, with exchange of IPP to malleable prosthesis. Multiple risk factors for wound dehiscence were found, including diabetes (odds ratio 6.1, CI 1.5, 25.0, P = .0129) and scrotoplasty technique (odds ratio 4.9, CI 1.2, 8.6, P = .003). Other examined variables, including patient age, Peyronie’s disease, hypertension, intraoperative penile modeling, smoking, and device manufacturer, were not associated with wound dehiscence.

Clinical Implications
Patients with diabetes and scrotoplasties performed via V-Y plasty are more likely to experience wound dehiscence.

Strengths & Limitations
Strengths include a single surgeon, thus lending continuity of skill and technique, a consecutive series, and 100% short-term follow-up. Limitations include retrospective design, single institution series, and lack of long-term follow-up.

Conclusion
Although scrotoplasty can improve patient satisfaction with IPP, scrotoplasty can lead to increased patient morbidity. Diabetic patients are at increased risk for wound complication after scrotoplasty.
Alleged Violations of the 1955 Treaty of Amity, Economic Relations, and Consular Rights (Islamic Republic of Iran v. United States of America): Request for the Indication of Provisional Measures (I.C.J.)
Authors: Chachko Elena 
Published: March 2019

On October 3, 2018, the International Court of Justice (ICJ) issued a unanimous order indicating limited provisional measures against the United States. Iran initiated the case, Alleged Violations of the 1955 Treaty of Amity, Economic Relations, and Consular Rights (Iran v. United States), after the United States announced its decision to withdraw from the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) and revoke related sanctions relief for Iran. While the ICJ found that it had prima facie jurisdiction to hear the case—contrary to the U.S. position—the provisional measures it granted fell significantly short of the relief Iran sought. The Court also hinted that it might accept a significant element of the U.S. jurisdictional objection at the merits stage of the case.
EXISTENCE OF MODELING LIMITS FOR SEQUENCES OF SPARSE STRUCTURES
Authors: NEŠETŘIL JAROSLAV , OSSONA DE MENDEZ PATRICE 
Published: March 2019

AbstractA sequence of graphs is FO-convergent if the probability of satisfaction of every first-order formula converges. A graph modeling is a graph, whose domain is a standard probability space, with the property that every definable set is Borel. It was known that FO-convergent sequence of graphs do not always admit a modeling limit, but it was conjectured that FO-convergent sequences of sufficiently sparse graphs have a modeling limits. Precisely, two conjectures were proposed:1.If a FO-convergent sequence of graphs is residual, that is if for every integer d the maximum relative size of a ball of radius d in the graphs of the sequence tends to zero, then the sequence has a modeling limit.2.A monotone class of graphs ${\cal C}$ has the property that every FO-convergent sequence of graphs from ${\cal C}$ has a modeling limit if and only if ${\cal C}$ is nowhere dense, that is if and only if for each integer p there is $N\left( p \right)$ such that no graph in ${\cal C}$ contains the pth subdivision of a complete graph on $N\left( p \right)$ vertices as a subgraph.In this article we prove both conjectures. This solves some of the main problems in the area and among others provides an analytic characterization of the nowhere dense–somewhere dense dichotomy.
Hazem Azmy and IFTR
Authors: CARLSON MARVIN 
Published: March 2019

Hazem's major international work in theatre was connected to his significant involvement with the International Federation for Theatre Research (IFTR), the most important international organization of theatre scholars. In this organization, Hazem became one of the best-known and most respected younger members. He began regularly attending IFTR in 2005 and the following year he and I, along with Khalid Amine from Morocco, gathered the required fifty signatures from members of the organization to establish an ongoing working group dedicated to research in the theatre of the Arab/Islamic world. The Arabic Theatre Working Group was officially established by the organization in 2007 and Hazem served as co-convener of the group from that time onward. As such he was responsible for much of the organization and energy of the group, which became one of the most active in the organization, producing a variety of books and publications, regularly organizing major panels for the plenary sessions of the annual conventions, and establishing an online journal, Arab Stages, which appears twice a year and offers essays, interviews and translations from the Arab world and the Arab diaspora.