bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Behavior of In Situ Cross‐Linked Hydrogels with Rapid Gelation Kinetics on Contact with Physiological Fluids
Authors: Diryak Ramadan , Kontogiorgos Vassilis , Ghori Muhammad U. , Bills Paul , Tawfik Ahmed , Morris Gordon A. , Smith Alan M. 
Published: February 2018

AbstractThe impact of different physiological fluids on the rheological properties of gellan gum is investigated using a commercially available rheometer with a modified lower plate. The power of this method is demonstrated by measuring in real time, the rapid gelation kinetics, and gel strength of gellan gum exposed to simulated gastric fluid, lacrimal fluid, saliva, and wound fluid (all having a different ionic composition), highlighting potential use in the intelligent design of in situ gelling delivery systems. Changes in rheological behavior are examined in situ, gelation kinetics are modeled, and microstructure analyzed in the different simulated physiological environments.
Elaboration and Characterization of Advanced Biobased Polyurethane Foams Presenting Anisotropic Behavior
Authors: Furtwengler Pierre , Boumbimba Rodrigue Matadi , Avérous Luc 
Published: February 2018

AbstractBiobased and open cell polyurethane (PU) foams are produced from a synthesized sorbitol‐based polyester polyol. Different formulations are developed with various blowing agent systems (chemical vs physical blowing). Synthetized foams are fully characterized and compared. The cell morphology is carefully investigated by tomography and scanning electron microscopy. The chemical nature of the primary compounds, foaming kinetics, density, thermal behavior, and conductivity are fully studied, with also the main transition materials temperatures. It is shown that blowing agents especially impact the foaming kinetics. In the case of chemically blowing foams, higher foaming rate and temperatures are obtained. The mechanical behavior is particularly analyzed using quasi‐static compression tests, according two main axes compared to the rise direction. A direct relationship is observed between the formulation, foam structure, foam morphology, and corresponding mechanical properties. Results clearly highlight unexpected properties of biobased PU foams with unveil anisotropic mechanical properties.
MRI supervised and unsupervised classification of Parkinson's disease and multiple system atrophy
Authors: Péran Patrice , Barbagallo Gaetano , Nemmi Federico , Sierra Maria , Galitzky Monique , Traon Anne Pavy‐Le , Payoux Pierre , Meissner Wassilios G. , Rascol Olivier 
Published: February 2018

AbstractBackground: Multimodal MRI approach is based on a combination of MRI parameters sensitive to different tissue characteristics (eg, volume atrophy, iron deposition, and microstructural damage). The main objective of the present study was to use a multimodal MRI approach to identify brain differences that could discriminate between matched groups of patients with multiple system atrophy, Parkinson's disease, and healthy controls. We assessed the 2 different MSA variants, namely, MSA‐P, with predominant parkinsonism, and MSA‐C, with more prominent cerebellar symptoms.Methods: Twenty‐six PD patients, 29 MSA patients (16 MSA‐P, 13 MSA‐C), and 26 controls underwent 3‐T MRI comprising T2*‐weighted, T1‐weighted, and diffusion tensor imaging scans. Using whole‐brain voxel‐based MRI, we combined gray‐matter density, T2* relaxation rates, and diffusion tensor imaging scalars to compare and discriminate PD, MSA‐P, MSA‐C, and healthy controls.Results: Our main results showed that this approach reveals multiparametric modifications within the cerebellum and putamen in both MSA‐C and MSA‐P patients, compared with PD patients. Furthermore, our findings revealed that specific single multimodal MRI markers were sufficient to discriminate MSA‐P and MSA‐C patients from PD patients. Moreover, the unsupervised analysis based on multimodal MRI data could regroup individuals according to their clinical diagnosis, in most cases.Conclusions: This study demonstrates that multimodal MRI is able to discriminate patients with PD from those with MSA with high accuracy. The combination of different MR biomarkers could be a great tool in early stage of disease to help diagnosis. © 2018 International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society
Polyphenolic Compounds Alter Stress‐Induced Patterns of Global DNA Methylation in Brain and Blood
Authors: Blaze Jennifer , Wang Jun , Ho Lap , Mendelev Natalia , Haghighi Fatemeh , Pasinetti Giulio Maria 
Published: February 2018

ScopeStress is a known contributor to various forms of disease in humans and animals, although mechanisms are still unknown. In animals, psychosocial stress‐induced depression/anxiety phenotypes are coincidental with increased inflammation in both brain and blood. The authors recently showed that a novel treatment with a select bioactive polyphenol preparation promotes resilience to stress‐mediated depression/anxiety phenotypes mice. Moreover, selective bioactive phenolic compounds within the polyphenol preparation are identified that are effective in mitigating the behavioral effects of bone marrow transplantation from stressed mice.Methods and resultsHere, an animal model of adult stress and bone marrow transplantation is used to identify an epigenetic signature of repeated social defeat stress (RSDS) that is passed through bone marrow hematopoietic progenitor cells to naïve mice, revealing the maintenance of epigenetic memory following stress both centrally and peripherally. Further, polyphenols are administered to naïve and stress‐susceptible mice, demonstrating that polyphenol treatment in mice from both susceptible and naïve donors alters global DNA methylation in the central nervous system and periphery and likewise has an effect on human blood cells after immune challenge.ConclusionsFindings highlight the enduring molecular memory of stress and the possible mechanism by which select bioactive polyphenols may promote resiliency to stress. Polyphenols may be an efficacious alternative to traditional pharmacological treatments in psychiatry.
Changes in prostate orientation due to removal of a Foley catheter
Authors: Litzenberg Dale W. , Muenz Daniel G. , Archer Paul G. , Jackson William C. , Hamstra Daniel A. , Hearn Jason W. , Schipper Matthew J. , Spratt Daniel E. 
Published: February 2018

PurposeInvestigate the impact on prostate orientation caused by use and removal of a Foley catheter, and the dosimetric impact on men prospectively treated with prostate stereotactic body radiotherapy (SBRT).MethodsTwenty‐two men underwent a CT simulation with a Foley in place (FCT), followed immediately by a second treatment planning simulation without the Foley (TPCT). The change in prostate orientation was determined by rigid registration of three implanted transponders between FCT and TPCT and compared to measured orientation changes during treatment. The impact on treatment planning and delivery was investigated by analyzing the measured rotations during treatment relative to both CT scans, and introducing rotations of ±15° in the treatment plan to determine the maximum impact of allowed rotations.ResultsRemoving the Foley caused a statistically significant prostate rotation (P < 0.0028) compared to normal biological motion in 60% of patients. The largest change in rotation due to removing a Foley occurs about the left–right axis (tilt) which has a standard deviation two to five times larger than changes in rotation about the Sup‐Inf (roll) and Ant‐Post (yaw) axes. The change in tilt due to removing a Foley for prone and supine patients was −1.1° ± 6.0° and 0.3° ± 7.4°, showing no strong directional bias. The average tilt during treatment was −1.6° ± 7.1° compared to the TPCT and would have been −2.0° ± 7.1° had the FCT been used as the reference. The TPCT was a better or equivalent representation of prostate tilt in 82% of patients, vs 50% had the FCT been used for treatment planning. However, 92.7% of fractions would still have been within the ±15° rotation limit if only the FCT were used for treatment planning. When rotated ±15°, urethra V105% = 38.85Gy < 20% was exceeded in 27% of the instances, and prostate (CTV) coverage was maintained above D95% > 37 Gy in all but one instance.ConclusionsRemoving a Foley catheter can cause large prostate rotations. There does not appear to be a clear dosimetric benefit to obtaining the CT scan with a Foley catheter to define the urethra given the changes in urethral position from removing the Foley catheter. If urethral sparing is desired without the use of a Foley, utilization of an MRI to define the urethra may be necessary, or a pseudo‐urethral planning organ at risk volume (PRV) may be used to limit dosimetric hot spots.
Prediction of bladder outcomes after ischemic spinal cord injury: A longitudinal cohort study from the European multicenter study about spinal cord injury
Authors: Scivoletto Giorgio , Pavese Chiara , Bachmann Lucas M. , Schubert Martin , Curt Armin , Finazzi Agro Enrico , Kessels Alfons G. , Kessler Thomas M. 
Published: February 2018

ObjectiveThe recovery of bladder function after spinal cord injury (SCI) is of major importance for patients and caregivers. We recently developed prediction models of bladder outcomes (defined as the capacity of storing the urine and emptying completely the bladder) 1 year after a SCI of traumatic etiology and investigated if these models would also be applicable to patients with ischemic SCI.Patients and methodsFrom the European multicenter study about spinal cord injury (EMSCI), we extracted data of all ischemic SCI patients with available neurological and functional data (according to the International Standards for Neurological Classification of Spinal Cord Injury, ISNCSCI, and Spinal Cord Independence Measure, SCIM) within 40 days and bladder outcomes 1 year after ischemia. The model relies on three predictors: strength of the legs, the presence of sensation in the S3 dermatome, and the part of the SCIM assessing breathing and bladder and bowel control. A simplified model relying on leg strength only was also tested. Bladder outcomes were evaluated according to the score of item six of SCIM.ResultsIn total 85 patients (56 males (66%), mean age 55 years) were included. Twenty‐three patients (27%) showed complete bladder function recovery one year after ischemia. Both models showed a very good predictive power: the area under the receiver operating characteristics curve (aROC) of the two models was 0.825 and 0.822, respectively.ConclusionsComparable to acute traumatic SCI, also in ischemic SCI the outcome of full bladder function recovery can be predicted by clinical scores, and prediction models of bladder outcomes may be applicable in clinical trials.
Scheduling combat logistics force replenishments at sea for the US Navy
Authors: Brown Gerald G. , DeGrange Walter C. , Price Wilson L. , Rowe Anton A. 
Published: February 2018

AbstractThe Replenishment at Sea Planner (RASP) is saving the U.S. Navy millions of dollars a year by reducing fuel consumption of its Combat Logistics Force (CLF). CLF shuttle supply ships deploy from ports to rendezvous with underway U.S. combatants and those of coalition partners. The overwhelming commodity transferred is fuel, ship‐to‐ship by hoses, while other important packaged goods and spare parts are high‐lined, or helicoptered between ships. The U.S. Navy is organized in large areas of responsibility called numbered fleets, and within each of these a scheduler must promulgate a daily forecast of CLF shuttle operations. The operational planning horizon extends out several weeks, or as far into the future as we can forecast demand. We solve RASP with integer linear optimization and a purpose‐built heuristic. RASP plans Replenishment‐at‐Sea (RAS) events with 4‐hour (Navy watch) time fidelity. For five years, RASP has served two purposes: (1) it helps schedulers generate a daily schedule and animates it using Google Earth, and (2) it automates reports command‐to‐ship messages that are essential to keep this complex logistics system operating.
The conditioning of least‐squares problems in variational data assimilation
Authors: Tabeart Jemima M. , Dance Sarah L. , Haben Stephen A. , Lawless Amos S. , Nichols Nancy K. , Waller Joanne A. 
Published: February 2018

SummaryIn variational data assimilation a least‐squares objective function is minimised to obtain the most likely state of a dynamical system. This objective function combines observation and prior (or background) data weighted by their respective error statistics. In numerical weather prediction, data assimilation is used to estimate the current atmospheric state, which then serves as an initial condition for a forecast. New developments in the treatment of observation uncertainties have recently been shown to cause convergence problems for this least‐squares minimisation. This is important for operational numerical weather prediction centres due to the time constraints of producing regular forecasts. The condition number of the Hessian of the objective function can be used as a proxy to investigate the speed of convergence of the least‐squares minimisation. In this paper we develop novel theoretical bounds on the condition number of the Hessian. These new bounds depend on the minimum eigenvalue of the observation error covariance matrix and the ratio of background error variance to observation error variance. Numerical tests in a linear setting show that the location of observation measurements has an important effect on the condition number of the Hessian. We identify that the conditioning of the problem is related to the complex interactions between observation error covariance and background error covariance matrices. Increased understanding of the role of each constituent matrix in the conditioning of the Hessian will prove useful for informing the choice of correlated observation error covariance matrix and observation location, particularly for practical applications.
A unified framework for nonlinear path‐dependent sensitivity analysis in topology optimization
Authors: Alberdi Ryan , Zhang Guodong , Li Lei , Khandelwal Kapil 
Published: February 2018

SummaryAn adjoint sensitivity analysis framework to evaluate path‐dependent design sensitivities for problems involving inelastic materials and dynamic effects is presented and shown in the context of topology optimization. The overall aim is to present a framework that unifies the sensitivity analyses existing in the literature and provides clear guidelines on how to formulate sensitivity analysis for a wide range of path‐dependent system behaviors simulated using finite element analysis (FEA). In particular, the focus is on the identification of proper independent variables for constraint formulation, the overall structure of constraint derivatives arising from discrete FEA equations, and the consistent implementation of sensitivity analysis for diverse problem types. This framework is used to compute sensitivity values for a number of complex problems formulated within FEA for which sensitivity calculations are not available in the literature. The sensitivity values obtained are then rigorously verified using numerical differentiation based on the central‐difference method. Problem types include the use of enhanced assumed strain elements, plane‐stress constraints, nonlocal elastoplastic‐damage formulations, kinematic/isotropic hardening, rate‐dependent materials, finite deformations, and dynamics. Finally, topology optimization is carried out using some of the different problem types.
Weighing in on Bariatric Surgery: Effectiveness Among Medicaid Beneficiaries—Limited Evidence and Future Research Needs
Authors: Takemoto Erin , Andrea Sarah B. , Wolfe Bruce M. , Nagel Corey L. , Boone‐Heinonen Janne 
Published: February 2018

IntroductionIn the general population, bariatric surgery is well documented as the most effective obesity treatment for sustained weight loss and remission of comorbidities. Characterization of the patient populations most likely to benefit from surgical intervention is needed, but the heterogeneity of treatment effects across payer groups has not been reviewed.MethodsA systematic review of published studies focusing on bariatric surgery outcomes among Medicaid beneficiaries was conducted. By using PubMed and Scopus, this study searched for studies that quantitatively compared clinical or social bariatric surgery outcomes for United States adult Medicaid recipients and commercially insured patients.ResultsOf the 568 titles reviewed, 21 met inclusion criteria. Weight loss and the remission of comorbidities at 1 or 2 years postoperatively were similar between groups despite differences in baseline health status. Short‐term health care utilization and mortality outcomes were worse in Medicaid recipients; for instance, Medicaid patients had an average length of stay that was 2 days longer and experienced three more deaths in the first postoperative year.ConclusionsThe critical research gaps in the evidence base needed to improve treatment guidelines for Medicaid patients undergoing bariatric surgery include an understanding of the causes of the baseline health differences and how these differences contribute to postoperative outcomes.
Genetics of Obesity in Consanguineous Populations: Toward Precision Medicine and the Discovery of Novel Obesity Genes
Authors: Saeed Sadia , Arslan Muhammad , Froguel Philippe 
Published: February 2018

ObjectiveConsanguinity has been instrumental in the elucidation of many Mendelian genetic diseases. Here, the unique advantage of consanguineous populations was considered in the quest for genes causing obesity.MethodsPubMed was searched for articles relevant to consanguinity and obesity published between 1995 and 2016. Some earlier articles of interest were also consulted.ResultsAlthough obesity is the most heritable disorder, even in outbred populations, only 2% to 5% of severe obesity cases have so far been proven to be caused by single gene mutations. In some highly consanguineous populations, a remarkably higher proportion of obesity cases because of known and novel monogenic variants has been identified (up to 30%).ConclusionsCombining the power conferred by consanguinity with current large‐capacity sequencing techniques should bring new genetic factors and molecular mechanisms to the fore, unveiling a large part of the yet‐elusive neurohumoral circuitry involved in the regulation of energy homeostasis and appetite. Importantly, the undertaking of such initiatives is destined to unfold novel targets for the development of precision medicine relevant to different forms of obesity.
Weight Control Program and Gestational Weight Gain in Disadvantaged Women with Overweight or Obesity: A Randomized Clinical Trial
Authors: Cahill Alison G. , Haire‐Joshu Debra , Cade W. Todd , Stein Richard I. , Woolfolk Candice L. , Moley Kelle , Mathur Amit , Schechtman Kenneth , Klein Samuel 
Published: February 2018

ObjectiveThis study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of a home‐based lifestyle intervention delivered through Parents as Teachers (PAT) to reduce excessive gestational weight gain (GWG).MethodsThis was a single‐blinded randomized controlled trial conducted as part of the LIFE‐Moms consortium at a single university‐based tertiary care institution from October 2012 to March 2016. There were 267 socioeconomically disadvantaged (SED) African American women with overweight or obesity (BMI 25.0‐45.0 kg/m2 before pregnancy. Participants were randomized to therapy with standard PAT alone (n = 134) or PAT plus a lifestyle intervention program embedded within the standard PAT program (PAT+) (n = 133). Both interventions were delivered in 10 biweekly home visits during pregnancy. The primary outcome was the percentage of women whose GWG exceeded the Institute of Medicine guidelines, and secondary outcomes included both weekly and total GWG.ResultsCompared with the standard PAT group in the intent‐to‐treat analysis, the PAT + group gained less weekly (0.4 kg vs. 0.5 kg/wk; P = 0.04) and total (8.0 kg vs. 9.6 kg; P = 0.02) weight during gestation. Fewer participants in the PAT + group had excessive total GWG (36.1% vs. 45.9%), but the difference between groups was not statistically significant (P = 0.11).ConclusionsPAT + reduced the weekly and total GWG in SED African American women with overweight or obesity at the start of pregnancy.
Greater Neonatal Fat‐Free Mass and Similar Fat Mass Following a Randomized Trial to Control Excess Gestational Weight Gain
Authors: Gallagher Dympna , Rosenn Barak , Toro‐Ramos Tatiana , Paley Charles , Gidwani Sonia , Horowitz Michelle , Crane Janet , Lin Susan , Thornton John C. , Pi‐Sunyer Xavier 
Published: February 2018

ObjectiveThe objective of this study was to determine the effectiveness of controlling maternal gestational weight gain (GWG) in the second and third trimesters on neonate body composition.MethodsTwo hundred ten healthy women with overweight (25 > BMI < 30) or obesity (BMI ≥ 30) were randomly assigned to a lifestyle intervention (LI) program focused on controlling GWG through nutrition and activity behaviors or to usual obstetrical care (UC). Infant fat and fat‐free mass (FFM) at birth were measured by using air displacement plethysmography (PEA POD) and by using quantitative magnetic resonance (QMR).ResultsAt baseline, there were no between‐group differences in maternal characteristics (mean [SD]): age: 33.8 (4.3) years, weight: 81.9 (13.7) kg, BMI: 30.4 (4.5), and gestational age at randomization: 14.9 (0.8) weeks. GWG was less in the LI group by 1.79 kg (P = 0.003) or 0.0501 kg/wk (P = 0.002). Compared with UC infants, LI infants had greater weight (131 ± 59 g P = 0.03), FFM (98 ± 45 g; P = 0.03) measured by PEA POD, and lean mass (105 ± 38 g; P = 0.006) measured by QMR. Fat mass and percent fat were not significantly different.ConclusionsIntervening in women with overweight and obesity through behaviors promoting healthy diet and physical activity to control GWG resulted in neonates with similar fat and greater FFM.
Beauty and the Body of the Beholder: Raters’ BMI Has Only Limited Association with Ratings of Attractiveness of the Opposite Sex
Authors: Wang Guanlin , Ekeleme‐Egedigwe Chima A. , El Hamdouchi Asmaa , Sauciuvenaite Justina , Bissland Ruth , Djafarian Kurosh , Ojiambo Robert , Ramuth Harris , Holasek Sandra , Lackner Sonja , Diouf Adama , Hambly Catherine , Vaanholt Lobke M. , Cao Minxuan , Hacker Megan , Kruger Herculina S. , Seru Tumelo , Faries Mark D. , Speakman John R. 
Published: February 2018

ObjectiveAssortative mating for adiposity increases the genetic burden on offspring, but its causes remain unclear. One hypothesis is that people who have high adiposity find other people with obesity more physically attractive than lean people.MethodsThe attractiveness of sets of images of males and females who varied in adiposity were rated by opposite sex subjects (559 males and 340 females) across 12 countries.ResultsThere was tremendous individual variability in attractiveness ratings. For female attractiveness, most males favored the leanest subjects, but others favored intermediate fatness, some were indifferent to body composition, and others rated the subjects with obesity as most attractive. For male images rated by females, the patterns were more complex. Most females favored subjects with low levels of adiposity (but not the lowest level), whereas others were indifferent to body fatness or rated the images depicting individuals with obesity as the most attractive. These patterns were unrelated to rater BMI. Among Caucasian males who rated the images of the thinnest females as being more attractive, the magnitude of the effect depended on rater BMI, indicating limited “mutual attraction.”ConclusionsIndividual variations in ratings of physical attractiveness were broadly unrelated to rater BMI and suggest that mutual attraction is an unlikely explanation for assortative mating for obesity.