bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
From active to stable: Paraglacial transition of Alpine lateral moraine slopes
Authors: Eichel Jana , Draebing Daniel , Meyer Nele 
Published: August 2018

AbstractMany retreating Alpine valley glaciers leave large lateral moraines behind. Reworking of these landforms by geomorphic processes is one of the most important paraglacial processes in many Alpine environments. Although several studies investigated moraine reworking by gullying processes, it is not well known what happens when gullying ceases and why and when lateral moraine slopes become stable. This study improves the understanding of the paraglacial transition from active to stable Alpine lateral moraine slopes by assessing potential influencing factors, indicators for completed paraglacial adjustment, and its spatiotemporal patterns using a combination of geomorphic and ecologic data. A geomorphic and ecologic permanent plot survey and geomorphic mapping were carried out on three lateral moraine complexes in the Turtmann glacier foreland (Switzerland). Subsequently, permanent plot data were analysed using multivariate statistics. Our study suggests that ecosystem engineering by colonizing plant species, slope geomorphometry, and material properties are important factors influencing the paraglacial transition from active to stable slopes. Geomorphic processes are often absent once vertical vegetation layers and soil horizons develop, showing that mature vegetation and advanced soil development are valuable indicators for slope stability and completed paraglacial adjustment. In a conceptual model, we describe the paraglacial transition of Alpine lateral moraine slopes as a temporal sequence in which gullying (Stage I), solifluction (Stage II), and finally stabilization (Stage III) follow one after another. In space, paraglacial adjustment is heterogeneous, and resulting patterns can be explained by the identified influencing factors.
Association between COMT gene rs165599 SNP and schizophrenia: A meta‐analysis of case‐control studies
Authors: Gozukara Bag Harika Gozde 
Published: August 2018

AbstractBackgroundThere are many studies with different results that examine the association between Catechol‐O‐MethylTransferase (COMT) gene single‐nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) and schizophrenia. In this study, the aim was to conduct a meta‐analysis to achieve a pooled effect size of the association between COMT gene rs165599 SNP and schizophrenia.MethodsOdds ratio (OR) was used as an effect size to determine the association between schizophrenia and the SNP. The pooled ORs were achieved under four different genetic models. When the heterogeneity among studies was high the DerSimonian‐Laird random‐effects model, otherwise the Mantel‐Haenszel fixed‐effects model was used. Publication bias was evaluated by Egger's test.ResultsUnder different genetic models no statistically significant association was found between rs165599 SNP and schizophrenia by meta‐analyses consist of 20 independent studies. There was high heterogeneity among studies, for the possible reason the population differences, although the subgroup analyzes reduced the heterogeneity, no association was obtained. However, the sex‐specific estimation of the females showed that to be a G allele carrier is a risk factor for schizophrenia (OR = 1.366 [95% confidence interval = 1.094–1.706]) compared to AA homozygous.ConclusionThe COMT gene rs165599 SNP does not appear to be a single‐risk factor for schizophrenia.
Software‐based video analysis of functional outcomes of face transplantation
Authors: Fischer Sebastian , Diehm Yannick , Dorante Miguel I. , Kotsougiani Dimitra , Kueckelhaus Maximilian , Alhefzi Muayyad , Bueno Ericka M. , Pomahac Bohdan 
Published: August 2018

AbstractIntroductionAssessment of outcomes after face transplantation (FT) is necessary to provide sound evidence on the benefits of this life‐giving surgery. Current methods for outcomes assessment, however, are imprecise or prone to subjectivity. Software‐based video analysis may allow fast, objective and retrospective assessment of restoration of facial movements and functions after FT.Patients and methodsWe recorded videos of 7 subjects before as well as every 3‐6 months after facial transplantation. Patients performed the same sequence of facial movements in every video: smile, open mouth, purse lips, wrinkle nose, frown, close eyes, and lift eyebrows. The videos were retrospectively analyzed using EMOTIENT software, which is capable of automatic tracking and detailed measurements of facial movements and expressions. These measurements were subsequently compared to the same patient at different time points, as well as to the normal population.ResultsOpen mouth, wrinkle nose and smile functions significantly improved in all patients when compared to pre‐transplant functions; this improvement was significant at 3, 6, and 12 months after transplant, respectively. Lip purse, eye closure and frown functions improved by 6, 9, and 18 months after transplantation, respectively; however, improvement in these particular functions was not significantly with respect to pre‐transplant. Face transplantation did not improve any of the patients' ability to lift their eyebrows. Most remarkably, mouth opening and smiling functions both reached values comparable to the normal population at 3 and 12 months after transplantation, respectively.ConclusionSoftware‐based video analysis provides a valuable assessment tool capable of objective, precise and reproducible analysis of facial movements and functions after FT.
Immediate tracheal reconstruction with forearm flap and bone graft
Authors: Kubo Tateki , Kurita Tomoyuki , Tashima Hiroki , Suzuki Motoyuki , Uemura Hirokazu , Fujii Takashi , Seike Shien , Inohara Hidenori , Hosokawa Ko 
Published: August 2018

AbstractBackground“Window” resection of the trachea is sometimes performed to remove tumors invading the trachea. Here, we present a novel reconstructive procedure to this end.MethodsEleven patients (mean age, 64 years; range, 46–80 years) were included. Primary diagnoses included thyroid cancer and adenoid cystic carcinoma of the trachea. All defects were partial and located in the neck (mean width and length, 3/5 circle and 7.5 rings; range, 1/2–2/3 circle and 5–9 rings). Immediate 2‐stage reconstruction was performed using a forearm flap and free bone graft. The bone graft was utilized as a supportive skeleton. A tracheostoma was left open for several months following the initial surgery, and then closed.ResultsThe mean flap size was 6.1 × 9.7 cm (range, 6–7 × 7–16 cm). Mean number of grafted bone strips and length were 1.6 (range, 1–3) and 6.1 cm (range, 4.5–7 cm). All flaps survived. Five patients developed complications in the neck, including surgical site infections (SSIs), recurrent nerve palsy, and lymphorrhea. Four patients developed donor site complications, including clavicular fracture and SSIs. Mean postoperative follow‐up lasted 85 months (range, 11–149 months). Normal speech was restored in 9 patients. Stoma closure was abandoned in 2 patients, because 1 patient showed vocal cord fixation with advanced age and the other showed bone graft loss following SSI.ConclusionsCreating a tracheostoma during the first operation prevents postoperative airway compromise. Our bone graft placement easily achieves tracheal rigidity. This procedure is simple and safe for tracheal window defect repair.
Establishing intra‐ and inter‐vendor reproducibility of T1 relaxation time measurements with 3T MRI
Authors: Lee Yoojin , Callaghan Martina F. , Acosta‐Cabronero Julio , Lutti Antoine , Nagy Zoltan 
Published: August 2018

PurposeParametric imaging methods (e.g., T1 relaxation time mapping) have been shown to be more reproducible across time and vendors than weighted (e.g., T1‐weighted) images. The purpose of this work was to more extensively evaluate the validity of this assertion.MethodsSeven volunteers underwent twice‐repeated acquisitions of variable flip‐angle T1 mapping, including B1+ calibration, on a 3T Philips Achieva and 3T Siemens Trio scanner. Intra‐scanner and inter‐vendor T1 variability were calculated. To determine T1 reproducibility levels in longitudinal settings, or after changing hardware or software, four additional data sets were acquired from two of the participants; one participant was scanned on a different 3T Siemens Trio scanner and another on the same 3T Philips Achieva scanner but after a software upgrade.ResultsIntra‐scanner variability of voxel‐wise T1 values was consistent between the two vendors, averaging 0.7/0.7/1.3/1.4% in white matter/cortical gray matter/subcortical gray matter/cerebellum, respectively. We observed, however, a systematic bias between the two vendors of https://doi.org/10.0/7.8/8.6/10.0%, respectively. The T1 bias across two scanners of the same model was greater than intra‐scanner variability, although still only at 1.4/1.0/1.9/2.3%, respectively. A greater bias was identified for data sets acquired before/after software upgrade in white matter/cortical gray matter (3.6/2.7%) whereas variability in subcortical gray matter/cerebellum was comparable (1.7/1.9%).ConclusionWe established intra‐ and inter‐vendor reproducibility levels for a widely used T1 mapping protocol. We anticipate that these results will guide the design of multi‐center studies, particularly those encompassing multiple vendors. Furthermore, this baseline level of reproducibility should be established or surpassed during the piloting phase of such studies.
Evidence of induced muscle regeneration persists for years in the mouse
Authors: Meyer Gretchen A. 
Published: August 2018

ABSTRACTIntroduction: Efficient repositioning of centralized nuclei after injury has long been assumed, with centralized nuclei frequently cited as indicators of ongoing regeneration. However, reports of centralized nuclei that persist after full recovery of fiber area and muscle force production call into question the time course of nuclear repositioning. Methods: We evaluated regeneration after cardiotoxin‐induced damage in 10‐week‐old mice by quantifying intracellular and extracellular pathology at 2 and 94 weeks post‐injection. Results: Centrally nucleated fibers were still prevalent at 94 weeks post‐injection, representing > 25% of muscle fibers. Areas with > 90% centrally nucleated fibers could still be identified. Extra‐myocellular indicators of regeneration (e.g., fibrosis and fatty infiltration) also remained significantly elevated at the 94‐week time‐point. Discussion: These findings indicate that not all nuclei are repositioned at the conclusion of induced muscle regeneration. Muscle Nerve 58:858–862, 2018
Modified dynamic gait index and limits of stability in myotonic dystrophy type 1
Authors: Pucillo Evan M. , Mcintyre Melissa M. , Pautler Mary , Hung Man , Bounsanga Jerry , Voss Maren W. , Hayes Heather , Dibella Deanna L. , Trujillo Caren , Dixon Melissa , Butterfield Russell J. , Johnson Nicholas E. 
Published: August 2018

ABSTRACTIntroduction: The purpose of this study was to describe and compare the performance of balance and walking tests in relation to self‐reported fall history in adults with myotonic dystrophy type 1 (DM1). Methods: Twenty‐two (13 male) participants with DM1 completed, a 6‐month fall history questionnaire, the modified Dynamic Gait Index (mDGI), limits of stability (LoS) testing, and 10‐m walking tests. Results: Mean (SD) falls in 6 months was 3.7 (3.1), and 19 (86%) participants reported at least 1 fall. Significant differences in mDGI scores (P = 0.006) and 10‐m fast walking gait velocity (P = 0.02) were found between those who had been classified as “fallers” and those who had been classified as “nonfallers.” Significant correlations were found between mDGI scores and 10‐m walking time. Discussion: Falls are common in DM1, and the mDGI may have potential to distinguish fallers from nonfallers, whereas the LoS failed to detect such impairment. Future studies should further explore use of the mDGI in DM1. Muscle Nerve 58: 694–699, 2018
A comparison of a step‐initiation task in women with and without urinary incontinence. A case‐control study
Authors: Chmielewska Daria , Sobota Grzegorz Sobota , Stania Magdalena , Błaszczak Edward , Słomka Kajetan , Juras Grzegorz 
Published: August 2018

AimsThe aim of the study was to objectively determine differences in postural response by women with and without urinary incontinence during a step‐initiation task depending on the degree of bladder filling.MethodsThe study comprised 22 women with stress urinary incontinence and 20 women without urinary incontinence. All women participated in four trials: unperturbed and perturbed (obstacle crossing) transition between platforms, step‐up and step‐down trials. Velocities of center of pressure displacement, double‐support period, time from exit from steady standing until the lead foot resting on the other platform and time from raising the foot from the first platform until gaining quiet standing on the other platform were measured and compared.ResultsNo significant differences were noted between the performance of a step‐initiation task by incontinent women with full/empty bladder whereas continent women performed differently during unperturbed transition with full/empty bladder. The step‐up trial revealed significant intergroup differences. The antero‐posterior mean velocity of center of pressure during the empty bladder test was significantly higher in women with stress urinary incontinence (effect size = 1.02). During the same bladder condition the women with stress urinary incontinence performed significantly more slowly in unperturbed (effect size = 1.09) and perturbed (effect size = 0.84) transition compared to control group.ConclusionsOur results indicate that women with incontinence performed the step initiation task slowly on the empty bladder tests compare to continent women.
A systematic review of urinary bladder hypertrophy in experimental diabetes: Part 2. Comparison of animal models and functional consequences
Authors: Ellenbroek Johanne H. , Arioglu Inan Ebru , Michel Martin C. 
Published: August 2018

AimsTo explore whether the bladder hypertrophy consistently seen in rats upon streptozotocin injection also occurs in other animal models of type 1 or 2 diabetes and how hypertrophy is linked to functional alterations of the urinary bladder.MethodsA systematic search for the key word combination “diabetes,” “bladder,” and “hypertrophy” was performed in PubMed; additional references were identified from reference lists of those publications. All papers were systematically extracted for relevant information.ResultsModels other than streptozotocin‐injected rats and female animals have been poorly studied. Most animal models of diabetes exhibit less bladder hypertrophy as compared to streptozotocin‐injected rats. However, this is not linked to type 1 versus 2 diabetes models, and type 2 models with comparable elevation of blood glucose may exhibit strong or only minor hypertrophy. Bladder dysfunction is frequently observed in experimental diabetes and mostly manifests as increased compliance but does not segregate with hypertrophy. It may at least partly reflect the need to handle large amounts of urine in models associated with major elevation of blood glucose.ConclusionsTo better understand the relevance of bladder hypertrophy in many models of experimental diabetes, more studies in models of type 2 diabetes are urgently needed. Moreover, the role of factors other than hypertrophy in the genesis of bladder dysfunction requires further exploration.
Innervation asymmetry of the external anal sphincter in aging characterized from high‐density intra‐rectal surface EMG recordings
Authors: Dias Nicholas , Li Xuhong , Zhang Chuan , Zhang Yingchun 
Published: August 2018

AimsThe innervation zone asymmetry of the external anal sphincter (EAS) has been investigated as a risk factor for the development of fecal incontinence (FI). This study aims to utilize an intra‐rectal high‐density surface electromyogram (HD‐sEMG) recording and advanced HD‐sEMG decomposition technique to characterize the effects of aging on the asymmetry of EAS functional innervation.MethodsHD‐sEMG signals were recorded intra‐rectally from six healthy young and seven healthy elderly women during voluntary contractions of the EAS. EMG signals were decomposed into constituent motor unit action potentials (MUAPs) and the innervation zone of each decomposed motor unit was identified. Asymmetry index (AI) was defined and calculated for all subjects. The maximum squeezing pressures of the EAS were also measured for all subjects as a comparison.ResultsThe HD‐sEMG decomposition and AI calculation were successfully performed from EMG data acquired from all the subjects. The AI values were 28.7 ± 17.0% for the young group and 55.6 ± 18.8% for the elderly group. The AI and EAS contraction strength were found to be negatively correlated (P < 0.05). A two‐tailed student's t‐test demonstrated a significant increase in AI with age by comparison between two groups (P < 0.05).ConclusionsOur work demonstrates, for the first time, that EAS functional innervation tends to become increasingly asymmetrical with advancing age, and this increase is associated with a compromised anorectal function. Results suggest that the intra‐rectal HD‐sEMG will serve as an advanced tool for assessing and monitoring the anorectal neuromuscular function minimally invasively under different pathophysiological conditions.
The Reduction of Dissolved Oxygen During Magnesium Corrosion
Authors: Silva Eduardo L. , Lamaka Sviatlana V. , Mei Di , Zheludkevich Mikhail L. 
Published: August 2018

AbstractThe consumption of dissolved oxygen (DO) during the corrosion of commercially pure magnesium specimens was investigated by localized corrosion techniques. The concentration of oxygen and the local current density on the near‐surface of magnesium were measured simultaneously by a micro‐optode DO sensor and the scanning vibrating electrode technique (SVET), respectively. Diamond microelectrodes were also used for DO mapping. Significant DO depletion was found since the initial immersion time of Mg in NaCl 0.5 m, and a correlation could be established between DO consumption and areas of anodic and cathodic activity. These findings assume particular relevance for the corrosion of Mg alloys or magnesium components with impurity levels higher than the tolerance limit. Moreover, this study points out the significance of the partial oxygen pressure as an influential parameter during magnesium corrosion.
Dose modifications and pharmacokinetics of adjuvant cisplatin monotherapy while on hemodialysis for patients with hepatoblastoma
Authors: Boucher Alexander A. , Mizuno Tomoyuki , Vinks Alexander A. , Goldstein Stuart L. , Tiao Greg M. , Geller James I. 
Published: August 2018

AbstractHepatoblastoma can be associated with chronic kidney disease and genitourinary anomalies. Cisplatin is a key agent for treating hepatoblastoma but renal clearance and toxicity can limit its use in end‐stage renal disease. We present pharmacokinetic data and clinical outcomes using cisplatin on hemodialysis for three patients with hepatoblastoma. All patients were initially treated with surgery and adjuvant cisplatin [1.67 mg/kg (2 patients) or 50 mg/m2 (1 patient)]. The patient treated with body surface area‐based dosing had higher exposures and ototoxicity. Treating hepatoblastoma with cisplatin on hemodialysis using 1.67 mg/kg achieved clinical efficacy with minimal morbidity.
Do treatment outcomes differ after 3 months DBT inpatient treatment based on borderline personality disorder subtypes?
Authors: Sleuwaegen Ellen , Claes Laurence , Luyckx Koen , Wilderjans Tom , Berens Ann , Sabbe Bernard 
Published: August 2018

AbstractHeterogeneity in borderline personality disorder (BPD) drives the search for BPD subtypes to optimize the assessment and treatment of these patients. Therefore, the aims of the present study were (1) to replicate previously identified BPD subtypes based on reactive and regulative temperament; (2) to compare them on symptomatology and coping; and (3) to investigate whether these subtypes show different treatment responses after 3 months of inpatient dialectical behaviour therapy (DBT). A total of 145 BPD inpatients were assessed by means of measures of temperament, symptomatology and coping. Through model‐based clustering on the Behavioural Inhibition and Behavioural Activation Scales (BISBAS) and Effortful Control Scale (ECS), we identified three BPD subtypes: an Emotional/Disinhibited subtype (15%, high BAS and low ECS); a Low Anxiety subtype (41%, low BIS) and an Inhibited subtype (44%, low BAS). After 3 months of DBT, 75 patients completed the measures for a second time. Repeated measure ANOVAs demonstrated a general improvement on all symptoms and coping strategies. In addition, the BPD subtypes showed trajectory differences in clinical and borderline specific symptomatology and dissociation. These findings indicate that BPD subtypes based on temperament demonstrate different treatment responses, which can contribute to the search of more BPD subtype tailored treatment interventions. © 2018 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Erosivity and Performance of Nitrogen‐Rich Propellants
Authors: Lavoie Jonathan , Petre Catalin‐Florin , Dubois Charles 
Published: August 2018

AbstractFive propellant formulations were test fired both in a vented vessel and a closed vessel. Two formulations contained 35 % weight of nitrogen‐rich materials. The erosion by weight of the propellants ranged from 0.53 g to 1.31 g after two consecutive test firings of a given propellant. The addition of nitrogen‐rich materials resulted in reduced erosion. Scanning electron microscope and energy dispersive X‐ray spectroscopy revealed nitrogen in the erosion pieces for one of the reference propellants (SB) and the two nitrogen‐rich propellants. The two hottest propellants cause melting of the erosion pieces. The presence of nitrogen‐rich materials has a tremendous impact on the burning rates with the burning rate increase at 100 MPa reaching up to 2.4 times that of the formulation used as the base for the nitrogen‐rich propellants.
Application of a New Cleaner Emulsion‐Explosive Formula: Cu/Al Parallel Plates Explosive Welding
Authors: Zhou Guoan , Ma Honghao , Shen Zhaowu , Li Le 
Published: August 2018

AbstractThis paper introduces a new cleaner emulsion‐explosive formula and uses it in the copper/aluminum parallel plates explosive welding, with the benefits of decreasing the overall cost of emulsion explosive product and minimizing environmental pollution during use. After the welding experiment, sample's welding quality was firstly evaluated via the X‐ray tomography (XCT), optical microscopy (OM) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). On the other hand, the energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS), transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and X‐ray diffraction (XRD) analysis are utilized to identify the kinds of inter‐metallic compounds of samples. Our results reveal that the metal/metal interface obtained using the new emulsion explosive is more regular and wavy, and the inter‐metallic compounds, caused by rapid solidification and further cooling of the dissimilar partners, are confirmed as Al2Cu and AlCu.