bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Functional restoration of elbow flexion in nonobstetric brachial plexus injuries: A meta‐analysis of nerve transfers versus grafts
Authors: Texakalidis Pavlos , Hardcastle Nathan , Tora Muhibullah S. , Boulis Nicholas M. 
Published: September 2019

BackgroundRestoration of elbow flexion is the priority in traumatic brachial plexus injuries. Surgical approaches commonly include nerve transfers and nerve grafting. Our objective was to evaluate the safety and efficacy profile of nerve transfers versus grafting for traumatic nonobstetric brachial plexus injuries.MethodsThis systematic literature review was performed according to the PRISMA guidelines. A random‐effects model meta‐analysis was conducted, and the I‐square was used to assess heterogeneity. The Medical Research Scale (MRC) score was used to assess the efficacy of the procedures.ResultsNine studies comprising 490 patients overall were identified. In the pooled analysis, functional recovery of elbow flexion defined as MRC ≥ M3, was superior in the transfer (N = 272/350, 77.7%) compared to the graft group (N = 99/140, 70.7%); however statistical significance was not reached (OR: 1.95; 95%CI: 0.79–4.83; I2: 58.8%). However, the odds for successful restoration of elbow flexion (MRC≥M3) were significantly higher when the ulnar (OR:12.20; 95%CI:3.05–48.80; I2:0%) or pectoral nerves (OR: 9.69; 95% CI: 1.83–51.25; I2: 0%) were used as healthy donors for the transfer compared to the graft procedures. Results between the two groups were similar when the intercostal, spinal accessory, thoracodorsal, contralateral C7 and phrenic nerves were used as donors for the transfer procedures.ConclusionsThe ulnar or pectoral nerve transfer to musculocutaneous is associated with statistically significant superior rates of elbow flexion recovery as compared to graft. No differences were identified in the pooled analysis or the subgroups of other donors used in nerve transfers. Future randomized studies or prospective cohorts are needed to validate our results.
Shielded‐coaxial‐cable coils as receive and transceive array elements for 7T human MRI
Authors: Ruytenberg Thomas , Webb Andrew , Zivkovic Irena 
Published: September 2019

PurposeTo investigate the use of shielded‐coaxial‐cable (SCC) coils as elements for multi‐channel receive‐only and transceive arrays for 7T human MRI and to compare their performance with equivalently sized conventional loop coils.MethodsThe SCC coil element consists of a coaxial loop with interrupted central conductor at the feed‐point side and an interrupted shield at the opposite point. Inter‐element decoupling, transmit efficiency, and sample heating were compared with results from conventional capacitively segmented loop coils. Three multichannel arrays (a 4‐channel receive‐only array and 8‐ and 5‐channel transceive arrays) were constructed. Their inter‐element decoupling was characterized via measured noise correlation matrices and additionally under different flexing conditions of the coils. Thermal measurements were performed and in vivo images were acquired.ResultsThe measured and simulated maps of both SCC and conventional loops were very similar. For all the arrays constructed, the inter‐element decoupling was much greater for the SCC elements than the conventional ones. Even under high degrees of flexion, the coupling coefficients were lower than −10 dB, with a much smaller frequency shift than for the conventional coils.ConclusionArrays constructed from SCC elements are mechanically flexible and much less sensitive to changes of the coil shape from circular to elongated than arrays constructed from conventional loop coils, which makes them suitable for construction of size adjustable arrays.
Immediate effect of transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation on urodynamic parameters of children with myelomeningocele
Authors: Dombek Kathiussa , Costa Monteiro Lucia M. , Fontes Juliana Marin , Ramos Eloane G. 
Published: September 2019

AbstractObjectiveTo evaluate the immediate response of electrical stimulation in children with neurogenic bladder (NB) due to myelomeningocele, using the urodynamic study (UDS).MethodsThis is a nonrandomized intervention study with 26 children with neurogenic overactive bladder and low bladder compliance due to myelomeningocele, aged 5 to 15 years. Each child performed a routine UDS and then a second UDS, during which the electrical stimulation was applied in the parasacral region. The main outcome was the difference in the maximum bladder pressure observed between the two urodynamic studies, analyzed from the paired t test.ResultsWe found that 77% of the patients had a lower maximum bladder pressure in the test with electrostimulation compared with the ones without electrostimulation. On average, the pressure reduction after stimulation was 7.24 cmH2O (95% confidence interval [CI], 0.35‐14.14; P = .04). The reduction was even higher in children under 12 years of age, compared with the children above 12 years (11.29 cmH2O, 95% CI, 3.47‐19.12; P = .01).ConclusionThe use of transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation had a significant immediate effect on reducing the maximum bladder pressure during the urodynamic studies among the tested pediatric patients with NB. The results were more significant among children under 12 years of age.
Lifestyle habits associated with nocturnal urination frequency: The Nagahama study
Authors: Tabara Yasuharu , Matsumoto Takeshi , Murase Kimihiko , Setoh Kazuya , Kawaguchi Takahisa , Nagashima Shunsuke , Funada Satoshi , Kosugi Shinji , Hirai Toyohiro , Nakayama Takeo , Wakamura Tomoko , Chin Kazuo , Matsuda Fumihiko ,   the Nagahama study group
Published: September 2019

AbstractBackgroundNocturia is a risk factor for poor quality of life and increased mortality. This study was aimed to clarifying dietary habits, eating behaviors, and sleep characteristics associated with nocturia to identify modifiable lifestyle factors for nocturia.MethodsThis cross‐sectional study included 5683 community residents (64.5 ± 7.7 years old). The frequency of nocturnal urination was recorded for 1 week using a sleep diary. The frequency of food intake, unfavorable eating behaviors, and sleep characteristics that may have influence on salt intake and wasting were obtained using a structured questionnaire.ResultsThe frequency of nocturnal urination was increased with age (β = .312, P < .001). Other basic factors associated with the frequency were the male sex (β = .090), hypertension (β = .038), sleep apnea (β = .030), B‐type natriuretic peptide level (β = .089), and spot urine sodium excretion (β = −.058). Dietary factors independently associated with nocturnal urination frequency were coffee (≥1 time/day: β = −.059, P < .001) and green vegetable consumption (≥1 time/week: β = −.042, P = .001), whereas habitual intake of dairy products, miso soup, and alcohol were not associated with urination frequency. Later bedtime was inversely associated with nocturnal urination frequency independent of sleep duration (before 23:00: β = −.096; before 24:00: β = −.225; after midnight: β = −.240; all P < .001).ConclusionCoffee and green vegetable consumption and later bedtime but not sleep duration are lifestyle factors associated with nocturnal urination frequency.
Additional value of triple‐sensor urethral catheter in demonstrating urethral pressure variations during filling cystometry
Authors: Kummeling M. T. , Bovelander E. , van Uhm J. I. , van Koeveringe G. A. , Elzevier H. W. , Putter H. , Groenendijk P. M. 
Published: September 2019

AbstractAimsDuring filling cystometry, urethral pressure variations (UPV) can be observed. The clinical relevance and a clear definition of this phenomenon are still a matter of debate. For further research and definition of UPV, it is important to determine how this condition can best be demonstrated. The purpose of this study is to compare continuous urethral pressure measurements with a single urethral‐sensor catheter and a triple urethral‐sensor catheter in demonstrating UPV.MethodsSeventy‐five adult female patients requiring urodynamic investigation enrolled in this prospective study. All patients underwent two series of filling and voiding cystometry. One series was performed with a dual‐air balloon sensor urodynamic catheter, the other series with a triple urethral‐sensor catheter. UPV were defined as urethral pressure drop exceeding 30 cmH2O.ResultsThe prevalence of UPV was 37.3% (28 out of 75 patients), more common than detrusor overactivity. The triple urethral‐sensor catheter was more sensitive than the single urethral‐sensor catheter: In eight patients UPV were demonstrated with both catheters and in 18 patients only in the measurement with the triple urethral‐sensor catheter. This difference in detection was significant (P < .001).ConclusionThere is an additional value in measurement with the triple urethral‐sensor catheter for demonstration of UPV during filling cystometry. Currently, continuous measurement of urethral pressure during filling cystometry and UPV is not defined within International Continence Society terminology. The single urethral‐sensor catheter is useful for a start, however, it demonstrates less than half of all UPV
Multiphysics modeling and simulation of fluid‐saturated porous ferrogels at finite strains
Authors: Gebhart Philipp , Wallmersperger Thomas 
Published: September 2019

AbstractOver the last years there has been a growing interest in the study of the behavior of field‐responsive or so called smart materials. Porous ferrogels are a class of these materials consisting of a porous polymeric matrix with dispersed micro‐ or nano‐sized ferromagnetic particles [1–3]. Due to their ability to exhibit large deformations and alter their effective material characteristics upon external magnetic stimulation, these materials are interesting for a wide range of applications in biomedical engineering, microfluidics and other innovative fields of research. The magneto‐poro‐mechanical response of porous ferrogels is a complex phenomenon that spans over multiple length‐scales and essentially depends on (i) the constitutive behavior of the individual components, (ii) their morphology and microstructural arrangement and (iii) the macroscopic shape of the specimen. In this contribution a theoretical and computational framework for the modeling of isotropic porous ferrogels at the macroscale is presented. Within this modeling approach the porous ferrogel is treated as a homogeneous continuum, whereat its complex microstructure is not resolved explicitly. A prototypical isotropic constitutive model is formulated in a conventional enthalpy‐based setting. Numerical examples show the the crucial impact of the macroscopic specimen shape on the macroscopic deformation response in an uniform external magnetic field.
Obesity and psychosocial well‐being among cancer patients and survivors
Authors: Philip Errol J. , Bergerot Cristiane Decat , Clark Karen , Bergerot Paulo , Loscalzo Matthew 
Published: September 2019

AbstractObjectiveAs the association between obesity and cancer receives increasing attention, studies have begun to examine the potential impact of excess weight on psychosocial domains during treatment and survivorship. The current study will examine the effect of weight status on psychosocial outcomes among patients diagnosed with breast cancer, prostate cancer, and colon cancer.MethodsThis retrospective study included 4159 patients over the age of 55 who were diagnosed with postmenopausal breast (52.2%), prostate (38.7%), or colon cancer (9.1%). Prior to treatment, patients were screened for problem‐related distress using a 33‐item touch screen–based instrument. Descriptive statistics were generated for each cancer type and one‐way analysis of covariance (ANCOVA) used to determine significant differences in distress by weight (nonobese: <30 kg/m2 vs obese: ≥30 kg/m2).ResultsA higher prevalence of biopsychosocial problem‐related distress was reported by patients with breast cancer (M = 4.3) compared with prostate (M = 2.8) and colon cancer (M = 3.8). Obese breast and prostate cancer patients reported higher levels of problem‐related distress compared with nonobese patients (P < .05), whereas an opposite trend was noted for patients with colon cancer.ConclusionThe current study found notable obesity‐related differences among patients diagnosed with postmenopausal breast cancer or prostate cancer, with excess weight consistently associated with poorer psychosocial outcomes. These findings among a large cohort of patients provide insight into the impact of obesity during the cancer care trajectory and can provide guidance in the development and implementation of supportive care services for this “at‐risk” population.
Rheological Behavior of DNAN/HMX Melt‐Cast Explosives
Authors: Zhu Daoli , Zhou Lin , Zhang Xiangrong 
Published: September 2019

AbstractUnderstanding the rheological behavior of melt‐cast explosives is critical for manufacturing melt‐cast explosive charges. The research presented herein systematically investigates the rheological behavior of 2,4‐dinitroanisole/tetramethylenetetranitra‐mine (DNAN/HMX) melt‐cast explosive suspensions. The rheological characteristics were measured using a Haake Mars III rheometer. In general, the DNAN/HMX melt‐cast explosive suspensions underwent shear‐thinning (pseudoplastic) and were strongly affected by solid content, particle size (unimodal distribution), particle gradation (bimodal or multimodal distribution), particle morphology, temperature, and chemical additives. The subsequent measurements and analysis provide important contextual information for designing formulations of DNAN/HMX melt‐cast explosives.
Discovery and characterization of a small‐molecule enteropeptidase inhibitor, SCO‐792
Authors: Sasaki Masako , Miyahisa Ikuo , Itono Sachiko , Yashiro Hiroaki , Hiyoshi Hideyuki , Tsuchimori Kazue , Hamagami Ken‐ichi , Moritoh Yusuke , Watanabe Masanori , Tohyama Kimio , Sasaki Minoru , Sakamoto Jun‐ichi , Kawamoto Tomohiro 
Published: September 2019

AbstractEnteropeptidase, localized into the duodenum brush border, is a key enzyme catalyzing the conversion of pancreatic trypsinogen proenzyme to active trypsin, thereby regulating protein digestion and energy homeostasis. We report the discovery and pharmacological profiles of SCO‐792, a novel inhibitor of enteropeptidase. A screen employing fluorescence resonance energy transfer was performed to identify enteropeptidase inhibitors. Inhibitory profiles were determined by in vitro assays. To evaluate the in vivo inhibitory effect on protein digestion, an oral protein challenge test was performed in rats. Our screen identified a series of enteropeptidase inhibitors, and compound optimization resulted in identification of SCO‐792, which inhibited enteropeptidase activity in vitro, with IC50 values of 4.6 and 5.4 nmol/L in rats and humans, respectively. In vitro inhibition of enteropeptidase by SCO‐792 was potentiated by increased incubation time, and the calculated Kinact/KI was 82 000/mol/L s. An in vitro dissociation assay showed that SCO‐792 had a dissociation half‐life of almost 14 hour, with a calculated koff rate of 0.047/hour, which suggested that SCO‐792 is a reversible enteropeptidase inhibitor. In normal rats, a ≤4 hour prior oral dose of SCO‐792 effectively inhibited plasma elevation of branched‐chain amino acids in an oral protein challenge test, which indicated that SCO‐792 effectively inhibited protein digestion in vivo. In conclusion, our new screen system identified SCO‐792 as a potent and reversible inhibitor against enteropeptidase. SCO‐792 slowly dissociated from enteropeptidase in vitro and inhibited protein digestion in vivo. Further study using SCO‐792 could reveal the effects of inhibiting enteropeptidase on biological actions.
Structure and bonding of lanthanide dinitrogen complexes, Ln(N2)1‐8
Authors: Kovács Attila 
Published: September 2019

AbstractLanthanide dinitrogen complexes, Ln(N2)x(x= 1‐8), were investigated by Density Functional Theory computations using the B3LYP exchange‐correlation functional in conjunction with quasirelativistic pseudopotentials for Ln. After a recent study on the lanthanum complexes (A. Kovács,Structural Chemistry2018, 29, 1825), the present study aimed to probe the changes upon variously filled 4f subshells of Ln on the structures, stabilities, and bonding properties in related complexes of Nd, Ho, and Lu. The bonding properties were assessed on the basis of natural atomic charges, Ln valence orbital populations, and analysis of bonding molecular orbitals.
Effect of relaxin‐3 on Kiss‐1, gonadotropin‐releasing hormone, and gonadotropin subunit gene expression
Authors: Kanasaki Haruhiko , Tumurbaatar Tuvshintugs , Tumurgan Zolzaya , Oride Aki , Okada Hiroe , Kyo Satoru 
Published: September 2019

AbstractPurposeRelaxin‐3 is a hypothalamic neuropeptide that belongs to the insulin superfamily. We examined whether relaxin‐3 could affect hypothalamic Kiss‐1, gonadotropin‐releasing hormone (GnRH), and pituitary gonadotropin subunit gene expression.MethodsMouse hypothalamic cell models, mHypoA‐50 (originated from the hypothalamic anteroventral periventricular region), mHypoA‐55 (originated from arcuate nucleus), and GT1‐7, and the mouse pituitary gonadotroph LβT2 were used. Expression of Kiss‐1, GnRH, and luteinizing hormone (LH)/follicle‐stimulating hormone (FSH) β‐subunits was determined after stimulation with relaxin‐3.ResultsRXFP3, a principle relaxin‐3 receptor, was expressed in these cell models. In mHypoA‐50 cells, relaxin‐3 did not exert a significant effect on Kiss‐1 expression. In contrast, the Kiss‐1 gene in mHypoA‐55 was significantly increased by 1 nmol/L relaxin‐3. These cells also express GnRH mRNA, and its expression was significantly stimulated by relaxin‐3. In GT1‐7 cells, relaxin‐3 significantly upregulated Kiss‐1 expression; however, GnRH mRNA expression in GT1‐7 cells was not altered. In primary cultures of fetal rat neuronal cells, 100 nmol/L relaxin‐3 significantly increased GnRH expression. In pituitary gonadotroph LβT2, both LHβ‐ and FSHβ‐subunit were significantly increased by 1 nmol/L relaxin‐3.ConclusionsOur findings suggest that relaxin‐3 exerts its effect by modulating the expression of Kiss‐1, GnRH, and gonadotropin subunits, all of which are part of the hypothalamic‐pituitary‐gonadal axis.
Drones as a tool to monitor human impacts and vegetation changes in parks and protected areas
Authors: Ancin‐Murguzur Francisco Javier , Munoz Lorena , Monz Christopher , Hausner Vera H. 
Published: September 2019

AbstractIncreased visitation to protected areas could have adverse impacts on the conservation values in the protected areas, and therefore effective visitor monitoring methods are needed to meet the complex management challenges that arise. Collecting data on human impacts is highly time consuming, thus requiring more effective tools that allow for high‐quality and long‐term measurements. In this study, we show how unmanned aerial vehicles (i.e. UAV or drones) could be used to monitor tourism impacts in protected areas. Tourism has boomed in national parks in Norway in recent years, such as in Jotunheimen National Park for which this study applies. We test the use of drones on a site where new tourist facilities will be established to set a baseline to identify future changes. We demonstrate how drones could help protected area management by monitoring visitor use patterns and commonly associated impacts such as trail condition (width and depth), vegetation structure and disturbances, informal trail proliferation, trampling, and trash and other impacts along the trails. We assessed accuracy and reliability compared with intensive field measurements of impacts and found low‐cost drones to be effective in mapping the study area with a resolution of 0.5 cm/pixel: drone derived trail measurements were comparable to traditional measurements with a negligible divergence on trail width measurements and a consistent 1.05 cm divergence on trail depth measurements that can be corrected with a few validation points. In addition, we created a high‐resolution vegetation classification map that could be used as a baseline for monitoring impacts. We conclude that drones can effectively contribute to visitor monitoring by reducing time spent in the field and by providing high‐resolution time series that could be used as baseline to measure tourism impacts on conservation values in protected areas.
Paired Spectroscopic and Crystallographic Studies of Proteases
Authors: Luo Meiqi , Eaton Christopher N. , Hess Kenneth R. , Phillips‐Piro Christine M. , Brewer Scott H. , Fenlon Edward E. 
Published: September 2019

AbstractThe active sites of subtilisin and trypsin have been studied by paired IR spectroscopic and X‐ray crystallographic studies. The active site serines of the proteases were reacted with 4‐cyanobenzenesulfonyl fluoride (CBSF), an inhibitor that contains a nitrile vibrational reporter. The nitrile stretch vibration of the water‐soluble inhibitor model, potassium 4‐cyanobenzenesulfonate (KCBSO), and the inhibitor were calibrated by IR solvent studies in H2O/DMSO and the frequency‐temperature line‐slope (FTLS) method in H2O and THF. The inhibitor complexes were examined by FTLS and the slopes of the best fit lines for subtilisin‐CBS and trypsin‐CBS in aqueous buffer were both measured to be −3.5x10−2 cm−1/°C. These slopes were intermediate in value between that of KCBSO in aqueous buffer and CBSF in THF, which suggests that the active‐site nitriles in both proteases are mostly solvated. The X‐ray crystal structures of the subtilisin‐CBS and trypsin‐CBS complexes were solved at 1.27 and 1.32 Å, respectively. The inhibitor was modelled in two conformations in subtilisin‐CBS and in one conformation in the trypsin‐CBS. The crystallographic data support the FTLS data that the active‐site nitrile groups are mostly solvated and participate in hydrogen bonds with water molecules. The combination of IR spectroscopy utilizing vibrational reporters paired with X‐ray crystallography provides a powerful approach to studying protein structure.
Enhanced Coloration/Bleaching Photochromic Performance of WO3 Based on PVP/PU Composite Matrix
Authors: Li Rong , Zhou Yijie , Shao Zewei , Zhao Shuwen , Chang Tianci , Huang Aibing , Li Ning , Ji Shidong , Jin Ping 
Published: September 2019

AbstractPhotochromic WO3 based smart window owns special advantages such as simple construction, automatic modulation and great solar regulation, so it can be used to reduce the energy consumption of building industry. In this paper, we studied the relationship between WO3 and the composite matrix composed of different proportions of polyurethane (PU) and polyvinyl pyrrolidone (PVP). Fourier‐transform infrared spectra and Raman spectra has demonstrated a strong interaction between WO3 and PVP, leading to a high regulation efficiency of WO3 in PVP. While in pure PU, the nonbonding between WO3 and PU leads to a faster bleaching speed. By tuning the proportion of PU and PVP in the matrix, WO3‐based hybrid photochromic foil was obtained with rapid coloration (< 5 min), fast bleaching behavior (< 3 hours at room temperature or < 1 hour at 60 °C), and exhibited good cycling stability. This study proposes a simple strategy for widespread application of WO3‐based photochromic smart window.