bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Evaluation of simulations with the regional climate model REMO over Central Africa and the effect of increased spatial resolution
Authors: Vondou Derbetini A. , Haensler Andreas 
Published: March 2017

ABSTRACTSimulations of the regional climate model REMO at 25 and 50 km (0.44° and 0.22°, respectively) grid spacing are evaluated over Central Africa for the period 1998–2010. The model's ability to simulate various aspects of the observed climate is assessed with a main focus on precipitation characteristics. The results show that the REMO model has a good skill to reproduce the main regional features of the mean climate fields as well as seasonal and annual cycles, although some biases still exist. The model captures the variability in precipitation anomalies between different events associated with El Niño/Southern Oscillation. Generally, the findings remain largely insensitive to the refinement of the horizontal resolution, especially when considering the regional scale. This points the fact that the model dynamical and physical setup may have to be adjusted when setting a focus on the Central African region, in order to better represent the climate mechanisms. It is further found that REMO is capable of capturing the basic features of climatic extremes and accurately represents the shape of the frequency distribution of daily precipitation data. Daily characteristics of precipitation are simulated much better by REMO at 25 km.
East Asian presummer precipitation in the CMIP5 at high versus low horizontal resolution
Authors: Wu Chi‐Hua , Freychet Nicolas , Chen Chao‐An , Hsu Huang‐Hsiung 
Published: March 2017

ABSTRACTInevitable drawbacks occur when the Asian monsoon is simulated at a horizontal resolution that is too low to resolve topographic effects and sub‐grid processes. By comparing the Coupled Model Intercomparison Project (CMIP) phase 5 simulations conducted at higher (∼1°) and lower (∼3°) horizontal resolutions, this study attempted to extend understanding of potential resolution limits in simulating the East Asian presummer climate. April–May is found to have considerable resolution‐dependent contrasts in position and strength of precipitation (spring rains and pre–Meiyu) among the simulations. The low‐resolution models cannot simulate ascending vertical motion over the mountainous regions in the southern Tibetan Plateau and subtropical East Asia, which coincides with the overestimation of the strength of the lower‐tropospheric westerly in 90°–105°E and of the downstream southerly in 110°–130°E. Because of the southerly wind bias, the East Asian presummer precipitation simulated in the low‐resolution models is lower in amount and located farther north compared with the observed and high‐resolution models. Despite distinct large‐scale climatology between April and late May, the East Asian precipitation contrasts in these two periods are similar between the high‐ and low‐resolution models, which could be possibly explained as a systematic response to resolution. Systematically less precipitation in the high‐resolution model compared with the low‐resolution model is also observable over the Maritime Continent, whereas a further connection to the East Asian precipitation simulation remains unclear. Regarding projected changes, the resolution‐dependent contrasts are also considerable; the contrasts further suggest potential regional interactions such as between the subtropical South and East Asia (10°–20°N).
A comparative analysis of phosphoproteome in ovine muscle at early postmortem in relationship to tenderness
Authors: Li Xin , Chen Lijuan , He Fan , Li Meng , Shen Qingwu , Zhang Dequan 
Published: March 2017

AbstractBACKGROUNDTenderness is considered to be the most important quality characteristic of meat as it is the main cause of unacceptability of meat. Post‐translational modification regulates protein functions that involve in postmortem changes in muscle and meat quality formation. Specifically, phosphorylation was proved to regulate postmortem glycolytic rates and meat tenderisation. However, the relationship between protein phosphorylation and meat tenderness remains unclear. This study examined the phosphoproteomes found in ovine muscle with different degrees of tenderness over time (at 0.5 h, 4 h, and 24 h postmortem).RESULTSThis study detected five, eight and nine phosphoprotein spots (>two‐fold change, P < 0.05) at each respective time point. The different phosphoproteins found included glyceraldehyde‐3‐phosphate dehydrogenase, tropomyosin α‐1 chain, pyruvate kinase, myosin binding protein H, glycogen phosphorylase, α‐actinin‐3, and an uncharacterised protein (GN, myosin‐binding protein C2, MYBPC2). Most of the different phosphoproteins maintained sarcomeric functions, or were involved in glycometabolism.CONCLUSIONPhosphorylation levels of multiple proteins that are involved in glycolysis, muscle contraction or sarcomeric structure integrity were identified in ovine muscles with different tenderness. The differential phosphorylation of these proteins explains in part the difference in meat tenderness. © 2017 Society of Chemical Industry
Zein films with unoxidized or oxidized tannic acid
Authors: Santos Talita M , Souza Filho Men de Sá M , Muniz Celli R , Morais João Paulo S , Kotzebue Lloyd Ryan Viana , Pereira André Luís Sousa , Azeredo Henriette MC 
Published: March 2017

AbstractBACKGROUNDCorn zein is a predominatly hydrophobic protein, forming films with relatively good water resistance. Tannic acid, especially in its oxidized form, is supposed to cross‐link proteins including zein, which may be explored to further enhance the water resistance of zein films. The effects of different contents (0–8 wt%) of unoxidized and oxidized tannic acid (uTA and oTA, respectively) on the properties of zein films at different pH values (4–9) were studied, according to central composite designs.RESULTSIncreasing tannic acid contents and pH values resulted in decreased water solubility and increased tensile strength and modulus of films. The presence of tannic acid provided the films with a yellowish color and increased opacity. Paired t‐tests indicated that oTA films presented higher tensile strength, lower water vapor permeability and lower water solubility than uTA films.CONCLUSIONHigher tannic acid contents and pH values resulted in films with better overall physical properties, which might be ascribed to cross‐linking, although the films were still not water resistant. The resulting films have potential to be used for food packaging and coating applications. © 2017 Society of Chemical Industry
Global trends in the burden of liver cancer
Authors: Are Chandrakanth , Meyer Bria , Stack Apollo , Ahmad Humera , Smith Lynette , Qian Biyun , Song Tianqiang , Chowdhury Sanjib 
Published: March 2017

BACKGROUNDThe aim of this study is to describe the influence of geography, socio‐economic development, and demographic shift on the trends in global incidence, mortality, and prevalence of liver cancer (LC).METHODSData (2012‐2030) relating to LC and demographic shifts based on WHO regions and HDI areas were extracted from GLOBOCAN 2012 and analyzed to evaluate trends in incidence, mortality, and prevalence.RESULTSThe results of our study document a rising global burden of LC with the maximum impact in the WPRO region. We did not observe a definite association between LC and higher socio‐economic status with the highest burden in the MHD region. For the MHD region, we noticed age reversal in burden from the younger age group currently to the older age group in the future (2030). Another finding is the high burden and early onset of disease in some low‐income countries such as Mongolia, Lao PDR, and Vietnam.CONCLUSIONThe results of our study demonstrate a rising global burden of LC with some significant but uneven trends based on geography, age, and socio‐economic status. This information can be used to shape policy and aid strategic targeting of resources to areas with the highest burden.
ITADE flap after mastectomy for locally advanced breast cancer: A good choice for mid‐sized defects of the chest wall, based on a systematic review of thoracoabdominal flaps
Authors: Vieira René Aloisio da Costa , da Silva Katia Mathias Teixeira , de Oliveira‐Junior Idam , de Lima Marcos Alves 
Published: March 2017

BackgroundLocally advanced breast cancer (LABC) is still a common problem in developing countries. Extensive resections are aimed at local control and improving quality of life. Dermofat flaps are an option for medium‐sized defects.ObjectivesEvaluate the results of a new thoracoabdominal flap (TAF).MethodsWe describe and evaluate an ipsilateral, thoracoabdominal horizontal, dermofat (ITADE) flap performed in patients submitted to mastectomy and immediate reconstruction. A systematic review of the flaps used in this situation was performed.ResultsA total of 23 patients underwent the ITADE flap. The average flap size was 360 cm2. One (4.3%) patient presented extensive loss of the flap. In the literature review, we observed 354 patients with 159 TAFs. We added our cases to the evaluation. A significant reduction in the risk of necrosis using myocutaneous flaps versus TAFs was observed (P < 0.001). Comparing other TAFs and ITADE flaps, considering all necrosis, a significant difference was apparent (P = 0.02), which disappeared when evaluating only larger necrosis (P = 0.13). Multivariate analysis showed that the resected area was the best variable related to the presence of necrosis.ConclusionsITADE allows extensive coverage areas, an early start of adjuvant treatment and it can be performed without requiring a reconstructive team.
The SORG nomogram accurately predicts 3‐ and 12‐months survival for operable spine metastatic disease: External validation
Authors: Paulino Pereira Nuno Rui , Mclaughlin Lily , Janssen Stein J. , van Dijk Cornelis N. , Bramer Jos A. M. , Laufer Ilya , Bilsky Mark H. , Schwab Joseph H. 
Published: March 2017

Background and ObjectivesExternally validate the SORG12 nomogram and SORG classic algorithm at estimating survival in patients with spine metastatic disease, and compare predictive accuracy with other survival algorithms.MethodsWe received data from 100 patients who had surgery for spine metastatic disease at an external institution. Algorithms were accurate if the Area Under Curve (AUC) was >0.70, and we used Receiver Operating Characteristic (ROC) analysis to compare predictive accuracy with other algorithms.ResultsThe SORG nomogram accurately estimated 3‐months (AUC = 0.74) and 12‐months survival (AUC = 0.78); it did not accurately estimate 1‐month survival (AUC = 0.65). There was no difference in 1‐month survival accuracy between the SORG nomogram and SORG classic algorithm (P = 0.162). The SORG nomogram was best at predicting 3‐months survival, compared with the Tokuhashi score and SORG classic algorithm (P = 0.009). The SORG nomogram was best at predicting 12‐months survival, compared with the Tomita score, Ghori score, Bauer modified score, Tokuhashi score, and SORG classic algorithm (P = 0.033).ConclusionsThe SORG nomogram accurately estimated 3‐ and 12‐months survival for operable spine metastatic disease, and is therefore, useful in clinical practice.
Whispering gallery mode hybridization in photonic molecules
Authors: Li Yangcheng , Abolmaali Farzaneh , Allen Kenneth W. , Limberopoulos Nicholaos I. , Urbas Augustine , Rakovich Yury , Maslov Alexey V. , Astratov Vasily N. 
Published: March 2017

AbstractThis work takes inspiration from chemistry where the spectral characteristics of the molecules are determined by hybridization of electronic states evolving from the individual atomic orbitals. Based on analogy between quantum mechanics and the classical electrodynamics, we sorted dielectric microspheres with almost identical positions of their whispering gallery mode (WGM) resonances. Using these microspheres as classical photonic atoms, we assembled them in a wide range of structures including linear chains and planar photonic molecules. We studied WGM hybridization effects in such structures using side coupling by tapered microfibers as well as finite difference time domain modeling. We demonstrated that the patterns of WGM spectral splitting are representative of the symmetry, number of constituting atoms and topology of the photonic molecules which in principle can be viewed as “spectral signatures” of various molecules. We also show new ways of controlling WGM coupling constants in such molecules. Excellent agreement was found between measured transmission spectra and spectral signatures of photonic molecules predicted by simulation.
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Mid‐infrared supercontinuum covering 2.0–16 μm in a low‐loss telluride single‐mode fiber
Authors: Zhao Zheming , Wu Bo , Wang Xunsi , Pan Zhanghao , Liu Zijun , Zhang Peiqing , Shen Xiang , Nie Qiuhua , Dai Shixun , Wang Rongping 
Published: March 2017

AbstractA mid‐infrared (MIR) supercontinuum (SC) has been demonstrated in a low‐loss telluride glass fiber. The double‐cladding fiber, fabricated using a novel extrusion method, exhibits excellent transmission at 8–14 μm: < 10 dB/m in the range of 8–13.5 μm and 6 dB/m at 11 μm. Launched intense ultrashort pulsed with a central wavelength of 7 μm, the step‐index fiber generates a MIR SC spanning from ∼2.0 μm to 16 μm, for a 40‐dB spectral flatness. This is a fresh experimental demonstration to reveal that telluride glass fiber can emit across the all MIR molecular fingerprint region, which is of key importance for applications such as diagnostics, gas sensing, and greenhouse CO2 detection.
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Direct Functionalization of Poly(spirophosphazene)s via the Regioselective Lithiation of the Aromatic Rings Using a Cooperative Superbase
Authors: de la Campa Raquel , García Diego , Rodríguez Sandra , Carriedo Gabino A. , Presa Soto Alejandro 
Published: March 2017

The direct chemical functionalization of poly(spirophosphazene) [NP(O2C12H8)]n (1) can be performed by the lithiation of the aromatic rings at low temperature using Schlosser's base (LitBu/KOtBu or “superbase”), and the subsequent reaction with various electrophiles such as ClSiMe3, ClPPh2, or MeOB(O2C6H12) (MeOBpin). The functionalized polymers, isolated in very high yields (>90%) and without degradation of the polymeric chains, have an average degree of substitution per repeat unit ranging from 0.3 (random copolymers) to a maximum of 1.0, which corresponds to the homopolymers [NP(O2C12H7FG)]n (FG (functional group) =SiMe3, PPh2, and Bpin). NMR studies, including bidimensional high temperature experiments on silylated and deuterated polymers, show that the substitution is regioselectively occurring at the C3 carbon of the aromatic rings due to the coordination of the lithium cations to the nitrogen of the polyphosphazene chain. The introduction of functional groups on the aromatic rings leads to significant changes in the solubility (silylated polymers), Tg, and electronic properties of the material, showing how the change of substituents in the aromatic rings can lead to polyphosphazenes with properties markedly different from those of the precursor polymer.
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Resistance training and aerobic training improve muscle strength and aerobic capacity in chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy
Authors: Markvardsen Lars H. , Overgaard Kristian , Heje Karen , Sindrup Søren H. , Christiansen Ingelise , Vissing John , Andersen Henning 
Published: March 2017

ABSTRACTIntroduction: We investigated the effects of aerobic and resistance exercise in patients with chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy (CIDP). Methods: Eighteen CIDP patients treated with subcutaneous immunoglobulin performed 12 weeks of aerobic exercise and 12 weeks of resistance exercise after a run‐in period of 12 weeks without exercise. Three times weekly the participants performed aerobic exercise on an ergometer bike or resistance exercise with unilateral training of knee and elbow flexion/extension. Primary outcomes were maximal oxygen consumption velocity (VO2‐max) and maximal combined isokinetic muscle strength (cIKS) of knee and elbow flexion/extension. Results: VO2‐max and muscle strength were unchanged during run‐in (−4.9% ± 10.3%, P = 0.80 and −3.7% ± 10.1%, P = 0.17, respectively). Aerobic exercise increased VO2‐max by 11.0% ± 14.7% (P = 0.02). Resistance exercise resulted in an increase of 13.8% ± 16.0% (P = 0.0004) in cIKS. Discussion: Aerobic exercise training and resistance exercise training improve fitness and strength in CIDP patients. Muscle Nerve 57: 70–76, 2018
Modulation of the rat micturition reflex with transcutaneous ultrasound
Authors: Casella Daniel P. , Dudley Anne G. , Clayton Douglass B. , Pope John C. , Tanaka Stacy T. , Thomas John , Adams Mark C. , Brock John W. , Caskey Charles F. 
Published: March 2017

INTRODUCTIONLow intensity focused ultrasound has recently been identified as a novel method of stimulating targeted neurons. We hypothesized that ultrasound stimulation of the posterior tibial nerve would inhibit bladder contractions in an established rat model of rhythmic bladder contractions.METHODSCyclical detrusor contractions were initiated by placing a transurethral catheter in female rats and infusing saline into the bladder. Transcutaneous ultrasound pulses were then delivered to the lower extremity of a rat (overlying the posterior tibial nerve) using a single element spherically focused 250 kHz transducer. Sixty‐three cycles were repeated at 2 kHz for 300 ms at peak negative pressure of 900 kPa pulsed at 0.5 Hz.RESULTSWe report successful suppression of bladder contractions using ultrasound stimulation in 10 animals. The average latency between the initiation of ultrasound and suppression of bladder contractions was 3 min 23 s (±51 s), the average time of contraction suppression was 13 min and 50 s (±2 min 25 s) and the average time from the end of ultrasound to return of contractions was 9 min 37 s (±2 min and 30 s).CONCLUSIONIn this work, we demonstrate the ability of targeted transcutaneous ultrasound to inhibit rhythmic bladder contractions in anesthetized rats. Due to its non‐invasive nature and ease of application, we believe ultrasound mediated suppression of the micturition reflex is potentially an ideal outpatient treatment of overactive bladder and dysfunctional elimination.
Comparison of the efficacy of perineal and intravaginal biofeedback assisted pelvic floor muscle exercises in women with urodynamic stress urinary incontinence
Authors: Özlü Aysun , Yıldız Necmettin , Öztekin Özer 
Published: March 2017

ObjectiveTo assess the effectiveness of intravaginal pressure biofeedback (P‐BF) and perineal electromyographic biofeedback (EMG‐BF) assisted pelvic floor muscle (PFM) exercises in women with stress urinary incontinence (SUI).Material and MethodsFifty‐three women with SUI were randomized into three groups as follows: the Group 1 received PFM home exercise program alone (n:18); the Group 2 received PFM home exercise program plus intravaginal P‐BF assisted PFM exercise program (n:17); and the Group 3 received PFM home exercise program plus perineal EMG‐BF assisted PFM exercise program (n:18). Subjects were also assessed with the 1‐h pad test (severity of incontinence), perineometer (PFM strength), social activity index (SAI), IIQ7 (quality of life associated with incontinence), treatment success (cure and improvement rate) and treatment satisfaction.ResultsA statistically significant improvement was found in all parameters for all groups at 4th week and 8th week compared to the baseline values. It was found that severity of incontinence, PFM strength, and SAI scores were significantly improved in both BF groups compared to the Group 1 at 8th week. Also, statistically higher cure and improvement rate and treatment satisfaction values were detected in both BF groups compared to the Group 1. There was no statistically significant difference between Group 2 and Group 3 in all parameters evaluated at the follow‐up period.ConclusionsWe conclude that both the home exercises plus intravaginal P‐BF and home exercises plus perineal EMG‐BF are superior to home exercises in women with SUI. Intravaginal P‐BF and perineal EMG‐BF were similarly effective and they can be used as their alternatives.
Dynamic lumbopelvic stabilization for treatment of stress urinary incontinence in women: Controlled and randomized clinical trial
Authors: de Souza Abreu Nathalia , de Castro Villas Boas Bia , Netto José Murilo Bastos , Figueiredo André Avarese 
Published: March 2017

OBJECTIVESTo compare the results of the dynamic lumbopelvic stabilization (DLS) exercises with exercises for the pelvic floor muscles (PFM) in women with stress urinary incontinence.METHODSRandomized controlled clinical trial comparing 17 women submitted to the DLS with 16 women submitted to the exercises for the PFM. The evaluated outcomes were incontinence severity, quality of life (QoL), and impression of improvement in three moments. Significance was set at 5%.RESULTSFor socio‐demographic and clinical variables, only climacteric was more prevalent in the DLS group (82% vs. 44%, P = 0.02). Soon after the intervention, there was no difference between the groups in relation to the outcomes evaluated. In the evaluation after 90 days, the DLS group presented better values for the severity of the losses (4.1 ± 2.6 vs. 5.7 ± 2.4, P = 0.006, d = 0.64), daytime frequency (4.6 ± 0.4 vs. 6.2 ± 0.6, P < 0.001, d = 2.67), and nighttime frequency (0.4 ± 0.3 vs. 1.4 ± 0.5, P < 0.001, d = 2.50), QoL and impression of improvement (P < 0.001).CONCLUSIONSAfter treatment, the DLS plus PFM exercise patients had results similar to those performing PFM exercises alone. However, the DLS plus PFM exercises were superior in the outcomes of incontinence severity, QoL, and impression of improvement in the post‐90‐day evaluation, showing longer lasting effect.
Periurethral muscle‐derived mononuclear cell injection improves urethral sphincter restoration in rats
Authors: Turco Marcelo Pitelli , de Souza Alex Balduino , de Campos Sousa Isida , Fratini Paula , Veras Mariana Matera , Rodrigues Marcio Nogueira , de Bessa José , Brolio Marina Pandolphi , Leite Katia Ramos Moreira , Bruschini Homero , Srougi Miguel , Miglino Maria Angélica , Gomes Cristiano Mendes 
Published: March 2017

AimsInvestigate the effect of a novel cell‐based therapy with skeletal muscle‐derived mononuclear cells (SMDMCs) in a rat model of stress urinary incontinence.MethodsMale Wistar‐Kyoto rats’ hind limb muscles were enzymatically dissociated, and SMDMCs were isolated without needing expansion. The cell population was characterized. Twenty female rats underwent urethrolysis. One week later, 10 rats received periurethral injection of 106 cells (SMDMC group), and 10 rats received saline injections (Saline group). Ten rats underwent sham surgery (Sham group). Four weeks after injection, animals were euthanized and the urethra was removed. The incorporation of SMDMCs in the female urethra was evaluated with fluorescence in situ hybridization for the detection of Y‐chromosomes. Hematoxylin and eosin, Masson's trichrome staining, and immunohistochemistry for actin and myosin were performed. The muscle/connective tissue, actin and myosin ratios were calculated. Morphological evaluation of the urethral diameters and fractional areas of the lumen, mucosa, and muscular layer was performed.ResultsSMDMCs population was consistent with the presence of muscle cells, muscle satellite cells, perivascular cells, muscle progenitor cells, and endothelial cells. SMDMCs were incorporated into the urethra. A significant decrease in the muscle/connective tissue ratio was observed in the Saline group compared with the SMDMC and Sham groups. The proportions of actin and myosin were significantly decreased in the Saline group. No differences were observed in the morphometric parameters.ConclusionsSDMSC were incorporated into the rat urethra and promoted histological recovery of the damaged urethral sphincter, resulting in decreased connective tissue deposition and increased muscle content.