bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Fixed dynamometry is more sensitive than vital capacity or ALS rating scale
Authors: Andres Patricia L. , Allred Margaret (Peggy) , Stephens Helen E. , Proffitt Bunnell Mary , Siener Catherine , Macklin Eric A. , Haines Travis , English Robert A. , Fetterman Katherine A. , Kasarskis Edward J. , Florence Julaine , Simmons Zachary , Cudkowicz Merit E. 
Published: January 2017

ABSTRACTIntroduction: Improved outcome measures are essential to efficiently screen the growing number of potential amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) therapies. Methods: This longitudinal study of 100 (70 male) participants with ALS compared Accurate Test of Limb Isometric Strength (ATLIS), using a fixed, wireless load cell, with ALS Functional Rating Scale‐Revised (ALSFRS‐R) and vital capacity (VC). Results: Participants enrolled at 5 U.S. sites. Data were analyzed from 66 participants with complete ATLIS, ALSFRS‐R, and VC data over at least 3 visits. Change in ATLIS was less variable both within‐ and among‐person than change in ALSFRS‐R or VC. Additionally, participants who had normal ALSFRS‐R arm and leg function averaged 12 to 32% below expected strength values measured by ATLIS. Conclusions: ATLIS was more sensitive to change than ALSFRS‐R or VC and could decrease sample size requirements by approximately one‐third. The ability of ATLIS to detect prefunctional change has potential value in early trials. Muscle Nerve 56: 710–715, 2017
Risk of iatrogenic injury to the infrapatellar branch of the saphenous nerve during hamstring tendon harvesting: A meta‐analysis
Authors: Pękala Przemysław A. , Tomaszewski Krzysztof A. , Henry Brandon Michael , Ramakrishnan Piravin Kumar , Roy Joyeeta , Mizia Ewa , Walocha Jerzy A. 
Published: January 2017

ABSTRACTIntroductionOur goal was to conduct a comprehensive analysis of studies reporting data on the rate of injury to the infrapatellar branch of the saphenous nerve following hamstring tendon graft harvesting with respect to the type of incision over the pes anserinus.MethodsA broad search through all major electronic databases was conducted to identify articles eligible for inclusion. All available data were extracted and pooled into the analysis.ResultsEleven studies (n = 1,050 patients) were included in the meta‐analysis. The study revealed that a vertical incision during hamstring tendon harvesting over the pes anserinus was associated with the highest rate of injury with a pooled rate of 51.4% (95% confidence interval [CI], 34.6‐67.2%). This was followed by oblique and horizontal incisions with pooled rates of 26.0% (95% CI,1.3‐61.3%) and 22.4% (95% CI, 5.4‐45.5%), respectively.ConclusionsWe highly recommend the use of the shortest possible oblique incision during hamstring tendon harvesting over the pes anserinus.Muscle Nerve56: 930–937, 2017
Electrical stimulation delays reinnervation in denervated rat muscle
Authors: Pinheiro‐Dardis Clara M. , Erbereli Bruna T. , Gigo‐Benato Davilene , Castro Paula A.T.S. , Russo Thiago L. 
Published: January 2017

ABSTRACTIntroductionIt is not clear if electrical stimulation (ES) can affect muscle reinnervation. This study aimed to verify if ES affects neuromuscular recovery after nerve crush injury in rats.MethodsDenervated muscles were electrically stimulated daily for 6 or 14 days. Neuromuscular performance and excitability, and muscle morphology were determined. Muscle trophism markers (atrogin‐1, MuRF‐1, and myoD), as well as neuromuscular junction (NMJ) organization (muscle‐specific receptor tyrosine kinase [MuSK], cytoplasmic protein downstream of kinase‐7 [Dok‐7], nicotinic ACh receptor [nAChR], and neural cell adhesion molecule [N‐CAM]) were assessed.ResultsES impaired neuromuscular recovery at day 14 postdenervation. Muscle hypoexcitability was accentuated by ES at 6 and 14 days postdenervation. Although ES reduced the accumulation of atrogin‐1, MuRF1, and myoD mRNAs, it increased muscle atrophy. Gene expression of MuSK, Dok‐7, nAChR, and the content of N‐CAM protein were altered by ES.DiscussionES can delay the reinnervation process by modulating factors related to NMJ stability and organization, and inducing dysfunction, hypoexcitability, and muscle atrophy. Muscle Nerve 56: E108–E118, 2017
Steady‐state analytical solutions of flow and deformation coupling due to a point sink within a finite fluid‐saturated poroelastic layer
Authors: Li P. , Wang K. , Fang G. , Lu D. 
Published: January 2017

SummaryAn exact steady‐state closed‐form solution is presented for coupled flow and deformation of an axisymmetric isotropic homogeneous fluid‐saturated poroelastic layer with a finite radius due to a point sink. The hydromechanical behavior of the poroelastic layer is governed by Biot's consolidation theory. Boundary conditions on the lateral surface are specifically chosen to match the appropriate finite Hankel transforms and simplify the transforms of the governing equations. Ordinary differential equations in the transformed domain are solved, and then the analytical solutions in the physical space for the pore pressure and the displacements are finally obtained by using finite Hankel inversions. The analytical solutions at some special locations such as the top and bottom surfaces, lateral surface, and the symmetrical axis are given and analyzed. And a case study for the consolidation of a water‐saturated soft clay layer due to pumping is conducted. The analytical solution is verified against the finite element solution. Meanwhile, an analysis of coupled hydromechanical behavior is carried out herein. The presented analytical solution is an exact solution to the practical poroelastic problem within an axisymmetric finite layer. It can provide us a better understanding of the poroelastic behavior of the finite layer due to fluid extraction. Besides, it can be applied to calibrate numerical schemes of axisymmetric poroelasticity within finite domains. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
DEM–FEM analysis of soil failure process via the separate edge coupling method
Authors: Tu F. , Ling D. , Hu C. , Zhang R. 
Published: January 2017

SummaryThe concurrent multiscale method, which couples the discrete element method (DEM) for predicting the local micro‐scale evolution of the soil particle skeleton with the finite element method (FEM) for estimating the remaining macro‐scale continuum deformation, is a versatile tool for modeling the failure process of soil masses. This paper presents the separate edge coupling method, which is degenerated from the generalized bridging domain method and is good at eliminating spurious reflections that are induced by coupling models of different scales, to capture the granular behavior in the domain of interest and to coarsen the mesh to save computational cost in the remaining domain. Cundall non‐viscous damping was used as numerical damping to dissipate the kinetic energy for simulating static failure problems. The proposed coupled DEM–FEM scheme was adopted to model the wave propagation in a 1D steel bar, a soil slope because of the effect of a shallow foundation and a plane‐strain cone penetration test (CPT). The numerical results show that the separate edge coupling method is effective when it is adopted for a problem with Cundall non‐viscous damping; it qualitatively reproduces the failure process of the soil masses and is consistent with the full micro‐scale discrete element model. Stress discontinuity is found in the coupling domain. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Does diet mediate associations of volume and bouts of sedentary time with cardiometabolic health indicators in adolescents?
Authors: Fletcher Elly A. , Carson Valerie , McNaughton Sarah A. , Dunstan David W. , Healy Genevieve N. , Salmon Jo 
Published: January 2017

ObjectiveExamine the mediating role of diet in the relationship between volume and duration of sedentary time with cardiometabolic health in adolescents.MethodsAdolescents (12‐19 years) participating in the 2003/04 and 2005/06 U.S. National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) were examined. Cardiometabolic health indicators were body mass index z‐scores (zBMI) (n = 1,797) and metabolic syndrome (MetS) (n = 812). An ActiGraph hip‐worn accelerometer was used to derive total sedentary time and usual sedentary bout duration. Dietary intake was assessed using two 24‐hour dietary recalls. Mediation analyses were conducted to examine five dietary mediators [total energy intake, discretionary foods, sugar‐sweetened beverages (SSB), fruits and vegetables, and dietary quality] of the relationship between total sedentary time and usual sedentary bout duration with zBMI and MetS.ResultsTotal sedentary time was inversely associated with zBMI (β = −1.33; 95% CI −2.53 to −0.13) but attenuated after adjusting for moderate‐to‐vigorous physical activity. No significant associations were observed between usual sedentary bout duration with zBMI or either sedentary measure with MetS. None of the five dietary variables mediated any of the relationships examined.ConclusionsFurther studies are needed to explore associations of specific time periods (e.g., after school) and bout durations with both cardiometabolic health indicators and dietary behaviors.
Design of simultaneous static output feedback low‐gain H∞ controllers for a collection of time‐delay system
Authors: Wu Jenq‐Lang , Chang Yuan‐Chang , Chen Song‐Shyong 
Published: January 2017

SummaryThis paper considers the design of simultaneous static output feedback controllers for a finite collection of time‐delay linear systems. By solving a minimization problem, we try to find an output feedback low‐gain controller such that all resultant closed‐loop time‐delay systems are internally stable and satisfy a prespecified H∞‐norm requirement. Based on the barrier method, necessary conditions for local optimum of the minimization problem are derived. An example is given for illustration.
Implementing guidelines: Proposed definitions of neuropsychology services in pediatric oncology
Authors: Baum Katherine T. , Powell Stephanie K. , Jacobson Lisa A. , Gragert Marsha N. , Janzen Laura A. , Paltin Iris , Rey‐Casserly Celiane M. , Wilkening Greta N. 
Published: January 2017

AbstractSeveral organizations have published guidelines for the neuropsychological care of survivors of childhood cancer. However, there is limited consensus in how these guidelines are applied. The model of neuropsychology service delivery is further complicated by the variable terminology used to describe recommended services. In an important first step to translate published guidelines into clinical practice, this paper proposes definitions for specific neuropsychological processes and services, with the goal of facilitating consistency across sites to foster future clinical program development and to clarify clinical practice guidelines.
Family estimates of risk for neurocognitive late effects following pediatric cancer: From diagnosis through the first three years of survivorship
Authors: Shultz Emily L. , Lehmann Vicky , Rausch Joseph R. , Keim Madelaine C. , Winning Adrien M. , Olshefski Randal S. , Vannatta Kathryn A. , Compas Bruce E. , Gerhardt Cynthia A. 
Published: January 2017

AbstractBackgroundFamilies often express a need for additional information about neurocognitive late effects (NCLE) after a pediatric cancer diagnosis. Therefore, we examined: (i) differences in parent, child, and oncologist estimates of risk for NCLE; (ii) whether the estimates of parents and/or children change over time; and (iii) whether estimates are different for children treated with central nervous system (CNS) directed therapies.ProcedureMothers, fathers, and children (initial age: 5–17, self‐report: >10) from 258 families reported their perceived likelihood of the child developing “thinking/learning problems” on a visual analog scale (0–100%) at 2 months (T1), 1 year (T2), and 3 years (T3) following cancer diagnosis/relapse. Oncologists estimated the likelihood of NCLE at T1. Children were separated into groups based on CNS‐directed treatment (n = 137; neurosurgery, intrathecal chemotherapy, and/or craniospinal radiation) or no CNS treatment.ResultsMother, father, and child estimates of risk for NCLE were similar to oncologists and to one another around diagnosis (T1). Although there were no significant mean differences, a considerable subset of family members either underestimated their child's risk for NCLE (>40%) or overestimated the risk for NCLE (20%) in comparison to oncologists. At T2 and T3, the estimates of mothers were significantly higher than children. Linear growth curves indicated that mothers’ estimates for children with CNS‐directed treatment significantly increased throughout the first 3 years of survivorship.ConclusionsConsidering that accurate understanding of NCLE is essential to seeking appropriate assessment and intervention, healthcare providers should focus on implementing family‐based education early in treatment and throughout survivorship care.
Enolesters as chain end‐functionalizing agents for the living ring opening metathesis polymerization
Authors: Liu Peng , Yasir Mohammad , Kurzen Helena , Hanik Nils , Schäfer Mark , Kilbinger Andreas F. M. 
Published: January 2017

ABSTRACTFunctional enolethers have previously been used to introduce functional end groups at the chain end of ruthenium carbene complex initiated living ring opening metathesis polymers. Here, we investigated whether the weaker π‐donating enolesters could equally be used in regio selective reactions with ruthenium carbene complexes and thus as polymer end‐functionalization reagents. Enolesters such as vinyl acetate, butenyl acetate, 3‐(4‐(tert‐butoxy)phenyl)propenyl acetate and 6‐(((benzyloxy)carbonyl)amino)hex‐1‐en‐1‐yl acetate were used as living ROMP terminating agents. All gave the expected end groups proving that enolesters are synthetically easily accessible targets for living ROMP end‐functionalization. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Polym. Sci., Part A: Polym. Chem. 2017, 55, 2983–2990
Robust control of nonlinear semi‐strict feedback systems using finite‐time disturbance observers
Authors: Yang Zi‐Jiang 
Published: January 2017

SummaryThe output tracking controller design problem is dealt with for a class of nonlinear semi‐strict feedback systems in the presence of mismatched nonlinear uncertainties, external disturbances, and uncertain nonlinear virtual control coefficients of the subsystems. The controller is designed in a backstepping manner, and to avoid the shortcoming of ‘explosion of terms’, the dynamic surface control technique that employs a group of first‐order low‐pass filters is adopted. At each step of the virtual controller design, a robust feedback controller employing some effective nonlinear damping terms is designed to guarantee input‐to‐state practical stable property of the corresponding subsystem, so that the system states remain in the feasible domain. The virtual controller is enhanced by a finite‐time disturbance observer that estimates the disturbance term in a finite‐time. The properties of the composite control system are analyzed theoretically. Furthermore, by exploiting the cascaded structure of the control system, a simplified robust controller is proposed where only the first subsystem employs a disturbance observer. The performance of the proposed methods is confirmed by numerical examples. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Can Engaging in Science Practices Promote Deep Understanding of Them?
Authors: KUHN DEANNA , ARVIDSSON TOI SIN , LESPERANCE ROSIANE , CORPREW RAINIKKA 
Published: January 2017

ABSTRACTIt is now widely accepted, and indeed emphasized in the Next Generation Science Standards, that science education should encompass scientific practice as well as science content. By participating in an intellectual community engaged in the broad range of activities that constitute scientific inquiry, rather than simply mastering isolated science procedures, it is hoped students will come to better understand and appreciate the norms, goals, and values that govern the conduct of science. We put this expectation to empirical test by engaging a secondary school science class in an extended problem‐based activity that included design of investigations, multivariable causal analysis, and argumentation. Compared to students in a nonparticipating control group, in delayed assessments involving new content, participating students showed more advanced investigation, analysis, and argumentation skills, but also superior epistemological understanding regarding science as entailing the evaluation of claims in relation to available evidence.
Geographic, Network, and Competitor Social Cues: Evidence from U.S. Venture Capitalists Internationalization Decisions
Authors: Vedula Siddharth , Matusik Sharon F. 
Published: January 2017

Research summaryWe examine how social cues drive strategic decision making under uncertainty, specifically in the context of U.S. VC firms’ first internationalization decisions. We compare the relative impacts of cues from: (a) geographically proximal firms, (b) syndicate partners, and (c) VCs investing in the same industries as the focal firm. Over the 23‐year period from 1990 to 2012, we find that cues from geographically proximal peers are important, while syndicate partner actions play a significant but smaller role in driving focal firm internationalization decisions. Analogous, firm‐specific experience in the form of nonlocal (but domestic) investing attenuates the effect of geographically proximal peers. Our findings have important implications on how the nature of information from social cues affects imitation decisions.Managerial summaryThe U.S. venture capital industry has globalized rapidly over the past two decades, but the decision to invest abroad is still a highly uncertain one, particularly for firms with no prior global experience. We examine the extent to which such initial internationalization decisions are driven by social cues, comparing the relative impacts of social cues from: (a) geographically proximal firms, (b) syndicate partners, and (c) VCs investing in the same industries as the focal firm. We find that the foreign investment decisions of geographically proximal peers have the strongest impact, while syndicate partner actions play a smaller role. The impacts of geographically proximal peers are also weaker for firms that have analogous experience, in the form of nonlocal (but domestic) investing. Copyright © 2017 Strategic Management Society
Multifunctional Inorganic Nanocomposite of Fe3O4@SiO2@Ru(BiPy)2(BPC) for DNA Recognition
Authors: Rao Kandibanda Srinivasa , Narasimha Gundeboina , Manorama Sunkara V. 
Published: January 2017

AbstractFe3O4@SiO2@Ru(2,2’bipyridine/BiPy)2(2,2’ bipyridine‐4,4’dicarboxylic acid/BPC) nanocomposite has been designed, synthesized and demonstrated for its application as a sensor for DNA recognition. The Fe3O4@SiO2@Ru(BiPy)2(BPC) nanocomposite was characterized at every stage of the synthesis by FT‐IR, VSM, SEM to confirm the composite formation. In the sensing phenomenon Fe3O4@SiO2@Ru(BiPy)2(BPC) nanocomposite covalently bonded with DNA, that was confirmed by absorption and fluorescence titrations. Agarose gel electrophoresis experiment supported our claim that the carboxylic group in the inorganic nanocomposite plays an important role in the DNA detection. The spectral overlap between the DNA‐conjugated inorganic nanocomposites and free inorganic nanocomposite in the emission spectra was explained by fluorescence resonance energy transfer (FRET). This nanosensor would be useful to detect the location and interaction of DNA in cellular structures.
Aromaticity, the Hückel 4 n+2 Rule and Magnetic Current
Authors: Zhao Lili , Grande‐Aztatzi Rafael , Foroutan‐Nejad Cina , Ugalde Jesus M. , Frenking Gernot 
Published: January 2017

AbstractQuantum chemical calculations using density functional theory and correlatedab initiomethods of the 10 π‐electron systems (N6H6)2+and C2N4H6show that the planar forms are no minima on the potential energy surfaces. The twisted ring structures of the two species are energy minima, but acyclic isomers are much lower in energy. The planar geometries sustain strong diamagnetic ring current comparable with that of benzene. In contrast, the calculated multicenter normalized Giambiagi electron delocalization index INGsuggests that π‐delocalization in planar (N6H6)2+and C2N4H6is much weaker than in benzene. Since aromaticity is synonymous for a particular stability of cyclic delocalized systems, it may be stated that calculation or measurement of magnetic chemical shifts due to induced ring currents is not a reliable method to ascertain the aromatic character of a molecule. Aromatic compounds exhibit ring current induced magnetic shielding, but the reverse conclusion that ring current induced magnetic shielding identifies aromaticity is not justified. Furthermore, the 4n+2 rule as indicator of aromatic stabilization should only be used in conjunction with the ring size; the nature of the occupied π orbitals must always be examined.
Characterizing half‐a‐degree difference: a review of methods for identifying regional climate responses to global warming targets
Authors: James Rachel , Washington Richard , Schleussner Carl‐Friedrich , Rogelj Joeri , Conway Declan 
Published: January 2017

The Paris Agreement long‐term global temperature goal refers to two global warming levels: well below 2°C and 1.5°C above preindustrial. Regional climate signals at specific global warming levels, and especially the differences between 1.5°C and 2°C, are not well constrained, however. In particular, methodological challenges related to the assessment of such differences have received limited attention. This article reviews alternative approaches for identifying regional climate signals associated with global temperature limits, and evaluates the extent to which they constitute a sound basis for impacts analysis. Four methods are outlined, including comparing data from different greenhouse gas scenarios, sub‐selecting climate models based on global temperature response, pattern scaling, and extracting anomalies at the time of each global temperature increment. These methods have rarely been applied to compare 2°C with 1.5°C, but some demonstrate potential avenues for useful research. Nevertheless, there are methodological challenges associated with the use of existing climate model experiments, which are generally designed to model responses to different levels of greenhouse gas forcing, rather than to model climate responses to a specific level of forcing that targets a given level of global temperature change. Novel approaches may be required to address policy questions, in particular: to differentiate between half degree warming increments while accounting for different sources of uncertainty; to examine mechanisms of regional climate change including the potential for nonlinear responses; and to explore the relevance of time‐lagged processes in the climate system and declining emissions, and the resulting sensitivity to alternative mitigation pathways. WIREs Clim Change 2017, 8:e457. doi: 10.1002/wcc.457This article is categorized under:

Assessing Impacts of Climate Change > Scenario Development and Application