bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Quantitative chemical exchange saturation transfer MRI of intervertebral disc in a porcine model
Authors: Zhou Zhengwei , Bez Maxim , Tawackoli Wafa , Giaconi Joseph , Sheyn Dmitriy , de Mel Sandra , Maya Marcel M. , Pressman Barry D. , Gazit Zulma , Pelled Gadi , Gazit Dan , Li Debiao 
Published: September 2016

PurposePrevious studies have associated low pH in intervertebral discs (IVDs) with discogenic back pain. The purpose of this study was to determine whether quantitative CEST (qCEST) MRI can be used to detect pH changes in IVDs in vivo.MethodsThe exchange rate ksw between glycosaminoglycan (GAG) protons and water protons was determined from qCEST analysis. Its dependence on pH value was investigated in GAG phantoms with varying pH and concentrations. The relationship between ksw and pH was studied further in vivo in a porcine model on a 3T MR scanner and validated using a pH meter. Sodium lactate was injected into the IVDs to induce various pH values within the discs ranging from 5 to 7.ResultsPhantom and animal results revealed that ksw measured using qCEST MRI is highly correlated with pH level. In the animal studies, the relationship can be described as ksw =9.2 × 106 × 10−pH + 196.9, R2 = 0.7883.ConclusionThe exchange rate between GAG and water protons determined from qCEST MRI is closely correlated with pH value. This technique has the potential to noninvasively measure pH in the IVDs of patients with discogenic pain. Magn Reson Med 76:1677–1683, 2016. © 2016 International Society for Magnetic Resonance in Medicine
In vivo MR imaging with simultaneous RF transmission and reception
Authors: Sohn Sung‐Min , Vaughan J. Thomas , Lagore Russell L. , Garwood Michael , Idiyatullin Djaudat 
Published: September 2016

PurposeTo present a practical scheme of a simultaneous radiofrequency (RF) transmit (Tx) and receive (Rx) (STAR) system for MRI, discuss the challenges and solutions, and show preliminary in vivo MR images obtained with this new technique.MethodsA remotely controlled STAR system was built and tested with a transverse electromagnetic head coil on a 4T (Oxford, 90 cm‐bore) MRI scanner equipped with an Agilent DirectDrive console (Agilent, Santa Clara, CA). In vivo head images have been acquired using continuous sweep excitation and acquisition.ResultsThe bench test and MR experimental results show our STAR system to have high isolation (60 dB) between Tx and Rx, with insensitivity to load swings created by head motion. To acquire in vivo head images, ultralow RF peak power of 50 mW was used.ConclusionA novel motion‐insensitive STAR MRI technique was developed and experimentally tested. The first in vivo MR images using this method were acquired. Magn Reson Med 76:1932–1938, 2016. © 2016 International Society for Magnetic Resonance in Medicine.
Detection of cerebral NAD+ in humans at 7T
Authors: de Graaf Robin A. , De Feyter Henk M. , Brown Peter B. , Nixon Terence W. , Rothman Douglas L. , Behar Kevin L. 
Published: September 2016

PurposeTo develop 1H‐based MR detection of nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD+) in the human brain at 7T and validate the 1H results with NAD+ detection based on 31P‐MRS.Methods1H‐MR detection of NAD+ was achieved with a one‐dimensional double‐spin‐echo method on a slice parallel to the surface coil transceiver. Perturbation of the water resonance was avoided through the use of frequency‐selective excitation. 31P‐MR detection of NAD+ was performed with an unlocalized pulse‐acquire sequence.ResultsBoth 1H‐ and 31P‐MRS allowed the detection of NAD+ signals on every subject in 16 min. Spectral fitting provided an NAD+ concentration of 107 ± 28 μM for 1H‐MRS and 367 ± 78 μM and 312 ± 65 μM for 31P‐MRS when uridine diphosphate glucose (UDPG) was excluded and included, respectively, as an overlapping signal.ConclusionsNAD+ detection by 1H‐MRS is a simple method that comes at the price of reduced NMR visibility. NAD+ detection by 31P‐MRS has near‐complete NMR visibility, but it is complicated by spectral overlap with NADH and UDPG. Overall, the 1H‐ and 31P‐MR methods both provide exciting opportunities to study NAD+ metabolism on human brain in vivo. © 2016 International Society for Magnetic Resonance in Medicine. Magn Reson Med 78:828–835, 2017. © 2016 International Society for Magnetic Resonance in Medicine.
Hyperpolarized 13C,15N2‐Urea MRI for assessment of the urea gradient in the porcine kidney
Authors: Hansen Esben S.S. , Stewart Neil J. , Wild Jim M. , Stødkilde‐Jørgensen Hans , Laustsen Christoffer 
Published: September 2016

PurposeA decline in cortico‐medullary osmolality gradient of the kidney may serve as an early indicator of pathological disruption of the tubular reabsorption process. The purpose of this study was to investigate the feasibility of hyperpolarized 13C,15N2‐urea MRI as a biomarker of renal function in healthy porcine kidneys resembling the human physiology.MethodsFive healthy female Danish domestic pigs (weight 30 kg) were scanned at 3 Tesla (T) using a 13C 3D balanced steady‐state MR pulse sequence following injection of hyperpolarized 13C,15N2‐urea via a femoral vein catheter. Images were acquired at different time points after urea injection, and following treatment with furosemide.ResultsA gradient in cortico‐medullary urea was observed with an intramedullary accumulation 75 s after injection of hyperpolarized 13C,15N2‐urea, whereas images acquired at earlier time points postinjection were dominated by cortical perfusion. Furosemide treatment resulted in an increased urea accumulation in the cortical space, leading to a reduction of the medullary‐to‐cortical signal ratio of 49%.ConclusionThis study demonstrates that hyperpolarized 13C,15N2‐urea MRI is capable of identifying the intrarenal accumulation of urea and can differentiate acute renal functional states in multipapillary kidneys, highlighting the potential for human translation. Magn Reson Med 76:1895–1899, 2016. © 2016 International Society for Magnetic Resonance in Medicine.
The impact of prior back surgery on neuromodulation outcomes: A review of over 500 patients
Authors: Bartley Jamie M. , Killinger Kim A. , Boura Judith A. , Gupta Priyanka , Gaines Natalie , Gilleran Jason P. , Peters Kenneth M. 
Published: September 2016

AimsTo evaluate neuromodulation outcomes in patients with prior back surgery.MethodsAdults in our prospective observational sacral/pudendal neuromodulation study were retrospectively evaluated. History and operative details were reviewed, and outcomes were measured at 3, 6, 12, and 24 months with overactive bladder questionnaire (OAB q) symptom severity (SS)/health related quality of life (HRQOL), interstitial cystitis symptom/problem indices (ICSI − PI), voiding diaries, and global response assessments (GRA). Data were examined with Pearson's χ2, Fisher's exact, Wilcoxon rank sum tests, and logistic regression multivariate analysis.ResultsFive hundred and sixty patients were evaluated (mean age 58.8 ± 17 years; 83% female; 79% had a sacral lead placed), 109 (19%) had history of back surgery; 66 surgeries were lumbar. Back surgery patients were older (mean 63 ± 15 vs. 58 ± 17 years; P = 0.003) and a higher proportion had urge urinary incontinence (UUI) (64% vs. 50% P = 0.008). Generator implant rates were similar (94% vs. 91%; P = 0.34). OABq‐SS and HRQOL and ICSI − PI composite scores did not differ between groups at any time point. On bladder diaries, median incontinence episodes daily at baseline and between stages were worse in the prior back surgery group but all bladder diary parameters improved significantly in both groups with the exception of mean voided volume which only improved significantly in the non‐back surgery group. Most patients in both groups reported moderate/marked improvement in overall bladder symptoms.ConclusionsThis study suggests that prior back surgery does not appear to impact clinical outcomes; therefore, neuromodulation may be offered in this patient population.
Nerve growth factor release from the urothelium increases via activation of bladder C‐fiber in rats with cerebral infarction
Authors: Yokokawa Ryusei , Akino Hironobu , Ito Hideaki , Zha Xinmin , Yokoyama Osamu 
Published: September 2016

AimsThere are some reports that bladder C‐fibers are partially involved in detrusor overactivity in patients with brain lesions. We investigated the contribution of bladder C‐fiber to decreased bladder capacity in rats with cerebral infarction.MethodsCerebral infarction was induced under halothane anesthesia by left middle cerebral artery occlusion with 4‐0 nylon thread in female Sprague‐Dawley rats. Intramural amounts of ATP and prostaglandin E2, in vivo and in vitro ATP, NGF, and prostaglandin E2 release from the distended bladder urothelium, and changes in mRNA expressions of sensor molecules and receptors were monitored 6 h after the occlusion. Cystometry was performed in rats with or without resiniferatoxin pretreatment.ResultsOverexpression of sensor molecule, transient receptor potential vanilloid‐type channel 1, acid‐sensing ion channel 2, purinergic receptors P2X3, and M2/M3 muscarinic receptors was found in the bladder. These changes were accompanied by increases in ATP and NGF release from the urothelium. In contrast, when bladder C‐fibers were desensitized by resiniferatoxin, no increase in NGF release from the urothelium was found either in vivo or in vitro. There was no difference in the percentage decrease in bladder capacity between cerebral infarction rats pretreated with resiniferatoxin and cerebral infarction rats without pretreatment.ConclusionsResults indicate that expression of sensor molecules in the bladder is altered by distant infarction in the brain. ATP and NGF release from the urothelium also increased. NGF release was related to activation of bladder C‐fibers. Bladder C‐fibers might not contribute much to decreased bladder capacity caused by cerebral infarction.
Fiber type composition of pubococcygeus and bulbospongiosus striated muscles is modified by multiparity in the rabbit
Authors: López‐García Kenia , Mariscal‐Tovar Silvia , Serrano‐Meneses Martín Alejandro , Castelán Francisco , Martínez‐Gómez Margarita , Jiménez‐Estrada Ismael 
Published: September 2016

AimsWe analyzed the effect of multiparity on the fiber type composition of two skeletal muscles involved in the maintenance of the micturition process, the pelvic pubococcygeus (Pc) and perineal bulbospongiosus (Bs) muscles in nulliparous and multiparous rabbits (Oryctolagus cuniculus).MethodsWe used the basic ATPase and NADH‐TR techniques to identify and characterize slow, intermediate, and fast fiber types and glycolitic and oxidative fibers in muscles, respectively.ResultsPc muscles of multiparous rabbits present relatively high percentages of slow and intermediate fibers but a low percentage of fast fibers (P < 0.05) as compared to Pc muscles from nulliparous rabbits, while percentages of glycolytic and oxidative fibers were similar (P > 0.05). Bs muscles of multiparous rabbits had a higher proportion of intermediate and glycolytic fibers (P < 0.05) than muscles of nulliparous. Both, Pc and Bs muscles of nulliparous and multiparous rabbits contain slow fibers with similar large cross sectional area, but fast fibers in multiparous muscles showed small cross sectional area than in nulliparous.ConclusionsMultiparity modified the fiber type composition of Pc and Bs muscles in female rabbits. We propose that the contractile force and the physiological role of both muscles during micturition are affected because of the observed changes in the relative composition of muscle fiber types.
Objective outcome and quality‐of‐life assessment in women with repeat incontinence surgery
Authors: Ulrich Daniela , Bjelic‐Radisic Vesna , Grabner Katrin , Avian Alexander , Trutnovsky Gerda , Tamussino Karl , Aigmüller Thomas 
Published: September 2016

AimsTo evaluate subjective and objective outcome after repeat surgery for stress urinary incontinence (SUI).MethodsPatients who underwent a midurethral tape after failed Burch colposuspension or failed midurethal tape between 1999 and 2014 were invited for follow‐up. Urogynecological examination and urodynamics was performed, and objective cure was defined as a negative cough stress test; subjective cure was defined as negotiation of SUI symptoms. Quality‐of‐life (QoL), sexual health, and subjective success was assessed with the King's Health Questionnaire, Incontinence Outcome Questionnaire, Female Sexual Function Index, and the Patient Global Impression of Improvement (PGI‐I) score.ResultsOverall 52 women underwent repeat incontinence surgery. Out of the 44 women still alive, 33 (75%) were available for follow‐up. All 33 women completed the questionnaires; 23 women (70%) attended the clinic and also had an urogynecological examination. At a median follow‐up of 11 years, subjective cure was 67% (22/33), objective cure was 65% (16/23), and subjective success according to PGI‐I was 78% (18/23), with no significant differences between groups. No erosions of suture or tape material into the bladder, urethra, or vagina were seen. Two women had received a third anti‐incontinence operation with TVT after failed tape after failed Burch, and were continent at follow‐up. Two women with tape after colposuspension required division of the tape and both were continent at the time of follow‐up. With regard to QoL and sexual health, no significant differences were seen for most domains.ConclusionsMidurethral tapes are an option for women with recurrent SUI after previous colposuspension or midurethral tape.
MR‐based measurements and simulations of the magnetic field created by a realistic transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) coil and stimulator
Authors: Mandija Stefano , Petrov Petar I. , Neggers Sebastian F.W. , Luijten Peter R. , van den Berg Cornelis A.T. 
Published: September 2016

Transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) is an emerging technique that allows non‐invasive neurostimulation. However, the correct validation of electromagnetic models of typical TMS coils and the correct assessment of the incident TMS field (BTMS) produced by standard TMS stimulators are still lacking. Such a validation can be performed by mapping BTMS produced by a realistic TMS setup. In this study, we show that MRI can provide precise quantification of the magnetic field produced by a realistic TMS coil and a clinically used TMS stimulator in the region in which neurostimulation occurs. Measurements of the phase accumulation created by TMS pulses applied during a tailored MR sequence were performed in a phantom. Dedicated hardware was developed to synchronize a typical, clinically used, TMS setup with a 3‐T MR scanner. For comparison purposes, electromagnetic simulations of BTMS were performed. MR‐based measurements allow the mapping and quantification of BTMS starting 2.5 cm from the TMS coil. For closer regions, the intra‐voxel dephasing induced by BTMS prohibits TMS field measurements. For 1% TMS output, the maximum measured value was ~0.1 mT. Simulations reflect quantitatively the experimental data. These measurements can be used to validate electromagnetic models of TMS coils, to guide TMS coil positioning, and for dosimetry and quality assessment of concurrent TMS‐MRI studies without the need for crude methods, such as motor threshold, for stimulation dose determination.
Accurate and fast computations with positive extended Schoenmakers–Coffey matrices
Authors: Delgado Jorge , Peña Guillermo , Peña Juan Manuel 
Published: September 2016

SummarySchoenmakers–Coffey matrices are correlation matrices with important financial applications. Several characterizations of positive extended Schoenmakers–Coffey matrices are presented. This paper provides an accurate and fast method to obtain the bidiagonal decomposition of the conversion of these matrices, which in turn can be used to compute with high relative accuracy the eigenvalues and inverses of positive extended Schoenmakers–Coffey matrices. Numerical examples are included.
One‐year postpartum outcomes following a weight management intervention in pregnant women with obesity
Authors: Vesco Kimberly K. , Leo Michael C. , Karanja Njeri , Gillman Matthew W. , McEvoy Cindy T. , King Janet C. , Eckhardt Cara L. , Smith K. Sabina , Perrin Nancy , Stevens Victor J. 
Published: September 2016

ObjectiveThis analysis was focused on 1‐year maternal and infant follow‐up of a randomized trial that tested a weight management intervention conducted during pregnancy.MethodsOne hundred fourteen women with obesity (mean BMI 36.7 kg/m2) were randomly assigned at a mean of 15 weeks gestation to a weight management intervention or usual care control condition. The intervention ended at delivery and resulted in less gestational weight gain and a lower proportion of large‐for‐gestational‐age newborns among intervention compared with control participants. The primary outcome at 12 months postpartum was maternal weight. Secondary outcomes included infant weight‐for‐age and weight‐for‐length z‐scores.ResultsAt 1 year, mothers in the intervention group weighed 96.3 ± 18.6 kg and those in the control group 99.7 ± 19.2 kg. There was no significant difference between groups in change in weight from randomization to 1 year postpartum (b = −0.47, 95% CI: −4.03 to 3.08). There was a significant main effect of group for infant weight‐for‐age z‐scores (b = −0.40, 95% CI: −0.75 to −0.05) but not infant weight‐for‐length z‐scores (b = −0.20, 95% CI: −0.59 to 0.20).ConclusionsA gestational weight management intervention did not influence maternal weight or infant weight‐for‐length at 1 year postpartum. Future studies may be warranted to determine whether extending prenatal interventions into the postpartum period would be beneficial for maternal and infant outcomes.
Do activity monitors increase physical activity in adults with overweight or obesity? A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: de Vries Herman J. , Kooiman Thea J.M. , van Ittersum Miriam W. , van Brussel Marco , de Groot Martijn 
Published: September 2016

ObjectiveTo systematically assess contemporary knowledge regarding behavioral physical activity interventions including an activity monitor (BPAI+) in adults with overweight or obesity.MethodsPubMed/MEDLINE, Embase, CINAHL, PsycINFO, CENTRAL, and PEDro were searched for eligible full‐text articles up to 1 July 2015. Studies eligible for inclusion were (randomized) controlled trials describing physical activity outcomes in adults with overweight or obesity. Methodological quality was independently assessed employing the Cochrane Collaboration's tool for risk of bias.ResultsFourteen studies (1,157 participants) were included for systematic review and 11 for meta‐analysis. A positive trend in BPAI+ effects on several measures of physical activity was ascertained compared with both wait list or usual care and behavioral physical activity interventions without an activity monitor (BPAI−). No convincing evidence of BPAI+ effectiveness on weight loss was found compared with BPAI−.ConclusionsBehavioral physical activity interventions with an activity monitor increase physical activity in adults with overweight or obesity. Also, adding an activity monitor to behavioral physical activity interventions appears to increase the effect on physical activity, although current evidence has not yet provided conclusive evidence for its effectiveness.
E‐government and public service quality in Ghana
Authors: Osei‐Kojo Alex 
Published: September 2016

This article contributes to the growing discourse on the potential of e‐government to transform the operations of public sector institutions, thereby improving public services. It does so by conceptualizing public service quality into efficiency, economy (cost reduction), customer satisfaction, and service accessibility and draws on qualitative data from the Ghanaian narrative for illustration. As previous studies have demonstrated, this study also affirms the potential of e‐government in improving public services delivery by increasing efficiency, reducing the cost of operations, expanding access to services, and achieving customer satisfaction.Yet, there remains a repertoire of challenges such as weak ICT infrastructure especially in towns and villages, incessant power outages and illiteracy, which are drawbacks to fully harnessing the benefits of e‐government in Ghana. The study recommends that these challenges should feature prominently in e‐government policies to increase the chances of solving them.
Synthesis, characterization and catalytic activity of zinc complex for ring‐opening polymerization of lactide
Authors: Mantri Somanath , Routaray Anita , Nath Nibedita , Sutar Alekha Kumar , Maharana Tungabidya 
Published: September 2016

AbstractIn the present study, salicylaldimine zinc complex (Zn‐HMBED) was synthesized and its reactivity for the ring‐opening polymerization (ROP) of lactide was studied. The zinc complex was prepared by the reaction of zinc solution with one molar equivalent of salicylaldimine Schiff base ligand in methanol under a nitrogen atmosphere. Further, the complex was characterized by various spectroscopic methods, which showed tetrahedral geometry. X‐ray diffraction studies were used for the structure determination of the Schiff base. It was observed that the zinc complex is highly active towards the ROP of lactide. The rate of polymerization is heavily dependent on the initiator used. The zinc complex allows controlled ROP as revealed by the linear relationship between the percentage conversion and the number‐average molecular weight. Finally, a mechanism for the ROP of lactide is proposed by use of the above zinc complex. © 2016 Society of Chemical Industry
Anion conductive polymer nanofiber composite membrane: effects of nanofibers on polymer electrolyte characteristics
Authors: Watanabe Tsukasa , Tanaka Manabu , Kawakami Hiroyoshi 
Published: September 2016

AbstractPolymer composite membranes composed of anion conductive polymer nanofiber mats and the corresponding polymer matrix were prepared and characterized for future alkaline fuel cells. In this paper, electrospinning was attempted to fabricate anion conductive nanofiber mats. The anion conductivity of the composite membrane was higher than the corresponding membrane without nanofibers under all conditions due to outstanding anion conductive characteristics of the nanofibers. In addition, because of the rigid and anisotropic structure of the nanofibers, membrane stabilities such as reductive degradation resistance and mechanical strength were very much improved. The gas permeability and excessive hydration swelling that will degrade fuel cells after long‐term operation were suppressed in the nanofiber composite membrane. These results indicated that excellent properties of the anion conductive nanofibers were demonstrated even in the composite membrane, leading to the potential application of anion conductive nanofibers in future fuel cells. © 2016 Society of Chemical Industry