bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
High luteinizing hormone weakens urinary continence mechanisms in association with prostaglandin E2 elevation in a postmenopausal rat model
Authors: Eriguchi Tomohiro , Kawamorita Naoki , Hayashi Natsuho , Satake Yohei , Izumi Hideaki , Kaiho Yasuhiro , Arai Yoichi 
Published: January 2018

AimsTo explore the role of luteinizing hormone (LH) in the urinary continence mechanism, urethral function was investigated using a postmenopausal rat model with high serum LH concentrations and the postmenopausal rat model given a gonadotropin releasing hormone (GnRH) antagonist to lower LH concentrations.MethodsAdult female rats were divided into: 1) sham group; 2) ovariectomy group (OVX) with removal of bilateral ovaries; 3) OVX and GnRH‐antagonist administered group (OVX + G); and 4) sham and GnRH‐antagonist administered group (Sham + G). Urethral function was evaluated by the sneeze‐induced urethral continence reflex experiment, and serum LH and prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) concentrations were measured.ResultsIn the sneeze‐induced urethral continence reflex experiment, urethral baseline pressure (UBP) and the amplitude of the urethral response during sneezing (A‐URS) were measured. The UBP was significantly decreased in the OVX group than in the other groups. A‐URS was significantly lower in the OVX group than in the Sham group, but with no significant difference compared with the OVX + G group. Lowering the serum LH by a GnRH‐antagonist improved UBP to the same level as in the Sham group. The serum PGE2 concentration was significantly higher in the OVX group than in the other groups.ConclusionsThe results suggested that the increased serum LH concentration in the OVX rat model worsened the continence mechanism. This mechanism is probably associated with an increased PGE2 concentration, because PGE2 caused urethral smooth muscle relaxation. A GnRH‐antagonist might improve urinary incontinence by decreasing the serum LH and PGE2 concentrations.
Treatment of male stress urinary incontinence with the adjustable transobturator male system: Outcomes of a multi‐center Iberian study
Authors: Angulo Javier C. , Cruz Francisco , Esquinas Cristina , Arance Ignacio , Manso Margarida , Rodríguez Andrés , Pereira Javier , Ojea Antonio , Carballo Manuel , Rabassa Miguel , Teyrouz Antoine , Escribano Gregorio , Rodríguez Elena , Teba Fernando , Celada Guillermo , Madurga Blanca , Álvarez‐Ossorio Jose L. , Marcelino Jõao P. , Martins Francisco E. 
Published: January 2018

AimTo evaluate effectiveness and safety of the adjustable transobturator male system (ATOMS) for male stress urinary incontinence (SUI).Material and MethodsA retrospective multicenter study was conducted in nine Iberian institutions using a board‐approved database for 215 patients intervened between 2012 and 2017, with no case excluded. Continence status, patient satisfaction, number, and grade of complications (Clavien‐Dindo) and factors affecting dry rate at adjustment were evaluated. Multivariate analysis defined the population at best success rate. Incontinence recurrence due to device failure and/or explant was evaluated and Kaplan‐Meier curve for durability performed.ResultsAdjustment was achieved at a mean 1.4 ± 1.9 fillings. Dry‐rate after adjustment was 80.5% (96.2% mild and 75.3% moderate‐severe), 121 (56.3%) used no pads, and 52 (24.2%) a security pad with urine loss under 10 mL. Mean basal daily pad‐test and pad‐count decreased from 484 ± 372.3 mL and 3.9 ± 2 pads to 63.5 ± 201.2 mL and 0.9 ± 1.5pads (both P < 0.0001). Satisfaction rate was 85.1% (94.3% mild and 82.1% moderate‐severe). Factors associated to dryness were: lesser severity of SUI (P < .0001), absence of radiotherapy (P = 0.0002) and device generation (P = 0.05). Multivariate analysis revealed absence of radiation (OR = 3.12; 1.36‐7.19), mild (OR = 19.61; 3.95‐100), and moderate (OR = 2.48; 1.1‐5.59) SUI were independent predictors. Complications presented in 33(15.35%); 66.7% grade 1, 9.1% grade 2, and 24.2% grade 3. At 24.3 ± 15 mo mean follow‐up device was explanted in seven (3.25%) and SUI worsened after adjustment in nine (4.2%). Dry‐rate at follow‐up was 73% and durability of device in dry patients at adjustment was 89.8% (82.9‐94) at 2‐years.ConclusionsThis study confirms ATOMS device is safe and achieves high treatment efficacy and patient satisfaction in a multicenter setting. Significantly better results are achieved in less severe and non‐irradiated cases. Durability of the device is reassuring in the short‐term.
Analysis of monitoring and multipath support on top of OpenFlow specification
Authors: Rezende Pedro H. A. , Coelho Paulo R. S. L. , Faina Luis F. , Camargos Lasaro J. , Pasquini Rafael 
Published: January 2018

SummaryIn general, traffic is pushed through a single path despite the existence of alternative paths in networks. For example, routing solutions based on spanning tree prune the topology to prevent loops, consequently preventing also the use of alternative paths. Research on quality of service frequently advocates that the use of alternative paths is interesting for enforcing Service Level Agreements (SLAs), bypassing bottlenecks created by shortest paths. In this paper, we are interested in analyzing the support for monitoring network traffic and for provisioning of multipaths in software‐defined networking (SDN), given the strong platform it provides for experimentation of new networked solutions. Our approach firstly enriches the topology view at the control plane with data gathered through fine grain data plane monitoring. On the basis of such enriched view, our system determines the path, or multipaths, necessary to enforce the specified SLA. We propose 2 extension modules to an OpenFlow controller: SDNMon, which monitors the data plane to enrich the topology information at the control plane, and MP‐Routing, which determines a set of paths, in the absence of a single path capable of enforcing the SLA. Both modules are extensively evaluated, and the results not only demonstrate what can be achieved in terms of accuracy in SDNMon and in terms of quality of service benefits in MP‐Routing but also highlight some limitations of OpenFlow specification. On the basis of our findings, we propose a set of new counters to Per Port and Per Flow granularity levels of OpenFlow specification.
Approximate decoupling of multivariate polynomials using weighted tensor decomposition
Authors: Hollander Gabriel , Dreesen Philippe , Ishteva Mariya , Schoukens Johan 
Published: January 2018

SummaryMany scientific and engineering disciplines use multivariate polynomials. Decomposing a multivariate polynomial vector function into a sandwiched structure of univariate polynomials surrounded by linear transformations can provide useful insight into the function while reducing the number of parameters. Such a decoupled representation can be realized with techniques based on tensor decomposition methods, but these techniques have only been studied in the exact case. Generalizing the existing techniques to the noisy case is an important next step for the decoupling problem. For this extension, we have considered a weight factor during the tensor decomposition process, leading to an alternating weighted least squares scheme. In addition, we applied the proposed weighted decoupling algorithm in the area of system identification, and we observed smaller model errors with the weighted decoupling algorithm than those with the unweighted decoupling algorithm.
A geometric multigrid method for isogeometric compatible discretizations of the generalized Stokes and Oseen problems
Authors: Coley Christopher , Benzaken Joseph , Evans John A. 
Published: January 2018

SummaryIn this paper, we present a geometric multigrid methodology for the solution of matrix systems associated with isogeometric compatible discretizations of the generalized Stokes and Oseen problems. The methodology provably yields a pointwise divergence‐free velocity field independent of the number of pre‐smoothing steps, postsmoothing steps, grid levels, or cycles in a V‐cycle implementation, provided that the initial velocity guess is also divergence free. The methodology relies upon Scwharz‐style smoothers in conjunction with specially defined overlapping subdomains that respect the underlying topological structure of the generalized Stokes and Oseen problems. Numerical results in both two‐ and three‐dimensions demonstrate the robustness of the methodology through the invariance of convergence rates with respect to grid resolution and flow parameters for the generalized Stokes problem and the generalized Oseen problem, provided that it is not advection dominated.
Comprehensive behavioral analysis of tryptophan 2,3‐dioxygenase (Tdo2) knockout mice
Authors: Hattori Satoko , Takao Keizo , Funakoshi Hiroshi , Miyakawa Tsuyoshi 
Published: January 2018

AbstractAimsTryptophan 2,3‐dioxygenase (TDO2) is an initial rate‐limiting enzyme of the kynurenine (Kyn) pathway in tryptophan (Trp) metabolism. The Trp‐degrading enzymes, TDO2 and indoleamine 2,3‐dioxygenase, are activated by stress and/or inflammation. Dysregulation of Trp metabolism, which causes shifts in the balance between Kyn and serotonin (5‐HT) pathways, is associated with psychiatric and neurological disorders. In genetic studies, single‐nucleotide polymorphisms in the TDO2 gene were shown to be involved in psychiatric disorders, such as schizophrenia and depression. It has been reported that targeted deletion of the Tdo2 gene in mice resulted in reduced anxiety‐like behavior, enhanced exploratory activity and cognitive performance, and increased levels of Trp and 5‐HT in the hippocampus and midbrain. However, the effect of Tdo2 gene deletion on behavioral phenotypes has not yet been investigated extensively.Materials & MethodsWe conducted tests to further examine the behavioral effects of knockout (KO) of Tdo2 in mice.ResultsDeletion of Tdo2 resulted in seemingly lower anxiety‐like behavior, higher locomotor activity, and abnormal gait pattern in mice, though none of them reached study‐wide statistical significance. Tdo2 deficiency had no significant effects on other behaviors, such as prepulse inhibition, and depression‐like and social behaviors.Discussion and ConclusionHe lack of clear phenotypes in Tdo2KO mice in this study might be due to the absence of stress and inflammatory conditions, which could induce expression of Tdo2 mRNA. Further studies are necessary to elucidate the roles of Tdo2 in behavioral phenotypes related to psychiatric disorders.
Adult weight management across the community: population‐level impact of the LOSE IT to WIN IT challenge
Authors: VanWormer J. J. , Pereira R. F. , Sillah A. , Sidebottom A. C. , Benson G. A. , Lindberg R. , Winters C. , Boucher J. L. 
Published: January 2018

SummaryObjectiveExcess body weight negatively impacts health, but there are few evaluations of low‐intensity weight management challenge programs in defined populations. This study examined weight change in adults who participated in the LOSE IT to WIN IT (LIWI) health challenge in a US community. The community‐level impact on body mass index was also explored.MethodsBody weight was analysed over 1 year in the cohort of LIWI enrolees, stratified by participants who were healthy weight or overweight/obese at baseline. Secondarily, a multiple cross‐sectional analysis compared the 2.5‐year trends in body mass index between community adults who did vs. did not participate in LIWI.ResultsLOSE IT to WIN IT participants who were overweight/obese lost a mean (95% confidence interval) 1.6 (1.2, 2.0) kg (~2%) over 1 year (p < 0.001), whereas healthy weight participants lost 0.7 (0.3, 1.1) kg. Across the community, LIWI participants and non‐participants both gained 0.4 kg m−2 over the 2.5‐year study period (p = 0.884).ConclusionsLOSE IT to WIN IT was modestly effective among enrolees, resulting in a small weight loss of 2% over 1 year among those who were overweight/obese. However, LIWI did not impact weight gain in the community. To slow such community‐level weight gain trends, weight management challenges must reach larger fractions of the populations that they target.
Relevance of frailty to mortality associated with the use of antipsychotics among community‐residing older adults with impaired cognition
Authors: Maxwell Colleen J. , Campitelli Michael A. , Hogan David B. , Diong Christina , Austin Peter C. , Amuah Joseph E. , Lapane Kate , Seitz Dallas P. , Gill Sudeep S. , Gruneir Andrea , Wodchis Walter P. , Bronskill Susan E. 
Published: January 2018

AbstractPurposeTo examine the association between new antipsychotic use and mortality over 6 months among community‐based older adults with cognitive impairment, and variation in risk by frailty and sex.MethodsWe conducted a retrospective cohort study of older (aged 66+) home care clients in Ontario, Canada, using linked administrative health and clinical databases. Included were clients with dementia and/or significant cognitive impairment assessed during April 2008 to March 2013. Frailty was defined using a validated 72‐item index. Exposed were those newly dispensed an antipsychotic in the 6 months post cohort entry, with no such claims in the year prior to drug index date. Two‐stage matching defined unexposed clients and their index date (matching on age, sex, frailty, assessment year, and propensity score). Outcome was time to death following index date. Cause‐specific hazards models were used, and number needed to harm at 6 months was estimated from cumulative incidence function curves.ResultsAmong 4955 matched exposed‐unexposed pairs, new antipsychotic users showed a significantly increased hazard of mortality at 1, 3, and 6 months relative to unexposed, with the highest risk observed in the first month (hazard ratio [HR] = 2.08 [95% CI, 1.79‐2.43]). At 1 month, risk was significantly higher for robust (HR = 3.72 [95% CI, 2.45‐5.66]) vs frail (HR = 1.74 [95% CI, 1.40‐2.17], P = .002) clients. The number needed to harm was 22.7 and did not vary by frailty but was lower for men (14.9) than for women (35.0).ConclusionsRisk of antipsychotic‐associated mortality was highest in the first month following exposure, varied significantly by client frailty, and was greater among men than among women.
Proteome Heterogeneity in Colorectal Cancer
Authors: Lim Lay Cheng , Lim Yang Mooi 
Published: January 2018

AbstractTumor heterogeneity is an important feature of colorectal cancer (CRC) manifested by dynamic changes in gene expression, protein expression, and availability of different tumor subtypes. Recent publications in the past 10 years have revealed proteome heterogeneity between different colorectal tumors and within the same tumor site. This paper reviews recent research works on the proteome heterogeneity in CRC, which includes the heterogeneity within a single tumor (intratumor heterogeneity), between different anatomical sites at the same organ, and between primary and metastatic sites (intertumor heterogeneity). The potential use of proteome heterogeneity in precision medicine and its implications in biomarker discovery and therapeutic outcomes will be discussed. Identification of the unique proteome landscape between and within individual tumors is imperative for understanding cancer biology and the management of CRC patients.
Pendant Chains Are Not Just Decorations: Investigation of Structure‐Property Relationships of Azido Oxetane Polymers
Authors: Ma Yiding , Liu Yingzhe , Yu Tao , Lai Weipeng , Ge Zhongxue , Jiang Zhenyi 
Published: January 2018

AbstractThe influence of the structure of azido oxetane polymers, i. e., the location, length and number of the pendant chains on their densities, enthalpies of formation, glass transition temperatures and mechanical properties of the polymers were investigated. The results show that the densities, enthalpies of formation and elastic moduli decrease monotonously as the number and length of the pendant chains increase. Glass transition temperatures has minimum values when there is one or two methane groups (−CH2) on the pendant chains. Moreover, the densities, elastic muduli and the enthalpies of formation increase with the introduction of azido groups. We found that the Tg of the polymers can be at best reduced by 17 K without compromising the energetic or mechanical performances. This study reveals the structure‐property relationships of the azido oxetane polymers and provides guidance on the principles of designing new energetic binders for explosives and rocket propellants.
Antimicrobial activity of functionalized single‐walled carbon nanotube with herbal extract of Hempedu bumi
Authors: Foo Mu Ee , Anbu Periasamy , Gopinath Subash C. B. , Lakshmipriya Thangavel , Lee Choul‐Gyun , Yun Hyun Shik , Uda M. N. A. , Yaakub Ahmad Radi Wan 
Published: January 2018

The primary purpose of this study was to determine the antimicrobial activity of functionalized single‐walled carbon nanotube (SWNT) using an extract of the herb, Hempedu bumi. H bumi extract and H bumi extract complexed SWNT were evaluated for biological activities against Bacillus sp., (pathogen) Escherichia coli (opportunistic pathogen), and Aspergillus niger (pathogen). The formation of inhibition zones of these 3 microbes was measured to be evident for the functionalized SWNT with H bumi. Further, morphological and structural analyses were conducted to investigate the functionalized SWNT with H bumi using scanning electron microscopy, atomic force microscopy, X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy, X‐ray powder diffraction, and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, well supporting the intact and crystalline nature of the SWNT. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy result shows the highest peak at 3371.48 cm−1, representing an andrographolide group from the plant extract. An apparent clear zone has been noticed with SWNT conjugated H bumi extract, displaying a zone of inhibition larger than 1.0 cm against the tested microbes. The results indicate that SWNT has the potential for use as a carrier of components from plant extracts.
Deep Tumor Penetrating Bioparticulates Inspired Burst Intracellular Drug Release for Precision Chemo‐Phototherapy
Authors: Wang Ruoning , Han Yue , Sun Bo , Zhao Ziqiang , Opoku‐Damoah Yaw , Cheng Hao , Zhang Huaqing , Zhou Jianping , Ding Yang 
Published: January 2018

AbstractThe relevance of personalized medicine has inspired research for individually concerted diagnosis and therapy. Numerous efforts are devoted to designing drug particulates with capabilities of tumor penetrating and subcellular trafficking to concurrently discharge theranostics in response to multistimulations. In this study, a bioinspired particulate, formulated with whole components of native high‐density lipoproteins (HDLs) and decorated with the tumor‐penetrating peptide iRGD, is proposed to promote tumor penetration of HDLs (pHDLs) together with payloads. Specifically, paclitaxel (PTX), and the NIR fluorescent probe indocyanine green (ICG) are integrated into pHDLs (pHDL/PTX‐ICG) for synergetic chemo‐phototherapy. Inspired by lipoproteins, pHDLs are not only restored from naturally occurring materials but also possessed artificially endowed functions, leading to an enhanced cellular uptake, higher accumulation, and deep penetration into tumors without causing appreciable adverse effects, compared to reconstituted HDLs or lipid‐based nanoparticles. After intravenous administration, pHDL/PTX‐ICG performs a burst of intracellular drug release and imaging‐guided precision chemo‐phototherapy upon NIR irradiation that completely eradicates xenograft tumors. Neither recurrence nor significant toxicity is observed due to maneuvered regional photodynamic and photothermal therapy. Taken together, pHDL/PTX‐ICG is proven to be a promising platform to achieve deep tumor penetration and imaging‐guided chemo‐phototherapy.
Recent Progress in Iron‐Based Electrode Materials for Grid‐Scale Sodium‐Ion Batteries
Authors: Fang Yongjin , Chen Zhongxue , Xiao Lifen , Ai Xinping , Cao Yuliang , Yang Hanxi 
Published: January 2018

AbstractGrid‐scale energy storage batteries with electrode materials made from low‐cost, earth‐abundant elements are needed to meet the requirements of sustainable energy systems. Sodium‐ion batteries (SIBs) with iron‐based electrodes offer an attractive combination of low cost, plentiful structural diversity and high stability, making them ideal candidates for grid‐scale energy storage systems. Although various iron‐based cathode and anode materials have been synthesized and evaluated for sodium storage, further improvements are still required in terms of energy/power density and long cyclic stability for commercialization. In this Review, progress in iron‐based electrode materials for SIBs, including oxides, polyanions, ferrocyanides, and sulfides, is briefly summarized. In addition, the reaction mechanisms, electrochemical performance enhancements, structure–composition–performance relationships, merits and drawbacks of iron‐based electrode materials for SIBs are discussed. Such iron‐based electrode materials will be competitive and attractive electrodes for next‐generation energy storage devices.
Splitting Water by Electrochemistry and Artificial Photosynthesis: Excellent Science but a Nightmare of Translation?
Authors: Antonietti Markus , Savateev Alexandr 
Published: January 2018

AbstractWater splitting to its elements, either by electrochemistry or by solar light, is among the most covered areas in nanostructured functional materials. This personal account article analyzes potential downstream translation problems and reviews alternative chemistries with a potential higher return. Liberation of oxygen for accepting the holes is a kinetically demanding half reaction afflicted with kinetic hindrances and high overpotentials, while at the same time no marketable value is created (atmospheric oxygen is free to use). In spite of exciting science created, application in real industrial set‐ups is currently impossible, and possible funding promises to contribute to a sustainable society become a debt difficult to return. We discuss possible alternative targets of (photo)electrochemistry as entry points where chemical value products and technical oxidants are created, with partially greater ease, lower losses, and higher benefits.
What Kind of Book? Selecting Picture Books for Vocabulary Acquisition
Authors: Larragueta Marta , Ceballos‐Viro Ignacio 
Published: January 2018

AbstractThis study analyzes the importance of selecting adequate picture books to facilitate the acquisition of new vocabulary with youngEFLlearners, taking into account the complexity of the narration, the complexity of the illustrations, and the appropriate number of sessions. The study was conducted with a class of twenty‐two 3‐year‐old students at a charter school in Madrid, Spain. Results showed that students learned more vocabulary when the narration consisted of simple sentences or single words and when the books had at most three elements per page, with a clear distinction between those elements and the background. This study shows the importance of making a good selection of picture books to be used as a tool in theEFLclass and offers the possibility for further studies with a bigger sample, also analyzing factors such as the length of the books and the number of target vocabulary words considered.