bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Ethylene Polymerization over MgCl2/SiO2 Bi‐Supported Ziegler–Natta Hybrid Titanium/Vanadium Catalysts
Authors: Fu Ting , Liu Zhen , Cheng Ruihua , He Xuelian , Tian Zhou , Liu Boping 
Published: April 2017

MgCl2/SiO2 bi‐supported Ziegler–Natta hybrid titanium/vanadium catalysts are synthesized with magnesium acetate as Mg source under different reaction sequences with TiCl4 and VOCl3. The activities of Ti/V hybrid catalysts are almost between those of MgTi/Si and MgV/Si catalysts. The hybrid titanium/vanadium catalyst prepared by coreaction with TiCl4 and VOCl3 shows higher activity than those prepared via two‐step reaction method. Regarding kinetic curves of ethylene polymerization, comonomer effect, and polymer properties, hybrid catalysts prepared through two‐step reaction method are inclined to exhibit more traits of the second active species supported during catalyst preparation. The vanadium species can adjust the molecular weight of polymers more efficiently by adding hydrogen with the sacrifice of catalytic activity for MgTiV/Si and MgTi‐V/Si catalysts. The one‐step coreaction method is more advantageous in catalytic activity, hydrogen response, and 1‐hexene incorporation than the two‐step reaction method for the MgCl2/SiO2 bi‐supported Ziegler–Natta hybrid titanium/vanadium catalyst system.
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Patterns of medical management of overactive bladder (OAB) and benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) in the United States
Authors: Anger Jennifer T. , Goldman Howard B. , Luo Xuemei , Carlsson Martin O. , Chapman Douglass , Zou Kelly H. , Russell David , Ntanios Fady , Esinduy Canan B. , Clemens J. Quentin 
Published: April 2017

AimsOveractive bladder (OAB) and benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) are highly prevalent conditions that place a large burden on the United States (US) health care system. We sought to analyze patterns of prescription medication usage for incident OAB in men and women, and for incident BPH in men using US health insurance claims data.Materials and MethodsThis study used Truven Health MarketScan® Commercial and Medicare Supplemental Research databases. The data were pooled from diverse points of care. BPH subjects included men age 18+ with the first and last two diagnoses of BPH ≥30 days apart and no BPH diagnosis for 1 year prior. OAB subjects included men and women age 18+, who were diagnosed similarly with incident OAB. The type of medication, medication continuation (persistence), and switching to a different medication were analyzed through September 30, 2013.ResultsMedication persistence was much higher overall for BPH than OAB (56% vs 34%, respectively, P < 0.0001), and was highest among men with BPH age 65+ (62%). Patients age 18‐64 were less likely to continue medication than older adults (age 65+) for both BPH and OAB. A 9.4% of patients in the OAB cohort and 6.9% of men with BPH switched from one medication to another.ConclusionsPersistence was higher with BPH than OAB medications overall, whereas switching rates were higher in the OAB group. The lower persistence of OAB medication may be due to less efficacy or tolerability. The possibility of under treatment of OAB also warrants future investigations.
The evaluation of pelvic floor muscle strength in women with pelvic floor dysfunction: A reliability and correlation study
Authors: Navarro Brazález Beatriz , Torres Lacomba María , de la Villa Pedro , Sánchez Sánchez Beatriz , Prieto Gómez Virginia , Asúnsolo del Barco Ángel , McLean Linda 
Published: April 2017

AimsThe purposes of this study were: (i) to evaluate the reliability of vaginal palpation, vaginal manometry, vaginal dynamometry; and surface (transperineal) electromyography (sEMG), when evaluating pelvic floor muscle (PFM) strength and/or activation; and (ii) to determine the associations among PFM strength measured using these assessments.MethodsOne hundred and fifty women with pelvic floor disorders participated on one occasion, and 20 women returned for the same investigations by two different raters on 3 different days. At each session, PFM strength was assessed using palpation (both the modified Oxford Grading Scale and the Levator ani testing), manometry, and dynamometry; and PFM activation was assessed using sEMG.ResultsThe interrater reliability of manometry, dynamometry, and sEMG (both root‐mean‐square [RMS] and integral average) was high (Lin's Concordance Correlation Coefficient [CCC] = 0.95, 0.93, 0.91, 0.86, respectively), whereas the interrater reliability of both palpation grading scales was low (Cohen's Kappa [k] = 0.27‐0.38). The intrarater reliability of manometry (CCC = 0.96), and dynamometry (CCC = 0.96) were high, whereas intrarater reliability of both palpation scales (k = 0.78 for both), and of sEMG (CCC = 0.79 vs 0.80 for RMS vs integral average) was moderate. The Bland‐Altman plot showed good inter and intrarater agreement, with little random variability for all instruments. The correlations among palpation, manometry, and dynamometry were moderate (coefficient of determination [r2] ranged from 0.52 to 0.75), however, transperineal sEMG amplitude was only weakly correlated with all measures of strength (r2 = 0.23‐0.30).ConclusionsManometry and dynamometry are more reliable tools than vaginal palpation for the assessment of PFM strength in women with pelvic floor disorders, especially when different raters are involved. The different PFM strength measures used clinically are moderately correlated; whereas, PFM activation recorded using transperineal sEMG is only weakly correlated with PFM strength. Results from perineal sEMG should not be interpreted in the context of reporting PFM strength.
The impact of nerve‐sparing robot‐assisted radical prostatectomy on lower urinary tract function: Prospective assessment of patient‐reported outcomes and frequency volume charts
Authors: Haga Nobuhiro , Hata Junya , Matsuoka Kanako , Koguchi Tomoyuki , Akaihata Hidenori , Kataoka Masao , Sato Yuichi , Ogawa Soichiro , Ishibashi Kei , Kojima Yoshiyuki 
Published: April 2017

AimsTo elucidate the effects of a nerve‐sparing (NS) procedure on lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) and urinary function after robot‐assisted radical prostatectomy (RARP), the associations between the NS procedure and LUTS and urinary function were investigated.MethodsThe participants in this study were 200 consecutive patients who underwent RARP. These patients were categorized into unilateral and bilateral NS groups and the non‐NS group. The International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS), quality of life (QOL) index, frequency‐volume chart, uroflowmetry, 1‐h pad test, and the 5‐item International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF‐5) questionnaire were evaluated before and after RARP.ResultsThe total IPSS score was significantly lower in the unilateral (P = 0.03) and bilateral NS groups (P = 0.03) than in the non‐NS group after RARP. Diurnal maximum voided volume (MVV) values were significantly greater in the bilateral NS group than in the non‐NS group after RARP (P = 0.002). Nocturnal frequency was significantly decreased in the unilateral NS group than in the non‐NS group after RARP (3 months P = 0.01, 12 months P = 0.01). Erectile function was significantly better in both the unilateral NS group (P < 0.0001) and the bilateral NS group (P = 0.02) than in the non‐NS group 12 months after RARP.ConclusionsThe NS procedure in RARP has the possibility to improve not only erectile function, but also LUTS, owing to both the increase of MVV and the decrease of nocturia. Therefore, the NS procedure is also recommended from the viewpoint of early improvement of LUTS and lower urinary tract dysfunction after RARP.
Topology optimization of vehicle rear suspension mechanisms
Authors: Kim Suh In , Kang Seok Won , Yi Yong‐Sub , Park Joonhong , Kim Yoon Young 
Published: April 2017

SummaryAs suspensions critically affect the ride and handling performance of vehicles, considerable efforts have been made to improve their design by an optimization method. In this paper, we propose a topology optimization–based method for suspension synthesis by using a 3‐dimensional model constructed with nonlinear bars and zero‐length springs that discretize the 3‐dimensional space between the chassis frame and a vehicle wheel. For optimization, bar cross‐sections and spring stiffness values are used as design variables alongside the nodal positions of bar elements as shape optimization variables to simultaneously optimize the topology and shape. To verify the proposed approach, 2 types of design problems were solved: recovering known suspension mechanisms for a given set of wheel trajectories and synthesizing unknown suspension mechanisms that satisfy several design constraints typically used in the automobile industry. Through these examples, possibilities to design new and advanced suspensions by the proposed optimization method are clearly demonstrated.
Weight loss in videoconference and in‐person iDiet weight loss programs in worksites and community groups
Authors: Das Sai Krupa , Brown Carrie , Urban Lorien E. , O'Toole James , Gamache Madeleine M. Gould , Weerasekara Yasoma K. , Roberts Susan B. 
Published: April 2017

ObjectiveTo examine the association of program delivery factors with weight loss (WL) in enrollees in iDiet®, a commercial WL program.MethodsData were from 644 adults enrolling in an 11‐week group WL program and 461 who reported weight to 11 weeks (complete reporters). Predictors of %WL were analyzed using ANCOVA, including meeting type (in‐person vs. videoconference), participant type (worksite employees vs. community members), age, gender, BMI, and payment structure.ResultsMean starting BMI was 32.4 ± 7.1 (mean ± SD); WL was 6.1 ± 3.9% in all enrollees in an intention‐to‐treat analysis and 7.4 ± 3.4% in complete reporters. Videoconference participants, older adults, and enrollees in incentivized programs were more likely to be complete reporters (P < 0.004). %WL at 11 weeks was not associated with gender, starting BMI, or videoconference versus in‐person groups. Worksite participants had greater %WL than community participants (+1.2%, P < 0.001), and there was no significant difference in %WL between programs paid by the employee or employer. Greater %WL was achieved by individuals ≥30 versus < 30 years (+2.2%, P < 0.001) and by those enrolling in January‐March versus April‐June (+1.4%, P = 0.02).ConclusionsiDiet participants had clinically impactful mean WL. The observed high mean WL in worksites and videoconference‐delivered programs broadens options for scalable WL program implementation.
Lineage switch under blinatumomab treatment of relapsed common acute lymphoblastic leukemia without MLL rearrangement
Authors: Zoghbi Annabelle , zur Stadt Udo , Winkler Beate , Müller Ingo , Escherich Gabriele 
Published: April 2017

AbstractBlinatumomab is a bispecific T‐cell engaging αCD19 antibody used in refractory or relapsed B‐cell precursor acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL). Recently, lineage switch to a myeloid phenotype has been described following CD19 targeting treatment in three pediatric patients with mixed lineage leukemia (MLL) rearranged ALL. We report the case of a female who received blinatumomab for a first relapse of ALL without MLL alterations. She suffered from a second relapse early after hematopoietic stem cell transplantation and was treated with blinatumomab again. During this treatment, the leukemia lost CD19 expression as well as nearly all other B‐cell markers, while still harboring the initial minimal residual disease marker, and switched to a myeloid phenotype.
The validity of the observed‐to‐expected lung‐to‐head ratio in congenital diaphragmatic hernia in an era of standardized neonatal treatment; a multicenter study
Authors: Snoek Kitty G. , Peters Nina C. J. , van Rosmalen Joost , van Heijst Arno F. J. , Eggink Alex J. , Sikkel Esther , Wijnen René M. , IJsselstijn Hanneke , Cohen‐Overbeek Titia E. , Tibboel Dick 
Published: April 2017

AbstractObjectiveTo assess the predictive value of observed‐to‐expected lung‐to‐head ratio (O/E LHR) for survival and chronic lung disease (CLD) in survivors of left‐sided congenital diaphragmatic hernia (CDH) in an era of standardized neonatal treatment, and to evaluate the predictive value of the O/E LHR trajectory for survival.MethodsThis retrospective cohort study was performed in two high‐volume CDH centers in the Netherlands in prenatally detected, isolated left‐sided CDH patients born between 2008 and 2014. O/E LHR and liver position were determined using 2D‐ultrasonography at three time points during gestation from 19 weeks onwards. Ultrasound measurements were performed on stored ultrasound data by one single experienced operator blinded to postnatal outcome.ResultsOf the 122 included cases, 77.9% survived of whom 38.9% developed CLD. A significant association was found between the first measured O/E LHR and survival and development of CLD in survivors. Prenatal liver position did not have additional predictive value. No significant association was found between the trajectory of the O/E LHR and survival.ConclusionIn an era of standardized neonatal treatment for neonates with CDH, the first measured O/E LHR per patient significantly predicts survival and development of CLD in survivors in isolated left‐sided CDH infants. © 2017 The Authors. Prenatal Diagnosis published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Impact on spina bifida screening of shifting prenatal Down syndrome maternal serum screening from the second trimester to the first
Authors: Spaggiari Emmanuel , Dreux Sophie , Stirnemann Julien J. , Czerkiewicz Isabelle , Houfflin‐Debarge Véronique , Segonne Alexandra , Jouannic Jean‐Marie , Ville Yves , Muller Francoise 
Published: April 2017

AbstractObjectivesShifting screening for trisomy 21 to the first trimester has resulted in the loss of maternal serum alpha‐fetoprotein screening for spina bifida. The aim of this study was to study the impact on open spina bifida prenatal screening.Study designWe reviewed prenatally diagnosed cases of spina bifida over three years: 2009 (only second‐trimester screening, MSM2T), 2010 (transient period) and 2011 (majority first‐trimester screening, MSM1T). Cases were assigned to three groups based on maternal serum markers (MSM2T, MSM1T and ‘not performed’). Gestational age at diagnosis of spina bifida was compared between these three groups and between the years 2009 and 2011.ResultsMedian gestational ages at diagnosis of the 742 spina bifida cases between the three groups were 22 weeks [18+6–23], 22+1 weeks [21+3–23] and 21+4 weeks [14+1–23], respectively (P < 0.005). The diagnosis was made at 14–20 weeks in 34.7% for MSM2T group versus 8.5% for MSM1T (P < 0.001). Spina bifida diagnosis at 14–20 weeks declined from 38.8% in 2009 to 13.3% in 2011 (P < 0.001).ConclusionLoss of maternal serum alpha‐fetoprotein had a tangible effect on the gestational age at diagnosis of spina bifida and resulted in a decrease of 25% of cases of spina bifida detected before 20 weeks. © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The psychosocial impact of contralateral risk reducing mastectomy (CRRM) on women: A rapid review
Authors: Collins Karen , Gee Melanie , Clack Anna , Wyld Lynda 
Published: April 2017

AbstractObjectivesFor women who have been diagnosed with unilateral breast cancer, there is an increasing trend for them to request removal of the contralateral healthy breast, the so‐called contralateral risk reducing mastectomy (CRRM). The current literature is only just beginning to identify patient‐reported reasons for undergoing CRRM and associated patient‐reported outcomes. It is also unclear whether women at moderate/high risk of developing a subsequent primary contralateral breast cancer report similar outcomes to those considered to be at low/average risk. This lack of knowledge provides the rationale for this review.MethodsA rapid review methodology was undertaken to identify and explore the published research literature focused on the longer term (>5 y) psychosocial impacts on women who undergo CRRM.ResultsFifteen studies were identified. No UK studies were identified. High satisfaction and psychosocial well‐being were consistently reported across all studies. Reducing the risk of a subsequent contralateral breast cancer and therefore reducing cancer‐related anxiety, and satisfaction with cosmesis, were key themes running across all studies explaining satisfaction. Dissatisfaction was associated with adverse effects such as poor cosmesis, body image changes, femininity, sexual relationships, reoperations for acute and longer term complications, and reconstructive problems.ConclusionsSatisfaction and psychological well‐being following CRRM was consistently high across all studies. However, the findings suggest women need to be more fully informed of the risks and benefits of CRRM and/or immediate/delayed reconstruction to support informed decision making.
A three‐parameter two‐state model of receptor function that incorporates affinity, efficacy, and signal amplification
Authors: Buchwald Peter 
Published: April 2017

AbstractA generalized model of receptor function is proposed that relies on the essential assumptions of the minimal two‐state receptor theory (i.e., ligand binding followed by receptor activation), but uses a different parametrization and allows nonlinear response (transduction) for possible signal amplification. For the most general case, three parameters are used: Kd, the classic equilibrium dissociation constant to characterize binding affinity; ε, an intrinsic efficacy to characterize the ability of the bound ligand to activate the receptor (ranging from 0 for an antagonist to 1 for a full agonist); and γ, a gain (amplification) parameter to characterize the nonlinearity of postactivation signal transduction (ranging from 1 for no amplification to infinity). The obtained equation, , resembles that of the operational (Black and Leff) or minimal two‐state (del Castillo‐Katz) models, , with εγ playing a role somewhat similar to that of the τ efficacy parameter of those models, but has several advantages. Its parameters are more intuitive as they are conceptually clearly related to the different steps of binding, activation, and signal transduction (amplification), and they are also better suited for optimization by nonlinear regression. It allows fitting of complex data where receptor binding and response are measured separately and the fractional occupancy and response are mismatched. Unlike the previous models, it is a true generalized model as simplified forms can be reproduced with special cases of its parameters. Such simplified forms can be used on their own to characterize partial agonism, competing partial and full agonists, or signal amplification.
Tunable structural and electrical properties of zigzag CdS nanotubes: A density functional study
Authors: Das Monoj , Mukherjee Prajna , Chowdhury Somnath , Gupta Bikash C. 
Published: April 2017

AbstractWe report structural and electrical properties such as wall thickness, binding energy, curvature energy, band‐gap energy, work function etc. of various zigzag CdS nanotubes within the framework of density functional theory. Binding energy calculation reveals that all the nanotubes studied here are stable and they follow classical elasticity law. The wall thickness, band‐gap, and work function of the tubes are found to decrease with increasing tube diameter. Quantitatively, the band‐gap may be tuned from 1.711 to 2.162 eV and from 0.871 to 1.291 eV, respectively, while the work function may be varied from 6.081 to 6.239 eV and from 4.679 to 4.911 eV, respectively, by changing parameters such as diameter and atomic arrangement of the tubes. The results may be useful in designing various nanoscale devices.
A new reliability evaluation method for networks with imperfect vertices using BDD
Authors: Pan Zhusheng , Xing Liudong , Mo Yuchang 
Published: April 2017

AbstractAs an efficient data structure for representation and manipulation of Boolean functions, binary decision diagrams (BDDs) have been applied to network reliability analysis. However, most of the existing BDD methods on network reliability analysis have assumed perfectly reliable vertices, which is often not true for real‐world networks where the vertices can fail because of factors such as limited resources (eg, power and memory) or harsh operating environments. Extensions have been made to the existing BDD methods (particularly, edge expansion diagram and boundary set–based methods) to address imperfect vertices. But these extended methods have various constraints leading to problems in accuracy or space efficiency. To overcome these constraints, in this paper, we propose a new BDD‐based algorithm called ordered BDD dependency test for K‐terminal network reliability analysis considering both edge and vertex failures. Based on a newly defined concept “dependency set”, the proposed algorithm can accurately compute the reliability of networks with imperfect vertices. In addition, the proposed algorithm has no restrictions on the starting vertex for the BDD model construction. Comprehensive examples and experiments are provided to show effectiveness of the proposed approach.
Construction of an efficient multivariate dynamic screening system
Authors: Li Jun , Qiu Peihua 
Published: April 2017

AbstractRecently, multivariate dynamic screening system (MDySS) has been proposed in the literature for monitoring processes whose in‐control distributions change over time. Multivariate dynamic screening system has broad applications, ranging from monitoring of dynamic engineering systems, such as nuclear reactors, airplanes, and other durable goods, to early disease detection. Conventional construction of MDySS is appropriate only in cases when sampling rate of observations is the same in Phase I and Phase II process monitoring, and the process observations are independent. In practice, these assumptions are rarely valid. In this paper, we propose a new construction of the MDySS method, which is shown to be more reliable than the conventional construction in various cases. The new construction is demonstrated using a real data from the SHARe Framingham Heart Study of the National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute.
SANSA—hybrid terrestrial–satellite backhaul network: scenarios, use cases, KPIs, architecture, network and physical layer techniques
Authors: Ziaragkas Georgios , Poziopoulou Georgia , Núñez‐Martínez José , Baranda Jorge , Moreno Isaac , Tsinos Christos , Maleki Sina , Sharma Shree Krishna , Alodeh Maha , Chatzinotas Symeon 
Published: April 2017

SummaryShared Access terrestrial–satellite backhaul Network enabled by Smart Antennas (SANSA) is a project funded by the EU under the H2020 program. The main aim of SANSA is to boost the performance of mobile wireless backhaul networks in terms of capacity, energy efficiency and resilience against link failure or congestion while easing the deployment in both rural and urban areas and assuring at the same time an efficient use of the spectrum. This paper provides an overview and the first results of the project, and, more specifically, it describes the regulatory environment, the State of The Art of mobile backhauling technologies regarding Ka band, the scenarios, the use cases and the key performance indicators along with the SANSA architecture, network (NET) and physical (PHY) layer techniques used to enhance wireless backhauling capabilities. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.