bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Quantification of pelvic floor muscle strength in female urinary incontinence: A systematic review and comparison of contemporary methodologies
Authors: Deegan Emily G. , Stothers Lynn , Kavanagh Alex , Macnab Andrew J. 
Published: May 2017

AimsThere remains no gold standard for quantification of voluntary pelvic floor muscle (PFM) strength, despite international guidelines that recommend PFM assessment in females with urinary incontinence (UI). Methods currently reported for quantification of skeletal muscle strength across disciplines are systematically reviewed and their relevance for clinical and academic use related to the pelvic floor are described.MethodsA systematic review via Medline, PubMed, CINHAL, and the Cochrane database using key terms for pelvic floor anatomy and function were cross referenced with skeletal muscle strength quantification from 1946 to 2016. Full text peer‐reviewed articles in English having female subjects with incontinence were identified. Each study was analyzed for use of controls, type of methodology as direct or indirect measures, benefits, and limitations of the technique.ResultsA total of 1586 articles were identified of which 50 met the inclusion criteria. Nine methodologies of determining PFM strength were described including: digital palpation, perineometer, dynamometry, EMG, vaginal cones, ultrasonography, magnetic resonance imaging, urine stream interruption test, and the Colpexin pull test. Thirty‐two percent lacked a control group.ConclusionTechnical refinements in both direct and indirect instrumentation for PFM strength measurement are allowing for sensitivity. However, the most common methods of quantification remain digital palpation and perineometry; techniques that pose limitations and yield subjective or indirect measures of muscular strength. Dynamometry has potential as an accurate and sensitive tool, but is limited by inability to assess PFM strength during dynamic movements.
The association between lower urinary tract symptoms and falls: Forming a theoretical model for a research agenda
Authors: Gibson William , Hunter Kathleen F. , Camicioli Richard , Booth Joanne , Skelton Dawn A. , Dumoulin Chantale , Paul Lorna , Wagg Adrian 
Published: May 2017

BackgroundThere is a well‐recognised association between falls and lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) in older adults, with estimates of odd ratios for falls in the presence of LUTS ranging between 1.5 and 2.3. Falls and LUTS are both highly prevalent among older people and both are markers of frailty, with significant associated morbidity, mortality, and healthcare resource cost. This association is not well examined or explained in the literature.AimsWe aimed to outline current knowledge of the association between falls and lower urinary tract symptoms and suggest a research program to further investigate this.Materials and MethodsA consensus conference of experts in the field was convened to review the current literature and brainstorm potential future investigative avenues.Results and DiscussionDespite the recognition of this association, there has been little research to examine its potential causes, and no intervention trial has established if reducing LUTS or urinary incontinence can reduce the risk of falls. The commonly held assumption that urgency causes falls through rushing to the toilet is likely incorrect. Falls and LUTS are both symptoms of frailty and have many common causes. Gait, balance, and continence are all processes requiring cognitive input, and the concept of dual tasking may be a further link.ConclusionThe significant association between lower urinary tract symptoms and falls is currently unexplained, and further research into the potential causes of this association is needed.
Behavioral Characteristics and Cardiovascular Disease Risks Associated With Insomnia and Sleep Quality Among Middle‐Aged Women in South Korea
Authors: Ham Ok Kyung , Kim Jinyoung , Lee Bo Gyeong , Choi Eunju 
Published: May 2017

AbstractInsomnia is the most common sleep problem in women. Increasing evidence suggests an association between insomnia and cardiovascular disease (CVD). However, information is limited on lifestyle and socio‐environmental factors associated with sleep problems in women. In this study directed by Social Cognitive Theory, we examined the personal, behavioral, socio‐environmental, and CVD risk factors associated with sleep characteristics (insomnia and sleep quality) in middle‐aged women using a cross‐sectional design. The study instruments included the Insomnia Severity Index (ISI), the Pittsburg Sleep Quality Index (PSQI), the Center for Epidemiological Studies Depression Scale (CES‐D), and measures of social support and behavioral characteristics. Blood was drawn to assess serum glucose and lipids, and BMI was measured. Data were analyzed using hierarchical multiple regression and analysis of covariance (ANCOVA). Of 423 middle‐aged women, 25% experienced insomnia (ISI ≥ 10) and 41.3% reported poor sleep quality (PSQI ≥ 5). Lesser education (≤middle school), more depressive symptoms, more screen time (≥ 3 hours/day), and severe stress were associated with greater severity of insomnia and/or poorer sleep quality. Total and LDL cholesterol levels were higher in women with insomnia than normal sleepers, whereas the BMI was higher in those who reported poor sleep quality. Because personal, behavioral, and socio‐environmental factors were significantly associated with insomnia and poor sleep quality, multifactorial approaches should be considered in developing sleep interventions and reducing cardiovascular risk. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Efficiency and duality for a vector of quotients of curvilinear functionals on the first‐order jet bundle
Authors: Debnath Indira P. , Gupta S. K. 
Published: May 2017

SummaryIn the present work, we focus on the multitime multiobjective nondifferentiable fractional variational problems in the first‐order jet bundle. The problem minimizes a vector of quotients of the form of curvilinear integral type containing the support functions with respect to some partial differential equations and inequations. The necessary and sufficient optimality conditions for the problem have been established under (H,δ)‐convexity assumptions. Further, we have introduced a parametric multitime multiobjective nondifferentiable variational dual problem and studied the duality relations considering the functionals involved to be (H,δ)‐convex.
Polymerization of 2,5‐diaminoterephthalic acid‐type monomers for the synthesis of polyamides containing ladder unit
Authors: Yokoyama Akihiro , Kuramochi Jinya , Kiyota Ryohei , Kishimoto Kazuki , Takaishi Kazuto , Yokozawa Tsutomu 
Published: May 2017

ABSTRACTTo synthesize ladder‐type polyamides by construction of two amide bonds successively, 2,5‐diaminoterephthalic acid derivatives bearing anthranilic acid ester and isatoic anhydride moieties were synthesized and their polymerization was investigated. Polymerization of the methyl ester monomer proceeded in the presence of lithium hexamethyldisilazide (LiHMDS) as a base in tetrahydrofuran (THF). However, mass spectroscopic analysis of the product suggested that not only the bis(trimethylsilyl)amide anion of LiHMDS but also the methoxide anion eliminated at the second amide‐linkage formation reaction decomposed the isatoic anhydride unit of the growing oligomer by nucleophilic attack to disturb the polymerization. To reduce the nucleophilicity of the eliminated anion, methyl ester of the monomer was changed to phenyl ester and its polymerization was studied. The reaction conditions were optimized, and the best result was obtained when the polymerization was conducted in the presence of 1.0 equivalent of LiHMDS without additives in THF at 50 °C. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Polym. Sci., Part A: Polym. Chem. 2017, 55, 2365–2372
Proton transport through hydrated chitosan‐based polymer membranes under electric fields
Authors: Fischer Sean A. , Dunlap Brett I. , Gunlycke Daniel 
Published: May 2017

ABSTRACTProton transport is essential in many areas of chemistry and biology and is especially important in the fields of proton exchange membrane fuel cells and biocompatible, protonic semiconductors. These devices make use of membranes to control the flow of protons for either the generation of energy or to more closely couple electronics and biology. In the present study, we make use of ab initio molecular dynamics simulations, including the effect of applied electric fields, to gain atomistic insight into the intrinsic conductivity of chitosan‐based polymers and demonstrate that chitosan does not act as a significant source of friction for the transport of protons while increasing the number of free ions. Published 2017.† J. Polym. Sci., Part B: Polym. Phys. 2017, 55, 1103–1109
Coping with missing data in phase III pivotal registration trials: Tolvaptan in subjects with kidney disease, a case study
Authors: Ouyang John , Carroll Kevin J. , Koch Gary , Li Junfang 
Published: May 2017

Missing data cause challenging issues, particularly in phase III registration trials, as highlighted by the European Medicines Agency (EMA) and the US National Research Council. We explore, as a case study, how the issues from missing data were tackled in a double‐blind phase III trial in subjects with autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease. A total of 1445 subjects were randomized in a 2:1 ratio to receive active treatment (tolvaptan), or placebo. The primary outcome, the rate of change in total kidney volume, favored tolvaptan (P < .0001). The key secondary efficacy endpoints of clinical progression of disease and rate of decline in kidney function also favored tolvaptan. However, as highlighted by Food and Drug Administration and EMA, the interpretation of results was hampered by a high number of unevenly distributed dropouts, particularly early dropouts. In this paper, we outline the analyses undertaken to address the issue of missing data thoroughly. “Tipping point analyses” were performed to explore how extreme and detrimental outcomes among subjects with missing data must be to overturn the positive treatment effect attained in those subjects who had complete data. Nonparametric rank‐based analyses were also performed accounting for missing data. In conclusion, straightforward and transparent analyses directly taking into account missing data convincingly support the robustness of the preplanned analyses on the primary and secondary endpoints. Tolvaptan was confirmed to be effective in slowing total kidney volume growth, which is considered an efficacy endpoint by EMA, and in lessening the decline in renal function in patients with autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease.
Modeling and evaluation of hand–eye coordination of surgical robotic system on task performance
Authors: Gao Yuanqian , Wang Shuxin , Li Jianmin , Li Aimin , Liu Hongbin , Xing Yuan 
Published: May 2017

AbstractBackgroundRobotic‐assisted minimally invasive surgery changes the direct hand and eye coordination in traditional surgery to indirect instrument and camera coordination, which affects the ergonomics, operation performance, and safety.MethodsA camera, two instruments, and a target, as the descriptors, are used to construct the workspace correspondence and geometrical relationships in a surgical operation. A parametric model with a set of parameters is proposed to describe the hand–eye coordination of the surgical robot.ResultsFrom the results, optimal values and acceptable ranges of these parameters are identified from two tasks. A 90° viewing angle had the longest completion time; 60° instrument elevation angle and 0° deflection angle had better performance; there is no significant difference among manipulation angles and observing distances on task performance.ConclusionThis hand–eye coordination model provides evidence for robotic design, surgeon training, and robotic initialization to achieve dexterous and safe manipulation in surgery.
The dentary of Wareolestes rex (Megazostrodontidae): a new specimen from Scotland and implications for morganucodontan tooth replacement
Authors: Panciroli Elsa , Benson Roger B. J. , Walsh Stig 
Published: May 2017

AbstractThe Middle Jurassic morganucodontan, Wareolestes rex, was previously known from only four isolated molars from Kirtlington, England. There has been debate over the position of the holotype tooth as an upper or lower molar. We describe a new Wareolestes specimen from the Kilmaluag Formation of Scotland: a partial left dentary with two erupted molars, one unerupted molar and three unerupted premolars. Empty alveoli for a canine, p1 and p3 are also present. Through detailed comparison of the morphology of the holotype and our new material, we support the original diagnosis of the holotype Wareolestes as a lower molar, most likely m1. The position of erupted and unerupted replacement teeth in the newly discovered specimen supports a diphyodont pattern of tooth replacement of premolariform dentition in Wareolestes, as suggested for other morganucodontans such as Morganucodon, Megazostrodon and Dinnetherium. However, damage to the dentary means that questions remain regarding the sequence of replacement in Wareolestes along the tooth row.
Outpatient Appendectomy in an Emergency Outpatient Surgery Unit 24 h a Day: An Intention‐to‐Treat Analysis of 194 Patients
Authors: Aubry Adeline , Saget Arnaud , Manceau Gilles , Faron Matthieu , Wagner Mathilde , Tresallet Christophe , Riou Bruno , Lucidarme Olivier , le Saché Frédéric , Karoui Mehdi 
Published: May 2017

AbstractObjectiveTo evaluate the feasibility and outcomes of patients operated on for uncomplicated acute appendicitis (UAA) in our 24‐h emergency outpatient surgery unit.MethodsThis was a prospective observational study with intention‐to‐treat (ITT) analysis. From 12/2013 to 03/2015, all consecutive patients admitted for acute appendicitis (AA) were prospectively screened. A computed tomography or abdominal ultrasound confirmed the diagnosis of AA. Eligibility criteria for outpatient appendectomy were: UAA, no comorbidity, no physical or mental condition preventing participation in the study, absence of pregnancy, age older than 15 years, an accompanying adult person available for the hospital discharge and place of residence within 1 h of our hospital. In the case of intraoperative complication (abscess, local or general peritonitis) or complication of general anesthesia, patients were excluded from the outpatient pathway. The primary endpoint was the feasibility of outpatient appendectomy among all consecutive patients admitted for UAA.ResultsOf the 194 screened patients, 150 (77%) presented an UAA and 102 (68%) were eligible for an outpatient procedure. Thirteen eligible patients (13%) were excluded from the outpatient circuit (7 intraoperative and 6 postoperative contraindications). Outpatient appendectomy was performed in 89 patients, representing 59% (89/150) of the ITT population and 87% (89/102) of the eligible patients. The median length of hospital stay was 13 h. Postoperative complications were observed in six patients (6%).ConclusionsThis study reports a safe and feasible management of UAA. Our organization allows a short hospitalization for postoperative recovery without using conventional surgery beds and enables discharge throughout the night.
Numerical Simulation of Heat Transfer in Porous Metals for Cooling Applications
Authors: Gauna Edgar Avalos , Zhao Yuyuan 
Published: May 2017

Abstract
Porous metals have low densities and novel physical, mechanical, thermal, electrical, and acoustic properties. Hence, they have attracted a large amount of interest over the last few decades. One of their applications is for thermal management in the electronics industry because of their fluid permeability and thermal conductivity. The heat transfer capability is achieved by the interaction between the internal channels within the porous metal and the coolant flowing through them. This paper studies the fluid flow and heat transfer in open-cell porous metals manufactured by space holder methods by numerical simulation using software ANSYS Fluent. A 3D geometric model of the porous structure was created based on the face-centered-cubic arrangement of spheres linked by cylinders. This model allows for different combinations of pore parameters including a wide range of porosity (50 to 80 pct), pore size (400 to 1000 µm), and metal particle size (10 to 75 µm). In this study, water was used as the coolant and copper was selected as the metal matrix. The flow rate was varied in the Darcian and Forchheimer’s regimes. The permeability, form drag coefficient, and heat transfer coefficient were calculated under a range of conditions. The numerical results showed that permeability increased whereas the form drag coefficient decreased with porosity. Both permeability and form drag coefficient increased with pore size. Increasing flow rate and decreasing porosity led to better heat transfer performance.
Synthesis and Evaluation of Novel Amido‐Amine Cationic Gemini Surfactants Containing Flexible and Rigid Spacers
Authors: Hussain S. M. Shakil , Kamal Muhammad Shahzad , El Ali Bassam , Sultan Abdullah S. 
Published: May 2017

AbstractNew amido‐amine‐based cationic gemini surfactants with flexible and rigid spacers and different hydrophobic tails were synthesized and characterized. These gemini surfactants were prepared by a modified procedure through amidation of long chain carboxylic acids using 3‐(dimethylamino)‐1‐propylamine followed by treatment with halohydrocarbons. The effect of the trans and cis conformation of the spacer double bond was investigated by means of critical micelle concentration, surface tension reduction, and thermal stability. The short‐term thermal stability of the gemini surfactants was assessed using thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) and the long‐term thermal stability was examined by a unique approach based on structure characterization techniques including NMR (1H and 13C) and FTIR analysis. TGA results demonstrated excellent short‐term thermal stability since no structure degradation was observed up to 200 °C. Structural characterization revealed impressive long‐term thermal stability of the gemini surfactants with no structure decomposition after exposing them to 90 °C for 10 days. The critical micelle concentration of gemini surfactants was found to be in the range of 0.77 × 10−4–3.61 × 10−4 mol L−1 and corresponding surface tension (γCMC) ranged from 30.34 to 38.12 mN m−1. The surfactant with the trans conformation of spacer double bond showed better surface properties compared to the surfactant with the cis conformation of spacer double bond. Similarly, increasing surfactant tail length and spacer length resulted in decreasing CMC values. Moreover, bromide counterion showed improved surface properties compared to chloride counterion.
Inhibition of Angiotensin II‐Induced Cardiac Fibrosis by Atorvastatin in Adiponectin Knockout Mice
Authors: Choi Sun Young , Park Jong Sung , Roh Mee Sook , Kim Chong‐Rak , Kim Moo Hyun , Serebruany Victor 
Published: May 2017

AbstractAdiponectin is a polypeptide known to inhibit cardiac fibrosis via the activation of ‎adenosine monophosphate‐activated protein kinase (AMPK). Statins can also activate AMPK, resulting in the secretion of adiponectin. We determined whether atorvastatin inhibits angiotensin II‐induced cardiac fibrosis (AICF) in the presence or absence of adiponectin. Adiponectin knockout (APN‐KO,n= 44) and wild type (WT,n= 44) mice were received subcutaneous angiotensin II (1.5 mg/kg/day), and atorvastatin (10 mg/kg/day) was administered orally for 15 days. The mRNA expression levels of collagen type I and III, as well as AMPK phosphorylation levels in cardiac tissue were then measured. In the APN‐KO mice, collagen type I (p< 0.001) and type III (p= 0.001) expression was significantly greater when treated with angiotensin II, while their expression was significantly reduced in the presence of angiotensin II and atorvastatin. Relative AMPK phosphorylation levels in APN‐KO mice were also significantly higher in the angiotensin II + atorvastatin group when compared with angiotensin II group alone. We conclude that atorvastatin attenuates AICF independently from adiponectin by activating AMPK. These data suggest potential cardioprotection beyond lipid modulation potentially supporting statin pleiotropic hypothesis.
Microflora from Sauropod Coprolites and Associated Sediments of Late Cretaceous (Maastrichtian) Lameta Formation of Nand-Dongargaon Basin, Maharashtra
Authors: Sonkusare Hemant , Samant Bandana , Mohabey D. M. 
Published: May 2017

Abstract
Micofloral study of Lameta sediments and associated sauropod coprolites in the Nand-Dongargaon basin in Maharashtra was conducted to understand the diet and habitat of sauropods. The study revealed the presence of pollen, spores, algal and fungal remains, well-preserved cuticles of Poaceae, and testate amoebae. Vegetation during Lameta included tall arboreal taxa, such as conifers (Podocarpus and Araucaria), Cycads (Cycas), Euphorian and Barringtonia and herbs and shrubs, such as Cheirolepidiaceae (Classopollis), Arecaceae (Palmaepollenites), Poaceae (Graminidites), Asteraceae (Compositoipollenites), Caryophyllaceae (Cretacaeiporites and Periporopollenites), and Acanthaceae (Multiareolites). Data suggest that the sauropods ate soft tissues of angiosperms and gymnosperms. The intake of testate amoeba, algal remains, sponge spicules, and diatoms might be through water intake.
Soil Void Ratio Correlation with Shear Wave Velocities and SPT N Values for Indo-Gangetic Basin
Authors: Anbazhagan P. , Uday Anjali , Moustafa Sayed S. R. , Al-Arifi Nassir S. N. 
Published: May 2017

ABSTRACT
In this study attempt has been made to understand in-situ void ratio in Indo-Gangetic basin (IGB) and to form empirical relations between void ratio and shear wave velocity (Vs), N values considering subsoil investigation data. Multichannel analysis of surface wave (MASW) test and standard penetration test was carried out along with soil property measured at 25 locations. The general soil profile varied from silty sand to clay of low compressibility, ground water level fluctuated between 1-27 m, depth of borehole varied from 20-40 m. Regression analysis was conducted on 202 data sets of void ratio and shear wave velocity, 293 data sets of void ratio and SPT-N value, which resulted in inverse correlations between void ratio and Vs, SPT N value. The datas were segregated into fine, coarse grained data based on engineering classification and relations were developed separately. Until now, no studies have related in-situ void ratio to Vs and SPT N. These correlations will be useful to predict void ratio for sites having measured values of Vs and N value. These void ratios can be further used to assess liquefaction susceptibility.