bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Early postpartum pelvic floor changes in primiparous women after vaginal delivery using 3T MRI
Authors: Alt Céline D. , Hampel Franziska , Radtke Jan Philipp , Hallscheidt Peter , Schlehe Bettina , Sohn Christof , Brocker Kerstin A. 
Published: February 2017

AIMSDetection of early morphological pelvic floor changes after vaginal delivery in primiparous women using 3 Tesla magnetic resonance imaging.METHODSA 3 Tesla magnetic resonance imaging was performed using static T2‐weighted turbo spin echo (tse) in three planes, T2‐weighted tse fat saturated and T1‐weighted sequence in transverse plane. All visible changes of pelvic structures (edema, hematoma, tear, or avulsion) were documented. Measurements for the integrity of the pelvic floor were performed and compared to a nulliparous control‐group. Differences in pelvic floor parameters were analyzed using an unpaired t‐test. P<0.05 was considered statistically significant.RESULTSTwenty‐five primiparous women delivered vaginally at term and underwent postpartum magnetic resonance imaging. Several morphological changes in the pelvis, superficial as well as deep, were detected in all participants. Anteroposterior hiatus, hiatal circumference, hiatal area, laterolateral hiatus, maximum muscle thickness, and levator urethra gap were significantly different to the nulliparous control‐group.CONCLUSIONSTwo‐dimensional 3 Tesla magnetic resonance imaging is feasible in a clinical and early postpartum setting establishing a reliable diagnostic tool to evaluate numerous morphological pelvic floor changes and the integrity of the pelvic floor.
Turkish validation of the urethral stricture surgery specific patient‐reported outcome measure (USS‐PROM) with supplemental assessment of erectile function and morbidity due to oral graft harvesting
Authors: Önol Fikret Fatih , Bindayi Ahmet , Tahra Ahmet , Basibuyuk Ismail , Onol Sinasi Yavuz 
Published: February 2017

AIMSWe validated a Turkish language version of the urethral stricture surgery specific patient‐reported outcome measure (USS‐PROM) in men undergoing anterior urethroplasty. We also investigated changes in erectile function (EF) and quality of life (QoL) due to oral mucosa graft (OMG) harvesting.METHODSThe USS‐PROM captures lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS), health related QoL (HRQoL) with EQ‐5D visual analogue scale (EQ‐VAS). To evaluate EF and OMG morbidity, we used International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF‐5) and a self‐completed questionnaire, respectively. Psychometric assessment of USS‐PROM included test‐retest reliability, internal consistency, criterion validity, and responsiveness. Objective evidence for urethroplasty success was demonstrated with fluoroscopic imaging and urethral calibration at post‐operative six months.RESULTSAmong the 101 men included during study period, 42 had complete pre‐ and postoperative 6th month data for analysis. The test‐retest intraclass correlation was 0.79. Cronbach's α for internal consistency of the LUTS construct was 0.79. There was a significant negative correlation between total LUTS scores and peak flow rates, both preoperatively (r = −0.478) and postoperatively (r = −0.508). Mean baseline EQ‐VAS increased from 70 to 84 postoperatively (P < 0.001), indicating improved HRQoL. IIEF scores did not change significantly after urethroplasty. Early and late‐term QoL impairment rates due to OMG harvesting were 28.9 and 13.1%, respectively. Three (7.1%) men required endoscopic intervention for recurrence within 6 months.CONCLUSIONSTurkish version of USS‐PROM showed comparable psychometric properties with the original version. Complementation of this instrument with additional measures that address sexual function and OMG morbidity provides better QoL assessment for urethral reconstruction.
Cerebral and lung effects of a new generation synthetic surfactant with SP‐B and SP‐C analogs in preterm lambs
Authors: Rey‐Santano Carmen , Mielgo Victoria E. , Murgia Xabier , Gomez‐Solaetxe Miguel Angel , Salomone Fabrizio , Bianco Federico , Pelizzi Nicola , Loureiro Begoña , López de Heredia y Goya Jon 
Published: February 2017

AbstractBACKGROUNDThough natural surfactants (SF) are clinically superior to protein‐free synthetic preparations, CHF‐5633, a synthetic SF containing SP‐B and SP‐C analog peptides is a potential alternative to natural SF for treating neonatal respiratory distress syndrome (RDS). Nevertheless, information is lacking regarding the safety of this new treatment for the neonatal brain. We sought to compare the cerebral and pulmonary effects of this new synthetic surfactant (CHF5633) with those of natural porcine surfactant (Cursosurf) in premature lambs with RDS.METHODSTwenty‐one preterm lambs were randomly assigned to receive CHF5633, Curosurf, or no treatment (control). Pulmonary (gas exchange, lung mechanics) and cerebral (carotid artery blood flow, cerebral oxygen metabolism) effects were measured every 30 min for 6 h. Pulmonary and cerebral histological analysis were also performed.RESULTSAfter delivery, lambs developed severe RDS (FIO2:1, pH < 7.15, PaCO2 > 70 mmHg, PaO2 < 40 mmHg, Cdyn < 0.1 mL/cmH2O/kg). By 30 min after treatment, animals in both SF‐treated groups had consistently better gas exchange and lung mechanics than controls. After CHF5633 administration, PaCO2, carotid artery blood flow, and cerebral oxygen delivery tended to slowly decrease compared to other groups. By 2 h, SF‐treated groups had similar values of all parameters studied, these remaining steady for the rest of the experiment. Lambs administered CHF5633 obtained better lung and brain injury scores than controls.CONCLUSIONIntratracheal administration of a bolus of CHF5633 improves pulmonary status in preterm lambs with severe RDS, obtaining better lung and brain injury scores than controls and favorable cerebral hemodynamics, comparable to those with gold standard Curosurf treatment.
Entanglement‐symmetry control in a quantum‐dot Cooper‐pair splitter
Authors: Hussein Robert , Braggio Alessandro , Governale Michele 
Published: February 2017

AbstractThe control of nonlocal entanglement in solid state systems is a crucial ingredient of quantum technologies. We investigate a Cooper‐pair splitter based on a double quantum dot realized in a semiconducting nanowire. In the presence of interdot tunneling the system provides a simple mechanism to develop spatial entanglement even in absence of nonlocal coupling with the superconducting lead. We discuss the possibility to control the symmetry (singlet or triplet) of spatially separated, entangled electron pairs taking advantage of the spin‐orbit coupling of the nanowire. We also demonstrate that the spin‐orbit coupling does not impact over the entanglement purity of the nonlocal state generated in the double quantum dot system.Cooper‐pair splitter realized in a nanowire acting as double quantum dot which is coupled to one superconductor (S) and two normal leads (N). Electron singlets in the superconductor are split nonlocally into the different dots as schematically shown in the figure. The entangled electrons in the two quantum dots are then transferred by tunneling, with rate , to the normal leads.
Transporting and manipulating single electrons in surface‐acoustic‐wave minima
Authors: Ford Christopher J. B. 
Published: February 2017

AbstractA surface acoustic wave (SAW) can produce a moving potential wave that can trap and drag electrons along with it. We review work on using a SAW to create moving quantum dots containing single electrons, with the aims of developing a current standard, emitting single photons, transferring single electrons between static quantum dots, and investigating non‐adiabatic effects.
Cultural Influences on Choosing Green Products: An Empirical Study in MALAYSIA
Authors: Ghazali Ihwan , Abdul‐Rashid Salwa Hanim , Dawal Siti Zawiah Md , Aoyama Hideki , Tontowi Alva Edy , Sakundarini Novita 
Published: February 2017

AbstractOver the past few years, there have been increasing efforts to promote green products in developing nations. However, evaluating customer preferences when it comes to choosing green products is a rather complex task, which is perhaps due to the influence of cultural values on customer preferences. Hence, the objective of this study is to examine the influence of cultural value dimensions on customer preferences for green products in Malaysia. The sample consists of 615 Malaysian citizens and the data were analysed using the structural modelling approach. Based on the results, there are three cultural value dimensions that have a significant influence on customer preferences for green products in Malaysia: (1) uncertainty avoidance, (2) long‐term orientation and (3) power distance. The implications of this study and recommendations for public policy and business orientation are also discussed in this paper in order to accelerate the attainment of sustainable development. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd and ERP Environment
Auckland district health board radiology service improvement: An after hours ultrasound service pilot study
Authors: Gerrie Samantha , Sim Jenny , Winstone Tim , Milne David , Modahl Lucy , Bagnall Carol , Curin Raewyn , Metcalfe Julia , O'Carroll Nicola 
Published: February 2017

AbstractIntroductionThe aim of the study was to improve acute diagnostic workflow by provision of a dedicated sonographer‐lead after hours ultrasound (US) service.MethodsData on patients referred for the four most common referrals was obtained retrospectively over a 3‐month period both prior to, and during, a 6‐month sonographer‐lead after hours US service. The primary outcome measure was mean time from referral to US exam. The secondary outcome measure was the mean number of days between US referral and discharge.ResultsThere was a statistically significant decrease in the mean referral to exam time of three of the four referral groups and a statistically significant decrease in the number of days between US referral and discharge in the post‐intervention group compared with the pre‐intervention group.DiscussionThere was a clear early indication of improvement in patient safety and ability to provide effective and efficient care. Our recommendation is to use this data to provide the basis for application for funding for a permanent sonographer‐lead after hours US service.
Generation of Storable Retinal Organoids and Retinal Pigmented Epithelium from Adherent Human iPS Cells in Xeno-Free and Feeder-Free Conditions
Authors: Reichman Sacha , Slembrouck Amélie , Gagliardi Giuliana , Chaffiol Antoine , Terray Angélique , Nanteau Céline , Potey Anais , Belle Morgane , Rabesandratana Oriane , Duebel Jens , Orieux Gael , Nandrot Emeline F. , Sahel José-Alain , Goureau Olivier 
Published: February 2017

Abstract
Human induced pluripotent stem cells (hiPSCs) are potentially useful in regenerative therapies for retinal disease. For medical applications, therapeutic retinal cells, such as retinal pigmented epithelial (RPE) cells or photoreceptor precursors, must be generated under completely defined conditions. To this purpose, we have developed a two-step xeno-free/feeder-free (XF/FF) culture system to efficiently differentiate hiPSCs into retinal cells. This simple method, relies only on adherent hiPSCs cultured in chemically defined media, bypassing embryoid body formation. In less than 1 month, adherent hiPSCs are able to generate self-forming neuroretinal-like structures containing retinal progenitor cells (RPCs). Floating cultures of isolated structures enabled the differentiation of RPCs into all types of retinal cells in a sequential overlapping order, with the generation of transplantation-compatible CD73+ photoreceptor precursors in less than 100 days. Our XF/FF culture conditions allow the maintenance of both mature cones and rods in retinal organoids until 280 days with specific photoreceptor ultrastructures. Moreover, both hiPSC-derived retinal organoids and dissociated retinal cells can be easily cryopreserved while retaining their phenotypic characteristics and the preservation of CD73+ photoreceptor precursors. Concomitantly to neural retina, this process allows the generation of RPE cells that can be effortlessly amplified, passaged, and frozen while retaining a proper RPE phenotype. These results demonstrate that simple and efficient retinal differentiation of adherent hiPSCs can be accomplished in XF/FF conditions. This new method is amenable to the development of an in vitro GMP-compliant retinal cell manufacturing protocol allowing large-scale production and banking of hiPSC-derived retinal cells and tissues.
Disappearing giants: a review of threats to freshwater megafauna
Authors: He Fengzhi , Zarfl Christiane , Bremerich Vanessa , Henshaw Alex , Darwall William , Tockner Klement , Jähnig Sonja C. 
Published: February 2017

Charismatic megafauna species may act as both flagship and umbrella species. They influence local environments and biotas, determine related ecosystem processes and functions, and are associated with high levels of biodiversity. However, the intrinsic characteristics of megafauna species including long lifespan, large body size, sparseness and/or rarity, late maturity, and low fecundity, as well as high market value, make them very prone to extinction. Up to now, scientific interest and conservation efforts have mainly focused on terrestrial and marine megafauna, while freshwater species have received comparatively little attention, despite evidence suggesting that freshwaters are losing species faster than marine or terrestrial realms. The high susceptibility of freshwater megafauna to multiple threats, coupled with immense human pressure on freshwater ecosystems, places freshwater megafauna amongst the most threatened species globally. The main threats include overexploitation, dam construction, habitat degradation, pollution, and species invasion. These threats increase mortality, decrease productivity, and reduce fitness, causing the decline of populations and the extinction of freshwater megafauna species. Given the essential ecological and biological roles of freshwater megafauna, further research should focus on their distribution patterns, extinction risks, and population dynamics, thereby improving the knowledge base for conservation planning. Finally, freshwater megafauna‐based conservation strategies may raise public awareness for freshwater conservation and therefore benefit a broader range of freshwater species and functions. WIREs Water 2017, 4:e1208. doi: 10.1002/wat2.1208This article is categorized under:

Water and Life > Conservation, Management, and Awareness
Water and Life > Nature of Freshwater Ecosystems
Water and Life > Stresses and Pressures on Ecosystems
Trends in high‐throughput and functional neuroimaging in Caenorhabditis elegans
Authors: Cho Yongmin , Zhao Charles L. , Lu Hang 
Published: February 2017

The nervous system of Caenorhabditis elegans is an important model system for understanding the development and function of larger, more complex nervous systems. It is prized for its ease of handling, rapid life cycle, and stereotyped, well‐cataloged development, with the development of all 302 neurons mapped all the way from zygote to adult. The combination of easy genetic manipulation and optical transparency of the worm allows for the direct imaging of its interior with fluorescent microscopy, without physically compromising the normal physiology of the animal itself. By expressing fluorescent markers, biologists study many developmental and cell biology questions in vivo; by expressing genetically encoded fluorescent calcium indicators within neurons, it is also possible to monitor their dynamic activity, answering questions about the structure and function of neural microcircuitry in the worm. However, to successfully image the worm it is necessary to overcome a number of experimental challenges. It is necessary to hold worms within the field of view, collect images efficiently and rapidly, and robustly analyze the data obtained. In recent years, a trend has developed toward imaging a large number of worms or neurons simultaneously, directly exploiting the unique properties of C. elegans to acquire data on a scale, which is not possible in other organisms. Doing this has required the development of new experimental tools, techniques, and data analytic approaches, all of which come together to open new perspectives on the field of neurobiology in C. elegans, and neuroscience in general. WIREs Syst Biol Med 2017, 9:e1376. doi: 10.1002/wsbm.1376This article is categorized under:

Analytical and Computational Methods > Analytical Methods
Analytical and Computational Methods > Computational Methods
Models of Systems Properties and Processes > Organismal Models
Intraoperative PTH May Not Be Necessary in the Management of Primary Hyperparathyroidism Even with Only One Positive or Only Indeterminate Preoperative Localization Studies
Authors: Najafian Alireza , Kahan Stacie , Olson Matthew T. , Tufano Ralph P. , Zeiger Martha A. 
Published: February 2017

AbstractBackgroundIntraoperative PTH (IOPTH) monitoring has been widely used to confirm the removal of the culprit lesion during operation. However, the true benefit of IOPTH in patients with preoperatively well‐localized single adenoma has been questioned. The aim of this study was to examine how or if IOPTH changes the surgical management and outcomes in patients with only one positive or only indeterminate localization studies.MethodsThis is a retrospective review of data from a parathyroid surgery database and patient records from July 2004 to June 2014, including patients with primary hyperparathyroidism with a planned MIP by two experienced endocrine surgeons after ≥1 positive/indeterminate preoperative localization study by ultrasound and/or sestamibi.ResultsA total of 482 patients with positive (342: 259 only 1, 83 with ≥2) or indeterminate (140: 105 only 1, 35 with ≥2) preoperative imaging studies were included. IOPTH changed the management in only 16 (3%) patients, with an additional lesion found in 12 of them. Surgical cure was achieved in 471 (98%) of patients (98% in the positive vs. 97% in the indeterminate group, p 0.58). With or without IOPTH, the cure rate would not have been significantly different in patients with only 1 positive preoperative imaging (96 vs. 98%, p 0.12). Similar results were seen in those with ≥2 indeterminate (100% cure rate with or without IOPTH).ConclusionOur study suggests that MIP may be safely and successfully performed without IOPTH for patients with ≥1 positive or ≥2 indeterminate preoperative imaging studies. This study is retrospective within inherent biases, and future prospective study is warranted.
How to handle adsorption of cerebrospinal fluid amyloid β (1–42) in laboratory practice? Identifying problematic handlings and resolving the issue by use of the Aβ42/Aβ40 ratio
Authors: Willemse Eline , van Uffelen Kees , Brix Britta , Engelborghs Sebastiaan , Vanderstichele Hugo , Teunissen Charlotte 
Published: February 2017

AbstractIntroductionWe aimed to investigate factors defining amyloid β (1–42) (Aβ1–42) adsorption during preanalytical workup of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF).MethodsCSF was transferred to new tubes ≤4 times. Variables tested were different polypropylene tube brands, volumes, CSF Aβ1–42 concentrations, incubation times, pipettes, vortex intensities, and other CSF proteins, including hyperphosphorylated tau and Interleukin 1 Receptor Accessory Protein (IL‐1RAcP). An enquiry assessed the number of transfers in current practice.ResultsIn diagnostic practice, the number of transfers varied between 1 and 3. Every tube transfer resulted in 5% loss of Aβ1–42 concentration, even 10% in small volumes. Adsorption was observed after 30 seconds and after contact with the pipette tip. Tube brand, vortexing, or continuous tube movement did not influence adsorption. Adsorption for Aβ1–40 was similar, resulting in stable Aβ1–42/Aβ1–40 ratios over multiple tube transfers.DiscussionWe confirmed that adsorption of CSF Aβ1–42 during preanalytical processing is an important confounder. However, use of the Aβ1–42/Aβ1–40 ratio overcomes this effect and can therefore contribute to increased diagnostic accuracy.
Anisotropic Helmholtz and wave–vortex decomposition of one-dimensional spectra
Authors: Bühler Oliver , Kuang Max , Tabak Esteban G. 
Published: February 2017

We present an extension to anisotropic flows of the recently developed Helmholtz and wave–vortex decomposition method for one-dimensional spectra measured along ship or aircraft tracks in Bühler et al. (J. Fluid Mech., vol. 756, 2014, pp. 1007–1026). Here, anisotropy refers to the statistical properties of the underlying flow field, which in the original method was assumed to be homogeneous and isotropic in the horizontal plane. Now, the flow is allowed to have a simple kind of horizontal anisotropy that is chosen in a self-consistent manner and can be deduced from the one-dimensional power spectra of the horizontal velocity fields and their cross-correlation. The key result is that an exact and robust Helmholtz decomposition of the horizontal kinetic energy spectrum can be achieved in this anisotropic flow setting, which then also allows the subsequent wave–vortex decomposition step. The anisotropic method is as easy to use as its isotropic counterpart and it robustly converges back to it if the observed anisotropy tends to zero. As a by-product of our analysis we also found a simple test for statistical correlation between rotational and divergent flow components. The new method is developed theoretically and tested with encouraging results on challenging synthetic data as well as on ocean data from the Gulf Stream.
Linear and nonlinear dynamics of pulsatile channel flow
Authors: Pier Benoît , Schmid Peter J. 
Published: February 2017

The dynamics of small-amplitude perturbations, as well as the regime of fully developed nonlinear propagating waves, is investigated for pulsatile channel flows. The time-periodic base flows are known analytically and completely determined by the Reynolds number $Re$ (based on the mean flow rate), the Womersley number $Wo$ (a dimensionless expression of the frequency) and the flow-rate waveform. This paper considers pulsatile flows with a single oscillating component and hence only three non-dimensional control parameters are present. Linear stability characteristics are obtained both by Floquet analyses and by linearized direct numerical simulations. In particular, the long-term growth or decay rates and the intracyclic modulation amplitudes are systematically computed. At large frequencies (mainly $Wo\geqslant 14$), increasing the amplitude of the oscillating component is found to have a stabilizing effect, while it is destabilizing at lower frequencies; strongest destabilization is found for $Wo\simeq 7$. Whether stable or unstable, perturbations may undergo large-amplitude intracyclic modulations; these intracyclic modulation amplitudes reach huge values at low pulsation frequencies. For linearly unstable configurations, the resulting saturated fully developed finite-amplitude solutions are computed by direct numerical simulations of the complete Navier–Stokes equations. Essentially two types of nonlinear dynamics have been identified: ‘cruising’ regimes for which nonlinearities are sustained throughout the entire pulsation cycle and which may be interpreted as modulated Tollmien–Schlichting waves, and ‘ballistic’ regimes that are propelled into a nonlinear phase before subsiding again to small amplitudes within every pulsation cycle. Cruising regimes are found to prevail for weak base-flow pulsation amplitudes, while ballistic regimes are selected at larger pulsation amplitudes; at larger pulsation frequencies, however, the ballistic regime may be bypassed due to the stabilizing effect of the base-flow pulsating component. By investigating extended regions of a multi-dimensional parameter space and considering both two-dimensional and three-dimensional perturbations, the linear and nonlinear dynamics are systematically explored and characterized.