bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Effect of micronized progesterone on fetal‐placental volume in first‐trimester threatened abortion
Authors: Turgal Mert , Aydin Emine , Ozyuncu Ozgur 
Published: August 2016

ABSTRACTPurposeTo compare the effect of oral micronized progesterone (OMP) on the first‐trimester fetal and placental volumes using three‐dimensional ultrasonography and extended imaging virtual organ computer‐aided analysis (XI VOCAL) method in threatened abortion.MethodsThis randomized controlled trial enrolled women with threatened abortion and a singleton pregnancy from 6–8 6/7 weeks of gestation. A total of 60 women with threatened abortion were randomly assigned to one of two groups: OMP (400 mg/day) (n = 30) and control groups (n = 30). The XI VOCAL method was used for all volume measurements using three‐dimensional ultrasonography. All patients were evaluated for fetal, amniotic, and placental volumes during the initial diagnosis and after 4 weeks.ResultsAfter treatment, placental volume difference was significantly higher in the OMP group (336%, 67–1,077) than in the control group (141%, 29–900) (p = 0.007). The mean differences in gestational sac, amniotic sac, and embryonic volumes between the OMP and control groups were not statistically significant.ConclusionsHormonal support with OMP is associated with increased placental volume in first‐trimester threatened abortion when compared with the control group. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Clin Ultrasound 45:14–19, 2017
Agricultural Co‐Operatives in Ethiopia: Evolution, Functions and Impact
Authors: Tefera Delelegne A. , Bijman Jos , Slingerland Maja A. 
Published: August 2016

AbstractTo what extent can co‐operatives strengthen rural development in sub‐Saharan Africa? This paper explores the development of agricultural co‐operatives in Ethiopia, particularly the changes in economic functions. Co‐operative development in Ethiopia has been strongly influenced by various political regimes. Based on expert interviews and a literature review, we explore the factors that influence a shift in economic functions from provision of inputs to commercialization of farm products. Our review shows that the impact of commercialization on farmer welfare is still inconclusive. Both the institutional environment and the internal governance structure have a hard time adjusting to changing economic conditions. © 2016 The Authors Journal of International Development Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.
Molecular dynamics simulations on the conformational transitions from the GA98 (GA88) to GB98 (GB88) proteins
Authors: Song Chunnian , Wang Qing , Xue Tuo , Wang Yan , Chen Guangju 
Published: August 2016

AbstractWe performed conventional and targeted molecular dynamics simulations to address the dynamic transition mechanisms of the conformational transitions from the GA98 protein with only 1 mutation of Leu45Tyr to GB98 and from the GA88 protein with 7 mutations of Gly24Ala, Ile25Thr, Ile30Phe, Ile33Tyr, Leu45Tyr, Ile49Thr, and Leu50Lys to GB88. The results show that the conformational transition mechanism from the mutated 3α GA98 (GA88) state to the α+4β GB98 (GB88) state via several intermediate conformations involves the bending of loops at the N and C termini firstly, the unfolding of αA and αC, then the traversing of αB, and the formation of the 4β layer with the conversion of the hydrophobic core. The bending of loops at the N and C termini and the formation of the crucial transition conformation with the full unfolded structure are key factors in their transition processes. The communication of the interaction network, the bending directions of loops, and the traversing site of αB in the transition of GA98 to GB98 are markedly different from those in GA88 to GB88 because of the different mutated residues. The analysis of the correlations and the calculated mass center distances between some segments further supported their conformational transition mechanisms. These results could help people to better understand the Paracelsus challenge. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
MRI with ferumoxytol: A single center experience of safety across the age spectrum
Authors: Nguyen Kim‐Lien , Yoshida Takegawa , Han Fei , Ayad Ihab , Reemtsen Brian L. , Salusky Isidro B. , Satou Gary M. , Hu Peng , Finn J. Paul 
Published: August 2016

PurposeTo summarize our single‐center safety experience with the off‐label use of ferumoxytol for magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and to compare the effects of ferumoxytol on monitored physiologic indices in patients under anesthesia with those of gadofosveset trisodium.Materials and MethodsConsecutive patients who underwent ferumoxytol‐enhanced (FE) MRI exams were included. Adverse events (AEs) were classified according to the Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events v4.0. In a subgroup of patients examined under general anesthesia, recording of blood pressure, heart rate, oxygen saturation, and end‐tidal CO2 was performed. A comparable group of 23 patients who underwent gadofosveset‐enhanced (GE) MRI under anesthesia with similar monitoring was also analyzed.ResultsIn all, 217 unique patients, ages 3 days to 94 years, underwent FE‐MRI. No ferumoxytol‐related severe, life‐threatening, or fatal AEs occurred acutely or at follow‐up. Two patients developed ferumoxytol‐related nausea. Between‐group (FE‐ vs. GE‐MRI) comparisons showed no statistical difference in heart rate (P = 0.69, 95% confidence interval [CI] 96–113 bpm), mean arterial blood pressure (MAP) (P = 0.74, 95% CI 44–52 mmHg), oxygen saturation (P = 0.76, 95% CI 94–98%), and end‐tidal CO2 (P = 0.73, 95% CI 31–37 mmHg). No significant change in MAP (P = 0.12, 95% CI 50–58 mmHg) or heart rate (P = 0.25, 95% CI 91–105 bpm) was noted between slow infusion of ferumoxytol (n = 113) vs. bolus injection (n = 104).ConclusionIn our single‐center experience, no serious AEs occurred with the diagnostic use of ferumoxytol across a wide spectrum of age, renal function, and indications. Because of the limited sample size, firm conclusions cannot be drawn about the generalizability of our results. Thus, vigilance and monitoring are recommended to mitigate potential rare adverse reactions.Level of Evidence: 2J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2017;45:804–812.
MRI evaluation of benign prostatic hyperplasia: Correlation with international prostate symptom score
Authors: Guneyli Serkan , Ward Emily , Peng Yahui , Nehal Yousuf Ambereen , Trilisky Igor , Westin Charles , Antic Tatjana , Oto Aytekin 
Published: August 2016

PurposeTo investigate the correlation between magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)‐derived prostate parameters and benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) type with the International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS).Materials and MethodsIn all, 61 patients (median age, 60; range, 41–81 years) who underwent preoperative MRI and prostatectomy were included in this retrospective study. The MRI‐based parameters including total prostate volume (TPV), transition zone (TZ) volume (TZV), TZ index, intravesical prostatic protrusion (IPP), the anterior fibromuscular stroma (AFMS) distance, prostatic urethral angle, bladder wall thickness, urethral wall thickness, urethral compression, urethral wall changes, and BPH type were correlated with total IPSS, IPSS‐storage symptom (IPSS‐ss), IPSS‐voiding symptom (IPSS‐vs), and responses to the individual IPSS questions using Spearman (ρ) or Pearson (r) correlation coefficients, one‐way analysis of variance (ANOVA), and multiple linear regression.ResultsTPV (r = 0.414, P = 0.001), TZV (r = 0.405, P = 0.001), IPP (r = 0.270, P = 0.04), and AFMS distance (r = 0.363, P = 0.004) correlated with total IPSS. In multiple linear regression analysis, TZV was the only predictor for total IPSS (P = 0.001), IPSS‐ss (P < 0.001), IPSS‐vs (P = 0.03), and the scores for the IPSS questions 1 (P = 0.03) and 4 (P = 0.001). TPV was a predictor of the scores for questions 2 (P = 0.003), 3 (P = 0.009), and 7 (P < 0.001).ConclusionSeveral MRI‐derived prostate measurements (TPV, TZV, IPP, AFMS distance) correlated with total IPSS. TZV was the only predictor for total IPSS based on multiple regression analysis.Level of Evidence: 3J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2017;45:917–925.
A global classification of vegetation based on NDVI, rainfall and temperature
Authors: Zhang Xianliang , Wu Shuang , Yan Xiaodong , Chen Zhenju 
Published: August 2016

ABSTRACTVegetation types are generally classified based only on remote sensing vegetation data, and yet they cannot reflect their connection with climate. Climatic vegetation types reflect the regional vegetation characteristics in terms of climate. The distribution of global climatic vegetation types were identified by K‐means method based on vegetation and climate data. Fourteen climatic vegetation types were classified based on vegetation and climate data. Every type had distinct climate and vegetation characteristics. The regions with similar normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI) values but with different climate values such as tropical desert and temperate desert could be distinguished. Our new updated climatic vegetation types agreed ‘fair’ with Koeppen climate types and climate type of Zhang and Yan while agreed ‘good’ with vegetation types when checked with Kappa test.
Role of 18F‐FDG PET/CT differentiating olfactory neuroblastoma from sinonasal undifferentiated carcinoma
Authors: Elkhatib Ahmad H. , Soldatova Liuba , Carrau Ricardo L. , Hachem Ralph Abi , Ditzel Leo , Campbell Raewyn , Prevedello Daniel M. , Prevedello Luciano , Filho Leo F. S. Ditzel , Campbell Raewyn G. 
Published: August 2016

ObjectivesThe purpose of this study is to demonstrate the potential contribution of positron emission tomography (PET)/computed tomography (CT) to help differentiate olfactory neuroblastoma (ONB) from sinonasal undifferentiated carcinoma (SNUC).MethodsFollowing approval by the institutional review board at the Wexner Medical Center at the Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio, a pilot study with retrospective review of patients with biopsy‐proven diagnosis of ONB s and SNUC s was conducted. Staging PET/CT scans were reviewed to document the maximum standardized uptake value (SUVmax). A statistical comparison of SUVmax was performed.ResultsWe identified 13 patients (7 with ONBs and 6 with SNUCs) with mean age 60.2 years who had undergone staging F‐18 fluorodeoxyglucose (18F‐FDG) PET/CT of the primary tumor at the time of their diagnosis. Mean SUVmax was found to be five‐fold higher in SNUC patients (35.63, range 10.8–77.9) than in ONB patients (7.24, range 4.6–10.7) (P ≤ 0.00169).ConclusionMaximum standardized uptake value of 18F‐FDG PET/CT can be used to initially discriminate between ONB and SNUC. This finding may prove helpful to guide diagnostic and treatment planning when the histopathologic diagnosis is inconclusive.Level of Evidence4. Laryngoscope, 2016 127:321–324, 2017
Farmer Perceptions and Responses to Soil Degradation in Swaziland
Authors: Orchard Steven E. , Stringer Lindsay C. , Manyatsi Absalom M. 
Published: August 2016

AbstractSoil degradation is globally concerning due to its adverse effects on the environment and agricultural production. Much of Swaziland is at risk from degradation. This paper assesses farmer perceptions and responses to soil degradation in 2002 and 2014, focusing on two land uses that underpin rural livelihoods: arable land and rangeland areas. It uses repeat household surveys and semi‐structured interviews, in two case study chiefdoms in the country's middleveld (KaBhudla and Engcayini) in the first longitudinal study of its kind. We find that observations of land degradation are perceived mainly through changes in land productivity, with chemical degradation occurring predominantly on arable land and physical degradation and erosion mainly in rangeland areas. Changes in rainfall are particularly important in determining responses. While perceptions of the causes and impacts of degradation largely concur with the scientific literature, responses were constrained by poor land availability, shorter and more unpredictable cropping seasons because of changing rains and low awareness, access to or knowledge of agricultural inputs. We suggest that sustainable arable land management can be enhanced through improved access to alternative sources of water, use of management practices that retain soil and moisture and greater access to agricultural inputs and capacity building to ensure their appropriate use. We suggest collaborative management for settlement planning that integrates soil conservation and livestock management strategies such as controlled stocking levels and rotational grazing could improve land quality in rangeland areas. Together, these approaches can help land users to better manage change. © 2016 The Authors. Land Degradation & Development published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.
Assessing the effects of 35 European‐derived BMI‐associated SNPs in Mexican children
Authors: Abadi Arkan , Peralta‐Romero Jesus , Suarez Fernando , Gomez‐Zamudio Jaime , Burguete‐Garcia Ana I. , Cruz Miguel , Meyre David 
Published: August 2016

ObjectiveThe prevalence of obesity in Mexico has increased at an alarming rate in both adults and children. This study was undertaken to test in Mexican children the effects of single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNP) that have been associated with body mass index (BMI) and obesity in Europeans.MethodsSchool‐age children (N = 1,559, 5‐17 years) were recruited in Mexico City. Thirty‐five SNPs with established effects on BMI and obesity were genotyped and analyzed individually and as a combined gene score (GS).ResultsSNPs in FAIM2 (rs7138803), GPRC5BB (rs12444979), MTIF3 (rs4771122), TFAP2B (rs987237), TMEM18 (rs7561317), and the GS were significantly associated with BMI. The GS explained 0.9% of the variance of BMI. Also, SNPs in LRRN6C (rs10968576) and MC4R (rs17782313) were significantly associated with overweight and obesity categories, respectively. Importantly, the effect allele frequency of 26/35 SNPs (74.3%) differed significantly between Mexican children and European adults. No significant gene × environment or gene × gene interactions were detected after Bonferroni adjustment.ConclusionsSeveral SNPs first associated with BMI/obesity in European adults replicated well in Mexican children, and investigating differences in the distribution of effect alleles across ethnic populations may shed light on genetic susceptibilities of different populations to obesity.
Regioselective Synthesis of a Family of β‐Lactams Bearing a Triazole Moiety as Potential Apoptosis Inhibitors
Authors: Garrido Maria , Corredor Miriam , Orzáez Mar , Alfonso Ignacio , Messeguer Angel 
Published: August 2016

AbstractApoptosis is a biological process important to several human diseases; it is strongly regulated through protein–protein interactions and complex formation. We previously reported the synthesis of apoptosis inhibitors bearing an exocyclic triazole amide isoster by using an Ugi four‐component coupling reaction (Ugi‐4CC), followed by a base‐promoted intramolecular cyclization. Depending on the substitution patterns and the reaction conditions, this cyclization forms the six‐ or four‐membered ring. Two compounds bearing the β‐lactam scaffold turned out to be the most potent inhibitors. This encouraged us to optimize the modulation of the cyclization, and prepare a library of 15 β‐lactams with total regioselectivity. Moreover, we aimed to improve the bioavailability of these compounds through the introduction of diversity at different substitution positions. The activity of these compounds as apoptosis inhibitors in cellular extracts has been evaluated, showing an increase in their potency.
Induction of an Infinite Periodic Minimal Surface by Endowing An Amphiphilic Zwitterion with Halogen‐Bond Ability
Authors: Ichikawa Takahiro , Okafuji Akiyoshi , Kato Takashi , Ohno Hiroyuki 
Published: August 2016

AbstractWe have designed an amphiphilic zwitterion with an iodine‐substituted imidazolium cation. Although it forms a layered assembly with flat interfaces, the addition of an equimolar amount of bis(trifluoromethane)sulfonimide results in the formation of a bicontinuous cubic liquid‐crystalline assembly with a primitive‐type infinite periodic minimal surface, where its zwitterionic headgroup sits regularly. IR measurements revealed that halogen bond between the iodine atoms on the imidazolium cation and the anions is involved in its molecular‐assembly behavior. The present results clearly indicate the potential utility of halogen bonding to control the dimensionality and continuity of the ionic/nonionic interface of amphiphiles in bulk and consequent mesophase patterns, which may be a significant new molecular technology for precisely arranging functional molecules on a 3D continuous interfaces.
The pregnancy journey for women with type 1 diabetes: a qualitative model from contemplation to motherhood
Authors: Edwards Helen , Speight Jane , Bridgman Heather , Skinner Timothy C 
Published: August 2016

The purpose of this study is to describe and develop a model of the pregnancy journey for women with type 1 diabetes.We undertook a thematic analysis of written interactions (n = 200; n = 2060 text excerpts) with an online counselling support service from 93 women with type 1 diabetes.Seven possible discrete phases in the pregnancy journey were revealed: Contemplation, Pregnancy planning, Conception, Pregnancy, Delivery/birth, and Motherhood or Pregnancy loss. Eight common themes were identified, varying in importance across phases. Diabetes‐specific distress was most evident during Contemplation and Motherhood. During pregnancy, social identity and peer support were paramount. Negative emotions in Pregnancy, while connected to diabetes, also centred on the unborn baby. In Motherhood, diabetes‐specific distress and depressed mood increased. Medicalisation was expected and offered reassurance during Pregnancy; however, some women still worried, with peer support offering the most reassurance.In conclusion, women with type 1 diabetes potentially experience seven distinct phases of the pregnancy journey, with eight themes varying in significance across phases. Contemplation begins well before Planning or Conception, and women may seek support from non‐mainstream sources. Mental health and emotional well‐being varies qualitatively and quantitatively across phases (focusing on pregnancy‐related distress, diabetes‐specific distress and general maternal well‐being), indicating a need for targeted assessment and support across the pregnancy journey. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons.
High‐pressure optical study of small‐diameter chirality‐enriched single‐wall carbon nanotubes
Authors: Krottenmüller M. , Gao W. , Anis B. , Kono J. , Kuntscher C. A. 
Published: August 2016

AbstractWe have investigated the mechanical stability of small‐diameter single‐wall carbon nanotube (SWCNT) films via optical absorption spectroscopy under high pressure. The studied sample was enriched in (6,5) SWCNTs, in order to observe sharp optical transitions even at high pressures. We observed two well‐defined absorption bands in the studied frequency range, both of which red‐shifted with increasing pressure. The rate of the pressure‐induced red shift of one absorption band was found to change dramatically at 8 GPa, which we interpret as a structural phase transition of the nanotubes’ cross‐section from circular to oval. By comparing the data with that for a film of mixed‐chirality SWCNTs with an average diameter of 1.4 nm, we conclude that smaller‐diameter SWCNTs have higher mechanical stability, which is consistent with theoretical expectations. No collapse of (6,5) SWCNTs was observed up to 22 GPa.
A numerical study of deep convection in tropical cyclones
Authors: Kilroy Gerard , Smith Roger K. 
Published: August 2016

Idealized numerical model simulations are used to investigate the generation and evolution of vertical vorticity by deep convection in a warm‐cored vortex of near‐tropical‐storm strength. Deep convective updraughts are initiated by thermal perturbations located at different radii from the vortex axis. It is found that, as the location of the thermal perturbation is moved away from the axis of rotation, the updraught that results becomes stronger, the cyclonic vorticity anomaly generated by the updraught becomes weaker, the structure of the vorticity anomaly changes markedly and the depth of the anomaly increases. For an updraught along or near the vortex axis, the vorticity anomaly has the structure of a monopole and little or no anticyclonic vorticity is generated in the core. Vorticity dipoles are generated in updraughts near or beyond the radius of maximum tangential wind speed and this structure reverses in sign with height. In all cases, the vorticity anomalies persist long after the initial updraught has decayed. Implications of the results for understanding the vorticity consolidation during tropical cyclogenesis are discussed.The effects of eddy momentum fluxes associated with a single updraught on the tangential‐mean velocity tendency are investigated and a conceptual framework for the interpretation of these eddy fluxes is given. The simulations are used to appraise long‐standing ideas suggesting that latent heat release in deep convection occurring in the high inertial stability region of a vortex core is ‘more efficient’ than deep convection outside the core in producing temperature rise in the updraught.
Design of a high‐bandwidth tripod scanner for high speed atomic force microscopy
Authors: Yang Chen , Yan Jihong , Dukic Maja , Hosseini Nahid , Zhao Jie , Fantner Georg E. 
Published: August 2016

SummaryTip‐scanning high‐speed atomic force microscopes (HS‐AFMs) have several advantages over their sample‐scanning counterparts. Firstly, they can be used on samples of almost arbitrary size since the high imaging bandwidth of the system is immune to the added mass of the sample and its holder. Depending on their layouts, they also enable the use of several tip‐scanning HS‐AFMs in combination. However, the need for tracking the cantilever with the readout laser makes designing tip‐scanning HS‐AFMs difficult. This often results in a reduced resonance frequency of the HS‐AFM scanner, or a complex and large set of precision flexures. Here, we present a compact, simple HS‐AFM designed for integrating the self‐sensing cantilever into the tip‐scanning configuration, so that the difficulty of tracking small cantilever by laser beam is avoided. The position of cantilever is placed to the end of whole structure, hence making the optical viewing of the cantilever possible. As the core component of proposed system, a high bandwidth tripod scanner is designed, with a scan size of 5.8 µm × 5.8 µm and a vertical travel range of 5.9 µm. The hysteresis of the piezoactuators in X‐ and Y‐axes are linearized using input shaping technique. To reduce in‐plane crosstalk and vibration‐related dynamics, we implement both filters and compensators on a field programmable analog array. Based on these, images with 512 × 256 pixels are successfully obtained at scan rates up to 1024 lines/s, corresponding to a 4 mm/stip velocity. SCANNING 38:889–900, 2016. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.