bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Extent of Hunner lesions: The relationships with symptom severity and clinical parameters in Hunner type interstitial cystitis patients
Authors: Akiyama Yoshiyuki , Niimi Aya , Nomiya Akira , Yamada Yukio , Nakagawa Tohru , Fujimura Tetsuya , Fukuhara Hiroshi , Kume Haruki , Igawa Yasuhiko , Homma Yukio 
Published: January 2018

AimsTo assess the clinical impact of Hunner lesions in patients with Hunner type interstitial cystitis (HIC).MethodsThe clinical records of 94 HIC patients who underwent their first hydrodistension (with lesion fulguration) were retrospectively reviewed. At surgery, the extent of each lesion was classified in terms of the relative involvement for the whole‐bladder luminal surface; we defined four grades of involvement: <10%, 10‐24%, 25‐49%, and ≥50%; and two grades of severity: <25% (focal) and ≥25% (extensive). We examined the relationships between the extent of the lesions and all demographic characteristics, symptom scores, voiding symptoms, and bladder capacity. Factors predictive of the need for repeat hydrodistension were also explored.ResultsSymptom severity worsened as the lesional extent rose. Those with extensive lesions scored higher on the O'Leary and Sant Symptom (P = 0.004) and Problem Index scales (P < 0.001), the pain visual analog scale (P = 0.011), the International Prostate Symptom Score scale (P = 0.012), and a quality‐of‐life index (P = 0.020); and exhibited greater daytime urinary frequency (P = 0.040), more nocturia (P = 0.041), and a smaller bladder capacity (P = 0.007) than the focal group. No symptomatic or clinical parameters predicted the need for repeat hydrodistension.ConclusionsThe extent of Hunner lesions was associated with both symptom severity and bladder capacity but not with other clinical parameters, including the need for repeat hydrodistension, in patients with HIC.
Can T1w/T2w ratio be used as a myelin‐specific measure in subcortical structures? Comparisons between FSE‐based T1w/T2w ratios, GRASE‐based T1w/T2w ratios and multi‐echo GRASE‐based myelin water fractions
Authors: Uddin Md Nasir , Figley Teresa D. , Marrie Ruth Ann , Figley Chase R. ,   for the CCOMS Study Group
Published: January 2018

Given the growing popularity of T1‐weighted/T2‐weighted (T1w/T2w) ratio measurements, the objective of the current study was to evaluate the concordance between T1w/T2w ratios obtained using conventional fast spin echo (FSE) versus combined gradient and spin echo (GRASE) sequences for T2w image acquisition, and to compare the resulting T1w/T2w ratios with histologically validated myelin water fraction (MWF) measurements in several subcortical brain structures. In order to compare these measurements across a relatively wide range of myelin concentrations, whole‐brain T1w magnetization prepared rapid acquisition gradient echo (MPRAGE), T2w FSE and three‐dimensional multi‐echo GRASE data were acquired from 10 participants with multiple sclerosis at 3 T. Then, after high‐dimensional, non‐linear warping, region of interest (ROI) analyses were performed to compare T1w/T2w ratios and MWF estimates (across participants and brain regions) in 11 bilateral white matter (WM) and four bilateral subcortical grey matter (SGM) structures extracted from the JHU_MNI_SS ‘Eve’ atlas. Although the GRASE sequence systematically underestimated T1w/T2w values compared to the FSE sequence (revealed by Bland–Altman and mountain plots), linear regressions across participants and ROIs revealed consistently high correlations between the two methods (r2 = 0.62 for all ROIs, r2 = 0.62 for WM structures and r2 = 0.73 for SGM structures). However, correlations between either FSE‐based or GRASE‐based T1w/T2w ratios and MWFs were extremely low in WM structures (FSE‐based, r2 = 0.000020; GRASE‐based, r2 = 0.0014), low across all ROIs (FSE‐based, r2 = 0.053; GRASE‐based, r2 = 0.029) and moderate in SGM structures (FSE‐based, r2 = 0.20; GRASE‐based, r2 = 0.17). Overall, our findings indicated a high degree of correlation (but not equivalence) between FSE‐based and GRASE‐based T1w/T2w ratios, and low correlations between T1w/T2w ratios and MWFs. This suggests that the two T1w/T2w ratio approaches measure similar facets of subcortical tissue microstructure, whereas T1w/T2w ratios and MWFs appear to be sensitized to different microstructural properties. On this basis, we conclude that multi‐echo GRASE sequences can be used in future studies to efficiently elucidate both general (T1w/T2w ratio) and myelin‐specific (MWF) tissue characteristics.
Proton change of parotid glands after gustatory stimulation examined by magnetic resonance imaging
Authors: Liu Yi‐Jui , Lee Yi‐Hsiung , Chang Hing‐Chiu , Chiu Hui‐Chu , Chiu Ta‐Wei , Hsu Kang , Pen Cheng‐Ming , Hsu Hsian‐He , Juan Chun‐Jung 
Published: January 2018

The aim of this study was to investigate proton changes of the parotid gland after gustatory stimulation by semi‐quantitative parameters and an empirical mathematical model (EMM) using high‐temporal‐resolution, double‐echo, echo‐planar imaging (EPI). Approved by a local institutional review board, this study examined 20 parotid glands from 10 healthy volunteers (male:female = 6: 4; age ± standard deviation =35.1 ± 14.1 years) with written informed consent obtained. All participants underwent 1.5‐T, double‐echo EPI with gustatory stimulation. Semi‐quantitative parameters, including maximal drop ratio (MDR), time to peak (TTP), drop slope (DS), recovery slope (RS) and recovery ratio (RR), were calculated. The effect of temporal resolution on parotid functional parameters was evaluated. An EMM comprising an output function (
) and an input function (
) was also applied to fit all dynamic curves. Kruskal–Wallis test, Wilcoxon test, linear regression analysis and goodness of fit were used for statistical analysis. p < 0.05 was considered to be statistically significant. The signal intensity dropped significantly after gustatory stimulation on the proton density (PD) image (p < 0.01). MDR was 8.26% in the PD image. MDR and RR were negatively associated with time interval, whereas DS and TTP were significantly positively associated with time interval (all p < 0.05). EMM parametric values derived from PD–time curves of parotid glands were 12.04 ± 6.81%, 6.43 ± 4.23 min–1, 88.73 ± 6.18%, 8.41 ± 4.86 min–1 and 1.09 ± 1.35 for Ao, ko, B, Ain and kin, respectively. Semi‐quantitative functional parameters and EMM parameters using high‐temporal‐resolution, double‐echo EPI allow the quantification of parotid proton changes after gustatory stimulation.
Reliability‐based topology optimization of structures under stress constraints
Authors: dos Santos Renatha Batista , Torii André Jacomel , Novotny Antonio André 
Published: January 2018

SummaryIn this paper, we propose an approach for reliability‐based design optimization where a structure of minimum weight subject to reliability constraints on the effective stresses is sought. The reliability‐based topology optimization problem is formulated by using the performance measure approach, and the sequential optimization and reliability assessment method is employed. This strategy allows for decoupling the reliability‐based topology optimization problem into 2 steps, namely, deterministic topology optimization and reliability analysis. In particular, the deterministic structural optimization problem subject to stress constraints is addressed with an efficient methodology based on the topological derivative concept together with a level‐set domain representation method. The resulting algorithm is applied to some benchmark problems, showing the effectiveness of the proposed approach.
The Laplace‐collocation method for solving fractional differential equations and a class of fractional optimal control problems
Authors: Rakhshan Seyed Ali , Effati Sohrab 
Published: January 2018

SummaryIn this paper, a new numerical technique is proposed for solving fractional differential equations where its derivative is considered in the Caputo sense. This approach is based on a combination of the Laplace transform and shifted Chebyshev‐Gauss collocation method. In addition, we used the proposed technique for solving a class of fractional optimal control problems. For confirming the efficiency and accuracy of the proposed approach, illustrative numerical examples are introduced with its approximate solution.
Preparation and characterization of TiO2/Pebax/(PSf‐PES) thin film nanocomposite membrane for humic acid removal from water
Authors: Cheshomi Naeema , Pakizeh Majid , Namvar‐Mahboub Mahdieh 
Published: January 2018

New thin film composite (TFC) membrane was prepared via coating of Pebax on PSf‐PES blend membrane as support, and its application in wastewater treatment was investigated. To modify this membrane, hydrophilic TiO2 nanoparticles were coated on its surface at different loadings via dip coating technique. The as‐prepared membrane was characterized using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), field emission SEM, and contact angle analysis. The Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy analysis and surface SEM images indicated that TiO2 was successfully coated on the membrane surface. In addition, the results stated that the hydrophilicity and roughness of membrane surface increased by addition of TiO2 nanoparticles. Performance of TFC and modified TFC membranes was evaluated through humic acid removal from aqueous solution. Maximum permeate flux and humic acid rejection were obtained at 0.03 and 0.01 wt% TiO2 loadings, respectively. Rejection was enhanced from 96.38% to 98.92% by the increase of feed concentration from 10 to 30 ppm. Additionally, membrane antifouling parameters at different pressures and feed concentration were determined. The results indicated that surface modification of membranes could be an effective method for improvement of membrane antifouling property.
Treatment dynamics of bone‐targeting agents among men with bone metastases from prostate cancer in the United States
Authors: Butler Anne M. , Cetin Karynsa , Hernandez Rohini K. , Diane Reams B. , Overman Robert A. , I. Kim Jung , Hirsch Bradford R. , Abernethy Amy P. , Liede Alexander , Alan Brookhart M. 
Published: January 2018

AbstractPurposeTo examine the dynamics of treatment with 2 bone‐targeting agents (BTAs)—denosumab and zoledronic acid—among men with bone metastases from prostate cancer.MethodsUsing electronic health record data from oncology practices across the US, we identified prostate cancer patients diagnosed with bone metastasis in 2012/2013 without evidence of BTA use within 6 months prior to diagnosis. We examined the risk and predictors of BTA initiation, interruption, and re‐initiation.ResultsAmong 897 men diagnosed with prostate cancer, the cumulative incidence of BTA initiation after bone metastasis diagnosis was 34% (95% confidence interval [CI], 31–37%) at 30 days, 64% (95% CI, 61–68%) at 180 days, and 88% (95% CI, 85–91%) at 2 years. Denosumab was initiated more frequently than zoledronic acid. Men with diabetes, more bone lesions, history of androgen deprivation therapy, or no hospice enrollment were more likely to initiate treatment. Following initiation, the cumulative incidence of treatment interruption was 17% (95% CI, 14–19%) at 60 days and 70% (95% CI, 66–74%) at 2 years, with interruption more likely among patients receiving emerging therapies for prostate cancer or enrolling in hospice. The cumulative incidence of re‐initiation following interruption was 36.3% (95% CI, 32.7–40.2%) at 15 days, 49.8% (95% CI, 45.9–54.1%) at 30 days, and 81.0% (95% CI, 77.5–84.7%) at 1 year.ConclusionsBone‐targeting agent therapy is initiated by the majority of men living with bone metastases following a prostate cancer diagnosis; however, the timing of initiation is highly variable. Once on treatment, gaps or interruptions in therapy are common.
Risk factors for medication errors at admission in preoperatively screened patients
Authors: Ebbens Marieke M. , Gombert‐Handoko Kim B. , Al‐Dulaimy Muhammad , van den Bemt Patricia M.L.A. , Wesselink Elsbeth J. 
Published: January 2018

AbstractBackgroundPreoperative screening (POS) may help to reduce medication errors at admission (MEA). However, due to the time window between POS and hospital admission, unintentional medication discrepancies may still occur and thus a second medication reconciliation at hospital admission can be necessary. Insight into potential risk factors associated with these discrepancies would be helpful to focus the second medication reconciliation on high‐risk patients.ObjectiveTo determine the proportion of POS patients with MEA and to identify risk factors for MEA.MethodsThis single‐centre observational cross‐sectional study included elective surgical patients between October 26 and December 18, 2015. Main exclusion criteria were age younger than 18 years and daycare admissions. Medication reconciliation took place at the POS and was repeated within 30 hours of admission. Unintended discrepancies between the first and second medication reconciliation were defined as MEA. The primary outcome was the proportion of patients with one or more MEA. The association of this outcome with potential risk factors was analysed using multivariate logistic regression analysis.ResultsOf the 183 included patients, 60 (32.8%) patients had at least one MEA. In a multivariate model, the number of medications at POS (adjusted odds ratio 1.16 [95% confidence interval, 1.04‐1.30]) and respiratory disease (4.25 [1.52–11.83]) were significantly associated with MEA.ConclusionIn one‐third of preoperatively screened patients, an MEA was found. The number of medications and respiratory comorbidities are risk factors for MEA in preoperatively screened patients.
Stiff and hierarchical chain nature of atactic and stereoregular poly(substituted methylene)s
Authors: Shikinaka Kazuhiro , Suzuki Kenta , Masunaga Hiroyasu , Ihara Eiji , Shigehara Kiyotaka 
Published: January 2018

AbstractIn this study, we estimated the chain nature of atactic and stereoregular poly(substituted methylene)s containing a phenylmethoxy side chain at each main‐chain backbone carbon atom using synchrotron X‐ray scattering to understand the topological and conformational properties of these rigid polymers. The atactic poly(substituted methylene) showed a linear chain nature. Contrastingly, the stereoregular poly(substituted methylene) exhibited a random coil structure. © 2018 Society of Chemical Industry
Ionic liquid based on 6‐amino‐6‐deoxy hexopyranose cation and BF4¯, PF6¯, and ClO4¯as anions: A DFT study on the structural and electronic properties
Authors: Kheirjou Somayyeh , Fattahi Alireza 
Published: January 2018

AbstractIn this study, the structural and electronic properties of a carbohydrate‐based (6‐amino‐6‐deoxy hexopyranose [ADHP]) ionic liquid were explored. The interactions among 3 anions (BF4¯, PF6¯, and ClO4¯) and ADHP as cation were investigated at B3LYP/6‐311++G(d,p) level. Based on the calculated interaction energy, it was found that PF6¯anion has the highest interaction energy with ADHP. It was found that the hydrogen bonds play an important role in the interaction of ion pairs. The nature of hydrogen bonds in the optimized ion pars was analyzed by using natural bond orbital analysis and the quantum theory of atoms in molecules. The linear relationship between electron density at the bond critical points of hydrogen bonds and the interaction energy values was checked.
Distinct and heterogeneous trajectories of self‐perceived cognitive impairment among Asian breast cancer survivors
Authors: Ng Terence , Dorajoo Sreemanee Raaj , Cheung Yin Ting , Lam Yick Ching , Yeo Hui Ling , Shwe Maung , Gan Yan Xiang , Foo Koon Mian , Loh Wei‐Jen Kiley , Koo Si‐Lin , Jain Amit , Lee Guek Eng , Dent Rebecca , Yap Yoon Sim , Ng Raymond , Chan Alexandre 
Published: January 2018

AbstractObjectivesCurrently, there are no studies that have established the self‐perceived cognitive trajectories experienced by breast cancer patients (BCPs) post‐chemotherapy. Therefore, we characterized the long‐term trajectory of self‐perceived cognitive function among Asian early‐stage BCPs using the minimal clinically important difference of a subjective measure of cognitive function.MethodsEarly‐stage BCPs who received chemotherapy were recruited and assessed at 4 time points: Before chemotherapy initiation (T1), 6 weeks post‐chemotherapy initiation (T2), 12 weeks post‐chemotherapy initiation (T3), and 15‐months post‐chemotherapy initiation (T4). All assessments were performed approximately within 2 weeks post‐chemotherapy. Subjective and objective cognitive function were assessed using Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy‐Cognitive (version 3) and Headminder™.ResultsA total of 166 BCPs were recruited, of whom 131 completed assessment at all time points. Using the minimal clinically important difference of Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy‐Cognitive, 5 distinct cognitive trajectories were established. Of the 131 patients, 70 (53.4%) did not report any clinically significant cognitive impairment. Twenty‐one (16.0%) patients reported acute cognitive changes during chemotherapy (T2 and/or T3) but not at T4. Forty patients (30.5%) reported clinically significant cognitive impairment at T4, of whom 18 did not report any cognitive impairment at earlier time points. Fifteen (11.5%) patients reported persistent cognitive impairment throughout all time points, while 7 (5.3%) patients reported intermittent cognitive impairment at T2 and T4 but not at T3.ConclusionThis is the first study to establish the existence of heterogeneous cognitive trajectories based on clinically significant thresholds of self‐perceived cognitive impairment. The findings have important implications on the window for screening and management of post‐chemotherapy cognitive impairment.
Treatment of TNT Red Water Using Ice Crystallization
Authors: Jo Jeong‐Hyeon , Kim Hyoun‐Soo , Kim Kwang‐Joo 
Published: January 2018

AbstractCrystallization of ice from TNT red water was studied using a scraped unit. Growth rate, crystal size distribution, and median particle size of ice crystals were measured. The effect of subcooling, temperature, growth rate, and crystal size on the treatment of red water was investigated. The relationship between ice crystal growth rate and effective distribution coefficient was correlated. From the plot of ice growth rate against subcooling degree, the order of the growth kinetic was in the range of 1.2 to 2.0 for various concentrations. The purity of ice crystals increased with increasing amounts of partial melt. Above 99 % of dinitrotoluene sulfonates in red water were removed after crystallization at a cooling rate of 1.0 K/min, a final crystallization temperature of −10 °C, and a yield of 50 %. The purity of ice crystal was significantly affected by the subcooling degree. Finally, it was shown that TNT red water of 9800 mg/L COD can be treated to provide water of 54 mg/L COD by scraped ice crystallization at a yield of 50 %.
Research on Tensile Mechanical Properties and Damage Mechanism of Composite Solid Propellants
Authors: Zhang Liang , Zhi Shijun , Shen Zhibin 
Published: January 2018

AbstractThe study focuses on the tensile mechanical properties and damage mechanisms of composite solid propellants under extensive temperatures and strain rates. Uniaxial tensile tests of the propellant have been conducted at the temperature of +70 °C, +23 °C and −50 °C separately with strain rate changing from 0.05 %/s to 150 %/s. According to the differences of tensile mechanical properties under those three classic temperatures, the damage mechanism of composite solid propellants are investigated by numerical simulation using particle packing models under varying strain rates and temperatures. The results show that the quantity of damaged interfaces between particles and binder as well as damage evolvement extents under loading are strain rate dependent. With the rising of loading strain rates, the quantity of the damaged interfaces increases while the development of particle dewetting damage and the damage accumulation process are postponed. Especially under lower temperature, the “bifid hump” is more obvious for composite solid propellant because of binder damage dominant. The typical stress‐strain curves under different strain rates are provided finally.
Liquid chromatography/mass spectrometry for the detection of ash tree metabolites following Emerald Ash Borer infestation
Authors: Stock Naomi L. , Doran Michael C. , Bonners Ron F. , March Raymond E. 
Published: January 2018

RationaleThe Emerald Ash Borer (EAB), Agrilus planipennis, an invasive insect detected in the USA and Canada in 2002, is a threat to ash trees with both ecological and economic implications. Early detection of EAB‐infestation is difficult due to lack of visible signs and symptoms in the early stages of attack, but is essential to prevent ash mortality. An efficient and reliable tool for the early detection of EAB‐infestation would be advantageous.MethodsA mass spectrometry based metabolomics approach, using liquid chromatography/mass spectrometry (LC/MS), has been used to investigate the leaf metabolites of both healthy and EAB‐infested trees.ResultsLeaves from 40 healthy and 40 EAB‐infested trees were extracted and analyzed using LC/MS. Resulting data were examined to differentiate between foliage from healthy and EAB‐infested trees. Possible biomarkers of EAB attack have been detected. Twenty‐one metabolites with increased average ion intensity in EAB‐infested ash tree samples and nine metabolites with increased average ion intensity in healthy ash tree samples were identified.ConclusionsResults of this study indicate that metabolomic screening of leaf samples using LC/MS can be useful as a potential tool for the early detection of EAB‐infestation.
Hydrogen Storage in Porous Materials: Status, Milestones, and Challenges
Authors: Berenguer‐Murcia Ángel , Marco‐Lozar Juan Pablo , Cazorla‐Amorós Diego 
Published: January 2018

AbstractIn this account the most relevant advancements in hydrogen storage in porous materials are presented. These include the current state‐of‐the‐art, the challenges which have been overcome, and the hurdles which still remain. The most important milestones which will be discussed in this work will be the development of new apparatuses capable of delivering reliable results under a broad range of operational conditions, in which analysis temperature and pressure are critical parameters. Other aspects such as the materials storage capacity in gravimetric and volumetric terms will be critically discussed to identify the conditions required from an ideal material. Finally, different upgrade possibilities from modifying the adsorbate‐adsorbent interaction to using rigid or flexible materials will be presented and put into perspective with current literature.