bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
High‐resolution variable‐density 3D cones coronary MRA
Authors: Addy Nii Okai , Ingle R. Reeve , Wu Holden H. , Hu Bob S. , Nishimura Dwight G. 
Published: July 2015

PurposeTo improve the spatial/temporal resolution of whole‐heart coronary MR angiography by developing a variable‐density (VD) 3D cones acquisition suitable for image reconstruction with parallel imaging and compressed sensing techniques.MethodsA VD 3D cones trajectory design incorporates both radial and spiral trajectory undersampling techniques to achieve higher resolution. This design is used to generate a VD 3D cones trajectory with 0.8 mm/66 ms isotropic spatial/temporal resolution, using a similar number of readouts as our previous fully sampled cones trajectory (1.2 mm/100 ms). Scans of volunteers and patients are performed to evaluate the performance of the VD trajectory, using non‐Cartesian L1‐ESPIRiT for high‐resolution image reconstruction.ResultsWith gridding reconstruction, the high‐resolution scans experience an expected drop in signal‐to‐noise and contrast‐to‐noise ratios, but with L1‐ESPIRiT, the apparent noise is substantially reduced. Compared with 1.2 mm images, in each volunteer, the L1‐ESPIRiT 0.8 mm images exhibit higher vessel sharpness values in the right and left anterior descending arteries.ConclusionCoronary MR angiography with isotropic submillimeter spatial resolution and high temporal resolution can be performed with VD 3D cones to improve the depiction of coronary arteries. Magn Reson Med 74:614–621, 2015. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
pH imaging of mouse kidneys in vivo using a frequency‐dependent paraCEST agent
Authors: Wu Yunkou , Zhang Shanrong , Soesbe Todd C. , Yu Jing , Vinogradov Elena , Lenkinski Robert E. , Sherry A. Dean 
Published: July 2015

PurposeThis study explored the feasibility of using a pH responsive paramagnetic chemical exchange saturation transfer (paraCEST) agent to image the pH gradient in kidneys of healthy mice.MethodsCEST signals were acquired on an Agilent 9.4 Tesla small animal MRI system using a steady‐state gradient echo pulse sequence after a bolus injection of agent. The magnetic field inhomogeneity across each kidney was corrected using the WASSR method and pH maps were calculated by measuring the frequency of water exchange signal arising from the agent.ResultsDynamic CEST studies demonstrated that the agent was readily detectable in kidneys only between 4 to 12 min postinjection. The CEST images showed a higher signal intensity in the pelvis and calyx regions and lower signal intensity in the medulla and cortex regions. The pH maps reflected tissue pH values spanning from 6.0 to 7.5 in kidneys of healthy mice.ConclusionThis study demonstrated that pH maps of the kidney can be imaged in vivo by measuring the pH‐dependent chemical shift of a single water exchange CEST peak without prior knowledge of the agent concentration in vivo. The results demonstrate the potential of using a simple frequency‐dependent paraCEST agent for mapping tissue pH in vivo. Magn Reson Med 75:2432–2441, 2016. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Reproducibility of electromyographic and mechanical parameters of the triceps surae during submaximal and maximal plantar flexions
Authors: Stutzig Norman , Siebert Tobias 
Published: July 2015

ABSTRACTIntroduction: Neuromuscular parameters must be reproducible to examine neuromuscular adaptations in interventional and clinical studies. The reproducibility of neuromuscular parameters for the soleus (SOL), lateral gastrocnemius (LG), and medial gastrocnemius (MG) was assessed over a period of 2 weeks. Methods: Thirteen subjects (27.4 years, 69.5 kg) were tested for numerous electromyographic (e.g., voluntary and electrical evoked EMG) and mechanical (e.g., voluntary activation level) parameters in 3 test sessions. Results: The majority of the data (28 of 34) revealed moderate and substantial reproducibility. Hmax20%/Mmax20% and Vsup/Msup were less reproducible in LG than in MG and SOL. Muscle activity and M‐waves did not differ between muscles. The ICC for the mechanical data was >0.79. Conclusions: The H‐reflex during voluntary contraction of the LG should be considered with caution. Mechanical data on muscle activation level are reproducible. The reproducibility of neuromuscular parameters is sufficient for interventional studies. Muscle Nerve 53: 464–470, 2016
Myopathy in a patient with systemic AA amyloidosis possibly induced by psoriasis vulgaris: An autopsy case
Authors: Tanabe Hajime , Maki Yoshimitsu , Urabe Shogo , Higuchi Itsuro , Obayashi Konen , Hokezu Youichi 
Published: July 2015

ABSTRACTIntroduction: Amyloid myopathy is a rare manifestation of primary systemic amyloid light‐chain (AL) amyloidosis, but it has not been reported to occur in secondary amyloid A (AA) amyloidosis. Methods: We describe a 46‐year‐old man with psoriasis vulgaris who presented with idiopathic upper and lower limb weakness and was eventually diagnosed with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy. Muscle biopsy findings were compatible with mild inflammatory myopathy. He died of cardiopulmonary arrest, and an autopsy was performed. Results: The autopsy revealed amyloid plaques immunopositive for AA (but not AL or transthyretin) in the perimysial, perivascular, and endomysial regions of the iliopsoas muscle. The final diagnosis was systemic AA amyloidosis with muscle amyloid angiopathy, possibly induced by psoriasis vulgaris. Conclusion: This is an extremely rare autopsy case of myopathy in a patient with systemic AA amyloidosis. The reason for the unusually large amount of amyloid deposition in muscle blood vessel walls remains unclear. Muscle Nerve 52: 1113–1117, 2015
Extension of plasticity theory to debonding, grain dissolution, and chemical damage of calcarenites
Authors: Ciantia Matteo O. , di Prisco Claudio 
Published: July 2015

SummaryThe mechanical properties of calcarenites are known to be significantly affected by water saturation: both stiffness and strength decrease for wetting in the short term and for chemical dissolution in the long term. Both processes mainly affect bonds among grains: immediately after inundation depositional bonds fall in suspension, whereas diagenetic bonds dissolve more slowly. In this paper, the authors started from the micro‐structural analysis of the weathering processes to conceive a strain hardening hydro‐chemo‐mechanical coupled elastoplastic constitutive model. The concept of extended hardening rules is here enriched: weathering functions have been determined by employing a micro to macro simplified upscaling procedure. Chemical damage is incorporated into the formulation by means of a scalar damage function. Its evolution is also described by using a multiscale approach. A new term is added to the strain rate tensor in order to incorporate the dissolution induced chemical deformations developing once the soft rock is turned into a granular material. A calibration procedure for the constitutive parameters is suggested, and the model is validated by using both coupled and uncoupled chemo‐mechanical experimental test results. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Electronic bladder diaries of differing duration versus a paper diary for data collection in overactive bladder
Authors: Abrams Paul , Paty Jean , Martina Reynaldo , Newgreen Donald T , van Maanen Rob , Paireddy Asha , Kuipers‐deGroot Trudy , Ridder Arwin 
Published: July 2015

AimsThis observational study compared data values, reliability, consistency and compliance collected by electronic and paper diaries of differing durations.MethodsSubjects ≥18 years with overactive bladder (OAB) on stable antimuscarinic treatment for ≥12 weeks were assigned to one of five, 15‐week diary schedules in this randomized, parallel‐group observational study. Sample size was sufficient to assess reliability and consistency of diary data with adequate precision. Reliability was assessed via intraclass correlation coefficients, variability with ANCOVAs, and consistency using Cronbach's alpha.ResultsDemographic characteristics of randomized subjects were representative of OAB trial populations. For mean volume voided, reliability was comparable across diary groups. For incontinence, reliability improved with increasing diary duration. For micturition frequency, electronic 7‐day diary results had highest reliability and lowest variability. Lowest overall reliability was observed in the 3‐day paper diary. Consistency was highest in the electronic continuous groups; Cont A (daily measurements throughout the study period [fully Continuous]) and Cont B (daily measurements for some but not all endpoints of interest [Partially Continuous]). Compliance was generally high; across groups ≥90% of diaries had at least one entry per day. There was no significant change in average micturition frequency with diary duration, suggesting no diary fatigue. One‐third of subjects in the electronic Cont B group also reported micturitions as incontinence when they only needed to report incontinence; they also reported lowest satisfaction with the study. The electronic 7‐day and electronic Cont A schedules (who reported incontinence and micturitions throughout the study) had lowest residual errors.ConclusionsFor future OAB trials, 7‐day or continuous electronic diaries may improve accuracy and reliability of micturition and incontinence frequency data compared with shorter collection periods and paper diaries. Neurourol. Urodynam. 35:743–749, 2016. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Efficient numerical methods for the large‐scale, parallel solution of elastoplastic contact problems
Authors: Frohne Jörg , Heister Timo , Bangerth Wolfgang 
Published: July 2015

SummaryQuasi‐static elastoplastic contact problems are ubiquitous in many industrial processes and other contexts, and their numerical simulation is consequently of great interest in accurately describing and optimizing production processes. The key component in these simulations is the solution of a single load step of a time iteration. From a mathematical perspective, the problems to be solved in each time step are characterized by the difficulties of variational inequalities for both the plastic behavior and the contact problem. Computationally, they also often lead to very large problems. In this paper, we present and evaluate a complete set of methods that are (1) designed to work well together and (2) allow for the efficient solution of such problems. In particular, we use adaptive finite element meshes with linear and quadratic elements, a Newton linearization of the plasticity, active set methods for the contact problem, and multigrid‐preconditioned linear solvers. Through a sequence of numerical experiments, we show the performance of these methods. This includes highly accurate solutions of a three‐dimensional benchmark problem and scaling our methods in parallel to 1024 cores and more than a billion unknowns. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Multiscale seamless‐domain method for linear elastic analysis of heterogeneous materials
Authors: Suzuki Yoshiro 
Published: July 2015

SummaryA multiscale numerical technique, termed the seamless‐domain method (SDM), is applied to linear elastic problems. The SDM consists of two steps. The first step is a microscopic analysis of the local simulated domain to construct interpolation functions for discretizing governing equations. This allows an SDM solution to represent a structure consisting of heterogeneous microstructure(s) without homogenization. The second step is a macroscopic analysis of a seamless global (entire) domain that has only coarse‐grained points and does not need a mesh or grid. The special functions obtained in the first step are used in interpolating the dependent‐variable distribution in the global domain. Additionally, the SDM can enhance analytical precision and resolution when analyzing both homogeneous and heterogeneous fields. Our previous manuscript gave numerical examples of the application of the method to scalar temperature fields. To investigate the feasibility of the analysis of vector fields, the SDM technique is applied in linear elastic analysis of heterogeneous materials in the present study. The SDM's global models with only a few hundred points gave shear locking‐free and hourglass‐free solutions at the same level of accuracy as solutions obtained from conventional finite element analysis using hundreds of thousands of node points or more. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Implementation of a generalized exponential basis functions method for linear and non‐linear problems
Authors: Mossaiby F. , Ghaderian M. , Rossi R. 
Published: July 2015

SummaryIn this paper, we address shortcomings of the method of exponential basis functions by extending it to general linear and non‐linear problems. In linear problems, the solution is approximated using a linear combination of exponential functions. The coefficients are calculated such that the homogenous form of equation is satisfied on some grid. To solve non‐linear problems, they are converted to into a succession of linear ones using a Newton–Kantorovich approach. The generalized exponential basis functions (GEBF) method developed can be implemented with greater ease compared with exponential basis functions, as all calculations can be performed using real numbers and no characteristic equation is needed. The details of an optimized implementation are described. We compare GEBF on some benchmark problems with methods in the literature, such as variants of the boundary element method, where GEBF shows a good performance. Also, in a 3D problem, we report the run time of the proposed method compared with that of Kratos, a parallel, highly optimized finite element code. The results show that in this example, to obtain the same level of error, much less computational effort is needed in the proposed method. Practical limitations might be encountered, however, for large problems because of dense matrix operations involved. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Genetic variants in LEP, LEPR, and MC4R explain 30% of severe obesity in children from a consanguineous population
Authors: Saeed Sadia , Bonnefond Amélie , Manzoor Jaida , Shabir Faiza , Ayesha Hina , Philippe Julien , Durand Emmanuelle , Crouch Hutokshi , Sand Olivier , Ali Muhammad , Butt Taeed , Rathore Ahsan W. , Falchi Mario , Arslan Muhammad , Froguel Philippe 
Published: July 2015

ObjectiveSingle gene mutations leading to severe obesity have so far been identified in 3‐5% cases in European populations. However, prevalence of these pathogenic mutations has not systematically been examined in specific consanguineous populations. Here we describe the incidence of obesity‐associated mutations through a step‐wise sequence analysis, in a cohort of 73 Pakistani children with severe obesity from consanguineous families.MethodsInitially, all subjects were screened for mutations in coding regions of leptin (LEP) and melanocortin 4 receptor (MC4R) genes by direct sequencing. Subjects negative for mutation in these genes were screened using microdroplet PCR enrichment and NGS. Genomic structural variation was assessed by genotyping. Serum leptin, insulin, and cortisol were determined by ELISA.ResultsAmong 73 children with severe obesity (BMI SDS > 3.0), we identified 22 probands and 5 relatives, carrying 10 different loss‐of‐function homozygous mutations in LEP, leptin receptor (LEPR), and MC4R genes, including 4 novel variants. Hypercortisolemia was significantly emphasized in LEP mutation carriers.ConclusionsThe prevalence of pathogenic mutations in genes known to directly influence leptin‐melanocortin signaling is 30% in our cohort. The results of this study emphasize the desirability of undertaking systematic and in‐depth genetic analysis of cases with severe obesity in specific consanguineous populations.
Women have more potential to induce browning of perirenal adipose tissue than men
Authors: van den Beukel Johanna C. , Grefhorst Aldo , Hoogduijn Martin J. , Steenbergen Jacobie , Mastroberardino Pier G. , Dor Frank J.M.F. , Themmen Axel P.N. 
Published: July 2015

ObjectiveBrown adipose tissue (BAT) can generate heat by burning fatty acids, a process mediated by uncoupling protein 1 (UCP1). White adipose tissue (WAT) depots can gain BAT‐like properties, and various studies have suggested that females have more active BAT or BAT‐like WAT. We studied sex differences in BAT‐like properties of human perirenal adipose tissue.MethodsPerirenal and subcutaneous adipose tissue was obtained from 20 male and 24 female healthy live kidney donors. Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs), adipocyte precursor cells, were isolated from these depots to study whether intrinsic factors control BAT‐like properties of the adipose tissue depots.ResultsWhen average outside temperature a week before harvesting was below 11°C, brown‐like adipocytes expressing UCP1 were present in perirenal adipose tissue of women, but not of men. MSCs derived from perirenal adipose tissue expressed significantly more UCP1 when from female origin compared to male origin (P = 0.009). However, UCP1 protein content and oxygen consumption rate did not differ between adipocytes derived from male and female perirenal MSCs.ConclusionsFemale perirenal adipose tissue has a higher potency to gain BAT‐like properties than male perirenal adipose tissue. The degree of gaining BAT‐like properties depends on sex‐specific intrinsic factors and environmental triggers such as temperature.
Mechanisms of chorioamnionitis‐associated preterm birth: interleukin‐1β inhibits progesterone receptor expression in decidual cells
Authors: Guzeloglu‐Kayisli Ozlem , Kayisli Umit A , Semerci Nihan , Basar Murat , Buchwalder Lynn F , Buhimschi Catalin S , Buhimschi Irina A , Arcuri Felice , Larsen Kellie , Huang Joseph S , Schatz Frederick , Lockwood Charles J 
Published: July 2015

AbstractIn chorioamnionitis (CAM), a major cause of preterm birth (PTB), maternal–fetal inflammation of the decidua and amniochorion cause the release of cytokines that elicit cervical ripening, fetal membrane rupture and myometrial activation. We posit that this inflammatory milieu triggers PTB by inhibiting progesterone receptor (PR) expression and increasing decidual prostaglandin (PG) production. Immunohistochemical staining of decidua detected significantly lower PR levels in decidual cells (DCs) from CAM‐complicated PTB. Incubation of DCs with IL‐1β decreased PR expression and significantly increased PGE2 and PGF2α production and COX‐2 expression. The addition of PGF2α to DC cultures also suppressed PR expression. However, the COX inhibitor, indomethacin, did not reverse IL‐1β suppression of PR expression in DC cultures. Although IL‐1β treatment activated the NF‐KB, ERK1/2 and p38 MAPK signalling cascades in DCs, inhibition of ERK1/2 MAPK signalling alone was sufficient to completely reverse the suppression of PR levels by IL‐1β. These findings suggest that CAM‐associated PTB is induced at least in part by IL‐1β‐mediated functional progesterone withdrawal. Copyright © 2015 Pathological Society of Great Britain and Ireland. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Survival among children and adults with sickle cell disease in Belgium: Benefit from hydroxyurea treatment
Authors: Lê Phu Quoc , Gulbis Béatrice , Dedeken Laurence , Dupont Sophie , Vanderfaeillie Anna , Heijmans Catherine , Huybrechts Sophie , Devalck Christine , Efira André , Dresse Marie‐Françoise , Rozen Laurence , Benghiat Fleur Samantha , Ferster Alina 
Published: July 2015

ObjectiveTo evaluate the survival of patients with sickle cell disease (SCD) recorded in the Belgian SCD Registry and to assess the impact of disease‐modifying treatments (DMT).MethodThe Registry created in 2008 included patients of eight centers. All available data in 2008 were retrospectively encoded in the database. After 2008 and until 2012, all data were recorded prospectively for already registered patients as well as newly diagnosed subjects. Data were registered from neonatal screening or from diagnosis (first contact) until last follow‐up or death. Data included diagnosis, demography, and outcome data.ResultsWe collected data from 469 patients over a 5,110 patient years (PY) follow‐up period. The global mortality rate was low (0.25/100 PY), although 13 patients died (2.8%) and was similar between children, adolescents (10–18 years), and young adults (P = 0.76). Out of the cohort, 185 patients received hydroxyurea at last follow‐up (median duration of treatment: 10.3 years), 90 underwent hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT), 24 were chronically transfused, and 170 had never had any DMT. Hydroxyurea showed significant benefit on patients outcome as reflected by a lower mortality rate compared to transplanted individuals or people without DMT (0.14, 0.36, and 0.38 per 100 PY, respectively) and by higher Kaplan–Meier estimates of 15 year survival (99.4%) compared to HSCT (93.8%; P = 0.01) or no DMT groups (95.4%; P = 0.04).ConclusionSCD mortality in Belgium is low with no increase observed in young adults. Patients treated with hydroxyurea demonstrate a significant benefit in survival when compared to those without DMT or transplanted. Pediatr Blood Cancer © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Adherence to prompt fever evaluation in children with sickle cell disease and the health belief model
Authors: Schultz Corinna L. , Tchume‐Johnson Trudy , Schapira Marilyn M. , Bellamy Scarlett , Smith‐Whitley Kim , Ellison Angela 
Published: July 2015

BackgroundChildren with sickle cell disease (SCD) are at increased risk of death from invasive bacterial infections. Emergent evaluation of fever allows early treatment of potentially fatal infections. Limited data exist regarding caregiver adherence to physician recommendations of prompt medical evaluation of fever in children with SCD. Better understanding of parental behavior around fever management may inform improved models for support in families of children with SCD.ProcedureCross‐sectional survey based on health belief domains, Wake Forest trust scales, and self‐reported adherence among 163 caregivers of children with SCD during routine hematology visit.ResultsFifty‐five percent of caregivers were adherent to fever evaluation recommendations as defined by “always” seeking medical evaluation of fever in their child with SCD. Perceived susceptibility to fever/infection, benefits of prompt evaluation, and cues to action were significantly different between those who adhere to recommendations versus those who do not. Twenty‐five percent believe their child does not need antibiotics with every fever whereas 17% believe their child does not need evaluation of fever after immunizations. Fifty‐seven percent report their employer understands missing work whereas 25% report concern regarding cost of evaluation. Trust in their child's hematologist and medical profession was high (composite scores 23.4/25 and 21/25, respectively).ConclusionDespite a high degree of agreement in importance of fever evaluation and high levels of trust, many caregivers do not consistently seek care when their child has a fever. Future studies should address additional barriers to seeking emergency care in children with SCD and fever. Pediatr Blood Cancer © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.