bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
A Pelvic Floor Fitness Program for Older Women With Urinary Symptoms: A Feasibility Study
Authors: Dugan Sheila A. , Lavender Missy D. , Hebert‐Beirne Jennifer , Brubaker Linda 
Published: March 2013

ObjectiveTo determine the feasibility of an adapted pelvic fitness and educational program to control urinary incontinence (UI) and overactive bladder (OAB) symptoms in women older than 65 years.DesignFeasibility study.SettingResidential independent‐living facilities.ParticipantsForty‐three study subjects, limited to women 65 years and older residing in or using an independent‐living facility, who self‐reported that they had symptoms of UI or OAB.MethodsStudy participants volunteered to participate in a 6‐week pelvic fitness class. Classes were held at 3 different independent‐living sites. Forty‐three women in 4 different treatment groups with 9‐15 women per group completed the adapted group pelvic fitness and education instruction, which was provided twice a week for 6 weeks. At one site, in addition to the treatment group, an education‐only group met; in this group, 14 women received an alternate intervention consisting of only one educational session and a booklet presenting the didactic content without specific muscle isolation or training.Main Outcome MeasurementsIn addition to demographics, standardized assessments using validated instruments were obtained before the first class and after the last class, including general health, self‐reported bladder function, quality of life, and the timed up‐and‐go test.ResultsMost participants (97%) were white, with a mean age of 83 years (range, 67‐95 years). Most participants in the treatment groups (83%) reported symptom improvement. Statistically significant improvements in OAB and bladder symptoms were found after 6 weeks in the treatment groups, based on visual analog scale scores (P = .0058) for bothersomeness of bladder symptoms, the total score of the Urogenital Distress Inventory, Short Form (P ≤ .0001), and the total score of the Incontinence Impact Questionnaire, Short Form (P = .0036).ConclusionsA group pelvic floor fitness program combined with pelvic health education is a promising approach to reduce urinary symptoms and improve the quality of life of older women living with OAB or UI symptoms.
Ultrasound Measures of the Lumbar Multifidus: Effect of Task and Transducer Position on Reliability
Authors: Larivière Christian , Gagnon Dany , De Oliveira Eros , Henry Sharon M. , Mecheri Hakim , Dumas Jean‐Pierre 
Published: March 2013

ObjectiveTo (1) assess the intra‐ and inter‐rater reliability of different ultrasound (US) measures of the lumbar multifidus muscle in subjects with and without chronic low back pain and (2) test 3 different ways to enhance reliability, that is, by testing different tasks, using a template, and averaging trials within or between days.DesignCross‐sectional repeated‐measures design.SettingLaboratory setting.PatientsFifteen subjects with chronic low back pain and 15 control subjects.MethodsSubjects (n = 30) performed contralateral arm lifting and contralateral leg lifting while in the prone position. Two 7‐second videos of the lumbar multifidus (from rest to contraction) were collected with and without a template (transparency) to reposition the transducer on the skin. One of the two raters repeated the testing 7 to 14 days later to assess intrarater reliability in addition to inter‐rater reliability. Reliability was assessed with the generalizability theory as a framework.Main outcome measurementsUS imaging measures of the lumbar multifidus thickness were obtained in patients at rest and during standardized contractions (hereafter called primary measures) at 2 vertebral levels and on both sides. These primary measures were used to calculate different, potentially useful US parameters (hereafter called derived measures).ResultsIntrarater reliability was better than inter‐rater reliability, and primary measures were more reliable than derived measures. The tasks investigated showed comparable reliability results, and the use of the transducer position template was not effective to increase reliability. Averaging the measures of 3 images increased reliability substantially.ConclusionsOptimal reliability requires the use of a single rater and the averaging of at least 3 images per visit. In these conditions, primary measures reach acceptable levels of reliability, which was more difficult to achieve for most derived measures. Arm or leg lifting tasks showed similar reliability, and thus the arm‐lifting task is recommended for comparisons with previous studies. The use of a transducer position template is not recommended.
Transparency in the reporting of in vivo pre-clinical pain research: The relevance and implications of the ARRIVE (Animal Research: Reporting In Vivo Experiments) guidelines
Authors: Rice Andrew S.C. , Morland Rosemary , Huang Wenlong , Currie Gillian L. , Sena Emily S. , Macleod Malcolm R. 
Published: March 2013

Abstract
Clear reporting of research is crucial to the scientific process. Poorly designed and reported studies are damaging not only to the efforts of individual researchers, but also to science as a whole. Standardised reporting methods, such as those already established for reporting randomised clinical trials, have led to improved study design and facilitated the processes of clinical systematic review and meta-analysis.
Such standards were lacking in the pre-clinical field until the development of the ARRIVE (Animal Research: Reporting In Vivo Experiments) guidelines. These were prompted following a survey which highlighted a widespread lack of robust and consistent reporting of pre-clinical in vivo research, with reports frequently omitting basic information required for study replication and quality assessment.
The resulting twenty item checklist in ARRIVE covers all aspects of experimental design with particular emphasis on bias reduction and methodological transparency. Influential publishers and research funders have already adopted ARRIVE. Further dissemination and acknowledgement of the importance of these guidelines is vital to their widespread implementation.

Conclusions and implications
Wide implementation of the ARRIVE guidelines for reporting of in vivo preclinical research, especially pain research, are essential for a much needed increased transparency and quality in publishing such research. ARRIVE will also positively influence improvements in experimental design and quality, assist the conduct of accurate replication studies of important new findings and facilitate meta-analyses of preclinical research.
Quantifying the periodicity of Heinrich and Dansgaard–Oeschger events during Marine Oxygen Isotope Stage 3
Authors: Long John A. , Stoy Paul C. 
Published: March 2013

AbstractData from multiple ice and sediment cores in the North Atlantic show that Marine Oxygen Isotope Stage 3 (MIS 3) was characterized by recurring millennial-scale variations in climate, but the periodic behavior of the well-known millennial-scale variations, Heinrich events and Dansgaard–Oeschger events, is uncertain. We use oxygen isotope values from the Greenland Ice Sheet Project 2 (GISP2) and North Greenland Ice Core Project (NGRIP) ice cores and estimated sea-surface temperature derived from a Bermuda Rise marine sediment core as climate proxies to assess the periodic behavior of Heinrich events and Dansgaard–Oeschger events using Lomb–Scargle spectral decomposition and continuous time autoregressive models. We find that continuous time autoregressive models produce less variable estimates of periodicity for Heinrich events than Lomb–Scargle methods. Heinrich events during MIS 3 are periodic with an estimated periodicity of 6.29–6.49 ka in the GISP 2 ice core, 6.71–6.76 ka in the marine sediment core, and 7.89–8.23 ka in the NGRIP core. There is insufficient evidence from these data to conclude that Dansgaard–Oeschger events exhibit a single periodicity during MIS 3. We also find that the periodic behavior of millennial-scale variations depends on the observational time frame.
Posterior maxillary alveolar vertical distraction osteogenesis by bi‐directional distractor
Authors: Ooi Kazuhiro , Inoue Nobuo , Okada Tomoyuki , Matsushita Kazuhiro , Totsuka Yasunori 
Published: March 2013

AbstractA patient with severe posterior maxillary hypoplasia was simulated using a 3‐dimensional model by rapid prototyping, and segmental vertical distraction osteogenesis was planned to advance the posterior maxillary segment. The bi‐directional distractor was adapted to the alveolar ridge and zygomatic buttress. After a 7‐day latency period, we started distraction at a rate of 0.35 mm every 12 h. 12 mm of advancement of the posterior maxillary segment was achieved. This distraction osteogenesis using a bi‐directional distractor with proper therapeutic planning and good surgical technique will help ensure adequate vector control to predictably regenerate the hard and soft tissues during alveolar distraction.
A Concise Total Synthesis of (±)-Asteriscunolide C
Authors: Fernandes Rodney A. , Chavan Vijay P. 
Published: March 2013

This Letter has been retracted by the authors upon request of the Editorial Board for reasons of significant content overlap with a parallel submission to another journal.1 The Editorial Board recognizes that, had the submission to Chem. Commun. (submitted five weeks prior to this Synlett manuscript), been referenced and its contents disclosed, the striking similarities between the chiral (Chem. Commun.) and racemic (Synlett) syntheses would have been noted and the Synlett Letter would not have been accepted for publication. (1) A 12-membered to a strained 11-membered ring: first stereoselective total synthesis of (−)-asteriscunolide C, Fernandes, R. A.; Chavan, V. P. Chem. Commun. 2013, 49, 3354.
Density and confinement effects of glass forming m-toluidine in nanoporous Vycor investigated by depolarized dynamic light scattering
Authors: Blochowicz Thomas , Gouirand Emmanuel , Schramm Sebastian , Stühn Bernd 
Published: March 2013

We investigate the reorientational dynamics of supercooled m-toluidine contained in a matrix of nanoporous Vycor with depolarized dynamic light scattering. Under equilibrium conditions a clear sample is obtained and the dynamics of m-toluidine molecules from inside the nanopores can be accessed via light scattering. However, when supercooling the imbibed liquid at conventional cooling rates, strong non-equilibrium effects occur due to the mismatch of expansion coefficients and the sample gets turbid several tens of Kelvin above the bulk glass transition. Only at cooling rates as low as 0.02 K/min this can be avoided and the dynamics of m-toluidine in confinement can be followed even below the bulk glass transition temperature. In confinement a pronounced acceleration of the reorientational dynamics is observed and the characteristic correlation times follow an Arrhenius law close to Tg. However it seems likely that part of the observed differences to bulk behavior is due to density effects, which are reduced but cannot be fully avoided at low cooling rates.
Note: A real-time beam current density meter
Authors: Liu Junliang , Yu Deyang , Ruan Fangfang , Xue Yingli , Wang Wei 
Published: March 2013

We have developed a real-time beam current density meter for charged particle beams. It measures the mean current density by collimating a uniform and large diameter primary beam. The suppression of the secondary electrons and the deflection of the beam were simulated, and it was tested with a 105 keV Ar7+ ion beam.
Adaptive servo‐ventilation therapy improves cardiac sympathetic nerve activity in patients with heart failure
Authors: Koyama Takashi , Watanabe Hiroyuki , Tamura Yoshikazu , Oguma Yasunori , Kosaka Toshimitsu , Ito Hiroshi 
Published: March 2013

AimsThis study investigated whether abnormal cardiac sympathetic nerve activity (SNA) is associated with the severity of central sleep apnoea (CSA) and whether adaptive servo‐ventilation (ASV) therapy can improve cardiac SNA in heart failure (HF) patients with predominant CSA.Methods and resultsOvernight polysomnography was conducted to diagnose CSA. Cardiac SNA was analysed by [123I]metaiodobenzylguanidine scintigraphy in 26 consecutive HF patients with predominant CSA. Of the 26 patients, 10 agreed to ASV therapy. Cardiac SNA was analysed 6 months after initiating ASV based on a non‐randomized protocol. The apnoea–hypopnoea index and central apnoea index were significantly correlated with the washout rate (WR) and a delayed heart to mediastinal (H/M) ratio, suggesting that SNA is associated with abnormal breathing patterns. The WR, H/M ratio, plasma BNP level, and LVEF were significantly improved (WR, 40.0 ± 11.6% vs. 34.6 ± 11.4%, P = 0.046; H/M ratio, 1.5 ± 0.1 vs.1.8 ± 0.3, P = 0.013; ln BNP, 5.4 ± 1.0 vs. 4.6 ± 1.2, P = 0.007; and LVEF, 43.8 ± 10.4% vs. 47.0 ± 10.6%, P < 0.001) in the ASV group patients, but not in the non‐ASV group patients. Multiple linear regression analyses showed that a decreased WR was strongly associated with an increased LVEF (coefficient = –0.454, P = 0.013).ConclusionsAbnormal cardiac SNA could be significantly correlated with the severity of CSA in HF patients. ASV therapy might improve cardiac function in these patients by partially mediating cardiac SNA regulation.
Which women are at an increased risk of a caesarean section or an instrumental vaginal birth in the UK: an exploration within the Millennium Cohort Study
Authors: Essex HN , Green J , Baston H , Pickett KE 
Published: March 2013

ObjectiveTo explore the maternal demographic factors associated with operative births (instrumental vaginal births or caesarean section), after adjustment for health, interpersonal, pregnancy, labour and infant covariates.DesignNationally representative cohort study.SettingWomen giving birth in the UK, during the period 2000–2002.SampleA total of 18 239 mother–infant pairs.MethodsMultinomial logistic regression models were estimated to explore the relationship between demographic characteristics and mode of birth, stratified by parity.Main outcome measuresSelf‐reported mode of birth, defined as unassisted vaginal birth, instrumental vaginal birth, emergency caesarean section and planned caesarean section.ResultsFor primiparous women, operative births rose steeply with increasing maternal age. Women from lower occupational status households were at an increased risk of planned caesarean section. Mode of birth differed significantly by ethnicity. For multiparous women, a younger age at first birth was protective of a later caesarean section or instrumental vaginal birth at the cohort birth. Women with qualifications normally taken at the age 18 years were at an increased risk of planned caesarean section compared with women with degree‐level qualifications. Mode of birth differed significantly by ethnicity, and non‐UK born women were at an increased risk of emergency caesarean section.ConclusionsThe sociodemographic characteristics of UK women independently predict mode of birth. Further research is needed to establish to what extent sociodemographic differences in mode of birth are a reflection of the attitudes and behaviours of women, or health professionals, and are therefore amenable to change.
Hutchinson–Gilford progeria syndrome through the lens of transcription
Authors: Prokocimer Miron , Barkan Rachel , Gruenbaum Yosef 
Published: March 2013

SummaryLamins are nuclear intermediate filaments. In addition to their structural roles, they are implicated in basic nuclear functions such as chromatin organization, DNA replication, transcription, DNA repair, and cell‐cycle progression. Mutations in human LMNA gene cause several diseases termed laminopathies. One of the laminopathic diseases is Hutchinson–Gilford progeria syndrome (HGPS), which is caused by a spontaneous mutation and characterized by premature aging. HGPS phenotypes share certain similarities with several apparently comparable medical conditions, such as aging and atherosclerosis, with the conspicuous absence of neuronal degeneration and cancer rarity during the short lifespan of the patients. Cell lines from HGPS patients are characterized by multiple nuclear defects, which include abnormal morphology, altered histone modification patterns, and increased DNA damage. These cell lines provide insight into the molecular pathways including senescence that require lamins A and B1. Here, we review recent data on HGPS phenotypes through the lens of transcriptional deregulation caused by lack of functional lamin A, progerin accumulation, and lamin B1 silencing.
Enhancing tourist opportunities to view spotted‐necked otters (Lutra maculicollis) at Rubondo Island National Park: can the apriori location of latrines simplify identifying best viewing areas?
Authors: Amulike Bridget , Stevens Sadie S. , Serfass Thomas L. 
Published: March 2013

AbstractWe observed spotted‐necked otters (Lutra maculicollis) along a 5.17‐km section of shoreline at Rubondo Island National Park, Tanzania, during May 2008 and February, June–August 2009 to determine whether their activity areas were associated with latrine site (places along the shoreline where spotted‐necked otters scent mark by depositing scats and urine) as part of an assessment to determine how tourists or researchers can best view the species. For this assessment, we compared the distance of spotted‐necked otters sightings associated with the shoreline (n = 207) with the distance between an equal number of geographical information system (GIS)‐generated random points to the nearest latrine for each of the respective points. The mean distances for locations of spotted‐necked otter sightings to the nearest latrine differed from the mean distance of random points to latrines [171.9 m (SE = 11.30) and 66.1 m (SE = 8.16), respectively; t = −9.23, df = 412, P < 0.001]. Sightings also were much (2.6 times) closer to latrines that occurred in groups than those that were isolated (single). Establishing viewing sites at or near latrines (particularly those occurring in clusters) would thus seem an effective way to maximize opportunities to see spotted‐necked otters.
Uncemented Primary Total Hip Arthroplasty, Presentation of Pain, and Expression of Osteonectin
Authors: Beraudi Alina , Montesi Monica , Traina Francesco , Falcioni Stefano , Stea Susanna , Toni Aldo 
Published: March 2013

AbstractOsteonectin (ON) is an important matrix glycoprotein highly expressed in bone. In several in vitro and animal model studies, ON was used as indicator of the state of osseointegration of implanted devices. There are, however, no studies on ON expression in the synovial fluid of patients with total hip joint replacement (THJR). The purpose of our study was to determine the ON concentration in synovial fluid from three groups of patients: primary uncemented THJR with hip pain (“pain” group; n = 15) and without pain (“no‐pain” group; n = 12), and patients with osteoarthitis scheduled to receive a primary THJR (control group; n = 5). For the prosthesized groups, the statistical nature of the correlation between ON concentration and patient age, in situ life of the THJR, presence of periprosthetic osteolysis, and presence of debris in the synovial fluid was individually investigated. ON concentration was determined using enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay, the presence of periprosthetic osteolysis was established using X‐radiography and Engh's criteria, and the presence of debris was determined using digestion and EDX spectroscopy. ON concentration was significantly lower in the “pain” group compared with the “no‐pain” one (median values 19.0 and 53.2 ng/mL, respectively). ON concentration in the control group (median value: 16.9 ng/mL) was comparable with that reported in the literature. In the prosthesized groups, ON concentration was not correlated with patient age, in situ life of the prosthesis, presence of periprosthetic osteolysis, or presence of debris in the synovial fluid. Our results suggest that cases of unexplained pain in THJR patients could be treated by paying special attention to the osseointegration status of the implant by using ON concentration as an early indicator of this status.
Cash flow vs. collateral‐based credit
Authors: Cassano Francesca , Jõeveer Karin , Svejnar Jan 
Published: March 2013

AbstractWe study factors affecting micro, small and medium‐sized enterprises (MSMEs) receiving loans and the effect of these loans on MSMEs performance. We study two types of loans – a new type based on cash flows and a traditional‐style loan based on collateral. We use unique surveys of MSMEs from Bulgaria, Georgia, Russia and Ukraine. We find that MSMEs receiving a cash flow or collateral loan in the past are more likely to receive the same type of loan (and larger sized) in the future and that cash flow loans may be the preferred form of credit. Both types of loans are related positively to most performance indicators, enabling the MSMEs for instance to be more profitable and expand production. The cash flow loans also appear to be particularly attractive credit delivery schemes for micro and small enterprises. Finally, the effects of the smallest loans are often negative, suggesting that the minimum loan size is an important policy issue.
Hydrogeochemical dynamics affecting steam‐heated pools at El Chichón Crater (Chiapas – Mexico)
Authors: Cuoco E. , De Francesco S. , Tedesco D. 
Published: March 2013

AbstractEl Chichón is an active volcano located in the north‐westernChiapas, southernMexico. The crater hosts a lake, a spring, named Soap Pool, emerging from the underlying volcanic aquifer and several mud pools/hot springs on the internal flanks of the crater which strongly interact with the current fumarolic system (steam‐heated pools). Some of these pools, the crater lake and a cold spring emerging from the 1982 pumice deposits, have been sampled and analysed. Water–volcanic gas interactions determine the heating (43–99°C) and acidification (pH2–4) of the springs, mainly by H2S oxidation. Significantly, in the study area, a significant NH3partial pressure has been also detected. Such a geochemically aggressive environment enhances alteration of the rockin situand strongly increases the mineralization of the waters (and therefore their electrical conductivity). Two different mineralization systems were detected for the crater waters: the soap pool‐lake (Na+/Cl− = 0.4, Na/Mg>10) and the crater mud pools (Na+/Cl− > 10, Na/Mg < 4). A deep boiling, Na+‐K+‐Cl−‐rich water reservoir generally influences the Soap Pool‐lake, while the mud pool is mainly dominated by water‐gas–rock interactions. In the latter case, conductivity of sampled water is directly proportional to the presence of reactive gases in solution. Therefore, chemical evolution proceeds through neutralization due to both rock alteration and bacterial oxidation of ammonium to nitrate. The chemical compositions show that El Chichón aqueous fluids, within the crater, interact with gases fed by a geothermal reservoir, without clear additions of deep magmatic fluids. This new geochemical dataset, together with previously published data, can be used as a base line with which to follow‐up the activity of this deadly volcano.
Piezoelectric Properties of Lead‐free Piezoelectric Ceramics and Their Energy Harvester Characteristics
Authors: Seo In‐Tae , Choi Chang‐Hoi , Song Daniel , Jang Min‐Soo , Kim Bo‐Yun , Nahm Sahn , Kim Young‐Sik , Sung Tae‐Hyun , Song Hyun‐Cheol 
Published: March 2013

The energy convergence efficiency (η) and dimensionless figure of merit (DFOM) of CuO‐added (Na0.5K0.5)NbO3 (CNKN) ceramics are larger than those of NKN ceramics because of their large Qm values and small dielectric losses. Moreover, the η and DFOM values of CNKN ceramics are comparable to those of P‐5C ceramics, which exhibit the highest η and DFOM. Furthermore, the CNKN harvester exhibits a high power density of 12 mW/cm3 at 93 Hz with a load resistance of 250 kΩ; this is similar to the PZT‐based energy harvester, indicating that the CNKN ceramic is a good candidate material for energy harvesters.