bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Activity rating scales in adult muscle disease: What do they actually measure?
Authors: Seedat Farah , James Meredith K. , Rose Michael R. 
Published: October 2013

AbstractIntroduction: There is a diversity of rating scales that assess function in muscle disease. Definitive knowledge of the content covered by these scales would help in making choices. Methods: We searched for activity rating scales used for muscle disease and assessed their content by linking scale items to the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF) and the muscle regions they cover. Results: Of the 119 scales found, 19 muscle disease–specific and 9 generic scales were prioritized for analysis. These 28 scales contained 457 items, from which 1145 concepts were identified and 160 were unique. Of these concepts, 97.8% could be linked to the ICF, most to the activities and participation domain (68.7%), followed by environmental factors (22.5%) and body functions (6.6%). Global muscle function was assessed most frequently, followed by lower and upper extremity function. Conclusions: This content comparison should allow for a better‐informed choice of activity rating scales for muscle disease. Muscle Nerve 50: 14–23, 2014
ROLE of exercise in maintaining the integrity of the neuromuscular junction
Authors: Nishimune Hiroshi , Stanford John A. , Mori Yasuo 
Published: October 2013

ABSTRACTPhysical activity plays an important role in preventing chronic disease in adults and the elderly. Exercise has beneficial effects on the nervous system, including at the neuromuscular junction (NMJ). Exercise causes hypertrophy of NMJs and improves recovery from peripheral nerve injuries, whereas decreased physical activity causes degenerative changes in NMJs. Recent studies have begun to elucidate molecular mechanisms underlying the beneficial effects of exercise. These mechanisms involve Bassoon, neuregulin‐1, peroxisome proliferator–activated receptor gamma coactivator 1α, insulin‐like growth factor‐1, glial cell line–derived neurotrophic factor, neurotrophin 4, Homer, and nuclear factor of activated T cells c1. For example, NMJ denervation and active zone decreases have been observed in aged NMJs, but these age‐dependent degenerative changes can be ameliorated by exercise. In this review we assess the effects of exercise on the maintenance and regeneration of NMJs and highlight recent insights into the molecular mechanisms underlying these exercise effects. Muscle Nerve 49:315–324, 2014
Discrete element modelling of material non‐coaxiality in simple shear flows
Authors: Ai Jun , Langston Paul A. , Yu Hai‐Sui 
Published: October 2013

SUMMARYWe investigate the quasi‐static simple shear flow of a two‐dimensional assembly of cohesionless particles using discrete element method (DEM) simulations. We focus on the unsteady flow regime where the solid would experience significant evolution of stresses, mobilised shear strength and dilation. We construct the DEM model using a discretised‐wall confined granular cell where the apparent boundary is allowed to dilate or contract synchronously with the confined solid. A rather uniform simple shear field is achieved across the whole assembly, which benefits rheological studies in generalising constitutive laws for continuum methods. We examine two aspects of the simple shear behaviour: macroscopic stress and strain rate evolution, particularly the non‐coaxiality between the principal directions of the two; and micromechanics such as evolution of fabric. For an initially anisotropic specimen sheared under constant normal pressure, the direction of principal stress rotates towards that of the principal strain rate, gradually reducing the degree of non‐coaxiality from about 45° to fluctuating around 0°. The rate in approaching coaxiality is slower in samples with larger initial porosity, stress ratio and mean stress. Generally, a faster rate in approaching coaxiality in simple shear is observed in a more dilatant sample, which often shows a larger degree of mobilised fabric anisotropy, suggesting the possible important role of instantaneous internal friction angle. The evolution of principal fabric direction resembles that of the principal stress direction. © 2013 The Authors. International Journal for Numerical and Analytical Methods in Geomechanics published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Cannabinoids and the endocannabinoid system in lower urinary tract function and dysfunction
Authors: Hedlund Petter 
Published: October 2013

AbstractAimsTo review knowledge on cannabinoids and the endocannabinoid system in lower urinary tract function and dysfunction.MethodsReview of MEDLINE using defined search terms, and manual analysis. Articles published in English were included.Results and DiscussionComponents of the endocannabinoid system—cannabinoid (CB) receptor types 1 and 2, anandamide, and fatty acid amide hydrolase (FAAH), which degrades anandamide and related fatty‐acid amides—have been located to lower urinary tract tissues of mice, rats, monkeys, and humans. Studies have located CB receptors in urothelium and sensory nerves and FAAH in the urothelium. CB receptor‐ and FAAH‐related activities have also been reported in the lumbosacral spinal cord. Data on supraspinal CB functions in relation to micturition are lacking.Cannabinoids are reported to reduce sensory activity of isolated tissues, cause antihyperalgesia in animal studies of bladder inflammation, affect urodynamics parameters reflecting sensory functions in animals models, and appear to have effects on storage symptoms in humans. FAAH inhibitors have affected sensory bladder functions and reduced bladder overactivity in rat models. Cannabinoids may modify nerve‐mediated functions of isolated lower urinary tract tissues.ConclusionsEvidence suggests components of the endocannabinoid system are involved in regulation of bladder function, possibly at several levels of the micturition pathway. It is unclear if either CB receptor has a dominant role in modification of sensory signals or if differences exist at peripheral and central nervous sites. Amplification of endocannabinoid activity by FAAH inhibitors may be an attractive drug target in specific pathways involved in LUTS. Neurourol. Urodynam. 33:46–53, 2014. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Glutamate and glutamine: a review of in vivo MRS in the human brain
Authors: Ramadan Saadallah , Lin Alexander , Stanwell Peter 
Published: October 2013

Our understanding of the roles that the amino acids glutamate (Glu) and glutamine (Gln) play in the mammalian central nervous system has increased rapidly in recent times. Many conditions are known to exhibit a disturbance in Glu–Gln equilibrium, and the exact relationships between these changed conditions and these amino acids are not fully understood. This has led to increased interest in Glu/Gln quantitation in the human brain in an array of conditions (e.g. mental illness, tumor, neuro‐degeneration) as well as in normal brain function.Accordingly, this review has been undertaken to describe the increasing number of in vivo techniques available to study Glu and Gln separately, or pooled as ‘Glx’. The present MRS methods used to assess Glu and Gln vary in approach, complexity, and outcome, thus the focus of this review is on a description of MRS acquisition approaches, and an indication of relative utility of each technique rather than brain pathologies associated with Glu and/or Gln perturbation. Consequently, this review focuses particularly on (1) one‐dimensional 1H MRS, (2) two‐dimensional 1H MRS, and (3) one‐dimensional 13C MRS techniques. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Nonexistence of optimal graphs for all terminal reliability
Authors: Brown J. I. , Cox D. 
Published: October 2013

AbstractSuppose that every edge of a graph G (finite and undirected) is independently operational with probability . The all terminal reliability of G is the probability that all vertices can communicate. It was conjectured that among all graphs with n vertices and m edges there always exists a most optimal graph, that is, one whose all terminal reliability is at least as large as any other such graph, no matter what the value of p. For each , a single value of m was found for which the restriction of the conjecture to simple graphs failed, but it remained open as to whether most optimal graphs exist when multiple edges are allowed. We show that in fact for a given , there are several values of m for which a most optimal simple graph does not exist. Moreover, we prove that including multiple edges still does not introduce a most optimal graph, disproving for the first time the conjecture for general graphs. In contrast, it will be shown that for a given n and m, there always exists a least optimal graph. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. NETWORKS, Vol. 63(2), 146–153 2014
A two‐scale failure model for heterogeneous materials: numerical implementation based on the finite element method
Authors: Toro S. , Sánchez P.J. , Huespe A.E. , Giusti S.M. , Blanco P.J. , Feijóo R.A. 
Published: October 2013

SUMMARYIn the first part of this contribution, a brief theoretical revision of the mechanical and variational foundations of a Failure‐Oriented Multiscale Formulation devised for modeling failure in heterogeneous materials is described.The proposed model considers two well separated physical length scales, namely: (i) the macroscale where nucleation and evolution of a cohesive surface is considered as a medium to characterize the degradation phenomenon occurring at the lower length scale, and (ii) the microscale where some mechanical processes that lead to the material failure are taking place, such as strain localization, damage, shear band formation, and so on. These processes are modeled using the concept of Representative Volume Element (RVE). On the macroscale, the traction separation response, characterizing the mechanical behavior of the cohesive interface, is a result of the failure processes simulated in the microscale. The traction separation response is obtained by a particular homogenization technique applied on specific RVE sub‐domains. Standard, as well as, Non‐Standard boundary conditions are consistently derived in order to preserve objectivity of the homogenized response with respect to the micro‐cell size.In the second part of the paper, and as an original contribution, the detailed numerical implementation of the two‐scale model based on the finite element method is presented. Special attention is devoted to the topics, which are distinctive of the Failure‐Oriented Multiscale Formulation, such as: (i) the finite element technologies adopted in each scale along with their corresponding algorithmic expressions, (ii) the generalized treatment given to the kinematical boundary conditions in the RVE, and (iii) how these kinematical restrictions affect the capturing of macroscopic material instability modes and the posterior evolution of failure at the RVE level.Finally, a set of numerical simulations is performed in order to show the potentialities of the proposed methodology, as well as, to compare and validate the numerical solutions furnished by the two‐scale model with respect to a direct numerical simulation approach. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A Koiter‐Newton approach for nonlinear structural analysis
Authors: Liang Ke , Abdalla Mostafa , Gürdal Zafer 
Published: October 2013

SUMMARYA new approach termed the Koiter‐Newton is presented for the numerical solution of a class of elastic nonlinear structural response problems. It is a combination of a reduction method inspired by Koiter's post‐buckling analysis and Newton arc‐length method so that it is accurate over the entire equilibrium path and also computationally efficient in the presence of buckling. Finite element implementation based on element independent co‐rotational formulation is used. Various numerical examples of buckling sensitive structures are presented to evaluate the performance of the method. The examples demonstrate that the method is robust and completely automatic and that it outperforms traditional path‐following techniques. This improved efficiency will open the door for the direct use of detailed nonlinear finite element models in the design optimization of next generation flight and launch vehicles. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Corporate Volunteering: Benefits and Challenges for Nonprofits
Authors: Samuel Olga , Wolf Patricia , Schilling Axel 
Published: October 2013

AbstractIn the frame of corporate social responsibility, corporate volunteering is almost exclusively studied from the point of view of companies, while the perspectives of nonprofit organizations are neglected. Hence, this article focuses on the perspective of managers of nonprofit organizations on volunteer partnership projects with for‐profit companies. In the center of this article lie nonprofit managers' strategy and motivation for participating in corporate volunteering, conception of corporate volunteer activities, and the often‐cited win‐win‐win aspect. Key findings suggest that a majority of the questioned nonprofits lack strategic behavior and management tools for undertaking volunteer partnership projects with companies. Nevertheless, corporate volunteering is widely perceived as an opportunity and a promising method of raising donations for nonprofit organizations. This article suggests that the key to successful future cooperation between nonprofits and profit‐oriented organizations lies in the processes of internal evaluation and subsequent strategy development.
Palliative Care Communication: Linking Patients' Prognoses, Values, and Goals of Care
Authors: Norton Sally A. , Metzger Maureen , DeLuca Jane , Alexander Stewart C. , Quill Timothy E. , Gramling Robert 
Published: October 2013

AbstractPrognostic communication is a primary component of goals of care conversations in palliative care (PC) practice. Little is known about these conversations in the natural setting. This study's aim was to describe the processes of prognostic communication in PC goals of care consultations. Using line‐by‐line qualitative analysis, we examined prognostic conversation in 66 audio‐taped PC consultations. We identified five processes by which clinicians link prognoses, values, and goals of care: (1) signposting the crossroads; (2) closing off a goal; (3) clarifying current path; (4) linking paths and patients' values; and (5) choosing among paths. The findings add to our understanding of PC consultation by describing how prognoses link with patients' values and choices in goals of care conversations. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Res Nurs Health 36: 582–590, 2013
Modifying effect of obesity on the association between sitting and incident diabetes in post‐menopausal women
Authors: Manini Todd M. , LaMonte Michael J. , Seguin Rebecca A. , Manson JoAnn E. , Hingle Melanie , Garcia Lorena , Stefanick Marcia L. , Rodriguez Beatriz , Sims Stacy , Song Yiqing , Limacher Marian 
Published: October 2013

ObjectiveTo evaluate the association between self‐reported daily sitting time and the incidence of type 2 diabetes in a cohort of postmenopausal women.MethodsWomen (N=88,829) without diagnosed diabetes reported the number of hours spent sitting over a typical day. Incident cases of diabetes were identified annually by self‐reported initiation of using oral medications or insulin for diabetes > 14.4 years follow‐up.ResultsEach hour of sitting time was positively associated with increased risk of diabetes [risk ratio (RR): 1.05; 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.02–1.08]. However, sitting time was only positively associated with incident diabetes in obese women. Obese women reporting sitting 8–11 (RR: 1.08; 95% CI 1.0–1.1), 12–15 (OR: 1.13; 95% CI 1.0–1.2), and ≥16 hours (OR: 1.25; 95% CI 1.0–1.5) hours per day had an increased risk of diabetes compared to women sitting ≤7 hours per day. These associations were adjusted for demographics, health conditions, behaviors (smoking, diet, and alcohol intake), and family history of diabetes. Time performing moderate to vigorous intensity physical activity did not modify these associations.ConclusionsTime spent sitting was independently associated with increased risk of diabetes diagnosis among obese women—a population already at high risk of the disease.
Effects of dietary interventions on liver volume in humans
Authors: Bian Hua , Hakkarainen Antti , Lundbom Nina , Yki‐Järvinen Hannele 
Published: October 2013

ObjectiveTo compare effects of similar weight loss induced either by a short‐term low‐carbohydrate or by a long‐term hypocaloric diet, and to determine effects of high carbohydrate overfeeding on liver total, lean, and fat volumes.MethodsLiver total, lean, and fat volumes were measured before and after (i) a 6‐day low‐carbohydrate diet (n = 17), (ii) a 7‐month standard hypocaloric diet (n = 26), and (iii) a 3‐week high‐carbohydrate diet (n = 17), by combining magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and proton magnetic resonance spectroscopy (1H‐MRS) techniques.ResultsAt baseline, three groups were comparable with respect to age, body mass index, liver volumes and the liver fat content. Body weight decreased similarly by the short‐term and long‐term hypocaloric diets. Liver total volume decreased significantly more during the short‐term low‐carbohydrate (−22 ± 2%) than the long‐term (−7 ± 2%) hypocaloric diet (P < 0.001). This was due to a greater decrease in liver lean volume in the short‐term (−20 ± 2%) than the long‐term (−4 ± 2%) weight loss group (P < 0.001). Decreases in liver fat were comparable. Liver volume increased by 9 ± 3% due to overfeeding (P< 0.02 for before vs. after).ConclusionsThese data support the use of a short‐term low‐carbohydrate diet whenever a reduction in liver volume is desirable. Overeating carbohydrate is harmful because it increases liver volume.
Dinner rituals that correlate with child and adult BMI
Authors: Wansink Brian , van Kleef Ellen 
Published: October 2013

ObjectiveWhat predicts whether a child will be at risk for obesity? Whereas past research has focused on foods, eating habits, feeding styles, and family meal patterns, this study departs from a food‐centric approach to examine how various dinner rituals might influence the BMIs of children and adults.MethodsIn this study of 190 parents (BMI = 29.1 ± 7.2) and 148 children (BMI = 20.3 ± 4.4), the relationship between their BMIs and everyday family dinner rituals was examined using both correlation and regression analysis (controlled for educational level of parents).ResultsFamilies who frequently ate dinner in the kitchen or dining room had significantly lower BMIs for both adults (r = −0.31) and children (r = −0.24) compared to families who ate elsewhere. Additionally, helping cook dinner was associated with higher BMI for girls (r = 0.26), and remaining at the table until everyone is finished with eating was associated with lower BMI for boys (r = −0.31).ConclusionsDinner tables may be one place where social support and family involvement meet—both of which relate to the BMI of children as well as parents. Family meals and their rituals might be an underappreciated battleground to fight obesity.
Fasting plasma adropin concentrations correlate with fat consumption in human females
Authors: St‐Onge Marie‐Pierre , Shechter Ari , Shlisky Julie , Tam Charmaine S. , Gao Su , Ravussin Eric , Butler Andrew A. 
Published: October 2013

ObjectiveThis study investigated whether plasma adropin concentrations are influenced by sleep restriction and correlate with dietary preferences.MethodsPlasma adropin concentrations were measured by ELISA using samples from a study that investigated feeding behavior in sleep deprived lean (body mass index 22‐26 kg/m2) men and women aged 30‐45 y. Sleep (habitual or restricted to 4h/night) and diet were controlled during a 4‐day inpatient period. On day 5, food was self‐selected (FS). Adropin was measured on day 4 in samples collected throughout the day, and then after an overnight fast at 0730 on days 5 (Pre‐FS) and 6 (Post‐FS).ResultsPlasma adropin concentrations were not affected by sleep restriction. However, circulating adropin concentrations correlated with food selection preferences in women, irrespective of sleep status. Pre‐FS adropin correlated positively with fat intake (total fat, r = 0.867, P < 0.05; saturated fat, r = 0.959, P < 0.01) and negatively with carbohydrate intake (r = ‐0.894, P < 0.05) as a percent total energy. Post‐FS adropin correlated with total (r = 0.797, P < 0.05) and saturated fat intake (r = 0.945, P < 0.01), and negative with total carbohydrate intake (r = ‐0.929, P < 0.01). Pre‐FS adropin also correlated with fat intake in kcal adjusted for body size (total fat, r = 0.852, P < 0.05; saturated fat, r = 0.927, P < 0.01).ConclusionsPlasma adropin concentrations correlate with fat consumption in women.
Examining behavioral processes through which lifestyle interventions promote weight loss: Results from PREMIER
Authors: Fitzpatrick Stephanie L. , Bandeen‐Roche Karen , Stevens Victor J. , Coughlin Janelle W. , Rubin Richard R. , Brantley Phillip J. , Funk Kristine L. , Svetkey Laura P. , Jerome Gerald J. , Dalcin Arlene , Charleston Jeanne , Appel Lawrence J. 
Published: October 2013

ObjectiveTo examine the behavioral processes through which lifestyle interventions impacted weight loss.MethodsThe analyses were limited to overweight and obese Black and White adults randomized to a PREMIER lifestyle intervention (N = 501). Structural equation modeling was conducted to test the direct and indirect relationships of session attendance, days of self‐monitoring diet and exercise, change in diet composition and exercise, and 6‐month weight change.ResultsGreater session attendance was associated with increased self‐monitoring, which was in turn significantly related to reduction in percent energy from total fat consumed. Change in percent energy from fat and self‐monitoring was associated with 6‐month percent change in weight. Both a decrease in fat intake and increase in self‐monitoring are potential mediators of the relationship between attendance and weight change.ConclusionsThe findings provide a reasonable model that suggests regular session attendance and use of behavioral strategies like self‐monitoring are associated with improved behavioral outcomes that are associated with weight loss.