bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Potential resource and toxicity impacts from metals in waste electronic devices
Authors: Woo Seung H , Lee Dae Sung , Lim Seong-Rin 
Published: September 2015

Abstract
As a result of the continuous release of new electronic devices, existing electronic devices are quickly made obsolete and rapidly become electronic waste (e-waste). Because e-waste contains a variety of metals, information about those metals with the potential for substantial environmental impact should be provided to manufacturers, recyclers, and disposers to proactively reduce this impact. This study assesses the resource and toxicity (i.e., cancer, noncancer, and ecotoxicity) potentials of various heavy metals commonly found in e-waste from laptop computers, liquid-crystal display (LCD) monitors, LCD TVs, plasma TVs, color cathode ray tube (CRT) TVs, and cell phones and then evaluates such potentials using life cycle impact–based methods. Resource potentials derive primarily from Cu, Sb, Ag, and Pb. Toxicity potentials derive primarily from Pb, Ni, and Hg for cancer toxicity; from Pb, Hg, Zn, and As for noncancer toxicity; and from Cu, Pb, Hg, and Zn for ecotoxicity. Therefore, managing these heavy metals should be a high priority in the design, recycling, and disposal stages of electronic devices. Integr Environ Assess Manag 2016;12:364–370. © 2015 SETAC
Key Points
This study provides comprehensive information related with resource and toxicity potentials from heavy metals in waste consumer electronic devices. We have identified principal heavy metals that have significant economic and environmental impact potentials. This study can contribute to developing the sustainable design of consumer electronic devices to reduce potential environmental impacts from electronic waste.
Protective effects of sustained transscleral unoprostone delivery against retinal degeneration in S334ter rhodopsin mutant rats
Authors: Nagai Nobuhiro , Iwata Satoru , Kaji Hirokazu , Sampei Kaori , Katsukura Yuki , Onami Hideyuki , Nishizawa Matsuhiko , Nakazawa Toru , Mashima Yukihiko , Abe Toshiaki 
Published: September 2015

AbstractIt has been suggested that unoprostone isopropyl (UNO) has potent neuroprotective activity in the retina. The effect of sustained transscleral UNO delivery to the posterior segment of the eye on photoreceptor degeneration was evaluated. UNO was loaded into a device made of poly(ethyleneglycol) dimethacrylate by polydimethylsiloxane mold‐based UV‐curing. The amount of UNO diffusing from these devices was measured using high‐performance liquid chromatography. The polymeric devices that released UNO at 1.8 μg/day were implanted on the sclerae of S334ter rats at postnatal 21 days, and electroretinograms (ERGs) were compared with those of topical application and placebo devices. Retinal thickness was evaluated by histological examination. Western blots of specimens 4 weeks after implantation were performed. ERGs showed that the UNO‐loaded device prevented the reduction of ERG amplitudes 2 and 4 weeks after implantation, compared with results using a placebo device or topical application. Histological examination showed that the UNO‐loaded device prevented the reduction of retinal thickness, and Western blots of specimens indicated that the UNO‐loaded device decreased expression of ERK1/2, phosphorylated ERK1/2, and caspase‐3. A device that provided sustained UNO administration protected against retinal degeneration in rhodopsin mutant rats, and thus, may have translational potential as a sustainable method to administer drugs to treat retinitis pigmentosa. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part B: Appl Biomater, 104B: 1730–1737, 2016.
Surface modification by plasma etching impairs early vascularization and tissue incorporation of porous polyethylene (Medpor®) implants
Authors: Laschke Matthias W. , Augustin Victor A. , Sahin Fadime , Anschütz Dieter , Metzger Wolfgang , Scheuer Claudia , Bischoff Markus , Aktas Cenk , Menger Michael D. 
Published: September 2015

AbstractPorous polyethylene (Medpor®) is commonly used in craniofacial reconstructive surgery. Rapid vascularization and tissue incorporation are crucial for the prevention of migration, extrusion, and infection of the biomaterial. Therefore, we analyzed whether surface modification by plasma etching may improve the early tissue response to Medpor®. Medpor® samples were treated in a plasma chamber at low (20 W; LE‐PE) and high energy levels (40 W; HE‐PE). The samples and non‐treated controls were implanted into mouse dorsal skinfold chambers to analyze angiogenesis, inflammation, and granulation tissue formation over 14 days using intravital fluorescence microscopy, histology, and immunohistochemistry. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) analyses revealed that elevating energy levels of plasma etching progressively increase the oxygen surface content and surface roughness of Medpor®. This did not affect the leukocytic response to the implants. However, LE‐PE and HE‐PE samples exhibited an impaired vascularization. This was associated with a reduced formation of a collagen‐rich granulation tissue at the implantation site. Additionalin vitroexperiments showed a reduced cell attachment on plasma‐etched Medpor®. Thus, plasma etching may not be recommended to improve the clinical outcome of reconstructive interventions using Medpor®. However, it may be beneficial for temporarily implanted polyethylene‐based biomedical devices for which tissue incorporation is undesirable. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part B: Appl Biomater, 104B: 1738–1748, 2016.
Ultrastructure variation in the spermatozoa ofPseudopaludicolafrogs (Amphibia, Anura, Leptodactylidae), with brief comments on its phylogenetic relevance
Authors: dos Santos Julio Sérgio , Introíni Gisele Orlandi , Veiga‐Menoncello Ana Cristina Prado , Recco‐Pimentel Shirlei Maria 
Published: September 2015

ABSTRACTThe taxonomic history of the small frogs of the genusPseudopaludicolafrom South America has been controversial. Phylogenetic inferences based on molecular data have identified fourPseudopaludicolaclades, correlating with the known variation in karyotypes (2n = 22, 20, 18, and 16). In this study, the ultrastructure of the spermatozoa was analyzed in 12 species of thePseudopaludicola, with the aim of describing their morphology and identifying characters that may contribute to a better understanding of the phylogenetic relationships. The spermatozoa presented marked differences in tail structures. The tails of the spermatozoa of the species with 2n = 22 chromosomes (Pseudopaludicolasp. 1 [P. pusillagroup],Pseudopaludicola falcipes, P. mineira, andPseudopaludicola saltica), as well asPseudopaludicola ameghiniandPseudopaludicola ternetzi(2n=20), have juxta‐axonemal fibers, undulating membranes and axial fibers. In contrast, in the species with 2n = 18 (P. facureae, P. giarettai,Pseudopaludicola canga, P. atragula, andPseudopaludicolasp. 2) and 2n = 16 (Pseudopaludicola mystacalis), there are no evident axial or juxta‐axonemal fibers, but a paraxonemal rod with a thick undulating membrane, which is shorter than that found amongPseudopaludicolaspecies. The ultrastructural morphological differences observed in the spermatozoa of these species may be phylogenetically informative, given that they coincide with the consensus phylogeny of the group and appear to represent a progressive simplification of the spermatozoon. J. Morphol. 276:1495–1504, 2015. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
The efficacy of a combination non‐thermal focused ultrasound and radiofrequency device for noninvasive body contouring in Asians
Authors: Shek Samantha Y.N. , Yeung Chi K. , Chan Johnny C.Y. , Chan Henry H.L. 
Published: September 2015

Background and ObjectiveSeveral studies have been published on the first generation non‐thermal focused ultrasound with an average improvement of 0–3.95 cm reported [1,2]. We aim to investigate the efficacy of the second‐generation non‐thermal focused ultrasound device with a combined radiofrequency hand piece. With the addition of radiofrequency energy, the temperature of the adipose tissue is raised before focused ultrasound is applied. This facilitates the mechanical disruption of fat cells by focused ultrasound.Study Design and MethodsTwenty subjects were recruited and underwent three treatments biweekly. Caliper reading, abdominal circumference, and standardized photographs were taken with the Vectra® system at all visits. We aim to have the subjects stand and hold the same position and the photograph taken after exhalation. Caliper and circumference measurements carry uncertainty. It is impossible to eliminate all uncertainties but can be improved by having the same trained physician assistant perform the measurement at the same site and taking an average of three readings. Pain score and satisfaction were recorded by means of the visual analogue scale. The efficacy is defined by a statistically significant improvement in circumferential improvement based on intention‐to‐treat analysis.ResultsSeventeen subjects completed the treatment schedule. Abdominal circumference showed statistically significant improvement at 2 weeks post‐second treatment (P = 0.023) and almost all subsequent follow‐ups. Caliper readings were statistically significant at 2 weeks post‐second treatment (P = 0.013) and almost all follow‐ups. The mean pain score reported was 2.3 on the visual analog scale and 6% were unsatisfied with the overall treatments. Six incidents of wheal formation appeared immediately after treatment all of which subsided spontaneously within several hours.ConclusionThe combination non‐thermal focused ultrasound and radiofrequency device is effective for improving body contour in Asians. Lasers Surg. Med. 48:203–207, 2016. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Difference in fascicle behaviors between superficial and deep quadriceps muscles during isometric contractions
Authors: Ando Ryosuke , Nosaka Kazunori , Inami Takayuki , Tomita Aya , Watanabe Kohei , Blazevich Anthony J. , Akima Hiroshi 
Published: September 2015

ABSTRACTIntroductionIn this study we examined changes in fascicle length and pennation of vastus intermedius (VI) and vastus lateralis (VL) from rest to isometric contraction.MethodsFourteen healthy men performed submaximal (30% and 50% of maximal voluntary contraction; MVC) isometric knee extensions at 60° and 110° knee flexion (0° = full extension). Panoramic images of VL and VI were obtained at rest and during contractions to measure fascicle length and pennation using extended field‐of‐view ultrasonography, after confirmation that the technique could be used reliably during sustained submaximal isometric contractions.ResultsThe relative change in fascicle length from rest to 50% MVC was greater in VI than VL at 110° (P < 0.05). Pennation increased during contraction at 60° for VL (P < 0.05), but not for VI.ConclusionMuscle‐dependent fascicle behaviors were observed during contraction. These findings may provide a mechanistic underpinning for differences in sarcomere length changes, relative force contribution, and blood flow during contraction. Muscle Nerve 53: 797–802, 2016
Differences in motor learning of pelvic floor muscle contraction between women with and without stress urinary incontinence: Evaluation by transabdominal ultrasonography
Authors: Yoshida Mikako , Murayama Ryoko , Hotta Kumi , Higuchi Yoshihide , Sanada Hiromi 
Published: September 2015

AimsTo evaluate differences in motor learning of pelvic floor muscle (PFM) contraction between women with and without stress urinary incontinence (SUI) under transabdominal ultrasonography (TAUS)‐guided PFM training.MethodsPostpartum women received an intensive 3‐month PFM training program from 3 to 6 months postpartum. The program consisted of home exercises and weekly group sessions with individual TAUS‐guided training. Motor learning progress of PFM contraction was evaluated with TAUS at each weekly session. We regarded a woman who contracted her PFM correctly more than 9 times out of the 10 repetitions as having achieved the associative stage of motor learning. Women were evaluated before and after a 12‐week intervention for PFM and SUI by using transperineal ultrasonography and questionnaire, respectively.ResultsSeventy‐three women were included: 44 primiparous women (60.3%) and 64 vaginal deliveries (87.7%). Of 73 women, 22 (30.1%) were classified as the SUI group. By the fifth session, the proportion of women who could correctly contract their PFM > 9 out of the 10 repetitions had increased significantly more in the non‐SUI group than in the SUI group (90.0% vs. 58.8%, P = 0.011). The proportion of women achieving the associative stage of correct PFM contraction was not different between the two groups after the sixth session. PF morphology and SUI were improved after intervention (P < 0.05).ConclusionsThe proportion of women achieving the associative stage in women with SUI was less than that in women without SUI in the early phase of the combination of group and home PFM training with TAUS‐guided training. Neurourol. Urodynam. 36:98–103, 2017. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Long term sustained therapeutic effects of percutaneous posterior tibial nerve stimulation treatment of neurogenic overactive bladder in multiple sclerosis patients: 12‐months results
Authors: Canbaz Kabay Sibel , Kabay Sahin , Mestan Emine , Cetiner Mustafa , Ayas Selahattin , Sevim Mehmet , Ozden Hilmi , Karaman Handan Ozisik 
Published: September 2015

AimsThe aim of this study is to determine the sustained therapeutic efficacy and treatment intervals for PTNS in NOAB with MS, offering periodic additional treatments during 1 year in patients who completed an initial course of 12 consecutive weekly sessions.MethodsA total of 34 patients enrolled to the PTNS treatment and 21 patients completed the 1 year PTNS treatment with a tapering protocol of 6, 9, and 12 months of therapy, respectively. After 12 weeks of therapy, PTNS was applied at 14 day intervals for 3 months, 21 day intervals for 3 months, and 28 day intervals for 3 months. The patients completed a 3‐day voiding diary at 3rd, 6th, 9th, and 12th month. The patients requested to complete validated questionnaires (ICIQ‐SF, OAB‐V8, OAB‐q SF) were carried out within 3‐month intervals thereafter during their enrolment in the study.ResultsA total of 21 patients were enrolled in the study. Of these 5 (23.8%) were men and 16 (76.2%) women. The improvements for all voiding diary parameters were significant in the 6th, 9th, and 12th months when compared with baseline. Mean values between baseline and 12 month parameters suggested that daytime frequency decreased by 5.4 voids daily, urge incontinence decreased by 3.4 episodes daily, urgency episodes decreased by 7.4 episodes daily, nocturia decreased by 2.6 voids, and voided volume improved by a mean of 72.1 cc.ConclusionThese results have demonstrated NOAB symptom improvement in MS patients can be achieved with 12 weekly PTNS treatments which show excellent durability over 12 months. Neurourol. Urodynam. 36:104–110, 2017. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Screening for depression and anxiety in patients with storage or voiding dysfunction: A retrospective cohort study predicting outcome of sacral neuromodulation
Authors: Drossaerts Jamie , Vrijens Desiree , Leue Carsten , Schilders Isabelle , Van Kerrebroeck Philip , van Koeveringe Gommert 
Published: September 2015

AimsIt has been reported that somatic treatment in patients with affective symptoms has a higher risk of failure. The aim was to investigate whether affective symptoms could predict the outcome of sacral neuromodulation (SNM) for lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS).MethodsAll patients that underwent a SNM evaluation between 2006 and 2013 and filled out a Hospital Anxiety and Depression Score (HADS) before treatment, were included. Chi‐square analysis and bivariate logistic regression were used to assess associations and predictive value.ResultsEighty‐six patients were included, 65 females and 21 males. Most patients, 66, had overactive bladder syndrome (OAB). The remaining 20 patients suffered from non‐obstructive urinary retention (NOR). Thirty‐nine OAB patients and 17 NOR patients, had a normal total HADS score before treatment. Significantly more patients showed abnormal HADS‐D (P = 0.047) and HADS‐A (P = 0.015) scores in the OAB group compared to the NOR group. Success of SNM could not be predicted by the HADS score P = 0.464 (after 1 year P = 0.446). Subsequent analysis revealed that an abnormal HADS score was not related to the occurrence of SNM adverse events.ConclusionsThe present study did not reveal a significant relationship between an abnormal HADS score and failure of the SNM test period in a mixed group of OAB and NOR patients. However, differences between OAB and NOR patients concerning affective symptoms were present. It is known that psychological factors play a role in the severity of LUTS, but they may not predict SNM outcome. Neurourol. Urodynam. 35:1011–1016, 2016. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Band structure and decay channels of thorium‐229 low‐lying isomeric state for ensemble of thorium atoms adsorbed on calcium fluoride
Authors: Borisyuk Petr V. , Vasilyev Oleg S. , Krasavin Andrey V. , Lebedinskii Yury Yu. , Troyan Victor I. , Tkalya Eugene V. 
Published: September 2015

AbstractThe results are presented on the study of the electronic structure of thorium atoms adsorbed by the liquid atomic layer deposition from aqueous solution of thorium nitrate on the surface of CaF2. The chemical state of the atoms and the change of the band structure in the surface layers of Th/CaF2 system on CaF2 substrate were investigated by XPS and REELS techniques. It was found that REELS spectra for Th/CaF2 system include peaks in the region of low energy losses (3‐7 eV) which are missing in the similar spectra for pure CaF2. It is concluded that the presence of the observed features in the REELS spectra is associated with the chemical state of thorium atoms and is caused by the presence of uncompensated chemical bonds at the Th/CaF2 interface, and, therefore, by the presence of unbound 6d‐ and 7s‐electrons of thorium atoms. Assuming the equivalence of the electronic configuration of thorium‐229 and thorium‐232 atoms, an estimate was made on the time decay of the excited state of thorium‐229 nuclei through the channel of the electron conversion. It was found that the relaxation time is about 40 μs for 6d‐electrons, and about 1 μs for 7s‐electrons. (© 2015 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Community Physician-Guided Long-Term Domiciliary Oxygen Therapy Combined With Conventional Therapy in Stage IV COPD Patients
Authors: Bao Hong , Wang Jiaman , Zhou Ding , Han Zhaoyong , Zhang Yuan , Su Ling , Ye Xiong , Xu Chunyan , Fu Meihong , Li Qinghua 
Published: September 2015

Abstract

Purpose:
The aim of the study was to explore clinical effect of community physician-guided long-term domiciliary oxygen therapy (LTDOT) on patients with Stage IV chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).

Design:
A retrospective study.

Methods:
Fifty-four patients with Stage IV COPD were recruited and randomly divided into two groups (the LTDOT group and the control group). Patients in LTDOT group accepted additional oxygen therapy for more than 15 hours every day with continuous low flow (1–2 L/min) for 3 years.

Findings:
PaO2 (O2 pressure), FEV1/FVC (forced vital capacity), and FEV1% (percentage of forced expiratory volume in 1 second) in the LTDOT group increased significantly after treatment. A significant decrease was observed on the BODE index in the LTDOT group (p < .05) but not in control group (p > .05). Frequencies and costs of hospitalization therapy and emergency medical services were markedly decreased after 3 years of LTDOT.

Conclusion:
Community physician-guided LTDOT can improve prognosis and reduce the costs for stage IV COPD patients.

Clinical Relevance:
Rehabilitation nurses can be instrumental in helping patients with stage IV COPD learn principles of LTDOT.
Use of Femoral Nerve Blocks to Manage Hip Fracture Pain among Older Adults in the Emergency Department: A Systematic Review
Authors: Riddell Madison , Ospina Maria , Holroyd-Leduc Jayna M. 
Published: September 2015

AbstractObjectiveHip fractures are a common source of acute pain amongst the frail elderly. One potential technique to adequately manage pain in this population is the femoral nerve block. The objective of this systematic review was to provide updated evidence for the use of femoral nerve blocks as a pain management technique for older hip fracture patients in the emergency department (ED).Data SourcesSearches of Medline, EMBASE, and the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials were conducted between December 2010 and May 2014. The reference list of a previous systematic review was also searched.Study SelectionWe included randomized control trials examining the use of femoral nerve blocks in the ED among older adults (65 years of age or older) with acute hip fracture.Data ExtractionAmong 93 citations reviewed, seven trials were included. Four studies employed a single femoral nerve block, while three studies employed continuous (catheter-placed) femoral blocks. All but one of the studies were found to have a high risk of bias.Data SynthesisAll studies reported reductions in pain intensity with femoral nerve blocks. All but one study reported decreased rescue analgesia requirements. There were no adverse effects found to be associated with the femoral block procedure; rather, two studies found a decreased risk of adverse events such as respiratory and cardiac complications.ConclusionsFemoral nerve blocks appear to have benefits both in terms of decreasing the pain experienced by older patients, as well as limiting the amount of systemic opioids administered to this population.
The Proterozoic Record of Eukaryotes
Authors: Cohen Phoebe A. , Macdonald Francis A. 
Published: September 2015

AbstractProterozoic strata host evidence of global “Snowball Earth” glaciations, large perturbations to the carbon cycle, proposed changes in the redox state of oceans, the diversification of microscopic eukaryotes, and the rise of metazoans. Over the past half century, the number of fossils described from Proterozoic rocks has increased exponentially. These discoveries have occurred alongside an increased understanding of the Proterozoic Earth system and the geological context of fossil occurrences, including improved age constraints. However, the evaluation of relationships between Proterozoic environmental change and fossil diversity has been hampered by several factors, particularly lithological and taphonomic biases. Here we compile and analyze the current record of eukaryotic fossils in Proterozoic strata to assess the effect of biases and better constrain diversity through time. Our results show that mean within assemblage diversity increases through the Proterozoic Eon due to an increase in high diversity assemblages, and that this trend is robust to various external factors including lithology and paleogeographic location. In addition, assemblage composition changes dramatically through time. Most notably, robust recalcitrant taxa appear in the early Neoproterozoic Era, only to disappear by the beginning of the Ediacaran Period. Within assemblage diversity is significantly lower in the Cryogenian Period than in the preceding and following intervals, but the short duration of the nonglacial interlude and unusual depositional conditions may present additional biases. In general, large scale patterns of diversity are robust while smaller scale patterns are difficult to discern through the lens of lithological, taphonomic, and geographic variability.