bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The effect of circumcision on young adult sexual function
Authors: Yang Ming‐Hsin , Tsao Chih‐Wei , Wu Sheng‐Tang , Chuang Feng‐Ping , Meng En , Tang Shou‐Hung , Sun Guang‐Huan , Yu Dah‐Shyong , Chang Sun‐Yran , Cha Tai‐Lung 
Published: December 2013

AbstractWhether sexual function is affected by circumcision is a subject of considerable debate among advocate and opponent opinions. We analyzed the sexual function of young men, and the differences between those who were uncircumcised and circumcised, in Taiwan. A total of 506 patients who received circumcision between January 2009 and March 2011 at the urology department in our center were enrolled. Before circumcision, the patients' sexual performances were evaluated using the International Index of Erectile Function‐5 (IIEF‐5), and the Brief Male Sexual Function Inventory (BMSFI) questionnaires. They were evaluated using the questionnaires again, after a postoperative interval of 90 days. Furthermore, intravaginal ejaculation latency times (IELT) of the patients were also measured. The IELT and scores in five main domains of the BMSFI, and IIEF, before and after circumcision, were analyzed. A total of 442 patients were available for follow up. The mean age was 25.14 ± 4.46 years (range = 19–35 years). The differences in the BMSFI scores were statistically significant (p < 0.001), especially in increasing sex drive after circumcision (p < 0.001). The IIEF‐5 score showed no statistically difference before and after circumcision (p = 0.141). However, after the circumcision, the participants had more erection confidence (p < 0.001), more difficulty in maintaining erections in completing intercourse (p = 0.01), and showed lower IELT scores (p = 0.06). The sexual performance, especially with regards to sex drive and mental erection confidence, seemed to have improved among the patients after circumcision. Our findings may help urologists to better counsel young men receiving circumcisions.
A Variational Method in Out-of-Equilibrium Physical Systems
Authors: Pinheiro Mario J. 
Published: December 2013

AbstractWe propose a new variational principle for out-of-equilibrium dynamic systems that are fundamentally based on the method of Lagrange multipliers applied to the total entropy of an ensemble of particles. However, we use the fundamental equation of thermodynamics "Equation missing"on differential forms, consideringUandSas 0-forms. We obtain a set of two first order differential equations that reveal the same formal symplectic structure shared by classical mechanics, fluid mechanics and thermodynamics. From this approach, a topological torsion current emerges of the form "Equation missing", whereAjand ωkdenote the components of the vector potential (gravitational and/or electromagnetic) and where ω denotes the angular velocity of the accelerated frame. We derive a special form of the Umov-Poynting theorem for rotating gravito-electromagnetic systems. The variational method is then applied to clarify the working mechanism of particular devices.
A transmembrane serine residue in the Rot1 protein is essential for yeast cell viability
Authors: Martínez-Garay Carlos A. , Juanes M. Angeles , Igual J. Carlos , Mingarro Ismael , Bañó M. Carmen 
Published: December 2013

Polar residues are present in TM (transmembrane) helices and may influence the folding or association of membrane proteins. In the present study, we use an in vivo approach to analyse the functional and structural roles for amino acids in membrane-spanning motifs using the Rot1 (reversal of Tor2 lethality 1) protein as a model. Rot1 is an essential membrane protein in Saccharomyces cerevisiae and it contains a single TM domain. An alanine insertion scanning analysis of this TM helix revealed that the integrity of the central domain is essential for protein function. We identified a critical serine residue inside the helix that plays an essential role in maintaining cell viability in S. cerevisiae. Replacement of the serine residue at position 250 with a broad variety of amino acids did not affect protein targeting and location, but completely disrupted protein function causing cell death. Interestingly, substitution of the serine residue by threonine resulted in sustained cell viability, demonstrating that the hydroxy group of the TM serine side chain plays a critical role in protein function. The results of the present study indicate that Rot1 needs the TM Ser250 to interact with other membrane components and exert its functional role, avoiding exposure of the serine hydrogen-bonding group at the lipid-exposed surface.
Identification of four novel serum protein biomarkers in sepsis patients encoded by target genes of sepsis-related miRNAs
Authors: Wang Hui-juan , Wang Bao-zeng , Zhang Peng-jun , Deng Jie , Zhao Zhi-rui , Zhang Xin , Xiao Kun , Feng Dan , Jia Yan-hong , Liu You-ning , Xie Li-xin 
Published: December 2013

The goal of the present study was to identify novel protein biomarkers from the target genes of six serum miRNAs that we identified previously in patients with sepsis. The target genes were predicted by bioinformatics analysis; the levels of the respective proteins in the sera of patients with sepsis were detected by ELISA. ACVR2A (activin A receptor, type IIA), FOXO1 (forkhead box O1), IHH (Indian hedgehog), STK4 (serine/threonine kinase 4) and DUSP3 (dual specificity phosphatase 3) were predicted to be the targets of the six miRNAs, and their encoded proteins were used for biomarker identification. Levels of ACVR2A (P&lt;0.01) and FOXO1 (P&lt;0.01) were significantly different among normal controls, patients with sepsis, patients with severe sepsis and patients with septic shock. Furthermore, levels of ACVR2A (P=0.025), FOXO1 (P&lt;0.001), IHH (P=0.001) and STK4 (P=0.001) were differentially expressed in survivors and non-survivors. DUSP3 levels were not significantly different between any groups. Conjoin analysis of the four differentially expressed proteins showed that the area under the curve of the predictive probabilities was 0.875 [95% CI (confidence interval): 0.785–0.965], which was higher than the SOFA (Sequential Organ Failure Assessment) and APACHE II (Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation II) scores. When the value of predictive probabilities was 0.449, the four proteins yielded a sensitivity of 68% and a specificity of 91%. Dynamic changes in ACVR2A, FOXO1 and IHH levels showed differential expression between survivors and non-survivors at all time points. On the basis of a combined analysis of the four identified proteins, their predictive value of 28-day mortality of patients with sepsis was better than the SOFA or APACHE II scores.
Analysis and design of a new fountain codec under belief propagation
Authors: Mirrezaei Seyed Masoud , Faez Karim , Yousefi Shahram 
Published: December 2013

Error‐prone patterns have been extensively studied for low‐density parity‐check codes yet they have never been fully explored for generator‐based ‘Fountain codes’. It is shown here that these phenomena are related to certain combinatorial structures within the Tanner graph (TG) representation of the code, previously termed absorbing sets. The authors systematically define the ‘absorbing sets’ in the generator‐based TG of a code. They then demonstrate how these substructures are damaging to the ‘realised rate, delay’ and ‘decoding cost’ of Fountain codes particularly at low error rates. They further analyse the existence probability of certain absorbing sets and propose a new encoder/decoder pair forming a new family of Fountain codes. The authors experimental results show that these new codecs lead to improvements in all system features. Typical gains for Luby‐transform codes include 20% reduction in the decoding complexity and simultaneous coding gains of 0.6 and 0.9 dB at bit error rates of 10−5 and 10−6, respectively. As such, this work takes a step towards better rateless code design and construction.
A scalable, fast, and multichannel arbitrary waveform generator
Authors: Baig M. T. , Johanning M. , Wiese A. , Heidbrink S. , Ziolkowski M. , Wunderlich C. 
Published: December 2013

This article reports on the development of a multichannel arbitrary waveform generator that simultaneously generates arbitrary voltage waveforms on 24 independent channels with a dynamic update rate of up to 25 Msps. A real-time execution of a single waveform and/or sequence of multiple waveforms in succession, with a user programmable arbitrary sequence order is provided under the control of a stand-alone sequencer circuit implemented using a field programmable gate array. The device is operated using an internal clock and can be synced to other devices by means of transistor-transistor logic (TTL) pulses. The device can provide up to 24 independent voltages in the range of up to ± 9 V with a dynamic update-rate of up to 25 Msps and a power consumption of less than 35 W. Every channel can be programmed for 16 independent arbitrary waveforms that can be accessed during run time with a minimum switching delay of 160 ns. The device has a low-noise of 250 μVrms and provides a stable long-term operation with a drift rate below 10 μV/min and a maximum deviation less than ± 300 μVpp over a period of 2 h.
Physical activity levels during pregnancy and gestational weight gain among women who are overweight or obese
Authors: Sui Zhixian , Moran Lisa J. , Dodd Jodie M. 
Published: December 2013

Issue addressedThere is contradictory research assessing physical activity patterns during pregnancy and postpartum among women who are overweight or obese. The aim of this study was to evaluate physical activity among overweight and obese women over the course of pregnancy and the initial postpartum period.MethodsThree hundred and five overweight or obese pregnant women completed physical‐activity questionnaires at three time points during pregnancy and at 4‐months postpartum.ResultsPhysical activity declined between early pregnancy and 28‐weeks gestation (P < 0.001) and declined further at 36‐weeks gestation (P < 0.001) before increasing significantly at 4‐months postpartum (P < 0.001). However, reported activity at 4‐months postpartum remained significantly lower than that reported in early pregnancy (P < 0.001). There was no significant difference either cross‐sectionally or for changes over pregnancy and postpartum for total levels or categories of physical activity for women with different body mass index (BMI) or gestational weight gain (GWG). BMI was the only independent predictor of the change in total physical activity over the study and GWG, with women with higher BMI having larger decline of physical activity (β = 0.114, s.e. = 0.750, P = 0.032) and less GWG (β = −0.253, s.e. = 0.063, P < 0.001).ConclusionsPhysical activity declined significantly between early pregnancy and 28‐weeks gestation, with a further decline to 36‐weeks gestation. At 4‐months postpartum, physical activity significantly increased but not to the level of that reported at early pregnancy.So what?The promotion of appropriate physical activity should be implemented early in pregnancy and postpartum to prevent the decline in activity we have observed in overweight and obese women. Future research should also explore the barriers and enablers to women engaging in exercise during pregnancy and the postpartum period.
Spatial analyses for nonoverlapping objects with size variations and their application to coral communities
Authors: Muko Soyoka , Shimatani Ichiro K. , Nozawa Yoko 
Published: December 2013

SummarySpatial distributions of individuals are conventionally analysed by representing objects as dimensionless points, in which spatial statistics are based on centre‐to‐centre distances.However, if organisms expand without overlapping and show size variations, such as is the case for encrusting corals, interobject spacing is crucial for spatial associations where interactions occur.We introduced new pairwise statistics using minimum distances between objects and demonstrated their utility when examining encrusting coral community data. We also calculated the conventional point process statistics and the grid‐based statistics to clarify the advantages and limitations of each spatial statistical method. For simplicity, coral colonies were approximated by disks in these demonstrations.Focusing on short‐distance effects, the use of minimum distances revealed that almost all coral genera were aggregated at a scale of 1–25 cm. However, when fragmented colonies (ramets) were treated as a genet, a genet‐level analysis indicated weak or no aggregation, suggesting that most corals were randomly distributed and that fragmentation was the primary cause of colony aggregations. In contrast, point process statistics showed larger aggregation scales, presumably because centre‐to‐centre distances included both intercolony spacing and colony sizes (radius). The grid‐based statistics were able to quantify the patch (aggregation) scale of colonies, but the scale was strongly affected by the colony size.Our approach quantitatively showed repulsive effects between an aggressive genus and a competitively weak genus, while the grid‐based statistics (covariance function) also showed repulsion although the spatial scale indicated from the statistics was not directly interpretable in terms of ecological meaning.The use of minimum distances together with previously proposed spatial statistics helped us to extend our understanding of the spatial patterns of nonoverlapping objects that vary in size and the associated specific scales.
Evidence from the real world: 15N natural abundances reveal enhanced nitrogen use at high plant diversity in Central European grasslands
Authors: Kleinebecker Till , Hölzel Norbert , Prati Daniel , Schmitt Barbara , Fischer Markus , Klaus Valentin H. 
Published: December 2013

Summary

Complementarity that leads to more efficient resource use is presumed to be a key mechanism explaining positive biodiversity–productivity relationships but has been described solely for experimental set‐ups with controlled environmental settings or for very short gradients of abiotic conditions, land‐use intensity and biodiversity. Therefore, we analysed plant diversity effects on nitrogen dynamics across a broad range of Central European grasslands.

The 15N natural abundance in soil and plant biomass reflects the net effect of processes affecting ecosystem N dynamics. This includes the mechanism of complementary resource utilization that causes a decrease in the 15N isotopic signal. We measured plant species richness, natural abundance of 15N in soil and plants, above‐ground biomass of the community and three single species (an herb, grass and legume) and a variety of additional environmental variables in 150 grassland plots in three regions of Germany. To explore the drivers of the nitrogen dynamics, we performed several analyses of covariance treating the 15N isotopic signals as a function of plant diversity and a large set of covariates.

Increasing plant diversity was consistently linked to decreased δ15N isotopic signals in soil, above‐ground community biomass and the three single species. Even after accounting for multiple covariates, plant diversity remained the strongest predictor of δ15N isotopic signals suggesting that higher plant diversity leads to a more closed nitrogen cycle due to more efficient nitrogen use.

Factors linked to increased δ15N values included the amount of nitrogen taken up, soil moisture and land‐use intensity (particularly fertilization), all indicators of the openness of the nitrogen cycle due to enhanced N‐turnover and subsequent losses. Study region was significantly related to the δ15N isotopic signals indicating that regional peculiarities such as former intensive land use could strongly affect nitrogen dynamics.

Synthesis. Our results provide strong evidence that the mechanism of complementary resource utilization operates in real‐world grasslands where multiple external factors affect nitrogen dynamics. Although single species may differ in effect size, actively increasing total plant diversity in grasslands could be an option to more effectively use nitrogen resources and to reduce the negative environmental impacts of nitrogen losses.
Combination of pulse cyclophosphamide and azathioprine in ocular manifestations of Behcet's disease: longitudinal study of up to 10 years
Authors: Davatchi Fereydoun , Sadeghi Abdollahi Bahar , Shams Hormoz , Shahram Farhad , Nadji Abdolhadi , Chams‐Davatchi Cheyda , Faezi Tahereh , Akhlaghi Massoomeh , Ghodsi Zahra , Ashofteh Farimah , Mohtasham Negin 
Published: December 2013

AbstractAimOcular lesions of Behcet's disease (BD) need aggressive treatment to prevent severe loss of vision or blindness. Cytotoxic drugs are the main therapeutic agents and the first line treatment. Retinal vasculitis is the most aggressive lesion of ocular manifestations and predicts a worse systemic outcome. We present here the outcome with a combination of pulse cyclophosphamide, azathioprine and prednisolone, on long‐term usage, up to 10 years, on 295 patients (18 493 eye‐months of follow‐up).MethodsCyclophosphamide was used as a 1‐g monthly pulse for 6 months and then every 2–3 months as necessary. Azathioprine was used at 2–3 mg/kg daily. Prednisolone was initiated at 0.5 mg/kg daily. Upon the suppression of the inflammatory reaction, prednisolone was tapered gradually. Patients fulfilled the International Criteria Behcet's Disease (ICBD) and had active posterior uveitis (PU) and/or retinal vasculitis (RV). Visual acuity (VA), PU, RV and TADAI (Total Adjusted Disease Activity Index) were calculated.ResultsOverall results: mean VA improved from 3.5 to 4.3 (P < 0.0001), 44% of eyes improved (95% CI = 40–50). Mean PU improved from 2.1 to 0.8 (P < 0.0001), 73% of eyes improved (95% CI = 69–78). Mean RV improved from 3.0 to 1.4 P < 0.0001), 70% of eyes improved (95% CI = 65–74). Mean TADAI improved from 29 to 18 (P < 0.0001), 72% of patients improved (95% CI = 66–77). The details of the longitudinal studies are given in the main article.ConclusionAll parameters significantly improved. VA improvement was the least, mainly due to cataracts. This combination is the best treatment choice for retinal vasculitis before opting for biologic agents.
The International Network of Obstetric Survey Systems (INOSS): benefits of multi‐country studies of severe and uncommon maternal morbidities
Authors: Knight Marian ,   INOSS
Published: December 2013

AbstractThe International Network of Obstetric Survey Systems (INOSS) is a multi‐country collaboration formed to facilitate studies of uncommon and severe complications of pregnancy and childbirth. Collaborations such as INOSS offer many benefits in the study of rare complications. The use of uniform case definitions, common datasets, specifically collected detailed data and prospectively agreed comparative and combined analyses all add to the validity of studies and their utility to guide policy and clinical practice and hence improve the quality of care. Such multi‐national collaborations allow for the conduct of robust studies less subject to many of the biases attributed to typical observational studies. For very rare conditions such collaborations may provide the only route to providing high quality evidence to guide practice. Clinicians and researchers conducting studies into rare and severe complications should consider working through a network such as INOSS to maximize the value of their research.
Improved survival in myeloma patients: starting to close in on the gap between elderly patients and a matched normal population
Authors: Liwing Johan , Uttervall Katarina , Lund Johan , Aldrin Anders , Blimark Cecilie , Carlson Kristina , Enestig Jon , Flogegård Max , Forsberg Karin , Gruber Astrid , Haglöf Kviele Helene , Johansson Peter , Lauri Birgitta , Mellqvist Ulf‐Henrik , Swedin Agneta , Svensson Magnus , Näsman Per , Alici Evren , Gahrton Gösta , Aschan Johan , Nahi Hareth 
Published: December 2013

SummaryThe outcome for multiple myeloma patients has improved since the introduction of bortezomib, thalidomide and lenalidomide. However, studies comparing new and conventional treatment include selected patient groups. We investigated consecutive patients (n = 1638) diagnosed in a defined period and compared survival with a gender‐ and age‐matched cohort Swedish population (n = 9 340 682). Median overall survival for non‐high‐dose treated patients was 2·8 years. The use of bortezomib, thalidomide or lenalidomide in first line therapy predicted a significantly longer overall survival (median 4·9 years) compared to conventional treatment (2·3 years). Among non‐high‐dose treated patients receiving at least 2 lines with bortezomib, thalidomide or lenalidomide, 69% and 63% have survived at 3 and 5 years as compared to 48% and 22% with conventional drugs and 88% and 79% in the matched cohort populations, respectively. The median overall survival in high‐dose treated patients was 6·9 years. Of these patients, 84% survived at 3 years and 70% at 5 years as compared to 98% and 95% in the matched cohort population. Overall survival in the best non‐high‐dose treated outcome group is closing the gap with the matched cohort. Upfront use of new drugs is clearly better than waiting until later lines of treatment.
Low‐dose oral desmopressin for treatment of nocturia and nocturnal enuresis in patients after radical cystectomy and orthotopic urinary diversion
Authors: Goldberg Hanan , Baniel Jack , Mano Roy , Gillon Gabriel , Kedar Daniel , Yossepowitch Ofer 
Published: December 2013

ObjectivesTo assess the effect of oral desmopressin on nocturia and nocturnal enuresis in patients after orthotopic neobladder reconstruction.Patients and MethodsOf 55 patients who underwent radical cystectomy and orthotopic neobladder reconstruction at our medical centre in the period 2004–2011, 34 patients were deemed eligible for the present study. Inclusion criteria were estimated glomerular filtration rate >50 mL/min/1.73 m2, normal baseline sodium serum level, intact daytime urinary continence, and any degree of nocturia or nocturnal enuresis. Patients were treated daily with oral desmopressin 0.1 mg at bedtime for 30 days and completed the Nocturia, Nocturnal Enuresis and Sleep Interruption Questionnaire at trial enrolment and closure. Sodium serum levels were monitored throughout.ResultsThree patients withdrew from the trial because of headaches or anxiety. The mean (sd) number of nocturnal voids decreased from 2.5 (1.4)/night at baseline to 1.5 (1.3)/night at trial closure (P = 0.015). The number of patients with one or no episodes of nocturnal enuresis per week increased from six to 12 (19 to 39%; P = 0.065). Thirteen patients (42%) reported an increase of a minimum 1–2 h of sleep until the first nocturnal void; all of them asked to continue the drug. No significant adverse events or changes in sodium level were observed.ConclusionsBedtime treatment with low‐dose oral desmopressin appears to decrease episodes of nocturia and nocturnal enuresis effectively and safely in ∼50% of the patients with neobladder, allowing longer undisrupted sleep time and improved quality of life. Further investigation is warranted to determine if higher doses would result in a more meaningful clinical response.