bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Efficacy of sacral neuromodulation in treatment of bladder pain syndrome: Long‐term follow‐up
Authors: Ghazwani Yahya Q. , Elkelini Mohamed S. , Hassouna Magdy M. 
Published: May 2011

AbstractAimsThis study was sought to evaluate the efficacy and durability of sacral neuromodulation in the treatment of bladder pain syndrome (BPS) patients.MethodsA retrospective chart review was performed of patients who had unilateral sacral nerve stimulator (InterStim®) for refractory BPS between June 2002 and December 2004. Patients were qualified for permanent implantation by showing ≥50% improvement in their bladder pain and voiding symptoms 1‐week post‐percutaneous nerve evaluation (PNE). Voiding diary was completed at pre‐implantation, 1 year, and on the last visit. Urinary distress inventory short form was completed pre‐implantation and on the last visit. Bladder pain was evaluated by visual analogue scale. Primary outcome was improvement in bladder pain. Differences among groups were compared by one‐way ANOVA and t‐test. Statistical significance was set at P ≤ 0.05.ResultsTwenty‐one female patients diagnosed with BPS had PNE; 11 patients (52%) showed ≥50% improvement in their bladder pain and voiding symptoms and they consider candidates for permanent implantation (Table I), while 10 patients (48%) failed to show 50% improvement in their voiding symptoms or bladder pain (Table II). In those 11 patients who underwent permanent implantation, the average patient's age was 44.3 ± 8.9 years; average time since diagnosis was 3 ±0.8 years; the average follow‐ up was 71.5 ± 9.3 months (Table III). There was significant improvement in the bladder pain and voiding parameters at 1‐year follow‐up, which was maintained at 5‐year follow‐up. There was continuous improvement in urgency (1.2 ± 0.68) at 1‐year follow‐up, and (0.98 ± 0.72) at the last visit. Average voided volume was also continuously improved from 242 ± 62.7 ml at 1‐year follow‐up to 276 ± 64.7 ml on the last visit.ConclusionSacral neuromodulation as part of multimodal treatment provides an effective long‐term treatment option for sub‐group of refractory BPS. Neurourol. Urodynam. 30:1271–1275, 2011. © 2011 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
A perfect marriage: optics and silicon
Authors: Paniccia Mario J. 
Published: May 2011

AbstractWhile computing systems in general and their central processing units (CPUs) in particular continue to experience performance gains, the connections between them are nearing their physical limits. The current workaround – adding a vastly increasing number of copper cables to connect and support a computing environment – has resulted in performance bottlenecks, thermal and airflow issues as well as maintenance and cost ramifications. Although wired connections will always have a prominent role within and between computing devices, many systems and applications will soon demand interconnects that support greater bandwidth across longer distances. Thus forthcoming computing requirements will soon exceed the capabilities of current copper‐based links, requiring the need for optical transmission in the future.
Holographic displays and smart lenses
Authors: Stahl Richard , Jayapala Murali 
Published: May 2011

AbstractThe invention of micromirror arrays has sparked a revolution in vision systems research. These devices are an indispensable component in many current generation products ranging from large scale projection engines and portable projectors to heads up displays. In addition, these devices are enabling new research paths in spectroscopy, lithography, volumetric displays and optical networking, just to name a few. In this article we highlight some of the recent advances in micromirror array technology, especially using Silicon‐Germanium (SiGe) MEMS. We will also present an overview of two applications this technology gave rise to, namely the holographic display and a micromirror array based zoom lens.
A 32×32 photon counting camera
Authors: Tisa Simone , Bertone Nick , Zappa Franco 
Published: May 2011

AbstractSilicon photon counting detectors have been in production for many years but until recently they were single pixel detectors that required a custom and specialized fabrication process. In the last couple of years, CMOS compatible processes were developed to produce silicon photon counting detectors with very good performances. Usually, in single photon avalanche diodes (SPADs), the electronics for quenching the diode and the electronics for picking‐up the avalanche ignition are separate from the SPAD itself. Commercial detectors of such a design can have, for example, 49 % detection efficacy at 550 nm, dark counts of 1/s for an active area of 20 μm in diameter, and 30 ps timing resolution.
Microfluidics
Authors: Becker Holger 
Published: May 2011

AbstractAs the microelectronic revolution changed the way how electronic components and circuits were manufactured 50 years ago, leading to an explosive growth in the applications of integrated circuits and a birth of new industries, a similar development can be seen with the introduction of miniaturization in the Life Sciences. In this article, I will limit the discussion of microfluidics to the area which was the scope of the initial concept called “miniaturized total analysis system” (μ‐TAS), also called “Lab‐on‐a‐Chip”. This technology deals with the handling and manipulation of minuscule amounts of liquid in the Life Sciences and was introduced about 20 years ago.
An anti‐hapten camelid antibody reveals a cryptic binding site with significant energetic contributions from a nonhypervariable loop
Authors: Fanning Sean W. , Horn James R. 
Published: May 2011

AbstractConventional anti‐hapten antibodies typically bind low‐molecular weight compounds (haptens) in the crevice between the variable heavy and light chains. Conversely, heavy chain‐only camelid antibodies, which lack a light chain, must rely entirely on a single variable domain to recognize haptens. While several anti‐hapten VHHs have been generated, little is known regarding the underlying structural and thermodynamic basis for hapten recognition. Here, an anti‐methotrexate VHH (anti‐MTX VHH) was generated using grafting methods whereby the three complementarity determining regions (CDRs) were inserted onto an existing VHH framework. Thermodynamic analysis of the anti‐MTX VHH CDR1‐3 Graft revealed a micromolar binding affinity, while the crystal structure of the complex revealed a somewhat surprising noncanonical binding site which involved MTX tunneling under the CDR1 loop. Due to the close proximity of MTX to CDR4, a nonhypervariable loop, the CDR4 loop sequence was subsequently introduced into the CDR1‐3 graft, which resulted in a dramatic 1000‐fold increase in the binding affinity. Crystal structure analysis of both the free and complex anti‐MTX CDR1‐4 graft revealed CDR4 plays a significant role in both intermolecular contacts and binding site conformation that appear to contribute toward high affinity binding. Additionally, the anti‐MTX VHH possessed relatively high specificity for MTX over closely related compounds aminopterin and folate, demonstrating that VHH domains are capable of binding low‐molecular weight ligands with high affinity and specificity, despite their reduced interface.
Structural and enzymatic characterization of NanS (YjhS), a 9‐O‐Acetyl N‐acetylneuraminic acid esterase from Escherichia coli O157:H7
Authors: Rangarajan Erumbi S. , Ruane Karen M. , Proteau Ariane , Schrag Joseph D. , Valladares Ricardo , Gonzalez Claudio F. , Gilbert Michel , Yakunin Alexander F. , Cygler Miroslaw 
Published: May 2011

AbstractThere is a high prevalence of sialic acid in a number of different organisms, resulting in there being a myriad of different enzymes that can exploit it as a fermentable carbon source. One such enzyme is NanS, a carbohydrate esterase that we show here deacetylates the 9 position of 9‐O‐sialic acid so that it can be readily transported into the cell for catabolism. Through structural studies, we show that NanS adopts a SGNH hydrolase fold. Although the backbone of the structure is similar to previously characterized family members, sequence comparisons indicate that this family can be further subdivided into two subfamilies with somewhat different fingerprints. NanS is the founding member of group II. Its catalytic center contains Ser19 and His301 but no Asp/Glu is present to form the classical catalytic triad. The contribution of Ser19 and His301 to catalysis was confirmed by mutagenesis. In addition to structural characterization, we have mapped the specificity of NanS using a battery of substrates.
Properties of spark plasma sintered nanostructured Zn1+xSb
Authors: Birkel Christina S. , Claudio Tania , Panthöfer Martin , Birkel Alexander , Koll Dominik , Kieslich Gregor , Schmidt Jürgen , Hermann Raphael , Tremel Wolfgang 
Published: May 2011

AbstractEngineering materials with specific physical properties has recently focused on the effect of nanoscopic inhomogeneities at the 10 nm scale. Such features are expected to scatter medium and long‐wavelength phonons lowering thereby the thermal conductivity of the system without simultaneously decreasing the charge transport (phonon–glass electron–crystal concept). A new Zn1+xSb nanophase obtained by a wet chemical approach was densified by spark plasma sintering (SPS). Investigations on compounds subsumed as “Zn4Sb3” always suffer from its low thermal stability and the contamination of the nanoparticles with solvents and additives used in the synthesis. In order to gain insight into this compound's electronic properties we investigated a material free from remnants of the synthesis but contaminated with a small amount of well‐characterized decomposition product, i.e., ZnSb. To investigate the influence of the sintering process on the densified samples, different SPS conditions were applied. Four different conditions were used with heating rates between 160° and 230 °C/min, sintering temperatures between 130 and 190 °C and sintering times between 3 and 6 min. Powders from the surface of the pellets were subject to powder X‐ray diffraction (XRD) yielding information about the surface composition. Small pieces of the pellets were also characterized using high‐energy synchrotron radiation scattering in order to reveal the phase compositions inside the pellets. Small changes in the sintering conditions of the samples were found to have a large influence on the resulting sample compositions. In addition, the phase compositions on the surface differ significantly from the ones inside the pellets which show a much higher grade of decomposition. The density and morphology of the obtained pellets have been investigated by means of laser microscopy and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The low density and porosity of the different pellets is a result of the graphite pressing tool which has to be used to ensure the temperature control during the SPS process.
A generalized statistical control chart for over‐ or under‐dispersed data
Authors: Sellers Kimberly F. 
Published: May 2011

AbstractThe Poisson distribution is a popular distribution used to describe count information, from which control charts involving count data have been established. Several works recognize the need for a generalized control chart to allow for data over‐dispersion; however, analogous arguments can also be made to account for potential under‐dispersion. The Conway–Maxwell–Poisson (COM‐Poisson) distribution is a general count distribution that relaxes the equi‐dispersion assumption of the Poisson distribution, and in fact encompasses the special cases of the Poisson, geometric, and Bernoulli distributions. Accordingly, a flexible control chart is developed that encompasses the classical Shewart charts based on the Poisson, Bernoulli (or binomial), and geometric (or negative binomial) distributions. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Density functional theory on phase space
Authors: Blanchard Philippe , Gracia‐Bond7iacute;a José M. , Várilly Joseph C. 
Published: May 2011

AbstractForty‐five years after the point de départ [Hohenberg and Kohn, Phys Rev, 1964, 136, B864] of density functional theory, its applications in chemistry and the study of electronic structures keep steadily growing. However, the precise form of the energy functional in terms of the electron density still eludes us—and possibly will do so forever [Schuch and Verstraete, Nat Phys, 2009, 5, 732]. In what follows we examine a formulation in the same spirit with phase space variables. The validity of Hohenberg–Kohn–Levy‐type theorems on phase space is recalled. We study the representability problem for reduced Wigner functions, and proceed to analyze properties of the new functional. Along the way, new results on states in the phase space formalism of quantum mechanics are established. Natural Wigner orbital theory is developed in depth, with the final aim of constructing accurate correlation‐exchange functionals on phase space. A new proof of the overbinding property of the Müller functional is given. This exact theory supplies its home at long last to that illustrious ancestor, the Thomas–Fermi model. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Int J Quantum Chem, 2012
NON‐UNIFORM CHANGES TO WHITEWATER RECREATION IN CALIFORNIA'S SIERRA NEVADA FROM REGIONAL CLIMATE WARMING
Authors: Ligare S. T. , Viers J. H. , Null S. E. , Rheinheimer D. E. , Mount J. F. 
Published: May 2011

ABSTRACTWhitewater recreation is an aesthetic ecosystem service potentially affected by climate warming alterations to runoff. In California's Sierra Nevada, climate change is likely to reduce water availability with warmer air temperatures and stationary or decreasing precipitation, which will likely alter whitewater recreation opportunities. In this study, we identified 128 whitewater runs on the west slope of the Sierra Nevada within a 13‐basin study area that ranged from serene float trips to remote, difficult, kayak expeditions. We used a spatially explicit, one‐dimensional rainfall‐runoff model to estimate the unregulated hydrology at specific locations within flow thresholds amenable to whitewater recreation. Climate warming scenarios were simulated by increasing air temperature by 2 °C, 4 °C and 6 °C and assuming no change in precipitation.With mild warming, the average number of boatable weeks per year increases, but more extreme warming decreases the average boatable weeks per year across the Sierra Nevada. Runs in low‐elevation drainages, such as the Cosumnes and the Tule River Basins, are most vulnerable to changes in boatable weeks. Yet, high‐elevation watersheds, such as the Kern River, also have a large reduction in boatable weeks. Watersheds in the central Sierra Nevada show an increase in boatable weeks. Overall, we found elevation and run type to be the best predictors of resiliency for Sierra Nevada whitewater runs.Recreation is important for management of rivers, yet it is difficult to quantify and to plan for. This research provides a sensitivity analysis approach to climate warming for the Sierra Nevada and presents a method that can be applied to other regions and whitewater rivers. The observed reduction in whitewater recreation opportunities in unregulated rivers because of climate warming and continued increases in population will likely increase the importance of whitewater boating on regulated rivers and thus the reliance on operations for meeting multiple demands. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
FISH ASSEMBLAGES RESPOND TO HABITAT AND HYDROLOGY IN THE WABASH RIVER, INDIANA
Authors: Pritchett J. , Pyron M. 
Published: May 2011

ABSTRACTDetailed relationships between fish assemblages and habitat and hydrology variation are largely unknown for large rivers. We evaluated hydrology, habitat variation and fish assemblages at 28 sites on the Wabash River, Indiana, USA, during 2005–2008. We calculated hydrologic variation with the Indicators of Hydrologic Alteration software and tested for temporal hydrologic effects on habitat variation of substrate particle size, water depth and water velocity by reducing data into principal component axes that were tested for differences among years with ANOVAs. We then tested for effects of habitat and hydrology variation on fish assemblages with canonical correspondence analysis. These analyses showed significant relationships between hydrologic variation and local habitats, and hydrology and habitat variables had significant relationships with fish assemblage structure. Our Mantel tests resulted in significant concordance among hydrology, local habitat variation and fish assemblage structure, suggesting associations of these variables. These results supported strong connections for hydraulic control over habitat variation and subsequent effects on fish assemblages. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Neurobehavioral outcomes in preterm, growth‐restricted infants with and without prenatal advanced signs of brain‐sparing
Authors: Figueras F. , Cruz‐Martinez R. , Sanz‐Cortes M. , Arranz A. , Illa M. , Botet F. , Costas‐Moragas C. , Gratacos E. 
Published: May 2011

AbstractObjectiveTo evaluate the neurobehavioral outcomes of preterm infants with intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR), with and without prenatal advanced brain‐sparing.MethodsA cohort of IUGR infants (birth weight < 10th percentile with abnormal umbilical artery Doppler) born before 34 weeks of gestation was compared with a control group of appropriate‐for‐gestational age infants matched for gestational age at delivery. MCA pulsatility index was determined in all cases within 72 hours before delivery. Neonatal neurobehavior was evaluated at 40 weeks' ( ± 1) corrected age using the Neonatal Behavioral Assessment Scale. The effect of abnormal MCA pulsatility index (< 5th percentile) on each neurobehavioral area was adjusted for maternal smoking status and socioeconomic level, mode of delivery, gestational age at delivery, pre‐eclampsia, newborn illness severity score and infant sex by multiple linear and logistic regression.ResultsA total of 126 preterm newborns (64 controls and 62 IUGR) were included. Among IUGR fetuses, the proportion of abnormal MCA Doppler parameters was 53%. Compared with appropriate‐for‐gestational age infants, newborns in the IUGR subgroup with abnormal MCA Doppler had significantly lower neurobehavioral scores in the areas of habituation, motor system, social‐interactive and attention. Similarly, the proportion of infants with abnormal neurobehavioral scores was significantly higher in the IUGR subgroup with abnormal MCA Doppler parameters in the areas of habituation, social‐interactive, motor system and attention.ConclusionAbnormal MCA Doppler findings are predictive of neurobehavioral impairment among preterm newborns with IUGR, which suggests that this reflects an advanced stage of brain injury with a higher risk of abnormal neurological maturation. Copyright © 2011 ISUOG. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Left–right difference in fetal liver oxygenation during hypoxia estimated by BOLD MRI in a fetal sheep model
Authors: Sørensen A. , Holm D. , Pedersen M. , Tietze A. , Stausbøl‐Grøn B. , Duus L. , Uldbjerg N. 
Published: May 2011

AbstractObjectiveThe purpose of this study was to measure differences in oxygenation between the left and right sides of the fetal liver during varying oxygenation levels.MethodsEight ewes carrying singleton fetuses at gestational age 125 days (term, 145 days) were included in the study. Under anesthesia the ewes were ventilated with gas containing different levels of oxygen, thereby subjecting the fetuses to hyperoxia (mean ± SD maternal arterial partial pressure of oxygen (pO2), 23.2 ± 8.2 kPa) and hypoxia (mean maternal arterial pO2, 7.1 ± 0.5 kPa). Changes in oxygenation within the fetal liver were assessed by blood oxygen level‐dependent (BOLD) magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).ResultsDuring hyperoxia there was no difference between the BOLD signal in the left and right sides of the fetal liver; mean change in BOLD (ΔBOLD)hyperox, − 0.9 ± 3.7%. During hypoxia, however, the decrease in the BOLD signal was more pronounced in the right side as compared with the left side, thereby creating a significant increase in the left–right difference in the BOLD signal; mean ΔBOLDhypox, 5.2 ± 2.2% (P = 0.002, paired t‐test). The left–right difference was directly proportional to the degree of hypoxia (R2 = 0.86, P = 0.007).ConclusionsTo our knowledge, this is the first study demonstrating differences in oxygenation between the left and right sides of the fetal liver during hypoxia, a difference that can be explained by increased ductus venosus shunting. Thus, the BOLD MRI technique is a promising non‐invasive tool that might be useful for the future monitoring of the human fetus. Copyright © 2011 ISUOG. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Excision and Primary Closure Using the Karydakis Flap for the Treatment of Pilonidal Disease: Outcomes from a Single Institution
Authors: Moran D. C. , Kavanagh D. O. , Adhmed I. , Regan M. C. 
Published: May 2011

AbstractBackgroundChronic pilonidal disease is a debilitating condition that typically affects young adults. There is a wide variety of available therapeutic strategies reflecting the inconsistent outcomes attributed to the various operative approaches. The majority involve excision of the sinus tract followed by either primary closure or healing by secondary intention. A variety of closure approaches exist. There remains uncertainty as to which is more effective. The aim of the current study was to determine subjective and objective outcomes following excision and Karydakis flap closure in a unit where this technique is the standard of care in the management of chronic pilonidal disease.MethodsThis study involving consecutive patients with chronic pilonidal disease was conducted over a 4‐year period. A tailored patient satisfaction questionnaire was given to each patient. Postoperative primary and secondary outcomes were evaluated. The mean follow‐up time was 30 months.ResultsOne hundred six consecutive patients (33 female, 73 male) underwent excision and primary closure using the Karydakis flap. Ninety‐two completed questionnaires were returned (87% response rate). Patients consulted their general practitioner 2.8 times (mean) and 46% received empirical oral antimicrobial therapy prior to referral for a surgical opinion. The mean time lost to work/school following the Karydakis flap repair was 13 days (range 3–33). Successful treatment was achieved in 96.3% of cases and 92% of patients were satisfied with their operative result.ConclusionExcision and primary closure with Karydakis flap is an effective treatment for chronic pilonidal disease. It is associated with low morbidity, early return to premorbid functioning, and a high degree of patient satisfaction (92%).
“Just Beyond my Front Door”: Public Discourse Experiences of Children Adopted from China
Authors: Vashchenko M. , D'Aleo M. , Pinderhughes E. E. 
Published: May 2011

AbstractThe phenotypic differences between children and their adoptive parents in transracial adoptions make the child's adoptive status readily apparent in public. Consequently, adoptees field more frequent questions and comments about the adoption. The present study examines the nature of public conversations about ethnicity and adoption of 41 elementary school age girls adopted from China and the ecological factors related to less frequent occurrences of such conversations and to the positive nature of these experiences. Results indicate that family structure (single parent vs. two parents) and parental bicultural competence predict membership in the favorable condition (reporting fewer public interaction experiences and reporting more positive experiences, respectively). Child's age and racial diversity of the town of residence do not predict these outcomes. Implications for families, adoption professionals, teachers and researchers are discussed.