bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Optical Coherence Tomography in Best Vitelliform Macular Dystrophy
Authors: Battaglia Parodi Maurizio , Iacono Pierluigi , Romano Francesco , Bolognesi Gianluigi , Fasce Francesco , Bandello Francesco
Published: February 2017

Purpose

To analyze spectral-domain optical coherence tomography (SD-OCT)-specific findings in the different stages of vitelliform macular dystrophy (VMD).

Methods

Thirty-seven patients were prospectively recruited. All the patients underwent a complete ophthalmologic examination, including best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA), biomicroscopy, and SD-OCT. The examined findings were vitelliform material, neurosensory detachment, intraretinal hyperreflective foci, and the status of external limiting membrane, ellipsoid zone, and retinal pigment epithelium. The primary outcome was the stratification of SD-OCT findings in each VMD stage. Secondary outcomes included the description of different characteristics related to intraretinal hyperreflective foci.

Results

Outer retinal layers were preserved almost exclusively in stage 1 (range 70%-100%), whereas their disruption and absence were typical of stages 2 to 4 (83%-100%) and stage 5 (67%-83%), respectively. Vitelliform material was found always in stages 2 and 3, 89% of stage 4, and rarely in stage 5 (33%). Neurosensory detachment was to some extent representative of stages 3 and 4 (80% and 72%, respectively) when compared with the other stages (p<0.001). Hyperreflective foci (16% of all eyes) demonstrated a progressive increase across stages 2 to 4, with slightly reduced figure in stage 5. These foci were located in the outer nuclear and plexiform layers, showed different sizes, and were not associated with a visual acuity reduction (p = 0.64).

Conclusions

A progressive deterioration of the outer retinal layers was noticeable in more advanced stages of VMD. The reduction of vitelliform material from stage 3 to 4 was paralleled by an increased evidence of neurosensory detachment. Although showing different size and location, hyperreflective foci did not correlate with worse BCVA.
Optical Coherence Tomography Angiography Features of Intrachoroidal Peripapillary Cavitation
Authors: Mazzaferro Andrea , Carnevali Adriano , Zucchiatti Ilaria , Querques Lea , Bandello Francesco , Querques Giuseppe
Published: February 2017

Purpose

To evaluate the optical coherence tomography angiography (OCT-A) features of a peripapillary intrachoroidal cavitation (ICC) in a patient with high myopia.

Methods

A 67-year-old woman with ICC underwent visual acuity testing, refraction, slit-lamp biomicroscopy, dilated fundus examination, and OCT-A. The main findings are described in this case report.

Results

Best-corrected visual acuity was 20/20 in both eyes. Fundus examination revealed in the right eye a macular scar, a tilted disc along with a peripapillary staphyloma, and an orange-yellowish lesion on the inferior border of the disc. Structural OCT B-scan showed ICC as an intrachoroidal hyporeflective space located below the normal plane of the retinal pigment epithelium adjacent to the optic nerve head. Optical coherence tomography angiography showed the cavitation as a hyporeflective area, devoid of detectable flow from the choriocapillaris and large choroidal vessels layers, suggesting the choroid, including the residual hyperreflective tissue in the outer aspect of the retinal pigment epithelium/Bruch membrane, to be avascular in ICC.

Conclusions

Optical coherence tomography angiography demonstrated the absence of choroidal and choriocapillary network.
Macular Hole Surgery: The Healing Process of Outer Retinal Layers to Visual Acuity Recovery
Authors: Caprani Simona M. , Donati Simone , Bartalena Luigi , Vinciguerra Riccardo , Mariotti Cesare , Testa Francesco , Porta Giovanni , Azzolini Claudio
Published: February 2017

Purpose

To evaluate optical coherence tomography (OCT) modifications of outer retinal layers as determinants for functional recovery after surgery for idiopathic macular hole (IMH).

Methods

This prospective study included 23 eyes of 23 consecutive patients who underwent vitreoretinal surgery for IMH. We excluded patients with other retinal diseases. Baseline and follow-up evaluations at months 3 and 6 included complete ophthalmologic and instrumental evaluations. Functional evaluation was performed by Best Corrected Visual Acuity (BCVA) and Amsler test. Morphologic evaluation was performed by spectral-domain 3D-OCT (Topcon, Tokyo, Japan) for a deep analysis of retinal layers as well as central retinal thickness evaluation. A standard 23-G or 25-G vitreoretinal surgery was performed, completed by posterior hyaloid and inner limiting membrane peeling by means of vital dyes and gas tamponade. Statistical analysis was performed on collected data.

Results

The mean BCVA increased significantly from 0.57 ± 0.25 logMAR at baseline to 0.34 ± 0.22 logMAR at month 6. Intraretinal layers modification showed a progressive recomposition of inner segment/outer segment layer in 91% of patients at month 6. Retinal layers recomposition showed a progressive increase in all patients during follow-up from the immediate postoperative control to the last 6-month visit.

Conclusions

Optical coherence tomography examination appears useful to investigate visual recovery after macular hole surgery. To ensure postsurgical functional increase, recomposition of all retinal layers, in particular in the outer retina, is mandatory. This process could be slow and not immediately observable during follow-up examinations.
The Learning Curve for the Direct Anterior Approach for Total Hip Arthroplasty: A Single Surgeon's First 500 Cases
Authors: Hartford James M. , Bellino Michael J.
Published: February 2017

Background

Concerns arise over the early complications encountered during the learning curve for the direct anterior approach for total hip arthroplasty. The purpose of this study is to examine the learning experience of a single surgeon in adapting this approach.

Methods

The 1st 500 primary total hip arthroplasties are reviewed. The patients were evaluated out to 3 months. Rates of major complications, reoperations, periprosthetic fractures, heterotopic ossification, leg length discrepancies and lateral femoral cutaneous nerve deficits were identified for each of 100 patients.

Results

The major complication rate decreased from 5% to 2% throughout the series. Reoperation rates fluctuated from 2% in the 1st 100 cases to 3% in the 4th 100 cases to 1% in the 5th 100 cases. The periprosthetic fracture rate decreased from 9% to 2%.

Conclusions

The incidence of heterotopic ossification declines throughout the series and is attributed to changes in irrigation technique and quantity. The incidence of major complications decreases with increasing experience. The most dramatic improvements occur after the 1st group of 100 cases.
Titanium-Hydroxyapatite Composites Sintered at Low Temperature for Tissue Engineering: In vitro Cell Support and Biocompatibility
Authors: Comín Romina , Cid Mariana P. , Grinschpun Luciano , Oldani Carlos , Salvatierra Nancy A.
Published: February 2017

Background

In clinical orthopedics, a critical problem is the bone tissue loss produced by a disease or injury. The use of composites from titanium and hydroxyapatite for biomedical applications has increased due to the resulting advantageous combination of hydroxyapatite bioactivity and favorable mechanical properties of titanium. Powder metallurgy is a simple and lower-cost method that uses powder from titanium and hydroxyapatite to obtain composites having hydroxyapatite phases in a metallic matrix. However, this method has certain limitations arising from thermal decomposition of hydroxyapatite in the titanium-hydroxyapatite system above 800°C. We obtained a composite from titanium and bovine hydroxyapatite powders sintered at 800°C and evaluated its bioactivity and cytocompatibility according to the ISO 10993 standard.

Methods

Surface analysis and bioactivity of the composite was evaluated by X-ray diffraction and SEM. MTT assay was carried out to assess cytotoxicity on Vero and NIH3T3 cells. Cell morphology and cell adhesion on the composite surface were analyzed using fluorescence and SEM.

Results

We obtained a porous composite with hydroxyapatite particles well integrated in titanium matrix which presented excellent bioactivity. Our data did not reveal any toxicity of titanium-hydroxyapatite composite on Vero or NIH3T3 cells. Moreover, extracts from composite did not affect cell morphology or density. Finally, NIH3T3 cells were capable of adhering to and proliferating on the composite surface.

Conclusions

The composite obtained displayed promising biomedical applications through the simple method of powder metallurgy. Additionally, these findings provide an in vitro proof for adequate biocompatibility of titanium-hydroxyapatite composite sintered at 800°C.
Correlation or Causation? A Case Report of Endometriosis within a Caesarean Scar Defect
Authors: Lawless Anna , To Valerie , Lam Alan
Published: February 2017

Introduction

Caesarean scar defect is a well-recognised complication of caesarean section. It can cause secondary infertility, although the mechanism is still poorly understood.

Case description

We present the case of a patient diagnosed with a caesarean scar defect on transvaginal ultrasound, following referral for secondary infertility. During laparoscopy performed with concurrent hysteroscopy, the caesarean scar defect was found to be continuous with an endometriotic nodule in the uterovesical peritoneum. This was excised along with other endometriosis implants. Histopathology of the resected defect also showed endometriosis.

Conclusions

This case illustrates a possible link between caesarean scar defect and endometriosis, and highlights the benefit of laparoscopy to allow additional treatment of coexisting pathology, such as endometriosis, that could also contribute to infertility.
Complex cystine kidney stones treated with combined robot-assisted laparoscopic pyelolithotomy and intraoperative renoscopy
Authors: Meggiato Luca , Cattaneo Francesco , Zattoni Fabio , Dal Moro Fabrizio , Beltrami Paolo , Zattoni Filiberto
Published: February 2017

Introduction:

Cystinuria, a rare autosomal recessive disease characterized by a defect in cystine renal reabsorption, can often determine complex cystine renal calculi, leading to important complications such as urinary obstruction, urinary infections, and impaired kidney function. Complex kidney stones can have a difficult management and can be very arduous to treat.

Case description:

We present the case of a 20-year-old Jeowah’s witness woman with complex cystine renal stones treated with combined robot-assisted laparoscopic pyelolithotomy and intraoperative renoscopy.

Conclusions:

The combination of robot-assisted laparoscopic pyelolithotomy and intraoperative renoscopy can be useful to achieve an immediate high stone clearance rate also in complex renal stones. This combined technique could be indicated to minimize intraoperative bleeding. Moreover, it can also be used in pediatric cases or when there is no ureteral compliance. However, this strategy can be performed only in hospital referral centers by expert surgeons.
Reviewer Acknowledgements for Higher Education Studies, Vol. 7, No. 1
Authors: Lin Sherry
Published: February 2017

Reviewer Acknowledgements for Higher Education Studies, Vol. 7, No. 1, 2017
Transporte urbano e informal: quadros da Associação Nacional de Transportes Públicos
Authors: Mamani Hernan Armando
Published: February 2017

Tensões, conflitos e protestos populares relativos ao transporte coletivo são fatos corriqueiros nas cidades brasileiras que impactam pouco na agenda pública. As políticas urbanas de trânsito e de transporte têm como meta aumentar a mobilidade, garantindo a “competitividade” e o “bem-estar social” urbano, critérios estabelecidos pela Associação Nacional de Transportes Públicos, ator privilegiado da arena do transporte. Este artigo descreve e interpreta os quadros de referência mobilizados para diagnosticar e definir propostas, tendo como objeto os documentos dos membros da associação que, entre os anos de 1996 e 2003, debateram o crescimento do transporte informal e o projeto de política nacional de transporte denominado Projeto Transporte Humano.
Appropriateness of Plasma Transfusion: A College of American Pathologists Q-Probes Study of Guidelines, Waste, and Serious Adverse Events
Authors: Alcorn Kirsten , Ramsey Glenn , Souers Rhona , Lehman Christopher M.
Published: February 2017

Context.—

Plasma transfusion guidelines support patient care and safety, management of product wastage, and compliance; yet, there is little information across multiple institutions about use of and adherence to plasma transfusion guidelines.

Objective.—

To survey multiple institutions regarding their plasma transfusion guidelines and compliance, plasma wastage rates, and incidence of transfusion reactions associated with plasma transfusion.

Design.—

The College of American Pathologists Q-Probes model was used to collect data from 89 participating institutions. Each site was asked to provide data relevant to its most recent 40 adult patient plasma transfusion episodes, and complete a questionnaire regarding plasma transfusion guidelines, utilization and wastage of plasma, and transfusion reactions related to plasma transfusion.

Results.—

The participating institutions reported a total of 3383 evaluable plasma transfusion episodes with transfusion of 9060 units of plasma. Compliance with institution-specific guidelines was seen in 3018 events (89%). Pretransfusion and posttransfusion coagulation testing was done in 3281 (97%) and 3043 (90%) of these episodes, respectively. Inappropriate criteria were noted for more than 100 transfusion episodes. Thirty-two plasma transfusion episodes (1%) were associated with a transfusion reaction. Serious and fatal reactions were reported. Median plasma wastage rate for the year preceding the study was 4.5%.

Conclusions.—

Most participating institutions are compliant with plasma transfusion guidelines based on published references, supported by appropriate testing. With transfusions for indications that lack evidence of efficacy and incidence of transfusion reactions, there is an ongoing role for transfusion service leaders to continue to update and monitor plasma transfusion practices.
MODIFICATION OF THE INTERNATIONAL MARKETING MIX IN THE E - ENVIRONMENT
Authors: Stojković Aleksandar , Stoykova Desislava , Geurts Patrick
Published: February 2017

The marketing mix is the fundament of a business strategy in order to achieve the marketing one of manager’s aims – acquire new customers and new markets. The international marketing mix, however, is more than a mix of several elements (product, price, place and promotion). It is a very specific “mixture of ingredients” which has to be selected according to each business field. Therefore, to manage marketing components is a very complex and precise process. It requires all factors which influence the main elements of the marketing mix, to be analysed carefully. The results form an adequate and up-to-date marketing strategy. One major factor which influenced the international marketing mix is the emergence of e-business in the economic world. In order to measure the impact of e-business, the transformation of the marketing mix due to the new trends shall be analysed. The object of this paper is to analyse the international marketing mix and to study the transformation of international marketing mix caused by the impact of e-business. The outcome of this analyses examines how the e-business gave its impact to the international marketing mix and the consequences of the modification caused by the e-business.
ГРАДСКИ ТУРИЗАМ КАО РАЗВОЈНА ШАНСА ТУРИЗМА ГРАДА КРАГУЈЕВЦА
Authors: Podovac Milena
Published: February 2017

The subject of analysis is the urban tourism as an important segment of the tourist offer. The paper analyzes the potential for urban tourism development development of Kragujevac. Based on the analysis of resources, which are essential for the development of urban tourism,  in the conclusion are derived guidelines for improving the image of the city of Kragujevac as a tourist destination.
Rhetorical evolution of oppositional discourse in French academic writing. Oppositional discourse in academic writing
Authors: Salager-Meyer Françoise
Published: February 2017

We here analyze the quantitative and qualitative evolution of academic conflict (AC) in a corpus of 90 medical articles published between 1810 and 1995. The linguistic means expressing AC were recorded in each paper and classified according to whether they expressed a direct or an indirect conflict.  The frequency of each category of AC was first recorded in each paper, and then calculated per 20–year periods. Our results were analyzed using Chi–square tests. In the whole corpus, direct AC were more frequent than indirect ones (p = .0001). When analyzed per 20–year periods, our quantitative results allowed us to divide the 185 years studied into 2 distinct periods, the cutting–off point being the 1910’s when the frequency of indirect AC started a slow but continuous ascent. In each Block direct AC outnumbered indirect ones (p =.0001), but indirect AC were more frequent in Block B than in Block A (p = .039). A qualitative analysis of the AC recorded revealed that both 19th and 20th century AC were expressed in a personal, polemical and authoritarian manner, although the confrontational stance of late 20th century AC tends to be mitigated either by means of hedging expressions or through the shifting of person to object thematization. We conclude that when formulating their professional disagreement, French-speaking scientists have always been authoritative, categorical, direct and personal, although the tone of voice of confrontations tends to be more “low key” as we approach the turn of the 21st century.
Hermitian symmetric spaces of tube type and multivariate Meixner-Pollaczek polynomials
Authors: Faraut Jacques , Wakayama Masato
Published: February 2017

Harmonic analysis on Hermitian symmetric spaces of tube type is a natural framework for introducing multivariate Meixner-Pollaczek polynomials. Their main properties are established in this setting: orthogonality, generating and determinantal formulae, difference equations. For proving these properties we use the composition of the following transformations: Cayley transform, Laplace transform, and spherical Fourier transform associated to Hermitian symmetric spaces of tube type.  In particular the difference equation for the multivariate Meixner-Pollaczek polynomials is obtained from an Euler type equation on a bounded symmetric domain.
Mild singular potentials as effective Laplacians in narrow strips
Authors: De Oliveira César R. , Verri Alessandra A.
Published: February 2017

We propose to obtain information on one-dimensional Schrödinger operators on bounded intervals by approaching them as effective operators of the Laplacian in thin planar strips.  Here we develop this idea to get spectral knowledge of some mild singular potentials with Dirichlet boundary conditions.  Special preparations, including a result on perturbations of quadratic forms, are included as well.
South East Europe Hub and Spoke Air Network Reconfiguration
Authors: Pavlin Stanislav , Modić Arijana , Bračić Matija
Published: February 2017

The paper presents the passenger and cargo historical traffic data analysis at the Zagreb Airport, at certain airports in the wider region and globally for a period of half a century. The war during 1990s and the disintegration of Yugoslavia had as a consequence the breakdown of air transport based on hub and spoke system with three airports as a hub: Zagreb, Belgrade and Ljubljana. During and after the war, the domestic airliner in the region and a foreign airliner implemented primarily point-to-point system. Hub airports have become origin-destination airports with mainly local passengers and insignificant ratio of transfer and transit passengers. The causes of slow passenger and cargo traffic growth at the Zagreb Airport and of passengers at certain airports in the narrow region have been analysed and the results are lower growth of air traffic at capital airports of the new countries and greater air traffic growth on the capital airports and others in the countries of a wide region comparing with the global passenger transport growth. The paper indicates the possible measures to increase the share of transfer passengers and cargo traffic at the Zagreb Airport and certain airports in the immediate region.
Lobe‐cleft instability in the buoyant gravity current generated by estuarine outflow
Authors: Horner‐Devine Alexander R. , Chickadel C. Chris
Published: February 2017

Gravity currents represent a broad class of geophysical flows including turbidity currents, powder avalanches, pyroclastic flows, sea breeze fronts, haboobs, and river plumes. A defining feature in many gravity currents is the formation of three‐dimensional lobes and clefts along the front and researchers have sought to understand these ubiquitous geophysical structures for decades. The prevailing explanation is based largely on early laboratory and numerical model experiments at much smaller scales, which concluded that lobes and clefts are generated due to hydrostatic instability exclusively in currents propagating over a nonslip boundary. Recent studies suggest that frontal dynamics change as the flow scale increases, but no measurements have been made that sufficiently resolve the flow structure in full‐scale geophysical flows. Here we use thermal infrared and acoustic imaging of a river plume to reveal the three‐dimensional structure of lobes and clefts formed in a geophysical gravity current front. The observed lobes and clefts are generated at the front in the absence of a nonslip boundary, contradicting the prevailing explanation. The observed flow structure is consistent with an alternative formation mechanism, which predicts that the lobe scale is inherited from subsurface vortex structures.
Red hair, MC1R variants, and risk for Parkinson's disease – a meta‐analysis
Authors: Chen Xiqun , Feng Danielle , Schwarzschild Michael A. , Gao Xiang
Published: February 2017

Several studies have been conducted with mixed results since our initial report of increased Parkinson's disease risk in individuals with red hair and/or red hair‐associated p.R151C variant of the MC1R gene, both of which confer high melanoma risk. We performed a meta‐analysis of six publications on red hair, MC1R, and Parkinson's disease. We found that red hair (pooled odds ratios = 1.68, 95% confidence intervals: 1.07, 2.64) and p.R151C (pooled odds ratios = 1.10, 95% confidence intervals: 1.00, 1.21), but not p.R160W, were associated with greater risk for Parkinson's disease. Our results support potential roles of pigmentation and its key regulator MC1R in the pathogenesis of Parkinson's disease.
Stress and Induced Electric Polarization Modeling in Polar, Semi‐polar, and Non‐Polar AlGaN/GaN Heterostructures for Piezotronics Application
Authors: Paszkiewicz Bartłomiej K.
Published: February 2017

Author developed a comprehensive model that allows analysis of polarization states inside AlGaN/GaN heterostructures with a special attention devoted to its applications in piezotronics field. The model enables prediction of polarization and stress states inside a heterostructure with arbitrary chosen Al content and of any crystallographic orientation. This is an issue of great importance for piezotronics devices development for both applications: sensor technology Strain Gated Transistors. In the model an approach focused on a layer matching process at nanoscale is applied. Thanks to this it is possible to describe polarization states in heterostructure in technology agnostic way. In this paper, method for predicting polarization states and stress states in AlGaN/GaN heterostructure is presented.
Inhibition of Kupffer Cell Autophagy Abrogates Nanoparticle‐Induced Liver Injury
Authors: Zhu Shasha , Zhang Jiqian , Zhang Li , Ma Wentao , Man Na , Liu Yiming , Zhou Wei , Lin Jun , Wei Pengfei , Jin Peipei , Zhang Yunjiao , Hu Yi , Gu Erwei , Lu Xianfu , Yang Zhilai , Liu Xuesheng , Bai Li , Wen Longping
Published: February 2017

The possible adverse effects of engineered nanomaterials on human health raise increasing concern as our research on nanosafety intensifies. Upon entry into a human body, whether intended for a theranostic purpose or through unintended exposure, nanomaterials tend to accumulate in the liver, leading to hepatic damage. A variety of nanoparticles, including rare earth upconversion nanoparticles (UCNs), have been reported to elicit hepatotoxicity, in most cases through inducing immune response or activating reactive oxygen species. Many of these nanoparticles also induce autophagy, and autophagy inhibition has been shown to decrease UCN‐induced liver damage. Herein, using UCNs as a model engineered nanomaterial, this study uncovers a critical role for Kupffer cells in nanomaterial‐induced liver toxicity, as depletion of Kupffer cells significantly exacerbates UCN‐induced liver injury. Furthermore, UCN‐induced prodeath autophagy in Kupffer cells, and inhibition of autophagy with 3‐MA, a well‐established chemical inhibitor of autophagy, enhances Kupffer cell survival and further abrogates UCN‐induced liver toxicity. The results reveal the critical importance of Kupffer cell autophagy for nanoparticle‐induced liver damage, and inhibition of autophagy may constitute a novel strategy for abrogating nanomaterial‐elicited liver toxicity.
Graphene‐Assisted Antioxidation of Tungsten Disulfide Monolayers: Substrate and Electric‐Field Effect
Authors: Kang Kyungnam , Godin Kyle , Kim Young Duck , Fu Shichen , Cha Wujoon , Hone James , Yang Eui‐Hyeok
Published: February 2017

Transition metal dichalcogenides (TMDs) have emerged as promising materials to complement graphene for advanced optoelectronics. However, irreversible degradation of chemical vapor deposition‐grown monolayer TMDs via oxidation under ambient conditions limits applications of TMD‐based devices. Here, the growth of oxidation‐resistant tungsten disulfide (WS2) monolayers on graphene is demonstrated, and the mechanism of oxidation of WS2 on SiO2, graphene/SiO2, and on graphene suspended in air is elucidated. While WS2 on a SiO2 substrate begins oxidation within weeks, epitaxially grown WS2 on suspended graphene does not show any sign of oxidation, attributed to the screening effect of surface electric field caused by the substrate. The control of a local oxidation of WS2 on a SiO2 substrate by a local electric field created using an atomic force microscope tip is also demonstrated.
Non‐Noble Metal‐based Carbon Composites in Hydrogen Evolution Reaction: Fundamentals to Applications
Authors: Wang Jing , Xu Fan , Jin Haiyan , Chen Yiqing , Wang Yong
Published: February 2017

Hydrogen has been hailed as a clean and sustainable alternative to finite fossil fuels in many energy systems. Water splitting is an important method for hydrogen production in high purity and large quantities. To accelerate the hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) rate, it is highly necessary to develop high efficiency catalysts and to select a proper electrolyte. Herein, the performances of non‐noble metal‐based carbon composites under various pH values (acid, alkaline and neutral media) for HER in terms of catalyst synthesis, structure and molecular design are systematically discussed. A detailed analysis of the structure‐activity‐pH correlations in the HER process gives an insight on the origin of the pH‐dependence for HER, and provide guidance for future HER mechanism studies on non‐noble metal‐based carbon composites. Furthermore, this Review gives a fresh impetus to rational design of high‐performance noble‐metal‐free composites catalysts and guide researchers to employ the established electrocatalysts in proper water electrolysis technologies.
Intermetallic Nanocrystals: Syntheses and Catalytic Applications
Authors: Yan Yucong , Du Jingshan S. , Gilroy Kyle D. , Yang Deren , Xia Younan , Zhang Hui
Published: February 2017

At the forefront of nanochemistry, there exists a research endeavor centered around intermetallic nanocrystals, which are unique in terms of long‐range atomic ordering, well‐defined stoichiometry, and controlled crystal structure. In contrast to alloy nanocrystals with no elemental ordering, it is challenging to synthesize intermetallic nanocrystals with a tight control over their size and shape. Here, recent progress in the synthesis of intermetallic nanocrystals with controllable sizes and well‐defined shapes is highlighted. A simple analysis and some insights key to the selection of experimental conditions for generating intermetallic nanocrystals are presented, followed by examples to highlight the viable use of intermetallic nanocrystals as electrocatalysts or catalysts for various reactions, with a focus on the enhanced performance relative to their alloy counterparts that lack elemental ordering. Within the conclusion, perspectives on future developments in the context of synthetic control, structure–property relationships, and applications are discussed.
Modularization strategy for syngas generation in chemical looping methane reforming systems with CO2 as feedstock
Authors: Kathe Mandar , Fryer Charles , Sandvik Peter , Kong Fanhe , Zhang Yitao , Empfield Abbey , Fan Liang‐Shih
Published: February 2017

This study considers a CO2 feedstock in conventional methane reforming processes and metal oxide lattice oxygen based chemical looping reforming. Lattice oxygen from iron‐titanium composite metal oxide provides the most efficient co‐utilization of CO2 with CH4. A modularization chemical looping strategy is developed to further improve process efficiencies using a thermodynamic rationale. Modularization leverages the ability of two or more reactors operating in parallel to produce a higher quality syngas than a single reactor operating alone while offering a direct solution to scale up of multiple parallel reactor processes. Experiments conducted validate the thermodynamic simulation results. Simulation and experimental results ascertain that a cocurrent moving bed in a modularization system can operate under CO2 neutral or negative conditions. The results for a modularization process system for 7950 m3 per day (50,000 barrels per day) of liquid fuel indicate a ∼23% reduction of natural gas usage over baseline‐case. © 2017 American Institute of Chemical Engineers AIChE J, 63: 3343–3360, 2017
Lipofibromatous hamartoma of the median nerve – A case report
Authors: Palmer Elliott J. , Sritharan Aran R. , Sampson Matthew J.
Published: February 2017

Lipofibromatous hamartoma (LFH) is a rare benign slow growing fibrofatty tumour. It comprises a neurogenic mass of non‐inflamed peripheral nerve bundles surrounded and separated by mature fat. LFH has a tendency for the median nerve; however, involvement of the brachial plexus, ulnar, radial, peroneal and plantar nerves has also been described. Patients typically experience pain, with or without sensory and motor deficits. The diagnosis of LFH is highly supported by imaging findings. Ultrasound is increasingly being recognised as a useful tool in aiding diagnosis.
Lattice‐Matched Epitaxial Growth of Organic Heterostructures for Integrated Optoelectronic Application
Authors: Zhang Yi , Liao Qing , Wang Xinguo , Yao Jiannian , Fu Hongbing
Published: February 2017

Development of nanowire photonics requires integration of different nanowire components into highly ordered functional heterostructures. Herein, we report a sequential self‐assembly of binary molecular components into branched nanowire heterostructures (BNHs) via lattice‐matched epitaxial growth, in which the microribbon backbone of 2,5‐Bis(5‐tert‐butyl‐2‐benzoxazolyl)thiophene (BBOT) functions as blue‐emitting microlaser source to pump the nanowire branches of BODIPY. By constructing Au electrodes on both branch sides and measuring the photocurrent in them, we successfully realize the integration of an organic laser and a power meter in a single device. This work provides a new insight into the integration of 1D organic nanostructures into BNHs for realizing organic multifunctional photonic devices.
Cobalt complexes based on hyperbranched salicylaldimine ligands as catalyst precursors for ethylene oligomerization
Authors: Li Cuiqin , Wang Fengfeng , Lin Zhiyu , Zhang Na , Wang Jun
Published: February 2017

Three hyperbranched salicylaldimine ligands with tetradecyl as core, with hexadecyl as core and with octadecyl as core were synthesized in good yields. These ligands were reacted with cobalt chloride hexahydrate to form three complexes (C1–C3). The compounds were characterized using Fourier transform infrared, 1H NMR, mass and UV spectroscopies and thermogravimetric and differential thermal analyses. The catalytic properties of the hyperbranched cobalt complexes were evaluated for ethylene oligomerization. The effects of solvent and reaction parameters (Al/Co molar ratio, temperature and reaction pressure) on ethylene oligomerization were studied using the cobalt complex C3 as pre‐catalyst and methylaluminoxane (MAO) as co‐catalyst. Under these conditions ([Co] = 5 μmol, Al/Co = 500, 25 °C, 0.5 MPa ethylene, 30 min), the catalytic activity of complex C3 in toluene was 1.85 × 105 g (mol Co)−1 h−1 and the selectivity for C8+ oligomers was 55.72%. The complex structure also had a significant influence on both the catalytic activity and selectivity. All three cobalt complexes, activated with MAO, showed moderate activities towards ethylene oligomerization and the activity of cobalt complex C1 was up to 1.99 × 105 g (mol Co)−1 h−1. The kinds of metal center of complexes (cobalt complex C1 and nickel complex with tetradecyl as core) and their catalytic properties were investigated in detail under the same conditions.
Silole Silylene Route to NHC‐Stabilized Fused 1‐Silabicycles and 1,1′‐Spirobisiloles
Authors: Li Tianhao , Zhang Jianying , Cui Chunming
Published: February 2017

The reaction of an NHC‐stabilized silole silylene (1, 1‐silacyclopentadienylidene) with one equivalent of internal acetylenes resulted in the formation of NHC‐stabilized 1‐silabicyclo[3.2.0]hepta‐1,3,6‐trienes, which subsequently reacted with one equivalent of the acetylene to yield an aryl‐substituted 1,1′‐spirobisilole (SBS). The SBSs can also be prepared by reaction of the NHC‐stabilized silole silylene 1 with two equivalents of the acetylenes in good yields. The electronic structures of these SBSs have been studied by UV/Vis and emission spectroscopy, as well as DFT calculations.
A Packet Loss Tolerant Rendezvous Algorithm for Wireless Networked Robot Systems
Authors:  Manfredi Sabato , Natalizio Enrico , Pascariello Claudio , Zema Nicola Roberto
Published: February 2017

This paper studies the coordination problem for a wireless networked robot (WNR) system. The objective is to drive the robots to keep a desired formation through local exchange of information. Nevertheless, packet losses may occur during communications among robots, thus preventing the system to reach its specific target. Specifically, the effects of an unreliable channel on the WNR performance are analyzed by considering the simulation of a corrective consensus algorithm into a network simulator. The use of a packet‐loss‐tolerant protocol is suggested to cope with heavy communication disruption. Network Simulator (NS‐3) simulation results validate the effectiveness of the proposed approach.
Determination of the coenzyme Q10 status in a large Caucasian study population
Authors: Onur Simone , Niklowitz Petra , Fischer Alexandra , Jacobs Gunnar , Lieb Wolfgang , Laudes Matthias , Menke Thomas , Döring Frank
Published: February 2017

Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) exists in a reduced (ubiquinol) and an oxidized (ubiquinone) form in all human tissues and functions, amongst others, in the respiratory chain, redox‐cycles, and gene expression. As the status of CoQ10 is an important risk factor for several diseases, here we determined the CoQ10 status (ubiquinol, ubiquinone) in a large Caucasian study population (n = 1,911). The study population covers a wide age range (age: 18–83 years, 43.4% men), has information available on more than 10 measured clinical phenotypes, more than 30 diseases (presence vs. absence), about 30 biomarkers, and comprehensive genetic information including whole‐genome SNP typing (>891,000 SNPs). The major aim of this long‐term resource in CoQ10 research is the comprehensive analysis of the CoQ10 status with respect to integrated health parameters (i.e., fat metabolism, inflammation), disease‐related biomarkers (i.e., liver enzymes, marker for heart failure), common diseases (i.e., neuropathy, myocardial infarction), and genetic risk in humans. Based on disease status, biomarkers, and genetic variants, our cohort is also useful to perform Mendelian randomisation approaches. In conclusion, the present study population is a promising resource to gain deeper insight into CoQ10 status in human health and disease. © 2015 BioFactors, 41(4):211–221, 2015
Unique features of human cathelicidinLL‐37
Authors: Bandurska Katarzyna , Berdowska Agnieszka , Barczyńska‐Felusiak Renata , Krupa Piotr
Published: February 2017

Cathelicidins are antimicrobial peptides produced by humans and animals in response to various pathogenic microbes. This review intends to provide a brief overview of the expression, structure, properties and function of human cathelicidin LL‐37 which may be a therapeutic agent against a variety of bacterial and viral diseases, cancers, and hard‐to‐heal wounds. Cathelicidins act as a primary defense against bacteria and other pathogens in the case of inflammation. They are able to kill bacteria and fungi, inhibit and destroy bacterial biofilms, and possess antiviral and antiparasitics properties. They can also play a role in angiogenesis, wound healing, and the regulation of apoptosis. The host defense peptide LL‐37 has emerged as a novel modulator of tumor growth and metastasis in carcinogenesis of various types of cancers. LL‐37 is an antimicrobial peptide able of inducing various effects. It acts as an anti‐ and pro‐ inflammatory factor. Cathelicidins are able to directly and selectively destroy membranes of various microbes and cancer cells, but they do not attack normal cells. The role of cathelicidins in cancer is double‐sided. They play an important role in killing cancer cells and may provide a new possibility for the development of cancer therapeutics. However, they also can participate in carcinogenesis. Due to its activity spectrum LL‐37 could be applied in pharmacotherapy. Cathelicidin peptides could serve as a template for the development of modern anti‐microbial and anti‐viral drugs. LL‐37 is an excellent candidate to develop into therapeutics for infected wounds. © 2015 BioFactors, 41(5):289–300, 2015
Cofilin phosphorylation is elevated after F‐actin disassembly induced by Rac1 depletion
Authors: Liu Linna , Li Jing , Zhang Liwang , Zhang Feng , Zhang Rong , Chen Xiang , Brakebusch Cord , Wang Zhipeng , Liu Xinyou
Published: February 2017

Cytoskeletal reorganization is essential to keratinocyte function. Rac1 regulates cytoskeletal reorganization through signaling pathways such as the cofilin cascade. Cofilin severs actin filaments after activation by dephosphorylation. Rac1 was knocked out in mouse keratinocytes and it was found that actin filaments disassembled. In the epidermis of mice in which Rac1 was knocked out only in keratinocytes, cofilin phosphorylation was aberrantly elevated, corresponding to repression of the phosphatase slingshot1 (SSH1). These effects were independent of the signaling pathways for p21‐activated kinase/LIM kinase (Pak/LIMK), protein kinase C, or protein kinase D or generation of reactive oxygen species. Similarly, when actin polymerization was specifically inhibited or Rac1 was knocked down, cofilin phosphorylation was enhanced and SSH1 was repressed. Repression of SSH1 partially blocked actin depolymerization induced by Rac1 depletion. Therefore, aberrant cofilin phosphorylation that induces actin polymerization might be a consequence of actin disassembly induced by the absence of Rac1. © 2015 BioFactors, 41(5):352–359, 2015
Lycopene powers the inhibition of glycation‐induced diabetic nephropathy: A novel approach to halt the AGE‐RAGE axis menace
Authors: Tabrez Shams , Al‐Shali Khalid Zaki , Ahmad Saheem
Published: February 2017

There are accumulating evidences suggesting that interaction between advanced glycation end products (AGEs) and their receptors (RAGEs) induces oxidative stress and subsequently encourages inflammatory reactions, thereby resulting in progressive alteration in renal architecture and function. Interventions that reduce the tissue burden of AGEs have yielded significant positive results in inhibiting the progression of diabetic complications such as diabetic nephropathy. Lycopene, a carotenoid, plays an important role in protection against oxidative stress and hence might prove an efficient antiglycating agent. Current study investigates the effect of lycopene in downregulating the menace caused by ribose‐induced glycation both in vitro and in vivo. We observed that treatment with lycopene decelerated the ribose induced AGE formation in HK‐2 cells and in rat kidneys thereby downregulating the expression RAGE. HK‐2 cells with decreased levels of RAGE showed a decline in nuclear factor κB (NFκB) and matrix metalloproteinase 2 (MMP 2) expressions. Administration of ribose not only induced hyperglycemia in Wistar rats but also developed diabetic nephropathy (DN). However, lycopene was found effective in relieving the biochemical symptoms of DN. Thus lycopene provides protection against development of diabetic nephropathy and ameliorates renal function by halting AGE‐RAGE axis. © 2015 BioFactors, 41(5):372–381, 2015.
Piperine alleviates osteoclast formation through the p38/c‐Fos/NFATc1 signaling axis
Authors: Deepak Vishwa , Kruger Marlena C. , Joubert Annie , Coetzee Magdalena
Published: February 2017

Increased bone fracture is one of the health risk factors in patients with bone loss related disorders such as osteoporosis and breast cancer metastasis to bone. Over activity of osteoclasts leads to uncoupling of bone remodeling favoring bone loss over bone formation. Receptor activator of nuclear factor‐κβ ligand (RANKL) triggers the differentiation pathway leading to multinucleated osteoclast formation. Modulation of RANKL or its downstream signaling pathways involved in osteoclast formation is of significant interest in the development of anti‐resorptive agents. In this study, the effects of piperine, an alkaloid present in Piper nigrum L. on osteoclast formation was investigated. Piperine inhibited tartrate‐resistant acid phosphatase‐positive multinucleated osteoclast formation in murine RAW264.7 macrophages and human CD14+ monocytes induced by RANKL and breast cancer cells. Piperine attenuated the p38‐mitogen activated protein kinase pathway activation, while the extracellular‐signal‐regulated kinase, c‐Jun N‐terminal kinase, or NF‐κβ pathways downstream of RANKL remained unaffected. Concomitantly, expression of c‐Fos and nuclear factor of activated T‐cells, cytoplasmic 1 (NFATc1), the key transcription factors involved in osteoclastogenesis were remarkably inhibited by piperine. Furthermore, piperine disrupted the actin ring structure and bone resorption, a characteristic hallmark of osteoclasts. Collectively, these results suggested that piperine inhibited osteoclast differentiation by suppressing the p38/NFATc1/c‐Fos signaling axis. © 2015 BioFactors, 41(6):403–413, 2015
Determination of urinary coenzyme Q10 by HPLC with electrochemical detection: Reference values for a paediatric population
Authors: Yubero Dèlia , Montero Raquel , Ramos Maria , Neergheen Viruna , Navas Plácido , Artuch Rafael , Hargreaves Iain
Published: February 2017

Kidney dysfunction is being increasingly associated with mitochondrial diseases and coenzyme Q10 (CoQ) deficiency. The assessment of CoQ status requires the biochemical determination of CoQ in biological fluids and different cell types, but no methods have been developed as yet for the analysis of CoQ in excretory systems. The aim of this study was to standardize a new procedure for urinary CoQ determination and to establish reference values for a paediatric population. Urinary CoQ was analyzed by HPLC with electrochemical detection. Reference values (n = 43) were stratified into two age groups (2–10 years: range 24–109 nmol CoQ/gram of pellet protein; 11–17 years: range 43–139 nmol CoQ/gram of pellet protein). In conclusion, urinary CoQ analysis is a noninvasive, reliable, and reproducible method to determine urinary tract CoQ status. © 2015 BioFactors, 41(6):424–430, 2015
Curcumin inhibits B[a]PDE‐induced procarcinogenic signals in lung cancer cells, and curbs B[a]P‐induced mutagenesis and lung carcinogenesis
Authors: Puliyappadamba Vineshkumar T. , Thulasidasan Arun Kumar T , Vijayakurup Vinod , Antony Jayesh , Bava Smitha V. , Anwar Shabna , Sundaram Sankar , Anto Ruby John
Published: February 2017

Benzo[a]pyrene is a procarcinogen present in environment and cigarette smoke, which could be bio‐transformed in vivo to B[a]PDE, a potent carcinogen known to form DNA adducts and induce mutations. We observed that curcumin, a known chemopreventive, could significantly inhibit the survival of lung cancer cells exposed to B[a]PDE. It also downregulates B[a]PDE‐induced nuclear translocation of NF‐κB as assessed by Electrophoretic Mobility Shift Assay (EMSA) and NF‐κB‐dependent reporter gene assay. Ames assay demonstrated its ability to revert the mutagenic property of benzo[a]pyrene. These observations prompted us to evaluate the efficacy of curcumin in preventing B[a]P‐induced lung carcinogenesis in vivo and to explore the molecular mechanism associated with it. The average number of tumor nodules present in the lungs of the Swiss albino mice, which received benzo[a]pyrene, was significantly high compared to that received curcumin as 2% diet along with B[a]P. Curcumin treatment significantly reverted histopathological deviations in the lung tissues due to benzo[a]pyrene ingestion. Moreover, curcumin diet reduced benzo[a]pyrene‐induced activation of NF‐κB and MAPK signaling and Cox‐2 transcription in lung tissues of mice. Taken together, this study illustrates multifaceted efficacy of curcumin in preventing lung cancer. © 2015 BioFactors, 41(6):431–442, 2015
An automated laboratory‐scale methodology for the generation of sheared mammalian cell culture samples
Authors: Joseph Adrian , Goldrick Stephen , Mollet Michael , Turner Richard , Bender Jean , Gruber David , Farid Suzanne S. , Titchener‐Hooker Nigel
Published: February 2017

Continuous disk‐stack centrifugation is typically used for the removal of cells and cellular debris from mammalian cell culture broths at manufacturing‐scale. The use of scale‐down methods to characterise disk‐stack centrifugation performance enables substantial reductions in material requirements and allows a much wider design space to be tested than is currently possible at pilot‐scale. The process of scaling down centrifugation has historically been challenging due to the difficulties in mimicking the Energy Dissipation Rates (EDRs) in typical machines. This paper describes an alternative and easy‐to‐assemble automated capillary‐based methodology to generate levels of EDRs consistent with those found in a continuous disk‐stack centrifuge. Variations in EDR were achieved through changes in capillary internal diameter and the flow rate of operation through the capillary. The EDRs found to match the levels of shear in the feed zone of a pilot‐scale centrifuge using the experimental method developed in this paper (2.4×105 W/Kg) are consistent with those obtained through previously published computational fluid dynamic (CFD) studies (2.0×105 W/Kg). Furthermore, this methodology can be incorporated into existing scale‐down methods to model the process performance of continuous disk‐stack centrifuges. This was demonstrated through the characterisation of culture hold time, culture temperature and EDRs on centrate quality.