bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Anti-leukemia effects of the novel synthetic 1-benzylindole derivative 21-900 in vitro and in vivo
Authors: HuangFu Wei-Chun , Chao Min-Wu , Cheng Chun-Chun , Wei Yu-Chieh , Wu Yi-Wen , Liou Jing-Ping , Hsiao George , Lee Yu-Ching , Yang Chia-Ron
Published: February 2017

Cancers are the major cause of death worldwide. Chemotherapy using cytotoxic drugs and targeted therapy is required when surgery is difficult, ineffective, or impossible. We previously synthesized the novel synthetic 1-benzylindole derivative 21-900 and found that it inhibits histone deacetylase (HDAC) activities and tubulin assembly. Here we tested its effects on the human leukaemia cell lines HL-60 and MOLT-4 in vitro and in vivo. We found that its potent cytotoxic effects were mediated through cell cycle arrest at the G2/M phase, which increased the population of sub-G1 cells, leading to apoptosis. Further, tubulin was depolymerized by 21-900 in a manner similar to that of vincristine, leading to disruption of microtubule dynamics and increased levels of the mitotic marker MPM-2. Further, 21-900 increased the expression of cleavage form of poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase (PARP), caspase 3, 7 (cleavage form), and pro-apoptotic protein BAK and decreased the expression of pro-survival BCL-2-family proteins BCL-2, MCL-1, and BID pro-form, leading to the induction of apoptosis. The growth of tumours in nude mice formed by xenografts of HL-60 and MOLT-4 cells was significantly inhibited by 21-900 without causing the mice to lose body weight. These findings indicate that 21-900 may serve as a potent anti-leukaemia drug.
Peripheral sensory neuron injury contributes to neuropathic pain in experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis
Authors: Wang I-Ching , Chung Chen-Yen , Liao Fang , Chen Chih-Cheng , Lee Cheng-Han
Published: February 2017

Multiple sclerosis (MS)-induced neuropathic pain deteriorates quality of life in patients but is often refractory to treatment. In experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE), a rodent model of MS, animals develop neuropathy and inflammation-induced tissue acidosis, which suggests the involvement of acid-sensing ion channels (ASICs). Also, peripheral neuropathy is reported in MS patients. However, the involvement of the peripheral nervous system (PNS) in MS neuropathic pain remains elusive. This study investigated the contribution of ASICs and peripheral neuropathy in MS-induced neuropathic pain. Elicited pain levels were as high in Asic1a−/−, Asic2−/− and Asic3−/− mice as wild-type mice even though only Asic1a−/− mice showed reduced EAE disease severity, which indicates that pain in EAE was independent of disease severity. We thus adopted an EAE model without pertussis toxin (EAEnp) to restrain activated immunity in the periphery and evaluate the PNS contribution to pain. Both EAE and EAEnp mice showed similar pain behaviors and peripheral neuropathy in nerve fibers and DRG neurons. Moreover, pregabalin significantly reduced neuropathic pain in both EAE and EAEnp mice. Our findings highlight the essential role of the PNS in neuropathic pain in EAE and pave the way for future development of analgesics without side effects in the CNS.
Trapping Phenomenon Attenuates the Consequences of Tipping Points for Limit Cycles
Authors: Medeiros Everton S. , Caldas Iberê L. , Baptista Murilo S. , Feudel Ulrike
Published: February 2017

Nonlinear dynamical systems may be exposed to tipping points, critical thresholds at which small changes in the external inputs or in the system’s parameters abruptly shift the system to an alternative state with a contrasting dynamical behavior. While tipping in a fold bifurcation of an equilibrium is well understood, much less is known about tipping of oscillations (limit cycles) though this dynamics are the typical response of many natural systems to a periodic external forcing, like e.g. seasonal forcing in ecology and climate sciences. We provide a detailed analysis of tipping phenomena in periodically forced systems and show that, when limit cycles are considered, a transient structure, so-called channel, plays a fundamental role in the transition. Specifically, we demonstrate that trajectories crossing such channel conserve, for a characteristic time, the twisting behavior of the stable limit cycle destroyed in the fold bifurcation of cycles. As a consequence, this channel acts like a “ghost” of the limit cycle destroyed in the critical transition and instead of the expected abrupt transition we find a smooth one. This smoothness is also the reason that it is difficult to precisely determine the transition point employing the usual indicators of tipping points, like critical slowing down and flickering.
A Role for Photobiomodulation in the Prevention of Myocardial Ischemic Reperfusion Injury: A Systematic Review and Potential Molecular Mechanisms
Authors: Liebert Ann , Krause Andrew , Goonetilleke Neil , Bicknell Brian , Kiat Hosen
Published: February 2017

Myocardial ischemia reperfusion injury is a negative pathophysiological event that may result in cardiac cell apoptosis and is a result of coronary revascularization and cardiac intervention procedures. The resulting loss of cardiomyocyte cells and the formation of scar tissue, leads to impaired heart function, a major prognostic determinant of long-term cardiac outcomes. Photobiomodulation is a novel cardiac intervention that has displayed therapeutic effects in reducing myocardial ischemia reperfusion related myocardial injury in animal models. A growing body of evidence supporting the use of photobiomodulation in myocardial infarct models has implicated multiple molecular interactions. A systematic review was conducted to identify the strength of the evidence for the therapeutic effect of photobiomodulation and to summarise the current evidence as to its mechanisms. Photobiomodulation in animal models showed consistently positive effects over a range of wavelengths and application parameters, with reductions in total infarct size (up to 76%), decreases in inflammation and scarring, and increases in tissue repair. Multiple molecular pathways were identified, including modulation of inflammatory cytokines, signalling molecules, transcription factors, enzymes and antioxidants. Current evidence regarding the use of photobiomodulation in acute and planned cardiac intervention is at an early stage but is sufficient to inform on clinical trials.
Gold nanoparticle interactions with endothelial cells cultured under physiological conditions
Authors: Freese C. , Anspach L. , Deller R. C. , Richards S.-J. , Gibson M. I. , Kirkpatrick C. J. , Unger R. E.
Published: February 2017

The use of physiological cell cultures as screening platforms helps to determine potential nanomaterial toxicity prior to in vivo experiments.
Synthesis of hydroxyl-functionalized N-heterocyclic carbene gold(i) complexes and peptide conjugates
Authors: Diehl Tobias , Krause Melanie T. S. , Ueberlein Sven , Becker Stefanie , Trommer Aline , Schnakenburg Gregor , Engeser Marianne
Published: February 2017

Hydroxyl-functionalized gold complexes give access to new gold amino acid and peptide conjugates in an effective post-functionalization approach.
Ara h 2 cross-linking catalyzed by MTGase decreases its allergenicity
Authors: Wu Zhihua , Lian Jun , Zhao Ruifang , Li Kun , Li Xin , Yang Anshu , Tong Ping , Chen Hongbing
Published: February 2017

Ara h 2 cross-linking involving linear allergen epitopes significantly decreases its allergenicity.
Synthesis, solvent-dependent emission and two-photon absorption of a triangular –[D–π–A]3– macrocycle
Authors: Li Tian , Zhang Di , Wang Ranran , Fan Yuanpeng , Guo Xinyan , Liu Shuai , Ma Yuguo , Zhao Dahui
Published: February 2017

A large π–conjugated macrocycle featuring a –[D–π–A]3– backbone is synthesized, exhibiting strongly solvent-dependent fluorescence and evident two-photon absorption ability.
Low temperature fabrication of thermochromic VO2 thin films by low-pressure chemical vapor deposition
Authors: Guo Beibei , Chen Lanli , Shi Siqi , Ishaq Ahmad , Wan Dongyun , Chen Zhang , Zhang Liangmiao , Luo Hongjie , Gao Yanfeng
Published: February 2017

High-performance thermochromic VO2 films were fabricated by LPCVD, and the mechanism for their low transition temperatures was studied using first-principles calculations.
Enhancement of As(v) adsorption from aqueous solution by a magnetic chitosan/biochar composite
Authors: Liu Shaobo , Huang Binyan , Chai Liyuan , Liu Yunguo , Zeng Guangming , Wang Xin , Zeng Wei , Shang Meirong , Deng Jiaqin , Zhou Zan
Published: February 2017

In this study, a magnetic chitosan/biochar composite (MCB) was prepared successfully, and characterized by SEM, TEM, VSM, XRD, FTIR, XPS, and zeta-potential to obtain its physical and chemical properties.
Ratiometric luminescence detection of hydrazine with a carbon dots–hemicyanine nanohybrid system
Authors: An Zhen , Li Zhanxian , He Yangyang , Shi Bingjie , Wei Liuhe , Yu Mingming
Published: February 2017

Under mild conditions, a novel ratiometric fluorescent probe containing CDs and a hemicyanine derivative was fabricated for reliable, selective, and sensitive sensing of hydrazine.
A highly selective protein adsorber via two-step surface-initiated molecular imprinting utilizing a multi-functional polymeric scaffold on a macroporous cellulose membrane
Authors: Liu Dejing , Ulbricht Mathias
Published: February 2017

Protein-imprinted cellulose membranes with tailored binding selectivity have been prepared by two-step surface grafting based on an orthogonal photochemical initiation.
Controlled porosity and pore size of nano-porous gold by thermally assisted chemical dealloying – a SAXS study
Authors: Lin Bao , Kong Lingxue , Hodgson Peter D. , Mudie Stephen , Hawley Adrian , Dumée Ludovic F.
Published: February 2017

Nano-porous metals offer great potential for applications such as bio-sensors, chemical reactors, platforms for cell growth, and media for separation because of their high surface area and reactivity at the nanoscale.
A novel 3D porous modified material with cage-like structure: fabrication and its demulsification effect for efficient oil/water separation
Authors: Wang Zhongde , Xiao Caiming , Wu Zhijun , Wang Yuting , Du Xiao , Kong Wei , Pan Dahai , Guan Guoqing , Hao Xiaogang
Published: February 2017

A modified 3D porous material with cage-like structure for efficient oil/water and emulsion separation.
Simplification of device structures for low-cost, high-efficiency perovskite solar cells
Authors: Zhao Ziran , Sun Weihai , Li Yunlong , Ye Senyun , Rao Haixia , Gu Feidan , Liu Zhiwei , Bian Zuqiang , Huang Chunhui
Published: February 2017

Organo-metal halide perovskite solar cells have shown great potential for application in photovoltaics with their high power conversion efficiency.
Nitrogen-functionalized reduced graphene oxide as carbocatalysts with enhanced activity for polyaromatic hydrocarbon hydrogenation
Authors: Liu Renhou , Li Feng , Chen Chengmeng , Song Quanbin , Zhao Ning , Xiao Fukui
Published: February 2017

In this study, nitrogen atoms are successfully introduced into the skeleton of reduced graphene oxide (rGO) by thermal treatment under an ammonia atmosphere.
Oxidative formation of phosphinyl radicals from a trigonal pyramidal terminal phosphide Rh(i) complex, with an unusually long Rh–P bond
Authors: Fischbach Urs , Trincado M. , Grützmacher Hansjörg
Published: February 2017

A coordinatively saturated triolefinic rhodium(i) complex, bearing a terminal pyramidal phosphido ligand, generates phosphinyl radical species under oxidative conditions.
Tetradecanuclearity in 3d–4f chemistry: relaxation and magnetocaloric effects in [NiII6LnIII8] species
Authors: Canaj Angelos B. , Kalofolias Dimitris A. , Siczek Milosz , Lis Tadeusz , McNab Robbie , Lorusso Giulia , Inglis Ross , Evangelisti Marco , Milios Constantinos J.
Published: February 2017

The syntheses, structures, relaxation and magnetocaloric properties of two new hetero-tetradecametallic 3d–4f complexes are reported.
New lithium borates with bistetrazolato2− and pyrazinediolato2− ligands – potentially interesting lithium electrolyte additives
Authors: Finger Lars H. , Venker Alexander , Schröder Fabian G. , Sundermeyer Jörg
Published: February 2017

We present a convenient synthesis of the first silylated bistetrazole and its application to access bistetrazolatoborates, structurally characterized by a ten-membered B2N4C4 heterocyclic system. Investigated pyrazinediolatoborates are LiBOB analogues with potential as lithium ion battery additives.
Dietary polyacetylenes, falcarinol and falcarindiol, isolated from carrots prevents the formation of neoplastic lesions in the colon of azoxymethane-induced rats
Authors: Kobaek-Larsen Morten , El-Houri Rime B. , Christensen Lars P. , Al-Najami Issam , Fretté Xavier , Baatrup Gunnar
Published: February 2017

Falcarinol and falcarindiol are found in many food plants of the Apiaceae and are the most important dietary polyacetylenes.
Synthesis of C6′′-modified α-C-GalCer analogues as mouse and human iNKT cell agonists
Authors: Guillaume Joren , Seki Toshiyuki , Decruy Tine , Venken Koen , Elewaut Dirk , Tsuji Moriya , Van Calenbergh Serge
Published: February 2017

α-GalCer analogues that combine known Th1 polarizing C6′′-modifications with a C-glycosidic linkage were synthesized and evaluated as iNKT cell antigens.
Thermal behavior and molecular mobility in the glassy state of three anti-hypertensive pharmaceutical ingredients
Authors: Moura Ramos Joaquim J. , Diogo Hermínio P.
Published: February 2017

Good agreement was found between the thermodynamic and kinetic fragilities of these APIs. DSC analysis of irbesartan showed the possibility of transformation A → B between the two monotropic polymorphic forms.
Compact low‐loss microstrip diplexer for RF energy harvesting
Authors: Bui D.H.N. , Vuong T.P. , Allard B. , Verdier J. , Benech P.
Published: February 2017

A compact low‐loss microstrip diplexer that forms by two band‐stop filters using interdigital capacitor and a stepped‐impedance resonator structure when joined by a miniature T‐junction is introduced. The diplexer operates at global system for mobile communication frequency 1800 MHz and 2.45 GHz WLAN frequency which are the most available frequency bands for RF energy harvesting applications. Simulated and measured results are in very good agreement with low insertion loss of 0.4 dB and high selectivity characteristics.
Frequency‐agile microstrip resonator using DC plasma discharge
Authors: Laquerbe V. , Pascaud R. , Callegari T. , Liard L. , Pascal O.
Published: February 2017

An original and integrated solution to provide frequency agility to microstrip circuits using plasma is proposed. A volume DC plasma discharge is implemented inside a microstrip circular resonator to change its dielectric permittivity in order to tune its frequency. Plasma relative permittivity indeed exhibits positive values lower than 1. Experimental measurements confirm the tuning abilities and performances of such a solution for different pressures and types of gas.
The heterogeneous coma of comet 67P/Churyumov-Gerasimenko as seen by ROSINA: H2O, CO2, and CO from September 2014 to February 2016
Authors: Hoang M. , Altwegg K. , Balsiger H. , Beth A. , Bieler A. , Calmonte U. , Combi M. R. , De Keyser J. , Fiethe B. , Fougere N. , Fuselier S. A. , Galli A. , Garnier P. , Gasc S. , Gombosi T. , Hansen K. C. , Jäckel A. , Korth A. , Lasue J. , Le Roy L. , Mall U. , Rème H. , Rubin M. , Sémon T. , Toublanc D. , Tzou C.-Y. , Waite J. H. , Wurz P.
Published: February 2017

Context.The ESA Rosetta mission has been investigating the environment of comet 67P/Churyumov-Gerasimenko (67P) since August 2014. Among the experiments on board the spacecraft, the ROSINA experiment (Rosetta Orbiter Spectrometer for Ion and Neutral Analysis) includes two mass spectrometers to analyse the composition of neutrals and ions and a COmet Pressure Sensor (COPS) to monitor the density and velocity of neutrals in the coma.

Aims.We study heterogeneities in the coma during three periods starting in October 2014 (summer in the northern hemisphere) and ending in February 2016 (end of winter in the northern hemisphere). We provide a detailed description of the main volatiles dynamics (H2O, CO2, CO) and their abundance ratios.

Methods.We analysed and compared the data of the Reflectron-type Time-Of-Flight (RTOF) mass spectrometer with data from both the Double Focusing Mass Spectrometer (DFMS) and COPS during the comet escort phase. This comparison has demonstrated that the observations performed with each ROSINA sensor are indeed consistent. Furthermore, we used a Direct Simulation Monte Carlo (DSMC) model to compare modelled densitites with in situ detections.

Results.Our analysis shows how the active regions of the main volatiles evolve with the seasons with a variability mostly driven by the illumination conditions; this is the case except for an unexpected dichotomy suggesting the presence of a dust layer containing water deposited in the northern hemisphere during previous perihelions hiding the presence of CO2. The influence of various parameters is investigated in detail: distance to the comet, heliocentric distance, longitude and latitude of sub-satellite point, local time, and phase angle.
A second order local minimality criterion for the triple junction singularity of the Mumford-Shah functional
Authors: Cristoferi Riccardo
Published: February 2017

This paper is the first part of an ongoing project aimed at providing a local minimality criterion, based on a second variation approach, for the triple point configurations of the Mumford-Shah functional.
All-digital pulse-expansion-based CMOS digital-to-time converter
Authors: Chen Chun-Chi , Chu Che-Hsun
Published: February 2017

This paper presents a new all-digital CMOS digital-to-time converter (DTC) based on pulse expansion. Pulse expansion is achieved using an all-digital pulse-mixing scheme that can effectively improve the timing resolution and enable the DTC to be concise. Without requiring the Vernier principle or a costly digital-to-analog converter, the DTC comprises a pulse generator for generating a pulse, a pulse-expanding circuit (PEC) for programming timing generation, and a time subtractor for removing the time width of the pulse. The PEC comprises only a delay chain composed of proposed pulse-expanding units and a multiplexer. For accuracy enhancement, a pulse neutralization technique is presented to eliminate undesirable pulse variation. A 4-bit converter was fabricated in a 0.35-μm Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company CMOS process and had a small area of nearly 0.045 mm2. Six chips were tested, all of which exhibited an improved resolution (approximately 16 ps) and low integral nonlinearity (less than ±0.4 least significant bit). The power consumption was 0.2 mW when the sample rate was 1M samples/s and the voltage supply was 3.3 V. The proposed DTC not only has favorable cost and power but also achieves an acceptable resolution without requiring an advanced CMOS process. This study is the first to use pulse expansion in digital-to-time conversion.
The impact of novel lyssavirus discovery
Authors: Banyard Ashley C , Fooks Anthony R
Published: February 2017

The global discovery of novel lyssaviruses is of continued scientific interest through its importance to both public and animal health. Lyssaviruses cause an invariably fatal encephalitis that is more commonly known as rabies. The term rabies has a long history in human society, as rabies virus (RABV) is the only pathogen that is associated with 100% fatality once the onset of clinical disease has started. Although predominantly associated across the globe with domestic and feral dog populations, the association of bats is clear. Whilst evolutionarily associated with bats, RABV is most commonly transmitted to human populations through the bite of an infected dog and dogs are considered the primary reservoir of disease. Indeed, RABV does cause more than an estimated 70000 deaths every year globally in human populations and whilst this is largely in areas where the disease is endemic, areas that remain free of rabies must remain vigilant to the risk of re-incursion of disease. Characterisation of novel lyssaviruses is of importance on several levels. Not least to investigate the pathogenesis and potential transmission routes of different lyssavirus species but also to assess the potential effect of post-exposure treatments and vaccination should human exposure occur. Bat lyssaviruses and the problems associated with novel discoveries and the potential impact they have on both human and animal populations are discussed.
Bats, bacteria and their role in health and disease
Authors: Mühldorfer Kristin
Published: February 2017

Bats are ancient and among the most diverse mammals in terms of species richness, diet and habitat preferences, characteristics that may contribute to a high diversity of infectious agents. During the past two decades, the interest in bats and their microorganisms largely increased because of their role as reservoir hosts or carriers of important pathogens. Rapid advances in microbial detection and characterisation by high-throughput sequencing technologies have led to large genetic data sets but also improved our possibilities and speed of identifying unknown infectious agents. Assessing the risk of infectious diseases in bats and their pathological manifestation, however, is still challenging because of limited access to appropriate material and field data, and continuing limitations in wildlife diagnostics and the interpretation of genetic results. As a consequence, emerging pathogens can suddenly appear with devastating effects as happened for the white nose syndrome. To date, much research on bats and infectious agents still focusses on viruses, whilst the knowledge on bacteria and their role in disease is comparatively low.
Collective memory and reputational politics of national heroes and villains
Authors: Gugushvili Alexi , Kabachnik Peter , Kirvalidze Ana
Published: February 2017

The politics of memory plays an important role in the ways certain figures are evaluated and remembered, as they can be rehabilitated or vilified, or both, as these processes are contested. We explore these issues using a transition society, Georgia, as a case study. Who are the heroes and villains in Georgian collective memory? What factors influence who is seen as a hero or a villain and why? How do these selections correlate with Georgian national identity? We attempt to answer these research questions using a newly generated data set of contemporary Georgian perspectives on recent history. Our survey results show that according to a representative sample of the Georgian population, the main heroes from the beginning of the twentieth century include Zviad Gamsakhurdia, Ilia Chavchavadze, and Patriarch Ilia II. Eduard Shevardnadze, Sergo Ordzhonikidze, and Vladimir Putin represent the main villains, and those that appear on both lists are Mikheil Saakashvili and Joseph Stalin. We highlight two clusters of attitudes that are indicative of how people think about Georgian national identity, mirroring civic and ethnic conceptions of nationalism. How Georgians understand national identity impacts not only who they choose as heroes or villains, but also whether they provide an answer at all.
The difficult relationship between nationalism and built heritage: the case of late nineteenth-century Krakow
Authors: Kisiel Piotr
Published: February 2017

This paper examines the debates that surrounded the renovation of the royal castle in Krakow during the last decade before World War I. When the Galician crownland took over the castle in 1905, it bore little resemblance to a royal seat, having been used as military barracks since 1846. The debate that followed focused on what should be preserved, what demolished, and what recreated. In this discourse the “meaning” of a historical monument was examined and different interpretations within the circles of architects, preservationists, and artists were propagated. The debate conducted during the meeting of the Central Commission for Research and Conservation of Historic Buildings revealed that the division was not along national lines, but rather among different philosophies of preservation of built heritage. The point made by the paper is that the discourse conducted 100 years ago allows us today to draw conclusions about the role of historical buildings in a national(istic) worldview and examine its inherent contradictions. That is because, I argue, the past as such matters little in the national(istic) understanding, despite its ostentatious interest in history. What matters is the usefulness of historic symbols in the present.
A critical assessment of informal practices as resistance: the case of birzha in Georgia
Authors: Curro Costanza
Published: February 2017

This paper investigates the form of male street socialization known asbirzhaas an informal practice which upholds norms opposed to those emanating from official institutions. Repressed by state power,birzhafalls into the conceptual framework which regards informal practices as forms of resistance generating counterhegemonic narratives vis-à-vis the official system. The paper questions this framework’s appropriateness for understanding informality, analysingbirzhaas an ambivalent practice which does not fit the notion of resistance. Drawing upon fieldwork data, literary and media sources, the relation betweenbirzhaand state power in late Soviet years, in the 1990s, and under Saakashvili’s rule (2003–2012) is analysed. The paper indicates that the relation betweenbirzhaand official power has been alternatively underpinned by toleration, mutual dependence, or repression. Yet,birzhahas a hierarchical and conservative structure which thwarts its potential as a source of social and political change. The conceptualization of informal practices as resistance is critically assessed along two lines. Firstly, the “romanticisation” of informality denies the impact that certain practices may have on wider social and political debates. Secondly, a perspective on informal practices as counterhegemonic overlooks these practices’ ambivalence between openness and selectivity, equality and hierarchy, and change and conservation.
The Differential Effect of War on Liberal and Conservative Judges on the US Courts of Appeals
Authors: Schorpp Susanne , Reid Rebecca
Published: February 2017

Recent research reveals judicial tendencies to decide cases more conservatively during times of war. Building on studies in political psychology, we use the observed movement in favor of increased security versus liberty in times of war on the courts to investigate differences in how liberals and conservatives are motivated by threat concerns. We find that war mainly conditions decision making by liberal judges in criminal and civil liberties cases. The results furthermore suggest that ideological differences play little role in wartime decision making for civil liberties cases.
Criticism from Below
Authors: McMillion Christopher P. , Vance Kevin
Published: February 2017

The Supreme Court sometimes chooses to use its limited time to revisit earlier decisions. In doing so, the justices signal the importance of reasserting, correcting, or reconsidering their arguments. We find that the likelihood of the Supreme Court revisiting a case in a given year increases significantly as the number of circuit courts critical of that opinion increases. These results suggest that an acknowledgment of the important role of the circuit courts influences the decision to revisit cases. Even if the Court merely clarifies or reinforces earlier opinions, criticism in the circuits prompts the Court to take some action. Though the Supreme Court’s word is final, barring a constitutional amendment or legislative override in nonconstitutional cases, the mechanism of criticism in the circuits allows reconsideration of many issues already decided by the Court and sheds light on the importance of institutional structures to the maintenance of the rule of law.
Kinetics of milk lipid droplet transport, growth, and secretion revealed by intravital imaging: lipid droplet release is intermittently stimulated by oxytocin
Authors: Masedunskas Andrius , Chen Yun , Stussman Rebecca , Weigert Roberto , Mather Ian H.
Published: February 2017

The lipid droplet (LD) fraction of milk has attracted special attention because it supplies preformed lipids for neonatal development, and the assembled LDs are secreted by a unique apocrine mechanism. Because many aspects of this key process remain uncharacterized, we developed a facile method for the intravital imaging of mammary cells in transgenic mice that express fluorescently tagged marker proteins. Using these techniques, we describe the first kinetic analysis of LD growth and secretion at peak lactation in real time. LD transit from basal to apical regions was slow (0–2 μm/min) and frequently intermittent. Droplets grew by the fusion of preexisting droplets, with no restriction on the size of fusogenic partners. Most droplet expansion took several hours and occurred in apical nucleation centers, either close to or in association with the apical surface. Droplets even continued to expand as they were emerging from the cell. Contrary to expectations, LDs attached to the apical plasma membrane but still associated with the cytoplasm were released after oxytocin-mediated contraction of the myoepithelium. Thus milk LD secretion is an intermittently regulated process. This novel procedure will have broad application for investigating trafficking events within the mammary epithelium in real time.
Trustworthiness
Authors: Lazenby Mark
Published: February 2017

Trustworthiness, which, according to Onora O’Neill, includes competence, reliability, and honesty, is one of the habits of a good nurse. The profession of nursing ensures the competence of individual nurses. The profession has proven itself reliable through the competent work of individual nurses. Yet because people are in a dependent state when they need nursing care, they call upon individual nurses to be reliable. This has the effect of making individual nurses respond with reliability. Nurses do not deceive their patients, and in this way they are honest. But honesty also includes fairness. Nurses are fair in that they have little stake in profiting from the business of health care; nurses care for people regardless of wealth or social status; and nurses have a concern for the poor and dispossessed. Through trustworthy care, nurses add to the public’s storehouse of trust. This is, in part, the ethical significance of nursing.
Presence
Authors: Lazenby Mark
Published: February 2017

The habit of presence is practicing being in the presence of another person. To be in the presence of another person is to acknowledge that person’s personhood. To acknowledge personhood, one must respect another person’s capacity to make decisions and to be in relationships. This includes the ability to make decisions about the care patients wish or wish not to receive and the ability to be in relationship with nurses. Nurses must recognize these abilities in themselves, as nurses. Being present to patients is to be present to them, in the fullness of their personhood, with the nurse’s full personhood.
Being Grateful
Authors: Lazenby Mark
Published: February 2017

Nurses face difficulties. Nurses make mistakes. Nurses deal with challenging situations. All this can focus nurses on that which is not good. However, being grateful brings one into the presence of the good of the work of nursing, into the goodness of being a nurse. Being grateful shifts one’s focus off that which is not good and makes one aware of that which is good. Being grateful focuses nurses’ vision on patients’ aliveness, thus allowing nurses to do what is necessary to promote patients’ aliveness. When one is grateful, one is brought into the presence of the good that there is in the world. Being grateful is practicing the habit of presence.
Food-drug interactions
Authors: Crawford Donna
Published: February 2017

Learn which medications to monitor to prevent adverse reactions.
Lichen Planus With Predominate Plasma Cell Infiltrate: Two Case Reports
Authors: Dinh Huyenlan , Seyffert Jennifer , Lountzis Nektarios I. , Altman Howard B. , Oram Christian , Purcell Stephen M.
Published: February 2017

Lichen planus (LP) is a mucocutaneous inflammatory dermatitis of idiopathic origin that can involve the skin, mucous membranes, hair, and nails. LP has an associated set of characteristic histopathologic findings which include hyperkeratosis, vacuolization of the basal layer, Civatte bodies, wedge-shaped hypergranulosis, band-like lymphocytic infiltrate at the dermal epidermal junction, eosinophilic colloid bodies in the papillary dermis, and pigment incontinence. The infiltrate is usually composed of lymphocytes with few histiocytes, mast cells, and macrophages. The presence of plasma cell predominant infiltrate in LP has only been reported in four previous cases and 2 other cases of lichen nitidus. The authors report another 2 cases of LP with predominate plasma cell infiltrate in 2 female patients on the legs. The differential includes a drug-induced lichenoid reaction with predominate plasma cell infiltrate. However, there have been no case reports of that type of reaction. Because plasma cells are seen commonly in certain infectious diseases, malignancy, and macroglobulinemia, it is prudent to rule out those entities. Our patients responded well with a class 1 topical steroid, with improvement of their lower leg lesions within 1 month of treatment.
Safety and Effectiveness of VYC-15L, a Hyaluronic Acid Filler for Lip and Perioral Enhancement: One-Year Results From a Randomized, Controlled Study
Authors: Geronemus Roy G. , Bank David E. , Hardas Bhushan , Shamban Ava , Weichman Barry M. , Murphy Diane K.
Published: February 2017

BACKGROUND

VYC-15L (Juvéderm Volbella XC) is a nonanimal crosslinked hyaluronic acid (HA) gel with lidocaine.

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the safety and effectiveness of VYC-15L for lip and perioral enhancement versus a nonanimal stabilized HA with lidocaine (Restylane-L; NASHA).

METHODS

This prospective multicenter study randomized 225 adults with minimal, mild, or moderate lip fullness on the validated 5-point Allergan Lip Fullness Scale (LFS) to treatment with VYC-15L or NASHA; optional touch-up was administered 30 days later. Subjects were followed for 1 year. The primary effectiveness end point was noninferiority of VYC-15L versus NASHA by mean change in LFS score from baseline to Month 3.

RESULTS

The primary end point was met. At Month 3, LFS responder rates were 80.3% for VYC-15L versus 70.8% for NASHA. LFS responder rates exceeded 60% through 1 year with VYC-15L. Perioral lines severity improved for 65.4% and 66.2% of VYC-15L subjects at Month 3 and Year 1, respectively. At Month 3, 96.1% and 88.2% of subjects reported improvement in FACE-Q Satisfaction With Lips and Satisfaction With Lip Lines, respectively. Severe injection site responses were reported less frequently with VYC-15L than NASHA.

CONCLUSION

VYC-15L was safe and effective for lip and perioral enhancement, with treatment effects lasting through 1 year.
Current Trends in Upper and Lower Eyelid Blepharoplasty Among American Society of Ophthalmic Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery Members
Authors: Kossler Andrea L. , Peng Grace L. , Yoo Donald B. , Azizzadeh Babak , Massry Guy G.
Published: February 2017

Purpose:

To assess current practice patterns for management of upper and lower eyelid blepharoplasty by active American Society of Ophthalmic Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery members.

Methods:

An invitation to participate in a web-based anonymous survey was sent to the active American Society of Ophthalmic Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery membership via email. The survey consists of 34 questions, both multiple choice and free response, regarding upper and lower eyelid blepharoplasty surgery. Practice patterns for both aesthetic and functional blepharoplasty are assessed.

Results:

Thirty-four percent (161/472) of American Society of Ophthalmic Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery members polled responded to the survey. Members perform an average of 196 upper eyelid, 46 lower eyelid, and 53 four-eyelid blepharoplasty procedures per year, with 70% of cases being functional and 30% purely aesthetic. Most members prefer monitored care (71%) to local (21%) or general (8%) anesthesia. Eighty-nine percent of surgeons use topical antibiotics after surgery, erythromycin being the most common (51%). Fourteen percent of members use postoperative oral antibiotics, with cephalexin (81%) being most common. In upper eyelid blepharoplasty, orbicularis muscle is excised by 86% of respondents. Orbital fat is excised, when deemed appropriate, in 97% of cases, with nasal fat excised most commonly (88%). Less commonly, fat repositioning (36%) and adjunctive fat grafting (33%) are performed. In lower eyelid blepharoplasty, surgeons report using one or more of the following approaches: transconjunctival (96%), transcutaneous (82%), and both transconjunctival and transcutaneous (51%). Common adjunctive procedures include orbital fat excision (99%), fat repositioning (80%), and lateral canthal suspension (96%). Less common adjunctive procedures include laser skin resurfacing (36%) and chemical peels (29%).

Conclusions:

This report outlines contemporary practice patterns among active American Society of Ophthalmic Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery members in the management of upper and lower eyelid blepharoplasty. It is important to quantify such data periodically to update the membership as to how this common surgical procedure is approached. This also allows eyelid surgeons to compare their practice patterns with a national group specializing in such surgery.
Predictors of the transition from acute to persistent musculoskeletal pain in children and adolescents: a prospective study
Authors: Holley Amy Lewandowski , Wilson Anna C. , Palermo Tonya M.
Published: February 2017

Strategies directed at the prevention of disabling pain have been suggested as a public health priority, making early identification of youth at risk for poor outcomes critical. At present, limited information is available to predict which youth presenting with acute pain are at risk for persistence. The aims of this prospective longitudinal study were to identify biopsychosocial factors in the acute period that predict the transition to persistent pain in youth with new-onset musculoskeletal (MSK) pain complaints. Participants were 88 children and adolescents (age 10-17 years) presenting to the emergency department (n = 47) or orthopedic clinic (n = 41) for evaluation of a new MSK pain complaint (<1 month duration). Youth presented for 2 study visits (T1 ≤1 month post pain onset; T2 = 4-month follow-up) during which they completed questionnaires (assessing pain characteristics, psychological factors, sleep quality) and participated in a laboratory task assessing conditioned pain modulation. Regression analyses tested T1 predictors of longitudinal pain outcomes (pain persistence, pain-related disability, quality of life [QOL]). Results revealed approximately 35% of youth had persistent pain at 4-month follow-up, with persistent pain predicted by poorer conditioned pain modulation and female sex. Higher depressive symptoms at T1 were associated with higher pain-related disability and poorer QOL at T2. Findings highlight the roles of depressive symptoms and pain modulation in longitudinally predicting pain persistence in treatment-seeking youth with acute MSK pain and suggest potential mechanisms in the transition from acute to chronic MSK pain in children and adolescents.
Spots on the Trunk
Authors: So Jessica Kim , Jacob Sharon E.
Published: February 2017

Teledermatology is a term to describe the provision of dermatologic medical services through telecommunication technology. In this modality, patient medical information (history and visual data) is transferred electronically to a provider who is in another location (Roman & Jacob, 2015). The construct of the TeleDermViewPoint column is such that cases are presented in a standardized teledermatology reader format reflective of an actual teledermatology report. This is a case of spots on the trunk.
EBUS-STAT Subscore Analysis to Predict the Efficacy and Assess the Validity of Virtual Reality Simulation for EBUS-TBNA Training Among Experienced Bronchoscopists
Authors: Scarlata Simone , Palermo Patrizio , Candoli Piero , Tofani Ariela , Petitti Tommasangelo , Corbetta Lorenzo
Published: February 2017

Background:

Linear endobronchial ultrasound transbronchial needle aspiration (EBUS-TBNA) represents a pivotal innovation in interventional pulmonology; determining the best approach to guarantee systematic and efficient training is expected to become a main issue in the forthcoming years. Virtual reality simulators have been proposed as potential EBUS-TBNA training instruments, to avoid unskilled beginners practicing directly in real-life settings. A validated and perfected simulation program could be used before allowing beginners to practice on patients. Our goal was to test the reliability of the EBUS-Skills and Task Assessment Tool (STAT) and its subscores for measuring the competence of experienced bronchoscopists approaching EBUS-guided TBNA, using only the virtual reality simulator as both a training and an assessment tool.

Methods:

Fifteen experienced bronchoscopists, with poor or no experience in EBUS-TBNA, participated in this study. They were all administered the Italian version of the EBUS-STAT evaluation tool, during a high-fidelity virtual reality simulation. This was followed by a single 7-hour theoretical and practical (on simulators) session on EBUS-TBNA, at the end of which their skills were reassessed by EBUS-STAT.

Results:

An overall, significant improvement in EBUS-TBNA skills was observed, thereby confirming that (a) virtual reality simulation can facilitate practical learning among practitioners, and (b) EBUS-STAT is capable of detecting these improvements. The test’s overall ability to detect differences was negatively influenced by the minimal variation of the scores relating to items 1 and 2, was not influenced by the training, and improved significantly when the 2 items were not considered. Apart from these 2 items, all the remaining subscores were equally capable of revealing improvements in the learner. Lastly, we found that trainees with presimulation EBUS-STAT scores above 79 did not show any significant improvement after virtual reality training, suggesting that this score represents a cutoff value capable of predicting the likelihood that simulation can be beneficial.

Conclusions:

Virtual reality simulation is capable of providing a practical learning tool for practitioners with previous experience in flexible bronchoscopy, and the EBUS-STAT questionnaire is capable of detecting these changes. A pretraining EBUS-STAT score below 79 is a good indicator of those candidates who will benefit from the simulation training. Further studies are needed to verify whether a modified version of the questionnaire would be capable of improving its performance among experienced bronchoscopists.
Bronchoscopy: Oral or Nasal Insertion?
Authors: de Boer Geertje M. , Türk Yasemin , Meuleman-van Waning Virginie H. , Braunstahl Gert-Jan
Published: February 2017

Background:

Flexible bronchoscopy is a frequently used procedure for the diagnosis and treatment of various lung disorders. As there is no standardized guideline on the insertion of the bronchoscope, and few studies are available on the subject, we conducted a prospective randomized controlled trial to compare nasal and oral insertion.

Methods:

In total, 66 patients who underwent bronchoscopy without sedation were randomly assigned to either oral or nasal insertion. Primary and secondary outcome parameters were time to pass the vocal chords (VC) from first insertion and willingness to return (WTR).

Results:

Time to pass the VC was significantly shorter with oral insertion compared with nasal insertion (median 24.43 vs. 52.33 s; P<0.001). WTR did not differ between the 2 groups [median score 4 (nasal) vs. 5 (oral); P=0.358 on a 10-point scale]. However, a significant correlation was found between WTR and the patients’ experience with the insertion of the bronchoscope in both groups (r=0.639; P=<0.001). This correlation was strongest in the nasal group (r=0.809; P=<0.001). Conversion occurred more often in the nasal group than in the oral group (51.6% vs. 1.5%).

Conclusions:

Time to pass the VC is shorter in oral insertion compared with that in nasal insertion. In particular, after nasal insertion, a negative experience of the patient was associated with a lower score on WTR. Therefore, we advise oral insertion for a nonsedated bronchoscopy with a >6.0-mm bronchoscope when there is no indication for inspection of the upper airways.
Comparison of Hemodynamic Performance and Clinical Results with EVAHEART Versus HeartMate II
Authors: Matsumoto Yorihiko , Fujita Tomoyuki , Fukushima Satsuki , Hata Hiroki , Shimahara Yusuke , Kume Yuta , Yamashita Kizuku , Kuroda Kensuke , Nakajima Seiko , Sato Takuma , Seguchi Osamu , Yanase Masanobu , Fukushima Norihide , Shimizu Hideyuki , Kobayashi Junjiro
Published: February 2017

This study aimed to compare the hemodynamic performance and clinical results of the EVAHEART and HeartMate II left ventricular assist devices (LVADs). From 2007 to 2016, fourteen patients received EVAHEART and 28 received HeartMate II at our center. Early survival, driveline infection, and neurologic events were evaluated. Hemodynamic performance was evaluated with transthoracic echocardiography and right heart catheterization. Mean follow-up was 35.5 ± 14.8 months for EVAHEART and 29.8 ± 6.5 months for HeartMate II. Survival rates were comparable between the two groups. After 24 months, freedom from driveline infection was 28% with EVAHEART, and 85% with HeartMate II; freedom from neurologic events was 21% with EVAHEART, and 89% with HeartMate II. Serum lactate dehydrogenase was significantly lower with EVAHEART. There was a significantly greater decrease in left ventricular size with HeartMate II. In catheter examination performed 1 month postoperatively, HeartMate II recipients had significantly lower pulmonary capillary wedge pressure and mean pulmonary pressure, despite a comparable cardiac index. Both devices provided excellent clinical results and hemodynamic performance. HeartMate II could be a better choice to avoid driveline infection and neurologic events. Our results suggest that HeartMate II reduced right ventricular afterload. However, further analysis of more cases is required.
The Academic Progression in Nursing Initiative
Authors: Gerardi Tina
Published: February 2017

In 2012, the American Organization of Nurse Executives (AONE), representing the Tri-Council of Nursing, namely, AONE, the American Association of Colleges of Nursing, the American Nurses Association, and the National League for Nursing, was selected by the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation as the national program office for the Academic Progression in Nursing (APIN) initiative. This article discusses the impact APIN has had in the 9 states that received APIN grants, essential elements for successful APIN projects, and highlights of the last year of the grant in moving closer to the 80/20 goal from the Institute of Medicine.