bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Physiochemical properties and application of hyaluronic acid: a systematic review
Authors: Salwowska Natalia M , Bebenek Katarzyna A , Żądło Dominika A , Wcisło‐Dziadecka Dominika L
Published: June 2016

Background

Hyaluronic acid is a widely available, biocompatible, polysaccharide with distinguishing physiochemical properties which inspire its application throughout several fields of medicine.

Objective

We aim to investigate the application of hyaluronic acid and its effectiveness throughout several fields of medicine, including several therapies administered and prescribed by general health practitioners.

Methods

We conducted a systematic review on randomized controlled trials about the physiochemical properties of hyaluronic acid and its application through primary care. Studies included in this review were peer reviewed and met our inclusion criteria.

Findings

Factors were clustered into the following: uses throughout several fields of medicine, physiochemical properties, bioavailability, tolerance, effectiveness, and adverse effects. Therapies with hyaluronic acid provided long‐lasting, pain relieving, moisturizing, lubricating, and dermal filling effect. Tissue hydration, elasticity, and durability improved.

Conclusions

Adjunct therapy with hyaluronic acid provides longer‐lasting therapeutic effect when compared to the use of glucocorticosteroids and NSAIDs in osteoarthritic chronic diseases, is well‐established in ophthalmology due to its lubricating properties for the corneal endothelium, and improves tissue hydration and cellular resistance to mechanical damage in aesthetic dermatology, and has marginal adverse effects. Several trials indicated its role in tumor markers, liver diseases, and in pharmaceuticals, but further research would be necessary to draw conclusive results in those fields.
The importance of a two‐step impression procedure for complete denture fabrication: a systematic review of the literature
Authors: Regis R. R. , Alves C. C. S. , Rocha S. S. M. , Negreiros W. A. , Freitas‐Pontes K. M.
Published: June 2016

The literature has questioned the real need for some clinical and laboratory procedures considered essential for achieving better results for complete denture fabrication. The aim of this study was to review the current literature concerning the relevance of a two‐step impression procedure to achieve better clinical results in fabricating conventional complete dentures. Through an electronic search strategy of the PubMed/MEDLINE database, randomised controlled clinical trials which compared complete denture fabrication in adults in which one or two steps of impressions occurred were identified. The selections were made by three independent reviewers. Among the 540 titles initially identified, four studies (seven published papers) reporting on 257 patients evaluating aspects such as oral health‐related quality of life, patient satisfaction with dentures in use, masticatory performance and chewing ability, denture quality, direct and indirect costs were considered eligible. The quality of included studies was assessed according to the Cochrane guidelines. The clinical studies considered for this review suggest that a two‐step impression procedure may not be mandatory for the success of conventional complete denture fabrication regarding a variety of clinical aspects of denture quality and patients’ perceptions of the treatment.
Vitamin E for the treatment of E‐antigen‐positive chronic hepatitis B in paediatric patients: results of a randomized phase 2 controlled study
Authors: Fiorino Sirio , Loggi Elisabetta , Verucchi Gabriella , Comparcola Donatella , Vukotic Ranka , Pavoni Michele , Grandini Elena , Cursaro Carmela , Maselli Silvia , Bacchi Reggiani Maria L. , Puggioli Cristina , Badia Lorenzo , Galli Silvia , Viale Pierluigi , Bernardi Mauro , Andreone Pietro
Published: June 2016

Background & Aims

The treatment of chronic hepatitis B infection (CHB) in children is still an area of great uncertainty. Vitamin E is an immunostimulating/antioxidant compound proven to be safe and effective for the treatment of adult CHB. The aim of this phase 2 controlled study was to evaluate the safety and efficacy of vitamin E for the treatment of paediatric HBeAg‐positive CHB.

Methods

Forty‐six children were randomized in a 1:1 ratio to receive vitamin E at a dose of 15 mg/kg/day (in galenic preparation) or no treatment for 12 months and were monitored for the subsequent 12 months. Clinical, biochemical, haematological and serovirological evaluations were carried out every 3 months.

Results

No significant side effects were associated with the vitamin E treatment. At the end of the study, anti‐HBe seroconversion was obtained in 7 of 23 (30.4%) of vitamin E‐treated versus 1 of 23 (4.3%) of the control patients (P = 0.05), while a virological response (≥2 log decrease in HBV‐DNA from baseline) was observed in 9 of 23 (39.1%) vs. 2 of 23 (8.7%) respectively (P = 0.035).

Conclusions

Vitamin E administration for the treatment of paediatric CHB at the tested dosage has no significant side effects and may induce anti‐HBe seroconversion. Vitamin E could represent a tool for the treatment of paediatric CHB.
Diphosphates at the 5′ end of the positive strand of yeast L‐A double‐stranded RNA virus as a molecular self‐identity tag
Authors: Fujimura Tsutomu , Esteban Rosa
Published: June 2016

The 5′end of RNA conveys important information on self‐identity. In mammalian cells, double‐stranded RNA (dsRNA) with 5′di‐ or triphosphates generated during virus infection is recognized as foreign and elicits the host innate immune response. Here, we analyze the 5′ ends of the dsRNA genome of the yeast L‐A virus. The positive strand has largely diphosphates with a minor amount of triphosphates, while the negative strand has only diphosphates. Although the virus can produce capped transcripts by cap snatching, neither strand carried a cap structure, suggesting that only non‐capped transcripts serve as genomic RNA for encapsidation. We also found that the 5′ diphosphates of the positive but not the negative strand within the dsRNA genome are crucial for transcription in vitro. Furthermore, the presence of a cap structure in the dsRNA abrogated its template activity. Given that the 5′ diphosphates of the transcripts are also essential for cap acquisition and that host cytosolic RNAs (mRNA, rRNA, and tRNA) are uniformly devoid of 5′ pp‐structures, the L‐A virus takes advantage of its 5′ terminal diphosphates, using them as a self‐identity tag to propagate in the host cytoplasm.
Clinical evidence for caspofungin monotherapy in the first‐line and salvage therapy of invasive Aspergillus infections
Authors: Heinz Werner J. , Buchheidt Dieter , Ullmann Andrew J.
Published: June 2016

In 2001, caspofungin received market authorisation by the FDA and EMA and is globally licensed for several indications, including candidiasis, empirical antifungal therapy in patients with neutropenic fever of unknown origin and treatment of invasive aspergillosis in patients refractory to or intolerant of amphotericin B, lipid formulations of amphotericin B or itraconazole. Despite the lack of phase III data in first‐line treatment of invasive aspergillosis, increasing evidence supports the use of first‐line therapy. Here, we analyse the evidence of therapeutic activity, represented by favourable response rates, of caspofungin for invasive aspergillosis. A systematic literature search was conducted to identify international presentations and papers reporting monotherapy with caspofungin. Efficacy data are summarised separately for first‐line and salvage therapy. Thirty‐one papers and published abstracts reported caspofungin therapy for aspergillosis. Fifteen full papers and two abstracts fulfilled the criteria of reporting significant outcome data for caspofungin monotherapy for invasive aspergillosis. Consistent with other analyses and the known safety profile, few adverse events and associated terminations of caspofungin medication have been reported. Although a randomised, comparative, prospective study using caspofungin in this indication is still lacking, growing evidence supports the efficacy of this echinocandin not only for salvage but also for first‐line therapy.
Therapeutic drug monitoring and safety of intravenous voriconazole formulated with sulfobutylether β‐cyclodextrin in haematological patients with renal impairment
Authors: Kim Si‐Hyun , Kwon Jae‐Cheol , Park Chulmin , Han Seunghoon , Yim Dong‐Seok , Choi Jae‐Ki , Cho Sung‐Yeon , Lee Hyo‐Jin , Park Sun Hee , Choi Su‐Mi , Choi Jung‐Hyun , Yoo Jin‐Hong , Lee Dong‐Gun , Lee Jong‐Wook
Published: June 2016

Because of concerns about accumulation of cyclodextrin, oral voriconazole is recommended for patients with renal impairment. However, intravenous voriconazole may occasionally be imperative in critically ill patients with life‐threatening invasive aspergillosis. We investigated the clinical effects of intravenous voriconazole formulated with sulfobutylether β‐cyclodextrin (SBECD) in patients with renal impairment. A prospective observational study was conducted on 25 adult patients with haematological malignancies who were treated with intravenous voriconazole for invasive aspergillosis. Among them, seven patients had a baseline creatinine clearance (CrCl) <50 ml min−1 (case). Although voriconazole trough concentrations were significantly higher in cases (5.84 mg l−1) than controls (2.28 mg l−1), the proportion of concentrations within the target range did not differ between two groups (4/7 and 12/18, respectively; P = 0.658). The frequency of severe adverse events in cases (3/7) was comparable to that of controls (4/18; P = 0.355). No patients showed significant deterioration in renal function after the voriconazole therapy even in patients with renal impairment. Although CrCl <50 ml min−1 was associated with higher voriconazole concentrations, its clinical impact remains unclear. SBECD‐formulated intravenous voriconazole did not lead to a higher incidence of severe adverse events including nephrotoxicity in haematological patients with CrCl <50 ml min−1.
Testing the committee approach to translating measures across cultures: Translating primary communication inventory from English to Japanese
Authors: Furukawa Ryoko , Driessnack Martha
Published: June 2016

This paper presents the initial translation process and follow‐up psychometric evaluation of the Japanese version of the Primary Communication Inventory (J‐PCI). The J‐PCI was developed using the committee approach to translation and then used in a study exploring Japanese couples' communication satisfaction while separated during Satogaeri Bunben ‐ a Japanese perinatal tradition. The committee approach attends to cultural nuance and context and is especially useful when languages have dissimilar linguistic roots and cultures, such as Japanese and English. The translation process and evaluation included five steps; (i) selection of the original PCI for research; (ii) selection of translators; (iii) development of the J‐PCI using a committee approach; (iv) an initial small pilot study; and (v) a larger follow‐up study. The J‐PCI has good initial validity and reliability, although some nuances were observed in scoring.
I smell where you walked – how chemical cues influence movement decisions in ants
Authors: Wüst Miriam , Menzel Florian
Published: June 2016

Interactions between animals are not restricted to direct encounters. Frequently, individuals detect the proximity of others through cues unintentionally left by others, such as prey species assessing predation risk based on indirect predator cues. However, while the importance of indirect cues in predator–prey interactions has been intensely studied, their role in interactions among competitors, and their consequences for community structure, are little known to date. Ant communities are usually structured by aggressive interactions between competing species. Responding to cues of others should be useful to avoid competitors or discover food sources. In ants and other insects, such cues include chemical footprints, which they leave while walking.

Here, we investigated how different ant species respond to footprints of others. Ant colonies were confronted with footprints of other colonies or species, and the workers chose between cue‐bearing and cue‐free areas. Moreover, we determined the chemical composition of footprints, and compared the absolute quantities of footprint and cuticular hydrocarbons.

Ants of the species Lasius niger avoided footprints of non‐nestmate conspecifics, and tended to avoid footprints of two other species. We suggest that they avoided encounters with competitors to reduce costly fights. In contrast, three other ant species approached allospecific footprints, which may represent eavesdropping to find resources discovered by others. Three of the four ant species responded differently to nestmates and non‐nestmate footprints either through footprint‐following or antennation behavior. The chemical composition of footprints was species‐specific and largely congruent to cuticular hydrocarbons. Footprint quantities left by single workers represented 1/170 to 1/64 of the quantity of their cuticular hydrocarbons.

We showed that chemical footprints represent an important cue for behavioral decisions in ants. The ability to identify and respond to chemical footprints may represent an important strategy for insects to cope with competing species or colonies in their habitat.
Energy benefits and emergent space use patterns of an empirically parameterized model of memory‐based patch selection
Authors: Merkle Jerod A. , Potts Jonathan R. , Fortin Daniel
Published: June 2016

Many species frequently return to previously visited foraging sites. This bias towards familiar areas suggests that remembering information from past experience is beneficial. Such a memory‐based foraging strategy has also been hypothesized to give rise to restricted space use (i.e. a home range). Nonetheless, the benefits of empirically derived memory‐based foraging tactics and the extent to which they give rise to restricted space use patterns are still relatively unknown. Using a combination of stochastic agent‐based simulations and deterministic integro‐difference equations, we developed an adaptive link (based on energy gains as a foraging currency) between memory‐based patch selection and its resulting spatial distribution. We used a memory‐based foraging model developed and parameterized with patch selection data of free‐ranging bison Bison bison in Prince Albert National Park, Canada. Relative to random use of food patches, simulated foragers using both spatial and attribute memory are more efficient, particularly in landscapes with clumped resources. However, a certain amount of random patch use is necessary to avoid frequent returns to relatively poor‐quality patches, or avoid being caught in a relatively poor quality area of the landscape. Notably, in landscapes with clumped resources, simulated foragers that kept a reference point of the quality of recently visited patches, and returned to previously visited patches when local patch quality was poorer than the reference point, experienced higher energy gains compared to random patch use. Furthermore, the model of memory‐based foraging resulted in restricted space use in simulated landscapes and replicated the restricted space use observed in free‐ranging bison reasonably well. Our work demonstrates the adaptive value of spatial and attribute memory in heterogeneous landscapes, and how home ranges can be a byproduct of non‐omniscient foragers using past experience to minimize temporal variation in energy gains.
Caring for HIV‐positive orphans in the context of HIV and AIDS: perspectives of Botswana grandmothers
Authors: Shaibu Sheila
Published: June 2016

Background

Botswana has a human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) prevalence of 18.6% and an estimated 137 805 orphans in a population of approximately two million people. Many of these orphans are cared for by their grandmothers, who struggle with caring for orphans suffering from a disease they know very little about.

Methods

The purpose of this exploratory qualitative study was to explore experiences of grandmothers caring for HIV‐positive orphan grandchildren.

Results

The ages of the grandmothers interviewed ranged from 60 to 80 years, while the number of orphans under their care ranged from one to nine. The themes that emerged included the following: challenges of HIV treatment, HIV‐related stigma, disclosure of HIV status, communication of sexuality issues and the adolescent pregnancies. Cultural beliefs prevented them from talking about sexuality and in some cases, accepting HIV as the cause of death.

Conclusions

Grandmothers were challenged by HIV treatment of orphans and their supportive role as caregivers. The lack of knowledge of the disease must be addressed to improve adherence and communication about HIV. HIV programs need to address older persons’ dynamic and diverse needs as individuals. Community home‐based care nurses need to support grandmothers caring for HIV‐positive grandchildren and refer them to relevant professionals who can assist with the care responsibilities.

Implications for practice

Nurses working with older people caring for HIV positive orphans need to develop culturally sensitive HIV education programs that address needs specific to.
Identification and marker‐assisted introgression of QTL conferring resistance to bacterial leaf blight in cowpea (Vigna unguiculata (L.) Walp.)
Authors: Dinesh Hebse Bhojappa , Lohithaswa Hirenallur Chandappa , Viswanatha Kannalli Paramashivaiah , Singh Poonam , Rao Annabathula Mohan
Published: June 2016

Bacterial leaf blight (BLB), caused by Xanthomonas axonopodis pv. vignicola (Xav), is widespread in major cowpea [Vigna unguiculata (L.) Walp.] growing regions of the world. Considering the resource poor nature of cowpea farmers, development and introduction of cultivars resistant to the disease is the best option. Identification of DNA markers and marker‐assisted selection will increase precision of breeding for resistance to diseases like bacterial leaf blight. Hence, an attempt was made to detect QTL for resistance to BLB using 194 F2 : 3 progeny derived from the cross ‘C‐152’ (susceptible parent) × ‘V‐16’ (resistant parent). These progeny were screened for resistance to bacterial blight by the leaf inoculation method. Platykurtic distribution of per cent disease index scores indicated quantitative inheritance of resistance to bacterial leaf blight. A genetic map with 96 markers (79 SSR and 17 CISP) constructed from the 194 F2 individuals was used to perform QTL analysis. Out of three major QTL identified, one was on LG 8 (qtlblb‐1) and two on LG 11 (qtlblb‐2 and qtlblb‐3). The PCR product generated by the primer VuMt337 encoded for RIN2‐like mRNA that positively regulate RPM1‐ and RPS2‐dependent hypersensitive response. The QTL qtlblb‐1 explained 30.58% phenotypic variation followed by qtlblb‐2 and qtlblb‐3 with 10.77% and 10.63%, respectively. The major QTL region on LG 8 was introgressed from cultivar V‐16 into the bacterial leaf blight susceptible variety C‐152 through marker‐assisted backcrossing (MABC).
Simple chronic colitis model using hypopigmented mice with a Hermansky–Pudlak syndrome 5 gene mutation
Authors: Itoh Yumi , Nagaoka Yasuo , Katakura Yoshio , Kawahara Hidehisa , Takemori Hiroshi
Published: June 2016

Pigmentation in mammals is important for protection of skin and eyes from ultraviolet radiation. Dysregulation of pigmentation is often associated with other conditions that are not directly linked to pigmentation. Here, we isolated spontaneously occurring hypopigmented mice that occasionally experienced severe diarrhea during lactation. Treatment of these mice with dextran sulfate sodium salt, a conventional method to induce acute colitis, caused chronic diarrhea with granulomatous colitis. Gene mapping and sequencing revealed that the mice had a nonsense mutation in the Hermansky–Pudlak syndrome (Hps)5 gene. As some HPS patients can develop granulomatous colitis, the simple induction of chronic colitis in spontaneously mutated Hps5‐deficient mice may become an invaluable model for exploring treatment options in patients with HPS as well as other patients with inflammatory bowel disease.
Theorizing the Submerged State: The Politics of Private Schools in the United States
Authors: Hackett Ursula
Published: June 2016

In this paper, I apply Mettler's concept of the “submerged state” to aid for children at private schools in the United States, including education vouchers, in‐kind aid, and property tax exemptions. All aid policies are “submerged” in that they help private organizations take on state functions but some are more submerged than others. Theoretically, this paper distinguishes between subcategories of submergence. Using policy data from 50 states and an original database of court challenges between 1912 and 2015, I employ probit regression with sample selection to evaluate the effect of submergence on successful court challenge. I find that more submerged policies are less likely to be successfully challenged than less submerged policies. Submerged policy design enables supporters to avoid legal as well as political challenge.
When anger dominates the mind: Increased motor corticospinal excitability in the face of threat
Authors: Hortensius Ruud , de Gelder Beatrice , Schutter Dennis J. L. G.
Published: June 2016

Threat demands fast and adaptive reactions that are manifested at the physiological, behavioral, and phenomenological level and are responsive to the direction of threat and its severity for the individual. Here, we investigated the effects of threat directed toward or away from the observer on motor corticospinal excitability and explicit recognition. Sixteen healthy right‐handed volunteers completed a transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) task and a separate three‐alternative forced‐choice emotion recognition task. Single‐pulse TMS to the left primary motor cortex was applied to measure motor evoked potentials from the right abductor pollicis brevis in response to dynamic angry, fearful, and neutral bodily expressions with blurred faces directed toward or away from the observer. Results showed that motor corticospinal excitability increased independent of direction of anger compared with fear and neutral. In contrast, anger was better recognized when directed toward the observer compared with when directed away from the observer, while the opposite pattern was found for fear. The present results provide evidence for the differential effects of threat direction on explicit recognition and motor corticospinal excitability. In the face of threat, motor corticospinal excitability increases independently of the direction of anger, indicative of the importance of more automatic reactions to threat.
The Compliance and Implementation Mechanism of the Paris Agreement
Authors: Voigt Christina
Published: June 2016

Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change decided to include an in‐house compliance arrangement in the Paris Agreement. Article 15 of the Agreement establishes a mechanism to facilitate implementation of, and promote compliance with, the provisions of the Agreement. The mechanism consists of a committee whose exact competence and function have yet to be decided. However, the establishment of the mechanism clearly shows convergence among parties on the necessity and desirability of promoting compliance. This article tracks the negotiation history of the compliance arrangement and analyses the relevant provisions in the Paris Agreement. While the mechanism is in place, significant negotiation time will still be needed to sort out the details for the effective operation of the compliance arrangement. For that reason, the Paris Agreement has set up a work programme for the Ad Hoc Working Group on the Paris Agreement to develop modalities and procedures to be adopted by the first meeting of the Conference of Parties serving as the Meeting of the Parties to the Paris Agreement. The article also discusses the work programme and suggests possible design choices.
Pseudomonas aeruginosa resistance patterns and clinical outcomes in hospitalized exacerbations of COPD
Authors: Rodrigo‐Troyano Ana , Suarez‐Cuartin Guillermo , Peiró Meritxell , Barril Silvia , Castillo Diego , Sanchez‐Reus Ferran , Plaza Vicente , Restrepo Marcos I. , Chalmers James D. , Sibila Oriol
Published: June 2016

Background and objective

Acute exacerbations of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (AECOPD) due to Pseudomonas aeruginosa (PA) are associated with worse outcomes. PA antibiotic resistance is important to determine treatment and may influence clinical outcomes. The aim was to study clinical characteristics and outcomes in patients with AECOPD associated with PA based on their antibiotic resistance.

Methods

This was a prospective observational study including all patients with AECOPD and positive PA sputum culture admitted in a respiratory ward in a tertiary hospital in Barcelona during 2013–2014. PA was defined as resistant (PA‐R) when the antibiogram showed ≥1 resistance.

Results

Four hundred one patients with AECOPD were evaluated. Of them, 54 (13%) had a positive PA sputum culture. Eighty‐two per cent were men, median age was 77 (SD 7) years old and FEV1 was less than 36% (SD 17) of predicted value. PA‐R was isolated in 35 patients (66%), and PA‐sensitive (PA‐S) was isolated in 18 (34%) patients. No differences were found in demographics, lung function and comorbidities among groups. PA‐R patients were more likely exposed to prior oral corticosteroids (77% vs 44%, P = 0.03) and antibiotics (77% vs 31%, P = 0.01), respectively. AECOPD patients associated with PA‐S were more likely to die at 30 days (odds ratio 13.53, 95% confidence interval: 1.14–69.56, P = 0.03) and 90 days (odds ratio 7.09, 95% confidence interval: 1.33–37.89, P = 0.02), respectively.

Conclusion

Pseudomonas aeruginosa‐resistant affects patients with severe AECOPD and previous use of corticosteroids and antibiotics. The presence of PA‐S is associated with higher mortality. These results may suggest increased virulence in PA‐S strains causing acute infections.
The experiences of health‐related quality of life in patients with nonspecific symptoms who undergo a diagnostic evaluation for cancer: a qualitative interview study
Authors: Moseholm Ellen , Lindhardt Bjarne Oerskov , Rydahl‐Hansen Susan
Published: June 2016

The diagnostic phase of cancer can affect health‐related quality of life (HRQoL). The aim of this study was to investigate how patients with nonspecific symptoms experience HRQoL while undergoing diagnostic evaluations for cancer. Twenty‐one participants who had completed a fast‐track evaluation for possible cancer at one of three hospitals in the Capital Region, Denmark were interviewed 2–4 weeks after completing diagnostic evaluations. The interviews were semi‐structured and were supported by an interview guide based on the same themes as in The European Organisation for Research and Treatment of Cancer Quality of Life questionnaire (EORCT‐QLQ‐C30). Data analysis was based on qualitative content analysis by Krippendorff. The analysis generated six categories: symptoms, physical‐, role‐, emotional‐, cognitive‐ and social functioning, and the diagnostic fast‐track experience. From these categories, a main theme was identified: Health‐related quality of life is not solely affected by the diagnostic process. The results provide a comprehensive understanding of HRQoL in the diagnostic phase of possible cancer, which can be used not only to enhance evidence‐based care, but also in the interpretation of the EORTC‐QLQ‐C30 scores. Psycho‐social support with a focus on individual informational needs during the diagnostic phase may be warranted.
Variation of Performance of Dye-Sensitized Solar Cells With the Salt Concentration of the Electrolyte
Authors: Bandarabnayake C. M. , Samarakkody G. S. , Perera K. S. , Vidanapathirana K. P.
Published: June 2016

Dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs) have been identified as a viable alternative for conventional solar cells. As liquid electrolyte based DSSCs have several drawbacks, attention has now been diverted toward gel polymer electrolytes (GPEs), which can be placed in between liquid electrolytes and solid electrolytes. In this study, attempts were made to investigate the effect of salt concentration of the GPE on the performance of DSSCs. The GPE used for the study consists of polyvinylidene fluoride (PVdF), ethylene carbonate (EC), propylene carbonate (PC), 1-methyl 3-propyl immidazolium iodide (1M3PII), and iodine (I2). Conductivity variation with salt concentration as well as with temperature was first investigated. DSSCs were then fabricated for all the salt concentrations to observe the relationship between salt concentration, conductivity, and performances of DSSCs. The composition 1.6 PVdF/4 EC/4 PC/1.3 1M3PII/0.1308 I2 (weight basis) exhibited the highest conductivity, and it was 3.55 × 10−3 S cm−1 at 28 °C. The sample was an anionic conductor. DSSCs fabricated with the samples having different salt concentrations showed that current density (JSC), fill factor (FF), and efficiency (η) follow the same variation that exists between conductivity and salt concentration. Open circuit voltage (VOC) seemed to be not depending on the conductivity and salt concentration very much.
Analysis of Nonisothermal Rarefied Gas Flow in Diverging Microchannels for Low-Pressure Microresistojets
Authors: Guerrieri Daduí C. , Cervone Angelo , Gill Eberhard
Published: June 2016

Heat transfer and fluid flow through different microchannel geometries in the transitional regime (rarefied flow) are analyzed by means of direct simulation Monte Carlo (DSMC) simulations. Four types of three-dimensional microchannels, intended to be used as expansion slots in microresistojet concepts, are investigated using nitrogen as working fluid. The main purpose is to understand the impact of the channel geometry on the exit velocity and the transmission coefficient, parameters which are well known to affect directly the thruster performance. Although this analysis can be applied in principle to several possible microfluidics scenarios, particular focus is given to its application in the field of space propulsion for micro-, nano-, and picosatellites, for which the requirements ask for low thrust levels from some micronewtons to a few millinewtons and moderate specific impulse, as well as a low power consumption in the order of a few watts. Analysis shows that the thrust produced by one single microchannel can be increased by about 480% with a careful selection of the channel geometry, decreasing at the same time the specific impulse by just 5%, with a power consumption decrease of more than 66.7%.
The Focusing Laser Differential Interferometer, an Instrument for Localized Turbulence Measurements in Refractive Flows
Authors: Settles Gary S. , Fulghum Matthew R.
Published: June 2016

The theory, design, and use of a focusing laser differential interferometer (FLDI) instrument are described. The FLDI is a relatively simple, nonimaging, common-path polarization interferometer for measuring refractive signals generated by turbulence, as well as small-amplitude acoustics and boundary-layer instabilities. It has in principle a unique ability to look through wind-tunnel windows, ignore sidewall boundary-layers and vibration, and concentrate only on the refractive signal near a pair of sharp beam foci in the core flow. The instrument's low cost and ease of implementation make it a promising alternative to traditional hot-wire anemometry (HWA) and particle-based methods for turbulence characterization. A matrix equation is written for the overall optical behavior of the FLDI, and transfer functions are developed to account for spatial filtering, f/number of the field lenses, various turbulence profiles, etc. Benchtop experiments using a turbulent sonic airjet demonstrate the focusing ability of the FLDI, its frequency response, and unwanted signal rejection. The instrument is also used to optically interrogate the flow in the Penn State Supersonic Wind Tunnel and in USAF AEDC Hypervelocity Tunnel 9, where it made preliminary measurements of freestream disturbance levels and power spectra. A central feature of the FLDI used here is the replacement of traditional fixed Wollaston birefringent prisms with variable Sanderson prisms for separation and recombination of the helium–neon laser beams, and for the accurate setting of micrometer-range beam separation distances required for successful turbulence measurements. The instrument also features phase compensation of the output, where perpendicularly polarized light signals are separately sensed by the twin photodetectors. This provides a unique ability to measure the coherence of turbulent spectra and thus to reject low-coherence noise.
Mediastinal lymph node detection and station mapping on chest CT using spatial priors and random forest
Authors: Liu Jiamin , Hoffman Joanne , Zhao Jocelyn , Yao Jianhua , Lu Le , Kim Lauren , Turkbey Evrim B. , Summers Ronald M.
Published: June 2016

Purpose:

To develop an automated system for mediastinal lymph node detection and station mapping for chest CT.

Methods:

The contextual organs, trachea, lungs, and spine are first automatically identified to locate the region of interest (ROI) (mediastinum). The authors employ shape features derived from Hessian analysis, local object scale, and circular transformation that are computed per voxel in the ROI. Eight more anatomical structures are simultaneously segmented by multiatlas label fusion. Spatial priors are defined as the relative multidimensional distance vectors corresponding to each structure. Intensity, shape, and spatial prior features are integrated and parsed by a random forest classifier for lymph node detection. The detected candidates are then segmented by the following curve evolution process. Texture features are computed on the segmented lymph nodes and a support vector machine committee is used for final classification. For lymph node station labeling, based on the segmentation results of the above anatomical structures, the textual definitions of mediastinal lymph node map according to the International Association for the Study of Lung Cancer are converted into patient‐specific color‐coded CT image, where the lymph node station can be automatically assigned for each detected node.

Results:

The chest CT volumes from 70 patients with 316 enlarged mediastinal lymph nodes are used for validation. For lymph node detection, their system achieves 88% sensitivity at eight false positives per patient. For lymph node station labeling, 84.5% of lymph nodes are correctly assigned to their stations.

Conclusions:

Multiple‐channel shape, intensity, and spatial prior features aggregated by a random forest classifier improve mediastinal lymph node detection on chest CT. Using the location information of segmented anatomic structures from the multiatlas formulation enables accurate identification of lymph node stations.
Complex artificial halos for the classroom
Authors: Selmke Markus , Selmke Sarah
Published: June 2016

Halos represent a common and imposing atmospheric optics phenomenon whose displays are caused by tiny air-borne ice crystals. Their variety stems from a certain set of orientation classes to which these crystals belong. We present a robust and inexpensive device, made of modular components, that allows for the replication of most of these orientation classes in the laboratory. Under the illumination of light, the corresponding artificial halo counterparts emerge. The mechanical realization of this device allows a thorough understanding and demonstration of these beautiful atmospheric optics phenomena.
Effects of reducing scaffolding in an undergraduate electronics lab
Authors: Halstead Evan
Published: June 2016

Design and scientific investigation are recognized as key components of undergraduate physics laboratory curricula. In light of this, many successful lab programs have been developed to train students to develop these abilities, and students in these programs have been shown to exhibit a higher transfer rate of scientific abilities to new situations. This paper describes data from students in an electronics class for physics majors, in which steps were removed from traditional “cookbook” lab guides in order to give students the opportunity to design circuits. Post-lab quizzes were given to investigate how this later affected the students' ability to determine the function of circuits they hadn't seen before. Results are compared with post-lab quiz results from students who were given complete explicit procedures, and no statistically significant difference between the two groups is found. Possible explanations for the null effect and recommended future research directions are provided.
A two-dimensional analysis of the sensitivity of a pulse first break to wave speed contrast on a scale below the resolution length of ray tomography
Authors: Willey Carson L. , Simonetti Francesco
Published: June 2016

Mapping the speed of mechanical waves traveling inside a medium is a topic of great interest across many fields from geoscience to medical diagnostics. Much work has been done to characterize the fidelity with which the geometrical features of the medium can be reconstructed and multiple resolution criteria have been proposed depending on the wave-matter interaction model used to decode the wave speed map from scattering measurements. However, these criteria do not define the accuracy with which the wave speed values can be reconstructed. Using two-dimensional simulations, it is shown that the first-arrival traveltime predicted by ray theory can be an accurate representation of the arrival of a pulse first break even in the presence of diffraction and other phenomena that are not accounted for by ray theory. As a result, ray-based tomographic inversions can yield accurate wave speed estimations also when the size of a sound speed anomaly is smaller than the resolution length of the inversion method provided that traveltimes are estimated from the signal first break. This increased sensitivity however renders the inversion more susceptible to noise since the amplitude of the signal around the first break is typically low especially when three-dimensional anomalies are considered.
Normal stress differences in non-Brownian fiber suspensions
Authors: Bounoua Sihem , Kuzhir Pavel , Lemaire Elisabeth
Published: June 2016

In this paper, we present an experimental study of the normal stress differences that arise in non-Brownian rigid fiber suspensions subject to a shear flow. While early measurements of the normal stress in fiber suspensions in Newtonian fluids measured only N1 − N2, the recent work of Snook et al. [J. Fluid Mech. 758, 486–507 (2014)] and the present paper provide the first measurements of N1 and N2 separately. Snook et al. [J. Fluid Mech. 758, 486–507 (2014)] perform such measurements with a gap that is very wide compared with the fiber length, whereas the present paper explores the effects of confinement when the gap is 4–10 times the fiber length. The first and the second normal stress differences are measured using a single experiment which consists of determining the radial profile of the second normal stress, along the velocity gradient direction, Σ22, in a torsional flow between two parallel disks. Suspensions are made of monodisperse fibers immersed in a neutrally buoyant Newtonian fluid. Two fiber lengths and three aspect ratios ar = L/d, and a wide range of concentrations have been tested. N1 is found to be positive while N2 is negative and the magnitude of both normal stress differences increases when nL2d increases, n being the number fraction of fibers. The magnitude of N2 is found to be much smaller than N1 only for high aspect ratios and low fiber concentrations. Otherwise, N1 and N2 are of the same order of magnitude. This is in contradiction with what is often assumed (i.e., |N2|≪N1) but consistent with the recent numerical work of Snook et al. [J. Fluid Mech. 758, 486–507 (2014)] that includes contact interactions. The effect of confinement on N1 and N2 is studied and it is shown that the more confined the suspension, the greater the magnitude of the normal stress differences. At last, the surface properties of the fibers are changed and the impact on the normal stress differences is discussed.
Efficacy of Lychnopholide Polymeric Nanocapsules after Oral and Intravenous Administration in Murine Experimental Chagas Disease
Authors: de Mello Carlos Geraldo Campos , Branquinho Renata Tupinambá , Oliveira Maykon Tavares , Milagre Matheus Marques , Saúde-Guimarães Dênia Antunes , Mosqueira Vanessa Carla Furtado , Lana Marta de
Published: June 2016

The etiological treatment of Chagas disease remains neglected. The compounds available show several limitations, mainly during the chronic phase. Lychnopholide encapsulated in polymeric nanocapsules (LYC-NC) was efficacious in mice infected with
Trypanosoma cruzi
and treated by intravenous administration during the acute phase (AP). As the oral route is preferred for treatment of chronic infections, such as Chagas disease, this study evaluated the use of oral LYC-NC in the AP and also compared it with LYC-NC administered to mice by the oral and intravenous routes during the chronic phase (CP). The therapeutic efficacy was evaluated by fresh blood examination, hemoculture, PCR, and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The cure rates in the AP and CP were 62.5% and 55.6%, respectively, upon oral administration of LYC–poly(
d
,
l
-lactide)–polyethylene glycol nanocapsules (LYC-PLA-PEG-NC) and 57.0% and 30.0%, respectively, with LYC–poly-ε-caprolactone nanocapsules (LYC-PCL-NC). These cure rates were significantly higher than that of free LYC, which did not cure any animals. LYC-NC formulations administered orally during the AP showed cure rates similar to that of benznidazole, but only LYC-NC cured mice in the CP. Similar results were achieved with intravenous treatment during the CP. The higher cure rates obtained with LYC loaded in PLA-PEG-NC may be due to the smaller particle size of these NC and the presence of PEG, which influence tissue diffusion and the controlled release of LYC. Furthermore, PLA-PEG-NC may improve the stability of the drug in the gastrointestinal tract. This work is the first report of cure of experimental Chagas disease via oral administration during the CP. These findings represent a new and important perspective for oral treatment of Chagas disease.
In VitroActivity of Polymyxin B in Combination with Various Antibiotics against Extensively Drug-Resistant Enterobacter cloacae with Decreased Susceptibility to Polymyxin B
Authors: Cai Yiying , Lim Tze-Peng , Teo Jocelyn , Sasikala Suranthran , Lee Winnie , Hong Yanjun , Chan Eric Chun Yong , Tan Thean Yen , Tan Thuan-Tong , Koh Tse Hsien , Hsu Li Yang , Kwa Andrea L.
Published: June 2016

Against extensively drug-resistant (XDR)Enterobacter cloacae, combination antibiotic therapy may be the only option. We investigated the activity of various antibiotics in combination with polymyxin B using time-kill studies (TKS). TKS were conducted with four nonclonal XDRE. cloacaeisolates with 5 log10CFU/ml bacteria against maximum, clinically achievable concentrations of polymyxin B alone and in two-drug combinations with 10 different antibiotics. A hollow-fiber infection model (HFIM) simulating clinically relevant polymyxin B and tigecycline dosing regimens was conducted for two isolates over 240 h. Emergence of resistance was quantified using antibiotic-containing (3× MIC) media. Biofitness and stability of resistant phenotypes were determined. All XDRE. cloacaeisolates were resistant to all antibiotics except for polymyxin B (polymyxin B MIC, 1 to 4 mg/liter). All isolates harbored metallo-β-lactamases (two with NDM-1, two with IMP-1). In single TKS, all antibiotics alone demonstrated regrowth at 24 h, except amikacin against two strains and polymyxin B and meropenem against one strain each. In combination TKS, only polymyxin B plus tigecycline was bactericidal against all four XDRE. cloacaeisolates at 24 h. In HFIM, tigecycline and polymyxin B alone did not exhibit any killing activity. Bactericidal kill was observed at 24 h for both isolates for polymyxin B plus tigecycline; killing was sustained for one isolate but regrowth was observed for the second. Phenotypically stable resistant mutants with reducedin vitrogrowth rates were observed. Polymyxin B plus tigecycline is a promising combination against XDRE. cloacae. However, prolonged and indiscriminate use can result in resistance emergence.
A Telomeric Cluster of Antimony Resistance Genes on Chromosome 34 of Leishmania infantum
Authors: Tejera Nevado Paloma , Bifeld Eugenia , Höhn Katharina , Clos Joachim
Published: June 2016

The mechanisms underlying the drug resistance of
Leishmania
spp. are manifold and not completely identified. Apart from the highly conserved multidrug resistance gene family known from higher eukaryotes,
Leishmania
spp. also possess genus-specific resistance marker genes. One of them, ARM58, was first identified in
Leishmania braziliensis
using a functional cloning approach, and its domain structure was characterized in
L. infantum
. Here we report that
L. infantum
ARM58 is part of a gene cluster at the telomeric end of chromosome 34 also comprising the neighboring genes ARM56 and HSP23. We show that overexpression of all three genes can confer antimony resistance to intracellular amastigotes. Upon overexpression in
L. donovani
, ARM58 and ARM56 are secreted via exosomes, suggesting a scavenger/secretion mechanism of action. Using a combination of functional cloning and next-generation sequencing, we found that the gene cluster was selected only under antimonyl tartrate challenge and weakly under Cu
2+
challenge but not under sodium arsenite, Cd
2+
, or miltefosine challenge. The selective advantage is less pronounced in intracellular amastigotes treated with the sodium stibogluconate, possibly due to the known macrophage-stimulatory activity of this drug, against which these resistance markers may not be active. Our data point to the specificity of these three genes for antimony resistance.
Vancomycin MIC Does Not Predict 90-Day Mortality, Readmission, or Recurrence in a Prospective Cohort of Adults with Staphylococcus aureus Bacteremia
Authors: Baxi Sanjiv M. , Clemenzi-Allen Angelo , Gahbauer Alice , Deck Daniel , Imp Brandon , Vittinghoff Eric , Chambers Henry F. , Doernberg Sarah
Published: June 2016

Staphylococcus aureus
bacteremia (SAB) is a tremendous health burden. Previous studies examining the association of vancomycin MIC and outcomes in patients with SAB have been inconclusive. This study evaluated the association between vancomycin MICs and 30- or 90-day mortality in individuals with SAB. This was a prospective cohort study of adults presenting from 2008 to 2013 with a first episode of SAB. Subjects were identified by an infection surveillance system. The main predictor was vancomycin MIC by MicroScan. The primary outcomes were death at 30 and 90 days, and secondary outcomes included recurrence, readmission, or a composite of death, recurrence, and readmission at 30 and 90 days. Covariates included methicillin susceptibility, demographics, illness severity, comorbidities, infectious source, and antibiotic use. Cox proportional-hazards models with propensity score adjustment were used to estimate 30- and 90-day outcomes. Of 429 unique first episodes of SAB, 11 were excluded, leaving 418 individuals for analysis. Eighty-three (19.9%) participants had a vancomycin MIC of 2 μg/ml. In the propensity-adjusted Cox model, a vancomycin MIC of 2 μg/ml compared to <2 μg/ml was not associated with a greater hazard of mortality or composite outcome of mortality, readmission, and recurrence at either 30 days (hazard ratios [HRs] of 0.86 [95% confidence interval {CI}, 0.41, 1.80] [
P
= 0.70] and 0.94 [95% CI, 0.55, 1.58] [
P
= 0.80], respectively) or 90 days (HRs of 0.91 [95% CI, 0.49, 1.69] [
P
= 0.77] and 0.69 [95% CI, 0.46, 1.04] [
P
= 0.08], respectively) after SAB diagnosis. In a prospective cohort of patients with SAB, vancomycin MIC was not associated with 30- or 90-day mortality or a composite of mortality, disease recurrence, or hospital readmission.