bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Review on Design Strategies for Carbon Based Metal Oxides and Sulfides Nanocomposites for High Performance Li and Na Ion Battery Anodes
Authors: Zhao Yi , Wang Luyuan Paul , Sougrati Moulay Tahar , Feng Zhenxing , Leconte Yann , Fisher Adrian , Srinivasan Madhavi , Xu Zhichuan
Published: December 2016

Carbon‐oxide and carbon‐sulfide nanocomposites have attracted tremendous interest as the anode materials for Li and Na ion batteries. Such composites are fascinating as they often show synergistic effect compared to their singular components. Carbon nanomaterials are often used as the matrix due to their high conductivity, tensile strength, and chemical stability under the battery condition. Metal oxides and sulfides are often used as active material fillers because of their large capacity. Numerous works have shown that by taking one step further into fabricating nanocomposites with rational structure design, much better performance can be achieved. The present review aims to present and discuss the development of carbon‐based nanocomposite anodes in both Li ion batteries and Na ion batteries. The authors introduce the individual components in the composites, i.e., carbon matrices (e.g., carbon nanotube, graphene) and metal oxides/sulfides; followed by evaluating how advanced nanostructures benefit from the synergistic effect when put together. Particular attention is placed on strategies employed in fabricating such composites, with examples such as yolk–shell structure, layered‐by‐layered structure, and composite comprising one or more carbon matrices. Lastly, the authors conclude by highlighting challenges that still persist and their perspective on how to further develop the technologies.
Meta-analysis of prophylactic mesh to prevent parastomal hernia
Authors: Cross A J , Buchwald P L , Frizelle F A , Eglinton T W
Published: December 2016

Background

Rates of parastomal hernia following stoma formation remain high. Previous systematic reviews suggested that prophylactic mesh reduces the rate of parastomal hernia; however, a larger trial has recently called this into question. The aim was to determine whether mesh placed at the time of primary stoma creation prevents parastomal hernia.

Methods

The Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, MEDLINE, Embase and CINAHL were searched using medical subject headings for parastomal hernia, mesh and prevention. Reference lists of identified studies, clinicaltrials.gov and the WHO International Clinical Trials Registry were also searched. All randomized clinical trials were included. Two authors extracted data from each study independently using a purpose-designed sheet. Risk of bias was assessed by a tool based on that developed by Cochrane.

Results

Ten randomized trials were identified among 150 studies screened. In total 649 patients were included in the analysis (324 received mesh). Overall the rates of parastomal hernia were 53 of 324 (16·4 per cent) in the mesh group and 119 of 325 (36·6 per cent) in the non-mesh group (odds ratio 0·24, 95 per cent c.i. 0·12 to 0·50; P < 0·001). Mesh reduced the rate of parastomal hernia repair by 65 (95 per cent c.i. 28 to 85) per cent (P = 0·02). There were no differences in rates of parastomal infection, stomal stenosis or necrosis. Mesh type and position, and study quality did not have an independent effect on this relationship.

Conclusion

Mesh placed prophylactically at the time of stoma creation reduced the rate of parastomal hernia, without an increase in mesh-related complications.
Splenic preservation in laparoscopic distal pancreatectomy
Authors: Dai M-H , Shi N , Xing C , Liao Q , Zhang T-P , Chen G , Wu W-M , Guo J-C , Liu Z-W , Zhao Y-P
Published: December 2016

Background

Laparoscopic spleen-preserving distal pancreatectomy (LSPDP) is designed principally for the removal of benign and low-grade malignant lesions in the left pancreas. The aims of this study were to compare LSPDP with laparoscopic distal pancreatectomy with splenectomy (LDPS), compare two splenic preservation techniques (splenic vessel preservation and Warshaw technique) and investigate factors that influence splenic preservation.

Methods

Information from patients who underwent laparoscopic distal pancreatectomy between December 2004 and January 2016 at a single institution was reviewed. Data were extracted from a prospectively developed database. Intention-to-treat and propensity score matching analyses were employed. Univariable and multivariable analyses were used to investigate factors affecting splenic preservation.

Results

There were 206 patients in total (126 planned LSPDP and 80 planned LDPS procedures), of whom 108 underwent LSPDP and 98 LDPS. In intention-to-treat analysis, the duration of surgery was significantly shorter in the LSPDP group than in the LDPS group (mean 191·0 versus 220·5 min respectively; P < 0·001). Tumour size was an independent risk factor for splenic vessel resection in planned splenic vessel preservation operations, and a cut-off value of 3 cm provided optimal diagnostic accuracy. After a median follow-up of 35·9 months, there were no clinically significant splenic infarctions and no patient developed gastrointestinal bleeding after LSPDP.

Conclusion

Planned LSPDP had a high splenic preservation rate and was associated with significantly shorter operating time than LDPS. Splenic vessel preservation could be predicted using a tumour cut-off size of 3 cm.
Towards the Development of Small‐Molecule MO25 Binders as Potential Indirect SPAK/OSR1 Kinase Inhibitors
Authors: Kadri Hachemi , Alamri Mubarak A. , Navratilova Iva H. , Alderwick Luke J. , Simpkins Nigel S. , Mehellou Youcef
Published: December 2016

The binding of the scaffolding protein MO25 to SPAK and OSR1 protein kinases, which regulate ion homeostasis, causes increases of up to 100‐fold in their catalytic activity. Various animal models have shown that the inhibition of SPAK and OSR1 lowers blood pressure, and so here we present a new indirect approach to inhibiting SPAK and OSR1 kinases by targeting their protein partner MO25. To explore this approach, we developed a fluorescent polarisation assay and used it in screening of a small in‐house library of ≈4000 compounds. This led to the identification of one compound—HK01—as the first small‐molecule inhibitor of the MO25‐dependent activation of SPAK and OSR1 in vitro. Our data confirm the feasibility of targeting this protein–protein interaction by small‐molecule compounds and highlights their potential to modulate ion co‐transporters and thus cellular electrolyte balance.
Doublet asymmetry for estimating polarization in hyperpolarized 13C–pyruvate studies
Authors: Datta Keshav , Spielman Daniel M.
Published: December 2016

Hyperpolarized 13C MRS allows in vivo interrogation of key metabolic pathways, with pyruvate (Pyr) the substrate of choice for current clinical studies. Knowledge of the liquid‐state polarization is needed for full quantitation, and asymmetry of the C2 doublet, arising from 1% naturally abundant [1,2‐13C]Pyr in any hyperpolarized [1‐13C]Pyr sample, has been suggested as a direct measure of in vivo C1 polarization via the use of an in vitro calibration curve. Here we show that different polarization levels can yield the same C2‐doublet asymmetry, thus limiting the utility of this metric for quantitation. Furthermore, although the time evolution of doublet asymmetry is poorly modeled using the expected dominant relaxation mechanisms of carbon‐proton dipolar coupling and chemical shift anisotropy, the inclusion of a C‐C dipolar coupling term can explain the observed initial evolution of the C2 doublet asymmetry beyond its expected thermal equilibrium value.
Mechanical Bowel Preparation Does Not Affect Clinical Severity of Anastomotic Leakage in Rectal Cancer Surgery
Authors: Ji Woong Bae , Hahn Koo Yong , Kwak Jung Myun , Kang Dong Woo , Baek Se Jin , Kim Jin , Kim Seon Hahn
Published: December 2016

Background

Previous multicenter randomized trials demonstrated that omitting mechanical bowel preparation (MBP) did not increase anastomotic leakage rates or other infectious complications. However, the most serious concern regarding the omission of MBP is ongoing fecal peritonitis after anastomotic leakage occurs. The aim of this study was to compare the clinical manifestations and severity of anastomotic leakage between patients who underwent MBP and those who did not.

Methods

This study was a single‐center retrospective review of a prospectively maintained database. From January 2006 to September 2013, 1369 patients who underwent elective rectal cancer resection with primary anastomosis were identified and analyzed.

Results

Anastomotic leakage rates were not significantly different between patients who did not undergo MBP (77/831, 9.27%) and those who did (42/538, 7.81%). However, a significantly lower rate of clinical leakage requiring surgical exploration was observed in the leakage without MBP group (30/77, 39.0%) compared with the leakage with MBP group (30/42, 71.4%) (P = 0.001). There were no significant differences in the clinical severity of anastomotic leakage as assessed by the length of hospital stay, time to resuming a normal diet, length of antibiotic use, ileus rate, transfusion rate, ICU admission rate, and mortality rate between the leakage without MBP and leakage with MBP groups.

Conclusion

MBP was not found to affect the clinical severity of anastomotic leakage in elective rectal cancer surgery.
Existence of global solutions and global attractor for the third order Lugiato–Lefever equation on T
Authors: Miyaji Tomoyuki , Tsutsumi Yoshio
Published: December 2016

We show the existence of global solution and the global attractor in

L^{2}(\mathbf{T})

for the third order Lugiato–Lefever equation on

\mathbf T

. Without damping and forcing terms, it has three conserved quantities, that is, the

L^{2}(\mathbf{T})

norm, the momentum and the energy, but the leading term of the energy functional is not positive definite. So only the

L^{2}

norm conservation is useful for the third order Lugiato–Lefever equation unlike the KdV and the cubic NLS equations. Therefore, it seems important and natural to construct the global attractor in

L^{2}(\mathbf{T})

. For the proof of the global attractor, we use the smoothing effect of cubic nonlinearity for the reduced equation.
KRAS‐related noncoding RNAs in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma
Authors: Yu Shuang‐Ni , Ma Yi‐Hui , Zhao Wu‐Gan , Jin Xiang‐Lan , Yang Hai‐Yan , Liu Ping‐Ping , Chen Jie
Published: December 2016

Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is a lethal disease with a poor overall prognosis. However, curative resection during the early stages of the disease can greatly improve survival rates, highlighting the importance of early screening and detection. Studies of noncoding RNAs, primarily microRNAs (miRNAs) and long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs), provide important insights into strategies for the early detection of KRAS‐driven PDAC. Here, we summarize our studies and review current reports on research investigating KRAS‐related miRNAs and lncRNAs, emphasizing their aberrant expression, mechanisms, carcinogenic effects, and prognostic and predictive capacities in PDAC.
Circulating free DNA in the era of precision oncology: Pre‐ and post‐analytical concerns
Authors: Lu Jun‐Liang , Liang Zhi‐Yong
Published: December 2016

Cancer treatment has entered the era of precision medicine, where knowledge of a patient's genetic profile is used to facilitate early diagnosis, drug selection, prognosis, prediction of drug responsiveness, the onset of secondary resistance, and relapse. Circulating free DNA (cfDNA) has emerged as an ideal source of genetic information for cancer patients, and numerous studies have explored its validity in various clinical applications. However, clinical implementation of cfDNA‐based tests has been slow. In this review, we addressed some of the pre‐ and post‐analytical issues regarding cfDNA tests. First, we summarized the characteristics of cfDNA and reviewed the methods used to identify tumor‐derived cfDNA from the pool of total cfDNA. Second, we described the procedures used to extract cfDNA, which have a great impact on representativeness and yield. Finally, we discussed our thoughts on the validation of cfDNA‐based tests and the reporting of test results amid drastic limitations.
Exposure to a maternal cafeteria diet changes open‐field behaviour in the developing offspring
Authors: Speight Abigail , Davey William G. , McKenna Emily , Voigt Jörg‐Peter W.
Published: December 2016

The early postnatal period is a sensitive period in rodents as behavioural systems are developing and maturing during this time. However, little is currently known about the behavioural effects of feeding a hyper‐energetic cafeteria diet (CD) during the lactational period when offspring behaviour is tested during early adolescence. To this end, 23 days old offspring from dams (Wistar) fed on CD during lactation were tested in either the open‐field or the elevated plus‐maze for exploration and anxiety‐related behaviour. On postnatal day 9, maternal behaviour and non‐maternal behaviour of the dam was assessed. It was hypothesized that lactational CD feeding would reduce anxiety in the offspring. CD‐fed dams had a higher energy intake, due to an overconsumption of sugars and fats. When offspring from these dams were exposed to the open field after weaning, their locomotor activity was increased. They entered the more aversive inner zone of the open‐field after a shorter latency, made more entries into and spent more time in the inner zone. Anxiety‐related behaviour was not affected upon exposure to the elevated plus maze, suggesting anxiolysis in the open‐field only. Increased maternal licking/grooming behaviour could possibly contribute to the anxiolytic phenotype as observed in the offspring from the CD group. In conclusion, we demonstrate that lactational overfeeding impacts on the development of behaviour in the early adolescent rat.
Influence of Anaesthesia on Mobilisation following Hip Fracture Surgery: An Observational Study
Authors: Iftikhar Ahmed , Asim Khan Muhammad , Victoria Allgar
Published: December 2016

Background

Anaesthetic technique can influence mortality and morbidity following hip fracture surgery. However, its influence on postoperative mobilisation is not clear. In this study, we evaluated the influence of anaesthetic technique on postoperative mobilisation.

Methods

In this prospective observational study, we included all consecutive patients who underwent surgery for hip fracture between 1 January 2012 and 31 December 2013 at our institution. Any patients who died prior to mobilisation or who could not be followed up after surgery were excluded. Data was collected on demographics, clinical characteristics, anaesthesia technique and surgical factors, and date and time of admission, operation, first mobilisation and discharge.

Results

Of the 1040 patients included in the analysis, 264 received general anaesthesia only (Group GA), 322 received general anaesthesia with regional anaesthesia (Group GARA), and 454 received central neuraxial blockade anaesthesia with or without sedation (Group CNB). There was no significant difference in age (p = 0.56), sex (p = 0.23), number of comorbidities (p = 0.06), residential status (p = 0.18), time to surgery (p = 0.10) and length of hospital stay (p = 0.30) between the three groups. There was a statistically significant difference in ASA grade (p = 0.01), implant type used (p = 0.04), grade of operating surgeon (p = 0.02) and grade of anaesthetist during surgery (p = 0.004) among the three groups. Patients in Group GARA had a median time-to-first mobilisation of 23.8 hours after surgery, compared to 24.1 hours in Group GA and 24.3 hours in Group CNB. This difference was not statistically significant after controlling for confounding factors (p = 0.45).

Conclusion

Our results show that anaesthetic technique does not influence time-to-first mobilisation after hip fracture surgery.
Comparison of renal pelvic pressure and postoperative fever incidence between standard‐ and mini‐tract percutaneous nephrolithotomy
Authors: Wu Cheng , Hua Li‐Xin , Zhang Jian‐Zhong , Zhou Xun‐Rong , Zhong Wei , Ni Hao‐Dong
Published: December 2016

This study was proposed to compare the clinical effectiveness of mini‐tract percutaneous nephrolithotomy (MPCNL) with standard‐tract percutaneous nephrolithotomy (SPCNL) and verify whether MPCNL is associated with both higher renal pelvic pressure (RPP) and incidence of postoperative fever. A total of 228 patients with kidney stone were randomly allocated to the MPCNL group (n = 114) and SPCNL group (n = 114). Both intraoperative and postoperative indexes along with the incidence of complications were compared between the two treatment groups. RPP was measured using a baroreceptor which was connected to an open‐ended ureteric catheter during the operation of percutaneous nephrolithotomy. The MPCNL group exhibited significantly longer average operation time, more average amount of flush water, and lesser average amount of bleeding during the operation than the SPCNL group (p < 0.05). Moreover, significantly lesser average amount of postoperative serum creatinine, shorter average hospital stay, and more average amount of postoperative hemoglobin were observed in the MPCNL group than in the SPCNL group (p < 0.05). MPCNL were more applicable to clear caliceal stones (p < 0.05), whereas SPCNL were more effective for the removal of simple pelvic stones. The difference in the incidence of postoperative fever between the two treatment groups also appeared to be significant (p < 0.05). Logistic regression provided solid evidence that both RPP and its accumulation time at which RPP ≥ 30 mmHg significantly affected the incidence of postoperative fever. MPCNL was correlated with both higher RPP and increased likelihood of postoperative fever compared with SPCNL.
Effect of age on biochemical recurrence after radical prostatectomy
Authors: Ozden Cuneyt , Aktas Binhan Kagan , Bulut Suleyman , Erbay Guven , Tagci Suleyman , Gokkaya Cevdet S. , Baykam Mehmet M. , Memis Ali
Published: December 2016

The aim of the study was to evaluate the relationship between patient's age and biochemical recurrence (BCR) after radical retropubic prostatectomy (RRP). Data from RRP applied to 305 patients with clinically localized prostate cancer were included in the study. Patients were divided into the three age groups, < 60 years, 60–70 years, and > 70 years. The groups were compared regarding adverse pathological findings on RRP specimen, BCR, and biochemical recurrence‐free survival (bRFS) rates. The rates of positive surgical margin, seminal vesicle invasion, lymph node involvement, RRP specimens' Gleason score, and BCR were not significantly different among the three age groups. bRFS rates were not different either. Nonorgan‐confined disease and extracapsular extension (ECE) rates were significantly higher in the group of 60–70 years group than in the other two age groups. Factors associated with BCR in multivariate Cox regression analysis were ECE, seminal vesicle invasion, positive surgical margin, and RRP specimens' Gleason score of ≥ 4 + 3. Patient age and preoperative prostate specific antigen levels were not identified to be associated with BCR. Post‐RRP nonorgan‐confined disease and ECE are more frequently seen in patients of 60–70 years of age group than in other age groups. However, patient age is not an independent prognostic factor associated with bRFS.
Hypoglossal nerve stimulation for obstructive sleep apnea: A review of the literature
Authors: Wray Christina M. , Thaler Erica R.
Published: December 2016

Objective

To review the indications and clinical evidence supporting hypoglossal nerve stimulation (HNS) therapy for the treatment of moderate‐to‐severe obstructive sleep apnea (OSA).

Methods

Peer reviewed literature on hypoglossal nerve stimulation therapy for obstructive sleep apnea from 2001 to 2016.

Results

The only currently FDA‐approved HNS device for the treatment of moderate‐to‐severe OSA is produced by Inspire Medical Systems, which recently published its 36‐month outcomes data from its Stimulation Therapy for Apnea Reduction (STAR) trial. HNS therapy is currently indicated for moderate‐to‐severe OSA patients who are CPAP‐intolerant, have a body mass index <32, apnea‐hypopnea index <50, and without a concentric pattern of upper airway collapse on sleep endoscopy.

Conclusions

Data from the STAR trial suggests that a subset of OSA patients can achieve a significant therapeutic response from hypoglossal nerve stimulation. However, these results may be limited in their generalizability to the broader OSA population.
Profiler – A Fast and Versatile New Program for Decomposing Galaxy Light Profiles
Authors: Ciambur Bogdan C.
Published: December 2016

I introduce Profiler, a user-friendly program designed to analyse the radial surface brightness profiles of galaxies. With an intuitive graphical user interface, Profiler can accurately model galaxies of a broad range of morphological types, with various parametric functions routinely employed in the field (Sérsic, core-Sérsic, exponential, Gaussian, Moffat, and Ferrers). In addition to these, Profiler can employ the broken exponential model for disc truncations or anti–truncations, and two special cases of the edge-on disc model: along the disc's major or minor axis. The convolution of (circular or elliptical) models with the point spread function is performed in 2D, and offers a choice between Gaussian, Moffat or a user-provided profile for the point spread function. Profiler is optimised to work with galaxy light profiles obtained from isophotal measurements, which allow for radial gradients in the geometric parameters of the isophotes, and are thus often better at capturing the total light than 2D image-fitting programs. Additionally, the 1D approach is generally less computationally expensive and more stable. I demonstrate Profiler's features by decomposing three case-study galaxies: the cored elliptical galaxy NGC 3348, the nucleated dwarf Seyfert I galaxy Pox 52, and NGC 2549, a double-barred galaxy with an edge-on, truncated disc.

Profiler is freely available at https://github.com/BogdanCiambur/PROFILER.
D-REAMS: A New Compact AMS System for Radiocarbon Measurements at the Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, Israel
Authors: Regev Lior , Steier Peter , Shachar Yigal , Mintz Eugenia , Wild Eva Maria , Kutschera Walter , Boaretto Elisabetta
Published: December 2016

The Dangoor REsearch Accelerator Mass Spectrometer (D-REAMS) is a dedicated carbon-only AMS system, built by National Electrostatics Corporation (NEC). It is based on the 1.5SDH Pelletron, operating at 460 keV. The machine was installed at the Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, Israel, in January–February 2013, and passed the acceptance test on March 2013. Since then, over 4500 samples have been successfully measured. Here, we present the results of an intercomparison experiment, done in collaboration with the Vienna Environmental Research Accelerator (VERA), and some typical operation parameters and measurement values of the new AMS system.
The Black Image on the White Screen: Representations of African Americans from the Origins of Cinema toThe Birth of a Nation
Authors: URWAND BEN
Published: December 2016

In the first two decades of the twentieth century, American cinema played a major role in transforming what George Fredrickson has called “the black image in the white mind.” This transformation began with the invention of cinema and climaxed withThe Birth of a Nation, a film whose appeal derived not from its content, but rather from D. W. Griffith's ability to seize on this content to provoke an intense emotional response in his viewers. This essay begins by examining some of the first images of African Americans captured on camera. It then turns to Griffith's innovations in the one- and two-reelers he made at the Biograph Company. Finally, and on the occasion of the film's hundredth anniversary, the essay provides a detailed analysis of how Griffith achieved his effect inThe Birth of a Nation. What the essay shows, ultimately, is that whereas the earliest depictions of African Americans relied on audience foreknowledge, the arrival of American narrative cinema led Griffith to create new kinds of black characters. Griffith's use of the close-up, the point of view, the shot/reverse-shot pattern, and parallel editing enabled him to convince his audiences of a “black menace” that threatened white America.
Semi-quantitative method for Staphylococci magnetic detection in raw milk
Authors: Duarte Carla Margarida , Carneiro Carla , Cardoso Susana , Freitas Paulo Peixeiro , Bexiga Ricardo
Published: December 2016

Bovine mastitis is the most costly disease for dairy farmers, hence, control measures to prevent it are crucial for dairy farm sustainability. Staphylococcus aureus is considered a major mastitis pathogen because of its impact on milk quality and low cure rates. Prevention of S. aureus mastitis includes segregation of infected animals, whilst treatment of such animals should be performed for a longer time to improve cure rates. This makes identification of S. aureus infected quarters and animals of significant importance. The experiments reported in this research paper aimed to develop and validate a sensitive method for magnetic detection of S. aureus and of the Staphylococcus genus in raw milk samples. Mastitic milk samples were collected aseptically from 47 cows with subclinical mastitis, from 12 Portuguese dairy farms. Forty nine quarter milk samples were selected based on bacteriological results. All samples were submitted to PCR analysis. In parallel, these milk samples were mixed with a solution combining specific antibodies and magnetic nanoparticles, to be analysed using a lab-on-a-chip magnetoresistive cytometer, with microfluidic sample handling. The antibodies used in this work were a rabbit polyclonal IgG anti-S. aureus ScpA protein and a mouse monoclonal IgM anti-S. aureus ATCC 29740. This paper describes the methodology used for magnetic detection of bacteria, including analysis of false positive/negative results. This immunological recognition was able to detect bacterial presence above 100 cfu/ml, independently of antibody and targeted bacteria used in this work. Comparison with PCR results showed sensitivities of 57·1 and 79·3%, specificity values of 75 and 50%, and PPV values of 40 and 95·8% for magnetic identification of Staphylococci species with an anti-S. aureus antibody and an anti-Staphylococcus spp. antibody, respectively. Some constraints are described as well as the method's limitations in bacterial quantification. Sensitivities and specificities require to be improved, nevertheless, the methodology described may form the basis for a means of identifying S. aureus infected cows at the point of care.
The value of close monitoring in vestibular rehabilitation therapy
Authors: Itani M , Koaik Y , Sabri A
Published: December 2016

Background:

Vestibular rehabilitation therapy is a well-established treatment modality for patients with vestibular problems.

Hypothesis:

Performing vestibular rehabilitation therapy in a closely monitored setting may result in a better outcome than a home exercise programme.

Methods:

A retrospective study was conducted of patients undergoing vestibular rehabilitation therapy between June 2005 and November 2012 in a tertiary university hospital. The Dynamic Gait Index, the main outcome measure, was utilised before and after the rehabilitation programme. The magnitude of improvement for all patients was analysed, mainly to compare the home exercise group with the closely monitored therapy group.

Results:

Only 32 patients underwent the vestibular rehabilitation therapy programme. In all patients, there was significant improvement in the mean Dynamic Gait Index score (from 11.75 to 17.38;p< 0.01). Dynamic Gait Index improvement was significantly higher with closely monitored therapy (mean improvement of 7.83vs2.79;p< 0.01).

Conclusion:

The small sample size is a major limitation; nevertheless, closely monitored vestibular rehabilitation therapy resulted in improved performance status. More studies are needed to establish the efficiency of vestibular rehabilitation therapy and compare closely monitored therapy with tailored home exercise rehabilitation.
Risk factors for adult acquired subglottic stenosis
Authors: Nicolli E A , Carey R M , Farquhar D , Haft S , Alfonso K P , Mirza N
Published: December 2016

Objective:

The aetiology and outcomes for patients with acquired subglottic stenosis are highly variable. This study aimed to identify risk factors for subglottic stenosis and patient characteristics that predict long-term clinical outcomes.

Methods:

A retrospective review was performed on 63 patients with subglottic stenosis and 63 age-matched controls. Patient demographics and clinical characteristics were compared. Subglottic stenosis patients were further grouped according to tracheostomy status (i.e. tracheostomy never required, tracheostomy initially required but patient eventually decannulated, and tracheostomy-dependent). Patient factors from these three groups were then compared to evaluate risk factors for long-term tracheostomy dependence.

Results:

Compared to controls, patients with subglottic stenosis had a significantly higher body mass index (30.8vs26.0 kg/m2;p< 0.001) and were more likely to have diabetes (23.8 per centvs7.94 per cent;p= 0.01). Comparing tracheostomy outcomes within the subglottic stenosis group, body mass index trended towards significance (p= 0.08). Age, gender, socio-economic status, subglottic stenosis aetiology and other co-morbidities did not correlate with outcome.

Conclusion:

Obesity and diabetes are significant risk factors for acquiring subglottic stenosis. Further investigations are required to determine if obesity is also a predictor for failed tracheostomy decannulation in subglottic stenosis.
Reproductive biology ofSabellaria wilsoni(Sabellariidae: Polychaeta), an important ecosystem engineer on the Amazon coast
Authors: Aviz D. , Pinto A.J.A. , Ferreira M.A.P. , Rocha R.M. , Rosa Filho J.S.
Published: December 2016

The sabellariid worms are important ecosystem engineers in coastal zones, due to their ability to construct sand reefs, modify environments and structure biological communities. This article describes the reproductive biology ofSabellaria wilsonion a beach of the Amazon coast. Each month between May 2008 and April 2009, specimens were collected for morphometric and histological analyses for sexing and determination of gonadal maturity. In females, the number and diameter of the oocytes at different stages of vitellogenesis were also recorded. The results showed that the species is dioecious, with sexual reproduction, females larger than males, and a female-biased sex ratio (overall, 1.6♀: 1♂). Four distinct stages of gonadal maturation were identified in the males and females – (i) initial development, (ii) maturing, (iii) mature and (iv) spawning. Sexual maturity is attained rapidly, and reproduction is continuous, with two breeding peaks, one in the dry season, related to the increased intensity of hydrodynamic conditions and reef erosion; and the other in the rainy season, when the availability of space and nutrients increases. The reproductive strategy of the species reinforces the classification of the sabellariids as r-strategists, adapted to colonize habitats with unstable environmental conditions.
An investigation into the temperature phase transitions of synthesized materials with Al- and Mg-doped lithium manganese oxide spinels by in situ powder X-ray diffraction
Authors: Snyders C. D. , Ferg E. E. , Billing D.
Published: December 2016

Three spinel materials were prepared and characterized by in situ powder X-ray diffraction (PXRD) techniques to track their phase changes that occurred in the typical batch synthesis process from a sol–gel mixture to the final crystalline spinel oxide. The materials were also characterized by thermal gravimetric analysis, whereby the materials decomposition mechanisms that were observed as the precursor, was gradually heated to the final oxide. The results showed that all the materials achieved their total weight loss at about 400 °C. The in situ PXRD analysis showed the progression of the phase transitions where certain of the materials changed from a crystalline precursor to an amorphous intermediate phase and finally to the spinel cathode oxide (Li1.03Mg0.2Mn1.77O4). For other materials, the precursor would start as an amorphous phase and upon heating, convert into an impure intermediate phase (Mn2O3) before forming the final spinel oxide (Li1.03Mn1.97O4). On the other hand, the LiAl0.4Mn1.6O4 would start with an amorphous precursor, with no intermediate phases and immediately formed the final spinel oxide phase. The in situ PXRD study also showed the increases in the materials respective lattice parameters of the crystalline unit cells upon heating and the significant increases in their crystallite sizes when heated above 600 °C.
The Leiden Journal of International Law at 30
Authors: DE BRABANDERE ERIC , VENZKE INGO
Published: December 2016

In 2017 the Leiden Journal is celebrating its 30th anniversary. Since the inception of the journal in 1988, much has changed. This includes not only the structure, lay out, organization and publisher of the journal, but also the general environment in which the journal is published. This editorial's aim is to briefly sketch the journal's life over the past 30 years and to reflect on it.
Hypseocharis reveals early history of physical dormancy in Geraniaceae
Authors: Vandelook Filip , Van de Vyver Ann , Gareca Edgar E.
Published: December 2016

Hypseocharis is a genus endemic to the high Andes and sister to all other Geraniaceae genera. Regarding its basal position in Geraniaceae evolution, its germination ecology can provide important insights into the early evolution of physical dormancy. Imbibition tests performed on seeds of two Hypseocharis populations from Bolivia indicate that their seeds indeed have physical dormancy like all other Geraniaceae. These results indicate that physical dormancy in Geraniaceae evolved during the Eocene before the uplift of the Andes mountains and before the events that led to the cross-Atlantic disjunct distribution of Geraniacae.
On the Number of 4-Edge Paths in Graphs With Given Edge Density
Authors: NAGY DÁNIEL T.
Published: December 2016

We investigate the number of 4-edge paths in graphs with a given number of vertices and edges, proving an asymptotically sharp upper bound on this number. The extremal construction is the quasi-star or the quasi-clique graph, depending on the edge density. An easy lower bound is also proved. This answer resembles the classic theorem of Ahlswede and Katona about the maximal number of 2-edge paths, and a recent theorem of Kenyon, Radin, Ren and Sadun about k-edge stars.
ON INTEGERS OCCURRING AS THE MAPPING DEGREE BETWEEN QUASITORIC 4-MANIFOLDS
Authors: BARALIĆ ÐORÐE B.
Published: December 2016

We study the set$D(M,N)$of all possible mapping degrees from$M$to$N$when$M$and$N$are quasitoric$4$-manifolds. In some of the cases, we completely describe this set. Our results rely on Theorems proved by Duan and Wang and the sets of integers obtained are interesting from the number theoretical point of view, for example those representable as the sum of two squares$D(\mathbb{C}P^{2}\sharp \mathbb{C}P^{2},\mathbb{C}P^{2})$or the sum of three squares$D(\mathbb{C}P^{2}\sharp \mathbb{C}P^{2}\sharp \mathbb{C}P^{2},\mathbb{C}P^{2})$. In addition to the general results about the mapping degrees between quasitoric 4-manifolds, we establish connections between Duan and Wang’s approach, quadratic forms, number theory and lattices.
Where Welfare and Criminal Justice Meet: Applying Wacquant to the Experiences of Marginalised Women in Austerity Britain
Authors: Povey Larissa
Published: December 2016

Research linking social and penal policy has grown extensively in recent years. Wacquant (2009) suggests that retrenchment of welfare support and expansion of the penal system work together to bear down on marginalised populations in a ‘carceral–assistential net’. Empirical and theoretical examinations of these regimes are often underpinned by gendered assumptions. This article addresses this limitation by foregrounding the experiences of women; qualitative interviews offer an insight into their experiences at the intersection of welfare and criminal justice policy in austerity Britain. Their reflections make visible the complex, heterogeneous raft of social assistance, institutional neglect and intensive intervention that characterises women's experiences of the ‘carceral–assistential net’. The evidence presented suggests that for marginalised women interventions intensify once behaviour becomes problematic or in times of crisis. While some interventions are valued by those engaged there is little significant impact on their socio-economic position.
Non-host status of papaya cultivars to the oriental fruit fly, Bactrocera dorsalis (Diptera: Tephritidae), in relation to the degree of fruit ripeness
Authors: Cugala Domingos , Jordane João Jone , Ekesi Sunday
Published: December 2016

Phytosanitary measures are a major barrier to trade in papaya. We assessed the infestation of tephritid fruit flies on different stages of maturity of papaya, to determine its non-host stage of maturity, for market access. Papaya fruits were collected from Kilifi and Embu counties, Kenya from March 2013 to December 2014, to assess the level of infestation by fruit flies according to the degree of fruit ripening. In all locations, no fruit fly infestation was recorded on papaya when fruits were at the 0, 25 and 50% yellow fruit ripening stage.Bactrocera dorsalis(Hendel) was, however, observed attacking fruits when papaya fruits were at 75 and 100% all yellow (fully ripe fruit ripening stage) with infestations of 0.19−0.51B. dorsalis/kg fruit and 0.24−1.24B. dorsalis/kg fruit, respectively, in all locations. Field cage exposure ofB. dorsalisto fruits of five papaya cultivars—‘Papino’, ‘Neo Essence’, ‘Sunrise Solo’, ‘Tainung No. 1’ and ‘Tainung No. 2’ in Manica Province, Mozambique—showed thatB. dorsalisdid not infest fruits at 0, 25 and 50% yellow ripening stages at the densities of 50 and 100 flies per cage. However, at 75% yellow ripening stage, up to 13.1 pupae/kg of fruits was recorded at a density of 150 flies per cage in Tainung No. 1, and infestation ranged from 4.5 to 136 pupae/kg fruits at 100% yellow ripening stage across all the cultivars and infestation densities. Laboratory evaluation of volatiles emanating from freshly crushed papaya pulp of four cultivars: ‘Sunrise Solo’, ‘Red Lady’, ‘Papayi’ and ‘Apoyo’ on egg viability ofB. dorsalisshowed that at 0, 25 and 50% yellow, egg hatchability was inhibited, suggesting that semiochemical compounds present in green tissues of papaya prevent egg development, although this effect was variable across the four cultivars and ripening stages. Export papaya is harvested at less than 40% yellow ripening stage. Our results, therefore, suggest that quarantine treatment for fruits at this ripening stage is inconsequential, asB. dorsalisdoes not infest papaya fruits at this stage; thus, authorities should permit entry of these papaya cultivars of less than 40% yellow ripening stage to quarantine-sensitive markets.
Thomas Dunne Receives 2016 Robert E. Horton Medal
Authors:   AGU
Published: December 2016

Thomas Dunne was awarded the 2016 Robert E. Horton Medal at the American Geophysical Union Fall Meeting Honors Ceremony, held on 14 December 2016 in San Francisco, Calif. The medal is for "outstanding contributions to hydrology."
Phosphorylated STAT5 regulates p53 expression via BRCA1/BARD1-NPM1 and MDM2
Authors: Ren Zhuo , Aerts Joeri L , Vandenplas Hugo , Wang Jiance A , Gorbenko Olena , Chen Jack P , Giron Philippe , Heirman Carlo , Goyvaerts Cleo , Zacksenhaus Eldad , Minden Mark D , Stambolic Vuk , Breckpot Karine , De Grève Jacques
Published: December 2016

Signal transducer and activator of transcription 5 (STAT5) and nucleophosmin (NPM1) are critical regulators of multiple biological and pathological processes. Although a reciprocal regulatory relationship was established between STAT5A and a NPM–ALK fusion protein in T-cell lymphoma, no direct connection between STAT5 and wild-type NPM1 has been documented. Here we demonstrate a mutually regulatory relationship between STAT5 and NPM1. Induction of STAT5 phosphorylation at Y694 (P-STAT5) diminished NPM1 expression, whereas inhibition of STAT5 phosphorylation enhanced NPM1 expression. Conversely, NPM1 not only negatively regulated STAT5 phosphorylation but also preserved unphosphorylated STAT5 level. Mechanistically, we show that NPM1 downregulation by P-STAT5 is mediated by impairing the BRCA1-BARD1 ubiquitin ligase, which controls the stability of NPM1. In turn, decreased NPM1 levels led to suppression of p53 expression, resulting in enhanced cell survival. This study reveals a new STAT5 signaling pathway regulating p53 expression via NPM1 and uncovers new therapeutic targets for anticancer treatment in tumors driven by STAT5 signaling.
High molecular weight poly(N-methyl-B-vinylazaborine) – a semi-inorganic B–N polystyrene analogue
Authors: Thiedemann Birk , Gliese Philipp J. , Hoffmann Jonas , Lawrence Paul G. , Sönnichsen Frank D. , Staubitz Anne
Published: December 2016

We present the synthesis of a B–N analogue of polystyrene, poly(N-methyl-B-vinylazaborine) in high molecular weight (MW= 24.9 kDa).
Functional small-molecules & polymers containing PC and AsC bonds as hybrid π-conjugated materials
Authors: Morales Salazar Daniel , Mijangos Edgar , Pullen Sonja , Gao Ming , Orthaber Andreas
Published: December 2016

Switch the pnictogen: functional materials containing PC and AsC fragments for optoelectronic applications. An example of a polymer containing arsaalkenes is presented.
Ferromagnetism in nitrogen-doped BaO: a self-interaction corrected DFT study
Authors: Albanese Elisa , Pacchioni Gianfranco
Published: December 2016

The magnetic interaction between N dopants in different positions has been investigated by means of an accurate and robust DFT approach.
Enhanced p-cresol photodegradation over BiOBr/Bi2O3 in the presence of rhodamine B
Authors: Han Aijuan , Sun Jiulong , Chuah Gaik Khuan , Jaenicke Stephan
Published: December 2016

Co-adsorption of rhodamine B accelerates the photodegradation of p-cresol over hetero-epitactic BiOBr/Bi2O3 composites.
Porous hollow carbon nanofibers derived from multi-walled carbon nanotubes and sucrose as anode materials for lithium-ion batteries
Authors: Lei Wanwan , Liu Sheng , Zhang Wen-Hua
Published: December 2016

Porous hollow carbon nanofibers exhibit tunable shell thicknesses from 2.5 to 13.5 nm. Overcoating of a thin, porous, and non-graphitic carbon layer on the pristine MWCNTs holds a great potential for enhancing their anode performance for LIBs.
Optimized preparation of micro-block CPAM by response surface methodology and evaluation of dewatering performance
Authors: Li Xiang , Zheng Huaili , Gao Baoyu , Sun Yongjun , Tang Xiaomin , Xu Bincheng
Published: December 2016

Micro-block cationic polyacrylamide (P(AM-MAPTAC)) was synthesized through UV-initiated template copolymerization and characterized by FTIR, 1H NMR, SEM and TG/DSC analyses.
Rhodium-catalyzed synthesis of esters from aryl iodides and alcohols: use of alcohols with/without the assistance of aldehydes as carbon monoxide and nucleophile sources
Authors: Kim Ju Hyun , Park Hawon , Chung Young Keun
Published: December 2016

A CO-gas-free rhodium-catalyzed alkoxycarbonylation of aryl iodide with alcohols has been developed.
Tuning the photophysical properties of BODIPY dyes through extended aromatic pyrroles
Authors: Swavey Shawn , Quinn John , Coladipietro Michael , Cox Kegan G. , Brennaman M. Kyle
Published: December 2016

A series of naphthyl and fluorantho-fused BODIPY dyes have been synthesized by a simple two-step process. These dyes display high molar absorptivities in the far visible region of the spectrum with emission quantum efficiencies at or near unity.
Conserved residues in Ycf54 are required for protochlorophyllide formation in Synechocystis sp. PCC 6803
Authors: Hollingshead Sarah , Bliss Sophie , Baker Patrick J. , Neil Hunter C.
Published: December 2016

Chlorophylls (Chls) are modified tetrapyrrole molecules, essential for photosynthesis. These pigments possess an isocyclic E ring formed by the Mg-protoporphyrin IX monomethylester cyclase (MgPME–cyclase). We assessed the in vivo effects of altering seven highly conserved residues within Ycf54, which is required for MgPME–cyclase activity in the cyanobacterium Synechocystis. Synechocystis strains harbouring the Ycf54 alterations D39A, F40A and R82A were blocked to varying degrees at the MgPME–cyclase step, whereas the A9G mutation reduced Ycf54 levels by ∼75%. Wild-type (WT) levels of the cyclase subunit CycI are present in strains with D39A and F40A, but these strains have lowered cellular Chl and photosystem accumulation. CycI is reduced by ∼50% in A9G and R82A, but A9G has no perturbations in Chl or photosystem accumulation, whilst R82A contains very little Chl and few photosystems. When FLAG tagged and used as bait in pulldown experiments, the three mutants D39A, F40A and R82A were unable to interact with the MgPME–cyclase component CycI, whereas A9G pulled down a similar level of CycI as WT Ycf54. These observations suggest that a stable interaction between CycI and Ycf54 is required for unimpeded Pchlide biosynthesis. Crystal structures of the WT, A9G and R82A Ycf54 proteins were solved and analysed to investigate the structural effects of these mutations. A loss of the local hydrogen bonding network and a reversal in the surface charge surrounding residue R82 are probably responsible for the functional differences observed in the R82A mutation. We conclude that the Ycf54 protein must form a stable interaction with CycI to promote optimal Pchlide biosynthesis.
Triterpenoids with Antiplatelet Aggregation Activity from the Roots of Ilex pubescens
Authors: Tan Qinglong , Qiu Maosong , Cao Di , Xiong Tianqin , Zhang Lei , Zhou Lian , Rong Li , Zhou Jinsong , Jin Jing , Zhao Zhongxiang
Published: December 2016

Two new triterpenes and five new triterpene saponins, named ilexpusons A–G (1–7), as well as eight known compounds were isolated from Ilex pubescens. The structures of the new compounds were established by a combination of chemical and spectroscopic methods, including HRESIMS, 1H-NMR, 13C-NMR, 1H-1H COSY, HSQC, HMBC, and NOESY. Additionally, the biological activity of compounds 1 – 15 against adenosine diphosphate-induced platelet aggregation in rabbit plasma was determined. Among the tested compounds, 1, 2, 5, 6, 8, 13, 14, and 15 exhibited significant inhibition of platelet aggregation in vitro.
Syntheses, Structural Studies, and Copper Iodide Complexes of Macrocycles Derived from Williamson Ether Syntheses Involving 2,9-Bis(4-hydroxyphenyl)-1,10-phenanthroline, α,ω-Dibromides, and Resorcinol or 2,7-Dihydroxynaphthalene
Authors: Baranová Zuzana , Amini Hashem , Neupane Madhav , Garrett Sydney C. , Ehnbom Andreas , Bhuvanesh Nattamai , Reibenspies Joseph H. , Gladysz John A.
Published: December 2016

1,3-Bis(6-bromohexyloxy)benzene, 2,7-bis(6-bromohexyloxy)naphthalene, 1,3-bis(4-bromomethylbenzyloxy)benzene, and 1,3-bis(3-bromomethylbenzyloxy)benzene were prepared via Williamson ether synthesis using resorcinol or 2,7-dihydroxynaphthalene and 1,6-dibromohexane, 1,4-bis(bromomethyl)benzene, or 1,3-bis(bromomethyl)benzene (21–47 % yield). These dibromides were condensed with 2,9-bis(4-hydroxyphenyl)-1,10-phenanthroline in the presence of K2CO3 to give the corresponding 31- to 35-membered macrocycles (3a–d, 22–63 % yield). When 3a–d were treated with CuI, mononuclear 1 : 1 complexes formed, in which the CuI chelates to the nitrogen donor atoms of the phenanthroline moiety (4a–d, 40–80 % yield). The crystal structures of 3a–c and 4a–c were determined and analyzed using density functional theory calculations and in the context of rotaxanes that could be formed by treatment of 4a–d with terminal alkynes (e.g. macrocycle dimensions, void volumes). The copper and iodide atoms in 4a–c significantly protrude from the least-squares plane of the phenanthroline moiety (0.46–0.63 Å and 1.65–2.07 Å).