bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Implant assisted ortho‐surgery in edentulous jaws: a clinical report
Authors: Khojasteh Arash , Payaminia Leila , Alikhasi Marzieh
Published: September 2015

Key Clinical Message

The severely atrophy of jaws often complicates ideally oral reconstruction of esthetics and functionality, and necessitates different preprosthetic surgeries including bone grafting, ortho‐surgery, and implant insertion. The mentioned procedures could be done within different approaches. This report describes the management of an edentulous case by implant insertion before orthognathic correction.
Suicide in adolescents with depression: the need for early diagnosis
Authors: Correa Díaz Edgar Patricio , Jácome Sánchez Elisa Carolina , Martínez Braulio Alexander
Published: September 2015

Key Clinical Message

Adolescent suicide is a public health problem worldwide. Parents and family play a crucial role in seeking professional help early enough to avoid catastrophic outcomes such as the death of a teenager.
Design and Development of Oxynitride Photocatalysts for Overall Water Splitting under Visible Light Irradiation
Authors: Takata Tsuyoshi , Pan Chengsi , Domen Kazunari
Published: September 2015

Photocatalytic overall water splitting into H2 and O2 is expected to be a promising method for the efficient utilization of solar energy. The design of optimal photocatalyst structures is a key to efficient overall water splitting. The photocatalyst used is generally a composite of particulate semiconductor and cocatalyst nanoparticles. Thus, the photocatalyst has the properties of both a semiconductor and a catalyst. In the design of photocatalysts for water splitting, both of these aspects should be taken into consideration. In the present article, we introduce key approaches that have led to the recent progress in oxynitride photocatalysts for visible‐light‐driven water splitting. In particular, band engineering of semiconductors by compositional modification and effective surface coating, which has a molecular sieving function to control the surface redox reactions, are explained through recent advances in our studies as examples.
The effect of Paget disease on axillary lymph node metastases and survival in invasive ductal carcinoma
Authors: Wong Stephanie M. , Freedman Rachel A. , Sagara Yasuaki , Stamell Emily F. , Desantis Stephen D. , Barry William T. , Golshan Mehra
Published: September 2015

BACKGROUND

The objective of this study was to examine the effect of Paget disease (PD) on axillary lymph node metastases and survival in patients who had concomitant invasive ductal carcinoma (PD‐IDC).

METHODS

The Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) database was used to identify women who were diagnosed with PD‐IDC from 2000 to 2011, comparing baseline demographic and tumor characteristics with those who were diagnosed with IDC alone during the same period. Multivariable logistic regression was used to examine the association of PD‐IDC with axillary lymph node metastasis, and breast cancer‐specific survival and overall survival were compared between the PD‐IDC and IDC groups using the Kaplan‐Meier method and Cox proportional hazards regression.

RESULTS

The study cohort included 1102 patients with PD‐IDC and 302,242 controls with IDC alone. PD‐IDC tumors were more likely to be centrally located (26.9% vs 5.5%; P < .001), high grade (63.5% vs 40.3%; P < .001), >2 cm in greatest dimension (47.1% vs 35.7%; P < .001), and estrogen/progesterone receptor‐negative (45.2% vs 22.1%; P < .001). In adjusted analyses, patients with PD‐IDC had higher odds of axillary lymph node metastasis (odds ratio, 1.83; P < .001). The unadjusted 10‐year breast cancer‐specific and overall survival rates were lower for the PD‐IDC group compared with the IDC‐alone group, although, after adjusting for disease stage, tumor characteristics, and local therapy, no significant differences in mortality risk were observed between the 2 groups (hazard ratio, 0.91; P = .24).

CONCLUSIONS

PD‐IDC is associated with an increased risk of axillary lymph node metastasis, but not with inferior survival, compared with IDC alone after adjustment for other disease factors. Cancer 2015;121:4333–40. © 2015 American Cancer Society.
Fluoride‐ion‐conducting Polymers: Ionic Conductivity and Fluoride Ion Diffusion Coefficient in Quaternized Polysulfones
Authors: Pasquini Luca , Ziarelli Fabio , Viel Stéphane , Di Vona Maria Luisa , Knauth Philippe
Published: September 2015

We describe the three‐step synthesis of a new polymeric fluoride ion conductor based on the fully aromatic polymer polysulfone (PSU). In the first step, PSU is chloromethylated (CM‐PSU) using reagents (i.e., stannic chloride, paraformaldehyde, and trimethylchlorosilane) that are less toxic than those used in the standard procedure. In the second step, CM‐PSU reacts with a tertiary amine (trimethylamine or 1,4‐diazabicyclo[2.2.2]octane) to form quaternary ammonium groups fixed on the PSU backbone and mobile chloride counter‐anions. The chloride ions can, in a third step, be exchanged with fluoride ions by immersion of the ionomer in NaF solution. The fluoride ion conductivity reaches 3–5 mS cm−1 at 25 °C and 5–10 mS cm−1 at 40 °C. We determined the F− diffusion coefficient in these ionomers by pulsed gradient spin‐echo (PGSE) high‐resolution magic angle spinning (HRMAS) nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy and by impedance spectroscopy using the Nernst–Einstein relation. The diffusion coefficients determined by the two methods are in good agreement, ranging from 2 to 4×10−10 m2 s−1. The porosity and tortuosity of the ionomer membranes can be estimated.
Multidimensional Instability of Dust‐Acoustic Solitary Waves in a Magnetized Hot Dusty Plasma with Superthermal Electrons and Ions
Authors: Shahmohammadi N. , Dorranian D.
Published: September 2015

Multidimensional instability of dust‐acoustic solitary wave (DASW) in magnetized dusty plasma with superthermal electrons and ions and micron size hot dust particles is investigated. The Zakharov‐Kuznetsov (ZK) equation, describing the small but finite amplitude DASW, was derived using the reductive perturbation method and its solitary answers was introduced. Effects of electrons and ions superthermality as well as the external magnetic field on the nature of DASW are discussed in detail. Dispersion relation, threshold condition, and growth rate of multidimensional instability of DASW were derived using small‐k (long wavelength plane wave) perturbation expansion method. We found that the direction and strength of external magnetic field extremely affect the growth rate and instability criterion. Results show that growth rate of instability decreases with increasing the number of superthermal electrons and increases with increasing the number of superthermal ions. (© 2015 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Novel fingerprinting mechanisms for indoor positioning
Authors: Ma Yi‐Wei , Chen Jiann‐Liang , Chang Fan‐Sheng , Tang Chia‐Lun
Published: September 2015

As wireless communications and microelectronic technology rapidly develop, diverse applications and services based on smart handheld devices have drawn the attention of researchers. The popularity of Indoor Location Based services and applications has also gradually increased. Therefore, how to improve indoor positioning accuracy becomes a very important issue. Although indoor positioning has been performed using various techniques in recent years, the computational complexity of ensuring positioning accuracy and positioning is an unsolved problem. Current indoor positioning systems typically use only the receiver or the transmitter to obtain the reference point data, and only the K‐Nearest Neighbors (KNN) or Trilateration algorithm is used to perform positioning. Therefore, positioning accuracy is limited by the use of reference point data from a single source and by the positioning algorithm used. The Novel Fingerprinting Mechanisms (NFM) indoor positioning system proposed in this study, however, uses both the receiver and transmitter to obtain positioning data and employs six positioning mechanisms to improve the current positioning accuracy. The experimental results show that the average error distance is 1.18 m in the NFM indoor positioning system. That is the system outperforms both KNN and Trilateration systems, which have average error distances of 1.35 m and 2.23 m, respectively. This study proves that the positioning accuracy is actually improved. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Direct‐methanol Fuel Cell Based on Functionalized Graphene Oxide with Mono‐metallic and Bi‐metallic Nanoparticles: Electrochemical Performances of Nanomaterials for Methanol Oxidation
Authors: Yola Mehmet Lütfi , Eren Tanju , Atar Necip , Saral Hasan , Ermiş İsmail
Published: September 2015

The catalysts based on 2‐aminoethanethiol functionalized graphene oxide (AETGO) with several mono‐metallic and bi‐metallic nanoparticles such as rod gold (rAuNPs), rod silver (rAgNPs), rod gold‐platinum (rAu‐Pt NPs) and rod silver‐platinum (rAg‐Pt NPs) were synthesized. The successful synthesis of nanomaterials was confirmed by various methods. The effective surface area (ESA) of the rAu‐Pt NPs/AETGO is 1.44, 1.64 and 2.40 times higher than those of rAg‐Pt NPs/AETGO, rAuNPs/AETGO and rAgNPs/AETGO, respectively, under the same amount of Pt. The rAu‐Pt NPs/AETGO exhibited a higher peak current for methanol oxidation than those of comparable rAg‐Pt NPs/AETGO under the same amount of Pt loading.
The impact of capacity and location of multidistributed generator integrated in the distribution system on electrical line losses, reliability, and interruption cost
Authors: Chiradeja Pathomthat , Ngaopitakkul Atthapol
Published: September 2015

The primary purpose of this article is to study the impact of distributed generator (DG) integrated into the distribution system in terms of electrical line losses, reliability and interruption cost. The single‐ and multi‐distributed generators (DG) under this study are connected to a 22 kV distribution system of the Provincial Electricity Authority (PEA) that is a part of Thailand's distribution system. Geographic information systems data, including the lengths of the distribution line and the load locations that are key parameters of PEA, are simulated using digital simulation and electrical network calculation program (DIgSILENT). In addition, the capacity and location of DG installed into the distribution system are considered. The system average interruption frequency index (SAIFI), the system average interruption duration index (SAIDI) and the interruption cost are assessed as reliability indices by comparing the SAIFI, SAIDI, and interruption cost of the base case (without DG) and the cases of single‐ and multi‐DGs connected to the distribution system. Moreover, the electrical line loss is considered in terms of active power line loss, which is also compared with the base case. The results can be summarized by focusing on the location of DG, the capacity of DG, the number of DG, the size of the load, and the distance to the load, which are factors capable of impacting the electrical line loss, SAIFI, SAIDI, and interruption cost. © 2015 American Institute of Chemical Engineers Environ Prog, 34: 1763–1773, 2015
Effect of the organic loading rate in the stillage treatment in a constructed wetland with Canna indica
Authors: López‐Rivera Adrián , López‐López Alberto , Vallejo‐Rodríguez Ramiro , León‐Becerril Elizabeth
Published: September 2015

Anaerobic processes have been used for the stillage treatment, although the effluent of these processes still has a remnant of organic matter measured as Chemical oxygen demand (COD) and Biochemical oxygen demand (BOD), which must be treated to reduce its environmental impact, and constructed wetlands are an opportunity to treat this effluent at low cost. In this study, the effect of the organic loading rate (OLR) on the adaptation and growth of Canna indica was evaluated in a horizontal subsurface flow constructed wetland for stillage treatment during 131 days. The wetland was operated at OLRs ranging 0.13 to 1.32 kg m−3 d−1, reaching average efficiencies about 87% for BOD and 70% for COD, depending on OLR, however efficiencies decreased for OLRs above 0.88 kg m−3 d−1. Canna indica grew well in the wetland; the gradual increase in organic matter ensured the adaptation of plants. Height and growth of plants were more important near to the outlet of the wetland (zone 2), than near to the inlet (zone 1). This phenomenon is associated with the removal of organic matter and the increment in the bioavailability of organic matter and nutrients through the length of the wetland. © 2015 American Institute of Chemical Engineers Environ Prog, 35: 411–415, 2016
Seismic performance of masonry walls retrofitted with steel reinforced grout
Authors: De Santis Stefano , Casadei Paolo , De Canio Gerardo , de Felice Gianmarco , Malena Marialaura , Mongelli Marialuisa , Roselli Ivan
Published: September 2015

An innovative solution for the seismic protection of existing masonry structures is proposed and investigated through shake table tests on a natural scale wall assemblage. After a former test series carried out without reinforcement, the specimen was retrofitted using Steel Reinforced Grout. The strengthening system comprises horizontal strips of ultra‐high strength steel cords, externally bonded to the masonry with hydraulic lime mortar, and connectors to transversal walls, applied within the thickness of the plaster layer. In order to assess the seismic performance of the retrofitted wall, natural accelerograms were applied with increasing intensity up to failure. Test results provide a deep understanding of the effectiveness of mortar‐based composites for improving the out‐of‐plane seismic capacity of masonry walls, in comparison with traditional reinforcements with steel tie‐bars. The structural implications of the proposed solution in terms of dynamic properties and damage development under earthquake loads are also discussed.Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Shaking table tests of steel frame with superelastic Cu–Al–Mn SMA tension braces
Authors: Araki Yoshikazu , Shrestha Kshitij C. , Maekawa Nao , Koetaka Yuji , Omori Toshihiro , Kainuma Ryosuke
Published: September 2015

Shaking table tests are performed on a one‐bay one‐story steel frame with superelastic Cu–Al–Mn shape memory alloy (SMA) tension braces. The frame is subjected to a series of scaled ground motions recorded during the 1995 Kobe earthquake, Japan. The test results demonstrate that the SMA braces are effective to prevent residual deformations and pinching. It is also shown that the time history responses observed from the shaking table tests agree well with the numerical predictions using a rate‐independent piecewise‐linear constitutive model calibrated to the quasi‐static component tests of the SMA braces. This suggests that the loading rate dependence of Cu–Al–Mn SMAs as well as the modeling error due to the piecewise linear approximation can be neglected in capturing the global response of the steel frame. Numerical simulations under a suite of near‐fault ground motion records are further performed using the calibrated analytical models to demonstrate the effectiveness of the SMA braces when the variability of near‐fault ground motions is taken into account. A stopper, or a deformation restraining device, is also proposed to prevent premature fracture of SMA bars in unexpectedly large ground motions while keeping the self‐centering capability in moderate to large ground motions. The effectiveness of the stopper is also demonstrated in the quasi‐static component and shaking table tests. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Meaningful Measurement for Community‐Based Adaptation
Authors: Faulkner Lucy , Ayers Jessica , Huq Saleemul
Published: September 2015

Evidence indicates ongoing tensions over effective climate change adaptation measurement. Focusing on community‐based adaptation (CBA), we stress that some of these tensions stem from a lack of transparency around the knowledge and learning needs of different stakeholders engaged in CBA investments. Drawing on a participatory assessment of stakeholder information needs and appropriate scales required for effective monitoring and evaluation (M&E) for CBA, this article presents a new M&E for CBA framework. The framework identifies four levels at which M&E is to be undertaken by CBA practitioners and associated project stakeholders: participatory M&E at community level; M&E at individual project level and comparison across multiple project sites; M&E of capacity of institutions implementing CBA; and M&E of community of practice. The proposed framework tailors its M&E approaches according to these levels. By moving beyond the existing dominant donor‐driven M&E perspective, we argue that this more nuanced approach enhances the usefulness of M&E by ensuring that the accountability of stakeholders engaged in CBA landscapes is legitimate across multiple scales. The framework is applicable for M&E of general development practice, as well as the climate change adaptation and resilience remit.
Linking Monitoring and Evaluation of Adaptation to Climate Change Across Scales: Avenues and Practical Approaches
Authors: Leiter Timo
Published: September 2015

Monitoring and evaluation (M&E) efforts to prepare for, adjust to, and reduce the impacts of climate change—a process known as adaptation—can help to understand the results of adaptation interventions and better account for progress over time. Information on adaptation is so far typically gathered through either project and program, or national‐level climate change adaptation M&E systems with limited connection between them. However, given that adaptation takes place at multiple scales, a complete picture of the adaptation progress can only be established if information from national and subnational levels is combined. The chapter outlines three avenues illustrated by examples from practice on how information on adaptation interventions and evaluation results can be connected across scales in order to improve the evidence base for adaptation planning and decision making.
Development of a Coking‐Resistant NiSn Anode for the Direct Methane SOFC
Authors: Bogolowski N. , Iwanschitz B. , Drillet J.‐F.
Published: September 2015

The present work reports on the development of a coking‐resistant NiSn‐based membrane electrode assembly (MEA) for internal CH4 reforming in solid oxide fuel cells (SOFCs). Catalyst powder was prepared in a centrifugal casting oven by melting stoichiometric amounts of Ni and Sn under vacuum. The formation of Ni3Sn2 intermetallic phase was confirmed by XRD analysis. Catalytic activity for CH4 reforming and stability of the NiSn powder were first evaluated in a quartz glass reactor for 4 h at 600–1,000 °C. The main reaction products H2 and CO were detected by gas chromatography while no carbon formation was detected during the experiments. Then, 3YSZ electrolyte‐supported MEAs were fabricated with a Ni3Sn2/YSZ anode and LSM/YSZ cathode and characterized under SOFC conditions. The MEA showed an excellent stability under CH4 atmosphere (3% H2O) at 850 °C over more than 650 h. No substantial decrease in cell potential was observed during this period.
How bilingualism shapes the functional architecture of the brain: A study on executive control in early bilinguals and monolinguals
Authors: Costumero Víctor , Rodríguez‐Pujadas Aina , Fuentes‐Claramonte Paola , Ávila César
Published: September 2015

The existence of a behavioral advantage of bilinguals over monolinguals during executive tasks is controversial. A new approach to this issue is to investigate the effect of bilingualism on neural control when performing these tasks as a window to understand when behavioral differences are produced. Here, we tested if early bilinguals use more language‐related networks than monolinguals while performing a go/no‐go task that includes infrequent no‐go and go trials. The RTs and accuracy in both groups did not differ. An independent component analyses (ICA) revealed, however, that bilinguals used the left fronto‐parietal network and the salience network more than monolinguals while processing go infrequent cues and no‐go cues, respectively. It was noteworthy that the modulation of these networks had opposite correlates with performance in bilinguals and monolinguals, which suggests that between‐group differences were more qualitative than quantitative. Our results suggest that bilinguals may differently develop the involvement of the executive control networks that comprise the left inferior frontal gyrus during cognitive control tasks than monolinguals. Hum Brain Mapp 36:5101–5112, 2015. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
On a Family of Achievement and Shortfall Inequality Indices
Authors: Chakravarty Satya R. , Chattopadhyay Nachiketa , D'Ambrosio Conchita
Published: September 2015

This paper identifies a family of absolute consistent inequality indices using a weakly decomposable postulate suggested by Ebert. Because one member employs an Atkinson type aggregation we refer to it as the Atkinson index of consistent inequality. A second member of this family parallels the Kolm index of inequality. Two innovative features of these indices are that no specific structure is imposed on the form of the index at the outset and no transformation of any existing index is considered to ensure consistency. Each of them regards an achievement distribution as equally unequal as the corresponding shortfall distribution. We apply these indices to study inequality in grip strength among 50+ year‐old Europeans. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A phosphomimetic mutant of RelA/p65 at Ser536 induces apoptosis and senescence: An implication for tumor‐suppressive role of Ser536 phosphorylation
Authors: Bu Yiwen , Li Xiaoning , He Yingchun , Huang Chenfei , Shen Yi , Cao Yu , Huang Dan , Cai Chuan , Wang Yuhong , Wang Ziqi , Liao Duan‐Fang , Cao Deliang
Published: September 2015

Hundreds of NF‐κB inhibitors have been developed for cancer therapy, but their clinical efficacy is unsatisfactory. Here we show that the phosphorylation activation at Ser536 of RelA/p65 protein, a main subunit in the NF‐κB family, may play a tumor‐suppressive role. In normal colon mucosa, RelA/p65 phosphorylation at Ser536 was increasingly increased with the maturation and apoptotic shedding of epithelial cells, but the phosphorylation at Ser536 was decreased in colon cancer. In colon (HCT116 p53 wt and p53 −/−), breast (MCF7), and prostate (LNCaP and DU145) cancer cells, a phosphomimetic mutation of RelA/p65 at Ser536 (named p65/S536D) triggered dramatic apoptosis through affecting expression of a wide range of cell death/survival genes, such as Bim, Puma, Noxa, Bcl‐2 and survivin. In HCT116 cells, p65/S536D mutant upregulated Fas, insulted mitochondrial membrane potential, and triggered cleavage and activation of caspase‐3, 7, 8 and 9. A FasL neutralizing antibody (NOK1) prevented cell death induced by the p65/S536D. A pan inhibitor of caspases, Z‐VAD‐FMK (20 μM), blocked caspase‐mediated mitochondrial membrane depolarization. This p65/S536D also triggered senescence in HCT116 cells through a p16‐dependent pathway, but not in MFC7 due to lack of p16. Intratumoral delivery of the p65/S536D effectively suppressed tumor growth in nude mice. Together our data suggest that the phosphorylation of RelA/p65 at Ser536 may confer it a tumor‐suppressive role by inducing apoptosis and senescence, highlighting the importance of discriminating the function and active status of individual active sites in RelA/p65 when NF‐κB inhibitors are considered for targeted therapy of cancer.
Effects of arm‐splint rigidity on self‐injury and adaptive behavior
Authors: DeRosa Nicole M. , Roane Henry S. , Wilson Jessie L. , Novak Matthew D. , Silkowski Erica L.
Published: September 2015

The current study replicated and extended previous research on the use of a rapid assessment to identify effective arm‐splint rigidity with 2 participants who had been diagnosed with autism and who engaged in self‐injurious behavior (SIB). We varied rigidity levels within a multielement design across several adaptive tasks and identified the most effective rigidity level in terms of reductions in SIB and levels of compliance.
Golgi Associated HIF1a Serves as a Reserve in Melanoma Cells
Authors: Lakhter Alexander J. , Lahm Tim , Broxmeyer Hal E. , Naidu Samisubbu R.
Published: September 2015

Hypoxia‐inducible factor‐1alpha (HIF1a) is a key transcriptional regulator that enables cellular metabolic adaptation to low levels of oxygen. Multiple mechanisms, including lysosomal degradation, control the levels of HIF1a protein. Here we show that HIF1a protein degradation is resistant to lysosomal inhibition and that HIF1a is associated with the Golgi compartment in melanoma cells. Although pharmacological inhibitors of prolyl hydroxylation, neddylation and the proteasome inhibited degradation of HIF1a, attenuation of lysosomal activity with chloroquine did not alter the levels of HIF1a or its association with Golgi. Pharmacological disruption of Golgi resulted in nuclear accumulation of HIF1a. However, blockade of ER‐Golgi protein transport in hypoxia reduced the transcript levels of HIF1a target genes. These findings suggest a possible role for the oxygen‐dependent protein folding process from the ER‐Golgi compartment in fine‐tuning HIF1a transcriptional output. J. Cell. Biochem. 117: 853–859, 2016. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Cyclization of an α,β‐Unsaturated hydrazone catalyzed by a BINOL‐phosphoric acid: Pericyclic or not?
Authors: Heggen Berit , Patil Mahendra , Thiel Walter
Published: September 2015

Density functional theory is used to study the mechanism of the title reaction, one of the first catalytic asymmetric 6π‐electrocyclizations observed experimentally. The benzylideneacetone‐derived phenyl hydrazone is chosen as model substrate for the cyclization reaction, both in the protonated (A) and unprotonated (B) form, while the isoelectronic carbon analogue, 1,5‐diphenylpentadienyl anion (C), serves as a reference for comparisons. The barrier to cyclization is computed to be more than 15 kcal/mol lower in A compared with B, in line with the observed acid catalysis. The relevant transition states to cyclization are characterized for A and C using orbital inspection, natural bond orbital analysis, nucleus independent chemical shifts, and stereochemical indicators. The cyclization of C is confirmed to be pericyclic, while that of A can be described as pseudopericyclic ring closure involving an intramolecular nucleophilic addition. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Sink or Swim: Social Enterprise as a Panacea for Non‐profit Organisations?
Authors: Calvo Sara , Morales Andres
Published: September 2015

The institutional frameworks and contexts that support social enterprises and the growth of hybrid organisations in Sub‐Saharan Africa require more concerted examination. Drawing upon a qualitative study, and examined through a framework of Postcolonial theory, this paper contributes to emerging discussions in this area through an investigation of the transformation of non‐profit organisations (NPOs) towards the social enterprise model and exploring the impact of hybridity on the management of these organisations in Tanzania. The study suggests that NPOs mimic social enterprise ‘best practices’ to secure financial resources and integrate their traditional values into the social enterprise model creating tensions resulting from hybridity. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Red nucleus glutamate facilitates neuropathic allodynia induced by spared nerve injury through non‐NMDA and metabotropic glutamate receptors
Authors: Yu Jing , Ding Cui‐Ping , Wang Jing , Wang Ting , Zhang Tao , Zeng Xiao‐Yan , Wang Jun‐Yang
Published: September 2015

Previous studies have demonstrated that glutamate plays an important role in the development of pathological pain. This study investigates the expression changes of glutamate and the roles of different types of glutamate receptors in the red nucleus (RN) in the development of neuropathic allodynia induced by spared nerve injury (SNI). Immunohistochemistry indicated that glutamate was constitutively expressed in the RN of normal rats. After SNI, the expression levels of glutamate were significantly increased in the RN at 1 week and reached the highest level at 2 weeks postinjury compared with sham‐operated and normal rats. The RN glutamate was colocalized with neurons, oligodendrocytes, and astrocytes but not microglia under physiological and neuropathic pain conditions. To elucidate further the roles of the RN glutamate and different types of glutamate receptors in the development of neuropathic allodynia, antagonists to N‐methyl‐D‐aspartate (NMDA), non‐NMDA, or metabotropic glutamate receptors (mGluRs) were microinjected into the RN contralateral to the nerve‐injury side of rats with SNI, and the paw withdrawal threshold (PWT) was dynamically assessed with von Frey filaments. Microinjection of the NMDA receptor antagonist MK‐801 into the RN did not show any effect on SNI‐induced mechanical allodynia. However, microinjection of the non‐NMDA receptor antagonist 6,7‐dinitroquinoxaline‐2,3(1H,4H)‐dione or the mGluR antagonist (±)‐α‐methyl‐(4‐carboxyphenyl) glycine into the RN significantly increased the PWT and alleviated SNI‐induced mechanical allodynia. These findings suggest that RN glutamate is involved in regulating neuropathic pain and facilitates the development of SNI‐induced neuropathic allodynia. The algesic effect of glutamate is transmitted by the non‐NMDA glutamate receptor and mGluRs. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Efficiency enhancement of InP‐based inverted QD‐LEDs by incorporation of a polyethylenimine modified Al:ZnO layer
Authors: Kim Yohan , Ippen Christian , Fischer Bert , Lange Alexander , Wedel Armin
Published: September 2015

We report efficiency enhancement of indium phosphide (InP) quantum dot‐based light‐emitting diodes (QD‐LEDs) by using an polyethylenimine (PEI) surface modifier. By adapting a solution processed PEI layer on top of a aluminum doped zinc oxide (Al:ZnO) nanoparticle (NP) film, the leakage current of the inverted device was substantially suppressed. In addition, the electron injection into the conduction band edge (CBE) of InP/ZnSe/ZnS QDs was also facilitated by the low work function (WF) of the Al:ZnO film which was realized by the strong interfacial dipoles of the thin film of PEI. As a result, the charge balance in the inverted devices was controlled by the change of surface roughness, the WF and the thickness of neighboring layers via spin‐coating the PEI dissolved in alcohol mixture on the Al:ZnO layer such that the current efficiency was dramatically increased from 0.07 cd/A to 3.17 cd/A. The performance of our device is not comparable to Cd‐based devices; however, it shows the great potential for using an interfacial dipole layer to develop highly efficient InP‐based inverted QD‐LEDs.
Margin re‐excision and local recurrence in invasive breast cancer: A cost analysis using a decision tree model
Authors: Abe Shoko E. , Hill Joshua S. , Han Yimei , Walsh Kendall , Symanowski James T. , Hadzikadic‐Gusic Lejla , Flippo‐Morton Teresa , Sarantou Terry , Forster Meghan , White Richard L.
Published: September 2015

Background

SSO‐ASTRO recently published guidelines defining adequate margins in breast conservation therapy (BCT) as no tumor on ink based on studies demonstrating little difference in local recurrence (LR) with wider margins. We hypothesize that not routinely re‐excising close margins results in decreased costs without compromising care.

Methods

A decision tree model was developed for the management of margins after BCT for invasive cancer. Patients were compared among three margin status groups: positive, close (≤2 mm) and negative (>2 mm). Ten publications provided re‐excision rates (RER) and LR rates. The model assumed 140,000 BCT/year. Sensitivity analyses determined the most cost‐effective strategy. Surgical costs were estimated using 2013 Medicare reimbursement rates.

Results

Re‐excising close margins was significantly more costly than the alternative, $233.1 million versus $214.3 million, per year in the United States. Total surgical cost was most sensitive to re‐excision of close margins—increasing the RER from 0% to 100% resulted in an $18.8 million cost difference.

Conclusions

The strategy of re‐excising close margins resulted in a predicted cost of $18.8 million per year. This does not include hospital costs, the cost of surgical complications after re‐excision, and underestimates the potential savings by using Medicare reimbursement rates. J. Surg. Oncol. 2015; 112:443–448. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Transthoracic versus transhiatal resection for esophageal adenocarcinoma of the lower esophagus: A value‐based comparison
Authors: Khullar Onkar V. , Jiang Renjian , Force Seth D. , Pickens Allan , Sancheti Manu S. , Ward Kevin , Gillespie Theresa , Fernandez Felix G.
Published: September 2015

Background and Objective

Our objective was to compare clinical outcomes, costs, and resource use based on operative approach, transthoracic (TT) or transhiatal (TH), for resection of esophageal cancer.

Methods

This cohort analysis utilized the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results—Medicare linked data from 2002 to 2009. Only adenocarcinomas of the lower esophagus were examined to minimize confounding. Medicare data was used to determine episode of care costs and resource use. Propensity score matching was used to control for identified confounders. Kaplan–Meier method and Cox‐proportional hazard modeling were used to compare long‐term survival.

Results

537 TT and 405 TH resections were identified. TT and TH esophagectomy had similar complication rates (46.7% vs. 50.8%), operative mortality (7.9% vs 7.1%), and 90 days readmission rates (30.5% vs. 32.5%). However, TH was associated with shorter length of stay (11.5 vs. 13.0 days, P = 0.006) and nearly $1,000 lower cost of initial hospitalization (P = 0.03). No difference in 5‐year survival was identified (33.5% vs. 36%, P = 0.75).

Conclusions

TH esophagectomy was associated with lower costs and shorter length of stay in an elderly Medicare population, with similar clinical outcomes to TT. The TH approach to esophagectomy for distal esophageal adenocarcinoma may, therefore, provide greater value (quality/cost). J. Surg. Oncol. 2015; 112:517–523. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Prosthetic breast reconstruction in previously irradiated breasts: A meta‐analysis
Authors: Lee Kyeong‐Tae , Mun Goo‐Hyun
Published: September 2015

Background and Objectives

The present review evaluated the impacts of pre‐reconstruction radiotherapy on outcome of prosthetic breast reconstruction and compared the safety of prosthetic reconstruction with that of other modalities, including autologous tissue reconstruction and the combination of flap and implant in the setting of pre‐reconstruction radiation.

Methods

Studies presenting outcomes of prosthetic breast reconstruction in the setting of pre‐reconstruction radiation published in the past 10 years were identified and reviewed.

Results

Twenty studies were analyzed. Prosthetic reconstruction in previously irradiated breasts showed significantly increased risks for complications, including reconstruction failure (relative risk, 2.58; 95% confidence interval, 1.86–3.57) than those cases without radiation, regardless of the specific surgical technique used, including one‐/two‐stage reconstruction, use of an acellular dermal matrix or not, and the timing of the reconstruction (immediate/delayed). Autologous tissue reconstruction and a combination flap and implant showed a 92% and 72% decreased risk of reconstruction failure, respectively, in previously irradiated breasts compared with that of prosthetic reconstruction.

Conclusions

The results suggest that prior irradiation significantly increases the risk of complications in patients undergoing prosthetic reconstruction, and using an autologous flap or combining it with an implant can be considered to reconstruct previously irradiated breasts. J. Surg. Oncol. 2015; 112:468–475. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Office‐based transurethral devascularisation of low grade non‐invasive urothelial cancer using diode laser. A feasibility study
Authors: Hermann Gregers G. , Mogensen Karin , Lindvold Lars R. , Haak Christina S. , Haedersdal Merete
Published: September 2015

Background and Objective

Frequent recurrence of non‐muscle invasive bladder tumours (NMIBC) requiring transurethral resection of bladder tumour (TUR‐BT) and lifelong monitoring makes the lifetime cost per patient the highest of all cancers. A new method is proposed for the removal of low grade NMIBCs in an office‐based setting, without the need for sedation and pain control and where the patient can leave immediately after treatment.

Study Design/Patients and Methods

An in vitro model was developed to examine the dose/response relationship between laser power, treatment time, and distance between laser fibre and target, using a 980 nm diode laser and chicken meat. The relationship between depth and extent of tissue destruction and the laser settings was measured using microscopy and non‐parametric statistical analysis. A patient with low grade stage Ta tumour and multiple comorbidity, and therefore not fit for general anaesthesia, had a tumour devascularised using the laser at the tumour base, in the outpatient department. The tumour was left in the bladder.

Results

In the in vitro model, depth of tissue destruction increased with laser illumination up to 30 seconds, where median depth was 4.1 mm. With longer illumination the tissue destruction levelled off. The width of tissue destruction was 2–3 mm independent of laser illumination time. The in vivo laser treatments devascularised the tumour, which was later shed from the mucosa and passed out with the urine in the days following treatment. Pain score was 0 on a visual log scale (0–10). The tumour had completely disappeared two weeks after treatment.

Conclusion

This diode laser technique may provide almost pain‐free office‐based treatment of low grade urothelial cancer using flexible cystoscopes in conscious patients. A prospective randomised study will be scheduled to compare the technique with standard TUR‐BT in the operating theatre. Lasers Surg. Med. 47:620–625, 2015. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Loss of membrane‐bound lytic transglycosylases increases outer membrane permeability and β‐lactam sensitivity in Pseudomonas aeruginosa
Authors: Lamers Ryan P. , Nguyen Uyen T. , Nguyen Ylan , Buensuceso Ryan N. C. , Burrows Lori L.
Published: September 2015

The opportunistic pathogen Pseudomonas aeruginosa is a leading cause of nosocomial infections. Its relatively impermeable outer membrane (OM) limits antibiotic entry, and a chromosomally encoded AmpC β‐lactamase inactivates β‐lactam antibiotics. AmpC expression is linked to peptidoglycan (PG) recycling, and soluble (sLT) or membrane‐bound (mLT) lytic transglycosylases are responsible for generating the anhydromuropeptides that induce AmpC expression. Thus, inhibition of LT activity could reduce AmpC‐mediated β‐lactam resistance in P. aeruginosa. Here, we characterized single and combination LT mutants. Strains lacking SltB1 or MltB had increased β‐lactam minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) compared to wild type, while only loss of Slt decreased MICs. An sltB1 mltB double mutant had elevated β‐lactam MICs compared to either the sltB1 or mltB single mutants (96 vs. 32 μg/mL cefotaxime), without changes to AmpC levels. Time–kill assays with β‐lactams suggested that increased MIC correlated with a slower rate of autolysis in the sltB1 mltB mutant – an antisuicide phenotype. Strains lacking multiple mLTs were more sensitive to β‐lactams and up to 16‐fold more sensitive to vancomycin, normally incapable of crossing the OM. Multi‐mLT mutants were also sensitive to bile salts and osmotic stress, and were hyperbiofilm formers, all phenotypes consistent with cell envelope compromise. Complementation with genes encoding inactive forms of the enzymes – or alternatively, overexpression of Braun's lipoprotein – reversed the mutants' cell envelope damage phenotypes, suggesting that mLTs help to stabilize the OM. We conclude that P. aeruginosa mLTs contribute physically to cell envelope stability, and that Slt is the preferred target for future development of LT inhibitors that could synergize with β‐lactams.
Frequent activation of the β‐catenin gene in sporadic colorectal carcinomas: A mutational & expression analysis
Authors: Anwar Mumtaz , Kochhar Rakesh , Singh Rajinder , Bhatia Alka , Vaiphei Kim , Mahmood Akhtar , Mahmood Safrun
Published: September 2015

β‐catenin (CTNNB1), an oncogene/onco‐protein and an adhesion molecule is a key effector in colorectal cancer (CRC). Its activation, and subsequent up‐regulation of Wnt‐signaling, is an important event in the development of certain human cancers including CRC. Mutations in the β‐catenin gene in the region of serine‐threonine glycogen kinase (GSK)‐3β phosphorylation target sites have been identified in colorectal cancer in humans. In the current study, we investigated 60 sporadic colorectal adenocarcinomas along with adjoining and normal mucosa cases in humans for β‐catenin mutations. Thirteen of sixty colorectal tumors from humans had point mutations with a frequency of 21.66% at codons 24, 26, 27, 32, 34, 35, 41, 42,43, 46, 49, 54, 55, or 67 sites which are mutated in colorectal cancer and some of these sites in other cancers. Thus, there appears to be a key involvement of β‐catenin activation in human colorectal carcinogenesis. mRNA expression analysis using q‐Real Time PCR showed 21.5‐fold up‐regulation of β‐catenin mRNA in tumor tissue compared to normal and adjoining mucosa. Protein expression analysis using immunohistochemistry, confocal microscopy, and Western blot confirmed aberrant accumulation of β‐catenin protein along the nucleus and cytoplasm following mutation. The observed mutations and up‐regulation of mRNA in tumors, and the increased expression of β‐catenin protein in CRC suggest that these alterations are early and prognostic events in sporadic colorectal carcinogenesis in humans. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Outcome Measures for Parkinson's Disease Dementia: A Systematic Review
Authors: Holden Samantha K. , Jones Wallace E. , Baker Keith A. , Boersma Isabel M. , Kluger Benzi M.
Published: September 2015

Background

Parkinson's disease (PD) dementia (PDD) is a major cause of morbidity and mortality in PD, which severely affects patient functioning and quality of life and increases the risk for nursing home admission. Unfortunately, current treatment options for PDD are limited and have only marginal therapeutic effects. As novel treatments are developed, there will be a need to assess their efficacy in well‐designed, randomized, controlled trials. However, there is no consensus on the optimal outcome measures for use in PDD clinical trials.

Methods

A systematic review of PDD clinical trials and empirical studies of outcome measures used in PDD was performed. Outcome measures were divided into 5 categories: (1) cognitive; (2) behavioral and mood; (3) activities of daily living and quality of life; (4) global; and (5) caregiver burden.

Findings

A total of 20 PDD pharmacological clinical trials were identified. These trials incorporated a broad array of outcome measures, which were used inconsistently across trials. We summarize the psychometric properties and other relevant data on outcome measures used, including their diagnostic utility, inter‐rater reliability, test‐retest reliability, responsiveness, clinically meaningful change, and availability of alternate forms.

Conclusions

We have identified the best‐evidenced PDD outcome measures in each domain. Further research is needed to assess the validity, reliability, and clinically meaningful change of these measures in PDD to inform the design of future clinical trials and enhance the ability of clinicians, researchers, and policy makers to interpret study results. In addition, the development of outcome measures specific to PDD may be warranted.
Preconditioning methods for high‐order strongly stable time integration methods with an application for a DAE problem
Authors: Axelsson Owe , Blaheta Radim , Kohut Roman
Published: September 2015

High‐order strongly stable time integration method enables use of large time steps and is applicable also for differential–algebraic problems, without any order reduction. At each time step, frequently a large‐scale linear algebraic system must be solved. To solve the arising block matrix systems, an efficient preconditioning method is presented and analysed. The method is applied for the solution of a consolidation problem arising in poroelasticity. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Synthesis and characterization of a temperature‐sensitive hydrogel based on sodium alginate and N‐isopropylacrylamide
Authors: Hu Xiangming , Cheng Weimin , Nie Wen , Shao Zhenlu
Published: September 2015

In this study, a temperature‐sensitive hydrogel was synthesized using N‐isopropylacrylamide (NIPAm), acrylic acid, sodium alginate (SA), and starch as the raw materials, ammonium persulfate as the initiator, and N,N′‐methylenebisacrylamide as the crosslinker by the free radical polymerization. The structure and properties of the hydrogel were studied. The morphology and structure were characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy was used to investigate the effects of the amount of NIPAm, SA, crosslinker, and initiator on the swelling rate (SR) of the hydrogel. The SEM images show that the surface of the hydrogel was uneven and covered with pores, sockets, and laminated intervals, favoring the swelling. The pore size increased with increasing SA amount. The volume phase transition temperature of the hydrogel decreased at a higher NIPAm amount. The SR of the hydrogel stabilized with increasing amount of SA. Increasing amount of NIPAm decreased the SR, and increasing amount crosslinker and initiator increased SR initially, followed by a decrease. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Changes in tensile and tearing fracture properties of carbon‐black filled rubber vulcanizates by thermal aging
Authors: Li Yan , Liu Xiu , Hu Xiaoling , Luo Wenbo
Published: September 2015

The effects of thermal aging on the tensile and tearing fracture properties of carbon‐black (CB)‐filled natural rubber vulcanizates were tested and analyzed. The specimens were subjected to thermo‐oxidative aging at 100°C and 120°C, respectively, for various periods of time ranging from 10 to 168 hr and then mechanically stretched to fracture by tension or tearing with a 5943 Instron single column materials testing system. The elastic modulus, tensile strength, stretch to fracture, and tearing strength of the aged specimens were measured as a function of aged time at each aging temperature. The experimental results demonstrated that the neo‐Hookean hyperelastic model is applicable to describe the tensile stress–stretch behavior of CB‐filled rubbers when the stretch is small comparing with the extension limit. Moreover, the elastic modulus increases as the aged time increases, while the tensile strength, the stretch to fracture, and the tearing strength decreases with the aged time. Meanwhile, the crosslink density increased in a same trend with the elastic modulus as the elastic modulus is linearly proportional to the crosslink density of the rubber material, no matter what mechanism under which the crosslink density is affected, like CB loading or aged time. The change in mechanical properties of the filled rubbers due to thermal aging is found to be dependent on the aging temperature and the CB loading, and the higher the aging temperature and the CB loading, the more pronounced the change in mechanical properties. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.