bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Peptide aptamer-modified single-walled carbon nanotube-based transistors for high-performance biosensors
Authors: Tung Nguyen Thanh , Tue Phan Trong , Thi Ngoc Lien Truong , Ohno Yasuhide , Maehashi Kenzo , Matsumoto Kazuhiko , Nishigaki Koichi , Biyani Manish , Takamura Yuzuru
Published: December 2017

Biosensors employing single-walled carbon nanotube field-effect transistors (SWCNT FETs) offer ultimate sensitivity. However, besides the sensitivity, a high selectivity is critically important to distinguish the true signal from interference signals in a non-controlled environment. This work presents the first demonstration of the successful integration of a novel peptide aptamer with a liquid-gated SWCNT FET to achieve highly sensitive and specific detection of Cathepsin E (CatE), a useful prognostic biomarker for cancer diagnosis. Novel peptide aptamers that specifically recognize CatE are engineered by systemic in vitro evolution. The SWCNTs were firstly grown using the thermal chemical vapor deposition (CVD) method and then were employed as a channel to fabricate a SWCNT FET device. Next, the SWCNTs were functionalized by noncovalent immobilization of the peptide aptamer using 1-pyrenebutanoic acid succinimidyl ester (PBASE) linker. The resulting FET sensors exhibited a high selectivity (no response to bovine serum albumin and cathepsin K) and label-free detection of CatE at unprecedentedly low concentrations in both phosphate-buffered saline (2.3 pM) and human serum (0.23 nM). Our results highlight the use of peptide aptamer-modified SWCNT FET sensors as a promising platform for near-patient testing and point-of-care testing applications.
Deciphering the emergence, genetic diversity and evolution of classical swine fever virus
Authors: Rios Liliam , Coronado Liani , Naranjo-Feliciano Dany , Martínez-Pérez Orlando , Perera Carmen L. , Hernandez-Alvarez Lilian , Díaz de Arce Heidy , Núñez José I. , Ganges Llilianne , Pérez Lester J.
Published: December 2017

Classical swine fever (CSF) is one of the most important infectious diseases causing significant economic losses. Its causal agent, CSF virus (CSFV), is a member of the Pestivirus genus included into the Flaviviridae family. Previous molecular epidemiology studies have revealed the CSFV diversity is divided into three main genotypes and different subgenotypes. However, the classification system for CSFV has not yet been harmonized internationally. Similarly, the phylogeny and evolutionary dynamics of CSFV remain unclear. The current study provides novel and significant insights into the origin, diversification and evolutionary process of CSFV. In addition, the best phylogenetic marker for CSFV capable of reproducing the same phylogenetic and evolutionary information as the complete viral genome is characterized. Also, a reliable cut-off to accurately classify CSFV at genotype and subgenotype levels is established. Based on the time for the most recent common ancestor (tMRCA) reconstruction and cophylogenetic analysis, it was determined that CSFV emerged around 225 years ago when the Tunisian Sheep Virus jumped from its natural host to swine. CSFV emergence was followed by a genetic expansion in three main lineages, driven by the action of positive selection pressure and functional divergence, as main natural forces.
Shape analysis of the basioccipital bone in Pax7-deficient mice
Authors: Cates Joshua , Nevell Lisa , Prajapati Suresh I. , Nelon Laura D. , Chang Jerry Y. , Randolph Matthew E. , Wood Bernard , Keller Charles , Whitaker Ross T.
Published: December 2017

We compared the cranial base of newbornPax7-deficient and wildtype mice using a computational shape modeling technology called particle-based modeling (PBM). We found systematic differences in the morphology of the basiooccipital bone, including a broadening of the basioccipital bone and an antero-inferior inflection of its posterior edge in thePax7-deficient mice. We show that thePax7cell lineage contributes to the basioccipital bone and that the location of thePax7lineage correlates with the morphology most effected byPax7deficiency. Our results suggest that thePax7-deficient mouse may be a suitable model for investigating the genetic control of the location and orientation of the foramen magnum, and changes in the breadth of the basioccipital.
Seabird species vary in behavioural response to drone census
Authors: Brisson-Curadeau Émile , Bird David , Burke Chantelle , Fifield David A. , Pace Paul , Sherley Richard B. , Elliott Kyle H.
Published: December 2017

Unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) provide an opportunity to rapidly census wildlife in remote areas while removing some of the hazards. However, wildlife may respond negatively to the UAVs, thereby skewing counts. We surveyed four species of Arctic cliff-nesting seabirds (glaucous gull Larus hyperboreus, Iceland gull Larus glaucoides, common murre Uria aalge and thick-billed murre Uria lomvia) using a UAV and compared censusing techniques to ground photography. An average of 8.5% of murres flew off in response to the UAV, but >99% of those birds were non-breeders. We were unable to detect any impact of the UAV on breeding success of murres, except at a site where aerial predators were abundant and several birds lost their eggs to predators following UAV flights. Furthermore, we found little evidence for habituation by murres to the UAV. Most gulls flew off in response to the UAV, but returned to the nest within five minutes. Counts of gull nests and adults were similar between UAV and ground photography, however the UAV detected up to 52.4% more chicks because chicks were camouflaged and invisible to ground observers. UAVs provide a less hazardous and potentially more accurate method for surveying wildlife. We provide some simple recommendations for their use.
Genome-wide association study identifies a missense variant at APOA5 for coronary artery disease in Multi-Ethnic Cohorts from Southeast Asia
Authors: Han Yi , Dorajoo Rajkumar , Chang Xuling , Wang Ling , Khor Chiea-Chuen , Sim Xueling , Cheng Ching-Yu , Shi Yuan , Tham Yih Chung , Zhao Wanting , Chee Miao Ling , Sabanayagam Charumathi , Chee Miao Li , Tan Nicholas , Wong Tien Yin , Tai E-Shyong , Liu Jianjun , Goh Daniel Y. T. , Yuan Jian-Min , Koh Woon-Puay , van Dam Rob M. , Low Adrian F. , Chan Mark Yan-Yee , Friedlander Yechiel , Heng Chew-Kiat
Published: December 2017

Recent genome-wide association studies (GWAS) have identified multiple loci associated with coronary artery disease (CAD) among predominantly Europeans. However, their relevance to multi-ethnic populations from Southeast Asia is largely unknown. We performed a meta-analysis of four GWAS comprising three Chinese studies and one Malay study (Total N = 2,169 CAD cases and 7,376 controls). Top hits (P < 5 × 10−8) were further evaluated in 291 CAD cases and 1,848 controls of Asian Indians. Using all datasets, we validated recently identified loci associated with CAD. The involvement of known canonical pathways in CAD was tested by Ingenuity Pathway Analysis. We identified a missense SNP (rs2075291, G > T, G185C) in APOA5 for CAD that reached robust genome-wide significance (Meta P = 7.09 × 10−10, OR = 1.636). Conditional probability analysis indicated that the association at rs2075291 was independent of previously reported index SNP rs964184 in APOA5. We further replicated 10 loci previously identified among predominantly Europeans (P: 1.33 × 10−7–0.047). Seven pathways (P: 1.10 × 10−5–0.019) were identified. We identified a missense SNP, rs2075291, in APOA5 associated with CAD at a genome-wide significance level and provided new insights into pathways contributing to the susceptibility to CAD in the multi-ethnic populations from Southeast Asia.
STIM2 regulates both intracellular Ca2+ distribution and Ca2+ movement in skeletal myotubes
Authors: Oh Mi Ri , Lee Keon Jin , Huang Mei , Kim Jin Ock , Kim Do Han , Cho Chung-Hyun , Lee Eun Hui
Published: December 2017

Stromal interaction molecule 1 (STIM1) along with Orai1 mediates extracellular Ca2+ entry into the cytosol through a store-operated Ca2+ entry (SOCE) mechanism in various tissues including skeletal muscle. However, the role(s) of STIM2, a homolog of STIM1, in skeletal muscle has not been well addressed. The present study, first, was focused on searching for STIM2-binding proteins from among proteins mediating skeletal muscle functions. This study used a binding assay, quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry, and co-immunoprecipitation assay with bona-fide STIM2- and SERCA1a-expressing rabbit skeletal muscle. The region for amino acids from 453 to 729 of STIM2 binds to sarcoplasmic/endoplasmic reticulum Ca2+-ATPase 1a (SERCA1a). Next, oxalate-supported 45Ca2+-uptake experiments and various single-myotube Ca2+ imaging experiments using STIM2-knockdown mouse primary skeletal myotubes have suggested that STIM2 attenuates SERCA1a activity during skeletal muscle contraction, which contributes to the intracellular Ca2+ distribution between the cytosol and the SR at rest. In addition, STIM2 regulates Ca2+ movement through RyR1 during skeletal muscle contraction as well as SOCE. Therefore, via regulation of SERCA1a activity, STIM2 regulates both intracellular Ca2+ distribution and Ca2+ movement in skeletal muscle, which makes it both similar to, yet different from, STIM1.
Evaluating single molecule detection methods for microarrays with high dynamic range for quantitative single cell analysis
Authors: Salehi-Reyhani Ali
Published: December 2017

Single molecule microarrays have been used in quantitative proteomics, in particular, single cell analysis requiring high sensitivity and ultra-low limits of detection. In this paper, several image analysis methods are evaluated for their ability to accurately enumerate single molecules bound to a microarray spot. Crucially, protein abundance in single cells can vary significantly and may span several orders of magnitude. This poses a challenge to single molecule image analysis. In order to quantitatively assess the performance of each method, synthetic image datasets are generated with known ground truth whereby the number of single molecules varies over 5 orders of magnitude with a range of signal to noise ratios. Experiments were performed on synthetic datasets whereby the number of single molecules per spot corresponds to realistic single cell distributions whose ground truth summary statistics are known. The methods of image analysis are assessed in their ability to accurately estimate the distribution parameters. It is shown that super-resolution image analysis methods can significantly improve counting accuracy and better cope with single molecule congestion. The results highlight the challenge posed by quantitative single cell analysis and the implications to performing such analyses using microarray based approaches are discussed.
Calcification Propensity of Serum is Independent of Excretory Renal Function
Authors: Bielesz Bernhard , Reiter Thomas , Marculescu Rodrig , Gleiss Andreas , Bojic Marija , Kieweg Heidi , Cejka Daniel
Published: December 2017

Vascular calcification is a component of cardiovascular disease, which is leading cause of death in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD). A functional assay (T50-test) measuring the propensity of human serum to calcify associates with mortality and cardiovascular events in CKD patients. Calcification propensity is known to increase with CKD stage. We investigated whether the T50 readout is directly dependent on excretory kidney function (eGFR) or rather explained by deranged parameters of bone and mineral metabolism in the course of CKD. T50, along with markers implicated in calcification and mineral metabolism, were measured in a cross-sectional cohort of 118 patients with CKD stage 1–5. Associations of T50 with measured parameters were analysed and partial correlations performed to test to which extent the association of T50 with eGFR can be attributed to variation of these parameters. T50 correlates with eGFR, but serum levels of phosphate and calcium largely explain this association. Phosphate, magnesium, fetuin A, albumin, bicarbonate, and serum cross-laps but not Parathyroid Hormone or Fibroblast Growth Factor 23 are associated with T50 in multivariate adjusted models. These findings indicate that T50 values depend mainly on the concentration of promoters and inhibitors of calcification in serum, but not excretory kidney function.
Isoform-selective Hsp90 inhibition rescues model of hereditary open-angle glaucoma
Authors: Stothert Andrew R. , Suntharalingam Amirthaa , Tang Xiaolan , Crowley Vincent M. , Mishra Sanket J. , Webster Jack M. , Nordhues Bryce A. , Huard Dustin J. E. , Passaglia Christopher L. , Lieberman Raquel L. , Blagg Brian S. J. , Blair Laura J. , Koren John , Dickey Chad A.
Published: December 2017

The heat shock protein 90 (Hsp90) family of molecular chaperones regulates protein homeostasis, folding, and degradation. The ER-resident Hsp90 isoform, glucose-regulated protein 94 (Grp94), promotes the aggregation of mutant forms of myocilin, a protein associated with primary open-angle glaucoma. While inhibition of Grp94 promotes the degradation of mutant myocilin in vitro, to date no Grp94-selective inhibitors have been investigated in vivo. Here, a Grp94-selective inhibitor facilitated mutant myocilin degradation and rescued phenotypes in a transgenic mouse model of hereditary primary open-angle glaucoma. Ocular toxicities previously associated with pan-Hsp90 inhibitors were not evident with our Grp94-selective inhibitor, 4-Br-BnIm. Our study suggests that selective inhibition of a distinct Hsp90 family member holds translational promise for ocular and other diseases associated with cell stress and protein misfolding.
EGCG-mediated Protection of the Membrane Disruption and Cytotoxicity Caused by the ‘Active Oligomer’ of α-Synuclein
Authors: Yang Jee Eun , Rhoo Kun Yil , Lee Soonkoo , Lee Jong Tak , Park Jae Hyung , Bhak Ghibom , Paik Seung R.
Published: December 2017

(−)-Epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG), the major component of green tea, has been re-evaluated with α-synuclein (αS), a pathological constituent of Parkinson’s disease, to elaborate its therapeutic value. EGCG has been demonstrated to not only induce the off-pathway ‘compact’ oligomers of αS as suggested previously, but also drastically enhance the amyloid fibril formation of αS. Considering that the EGCG-induced amyloid fibrils could be a product of on-pathway SDS-sensitive ‘transient’ oligomers, the polyphenol effect on the transient ‘active’ oligomers (AOs) was investigated. By facilitating the fibril formation and thus eliminating the toxic AOs, EGCG was shown to suppress the membrane disrupting radiating amyloid fibril formation on the surface of liposomal membranes and thus protect the cells which could be readily affected by AOs. Taken together, EGCG has been suggested to exhibit its protective effect against the αS-mediated cytotoxicity by not only producing the off-pathway ‘compact’ oligomers, but also facilitating the conversion of ‘active’ oligomers into amyloid fibrils.
Photocatalytic degradation of the herbicide imazapyr: do the initial degradation rates correlate with the adsorption kinetics and isotherms?
Authors: Atitar M. Faycal , Bouziani Asmae , Dillert Ralf , El Azzouzi Mohamed , Bahnemann Detlef W.
Published: December 2017

The Langmuir–Hinshelwood mechanism applies to the photocatalytic degradation of imazapyr only when assuming the occurence of light-induced changes of the photocatalyst surface affecting the adsorption of the probe molecule.
Mechanistic study on –C–O– and –C–C– hydrogenolysis over Cu catalysts: identification of reaction pathways and key intermediates
Authors: Kühne Benjamin , Vogel Herbert , Meusinger Reinhard , Kunz Sebastian , Kunz Markwart
Published: December 2017

Sugar alcohols are found to adsorb over Cu catalystsviatwo vicinal OH-groups, forming a chelate complex with selective –C–O– bond cleavage of adjacent free OH-groups. Different side reactionsviaunsaturated intermediates on the catalyst surface yield C1 to C5 polyols.
A nanowire array with two types of bromoplumbate chains and high anisotropic conductance
Authors: Sun Cai , Du Ming-Xiu , Xu Jian-Gang , Mao Fei-Fei , Wang Ming-Sheng , Guo Guo-Cong
Published: December 2017

A nanowire array with an unprecedented structure that contains two types of bromoplumbate chains shows high anisotropic conductance.
New organometallic imines of rhenium(i) as potential ligands of GSK-3β: synthesis, characterization and biological studies
Authors: Muñoz-Osses Michelle , Godoy Fernando , Fierro Angélica , Gómez Alejandra , Metzler-Nolte Nils
Published: December 2017

Amino-piperazines and organometallic imines were synthetized and evaluated in HT-29 and PT-45 cancer cell lines. Computational studies were also developed.
Surface engineering for improved stability of CH3NH3PbBr3perovskite nanocrystals
Authors: Kirakosyan Artavazd , Yun Seokjin , Yoon Soon-Gil , Choi Jihoon
Published: December 2017

Post treatment of the CH3NH3PbBr3perovskite nanocrystals by surfactants with a similar molecular architecture results in the enhanced colloidal stability as well as much increased PLQY.
Near-infrared optical and X-ray computed tomography dual-modal imaging probe based on novel lanthanide-doped K0.3Bi0.7F2.4upconversion nanoparticles
Authors: An Ran , Lei Pengpeng , Zhang Peng , Xu Xia , Feng Jing , Zhang Hongjie
Published: December 2017

Novel citrate-coated K0.3Bi0.7F2.4:20% Yb3+/0.5% Tm3+could be employed as a bioprobe for NIR optical and CT dual-modal imaging.
Distinct interface behaviors of Ni(ii) on graphene oxide and oxidized carbon nanotubes triggered by different topological aggregations
Authors: Liang Jianjun , Li Ping , Zhao Xiaolan , Liu Ziyi , Fan Qiaohui , Li Zhan , Li Jiaxing , Wang Dongqi
Published: December 2017

Although carbon nanotubes can be described as a seamlessly curled graphene nanosheet, two-dimensional graphene oxide (GO) and one-dimensional oxidized carbon nanotubes (OCNTs), especially with coexisting heavy metals, have different fates and environmental risks, such as deposition, degradation and cytotoxicity.
Formation of macrocyclic ring systems by carbonylation of trifunctional P/B/B frustrated Lewis pairs
Authors: Wang Long , Dong Shunxi , Daniliuc Constantin G. , Liu Lei , Grimme Stefan , Knitsch Robert , Eckert Hellmut , Hansen Michael Ryan , Kehr Gerald , Erker Gerhard
Published: December 2017

The trifunctional P/B/B frustrated Lewis pairs11a–cfeaturing bulky aryl groups at phosphorus [Dmesp (a), Tipp (b), Mes* (c)] were synthesized. Compounds11a,breact with carbon monoxide and form the macrocyclic dimers17a,b, while the carbonylation reaction of the Mes*P/B/B FLP11cgives the macrocyclic trimer18c.
A phenol-formaldehyde polymeric network to generate organic aerogels: synthesis, physicochemical characteristics and potential applications
Authors: Zubyk Halyna , Mykhailiv Olena , Papathanassiou Anthony N. , Sulikowski Bogdan , Zambrzycka-Szelewa Elzbieta , Bratychak Michael , Plonska-Brzezinska Marta E.
Published: December 2017

Two phenol-formaldehyde organic aerogels were prepared and applied for efficient Cu(ii) and Mn(ii) ion, organic solvent and dye removal from water sources.
Synthesis and remarkable mechano- and thermo-hypsochromic luminescence of a new type of DPP-based derivative
Authors: Liu Zhongwei , Zhang Kai , Sun Qikun , Zhang Zhenzhen , Tang Liangliang , Xue Shanfeng , Chen Dongmei , Zhang Haichang , Yang Wenjun
Published: December 2017

A new DPP dye emits a yellow color in solution but can aggregate into high contrast NIR, red, and yellow solids.
Rational design of transparent p-type conducting non-oxide materials from high-throughput calculations
Authors: Kormath Madam Raghupathy Ramya , Kühne Thomas D. , Felser Claudia , Mirhosseini Hossein
Published: December 2017

In this work, high-throughput ab initio calculations are employed to identify the most promising chalcogenide-based semiconductors for p-type transparent conducting materials (TCMs).
Teaching Low-Income Spanish-Speaking Caregivers to Implement
EMT en Español
With Their Young Children With Language Impairment: A Pilot Study
Authors: Peredo Tatiana Nogueira , Zelaya Maria Isabel , Kaiser Ann P.
Published: December 2017

Purpose

This study examined the effectiveness of teaching low-income Spanish-speaking caregivers of young children with language impairment a naturalistic language intervention,
EMT en Español
.

Method

A single-case, multiple-baseline, across-behaviors design replicated across 3 caregiver–child dyads was used to examine the effects of teaching core
EMT en Español
strategies. The training program utilized the
Teach-Model-Coach-Review
instructional approach to teach strategies to support children's language development in Spanish. All sessions were at home and in Spanish.

Results

Caregivers increased their use of matched turns, target talk, expansions, and a communication elicitation procedure following training on each specific skill. Additionally, caregivers generalized increased use of matched turns and target talk to an untrained activity during the intervention period and maintained their behavior 1 month after completing intervention. Two of 3 caregivers generalized their use of expansions, and 1 caregiver generalized her use of a communication elicitation procedure. Modest effects on the child's number of different words were observed for 2 of the 3 target children over the course of the intervention sessions. All 3 children demonstrated increases in total spontaneous words.

Conclusion

Spanish-speaking caregivers were able to implement naturalistic language teaching strategies with their young children with language impairment in a relatively short-term intervention.
Predicting Response to Treatment in a Tier 2 Supplemental Vocabulary Intervention
Authors: Kelley Elizabeth , Leary Emily , Goldstein Howard
Published: December 2017

Purpose

To effectively implement a response to intervention approach, there is a need for timely and specific information about student learning in response to treatment to ensure that treatment decisions are appropriate. This exploratory study examined responsivity to a supplemental, Tier 2 vocabulary intervention delivered to preschool children with limited language abilities.

Method

A secondary analysis of a cluster-randomized trial of a supplemental vocabulary intervention was conducted. Responsivity (e.g., adequate learning) to the intervention was examined, and learning in the 1st few weeks of intervention was evaluated as a possible predictor of response to intervention.

Results

Using a criterion of learning of 20% of target vocabulary, nearly one third of participants were identified as poor responders. A 1st unit benchmark was identified that maximized the sensitivity to identification of children who were likely to respond to the intervention.

Conclusions

Even for generally effective interventions, there is likely to be a substantial proportion of children who are not responsive. Learning in the 1st few weeks of intervention may be a useful indicator of appropriate response to treatment and could inform instructional decisions.
Smart mobility management in 5G heterogeneous networks
Authors: Omheni Nouri , Bouabidi Imen , Gharsallah Amina , Zarai Faouzi , Obaidat Mohammad S.
Published: December 2017

Mobility management has always been a challenging and important issue for the next‐generation all‐IP mobile networks. Seamless mobility is one of the requirements to provide real‐time services in such networks. Proxy Mobile IPv6 (PMIPv6) has been developed by the Internet Engineering Task Force (IETF) as a network‐based mobility management protocol to support the mobility of IP devices. Although several designs have been presented in the literature to reduce the amount of PMIPv6 signalling and latency handover, they do not satisfy the real‐time application requirements. In this study, the authors first propose a novel vertical handover algorithm that helps to anticipate the handover process in an efficient manner. The suggested approach is based on PMIPv6 and IEEE 802.21 Media Independent Handover (MIH) standard. The authors also added a new MIH primitive in order to indicate that a handover is needed to be done very soon. The triggering of such process is done thanks to two proposed dynamic thresholds. According to the analytical evaluation and simulation results, the proposed method guarantees a significant reduction of the handover delay and the signalling overhead, handover blocking probability and packet loss.
Research on market bidding mechanism of generation rights trade for promoting new energy consumption
Authors: Xue Bi‐Ke , Qi Tian‐Xing , Zhang Wei , Li Yan , Wang Xiu‐Li
Published: December 2017

With large‐scale wind power access to the power system, the volatility and random of wind power bring difficulties to the renewable energy accommodation. The generation rights trade between thermal power unit and wind power is an effective way for accommodating wind power. This study proposed a market bidding mechanism of generation rights trade for regional grid. The division of paid peak load regulation and the range of bidding price of thermal power unit are also analysed here. A case study of northwest power grid is conducted to verify the reasonability and effectiveness of proposed mechanisms. The results show that the market bidding mechanism cannot only effectively promote the renewable energy accommodation, but also make wind unit and thermal power unit to gain higher benefits.
Footpoints of the giant molecular loops in the Galactic center region
Authors: Riquelme D. , Amo-Baladrón M. A. , Martín-Pintado J. , Mauersberger R. , Martín S. , Burton M. , Cunningham M. , Jones P. A. , Menten K. M. , Bronfman L. , Güsten R.
Published: December 2017

Aims. We aim to reveal the morphology, chemical composition, kinematics, and to establish the main processes prevalent in the gas at the footpoints of the giant molecular loops (GMLs) in the Galactic center region.

Methods. Using the 22-m Mopra telescope, we mapped the M−3.8+0.9 molecular cloud, placed at the footpoints of a GML, in 3-mm range molecular lines. To derive the molecular hydrogen column density, we also observed the 13CO(2 − 1) line at 1 mm using the 12-m APEX telescope. From the 3 mm observations 12 molecular species were detected, namely HCO+, HCN, H13CN, HNC, SiO, CS, CH3OH, N2H+, SO, HNCO, OCS, and HC3N.

Results. Maps revealing the morphology and kinematics of the M−3.8+0.9 molecular cloud in different molecules are presented. We identify six main molecular complexes. We derive fractional abundances in 11 selected positions of the different molecules assuming local thermodynamical equilibrium.

Conclusions. Most of the fractional abundances derived for the M−3.8+0.9 molecular cloud are very similar over the whole cloud. However, the fractional abundances of some molecules show significant difference with respect to those measured in the central molecular zone (CMZ). The abundances of the shock tracer SiO are very similar between the GMLs and the CMZ. The methanol emission is the most abundant species in the GMLs. This indicates that the gas is likely affected by moderate ~30 km s−1 or even high velocity (50 km s−1) shocks, consistent with the line profile observed toward one of the studied position. The origin of the shocks is likely related to the flow of the gas throughout the GMLs towards the footpoints.
Pointwise feedback stabilization of an Euler-Bernoulli beam in observations with time delay
Authors: Yang Kun-Yi , Wang Jun-Min
Published: December 2017

This paper considers a one-dimensional Euler-Bernoulli beam equation where two collocated actuators/sensors are presented at the internal point with pointwise feedback shear force and angle velocity at the arbitrary position ξ in the bounded domain (0,1). The boundary x = 0 is simply supported and at the other boundary x = 1 there is a shear hinge end. Both of the observation signals are subjected to a given time delay τ ( >0). Well-posedness of the open-loop system is shown to illustrate availability of the observer. An observer is then designed to estimate the state at the time interval when the observation is available, while a predictor is designed to predict the state at the time interval when the observation is not available. Pointwise output feedback controllers are introduced to guarantee the closed-loop system to be exponentially stable for the smooth initial values when ξ ∈ (0, 1) is a rational number satisfying ξ ≠ 2l∕(2m − 1) for any integers l, m. Simulation results demonstrate that the proposed feedback design effectively stabilizes the performance of the pointwise control system with time delay.
Metastatic Osseous Pain Control: Radiation Therapy
Authors: Formenti Silvia , Kang Josephine
Published: December 2017

Metastatic disease to the bone is a common manifestation of advanced cancer, and can result in pain, pathologic fractures, hypercalcemia, and overall functional compromise. External beam radiation is a proven, highly efficacious, and noninvasive therapy that can provide symptomatic relief from painful osseous lesions. When deciding upon the best treatment regimen, it is important to consider patient factors such as overall life expectancy, performance status, disease burden, and site of osseous metastatic pain. Determination of best treatment ideally requires multidisciplinary input from radiologists, medical oncologists, surgeons, pain management, and palliative care specialists together with radiation oncologists.
Symptomatic Fluid Drainage: Tunneled Peritoneal and Pleural Catheters
Authors: Ha Tony , Madoff David , Li David
Published: December 2017

Malignant ascites and pleural effusion are significant contributors to patient symptoms such as shortness of breath, abdominal distension, and nausea in the setting of cancer. There are numerous methods employed to control such symptoms such as serial drainages, pleurodesis, and tunneled drainage catheters. Tunneled drainage catheters are a safe, effective, and a minimally invasive procedure to palliate the symptoms of malignant ascites and pleural effusion.
Retroperitoneoscopic Resection of a Lumbosacral Plexus Schwannoma: Case Report and Literature Review
Authors: Freitas Bruno , Figueiredo Rui , Carrerette Fabrício , Acioly Marcus
Published: December 2017

Background and Study Aims Schwannomas are benign tumors derived from the Schwann cells of the peripheral nerve sheath that rarely affect the retroperitoneum. When symptomatic, surgical resection is usually recommended via open surgery or the laparoscopic transperitoneal approach. We discuss the retroperitoneoscopic resection of lumbosacral plexus schwannomas through an illustrative case and literature review. A new management classification is also proposed.

Patients A 61-year-old woman affected by schwannomatosis presented with neuropathic pain in her right inguinocrural area for the past 4 years before admission. Preoperative imaging revealed a 2-cm right retroperitoneal tumor lateral to the psoas muscle. The diagnosis of a schwannoma of the ilioinguinal nerve was then suggested. The patient underwent complete tumor resection through retroperitoneoscopy, and no recurrence was observed over the long term. A review of the relevant literature revealed that surgical strategy depends on tumor location, and therefore patients are divided into three groups by tumor position to guide trocar placement: type 1 (paravertebral or over the psoas muscle), type 2 (lateral to the psoas muscle), and type 3 (sacral or pelvic).

Results Four patients were classified as type 1, one as type 2, and three as type 3, thereby guiding trocar placement to a lateral, anterior, or inferior montage, respectively.

Conclusions Retroperitoneoscopy is a minimally invasive technique that offers some potential advantages in approaching retroperitoneal masses. This new classification is useful to group patients and thus provide guidance on the best retroperitoneoscopic surgical strategy.
Transforaminal Percutaneous Endoscopic Lumbar Diskectomy for Downmigrated Disk Herniations: Lever-Up, Rotate, and Tilt Technique
Authors: Eun Sang Soo , Lee Sang-Ho , Erken H.
Published: December 2017

Background and Study Aims Although transforaminal percutaneous endoscopic lumbar diskectomy (PELD) offers certain advantages in the treatment of disk herniations, it used to be limited to nonmigrated or low-migrated herniations. With improvements in endoscopic spinal surgery, the range of indications for PELD has expanded. Various techniques including transforaminal and interlaminar approaches for migrated disk herniations are described in the literature. This study describes a transforaminal PELD approach to address downmigrated intracanal soft disk herniations effectively using the lever-up, rotate, and tilt technique.

Patients and Methods We performed a retrospective review of 18 patients who had been operated on with the described technique between October 2012 and December 2015. We assessed clinical outcomes using the visual analog scale (VAS) for back and leg pain and the Oswestry Disability Index (ODI) preoperatively at their respective clinical visits and postoperatively at the patients' final follow-up examinations.

Results The mean preoperative VAS scores for back and leg pain were 3.75 + 1.34 (range: 2–6) and 8.3 + 0.6 (range: 8–10), respectively. The mean preoperative ODI was 67.3 + 15.3 (range: 48–90). The mean VAS scores for back and leg pain improved to 1.38 + 1.58 (range: 0–6) and 1.19 + 0.75 (range: 0–3), respectively, at the last follow-up. The mean ODI also improved to 14.1 + 6.2 (range: 8–30) at the last follow-up. All differences between the preoperative and last follow-up scores were statistically significant (p < 0.05), Two surgeries failed because of a remnant disk fragment.

Conclusions The lever-up, rotate, and tilt technique for transforaminal PELD is an effective maneuver to treat downmigrated disk herniations in selected patients by experienced surgeons.
Cerebellopontine Angle Schwannoma and Meningioma in Contiguity: Surgical Implications in Neurofibromatosis
Authors: Nehete Lokesh , Nandeesh B.N. , Bharath Rose , Rao Malla , Arimappamagan Arivazhagan
Published: December 2017

Concurrent occurrence of brain tumors in the same location is very unusual and has been noted in patients with neurofibromatosis. Two lesions, occurring in close contact but of different histology, are called contiguous tumors. Schwannoma and meningioma are the two common histologies reported to present as contiguous tumor. We present two patients with contiguous tumors in the cerebellopontine angle. The magnetic resonance imaging characteristics in both cases demonstrate important findings that should be identified to raise the possibility of contiguous tumors. We discuss the surgical implications in identifying the facial nerve in this complex tumor morphology and steps we took to preserve function. Variable displacement of the facial nerve in the presence of multiple tumors needs to be kept in mind during surgical management and can be significantly aided by intraoperative monitoring.
Sex Difference in Mortality for Premature and Low Birth Weight Neonates: A Systematic Review
Authors: Dickinson Corrine , Kandasamy Yogavijayan , Vu Huy
Published: December 2017

Objective Advances in neonatology have made possible the survival of neonates with lower gestational ages and birth weights. Nevertheless, findings remain of a sex difference in mortality for premature and low birth weight (LBW) neonates with male sex often associated with poorer outcome (the “male disadvantage”). Through literature review, this article will seek clarification of the existing evidence regarding the association between sex and mortality at discharge from neonatal intensive care units (NICUs) for premature and LBW neonates.

Methods A systematic review was conducted in Medline and Google Scholar with subsequent search of study reference lists.

Results The database search yielded 349 articles and an additional 11 were identified from study reference lists. A final 32 studies were reviewed. Of these, 26 studies demonstrated worse male mortality outcome and 6 studies reported no sex difference in mortality.

Conclusion The majority of reviewed studies found poorer male mortality outcome. A small number of studies maintained a null association between sex and mortality. This indicates male premature and LBW neonates experience higher risk of mortality by discharge compared with females, an observation which may inform clinical decision making in the NICU.
Intrahepatic Cholestasis of Pregnancy Refractory to Multiple Medical Therapies and Plasmapheresis
Authors: Covach Adam , Rose William
Published: December 2017

Objectives We report on a patient suffering from intractable itching secondary to intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy (ICP) unresponsive to conventional medical therapies. She was started on a regimen of therapeutic plasma exchange (TPE), which is often efficacious in relieving patient's itching from all causes of cholestasis, including ICP.

Methods We performed a retrospective review of a patient's medical record.

Results Following initial TPE, the patient reported dramatic relief of her itching and consequent insomnia. However, this effect was short lived, as subsequent TPE provided minimal relief, and may have actually worsened her itching. Out of concern for poor fetal outcomes, delivery was induced at 34 weeks gestational age. The child had an uncomplicated neonatal intensive care unit stay following delivery, and the mother reported > 90% relief of her symptoms 2 weeks after delivery.

Conclusion TPE often provides longer term relief of itching because of ICP; however, it is not a panacea for these symptoms, and sometimes only delivery of the fetus can relieve maternal symptoms. In addition to the refractoriness to TPE, the case is also unusual for the early onset of ICP symptoms and the comorbidity of hepatitis C.
Systematic Review of Oral Therapy for the Treatment of Symptoms of Bladder Pain Syndrome: The Brazilian Guidelines
Authors: Santos Thaís Guimarães dos , Miranda Isabela Albuquerque Severo de , Nygaard Christiana Campani , Schreiner Lucas , Castro Rodrigo de Aquino , Haddad Jorge Milhen
Published: December 2017

Interstitial cystitis (IC), including bladder pain syndrome (BPS), is a chronic and debilitating disease that mainly affects women. It is characterized by pelvic pain associated with urinary urgency, frequency, nocturia and negative urine culture, with normal cytology. In 2009, the Society for Urodynamics and Female Urology (SUFU) defined the term IC/BPS as “an unpleasant sensation (pain, pressure, and discomfort) perceived to be related to the urinary bladder, associated with lower urinary tract symptoms for more than 6 weeks duration, in the absence of infection or other identifiable causes.” This is the definition used by the American Urological Association (AUA) in the most recent guidelines on IC/BPS. Interstitial cystitis may be sufficiently severe to have a devastating effect on the quality of life, but it may also be associated with moderate symptoms whose effects are less debilitating. Although there are several clinical trials to assess oral and intravesical therapies, the treatment for IC remains far from ideal. This systematic assessment evaluates published randomized clinical trials on oral medications used to treat symptoms of BPS. This study was performed according to the preferred reporting items for systematic reviews and meta-analyses (PRISMA) method. Two independent reviewers screened the studies to determine their inclusion or exclusion and to perform the methodological analysis. The inclusion criteria included randomized studies published between April of 1988 and April of 2016 that used oral medications to treat symptoms of BPS or IC. According to the systematic review performed, we should consider pentosan polysulfate as one of the best options of oral drugs for the treatment of BPS symptoms. However, this drug is not an available option in Brazil. Orally administered amitriptyline is an efficacious medical treatment for BPS, and it should be the first treatment offered.
Comparison of Locking and Frag-Loc Screws for Fixation of Die-Punch Fragments
Authors: Tomita Kazunari , Kawasaki Keikichi , Yagi Toshio , Tanabe Yuji , Inagaki Katsunori , Kanazawa Takaaki
Published: December 2017

Background The Frag-Loc (FL) compression screw system was designed to stabilize dorsally displaced intra-articular dorsoulnar (die-punch) fragments in distal radius fractures.

Purpose Comparison of the biomechanical properties of fixation of the die-punch fragment (stiffness, ultimate strength, and displacement ratio of the fragment), using the FL and traditional locking screw (LS), and using simulated distal radial fractures in cadaveric specimens under axial compressive loading. Both screws were used with a volar locking plate (VLP).

Materials and Methods Eight matched pairs of formalin-fixed cadaveric specimens of the radius were used to simulate distal radius fractures with die-punch fragments. The die-punch fragment was fixed using VLP with either FL group or LS group. Biomechanical properties for the two fixation systems were evaluated under axial compression loading, applied at a constant rate of 0.5 mm/min until failure. Load data were recorded and the ultimate strength and change in the gap between the die-punch and proximal fragments measured, with the displacement ratio calculated by dividing the value of the gap before loading by the gap after loading. Failure was defined as 10 mm or more of fragment displacement, or screw failure.

Results There were no differences in ultimate strength (p = 0.47) or stiffness (p = 0.061) between the two fragment fixation systems. However, the displacement ratio was lower for the FL than for the LS system (p = 0.049).

Conclusion Compared with LS, the FL system lowers the displacement of die-punch fragments under compressive loading.

Clinical Relevance The FL system is effective for the treatment of distal radius fractures with die-punch fragments.
How Reliable is the Radiographic Diagnosis of Mild Madelung Deformity?
Authors: Guitton Thierry , Ring David , Farr Sebastian ,   Science of Variation Group
Published: December 2017

Background Patients with Madelung deformity exhibit a spectrum of mild to severe deformity and distortion of wrist geometry. It may be difficult to reliably distinguish mild Madelung deformity from normal.

Purpose This study thus tested the reliability of the diagnosis of mild Madelung deformity on a single posteroanterior (PA) radiograph.

Materials and Methods An online survey was sent to hand and wrist surgeons of the Science of Variation Study Group for evaluation of 25 PA wrist radiographs comprising five adults with suspected mild Madelung deformity and 20 radiographs without any evident wrist pathology. Interobserver agreement was evaluated both via average percent agreement and Fleiss' kappa. To evaluate the relationship of rater characteristics and accuracy, a linear regression model was computed.

Results The interobserver agreement among the 69 participating surgeons was low (Κ = 0.12). The overall sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy were 0.30, 0.86, and 0.75, respectively. The mean confidence was 7.4 ± 0.4 for mild Madelung and 7.8 ± 0.5 for normal (p = 0.112). The observers' confidence level was the only factor which had a mild but significant effect on the accuracy of the ratings.

Conclusion The diagnosis of mild Madelung deformity on a single PA radiograph is unreliable.

Level of Evidence The level of evidence is II, diagnostic study.
Rauchfreie Psychiatrie: Eine Bestandsaufnahme
Authors: Linhardt Andrea , Haider Raphael , Rampeltshammer Verena , Kröger Christoph , Rüther Tobias
Published: December 2017

Ausgangspunkt und Fragestellung Im Zuge der Nichtraucherschutzgesetze wurden in Deutschland weitreichende Rauchverbote ausgesprochen.
Die Akutpsychiatrie wird in einigen dieser Ländergesetze als Ausnahme gehandhabt. Somit bleibt es den Einrichtungen mitunter selbst
überlassen, diesbezügliche Regelungen auszugestalten und durchzusetzen. Ziel dieser Studie ist es, eine Bestandsaufnahme der aktuellen
Nichtraucherschutz-Regelungen in akutpsychiatrischen Einrichtungen zu erstellen.

Methode Auf Basis eines bereits evaluierten Fragebogens wurde eine Online Umfrage erstellt, die aus 53 Fragen bestand. Insgesamt
wurden 289 Kliniken kontaktiert. Die Teilnehmer wurden via Mail zur Umfrage eingeladen.

Ergebnisse 59 Kliniken (20,4 %) nahmen an der Umfrage teil. Über verbindliche Regelungen verfügen 48 (81,4 %) Kliniken, in 26 (44,1 %)
ist das Rauchen auf den offenen Stationen vollständig verboten. In drei Kliniken (5,1 %) gilt absolutes Rauchverbot auf beschützten
Stationen. Medikamentöse Unterstützung gibt es in 31 (55,3 %) Klinken. 19 (32,2 %) bieten Tabakentwöhnungsmaßnahmen an. 22 (37,3 %) Kliniken
haben einen Arbeitskreis zum Thema eingerichtet.

Schlussfolgerung Aktuell wird dem Thema Rauchen in der Akutpsychiatrie noch zu wenig Aufmerksamkeit gewidmet. Die physische und
psychische Gesundheit psychiatrischer Patienten würde jedoch von einer restriktiveren Rauchfrei-Politik profitieren. Um diese durchzusetzen,
bedarf es einer angemessenen Unterstützung des Personals und der Patienten.
Dialectic Tensions in the Financial Markets: A Longitudinal Study of pre- and Post-Crisis Regulatory Technology
Authors: Currie Wendy L. , Gozman Daniel P. , Seddon Jonathan J. M.
Published: December 2017

This article presents the findings from a longitudinal research study on regulatory technology in the UK financial services industry. The financial crisis with serious corporate and mutual fund scandals raised the profile of compliance as governmental bodies, institutional and private investors introduced a ‘ tsunami’ of financial regulations. Adopting a multi-level analysis, this study examines how regulatory technology was used by financial firms to meet their compliance obligations, pre- and post-crisis. Empirical data collected over 12 years examine the deployment of an investment management system in eight financial firms. Interviews with public regulatory bodies, financial institutions and technology providers reveal a culture of compliance with increased transparency, surveillance and accountability. Findings show that dialectic tensions arise as the pursuit of transparency, surveillance and accountability in compliance mandates is simultaneously rationalized, facilitated and obscured by regulatory technology. Responding to these challenges, regulatory bodies continue to impose revised compliance mandates on financial firms to force them to adapt their financial technologies in an ever-changing multi-jurisdictional regulatory landscape.
Inverse spin Hall effects in Nd doped SrTiO3
Authors: Wang Qiuru , Zhang Wenxu , Peng Bin , Zhang Wanli
Published: December 2017

Conversion of spin to charge current was observed in SrTiO3 doped with Nd (Nd:STO), which exhibited a metallic behavior even with low concentration doping. The obvious variation of DC voltages for Py/Nd:STO, obtained by inverting the spin diffusion direction, demonstrated that the detected signals contained the contribution from the inverse spin Hall effect (ISHE) induced by the spin dependent scattering from Nd impurities with strong spin-orbit interaction. The DC voltages of the ISHE for Nd:STO were measured at different microwave frequency and power, which revealed that spin currents were successfully injected into doped STO layer by spin pumping. The linear relation between the ISHE resistivity and the resistivity induced by impurities implied that the skew scattering was the dominant contribution in this case, and the spin Hall angle was estimated to be (0.17±0.05)%. This work demonstrated that extrinsic spin dependent scattering in oxides can be used in spintronics besides that in heavy elements doped metals.