bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Tumor glómico de la mano: una localización extradigital poco habitual
Authors: Albaladejo Francisco , Angulo P. , Torralba M. , Díaz F. , Carazo M. V.
Published: September 2017

Los tumores glómicos representan el 2% de los tumores de la mano. Con mayor frecuencia se trata de tumoraciones únicas, situadas a nivel subungueal, a veces periungueal o en el tejido subcutáneo del pulpejo de los dedos. Es infrecuente pero pueden afectarse varios dedos en el mismo paciente.

La localización extra digital es poco habitual, haciendo aún más difícil su diagnóstico.

Se presenta el caso de una paciente de 45 años con una tumoración redondeada de consistencia dura, situada en la base del pulgar a nivel de la eminencia tenar, de 5 años de evolución, que presentaba dolor a la presión e intolerancia al frío. Su extirpación solucionó la clínica y el estudio anatomo-patológico confirmó el diagnóstico.
Das ist doch kein Beinbruch?! Eine seltene Komplikation der transrektalen Elektrostimulation zur Spermagewinnung
Authors: Pannek Jürgen , Leuth Dirk , Wöllner Jens
Published: September 2017

Bei Männern mit Kinderwunsch nach Rückenmarkverletzung ist häufig eine assistierte Ejakulation zur Gewinnung von Sperma erforderlich. Hierzu wird häufig die transrektale Elektrostimulation (TES) eingesetzt. Typische unerwünschte Effekte der TES sind autonome Dysregulation und Schmerzen. Bei einem 33-jährigen Mann mit kompletter Tetraplegie sub C6 seit 2004 kam es unter TES zu einer derart starken Beugespastik der Beine, dass eine transzervikale Schenkelhalsfraktur resultierte. Diese bisher nicht beschriebene Komplikation der TES zeigt, dass bei Männern mit langjähriger Tetraplegie, Spastizität und Osteoporose die Durchführung der TES in Narkose in Erwägung gezogen werden sollte.
Konzepte zur prähospitalen und initialen intrahospitalen Therapie des Status epilepticus
Authors: Strzelczyk Adam , Kay Lara , Kellinghaus Christoph , Knake Susanne , von Blomberg Anemone , Willems Laurent , Rosenow Felix
Published: September 2017

Der Status epilepticus gehört zu den wichtigsten neurologischen Notfallsituationen, die eine sofortige medizinische Behandlung erfordern. Eine schnelle und ausreichend dosierte Behandlung ist wichtig, um das Therapieoutcome zu optimieren und die Mortalität zu reduzieren. Hier geben wir einen Überblick über Konzepte zur akuten prähospitalen und initialen intrahospitalen Behandlung des Status epilepticus. Die Möglichkeiten der initialen Therapie ohne Überwachungsmöglichkeiten einer Intensivstation werden ausführlich vorgestellt.
Pflanzliche Lebensmittel enthalten mehr als nur Nährstoffe
Authors: Böhm Volker
Published: September 2017

Unser Gesprächspartner: Herr PD Dr. Volker Böhm aus Jena

Studium der Lebensmittelchemie Westfälische Wilhelms-Universität Münster; Dr. rer. nat. habil. 1999 (FSU Jena) zum Thema „Antioxidativ wirksame Carotinoide und Polyphenole – Analytik, Gehalte in Lebensmitteln und intestinale Absorption“; Privatdozent für Humanernährung seit 1999 (FSU Jena) und Lebensmittelchemie (seit 2014); Forschungsgruppenleiter im Institut für Ernährungswissenschaften (FSU Jena) seit 2005; Koordinator des EU-Projektes LYCOCARD (2006–2011).
Alcoholic liver disease is a strong predictor of colorectal polyps in liver transplant recipients
Authors: Ma Ann , Therrien Amélie , Giard Jeanne-Marie , von Renteln Daniel , Bouin Mickael
Published: September 2017

Background and aims Colorectal cancer (CRC) is associated with a significantly reduced survival rate in transplant recipients. The prevalence and risk factors of CRC and of colorectal polyps after orthotopic liver transplant (OLT) remain unclear. The study aim was to determine the prevalence of colorectal polyps in OLT recipients. A secondary objective was to explore possible risk factors of polyps.

Patients and materials This was a retrospective single center study of all OLT recipients transplanted between 2007 and 2009. All patients who underwent a colonoscopy 5 ± 5 years after OLT were included. The outcome was colorectal polyps, as identified on colonoscopy. A logistic regression model was performed to identify potential predictors of polyps.

Results Of 164 OLT recipients, 80 were included in this study. Polyps were diagnosed in 37 % of patients before transplant and in 33 % afterwards. With regard to post-transplant lesions, 22 % were advanced adenomas or cancerous. In the regression analysis, the odds of post-transplant polyps were 11 times higher in patients with alcoholic liver disease (OR 11.3, 95 %CI 3.2 – 39.4; P < 0.001).

Conclusion Patients with end-stage liver disease may be at high risk of colorectal polyps before and after liver transplant, and screening should be continued in both contexts. Those with alcoholic liver disease are particularly at risk for post-OLT polyps and may benefit from more intensive screening.
A Robotic Ball for Upper-Extremity Training in Stroke Patients: A New Approach in Neurorehabilitation
Authors: Neuendorf Tilo , Zschäbitz Daniel , Nitzsche Nico , Schulz Henry
Published: September 2017

Background Technology-supported therapy can contribute to the rehabilitation of distinctive upper-extremity symptoms resulting from stroke as neurons have the ability to reorganize. The robotic ball “Sphero 2.0”, an innovative therapeutic exergaming tool, was found to be suitable and hence used in neurorehabilitation for the first time.

Objective The aim of this study was to evaluate the robotic-ball therapy concept and assess possible effects on motor parameters. Patients’ statements regarding the effects on rehabilitation after implementing the therapy concept over several weeks were included in the testing procedure. Furthermore, the study aimed to rate the technical suitability of the robotic ball.

Methods 12 stroke patients (62.3±11.8 years, 170.8±10.9 cm, 82.5±16.6 kg, 6.37±5.53 months post-stroke) underwent 45-min training with the robotic ball, twice a week, over a period of 12 weeks. Regular therapy was complemented with this intervention. Pre and post intervention, grip strength, unilateral dexterity, self-reported disabilities of the arm, shoulder and hand and impairment, cognitive status and technical affinity were assessed.

Results 10 patients were able to complete the training program and achieved significant improvement in grip strength (p=0.007, d=0.51) and unilateral dexterity (p=0.002, d=0.44) along with reduced self-reported disabilities of the arm, shoulder and hand and impairment (p=0.002, d=−1.12). The robotic ball was rated as excellent with 92.3±2.5 out of a maximum 100 points.

Conclusions Patients severely or slightly impaired seemed to benefit less than moderately affected stroke patients. Specific improvements in dealing with activities of daily living contributed to a high motivation for the robotic-ball training. The training content can be adapted to users with heterogeneous impairments. The results of the present study should be confirmed with more patients in a future study with a crossover-design. Keywords: Stroke, motor function, robotic ball, upper extremities, exergaming
Consensus Guidelines for Therapeutic Drug Monitoring in Neuropsychopharmacology: Update 2017
Authors: Hiemke C. , Bergemann N. , Clement H. , Conca A. , Deckert J. , Domschke K. , Eckermann G. , Egberts K. , Gerlach M. , Greiner C. , Gründer G. , Haen E. , Havemann-Reinecke U. , Hefner G. , Helmer R. , Janssen G. , Jaquenoud E. , Laux G. , Messer T. , Mössner R. , Müller M. , Paulzen M. , Pfuhlmann B. , Riederer P. , Saria A. , Schoppek B. , Schoretsanitis G. , Schwarz M. , Gracia M. , Stegmann B. , Steimer W. , Stingl J. , Uhr M. , Ulrich S. , Unterecker S. , Waschgler R. , Zernig G. , Zurek G. , Baumann P.
Published: September 2017

Therapeutic drug monitoring (TDM) is the quantification and interpretation of drug concentrations in blood to optimize pharmacotherapy. It considers the interindividual variability of pharmacokinetics and thus enables personalized pharmacotherapy. In psychiatry and neurology, patient populations that may particularly benefit from TDM are children and adolescents, pregnant women, elderly patients, individuals with intellectual disabilities, patients with substance abuse disorders, forensic psychiatric patients or patients with known or suspected pharmacokinetic abnormalities. Non-response at therapeutic doses, uncertain drug adherence, suboptimal tolerability, or pharmacokinetic drug-drug interactions are typical indications for TDM. However, the potential benefits of TDM to optimize pharmacotherapy can only be obtained if the method is adequately integrated in the clinical treatment process. To supply treating physicians and laboratories with valid information on TDM, the TDM task force of the Arbeitsgemeinschaft für Neuropsychopharmakologie und Pharmakopsychiatrie (AGNP) issued their first guidelines for TDM in psychiatry in 2004. After an update in 2011, it was time for the next update. Following the new guidelines holds the potential to improve neuropsychopharmacotherapy, accelerate the recovery of many patients, and reduce health care costs.
WAD: Assessment und Management
Authors: Sterling Michele , Smith Ashley
Published: September 2017

Whiplash-Associated Disorders (WAD) umfassen alle klinischen Symptome, unter denen Patienten nach einem Beschleunigungstrauma leiden. Die
Ursachen, die diesen Symptomen zugrunde liegen, sind komplex. Diverse Assessments zu kennen und die Konsequenzen aus deren Ergebnissen zu
ziehen, ist notwendig, um dieser Komplexität gerecht zu werden.
Endovaskuläre Behandlungsoptionen des akuten ischämischen Schlaganfalls
Authors: Langner Sönke
Published: September 2017

Der klinische Nutzen der endovaskulären Schlaganfalltherapie ist in großen randomisierten Studien für den akuten Schlaganfall im vorderen
Kreislauf gezeigt worden. Sie hat sich als Standardtechnik bei Patienten mit großen Gefäßverschlüssen etabliert. Die vorliegende
Übersichtsarbeit erläutert die aktuelle Studienlage, beschreibt das technische Vorgehen bei der mechanischen Thrombektomie und zeigt
typische Bildbefunde postinterventioneller Veränderungen.
Compression-induced phase transition of GaN bulk from wurtzite phase to five-fold coordination hexagonal phase
Authors: Qian Yu , Shang Fulin , Wan Qiang , Yan Yabin
Published: September 2017

The phase transformation of GaN bulk from the Wurtzite phase (WZ) to the hexagonal phase (HX) is studied by molecular dynamics simulation. The mechanical response and atomic structural evolution of transition are analyzed in detail. In addition, the loading rate effect on the phase transition is determined, that is, the phase transition ratio declines with a decrease of the strain rate. The WZ GaN bulk completely transforms into the HX phase in the case of compression at an ultrahigh strain rate. However, at a relatively slower strain rate, the HX phase of GaN partly nucleates and the untransformed regions are proved to be elastic deformed regions. Combined with an energy analysis, two atomic movement modes are recognized as the inducements for the phase transition and formation of elastic deformed regions. The first mode, which is responsible for the formation of elastic deformed regions, is an atomic sliding motion along the c {0001} planes. The second mode is a radial stretching atomic motion. The radial stretching motion, which requires a lot of energy, induces the WZ-HX phase transition. Moreover, the phase transition is affected drastically by the rise of temperature.
A novel perturbation theory describes electromagnetic field components in a bubble regime of plasma wakefield
Authors: Hendricks-Sturrup Rachele
Published: September 2017

Theoretical physicists present their novel perturbation theory that focuses on electromagnetic fields in the bubble regime of wakefield.
Electron-beam current density found to be key when writing ferroelectric domains
Authors: Bello Mark
Published: September 2017

Study results provide guidelines for mastering prospective electron-beam method for patterning ferroelectric domains.
Civil society and democratic transformation in Mauritania: the paradigm of transition and the antecedents of political change
Authors: Bouganour Ismail
Published: September 2017

Mauritania is among the poorest of the world’s nations due, in good measure, to its itinerant Bedouin population that has moved gradually towards urbanization in accordance with the new world order. The country has undergone extensive transformation in the face of international pressure and influence that were brought to bear on it, and their effects have affected the process of transformation, especially those pertaining to the acknowledgement of human rights and freedoms of citizens. The democratic transformation of Mauritania has to be understood in the context of factors interplaying between the social and cultural spheres, in particular the tribal nature of Mauritanian society which, in a de facto sense, designs the roadmap for action on the basis of the citizen’s perpetual tribal affiliation and belonging, as well as the interaction between economic and political reform conforming to economic demands. This study clarifies the democratic transformation that has taken place in Mauritania through particular phases. Although the transformation did not necessarily bring about change in the prevailing political modus operandi of the state, it did, nonetheless, change the balance of the ‘powers that be’ in favour of reform. The latter arose through the role played by political parties that enabled the development of civil society and the possibility for political reforms in future. The study analyses the Mauritanian experience with regard to the success of civil society institutions in furthering their goal of complete reciprocity between the people and their members, and in placing these issues at the heart of the discussion and achieving pioneering successes.
Phosphonormalizer: an R package for normalization of MS-based label-free phosphoproteomics
Authors: Saraei Sohrab , Suomi Tomi , Kauko Otto , Elo Laura L
Published: September 2017

Motivation

Global centering-based normalization is a commonly used normalization approach in mass spectrometry-based label-free proteomics. It scales the peptide abundances to have the same median intensities, based on an assumption that the majority of abundances remain the same across the samples. However, especially in phosphoproteomics, this assumption can introduce bias, as the samples are enriched during sample preparation which can mask the underlying biological changes. To address this possible bias, phosphopeptides quantified in both enriched and non-enriched samples can be used to calculate factors that mitigate the bias.

Results

We present an R package phosphonormalizer for normalizing enriched samples in label-free mass spectrometry-based phosphoproteomics.

Availability and implementation

The phosphonormalizer package is freely available under GPL ( > =2) license from Bioconductor (https://bioconductor.org/packages/phosphonormalizer).

Supplementary information

Supplementary data are available at Bioinformatics online.
Diffuse Staining for Activated NOTCH1 Correlates With NOTCH1 Mutation Status and Is Associated With Worse Outcome in Adenoid Cystic Carcinoma
Authors: Sajed Dipti P. , Faquin William C. , Carey Chris , Severson Eric A. , H. Afrogheh Amir , A. Johnson Carl , Blacklow Stephen C. , Chau Nicole G. , Lin Derrick T. , Krane Jeffrey F. , Jo Vickie Y. , Garcia Joaquín J. , Sholl Lynette M. , Aster Jon C.
Published: September 2017

NOTCH1 is frequently mutated in adenoid cystic carcinoma (ACC). To test the idea that immunohistochemical (IHC) staining can identify ACCs with NOTCH1 mutations, we performed IHC for activated NOTCH1 (NICD1) in 197 cases diagnosed as ACC from 173 patients. NICD1 staining was positive in 194 cases (98%) in 2 major patterns: subset positivity, which correlated with tubular/cribriform histology; and diffuse positivity, which correlated with a solid histology. To determine the relationship between NICD1 staining and NOTCH1 mutational status, targeted exome sequencing data were obtained on 14 diffusely NICD1-positive ACC specimens from 11 patients and 15 subset NICD1-positive ACC specimens from 15 patients. This revealed NOTCH1 gain-of-function mutations in 11 of 14 diffusely NICD1-positive ACC specimens, whereas all subset-positive tumors had wild-type NOTCH1 alleles. Notably, tumors with diffuse NICD1 positivity were associated with significantly worse outcomes (P=0.003). To determine whether NOTCH1 activation is unique among tumors included in the differential diagnosis with ACC, we performed NICD1 IHC on a cohort of diverse salivary gland and head and neck tumors. High fractions of each of these tumor types were positive for NICD1 in a subset of cells, particularly in basaloid squamous cell carcinomas; however, sequencing of basaloid squamous cell carcinomas failed to identify NOTCH1 mutations. These findings indicate that diffuse NICD1 positivity in ACC correlates with solid growth pattern, the presence of NOTCH1 gain-of-function mutations, and unfavorable outcome, and suggest that staining for NICD1 can be helpful in distinguishing ACC with solid growth patterns from other salivary gland and head and neck tumors.
Prospective Randomized Feasibility Study Assessing the Effect of Cyclic Sacral Neuromodulation on Urinary Urge Incontinence in Women
Authors: Siegel Steven , Kreder Karl , Takacs Elizabeth , McNamara Rachael , Kan Fangyu
Published: September 2017

Objectives

The aim of this prospective, randomized, multicenter, single-blind, 4 × 4 crossover study was to estimate the effect of 4 InterStim cycling settings (continuous, 16 seconds on/8 seconds off, 10 minutes on/10 minutes off, and 30 minutes on/23.5 hours off) on efficacy, Global Response Assessment, and safety.

Methods

Eligible women implanted for at least 3 months for urgency urinary incontinence (UI) were enrolled, and daily diaries were collected. General linear mixed models were used to estimate the cycling effect on efficacy. Quality of life measured by Global Response Assessment (subjects’ perception of effectiveness) and safety were summarized.

Results

Primary efficacy analysis was based on the first 24 subjects who completed unique randomization sequences. Mean age was 64 years, and mean implant duration was 2.8 years. Results showed no significant cycling (P = 0.3773) or period (P = 0.0800) effect on UI. There was a statistically significant interaction between cycling and period (P = 0.0032). In the first period, subjects on 10 minutes on/10 minutes off had significantly fewer UI episodes compared with subjects on 16 seconds on/8 seconds off (P = 0.0026); this difference was not observed in any other period or sensitivity analyses. No cycling effect was found on urgency or pad usage. When programmed to 10 minutes on/10 minutes off, 54% of subjects felt their incontinence symptoms improved compared with when they entered the study, followed by 42% on 30 minutes on/23.5 hours off, 38% on 16 seconds on/8 seconds off, and 29% on continuous. Safety was similar across cycling settings.

Conclusions

The results suggest that patients with overactive bladder who have been implanted with sacral neuromodulation devices and are receiving substantial benefit may perceive further optimization by switching to cycling settings.
Outcomes of Vaginal Hysterectomy With and Without Perceived Contraindications to Vaginal Surgery
Authors: Schmitt Jennifer J. , Occhino John A. , Weaver Amy L. , McGree Michaela E. , Gebhart John B.
Published: September 2017

Objective

The aim of this study was to compare outcomes of vaginal hysterectomy between patients with and without the following perceived contraindications to vaginal surgery: uterine weight greater than 280 g, prior cesarean delivery, no vaginal parity, and obesity.

Methods

Retrospective cohort of benign vaginal hysterectomies between 2009 and 2013 was obtained. Outcomes included uterine debulking, transfusion, intraoperative complications, length of stay, and Accordion grade 2+ postoperative complications. For each outcome, the association between the presence of each contraindication and the outcome was evaluated using univariate and multivariate logistic regression models.

Results

Among 692 vaginal hysterectomies, 11% (76/691) had a uterine weight greater than 280 g, 11.3% (78/690) had no vaginal parity, 14.9% (103/690) had a history of cesarean delivery, and 37.7% (248/657) had a body mass index of 30 kg/m2 or greater; 110 (15.9%) had 2 or more contraindications. Uterine debulking occurred in 146 women (21.1%), and both uterine weight greater 280 g (adjusted odds ratio, 39.2; 95% confidence interval, 18.4–83.5) and prior cesarean delivery (adjusted odds ratio, 2.1; 95% confidence interval, 1.2–3.7) were significantly associated with an increased likelihood of uterine debulking after adjusting for age, hematologic disease, and preoperative diagnosis. None of the contraindications were significantly associated with need for a blood transfusion, presence of an intraoperative complication, length of stay greater than 2 days, or presence of an Accordion grade 2+ postoperative complication, which occurred in 2.7%, 2.5%, 14.0%, and 6.9% of all women, respectively.

Conclusions

Vaginal hysterectomy can be safely performed with favorable outcomes, even in women with a uterus greater than 280 g, prior cesarean delivery, no vaginal parity, and obesity. Our findings challenge several perceived contraindications to vaginal hysterectomy.
Digitation to Void: What Is the Significance of This Symptom?
Authors: Ortega Ismael , Subramaniam Nishamini , Friedman Talia , Turel Friyan , Dietz Hans Peter
Published: September 2017

Objective

Digitation to void is defined as the need to apply manual pressure on the perineum or the vagina to assist with voiding. It has been associated with prolapse; however, there is little objective data concerning this symptom. Our aim was to determine the correlation between digitation to void, symptoms and signs of pelvic organ prolapse (POP), and urodynamic data.

Methods

This was a retrospective study that included a total of 1174 patients seen at a tertiary urogynecological unit. A standardized history was obtained from all patients followed by multichannel urodynamic testing, Pelvic Organ Prolapse Quantification scoring and 3-D/4-D translabial ultrasound. Stored 4-D translabial ultrasound volumes were obtained and analyzed at a later date.

Results

Digitation to void was present in 7% (n = 83) of our population. It is associated with primary symptoms of POP (odds ratio [OR], 25.75; confidence interval [CI], 8.08–82.05), clinically significant POP (OR, 5.62; CI, 2.25–14.02), and POP on ultrasound (OR, 5.39; CI, 2.67–10.88). Cystocele presented the strongest association, clinically (OR, 3.45; CI, 1.98–6.03) and on ultrasound (OR, 4.04; CI, 2.46–6.64). Digitation to void was also associated with symptoms of voiding dysfunction (OR, 6.38 [3.83–10.64]) and slower maximum urine flow rate centile (18.4 vs 24.9, P = 0.017).

Conclusions

Digitation to void is strongly associated with primary symptoms of prolapse and of voiding dysfunction, clinically significant POP, and pelvic organ descent on ultrasound. It is also associated with objective voiding dysfunction. The strongest associations were found with cystocele, both clinically and on imaging.
Temporal proteomic profiling of postnatal human cortical development
Authors: Breen Michael S. , Ozcan Sureyya , Ramsey Jordan M. , Wang Zichen , Ma’ayan Avi , Rustogi Nitin , Gottschalk Michael G. , Webster Maree J. , Weickert Cynthia Shannon , Buxbaum Joseph D. , Bahn Sabine
Published: September 2017

Healthy cortical development depends on precise regulation of transcription and translation. However, the dynamics of how proteins are expressed, function and interact across postnatal human cortical development remain poorly understood. We surveyed the proteomic landscape of 69 dorsolateral prefrontal cortex samples across seven stages of postnatal life and integrated these data with paired transcriptome data. We detected 911 proteins by liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry, and 83 were significantly associated with postnatal age (FDRp< 0.05). Network analysis identified three modules of co-regulated proteins correlated with age, including two modules with increasing expression involved in gliogenesis and NADH-metabolism and one neurogenesis-related module with decreasing expression throughout development. Integration with paired transcriptome data revealed that these age-related protein modules overlapped with RNA modules and displayed collinear developmental trajectories. Importantly, RNA expression profiles that are dynamically regulated throughout cortical development display tighter correlations with their respective translated protein expression compared to those RNA profiles that are not. Moreover, the correspondence between RNA and protein expression significantly decreases as a function of cortical aging, especially for genes involved in myelination and cytoskeleton organization. Finally, we used this data resource to elucidate the functional impact of genetic risk loci for intellectual disability, converging on gliogenesis, myelination and ATP-metabolism modules in the proteome and transcriptome. We share all data in an interactive, searchable companion website. Collectively, our findings reveal dynamic aspects of protein regulation and provide new insights into brain development, maturation and disease.
The acceptance of corporate wiki use for knowledge diffusion purposes
Authors: Alqahtani Fayez Hussain
Published: September 2017

Purpose

Scholars and practitioners alike view knowledge as a crucial organisational asset. Over the past decade, several knowledge management (KM) technologies have emerged, such as wikis. A wiki is a web-based hypertext application that supports a collaborative and conversational approach to KM. While wikis are generally simple to use, their adoption for managing organisational knowledge sometimes meets resistance from employees. The purpose of this paper is to investigate the factors affecting the user acceptance of organisational wikis as a means of knowledge creation and diffusion.

Design/methodology/approach

Building on the existing research on KM and information technology adoption, this study identified the following factors: the relevance of top management support for and complexity of enterprise wikis as well as technical support and knowledge-sharing self-efficacy. A cross-sectional survey was employed to examine the influence of these factors on employees’ acceptance of corporate wikis. Overall, 102 employees participated in the online survey, and the data collected were analysed using the partial least squares method.

Findings

The research model developed demonstrates that top management support, technical support and knowledge-sharing self-efficacy have a positive significant effect on employees’ willingness to use wikis for knowledge-creation purposes within organisations.

Originality/value

The findings of this study contribute to the existing literature on the implementation of wikis as a KM technology by developing a theoretical model explaining employees’ acceptance of this technology. Organisations could use this model to guide and facilitate wiki initiatives.
Non-linear radiative squeezed flow in a rotating frame
Authors: Ahmed Naveed , Khan Umar , Mohyud-Din Syed Tauseef , Jan Saeed Ullah
Published: September 2017

Purpose

In this current study, the authors aim to analyze non-linear radiative squeezed flow in a rotating frame of viscous fluid.

Design/methodology/approach

The Radioactive nature of the fluid is taken into consideration. The reduced form of equations governing the flow are developed by the implementation of similarity transformations. The coupled system thus obtained is solved by using the homotopy analysis method (HAM).

Findings

Augmentation in velocity and temperature profiles is discussed graphically by varying various involved parameters. The total error of the system is discussed in Table I. The cases of linear radiation and non-linear radiation are also discussed in Tables II and III.

Originality/value

The study presented in this paper is original and it has not been submitted to any other journal for publication purpose. The contents are original and proper references have been provided wherever applicable.
A new meshless approach in simulating free surface flows using continuous MLS shape functions and Voronoi diagram
Authors: Shobeyri Gholamreza , Yourdkhani Mohammad
Published: September 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to develop an efficient and accurate mesh-less method to simulate free flows with continuous deformation in boundary positions.

Design/methodology/approach

A two-step pressure projection method in a Lagrangian form is used to solve the governing equations of mass and momentum conservation. In the first step, velocity field is calculated in which incompressibility is not enforced. In the second step, a pressure Poisson equation is applied to satisfy incompressibility conditions. The numerical proposed method is used for spatial discretization of the governing equations. Three benchmark-free surface problems, namely, dam break, solitary wave propagation and evolution of an elliptical bubble with available experimental results and analytical solutions, are used to test the accuracy of the proposed method. The results prove the accuracy of the method in simulating free surface problems.

Findings

The Voronoi diagram instead of kernel function summation can be used to estimate the particle or nodal volume concept in particle-based (mesh-less) methods for function approximation. This idea probably works well especially for highly irregular node distributions.

Originality/value

The continuous moving least squares shape functions are applied for function approximation, and the Voronoi diagram concept is also used to estimate region influence of computational nodal points or particle volumes. Combinations of these two concepts and finite differences formulation for first derivatives gives an accurate numerical model for Laplacian operator in the proposed method.
Does facial width-to-height ratio predict male offender aggression?
Authors: Burris Christopher , Edwards Sherilyn
Published: September 2017

Purpose

Based on the previously observed link between greater facial width-to-height ratio (fWHR) and interpersonal aggression in men (see Haselhuhn et al., 2015), the purpose of this paper is to test whether fWHR could differentiate among male offenders as a function of the relative aggressiveness of the crime for which they had been convicted.

Design/methodology/approach

fWHR measurements (n=550) were computed based on a large subset of male offenders available on a public domain database. Each offender’s index offense and possible confounding variables such as age, ethnicity, and body mass index were also recorded.

Findings

Multiple analyses yielded no evidence of a relationship between male fWHR and the comparative level of violence of their conviction offense.

Originality/value

Establishing an empirical basis for probable parameters of an unknown offender’s facial structure could have a considerable practical value for criminal profiling purposes. fWHR – at least as it has been most frequently assessed – does not appear to be a facial parameter that is useful for this purpose, however.
Novel Insights into the Inhibitory Effect and Mechanism of Proanthocyanidins from Pyracantha fortuneana Fruit on α‐Glucosidase
Authors: Wei Mankun , Chai Wei‐Ming , Yang Qin , Wang Rui , Peng Yiyuan
Published: September 2017

Proanthocyanidins were extracted from Pyracantha fortuneana fruit (PFF), and their structures were investigated through 13C nuclear magnetic resonance (13C NMR), high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) and high resolution mass spectrometry (HRMS). The results showed that these compounds were predominantly constituted of procyanidin with A‐type and B‐type linkage and coexistence of procyanidins glucoside. Spectroscopy methods were used to analyze the inhibitory activity of proanthocyanidins on α‐glucosidase. The results demonstrated that these compounds exhibited excellent inhibitory effect on α‐glucosidase with the IC50 value of 0.15 ± 0.01 μg/mL, and they reversibly inhibited α‐glucosidase in a non‐competitive type. The fluorescence quenching analysis revealed that proanthocyanidins statically quenched the fluorescence spectra by forming an inhibitor‐α‐glucosidase complex. Molecular docking results further indicated that the driving powers of the interaction between proanthocyanidins and α‐glucosidase were hydrogen bonds and hydrophobic force. The main inhibitory mechanism of proanthocyanidins on α‐glucosidase may be due to the insertion of proanthocyanidins into the pocket of the enzyme altering the catalytic configuration of the active site in a manner, thus reducing substrate binding affinity. The findings of this work provided a new perspective that proanthocyanidins from PFF with a possibility to be used as novel natural anti‐diabetic agents in functional food industries.

Practical Application

In this study, Pyracantha fortuneana fruit proanthocyanidins with a yield of 3.05% were identified for the first time as predominantly constituted of procyanidin with A‐type and B‐type linkage and coexistence of procyanidins glucoside. Proanthocyanidins from P. fortuneana fruit had higher anti‐α‐glucosidase activity value compared with positive control acarbose, which indicated that P. fortuneana fruit proanthocyanidins with a possibility to be used as novel natural antidiabetic agents in functional food industries.
Salvage radiotherapy for regional lymph node oligo‐recurrence after radical surgery of non‐small cell lung cancer
Authors: Seol Ki Ho , Lee Jeong Eun , Cho Joon Yong , Lee Deok Heon , Seok Yangki , Kang Min Kyu
Published: September 2017

Background

Currently, evidence‐based guidelines for salvage therapy to treat mediastinal lymph node (LN) oligo‐recurrence in post‐resection non‐small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) are limited. In patients previously treated by surgery without irradiation, radiotherapy (RT) might be safely utilized. We evaluate the clinical outcomes of salvage RT for patients with LN oligo‐recurrence that developed after radical surgery for NSCLC.

Methods

Thirty‐one patients with stage I–IIIA NSCLC who developed regional LN oligo‐recurrence between 2008 and 2013 were reviewed. The median time from surgery to recurrence was 12 months. Fifteen patients (48.4%) had single LN recurrence. All patients were irradiated by 3‐dimensional conformal RT at the recurrent LN area with daily fractions of 2–3 Gy, with a median dose of 66 Gy (range 51–66). Sixteen patients also received chemotherapy.

Results

After salvage RT, 16 patients achieved a complete response, nine a partial response, and six had stable disease. The median follow‐up was 14 months (range 3–76). One and two‐year in‐field control rates were 88.4% and 75.8%, respectively. One and two‐year progression‐free survival rates were 73.1% and 50.9%, respectively. Progression sites were predominantly distant. Ten of the 31 patients (32.3%) met the revised Response Evaluation Criteria for Solid Tumors for a complete response by the final follow‐up. Recurrent LN size (<3 vs. ≥3 cm) was a significant prognostic factor for progression‐free survival (P = 0.013).

Conclusion

Salvage RT for patients with regional LN oligo‐recurrence after radical surgery was an effective treatment option with an acceptable level of toxicity.
Current status of robotic surgery in urology
Authors: Honda Masashi , Morizane Shuichi , Hikita Katsuya , Takenaka Atsushi
Published: September 2017

As a result of ergonomics, optimal magnification of the operative field, surgeon dexterity, and precision of surgical manipulation, robotic technology has been shown to overcome many difficulties associated with pure laparoscopy. With the recent expansion of robot‐assisted surgery in the field of urology and following the success of robot‐assisted prostatectomy and robot‐assisted partial nephrectomy, robot‐assisted surgery is being applied to treat many other genitourinary diseases, such as bladder cancer and ureteropelvic junction obstruction. The aim of the present review is to discuss the role of robotic surgery in urology and summarize recent developments in the field of urologic robotic surgery.
Place‐speaking: Attending to the relational, material and governance messages of Silent Spring
Authors: Bartel Robyn
Published: September 2017

The growing recognition of place agency, particularly in relational‐material conceptualisations, presents a challenge and an opportunity for legal geographic scholarship. Place is often invisibilised and abstracted by formal rules and institutions, but place shapes (and is shaped by) the law, and coproduces informal lore, norms and cultural practices that interact with formal law and influence governance. Such place‐work is particularly important for environmental law, for which place is or should be central, and is well overdue for scholarly interrogation. The focus of this paper is Silent Spring, often credited as having launched the modern environmental movement. The lens of legal geography is deployed to illustrate the significance of Rachel Carson's foregrounding of place and non‐human agency, validation of lay knowledges and alternative approaches in both science and policy. Carson's work demonstrates remarkable prescience in heralding relational ontologies, the relevance of materiality, and the value of collaborative governance. There is a challenge here for environmental law to recognise and embrace the many voices of place at multiple scales, and the role of place in generating its own legal order – a legal pluralism hitherto largely ignored. An opportunity exists to appreciate place law more fully, and deploy this recognition to address the environmental, regulatory and institutional problems of our time, including those that define the Anthropocene.
Turkey's Position on IDP Properties: Lessons (Not) Learned
Authors: Sert Deniz
Published: September 2017

Three issues: security, economics and justice, are the keys to comprehending the essence of problems of property and IDP return in conflict settings. The case of Turkey presents an interesting framework for analysing issues related to IDP property, both in the context of the Kurdish issue in the Southeast of the country, and in Cyprus. Comparing the position of Turkey in these two settings, the article argues that, while it utilizes domestic mechanisms to avoid international pressures very well, especially by exhausting the decisions of the European Court of Human Rights to reinforce legitimacy of its policies, Turkey's position on the return of and/or compensation for IDP properties lacks transparency, disregarding principles of justice without respect for human rights.
Peaceful Returns: Reversing Ethnic Cleansing after the Bosnian War
Authors: Stefanovic Djordje , Loizides Neophytos
Published: September 2017

This article questions the conventional wisdom which claims forced migration is irreversible following massive ethnic cleansing campaigns, by investigating durable returns to pre‐conflict home communities in Bosnia‐Herzegovina. We formulate a set of novel hypotheses on the demographic determinants of return as well as on the role of social capital, nationalist ideology, integration, and war victimization. We use a 2013 Bosnian representative sample with 1,007 respondents to test our hypotheses. The findings support the expectation that gender and age have a major impact on return. Net of other factors, women and those experiencing wartime victimization are less likely to return. Older Bosnians with positive memories of pre‐conflict interethnic relations are more likely to return than younger persons or those with negative memories. Finally, ethnic Bosniacs are more likely to return than ethnic Croats or Serbs. More nationalistic internally displaced persons (IDPs) are less likely to return.
HYPOGLYCÆMIC SULPHONAMIDES IN THE MANAGEMENT OF DIABETES MELLITUS
Authors: DOWNIE EWEN , BORNSTEIN JOSEPH , HUDSON BRYAN
Published: September 2017

A brief review is given of recent claims that certain sulphonylurea compounds possess hypoglycMmic action. The results of clinical trials in the Diabetic and Metabolic Unit of the Alfred Hospital are presented. Clinical trials were undertaken on a selected group of 26 patients (18 females and eight males) and a satisfactory therapeutic response was obtained in 19 patients (13 females and six males). In the remaining patients treatment was regarded as a failure.

The possible mode of action of sulphonylurea drugs is considered, and evidence is presented which suggests interference with transaminase systems in the liver. The conclusion is reached that these drugs do not act as substitutes for insulin, and that in view of side effects and the uncertain sequelM which may follow their prolonged administration, further work is necessary before they are made available for general use.
THE HISTOLOGY OF GENERALIZED PULMONARY EMPHYSEMA
Authors: McLEAN K. H.
Published: September 2017

The histological appearances of structural changes in air passages in the early lesions of generalized pulmonary emphysema are presented. The earliest lesions were found in respiratory bronchioles and alveolar ducts near the middle of secondary lobules ; one form was an acute lesion associated with bronchiolar obstruction proximally, whereas the other was “ chronic “, with no evidence of recent change or obstruction.

The chronic form evolved either towards diffuse emphysema or towards macroscopically visible focal emphysema in which sharply localized dilated air spaces occupy the middle of the lobule.

An hypothesis of origin of these early subclinical lesions is presented. It rests on two propositions : first, that distending forces exist in patent air passages beyond an obstruction (particularly in those just distal to such an obstruction) and that these forces have a disruptive effect ; second, that obliteration of bronchioles, due to past inflammation, occurs diffusely and extensively in emphysema, even in these early examples. Both phenomena have been shown to be closely related to acute bronchiolitis (McLean, 1956b, 1957) so that the disease is regarded as a sequel of repeated incidents of acute bronchiolitis, progressing more rapidly when such incidents are severe or prolonged.

This hypothesis is consistent not only with pathological observations on the emphysematous lung but also with morphological, clinical and physiological observations concerning the broader subject of the evolution of inflammatory disease of the bronchioles.

Concurrently, the nature of the black pigment of the lung and its relation to focal emphysema were examined. It was concluded that, in most cases, part of this pigment is endogenous hæmosiderin derived largely from the hemoglobin of cells found in the exudate in acutely inflamed respiratory bronchioles and branches. Evidence that part is carbon rests on less conclusive evidence, although it is not denied that inhaled carbon can contribute to this pigmentation. Excessive retention of carbon or hæemosiderin in the peripheral passages was considered to result in accentuation of the focal form of emphysema.
TOXOPLASMOSIS : THE DIAGNOSIS OF CLINICAL AND LATENT INFECTION IN AUSTRALIA
Authors: GARVEN ALISON
Published: September 2017

A summary of the clinical features of toxoplasmosis is given and the use of diagnostic tests is described. The disease presents most commonly as a congenital infection, which is transmitted to a fetus from a mother who is suffering from an acute asymptomatic infection. The infants suffer most commonly from hydrocephalus, convulsions, chorio‐retinitis and cerebral calcification. In the acquired form it may present as a typhus‐like illness with fever, maculo‐papular rash and symptoms of encephalitis and pneumonia. An antibody survey of a sample of the Australian population is presented and the nature of the dye test outlined. It was found that 35% of the adult population had cytoplasm‐modifying antibodies in their serum. The interpretation of these findings is discussed.
THE LEAD CONTENT OF BONE IN CHRONIC BRIGHT'S DISEASE
Authors: HENDERSON D. A. , INGLIS J. A.
Published: September 2017

Some cases of chronic Bright's disease in the twenty to forty‐nine years age group in Queensland can be ascribed by clinico‐pathological study to known cases, such as glomerulonephritis, chronic pyelonephritis and essential hypertension. By far the larger proportion, amounting to 63% in the present series, cannot be so allotted. The bone lead content of persons in those cases of known ætiology is the same as those of persons who died without chronic Bright's disease. The bone lead content of the persons in the group of unknown ætiology is significantly higher than in these two groups. The available evidence suggests that this high lead content is due, with few exceptions, to excessive absorption during childhood. Bone lead content can be used in cases of chronic Bright's disease as a valid indication of excessive lead absorption. Its estimation may provide a clue to the ætiology of some cases of chronic Bright's disease.
HISTOCHEMICAL DIFFERENCES BETWEEN REGENERATING AND NEOPLASTIC RAT LIVER
Authors: Louise C. J.
Published: September 2017

Fluorescent sera obtained by conjugating fluorescein isocyanate with the globulin fraction of serum obtained from rabbits previously injected with homogenates of normal rat liver have an affinity for rat liver and regenerating rat liver but not for rat hepatoma. There is a close correlation between these staining reactions and alterations occurring in cellular proteins during carcinogenesis ; these may be demonstrated electrophoretically. The phenomenon is an expression of an essential difference between neoplastic and normal tissue and is not an indication merely of cellular activity.
ELECTROCARDIOGRAPHIC CHANGES IN TREATED HYPERTENSION
Authors: HAY D. R.
Published: September 2017

The electrocardiograms of 143 patients treated with hypotensive drugs for two to six years have been analysed.

Improvement has occurred in 47% of cases ; 35% of patients have remained unchanged, and 18% have deteriorated. The number of improved electrocardiograms was slightly higher in those treated for two to three years. Improvement was usually apparent within a year of treatment, but was not confined to this period.

In 17 cases the electrocardiogram was normal before treatment, and in 28 cases it was normal after treatment.

There was a small but significant reduction in the QRS voltage in leads reflecting left ventricular potentials.

In 74 cases depression of the S‐T segment was seen before treatment. The degree of this was reduced in 54 cases after treatment.

Of 76 patients with inversion of the T waves in leads reflecting left ventricular potentials, 20 showed considerable improvement after treatment, the T waves becoming flattened or normal in all leads.

Follow‐up of a 1953 series of 75 cases revealed that 24 patients have since died, of whom 14 had previously shown electrocardiographic improvement.