bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Whitening and Impaired Glucose Utilization of Brown Adipose Tissue in a Rat Model of Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus
Authors: Lapa Constantin , Arias-Loza Paula , Hayakawa Nobuyuki , Wakabayashi Hiroshi , Werner Rudolf A. , Chen Xinyu , Shinaji Tetsuya , Herrmann Ken , Pelzer Theo , Higuchi Takahiro
Published: November 2017

Brown adipose tissue (BAT) is an attractive therapeutic target to combat diabetes and obesity due to its ability to increase glucose expenditure. In a genetic rat model (ZDF fa/fa) of type-2 diabetes and obesity, we aimed to investigate glucose utilization of BAT by 18F-FDG PET imaging. Male Zucker diabetic fatty (ZDF) and Male Zucker lean (ZL) control rats were studied at 13 weeks. Three weeks prior to imaging, ZDF rats were randomized into a no-restriction (ZDF-ND) and a mild calorie restriction (ZDF-CR) group. Dynamic 18F-FDG PET using a dedicated small animal PET system was performed under hyperinsulinemic-euglycemic clamp. 18F-FDG PET identified intense inter-scapular BAT glucose uptake in all ZL control rats, while no focally increased 18F-FDG uptake was detected in all ZDF-ND rats. Mild but significant improved BAT tracer uptake was identified after calorie restriction in diabetic rats (ZDF-CR). The weight of BAT tissue and fat deposits were significantly increased in ZDF-CR and ZDF-ND rats as compared to ZL controls, while UCP-1 and mitochondrial concentrations were significantly decreased. Whitening and severely impaired insulin-stimulated glucose uptake in BAT was confirmed in a rat model of type-2 diabetes. Additionally, calorie restriction partially restored the impaired BAT glucose uptake.
Screening natural libraries of human milk oligosaccharides against lectins using CaR-ESI-MS
Authors: El-Hawiet Amr , Chen Yajie , Shams-Ud-Doha Km , Kitova Elena N. , Kitov Pavel I. , Bode Lars , Hage Naim , Falcone Franco H. , Klassen John S.
Published: November 2017

Human milk oligosaccharides (HMOs) afford many health benefits to breast-fed infants, such as protection against infection and regulation of the immune system, through the formation of non-covalent interactions with protein receptors.
Optimizing the process of reference selection for correlation optimised warping (COW) and interval correlation shifting (icoshift) analysis: automating the chromatographic alignment procedure
Authors: Kumar Keshav
Published: November 2017

The present work introduces an automated procedure for generating the reference chromatogram for subsequent correlation optimised warping (COW) and interval correlation shifting (icoshift) analysis.
Controlling the lectin recognition of glycopolymersviadistance arrangement of sugar blocks
Authors: Jono K. , Nagao M. , Oh T. , Sonoda S. , Hoshino Y. , Miura Y.
Published: November 2017

Control of molecular recognitionvialiving radical polymerization.
Hierarchical CuCo2S4 nanoarrays for high-efficient and durable water oxidation electrocatalysis
Authors: Yang Lin , Xie Lisi , Ren Xiang , Wang Ziqiang , Liu Zhiang , Du Gu , Asiri Abdullah M. , Yao Yadong , Sun Xuping
Published: November 2017

A hierarchical CuCo2S4 nanoarray (CuCo2S4/CF) acts as an efficient and durable catalyst electrode for water oxidation, needing overpotentials of only 259 and 295 mV to deliver 60 and 100 mA cm−2 in 1.0 M KOH.
Pillar[4]pyridinium: a square-shaped molecular box
Authors: Kosiorek Sandra , Rosa Bartłomiej , Boinski Tomasz , Butkiewicz Helena , Szymański Marek P. , Danylyuk Oksana , Szumna Agnieszka , Sashuk Volodymyr
Published: November 2017

A quadruply positively charged macrocycle with a highly symmetric, strained structure and an electron-deficient cavity is presented.
Postmodification of a supramolecular organic framework: visible-light-induced recyclable heterogeneous photocatalysis for the reduction of azides to amines
Authors: Wu Yi-Peng , Yang Bo , Tian Jia , Yu Shang-Bo , Wang Hui , Zhang Dan-Wei , Liu Yi , Li Zhan-Ting
Published: November 2017

Postmodification has been utilized to introduce [Ru(BPY)3]2+ to 3D SOF to prepare a catalyst for visible light-induced recyclable heterogeneous photoreduction of aromatic azides into amines.
Influence of macroscopic defects on the corrosion behavior of U–0.79 wt%Ti alloy in sodium chloride solution
Authors: Cai Dingzhou , Wang Ming , Ren Yiming , Yang Shanli , Sang Ge , Li Yingru
Published: November 2017

The local physical chemistry of the corrosion behavior of a U–Ti alloy was studied via the scanning electrochemical composite probe (SECP) technique.
A mechanistic approach towards the photocatalytic organic transformations over functionalised metal organic frameworks: a review
Authors: Subudhi Satyabrata , Rath Dharitri , Parida K. M.
Published: November 2017

This review focuses on the possible mechanisms involved in the organic transformations occurring through photocatalysis over functionalised metal–organic frameworks.
In situ synthesis of novel Cu2CO3(OH)2 decorated 2D TiO2 nanosheets with efficient photocatalytic H2 evolution activity
Authors: Xu Hao , Dai Dongsheng , Li Songsong , Ge Lei , Gao Yangqin
Published: November 2017

Semiconductor-based photocatalytic hydrogen evolution from water with earth-abundant and low cost co-catalysts has attracted much attention.
Research into food portion size: methodological aspects and applications
Authors: Almiron-Roig Eva , Navas-Carretero Santiago , Emery Peter , Martínez J. Alfredo
Published: November 2017

In-depth review of methods used in portion size research including dietary, cognitive and behavioural instruments.
Catalyst-free chemoselective conjugate addition and reduction of α,β-unsaturated carbonyl compounds via a controllable boration/protodeboronation cascade pathway
Authors: Huang Xi , Hu Junjie , Wu Mengying , Wang Jiayi , Peng Yanqing , Song Gonghua
Published: November 2017

A transition-metal-catalyst-free method provides a useful and eco-friendly tool for the chemoselective conjugate addition and reduction of α,β-unsaturated carbonyl compounds.
Construction of the Bi2WO6/Bi4V2O11heterojunction for highly efficient visible-light-driven photocatalytic reduction of Cr(vi)
Authors: Ri Chol-Nam , Song-Gol Kim , Ju-Yong Jong , Pak Sung-Nam , Ri Song-Chon , Ri Jong-Hwa
Published: November 2017

Bi2WO6/Bi4V2O11heterojunctions constructed by anchoring Bi4V2O11nanocrystals onto Bi2WO6nanoflakes exhibit excellent photocatalytic Cr(vi) reduction activity and cycling stability under visible light irradiation.
Electrooxidative CH/PH functionalization as a novel way to synthesize benzo[b]phosphole oxides mediated by catalytic amounts of silver acetate
Authors: Khrizanforova V. V. , Kholin K. V. , Khrizanforov M. N. , Kadirov M. K. , Budnikova Yu. H.
Published: November 2017

Electrochemical oxidation synthesis of benzo[b]phosphole oxides has been performed at room temperature with catalytic amounts of AgOAc.
Exploiting direct heteroarylation polymerization homocoupling defects for the synthesis of a molecular dimer
Authors: Breukelaar Willem B. , McAfee Seth M. , Welch Gregory C.
Published: November 2017

Molecular dimerization: an effective design strategy for spectral engineering.
Adsorbed carbon nanomaterials for surface and interface-engineered stable rubidium multi-cation perovskite solar cells
Authors: Mahmud Md Arafat , Elumalai Naveen Kumar , Upama Mushfika Baishakhi , Wang Dian , Zarei Leila , Gonçales Vinicius R. , Wright Matthew , Xu Cheng , Haque Faiazul , Uddin Ashraf
Published: November 2017

Adsorbed carbon nanomaterial based dual electron transport layer ensures more efficient and stable perovskite solar cells.
Organelle-targeting surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) nanosensors for subcellular pH sensing
Authors: Shen Yanting , Liang Lijia , Zhang Shuqin , Huang Dianshuai , Zhang Jing , Xu Shuping , Liang Chongyang , Xu Weiqing
Published: November 2017

A series of surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) nanosensors with high sensitivity and targeting function was prepared for the quantification and monitoring of pH values in mitochondria, nucleus, and lysosome.
Synthesis of polysubstituted pyridines from oxime acetates using NH4I as a dual-function promoter
Authors: Xia Yujia , Cai Jinhui , Huang Huawen , Deng Guo-Jun
Published: November 2017

An NH4I dual-function promoter enables pyridine synthesis through oxime N–O bond reduction and subsequent condensation reactions.
Metal-free electrophilic phosphination of electron-rich arenes, arenols and aromatic thiols with diarylphosphine oxides
Authors: Yuan Tao , Huang Shenlin , Cai Chun , Lu Guo-ping
Published: November 2017

A metal-free and mild route to aromatic organophosphorus compounds from stable phosphines.
Palladium/silver reagent-promoted aryl phosphorylation: flexible synthesis of substituted-3-benzylidene-2-(2-(diphenylphosphoryl)-aryl)-isoindolin-1-one
Authors: Shi Peng , Wang Qing , Zeng Xiao , Zhao Yingsheng , Zeng Runsheng
Published: November 2017

A novel Pd(OAc)2/Ag2CO3-catalyzed coupling reaction was investigated. Substituted 3-benzylidene-2-arylisoindolin-1-ones was reacted with diphenylphosphine oxide to afford 3-arylidene-2-(2-(diphenylphosphoryl)aryl)isoindolin-1-ones.
Application of functionalized ether in lithium ion batteries
Authors: Hu Fang , Song Taeseup
Published: November 2017

Functionalized ethers have been explored to improve the electrochemical properties of lithium ion batteries (LIBs).
Control of the molecular packing of chloroboron(iii) and fluoroboron(iii) subnaphthalocyanines by designing peripheral substituents
Authors: Takagi Akuto , Mizutani Tadashi
Published: November 2017

Dipolar subnaphthalocyanines with alkynyl groups and a B–F moiety are packed in hexagonal columns.
Pitzer thermodynamic modeling study on solid–liquid equilibria of the quinary system LiCl–NaCl–CaCl2–SrCl2–H2O at 298.15 K
Authors: Meng Lingzong , Li Dan
Published: November 2017

The Pitzer thermodynamic model for solid–liquid equilibria in the quinary system LiCl–NaCl–CaCl2–SrCl2–H2O at 298.15 K was constructed by combining the proper parameters and solubility product constants of the equilibrium solids.
Purification and identification of antioxidative peptides of palm kernel expeller glutelin-1 hydrolysates
Authors: Zheng Yajun , Li Yan , Zhang Yufeng
Published: November 2017

Four antioxidant peptides were identified from enzymatic hydrolysates of palm kernel expeller glutelin-1 in the current study.
The effect of math SAT on women's chemistry competency beliefs
Authors: Vincent-Ruz Paulette , Binning Kevin , Schunn Christian D. , Grabowski Joe
Published: November 2017

In chemistry, lack of academic preparation and math ability have been offered as explanations as to why women seem to enroll, perform, and graduate at lower levels than men. In this paper, we explore the alternative possibility that the gender gap in chemistry instead originates from differential gender effects of academic factors on students’ motivation. Using a sample of approximately 670 students enrolled in a mid-sized university in the United States we conducted: (1)t-tests to understand incoming academic differences between freshman students by gender, (2) regression analysis to determine which academic and attitudinal factors predict success in General Chemistry 1, and (3) a mediation analysis to understand the underlying mechanisms of how academic performance affects students’ beliefs about their competency in chemistry, which in turn has an effect on chemistry achievement. We demonstrate the importance of math ability as a contributor to chemistry achievement, but further that ability differences in math are important because they affect students’ chemistry competency beliefs. Critically, this link between ability and competency beliefs is stronger for women than men. These results suggest that interventions geared towards improving women's chemistry competency beliefs could have an important influence in improving their achievement in the classroom, and in consequence reduce the gender gap in chemistry.
Organocatalytic nitrenoid transfer: metal-free selective intermolecular C(sp3)–H amination catalyzed by an iminium salt
Authors: Combee Logan A. , Raya Balaram , Wang Daoyong , Hilinski Michael K.
Published: November 2017

This report details the first organocatalytic method for nitrenoid transfer and its application to intermolecular, site-selective C(sp3)–H amination.
A lesson for site-selective C–H functionalization on 2-pyridones: radical, organometallic, directing group and steric controls
Authors: Hirano Koji , Miura Masahiro
Published: November 2017

This minireview focuses on recent advances in site-selective C–H functionalization on 2-pyridone which is an important heterocyclic motif in medicinal and pharmaceutical chemistry.
Tinker-HP: a massively parallel molecular dynamics package for multiscale simulations of large complex systems with advanced point dipole polarizable force fields
Authors: Lagardère Louis , Jolly Luc-Henri , Lipparini Filippo , Aviat Félix , Stamm Benjamin , Jing Zhifeng F. , Harger Matthew , Torabifard Hedieh , Cisneros G. Andrés , Schnieders Michael J. , Gresh Nohad , Maday Yvon , Ren Pengyu Y. , Ponder Jay W. , Piquemal Jean-Philip
Published: November 2017

Tinker-HP is massively parallel software dedicated to polarizable molecular dynamics.
Designing an ordered template of cylindrical arrays based on a simple flat plate confinement of block copolymers: a coarse-grained molecular dynamics study
Authors: Pinge Shubham , Lin Guanyang , Baskaran Durairaj , Padmanaban Munirathna , Joo Yong Lak
Published: November 2017

In this paper we study the morphology formed by asymmetric di-block copolymers (di-BCPs) under various confinements using a large-scale coarse-grained molecular dynamics (CGMD) framework.
Distinction between PTB7-Th samples prepared from Pd(PPh3)4 and Pd2(dba)3/P(o-tol)3 catalysed stille coupling polymerization and the resultant photovoltaic performance
Authors: Gao Jianhong , Wang Wei , Zhang Shoujie , Xiao Shengqiang , Zhan Chun , Yang Mingyan , Lu Xinhui , You Wei
Published: November 2017

The polymerization of PTB7-Th by Stille cross-coupling condensations with different catalysts leads to varied structures and photovoltaic performance.
Growth, characterization and optoelectronic applications of pure-phase large-area CsPb2Br5 flake single crystals
Authors: Zhang Zhaojun , Zhu Yanming , Wang Weiliang , Zheng Wei , Lin Richeng , Huang Feng
Published: November 2017

Wide band gap CsPb2Br5 flake single crystals have been successfully obtained and demonstrated to have potential applications in deep-UV photodetection.
Structural determinants for protein unfolding and translocation by the Hsp104 protein disaggregase
Authors: Lee Jungsoon , Sung Nuri , Yeo Lythou , Chang Changsoo , Lee Sukyeong , Tsai Francis T.F.
Published: November 2017

The ring-forming Hsp104 ATPase cooperates with Hsp70 and Hsp40 molecular chaperones to rescue stress-damaged proteins from both amorphous and amyloid-forming aggregates. The ability to do so relies upon pore loops present in the first ATP-binding domain (AAA-1; loop-1 and loop-2 ) and in the second ATP-binding domain (AAA-2; loop-3) of Hsp104, which face the protein translocating channel and couple ATP-driven changes in pore loop conformation to substrate translocation. A hallmark of loop-1 and loop-3 is an invariable and mutational sensitive aromatic amino acid (Tyr257 and Tyr662) involved in substrate binding. However, the role of conserved aliphatic residues (Lys256, Lys258, and Val663) flanking the pore loop tyrosines, and the function of loop-2 in protein disaggregation has not been investigated. Here we present the crystal structure of an N-terminal fragment of Saccharomyces cerevisiae Hsp104 exhibiting molecular interactions involving both AAA-1 pore loops, which resemble contacts with bound substrate. Corroborated by biochemical experiments and functional studies in yeast, we show that aliphatic residues flanking Tyr257 and Tyr662 are equally important for substrate interaction, and abolish Hsp104 function when mutated to glycine. Unexpectedly, we find that loop-2 is sensitive to aspartate substitutions that impair Hsp104 function and abolish protein disaggregation when loop-2 is replaced by four aspartate residues. Our observations suggest that Hsp104 pore loops have non-overlapping functions in protein disaggregation and together coordinate substrate binding, unfolding, and translocation through the Hsp104 hexamer.
Aural Rehabilitation as Comprehensive Hearing Health Care
Authors: Boothroyd Arthur
Published: November 2017

In a 10-year-old publication, the author defined aural rehabilitation holistically and indicated that the evidence for effectiveness fell as one moved through the areas of function, activity, participation, and quality of life. Several developments since then warrant consideration. One is an increased recognition that hearing is a cognitive process. In this connection, special attention is being paid to listening effort. At the time of writing, this work is already influencing the design and marketing of hearing aids and, along with direct wireless connectivity, may well impact other components of aural rehabilitation. Another development is the increasing availability of low-cost hearing aids and personal sound amplification products for direct purchase. Combined with developments in self-testing and self-fitting, direct-to-consumer and low-cost hearing aids create an opportunity for dispensing audiologists to develop a more holistic approach to meeting the needs of people with hearing loss—as envisaged in the scope of practice outlined by the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association and as advocated by numerous writers over the past several decades.
Agent‐based identification and control of voltage emergency situations
Authors: Robitzky Lena , Weckesser Tilman , Häger Ulf , Rehtanz Christian , Van Cutsem Thierry
Published: November 2017

Changing dynamics of power systems caused by the migration from conventional to distributed energy sources increase the risk of blackouts due to voltage instability, especially in case of unforeseen network conditions (e.g. (N‐k)‐cases). To enable both secure and efficient power supply, novel monitoring and emergency control systems for the identification of voltage emergency situations as well as the execution of control actions are required that react reliably in due time and adaptively in the case of changing network situations. This study presents a distributed agent‐based approach to counteract voltage instability that is based solely on local measurements and limited inter‐agent communication. Distributed agents located at substations in the (sub‐)transmission network monitor distribution and transmission voltages, as well as, load tap changer positions and are able to autonomously curtail load in case system stability is endangered. The applicability of the approach is demonstrated in a co‐simulation environment interfacing the multi‐agent system with a dynamic power system simulation. The presented approach allows for an early detection of voltage instability as well as a coordinated execution of available control actions.
Impact of demand response on capacity credit of renewable distributed generation
Authors: Zeng Bo , Wei Xuan , Feng Jiahuan , Liu Zongqi
Published: November 2017

Environmental and economic concerns drive the rapid use of renewable distributed generation (RDG) throughout the world. Due to the inherent variability in renewable energy sources, the capability of RDG to displace conventional generation has become an urgent issue to be studied for future power system planning. In this study, the capacity credit (CC) of RDG is investigated given the distribution generation system context, where in the impact of demand response (DR) is highlighted. To achieve this, it was first attempted to specify CC index of RDG. On this basis, a generalised possibilistic–probabilistic model is proposed for DR characterisation. It decomposes consumer behaviours into a coupling process by the instant response and inter‐temporal effect and takes into account of both aleatory and epistemic uncertainties that involved. The Fischer–Burmeister‐based transformation is used to deal with the hybrid uncertainty. The CC is calculated using the sequential Monte Carlo simulation approach, embedded with an adaptation strategy developed to improve the computational efficiency. Numerical results on a real 20 kV distribution network show that the RDG capacity value varies with DR capacity. DR could have a considerable contribution to the reliability benefits of the system if sufficient responsiveness from demand side were provided.
The sdB pulsating star V391 Peg and its putative giant planet revisited after 13 years of time-series photometric
data
Authors: Silvotti R. , Schuh S. , Kim S.-L. , Lutz R. , Reed M. , Benatti S. , Janulis R. , Lanteri L. , Østensen R. , Marsh T. R. , Dhillon V. S. , Paparo M. , Molnar L.
Published: November 2017

V391 Peg (alias HS 2201+2610) is a subdwarf B (sdB) pulsating star that shows both p- and g-modes. By studying the arrival times of the p-mode maxima and minima through the O–C method, in a previous article the presence of a planet was inferred with an orbital period of 3.2 years and a minimum mass of 3.2 MJup. Here we present an updated O–C analysis using a larger data set of 1066 h of photometric time series (~2.5× larger in terms of the number of data points), which covers the period between 1999 and 2012 (compared with 1999–2006 of the previous analysis). Up to the end of 2008, the new O–C diagram of the main pulsation frequency (f1) is compatible with (and improves) the previous two-component solution representing the long-term variation of the pulsation period (parabolic component) and the giant planet (sine wave component). Since 2009, the O–C trend of f1 changes, and the time derivative of the pulsation period (p.) passes from positive to negative; the reason of this change of regime is not clear and could be related to nonlinear interactions between different pulsation modes. With the new data, the O–C diagram of the secondary pulsation frequency (f2) continues to show two components (parabola and sine wave), like in the previous analysis. Various solutions are proposed to fit the O–C diagrams of f1 and f2, but in all of them, the sinusoidal components of f1 and f2 differ or at least agree less well than before. The nice agreement found previously was a coincidence due to various small effects that are carefully analyzed. Now, with a larger dataset, the presence of a planet is more uncertain and would require confirmation with an independent method. The new data allow us to improve the measurement of p. for f1 and f2: using only the data up to the end of 2008, we obtain p.1 = (1.34 ± 0.04) × 10−12 and p.2 = (1.62 ± 0.22) × 10−12. The long-term variation of the two main pulsation periods (and the change of sign of p.1) is visible also in direct measurements made over several years. The absence of peaks near f1 in the Fourier transform and the secondary peak close to f2 confirm a previous identification as l = 0 and l = 1, respectively, and suggest a stellar rotation period of about 40 days. The new data allow constraining the main g-mode pulsation periods of the star.
A New Approach to the Synthesis of Benzo[b]naphtho[2,3-b]furan-6,11-diones and 2-Benzyl-3-hydroxynaphthalene-1,4-diones
Authors: Barcia Jose , Cruces Jacobo , Salas Cristian , Estévez Juan , Cuellar Mauricio , Tapia Ricardo , Estévez Ramón
Published: November 2017

Here we describe modified syntheses of o-acetylbenzoic acids­ and o-acetylphenylacetic acids by Heck palladium-catalysed aryl­ation of n-butyl vinyl ether with o-iodobenzoic acids or with o-iodo­phenylacetic acids, respectively. General syntheses of benzo[b]naphtho[2,3-b]furan-6,11-diones from o-acetylbenzoic acids and 2-benzyl-3-hydroxynaphthalene-1,4-diones from o-acetylphenylacetic acids are also reported.
Use of an Intra-Arterial Catheter as a Provisional Conduit for Regulated Outflow Management in the Setting of Artery-Only Digital Replantation
Authors: DeFazio Michael , Han Kevin , Paryavi Ebrahim
Published: November 2017

Successful replantation of distal digital segments necessitates the establishment of sufficient outflow to minimize congestion and progressive tissue necrosis. In cases where only arterial anastomosis is feasible, an artificial outlet must be provided to maintain physiological requirements until microvenous circulation regenerates. This can be accomplished using any number of “exsanguination techniques” designed to facilitate egress through ongoing passive blood loss. Although reportedly effective, these measures are imprecise and carry a substantial risk of infection, scarring, and/or uncontrolled hemorrhage. Herein, we describe a preemptive alternative for provisional venous drainage, whereby direct catheterization of a distal arterial branch is used to enhance the precision of outflow management following artery-only digital replantation. The establishment of intravascular access, using the technique described, permits remote manipulation of the microcirculatory environment through timed administration of heparinized saline and regulated removal of controlled volumes of blood.
Local Excision and Endoscopic Resections for Early Rectal Cancer
Authors: Celentano Juan , Alexandre Flavia , Vailati Bruna , São Julião Guilherme
Published: November 2017

Radical surgery is considered as the standard treatment for rectal cancer. Transanal local excision has been considered an interesting alternative for the management of selected patients with rectal cancers for many decades. Different approaches had been considered for local excision, from endoscopic submucosal dissection to resections using platforms, such as transanal endoscopic microsurgery or transanal minimally invasive surgery. Identifying the ideal candidate for this approach is crucial, as a local failure after local excision is associated with poor outcomes, even for an initial early rectal tumor. In this article, the diagnostic tools and criteria to select patients for local excision, the different modalities used, and the outcomes are discussed.
Is There Any Reason to Still Consider Lateral Lymph Node Dissection in Rectal Cancer? Rationale and Technique
Authors: Uehara Keisuke , Velde Cornelis , Moriya Yoshihiro , Kusters Miranda
Published: November 2017

Nodal dissemination in locally advanced rectal cancer occurs mainly in two directions: upward and lateral. Lateral node involvement has been demonstrated; however, lateral lymph node dissection (LLND) is not routinely performed in Western countries and the focus is more on neoadjuvant treatment regimens. The main reasons for this are the high morbidity associated with the operation and the uncertain oncological benefit. There is, however, recent evidence that in selected cases, neoadjuvant treatment combined with total mesorectal excision only might not be sufficient. In this article, the historical developments in the East and the West, the current evidence regarding lateral nodal disease, and the surgical steps in the LLND are discussed.
Neoadjuvant Treatment Strategies: Advanced Radiation Alternatives
Authors: Minsky Bruce
Published: November 2017

Long-course chemoradiation therapy (CRT) has been the standard approach for locally advanced rectal tumors. Neoadjuvant CRT is associated to improved local disease control, with less toxicity when compared with adjuvant CRT, as well as the chance for pathologic complete response. The CRT regimens have improved over the past years. This article will examine selected controversies, including novel chemoradiation regimens, duration of radiation (short vs. long course), and radiation techniques such as intensity-modulated radiation therapy (IMRT).
Deep Invasive Fungal Infection of the Hand in a Child Mimicking a Local Gigantism
Authors: Chatterjee Anirban , Chatterjee Shamita
Published: November 2017

Subcutaneous and deep fungal infections in the hand are rare among children. These are usually found in immunocompromised adults or in persons engaged in soil handling activities, due to direct exposure, especially in the tropics. Delay in diagnosis is usual because pyogenic and other granulomatous infections are considered first.

The authors present the case of a healthy, immunocompetent 2½-year-old child who presented with progressive swelling of the right hand mimicking a localized gigantism of the entire hand. Multiple operative drainage procedures done previously had failed to resolve the condition. A biopsy established the presence of fungal hyphae, thus confirming the diagnosis of deep fungal infection of the hand and guided proper therapeutic intervention. A strong index of suspicion needs to be maintained in cases not responding to conventional antibacterial therapy, and both microbiologic and histopathologic samples need to be obtained to establish the diagnosis.
Staged Reconstruction (Delayed-Immediate) of the Maxillectomy Defect Using CAD/CAM Technology
Authors: Pang John Henry , Brooke Sebastian , Kubik Mark , Ferris Robert , Dhima Matilda , Hanasono Matthew , Wang Eric , Solari Mario
Published: November 2017

Background Computer-aided design/computer-aided manufacturing (CAD/CAM) technology has become increasingly popular for free fibula reconstruction of the mandible. The same technology, however, has not been widely utilized in immediate complex midface reconstruction utilizing free fibula flaps. Maxillary defects are difficult to precisely predict or produce matched cutting guides for after the ablative surgery. We present a protocol for “delayed-immediate” two-stage reconstruction for complex mid-facial defects, by delaying lymph node neck dissection and using CAD/CAM technology for delayed bony reconstruction.

Methods Stage 1 includes the extirpative surgery, placement of a temporary obturator, and an immediate post-excision fine cut computed tomography (CT) of the defect that is used for CAD/CAM planning. The time interval between stages is used for virtual surgical planning (VSP) and provides an opportunity for the final pathologic margins to be evaluated. At stage 2, definitive reconstruction is performed in conjunction with the delayed neck dissection. Briefly delaying the neck dissection until stage 2 allows for recipient vessel dissection and microsurgical anastomoses to safely occur in a surgically naïve neck.

Conclusion A two-stage delayed-immediate reconstruction of complex mid-face defects can be safely and effectively performed. This protocol takes advantage of advancing CAD/CAM technology, provides an opportunity to evaluate final margins, and avoids recipient vessel dissection and microsurgery in previously operated or irradiated necks.
Older Age and Longer Epilepsy Duration Do Not Predict Worse Seizure Reduction Outcome after Vagus Nerve Stimulation
Authors: Kocvarova Jitka , Novak Zdenek , Dolezalova Irena , Svoboda Michal , Brazdil Milan , Chrastina Jan
Published: November 2017

Introduction We analyzed the results of vagus nerve stimulation (VNS) on older patients and patients with long-lasting epilepsy and included severely intellectually disabled patients.

Patients and Methods A total of 103 adults with VNS implanted from 2005 to 2014 were studied. The responder rates, that is, the percentage of VNS patients who responded to VNS, classified as seizure reduction ≥ 50% (50R) and seizure reduction ≥ 90% (90R), were compared in defined age groups (< 40 and ≥ 40 years, and < 50 and ≥ 50 years) and epilepsy duration groups (< 20 and ≥ 20 years, < 30 and ≥ 30 years, and < 40 and ≥ 40 years) at the 1-year follow-up visit and the last follow-up visit (at least 2 years after surgery). The age distributions and responder rates were also studied in patients with an intellectual disability.

Results The analysis did not confirm a significantly lower 50R or 90R rate in patients ≥ 40, ≥ 50, or ≥ 60 years when compared with their younger counterparts, but the 50R rate increase during follow-up care was the lowest in patients ≥ 50 and ≥ 60 years. The highest percentage of patients with an intellectual disability in the group < 40 years of age did not adversely affect the 50R rate. Longer epilepsy duration was not confirmed as a negative predictor of VNS outcome. There was a significantly higher 50R rate in patients with epilepsy duration ≥ 20 years (at the last follow-up visit) and a higher 90R rate in patients with epilepsy duration ≥ 30 years (at the 1-year follow-up visit). The increase in the 50R rate during follow-up care was lower in patients with epilepsy durations ≥ 30 and ≥ 40 years.

Conclusions The study did not find worse VNS outcomes, as defined by the 50R or 90R rate, in older adult patients or in patients with a longer epilepsy duration. The increasing stimulation effect over time is less marked in older patients and in patients with longer epilepsy duration.
Management and Outcome in Patients with Advanced Juvenile Nasopharyngeal Angiofibroma
Authors: Rupa Vedantam , Mani Sunithi , Backianathan Selvamani , Rajshekhar Vedantam
Published: November 2017

Objective To report the management outcome in a series of patients with advanced juvenile nasopharyngeal angiofibroma (JNA).

Design Retrospective study.

Setting Tertiary care teaching hospital.

Participants Forty-five patients classified as Radkowski stage IIIA or IIIB who presented to us over the past 10 years.

Main Outcome Measures Surgical approaches used and disease free outcomes in patients with advanced JNA.

Results Surgical access for the extracranial component included open (41.9%) and expanded endonasal approaches (58.1%). Craniotomy (16.3%), endoscopy-assisted open approach (7%), or expanded endonasal approach (20.9%) was performed to excise the skull base or intracranial component. Follow up ranged from 4 to 96 months (mean, 20.3 months). Of 35 patients who underwent imaging at the first postoperative follow up, 25 (71.4%) had negative scans. Three symptomatic patients with residual disease underwent endoscopic excision and had negative scans thereafter. Of two others who had radiation therapy, one was disease free and the other lost to follow up. Five others had stable, residual disease. Three patients (8.6%) with recurrent disease underwent surgical excision, of whom two had minimal, stable residual disease. At the last follow-up, 27 (77.1%) patients had negative scans, and 7 (20%) had stable residual disease with one (2.9%) patient lost to follow-up.

Conclusions Advanced JNA may be successfully treated in most cases with expanded endonasal/endoscopy assisted ± craniotomy approach after appropriate preoperative evaluation. At follow-up, only symptomatic patients or those with enlarging residue require treatment; periodic imaging surveillance is adequate for those with stable disease.
Vastus Lateralis Muscle Free Flap for Skull Base Osteoradionecrosis in Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma
Authors: Vlantis Alexander , Wong Eddy , Chiu Tor , Chan Jason
Published: November 2017

Objectives To describe the first experience with a free vastus lateralis muscle-only flap to be used to cover and protect the exposed skull base and carotid artery from radiotherapy-induced skull base osteoradionecrosis (ORN).

Design Retrospective review of a case series.

Setting Tertiary academic medical center.

Participants Post treatment nasopharyngeal carcinoma patients with skull base ORN.

Main Outcome Measures Coverage of the internal carotid artery (ICA).

Results Four patients underwent the procedure. Following the procedure, all patients were documented to have adequate viable soft tissue covering their ICA. Topical nasal steroids were prescribed to all patients as florid granulation tissue was noted to occur overlying the muscle flap in the early postoperative period. There were no flap failures. All patients noted an improvement in speech, cacosmia, and nasal crusting. No significant epistaxis occurred following surgery. Choanal stenosis was noted in three patients.

Conclusion For skull base ORN resulting from the treatment of nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) with radiotherapy that fails conservative management, an open approach to the nasopharynx, that allows debridement then placement of a vastus lateralis muscle-only free flap for coverage, offers a unique and viable approach to the management of this challenging condition.
Is Ovarian Cancer Prevention Currently Still a recommendation of Our Grandparents?
Authors: Jammal Millena Prata , Lima Cid Almeida de , Murta Eddie Fernando Candido , Nomelini Rosekeila Simões
Published: November 2017

Ovarian cancer is the leading cause of death among gynecologic tumors because in most of the cases (75%), the disease is diagnosed in advanced stages. Screening methods are not available since the disease is rare, and the tested methods, such as ultrasound and CA125, were not able to decrease the mortality rate for this type of cancer. This article discusses the main risk factors for ovarian cancer, and the potential clinical and surgical strategies for the prevention of this disease.
Surgical Approach to Anorectal Melanoma with PET-CT Staging: A Case Report
Authors: Bulut Nilufer , Dagıstanlı Sevinc , Yılmaz Burcak , Atay O.
Published: November 2017

Rectal hemorrhage should be evaluated within a wide spectrum ranging from benign diseases to a malignant process. Especially, the melanomas of rectum are detected at an advanced stage when diagnosed since the present symptoms of rectal melanomas are similar. The question of what will be the surgical approach with MR, CT, and PET-CT imaging methods performed after histopathological diagnosis still conserves its topicality. PET-CT is a good imaging method for determination of distant metastasis and lymphatic involvement. In the present case, a patient with early-stage rectal melanoma was treated with APR. No relapse/metastasis was detected during the 18-month follow-up. The aggressive course of the disease and its low response rates to medical treatments may cause the surgical approaches to be more extensive.
Modic Type 1 Changes: Detection Performance of Fat-Suppressed Fluid-Sensitive MRI Sequences
Authors: Finkenstaedt Tim , Del Grande Filippo , Bolog Nicolae , Ulrich Nils , Tok Sina , Kolokythas Orpheus , Steurer Johann , Andreisek Gustav , Winklhofer Sebastian ,   on behalf of the LSOS Study Group
Published: November 2017

Purpose To assess the performance of fat-suppressed fluid-sensitive MRI sequences compared to T1-weighted (T1w) / T2w sequences for the detection of Modic 1 end-plate changes on lumbar spine MRI.

Materials and Methods Sagittal T1w, T2w, and fat-suppressed fluid-sensitive MRI images of 100 consecutive patients (consequently 500 vertebral segments; 52 female, mean age 74 ± 7.4 years; 48 male, mean age 71 ± 6.3 years) were retrospectively evaluated. We recorded the presence (yes/no) and extension (i. e., Likert-scale of height, volume, and end-plate extension) of Modic I changes in T1w/T2w sequences and compared the results to fat-suppressed fluid-sensitive sequences (McNemar/Wilcoxon-signed-rank test).

Results Fat-suppressed fluid-sensitive sequences revealed significantly more Modic I changes compared to T1w/T2w sequences (156 vs. 93 segments, respectively; p < 0.001). The extension of Modic I changes in fat-suppressed fluid-sensitive sequences was significantly larger compared to T1w/T2w sequences (height: 2.53 ± 0.82 vs. 2.27 ± 0.79, volume: 2.35 ± 0.76 vs. 2.1 ± 0.65, end-plate: 2.46 ± 0.76 vs. 2.19 ± 0.81), (p < 0.05). Modic I changes that were only visible in fat-suppressed fluid-sensitive sequences but not in T1w/T2w sequences were significantly smaller compared to Modic I changes that were also visible in T1w/T2w sequences (p < 0.05).

Conclusion In conclusion, fat-suppressed fluid-sensitive MRI sequences revealed significantly more Modic I end-plate changes and demonstrated a greater extent compared to standard T1w/T2w imaging.

Key Points 

Citation Format
Personal Preference of Mode of Delivery. What do Urogynaecologists choose? Preliminary Results of the DECISION Study
Authors: Bihler Julia , Tunn Ralf , Reisenauer Christl , Pauluschke-Fröhlich Jan , Wagner Philipp , Abele Harald , Rall Katharina , Naumann Gert , Wallwiener Markus , Brucker Sara , Hübner Markus
Published: November 2017

Introduction Currently, almost every third child in Germany is delivered by caesarean section. Apart from straightforward and clear indications for caesarean section which account for approx. 10%, the large proportion of relative indications in particular needs to be critically reviewed if the current C-section rate is to be effectively lowered. It is more than doubtful, however, whether this can be a realistic goal in Germany, especially in the context of international developments. All studies on this topic demonstrate that the personal attitude of the obstetric team has a considerable influence on the pregnant womanʼs personally preferred mode of delivery. Therefore, in the first part of the DECISION study, the personal preferences of urogynaecologists were evaluated regarding the best suitable mode of delivery.

Material and Methods All 432 delegates at the 9th German Urogynaecology Congress in Stuttgart in April 2017 were invited to participate in an online questionnaire study. The questionnaire was developed especially for this study.

Results Of the 432 registered delegates, 189 (43.8%) participated in the survey. 84.7% (n = 160) of the study participants would prefer a vaginal delivery, in an otherwise uncomplicated pregnancy. Only 12.2% (n = 23) opted for an elective caesarean section. The main reasons stated for this decision were concerns about incontinence (87.5%) and pelvic floor trauma (79.2%). Amongst the study participants, 83.6% would like to be part of a risk stratification system presented in the questionnaire which, with the aid of specific parameters, is intended to allow early identification of a population with a high risk of developing pelvic floor disorders. There was also great interest in postpartum pelvic floor recovery (97.8%) and an associated optional pessary therapy (64.4%). The type of delivery already experienced (vaginal delivery vs. primary caesarean section) and parity also reveals to have a significant influence on the personal preferred mode of delivery as well.

Conclusions Urogynaecologists prefer vaginal delivery for themselves. There is a great interest to participate in a risk stratification process in order to approach childbirth in an individualized and risk-adapted manner.
Vitreomakuläres Traktionssyndrom im Rahmen der Anti-VEGF-Therapie – 2 Kasuistiken
Authors: Wallraf Sophie Helene , Markova Kristina , Haritoglou Christos
Published: November 2017

Das vitreomakuläre Traktionssyndrom (VMTS) wird definiert als partielle hintere Glaskörperabhebung mit persistierender vitreomakulärer Anhaftung. Bisher wurden traktive Veränderungen im Rahmen der Anwendung von VEGF-Hemmern im Wesentlichen im Sinne vitreoretinaler Traktionen im Rahmen der Therapie proliferativer ischämischer Netzhauterkrankungen wie der proliferativen diabetischen Retinopathie (PDR) beschrieben. In dieser Kasuistik werden 2 Fälle vorgestellt, bei denen Patienten mit einer altersbedingten neovaskulären Makuladegeneration und einem diabetischen Makulaödem als Folge einer Therapie mit VEGF-Hemmern ein ausgeprägtes VMTS entwickelten. Ein VMTS im Rahmen einer Anti-VEGF-Behandlung bei einer exsudativen Makulaerkrankung ist selten. Der genaue Pathomechanismus ist bisher unklar. Es wird diskutiert, dass die Anwendung von VEGF-Hemmern und die damit verbundene Fibrosierung bei noch anliegendem Glaskörper zu ausgeprägten Traktionen im vitreoretinalen Interface führen.
Progranulin and insulin-like Growth Factor Binding Protein-2 as Biomarkers of Disease Activity and Pathological Changes in Lupus Nephritis
Authors: Goma Samar , Abdelaziz Marwa , El-Hakeim Eman , El Zohri Mona , Sayed Sohair
Published: November 2017

Background Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a chronic autoimmune inflammatory disease, characterised by the production of auto-antibodies and the formation of immune complexes due to the polyclonal activation of T and B lymphocytes, which results in tissue and organ damage. During inflammation, neutrophils and macrophages release serine proteases to cleave progranulin (PGRN) into granulin, which exerts its pro-inflammatory effects that counteract the anti-inflammatory effects of intact PGRN. It is suggested that insulin-like growth factor binding protein-2 (IGFBP-2) is a dependable biomarker of renal deterioration but it is still unclear if it has high sensitivity and specificity for discriminating SLE-caused kidney disease from other-cause kidney disease.

This study aimed to investigate the diagnostic value of PGRN and ILGFBP-2 in patients with lupus nephritis (LN) and the correlation of these biomarkers with disease activity and renal biopsy pathology.

Patients and methods Patients with SLE (n=25) and chronic kidney disease (CKD) (n=25), and age- and sex-matched controls (n=25) were enrolled in the study. Serum PGRN and ILGFBP-2 levels were measured for each group.

Results Disease duration was 4.78±4.26 years in the SLE patients. The mean SLE Disease Activity Index score was 15.04±7.54. All renal biopsy results were class 2, 3, and 5 with a percentage of 32, 24, and 44% respectively. PGRN and ILGFBP-2 were significantly higher in SLE patients (p<0.001 all) than in the CKD and control groups. All patients with high levels of biomarkers showed higher values of SLE disease activity. No significant difference was noted between active and inactive LN or classes of renal biopsy with PGRN and ILGFBP-2.

Conclusion PGRN and ILGFBP-2 are significantly elevated in SLE compared to CKD and the general population and were associated with the SLE Disease Activity Index but not with active LN or classes of renal biopsy.
Pfirsch-Tasso versus standard approaches in the plasma stability theory including the resistive wall effects
Authors: Pustovitov V. D.
Published: November 2017

The study is devoted to theoretical description of plasma stability in toroidal fusion systems with a resistive wall. Its aim is elimination of contradictions between the models recently developed for the resistive wall mode analysis and the Pfirsch-Tasso approach originated from the paper published in 1971 [D. Pfirsch and H. Tasso, Nucl. Fusion 11, 259 (1971)]. The main relations have been given there without detailed proofs. Here, a missing chain of derivations is restored and earlier unknown limitations that restrict the applicability of the Pfirsch-Tasso energy principle are established. Its replacement valid in a wider area is proposed. The new result is free from the constraints implicitly imposed in the Pfirsch-Tasso procedure and can be used with any plasma model (not necessarily ideal) and for arbitrary perturbations. The proposed extensions allow applications for analysis of the rotational stabilization and optimization of the ITER scenarios.
Characteristics of energy deposition from 1-1000 MeV proton and neutron induced nuclear reactions in silicon
Authors: Han Jinhua , Guo Gang
Published: November 2017

The characteristics of the energy deposition of the secondary particles from the proton and neutron induced elastic and nonelastic reactions in silicon over a wide energy range of 1-1000 MeV, which are of great value for the proton and neutron single event effect (SEE) study, are investigated systematically in detail with Geant4 simulations. According to our simulation results, some important issues about the proton and neutron SEEs, including the energy dependence of the SEE cross sections, the equivalence of protons and neutrons in SEEs, the effects of the critical charge on SEEs, the geometric effect of the sensitive volumes, and the role of the elastic scattering mechanism in SEEs, are discussed. And some significant conclusions are tried to be drawn. With our systematic study, a comprehensive and profound understanding about the proton and neutron SEEs is reached from the physical perspective.