bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Mandala Culture of Anarchy: The Pre-Colonial Southeast Asian International Society
Authors: Manggala Pandu Utama
Published: July 2016

Throughout the years, study on pre-colonial Southeast Asian international relations has not garnered major attention because it had long been seen as an integral part of the China-centred tribute system. There is a need to provide greater understanding of the uniqueness of the international system as different regions have different ontologies to comprehend its dynamics and structures. This paper contributes to the pre-colonial Southeast Asian literature by examining the interplay that had existed between pre-colonial Southeast Asian empires and the hierarchical East Asian international society, in particular during the 13th-16th Century. The paper argues that Southeast Asian international relations in pre-colonial time were characterized by complex political structures with the influence of Mandala values. In that structural context, the Majapahit Empire, one of the biggest empires at that time had its own constitutional structures of an international society, albeit still sought close relations with China.
India’s Democratic Identity and Its Policy towards Myanmar from 1988 to 2010
Authors: Lwin Htwe Hteik Tin
Published: July 2016

Since the 1990s, India has reengaged with Myanmar government. The Indian government’s engagement with Myanmar’s military junta provoked a controversial issue in international community, claiming that ‘the oldest democratic country in Asia' is not doing enough to promote democracy in her neighborhood. The question raised was what has motivated India to develop cordial relations with Myanmar’s military junta. The paper emphasizes the role of India’s democratic identity in Indo-Myanmar policy during 1988-2010. Previous literatures revealed India’s policy towards Myanmar in economic and security assumptions. They tended to sketch India Policy as ‘in-active’ in promotion of democracy practiced from west democratic institutions norms, such as ‘isolation’ and ‘totally disengagement’. The paper briefly explains Indo-Myanmar relations from 1988 to 2010. Security and economic interests play a larger role than the intention to promote democratic identity in Myanmar. The paper argues that in the background of Indo-Myanmar development cooperation, India has made efforts to promote democratic value in Myanmar differently from other western democratic countries. Engagement policy has shaped Indo-Myanmar relations in the 1990s. India ‘engagement policy’, ‘non-isolation’ and ‘development cooperation’ with Myanmar government has brought up contractions.
The US Rebalance Policy and the Management of Power Politics in Asia Pacific
Authors: Perwita Anak Agung Banyu , Rizkiya Denisa
Published: July 2016

The policy was introduced by the U.S. President Barack Obama early in his first administration in 2010, marked specific changing to the U.S. foreign policy like never before. The U.S. continuously views South and South East Asia, including the Indian Ocean, as a crucial driver for America’s economic growth and prosperity throughout the 21st century. Numerous numbers of cooperation and partnership have been done to enhance the ties between the U.S. and the regions. The U.S. presence and involvement in most essential regional meetings and summits can also be seen as an effort to seek opportunities, politically, economically, as well as security. This article tries to analyze how the U.S. rebalance towards Asia policy, a term used for the U.S.' foreign policy influenced the regional stability in Asia-Pacific region.
Pump it up: making single-pit emptying safer in rural Bangladesh
Authors: Balasubramanya Soumya , Evans Barbara , Ahmed Rizwan , Habib Ahasan , Asad N. S. M. , Vuong Luan , Rahman Mominur , Hasan Mahmudul , Dey Digbijoy , Camargo-Valero Miller
Published: July 2016

Safe emptying and disposal of fecal sludge from pit latrines in rural areas has become a priority for the Government of Bangladesh. In this paper, we calculate the volume and characterize the hazards of managing sludge to identify technologies for safely emptying rural single pits. In Bhaluka subdistrict, an estimated 15,000 m3 of sludge is produced annually. Physical, chemical, and microbial analysis of samples of sludge taken from pit latrines indicate that the sludge has a high moisture content of around 90%, a C:N ration of 10:1, and a helminth presence of 41 eggs/g. In a field test of alternative emptying technologies, simple pumps such as the gulper emerged as feasible for use in rural areas, due to the liquid nature of the sludge, narrow roads, and limited incomes of rural households. The results suggest that current practices of emptying liquid sludge manually without any protective equipment poses risks to those who handle sludge, and the process needs to be semi-mechanized with immediate effect. These results are being used by the Bangladesh government to design policy for sludge management. In the near future, an organized service that safely empties single pits and transports sludge for treatment needs to be urgently designed.
Oxidative transformation of oxcarbazepine by Cl2, ClO2 and O3: characteristics and pathways
Authors: Miao H. F. , Han H. H. , Ji X. P. , Lu M. F. , Huang Z. X. , Ruan W. Q.
Published: July 2016

In this research, the degradation efficiency, mechanism and intermediates’ toxicities of oxcarbazepine (OXC) upon chlorination, chlorine dioxide oxidation and ozonation were investigated. Results showed that three degradation approaches followed second-order kinetics, and ozonation had the highest removal efficiency both of OXC and dissolved organic carbon (DOC). Reaction intermediates were evaluated by ultra performance liquid chromatography in combination with time-of-flight mass spectrometry (UPLC-Q-TOF-MS). Totals of 11, six and 10 intermediates were detected during the oxidation processes of chlorination, chlorine dioxide oxidation and ozonation, respectively. Although three oxidation approaches had similar pathways in N-heterocyclic ring cleavage and reorganization, ozonation was much more focused on attacking by hydroxyl radicals (OH•), while chlorination had significant Cl-substitution by-products. Chlorine dioxide oxidation brought about fewer degradation by-products than the other two approaches. The above-mentioned oxidation intermediates according to EPA TEST were predicted to be more toxic than OXC, especially those from chlorination. Further test results of the eco-toxicities of oxidized mixtures to the bioluminescent marine bacterium Vibrio fischeri demonstrated the chlorinated samples could lead to the accumulation of toxic transformation products, while chlorine dioxide oxidation and ozonation had detoxication impacts during these processes.
Interrelación del ciclo de muda, el ciclo ovárico y el desarrollo embrionario en hembras de Cryphiops caementarius Molina 1782 (Crustacea, Palaemonidae)
Authors: Reyes Avalos Walter
Published: July 2016

El objetivo del presente estudio fue determinar la interrelación del ciclo de muda, ciclo ovárico y desarrollo embrionario en hembras del camarón de río Cryphiops caementarius.  Se emplearon 45 hembras ovígeras de 43 mm de longitud total, y se evaluaron los estados del ciclo de muda, los estados del ovario y los estadios del desarrollo embrionario durante dos ciclos reproductivos sucesivos en el período de baja reproducción (abril – agosto 2010).  Los resultados muestran que en todas las hembras ovígeras con ovarios maduros y en aquellas (50 %) con maduración intermedia, hubo interrelación entre el desarrollo embrionario, la maduración ovárica y el ciclo de muda.  En cambio, en todas las hembras ovígeras con ovarios inmaduros y en aquellas (50 %) con maduración intermedia, sólo hubo interrelación entre el desarrollo embrionario y el ciclo de muda que culminó con su actual ciclo reproductivo.
Fenología de palmeras arborescentes nativas de Madre De Dios – Perú
Authors: Ureta Adrianzén Marisabel , Martínez Gonzales Paola , Tupayachi Trujillo Raúl , Zúñiga Hartley Alfonso
Published: July 2016

La fenología reproductiva de siete especies de palmeras arborescentes, correspondientes a 176 individuos fue estudiada durante 34 meses, entre julio 2005 y mayo de 2008, en Madre de Dios, Perú.  Las observaciones mensuales consideraron dos fenofases a evaluar: floración (botones florales y flores) y fructificación (frutos inmaduros y maduros), cuyos porcentajes de producción fueron reducidos a 5 categorías. La floración se produjo durante la temporada de mayor precipitación o época húmeda y la fructificación se presentó en la transición de época seca a época húmeda. Mauritia flexuosa presenta los valores más altos de floración y fructificación, que junto con Socratea exorrhiza, Euterpe precatoria, Oenocarpus bataua, Iriartea deltoidea, Astrocaryum murumuru y Attalea butyracea demuestran ser componentes integrales para la conservación de ecosistemas con funcionalidad hídrica, así como también constituyen parte fundamental en la dieta de diversos herbívoros amazónicos, garantizando de esa manera su distribución y densidad en los bosques amazónicos de Madre de Dios.
Variación espacio-temporal de las cianoprocariotas del antiguo delta del río Sinú, Córdoba, Colombia
Authors: Mogollón Martha , Aycardi María Paulina , Galeano Jorge , Villalobos Javier , Arango Carolina
Published: July 2016

En siete sectores del antiguo delta del río Sinú y en diferentes momentos hidrológicos se evaluaron algunas características limnológicas y se identificaron las cianoprocariotas presentes en el sistema, atendiendo a sus caracteres morfológicos y niveles de organización. Los resultados fueron analizados considerando las diferencias ambientales. Se identificaron  un total de 49 morfoespecies, distribuidas en 4 órdenes, 8 familias y 14 géneros entre los que se destacan: Microcystis, Merimopedia, Dolichospermum, Aphanocapsa, Anabaenopsis, Lyngbya, Oscillatoria, Pseudanabaena, Stigonema, Gomphosphaeria y Planktolyngbya, y cuya representación varía según el gradiente de salinidad y la  concentración de  nitratos y amonio en el  medio.
Acute Rejection Rates and Graft Outcomes According to Induction Regimen among Recipients of Kidneys from Deceased Donors Treated with Tacrolimus and Mycophenolate
Authors: Tanriover Bekir , Jaikaransingh Vishal , MacConmara Malcolm P. , Parekh Justin R. , Levea Swee-Ling , Ariyamuthu Venkatesh K. , Zhang Song , Gao Ang , Ayvaci Mehmet U.S. , Sandikci Burhaneddin , Rajora Nilum , Ahmed Vaqar , Lu Christopher Y. , Mohan Sumit , Vazquez Miguel A.
Published: July 2016

Background and objectives

IL-2 receptor antagonist (IL2-RA) is recommended as a first-line agent for induction therapy in renal transplantation. However, this remains controversial in deceased donor renal transplantation (DDRT) maintained on tacrolimus (TAC)/mycophenolic acid (MPA) with or without steroids.

Design, setting, participants, & measurements

We studied the United Network for Organ Sharing Registry for patients receiving DDRT from 2000 to 2012 maintained on TAC/MPA at transplantation hospital discharge (n=74,627) to compare outcomes of IL2-RA and other induction agents. We initially divided the cohort into two groups on the basis of steroid use at the time of discharge: steroid (n=59,010) versus no steroid (n=15,617). Each group was stratified into induction categories: IL2-RA, rabbit antithymocyte globulin (r-ATG), alemtuzumab, and no induction. The main outcomes were incidence of acute rejection within the first year and overall graft failure (defined as graft failure and/or death) post-transplantation. Propensity score (PS), specifically inverse probability of treatment weight, analysis was used to minimize selection bias caused by nonrandom assignment of induction therapies.

Results

Median (25th, 75th percentiles) follow-up times were 3.9 (1.1, 5.9) and 3.2 (1.1, 4.9) years for steroid and no steroid groups, respectively. Acute rejection within the first year and overall graft failure within 5 years of transplantation were more common in the no induction category (13.3%; P<0.001 and 28%; P=0.01, respectively) in the steroid group and the IL2-RA category (11.1%; P=0.16 and 27.4%; P<0.001, respectively) in the no steroid group. Compared with IL2-RA, PS–weighted and covariate–adjusted multivariable logistic and Cox analyses showed that outcomes in the steroid group were similar among induction categories, except that acute rejection was significantly lower with r-ATG (odds ratio [OR], 0.68; 95% confidence interval [95% CI], 0.62 to 0.74). In the no steroid group, compared with IL2-RA, odds of acute rejection with r-ATG (OR, 0.80; 95% CI, 0.60 to 1.00) and alemtuzumab (OR, 0.68; 95% CI, 0.53 to 0.88) were lower, and r-ATG was associated with better graft survival (hazard ratio, 0.86; 95% CI, 0.75 to 0.99).

Conclusions

In DDRT, compared with IL2-RA induction, no induction was associated with similar outcomes when TAC/MPA/steroids were used. r-ATG seems to offer better graft survival over IL2-RA in steroid avoidance protocols.
Increasing the Impact of Peer-Reviewed Publications Through Tailored Dissemination Strategies: Perspectives for Practice Feature in JOSPT
Authors: Sibley Kathryn , Li Linda , Abbott J. Haxby
Published: July 2016

Peer-reviewed research manuscripts published by JOSPT and similar journals are a cornerstone of the health research “system.” They are a critical mechanism through which researchers share their findings with interested readers. A limitation of peer-reviewed publications, however, is their ability to convey important findings to nonresearcher readers in a way that is meaningful and practical to them. In recognition of these persisting “research-to-action gaps,” the field of knowledge translation has emerged. To optimize knowledge transfer, a more active dissemination approach that tailors the message and format to each specific audience is required. It is with this focus that JOSPT has launched a new feature targeted at rehabilitation clinicians, titled Perspectives for Practice. We look forward to continuing to develop and evaluate this feature in forthcoming issues.

J Orthop Sports Phys Ther 2016;46(7):500–501. doi:10.2519/jospt.2016.0110
Behavior of the Linea Alba During a Curl-up Task in Diastasis Rectus Abdominis: An Observational Study
Authors: Lee Diane , Hodges Paul W.
Published: July 2016

Study Design

Cross-sectional repeated measures.

Background

Rehabilitation of diastasis rectus abdominis (DRA) generally aims to reduce the inter-rectus distance (IRD). We tested the hypothesis that activation of the transversus abdominis (TrA) before a curl-up would reduce IRD narrowing, with less linea alba (LA) distortion/deformation, which may allow better force transfer between sides of the abdominal wall.

Objectives

This study investigated behavior of the LA and IRD during curl-ups performed naturally and with preactivation of the TrA.

Methods

Curl-ups were performed by 26 women with DRA and 17 healthy control participants using a natural strategy (automatic curl-up) and with TrA preactivation (TrA curl-up). Ultrasound images were recorded at 2 points above the umbilicus (U point and UX point). Ultrasound measures of IRD and a novel measure of LA distortion (distortion index: average deviation of the LA from the shortest path between the recti) were compared between 3 tasks (rest, automatic curl-up, TrA curl-up), between groups, and between measurement points (analysis of variance).

Results

Automatic curl-up by women with DRA narrowed the IRD from resting values (mean U-point between-task difference, −1.19 cm; 95% confidence interval [CI]: −1.45, −0.93; P<.001 and mean UX-point between-task difference, −0.51 cm; 95% CI: −0.69, −0.34; P<.001), but LA distortion increased (mean U-point between-task difference, 0.018; 95% CI: 0.0003, 0.041; P = .046 and mean UX-point between-task difference, 0.025; 95% CI: 0.004, 0.045; P = .02). Although TrA curl-up induced no narrowing or less IRD narrowing than automatic curl-up (mean U-point difference between TrA curl-up versus rest, −0.56 cm; 95% CI: −0.82, −0.31; P<.001 and mean UX-point between-task difference, 0.02 cm; 95% CI: −0.22, 0.19; P = .86), LA distortion was less (mean U-point between-task difference, −0.025; 95% CI: −0.037, −0.012; P<.001 and mean UX-point between-task difference, −0.021; 95% CI: −0.038, −0.005; P = .01). Inter-rectus distance and the distortion index did not change from rest or differ between tasks for controls (P≥.55).

Conclusion

Narrowing of the IRD during automatic curl-up in DRA distorts the LA. The distortion index requires further validation, but findings imply that less IRD narrowing with TrA preactivation might improve force transfer between sides of the abdomen. The clinical implication is that reduced IRD narrowing by TrA contraction, which has been discouraged, may positively impact abdominal mechanics. J Orthop Sports Phys Ther 2016;46(7):580–589. doi:10.2519/jospt.2016.6536
Rising burden of Diabetes-Public Health Challenges & way out
Authors: Kakkar Rakesh
Published: July 2016

Secondary prevention by community physician can be provided at PHC & CHC level. Focus should always be on early detection of diseases through screening programmes and prevention of mortality. Prevention of chronic morbidity and functional impairment should be emphasized more. At policy level advocacy should be done for providing essential medication like insulin available and affordable to all who need them. At tertiary level rehabilitation, disability limitation and palliative care of person with NCDs is also needed.
Harvey Cushing and pituitary Case Number 3 (Mary D.): the origin of this most baffling problem in neurosurgery
Authors: Pascual José María , Prieto Ruth
Published: July 2016

From the very beginning of his career, Harvey Williams Cushing (1869–1939) harbored a deep interest in a complex group of neoplasms that usually developed at the infundibulum. These were initially known as “interpeduncular” or “suprasellar” cysts. Cushing introduced the term “craniopharyngioma” for these lesions, which he believed represented one of the most baffling problems faced by neurosurgeons. The patient who most influenced Cushing's thinking was a 16-year-old seamstress named “Mary D.,” whom he attended in December 1901, exactly the same month that Alfred Fröhlich published his seminal article describing an adiposogenital syndrome in a young boy with a pituitary cyst. Both Cushing's and Fröhlich's patients showed similar symptoms caused by the same type of tumor. Notably, Cushing and Fröhlich had met one another and became good friends in Liverpool the summer before these events took place. Their fortunate relationship led Cushing to realize that Fröhlich's syndrome represented a state of hypopituitarism and provided a useful method of diagnosing interpeduncular cysts. It is noteworthy that Cushing's very first neurosurgical procedure on a pituitary tumor was performed in the case of Mary D.'s “interpeduncular cyst,” on February 21, 1902. Cushing failed to remove this lesion, which was later found during the patient's autopsy. This case was documented as Pituitary Case Number 3 in Cushing's masterpiece, The Pituitary Body and Its Disorders, published in 1912. This tumor was considered “a teratoma”; however, multiple sources of evidence suggest that this lesion actually corresponded to an adamantinomatous craniopharyngioma. Unfortunately, the pathological specimens of this lesion were misplaced, and this prompted Cushing's decision to retain all specimens and documents of the cases he would operate on throughout his career. Accordingly, Mary D.'s case crystallized the genesis of the Cushing Brain Tumor Registry, one of Cushing's major legacies to neurosurgery. In this paper the authors analyze the case of Mary D. and the great influence it had on Cushing's conceptions of the pituitary gland and its afflictions, and on the history of pituitary surgery.
Chen Jingrun, China's famous mathematician: devastated by brain injuries on the doorstep to solving a fundamental mathematical puzzle
Authors: Lei Ting , Belykh Evgenii , Dru Alexander B. , Yagmurlu Kaan , Elhadi Ali M. , Nakaji Peter , Preul Mark C.
Published: July 2016

Chen Jingrun (1933–1996), perhaps the most prodigious mathematician of his time, focused on the field of analytical number theory. His work on Waring's problem, Legendre's conjecture, and Goldbach's conjecture led to progress in analytical number theory in the form of “Chen's Theorem,” which he published in 1966 and 1973. His early life was ravaged by the Second Sino-Japanese War and the Chinese Cultural Revolution. On the verge of solving Goldbach's conjecture in 1984, Chen was struck by a bicyclist while also bicycling and suffered severe brain trauma. During his hospitalization, he was also found to have Parkinson's disease. Chen suffered another serious brain concussion after a fall only a few months after recovering from the bicycle crash. With significant deficits, he remained hospitalized for several years without making progress while receiving modern Western medical therapies. In 1988 traditional Chinese medicine experts were called in to assist with his treatment. After a year of acupuncture and oxygen therapy, Chen could control his basic bowel and bladder functions, he could walk slowly, and his swallowing and speech improved. When Chen was unable to produce complex work or finish his final work on Goldbach's conjecture, his mathematical pursuits were taken up vigorously by his dedicated students. He was able to publish Youth Math, a mathematics book that became an inspiration in Chinese education. Although he died in 1996 at the age of 63 after surviving brutal political repression, being deprived of neurological function at the very peak of his genius, and having to be supported by his wife, Chen ironically became a symbol of dedication, perseverance, and motivation to his students and associates, to Chinese youth, to a nation, and to mathematicians and scientists worldwide.
S-1 and S-2-alar-iliac screw fixation via intraoperative navigation
Authors: Pham Martin H. , Jakoi Andre M. , Hsieh Patrick C.
Published: July 2016

Adult deformity patients often require fixation to the sacrum and pelvis for construct stability and improved fusion rates. Although certain sacropelvic fixation techniques can be challenging, the availability of intraoperative navigation has made many of these techniques more feasible. In this video case presentation, the authors demonstrate the techniques of S-1 bicortical screw and S-2-alar-iliac screw fixation under intraoperative navigation in a 67-year-old female. This instrumentation placement was part of an overall T-10–pelvis construct for the correction of adult spinal deformity.

The video can be found here: https://youtu.be/3HZo-80jQr8.
Monsters and the case of L. Joseph: André Feil's thesis on the origin of the Klippel-Feil syndrome and a social transformation of medicine
Authors: Belykh Evgenii , Malik Kashif , Simoneau Isabelle , Yagmurlu Kaan , Lei Ting , Cavalcanti Daniel D. , Byvaltsev Vadim A. , Theodore Nicholas , Preul Mark C.
Published: July 2016

André Feil (1884–1955) was a French physician best recognized for his description, coauthored with Maurice Klippel, of patients with congenital fusion of cervical vertebrae, a condition currently known as Klippel-Feil syndrome. However, little is known about his background aside from the fact that he was a student of Klippel and a physician who took a keen interest in describing congenital anomalies. Despite the relative lack of information on Feil, his contributions to the fields of spinal disease and teratology extended far beyond science to play an integral role in changing the misguided perception shrouding patients with disfigurements, defects, deformities, and so-called monstrous births. In particular, Feil's 1919 medical school thesis on cervical abnormalities was a critical publication in defying long-held theory and opinion that human “monstrosities,” anomalies, developmental abnormalities, and altered congenital physicality were a consequence of sinful behavior or a reversion to a primitive state. Indeed, his thesis on a spinal deformity centering on his patient, L. Joseph, was at the vanguard for a new view of a patient as nothing less than fully human, no matter his or her physicality or appearance.
Interrater and intrarater reliability of the Knosp scale for pituitary adenoma grading
Authors: Mooney Michael A. , Hardesty Douglas A. , Sheehy John P. , Bird Robert , Chapple Kristina , White William L. , Little Andrew S.
Published: July 2016

OBJECTIVE

The goal of this study was to determine the interrater and intrarater reliability of the Knosp grading scale for predicting pituitary adenoma cavernous sinus (CS) involvement.

METHODS

Six independent raters (3 neurosurgery residents, 2 pituitary surgeons, and 1 neuroradiologist) participated in the study. Each rater scored 50 unique pituitary MRI scans (with contrast) of biopsy-proven pituitary adenoma. Reliabilities for the full scale were determined 3 ways: 1) using all 50 scans, 2) using scans with midrange scores versus end scores, and 3) using a dichotomized scale that reflects common clinical practice. The performance of resident raters was compared with that of faculty raters to assess the influence of training level on reliability.

RESULTS

Overall, the interrater reliability of the Knosp scale was “strong” (0.73, 95% CI 0.56–0.84). However, the percent agreement for all 6 reviewers was only 10% (26% for faculty members, 30% for residents). The reliability of the middle scores (i.e., average rated Knosp Grades 1 and 2) was “very weak” (0.18, 95% CI −0.27 to 0.56) and the percent agreement for all reviewers was only 5%. When the scale was dichotomized into tumors unlikely to have intraoperative CS involvement (Grades 0, 1, and 2) and those likely to have CS involvement (Grades 3 and 4), the reliability was “strong” (0.60, 95% CI 0.39–0.75) and the percent agreement for all raters improved to 60%. There was no significant difference in reliability between residents and faculty (residents 0.72, 95% CI 0.55–0.83 vs faculty 0.73, 95% CI 0.56–0.84). Intrarater reliability was moderate to strong and increased with the level of experience.

CONCLUSIONS

Although these findings suggest that the Knosp grading scale has acceptable interrater reliability overall, it raises important questions about the “very weak” reliability of the scale's middle grades. By dichotomizing the scale into clinically useful groups, the authors were able to address the poor reliability and percent agreement of the intermediate grades and to isolate the most important grades for use in surgical decision making (Grades 3 and 4). Authors of future pituitary surgery studies should consider reporting Knosp grades as dichotomized results rather than as the full scale to optimize the reliability of the scale.
Two cases of 16th century head injuries managed in royal European families
Authors: Dowling Kamilah A. , Goodrich James Tait
Published: July 2016

In Europe, during the 16th century, there were a number of prominent general surgeons adventurous enough to consider operating on the brain for head injuries. From the time of Hippocrates, operating on the skull and brain was considered both treacherous and too dangerous to be undertaken except on rare occasions. Operating on a member of a royal court was considered even more exceptional because if the outcome was poor, the surgeon could lose a hand or limb, or, even worse, be beheaded. The authors present two interesting cases of royal family members who underwent surgery for head injuries that were quite severe. The surgeons involved, Ambroise Paré, Andreas Vesalius, and Berengario da Carpi, were among the most prominent surgeons in Europe. Despite very challenging political situations, all were willing to undertake a complex surgical intervention on the member of a prominent royal family. The individuals involved, both royal and medical, plus the neurosurgical injuries are discussed.
Field Marshal Erwin Rommel: the head injury that may have prolonged the Second World War
Authors: Fuhrman Heather A. , Mullin Jeffrey P. , Sloffer Chris A.
Published: July 2016

War-related head injury, indeed neurological injury in general, has been a part of the history of humankind for as long as there has been warfare. Such injuries can result in the removal of the individual from combat, thus eliminating any subsequent contribution that he or she might have made to the battle. However, at times, the injuries can have more wide-reaching effects. In the case of commanders or leaders, the impact of their injuries may include the loss of their influence, planning, and leadership, and thus have a disproportionate effect on the battle, or indeed the war. Field Marshal Erwin Rommel was a talented military strategist and leader who was respected by friends and foes alike. He held an honored reputation by the German people and the military leadership. His head injury on July 17, 1944, resulted in his being removed from the field of battle in northern France, but also meant that he was not able to lend his stature to the assassination attempt of Adolph Hitler on July 20. It is possible that, had he been able to lend his stature to the events, Hitler's hold on the nation's government might have been loosened, and the war might have been brought to an end a year earlier. The authors review Rommel's career, his injury, the subsequent medical treatment, and his subsequent death.
Rapid de novo aneurysm formation after clipping of a ruptured middle cerebral artery aneurysm in an infant with an MYH11 mutation
Authors: Ravindra Vijay M. , Karsy Michael , Schmidt Richard H. , Taussky Philipp , Park Min S. , Bollo Robert J.
Published: July 2016

The authors report the case of a previously healthy 6-month-old girl who presented with right arm and leg stiffening consistent with seizure activity. An initial CT scan of the head demonstrated acute subarachnoid hemorrhage in the basal cisterns extending into the left sylvian fissure. Computed tomography angiography demonstrated a 7 × 6 × 5–mm saccular aneurysm of the inferior M2 division of the left middle cerebral artery. The patient underwent left craniotomy and microsurgical clip ligation with wrapping of the aneurysm neck because the vessel appeared circumferentially dysplastic in the region of the aneurysm. Postoperative angiography demonstrated a small remnant, sluggish distal flow, but no significant cerebral vasospasm. Fifty-five days after the initial aneurysm rupture, the patient presented again with an acute intraparenchymal hemorrhage of the left anterior temporal lobe. Angiogram revealed a circumferentially dysplastic superior division of the M2 branch, with a new 5 × 4–mm saccular aneurysm distinct from the first, with 2 smaller aneurysms distal to the new ruptured aneurysm. Endovascular parent vessel occlusion with Onyx was performed. Genetic testing revealed a mutation of the MYH11. To the authors' knowledge, this is the first report of rapid de novo aneurysm formation in an infant with an MYH11 mutation. The authors review the patient's clinical presentation and management and comprehensively review the literature on this topic.
Thermochemistry of a Biomimetic and Rubisco-Inspired CO2 Capture System from Air
Authors: Muelleman Andrew , Schell Joseph , Glazer Spencer , Glaser Rainer
Published: July 2016

In theoretical studies of chemical reactions the reaction thermochemistry is usually reported for the stoichiometric reaction at standard conditions (ΔG°, ΔH°, ΔS°). We describe the computation of the equilibrium concentrations of the CO2-adducts for the general capture reaction CO2 + Capture System ⇆ CO2-adduct (GCR) and the rubisco-type capture reaction CO2 + Capture System ⇆ CO2-adduct + H2O (RCR) with consideration of the reaction CO2(g) ⇆ CO2(aq) via Henry’s law. The resulting equations are evaluated and graphically illustrated as a function of atmospheric CO2 concentration and as a function of temperature. The equations were applied to the thermochemistry of small molecule rubisco-model reactions and series of additional model reactions to illustrate the range of the Gibbs free enthalpy for the effective reversible capture and of the reaction entropy for economic CO2 release at elevated temperature. A favorable capture of free enthalpy is of course a design necessity, but not all exergonic reactions are suitable CO2 capture systems. Successful CO2 capture systems must allow for effective release as well, and this feature is controlled by the reaction entropy. The principle of using a two-pronged capture system to ensure a large negative capture entropy is explained and highlighted in the graphical abstract. It is hoped that the presentation of the numerical examples provides useful guidelines for the design of more efficient capture systems.
Getting Ready for the Dance: FANCJ Irons Out DNA Wrinkles
Authors: Bharti Sanjay , Awate Sanket , Banerjee Taraswi , Brosh Robert
Published: July 2016

Mounting evidence indicates that alternate DNA structures, which deviate from normal double helical DNA, form in vivo and influence cellular processes such as replication and transcription. However, our understanding of how the cellular machinery deals with unusual DNA structures such as G-quadruplexes (G4), triplexes, or hairpins is only beginning to emerge. New advances in the field implicate a direct role of the Fanconi Anemia Group J (FANCJ) helicase, which is linked to a hereditary chromosomal instability disorder and important for cancer suppression, in replication past unusual DNA obstacles. This work sets the stage for significant progress in dissecting the molecular mechanisms whereby replication perturbation by abnormal DNA structures leads to genomic instability. In this review, we focus on FANCJ and its role to enable efficient DNA replication when the fork encounters vastly abundant naturally occurring DNA obstacles, which may have implications for targeting rapidly dividing cancer cells.
Collision of Trapped Topoisomerase 2 with Transcription and Replication: Generation and Repair of DNA Double-Strand Breaks with 5′ Adducts
Authors: Yan Hong , Tammaro Margaret , Liao Shuren
Published: July 2016

Topoisomerase 2 (Top2) is an essential enzyme responsible for manipulating DNA topology during replication, transcription, chromosome organization and chromosome segregation. It acts by nicking both strands of DNA and then passes another DNA molecule through the break. The 5′ end of each nick is covalently linked to the tyrosine in the active center of each of the two subunits of Top2 (Top2cc). In this configuration, the two sides of the nicked DNA are held together by the strong protein-protein interactions between the two subunits of Top2, allowing the nicks to be faithfully resealed in situ. Top2ccs are normally transient, but can be trapped by cancer drugs, such as etoposide, and subsequently processed into DSBs in cells. If not properly repaired, these DSBs would lead to genome instability and cell death. Here, I review the current understanding of the mechanisms by which DSBs are induced by etoposide, the unique features of such DSBs and how they are repaired. Implications for the improvement of cancer therapy will be discussed.
Response to the Fernández-Niño Comments on Hernández-Alvarado et al. Increase in Suicide Rates by Hanging in the Population of Tabasco, México between 2003 and 2012. Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2016, 13, 552
Authors: Hernández-Alvarado Mervyn , González-Castro Thelma , Tovilla-Zárate Carlos , Fresán Ana , Juárez-Rojop Isela , López-Narváez María , Villar-Soto Mario , Genis-Mendoza Alma
Published: July 2016

We thank the comments of Fernández-Niño [1] addressing our article [2] “Increase in Suicide Rates by Hanging in the Population of Tabasco, Mexico between 2003 and 2012”, which pointed out that the use of the epidemiological concept “prevalence” is not correctly applied in the present manuscript.
Efficiently Combining Water Reuse and Desalination through Forward Osmosis—Reverse Osmosis (FO-RO) Hybrids: A Critical Review
Authors: Blandin Gaetan , Verliefde Arne , Comas Joaquim , Rodriguez-Roda Ignasi , Le-Clech Pierre
Published: July 2016

Forward osmosis (FO) is a promising membrane technology to combine seawater desalination and water reuse. More specifically, in a FO-reverse osmosis (RO) hybrid process, high quality water recovered from the wastewater stream is used to dilute seawater before RO treatment. As such, lower desalination energy needs and/or water augmentation can be obtained while delivering safe water for direct potable reuse thanks to the double dense membrane barrier protection. Typically, FO-RO hybrid can be a credible alternative to new desalination facilities or to implementation of stand-alone water reuse schemes. However, apart from the societal (public perception of water reuse for potable application) and water management challenges (proximity of wastewater and desalination plants), FO-RO hybrid has to overcome technical limitation such as low FO permeation flux to become economically attractive. Recent developments (i.e., improved FO membranes, use of pressure assisted osmosis, PAO) demonstrated significant improvement in water flux. However, flux improvement is associated with drawbacks, such as increased fouling behaviour, lower rejection of trace organic compounds (TrOCs) in PAO operation, and limitation in FO membrane mechanical resistance, which need to be better considered. To support successful implementation of FO-RO hybrid in the industry, further work is required regarding up-scaling to apprehend full-scale challenges in term of mass transfer limitation, pressure drop, fouling and cleaning strategies on a module scale. In addition, refined economics assessment is expected to integrate fouling and other maintenance costs/savings of the FO/PAO-RO hybrid systems, as well as cost savings from any treatment step avoided in the water recycling.
Enhancement of Exposure and Reduction of Elimination for Paeoniflorin or Albiflorin via Co-Administration with Total Peony Glucosides and Hypoxic Pharmacokinetics Comparison
Authors: Xu Weizhe , Zhao Yan , Qin Yi , Ge Beikang , Gong Wenwen , Wu Yingting , Li Xiaorong , Zhao Yuming , Xu Pingxiang , Xue Ming
Published: July 2016

There is evidence suggesting that herbal extracts demonstrate greater bioactivities than their isolated constituents at an equivalent dose. This phenomenon could be attributed to the absence of interacting substances present in the extracts. By measuring the pharmacokinetic parameters of paeoniflorin (PF) and albiflorin (AF) after being orally administered to rats in isolated form, in combination with each other and within total peony glucosides (TPG), respectively, the current study aimed to identify positive pharmacokinetic interactions between components of peony radix extracts. Moreover, the pharmacokinetic profiles of PF and AF under normoxia and hypoxia were also investigated and compared. In order to achieve these goals, a highly sensitive and reproducible ultra-peformance liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry (UPLC-MS) method was developed and validated for simultaneously quantitation of PF and AF in rat plasma. This study found that compared with that of single component (PF/AF), the exposure of PF in rat plasma after combination administration or TPG administration was significantly increased, meanwhile the elimination of PF/AF was remarkably reduced. It was also noticed that AUC and Cmax of PF in hypoxia rats were significantly decreased compared with that of normaxia rats, suggesting that there was a decreased exposure of PF in rats under hypoxia. The current study, for the first time, revealed the pharmacokinetic interactions between PF/AF and other constitutes in TGP and the pharmacokinetic profiles of PF and AF under hypoxia. In view of the current findings, it could be supposed that the clinical performance of total peony glucosides would be better than that of single constitute (PF/AF). The outcomes of this animal study are expected to serve as a basis for development of clinical guidelines on total peony glucosides usage.
Dairy Intake Enhances Body Weight and Composition Changes during Energy Restriction in 18–50-Year-Old Adults—A Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials
Authors: Stonehouse Welma , Wycherley Thomas , Luscombe-Marsh Natalie , Taylor Pennie , Brinkworth Grant , Riley Malcolm
Published: July 2016

Background/Aims: A meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) was performed to investigate the effects of dairy food or supplements during energy restriction on body weight and composition in 18–50-year-old. Methods: RCTs ≥ 4 weeks comparing the effect of dairy consumption (whole food or supplements) with control diets lower in dairy during energy restriction on body weight, fat and lean mass were identified by searching MEDLINE, EMBASE, Pubmed, Cochrane Central and World Health Organization International Clinical Trials Registry Platform (WHO ICTRP) until March 2016. Reports were identified and critically appraised in duplicate. Data were pooled using random-effects meta-analysis. Chi2- and I2-statistics indicated heterogeneity. Dose effect was assessed using meta-regression analysis. GRADE guidelines were used to rate the quality (QR) of the evidence considering risk of bias, inconsistency, indirectness, imprecision, publication bias and effect estimates. Results: 27 RCTs were reviewed. Participants consumed between 2 and 4 standard servings/day of dairy food or 20–84 g/day of whey protein compared to low dairy control diets, over a median of 16 weeks. A greater reduction in body weight (−1.16 kg [−1.66, −0.66 kg], p < 0.001, I2 = 11%, QR = high, n = 644) and body fat mass (−1.49 kg [−2.06, −0.92 kg], p < 0.001, I2 = 21%, n = 521, QR = high) were found in studies largely including women (90% women). These effects were absent in studies that imposed resistance training (QR = low-moderate). Dairy intake resulted in smaller loss of lean mass (all trials pooled: 0.36 kg [0.01, 0.71 kg], p = 0.04, I2 = 64%, n = 651, QR = moderate). No between study dose-response effects were seen. Conclusions: Increased dairy intake as part of energy restricted diets resulted in greater loss in bodyweight and fat mass while attenuating lean mass loss in 18–50-year-old adults. Further research in males is needed to investigate sex effects.
Influence of Macro-Topography on Damage Tolerance and Fracture Toughness of 0.1 wt % Multi-Layer Graphene/Clay-Epoxy Nanocomposites
Authors: Atif Rasheed , Inam Fawad
Published: July 2016

Influence of topographical features on mechanical properties of 0.1 wt % Multi-Layer Graphene (MLG)/clay-epoxy nanocomposites has been studied. Three different compositions were made: (1) 0.1 wt % MLG-EP; (2) 0.1 wt % clay-EP and (3) 0.05 wt % MLG-0.05 wt % clay-EP. The objective of making hybrid nanocomposites was to determine whether synergistic effects are prominent at low weight fraction of 0.1 wt % causing an improvement in mechanical properties. The topographical features studied include waviness (Wa), roughness average (Ra), root mean square value (Rq) and maximum roughness height (Rmax or Rz). The Rz of as-cast 0.1 wt % MLG-EP, clay-EP and 0.05 wt % MLG-0.05 wt % clay-EP nanocomposites were 43.52, 48.43 and 41.8 µm respectively. A decrease in Rz values was observed by treating the samples with velvet cloth and abrasive paper 1200P while increased by treating with abrasive papers 320P and 60P. A weight loss of up to 16% was observed in samples after the treatment with the abrasive papers. It was observed that MLG is more effective in improving the mechanical properties of epoxy than nanoclay. In addition, no significant improvement in mechanical properties was observed in hybrid nanocomposites indicating that 0.1 wt % is not sufficient to generate conspicuous synergistic effects.
Comparison of the Physical and Mechanical Properties of Resin Matrix with Two Photoinitiator Systems in Dental Adhesives
Authors: Kim Mijoo , Suh Byoung-In , Shin Daehwan , Kim Kwang-Mahn
Published: July 2016

This study evaluated the physical and mechanical properties of resin matrices in dental adhesives with two photoinitiator systems. Resin matrix specimens were made with five different kinds of photoinitiators. Neat resin consisted of 60% 2,2-bis[4-2(2-hydroxy-3-methacryloxypropoxy)phenyl]propane (Bis-GMA) and 40% hydroxyethyl methacrylate (HEMA) by weight, along with camphorquinone (CQ, 1 mol %) and additional components (1 mol % each) as follows: Group 1, 2-(dimethylamino)ethyl methacrylate (DMAEMA); Group 2, ethyl-4-(dimethylamino) benzoate (EDMAB); Group 3, diphenyliodonium hexafluorphosphate (DPIHFP); Group 4, DMAEMA+DPIHFP; Group 5, EDMAB+DPIHFP. The degree of conversion (DC), flexural strength, flexural modulus, microhardness, and ultimate tensile strength were tested. The contribution of each photoinitiator to the DC in a selected group was analyzed with contour plots. One-way ANOVA and Tukey tests (p < 0.05) were used for statistical analyses. The DC of Groups 2, 4, and 5 was similar. The flexural strength was similar in all groups, but flexural modulus was significantly different. Group 3 had the lowest values for all physical and mechanical properties. Among all methods, the microhardness test revealed the greatest degree of difference among the five specimens. CQ, EDMAB, and DPIHFP were the most effective photoinitiators and CQ was the most influential factor for the DC rate.
A Survey of Wall Climbing Robots: Recent Advances and Challenges
Authors: Nansai Shunsuke , Mohan Rajesh
Published: July 2016

In recent decades, skyscrapers, as represented by the Burj Khalifa in Dubai and Shanghai Tower in Shanghai, have been built due to the improvements of construction technologies. Even in such newfangled skyscrapers, the façades are generally cleaned by humans. Wall climbing robots, which are capable of climbing up vertical surfaces, ceilings and roofs, are expected to replace the manual workforce in façade cleaning works, which is both hazardous and laborious work. Such tasks require these robotic platforms to possess high levels of adaptability and flexibility. This paper presents a detailed review of wall climbing robots categorizing them into six distinct classes based on the adhesive mechanism that they use. This paper concludes by expanding beyond adhesive mechanisms by discussing a set of desirable design attributes of an ideal glass façade cleaning robot towards facilitating targeted future research with clear technical goals and well-defined design trade-off boundaries.