bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Status of Member States not Participating in the Euro
Authors: O’Keeffe David , Turner Catherine
Published: July 2016

In May 1998, the Council, meeting in the composition of Heads of State or Government, unanimously decided, in accordance with Article 121(2) EC, that eleven Member States fulfilled the necessary conditions to move towards the third and final stage of economic and monetary union (EMU) with the adoption of the single currency on 1 January 1999. This article will discuss the legal position of the Member States which did not initially progress to the third stage of EMU, in particular, the opt-outs exercised by the United Kingdom (UK) and Denmark. There follows an analysis of the extent of the UK and Danish opt-outs and the derogation which exists in relation to Sweden (and previously Greece) together with the role of these Member States in the new institutional framework as in operation from 1 January 1999. The current political discussions on the Euro taking place within the UK and Denmark will be highlighted.
European Integration and Globalisation: The Experience of Financial Reporting
Authors: Villiers Charlotte
Published: July 2016

Much of the debate on European integration centres on the relationship between ‘globalisation’ and ‘Europeanisation’. Whereas the two processes have, in the past, been viewed separately there is now a broad recognition that a relationship exists between them. International relations and politics circles have observed this, but controversy exists over whether the two processes are antagonistic to each other or whether they are in fact ‘working in combination’. Professor Francis Snyder in the legal field asked, in his seminal paper, are they friends or rivals—’is the EU part of the problem or part of the solution in relation to globalisation?’
Tracking Down Elusive Origins of Kazakhstan's 1889 Chilik Quake
Authors: Stanley Sarah
Published: July 2016

New fieldwork and satellite data suggest that three faults may have caused a large earthquake near Almaty, Kazakhstan, more than a century ago.
PML regulates neuroprotective innate immunity and neuroblast commitment in a hypoxic–ischemic encephalopathy model
Authors: Palibrk Vuk , Suganthan Rajikala , Scheffler Katja , Wang Wei , Bjørås Magnar , Bøe Stig Ove
Published: July 2016

Regulation of innate immune responses and activation of tissue regenerative processes are key elements in the pathophysiology of brain injuries. The promyelocytic leukemia (PML) gene was originally identified on a breakpoint of chromosomal translocation t(15;17) associated with acute PML. We have studied the role of PML protein during acute and regenerative phases after hypoxia–ischemia (HI) in brains of neonatal mice. We found that PML prevents tissue loss and apoptotic cell death selectively in subcortical regions of the brain at early stages after damage. In accordance with this, we revealed that PML is important for microglia activation and production of key inflammatory cytokines such as IL1α, IL1β, IL1RN, CXCL10, CCL12 and TNFα. During the regenerative phase, PML-depleted mice were found to have impaired transformation of transit-amplifying precursors into migratory progenitors. This was accompanied by increased ratios of symmetric versus asymmetric neural progenitor cell divisions during tissue repair and a specific defect in tissue restoration within the striatum 42 days after HI. The data demonstrate a dual role of PML in protection and recovery after brain injury.
A Room Temperature Ultrasensitive Magnetoelectric Susceptometer for Quantitative Tissue Iron Detection
Authors: Xi Hao , Qian Xiaoshi , Lu Meng-Chien , Mei Lei , Rupprecht Sebastian , Yang Qing X. , Zhang Q. M.
Published: July 2016

Iron is a trace mineral that plays a vital role in the human body. However, absorbing and accumulating excessive iron in body organs (iron overload) can damage or even destroy an organ. Even after many decades of research, progress on the development of noninvasive and low-cost tissue iron detection methods is very limited. Here we report a recent advance in a room-temperature ultrasensitive biomagnetic susceptometer for quantitative tissue iron detection. The biomagnetic susceptometer exploits recent advances in the magnetoelectric (ME) composite sensors that exhibit an ultrahigh AC magnetic sensitivity under the presence of a strong DC magnetic field. The first order gradiometer based on piezoelectric and magnetostrictive laminate (ME composite) structure shows an equivalent magnetic noise of 0.99 nT/rt Hz at 1 Hz in the presence of a DC magnetic field of 0.1 Tesla and a great common mode noise rejection ability. A prototype magnetoelectric liver susceptometry has been demonstrated with liver phantoms. The results indicate its output signals to be linearly responsive to iron concentrations from normal iron dose (0.05 mg Fe/g liver phantom) to 5 mg Fe/g liver phantom iron overload (100X overdose). The results here open up many innovative possibilities for compact-size, portable, cost-affordable and room-temperature operated medical systems for quantitative determinations of tissue iron.
Glomerular filtration rate in patients with atrial fibrillation and 1-year outcomes
Authors: Boriani Giuseppe , Laroche Cécile , Diemberger Igor , Popescu Mircea Ioachim , Rasmussen Lars Hvilsted , Petrescu Lucian , Crijns Harry J. G. M. , Tavazzi Luigi , Maggioni Aldo P. , Lip Gregory Y. H.
Published: July 2016

We assessed 1-year outcomes in patients with atrial fibrillation enrolled in the EurObservational Research Programme AF General Pilot Registry (EORP-AF), in relation to kidney function, as assessed by glomerular filtration rate (eGFR). In a cohort of 2398 patients (median age 69 years; 61% male), eGFR (ml/min/1.73 m2) calculated using the CKD-EPI formula was ≥80 in 35.1%, 50–79 in 47.2%, 30–49 in 13.9% and <30 in 3.7% of patients. In a logistic regression analysis, eGFR category was an independent predictor of stroke/TIA or death, with elevated odds ratios associated with severe to mild renal impairment, ie. eGFR < 30 ml/min/1.73 m2 [OR 3.641, 95% CI 1.572–8.433, p < 0.0001], 30–49 ml/min/1.73 m2 [OR 3.303, 95% CI 1.740–6.270, p = 0.0026] or 50–79 ml/min/1.73 m2 [OR 2.094, 95% CI 1.194–3.672, p = 0.0003]. The discriminant capability for the risk of death was tested among various eGFR calculation algorithms: the best was the Cockcroft-Gault equation adjusted for BSA, followed by Cockcroft-Gault equation, and CKD-EPI equation, while the worst was the MDRD equation. In conclusion in this prospective observational registry, renal function was a major determinant of adverse outcomes at 1 year, and even mild or moderate renal impairments were associated with an increased risk of stroke/TIA/death.
Neural markers of social and monetary rewards in children with Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder and Autism Spectrum Disorder
Authors: Gonzalez-Gadea Maria Luz , Sigman Mariano , Rattazzi Alexia , Lavin Claudio , Rivera-Rei Alvaro , Marino Julian , Manes Facundo , Ibanez Agustin
Published: July 2016

Recent theories of decision making propose a shared value-related brain mechanism for encoding monetary and social rewards. We tested this model in children with Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and control children. We monitored participants’ brain dynamics using high density-electroencephalography while they played a monetary and social reward tasks. Control children exhibited a feedback Error-Related Negativity (fERN) modulation and Anterior Cingulate Cortex (ACC) source activation during both tasks. Remarkably, although cooperation resulted in greater losses for the participants, the betrayal options generated greater fERN responses. ADHD subjects exhibited an absence of fERN modulation and reduced ACC activation during both tasks. ASD subjects exhibited normal fERN modulation during monetary choices and inverted fERN/ACC responses in social options than did controls. These results suggest that in neurotypicals, monetary losses and observed disloyal social decisions induced similar activity in the brain value system. In ADHD children, difficulties in reward processing affected early brain signatures of monetary and social decisions. Conversely, ASD children showed intact neural markers of value-related monetary mechanisms, but no brain modulation by prosociality in the social task. These results offer insight into the typical and atypical developments of neural correlates of monetary and social reward processing.
Strength and Water Interactions of Cellulose I Filaments Wet-Spun from Cellulose Nanofibril Hydrogels
Authors: Lundahl Meri J. , Cunha A. Gisela , Rojo Ester , Papageorgiou Anastassios C. , Rautkari Lauri , Arboleda Julio C. , Rojas Orlando J.
Published: July 2016

Hydrogels comprising cellulose nanofibrils (CNF) were used in the synthesis of continuous filaments via wet-spinning. Hydrogel viscosity and spinnability, as well as orientation and strength of the spun filaments, were found to be strongly affected by the osmotic pressure as determined by CNF surface charge and solid fraction in the spinning dope. The tensile strength, Young’s modulus and degree of orientation (wide-angle X-ray scattering, WAXS) of filaments produced without drawing were 297 MPa, 21 GPa and 83%, respectively, which are remarkable values. A thorough investigation of the interactions with water using dynamic vapour sorption (DVS) experiments revealed the role of sorption sites in the stability of the filaments in wet conditions. DVS analysis during cycles of relative humidity (RH) between 0 and 95% revealed major differences in water uptake by the filaments spun from hydrogels of different charge density (CNF and TEMPO-oxidised CNF). It is concluded that the mechanical performance of filaments in the presence of water deteriorates drastically by the same factors that facilitate fibril alignment and, consequently, enhance dry strength. For the most oriented filaments, the maximum water vapour sorption at 95% RH was 39% based on dry weight.
Thermodynamics of binary gas adsorption in nanopores
Authors: Dutta Sujeet , Lefort Ronan , Morineau Denis , Mhanna Ramona , Merdrignac-Conanec Odile , Saint-Jalmes Arnaud , Leclercq Théo
Published: July 2016

MCM-41 nanoporous silicas show a very high selectivity for monoalcohols over aprotic molecules during adsorption of a binary mixture in the gas phase.
Synthesis of organic photosensitizers containing dithienogermole and thiadiazolo[3,4-c]pyridine units for dye-sensitized solar cells
Authors: Adachi Yohei , Ooyama Yousuke , Shibayama Naoyuki , Ohshita Joji
Published: July 2016

Three dithienogermole-containing dyes were prepared and applied to dye-sensitized solar cells.
Salen-based enantiomeric polymers for enantioselective recognition
Authors: Bera Manas Kumar , Chakraborty Chanchal , Malik Sudip
Published: July 2016

In a simple way, the spatial arrangement of the building blocks in a main chain polymer determines its recognition properties.
Chemical composition characterization of poly(vinylidene fluoride-chlorotrifluoroethylene)-based copolymers with F–H decoupled 1H NMR
Authors: Gong Honghong , Zhang Xiaomeng , Zhang Yanan , Zheng Aqun , Tan Shaobo , Zhang Zhicheng
Published: July 2016

After decoupled from F in 1H NMR, the overlapped peaks of H onto VDF connected with CTFE and VDF due to the strong coupling between H and F are finely separated, which allows their integrals to be obtained. Then the composition could be determined.
The influence of the interface between mica and epoxy matrix on properties of epoxy-based dielectric materials with high thermal conductivity and low dielectric loss
Authors: Mo Hailin , Wang Genlin , Liu Fei , Jiang Pingkai
Published: July 2016

Two strategies, including in situ grafting chemicals and polymer coating micas, were used to improve the interface between mica and epoxy matrix. The epoxy composites prepared by strategy I exhibited better overall performance.
Depollution of syringic acid aqueous solutions by electrochemical oxidation using high oxidation power anodes
Authors: Gargouri O. Dridi , Trabelsi S. Kallel , Abdelhèdi R.
Published: July 2016

High oxidation power anodes (PbO2 or BDD), lead to complete electrochemical removal of syringic acid under particularly experimental conditions.
Growth of carbon nanoshells on tungsten carbide for loading Pt with enhanced electrocatalytic activity and stable anti-poisoning performance
Authors: Han Bao Jun , Huang Zhi Juan , Wu Gao , Zhou Cai Ying , Li Ye Sheng , Wang Qing Hui , Zhang Yu Long , Yin Yan Hong , Wu Zi Ping
Published: July 2016

Nearly transparent carbon nanoshells precipitated on WC were prepared by deoxidization approach. After Pt were loaded on the composite, an electrocatalyst with excellent electrochemical activity and stable anti-poisoning properties was obtained.
Facile exfoliation of MoS2 nanosheets by protein as a photothermal-triggered drug delivery system for synergistic tumor therapy
Authors: Deng Rui , Yi Hai , Fan Fangyi , Fu Li , Zeng Yan , Wang Yi , Li Yecheng , Liu Yilan , Ji Shengjun , Su Yi
Published: July 2016

A schematic representation of MoS2 nanosheet synthesis and its photothermal-triggered drug delivery application.
An assessment of silver copper sulfides for photovoltaic applications: theoretical and experimental insights
Authors: Savory Christopher N. , Ganose Alex M. , Travis Will , Atri Ria S. , Palgrave Robert G. , Scanlon David O.
Published: July 2016

As the worldwide demand for energy increases, low-cost solar cells are being looked to as a solution for the future.
Preparation of gelatin/Fe3O4 composite scaffolds for enhanced and repeatable cancer cell ablation
Authors: Zhang Jing , Li Jingchao , Chen Shangwu , Kawazoe Naoki , Chen Guoping
Published: July 2016

Gelatin/Fe3O4 composite scaffolds with controlled pore structures were prepared by a facile ice particulate templating method and they showed great potential for near-infrared photothermal cancer therapy.
Correction: Evaluating the role of energetic disorder and thermal activation in exciton transport
Authors: Fielitz Thomas R. , Menke S. Matthew , Holmes Russell J.
Published: July 2016

Correction for ‘Evaluating the role of energetic disorder and thermal activation in exciton transport’ by S. Matthew Menke et al., J. Mater. Chem. C, 2016, 4, 3437–3442.
Uncertainty in predicting the spatial pattern of soil water temporal stability at the hillslope scale
Authors: Liao K. , Lai X. , Lv L. , Zhu Q.
Published: July 2016

Soil water temporal stability is subject to spatial variation, which influences the prediction of mean soil water status on a hillslope. However, estimation of the spatial pattern of soil water temporal stability and quantification of the uncertainties associated with the predictions are often ignored. In this study, volumetric soil water contents at 10 and 30cm depths on tea garden and forest hillslopes were monitored across 17 dates from January 2013 to April 2014. Soil moisture maps on these 17 dates were interpolated using ordinary kriging and then the spatial distribution of the relative difference of soil moisture was assessed. Based on these maps, standard deviations of relative difference (SDRD) of soil moisture were calculated to represent the spatial variation of soil water temporal stability. Uncertainties in predicted patterns of SDRD due to the limited number of sampling days used for calculating SDRD (U1) and for spatial interpolation of soil moisture by ordinary kriging (U2) were investigated using bootstrap and sequential Gaussian simulation techniques respectively. Results showed that soil water content on the forest hillslope generally exhibited stronger spatial variability than that on the tea garden hillslope. The SDRD substantially varied in space at the hillslope scale. Temporal stabilities of soil water content at 30cm depth were significantly (P<0.05) stronger than those at 10cm soil depth, regardless of the land use type. However, differences in soil water temporal stabilities on these two land use hillslopes were not significant. In addition, U2 was generally more important than U1 on both hillslopes. This suggests that additional sampling sites and more robust interpolation methods rather than additional sampling days should be developed to reduce SDRD prediction uncertainty on the study hillslopes.
The Brigalow Catchment Study: IV. Clearing brigalow (Acacia harpophylla) for cropping or grazing increases peak runoff rate
Authors: Thornton C. M. , Yu B.
Published: July 2016

In Queensland, Australia, large tracts of native vegetation have been cleared for agriculture, resulting in substantial hydrological changes in the landscape. Australia’s longest-running paired catchment study, the Brigalow Catchment Study (BCS), was established in 1965 to monitor hydrological changes associated with land development, particularly that of the 1960s Land Development Fitzroy Basin Scheme. The BCS has unequivocally shown that developing brigalow (Acacia harpophylla) for cropping or for grazing doubles runoff volume. However, to date little research had been undertaken to quantify the changes in peak runoff rate when brigalow is cleared for cropping or grazing. The present study compared peak runoff rates from three brigalow catchments, two of which were subsequently cleared for cropping and pasture. Prior to land development, average peak runoff rates from the three brigalow scrub catchments were 3.2, 5 and 2mmh–1 for catchments 1 to 3 respectively. After development, these rates increased to 6.6mmh–1 from the brigalow scrub control catchment (catchment 1), 8.3mmh–1 from the cropping catchment (catchment 2) and 5.6mmh–1 from the pasture catchment (catchment 3). Peak runoff rate increased significantly from both the cropping and pasture catchments after adjusting for the underlying variation in peak runoff rate due to climatic variation between the pre- and post-development periods. The average peak runoff rate increased by 5.4mmh–1 (96%) for the cropping catchment and by 2.6mmh–1 (47%) for the pasture catchment. Increases in peak runoff rate were most prevalent in smaller events with an average recurrence interval of less than 2 years under cropping and 4 years under pasture.
Nitrification (DMPP) and urease (NBPT) inhibitors had no effect on pasture yield, nitrous oxide emissions, or nitrate leaching under irrigation in a hot-dry climate
Authors: Dougherty Warwick J. , Collins Damian , Van Zwieten Lukas , Rowlings David W.
Published: July 2016

Modern dairy farming in Australia relies on substantial inputs of fertiliser nitrogen (N) to underpin economic production. However, N lost from dairy systems represents an opportunity cost and can pose several environmental risks. N-cycle inhibitors can be co-applied with N fertilisers to slow the conversion of urea to ammonium to reduce losses via volatilisation, and slow the conversion of ammonium to nitrate to minimise leaching of nitrate and gaseous losses via nitrification and denitrification. In a field campaign in a high input ryegrass–kikuyu pasture system we compared the soil N pools, losses and pasture production between (a) urea coated with the nitrification inhibitor 3,4-dimethyl pyrazole phosphate (b) urea coated with the urease inhibitor N-(n-butyl) thiophosphoric triamide and (c) standard urea. There was no treatment effect (P>0.05) on soil mineral N, pasture yield, nitrous oxide flux or leaching of nitrate compared to standard urea. We hypothesise that at our site, because gaseous losses were highly episodic (rainfall was erratic and displayed no seasonal rainfall nor soil wetting pattern) that there was a lack of coincidence of N application and conditions conducive to gaseous losses, thus the effectiveness of the inhibitor products was minimal and did not result in an increase in pasture yield. There remains a paucity of knowledge on N-cycle inhibitors in relation to their effective use in field system to increase N use efficiency. Further research is required to define under what field conditions inhibitor products are effective in order to be able to provide accurate advice to managers of N in production systems.
Emission factors for estimating fertiliser-induced nitrous oxide emissions from clay soils in Australia’s irrigated cotton industry
Authors: Grace Peter , Shcherbak Iurii , Macdonald Ben , Scheer Clemens , Rowlings David
Published: July 2016

As a significant user of nitrogen (N) fertilisers, the Australian cotton industry is a major source of soil-derived nitrous oxide (N2O) emissions. A country-specific (Tier 2) fertiliser-induced emission factor (EF) can be used in national greenhouse gas inventories or in the development of N2O emissions offset methodologies provided the EFs are evidence based. A meta-analysis was performed using eight individual N2O emission studies from Australian cotton studies to estimate EFs. Annual N2O emissions from cotton grown on Vertosols ranged from 0.59kgNha–1 in a 0N control to 1.94kgNha–1 in a treatment receiving 270kgNha–1. Seasonal N2O estimates ranged from 0.51kgNha–1 in a 0N control to 10.64kgNha–1 in response to the addition of 320kgNha–1. A two-component (linear+exponential) statistical model, namely EF (%)=0.29+0.007(e0.037N – 1)/N, capped at 300kgNha–1 describes the N2O emissions from lower N rates better than an exponential model and aligns with an EF of 0.55% using a traditional linear regression model.
Inhibited proton transfer enhances Au-catalyzed CO
2
-to-fuels selectivity
Authors: Wuttig Anna , Yaguchi Momo , Motobayashi Kenta , Osawa Masatoshi , Surendranath Yogesh
Published: July 2016

Significance

Renewable electricity can be stored in the energy-dense bonds of carbon-based fuels via the electroreduction of CO
2
. CO
2
reduction in aqueous electrolytes suffers efficiency losses because of the simultaneous reduction of water to H
2
. Rational design of selective CO
2
-to-fuels catalysts requires direct knowledge of the electrode surface structure during turnover and how electrons and protons couple to direct product selectivity. Using model Au catalysts, we uncover the complex heterogeneity in CO surface binding equilibria and the differential proton coupling requirements for CO vs. H
2
production. We assemble the spectroscopic and kinetic data to construct a mechanistic model that predicts that impeding proton transfer to the surface is an effective strategy for improving CO
2
-to-fuels catalyst selectivity.
Demographic noise can reverse the direction of deterministic selection
Authors: Constable George W. A. , Rogers Tim , McKane Alan J. , Tarnita Corina E.
Published: July 2016

Significance

Demographic stochasticity—the population-level randomness that emerges when the timing of birth, death, and interaction events is unpredictable—can profoundly alter the dynamics of a system. We find that phenotypes that pay a cost to their birth rate to modify the environment by increasing the global carrying capacity can be stochastically selected for, where they would otherwise be deterministically disfavored. Our results hold for a general class of mathematical models but we use a model of public good production for illustration. In this case, demographic stochasticity is exploited by populations of cooperators to turn selection in their favor; it therefore operates as a mechanism that supports the evolution of public good production.
Combined chemical–genetic approach identifies cytosolic HSP70 dependence in rhabdomyosarcoma
Authors: Sabnis Amit J. , Guerriero Christopher J. , Olivas Victor , Sayana Anin , Shue Jonathan , Flanagan Jennifer , Asthana Saurabh , Paton Adrienne W. , Paton James C. , Gestwicki Jason E. , Walter Peter , Weissman Jonathan S. , Wipf Peter , Brodsky Jeffrey L. , Bivona Trever G.
Published: July 2016

Significance

Protein chaperone networks maintain homeostasis during cellular stress. Oncogenic transformation induces stress through increased demands on protein synthesis and folding. Thus, many cancer cells depend on proteostasis networks for optimal growth. However, the cancer subtype-specific roles of individual protein chaperones are incompletely understood. Through a chemical–genetic approach, we discovered an exquisite dependence of rhabdomyosarcoma (RMS) cells on cytosolic heat-shock protein 70 kDa (HSP70). HSP70 inhibition activates the unfolded protein response, and CEBP homologous protein is a key mediator of apoptosis and a candidate biomarker for efficacy. The link between a component required for cytosolic protein quality control and the endoplasmic reticulum stress response provides insight into cell type-specific wiring of proteostasis networks and suggests novel therapeutic avenues in RMS.
Adaptation of the symbiotic
Mesorhizobium
–chickpea relationship to phosphate deficiency relies on reprogramming of whole-plant metabolism
Authors: Nasr Esfahani Maryam , Kusano Miyako , Nguyen Kien Huu , Watanabe Yasuko , Ha Chien Van , Saito Kazuki , Sulieman Saad , Herrera-Estrella Luis , Tran Lam-Son Phan
Published: July 2016

Significance

Inorganic phosphate (Pi) is an essential constituent for nodule performance. Consequently, symbiotic efficiency in dinitrogen (N
2
)-fixing legumes, where nodules act as a sink for Pi, is affected by Pi availability. Low Pi availability results in major inhibition of symbiotic performance; thus, understanding the adaptive responses of nodule metabolism to Pi deficiency is crucial to improve symbiotic efficiency under Pi-limited conditions. This study reports the key mechanisms responsible for decreasing nodule activity under Pi deficiency and examines whether nodule responses to low Pi availability are mediated by changes in the metabolism of other organs of nodulated plants. These findings can be used to develop chickpea cultivars and perhaps, other leguminous crops with effective symbiotic efficiency under Pi-limited conditions through genetic engineering.
Effect of sintering on mechanical properties of cold sprayed thermal barrier coatings
Authors: Karaoglanli A. C. , Turk A. , Ozdemir I.
Published: July 2016

In this study, thermal barrier coatings were deposited on nickel-based super-alloy with CoNiCrAlY bond and yttria partially stabilised zirconia top coats, using cold gas dynamic spraying and atmospheric plasma spraying techniques, respectively. High temperature oxidation behaviour and sintering effect on the mechanical properties of the coatings were studied. The main objective of this work is to explain the alteration in coating structure depending on temperature, and the mechanisms that lead to alterations in mechanical properties such as Young's modulus and hardness. Structural examination after oxidation revealed a decrease in porosity content and crack healing on ceramic top coatings resulting from sintering effect.
Corrosion resistance of tin coatings deposited by cold spraying
Authors: Winnicki M. , Baszczuk A. , Rutkowska-Gorczyca M. , Małachowska A. , Ambroziak A.
Published: July 2016

This article presents a study of corrosion resistance of tin and tin-based composite (Sn + Al2O3 and Sn + SiC) coatings deposited onto aluminium alloy substrates using the low-pressure cold spraying method. The samples were subjected to three different corrosion tests at a room temperature: (i) Kesternich test, (ii) a cyclic salt spray test and (iii) anodic polarisation test. The selected tests allowed extreme environment simulation typical for wide range of urban, industrial and marine service conditions. Evaluation of corrosion was carried out by analysing changes on the coating surface as well as in the microstructure. Additionally, the physicochemical tests were carried out using X-ray diffraction. XRD analysis clearly showed that abhurite Sn21O6Cl16(OH)14 is the main corrosion product established after the polarisation measurements. Despite extreme corrosive conditions used in experiments all tin coatings showed minor corrosion changes which implies that abhurite serves as a buffer between the metal and the oxidising natural environment.
An information theory based search for homogeneity on the largest accessible scale
Authors: Sarkar Suman , Pandey Biswajit
Published: July 2016

We analyse the Sloan Digital Sky Survey Data Release 12 quasar catalogue to test the large-scale smoothness in the quasar distribution. We quantify the degree of inhomogeneity in the quasar distribution using information theory based measures and find that the degree of inhomogeneity diminishes with increasing length scales which finally reach a plateau at ∼250 h−1 Mpc. The residual inhomogeneity at the plateau is consistent with that expected for a Poisson point process. Our results indicate that the quasar distribution is homogeneous beyond length scales of 250 h−1 Mpc.
Optic neuropathy in the context of leukemia or lymphoma: diagnostic approach to a neuro-oncologic emergency
Authors: Myers Kenneth A. , Nikolic Ana , Romanchuk Kenneth , Weis Ezekiel , Brundler Marie-Anne , Lafay-Cousin Lucie , Costello Fiona
Published: July 2016

Background

Optic neuropathy in the context of leukemia or lymphoma has a broad differential diagnosis, including infiltration, infection, inflammation, compression, and medication effects. Confirming the underlying etiology in a timely manner is crucial as, while infiltration carries a poor prognosis, treatment modalities can have serious consequences themselves.

Methods

A review of the literature was conducted for cases of isolated optic neuropathy in the context of leukemia or lymphoma, in which the underlying etiology remained unclear following initial clinical examination and neuroimaging. Clinical, radiological, and pathological characteristics of the cases are summarized.

Results

Ninety-two cases meeting inclusion criteria were identified. Leukemic or lymphomatous infiltration was the presumed diagnosis in 72% of the reports, indicating this is the most likely etiology in such cases. The remaining reports were attributed to inflammation, infection, or drug toxicity. For illustrative purposes, the previously unpublished case of an 11-year-old girl with remitted T lymphoblastic lymphoma is presented. She suffered recurrence in the form of isolated left optic nerve infiltration that required transconjunctival biopsy to confirm diagnosis.

Conclusions

Optic nerve infiltration by leukemia or lymphoma requires both diagnostic certainty and urgent management. Recommendations are made for a step-wise, yet rapid investigative approach that may ultimately require biopsy of the optic nerve.
Implementation of an Infectious Disease Fellow-Managed Penicillin Allergy Skin Testing Service
Authors: Heil Emily L. , Bork Jacqueline T. , Schmalzle Sarah A. , Kleinberg Michael , Kewalramani Anupama , Gilliam Bruce L. , Buchwald Ulrike K.
Published: July 2016

Background.  A large percentage of patients presenting to acute care facilities report penicillin allergies that are associated with suboptimal antibiotic therapy. Penicillin skin testing (PST) can clarify allergy histories but is often limited by access to testing. We aimed to implement an infectious diseases (ID) fellow-managed PST program and to assess the need for PST via national survey.

Methods.  We conducted a prospective observational study of the implementation of an ID fellow-managed penicillin allergy skin testing service. The primary outcome of the study was to assess the feasibility and acceptability of an ID fellow-managed PST service and its impact on the optimization of antibiotic selection. In addition, a survey of PST practices was sent out to all ID fellowship program directors in the United States.

Results.  In the first 11 months of the program, 90 patients were assessed for PST and 76 patients were tested. Of the valid tests, 96% were negative, and 84% with a negative test had antibiotic changes; 63% received a narrower spectrum antibiotic, 80% received more effective therapy, and 61% received more cost-effective therapy. The majority of survey of respondents (n = 50) indicated that overreporting of penicillin allergy is a problem in their practice that affects antibiotic selection but listed inadequate personnel and time as the main barriers to PST.

Conclusions.  Inpatient PST can be successfully managed by ID fellows, thereby promoting optimal antibiotic use in patients reporting penicillin allergies. This model can increase access to PST at institutions without adequate access to allergists while also providing an important educational experience to ID trainees.
Serum Fibrosis Markers for the Diagnosis of Liver Disease Among People With Chronic Hepatitis C in Chennai, India
Authors: Cepeda Javier A. , Solomon Sunil S. , Srikrishnan Aylur K. , Nandagopal Paneerselvam , Balakrishnan Pachamuthu , Kumar Muniratnam S. , Thomas David L. , Sulkowski Mark S. , Mehta Shruti H.
Published: July 2016

Background.  Access to hepatitis C virus (HCV) treatment is limited in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). Noninvasive biomarkers, such as fibrosis 4 (FIB-4) and aminotransferase to platelet ratio index (APRI), are low-cost alternatives to staging liver disease and identifying treatment need in people with chronic HCV infection, but their accuracy has not been evaluated in LMICs.

Methods.  We tested the accuracy of FIB-4 and APRI at validated cutoffs (FIB-4 <1.45, >3.25; APRI <0.5, >1.5) in predicting severe liver stiffness by elastography among 281 persons chronically infected with HCV. Multivariable logistic and Cox regression were used to identify markers of improved prediction and mortality, respectively.

Results.  Sensitivity and specificity of FIB-4 and APRI for predicting severe stiffness were 62% and 87% and 61% and 83%, respectively. Fibrosis 4 and APRI were less accurate in excluding significant stiffness; however, performance of models significantly improved with γ-glutamyl transpeptidase (GGT) and body mass index (BMI) (area under receiver operating characteristic curve, 0.81; 95% confidence interval, .76–.87). Severe liver stiffness predicted via FIB-4 >3.25, APRI >1.5, and a modified FIB-4 that included GGT and BMI were significantly associated with increased mortality.

Conclusions.  Fibrosis 4 and APRI may be useful in identifying individuals with severe stiffness who need treatment and continued monitoring in LMICs. Exclusion of significant stiffness may be improved by including GGT and BMI to FIB-4 models.
Court Enforcement, Bank Loans, and Firm Investment: Evidence from a Bankruptcy Reform in Brazil
*
Authors: Ponticelli Jacopo , Alencar Leonardo S.
Published: July 2016

We exploit variation in the congestion of civil courts across Brazilian municipalities, together with a bankruptcy reform increasing secured creditors’ protection, to estimate the effect of enforcement on firm access to finance, investment, and size. We find that firms operating in municipalities with less congested courts experienced a larger increase in the use of secured loans, as well as a larger increase in investment and value of output in the years after the reform. To establish the direction of causality, we use an instrumental variable strategy that exploits Brazilian state laws on judicial organization, and focus on differences in court congestion across otherwise similar neighboring municipalities located across judicial district borders within the same state. The evidence indicates that differences in court enforcement affect the impact of financial reform on firm access to finance, investment, and size.
6. Outcome of Low-Intensity Pulsed Ultrasound (LIPUS) Treatment for Adult Phalanx Delayed Union
Authors: Ota Tsuyoshi
Published: July 2016

Introduction:

In adult phalanx fractures with delayed union, we obtained good results from low-intensity pulsed ultrasound (LIPUS) fracture treatment.

Methods:

The subjects were 10 patients (7 male and 3 female) presenting with adult phalanx fracture with delayed union. The average age was 38.3-year-old. Eight cases presented with distal phalanx fracture and 2 with proximal phalanx fracture. Six cases involved a closed fracture and 4 cases an open fracture. The average LIPUS start time was 3.1 months, and the average treatment period was 5.1 months.

Results:

Bone union was obtained in 9 cases (90%). The single case in which bone union was not obtained involved nail deficient severe open fracture. The ratios of joint range of motion on the other side were 50%–100% (average 78.5%). Although a mild skin disorder was seen on the LIPUS treatment site in one case as a complication, it was effectively treated by medication.

Discussion:

LIPUS demonstrated significant effects in adult phalanx fractures when the maximum gap was small. We saw a bone union 90% of the cases without additional surgery, and confirmed the validity of LIPUS.
8. Low-Intensity Pulsed Ultrasound (LIPUS) Treatment for the Patient With Bone Reconstruction by the Masquelet Technique Using RIA
Authors: Niikura Takahiro , Yang Lee Sang , Iwakura Takashi , Kurosaka Masahiro
Published: July 2016

Background:

The Masquelet technique is a relatively new option in the management of bone defects. It consists of 2-stage surgery. At first surgery, a cement spacer is placed to fill the bone defect. After a waiting period of 6–8 weeks, a pseudo-synovial membrane is formed around the cement. The induced membrane is rich in vascularity and osteogenic activity. At second surgery, the cement is replaced with an autologous bone graft and the graft is packed in the membrane. To harvest large quantities of bone graft, the reamer irrigator aspirator (RIA) is utilized. We report a case in which low-intensity pulsed ultrasound (LIPUS) was applied to bone reconstruction by the Masquelet technique using RIA.

Case:

The patient was a 44-year-old man. He suffered a tibia fracture involving the proximal part and the shaft. Open reduction and internal fixation was performed at the previous hospital. However, MRSE infection was found at 6 months postoperatively and surgery to eradicate the infection was performed. Two months after surgery, pseudoarthrosis surgery was performed; however no progression in bone union was observed for 5 months. Therefore, the patient was referred to our hospital. At the first surgery in our hospital, plates and screws were removed, and the avascular bone was debrided. Vancomycin-impregnated cement was placed to fill the bone defect and an Ilizarov external fixator was applied. Eight weeks later, the cement was replaced with the autologous bone graft and the graft was packed in the induced membrane. Bone graft was harvested from the ipsilateral femur using RIA. We applied LIPUS to the affected site postoperatively. Now, 4 months after the second surgery, bone union is progressing and the patient can walk without pain.

Discussion:

LIPUS may be used as an adjuvant therapy for a patient treated by the Masquelet technique using RIA.
11. Bactericidal Activity of Photocatalytic TiO2 Excited by Low Intensity Pulsed Ultrasound (LIPUS): An In Vitro Study
Authors: Noguchi Chieko , Koseki Hironobu
Published: July 2016

Photocatalysis with anatase-type titanium dioxide (TiO2) under ultraviolet has a well-recognized bactericidal effect. The purpose of the present study was to evaluate the photocatalytic bactericidal effects of TiO2 on Staphylococcus epidermidis (ATCC35984) caused by Low Intensity Pulsed Ultrasound (LIPUS) associated with bio-implant-related infections. The photocatalytic properties of the TiO2 films were confirmed by the degradation of an aqueous solution of methylene blue. The disks were seeded with cultured Staphylococcus epidermidis and irradiated by LIPUS. The bactericidal effect of the TiO2 films was evaluated by counting the surviving colonies. The viability of the bacteria on the photocatalytic TiO2 film coated titanium was suppressed significantly to 63% after 2 hours of LIPUS treatment (P < 0.05). The photocatalytic bactericidal effect of TiO2 under LIPUS is useful for sterilizing the contaminated and infected surfaces of metal bio-implants.
12. Influence of Wound Dressing on the Fracture Healing Effect of Low-Intensity Pulsed Ultrasound (LIPUS)
Authors: Naruse Koji , Uchino Masataka , Hirakawa Noriko , Toyama Masahiro , Miyajima Genyo , Mukai Manabu , Urabe Ken , Uchida Kentaro , Itoman Moritoshi
Published: July 2016

Objective:

We have conducted a basic study on the influences on ultrasonic properties when LIPUS is applied through wound dressing. According to the results of ex vivo experiments conducted to date, LIPUS showed ultrasonic properties such as transmittance, coefficient of transmission, and a non-uniformity ratio through film wound dressing better than other wound dressing, and it was considered that LIPUS's effect for fracture healing was not influenced by film wound dressing. Then, we discussed the influence on the effect of LIPUS through film wound dressing.

Methods:

Thirty male 8-week-old Sprague-Dawley rats were used for the trial. After creating close transverse femoral fractures on the right legs of these 30 rats, they were divided into 3 groups of 10; LIPUS through wound dressing (Group A), LIPUS without wound dressing (Group B), and No LIPUS treatment (Group C). OPSITE Wound, which was thought to have the least influence on ultrasound properties, was used for this trial. Group A and B received LIPUS for 20 minutes a day from the first day after the fractures. LIPUS was generated from Teijin Pharma's device for a basic experiment. When treating Group A, the wound dressing was pasted on the ultrasound terminal in order to apply LIPUS through the dressing. We assessed the time-oriented morphological change of each group in anesthetized condition using simple radiographs on the 8th, 16th, and 24th day after the fractures.

Results:

Six rats in Group A, 2 in Group B, and 1 in Group C died in anesthesia, and we discussed the remaining 4 rats in Group A, 8 in Group B, and 9 in Group C. We defined more than one teleost callus bridging as bone-union. We also counted a bone remodeling when we recognized the absorption of existing cortical bone and the transformation of new bone to cortical bone in simple radiographs. As a result, compared with Group C, we recognized that both bone union and remodeling accelerated remarkably in Group B, but not in Group A.

Discussion:

It suggested that LIPUS through wound dressing had negative influences on both period shorting of fracture healing and bone remodeling. When LIPUS was conducted through film wound dressing, transmittance and coefficient of transmission were unchanged; however, the non-uniformity ratio changed slightly. The non-uniformity ratio of the ultrasound transducer had a significant influence on the effect of LIPUS on fracture healing.
3. Can Combined Therapy With Teriparatide and Low-Intensity Pulsed Ultrasound (LIPUS) Accelerate Fracture Healing?
Authors: Nozaka Koji , Shimada Yoichi , Miyakoshi Naohisa , Yamada Shin , Hongo Michio , Nagasawa Hiroyuki , Kasukawa Yuji , Saito Hidetomo , Kijima Hiroaki , Tsuchie Hiroyuki
Published: July 2016

Background:

It is an advantage for orthopaedic surgeons to remove an Ilizarov external fixator as early as possible after surgery. Although both teriparatide and low-intensity pulsed ultrasound (LIPUS) have been found to accelerate fracture-healing processes, the effect of the combination of teriparatide and LIPUS in clinical bone fracture management remains unclear.

Subjects:

From among 721 patients with a lower limb fracture on admission to our department who underwent surgical treatment for a lower limb fracture with an Ilizarov external fixator, 38 patients over 60-year-old were investigated. Patients were either treated with an Ilizarov external fixator alone (IEF alone, n = 20) or an Ilizarov external fixator combined with teriparatide and LIPUS (IEF combination, n = 18). The patients' mean age was 64.1 years (range, 60–79 years) in the IEF alone group and 67.2 years (range, 60–83 years) in the IEF combination group. Teriparatide (20 μg subcutaneous injection daily or 56.5 μg subcutaneous injection once-weekly) and LIPUS (20 min/d) were started immediately after surgery for the IEF combination group in an attempt to accelerate healing of the lower limb fracture with the Ilizarov external fixator.

Results:

The mean time to union was 111.9 days (range, 94–175 days) for IEF alone and 72.1 days (range, 68–141 days) for the IEF combination; it was significantly shorter with the IEF combination. Bone density (relative to young adult mean, YAM) was 61.3% (range, 38%–82%) for IEF alone and 52.1% (range, 30%–79%) for the IEF combination. The mean AOFAS score was 86.2 (range, 72–100) for IEF alone and 91.2 (range, 82–100) for the IEF combination.

Discussion:

In elderly patients with lower limb fractures, combined therapy (teriparatide and LIPUS) showed a shorter mean duration of union than the Ilizarov external fixator alone. Combined therapy with teriparatide and LIPUS may become a useful option in the treatment of elderly patients with lower limb fractures.
4. The Low-Intensity Pulsed Ultrasound (LIPUS) Mechanism and the Effect of Teriparatide on Fracture Healing
Authors: Naruse Koji , Uchino Masataka , Hirakawa Noriko , Toyama Masahiro , Miyajima Genyo , Mukai Manabu , Urabe Ken , Uchida Kentaro , Itoman Moritoshi
Published: July 2016

Low-Intensity Pulsed Ultrasound (LIPUS) provided a mechanical stimulus, and was thought to promote fracture healing by signal transduction through integrin, a cytoskeletal protein. Meanwhile, teriparatide, a drug for osteoporosis treatment, showed efficacy in promoting bone metabolism. This drug also appeared to prevent fractures in patients with serious osteoporosis by improving bone mineral density and bone quality, which in turn resulted from promoting action for bone metabolism. Further, clinical trials and fundamental research reported that teriparatide demonstrated the effect of promoting fracture healing. Mechanical stimulus by LIPUS had a topical effect on fractures; on the other hand, teriparatide (peptide hormone) had both topical and systemic effects. Both LIPUS and teriparatide had the effect of fracture healing, but it was supposed that the characteristics of each effect were different because of the different mechanism of action. Moreover, the combination therapy of LIPUS and teriparatide was expected to produce synergies. We used elderly rats as models for the femoral fracture to examine the effects of LIPUS and teriparatide on promoting fracture healing for treatment delay by aging. We observed the fracture healing process in 40-week-old rats as an elderly model using simple radiographs, and recognized a delay in fracture healing compared with that of 8-week-old rats. As discussed in histomorphology, it was demonstrated that the period of endochondral ossification, from chondrogenesis to teleost cross-linked callus, was prolonged and the fracture healing process was delayed by aging. Next, we treated the elderly fracture models with LIPUS for 20 minutes a day from the first day after the fracture, and compared them with non-treated models. The bone unions of the treated models were observed earlier than those of non-treated models in the simple radiographs. LIPUS shortened the period of endochondral ossification. Further, we gave the elderly fracture models teriparatide subcutaneously 5 μg/kg three times a week from the first day after the fracture. Bone unions of the treated models were observed earlier than those of non-treated models in simple radiographs as well. In micro CT analysis, it was demonstrated that lamellar bone transforming and bone remodeling of the trabecular structure of external callus were especially accelerated. The results of these trials showed that both LIPUS and teriparatide demonstrated the effect of promoting fracture healing, and each had unique characteristics.