bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Physicochemical and Electrochemical Properties of Room-Temperature Ionic Liquids Based on Quaternary Phosphonium Cations and Tetracyanoborate Anion
Authors: Nishihata Keiichi , Tsunashima Katsuhiko , Matsumiya Masahiko
Published: September 2016

The physicochemical and electrochemical properties of room-temperature ionic liquids based quaternary phosphonium cations together with tetracyanoborate anion are presented in this report. It was found that the tetracyanoborate anion based phosphonium ionic liquids showed relatively low viscosity, high conductivity and considerably high thermal stability when compared to those of the corresponding ammonium and the conventional phosphonium ionic liquids. The introduction of a methoxy group into the phosphonium cation tended to reduce the thermal stability and the electrochemical stability of the ionic liquids.
Si/SiGe Interfaces in Three-, Two-, and One-Dimensional Nanostructures and Their Influence on SiGe Light Emission
Authors: Lockwood David J , Wu Xiaohua , Baribeau Jean-Marc , Mala Selina A. , Wang Xiaolu , Tsybeskov Leonid
Published: September 2016

The nature of the interfaces between SiGe nanostructures (NSs) and Si in heterostructures strongly affects carrier mobility and recombination for physical confinement in one, two, and three dimensions. The interface sharpness is influenced by many factors including growth conditions, strain, and thermal processing, which can make it difficult to attain the desired structures. This is certainly the case for NS confinement in one dimension. However, axial Si/Ge nanowire (NW) heterojunctions (HJs) with a Si/Ge NW diameter in the range 50–120 nm produce a strong PL signal associated with band-to-band electron-hole recombination at the NW HJ that is attributed to a specific interfacial SiGe alloy composition. For three-dimensional confinement, experiments show that two quite different SiGe NSs incorporated into a Si0.6Ge0.4 wavy structure exhibit an intense PL signal with a characteristic non-exponential decay time that is remarkably shorter (as much as 1000 times) than that found in conventional Si/SiGe NSs.
Influence of Composition of Ti/SnO2-Sb2O5 Anodes on the Kinetics of Electro-Oxidation of Aqueous Organic Species
Authors: Ni Qing , Kirk Donald W. , Thorpe Steven J.
Published: September 2016

SnO2-Sb2O5 coated Ti anodes can be used in the anodic oxidation of organic compounds for wastewater treatment. In this work, different SnO2-Sb2O5 anode compositions were fabricated using various techniques, such that the composition of the coating was varied from a SnO2-based to a Sb2O5 based material. These anodes were tested for the activity in the electro-oxidation of oxalic acid, which served as a model organic compound in wastewater. The activity of the anodes was correlated to the Sb doping level in the coating films. Specifically, the variation in the coverage of electrochemically active surface sites was explained by the arrangement of Sn and Sb on the SnO2 surface, and the catalytic activity in organic oxidation was related to the detailed mechanism of electro-catalysis, modeled by considering a two-step oxidation with surface adsorbed intermediates. The modeled kinetics helps explain the behavior of these anodes in the anodic oxidation of oxalic acid.
Design of Nanoporous Carbons as Anode Materials for Sodium (Na) Ion Batteries
Authors: Karatrantos Argyrios , Cai Qiong
Published: September 2016

Molecular dynamics simulations have been employed to study the structural properties of non-aqueous (organic) electrolyte solutions confined within carbon nanopores. The effects of pore size and surface charge density were quantified by calculating ionic density profiles and concentration within the pores. Graphene slit pores of widths 0.72-10 nm were considered. The graphene surfaces were charged with densities ranging from 0 (neutral pores), -0.8e/nm2 , -1.2e/nm2 , -2e/nm2. As the surface charge density increases, more Na+ ions enter the pores. When the graphene surface is highly charged the Na+ ions are adsorbed due to counterion condensation effect.
Optimizing “Artificial Leaf” Photoanode-Photocathode-Catalyst Interface Systems for Solar Water Splitting
Authors: Porter Spencer H , Hwang Shinjae , Amarasinghe Voshadhi , Taghaddos Elaheh , Manichev Viacheslav , Li Mengjun , Gardner Graeme , Safari Ahmad , Garfunkel Eric , Greenblatt Martha , Dismukes Gerard Charles
Published: September 2016

A novel dual photoabsorber interface: perovskite oxynitride (SrNbO2N) deposited on silicon (100), and a H2ER catalyst photoabsorber interface: (Ni5P4 or Ni2P)-silicon, are fabricated. Titanium nitride (TiN) is introduced as a blocking layer between Sr2Nb2O7 and Si (100), which produces clean interfaces. During the high temperature ammonolysis step needed to convert Sr2Nb2O7 to SrNbO2N, it is effective at blocking Nb and Si (but not Sr) migration. A half-cell cathode with the H2ER catalyst (Ni5P4 or Ni2P)-photoabsorber interface produces H2 approaching best-in-class overpotentials for films (Ni5P4: 211mV vs RHE at 10mV/cm2) with a 50mV/decade Tafel slope. Films are atomically smooth, except for surface phosphate that is removed during electrolysis.
Imaging activation of peptidergic spinal afferent varicosities within visceral organs using novel CGRPα-mCherry reporter mice
Authors: Spencer Nick J. , Sorensen Julian , Travis Lee , Wiklendt Lukasz , Costa Marcello , Hibberd Tim
Published: September 2016

In vertebrates, visceral pain from internal organs is detected by spinal afferents, whose cell bodies lie in dorsal root ganglia (DRG). Until now, all recordings from spinal afferents have been restricted to recording transmission of action potentials along axons, or from cell bodies lying outside their target organ, which is not where sensory transduction occurs. Our aim was to record directly from a major class of spinal afferent within visceral organs, where transduction of sensory stimuli into action potentials occurs. Using novel calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP)α reporter mice, DRG neurons expressed mCherry, including nerve axons within viscera. In colon, a minority of total CGRP immunoreactivity was attributed CGRPα. In isolated unstretched colon, calcium imaging from CGRPα-expressing varicose axons did not detect resolvable calcium transients. However, noxious levels of maintained circumferential stretch to the colon induced repetitive calcium transients simultaneously in multiple neighboring varicosities along single mCherry-expressing axons. Discrete varicosities could generate unitary calcium transients independently of neighboring varicosities. However, axons expressing mCherry only generated coordinated calcium transients when accompanied by simultaneous activation of multiple varicosities along that axon. Simultaneous imaging from different classes of myenteric neurons at the same time as mCherry-expressing axons revealed coordinated calcium transients in multiple myenteric neurons, independent of activity in mCherry-expressing axons. CGRPα-expressing axon terminals preferentially responded to heat, capsaicin, and low pH. We show that direct recordings can be made from the major class of peptidergic spinal afferent that contributes to visceral nociception. This approach can provide powerful insights into transduction of stimuli in viscera.
Maternal Western diet increases adiposity even in male offspring of obesity-resistant rat dams: early endocrine risk markers
Authors: Frihauf Jennifer B. , Fekete Éva M. , Nagy Tim R. , Levin Barry E. , Zorrilla Eric P.
Published: September 2016

Maternal overnutrition or associated complications putatively mediate the obesogenic effects of perinatal high-fat diet on developing offspring. Here, we tested the hypothesis that a Western diet developmental environment increases adiposity not only in male offspring from obesity-prone (DIO) mothers, but also in those from obesity-resistant (DR) dams, implicating a deleterious role for the Western diet per se. Selectively bred DIO and DR female rats were fed chow (17% kcal fat) or Western diet (32%) for 54 days before mating and, thereafter, through weaning. As intended, despite chow-like caloric intake, Western diet increased prepregnancy weight gain and circulating leptin levels in DIO, but not DR, dams. Yet, in both genotypes, maternal Western diet increased the weight and adiposity of preweanlings, as early as in DR offspring, and increased plasma leptin, insulin, and adiponectin of weanlings. Although body weight normalized with chow feeding during adolescence, young adult Western diet offspring subsequently showed decreased energy expenditure and, in DR offspring, decreased lipid utilization as a fuel substrate. By mid-adulthood, maternal Western diet DR offspring ate more chow, weighed more, and were fatter than controls. Thus, maternal Western diet covertly programmed increased adiposity in childhood and adulthood, disrupted relations of energy regulatory hormones with body fat, and decreased energy expenditure in offspring of lean, genetically obesity-resistant mothers. Maternal Western diet exposure alone, without maternal obesity or overnutrition, can promote offspring weight gain.
Lengths of nephron tubule segments and collecting ducts in the CD-1 mouse kidney: an ontogeny study
Authors: Walton Sarah L. , Moritz Karen M. , Bertram John F. , Singh Reetu R.
Published: September 2016

The kidney continues to mature postnatally, with significant elongation of nephron tubules and collecting ducts to maintain fluid/electrolyte homeostasis. The aim of this project was to develop methodology to estimate lengths of specific segments of nephron tubules and collecting ducts in the CD-1 mouse kidney using a combination of immunohistochemistry and design-based stereology (vertical uniform random sections with cycloid arc test system). Lengths of tubules were determined at postnatal day 21 (P21) and 2 and 12 mo of age and also in mice fed a high-salt diet throughout adulthood. Immunohistochemistry was performed to identify individual tubule segments [aquaporin-1, proximal tubules (PT) and thin descending limbs of Henle (TDLH); uromodulin, distal tubules (DT); aquaporin-2, collecting ducts (CD)]. All tubular segments increased significantly in length between P21 and 2 mo of age (PT, 602% increase; DT, 200% increase; TDLH, 35% increase; CD, 53% increase). However, between 2 and 12 mo, a significant increase in length was only observed for PT (76% increase in length). At 12 mo of age, kidneys of mice on a high-salt diet demonstrated a 27% greater length of the TDLH, but no significant change in length was detected for PT, DT, and CD compared with the normal-salt group. Our study demonstrates an efficient method of estimating lengths of specific segments of the renal tubular system. This technique can be applied to examine structure of the renal tubules in combination with the number of glomeruli in the kidney in models of altered renal phenotype.
Blocking peptides and molecular mimicry as treatment for kidney disease
Authors: Havasi Andrea , Lu Weining , Cohen Herbert T. , Beck Laurence , Wang Zhiyong , Igwebuike Chinaemare , Borkan Steven C.
Published: September 2016

Protein mimotopes, or blocking peptides, are small therapeutic peptides that prevent protein-protein interactions by selectively mimicking a native binding domain. Inexpensive technology facilitates straightforward design and production of blocking peptides in sufficient quantities to allow preventive and therapeutic trials in both in vitro and in vivo experimental disease models. The kidney is an ideal peptide target, since small molecules undergo rapid filtration and efficient bulk absorption by tubular epithelial cells. Because the half-life of peptides is markedly prolonged in the kidneys compared with the bloodstream, blocking peptides are an attractive tool for treating diverse renal diseases, including ischemia, proteinuric states, such as membranous nephropathy and focal and segmental glomerulosclerosis, and renal cell carcinoma. Therapeutic peptides represent one of the fastest-growing reagent classes for novel drug development in human disease, partly because of their ease of administration, high binding affinity, and minimal off-target effects. This review introduces the concepts of blocking peptide design, production, and administration and highlights the potential use of therapeutic peptides to prevent or treat specific renal diseases.
Sacro-Iliac Joint Sensory Block and Radiofrequency Ablation: Assessment of Bony Landmarks Relevant for Image-Guided Procedures
Authors: Robinson Trevor J. G. , Roberts Shannon L. , Burnham Robert S. , Loh Eldon , Agur Anne M.
Published: September 2016

Image-guided sensory block and radiofrequency ablation of the nerves innervating the sacro-iliac joint require readily identifiable bony landmarks for accurate needle/electrode placement. Understanding the relative locations of the transverse sacral tubercles along the lateral sacral crest is important for ultrasound guidance, as they demarcate the position of the posterior sacral network (S1–S3 ± L5/S4) innervating the posterior sacro-iliac joint. No studies were found that investigated the spatial relationships of these bony landmarks. The purpose of this study was to visualize and quantify the interrelationships of the transverse sacral tubercles and posterior sacral foramina to inform image-guided block and radiofrequency ablation of the sacro-iliac joint. The posterior and lateral surfaces of 30 dry sacra (15 M/15 F) were digitized and modeled in 3D and the distances between bony landmarks quantified. The relationships of bony landmarks (S1–S4) were not uniform. The mean intertubercular and interforaminal distances decreased from S1 to S4, whereas the distance from the lateral margin of the posterior sacral foramina to the transverse sacral tubercles increased from S1 to S3. The mean intertubercular distance from S1 to S3 was significantly (p<0.05) larger in males. The interrelationships of the sacral bony landmarks should be taken into consideration when estimating the site and length of an image-guided strip lesion targeting the posterior sacral network.
A Hybrid 3DMLUV-FIA Method for Scattering from a 3D Dielectric Object above a 2D Dielectric Rough Surface
Authors: Xuezhi Wu , Yu Wenping
Published: September 2016

The electromagnetic scattering from the composite model of a three-dimensional (3D) dielectric object located above a two-dimensional (2D) dielectric rough surface is analyzed in this work. Poggio, Miller, Chang, Harrington, Wu, and Tsai (PMCHWT) integral equations are discretized by the method of moments (MoM) into a matrix which is solved by Biconjugate Gradients Stabilized (BICGSTAB) method. Method of 3DMLUV was used for PEC object located above rough surface. Comparing to the case when object and rough surface are both PEC, the memory requirement and computational complexity for dielectric models are increased due to doubled unknown number. Moreover, compared to dielectric object in free space, the coupling between dielectric object and dielectric rough surface will result in complicated numerical simulation. To solve this problem, the updated rank based 3D Multilevel UV (3DMLUV) method is employed to reduce memory consumption and CPU time overhead. The 3DMLUV has been successfully applied in the scattering of PEC targets; however, when the object or rough surface becomes dielectric, the coupling between dielectric object and dielectric rough surface will lead to slow constriction. Therefore, the Fast Iterative Approach (FIA) is applied to further speed up the constricted speed of the matrix required in 3DMLUV. The efficiency, stability, and accuracy of the proposed method are demonstrated in a variety of scattering problems.
The Role of Pulmonary Veins in Cancer Progression from a Computed Tomography Viewpoint
Authors: Liaw Chuang-Chi , Chang Hung , Liao Tzu-Yao , Wen Ming-Sheng , Yu Chih-Teng , Juan Yu-Hsiang
Published: September 2016

Background. We studied the role of pulmonary veins in cancer progression using computed tomography (CT) scans.Methods. We obtained data from 260 patients with pulmonary vein obstruction syndrome (PVOS). We used CT scans to investigate pulmonary lesions in relation to pulmonary veins. We divided the lesions into central and peripheral lesions by their anatomical location: in the lung parenchymal tissue or pulmonary vein; in the superior or inferior pulmonary vein; and by unilateral or bilateral presence in the lungs.Results. Of the 260 PVOS patients, 226 (87%) had central lesions, 231 (89%) had peripheral lesions, and 190 (75%) had mixed central and peripheral lesions. Among the 226 central lesions, 93% had lesions within the superior pulmonary vein, either bilaterally or unilaterally. Among the 231 peripheral lesions, 65% involved bilateral lungs, 70% involved lesions within the inferior pulmonary veins, and 23% had obvious metastatic extensions into the left atrium. All patients exhibited nodules within their pulmonary veins. The predeath status included respiratory failure (40%) and loss of consciousness (60%).Conclusion. CT scans play an important role in following tumor progression within pulmonary veins. Besides respiratory distress, PVOS cancer cells entering centrally can result in cardiac and cerebral events and loss of consciousness or can metastasize peripherally from the pulmonary veins to the lungs.
Cementoblastoma Relating to Right Mandibular Second Primary Molar
Authors: Nuvvula Sivakumar , Manepalli Swapna , Mohapatra Abinash , Mallineni Sreekanth Kumar
Published: September 2016

Cementoblastoma is a benign lesion of the odontogenic ectomesenchymal origin. It rarely occurs in primary dentition. This report describes a case of a cementoblastoma relating to the right mandibular second primary molar in a 7-year-old girl. Her panoramic radiograph revealed a well-defined radiopaque lesion with a radiolucent border extending from the distal surface of the mandibular right first primary molar to the distal surface of mandibular second primary molar. The tumor was attached to the mesial root of primary second molar and was excised along with the teeth involved and sent for histopathological evaluation, which showed irregular trabeculae of mineralized tissue interspersed with fibrovascular connective tissue, trabeculae of mineralized tissue with prominent reversal lines, and peripheral rimming of the mineralized tissue with blast cells. On a six-month follow-up, there has been no recurrence of the lesion.
Segmentation of Hyperacute Cerebral Infarcts Based on Sparse Representation of Diffusion Weighted Imaging
Authors: Zhang Xiaodong , Jing Shasha , Gao Peiyi , Xue Jing , Su Lu , Li Weiping , Ren Lijie , Hu Qingmao
Published: September 2016

Segmentation of infarcts at hyperacute stage is challenging as they exhibit substantial variability which may even be hard for experts to delineate manually. In this paper, a sparse representation based classification method is explored. For each patient, four volumetric data items including three volumes of diffusion weighted imaging and a computed asymmetry map are employed to extract patch features which are then fed to dictionary learning and classification based on sparse representation. Elastic net is adopted to replace the traditionalL0-norm/L1-norm constraints on sparse representation to stabilize sparse code. To decrease computation cost and to reduce false positives, regions-of-interest are determined to confine candidate infarct voxels. The proposed method has been validated on 98 consecutive patients recruited within 6 hours from onset. It is shown that the proposed method could handle well infarcts with intensity variability and ill-defined edges to yield significantly higher Dice coefficient (0.755 ± 0.118) than the other two methods and their enhanced versions by confining their segmentations within the regions-of-interest (average Dice coefficient less than 0.610). The proposed method could provide a potential tool to quantify infarcts from diffusion weighted imaging at hyperacute stage with accuracy and speed to assist the decision making especially for thrombolytic therapy.
Fuzzy Constrained Probabilistic Inventory Models Depending on Trapezoidal Fuzzy Numbers
Authors: El-Wakeel Mona F. , Al-yazidi Kholood O.
Published: September 2016

We discussed two different cases of the probabilistic continuous review mixture shortage inventory model with varying and constrained expected order cost, when the lead time demand follows some different continuous distributions. The first case is when the total cost components are considered to be crisp values, and the other case is when the costs are considered as trapezoidal fuzzy number. Also, some special cases are deduced. To investigate the proposed model in the crisp case and the fuzzy case, illustrative numerical example is added. From the numerical results we will conclude that Uniform distribution is the best distribution to get the exact solutions, and the exact solutions for fuzzy models are considered more practical and close to the reality of life and get minimum expected total cost less than the crisp models.
Quality of Life Following Early Orthodontic Therapy for Anterior Crossbite: Report of Cases in Twin Boys
Authors: Piassi Eluza , Antunes Leonardo Santos , Andrade Marcia Rejane Thomas Canabarro , Antunes Lívia Azeredo Alves
Published: September 2016

Anterior crossbite (AC) refers to a condition in which the maxillary anterior teeth are placed lingually in their relationship with the mandibular anterior teeth. This dental condition results in visible incisor differences that are associated with higher levels of dissatisfaction with appearance and have potential to negatively impact on oral health-related quality of life (OHRQoL) of the children. The aim of this paper was to report two cases of interceptive orthodontic treatment of twin children with anterior crossbite and its impact on OHRQoL of these children. Although AC affects negatively psychosocial aspects of OHRQoL of the children, the interceptive orthodontic treatment of children with AC was essential to improve their OHRQoL.
Positioning of Weight Bias: Moving towards Social Justice
Authors: Nutter Sarah , Russell-Mayhew Shelly , Alberga Angela S. , Arthur Nancy , Kassan Anusha , Lund Darren E. , Sesma-Vazquez Monica , Williams Emily
Published: September 2016

Weight bias is a form of stigma with detrimental effects on the health and wellness of individuals with large bodies. Researchers from various disciplines have recognized weight bias as an important topic for public health and for professional practice. To date, researchers from various areas have approached weight bias from independent perspectives and from differing theoretical orientations. In this paper, we examined the similarities and differences between three perspectives (i.e., weight-centric, non-weight-centric (health-centric), and health at every size) used to understand weight bias and approach weight bias research with regard to (a) language about people with large bodies, (b) theoretical position, (c) identified consequences of weight bias, and (d) identified influences on weight-based social inequity. We suggest that, despite differences, each perspective acknowledges the negative influences that position weight as being within individual control and the negative consequences of weight bias. We call for recognition and discussion of weight bias as a social justice issue in order to change the discourse and professional practices extended towards individuals with large bodies. We advocate for an emphasis on social justice as a uniting framework for interdisciplinary research on weight bias.
Intraocular Silicone Oil Masquerading as Terson Syndrome
Authors: Elmi Sadr Navid , Samavat Bijan , Mehrian Payam , Hedayatfar Alireza
Published: September 2016

Introduction. Terson syndrome is described as intraocular hemorrhage in association with any type of intracranial hemorrhage and is associated with higher mortality rate and vision loss. Intraocular hemorrhage in Terson syndrome may be diagnosed using computed tomography but there are false positive results. Silicone oil which is widely used for internal tamponade of complicated retinal detachments has high attenuation on computed tomography and hyperintensity on T1-weighted magnetic resonance imaging that can mimic intraocular hemorrhage. This report shows that silicone oil is another origin of false positive results in interpreting CT findings for detecting Terson syndrome.Case Report. A 71-year-old diabetic woman presented with loss of consciousness. Brain computed tomography revealed right cerebellar hemorrhage and ventricular hemorrhage and hyperdensity in vitreous cavity of the left eye that was initially interpreted as vitreous hemorrhage. Terson syndrome was the initial diagnosis but ophthalmoscopic examination and brain MRI showed that the left eye had silicone oil tamponade.Conclusion. Without knowing the history of previous vitreoretinal surgery, CT scan findings of intraocular silicone oil may be interpreted as vitreous hemorrhage. In patients with concomitant intracranial hemorrhage, it can masquerade as Terson syndrome.
Synthesis of Au, Ag, Curcumin Au/Ag, and Au-Ag Nanoparticles and Their Nonlinear Refractive Index Properties
Authors: Abdulwahab F. , Henari F. Z. , Cassidy S. , Winser K.
Published: September 2016

Nanoparticles of gold and silver were prepared by a reduction method and by employing green chemistry principles such as using curcumin as a reducing and a stabilizing agent. The formation of nanoparticles was confirmed by UV-Vis absorption spectra and TEM. Mie theory was used to determine the particle sizes. The nonlinear refraction and absorption properties of the particles were measured using the z-scan technique. A large value of third-order nonlinearities was obtained using the nanoparticles produced.
Chromobacterium violaceumSepticaemia and Urinary Tract Infection: Case Reports from a Tertiary Care Hospital in South India
Authors: Kaniyarakkal Vishnu , Orvankundil Shabana , Lalitha Saradadevi Karunakaran , Thazhethekandi Raji , Thottathil Jahana
Published: September 2016

Chromobacterium violaceumis a gram negative oxidase positive bacillus that causes human infections infrequently. It is a normal inhabitant of soil and stagnant water of the tropical and subtropical areas. In humans, it can cause infections ranging from life threatening sepsis with metastatic abscesses to skin infections and urinary tract infections. The organism is notoriously resistant to most cephalosporins and Ampicillin. Fluoroquinolones and aminoglycosides show good in vitro susceptibility. High mortality rates associated with these infections necessitate prompt diagnosis and appropriate antimicrobial therapy. Here we present three cases ofChromobacterium violaceuminfection from Government Medical College Kozhikode, Kerala.
Umbilical Nodule with Cyclical Bleeding: A Case Report and Literature Review of Atypical Endometriosis
Authors: Andrade Marlene Teixeira , de Freitas Cláudia V. Marques , Câmara Sara Filipa Camacho , Vieira José Joaquim Nunes
Published: September 2016

Endometriosis is defined as the presence of endometrial glands and stroma outside the uterus. It affects 3 to 10 percent of women of reproductive age. Umbilical endometriosis is rare, with an estimated incidence of 0.5–1.0% among all cases of endometriosis, and is usually secondary to prior laparoscopic surgery involving the umbilicus. In this report, we described a case of umbilical endometriosis treated with surgical resection and highlight the great importance of medical history compared to complementary diagnostic tests that can be sometimes inconclusive.
Design of Integrated Limited-Stop and Short-Turn Services for a Bus Route
Authors: Zhang Hu , Zhao Shuzhi , Liu Huasheng , Liang Shidong
Published: September 2016

As a major choice for daily travel, public transit plays an important role in transporting passengers, thus relieving congestion on urban transit routes. In high-demand bus networks, urban transit demand presents imbalance of use of urban bus corridors. The demand patterns in both directions are asymmetric. In this paper, we develop a model which calculates the network and transportation costs in terms of wait time, in-vehicle travel time, and operator costs. We propose an integrated strategy, with an integrated limited-stop and short-turn line, by adjusting a variety of frequencies to meet the unbalanced and asymmetric demand. To minimize these costs, a model with a genetic algorithm can determine frequencies and the proper stations which can be skipped, as well as where turning back can occur, given an origin-destination trip matrix. Numerical examples are optimized to test the availability of an integrated service by minimizing the objective function, and the results are analyzed. Our results show that integrated service patterns can be adjusted to meet the demand under different conditions. In addition, the optimized schemes of an integrated service and the frequencies derived from the model can significantly reduce total cost.
Role of Cilostazol Therapy in Hemodialysis Patients with Asymptomatic Peripheral Arterial Disease: A Retrospective Cohort Study
Authors: Lim Paik Seong , Jeng Yachung , Wu Ming Ying , Pai Mei-Ann , Wu Tsai-Kun , Chen Chang Hsu
Published: September 2016

Background. Peripheral arterial disease (PAD) and its relevant complications are more common in hemodialysis (HD) patients, while the evidence regarding antiplatelet therapy in CKD patients is scarce. We retrospectively analyzed the efficacy of cilostazol on outcomes in HD patients with asymptomatic PAD (aPAD).Methods. This cohort study enrolled 217 HD patients (median follow-up time: 5.75 years). Associations between cilostazol use and the outcomes were evaluated by time-dependent Cox regression analysis.Results. During follow-up, 39.5% (47/119) patients used cilostazol for aPAD and 31.8% (69/217) patients died. Cilostazol users had significantly lower CVD and all-cause mortalities (adjusted HR [95% CI]: 0.11 [0.03, 0.51] and 0.2 [0.08, 0.52]) than nonusers. Both death risks were nonsignificantly higher in cilostazol users than in HD patients without aPAD. The unadjusted and adjusted HR [95% CI] of CVD death risk were 0.4 [0.07, 2.12] and 0.14 [0.02, 0.8] for patients with aPAD during follow-up and were 0.74 [0.16, 3.36] and 0.19 [0.04, 0.93] for those with aPAD at initial.Conclusions. In HD patients with aPAD, lower CVD and all-cause mortality rates were observed in low-dose cilostazol user. Further evidences from large-scale prospective study and randomization trial are desired to confirm the effect of cilostazol.
Pancreaticopleural Fistula Causing Massive Right Hydrothorax and Respiratory Failure
Authors: Chan Esther Ern-Hwei , Shelat Vishalkumar Girishchandra
Published: September 2016

Hydrothorax secondary to a pancreaticopleural fistula (PPF) is a rare complication of acute pancreatitis. In patients with a history of pancreatitis, diagnosis is made by detection of amylase in the pleural exudate. Imaging, particularly magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography, aids in the detection of pancreatic ductal disruption. Management includes thoracocentesis and pancreatic duct drainage or pancreatic resection procedures. We present a case of massive right hydrothorax secondary to a PPF due to recurrent acute pancreatitis. Due to respiratory failure, urgent thoracocentesis was done. Distal pancreatectomy with splenectomy and cholecystectomy was performed. The patient remains well at one-year follow-up.
Plasma C1q/TNF-Related Protein-3 (CTRP-3) and High-Mobility Group Box-1 (HMGB-1) Concentrations in Subjects with Prediabetes and Type 2 Diabetes
Authors: Wei Huili , Qu Hua , Wang Hang , Deng Huacong
Published: September 2016

Aims. To detect the association of C1q/TNF-related protein-3 (CTRP-3) and high-mobility group box-1 (HMGB-1) in subjects with prediabetes (pre-DM) and newly diagnosed type 2 diabetes (nT2DM).Methods. 224 eligible participants were included. The 75 g oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) and several clinical parameters of metabolic disorders and cytokines were measured. All participants were divided into three groups: normal glucose tolerance (NGT,n=62), pre-DM (n=111), and nT2DM group (n=56).Results. Plasma CTRP-3 concentrations were significantly lower in subjects with pre-DM and nT2DM than that of the NGT group, while plasma HMGB-1 levels were higher in pre-DM and nT2DM group compared with the NGT group (P<0.05). A multiple linear regression analysis showed both plasma CTRP-3 and HMGB-1 concentrations were independently associated with homeostasis model assessment for insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) and interleukin-6 (IL-6) (P<0.05for all). Further multiple logistical regression analyses revealed that both plasma CTRP-3 and HMGB-1 levels were significantly associated with pre-DM and nT2DM after adjusting for several confounders (P<0.001for all).Conclusions. Circulating CTRP-3 and HMGB-1 concentrations might be promising biomarkers to predict prediabetes and type 2 diabetes.
Smooth Muscle Tumor Originating in the Pleura: A Case Report and Updated Literature Review
Authors: Moscoso Martínez Santiago Fabián , Zarubin Vadim , Rajasekaran Rathnakumar Geethapriya , Zarineh Alireza
Published: September 2016

Smooth muscle tumors (SMTs) of the pleura are exceptionally rare. At present and to the best of these authors’ knowledge, there are only 17 cases reported in the literature. We describe a case of a 51-year-old woman who complained of left sided pleuritic chest pain. Further, computed tomography (CT) revealed a left sided localized pleural-based mass involving the 9th rib. She underwent an interventional radiology guided percutaneous core biopsy of the lesion, which disclosed a “Smooth Muscle Tumor of Undetermined Malignant Potential (SMT-UMP).” A video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS) was performed for diagnosis and treatment purposes. Resections of the pleural-based mass and 9th rib were performed. SMT-UMP was the definitive diagnosis.
Upper Limb Neurodynamic Test 1 on Healthy Individuals: Intra- and Intersession Reliability of the Angle between Pain Onset and Submaximal Pain
Authors: Leoni Diego , Storer Davide , Gatti Roberto , Egloff Michele , Barbero Marco
Published: September 2016

Assessment of nerve trunk mechanosensitivity using the upper limb neurodynamic test 1 (ULNT1) often includes measurement of the angle of occurrence in the range of pain onset (PO) and submaximal pain (SP). A measurement that better fits the idea of mechanosensitivity could be the angle between PO and SP (AbOS). This study investigated the intra- and intersession reliability of AbOS, PO, and SP during the ULNT1. Forty-four healthy volunteers underwent three ULNT1 to the point of PO and SP, twice in the first session and once in the second. AbOS, PO, and SP angles of occurrence reliability were examined using the Intraclass Correlation Coefficient (ICC 3,1) and Bland-Altman plots. The intra- and intersession ICC values for AbOS were 0.71 (95% CI: 0.47; 0.85) and 0.79 (95% CI: 0.60; 0.89), respectively. The intra- and intersession mean difference and 95% limits of agreement (±1.96 SD) in the Bland-Altman plots were 2.3° (−18.3°; 23.1°) and 2.8° (−14.7°; 20.4°), respectively. The intra- and intersession reliability of the AbOS during the ULNT1 in healthy individuals is high and higher than the reliability of PO and SP angles of occurrence. The AbOS could be a preferable variable in the assessment of neural mechanosensitivity.
Targeting PI3K in Cancer: Impact on Tumor Cells, Their Protective Stroma, Angiogenesis, and Immunotherapy
Authors: Okkenhaug Klaus , Graupera Mariona , Vanhaesebroeck Bart
Published: September 2016

The PI3K pathway is hyperactivated in most cancers, yet the capacity of PI3K inhibitors to induce tumor cell death is limited. The efficacy of PI3K inhibition can also derive from interference with the cancer cells' ability to respond to stromal signals, as illustrated by the approved PI3Kδ inhibitor idelalisib in B-cell malignancies. Inhibition of the leukocyte-enriched PI3Kδ or PI3Kγ may unleash antitumor T-cell responses by inhibiting regulatory T cells and immune-suppressive myeloid cells. Moreover, tumor angiogenesis may be targeted by PI3K inhibitors to enhance cancer therapy. Future work should therefore also explore the effects of PI3K inhibitors on the tumor stroma, in addition to their cancer cell–intrinsic impact.

Significance: The PI3K pathway extends beyond the direct regulation of cancer cell proliferation and survival. In B-cell malignancies, targeting PI3K purges the tumor cells from their protective microenvironment. Moreover, we propose that PI3K isoform–selective inhibitors may be exploited in the context of cancer immunotherapy and by targeting angiogenesis to improve drug and immune cell delivery. Cancer Discov; 6(10); 1090–105. ©2016 AACR.
The Cross-Link between Adipokines, Insulin Resistance and Obesity in Offspring of Diabetic Pregnancies
Authors: Bozkurt Latife , Göbl Christian S. , Rami-Merhar Birgit , Winhofer Yvonne , Baumgartner-Parzer Sabina , Schober Edith , Kautzky-Willer Alexandra
Published: September 2016

Background/Aims: Intrauterine exposure to hyperglycemia might impact the risk for future metabolic deteriorations. The aim was to characterize the association between different adipokines and neuropeptides and insulin resistance and BMI-SDS in children affected by diabetes during pregnancy. Methods: 76 children (mean age: 6 years, male:female = 36:40) born to mothers with gestational or pregestational diabetes and nondiabetic women were consecutively included for clinical assessments comprising anthropometrics and metabolic characterization [2-hour glucose tolerance test, leptin, peptide YY (PYY), neuropeptide Y (NPY), ghrelin, growth differentiation factor 15 (GDF-15), and adiponectin]. Results: The level of insulin resistance was associated with BMI-SDS (p < 0.001), leptin (p < 0.001), ghrelin (p = 0.002), age (p < 0.002) and negatively with GDF-15 (p = 0.005). BMI-SDS, leptin and GDF-15 were shown to have independent effects on insulin resistance by using a multiple regression model (additionally including age, and maternal diabetes status), whereas ghrelin lost significance (p = 0.345). No differences were present in adipokines and insulin resistance when children were evaluated by maternal glucometabolic status. However, we observed more strengthened associations between insulin resistance and covariates BMI-SDS and leptin in offspring of diabetic pregnancies. Conclusions: Young children with elevated BMI or leptin are affected by higher indices of insulin resistance, particularly those who were born to mothers with diabetes during pregnancy. The impact of this special risk constellation should be considered in future studies.
Occlusal Caries: Biological Approach for Its Diagnosis and Management
Authors: Carvalho Joana Christina , Dige Irene , Machiulskiene Vita , Qvist Vibeke , Bakhshandeh Azam , Fatturi-Parolo Clarissa , Maltz Marisa
Published: September 2016

The management of occlusal caries still remains a major challenge for researchers as well as for general practitioners. The present paper reviews and discusses the most up-to-date knowledge and evidence of the biological principles guiding diagnosis, risk assessment, and management of the caries process on occlusal surfaces. In addition, it considers the whole spectrum of the caries process on occlusal surfaces, ranging from the molecular ecology of occlusal biofilms to the management of deep occlusal caries lesions. Studies using molecular methods with focus on biofilms in relation to occlusal caries should explore the relationship between the function and the structural composition of these biofilms to understand the role of occlusal biofilms in caries development. State-of-the-art measures to evaluate risk for occlusal caries lesion activity, caries incidence, and progression should include the assessment of the occlusal biofilm and the stage of tooth eruption. Careful clinical examination of non-cavitated lesions, including assessment of the lesion activity status, remains the major tool to determine the immediate treatment need and to follow on the non-operative treatment outcome. Even medium occlusal caries lesions in the permanent dentition may be treated by non-invasive fissure sealing. By extending the criteria for non-invasive treatments, traditional restoration of occlusal surfaces can be postponed or even avoided, and the dental health in children and adolescents can be improved. Selective removal (incomplete) to soft dentin in deep carious lesions has greater success rates than stepwise excavation. Selective (complete) removal to firm dentin has a lower success rate due to increased pulp exposure.
Expression of Dopamine Receptor 1A and Cannabinoid Receptor 1 Genes in the Cochlea and Brain after Salicylate-Induced Tinnitus
Authors: Hwang Juen-Haur , Chan Yin-Ching
Published: September 2016

The purpose of this study was to investigate the mRNA expression of the dopamine receptor 1A (DR1A) and cannabinoid receptor 1 (CR1) genes in mice with tinnitus. Sixteen 3-month-old male SAMP8 mice were randomly and equally divided into two groups (8 mice in each group): a control (saline-treated) group and a tinnitus (salicylate-treated) group. The mRNA expression of the DR1A and CR1 genes in the cochleae and brains of the mice was evaluated after tinnitus had been induced by intraperitoneal injection of sodium salicylate (300 mg/kg body weight). The results showed that 4-day salicylate treatment (unlike 4-day saline treatment) caused a significant increase in the tinnitus score and in mRNA expression of the DR1A gene in the cochlea, the brainstem and inferior colliculus, the hippocampus and parahippocampus, and the temporal lobe, but not the frontal lobe. Conversely, 4-day salicylate treatment caused significantly lower mRNA expression of the CR1 gene in the cochlea and all the brain areas tested. In summary, salicylate-induced tinnitus may be associated with increased mRNA expression of the DR1A gene - but with decreased mRNA expression of the CR1 gene - in the cochlea and in many tinnitus-related brain areas.
Sydenham on Hysteria
Authors: Pearce John M.S.
Published: September 2016

This historical essay outlines early ideas and clinical accounts of hysteria. It reproduces verbatim parts of a remarkable text of Thomas Sydenham. This provides the most detailed description of hysterical symptoms, contemporary treatment and particularly Sydenham's opinions about the nature of the disorder. His portrayal is compared to later and modern concepts and classification.
Investigation of the Plausibility of 5-Alpha-Reductase Inhibitor Syndrome
Authors: Fertig Raymond , Shapiro Jerry , Bergfeld Wilma , Tosti Antonella
Published: September 2016

Postfinasteride syndrome (PFS) is a term recently coined to characterize a constellation of reported undesirable side effects described in postmarketing reports and small uncontrolled studies that developed during or after stopping finasteride treatment, and persisted after drug discontinuation. Symptoms included decreased libido, erectile dysfunction, sexual anhedonia, decreased sperm count, gynecomastia, skin changes, cognitive impairment, fatigue, anxiety, depression, and suicidal ideation. The aim of this study is to review the existing medical literature for evidence-based research of permanent sexual dysfunction and mood changes during treatment with 5-alpha-reductase inhibitors including finasteride and dutasteride.
Human recombinant alkaline phosphatase inhibits ex vivo platelet activation in humans
Authors: Tunjungputri Rahajeng N. , Peters Esther , van der Ven Andre , de Groot Philip G. , de Mast Quirijn , Pickkers Peter
Published: September 2016

Sepsis-associated acute kidney injury (AKI) is associated with high morbidity and mortality. Excessive platelet activation contributes to AKI through the formation of microthrombi and amplification of systemic inflammation. Two phase II trials demonstrated that bovine-intestinal alkaline phosphatase (AP) improved renal function in critically ill patients with sepsis-associated AKI. In this study, we characterised the platelet-inhibiting effects of a human recombinant AP. Whole blood and platelet-rich plasma (PRP) of healthy volunteers (n=6) was pre-treated ex vivo with recAP, whereafter platelet reactivity to ADP, collagen-related peptide (CRP-XL) and Pam3CSK4 was determined by flow cytometry. RecAP (40 U/ml) reduced the platelet reactivity to ADP (inhibition with a median of 47%, interquartile range 43–49%; p<0.001) and tended to reduce platelet reactivity to CRP-XL (9%, 2–25%; p=0.08) in whole blood. The platelet-inhibiting effects of recAP were more pronounced in PRP both for ADP- (64%, 54–68%; p=0.002) and CRP-XL-stimulated samples (60%, 46–71%; p=0.002). RecAP rapidly converted ADP into adenosine, whereas antagonism of the A2A adenosine receptor partially reversed the platelet inhibitory effects of recAP. Platelets of septic shock patients (n=5) showed a 31% (22–34%; p=0.03) more pronounced reactivity compared to healthy volunteers, and this was completely reversed by recAP treatment. In conclusion, we demonstrate that recAP inhibits ex vivo human platelet activation through dephosphorylation of ADP and formation of adenosine as its turnover product. RecAP is able to reverse the platelet hyperreactivity present in septic shock patients. These effects may contribute to the beneficial effects of recAP as a new therapeutic candidate for sepsis-associated AKI.
Nuclear Weapons & Nuclear Use
Authors: Kehler C. Robert
Published: September 2016

While nuclear weapons were conceived to end a war, in the aftermath of their operational use at Hiroshima and Nagasaki, they became the central (and controversial) means to prevent a war. Nuclear deterrence formed the foundation of U.S. Cold War doctrine and the basis of an extended security guarantee to our allies. But the Cold War ended one-quarter century ago, and questions about the efficacy of deterrence, the need for nuclear weapons, and the ethics surrounding them have resurfaced as some call for further major reductions in inventory or the complete elimination of the U.S. nuclear arsenal. Discussed from the perspective of a military practitioner, this essay highlights the continuing need for U.S. nuclear weapons in a global security environment that is highly complex and uncertain, and describes the means by which the credibility of the nuclear portion of the strategic deterrent is being preserved even as the role and prominence of these weapons have been reduced.
The ‘Power of Process:’ How Negotiation Management Influences Multilateral Cooperation
Authors: Monheim Kai
Published: September 2016

Management of a multilateral negotiation has frequently played a crucial role in developing global regimes but is often ignored in International Relations theory. The long-awaitedunclimate summit in Copenhagen, for example, broke down in 2009 but negotiations reached agreement one year later in Cancún. This article argues that power and interests remained largely constant between Copenhagen and Cancún, and that significantly altered negotiation management by the host government and theunexplains much of the difference. An analytical framework is presented to address whether and how the management of a multilateral negotiation by the organizers increases or decreases the probability of agreement. The empirical focus is on the Danish and Mexican Presidencies of climate negotiations, with extensive evidence from participant observation and 55 interviews with senior negotiators, high-levelunofficials, and lead organizers. The argument adds to the scholarship on regime development by complementing structural with process analysis.