bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The Novel use of Infrared Thermal Imaging as an Adjunct for the Management of Haemodialysis Access Induced Distal Ischaemia
Authors: Al Shakarchi Julien , Mellor Steve , Inston Nicholas 
Published: April 2016

Introduction Haemodialysis access-induced distal ischaemia (HAIDI) whilst unusual may be a difficult complication to diagnose and manage particularly in patients with small vessel disease. Infrared thermal imaging (IRTI) has been used for several decades to monitor cutaneous temperature distribution and has been used in medical applications. The use of IRTI in HAIDI is attractive as it can be used as a non-invasive measure of tissue perfusion. Method and Results To assess the applicability of IRTI in HAIDI, three cases were assessed and are described. IRTI was well tolerated and provided useful clinical information in all three cases, which was confirmed with further studies. Conclusions This small case series reports on the successful use of infrared thermal imaging in the diagnosis and management of possible HAIDI and may support wider study and use.
The Influence of Environmental Conditions on the Incidence of Renal Colic in Rome
Authors: Gaziev Gabriele , Asimakopoulos Anastasios D. , Wadhwa Karan , Topazio Luca , Germani Stefano , Miano Roberto 
Published: April 2016

Introduction The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of three major environmental variables (temperature, humidity, air pressure) on the probability of onset of renal colic (RC) in a large cohort of patients in Rome. Methods The records of 2682 patients discharged by the Emergency Department (ED) of the University Hospital of Tor Vergata, Rome, from January 2007 to November 2009 with the main diagnosis of reno-ureteric colic associated with a proven calculus, were retrospectively evaluated. The climatic parameters (average humidity, average air pressure and daily minimum, medium and maximum temperature) were recorded in a second, independent database. RC events were grouped by weeks and months and analysed for a total period of 35 months and 153 weeks. Results Two thousand five hundred and fourteen patients out of 2682 had a proven urolithiasis. RC events were observed more likely in the warmer months, from the second half of June to the first half of September, compared with the colder months. Although the weekly model showed a positive correlation (R2 = 0.134) between the average increase of environmental temperature and RC incidence, the monthly model was much more convincing (R2 = 0.373). We found no statistically significant correlation between humidity and air pressure and the incidence of RC. Conclusions This study demonstrates that an increase in average environmental temperature is associated with a significant increase in the number of episodes of RC seen in the ED at both weekly and monthly time intervals. The average humidity and air pressure were not found to be associated with an increased incidence of RC.
Prospective Randomized Comparison of Three Endoscopic Modalities used in Treatment of Bladder Stones
Authors: Bansal Ankur , Kumar Manoj , Sankhwar Satyanarayan , Goel Sunny , Patodia Madhusudan , Aeron Ruchir , Bhaskar Ved 
Published: April 2016

Introduction The aim of this study was to compare three endoscopic modalities used in the treatment of bladder stones: transurethral use of cystoscope or nephroscope and percutaneous cystolithotripsy (PCCL). Methods This study included 210 patients of bladder stone treated at a tertiary care centre in North India from January 2006 to July 2013 who were randomly assigned into three groups: group 1 (transurethral removal using cystoscope), group 2 (transurethral removal using nephroscope) and group 3 (PCCL). Baseline and perioperative data wererecorded and compared between three groups. Results Baseline parameters were comparable between the three groups. Operating time in group 2 was significantly less than the other two groups. Complete clearance was achieved in all the patients. Group 2 had maximum number of urethral entries. The incidence of perioperative complications (fever, transient haematuria and persistent leakage from suprapubic site) was comparable between these three groups. Till the last follow-up, 3.2% patients (n = 2) developed urethral stricture in group 1, 7.8% (n = 5) in group 2 and no patient developed urethral stricture in group 3 (p = 0.068). Conclusions Removal of bladder stones by the transurethral route, using a nephroscope, is the most effective treatment modality in terms of operative time with long-term urethral stricture rate similar to transurethral cystoscope technique. Comparatively, PCCL is a safe procedure with acceptable morbidity. Overall, all three techniques are equally efficacious in treating bladder stones of size 1-4 cm.
Complications of the First 500 Extra-Peritoneal Robot-Assisted Radical Prostatectomy (EP-RARP) Cases in an Italian Medium Volume Centre
Authors: Fulcoli Vittorio , Andrisano Alessandro , Costa Giuseppe , Laurini Lucio 
Published: April 2016

Objective The aim of this study was to evaluate the prevalence and the predictors of postoperative complications in Extra-Peritoneal Robot Assisted Radical Prostatectomy (EP-RARP), and also to test the influence of the surgeons skills on perioperative variables and complications. Materials and methods Data from the first consecutive 500 patients who underwent EP-RARP were prospectively collected from December 2004 and June 2014. Mean follow-up was 55.7 months. Standardized criteria were used to report the procedural complications. Independent predictors of complications were examined through multivariate analysis using logistic regression models. The influence of the surgeons learning curves on perioperative variables was tested. Results One hundred fifty (30%) patients experienced complications, with 104 medical complications in 95 (19%) patients and 89 surgical complications in 72 (14.4%) patients. There were 17 major (Clavien IIIa-b) surgical complications in 15 (3%) patients, with no mortality. Multivariate analysis showed that Charlson score [odds ratio: 1.514; 95% confidence interval (95% CI): 1.145-2.002; p = 0.0003] and gastroenteric diseases (odds ratio 1.108; 95% CI: 1.108-4.560; p = 0.003) were the best predictors of medical complications and cT1c/T2a stages (odds ratio: 2.697; 95% CI: 1.319-5.514; p<0.0001) and blood transfusions (odds ratio: 3.328; 95% CI: 1.471-7.530; p<0.0001) were strongly related to surgical complications. Finally, the statistical evaluation showed that all considered perioperative variables, except the complication rates, improved during the study period. Conclusions With a precise report of the morbidity related to EP-RARP, this study showed that complications were relatively frequent, but their severity was generally low.
Kans op meerwaarde van rekenkamers
Authors: van Dam Marcel , de Vaan Katrien 
Published: April 2016

Kans op meerwaarde van rekenkamers
De meerwaarde van lokale rekenkamers is nog niet vanzelfsprekend. In dit artikel betogen de auteurs dat deze wordt beïnvloed door drie factoren: de relatie met de andere spelers in het lokale politiek-bestuurlijke krachtenveld, de kwaliteit van hun werk, en de processen waarmee dat werk een plaats krijgt in de gemeentelijke beleids- en besluitvorming. De ultieme meerwaarde van lokale rekenkamers zoeken zij niet in de onafhankelijkheid van de rekenkamer of in diens onderzoeken an sich, maar in de onzichtbare beïnvloeding van beleids- en besluitvorming door de robuuste positie van het instituut, in termen van onder meer waardering, gezag en vanzelfsprekendheid; een positie die wordt beïnvloed door bovengenoemde drie factoren. De toekomstige opgave voor gemeenteraden en rekenkamers ligt er dan ook in om verder te kijken dan de structuur, en met elkaar het gesprek over de rekenkamer te voeren op de punten relatie, kwaliteit en proces.
Ruthenium redox equilibria: 3. Pourbaix diagrams for the systems Ru-H2O and Ru-Cl--H2O
Authors: Povar Igor , Spinu Oxana 
Published: April 2016

<p class="PaperAbstract"><span lang="EN-US">On the basis of selected thermodynamic data, the standard electrode potentials of pos­sible half reactions in the Ru-H<sub>2</sub>O and Ru-Cl<sup>-</sup>-H<sub>2</sub>O systems have been calculated. Using the thermodynamic approach developed by the authors, the potential - pH and potential - pCl diagrams for the considered system have been built.</span></p>
Effect of Subcritical Fluid Extraction on the High Quality of Headspace Oil from Jasminum sambac (L.) Aiton
Authors: Ye Qiuping , Jin Xinyi , Wei Shiqin , Zheng Gongyu , Li Xinlei 
Published: April 2016

Abstract
Subcritical fluid extraction (SFE), as a novel method, was applied to investigate the yield, quality, and sensory evaluation of headspace oil from Jasminum sambac (L.) Aiton in comparison with petroleum ether extraction (PEE). The results indicated that the yield of the headspace oil using SFE was significantly higher (P &lt; 0.05) than when using PEE. SFE contributed to obtaining alcohols and ethers, prevented the thermal reaction of terpenes, and reduced α-caryophyllene and β-caryophyllene in the headspace oil. The contents of linalool (21.90%) and benzyl acetate (16.31%) were higher via SFE than PEE. In addition, the sensory evaluation of SFE was superior to PEE, indicating a fresh, jasmine-like odor and green-yellow color. Thus, SFE is an improved method for obtaining natural headspace oil from jasmine flowers.
Local Application of Isogenic Adipose-Derived Stem Cells Restores Bone Healing Capacity in a Type 2 Diabetes Model
Authors: Wallner Christoph , Abraham Stephanie , Wagner Johannes Maximilian , Harati Kamran , Ismer Britta , Kessler Lukas , Zöllner Hannah , Lehnhardt Marcus , Behr Björn 
Published: April 2016

Abstract

Bone regeneration is typically a reliable process without scar formation. The endocrine disease type 2 diabetes prolongs and impairs this healing process. In a previous work, we showed that angiogenesis and osteogenesis—essential steps of bone regeneration—are deteriorated, accompanied by reduced proliferation in type 2 diabetic bone regeneration. The aim of the study was to improve these mechanisms by local application of adipose-derived stem cells (ASCs) and facilitate bone regeneration in impaired diabetic bone regeneration. The availability of ASCs in great numbers and the relative ease of harvest offers unique advantages over other mesenchymal stem cell entities. A previously described unicortical tibial defect model was utilized in diabetic mice (Leprdb−/−). Isogenic mouse adipose-derived stem cells (mASCs)db−/db− were harvested, transfected with a green fluorescent protein vector, and isografted into tibial defects (150,000 living cells per defect). Alternatively, control groups were treated with Dulbecco's modified Eagle's medium or mASCsWT. In addition, wild-type mice were identically treated. By means of immunohistochemistry, proteins specific for angiogenesis, cell proliferation, cell differentiation, and bone formation were analyzed at early (3 days) and late (7 days) stages of bone regeneration. Additionally, histomorphometry was performed to examine bone formation rate and remodeling. Histomorphometry revealed significantly increased bone formation in mASCdb−/db−-treated diabetic mice as compared with the respective control groups. Furthermore, locally applied mASCsdb−/db− significantly enhanced neovascularization and osteogenic differentiation. Moreover, bone remodeling was upregulated in stem cell treatment groups. Local application of mACSs can restore impaired diabetic bone regeneration and may represent a therapeutic option for the future.

Significance
This study showed that stem cells obtained from fat pads of type 2 diabetic mice are capable of reconstituting impaired bone regeneration in type 2 diabetes. These multipotent stem cells promote both angiogenesis and osteogenesis in type 2 diabetic bony defects. These data might prove to have great clinical implications for bony defects in the ever-increasing type 2 diabetic patient population.
Hypoxic Conditioned Medium From Human Adipose-Derived Stem Cells Promotes Mouse Liver Regeneration Through JAK/STAT3 Signaling
Authors: Lee Sang Chul , Jeong Hye Jin , Lee Sang Kuon , Kim Say-June 
Published: April 2016

Abstract

Adipose-derived stem cells (ASCs) mainly exert their function by secreting materials that are collectively termed the secretome. Despite recent attention to the secretome as an alternative to stem cell therapy, the culture conditions for generating optimal secretome contents have not been determined. Therefore, we investigated the role of hypoxic-conditioned media (HCM) from ASCs. Normoxic-conditioned media (NCM) and HCM were obtained after culturing ASCs in 20% O2 or 1% O2 for 24 hours, respectively. Subsequently, partially hepatectomized mice were infused with saline, control medium, NCM, or HCM, and then sera and liver specimens were obtained for analyses. Hypoxia (1% O2) significantly increased mRNA expression of mediators from ASCs, including interleukin-6 (IL-6), tumor necrosis factor α (TNF-α), hepatocyte growth factor (HGF), and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF). HCM infusion significantly increased the number of Ki67-positive cells in the liver (p &lt; .05). HCM infusion significantly increased phospho-signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) and decreased suppressor of cytokine signaling 3 (SOCS3) expression in the liver (p &lt; .05). To determine the role of IL-6 in liver regeneration, we then performed IL-6 RNA interference study. Conditioned media (CM) obtained from ASCs, which were transfected with either siIL-6 or siControl, were administered to partially hepatectomized mice. The siIL-6 CM groups exhibited lower liver proliferation (Ki67-positive cells) and markers of regeneration (protein expression of proliferating cell nuclear antigen, p-STAT3, HGF, and VEGF and liver weights) than the siControl CM groups (p &lt; .05). Taken together, hypoxic preconditioning of ASCs increased expression of mediators promoting anti-inflammatory and regenerative responses. The liver regenerative effects of HCM appear to be mediated by persistent and uninhibited expression of STAT3 in the liver, which results from decreased expression of SOCS3.

Significance
In this study, it was found that treatment with the medium from hypoxic-preconditioned adipose-derived stem cells (ASCs) increased the viability of hepatotoxic hepatocytes and enhance liver regeneration in partially hepatectomized mice. In addition, the researchers first revealed that the hepatoprotective effects of hypoxic-conditioned media are mediated by persistent and uninhibited expression of signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 in the liver, which result from a decreased expression of suppressor of cytokine signaling 3. Therefore, the hypoxic preconditioning of ASCs is expected to play a crucial role in regenerative medicine by optimizing the production of a highly effective secretome from ASCs.
Thick (>20 µm) and high-resistivity carbon-doped GaN-buffer layers grown by metalorganic vapor phase epitaxy on n-type GaN substrates
Authors: Tsuchiya Tomonobu , Terano Akihisa , Mochizuki Kazuhiro 
Published: April 2016

Abstract
To improve the performance of GaN power devices, we have investigated the crystalline quality of thick (>20 µm) carbon-doped GaN layers on n-type GaN substrates and templates. The surface morphologies and X-ray rocking curves of carbon-doped GaN layers were improved by using GaN substrates. However, the crystalline quality degraded when the carbon concentration was too high (1 × 1020 cm−3), even in the case of GaN substrates. High breakdown voltages (approximately 7 kV under a lateral configuration) were obtained for the carbon-doped GaN layers on n-type GaN substrates when the carbon concentration was 5 × 1019 cm−3. These results indicate that lateral power devices with high breakdown voltage can be fabricated by using thick carbon-doped GaN buffer layers, even on n-type GaN substrates.
Theoretical investigation of nonthermal equilibrium exciton dynamics in GaN using hydrogen plasma model
Authors: Iwahori Tomohiro , Ma Bei , Morita Ken , Ishitani Yoshihiro 
Published: April 2016

Abstract
As a basis of the study on exciton stability under a nonthermal equilibrium state, the excitation and deexcitation population fluxes and population densities of several states of the principal quantum number p are calculated using a hydrogen plasma model for various electron excitation densities and temperatures of the lattice, electron, and exciton. It is found that the balance of the excitation and deexcitation population fluxes depends on the p number. At a lower-lattice-temperature region, ladderlike deexcitation flux is dominant for low p states, while the quasi-Saha–Boltzmann relation holds for high p states. At temperatures higher than 150 K, the exciton formation and dissociation fluxes become dominant. Exciton dissociation is enhanced at temperatures higher than approximately 120 K. This process is triggered by the excitation between the states of p = 1 and 2. High- and low-order states sometimes exhibit different population flow characteristics, which reveal the exciton dissociation dynamics.
Solar wind plasma entry observed by cluster in the high‐latitude magnetospheric lobes
Authors: Gou X. C. , Shi Q. Q. , Tian A. M. , Sun W. J. , Dunlop M. W. , Fu S. Y. , Zong Q. G. , Facskó G. , Nowada M. , Pu Z. Y. , Mailyan B. , Xiao T. , Shen X. C. 
Published: April 2016

AbstractUsing the Cluster data during the period from January to April between 2001 and 2006, we find an observation of solar wind entry due to magnetic reconnection occurred in the terrestrial high‐latitude magnetospheric lobes, tailward of the cusps under northward interplanetary magnetic field (IMF). Occurrence rate of solar wind entry events in this study is of the same order as that for the Cluster orbital interval from August to October between the years of 2002 and 2004 as reported by Shi et al. (2013). In this paper, we further study the role of the IMF Bx and By components in the control of solar wind plasma entry based on the investigations of different magnetic dipole tilt variations between our database and Shi et al. (2013). This study shows that the asymmetry distribution of solar wind entry events in the northern and southern lobes could be caused by the variation of magnetic dipole tilt, which could influence the locations of the reconnection site on the high‐latitude lobe magnetopause. On the other hand, IMF Bx can also affect the solar wind plasma entry rate, which is also consistent with previous results. Therefore, we conclude that the “north‐south asymmetry” of solar wind entry events in the lobes could be the combined result of magnetic dipole tilt and IMF Bx. In addition, the IMF By component can influence the entry events in conjunction with the variation of IMF Bx component, which is in line with the Parker Spiral of the IMF.
Collective properties of injection‐induced earthquake sequences: 2. Spatiotemporal evolution and magnitude frequency distributions
Authors: Dempsey David , Suckale Jenny , Huang Yihe 
Published: April 2016

AbstractProbabilistic seismic hazard assessment for induced seismicity depends on reliable estimates of the locations, rate, and magnitude frequency properties of earthquake sequences. The purpose of this paper is to investigate how variations in these properties emerge from interactions between an evolving fluid pressure distribution and the mechanics of rupture on heterogeneous faults. We use an earthquake sequence model, developed in the first part of this two‐part series, that computes pore pressure evolution, hypocenter locations, and rupture lengths for earthquakes triggered on 1‐D faults with spatially correlated shear stress. We first consider characteristic features that emerge from a range of generic injection scenarios and then focus on the 2010–2011 sequence of earthquakes linked to wastewater disposal into two wells near the towns of Guy and Greenbrier, Arkansas. Simulations indicate that one reason for an increase of the Gutenberg‐Richter b value for induced earthquakes is the different rates of reduction of static and residual strength as fluid pressure rises. This promotes fault rupture at lower stress than equivalent tectonic events. Further, b value is shown to decrease with time (the induced seismicity analog of b value reduction toward the end of the seismic cycle) and to be higher on faults with lower initial shear stress. This suggests that faults in the same stress field that have different orientations, and therefore different levels of resolved shear stress, should exhibit seismicity with different b‐values. A deficit of large‐magnitude events is noted when injection occurs directly onto a fault and this is shown to depend on the geometry of the pressure plume. Finally, we develop models of the Guy‐Greenbrier sequence that captures approximately the onset, rise and fall, and southwest migration of seismicity on the Guy‐Greenbrier fault. Constrained by the migration rate, we estimate the permeability of a 10 m thick critically stressed basement fault to be 5 × 10−12 m2. We also consider alternative scenarios in which only one of the two disposal wells operated and suggest that, due to the wells interacting, total seismicity may be greater than that attributable to each well alone.
Modeling surfzone to inner‐shelf tracer exchange
Authors: Hally‐Rosendahl Kai , Feddersen Falk 
Published: April 2016

AbstractA near‐shoreline, continuous dye release at an approximately alongshore‐uniform beach (IB09 experiment) is simulated with the wave‐resolving Boussinesq model funwaveC. The model generates surfzone eddies and transient rip currents but does not resolve inner‐shelf vertical variation or stratification. The funwaveC model reproduces well the observed surfzone and inner‐shelf dye observations over roughly 350 m cross‐shore and 2 km alongshore. Dye is advected alongshore by wave‐ and wind‐driven currents similarly in the observations and model. Near‐shoreline mean dye concentration decays downstream as a power law with similar observed (−0.33) and modeled (−0.38) exponents. Observed and modeled cross‐shore mean dye profiles are similar, though modeled inner‐shelf dye is somewhat elevated. Observed and modeled alongshore dye transports agree, though with compensating surfzone and inner‐shelf errors later in the release. For times <3.5 h (before observed and modeled dye advects beyond the model alongshore domain), observed and modeled dye budgets are similar to each other and close to within 10%, and half the observed and modeled dye is exported to the inner‐shelf. Later in the release, surfzone and inner‐shelf dye masses are under and overpredicted, respectively. Model‐data differences may be due to the model's lack of vertical variation, stratification, or tide. The good overall model‐data agreement indicates that nearshore tracer transport and dispersion are realistically simulated over 5 h and 2 km alongshore, and that the model transient rip currents accurately induce cross‐shore exchange between the surfzone and inner‐shelf.