bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Surface Plasmon Assisted Two-Photon Ionization of Noble and Alkali Metal Clusters
Authors: Melikyan Armen , Minassian Hayk 
Published: February 2016

Abstract
In this communication we calculate the TPI cross-section for pump-probe scheme in Au,
Ag and Na neutral clusters in high refractive index environment. The pump
photon energy is chosen to be close to the surface plasmon (SP) energy of considered
clusters. Since the interband transition energy in Ag and Na exceeds the SP
resonance energy, the main contribution into the TPI in these clusters comes from the
interband transitions. In Au clusters the interband transition threshold is very
close to SP resonance, and the SP assisted TPI cross-section is attenuated. The calculations
are performed by separating the coordinates of electrons corresponding to the collective
oscillations and the individual motion that allows to take into account the resonance
contribution of excited SP oscillations. It is shown that the ionization cross section
increases by two orders of magnitude if the energy of the pump photon matches the surface
plasmon energy in the Ag and Na cluster.
New Visualization Method to Evaluate Erosion Quantity and Pattern
Authors: Kamalzare Mehrad , Zimmie Thomas F. , Cutler Barbara , Franklin W. Randolph 
Published: February 2016

Abstract
The objective of this research is to develop tools that would improve the understanding of the process of levee failure because of erosion and reduce the risk of failure. Hydraulic erosion is a complicated phenomenon and depends on many different parameters. To improve design criteria for levees, embankments, and earthen structures, the development of realistic computer models that can simulate the erosion process is necessary. Verification of these computer simulations, as with any simulation, is a necessity. In this research, a large number of physical levee erosion tests were performed at 1g and at high g's using a geotechnical centrifuge. Centrifuge tests were performed to simulate real (prototype) size levees, and thus to obtain a more realistic model. The erosion was modeled physically in detail. Conventional three-dimensional scanning was used to precisely verify the calculated dimensions of initial and final computer model geometries, but did not yield interim data or measurements of the quantity of eroded soil during the tests. A Kinect device was used to scan and evaluate the volume of eroded soil and variation of the shape of the channels as a function of time. Three-dimensional images were obtained, and variations of different parameters were plotted. Various quantities were measured as a function of time. Based on recorded videos and pictures taken during the tests, it was discovered that the Kinect results agreed well with the physical models. The Kinect is a low-cost sensor, and enables the measurement of the rate of soil erosion, which, if done at all, usually requires expensive equipment. The Kinect device was also used in the centrifuge experiments, and functioned well in the high g environment. It is believed to be the first use of a Kinect device in a centrifuge. The application of this method in other laboratory experiments was also investigated.
Fluconazole in the treatment of Cushing's disease
Authors: Burns Kharis , Christie-David Darshika , Gunton Jenny E 
Published: February 2016

Summary
Ketoconazole was a first-line agent for suppressing steroidogenesis in Cushing's disease. It now has limited availability. Fluconazole, another azole antifungal, is an alternative, although its in vivo efficacy is unclear. A 61-year-old female presented with weight gain, abdominal striae and worsening depression. HbA1c increased to 76 mmol/mol despite increasing insulin. Investigations confirmed cortisol excess; afternoon serum cortisol was 552 nmol/l with an inappropriate ACTH of 9.3 pmol/l. In total, 24-h urinary free cortisol (UFC):creatinine ratio was 150 nmol/mmol with failure to suppress after 48 h of low-dose dexamethasone. Pituitary MRI revealed a 4-mm microadenoma. Inferior petrosal sinus sampling confirmed Cushing's disease. Transsphenoidal resection was performed and symptoms improved. However, disease recurred 6 months later with elevated 24-h UFC >2200 nmol/day. Metyrapone was commenced at 750 mg tds. Ketoconazole was later added at 400 mg daily, with dose reduction in metyrapone. When ketoconazole became unavailable, fluconazole 200 mg daily was substituted. Urine cortisol:creatinine ratio rose, and the dose was increased to 400 mg daily with normalisation of urine hormone levels. Serum cortisol and urine cortisol:creatinine ratios remain normal on this regimen at 6 months. In conclusion, to our knowledge, this is the first case demonstrating prolonged in vivo efficacy of fluconazole in combination with low-dose metyrapone for the treatment of Cushing's disease. Fluconazole has a more favourable toxicity profile, and we suggest that it is a potential alternative for medical management of Cushing's disease.

Learning points

Surgery remains first line for the management of Cushing's disease with pharmacotherapy used where surgery is unsuccessful or there is persistence of cortisol excess.

Ketoconazole has previously been used to treat cortisol excess through inhibition of CYP450 enzymes 11-β-hydroxylase and 17-α-hydroxylase, though its availability is limited in many countries.

Fluconazole shares similar properties to ketoconazole, although it has less associated toxicity.

Fluconazole represents a suitable alternative for the medical management of Cushing's disease and proved an effective addition to metyrapone in the management of this case.
¿Estados fallidos? O sobre la imposiblidad de constituir el Estado Nación moderno
Authors: Nievas Flabián , Sampó Carolina 
Published: February 2016

Existe cierto consenso en que la existencia de Estados Fallidos genera inestabilidad en el Sistema Internacional, ya que los mismos parecen facilitar el asentamiento de organizaciones criminales trasnacionales que se valen de sus territorios para desarrollar y potenciar sus negocios. Sin embargo, la inclusión de un sinnúmero de casos en esta categoría fuerza una revisión no sólo del concepto sino también de la idea que existe detrás del mismo, anclada en la concepción de Estado-Nación moderno. De allí que el objetivo del presente trabajo es discutir el alcance del concepto de Estado Fallido, teniendo en cuenta que el Estado Nación moderno ha encontrado fuertes dificultades para su consolidación en distintos lugares del planeta. Durante la investigación nos preguntamos si es posible vincular de forma inseparable al Estado y a la nación o si deben tratarse como conceptos separados que en algunos casos se encuentran juntos. En esa misma línea: ¿Son los Estados los que fallan o es la construcción del Estado-nación la que nunca se concretó? ¿Cuál es el papel del reconocimiento internacional del Estado en este tipo de conceptualizaciones?
THE ROLE OF TEACHING ISLAMIC RELIGION AT SEKOLAH ALAM INDONESIA PALEMBANG
Authors: Imtihana Aida , Sukirman Sukirman , Mardeli Mardeli , Nurlela Nurlela 
Published: February 2016

<p class="Normal1"><span class="normalchar"><em><span lang="EN-US">The weakness of the schools in the emergence of Islamic education curriculum is the lack of facilities provided for the benefits of its curriculum. Islamic education curriculum in schools is systematic, so it cannot resolve the issue of the overall gap because it is limited to the other aspects like a limited time allocation.</span></em></span><span class="apple-converted-space"><span lang="EN-US"> </span></span><span class="normalchar"><em><span lang="EN-US">Therefore, Sekolah Alam Indonesia Palembang was established to optimize the learning of Islamic education.</span></em></span><span class="apple-converted-space"><span lang="EN-US"> </span></span><span class="normalchar"><em><span lang="EN-US">The results of this study showed that the learning process of Islamic education at the school has been in accordance with the theory of planning, implementation, and evaluation.</span></em></span><span class="apple-converted-space"><span lang="EN-US"> </span></span><span class="normalchar"><em><span lang="EN-US">The planning instruction consists of an annual, semester, weekly and daily program planning. In practice, the learning process is based on the planning that has been made.</span></em></span><span class="apple-converted-space"><span lang="EN-US"> </span></span><span class="normalchar"><em><span lang="EN-US">Further, to evaluate the learning process, oral and written tests were conducted.</span></em></span></p>
VERDICT OFF (DEATH PENALTY) FOR THE DRUG OFFENDER CRIME IN PERSPECTIVE OF ISLAMIC EDUCATION
Authors: Nugraha Muhammad Tisna 
Published: February 2016

<em>This paper raises the issue of </em><em>the death penalty for drug-crime actors in Islamic education perspective, especially when the President Joko Widodo refused to pardon the actors at the beginning of his reign.</em> <em>Although the execution was likely contrary to the wishes of human right instigators, but on the other hand, such punishment is one vehicle in providing education to the citizens as well as the efforts to actualize the law enforcement in Indonesia.</em> <em>The implementation of the death sentence does not touch directly the scope of formal education in Indonesia. However, this is where the emerging hope and the search for enlightenment of such punishment is seen from the eyes of Islamic education which has applied the concept of reward and punishment in its system. Thus, through this paper, it is expected that educators can assist in bridging the imposition of a death sentence as an attempt to form good citizens.</em>
Water for Carbon, Carbon for Water
Authors: Carminati Andrea , Kroener Eva , Ahmed Mutez A. , Zarebanadkouki Mohsen , Holz Maire , Ghezzehei Teamrat 
Published: February 2016

Core Ideas
Mucilage exuded by roots modifies the hydraulic properties of the rhizosphere.
In turn, the rhizosphere hydraulic properties affect transpiration and photosynthesis.
These water–carbon feedbacks in the rhizosphere help plant performance in dry soils.
Plant roots exude approximately 10% of the carbon assimilated through photosynthesis into the soil, a process referred to as rhizodeposition. Here, we show that the mucilaginous fraction of the rhizodeposits, referred to as mucilage, plays a crucial role on soil–plant water relation and it has the potential to increase plant drought tolerance. Mucilage is a gel that can absorb large volumes of water, altering the physical properties of the rhizosphere and maintaining the rhizosphere wet and conductive when the soil dries. It is hypothesized that mucilage acts as a hydraulic bridge between roots and the soil, facilitating root water uptake and maintaining transpiration in dry soils. By employing a simplified model of root water uptake coupled with mucilage dynamics, we found that in a sandy soil the benefit of mucilage in maintaining root water uptake commenced to manifest when the soil matric potential dropped below approximately −0.8 MPa. This critical matric potential varied with transpiration rate, root length, and exudation rate. Below the critical potential, mucilage maintained photosynthesis and resulted in a net gain of carbon. In summary, rhizodeposition modifies the physical soil environment and has an impact on transpiration and photosynthesis. In other words: water for carbon, but also carbon for water.
Long-term Outcome after Percutaneous Coronary Intervention Compared with Minimally Invasive Coronary Artery Bypass Surgery in the Elderly
Authors: Barsoum Emad A. , Azab Basem , Patel Nileshkumar , Spagnola Jonathan , Shariff Masood A. , Kaleem Umar , Morcus Rewais , Asti Deepak , McGinn Joseph T. , Lafferty James , McCord Donald A. 
Published: February 2016

Background:Elderly patients with unstable coronary artery disease (CAD) have better outcomes with coronary revascularization than conservative treatment. With the improvement in percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) techniques using drug eluting-stents, this became an attractive option in elderly. Minimally invasive coronary artery bypass grafting (MICS-CABG) is a safe and effective alternative to conventional CABG. We aimed to explore the long-term outcomes after PCI vs MICS-CABG in ≥75 year-old patients with severe CAD.Methods:A total of 1454 elderly patients (≥75 year-old patients) underwent coronary artery revascularization between January 2005 and December 2009. Patients were selected in the study if they have one of the Class-I indications for CABG. Groups were divided according to the type of procedure, PCI or MICS-CABG, and 5 year follow-up.Results:Among 175 elderly patients, 109 underwent PCI and 66 had MICS-CABG. There was no significant difference observed in both groups with long-term all-cause mortality (31 PCI vs 21% MICS-CABG, p=0.151) and the overall 5 year survival was similar on Kaplan-Meier curve (Log rank p=0.318). The average length of stay in hospital was significantly shorter in the PCI than in the MICS-CABG group (4.3 vs 7.8 days, p<0.001). Only 4.7% of the PCI group were discharged to rehabilitation facility compared with 43.9% of the MICS-CABG group (p<0.001). The rate of repeat revascularization was significantly higher in the PCI group than in the MICS-CABG group (15 vs 3%, p=0.014).Conclusion:Among elderly patients, long-term all-cause mortality is similar after PCI and MICS-CABG. However, there is a significantly higher rate of repeat revascularization after PCI.
High-altitude Pulmonary Hypertension: an Update on Disease Pathogenesis and Management
Authors: Mirrakhimov Aibek E. , Strohl Kingman P. 
Published: February 2016

High-altitude pulmonary hypertension (HAPH) affects individuals residing at altitudes of 2,500 meters and higher. Numerous pathogenic variables play a role in disease inception and progression and include low oxygen concentration in inspired air, vasculopathy, and metabolic abnormalities. Since HAPH affects only some people living at high altitude genetic factors play a significant role in its pathogenesis.
The clinical presentation of HAPH is nonspecific and includes fatigue, shortness of breath, cognitive deficits, cough, and in advanced cases hepatosplenomegaly and overt right-sided heart failure. A thorough history is important and should include a search for additional risk factors for lung disease and pulmonary hypertension (PH) such as smoking, indoor air pollution, left-sided cardiac disease and sleep disordered breathing. Twelve-lead electrocardiogram, chest X-ray and echocardiography can be used as screening tools. A definitive diagnosis should be made with right-sided heart catheterization using a modified mean pulmonary artery pressure of at least 30 mm Hg, differing from the 25 mm Hg used for other types of PH.
Treatment of HAPH includes descent to a lower altitude whenever possible, oxygen therapy and the use of medications such as endothelin receptor antagonists, phosphodiesterase 5 blockers, fasudil and acetazolamide. Some recent evidence suggests that iron supplementation may also be beneficial. However, it is important to note that the scientific literature lacks long-term randomized controlled data on the pharmacologic treatment of HAPH. Thus, an individualized approach to treatment and informing the patients regarding the benefits and risks of the selected treatment regimen are essential.
Determinants of Share Price of Nepalese Commercial Banks
Authors: Bhattarai Yuga Raj 
Published: February 2016

This study examines the determinants of share price of commercial banks listed on the Nepal Stock Exchange Limited over the period of 2006 to 2014. Data were sourced from the annual reports of the sampled banks and analyzed using regression model. The results revealed that earning per share and price- earnings ratios have the significant positive association with share price while dividend yield showed the significant inverse association with share price. The major conclusion of the study is that dividend yield, earning per share and price-earnings ratio are the most influencing factors in determining share price in Nepalese commercial banks. Economic Journal of Development Issues Vol. 17 & 18 No. 1-2 (2014) Combined Issue,Page: 187-198
Phase I Study of Everolimus in Combination with Gemcitabine and Split-Dose Cisplatin in Advanced Urothelial Carcinoma
Authors: Abida Wassim , Milowsky Matthew I. , Ostrovnaya Irina , Gerst Scott R. , Rosenberg Jonathan E. , Voss Martin H. , Apolo Andrea B. , Regazzi Ashley M. , McCoy Asia S. , Boyd Mariel E. , Bajorin Dean F. 
Published: February 2016

Background: Cisplatin-based combination chemotherapy is standard first-line treatment for patients with advanced urothelial carcinoma (UC). Molecular profiling studies reveal that the PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway is altered in a significant percentage of UCs. Objective: We conducted a phase I trial to evaluate the feasibility of combining the mTOR inhibitor everolimus with gemcitabine and split-dose cisplatin (GC) in advanced UC in the first-line setting. Methods: Patients received gemcitabine 800 mg/m2 and cisplatin 35 mg/m2 on days 1 and 8 of 21-day cycles for a total of 6 cycles in combination with everolimus at increasing dose levels (DL1:5 mg QOD, DL2:5 mg daily, DL3:10 mg daily) following a standard 3+3 design. Responses were assessed every 2 cycles. Patients with at least stable disease (SD) continued everolimus until progression. Goals were to establish dose-limiting toxicities (DLTs) and maximum tolerated dose (MTD) for the combination. Results: 12 patients were enrolled, 3 at DL1, 3 at DL2, and an additional 6 at DL1 *(DL1 following de-escalation). 3/3 patients at DL2 had DLTs during cycle 1. 2/8 evaluable patients at DL1/DL1 * had DLTs during cycle 1. DLTs were primarily hematologic. Further toxicities, also primarily hematologic, were observed during later treatment cycles, leading to 8 chemotherapy dose reductions overall. Partial responses were observed in 4/10 evaluable patients, and SD in 5/10. Median overall survival was 10.8 months (95% CI 6.9, not reached). Conclusions: The maximum tolerated dose was reached at the lowest dose level, 5 mg QOD, for everolimus in combination with gemcitabine and split-dose cisplatin in advanced UC. The regimen was limited by hematologic toxicity.
Retrospective data suggests that the higher prevalence of benign paroxysmal positional vertigo in individuals with type 2 diabetes is mediated by hypertension
Authors: D'Silva Linda J. , Staecker Hinrich , Lin James , Sykes Kevin J. , Phadnis Milind A. , McMahon Tamara M. , Connolly Dan , Sabus Carla H. , Whitney Susan L. , Kluding Patricia M. 
Published: February 2016

OBJECTIVE: Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV) has been linked to comorbidities like diabetes and hypertension. However, the relationship between type 2 diabetes (DM) and BPPV is unclear. The purpose of this retrospective study was to examine the relationship between DM and BPPV in the presence of known contributors like age, gender and hypertension. METHODS: A retrospective review of the records of 3933 individuals was categorized by the specific vestibular diagnosis and for the presence of type 2 DM and hypertension. As the prevalence of BPPV was higher in people with type 2 DM compared to those without DM, multivariable logistic regressions were used to identify variables predictive of BPPV. The relationship between type 2 DM, hypertension and BPPV was analyzed using mediation analysis. RESULTS: BPPV was seen in 46% of individuals with type 2 DM, compared to 37% of individuals without DM (p< 0.001). Forty two percent of the association between type 2 DM and BPPV was mediated by hypertension, and supported hypertension as a complete mediator in the relationship between type 2 DM and BPPV. CONCLUSIONS: Hypertension may provide the mediating pathway by which diabetes affects the vestibular system. Individuals with complaints of dizziness, with comorbidities including hypertension and diabetes, may benefit from a screening for BPPV.
Visual perception of upright: Head tilt, visual errors and viewing eye
Authors: Kheradmand Amir , Gonzalez Grisel , Otero-Millan Jorge , Lasker Adrian 
Published: February 2016

BACKGROUND: Perception of upright is often assessed by aligning a luminous line to the subjective visual vertical (SVV). OBJECTIVE: Here we investigated the effects of visual line rotation and viewing eye on SVV responses and whether there was any change with head tilt. METHODS: SVV was measured using a forced-choice paradigm and by combining the following conditions in 22 healthy subjects: head position (20° left tilt, upright and 20° right tilt), viewing eye (left eye, both eyes and right eye) and direction of visual line rotation (clockwise [CW] and counter clockwise [CCW]). RESULTS: The accuracy and precision of SVV responses were not different between the viewing eye conditions in all head positions (P> 0.05, Kruskal-Wallis test). The accuracy of SVV responses was % significantly different between the CW and CCW line rotations (p ≈ 0.0001; Kruskal-Wallis test) and SVV was tilted in the same direction as the line rotation. This effect of line rotation was however not consistent across head tilts and was only present in the upright and right tilt head positions. The accuracy of SVV responses showed a higher variability among subjects in the left head tilt position with no significant difference between the CW and CCW line rotations (P> 0.05; post-hoc Dunn's test). CONCLUSIONS: In spite of the challenges to the estimate of upright with head tilt, normal subjects did remarkably well irrespective of the viewing eye. The physiological significance of the asymmetry in the effect of line rotation between the head tilt positions is unclear but it %may suggest suggests a lateralizing effect of head tilt on the visual perception of upright.
Variants in the KCNE1 or KCNE3 gene and risk of Ménière's disease: A meta-analysis
Authors: Li Yuan-Jun , Jin Zhan-Guo , Xu Xian-Rong 
Published: February 2016

BACKGROUND: Ménière's disease (MD) is defined as an idiopathic disorder of the inner ear characterized by the triad of tinnitus, vertigo, and sensorineural hearing loss. Although many studies have evaluated the association between variants in the KCNE1 or KCNE3 gene and MD risk, debates still exist. OBJECTIVE: Our aim is to evaluate the association between KCNE gene variants, including KCNE1 rs1805127 and KCNE3 rs2270676, and the risk of MD by a systematic review. METHODS: We searched the literature in PubMed, SCOPUS and EMBASE through May 2015. We calculated pooled odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) using a fixed-effects model or a random-effects model for the risk to MD associated with different KCNE gene variants. The heterogeneity assumption decided the effect model. RESULTS: A total of three relevant studies, with 302 MD cases and 515 controls, were included in this meta-analysis. The results indicated that neither the KCNE1 rs1805127 variant (for G vs. A: OR = 0.724, 95%CI 0.320, 1.638, P= 0.438), nor the KCNE3 rs2270676 variant (for T vs. C: OR = 0.714, 95%CI 0.327, 1.559, P = 0.398) was associated with MD risk. CONCLUSIONS: Based on current evidence from published studies, neither of the two variants from KCNE was significantly associated with the risk of MD. Larger studies with mixed ethnicity subjects and stratified by clinical and sub-clinical characteristics are needed to validate our findings.
Histoire et géographie administrative de la Pévèle et des régions voisines de 850 à 1150
Authors: Derville Alain 
Published: February 2016

Alain Derville, Geschiedenis en administratieve aardrijkskunde van Pévèle.
Pévèle is een vrij arm natuurgebied. Het was een frankische pagus waarvan de grenzen misschien aangegeven zijn door het gebruik van bunders van 1,4187 ha en van 1,2022 ha (voor de fiskus van Sint-Amands). Pévèle werd ingelijfd bij Vlaanderen omstreeks 930-950. De twee daaropvolgende eeuwen waren even duister als bewogen. Uit het weinige dat men ervan weet kan men opmaken dat het grafelijk domein zeer belangrijk bleef, dat de kasselrij Dowaai ontstond, ook die van Orchies on van de burg Cysoing, en dat Vlaanderen tot 1 150 gebieden in het zuidwesten veroverde.