bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Morphological analysis of the effects of intraoperative transrectal compression of the prostate during high‐intensity focused ultrasound for localized prostate cancer
Authors: Shoji Sunao , Hashimoto Akio , Nakamoto Masahiko , Fukuda Norio , Fujikawa Hiroshi , Endo Kazuyuki , Tomonaga Tetsuro , Nakano Mayura , Terachi Toshiro , Uchida Toyoaki 
Published: March 2015

ObjectivesTo evaluate the effects of transrectal compression of the prostate for intra‐operative prostatic swelling and intraprostatic point shift during high‐intensity focused ultrasound treatment of localized prostate cancer.MethodsPatients treated with whole‐gland high‐intensity focused ultrasound as primary monotherapy for localized prostate cancer were enrolled in the study. Using the standard and compression method, the volumes of degassed water in the balloon covering the high‐intensity focused ultrasound probe were 50 mL and 80–160 mL, respectively. To identify prostatic swelling and shift during high‐intensity focused ultrasound and the volume occupied by the non‐enhanced area, three‐dimensional prostate models were reconstructed using ultrasound and contrast‐enhanced magnetic resonance imaging.ResultsIn comparison with the standard (n = 40) and compression (n = 48) methods, intraoperative increase in the prostate volume (21% vs 5.3%; P = 0.044), intraprostatic point shift (4 mm vs 2 mm, P = 0.040 in the transition zone; 3 mm vs 0 mm; P = 0.001 in the peripheral zone) and the volume occupied by the non‐enhanced area (89% vs 96%; P = 0.001) were significantly suppressed. The biochemical disease‐free survival rate in patients treated using the compression method was significantly improved relative to the standard method (92.6% vs 76.5%; P = 0.038). Regarding complications, there was no significant difference in the rate of urethral stricture (P = 0.9), urinary tract infection (P = 0.9), incontinence (P = 0.3), erectile dysfunction (P = 0.9) or recto‐urethral fistula between the patients treated using the standard and compression methods.ConclusionsIntraoperative transrectal compression suppresses intraoperative increase in the prostate volume and intraprostatic point shift during high‐intensity focused ultrasound, having the potential to achieve precise whole‐gland and lesion‐targeted focal therapy.
Collaborative distribution between two logistics service providers
Authors: Yang Feng , Yang Mingming , Xia Qiong , Liang Liang 
Published: March 2015

AbstractMathematical models are described for collaborative distribution between two logistics service providers (LSPs). We find that (a) collaborative distribution is conditionally profitable for LSPs, and the conditions for cooperation are given; (b) LSPs save more costs primarily by shortening the delivery distance and decreasing delivery speed; (c) collaborative distribution makes the delivery time either shorter or longer; (d) if one LSP changes its equilibrium price, the total profit conditionally increases, and this condition is related to demand structure and delivery cost structure; and (e) collaborative distribution can solve the personalization of delivery time and reduce pollution to some extent. For the companies sharing the incremental profit, we characterize a transfer payment contract that includes fixed and variable fees. Our findings suggest that LSPs should adopt collaborative distribution to formulate an optimal distribution plan to save costs and shorten the delivery time, and should select partners with smaller cost parameters and both different and moderate speeds. In addition, warehouse and vehicle sharing are beneficial to the implementation of collaborative distribution.
An ABC heuristic for optimizing moveable ambulance station location and vehicle repositioning for the city of São Paulo
Authors: Andrade Luiz Augusto C. G. , Cunha Claudio B. 
Published: March 2015

AbstractIn this paper, we address the problem of determining the optimal location of ambulance stations, as well as the vehicle allocation and repositioning for the mobile emergency care service of São Paulo (SAMU‐SP), in Brazil. This problem arises in the context of seeking to reduce expected ambulance response times, which was within 27 minutes in São Paulo for 98% of the requests. In order to bring down total response times closer to internationally acceptable standards, SAMU‐SP devised the concept of moveable ambulance stations that can be installed in available public spaces, such as squares and parks, and can be periodically relocated to ensure a good coverage at all times. This new concept, however, was not an easy sell. It was necessary to demonstrate clearly the benefits that such stations, if properly located, could provide in the context of limited budgetary resources when compared to the traditional facilities in regular buildings. In this context, we propose a novel artificial bee colony (ABC) algorithm to guide SAMU‐SP in its strategic decisions involving their service network, as well as in the allocation and repositioning of ambulances to each stand‐by point in order to cope with varying demand at different time periods. This model was applied to analyze different scenarios, including one that was implemented in the short term and yielded an improvement of over 40% in the expected coverage.
Complex Effect of Sm3+/W6+ Codoping on α‐β Phase Transformation and Phonon Scattering of Oxygen‐Deficient La2Mo2O9
Authors: Haoran Lu , Chang‐An Wang 
Published: March 2015

Lanthanum molybdate, La2Mo2O9, has been attracted considerable attention owing to its high concentration of intrinsic oxygen vacancies, which could be reflected by enhanced phonon scattering and low thermal conductivity. A new series of La2Mo2O9‐based oxides of the general formula La2−xSmxMo2−xWxO9, where x ≤ 0.2, were synthesized by citric acid sol–gel process. The variation in thermal conductivity with Sm3+and W6+ fractions was analyzed based on structure information provided by X‐ray diffraction and Raman spectroscopy. The fully dense La2−xSmxMo2−xWxO9 ceramics showed a minimum thermal conductivity value [κ = 0.84 W·(m·K)−1,T = 1073 K] at the composition of La1.8Sm0.2Mo1.8W0.2O9, which stems from the multiple enhanced phonon scatterings due to mass and strain fluctuations at the La3+ and Mo6+ sites as well as the high concentration of intrinsic oxygen vacancies embedded in the crystal lattice. The thermal conductivities present an abrupt decrease at the structural transition, which is due to the phase transformation from a low‐temperature ordered form (monoclinic α‐La2Mo2O9) to a high‐temperature disordered form (cubic β‐La2Mo2O9).
Preparation of M@BiFeO3 Nanocomposites (M = Ag, Au) Bowl Arrays with Enhanced Visible Light Photocatalytic Activity
Authors: Zhang Xingang , Wang Bo , Wang Xiuzhang , Xiao Xiangheng , Dai Zhigao , Wu Wei , Zheng Junfeng , Ren Feng , Jiang Changzhong 
Published: March 2015

High surface area BiFeO3 (BFO) bowl arrays photocatalyst loaded with different size noble metal nanoparticles were successfully prepared by combining templates method and thermal evaporation followed by heating. The structural and optical properties of the BiFeO3 bowl arrays and the composite M@BFO bowl arrays (M = Ag, Au) were comparatively characterized. The composite M@BFO bowl arrays showed much higher photocatalytic performance than the pure BFO bowl arrays. The enhanced photocatalytic property of the composite structure could be ascribed to the enhanced near‐field amplitudes of localized surface plasmon of the noble metal nanoparticles which boost the separation of electron–hole pairs and the transfer mechanism of electrons.
Synthesis, Crystal Structure, and Enhanced Luminescence of Garnet‐Type Ca3Ga2Ge3O12:Cr3+ by Codoping Bi3+
Authors: Liu Chengyin , Xia Zhiguo , Molokeev Maxim S. , Liu Quanlin 
Published: March 2015

Garnet‐type compound Ca3Ga2Ge3O12 and Cr3+‐doped or Cr3+/Bi3+ codped Ca3Ga2Ge3O12 phosphors were prepared by a solid‐state reaction. The crystal structure of Ca3Ga2Ge3O12 host was studied by X‐ray diffraction (XRD) analysis and further determined by the Rietveld refinement. Near‐infrared (NIR) photoluminescence (PL) and long‐lasting phosphorescence (LLP) emission can be observed from the Cr3+‐doped Ca3Ga2Ge3O12 sample, and the enhanced NIR PL emission intensity and LLP decay time can be realized in Cr3+/Bi3+ codped samples. The optimum concentration of Cr3+ in Ca3Ga2Ge3O12 phosphor was about 6 mol%, and optimum Bi3+ concentration induced the energy‐transfer (ET) process between Bi3+ and Cr3+ ions was about 30 mol%. Under different excitation wavelength from 280 to 453 nm, all the samples exhibit a broadband emission peaking at 739 nm and the intensity of NIR emission increases owing to the ET behavior from Bi3+ to Cr3+ ions. The critical ET distance has been calculated by the concentration‐quenching method. The thermally stable luminescence properties were also studied and the introduction of Bi3+ can also improve the thermal stability of the NIR emission.
Nitridation of Silicon Powders Catalyzed by Cobalt Nanoparticles
Authors: Gu Yajun , Lu Lilin , Zhang Haijun , Cao Yingnan , Li Faliang , Zhang Shaowei 
Published: March 2015

The effect of Co nanoparticles (NPs) on the nitridation of silicon (Si) was studied. CoNPs were deposited homogeneously on the surfaces of Si powders using anin situreduction method usingNaBH4as a reducing reagent.Sipowders impregnated with 0.5–2.0 wt% CoNPs were nitrided in 1200°C–1400°C for 2 h. The resultant silicon nitride powders were characterized byXRD,FE‐SEM,TEM, andEDS. The results showed that: (1) CoNPs significantly decreased the Si nitridation temperature, and the nitridation could be completed at 1300°C upon using 2 wt% CoNPs as catalysts. For comparison, the Si conversion could not be completed even at a temperature as high as 1400°C in the case without using a catalyst; (2) many Si3N4whiskers with 80–320 nm in diameter and tens micrometers in length were generated and uniformly distributed in the final products. They were single‐crystalline α‐Si3N4grown along the [101] direction. The enhanced nitridation in the case of using CoNPs as a catalyst was attributed two following factors, the increased bond length and weakened bond strength inN2caused by the electron donation from theCoatoms to theNatoms.
A Review of Depression and Quality of Life Outcomes in Adolescents Post Bariatric Surgery
Authors: Hillstrom Kathryn A. , Graves Joyce K. 
Published: March 2015

TopicA systematic review: Depression and quality of life of adolescents after bariatric surgery.PurposeReported changes in depression and quality of life among adolescents after bariatric surgery were assessed, along with the choice of tools, length of follow‐up, and age and gender trends.Sources UsedMedical and psychosocial electronic databases.ConclusionsThe majority of published studies of adolescents post bariatric surgery showed a positive reduction in depression and improvements in quality of life regardless of the amount of weight lost or type of surgery performed. Four studies measured changes only within the first year and three within 2 years; it is unknown if positive psychological benefits persisted. Patients' ages ranged from 9 to 20 years, with an average age of 16.6. A 7:3 female/male ratio presented for surgery. Three depression and six quality of life instruments were utilized; two instruments were validated for adult use only. Consistent qualitative and quantitative measures of psychological issues and quality of life specific to adolescents are necessary. Multicenter longitudinal studies are warranted to more effectively track outcomes and patients needing more support. Thus informed, a nurse or health practitioner can better advocate for the patient during the preoperative, postoperative, and follow‐up periods.
Left Atrial Appendage Conduction Jump for Real‐Time Evaluation of Conduction Block Over the Anterior Mitral Annulus Line
Authors: HUEMER MARTIN , WUTZLER ALEXANDER , PARWANI ABDUL SHOKOR , ATTANASIO PHILIPP , HEIDERFAZEL SALMAN , EWERTSEN NIELS CHRISTIAN , HAVERKAMP WILHELM , BOLDT LEIF‐HENDRIK 
Published: March 2015

LAA Conduction Jump for Real‐Time EvaluationIntroductionEvaluation of conduction over a linear ablation lesion at the anterior mitral annulus can be time‐consuming and difficult during ongoing radiofrequency application. The purpose of this study was to validate conduction time from the beginning of the p wave and from the coronary sinus ostium to the left atrial appendage (LAA) as a new method of conduction block surveillance.MethodsConduction across the anterior mitral annulus line was evaluated using a total of 55 patients. We verified completeness of conduction block by standard techniques including differential pacing, double potential mapping and activation mapping. Those methods were compared to the new method of observing an abrupt prolongation of conduction time into the LAA as well as a conduction sequence change on a circular multipolar mapping catheter placed inside the LAA during sinus rhythm.ResultsBidirectional conduction block across the ablated line was achieved in 51 (92.7%) of the patients. Prior to ablation, mean conduction time across the line was 59 ± 21 milliseconds. This value increased to 163 ± 43 milliseconds after a successful ablation. An abrupt prolongation of conduction time into the LAA of at least 50 milliseconds was observed in all patients at the moment when a complete conduction block was achieved. Additionally, a change of conduction sequence recorded with the multi‐electrode catheter placed in the LAA was observed in all of these patients.ConclusionsA sudden jump of p wave and coronary sinus ostium to LAA conduction time together with a change of conduction sequence recorded with a multi‐electrode catheter placed inside the LAA during sinus rhythm is a simple and reliable approach for beat‐to‐beat surveillance of conduction block across the anterior mitral annulus during radiofrequency ablation.
Prospective Evaluation of Bilateral Diaphragmatic Electromyograms During Cryoballoon Ablation of Atrial Fibrillation
Authors: MIYAZAKI SHINSUKE , HACHIYA HITOSHI , TANIGUCHI HIROSHI , NAKAMURA HIROAKI , ICHIHARA NOBORU , USUI EISUKE , KUROI AKIO , TAKAGI TAKAMITSU , IWASAWA JIN , HIRAO KENZO , IESAKA YOSHITO 
Published: March 2015

Bilateral Diaphragmatic CMAPs During CryoablationBackgroundLeft phrenic nerve injury (PNI) can occur during cryoballoon ablation of the left pulmonary veins (PVs). This study aimed to evaluate the feasibility of monitoring the bilateral phrenic nerve function during cryoballoon ablation of atrial fibrillation (AF).MethodsFifty consecutive paroxysmal AF patients undergoing cryoballoon ablation using one 28‐mm second‐generation balloon were prospectively enrolled. Bilateral diaphragmatic compound motor action potentials (CMAPs) were obtained from modified surface electrodes by pacing from the bilateral subclavian veins, and monitored during 3‐minute cryoballoon applications at the ipsilateral PVs.ResultsOne hundred ninety of 202 PVs were successfully isolated exclusively using 28‐mm cryoballoons. CMAPs could be obtained in all except 3 cases with catheter inaccessibility in the left subclavian vein. The left and right CMAP amplitudes were similar at baseline (1.04 ± 0.41 mV vs. 1.01 ± 0.43 mV, P = 0.49). Among 105 left and 132 right PV applications while monitoring CMAPs, 2 (1.9%) and 13 (9.8%) applications were interrupted for a decreased CMAP amplitude (P = 0.01). Among them, CMAPs decreased due to right PNI in 4 applications/patients and to catheter dislodgement in the remaining applications. PNI remained in 1 and recovered in the remaining 3 patients one day after the procedure. Applications without requiring interruptions exhibited no significant CMAP amplitude changes throughout the applications, and the time‐course pattern was similar between the bilateral CMAPs (P = 0.292).ConclusionsA stable bilateral diaphragmatic CMAP could be similarly obtained during cryoballoon applications in the vast majority of patients. Monitoring CMAPs might be useful to anticipate not only right but also left PNI during cryoballoon ablation.
Relationship Between Short‐Term Blood Pressure Variability and Subclinical Renal Damage in Essential Hypertensive Patients
Authors: Mulè Giuseppe , Calcaterra Ilenia , Costanzo Miriam , Geraci Giulio , Guarino Laura , Foraci Anna C. , Vario Maria G. , Cerasola Giovanni , Cottone Santina 
Published: March 2015

The authors aimed to analyze the relationship between subclinical renal damage, defined as the presence of microalbuminuria or an estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) between 30 mL/min/1.73 m2 and 60 mL/min/1.73 m2 and short‐term blood pressure (BP) variability, assessed as average real variability (ARV), weighted standard deviation (SD) of 24‐hour BP, and SD of daytime and nighttime BP. A total of 328 hypertensive patients underwent 24‐hour ambulatory BP monitoring, 24‐hour albumin excretion rate determination, and eGFR calculation using the Chronic Kidney Disease Epidemiology Collaboration equation. ARV of 24‐hour systolic BP (SBP) was significantly higher in patients with subclinical renal damage (P=.001). This association held (P=.04) after adjustment for potential confounders. In patients with microalbuminuria, ARV of 24‐hour SBP, weighted SD of 24‐hour SBP, and SD of daytime SBP were also independently and inversely related to eGFR. These results seem to suggest that in essential hypertension, short‐term BP variability is independently associated with early renal abnormalities.
Verbascoside down‐regulates some pro‐inflammatory signal transduction pathways by increasing the activity of tyrosine phosphatase SHP‐1 in the U937 cell line
Authors: Pesce Mirko , Franceschelli Sara , Ferrone Alessio , De Lutiis Maria Anna , Patruno Antonia , Grilli Alfredo , Felaco Mario , Speranza Lorenza 
Published: March 2015

AbstractPolyphenols are the major components of many traditional herbal remedies, which exhibit several beneficial effects including anti‐inflammation and antioxidant properties. Src homology region 2 domain‐containing phosphatase‐1 (SHP‐1) is a redox sensitive protein tyrosine phosphatase that negatively influences downstream signalling molecules, such as mitogen‐activated protein kinases, thereby inhibiting inflammatory signalling induced by lipopolysaccharide (LPS). Because a role of transforming growth factor β‐activated kinase‐1 (TAK1) in the upstream regulation of JNK molecule has been well demonstrated, we conjectured that SHP‐1 could mediate the anti‐inflammatory effect of verbascoside through the regulation of TAK‐1/JNK/AP‐1 signalling in the U937 cell line. Our results demonstrate that verbascoside increased the phosphorylation of SHP‐1, by attenuating the activation of TAK‐1/JNK/AP‐1 signalling. This leads to a reduction in the expression and activity of both COX and NOS. Moreover, SHP‐1 depletion deletes verbascoside inhibitory effects on pro‐inflammatory molecules induced by LPS. Our data confirm that SHP‐1 plays a critical role in restoring the physiological mechanisms of inducible proteins such as COX2 and iNOS, and that the down‐regulation of TAK‐1/JNK/AP‐1 signalling by targeting SHP‐1 should be considered as a new therapeutic strategy for the treatment of inflammatory diseases.
Homocysteine plasma levels in psoriasis patients: our experience and review of the literature
Authors: Giannoni M. , Consales V. , Campanati A. , Ganzetti G. , Giuliodori K. , Postacchini V. , Liberati G. , Azzaretto L. , Vichi S. , Guanciarossa F. , Offidani A. 
Published: March 2015

AbstractBackgroundPeople with psoriasis are at higher cardiovascular risk. Plasma levels of homocysteine over the normal range have been recognized as marker of cardiovascular risk. Psoriasis patients express higher levels of plasma homocysteine than healthy people.ObjectiveOur study aims to investigate the correlation between homocysteinaemia, severity and duration of psoriasis and psoriasis arthritis, and to evaluate the effect of a 12‐week administration of a target therapy for psoriasis on homocysteinaemia.MethodsFifty‐two psoriasis patients (study group) submitted to different kind of therapy for psoriasis (biological, systemic not biological and topical) and 24 healthy Italian subject (control group) were evaluated for their plasmatic homocysteine levels, both at baseline (T0) and 12 weeks after they a specific therapy for psoriasis.ResultsA significant difference between the homocysteinaemia of psoriasis patients (mean 19.71 ± 11.16) and control group (13.90 ± 11.18), P < 0.05 (Fig. 1), was found at baseline (T0). The mean plasma levels of homocysteine were directly correlated with disease severity (P = 0.0401), but not with disease duration (P = 0.6018) or presence of arthritis (P = 0.6221) at baseline. None among the treatments administered to psoriasis patients caused a significant reduction in homocysteinaemia after 12 weeks of treatment.ConclusionOur results confirm that psoriasis patients with more severe disease, can have hyperhomocysteinaemia, without regard to disease duration or joint involvement. Hyperhomocysteinaemia is not influenced by a target therapy for psoriasis and it is as greater as psoriasis severity. However, limitation of our study is the relatively small number of cases. Homocysteine plasmatic levels should be advisable as a further independent risk factor for cardiovascular disease in psoriasis patients.
Antiviral gene expression in psoriasis
Authors: Raposo R.A. , Gupta R. , Abdel‐Mohsen M. , Dimon M. , Debbaneh M. , Jiang W. , York V.A. , Leadabrand K.S. , Brown G. , Malakouti M. , Arron S. , Kuebler P.J. , Wu J.J. , Pillai S.K. , Nixon D.F. , Liao W. 
Published: March 2015

AbstractBackgroundPsoriasis patients have relatively infrequent cutaneous viral infections compared to atopic dermatitis patients. Increased expression of four antiviral proteins (MX1, BST2, ISG15 and OAS2) has been reported in psoriatic skin and genetic studies of psoriasis have identified susceptibility genes in antiviral pathways.ObjectiveTo determine if psoriasis is associated with pervasive expression of antiviral genes in skin and blood.MethodsWe performed RNA sequencing on skin samples of 18 subjects with chronic plaque psoriasis and 16 healthy controls. We examined the expression of a predefined set of 42 antiviral genes, each of which has been shown in previous studies to inhibit viral replication. In parallel, we examined antiviral gene expression in atopic dermatitis, non‐lesional psoriatic skin and psoriatic blood. We performed HIV‐1 infectivity assays in CD4+ peripheral blood T cells from psoriatic and healthy individuals.ResultsWe observed significant overexpression of 16 antiviral genes in lesional psoriatic skin, with a greater than two‐fold increase in ISG15, RSAD2, IRF7, MX2 and TRIM22 (P < 1E‐07). None of these genes was overexpressed in atopic dermatitis skin (P < 0.0001) or non‐lesional psoriatic skin. In contrast to the skin compartment, no differences in antiviral gene expression were detected in the peripheral blood of psoriasis cases compared to healthy controls. CD4+ T cells from both psoriatic and healthy patients supported HIV‐1 infection at a similar rate.ConclusionOur findings highlight psoriasis as an inflammatory disease with cutaneous but not systemic immune activation against viral pathogens.