bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Synthesis, Characterization, and Catalytic Studies of Mn(III)-Schiff Base-Dicyanamide Complexes: Checking the Rhombicity Effect in Peroxidase Studies
Authors: Bermejo Manuel R. , Carballido Rocío , Fernández-García M. Isabel , González-Noya Ana M. , González-Riopedre Gustavo , Maneiro Marcelino , Rodríguez-Silva Laura
Published: August 2017

The condensation of 3-methoxy-2-hydroxybenzaldehyde and the diamines 1,2-diphenylendiamine, 1,2-diamine-2-methylpropane and 1,3-propanediamine yielded the dianionic tetradentate Schiff base ligands N,N′-bis(2-hydroxy-4-methoxybenzylidene)-1,2-diphenylendiimine (H2L1), N,N′-bis(2-hydroxy-4-methoxybenzylidene)-1,2-diamino-2-methylpropane (H2L2) and N,N′-bis(2-hydroxy-4-methoxybenzylidene)-1,3-diaminopropane (H2L3) respectively. The organic compounds H2L1 and H2L2 have been characterized by elemental analysis, IR, 1H and 13C NMR spectroscopies and mass spectrometry electrospray (ES). The crystal structure of H2L2 in solid state, solved by X-ray crystallography, is highly conditioned in the solid state by two N-H•••N intramolecular interactions. The synthesis of three new manganese(III) complexes 1–3, incorporating these ligands, H2L1–H2L3, and dicyanamide (DCA), is reported. The complexes 1–3 have been physicochemically characterized by elemental analysis, IR and paramagnetic 1H NMR spectroscopy, ESI mass spectrometry, magnetic moment at room temperature and conductivity measurements. Complex 1 has been crystallographically characterized. The X-ray structure shows the self-assembly of the Mn(III)-Schiff base-DCA complex through µ-aquo bridges between neighbouring axial water molecules and also by π-π stacking interactions, establishing a dimeric structure. The manganese complexes were also tested as peroxidase mimics for the H2O2-mediated reaction with the water-soluble trap ABTS, showing complexes 1-2 relevant peroxidase activity in contrast with 3. The rhombicity around the metal ion can explain this catalytic behaviour.
More Than a Decade of Misdiagnosis of Alternating Hemiplegia of Childhood with Catastrophic Outcome
Authors: Algahtani Hussein , Ibrahim Bashair , Shirah Bader , Aldarmahi Ahmad , Abdullah Ahad
Published: August 2017

Alternating hemiplegia of childhood (AHC) is a distinct clinical disorder characterized by recurrent episodes of hemiplegia, abnormal ocular movement, and progressive developmental delay. It is an extremely rare genetic disorder related to ATP1A3 gene mutations. In this paper, we present a case of AHC in which the diagnosis was missed for many years until severe hypoxic brain insult occurred from prolonged status epilepticus. Not only we are presenting an interesting clinical entity and radiological images, but also we are shedding the light on a rare genetic disease with catastrophic sequelae. The challenges in diagnosis and treatment lead to a poor outcome as seen in our case. Although early recognition and accurate diagnosis and treatment of the disease may not change the outcome, counseling of the family may change their expectation and reduce their frustration. Referral to a center with expertise in genetic disorders and access to genetic laboratories is of paramount importance in the diagnosis of this disease. Due to the rarity of this disease in Saudi Arabia, a genotype-phenotype correlation is not feasible.
Electronic Cigarette Use among Mississippi Adults, 2015
Authors: Mendy Vincent L. , Vargas Rodolfo , Cannon-Smith Gerri , Payton Marinelle , Byambaa Enkhmaa , Zhang Lei
Published: August 2017

Electronic cigarettes (e-cigarettes) are battery-powered devices that deliver nicotine in the form of aerosol. We identify differences and associations in e-cigarette use by sociodemographic characteristics and describe the reported reasons for initiating use among Mississippi adults. We used the 2015 Mississippi Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System, which collected information on e-cigarette use from 6,035 respondents. The prevalence of current e-cigarette use and having ever tried an e-cigarette was determined overall and by sociodemographic characteristics. Weighted prevalences and 95% confidence intervals were calculated, and prevalences for subgroups were compared using the X2 tests and associations were assessed using logistic regression. In 2015, 4.7% of Mississippi adults currently used e-cigarettes, while 20.5% had ever tried an e-cigarette. The prevalence of current e-cigarette use was significantly higher for young adults, whites, men, individuals unable to work, those with income $35,000–$49,999, and current smokers compared to their counterparts. Similar results were observed for having ever tried an e-cigarette. E-cigarette use was associated with age, race, income, and smoking status. Most (71.2%) of current e-cigarette users and over half (52.1%) of those who have ever tried e-cigarettes reported that a main reason for trying or using e-cigarettes was “to cut down or quit smoking.”
Population Genetic Structure and Genetic Diversity in Twisted-Jaw Fish,Belodontichthys truncatusKottelat & Ng, 1999 (Siluriformes: Siluridae), from Mekong Basin
Authors: Yodsiri Surapon , Wongpakam Komgrit , Ardharn Adisak , Senakun Chadaporn , Khumkratok Sutthira
Published: August 2017

The Mekong River and its tributaries possess the second highest diversity in fish species in the world. However, the fish biodiversity in this river is threatened by several human activities, such as hydropower plant construction. Understanding the genetic diversity and genetic structure of the species is important for natural resource management.Belodontichthys truncatusKottelat & Ng is endemic to the Mekong River basin and is an important food source for people in this area. In this study, the genetic diversity, genetic structure, and demographic history of the twisted-jaw fish,B. truncatus,were investigated using mitochondrialcytochrome bgene sequences. A total of 124 fish specimens were collected from 10 locations in the Mekong and its tributaries. Relatively high genetic diversity was found in populations ofB. truncatuscompared to other catfish species in the Mekong River. The genetic structure analysis revealed that a population from the Chi River in Thailand was genetically significantly different from other populations, which is possibly due to the effect of genetic drift. Demographic history analysis indicated thatB. truncatushas undergone recent demographic expansion dating back to the end of the Pleistocene glaciation.
Myoepithelioma of the Parotid Gland: A Case Report with Review of the Literature and Classic Histopathology
Authors: Weitzel Mark , Cohn Jason E. , Spector Harvey
Published: August 2017

Myoepithelioma is a rare salivary gland neoplasm. They most commonly affect the major and minor salivary glands with the parotid gland being the most common, approximately 40%. Only 1% of all salivary gland neoplasms are myoepitheliomas. Myoepithelioma is usually a benign tumor arising from neoplastic myoepithelial or basket cells which are found between the basement membrane and the basal plasma membrane of acinar cells. They also contain multiple cellular elements. We present a case of a 73-year-old female with myoepithelioma of the parotid gland, an extremely rare neoplasm. There have been approximately 42 cases reported through 1985 and fewer than 100 cases through 1993. We will discuss the clinical presentation, pathophysiology, diagnosis, and treatment of such neoplasms.
Symmetric Blind Decryption with Perfect Secrecy
Authors: Partala Juha
Published: August 2017

A blind decryption scheme enables a user to query decryptions from a decryption server without revealing information about the plain-text message. Such schemes are useful, for example, for the implementation of privacy-preserving encrypted file storages and payment systems. In terms of functionality, blind decryption is close to oblivious transfer. For noiseless channels, information-theoretically secure oblivious transfer is impossible. However, in this paper, we show that this is not the case for blind decryption. We formulate a definition of perfect secrecy of symmetric blind decryption for the following setting: at most one of the scheme participants is a passive adversary (honest-but-curious). We also devise a symmetric blind decryption scheme based on modular arithmetic on a ring Zp2, where p is a prime, and show that it satisfies our notion of perfect secrecy.
Appendicitis Caused by Primary Varicella Zoster Virus Infection in a Child with DiGeorge Syndrome
Authors: Smedegaard Lotte Møller , Christiansen Claus Bohn , Melchior Linea Cecilie , Poulsen Anja
Published: August 2017

Introduction. Chickenpox is caused by varicella zoster virus (VZV). Although predominantly a mild disease, it can cause considerable morbidity and in rare occasions even mortality in healthy children as well as increased morbidity and mortality in immunocompromised patients. The aetiology of appendicitis is largely unknown but is thought to be multifactorial. Appendicitis is a suspected, but not well documented, complication from varicella zoster virus infection. Case Presentation. A five-year-old girl diagnosed with DiGeorge syndrome and a prolonged primary VZV infection was admitted due to abdominal pain, increasing diarrhoea, vomiting, and poor general condition. She developed perforated appendicitis and an intraperitoneal abscess. VZV DNA was detected by PCR in two samples from the appendix and pus from the abdomen, respectively. The child was treated with acyclovir and antibiotics and the abscess was drained twice. She was discharged two weeks after referral with no sequela. Conclusion. Abdominal pain in children with viral infections can be a challenge, and appendicitis has to be considered as a complication to acute viral diseases, especially if the child is immunocompromised.
Prediction of Individual Social-Demographic Role Based on Travel Behavior Variability Using Long-Term GPS Data
Authors: Zhu Lei , Gonder Jeffrey , Lin Lei
Published: August 2017

With the development of and advances in smartphones and global positioning system (GPS) devices, travelers’ long-term travel behaviors are not impossible to obtain. This study investigates the pattern of individual travel behavior and its correlation with social-demographic features. For different social-demographic groups (e.g., full-time employees and students), the individual travel behavior may have specific temporal-spatial-mobile constraints. The study first extracts the home-based tours, including Home-to-Home and Home-to-Non-Home, from long-term raw GPS data. The travel behavior pattern is then delineated by home-based tour features, such as departure time, destination location entropy, travel time, and driving time ratio. The travel behavior variability describes the variances of travelers’ activity behavior features for an extended period. After that, the variability pattern of an individual’s travel behavior is used for estimating the individual’s social-demographic information, such as social-demographic role, by a supervised learning approach, support vector machine. In this study, a long-term (18-month) recorded GPS data set from Puget Sound Regional Council is used. The experiment’s result is very promising. The sensitivity analysis shows that as the number of tours thresholds increases, the variability of most travel behavior features converges, while the prediction performance may not change for the fixed test data.
Effect of Spherical Aberration on the Optical Quality after Implantation of Two Different Aspherical Intraocular Lenses
Authors: Lasta Michael , Miháltz Kata , Kovács Illés , Vécsei-Marlovits Pia Veronika
Published: August 2017

Purpose. To compare the effect of spherical aberration on optical quality in eyes with two different aspherical intraocular lenses. Methods. 120 eyes of 60 patients underwent phacoemulsification. In patients’ eyes, an aberration-free IOL (Aspira-aA; Human Optics) or an aberration-correcting aspherical IOL (Tecnis ZCB00; Abott Medical Optics) was randomly implanted. After surgery, contrast sensitivity and wavefront measurements as well as tilt and decentration measurements were performed. Results. Contrast sensitivity was significantly higher in eyes with Aspira lens under mesopic conditions with 12 cycles per degree (CPD) and under photopic conditions with 18 CPD (p=0.02). Wavefront measurements showed a higher total spherical aberration with a minimal pupil size of 4 mm in the Aspira group (0.05 ± 0.03) than in the Tecnis group (0.03 ± 0.02) (p=0.001). Strehl ratio was higher in eyes with Tecnis (0.28 ± 0.17) with a minimal pupil size larger than 5 mm than that with Aspira (0.16 ± 0.14) (p=0.04). In pupils with a minimum diameter of 4 mm spherical aberration had a significant effect on Strehl ratio, but not in pupils with a diameter less than 4 mm. Conclusions. Optical quality was better in eyes with the aberration-correcting Tecnis IOL when pupils were large. In contrast, this could not be shown in eyes with pupils under 4 mm or larger. This trial is registered with Clinicaltrials.gov NCT03224728.
Products of Compartmental Models in Epidemiology
Authors: Worden Lee , Porco Travis C.
Published: August 2017

We show that many structured epidemic models may be described using a straightforward product structure in this paper. Such products, derived from products of directed graphs, may represent useful refinements including geographic and demographic structure, age structure, gender, risk groups, or immunity status. Extension to multistrain dynamics, that is, pathogen heterogeneity, is also shown to be feasible in this framework. Systematic use of such products may aid in model development and exploration, can yield insight, and could form the basis of a systematic approach to numerical structural sensitivity analysis.
Nuclear Envelope Rupture Is Enhanced by Loss of p53 or Rb
Authors: Yang Zhe , Maciejowski John , de Lange Titia
Published: August 2017

The mammalian nuclear envelope (NE) forms a stable physical barrier between the nucleus and the cytoplasm, normally breaking down only during mitosis. However, spontaneous transient NE rupture in interphase can occur when NE integrity is compromised, such as when the nucleus experiences mechanical stress. For instance, deficiencies in the nuclear lamins and their associated proteins can cause NE rupture that is promoted by forces exerted by actin filaments. NE rupture can allow cytoplasmic nucleases to access chromatin, potentially compromising genome integrity. Importantly, spontaneous NE rupture was noted in several human cancer cell lines, but the cause of this defect is not known. Here, we investigated the mechanistic contributions of two major tumor suppressors, p53 (TP53) and Rb (RB1), to the repression of NE rupture. NE rupture was induced in normal human epithelial RPE-1 cells upon impairment of either Rb or p53 achieved by shRNA knockdown and CRISPR/Cas9 gene editing. NE rupture did not involve diminished expression of NE components or greater cell motility. However, cells that underwent NE rupture displayed a larger nuclear projection area. In conclusion, the data indicate that NE rupture in cancer cells is likely due to loss of either the Rb or the p53 pathway.

Implications: These findings imply that tumor suppression by Rb and p53 includes the ability to prevent NE rupture, thereby protecting against genome alterations. Mol Cancer Res; 15(11); 1579–86. ©2017 AACR.
Chemoradiotherapy Resistance in Colorectal Cancer Cells is Mediated by Wnt/β-catenin Signaling
Authors: Emons Georg , Spitzner Melanie , Reineke Sebastian , Möller Janneke , Auslander Noam , Kramer Frank , Hu Yue , Beissbarth Tim , Wolff Hendrik A. , Rave-Fränk Margret , Heßmann Elisabeth , Gaedcke Jochen , Ghadimi B. Michael , Johnsen Steven A. , Ried Thomas , Grade Marian
Published: August 2017

Activation of Wnt/β-catenin signaling plays a central role in the development and progression of colorectal cancer. The Wnt-transcription factor, TCF7L2, is overexpressed in primary rectal cancers that are resistant to chemoradiotherapy and TCF7L2 mediates resistance to chemoradiotherapy. However, it is unclear whether the resistance is mediated by a TCF7L2 inherent mechanism or Wnt/β-catenin signaling in general. Here, inhibition of β-catenin by siRNAs or a small-molecule inhibitor (XAV-939) resulted in sensitization of colorectal cancer cells to chemoradiotherapy. To investigate the potential role of Wnt/β-catenin signaling in controlling therapeutic responsiveness, nontumorigenic RPE-1 cells were stimulated with Wnt-3a, a physiologic ligand of Frizzled receptors, which increased resistance to chemoradiotherapy. This effect could be recapitulated by overexpression of a degradation-resistant mutant of β-catenin (S33Y), also boosting resistance of RPE-1 cells to chemoradiotherapy, which was, conversely, abrogated by siRNA-mediated silencing of β-catenin. Consistent with these findings, higher expression levels of active β-catenin were observed as well as increased TCF/LEF reporter activity in SW1463 cells that evolved radiation resistance due to repeated radiation treatment. Global gene expression profiling identified several altered pathways, including PPAR signaling and other metabolic pathways, associated with cellular response to radiation. In summary, aberrant activation of Wnt/β-catenin signaling not only regulates the development and progression of colorectal cancer, but also mediates resistance of rectal cancers to chemoradiotherapy.

Implications: Targeting Wnt/β-catenin signaling or one of the downstream pathways represents a promising strategy to increase response to chemoradiotherapy. Mol Cancer Res; 15(11); 1481–90. ©2017 AACR.
Mechanical Thrombectomy for Middle Cerebral Artery Division Occlusions: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Salahuddin Hisham , Espinosa Aixa , Buehler Mark , Khuder Sadik A. , Khan Abdur R. , Tietjen Gretchen , Zaidi Syed , Jumaa Mouhammad A.
Published: August 2017

Background: Middle cerebral artery division (M2) occlusion was significantly underrepresented in recent mechanical thrombectomy (MT) randomized controlled trials, and the approach to this disease remains heterogeneous. Objective: To conduct a systematic review and meta-analysis of outcomes at 90 days among patients undergoing MT for M2 middle cerebral artery (MCA) occlusions. Methods: Five clinical databases were searched from inception through September 2016. Observational studies reporting 90-day modified Rankin Scale scores for patients undergoing MT for M2 MCA occlusions with an M1 MCA control group were selected. The primary outcome of interest was good clinical outcome 90 days after MT of an M1 or M2 MCA occlusion. Secondary outcomes of interest included mortality and excellent clinical outcome, recanalization rates, significant intracerebral hemorrhage, and procedural complications. Results: A total of 323 publications were identified, and 237 potentially relevant articles were screened. Six studies were included in the analysis (M1 = 1,203, M2 = 258; total n = 1,461). We found no significant differences in good clinical outcomes (1.10 [95% CI, 0.83-1.44]), excellent clinical outcomes (1.07 [0.65-1.79]), mortality at 3 months (0.85 [0.58-1.24]), recanalization rates (1.06 [0.32-3.48]), and significant intracranial hemorrhage (1.19 [0.61-2.30]). Conclusions: MT of M2 MCA occlusions is as safe as that of main trunk MCA occlusions, and comparable in terms of clinical outcomes and hemorrhagic complications. Randomized clinical trials are needed to assess the impact of MT in patients with M2 occlusions, given that M1 MCA occlusions have different natural histories than M2 occlusions.
Effects of Riboflavin and Ultraviolet Illumination on the Biomechanical Properties of Conjunctiva
Authors: Chan Harrison Man Hin , Choy Bonnie Nga Kwan , Lai Jimmy Shiu Ming
Published: August 2017

Purpose: Our experiment evaluated the biomechanical effects of riboflavin and ultraviolet A illumination, in terms of covalent bonding, permeability, and indentation rupture force, on excised cattle conjunctiva. Materials and Methods: Cattle conjunctiva was extracted and divided into the treatment group, which was soaked in riboflavin, followed by ultraviolet light illumination, and the control group. Samples were subsequently analysed on a Fourier transform infrared spectrum test to identify the presence of amide bonds, a permeability test to assess the diffusion of methylene blue across conjunctiva, and an indentation rupture force test. Results: The Fourier transform infrared spectrum test showed a significantly increased amide I band after treatment (p = 0.043), as well as in amide II, amide A, and amide B bands. The permeability test showed a reduced permeability to methylene blue after treatment (n = 25) compared to the control (n = 24; p = 0.03). The indentation rupture test showed a higher maximal rupture force in the treated samples (n = 10; p = 0.07). Conclusions: The study suggested that riboflavin and ultraviolet A illumination (commercially available as collagen crosslinking) strengthened cattle conjunctiva by increasing its amount of covalent bonds, reducing its permeability, and possibly improving its resistance to rupture. This is the first study in the collagen crosslinking literature on the biomechanical properties of conjunctival tissue.
Effects of Standardized Home Training in Patients with Cognitive Impairment following Geriatric Rehabilitation: A Randomized Controlled Pilot Study
Authors: Hauer Klaus , Ullrich Phoebe , Dutzi Ilona , Beurskens Rainer , Kern Sylvia , Bauer Jürgen , Schwenk Michael
Published: August 2017

Background: Post-ward geriatric rehabilitation programs have hardly been developed and validated, which leaves a substantial gap in rehabilitative care in older adults and hinders full exploitation of maintained, but often unrecognized rehabilitation potentials. Geriatric rehabilitation patients with cognitive impairment represent a highly vulnerable population which is often affected by a lack of an ongoing support at the intersection between ward-based and post-ward rehabilitation. Objective: To determine the effect of a standardized home-based training program in geriatric patients with cognitive impairment following ward-based rehabilitation. Methods: A randomized controlled, single-blinded intervention trial (RCT) with wait list control design was used. Geriatric patients (n = 34; age: 81.9 ± 5.7 years) with cognitive impairment (MMSE: 18.8 ± 4.7), identified by predefined in- and exclusion criteria, were consecutively recruited from a geriatric rehab ward. Patients in the intervention group (IG, n = 17) performed a 6-week strength and functional home training. The control group (CG, n = 17) started an identical training 6 weeks later with an initial usual care period during the intervention for the IG. Functional performance (Short Physical Performance Battery; SPPB), clinically relevant functional deficits (Performance Oriented Assessment; POMA), and physical activity (Assessment of Physical Activity For Older Persons questionnaire; APAFOP) represented primary outcome measurements complemented by additional secondary outcome parameters. Results: The IG significantly increased functional performances in SPPB (total score: p = 0.012; chair rise: p = 0.007, balance: p = 0.066), reduced gait and balance deficits in POMA (total score: p = 0.006; balance: p = 0.034; gait: p = 0.019), and increased physical activity (APAFOP; p = 0.05) compared to the CG. Effect sizes showed medium to large effects for significant parameters (eta2 = 0.14-0.45). Training benefits and adherence were more pronounced following the immediate onset of post-ward training compared to a delayed start (eta2 = 0.06-0.23). Conclusion: Results of this pilot study show that a feasible and easy to handle, home-based rehabilitation program increased functional performance and physical activity in a vulnerable, multimorbid patient group with cognitive impairment, in particular when the post-ward training onset was not postponed.
One-Year Conservative Care Using Sodium Bicarbonate Supplementation Is Associated with a Decrease in Electronegative LDL in Chronic Kidney Disease Patients: A Pilot Study
Authors: Rizzetto Felipe , Mafra Denise , Barra Ana Beatriz , Pires de Melo Gisella , Abdalla Dulcinéia Saes Parra , Leite Jr. Maurilo
Published: August 2017

Background: Chronic kidney disease (CKD) patients develop metabolic acidosis when approaching stages 3 and 4, a period in which accelerated atherogenesis may ensue. Studies in vitro show that low pH may increase low-density lipoprotein (LDL) oxidation, suggesting a role for chronic metabolic acidosis in atherosclerosis. The present study attempted to evaluate the effects of conservative care using oral sodium bicarbonate (NaHCO3) supplementation on the electronegative LDL [LDL(-)], a minimally oxidized LDL, plasma levels in CKD patients. Methods: Thirty-one CKD patients were followed by a multidisciplinary team during 15 months of care in which 1.0 mmol/kg/day oral NaHCO3 supplementation was first given in the third month. Blood samples were collected 3 months before the initiation of oral NaHCO3 supplementation (T1), at the time of the beginning of supplementation (T2), and thereafter, each 4 months (T3, T4 and T5) until month 15 of care. Blood parameters and LDL(-) were measured from these collections. Results: After 12 months of conservative care, creatinine clearance (MDRD) was kept stable, and serum bicarbonate (HCO3-) increased from 20.5 ± 2.9 to 22.6 ± 1.1 mM (p < 0.003). LDL(-) plasma levels declined from 4.5 ± 3.3 to 2.1 ± 0.9 U/L (p < 0.007) after reaching mean serum HCO3- levels of 22.6 ± 1.1 mM. Conclusions: Conservative care using oral NaHCO3 supplementation was able to stabilize renal function and decrease serum levels of LDL(-), a modified proatherogenic lipoprotein, only when mean serum HCO3- levels approached 22 mM. This study constitutes evidence that alkali therapy, in addition to its beneficial effect on renal disease progression, might serve as a preventive strategy to attenuate atherogenesis in CKD patients.
Application of BI-RADS Descriptors in Contrast-Enhanced Dual-Energy Mammography: Comparison with MRI
Authors: Knogler Thomas , Homolka Peter , Hoernig Mathias , Leithner Robert , Langs Georg , Waitzbauer Martin , Pinker Katja , Leitner Sabine , Helbich Thomas H.
Published: August 2017

Background: Contrast-enhanced (CE) magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) BI-RADS descriptors are used in the evaluation of contrast-enhanced dual-energy mammography (CEDEM) images of mass lesions and are assumed to be applicable. Patients and Methods: Patients with suspicious mass lesions on mammography (BI-RADS 4 or 5) were included. CEDEM examinations were performed using a modified prototype unit. CE-MRI was performed using a high temporal and high spatial resolution imaging protocol. 2 blinded breast radiologists evaluated all images using criteria related to contrast enhancement intensity and morphology according to the BI-RADS lexicon (5th edition) in 2 sessions. Histopathology was used as the standard of reference. Results: 11 patients with 5 benign and 6 malignant index lesions were included. Enhancement characteristics were similar in the malignant cases. Enhancement of the benign lesions was moderate on CEDEM and strong on MRI. Discrepancies in the BI-RADS descriptors did not influence the final BI-RADS score. Overall, the BI-RADS assessment was almost identical in all cases. 1 malignant lesion was rated BI-RADS 4 with CEDEM and BI-RADS 5 with MRI, and 1 benign was rated BI-RADS 2 and BI-RADS 1, respectively. Conclusion: MRI BI-RADS descriptors of contrast-enhancing lesions can be applied for the morphologic analysis of mass lesions on CEDEM.
Management of the Perineum during Delivery with the Kiwi Omnicup: Effects of Mediolateral Episiotomy on Anal Sphincter Tears in Nulliparous Women
Authors: Bodner-Adler Barbara , Kimberger Oliver , Käfer Andreas , Husslein Peter , Bodner Klaus
Published: August 2017

Aim: The main objective of this study was to evaluate the association of mediolateral episiotomy with severe perineal trauma during Kiwi omnicup vacuum delivery. Methods: This retrospective study analyzed all Kiwi omnicup vacuum deliveries between 2010 and 2015 in nulliparous women. Secondary outcomes of interest included frequency of genital tract trauma, outcome of Kiwi extraction and influence on neonatal parameters. Results: A total of 572 nulliparous women who were delivered with the aid of vacuum were analyzed. Successful completion of birth was achieved in 549/572 (96%) resulting in a failure rate of 4%. Out of 572 women, 372 (65%) underwent the Kiwi vacuum delivery system in conjunction with episiotomy. Third- or fourth-degree perineal tears occurred in 38 out of the 572 (6.6%) women and the rate of severe perineal trauma was statistically and significantly lower in women who delivered with the aid of the Kiwi vacuum in conjunction with episiotomy (p = 0.0001). Besides, perineal tears of all degrees, vaginal tears and labial trauma were significantly less common in the Kiwi vacuum delivery system when combined with mediolateral episiotomy (p = 0.0001, p = 0.006, and p = 0.0001, respectively). Conclusion: Our data showed that the performance of a mediolateral episiotomy was associated with a decreased risk of severe perineal tears as well as vaginal and labial trauma in Kiwi omnicup vacuum deliveries.
Bronchial Embolization with an Endobronchial Watanabe Spigot for Broncho-Gastric Tube Fistula
Authors: Inage Terunaga , Nakajima Takahiro , Fujiwara Taiki , Murakami Kentaro , Uesato Masaya , Matsubara Hisahiro , Yoshino Ichiro
Published: August 2017

Anastomotic failure of a gastric tube inserted for reconstruction following esophagectomy, which is relatively rare, causes pleural infection and persistent pleural irritation, leading to communication with the pulmonary parenchyma. Although several interventions have been reported to treat such broncho-gastric tube fistulas, refractory cases remain. We herein report the successful treatment by endoscopic bronchial occlusion with an endobronchial Watanabe spigot in 2 patients who suffered from the above complication.
Political Famines in the USSR and China: A Comparative Analysis
Authors: Graziosi Andrea
Published: August 2017

This article offers a comparative study of the domestic and international dimensions of two calamitous famines in Communist countries: one in the USSR engendered by Iosif Stalin's Great Turning Point (1928–1934) and the other in the People's Republic of China in connection with Mao Zedong's Great Leap Forward (1958–1962). The article traces the historical roots of these catastrophes and explains how Sino-Soviet interactions affected the genesis of the famine in China. It also discusses the long-term consequences of these avoidable tragedies, comparing their impact on subsequent Soviet and Chinese history. A close look at the evident affinity between the famines opens new and at times unexpected vistas, which allow us not only to get a better grasp of each event in its own specificity but also to shed new light on fundamental questions.
The Limits of Dialogue: Washington, Havana, and Miami, 1977–1980
Authors: Kami Hideaki
Published: August 2017

This article explores the complex interactions between diplomacy and human migration as a fundamental component of U.S.-Cuban relations in the late 1970s. It assesses U.S. and Cuban leaders’ intentions in pursuing bilateral normalization, as well as their responses to the competing opinions of the Cuban-American community in Miami. The article also examines the opening of the secret U.S.-Cuban talks, the growing mistrust and suspicion among Washington and Havana, and the breakdown of communications prior to the Mariel boatlift of 1980. Drawing on U.S., Cuban, and Cuban-American resources, the article shows that the complex triangular relationship linking Washington, Havana, and Miami was crucial in the short-lived U.S.-Cuban dialogue. The article demonstrates that miscommunication and disagreements over Cuban migration were just as important as the U.S.-Cuban clash over the Cold War in Africa in undermining the spirit of that dialogue.
The Crisis of NATO Political Consultation, 1973–1974: From DEFCON III to the Atlantic Declaration
Authors: Hatzivassiliou Evanthis
Published: August 2017

After war broke out between Arab countries and Israel in October 1973, the U.S. government asked its allies in the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) to do the unthinkable: establish an agreed position on an ongoing “out-of-area” crisis. Then, on 25 October, the United States unilaterally raised the alert level of its armed forces to DEFCON III, affecting the NATO area without consulting any allies. These actions constituted a radical departure from established NATO practice and angered the Europeans. U.S. officials, for their part, were upset at what they saw as a dismal European failure to support U.S. objectives in the Middle East crisis. In subsequent months, NATO frantically searched for ways to improve consultation, especially on out-of-area issues. The outcome in 1974 was the promulgation of the Atlantic Declaration, along with a series of functional reforms in alliance consultation procedures. The crisis forced NATO to adjust to the new trends of globalization that were rapidly becoming evident.
The First Cold War Spy Novel: The Origins and Afterlife of Humphrey Slater's Conspirator
Authors: Fedyashin Anton
Published: August 2017

This article analyzes Humphrey Slater's Conspirator (1948) as the first identifiable Cold War spy novel and uses textual analysis and new archival findings to place the novel into its proper historical and intellectual context. As a quasi-autobiographical confession, the novel predated The God That Failed in introducing its readers to the psychology and lifestyle of Western Communists in the 1930s and 1940s. Conspirator explores how new postwar strategic realities affected Soviet policies and helped to spur changes in the intelligence-gathering methods of the Soviet security apparatus. The novel's publication and its adaptation by Hollywood demonstrate the impact of British fiction on the process of constructing the image of a Cold War nemesis in the United States.
A Study of the Buddhist Stone Reliefs of Mt. Hiko and the Influence of Shugendo in the Kyushu Region
Authors: Tomotari Mikako
Published: August 2017

Shugendo, which prospered during Japan’s Middle Ages, valued ascetic practices and fused mountain worship with Taoism, Shinto, Buddhism, Animism, astronomy, and medicine. However, since it was transmitted via oral tradition from one generation to the next, limited evidence can be found. Therefore, this essay analyzes 3D imaging data of stone reliefs found at Mt. Hiko, located in the Kyushu region of Japan, to discern whether the carvings depict certain deities and how the Sanskrit characters found in the moon circles represent Shugendo thinking. In addition, it examines how the influence of Shugendo art spread throughout the Kyushu region, Kiyomizu (Kagoshima Prefecture), and Aoki (Kumamoto Prefecture) as well as reassesses its cultural significance. With regard to the former, the results show that a relief of a seated Amitabha was engraved between two other deities: the Mahaasthaamapraapta and Avalokiteśvara. Concerning the latter, the findings reveal that these were the locations of Amitabha worship by the esoteric Tendai sect, which revered “the water” (rivers) and represented an association among Mt. Hiko, Kumano, and Aoki.
Glimpses of Silence
Authors: Caranfa Angelo
Published: August 2017

This article interprets Klee’s journey into art in the context of the mystical teachings of Nicolas Berdyaev (1879–1940) and Klee’s trip to Italy. Berdyaev connects creativity with “divine Eros.” Therefore the creative act is erotic in nature. Klee’s art embodies Berdyaev’s creative ideal through an erotic love that he personally experiences, but that also has to pass through the fire of purification, of self-renunciation, of humility, and of asceticism in order that it might be transformed into creative love. The article suggests that Klee’s trip to Italy transforms Klee’s erotic energy into a creative or spiritual love, which his art illustrates.
The Dangers of Peace
Authors: Troy Michele K.
Published: August 2017

In 1945, publishers in Western Europe looked forward to an era free of censorship and press restrictions enacted during Nazi occupation. Yet the postwar peace offered existential challenges, ones that can be seen in the efforts of the Dutch publisher Sijthoff to form a partnership with the Albatross Press, known as continental Europe’s largest publisher of English-language paperbacks in the 1930s. Both firms imagined a future bright with possibility in the late 1940s, selling English books in a free continental market hungry for Anglo-American literature. Yet postwar Europe presented them with a world of paper shortages, governmental regulations, and upstart American publishers eager to flood Europe with cheap paperbacks. Ironically, it wasn’t war, but the peace that would pose the greatest existential threat to Sijthoff, Albatross, and Western Europe’s other continental publishers of books in English.
The Lost Library of Jacques Philippe d’Orville
Authors: Galán Vioque Guillermo
Published: August 2017

The present article is an investigation of the manuscripts and annotated books formerly belonging to the Dutch scholar Jacques Philippe d’Orville (1696-1751) which did not enter the Bodleian Library along with the rest of his library. Evidence is provided that disproves the commonly accepted assertion that d’Orville’s library, which today is known as the D’Orville collection, entered the Bodleian almost intact.
In Defense of the Explanationist Response to Skepticism
Authors: McCain Kevin
Published: August 2017

A promising response to the threat of external world skepticism involves arguing that our commonsense view of the world best explains the sensory experiences that we have. Since our commonsense view of the world best explains our evidence, we are justified in accepting this commonsense view of the world. Despite the plausibility of this Explanationist Response, it has recently come under attack. James Beebe has argued that only a version of the Explanationist Response that provides an a priori justification of inference to the best explanation can hope to respond to two serious objections. Additionally, he has argued that providing such an a priori justification requires an acceptable account of a priori probability and that it is unclear whether such an account can be developed. In this paper I argue that Beebe fails to provide adequate support for either of these claims.
New species of the anthiadin genus Sacura (Perciformes: Serranidae) from the Andaman Sea
Authors: MOTOMURA HIROYUKI , YOSHIDA TOMOHIRO , VILASRI VEERA
Published: August 2017

Sacura sanguinea n. sp. (Serranidae: Anthiadinae) is described on the basis of two male and one female specimens from the Andaman Sea. The new species is characterized by the following characters: dorsal-fin rays X, 15; pored lateral-line scales 34; gill rakers 8 + 23 = 31; body depth 42.6–44.7% of SL; head length 39.5–41.4% of SL; pectoral-fin length 32.4–33.1% of SL; poorly defined broad yellow band from anterior profile of head to middle of body, the band gradually becoming red around middle of body and ending at caudal-fin base; caudal fin with distinct red spots centrally; and large dark red blotch posteriorly on spinous portion of dorsal fin in females.
The genus Pseumenes Giordani Soika, 1935 (Hymenoptera: Vespidae: Eumeninae) in the Philippine Islands, with description of a new species
Authors: SELIS MARCO
Published: August 2017

A taxonomic study on the genus Pseumenes Giordani Soika, 1935, from the Philippine Islands is presented. A new species, Pseumenes azurescens Selis, sp. nov., is described. Pseumenes depressus palawanensis Giordani Soika, 1993, is raised to species rank (P. palawanensis stat. nov.). P. polillensis (Giordani Soika, 1941) is newly recorded from Luzon. A key to species of the genus from the Philippine Islands is provided.
Two new species of the genus Atractoscion, and resurrection of the species Atractoscion atelodus (Günther 1867) (Perciformes: Sciaenidae)
Authors: SONG YOUNG SUN , KIM JIN-KOO , KANG JUNG-HA , KIM SEONG YONG
Published: August 2017

A taxonomic re-evaluation of the cosmopolitan fish species Atractoscion aequidens (Cuvier 1830) revealed that it comprises several distinct species occurring in different oceans. Here we describe two new species, Atractoscion macrolepis sp. nov. and Atractoscion microlepis sp. nov., based on specimens collected from Angola and Oman, respectively, and we resurrect the species Atractoscion atelodus (Günther 1867), from Australia. Morphological comparison of A. aequidens from South Africa (type locality) with species from geographically distant localities showed that they differed in the mode number of lateral line pored scales (76 for A. aequidens; 73 for A. macrolepis sp. nov.; 78 for A. microlepis sp. nov.) and the number of dorsal-fin soft rays (26–29 for A. aequidens; 31–33 or 34 for A. atelodus; 24–28 for A. macrolepis sp. nov.; 25–26 for A. microlepis sp. nov.). Comparison of 506 bp sequences in mitochondrial DNA cytochrome c oxidase subunit I showed that the Kimura 2-parameter distance for A. aequidens differs substantially from that for the other species (5.1–5.3% different from A. atelodus; 3.7–4.4 from A. macrolepis sp. nov.; 4.8–5.0 from A. microlepis sp. nov.). The study highlights that DNA barcoding can contribute to confirming the taxonomic status of geographic variations.
Recent brachiopods from the South China Sea, NW Pacific
Authors: BITNER MARIA ALEKSANDRA , ROMANIN MARCO
Published: August 2017

Three articulated brachiopod species have been recognized in material collected during the 2014 French-Taiwanese cruise DongSha to the South China Sea, NW Pacific: Terebratulina japonica (Sowerby, 1846), Macandrevia sp. and Nipponithyris afra Cooper, 1973. Nipponithyris afra is noted for the first time from the Northern Hemisphere and the genus Macandrevia is reported for the first time from the West Pacific. All species are reported for the first time from the South China Sea, extending their biogeographical range.
Does Spectral Nudging Have an Effect on Dynamical Downscaling Applied in Small Regional Model Domains?
Authors: Schaaf Benjamin , von Storch Hans , Feser Frauke
Published: August 2017

Spectral nudging is a method that was developed to constrain regional climate models so that they reproduce the development of the large-scale atmospheric state, while permitting the formation of regional-scale details as conditioned by the large scales. Besides keeping the large-scale development in the interior close to a given state, the method also suppresses the emergence of ensemble variability. The method is mostly applied to reconstructions of past weather developments in regions with an extension of typically 1000–8000 km. In this article, the authors examine if spectral nudging is having an effect on simulations with model regions of the size of about 700 km × 500 km at midlatitudes located mainly over flat terrain. First two pairs of simulations are compared, two runs each with and without spectral nudging, and it is found that the four simulations are very similar, without systematic or intermittent phases of divergence. Smooth fields, which are mainly determined by spatial patterns, such as air pressure, show hardly any differences, while small-scale and heterogeneous fields such as precipitation vary strongly, mostly on the gridpoint scale, irrespective if spectral nudging is employed or not. It is concluded that the application of spectral nudging has little effect on the simulation when the model region is relatively small.
India–Vietnam Relations since September 2016
Authors: Hang Nga Le Thi
Published: August 2017

Fifteen years after the official visit to Vietnam of the former Indian Prime Minister A. B. Vajpayee, Prime Minister Narendra Modi made an official visit to Vietnam on 2–3 September 2016. The visit to Vietnam of Prime Minister Modi has upgraded bilateral relations between Vietnam and India from ‘strategic partnership’ to ‘Comprehensive Strategic Partnership’, marking a new development in the relationship between the two countries. According to the Spokesman of the Ministry of External Affairs of India, Vikas Swarup, Prime Minister Modi’s visit has set a ‘new benchmark for India-Vietnam ties which will take the relationship to a whole new level’ (Sarma 2016). Development in political relations has resulted in similar developments in economic, defence and other fields of cooperation between the two sides. This article looks at the new developments in India–Vietnam relations after the visit of the Prime Minister Modi to Vietnam.
The Challenge of Making Whiteness Visible: Reactions to Four Whiteness Articles
Authors: Helms Janet E.
Published: August 2017

In a series of four articles, the authors described the experiences of White researchers, teachers, and practitioners in addressing multicultural issues, which sometimes included racism. Yet, the authors focused very little attention on the benefits of their internalized Whiteness as impediments to fulfilling their scholarly and professional goals. Moreover, the authors did not use any theoretical formulation to guide their examination of White multicultural experts who seek to intervene in contentious topic areas. In this reaction, I suggest that the authors use White racial identity theory to examine some of the racial dynamics that they encounter and to deconstruct Whiteness as it occurs in the types of situations that they described. Examples illustrate the implicitness of White identity theory in virtually all of the articles. In addition, while acknowledging that White people are the ultimate authorities on Whiteness, the author proposes some initial ideas for how White allies might begin to deconstruct Whiteness.
Social Inequality, State-centered Grievances, and Protest: Evidence from South Africa
Authors: De Juan Alexander , Wegner Eva
Published: August 2017

What role does horizontal social inequality play for political protest in middle-income countries? We argue that public social service provision is an important driver of state perceptions. When a state fails to deliver services in an equitable manner, trust in institutions erodes and protest becomes more likely. We use a mixed methods design to investigate this argument in South Africa. First, we combine police event records with census data to estimate correlations between service inequality and protests. Second, we draw on an opinion survey with 27,000 respondents to investigate the suggested mechanism linking social inequality to protest through political attitudes. Third, we focus on qualitative protest accounts in two areas identified by a matching approach to assess the plausibility of our quantitative findings. Throughout these analyses, we document a robust association between horizontal social inequality and protest.