bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Developing a Knowledge-Based System for Diagnosis and Treatment of Malaria
Authors: Diriba Chala , Meshesha Million , Tesfaye Debela
Published: October 2016

Malaria is a serious and fatal disease caused by a parasite that can infect a certain type of mosquito which feeds on human blood. It is a public health problem in Ethiopia and a major cause of illness and death. More than 75% of the total land of Ethiopia is malarious affecting more than 68% of the population, making malaria the leading public health problem in Ethiopia. In an effort to address such problems, it is important to develop knowledge-based system (KBS) that can provide advice for health professionals and patients to facilitate diagnosis and treatment of malaria patients. Experimental research design was used to developed prototype system. Purposive sampling technique was used to select domain experts for knowledge acquisition. The domain experts are selected from Jimma special hospital, Adama hospital and Agaro health centre. The knowledge was acquired using both structured and unstructured interviews from domain experts and represented by production rule, (if- then method). The user's acceptance of the prototype system by visual interaction method that by showing the prototype system to the domain experts was conducted result is 83.21%. In addition, performance of the prototype system was evaluated using case testing method and produce result of 82.3%. It is promising to save the life of people in rural area where there is scarcity of health professionals and apparatus. In addition, it is possible to reduce time and cost of diagnosis and treatment in health centre by implementing intelligent systems. Developing in local languages, good interface programming language and in other techniques are the future works of the study.
A Laguerre Approach for the Solutions of Singular Perturbated Differential Equations
Authors: Yüzbaşı Şuayip
Published: October 2016

In this paper, a Laguerre method is presented to solve singularly perturbated two-point boundary value problems. By means of the matrix relations of the Laguerre polynomials and their derivatives, original problem is transformed into a matrix equation. Later, we use collocation points in the matrix equation and thus the considered problem is reduced to a system of linear algebraic equations. The solution of this system gives the coefficients of the desired approximate solution. Also, an error estimation based on the residual function is introduced for the method. The Laguerre polynomial solution is improved by using this error estimation. Finally, error estimation and residual improvement are illustrated by examples and comparisons are given with other methods.
STILL A MAN'S WORLD? SECOND GENERATION GENDER BIAS IN EXTERNAL EQUITY TERM SHEET NEGOTIATIONS
Authors: SWARTZ ETHNÉ , AMATUCCI FRANCES M. , COLEMAN SUSAN
Published: October 2016

Women increasingly start and lead growth ventures yet receive a small proportion of external equity funding. Term sheet negotiation is a pivotal moment for obtaining growth capital. We employ a multi-method, mixed mode research design to explore strategies of women entrepreneurs who have negotiated term sheets and discuss our quantitative findings. Results indicate that women entrepreneurs in our sample worked hard to achieve optimal outcomes yet come up short because of exogenous and endogenous factors linked to second generation gender bias in the negotiation process. Propositions for future research are generated given the results of this exploratory research.
Identities for trigonometric divisor sums
Authors: Kim Sun
Published: October 2016

The goal of this paper is to prove several identities for sums of the type [Formula: see text] where [Formula: see text] is the number of divisors of [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text] is the number of representations of [Formula: see text] as a sum of two squares. Some of our identities involve weighted divisor functions, and most of our identities are new.
Tsunami Generation and Propagation by a Curvilinear Stochastic Spreading Seismic Faulting in Linearized Water Wave Theory
Authors: Omar M. A. , Ramadan Khaled T. , Allam Allam. A.
Published: October 2016

The generation and propagation of tsunami caused by a curvilinear stochastic seismic faulting driven by two Gaussian white noise processes in the [Formula: see text]- and [Formula: see text]-directions are investigated. This model is used to study the tsunami build up and propagation during and after a realistic curvilinear source model represented by a random spreading slip-fault model. The amplification of tsunami amplitudes builds up progressively as time increases during the generation process due to wave focusing while the maximum wave amplitude decreases with time during the propagation process due to geometric spreading and dispersion. The increase of the normalized noise intensities on the random bottom leads to an increase in oscillations and amplitude of the free surface elevation. Tsunami waveforms using linearized shallow water theory for constant water depth are analyzed analytically by transform methods. The mean and variance of the random tsunami waves are derived and analyzed as a function of the noise intensities, propagated uplift length and the average depth of the ocean along the generation and propagation path.
On infinite direct sums of lifting modules
Authors: Koşan M. Tamer , Quynh Truong Cong
Published: October 2016

The aim of the present article is to investigate the structure of rings [Formula: see text] satisfying the condition: for any family [Formula: see text] of simple right [Formula: see text]-modules, every essential extension of [Formula: see text] is a direct sum of lifting modules, where [Formula: see text] denotes the injective hull. We show that every essential extension of [Formula: see text] is a direct sum of lifting modules if and only if [Formula: see text] is right Noetherian and [Formula: see text] is hollow. Assume that [Formula: see text] is an injective right [Formula: see text]-module with essential socle. We also prove that if every essential extension of [Formula: see text] is a direct sum of lifting modules, then [Formula: see text] is [Formula: see text]-injective. As a consequence of this observation, we show that [Formula: see text] is a right V-ring and every essential extension of [Formula: see text] is a direct sum of lifting modules for all simple modules [Formula: see text] if and only if [Formula: see text] is a right [Formula: see text]-V-ring.
Dynamic stability characterization of re-entry modules at hypersonic mach numbers
Authors: Vinoth J. , Rose J. Bruce Ralphin
Published: October 2016

At the time of re-entry modules entering into the atmosphere from space, a small perturbation introduces dynamic oscillations on the vehicle because of their extreme traveling speed. The dynamic stability characteristics of re-entry modules at hypersonic Mach numbers is of considerable relevance to their initial design. In the present paper, the dynamic stability of blunt cone model about [Formula: see text] is examined with wide range of design parameters such as nose bluntness, semi-vertex angle and center of rotation through theoretical and experimental methods. Theoretical approximations are made over a model based on the standard Newtonian theory. Experiments are conducted at [Formula: see text] hypersonic wind tunnel at [Formula: see text] and the following trends are observed from the experimental analysis. Interestingly, the incremental higher nose bluntness, semi-vertex angle and center of rotation reduce the dynamic stability. At higher hypersonic Mach numbers [Formula: see text], dynamic stability characteristics of the re-entry module are insensitive to the free stream Mach number. However, it is observed that the dynamic stability is increased in proportion to the vibration amplitude at hypersonic speeds.
Soft Gluon Radiation off Heavy Quarks beyond Eikonal Approximation
Authors: Bhattacharyya Trambak , Mazumder Surasree , Abir Raktim
Published: October 2016

We calculate the soft gluon radiation spectrum off heavy quarks (HQs) interacting with light quarks (LQs) beyond small angle scattering (eikonality) approximation and thus generalize the dead-cone formula of heavy quarks extensively used in the literatures of Quark-Gluon Plasma (QGP) phenomenology to the large scattering angle regime which may be important in the energy loss of energetic heavy quarks in the deconfined Quark-Gluon Plasma medium. In the proper limits, we reproduce all the relevant existing formulae for the gluon radiation distribution off energetic quarks, heavy or light, used in the QGP phenomenology.
Immunomodulatory Effects Mediated by Dopamine
Authors: Arreola Rodrigo , Alvarez-Herrera Samantha , Pérez-Sánchez Gilberto , Becerril-Villanueva Enrique , Cruz-Fuentes Carlos , Flores-Gutierrez Enrique Octavio , Garcés-Alvarez María Eugenia , de la Cruz-Aguilera Dora Luz , Medina-Rivero Emilio , Hurtado-Alvarado Gabriela , Quintero-Fabián Saray , Pavón Lenin
Published: October 2016

Dopamine (DA), a neurotransmitter in the central nervous system (CNS), has modulatory functions at the systemic level. The peripheral and central nervous systems have independent dopaminergic system (DAS) that share mechanisms and molecular machinery. In the past century, experimental evidence has accumulated on the proteins knowledge that is involved in the synthesis, reuptake, and transportation of DA in leukocytes and the differential expression of the D1-like(D1R and D5R) and D2-likereceptors (D2R, D3R, and D4R). The expression of these components depends on the state of cellular activation and the concentration and time of exposure to DA. Receptors that are expressed in leukocytes are linked to signaling pathways that are mediated by changes in cAMP concentration, which in turn triggers changes in phenotype and cellular function. According to the leukocyte lineage, the effects of DA are associated with such processes as respiratory burst, cytokine and antibody secretion, chemotaxis, apoptosis, and cytotoxicity. In clinical conditions such as schizophrenia, Parkinson disease, Tourette syndrome, and multiple sclerosis (MS), there are evident alterations during immune responses in leukocytes, in which changes in DA receptor density have been observed. Several groups have proposed that these findings are useful in establishing clinical status and clinical markers.
Application of Volterra Integral Equations in Dynamics of Multispan Uniform Continuous Beams Subjected to a Moving Load
Authors: Zakęś Filip , Śniady Paweł
Published: October 2016

The dynamic behavior of multispan uniform continuous beam arbitrarily supported on its edges subjected to various types of moving noninertial loads is studied. Problem is solved by replacing a multispan structure with a single-span beam loaded with a given moving load and redundant forces situated in the positions of the intermediate supports. Redundant forces are obtained by solving Volterra integral equations of the first or the second order (depending on the stiffness of the intermediate supports) which are consistent deformation equations corresponding to each redundant. Solutions for the beam arbitrarily supported on its edges (pinned or fixed) due to a moving concentrated force and moving distributed load are given. The difficulty of solving Volterra integral equations analytically is bypassed by proposing a simple numerical procedure. Numerical examples of two- and three-span beam have been included in order to show the efficiency of the presented method.
A New Model of Stopping Sight Distance of Curve Braking Based on Vehicle Dynamics
Authors: Xia Rong-xia , Wu De-hua , He Jie , Liu Ya , Shi Deng-feng
Published: October 2016

Compared with straight-line braking, cornering brake has longer braking distance and poorer stability. Therefore, drivers are more prone to making mistakes. The braking process and the dynamics of vehicles in emergency situations on curves were analyzed. A biaxial four-wheel vehicle was simplified to a single model. Considering the braking process, dynamics, force distribution, and stability, a stopping sight distance of the curve braking calculation model was built. Then a driver-vehicle-road simulation platform was built using multibody dynamic software. The vehicle test of brake-in-turn was realized in this platform. The comparison of experimental and calculated values verified the reliability of the computational model. Eventually, the experimental values and calculated values were compared with the stopping sight distance recommended by the Highway Route Design Specification (JTGD20-2006); the current specification of stopping sight distance does not apply to cornering brake sight distance requirements. In this paper, the general values and limits of the curve stopping sight distance are presented.
CD63 and GLUT-1 Overexpression Could Predict a Poor Clinical Outcome in GIST: A Study of 54 Cases with Follow-Up
Authors: Lewitowicz Piotr , Matykiewicz Jarosław , Koziel Dorota , Chrapek Magdalena , Horecka-Lewitowicz Agata , Gluszek Stanislaw
Published: October 2016

Background and Goals.In light of current knowledge, it seems that alternations underlying GISTs are well explained, although all that is enhanced by various aspects on a daily basis. More recently, attention has been pointed towards exosomes as important particles able to modify healthy and also diseased tissues including cancer. The goal of the present study was an analysis of CD9, CD63, and GLUT-1 as a marker of hypoxia status within 54 cases of GIST and evaluation of their predictive value.Methods.54 cases of patients suffering from GIST were enrolled into the study, predominantly in the gastric location. All operated cases had no Imatinib and other chemotherapies up to the day of operation. Expression of targeted proteins was performed by immunohistochemistry and, after that, the results with tabulated clinical data were compared by Kaplan-Meier method and multivariate Cox proportional hazard model of statistical analysis.Results.Our results presented a marked dependence of worsening clinical outcome with high expression CD63 (p=0.008) as well as with GLUT-1 (p=0.014). We noted a strict correlation of GLUT-1 expression with CD63 expression (p=0.03), which could confirm the thesis about the contribution of exosomes in intratumoural hypoxia status. The collected material did not confirm CD9 contribution.Conclusions.As presented here, CD63 and GLUT-1 have a prognostic value in GIST cases. The results confirm the other studies in this scope and can be used in future as an additional prognostic factor.
ATP Induces Disruption of Tight Junction Proteins via IL-1 Beta-Dependent MMP-9 Activation of Human Blood-Brain BarrierIn Vitro
Authors: Yang Fuxing , Zhao Kai , Zhang Xiufeng , Zhang Jun , Xu Bainan
Published: October 2016

Disruption of blood-brain barrier (BBB) follows brain trauma or central nervous system (CNS) stress. However, the mechanisms leading to this process or the underlying neural plasticity are not clearly known. We hypothesized that ATP/P2X7R signaling regulates the integrity of BBB. Activation of P2X7 receptor (P2X7R) by ATP induces the release of interleukin-1β(IL-1β), which in turn enhances the activity of matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9). Degradation of tight junction proteins (TJPs) such as ZO-1 and occludin occurs, which finally contributes to disruption of BBB. A contact coculture system using human astrocytes and hCMEC/D3, an immortalized human brain endothelial cell line, was used to mimic BBBin vitro. Permeability was used to evaluate changes in the integrity of TJPs. ELISA, Western blot, and immunofluorescent staining procedures were used. Our data demonstrated that exposure to the photoreactive ATP analog, 3′-O-(4-benzoyl)benzoyl adenosine 5′-triphosphate (BzATP), induced a significant decrease in ZO-1 and occludin expression. Meanwhile, the decrease of ZO-1 and occludin was significantly attenuated by P2X7R inhibitors, as well as IL-1R and MMP antagonists. Further, the induction of IL-1βand MMP-9 was closely linked to ATP/P2X7R-associated BBB leakage. In conclusion, our study explored the mechanism of ATP/P2X7R signaling in the disruption of BBB following brain trauma/stress injury, especially focusing on the relationship with IL-1βand MMP-9.
Lurbinectedin Inactivates the Ewing Sarcoma Oncoprotein EWS-FLI1 by Redistributing It within the Nucleus
Authors: Harlow Matt L. , Maloney Nichole , Roland Joseph , Guillen Navarro Maria Jose , Easton Matthew K. , Kitchen-Goosen Susan M. , Boguslawski Elissa A. , Madaj Zachary B. , Johnson Ben K. , Bowman Megan J. , D'Incalci Maurizio , Winn Mary E. , Turner Lisa , Hostetter Galen , Galmarini Carlos María , Aviles Pablo M. , Grohar Patrick J.
Published: October 2016

There is a great need to develop novel approaches to target oncogenic transcription factors with small molecules. Ewing sarcoma is emblematic of this need, as it depends on the continued activity of the EWS-FLI1 transcription factor to maintain the malignant phenotype. We have previously shown that the small molecule trabectedin interferes with EWS-FLI1. Here, we report important mechanistic advances and a second-generation inhibitor to provide insight into the therapeutic targeting of EWS-FLI1. We discovered that trabectedin functionally inactivated EWS-FLI1 by redistributing the protein within the nucleus to the nucleolus. This effect was rooted in the wild-type functions of the EWSR1, compromising the N-terminal half of the chimeric oncoprotein, which is known to be similarly redistributed within the nucleus in the presence of UV light damage. A second-generation trabectedin analogue lurbinectedin (PM01183) caused the same nuclear redistribution of EWS-FLI1, leading to a loss of activity at the promoter, mRNA, and protein levels of expression. Tumor xenograft studies confirmed this effect, and it was increased in combination with irinotecan, leading to tumor regression and replacement of Ewing sarcoma cells with benign fat cells. The net result of combined lurbinectedin and irinotecan treatment was a complete reversal of EWS-FLI1 activity and elimination of established tumors in 30% to 70% of mice after only 11 days of therapy. Our results illustrate the preclinical safety and efficacy of a disease-specific therapy targeting the central oncogenic driver in Ewing sarcoma. Cancer Res; 76(22); 6657–68. ©2016 AACR.
Genomic Approaches to Understanding Response and Resistance to Immunotherapy
Authors: Braun David A. , Burke Kelly P. , Van Allen Eliezer M.
Published: October 2016

Immunotherapy has led to a paradigm shift in the treatment of some malignancies, providing long-term, durable responses for patients with advanced cancers. However, such therapy has benefited only a subset of patients, with some patients failing to respond to treatment at all and others achieving a limited response followed by tumor progression. Understanding factors contributing to an effective response and further elucidating mechanisms of resistance will be crucial as these therapies are applied more broadly. Genomics-based approaches have significantly advanced the study of response and resistance to immunotherapy in general, and to immune checkpoint blockade more specifically. Here, we review how genomic and transcriptomic approaches have identified both somatic and germline positive correlates of response, including high mutational/neoantigen load and low intratumoral heterogeneity, among others. The genomic analysis of resistant tumors has additionally identified crucial factors involved in resistance to immune checkpoint blockade, including loss of PTEN and upregulation of other immune checkpoints. Overall, the continued use of genomic techniques at the point of care, combined with appropriate functional studies, would ideally lead to a better understanding of why certain patients respond to immune-based therapies, allowing clinicians to identify the subset of patients likely to benefit from such therapy, and potentially providing insight into how other therapies may be added in combination to increase the number of patients who may benefit from immunotherapy. Clin Cancer Res; 22(23); 5642–50. ©2016 AACR.
Immunotherapy in Endometrial Cancer: In the Nick of Time
Authors: Piulats Josep Maria , Matias-Guiu Xavier
Published: October 2016

Immunotherapy with checkpoint inhibitors is changing the face of oncology treatments for many tumors, and endometrial carcinoma may not be an exception. Several endometrial cancer groups from the molecular taxonomy are characterized by having an ultramutated/hypermutated genome, which could be the first Achilles' heel identified in this malignancy in decades. Clin Cancer Res; 22(23); 5623–5. ©2016 AACR.

See related article by Santin et al., p. 5682
IL2 Variant Circumvents ICOS+ Regulatory T-cell Expansion and Promotes NK Cell Activation
Authors: Sim Geok Choo , Liu Chengwen , Wang Ena , Liu Hui , Creasy Caitlin , Dai Zhimin , Overwijk Willem W. , Roszik Jason , Marincola Francesco , Hwu Patrick , Grimm Elizabeth , Radvanyi Laszlo
Published: October 2016

Clinical responses to high-dose IL2 therapy are limited due to selective expansion of CD4+CD25+Foxp3+ T-regulatory cells (Treg), especially ICOS+ Tregs, rather than natural killer (NK) cells and effector T cells. These ICOS+ Tregs are highly suppressive and constitutively express high levels of IL2Rα (CD25) and CD39. Here, we characterized the effect of a mutant form of IL2 (F42K), which preferentially binds to the lower affinity IL2Rβγ with reduced binding to CD25, on Tregs, effector NK cells, and T-cell subsets. Unlike wild-type (WT) IL2, F42K did not efficiently induce the expansion of highly suppressive ICOS+ Tregs in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) from healthy controls and melanoma patients. Instead, it promoted the expansion of CD16+CD56+ NK cells and CD56hiCD16− NK cell subsets in both short- and long-term cultures, with enhanced Bcl-2 expression. Stimulation of PBMCs with F42K induced expression of more NK cell activation molecules, such as NKp30, NKp44, DNAM-1, NKG2D, 4-1BB/CD137, and Tim-3, than WT IL2. F42K induced greater upregulation of TRAIL, and NK-mediated cytolytic activity was increased against both autologous and HLA-mismatched melanoma cells compared with WT IL2. Gene expression analysis revealed distinct gene expression profiles stimulated by F42K, WT IL2, and IL15. F42K therapy in vivo also induced a dramatic reduction in the expansion of ICOS+ Tregs, promoted NK cell expansion, and inhibited melanoma tumor growth more efficiently than WT IL2 and more effectively than anti–CTLA-4. Our findings suggest that F42K could be a potential substitute for WT IL2 as a cytokine therapy for cancer. Cancer Immunol Res; 4(11); 983–94. ©2016 AACR.
The Body Acoustic: Ultrasonic Neuromodulation for Translational Medicine
Authors: Ventre Daniel M. , Koppes Abigail N.
Published: October 2016

For the greater part of the last century, ultrasound (US) has seen widespread use in applications ranging from materials science to medicine. The history of US in medicine has also seen promising success in clinical diagnostics and regenerative medicine. Recent studies have shown that US is able to manipulate the nervous system, leading toward potential treatment for various neuropathological conditions, a phenomenon known as ultrasonic neuromodulation (NM). Ultrasonic NM is a promising alternative to pharmaceuticals and surgery, due to high spatiotemporal resolution combined with the potentially noninvasive means of application. Current advances have made progress in establishing effective dosage limits, waveform parameters, and stimulus regimes in order to achieve desired effects in a variety of tissue and cell types. However, to date there has been limited systematic analysis of the complex variables involved in creating a therapeutic US stimulation regime specifically tailored to the nervous system. Without a fundamental understanding of the effects of US on neural tissue, including the surrounding bone, musculature, and vasculature, the safety and efficacy of US as an NM tool is yet to be determined. Advances in imaging technology and focusing hardware highlight new avenues for potential clinical applications for therapeutic ultrasonic stimulation. US may be an alternative to electrical and magnetic means of NM for targets in the central nervous system as well as in the peripheral and autonomic nervous systems. This review provides a historical perspective on the past, present, and future of US as a translational therapeutic.
Nanoparticle Technologies in the Spinal Cord
Authors: Zuidema Jonathan M. , Gilbert Ryan J. , Osterhout Donna J.
Published: October 2016

Nanoparticles are increasingly being studied within experimental models of spinal cord injury (SCI). They are used to image cells and tissue, move cells to specific regions of the spinal cord, and deliver therapeutic agents locally. The focus of this article is to provide a brief overview of the different types of nanoparticles being studied for spinal cord applications and present data showing the capability of nanoparticles to deliver the chondroitinase ABC (chABC) enzyme locally following acute SCI in rats. Nanoparticles releasing chABC helped promote axonal regeneration following injury, and the nanoparticles also protected the enzyme from rapid degradation. In summary, nanoparticles are viable materials for diagnostic or therapeutic applications within experimental models of SCI and have potential for future clinical use.
Bioelectric Medicine and Devices for the Treatment of Spinal Cord Injury
Authors: Torregrosa Tess , Koppes Ryan A.
Published: October 2016

Recovery of motor control is paramount for patients living with paralysis following spinal cord injury (SCI). While a cure or regenerative intervention remains on the horizon for the treatment of SCI, a number of neuroprosthetic devices have been employed to treat and mitigate the symptoms of paralysis associated with injuries to the spinal column and associated comorbidities. The recent success of epidural stimulation to restore voluntary motor function in the lower limbs of a small cohort of patients has breathed new life into the promise of electric-based medicine. Recently, a number of new organic and inorganic electronic devices have been developed for brain-computer interfaces to bypass the injury, for neurorehabilitation, bladder and bowel control, and the restoration of motor or sensory control. Herein, we discuss the recent advances in neuroprosthetic devices for treating SCI and highlight future design needs for closed-loop device systems.
Inhibitory Control and Hedonic Response towards Food Interactively Predict Success in a Weight Loss Programme for Adults with Obesity
Authors: Brockmeyer Timo , Hamze Sinno Maria , Skunde Mandy , Wu Mudan , Woehning Annika , Rudofsky Gottfried , Friederich Hans-Christoph
Published: October 2016

Objective: Low inhibitory control and strong hedonic response towards food are considered to contribute to overeating and obesity. Based on previous research, the present study aimed at examining the potentially crucial interplay between these two factors in terms of long-term weight loss in people with obesity. Methods: BMI, inhibitory control towards food, and food liking were assessed in obese adults prior to a weight reduction programme (OPTIFAST® 52). After the weight reduction phase (week 13) and the weight loss maintenance phase (week 52), participants' BMI was re-assessed. Results: Baseline BMI, inhibitory control and food liking alone did not predict weight loss. As hypothesised, however, inhibitory control and food liking interactively predicted weight loss from baseline to week 13 and to week 52 (albeit the latter effect was less robust). Participants with low inhibitory control and marked food liking were less successful in weight reduction. Conclusion: These findings underscore the relevance of the interplay between cognitive control and food reward valuation in the maintenance of obesity.
Lung Ultrasound Pattern Is Normal during the Last Gestational Weeks: An Observational Pilot Study
Authors: Arbeid Erik , Demi Alessio , Brogi Etrusca , Gori Elisa , Giusto Teresa , Soldati Gino , Vetrugno Luigi , Giunta Francesco , Forfori Francesco
Published: October 2016

Background/Aims: The normal lung ultrasound (US) pattern during a regular pregnancy has not been evaluated extensively in the current literature. Pregnancy-related changes in the respiratory tract affect maternal predisposition to several respiratory complications; consequently, it is important to differentiate between a physiologic pattern during pregnancy and a pathologic lung pattern, due to respiratory failure. The goal of our study was to assess the normal US lung pattern in women without known comorbidities in the last weeks of pregnancy. Methods: We conducted a prospective cross-sectional observational pilot study. Chest wall was examined in 8 areas, 1 scan for each area with women in supine position. Results: One hundred fifty parturients were enrolled during the 36th-38th gestational weeks. None of the participants showed pleural effusion, pneumothorax or lung consolidation. None presented an interstitial syndrome US pattern. One hundred thirteen participants out of 150 (75%) showed A-lines in all the regions. The remaining 25% showed 1 or 2 B-lines in at least 3 regions. Only 2 participants showed 2 positive regions also. Conclusions: We found that, in the majority of the women examined, the lung US pattern matches the physiological pattern in non-pregnant patients. Lung US assessment is a feasible and a helpful diagnostic tool during pregnancy.
Achievement of Cure with Gefitinib in Advanced Lung Adenocarcinoma Harboring an Activating EGFR Mutation: A Case Report
Authors: Kuwata Taiji , Yoneda Kazue , Kobayashi Kenichi , Oyama Rintarou , Matumiya Hiroki , Shinohara Shuichi , Takenaka Masaru , Oka Soichi , Chikaishi Yasuhiro , Imanishi Naoko , Kuroda Koji , Tanaka Fumihiro
Published: October 2016

Tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) of the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) may achieve long-term survival in selected cases with advanced non-small cell lung cancer harboring activating mutations in the EGFR gene, but a cured case has not been reported yet. Here, we present the first case of EGFR-mutated lung adenocarcinoma cured with an EGFR-TKI, as the 75-year-old Japanese man has achieved complete response with gefitinib treatment and has survived without tumor 10 years after termination of gefitinib treatment.
Uremic Toxin-Producing Gut Microbiota in Rats with Chronic Kidney Disease
Authors: Kikuchi Mami , Ueno Mariko , Itoh Yoshiharu , Suda Wataru , Hattori Masahira
Published: October 2016

Background: In patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD), many metabolites of gut microbiota retain in the body as uremic toxins (UTs). However, the kinds of bacteria producing UTs are rarely discussed. Methods: We analyzed UT production and the composition of gut microbiota in CKD rats and cecectomized rats. AST-120, a spherical carbon adsorbent, was administrated to evaluate how the precursors of UT affect gut microbiota. Serum and urine levels of UTs were quantified by liquid chromatography/electrospray ionization-tandem mass spectrometry. Gut microbiota were analyzed using 454-pyrosequencing of the 16S rRNA gene. Operational taxonomic unit (OTU) clustering and UniFrac analysis were performed to compare gut microbiota among the groups. Results: Serum and urine levels of indoxyl sulfate and phenyl sulfate were higher in CKD versus control rats (p < 0.05). AST-120 administration decreased UT production (p < 0.01) and changed overall gut microbiota composition in CKD rats. UT urinary excretion and gut microbiota composition changed in cecectomized rats, with the relative abundance of Clostridia- and Bacteroidia-affiliated species being significantly reduced (p < 0.01). We identified candidate indole- and phenol-producing intestinal microbiota, 3 Clostridia, and 2 Bacteroidia. These OTUs have a tryptophanase/tyrosine phenol-lyase gene in the closest sequenced genome out of the OTUs declined following cecectomy. Conclusion: Our data suggest that UT production is correlated with a subset of indigenous gut microbiota. However, UT may be induced by other non-symbiotic microbiota that are influenced by factors other than microbiota populations. The relationship between specific microbiota and UTs in patients requires further clarification.
Limited Time from the Diabetes Patients' Perspective: Need for Conversation with the Eye Specialist
Authors: Marahrens Lydia , Ziemssen Focke , Fritsche Andreas , Ziemssen Tjalf , Kern Raimar , Martus Peter , Roeck Daniel
Published: October 2016

Purpose: Facing the lack of time, busy retina consultants should be aware of how the patients would prefer that time is spent and whether they wish the specialist to talk more at the expense of other medical activities. Methods: 810 persons with diabetes were asked to divide the time of 10 min between examination, consultation and treatment when envisioning a real-life scenario of diabetic retinopathy (NCT02311504). Results: With the increasing duration of diabetes, patients wanted significantly more time for diagnostics (p = 0.028), while age was found to be associated with less time for treatment (p = 0.009). Female subjects tended to prefer only little more time for talking (p = 0.051) in comparison with males, who slightly favored therapy (p = 0.025). Conclusions: The large majority recognized the need for diagnostics in their allocation of time. If individual patients are confronted with the health care perspective of time constraints, this might improve the understanding of prioritization.
Truncating Wilms Tumor Suppressor Gene 1 Mutation in an XX Female with Adult-Onset Focal Segmental Glomerulosclerosis and Streak Ovaries: A Case Report
Authors: Hoefele Julia , Kemper Markus J. , Schoenermarck Ulf , Mueller Susanna , Klein Hanns-Georg , Lemke Anja
Published: October 2016

About 30% of children with nephrotic syndrome (NS) have inherited forms. Among them, mutations in Wilms tumor suppressor gene 1 (WT1) are a well characterized cause associated with steroid-resistant NS, Wilms tumor, and urogenital malformation in males. However, the role of WT1 mutations in adult-onset focal segmental glomerulosclerosis (FSGS) is unclear. We report the case of a 38-year-old female with FSGS. She had been diagnosed with streak ovaries during diagnostic workup for infertility. Mutational analysis identified the heterozygous mutation c.1372C>T (p.Arg458*) in WT1 and the heterozygous non-neutral polymorphism c.868G>A (p.Arg229Gln) in NPHS2. Chromosomal analysis revealed a normal 46,XX female karyotype. Our case highlights that WT1 mutations should be considered in XX females with adult-onset FSGS, especially if urogenital abnormalities are present.
Efficacy of a Film-Forming Medical Device Containing Piroxicam and Sun Filters in the Treatment of Multiple Actinic Keratosis Lesions in a Subject with a History of Kaposi Sarcoma
Authors: Scotti Elisabetta , Deledda Salvatore , Milani Massimo
Published: October 2016

Actinic keratosis (AK) is considered a premalignant form of skin cancer due to chronic sun exposure. In addition, human papilloma virus (HPV) has been advocated a role in the pathogenesis of this clinical condition. HPV proteins (mainly E6 and E7) seem to act synergistically with ultraviolet (UV) radiation in reducing the defensive mechanisms of keratinocyte apoptosis after UV damage. Data regarding the involvement of other viruses, i.e. human herpes viruses (HHV), in the pathogenesis of AK are so far controversial. HHV8 is considered the infective agent involved in the development of Kaposi sarcoma. Some experimental data have shown that AK lesions carry HHV8 in more than 30% of the bioptic samples. Topical piroxicam was shown to be effective in the treatment of AK. In addition, the molecule shows antiviral action against HPV and HHV8. Here, we report the efficacy of a medical device containing a film-forming substance (polyvinyl alcohol), chemical and physical sun filters (SPF 50+), and 0.8% piroxicam (ActixicamTM, Difa Cooper; ACTX) in the treatment of multiple scalp AK lesions, unresponsive to other treatments, in a subject with Kaposi sarcoma and a history of severe contact dermatitis. The subject presented with severe involvement of the scalp, with multiple hypertrophic AK lesions. Previous lesion-directed and field-targeted treatments have not been effective. The subject was treated with ACTX applied twice daily on the affected scalp. Relevant clinical improvement was observed as soon as 1 month of therapy. Complete clinical resolution of all scalp lesions was observed after 3 months of treatment. The product was well tolerated.
On Statius, Theb. 8.26 serunt animas and Its Interpretation in Later Readers
Authors: Bennardo Lorenza
Published: October 2016

Although most recent editions printferunt, this paper argues forseruntas the correct reading in Statius,Theb.8.26. After discussingferuntas a vague and colourless contribution to the description of Dis’ hellish court, I analyzeseruntas a product of the poet’s lexical inventiveness: while he is the first to apply the verb to weaving, Statius connectsserotoseriesand provides aThebanrepresentation of the Parcae as spinners. Lexical enrichment guides the appropriation of myth. Secondly, I deal with two quotations ofTheb. 8.26 in later readers of Statius. I suggest that Claudian’s encrypted reference to Statius’ passage inDe Raptu Proserpina1.52 echoes Statius’ stoicizing presentation of the spinning Fates. In Lactantius’ quotation, on the other hand,seruntis interpreted as a reference to reincarnation, in the context of a philosophical reading ofTheb.8.91-93. While supporting the authenticity ofserunt, the two later references toTheb.8.26 attest different interpretations of Statius’ unique (and debated?) usage of the verb.
Avitus’ Characterisation in Sidonius’ Carm. 7
Authors: Hanaghan M.P.
Published: October 2016

In July 455adthe Roman general Eparchius Avitus was proclaimed Emperor by his soldiers in Arles. Avitus’ son-in-law, Sidonius Apollinaris, delivered a panegyric to mark the new emperor’s first consulship. In this poem Avitus controls hisirato repel the barbarians and counter their fear inducing behaviour. Avitus’ manipulation of the barbarians relies onauctoritasrather than eloquence. Sidonius styles Avitus as an impressive military and political leader, ideally suited to confronting the Vandals and restoring a broken Roma to her former glory.
Horace, Ofellus and Philodemus of Gadara in Sermones 2.2
Authors: Yona Sergio
Published: October 2016

This paper examines Horace’s portrayal inSermones2.2 of Ofellus, the poet’s rustic spokesman whose recent loss of property provides the opportunity for an ethical discourse on wealth administration. More specifically, it considers his advice on how to manage wealth within the context of Epicurean ethical doctrines, particularly those of Philodemus of Gadara, who was Horace’s contemporary in Italy and who authored relevant treatises with the concerns of Roman landowners in mind. These concerns involve not only the proper acquisition and use of revenue, which is based on the Epicurean doctrine of observing a “measure of wealth” in connection with the pleasure calculus, but also advice on how to endure financial crises by drawing on the support of a network of close friends, all of which contributes to Ofellus’ own equanimity in the face of misfortune.
Die Ithakalandschaft in Od. 13
Authors: Xian Ruobing
Published: October 2016

This paper offers a new interpretation of three descriptions of Ithaca’s landscape inOd. 13 (96-112; 237-249; 344-351) by linking them with other passages through careful verbal comparisons. The article begins with an analysis of the harbor of Phorkys, suggesting a parallel with the harbor of the Laestrygonians, which is similarly deceptive; Odysseus will have many more trials to face. The second part of the paper interprets Athena’s first description as reminiscent of Odysseus’s own at the beginning of hisApologoi, while the third part elaborates on the role of Athena’s second description, comparing it with the narrator’s version by drawing on Bühler’s term ofdeixisand Bakhtin’s notion of thechronotopos. The parallel between Odysseus’s recognition of Ithaca and Penelope’s recognition of Odysseus demonstrates the extent to which the description of Ithaca shapes the narrative dynamics of theOdyssey.
Impacts of Religious Beliefs on Environmental Indicators
Authors: Chuvieco Emilio , Burgui Mario , Gallego-Álvarez Isabel
Published: October 2016

In this paper, the authors examine whether the more environmental-aggressive attitude of Christianity suggested by Lynn White (1967) could be sustained based on environmental indicators. The religious beliefs were obtained from a World database on religious practices, and the environmental variables from the Environmental Performance Index. Several controlling factors were generated to decouple the influence of religious traditions from other external variables, such as economic wealth or governance. The analysis was done worldwide at country level and for the African continent at provincial level. The results of our analysis demonstrate opposite trends to White’s conclusions, since Christian territories, both at country and provincial level, had better environmental indicators than territories dominated by other religious traditions, particularly compared to Muslim-dominant areas. Religious practice showed little explanatory power regarding environmental performance for all religions, although Christianity showed a higher positive correlation. Environmental performance of countries in all religious traditions showed a strong dependence from other controlling factors, particularly the human development index and the per capita income.
Peacemaking Rituals in the Context of Natural Disaster
Authors: Frömming Urte Undine
Published: October 2016

This article is based on ethnographic fieldwork in Indonesia and will raise questions about the meaning that cultures ascribe to potentially dangerous natural spaces. By tracing the mythological and ritual life of the local clans of the Lamaholot and Ngada people, one can note that the entire cosmology and belief system of the people of Flores is tightly interwoven with the religious perception of space and place. Volcanoes play a key role in this belief system because the different clans see volcanoes as places of origin, though they also have a practical social function This article emphasizes the importance of volcanoes for individual and clan identity, and their function in the ideology of association and spiritual linkage between people, ancestors, and natural features. It furthermore examines the phenomenon of public confessions of guilt. These coincide with local interpretations of natural catastrophes as a result of the failure to respect local social values and norms and to fulfil religious duties. Consequently, the article argues, the idea of a dualism between humans and nature becomes irrelevant. Within this context, their reciprocal relationship with volcanoes enables clan groups in Flores to reconcile the unpredictability of nature with the dangerous and sometimes violent aspects of society.
Comparative Methods in Spatial Approaches to Religion
Authors: Bauman Whitney A.
Published: October 2016

Recently, a number of methods for re-thinking ideas as part of the rest of the natural world (including religious ideas and values) have appeared on the religious studies landscape. Notions of emergence theory, new materialisms, and object-oriented ontologies are geared toward thinking about religion and science, ideas and nature, values and matter from within what Gilles Deleuze and Felix Guattari call a “single plane” of existence. Others within the field of “religion and ecology/nature” are skeptical of these “postmodern” methods and theories. These skeptics claim that ideas from various religious traditions such as pantheism, panentheism, animism, and even co-dependent arising already do the intellectual work of re-thinking “religion and nature” together onto an immanent plane of existence. This article will begin to explore some of the links and differences between older traditions of thinking immanence with more recent post-modern moves toward spatially-oriented ways of thinking. Rather than being a final reflection on these connections and differences, this article calls for a more sustained comparative study of these different spatial approaches.
To Have Done with the Philosophical Cold War
Authors: Nunes Rodrigo
Published: October 2016

How to uphold a politics of universalism, egalitarianism and abstraction without being tarnished by the accusation of fanaticism? In order to open the space in which the question can be asked, Alberto Toscano’s Fanaticism explores various instantiations of the trope of ‘fanaticism’ and other associated concepts (totalitarianism, enthusiasm). Challenging the reliance on simplification, decontextualisation and analogical thinking behind uses of those terms, the book shows how fanaticism as Other conversely engenders a mystified idea of the modern West as the negative of the political and theoretical interdictions associated with them.
Hunting Theories: Totalisation and Indigenous Resistances in Canada
Authors: Kulchyski Peter
Published: October 2016

Indigenous peoples are, in the current historical conjuncture, leading the opposition to the capitalist state in Canada. The specific features of Indigenous cultures, history and struggles demand of historical materialism a regional theory that deploys existing concepts and categories in reinvigorated and sometimes different ways. Glen Coulthard’sRed Skin, White Masksmakes a critically important contribution to this project by offering a creative, materialist-leaning reading of Frantz Fanon as a lever to criticise those prominent liberal arguments of Indigenous conflict that are based on notions of recognition. While Coulthard’s argument and project would be significantly advanced by raising Marx’s concept of ‘mode of production’ from the secondary status it enjoys in the work to a more foundational role, in part because this moves the problem of totalisation to the core of strategies of resistance, he nevertheless in his affirmative project rightly centres returning to aboriginal cultural forms as a critical feature of decolonisation.
Taxonomic observations on stingrays of the genus Dasyatis (Chondrichthyes: Dasyatidae) in the Gulf of Gabès (Southeastern Mediterranean Sea)
Authors: SAADAOUI ABDESSELEM , SAIDI BECHIR , ELGLID AZIZA , SÉRET BERNARD , BRADAI MOHAMED N.
Published: October 2016

Four species of stingrays of the genus Dasyatis occur in the Gulf of Gabès, but the taxonomic status of one of them, D. tortonesei has been questioned by several authors, and synonymized with D. pastinaca by some. The present study, using morphological comparisons and genetic analyses, demonstrates that there is a closely related species to D. pastinaca in the Gulf of Gabès, but distinguishable by several characters. This species is provisionally identified as Dasyatis cf. tortonesei, pending a more extensive comparative study including specimens from other regions of the Mediterranean Sea and eastern North Atlantic Ocean.