bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Propagation of Water Waves over Uneven Bottom under the Effect of Surface Tension
Authors: Muñoz Grajales Juan Carlos
Published: September 2015

We establish existence and uniqueness of solutions to the Cauchy problem associated with a new one-dimensional weakly-nonlinear, weakly-dispersive system which arises as an asymptotical approximation of the full potential theory equations for modelling propagation of small amplitude water waves on the surface of a shallow channel with variable depth, taking into account the effect of surface tension. Furthermore, numerical schemes of spectral type are introduced for approximating the evolution in time of solutions of this system and its travelling wave solutions, in both the periodic and nonperiodic case.
Association of Awake Bruxism with Khat, Coffee, Tobacco, and Stress among Jazan University Students
Authors: Quadri Mir Faeq Ali , Mahnashi Ali , Al Almutahhir Ayman , Tubayqi Hamzah , Hakami Abdullah , Arishi Mohamed , Alamir Abdulwahab
Published: September 2015

Objective.The objective is to assess the prevalence of bruxism among the university students and to check its association with their khat chewing habit.Materials and Methods.A cross-sectional descriptive study is designed using cluster random sampling. Pretested questionnaire was administered by a trained interviewer to assess awake bruxism and the use of variables like khat, coffee, tobacco, and stress. Chi-square test at 5% significance was used for assessing the association. Logistic regression was also performed after adjusting for covariates.Results.A high response rate (95%) was obtained as the distribution and collection of questionnaire was within an hour interval. 85% (63%, males; 22%, females) experienced an episode of bruxism at least one time in the past six months. Regression analysis revealed an association of stress (P=0.00; OR = 5.902, 95% CI 2.614–13.325) and khat use (P=0.05; OR = 1.629, 95% CI 0.360–7.368) with bruxism. Interestingly, it is observed that the one who chew khat experienced 3.56 times (95% CI; 2.62–11.22) less pain when compared to the nonusers.Conclusion.This study is the first of its kind to assess the association of bruxism with khat chewing. High amount of stress and khat use can be considered as important risk indicators for awake bruxism.
Identifying Vegetation Dynamics and Sensitivities in Response to Water Resources Management in the Heihe River Basin in China
Authors: Yin Dongqin , Li Xiang , Huang Yuefei , Si Yuan , Bai Rui
Published: September 2015

The Heihe River Basin, the second largest inland river basin in China, plays a vital role in the ecological sustainability of the Hexi Corridor. However, the requirements for regional economic development and ecological balance cannot be fully met due to water resource shortage and overexploitation induced by an extremely dry climate and population growth, especially in the middle and lower basins. Thus, environmental conservation projects that reallocate water resources have been planned and implemented step by step since 2001. The aim of this study is to evaluate ecosystem restoration benefits by identifying vegetation dynamics and sensitivities. The MODIS Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) and its derivative indices, coupled with Geographic Information System (GIS), are introduced to explore ecosystem evolution at the pixel level, based on the hydrological and meteorological data in the whole region at varying temporal and spatial scales. Results indicate there are slight vegetation restoration trends in the upper, middle, and lower basin; the results of correlation analyses between vegetation and runoff into the lower basin suggest that the impact of a water supplement lasts at most three years, and engineering or nonengineering measures should be maintained for permanent ecosystem recovery.
T Lymphocyte Inhibition by Tumor-Infiltrating Dendritic Cells Involves Ectonucleotidase CD39 but Not Arginase-1
Authors: Trad Malika , Gautheron Alexandrine , Fraszczak Jennifer , Alizadeh Darya , Larmonier Claire , LaCasse Collin J. , Centuori Sara , Audia Sylvain , Samson Maxime , Ciudad Marion , Bonnefoy Francis , Lemaire-Ewing Stéphanie , Katsanis Emmanuel , Perruche Sylvain , Saas Philippe , Bonnotte Bernard
Published: September 2015

T lymphocytes activated by dendritic cells (DC) which present tumor antigens play a key role in the antitumor immune response. However, in patients suffering from active cancer, DC are not efficient at initiating and supporting immune responses as they participate to T lymphocyte inhibition. DC in the tumor environment are functionally defective and exhibit a characteristic of immature phenotype, different to that of DC present in nonpathological conditions. The mechanistic bases underlying DC dysfunction in cancer responsible for the modulation of T-cell responses and tumor immune escape are still being investigated. Using two different mouse tumor models, we showed that tumor-infiltrating DC (TIDC) are constitutively immunosuppressive, exhibit a semimature phenotype, and impair responder T lymphocyte proliferation and activation by a mechanism involving CD39 ectoenzyme.
Fast Atomic Charge Calculation for Implementation into a Polarizable Force Field and Application to an Ion Channel Protein
Authors: Witter Raiker , Möllhoff Margit , Koch Frank-Thomas , Sternberg Ulrich
Published: September 2015

Polarization of atoms plays a substantial role in molecular interactions. Class I and II force fields mostly calculate with fixed atomic charges which can cause inadequate descriptions for highly charged molecules, for example, ion channels or metalloproteins. Changes in charge distributions can be included into molecular mechanics calculations by various methods. Here, we present a very fast computational quantum mechanical method, the Bond Polarization Theory (BPT). Atomic charges are obtained via a charge calculation method that depend on the 3D structure of the system in a similar way as atomic charges ofab initiocalculations. Different methods of population analysis and charge calculation methods and their dependence on the basis set were investigated. A refined parameterization yielded excellent correlation ofR=0.9967. The method was implemented in the force field COSMOS-NMR and applied to the histidine-tryptophan-complex of the transmembrane domain of the M2 protein channel of influenza A virus. Our calculations show that moderate changes of side chain torsion angleχ1and small variations ofχ2of Trp-41 are necessary to switch from the inactivated into the activated state; and a rough two-side jump model of His-37 is supported for proton gating in accordance with a flipping mechanism.
Accelerating Multiple Compound Comparison Using LINGO-Based Load-Balancing Strategies on Multi-GPUs
Authors: Lin Chun-Yuan , Wang Chung-Hung , Hung Che-Lun , Lin Yu-Shiang
Published: September 2015

Compound comparison is an important task for the computational chemistry. By the comparison results, potential inhibitors can be found and then used for the pharmacy experiments. The time complexity of a pairwise compound comparison isO(n2), wherenis the maximal length of compounds. In general, the length of compounds is tens to hundreds, and the computation time is small. However, more and more compounds have been synthesized and extracted now, even more than tens of millions. Therefore, it still will be time-consuming when comparing with a large amount of compounds (seen as a multiple compound comparison problem, abbreviated to MCC). The intrinsic time complexity of MCC problem isO(k2n2)withkcompounds of maximal lengthn. In this paper, we propose a GPU-based algorithm for MCC problem, called CUDA-MCC, on single- and multi-GPUs. Four LINGO-based load-balancing strategies are considered in CUDA-MCC in order to accelerate the computation speed among thread blocks on GPUs. CUDA-MCC was implemented by C+OpenMP+CUDA. CUDA-MCC achieved 45 times and 391 times faster than its CPU version on a single NVIDIA Tesla K20m GPU card and a dual-NVIDIA Tesla K20m GPU card, respectively, under the experimental results.
Shear Flow Induced Alignment of Carbon Nanotubes in Natural Rubber
Authors: He Yan , Cao Zhifang , Ma Lianxiang
Published: September 2015

A new procedure for the fabrication of natural rubber composite with aligned carbon nanotubes is provided in this study. The two-step approach is based on (i) the preparation of mixture latex of natural rubber, multiwalled carbon nanotubes, and other components and (ii) the orientation of carbon nanotubes by a flow field. Rubber composite sheets filled with variable volume fraction of aligned carbon nanotubes were fabricated and then confirmed by transmission electron microscopy and Raman spectroscopy studies. An obvious increase in thermal conductivity has been obtained after the alignment of carbon nanotubes. The dynamic mechanical analysis was carried out in a tear mode for the composite.
An Imbalance in TAZ and YAP Expression in Hepatocellular Carcinoma Confers Cancer Stem Cell–like Behaviors Contributing to Disease Progression
Authors: Hayashi Hiromitsu , Higashi Takaaki , Yokoyama Naomi , Kaida Takayoshi , Sakamoto Keita , Fukushima Yukiko , Ishimoto Takatsugu , Kuroki Hideyuki , Nitta Hidetoshi , Hashimoto Daisuke , Chikamoto Akira , Oki Eiji , Beppu Toru , Baba Hideo
Published: September 2015

Transcriptional coactivator with PDZ-binding motif (TAZ) and yes-associated protein (YAP) are equivalently placed downstream effectors of the Hippo pathway with oncogenic roles in human cancers. However, the expression profiles of TAZ/YAP differ depending on the cancer cell type, suggesting that these proteins have different roles during cancer progression, yet no studies have examined the biologic significance of the balance between TAZ and YAP expression levels. Here we examined the functional roles of TAZ/YAP in hepatocellular carcinoma progression. We found that TAZ, but not YAP, was predominantly expressed in HCC. TAZ knockdown under normal conditions attenuated cell growth in HCC cells; however, TAZ knockdown combined with 5-fluorouracil treatment significantly increased chemoresistance compared with control cells. Notably, TAZ knockdown induced compensatory YAP expression and was accompanied by upregulation of CD90, a HCC–specific cancer stem cell marker. Continuous treatment with 5-fluorouracil also induced YAP expression and promoted tumor formation in vivo. Conversely, double knockdown of TAZ/YAP reduced chemoresistance and tumorigenicity. Moreover, YAP knockdown aggravated HCC cell growth to a greater degree than TAZ knockdown, and YAP overexpression was strongly associated with poor prognoses in patients with HCC. Collectively, these studies demonstrate that TAZ and YAP exhibit different functional roles in cancer progression, and a shift to predominant YAP expression upon TAZ depletion conferred cancer stem cell–like properties including chemoresistance and tumorigenicity in HCC. Therefore, targeting of both TAZ/YAP will be required for a complete antitumor response in HCC. Cancer Res; 75(22); 4985–97. ©2015 AACR.
Pan-HER Inhibitor Augments Radiation Response in Human Lung and Head and Neck Cancer Models
Authors: Francis David M. , Huang Shyhmin , Armstrong Eric A. , Werner Lauryn R. , Hullett Craig , Li Chunrong , Morris Zachary S. , Swick Adam D. , Kragh Michael , Lantto Johan , Kimple Randall J. , Harari Paul M.
Published: September 2015

Purpose: Aberrant regulation of the EGF receptor family (EGFR, HER2, HER3, HER4) contributes to tumorigenesis and metastasis in epithelial cancers. Pan-HER represents a novel molecular targeted therapeutic composed of a mixture of six monoclonal antibodies against EGFR, HER2, and HER3.

Experimental Design: In the current study, we examine the capacity of Pan-HER to augment radiation response across a series of human lung and head and neck cancers, including EGFR inhibitor–resistant cell lines and xenografts.

Results: Pan-HER demonstrates superior antiproliferative and radiosensitizing impact when compared with cetuximab. The mechanisms underlying these effects appear to involve attenuation of DNA damage repair, enhancement of programmed cell death, cell-cycle redistribution, and induction of cellular senescence. Combined treatment of Pan-HER with single or fractionated radiation in human tumor xenografts reveals a potent antitumor and regrowth delay impact compared with Pan-HER or radiation treatment alone.

Conclusions: These data highlight the capacity of Pan-HER to augment radiation response in lung and head and neck cancer models and support investigation of Pan-HER combined with radiation as a promising clinical therapeutic strategy. Clin Cancer Res; 22(3); 633–43. ©2015 AACR.
Subacute CNS Demyelination after Treatment with Nivolumab for Melanoma
Authors: Maurice Catherine , Schneider Raphael , Kiehl Tim-Rasmus , Bavi Prashant , Roehrl Michael H.A. , Mason Warren P. , Hogg David
Published: September 2015

Immunotherapy with monoclonal antibodies targeting cytotoxic T-lymphocyte antigen 4 (CTLA-4) or programmed cell death 1 (PD-1) has improved the survival of patients with metastatic melanoma. These agents carry a certain risk of adverse immune-related events. We present a patient with widely metastatic melanoma who was initially treated with ipilimumab and subsequently with nivolumab. After four infusions of nivolumab, he developed subacute multifocal central nervous system (CNS) demyelination. Nivolumab was discontinued and, despite immunosuppressive therapy, the largest lesion progressed significantly, whereas another lesion showed radiographic improvement. After further progression, the patient succumbed to his CNS lesions 4 months later. Autopsy revealed extensive demyelination, a mild multifocal T-cell–rich perivascular lymphoid infiltrate, abundant macrophages, and necrosis. There was no metastatic melanoma in the brain. CNS demyelination has not been described in association with nivolumab. We hypothesize that the combination therapy of ipilimumab and subsequent nivolumab accounted for the severity of the demyelinating process in this patient. This case, with comprehensive clinical, molecular, and neuropathologic characterization, illustrates the need for awareness of these potential CNS complications with the use of multiple checkpoint inhibitors. Cancer Immunol Res; 3(12); 1299–302. ©2015 AACR.
Self-Compassion as a Resource in the Self-Stigma Process of Overweight and Obese Individuals
Authors: Hilbert Anja , Braehler Elmar , Schmidt Ricarda , Löwe Bernd , Häuser Winfried , Zenger Markus
Published: September 2015

Objective: Self-stigma in overweight and obese individuals has strong associations with impairment in mental and global health. This study sought to explore self-compassion as a psychological resource in the self-stigma process. Methods: In a 2012 representative German population survey of N = 1,158 overweight and obese individuals, self-compassion was examined as a mediator between self-stigma and mental and physical health outcomes, including BMI (kg/m2), using structural equation modeling and controlling for sociodemographic factors. Results: Psychological variables were assessed using validated self-report questionnaires. Self-compassion partially mediated the relationships between self-stigma and depression, somatic symptoms, and health status / quality of life, lowering the predictive effect of self-stigma on the outcomes by approximately one-third. In contrast, self-compassion, because it was unrelated to BMI, did not mediate the association between self-stigma and BMI. Conclusion: Self-compassion has the potential to act as a buffer against the mental and global health detriments of self-stigma in overweight and obesity and could thus represent a target for interventions to reduce self-stigma and prevent these health impairments. In order to influence the association between self-stigma and BMI, self-compassion should conceptually be linked to weight management.
Hair and Scalp Disorders in a Tuscan Pediatric Dermatological Outpatient Clinic: A Clinical and Epidemiological Evaluation
Authors: Conti Rossana , Colucci Roberta , Arunachalam Meena , Berti Samantha , Fabroni Caterina , De Martino Maurizio , Dragoni Federica , Lazzeri Linda , Pisaneschi Lisa , Moretti Silvia
Published: September 2015

Objectives: The aim of this study was to evaluate the clinical and epidemiological profile of hair and scalp disorders in children referred to the Pediatric Dermatology Outpatient Clinic. Materials and Methods: We performed a retrospective study of children with hair loss problems or scalp diseases who turned to the Pediatric Dermatology Service, Anna Meyer Pediatric Hospital, Florence, Italy, from January 1, 2009, to December 31, 2009. Demographics, personal and familial medical history, laboratory tests, clinical examination, final diagnosis and therapeutic interventions were obtained from the manual chart review. Results: Of the 2,640 children who had access to the Pediatric Dermatology Service, 190 (7.19%) had a hair or scalp disorder. Among the 190 children, 60 (31.57%) presented with nonscarring alopecia, 56 (29.47%) had benign neoplasias, hamartomas or vascular malformations of the scalp, 51 (26.84%) had scalp inflammatory diseases, 14 (7.36%) had scarring alopecia, 5 (2.63%) had infections and 2 (1.05%) had infestation of the scalp. A case of constitutional hypertrichosis (0.52%) and also a case (0.52%) of lamellar ichthyosis were diagnosed. Conclusions: Our results underline that hair and scalp diseases represent an important percentage of admittances to a dermatological pediatric outpatient clinic. The variety and complexity of the diseases observed in this study included diseases commonly found also in adulthood.
Angiogenic Factors and Doppler Evaluation in Normally Growing Fetuses at Routine Third-Trimester Scan: Prediction of Subsequent Low Birth Weight
Authors: Triunfo Stefania , Parra-Saavedra Miguel , Rodriguez-Sureda Victor , Crovetto Francesca , Dominguez Carmen , Gratacós Eduard , Figueras Francesc
Published: September 2015

Objective: To evaluate in normally growing fetuses at routine 32-36 weeks scan the performance of maternal angiogenic factors, Doppler and ultrasound indices in predicting smallness for gestational age (SGA) at birth. Methods: A cohort of 1,000 singleton pregnancies with normal estimated fetal weight (EFW, ≥10th centile) at 32-36 weeks scan was included. At inclusion, Doppler indices (mean uterine artery pulsatility index [mUtA-PI], cerebroplacental ratio and normalized umbilical vein blood flow by EFW (ml/min/kg) were evaluated, and blood samples were collected and frozen. Nested in this cohort, maternal circulating placental growth factor (PlGF) and soluble fms-like tyrosine kinase-1 (sFlt-1) were assayed by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay in all cases with a birth weight <10th centile by customized standards and in an equivalent number of controls (birth weight ≥10th centile). Results: 160 cases were included (80 SGA and 80 controls). EFW (2,128 vs. 2,279 g, p < 0.001), mUtA-PI z-values (-0.25 vs. -0.65, p = 0.034) and sFlt-1/PlGF ratio (11.10 vs. 6.74, p < 0.005) were lower in SGA. The combination of sFlt-1/PlGF ratio and EFW resulted in a 66.3% detection rate for subsequent SGA, with 20% of false-positives. Fetal Doppler indices were not predictive of SGA. Conclusions: In normally growing fetuses, maternal angiogenic factors add to ultrasound parameters in predicting subsequent SGA at birth. This supports further research to investigate composite scores in order to improve the definition and identification of fetal growth restriction.
Association of P-Wave Dispersion with Overall and Cardiovascular Mortality in Hemodialysis Patients
Authors: Chen Szu-Chia , Su Ho-Ming , Huang Jiun-Chi , Chang Ko , Tsai Yi-Chun , Chen Ling-I , Chang Jer-Ming , Hwang Shang-Jyh , Chen Hung-Chun
Published: September 2015

Background/Aims: The P-wave parameters that are measured using a 12-lead electrocardiogram are commonly used as noninvasive tools for assessing left atrial enlargement. This study was designed to assess whether P-wave dispersion is associated with overall and cardiovascular mortality in hemodialysis patients. Methods: This study enrolled 209 hemodialysis patients. We measured the P-wave dispersion corrected by heart rate, that is, the corrected P-wave dispersion (PWdisperC), and assessed its correlation with overall and cardiovascular mortalities. Results: The mean PWdisperC of all the patients was 93.3 ± 21.1 ms. During the follow-up period (mean 5.4 years), 58 deaths and 37 cardiovascular deaths were recorded. The adjusted value of PWdisperC was also associated with overall (hazards ratio (HR) 1.018, 95% CI 1.004-1.033, p = 0.014) and cardiovascular (HR 1.032, 95% CI 1.012-1.053, p = 0.002) mortalities. Multivariate Cox regression analysis identified tertile 3 of PWdisperC (vs. tertile 1) to be associated with overall (HR 2.472, 95% CI 1.181-5.174, p = 0.016) and cardiovascular (HR 3.896, 95% CI 1.463-10.376, p = 0.007) mortalities, after adjustment for demographic, clinical and biochemical parameters. Adding PWdisperC to a model of clinical features could significantly improve the predictive value for overall (p = 0.044) and cardiovascular (p = 0.002) mortalities. Conclusions: We concluded that PWdisperC was positively associated with overall and cardiovascular mortalities in hemodialysis patients and could provide additional prognostic values. Screening hemodialysis patients by using PWdisperC may facilitate identifying a group of patients with poor prognosis.
Cytologic and Immunophenotypic Features of Malignant Cells in Pediatric Body Fluids
Authors: Ahmed Atif A. , Andraws Nevene , Almutairi Ahmed M. , Saied Hesham M. , Elbagir-Mohamed Asim M.
Published: September 2015

Objective: Cytospin preparations and immunocytochemistry are common methods in hospitals to evaluate malignancies in body fluids. Characteristics of malignant cells in pediatric body fluids have not been adequately evaluated. Study Design: 183 pleural, peritoneal and pericardial pediatric fluid specimens were examined by cytospin preparations and immunocytochemistry from two hospitals using similar procedural techniques. Cytologic diagnoses were correlated with the results of clinical history, histology and ancillary studies. Results: Forty cases with malignancy were identified (21.9%); the most common diagnoses were rhabdomyosarcoma and acute lymphoblastic lymphoma (9 and 8 cases, respectively). Small round cell tumors revealed similar morphology as clusters of small round cells with central nuclei and scant cytoplasm with frequent small vacuoles. Twenty-one cases were evaluated by immunocytochemistry, 12 by flow cytometry and 5 by cytogenetic analysis. CD3, CD20, TdT, CD10, desmin and myogenin were the most common markers. Staining artifacts causing interpretation difficulties were noted in 5 cases that were resolved by molecular studies and deferral for surgical specimens. Conclusions: Small round cell tumors are the most common malignancies encountered in pediatric body fluids and share a nonspecific morphology. Although immunocytochemistry is helpful to arrive at the correct diagnosis, other ancillary studies may be necessary, particularly in hematologic malignancies and other difficult cases.
First-Trimester Placental Growth Factor in Screening for Gestational Diabetes
Authors: Mosimann Beatrice , Amylidi Sophia , Risch Lorenz , Wiedemann Ute , Surbek Daniel , Baumann Marc , Stettler Christoph , Raio Luigi
Published: September 2015

Objective: The aim of this study was first to assess whether first-trimester serum concentrations of placental growth factor (PlGF) differ between patients with and without gestational diabetes (GDM) and second to test whether there is a correlation between glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1c), a factor recently shown to be useful in predicting GDM, and PlGF. Methods: PlGF was measured at 8-14 weeks with the Kryptor Immunoassay Analyzer (Brahms, Berlin, Germany). Absolute values were converted to multiples of the median using the software provided by the Fetal Medicine Foundation London. GDM was diagnosed using internationally accepted criteria. HbA1c levels were quantified using the TOSOH G7 automated hemoglobin analyzer. Results: From January to December 2014, 328 women were included in the study, 51 (15.5%) of whom developed GDM. First-trimester PlGF quantification does not discriminate between women at risk to develop GDM and controls, while HbA1c is able to do so. No correlation was found between PlGF and HbA1c. Conclusion: Our findings do not lend support to the hypothesis that early PlGF values are different in women who later develop GDM.
In vitro Autoradiographic Analysis of Regional Changes in Estrogen Receptor Alpha in the Brains of Cycling Female Rats
Authors: Bowlby Deborah A. , Brown Theodore J. , Hochberg Richard B. , MacLusky Neil J.
Published: September 2015

Background/Aims: The contributions of the three principal ovarian steroid hormones (estradiol, progesterone and testosterone) to the regulation of estrogen receptor alpha (ERα) levels in the rat brain were examined during the estrous cycle. Methods: Receptor concentrations were measured using an in vitro autoradiographic technique designed to separately quantify free, unoccupied receptors and receptors ‘occupied' by (bound to) endogenous hormone. Results: ERα occupation increased at proestrus and declined at estrus, reflecting changes in circulating estradiol and testosterone levels. Total ERα content followed a pattern that was the inverse of the occupation data, falling over the night of proestrus. Between 2.00 and 10.00 a.m. on the day of estrus, total ERα concentrations recovered in all brain regions except the ventromedial nucleus (VMN), in which ERα binding remained depressed at estrus. Administration of the progesterone antagonist mifepristone on the afternoon of proestrus resulted in recovery of ERα levels in the VMN by the morning of estrus, consistent with the hypothesis that the preovulatory progesterone surge selectively inhibits VMN ERα expression. Residual ERα occupation observed at estrus, when estradiol is not detectable in the serum, likely reflects intracranial aromatization of circulating androgens, since the pattern of receptor occupation observed at this stage of the cycle could be reproduced in ovariectomized rats by replacement with testosterone. Conclusion: These findings indicate that ERα binding in the brain fluctuates during the rat estrous cycle in a region-specific manner and suggest that local aromatization of testosterone may contribute significantly to ERα occupation when circulating estradiol levels are low.
Proteolytically active ADAM10 and ADAM17 carried on membrane microvesicles in human abdominal aortic aneurysms
Authors: Li Chunjun , Frebelius Siw , Swedenborg Jesper , Wågsäter Dick , Williams Kevin Jon , Eriksson Per , Folkesson Maggie , Roy Joy , Liu Ming-Lin
Published: September 2015

The intraluminal thrombus (ILT) of human abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) has been suggested to damage the underlying aortic wall, but previous work found scant activity of soluble proteases in the abluminal layer of the ILT, adjacent to the aneurysm. We hypothesised that transmembrane proteases carried by membrane microvesicles (MV) from dying cells remain active in the abluminal ILT. ILTs and AAA segments collected from 21 patients during surgical repair were assayed for two major transmembrane proteases, ADAM10 (a disintegrin and metalloprotease-10) and ADAM17. We also exposed cultured cells to tobacco smoke and assessed ADAM10 and ADAM17 expression and release on MVs. Immunohistochemistry showed abundant ADAM10 and ADAM17 protein in the ILT and underlying aneurysmal aorta. Domain-specific antibodies indicated both transmembrane and shed ADAM17. Importantly, ADAM10 and ADAM 17 in the abluminal ILT were enzymatically active. Electron microscopy of abluminal ILT and aortic wall showed MVs with ADAM10 and ADAM17. By flow cytometry, ADAM-positive microvesicles from abluminal ILT carried the neutrophil marker CD66, but not the platelet marker CD61. Cultured HL60 neutrophils exposed to tobacco smoke extract showed increased ADAM10 and ADAM17 content, cleavage of these molecules into active forms, and release of MVs carrying mature ADAM10 and detectable ADAM17. In conclusion, our results implicate persistent, enzymatically active ADAMs on MVs in the abluminal ILT, adjacent to the aneurysmal wall. The production of ADAM10- and ADAM17-positive MVs from smoke-exposed neutrophils provides a novel molecular mechanism for the vastly accelerated risk of AAA in smokers.

Portions of this work were presented at the Arteriosclerosis, Thrombosis and Vascular Biology 2012 Scientific Sessions, 19 Apr 2012 (ref. 25), and in a doctoral thesis defense February 2013 (ref. 26).
Time trends and case fatality rate of in-hospital treated pulmonary embolism during 11 years of observation in Northwestern Italy
Authors: Ageno Walter , Pomero Fulvio , Fenoglio Luigi , Squizzato Alessandro , Bonzini Matteo , Dentali Francesco
Published: September 2015

Pulmonary embolism (PE) is a common disorder with high mortality and morbidity rates. However, population-based information on its incidence and prognosis remains limited. We conducted a large epidemiology study collecting data on hospitalisation for PE (from 2002 to 2012) in a population of about 13 million people in Northwestern Italy. Patients were identified using the ICD-9-CM codes: 415.11, 415.19; gender and age specific incidence rate of PE during the study period were estimated using the resident population for each year of the study. Furthermore, time trends in the in-hospital PE-related mortality and case fatality rate were calculated. Results were adjusted for possible confounders. A total of 60,853 patients (mean age 72.8 years, ± 14.1, 59.6 % females) with PE were included; the overall crude incidence rate for the entire study period was 55.4 and 40.6 events per year per 100,000 inhabitants for women and men, respectively (p < 0.001). However, this difference was completely lost after standardisation for age. The incidence of PE significantly increased in both genders during the study period. In-hospital case fatality rate significantly decreased throughout the study period (p < 0.001) in women (from 15.6 % to 10.2 %) and in men (from 17.6 % to 10.1 %). The observed decrease of the in-hospital case-fatality throughout the study period remained significant also after adjustment for possible confounders. In conclusion, time trends over an 11-year period show an increasing incidence of PE, but a significant reduction in mortality during hospitalisation. Reduction in the case fatality rate remained significant after adjustment for these possible confounders.

Supplementary Material to this article is available online at www.thrombosis-online.com.
Development and validation of a tool for patient reporting of symptoms and signs of the post-thrombotic syndrome
Authors: Utne Kristin Kornelia , Ghanima Waleed , Foyn Siv , Kahn Susan , Sandset Per Morten , Wik Hilde Skuterud
Published: September 2015

Post-thrombotic syndrome (PTS) is a long-term complication of deepvein thrombosis (DVT). The Villalta scale is the recommended tool for diagnosing PTS, but requires a clinician’s assessment in addition to patient self-assessment. In the present study, we validated a self-administered tool for patient reporting of leg symptoms and signs as a mean to assess PTS. We first validated a form for patient self-reported Villalta (PRV1), then developed and validated a visually assisted form (PRV2). The validity of PRV1 and PRV2 was assessed in patients diagnosed with DVT between 2004 and 2012. Median time from DVT to inclusion was 5.1 and 3.5 years for PRV1 (n=162) and PRV2 (n=94), respectively. Patients were requested to complete the PRV form before a scheduled visit. PTS diagnosed by the original Villalta scale during the visit served as the reference method. PRV1 showed only moderate agreement for diagnosing PTS compared with the original Villalta scale (kappa agreement 0.60, 95 % CI 0.48–0.72), whereas PRV2 showed very good agreement (0.82, 95 % CI 0.71–0.94). In the validation of PRV2, PTS was diagnosed in 54 (57 %) patients according to the original Villalta scale and in 60 (64 %) by PRV2. The sensitivity of PRV2 to detect PTS was 98 % and the specificity was 83 %. We conclude that the visually assisted form for PRV is a valid and sensitive tool for diagnosing PTS. Such a tool could be applied in further clinical studies of PTS, making studies less resource demanding by reducing the need for in-person clinic visits.

Supplementary Material to this article is available online at www.thrombosis-online.com.
Poor Collateral Circulation Assessed by Multiphase Computed Tomographic Angiography Predicts Malignant Middle Cerebral Artery Evolution After Reperfusion Therapies
Authors: Flores Alan , Rubiera Marta , Ribó Marc , Pagola Jorge , Rodriguez-Luna David , Muchada Marian , Boned Sandra , Seró Laia , Sanjuan Estela , Meler Pilar , Carcámo Daniel , Santamarina Estevo , Tomassello Alejandro , Lemus Miguel , Coscojuela Pilar , Molina Carlos A.
Published: September 2015

Background and Purpose—

Collateral circulation (CC) has been associated with recanalization, infarct volume, and clinical outcome in patients undergoing acute reperfusion therapies. However, its relationship with the development to malignant middle cerebral artery infarction (mMCAi) has not been evaluated. Our aim was to determine the impact of CC using multiphase computed tomographic angiography (during the acute stroke phase in the prediction of mMCAi.

Methods—

Patients with consecutive acute stroke with <4.5 hours who were evaluated for reperfusion therapies and presented with an M1-MCA or terminal internal carotid artery occlusion by CTA were included. CC was evaluated on 6 grades by multiphase CTA according to the University of Calgary CC Scale; CC status was defined as poor (grades, 0–3) or good (grades, 4–5). The mMCAi was defined according to clinical and radiological criteria. Recanalization was assessed with transcranial Doppler at 24 hours and final Thrombolysis in Brain Ischemia score ≥2b in patients undergoing endovascular reperfusion treatment.

Results—

Eighty-two patients were included. Mean age was 65.1±13.83 years, median baseline National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale score was 18 (interquartile range, 13–20), and 67.9% M1 and 32.1% terminal internal carotid artery occlusions. Fifty-three patients received endovascular reperfusion treatment. Fifteen patients developed mMCAi. In the univariate analysis, patients with mMCAi had lower CC scores (2.29 versus 3.71;
P
=0.001). Endovascular reperfusion treatment was associated with lower rate of mMCAi development than only intravenous reperfusion treatment (9.4% versus 29.6%;
P
=0.028). Patients with poor CC had higher risk of developing mMCAi (13% versus 2%;
P
=0.001). On the multivariate analysis adjusted by age, vessel occlusion, baseline National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale, and recanalization, the presence of poor CC by multiphase CTA was the only independent predictor of mMCAi (
P
=0.048; odds ratio, 9.72; 95% confidence interval, 1.387–92.53).

Conclusions—

CC assessment by multiphase CTA independently predicts malignant MCA infarction progression. In patients with persistent occlusion after reperfusion therapies, the presence of poor CC may improve the early mMCAi detection and management.
“I Am Very Happy Here”
Authors: Pierret Thomas , Cheikh Mériam
Published: September 2015

In October 2014, a 19-year female Syrian tweeter known as Ahlam al-Nasr announced her departure from her home in Saudi Arabia and settlement in the territories held by the Islamic State Organisation (iso). As a piece of propaganda, Ahlam’s account of this jihadi migration tells as much about the author’s personality as about the kind of subjectivitiesisois trying to appeal to. Ahlam appears as a strongly individualist figure as she forcefully asserts ownership of her life plan despite the fact that it was decided with her family’s consent. The reasons she give to account for her migration, and to encourage her readers to follow suit, also testify to an individualist break with previous rationales for transnational jihad: jihad in Syria is not about helping coreligionist in distress, but rather about participating in the edification of an ideal Islamic State that offers attractive opportunities of self-accomplishment.
Reforming Philosophy of Religion: Some Methodological Cautions
Authors: Gardiner Mark Q.
Published: September 2015

Kevin Schilbrack’sPhilosophy and the Study of Religion: A Manifestoproposes to reform the traditional Philosophy of Religion by reference to three goals that it should have. In pursuit of those goals he argues for a pair of hierarchical two-stage methodologies. I argue that there are tensions between his defence of these methodologies and the philosophical apparatus he brings to bear in explicating the goals themselves.
Religion, Philosophy, Scholarship and the Muddles Thereof
Authors: Jensen Jeppe Sinding
Published: September 2015

For many centuries, the relations between philosophy and religion were very close—at times indistinguishable. That is not so in the modern secular academy, which houses philosophy along with the study of religion but without noticeable mutual relations between the two. Kevin Schilbrack has ably dealt with that situation in his latest publication ‘Philosophy and the Study of Religion’. Schilbrack’s diagnoses are acute and most scholars in the study of religion will consider them worth heeding—except, most likely, his calls for more metaphysical concerns based on ideas of ‘unmediated experience’. His arguments proceed from current philosophical positions and theories of situated cognition and his appeals are quite convincing. However, they do have one remarkable drawback as this critic sees it: That metaphysics move from the ontological realm to the epistemic (!). That is no mean feat, because as no one really seems to know what metaphysics are in this ‘post-metaphysic age’, Schilbrack’s proposal seems to indicate that metaphysics now become humanly approachable and intellectually tractable. As such, they could justifiably become an integral part of the study of religion—as could philosophy.
Vision, Visualisation, and Politics in the Apostle Paul
Authors: Maier Harry O.
Published: September 2015

The essay applies the theoretical study of visual culture to an analysis of the role of the visual in the communication of religious ideas by the New Testament author, Paul. The discussion explores the contributions of anthropologists and iconologists to the study and understanding of visual culture. After an exploration of the role of vision in understanding generally, the essay then turns to the goals of creating visual experiences in ancient rhetoric. The letters of Paul and his followers drew on the experiences of Roman imperial iconography in multiple media to create their own visual worlds and effect persuasion.
Can Philosophy Save the Study of Religion?
Authors: Rennie Bryan
Published: September 2015

Schilbrack presents the data and methods of disciplinary philosophy as contributing positively to the academic study of religion and gives his understanding of religion and of its study based on this contribution. I suggest we go further—the methods of disciplinary philosophy should provide a centralizing paradigm around which the various contributory disciplines of the study of religion might be better and more sustainably organized. Schilbrack adopts an approach that focuses on practice and embodiment rather than doctrine and belief. Again, I recommend going even further, still avoiding eliminative behaviorism but adopting a “philosophical ethology,” and seeking to refine the “superempirical realities” of Schilbrack’s definition of religion with reference to behaviors that produce and surround certain elements of material culture. This, I believe, would advance Schilbrack’s theoretical understanding of both religion and the philosophy of religion, taking it to an even greater level of generality and utility.
Towards a Philosophy of Religious Studies: A Response to Critics
Authors: Schilbrack Kevin
Published: September 2015

This paper responds to critiques of my Philosophy and the Study of Religions: A Manifesto (Blackwell, 2014) from Jeppe Jensen, Mark Gardiner, Bryan Rennie, and Kenneth MacKendrick. It aims to defend my book’s proposals in such a way as to nudge the discipline of philosophy of religion into a reflexive mode that might be called “philosophy of religion studies.”
De-Mythologizing Peacekeeping
Authors: Popovski Vesselin
Published: September 2015

Peacekeeping, one of the major innovations in United Nations history, has been regarded as an activity falling under ‘Chapter Six and a half’ of the un Charter. Many have also urged that peacekeeping be made more robust and to engage with military force against ‘spoilers’. This article questions these two myths – ‘Chapter Six and a half’ and ‘robust peacekeeping’ – and argues that providing ambiguous half-half mandates and expecting peacekeepers to engage robustly has created a lot of confusion. It advocates for clarity and distinction between peacekeeping and military engagement, and recommends to delegate these two roles to two fully separate actors, well equipped and trained to exercise them professionally.
The Evolution of United Nations Peacekeeping in the Congo
Authors: Spijkers Otto
Published: September 2015

The United Nations has been engaged in peacekeeping in the Democratic Republic of the Congo since the period of the country’s independence. First it was the Opération des Nations Unies au Congo (onuc), then the Mission de l’Organisation des Nations Unies au Congo (monuc), and the most recent un peacekeeping force is called Mission de l’Organisation des Nations Unies pour la Stabilisation au Congo (monusco). Most recently, monusco acquired a Force Intervention Brigade (fib). In this contribution, an analysis is made of how the bedrock principles of peacekeeping – impartiality, consent, and a restricted use of force – have evolved in the Congo. To do so, the journey begins in the 1960s, and ends in early 2015. For each principle, we will look at its traditional meaning, as well as its application to onuc, monuc, and monusco with its Force Intervention Brigade.
A Comprehensive Approach to Multidimensional Operations
Authors: Jasper Scott , Moreland Scott
Published: September 2015

Peacekeeping and crisis response missions face novel challenges in the modern era. Disruptive changes, including economic globalization, mass communications and access to information, and the emergence of powerful and influential non-state agents require a better understanding of the mission space and the political, economic, and social conditions that impact stabilization efforts. The comprehensive approach is among the most recent functional models for coordinating the efforts of the broad assortment of actors involved in addressing complex crises or conflicts. The principles of a comprehensive approach are widely accepted, but mechanisms for practical application are still evolving. Moreover, the benefits realized through coordinated efforts may be limited by organizational constraints. In some cases, mission conditions may also restrict comprehensive approaches. For example robust military engagement in conflict zones may compromise humanitarian access to vulnerable populations; or neutral administration of aid to factional groups might run counter to military actions against named threats. Despite these challenges, mission leaders agree that a comprehensive approach is vital to mission success. Multidimensional peacekeeping, campaigns to combat piracy, and energy security provide useful models for achieving better situational understanding and mission effectiveness via a comprehensive approach. Each of these examples demands political leadership, protection and advocacy for affected or underserved populations, enhanced development, and military intervention to guarantee security.
The Emergent Artificial Intelligence of Green Spaces
Authors: Swaminathan Ramanathan
Published: September 2015

The paper focuses on the digital logic that informs debates on urban ecology and green spaces in Asia. First, the paper builds a case regarding how pervasive digitalization is embedding everyday activities with artificial intelligence. This process, the paper argues, reconfigures existing social relationships of power and creates new modes of articulation, engagement, contestation, and negotiation. Second, the paper specifically looks at how this process informs material productions of space, spatiality, and territoriality of urban ecology. As case studies, the paper maps the narratives and discourses about Mumbai’s Mithi River and Seoul’s Cheonggyecheon and the way in which they are anchored to technoscapes and an overarching digital logic. This paper, concludes that this reconstituted urban ecology leads to ‘green narratives’ that are reductionist and simplistic.
A taxonomic revision of the genus Oxyopomyrmex André, 1881 (Hymenoptera: Formicidae)
Authors: SALATA SEBASTIAN , BOROWIEC LECH
Published: September 2015

Oxyopomyrmex André, 1881 is a small genus of myrmicine ants found in arid grasslands of the Mediterranean region. Here we provide a new taxonomic revision of the genus. Twelve species are recognized, including five new to science: O. laevibus sp. nov. (Greece: Crete), O. magnus sp. nov. (Spain), O. negevensis sp. nov. (Israel) O. polybotesi sp. nov. (Greece: Nisyros, W Turkey) and O. pygmalioni sp. nov. (Cyprus). Oxyopomyrmex santschii var. nigripes Santschi, 1907 and O. santschii var. nitidior Santschi, 1910 are raised to species level. The following new synonymies are proposed: O. krueperi Forel, 1911 = O. lagoi Menozzi, 1936 syn. nov.; O. nigripes Santschi, 1907 = O. sabulonis var. rugocciput Santschi, 1923 syn. nov. = O. emeryi var. brunnescens Santschi, 1929 syn. nov.; O. nitidior Santschi, 1910 = O. emeryi var. laticeps Santschi, 1915 syn. nov. = O. emeryi st. sabulonis Santschi, 1915 syn. nov.; O. saulcyi Emery, 1889 = O. santschii Forel, 1904 syn. nov. = O. santschii var. siciliana Karavaiev, 1912 syn. nov. = O. gaetulus Santschi, 1929 syn. nov. = O. saulcyi var. latinodis Santschi, 1939 syn. nov. A neotype for O. oculatus André, 1881 is designated. An identification key based on the gyne, male and worker caste is provided.
2015 Bernhard Haurwitz Memorial Lecture: Model Diagnosis of El Niño Teleconnections to the Global Atmosphere–Ocean System
Authors: Lau Ngar-Cheung
Published: September 2015

The El Niño–Southern Oscillation (ENSO) phenomenon is one of the most prominent modes of atmospheric and oceanic variability on interannual and interdecadal time scales. The essential ENSO signals originate from the tropical Pacific (TP). However, the impacts of ENSO are felt in many other parts of the world. Major ENSO events are accompanied by notable changes in the extratropical atmospheric circulation in both hemispheres, various monsoon systems located beyond the TP, global air temperature and precipitation patterns, and the sea surface temperature (SST) distribution throughout the World Ocean. During the past several decades, this author has participated in a sustained effort to study the processes contributing to these “teleconnections” between ENSO forcing in the TP and variations in the atmosphere–ocean system elsewhere. These investigations are based on a large suite of experiments with several generations of general circulation models (GCMs) at the Geophysical Fluid Dynamics Laboratory (GFDL). These experiments are specifically designed to reveal various facets of the teleconnections with ENSO. In this lecture, a summary is given of the principal findings of this series of model studies. An account is given of the train of thought underpinning the sequence of experiments described herein, so as to illustrate how certain experimental setups have been motivated by the problem or hypothesis at hand.