bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Properties of an intermediate-duration inactivation process of the voltage-gated sodium conductance in rat hippocampal CA1 neurons
Authors: French Christopher R. , Zeng Zhen , Williams David A. , Hill-Yardin Elisa L. , O'Brien Terence J.
Published: November 2015

Rapid transmembrane flow of sodium ions produces the depolarizing phase of action potentials (APs) in most excitable tissue through voltage-gated sodium channels (NaV). Macroscopic currents display rapid activation followed by fast inactivation (IF) within milliseconds. Slow inactivation (IS) has been subsequently observed in several preparations including neuronal tissues. IS serves important physiological functions, but the kinetic properties are incompletely characterized, especially the operative timescales. Here we present evidence for an “intermediate inactivation” (II) process in rat hippocampal CA1 neurons with time constants of the order of 100 ms. The half-inactivation potentials ( V0.5) of steady-state inactivation curves were hyperpolarized by increasing conditioning pulse duration from 50 to 500 ms and could be described by a sum of Boltzmann relations. II state transitions were observed after opening as well as subthreshold potentials. Entry into II after opening was relatively insensitive to membrane potential, and recovery of II became more rapid at hyperpolarized potentials. Removal of fast inactivation with cytoplasmic papaine revealed time constants of INa decay corresponding to II and IS with long depolarizations. Dynamic clamp revealed attenuation of trains of APs over the 102-ms timescale, suggesting a functional role of II in repetitive firing accommodation. These experimental findings could be reproduced with a five-state Markov model. It is likely that II affects important aspects of hippocampal neuron response and may provide a drug target for sodium channel modulation.
The Rabi Oscillation in Subdynamic System for Quantum Computing
Authors: Qiao Bi , Jiayin Gu
Published: November 2015

A quantum computation for the Rabi oscillation based on quantum dots in the subdynamic system is presented. The working states of the original Rabi oscillation are transformed to the eigenvectors of subdynamic system. Then the dissipation and decoherence of the system are only shown in the change of the eigenvalues as phase errors since the eigenvectors are fixed. This allows both dissipation and decoherence controlling to be easier by only correcting relevant phase errors. This method can be extended to general quantum computation systems.
Compressed Sensing MRI Reconstruction Algorithm Based on Contourlet Transform and Alternating Direction Method
Authors: Hu Zhenyu , Wang Qiuye , Ming Congcong , Wang Lai , Hu Yuanqing , Zou Jian
Published: November 2015

Compressed sensing (CS) based methods have recently been used to reconstruct magnetic resonance (MR) images from undersampled measurements, which is known as CS-MRI. In traditional CS-MRI, wavelet transform can hardly capture the information of image curves and edges. In this paper, we present a new CS-MRI reconstruction algorithm based on contourlet transform and alternating direction method (ADM). The MR images are firstly represented by contourlet transform, which can describe the images’ curves and edges fully and accurately. Then the MR images are reconstructed by ADM, which is an effective CS reconstruction method. Numerical results validate the superior performance of the proposed algorithm in terms of reconstruction accuracy and computation time.
Performance of a New Magnetic Chitosan Nanoparticle to Remove Arsenic and Its Separation from Water
Authors: Liu Cheng , Wang Bin , Deng Yang , Cui Biao , Wang Jie , Chen Wei , He Si-yuan
Published: November 2015

Removal performance of arsenic in water by a novel magnetic chitosan nanoparticle (MCNP) with a diameter of about 10 nm, including adsorption kinetics, adsorption isotherm, main influencing factors, and regeneration effects, was investigated. In addition, the effective separation way for MCNP particles and the new application mode were developed to prompt the application of MCNP. The results showed that MCNP exhibited excellent ability to remove As(V) and As(III) from water in a wide range of initial concentrations, MCNP removed arsenic rapidly with more than 95% of arsenic adsorbed in initial 15 min, and the whole process fitted well to the pseudo‐second‐order model. The Langmuir model fits the equilibrium data better than the Freundlich isotherm model and the maximum adsorption capacities of As(V) and As(III) were 65.5 mg/g and 60.2 mg/g, respectively. The saturated MCNP could be easily regenerated and kept more than 95% of initial adsorption capacity stable after 10 regeneration cycles. A new magnetic material separation method was established to separate MCNP effectively. The continuous‐operation instrument developed based on the MCNP could operate stably and guarantee that the concentration of arsenic meets the guideline limit of arsenic in drinking water regulated by the WHO.
Epidemic Spreading Characteristics and Immunity Measures Based on Complex Network with Contact Strength and Community Structure
Authors: Zhang Xueting , Ge Bingfeng , Wang Qi , Jiang Jiang , You Hanlin , Chen Yingwu
Published: November 2015

Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS), bursting in South Korea from May 2015 and mainly spreading within the hospitals at the beginning, has caused a large scale of public panic. Aiming at this kind of epidemic spreading swiftly by intimate contact within community structure, we first established a spreading model based on contact strength and SI model, and a weighted network with community structure based on BBV network model. Meanwhile, the sufficient conditions were deduced to ensure the optimal community division. Next, after the verification by the real data of MERS, it is found that the spreading rate is closely related to the average weight of network but not the number of communities. Then, as the further study shows, the final infection proportion declines with the decreases both in isolation delay and in average weight; however, this proportion can only be postponed rather than decreased with respect to sole average weight reduction without isolation. Finally, the opportunities to take action can be found to restrain the epidemic spreading to the most extent.
Matching State Estimation Scheme for Content-Based Sensor Search in the Web of Things
Authors: Zhang Puning , Liu Yuan-an , Wu Fan , Tang Bihua
Published: November 2015

More recently, an increasing number of object-attached sensors are publishing their real-time state on the Internet by using state-of-the-art Web technologies, which make the sensor search service extremely important for the Web of Things (WoT). However, the existing issues that the sensor search service is facing bring huge challenges to the design of matching state estimation scheme. In this paper, an architecture of high-efficiency content-based sensor search system is depicted to provide a prototype system for sensor search. And then a matching state estimation scheme is proposed in detail, including a sensor state prediction approach to accurately estimate future sensor readings and a match estimating and verifying approach to effectively classify and verify candidate sensors, in order to enhance the performance of our search system. Simulation results show that our matching state estimation scheme dramatically reduces the communication overhead of search system and achieves excellent performance in terms of recall ratio and precision ratio.
Isolated Renal Metastasis from Non-Small-Cell Lung Cancer: Report of 2 Cases
Authors: Tomita Masaki , Ayabe Takanori , Chosa Eiichi , Nakamura Kunihide
Published: November 2015

Renal metastasis from non-small-cell lung cancer is rather uncommon; isolated metastasis especially is rare. Herein we report 2 cases who developed a solitary renal metastasis after undergoing a curative resection for non-small-cell lung cancer. They received nephrectomy.
Solving Split Variational Inclusion Problem and Fixed Point Problem for Nonexpansive Semigroup without Prior Knowledge of Operator Norms
Authors: Che Haitao , Li Meixia
Published: November 2015

We introduce an iterative method to approximate a common solution of split variational inclusion problem and fixed point problem for nonexpansive semigroups with a way of selecting the stepsizes which does not need any prior information about the operator norms in Hilbert spaces. We prove that the sequences generated by the proposed algorithm converge strongly to a common element of the set of solutions of a split variational inclusion and the set of common fixed points of one-parameter nonexpansive semigroups. Moreover, numerical results demonstrate the performance and convergence of our result, which may be viewed as a refinement and improvement of the previously known results announced by many other researchers.
Bacterial Contamination of Medical Doctors and Students White Coats at Kilimanjaro Christian Medical Centre, Moshi, Tanzania
Authors: Qaday Josephat , Sariko Margaretha , Mwakyoma Adam , Kifaro Emmanuel , Mosha Dominick , Tarimo Richard , Nyombi Balthazar , Shao Elichilia
Published: November 2015

Background. Microbial transmission from patient to patient has been linked to transient colonization of health care workers attires. Contamination of health care workers’ clothing including white coats may play a big role in transmission of microbes.Study Objective. This study was conducted to determine the type of bacterial contamination on the white coats of medical doctors and students and associated factors.Methods. A cross-sectional study with purposive sampling of the bacterial contamination of white coats was undertaken. Demographic variables and white coats usage details were captured: when the coat was last washed, frequency of washing, washing agents used, and storage of the white coats. Swabs were collected from the mouth of left and right lower pockets, sleeves, and lapels of white coat in sterile techniques.Results. Out of 180 participants involved in the current study, 65.6% were males. Most of the coats were contaminated by staphylococci species and other bacteria such as Gram negative rods.Conclusion and Recommendations. White coats are potential source of cross infection which harbour bacterial agents and may play a big role in the transmission of nosocomial infection in health care settings. Effort should be made to discourage usage of white coats outside clinical areas.
New Insights into Benzene Hydrocarbon Decomposition from Fuel Exhaust Using Self‐Support Ray Polarization Plasma with Nano‐TiO2
Authors: Zhu Tao , Zhao Wenjuan , Zhang Wenjing , Xia Ni , Li Xiaoyang
Published: November 2015

A new insight into self‐support ray polarization (SSRP) of nonthermal plasma for benzene hydrocarbon decomposition in fuel exhaust was put forward. A wire‐tube dielectric barrier discharge (DBD) AC plasma reactor was used at atmospheric pressure and room temperature. The catalyst was made of nano‐TiO2 and ceramic raschig rings. Nano‐TiO2 was prepared as an active component by ourselves in the laboratory. Ceramic raschig rings were selected for catalyst support materials. Then, the catalyst was packed into nonthermal plasma (NTP) reactor. Six aspects, benzene initial concentration, gas flux, electric field strength, removal efficiency, ozone output, and CO2 selectivity on benzene removal efficiency, were investigated. The results showed SSRP can effectively enhance benzene removal efficiency. The removal efficiency of benzene was up to 99% at electric field strength of 12 kV/cm. At the same time, SSRP decreases ozone yield and shows a better selectivity of CO2 than the single technology of nonthermal plasma. The final products were mostly CO, CO2, and H2O. Our research will lay the foundation for SSRP industrial application in the future.
Electrical and Thermal Performance Analysis for a Highly Concentrating Photovoltaic/Thermal System
Authors: Xu Ning , Ji Jie , Sun Wei , Huang Wenzhu , Jin Zhuling
Published: November 2015

A 30 kW highly concentrating photovoltaic/thermal (HCPV/T) system has been constructed and tested outdoors. The HCPV/T system consists of 32 modules, each of which consists of point-focus Fresnel lens and triple-junction solar cells with a geometric concentrating ratio of 1090x. The modules are connected to produce both electrical and thermal energy. Performance analysis has been conducted from the viewpoint of thermodynamics. The experimental results show that highest photovoltaic efficiency of 30% and instantaneous thermal efficiency of 30% can be achieved at the same time, which means the total solar energy conversion efficiency of the HCPV/T system is higher than 60%. The photovoltaic efficiency increases with direct irradiance when the direct irradiance is below 580 W/m2, but it remains nearly unchanged when the direct irradiation is higher than 580 W/m2. The instantaneous thermal efficiency decreases during water heating process. However, the electrical performance of the system is not affected obviously by water temperature. Highest exergetic efficiency of 35.4% can be produced by the HCPV/T system. The exergetic efficiency is mainly affected by irradiation level, which is similar to the characteristics of photovoltaic performance.
Photodegradation of Eosin Y Using Silver-Doped Magnetic Nanoparticles
Authors: Alzahrani Eman
Published: November 2015

The purification of industrial wastewater from dyes is becoming increasingly important since they are toxic or carcinogenic to human beings. Nanomaterials have been receiving significant attention due to their unique physical and chemical properties compared with their larger-size counterparts. The aim of the present investigation was to fabricate magnetic nanoparticles (MNPs) using a coprecipitation method, followed by coating with silver (Ag) in order to enhance the photocatalytic activity of the MNPs by loading metal onto them. The fabricated magnetic nanoparticles coated with Ag were characterised using different instruments such as a scanning electron microscope (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), energy-dispersive X-ray (EDAX) spectroscopy, and X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis. The average size of the magnetic nanoparticles had a mean diameter of about 48 nm, and the average particle size changed to 55 nm after doping. The fabricated Ag-doped magnetic nanoparticles were used for the degradation of eosin Y under UV-lamp irradiation. The experimental results revealed that the use of fabricated magnetic nanoparticles coated with Ag can be considered as reliable methods for the removal of eosin Y since the slope of evaluation of pseudo-first-order rate constant from the slope of the plot betweenln⁡(Co/C)and the irradiation time was found to be linear. Ag-Fe3O4nanoparticles would be considered an efficient photocatalyst to degrade textile dyes avoiding the tedious filtration step.
Holographic Polytropicf(T)Gravity Models
Authors: Chattopadhyay Surajit , Jawad Abdul , Rani Shamaila
Published: November 2015

The present paper reports a study on the cosmological consequences arising from reconstructingf(T)gravity through new holographic polytropic dark energy. We assume two approaches, namely, a particular form of Hubble parameterHand a solution forf(T). We obtain the deceleration parameter and effective equation of state, as well as torsion equation of state parameters from total density and pressure in both cases. It is interesting to mention here that the deceleration and torsion equation of state represent transition from deceleration to acceleration phase. We study the statefinder parameters under both approaches which result in the fact that statefinder trajectories are found to attain ΛCDM point. The comparison with observational data represents consistent results. Also, we discuss the stability of reconstructed models through squared speed of sound which represents stability in late times.
Ferroelectricity, Piezoelectricity, and Dielectricity of 0.06PMnN‐0.94PZT(45/55) Thin Film on Silicon Substrate
Authors: Zhang Tao , Li Hailong , Zhou Chenlei , Zhu Huaze , Zhou Yahong , Liang Fujun , Pang Huafeng , Hao Limei , Li Shaorong
Published: November 2015

The high piezoelectricity and high quality factor ferroelectric thin films are important for electromechanical applications especially the micro electromechanical system (MEMS). The ternary compound ferroelectric thin films 0.06Pb(Mn1/3, Nb2/3)O3 + 0.94Pb(Zr0.45, Ti0.55)O3 (0.06PMnN‐0.94PZT(45/55)) were deposited on silicon(100) substrates by RF magnetron sputtering method considering that Mn and Nb doping will improve PZT properties in this research. For comparison, nondoped PZT(45/55) films were also deposited. The results show that both of thin films show polycrystal structures with the main (111) and (101) orientations. The transverse piezoelectric coefficients are  C/m2 and  C/m2, respectively. These thin films exhibit classical ferroelectricity, in which the coercive electric field intensities are 2Ec = 147.31 kV/cm and 2Ec = 135.44 kV/cm, and the saturation polarization Ps = 30.86 μC/cm2 and Ps = 17.74 μC/cm2, and the remnant polarization Pr = 20.44 μC/cm2 and Pr = 9.87 μC/cm2, respectively. Moreover, the dielectric constants and loss are εr = 681 and D = 5% and εr = 537 and D = 4.3%, respectively. In conclusion, 0.06PMnN‐0.94PZT(45/55) thin films act better than nondoped films, even though their dielectric constants are higher. Their excellent ferroelectricity, piezoelectricity, and high power and energy storage property, especially the easy fabrication, integration realizable, and potentially high quality factor, make this kind of thin films available for the realistic applications.
In VivoAntiplasmodial, Anti-Inflammatory, and Analgesic Properties, and Safety Profile of Root Extracts ofHaematostaphis barteriHook F. (Anacardiaceae)
Authors: Boampong Johnson Nyarko
Published: November 2015

Malaria is an endemic disease globally and the conundrum of drug resistance has led to the search for newer antimalarial agents. The root extract ofH. barteriwas evaluated for antimalarial, analgesic, and anti-inflammatory properties. The prophylactic effect ofH. barterionP. bergheiwas determined by pretreating mice with aqueous root extract ofH. barteri(30–300 mg/kg), saline, and 1.2 mg/kg sulfadoxine/pyrimethamine for three days followed by 1 × 106P. bergheiinoculation. Parasite density was measured after 72 h. The curative antimalarial property of the extract was assessed by treating mice with extract, saline, and 1.14 : 6.9 mg/kg Artemether : Lumefantrine four days after 1 × 106P. bergheiinoculation. Selected organs were harvested for toxicity assessment. The anti-inflammatory and analgesic effect of the extract was determined in the carrageenan and thermal tail withdrawal tests, respectively. The extract significantly reduced the parasite density in the prophylactic but not the curative study. The anti-inflammatory and analgesic activities of the extract were significant (P<0.05) only at the highest doses employed. Regeneration of hepatocytes was also evident in the extract treated groups. The extract has prophylactic but not curative activity onP. berghei-induced malaria. The anti-inflammatory and analgesic property of the extract occurred at the highest doses used.
A Gas Source Localization Algorithm Based on Particle Filter in Wireless Sensor Network
Authors: Li Qiuming , Liu Zhigang , Xiao Xianda
Published: November 2015

Gas source localization (GSL) is a critical component in wireless sensor network (WSN) which can be used to estimate the position of gas leaks through the gas concentration measured by the monitoring nodes. In this paper, we first derive a gas diffusion model under windy conditions based on the gas diffusion theory. Because of the nonlinearity of the gas diffusion model under windy conditions, the traditional weighted centroid algorithm for gas source localization produces very inaccurate estimation of the source location. To address this problem, we propose a novel gas source localization algorithm which combines the weighted centroid method and particle filter. Simulation results validate the effectiveness of our algorithm under unknown gas source strength. Compared to weighted centroid method alone, our algorithm shows a higher accuracy in location. Moreover, its convergence rate is improved by the preestimation of initial value.
A Traditional Chinese Medicine Xiao‐Ai‐Tong Suppresses Pain through Modulation of Cytokines and Prevents Adverse Reactions of Morphine Treatment in Bone Cancer Pain Patients
Authors: Cong Yan , Sun Kefu , He Xueming , Li Jinxuan , Dong Yanbin , Zheng Bin , Tan Xiao , Song Xue-Jun
Published: November 2015

Treating cancer pain continues to possess a major challenge. Here, we report that a traditional Chinese medicine Xiao‐Ai‐Tong (XAT) can effectively suppress pain and adverse reactions following morphine treatment in patients with bone cancer pain. Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) and Quality of Life Questionnaire (EORTC QLQ‐C30) were used for patient’s self‐evaluation of pain intensity and evaluating changes of adverse reactions including constipation, nausea, fatigue, and anorexia, respectively, before and after treatment prescriptions. The clinical trials showed that repetitive oral administration of XAT (200 mL, bid, for 7 consecutive days) alone greatly reduced cancer pain. Repetitive treatment with a combination of XAT and morphine (20 mg and 30 mg, resp.) produced significant synergistic analgesic effects. Meanwhile, XAT greatly reduced the adverse reactions associated with cancer and/or morphine treatment. In addition, XAT treatment significantly reduced the proinflammatory cytokines interleukin‐1β and tumor necrosis factor‐α and increased the endogenous anti‐inflammatory cytokine interleukin‐10 in blood. These findings demonstrate that XAT can effectively reduce bone cancer pain probably mediated by the cytokine mechanisms, facilitate analgesic effect of morphine, and prevent or reduce the associated adverse reactions, supporting a use of XAT, alone or with morphine, in treating bone cancer pain in clinic.
Pancreatic Cancer Metabolism: Breaking It Down to Build It Back Up
Authors: Perera Rushika M. , Bardeesy Nabeel
Published: November 2015

How do cancer cells escape tightly controlled regulatory circuits that link their proliferation to extracellular nutrient cues? An emerging theme in cancer biology is the hijacking of normal stress response mechanisms to enable growth even when nutrients are limiting. Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDA) is the quintessential aggressive malignancy that thrives in nutrient-poor, hypoxic environments. PDAs overcome these limitations through appropriation of unorthodox strategies for fuel source acquisition and utilization. In addition, the interplay between evolving PDA and whole-body metabolism contributes to disease pathogenesis. Deciphering how these pathways function and integrate with one another can reveal novel angles of therapeutic attack.

Significance: Alterations in tumor cell and systemic metabolism are central to the biology of pancreatic cancer. Further investigation of these processes will provide important insights into how these tumors develop and grow, and suggest new approaches for its detection, prevention, and treatment. Cancer Discov; 5(12); 1247–61. ©2015 AACR.
Triggering of Suicidal Erythrocyte Death by Topotecan
Authors: Bissinger Rosi , Bouguerra Ghada , Stockinger Katja , Abbès Salem , Lang Florian
Published: November 2015

Background/Aims: The topoisomerase I inhibitor topotecan is used as treatment of various malignancies. The substance is effective by triggering tumor cell apoptosis. In analogy to apoptosis of nucleated cells, erythrocytes may enter eryptosis, a suicidal death characterized by cell shrinkage and cell membrane scrambling with phosphatidylserine translocation to the outer face of the erythrocyte membrane. Signaling leading to eryptosis include Ca2+-entry and ceramide formation. The present study explored, whether and how topotecan induces eryptosis. Methods: Phosphatidylserine abundance at the erythrocyte surface was estimated from annexin V binding, cell volume from forward scatter, and ceramide abundance utilizing specific antibodies. Results: A 48 hours exposure of human erythrocytes to topotecan significantly increased the percentage of annexin-V-binding cells and significantly decreased forward scatter. The effect of topotecan was paralleled by a significant increase of ceramide abundance. The effect of topotecan on annexin-V-binding was significantly blunted, but not abolished by removal of extracellular Ca2+. Conclusions: Topotecan stimulated cell shrinkage and phospholipid scrambling of the erythrocyte cell membrane, an effect paralleled by increase of ceramide abundance and partially dependent on entry of extracellular Ca2+.
Inhibition of KIF14 Suppresses Tumor Cell Growth and Promotes Apoptosis in Human Glioblastoma
Authors: Huang Wei , Wang JunYu , Zhang Danfeng , Chen Wen , Hou Lijun , Wu Xiaojun , Lu Yicheng
Published: November 2015

Background/Aims: The mitotic kinesin superfamily protein KIF14 is essential for cytokinesis and chromosome segregation, and increased KIF14 expression is related to a variety of human cancers. However, the role of KIF14 in the development and malignant progression of astrocytomas and the underlying mechanisms remain unclear. The present study examined the relation between KIF14 and the pathogenesis of malignant astrocytoma. Methods and Results: The role of KIF14 in astrocytoma development and progression was investigated by analyzing KIF14 expression using SYBR Green quantitative real-time RT-PCR, western blotting and immunohistochemistry in human astrocytoma and normal brain tissues. KIF14 expression was higher in astrocytoma samples, and was positively correlated with pathological grade and proliferative activity indicated by Ki-67 staining. SiRNA knockdown of KIF14 inhibited tumor growth in vitro and in vivo, attenuated anchorage-independent growth, and induced G2/M phase arrest, cytokinesis failure and apoptosis in glioblastoma cell lines in association with decreased AKT phosphorylation and activity. Conclusions: The upregulation of KIF14 in astrocytoma is associated with disease severity, and suppression of KIF14 inhibits cell proliferation and induces apoptosis through a mechanism involving the inactivation of AKT signaling, suggesting that KIF14 plays an important role in astrocytoma tumorigenesis and could be a promising molecular target for anticancer therapy.
Long-Term Outcomes after Imatinib Mesylate Discontinuation in Chronic Myeloid Leukemia Patients with Undetectable Minimal Residual Disease
Authors: Yhim Ho-Young , Lee Na-Ri , Song Eun-Kee , Yim Chang-Yeol , Jeon So Yeon , Lee Bohee , Kim Jeong-A , Kim Hee Sun , Cho Eun Hae , Kwak Jae-Yong
Published: November 2015

Background: Imatinib mesylate (IM) discontinuation is under active investigation in chronic myeloid leukemia-chronic phase (CML-CP) patients with undetectable minimal residual disease (UMRD). However, limited data exist on the long-term outcomes following IM discontinuation in patients treated with frontline IM therapy. Methods: We consecutively enrolled patients with CML-CP who discontinued IM after achieving UMRD for ≥12 months between June 2009 and January 2013. Results: Nineteen patients (8 male, 11 female) were included. After IM discontinuation, 14 patients (74%) lost UMRD after a median of 4.0 months. Of the 14 patients with molecular relapses, 12 (86%) relapsed within the first 9 months after IM discontinuation and 2 (14%) relapsed at 20.5 and 22.8 months, respectively. No molecular relapse was observed after 2 years of IM discontinuation. With a median follow-up of 58.1 months (range 23.0-66.5), the estimated UMRD persistence rate at 5 years was 23.7%. IM was readministered in all patients with molecular relapse, and 12 patients (86%) reachieved UMRD at a median of 5.3 months. A high-risk Sokal score, delayed UMRD achievement and short-term IM therapy were significantly associated with molecular relapse. Conclusion: These findings suggest that IM discontinuation in patients who achieved UMRD after frontline IM therapy resulted in favorable long-term outcomes in terms of safety and feasibility.
Subcutaneous Immunoglobulin Use in Inclusion Body Myositis: A Review of 6 Cases
Authors: Cherin Patrick , Delain Jean-Christophe , de Jaeger Christophe , Crave Jean-Charles
Published: November 2015

Introduction: Inclusion body myositis (IBM) is a slowly progressive degenerative inflammatory disorder affecting both proximal and distal muscles. Immunosuppressive therapies are generally ineffective in the treatment of this disorder, and most patients are resistant to steroid therapy. Some benefits with mild improvement were observed with intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIg), particularly in patients with severe dysphagia. Objectives: The objective of this review was to describe the use of subcutaneous Ig (SCIg) in patients with IBM and to assess its feasibility. Results: This report reviews 6 cases of IBM treated with SCIg in clinical practice. All patients had received prior treatments for IBM, including immunosuppressive agents and IVIg. SCIg was administered over a long period of time, ranging from 4.5 to 27 months. No patient discontinued the SCIg because of a treatment-related event or safety issues. The 6 cases showed an improvement in muscle strength and resolution of dysphagia. For 2 patients, this improvement persisted for approximately 12 months. Conclusions: SCIg might be proposed as an alternative therapy to patients with IBM who are resistant to corticoids and immunosuppressive therapies. Our findings suggest that treatment with SCIg (Gammanorm 16.5%, Octapharma AB) is feasible and safe in patients with IBM.
Novel Techniques in the Surgical Treatment of Acromegaly: Applications and Efficacy
Authors: Buchfelder Michael , Schlaffer Sven-Martin
Published: November 2015

Since the establishment of transsphenoidal microsurgery as the operative treatment of choice in most patients with acromegaly 40 years ago, a few novel technical developments have evolved. Their application, utility and efficacy will be briefly discussed in this review article, based on an analysis of published results and the authors' personal experience. The endoscope was additionally used to search for residual tumours in locations which could not be visualised with the operating microscope. In many centres it has by now fully replaced the operating microscope. Extended endoscopic operations hardly have limits in respect to accessible pathology. Overall, the results and complications reported from microsurgical and endoscopic series are comparable. Intraoperative magnetic resonance imaging allows depicting the completeness of a tumour resection. While in many patients additional tumour resections are performed on the basis of intraoperative imaging, the improvements in hormonal remission rates reported are less impressive. Neuronavigation uses imaging data to improve the surgeon's orientation, and it is certainly a major asset to the inexperienced. In high-caseload centres it is mainly appreciated in anatomical variants and reoperations. While the Doppler probe is a valuable and easily affordable gadget to avoid vascular arterial injury, intraoperative ultrasound imaging of tumour extension has a much poorer resolution than magnetic resonance imaging and is thus not widely implemented. The clinical value of intraoperative growth hormone measurements is controversially discussed. In summary, the application of modern technology has only led to a minor improvement of results, but it has widened the spectrum of accessible pathologies and increased the safety of the procedures for the patient. It is expected that outcomes will continue to improve as novel techniques and concepts are being developed.
Age and Long-Term Hormone Treatment Effects on the Ultrastructural Morphology of the Median Eminence of Female Rhesus Macaques
Authors: Naugle Michelle M. , Lozano Sateria A. , Guarraci Fay A. , Lindsey Larry F. , Kim Ji E. , Morrison John H. , Janssen William G.M. , Yin Weiling , Gore Andrea C.
Published: November 2015

The median eminence (ME) of the hypothalamus comprises the hypothalamic nerve terminals, glia (especially tanycytes) and the portal capillary vasculature that transports hypothalamic neurohormones to the anterior pituitary gland. The ultrastructure of the ME is dynamically regulated by hormones and undergoes organizational changes during development and reproductive cycles in adult females, but relatively little is known about the ME during aging, especially in nonhuman primates. Therefore, we used a novel transmission scanning electron microscopy technique to examine the cytoarchitecture of the ME of young and aged female rhesus macaques in a preclinical monkey model of menopausal hormone treatments. Rhesus macaques were ovariectomized and treated for 2 years with vehicle, estradiol (E2), or estradiol + progesterone (E2 + P4). While the overall cytoarchitecture of the ME underwent relatively few changes with age and hormones, changes to some features of neural and glial components near the portal capillaries were observed. Specifically, large neuroterminal size was greater in aged compared to young adult animals, an effect that was mitigated or reversed by E2 alone but not by E2 + P4 treatment. Overall glial size and the density and tissue fraction of the largest subset of glia were greater in aged monkeys, and in some cases reversed by E2 treatment. Mitochondrial size was decreased by E2, but not E2 + P4, only in aged macaques. These results contrast substantially with work in rodents, suggesting that the ME of aging macaques is less vulnerable to age-related disorganization, and that the effects of E2 on monkeys' ME are age specific.
Knowledge of the Relationships between Oral Health, Diabetes, Body Mass Index and Lifestyle among Students at the Kuwait University Health Sciences Center, Kuwait
Authors: Ali Dena A.
Published: November 2015

Objectives: To evaluate the level of knowledge regarding the relationships between oral health, diabetes, body mass index (BMI; obesity) and lifestyle among students of the Health Sciences Center (HSC), Kuwait, and to explore any possible correlation between students' oral health knowledge, BMI and lifestyle choices. Subjects and Methods: A stratified random sample was proportionally selected according to the size of each faculty from the 1,799 students. The questionnaire was divided into 3 sections (i.e. demographics, evaluation of oral health knowledge in relation to diabetes, and evaluation of diabetes knowledge in relation to lifestyle) and distributed to 532 students. Oral health knowledge was categorized as limited, reasonable or knowledgeable. Lifestyle was classified as healthy or nonhealthy. The BMI was calculated as weight (kg) divided by the square of the height (m). ANOVA and χ2 tests were used to test for differences between independent variables. A Pearson correlation coefficient test was used to assess correlations. p < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results: Of the 532 questionnaires, 498 (93.6%) were completed. The mean knowledge score was 47.7 ± 25.2; of the 498 students, 235 (47.3%) had a BMI within the normal range, 184 (37.0%) were pre-obese and 67 (13.5%) were obese. Of the 498 students, 244 (49%) had a healthy lifestyle. There was no correlation between oral health knowledge and the other variables; however, there was a correlation between lifestyle and obesity. Conclusion: In this study, the majority of the students had limited knowledge of oral health in association with diabetes and lifestyle. More than half of the students fell in the pre-obese/obese range.
Junker Jörg on Patmos
Authors: Orr Timothy J.
Published: November 2015

During his time spent in the Wartburg Castle, Martin Luther experienced an intense exile and a crisis of identity that played a distinct role in the formation of his theology. This crisis of identity was brought about by his loss of friends, family, and purpose. My attestation in this article is that this exilic crisis quickly moved Luther to a radical rejection of monastic celibacy, thus preparing him for his own marriage three years later, and also created the perfect conditions in which Luther was able to accomplish the astounding feat of translating the New Testament into German in the course of only eleven weeks. Understanding Luther’s experience at the Wartburg as an exile allows us to properly assess the intense transformation of identity that Luther underwent and better understand how this radical shift of theology and impressive feat of translation were possible.
Always Reforming?
Authors: Van Dyken Tamara
Published: November 2015

This article reconfigures the conventional understanding of second wave feminism and feminists through an analysis of the Committee for Women in the Christian Reformed Church (CW-CRC). Rather than challenging societal and denominational norms, the CW-CRC used the normative expectations and structures of the Christian Reformed Church in order to bring about a fundamental change in practice and a reformation in scriptural understanding. Tying gender equality to the theology of the denomination, the women of the Committee defined acceptance of women’s equal authority in the church as a theological necessity—something that was not just morally or ethically right, but biblically right. Regardless of their association with the term feminist or their alignment with conventional methods and arguments of second wave feminism, the members of the CW-CRC—and the women they sponsored—were working toward gender equity. Recognizing their unique means of enacting reform suggests fluidity in the social markers of feminism.
Norm Evolution a Matter of Conformity and Contestedness: South Africa and the Responsibility to Protect
Authors: Brosig Malte , Zähringer Natalie
Published: November 2015

Research on international norms has been thriving for decades, most prominently exploring processes of norm creation and compliance. Yet the mainstream literature has paid scant attention to the issue of continuous norm evolution beyond a norm’s emergence. In this article we aim at framing the wider context in which norm evolution is taking place. We identify two antipodes: conformity and contestedness between which norms continue to evolve. We will exemplify this by analysing the norm of the responsibility to protect (R2P) through general usage and South Africa’s response. The article finds that norm evolution is mostly influenced by conformity with some measure of contestedness as a motor for change.
R2P and Turkish Foreign Policy: Libya and Syria in Perspective
Authors: Şeyşane Volkan , Çelik Çiğdem
Published: November 2015

This paper analyses the articulation of the Responsibility to Protect (R2P) into Turkish foreign policy (tfp) during the Justice and Development Party (Adalet ve Kalkınma Partisi, akp) era. R2P has particularly become significant when the uprisings turned into full-scale civil wars in Libya and Syria. Therefore, this study examines tfp towards Libya and Syria in the framework of R2P. It argues that there is a close correlation between Turkey’s support of R2P and recently increasing emphasis on the normative foundations of its foreign policy in general. It also discusses that Ankara has appeared as an active advocate of the norm insofar as it adopted a more ambitious policy agenda, particularly in the context of the Syrian civil war. However, this paper concludes that, due to Turkey’s pragmatic approach, R2P has turned into a justification tool in the discourse of tfp makers for their regional aspirations.
Lectotypification of Selaginella tenuissima and S. papagaiensis (Selaginellaceae) with the description of S. monticola
Authors: Valdespino Ivan Alberto
Published: November 2015

My revisionary work on the genus Selaginella demonstrates that many earlier species names are not properly typified. One of these concerns Selaginella tenuissima, an endemic species from Brazil, and its synonym S. papagaiensis. Therefore, I undertook a critical analysis of original material used to describe those species, along with pertinent literature. As a result, I propose a lectotypification of Selaginella tenuissima and of S. papagaiensis based on a Glaziou’s specimen at P and a Silveira’s gathering at R, respectively, and discuss the reasons for doing so. In addition, a new pseudo-criptic species, Selaginella monticola, is segregated from the previously broadly circumscribed S. tenuissima. Selaginella monticola is illustrated with scanning electron micrograph images of diagnostic characters that serve to separate it from S. tenuissima, which also allow its classification within subg. Stachygynandrum. Additionally, according to a preliminary assessment based on the Categories and Criteria of IUCN, I consider the conservation status of Selaginella monticola as of Least Concern (LC).
Two new species of Prochas Walkley from Brazil (Hymenoptera, Ichneumonidae, Campopleginae)
Authors: ONODY HELENA C. , PENTEADO-DIAS ANGÉLICA MARIA
Published: November 2015

Two new species of the monotypic genus Prochas Walkley from Brazil, P. brasiliensis sp. nov. and P. shimborii sp. nov., are described and illustrated. A key to species is also provided.
A taxonomic study on the species of the genus Furcilarnaca (Orthoptera, Gryllacrididae, Gryllacridinae)
Authors: LI MIAOMIAO , SUN MEI LING , LIU XIANWEI , LI KAI
Published: November 2015

A taxonomic study of the genus Furcilarnaca Gorochov, 2004 is presented. Four new species are described: F. affinis sp. nov., F. hirta sp. nov., F. fractiflexa sp. nov., F. brachyptera sp. nov.. Two new combinations F. fallax (Liu et al., 2010) comb. nov. and F. pulex (Karny, 1928) comb. nov. are given. A key to the species and the distributional data of Furcilarnaca are provided.
Four new species of the genus Thoracophorus Motschulsky, 1857 for the Neotropical region (Coleoptera: Staphylinidae: Osoriinae)
Authors: Irmler Ulrich
Published: November 2015

Four new species of the genus Thoracophorus Motschulsky, 1857 of the Neotropical region are described: T. verhaaghi n. sp., T. zicsii n. sp., T. struyvei n. sp., and T. perplexus n. sp. The new species originate from French Guiana, Peru, and Ecuador. Similar species T. filum Sharp, 1887, T. proximus Irmler, 1985, T. exilis (Erichson, 1840) and T. aequalis Sharp, 1887 are compared to discuss differences between them and the newly described species and their known distribution.
Revision of Tarodes Pocock, 1899 and Udvardya Prószyński, 1992 (Araneae: Salticidae), with descriptions of two new species of Udvardya from New Guinea
Authors: GARDZIŃSKA JOANNA
Published: November 2015

Tarodes Pocock, 1899 and Udvardya Prószyński, 1992 are redefined and redescribed. The male of T. lineatus Pocock, 1899 and the female of U. elegans Prószyński, 1992 are redescribed for comparisons. Additionally, two species of Udvardya from New Guinea, U. bellatrix sp. nov. and U. fortis sp. nov., are diagnosed, described and illustrated. Geographical distribution of the species is given.
Recognising recognition through thick and thin: Insights from Sino-Japanese relations
Authors: Gustafsson Karl
Published: November 2015

Research on recognition in International Relations has demonstrated that states are not exclusively concerned about their physical security, but also anxious to be recognised by other states. What counts as recognition and non-/mis-recognition, however, is not always clear. Scholars of recognition seem to agree that recognition theory has not yet developed a persuasive way of recognising recognition. Providing a satisfactory answer to the question of how we recognise recognition and its denial is a necessary first step towards being able to convincingly theorise about recognition. This is especially important since recognition is often treated as a dependent variable—how states are recognised by other states is seen as influencing their behaviour, sometimes with military conflict as the outcome. This article further develops the concepts of ‘thin’ and ‘thick’ recognition as it addresses the problem of how to recognise recognition. Based on an analysis of empirical material on what, in Japan, has been interpreted as Chinese non- and mis-recognition of Japan, the article shows how concrete expressions of thin and thick recognition between established states can be recognised.
Excess BMP Signaling in Heterotopic Cartilage Forming in Prg4-null TMJ Discs
Authors: Bechtold T.E. , Saunders C. , Mundy C. , Um H. , Decker R.S. , Salhab I. , Kurio N. , Billings P.C. , Pacifici M. , Nah H.D. , Koyama E.
Published: November 2015

Heterotopic cartilage develops in certain pathologic conditions, including those affecting the human temporomandibular joint (TMJ), but the underlying molecular mechanisms remain obscure. This is in part due to the fact that a reliable animal model of such TMJ diseases is not available. Here, we show that aberrant chondrocyte differentiation and ectopic cartilage formation occur spontaneously in proteoglycan 4 ( Prg4) mutant TMJ discs without further invasive procedure. By 2 mo of age, mutant disc cells displayed chondrocyte transdifferentiation, accompanied by strong expression of cartilage master gene Sox9 and matrix genes aggrecan and type II collagen. By 6 mo, heterotopic cartilage had formed in the discs and expressed cartilage hypertrophic markers Runx2 and ColX. The ectopic tissue grew in size over time and exhibited regional mineralization by 12 mo. Bone morphogenetic protein (BMP) signaling was activated with the ectopic chondrogenic cells and chondrocytes, as indicated by phosphorylated Smad 1/5/8 nuclear staining and by elevated expression of Bmp2, Bmpr1b, Bmpr2, and BMP signaling target genes. Likewise, we found that upon treatment with recombinant human BMP 2 in high-density micromass culture, mutant disc cells differentiated into chondrocytes and synthesized cartilage matrix more robustly than control cells. Importantly, a specific kinase inhibitor of BMP receptors drastically attenuated chondrogenesis in recombinant human BMP 2–treated mutant disc cultures. Unexpectedly, we found that Prg4 was expressed at joint-associated sites, including disc/muscle insertion and muscle/bone interface, and all these structures were abnormal in Prg4 mutants. Our data indicate that Prg4 is needed for TMJ disc integrity and function and that its absence leads to ectopic chondrogenesis and cartilage formation in conjunction with abnormal BMP signaling. Our findings imply that the BMP signaling pathway could be a potential therapeutic target for prevention or inhibition of ectopic cartilage formation in TMJ disease.
Land conflict and informal settlements in Juba, South Sudan
Authors: McMichael Gabriella
Published: November 2015

This article examines urban land conflict in a fragile post-war context, drawing on fieldwork carried out in three informal settlements in Juba, the ‘new’ capital of South Sudan. After the signing of Sudan’s Comprehensive Peace Agreement in 2005, Juba experienced unprecedented population growth, accompanied by the expansion and proliferation of informal settlements in which land disputes were erupting, in some instances escalating to violence. Contributing to the recent literature on South Sudan that critiques the framing of land conflict in ethnic terms, this article shows that ethnic tensions were not the primary drivers of land conflicts in the informal settlements under study. Using a political economy framework, it adds a new dimension to understandings of land conflict in Juba by identifying the exploitative terms on which powerful figures such as informal settlement leaders, public officials, military actors and local chiefs intervened in informal land transactions at the expense of poorer informal settlement inhabitants. Land conflict was not merely an outcome of these interventions, but also created opportunities for a range of actors to exploit vulnerable inhabitants.