bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Method for Lung Boundary Correction Using Split Bregman Method and Geometric Active Contour Model
Authors: Feng Changli , Zhang Jianxun , Liang Rui
Published: May 2015

In order to get the extracted lung region from CT images more accurately, a model that contains lung region extraction and edge boundary correction is proposed. Firstly, a new edge detection function is presented with the help of the classic structure tensor theory. Secondly, the initial lung mask is automatically extracted by an improved active contour model which combines the global intensity information, local intensity information, the new edge information, and an adaptive weight. It is worth noting that the objective function of the improved model is converted to a convex model, which makes the proposed model get the global minimum. Then, the central airway was excluded according to the spatial context messages and the position relationship between every segmented region and the rib. Thirdly, a mesh and the fractal theory are used to detect the boundary that surrounds the juxtapleural nodule. Finally, the geometric active contour model is employed to correct the detected boundary and reinclude juxtapleural nodules. We also evaluated the performance of the proposed segmentation and correction model by comparing with their popular counterparts. Efficient computing capability and robustness property prove that our model can correct the lung boundary reliably and reproducibly.
Optimized Parallelization for Nonlocal Means Based Low Dose CT Image Processing
Authors: Zhang Libo , Yang Benqiang , Zhuang Zhikun , Hu Yining , Chen Yang , Luo Limin , Shu Huazhong
Published: May 2015

Low dose CT (LDCT) images are often significantly degraded by severely increased mottled noise/artifacts, which can lead to lowered diagnostic accuracy in clinic. The nonlocal means (NLM) filtering can effectively remove mottled noise/artifacts by utilizing large-scale patch similarity information in LDCT images. But the NLM filtering application in LDCT imaging also requires high computation cost because intensive patch similarity calculation within a large searching window is often required to be used to include enough structure-similarity information for noise/artifact suppression. To improve its clinical feasibility, in this study we further optimize the parallelization of NLM filtering by avoiding the repeated computation with the row-wise intensity calculation and the symmetry weight calculation. The shared memory with fastI/Ospeed is also used in row-wise intensity calculation for the proposed method. Quantitative experiment demonstrates that significant acceleration can be achieved with respect to the traditional straight pixel-wise parallelization.
The Genetic and Environmental Factors for Keratoconus
Authors: Gordon-Shaag Ariela , Millodot Michel , Shneor Einat , Liu Yutao
Published: May 2015

Keratoconus (KC) is the most common cornea ectatic disorder. It is characterized by a cone-shaped thin cornea leading to myopia, irregular astigmatism, and vision impairment. It affects all ethnic groups and both genders. Both environmental and genetic factors may contribute to its pathogenesis. This review is to summarize the current research development in KC epidemiology and genetic etiology. Environmental factors include but are not limited to eye rubbing, atopy, sun exposure, and geography. Genetic discoveries have been reviewed with evidence from family-based linkage analysis and fine mapping in linkage region, genome-wide association studies, and candidate genes analyses. A number of genes have been discovered at a relatively rapid pace. The detailed molecular mechanism underlying KC pathogenesis will significantly advance our understanding of KC and promote the development of potential therapies.
The Place of Dipeptidyl Peptidase-4 Inhibitors in Type 2 Diabetes Therapeutics: A “Me Too” or “the Special One” Antidiabetic Class?
Authors: Godinho Ricardo , Mega Cristina , Teixeira-de-Lemos Edite , Carvalho Eugénia , Teixeira Frederico , Fernandes Rosa , Reis Flávio
Published: May 2015

Incretin-based therapies, the most recent therapeutic options for type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) management, can modify various elements of the disease, including hypersecretion of glucagon, abnormal gastric emptying, postprandial hyperglycaemia, and, possibly, pancreaticβcell dysfunction. Dipeptidyl peptidase-4 (DPP-4) inhibitors (gliptins) increase glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) availability and correct the “incretin defect” seen in T2DM patients. Clinical studies have shown good glycaemic control with minimal risk of hypoglycaemia or any other adverse effects, despite the reports of pancreatitis, whose association remains to be proved. Recent studies have been focusing on the putative ability of DPP-4 inhibitors to preserve pancreas function, in particular due to the inhibition of apoptotic pathways and stimulation ofβcell proliferation. In addition, other cytoprotective effects on other organs/tissues that are involved in serious T2DM complications, including the heart, kidney, and retina, have been increasingly reported. This review outlines the therapeutic potential of DPP-4 inhibitors for the treatment of T2DM, focusing on their main features, clinical applications, and risks, and discusses the major challenges for the future, in particular the possibility of becoming the preferred therapy for T2DM due to their ability to modify the natural history of the disease and ameliorate nephropathy, retinopathy, and cardiovascular complications.
Cosuppression of Sprouty and Sprouty-Related Negative Regulators of FGF Signalling in Prostate Cancer: A Working Hypothesis
Authors: Assinder Stephen J. , Beniamen Daniella , Lovicu Frank J.
Published: May 2015

Deregulation of FGF receptor tyrosine kinase (RTK) signalling is common in prostate cancer. Normally, to moderate RTK signalling, induction of Sprouty (SPRY) and Sprouty-related (SPRED) antagonists occurs. Whilst decreased SPRY and SPRED has been described in some cancers, their role in prostate cancer is poorly understood. Therefore, we hypothesise that due to the need for tight regulation of RTK signalling, SPRY and SPRED negative regulators provide a degree of redundancy which ensures that a suppression of one or more family member does not lead to disease. Contrary to this, our analyses of prostates from 24-week-oldSpry1-orSpry2-deficientmice, eitherhemizygous(+/−) orhomozygous(−/−) for the null allele, revealed a significantly greater incidence of PIN compared to wild-type littermates. We further investigated redundancy of negative regulators in the clinical setting in a preliminary analysis of Gene Expression Omnibus and Oncomine human prostate cancer datasets. Consistent with our hypothesis, in two datasets analysed a significant cosuppression of SPRYs and SPREDs is evident. These findings demonstrate the importance of negative regulators of receptor tyrosine signalling, such as Spry, in the clinical setting, and highlight their importance for future pharmacopeia.
The Prevalence ofHelicobacter pyloriVirulence Factors in Bhutan, Vietnam, and Myanmar Is Related to Gastric Cancer Incidence
Authors: Trang Tran Thi Huyen , Shiota Seiji , Matsuda Miyuki , Binh Tran Thanh , Suzuki Rumiko , Vilaichone Ratha-korn , Mahachai Varocha , Tshering Lotay , Dung Ho D. Q. , Uchida Tomohisa , Matsunari Osamu , Myint Thein , Khien Vu Van , Yamaoka Yoshio
Published: May 2015

Gastric cancer is a significant health problem in Asia. Although the prevalence ofHelicobacter pyloriinfection is similar in Bhutan, Vietnam, and Myanmar, the incidence of gastric cancer is highest in Bhutan, followed by Vietnam and Myanmar. We hypothesized thatH. pylorivirulence factors contribute to the differences. The status ofcagA,vacA,jhp0562, andβ-(1,3)galT(jhp0563)was examined in 371H. pylori-infected patients from Bhutan, Vietnam, and Myanmar. Each virulence factor could not explain the difference of the incidence of gastric cancer. However, the prevalence of quadruple-positive forcagA,vacAs1,vacAm1, andjhp0562-positive/β-(1,3)galT-negative was significantly higher in Bhutan than in Vietnam and Myanmar and correlated with gastric cancer incidence. Moreover, gastritis-staging scores measured by histology of gastric mucosa were significantly higher in quadruple-positive strains. We suggest that thecagA,vacAs1,vacAm1, andjhp0562-positive/β-(1,3)galT-negative genotype may play a role in the development of gastric cancer.
Deep Adaptive Log-Demons: Diffeomorphic Image Registration with Very Large Deformations
Authors: Zhao Liya , Jia Kebin
Published: May 2015

This paper proposes a new framework for capturing large and complex deformation in image registration. Traditionally, this challenging problem relies firstly on a preregistration, usually an affine matrix containing rotation, scale, and translation and afterwards on a nonrigid transformation. According to preregistration, the directly calculated affine matrix, which is obtained by limited pixel information, may misregistrate when large biases exist, thus misleading following registration subversively. To address this problem, for two-dimensional (2D) images, the two-layer deep adaptive registration framework proposed in this paper firstly accurately classifies the rotation parameter through multilayer convolutional neural networks (CNNs) and then identifies scale and translation parameters separately. For three-dimensional (3D) images, affine matrix is located through feature correspondences by a triplanar 2D CNNs. Then deformation removal is done iteratively through preregistration and demons registration. By comparison with the state-of-the-art registration framework, our method gains more accurate registration results on both synthetic and real datasets. Besides, principal component analysis (PCA) is combined with correlation like Pearson and Spearman to form new similarity standards in 2D and 3D registration. Experiment results also show faster convergence speed.
Dissipation and Residue Level of Thifluzamide in Rice Field Ecosystem
Authors: Chen Weitao , Li Minghui , Li Wenxi , Wu Xuemin , Han Lijun
Published: May 2015

An efficient modified QuEChERS method combined with high performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry detection (HPLC-MS/MS) was established and evaluated for the residue analysis of thifluzamide in rice grain, husk, straw, seedling, paddy water, and soil. Thifluzamide residues were extracted with acetonitrile, cleaned up with primary secondary amine (PSA), and then determined by HPLC-MS/MS. The fortified recoveries were 76%–106% with RSDs of 3%–13%. The results of the supervised field trials at two experiment sites showed that thifluzamide dissipated rapidly in paddy fields, and the half-lives in paddy water, soil, and rice seedling were 0.3–0.6 d, 1.8–3.6 d, and 4.3–13.9 d, respectively. At harvest time, when the preharvest interval (PHI) was set as 21 d, the final residues of thifluzamide in rice grains were below the maximum residue limit (MRL) of 0.5 mg/kg set by Japan, whereas the final residues in rice husk and straw were still high (the highest value reached 1.36 mg/kg in rice husk and 0.83 mg/kg in rice straw). The results indicated that the highest residue in rice grain was 0.23 mg/kg when PHI was 21 d, and only 6.9–11.0% of acute risk quotient of thifluzamide was occupied by the dietary daily intake in Chinese population consuming rice.
Distribution of Peripheral Lymphocyte Populations in Primary Sjögren’s Syndrome Patients
Authors: Sudzius Gintaras , Mieliauskaite Diana , Siaurys Almantas , Viliene Rita , Butrimiene Irena , Characiejus Dainius , Dumalakiene Irena
Published: May 2015

Purpose of this study was to evaluate the lymphocyte populations’ distribution changes in peripheral blood of patients with primary Sjögren’s syndrome (pSS). Lymphocyte populations’ distribution changes in peripheral blood of pSS patients were investigated in 52 patients with pSS and in 28 healthy controls by flow cytometry. We found decreased absolute count of CD3+T cell population in pSS patients. Analysis of CD4+T cell population showed significant proportion and absolute count differences in pSS patient’s blood with SSA/SSB antibodies (Abs) in comparison to controls. No significant differences were observed analyzing CD4+and CD8+Treg subpopulation. Proportion and absolute counts of Th17 cells were significantly lower in pSS patient’s blood. Absolute counts of CD8+T cells were significantly lower in pSS patients in comparison to controls and also impaired proportion and absolute counts of CD8+subpopulations according to CD27+and CD57+were observed. Absolute counts of NKT and NK cells were decreased in pSS with Abs. B cells proportion was increased only in blood of pSS with Abs. Lymphocyte distribution impairment can be due to genetically determined lymphopenia or lymphocyte migration from periphery to inflammatory sites or/and increased susceptibility to apoptosis.
Toxicity of Graphene Shells, Graphene Oxide, and Graphene Oxide Paper Evaluated withEscherichia coliBiotests
Authors: Efremova Ludmila V. , Vasilchenko Alexey S. , Rakov Eduard G. , Deryabin Dmitry G.
Published: May 2015

The plate-like graphene shells (GS) produced by an original methane pyrolysis method and their derivatives graphene oxide (GO) and graphene oxide paper (GO-P) were evaluated with luminescentEscherichia colibiotests and additional bacterial-based assays which together revealed the graphene-family nanomaterials’ toxicity and bioactivity mechanisms. Bioluminescence inhibition assay, fluorescent two-component staining to evaluate cell membrane permeability, and atomic force microscopy data showed GO expressed bioactivity in aqueous suspension, whereas GS suspensions and the GO-P surface were assessed as nontoxic materials. The mechanism of toxicity of GO was shown not to be associated with oxidative stress in the targetedsoxS::luxandkatG::luxreporter cells; also, GO did not lead to significant mechanical disruption of treated bacteria with the release of intracellular DNA contents into the environment. The well-coordinated time- and dose-dependent surface charge neutralization and transport and energetic disorders in theEscherichia colicells suggest direct membrane interaction, internalization, and perturbation (i.e., “membrane stress”) as a clue to graphene oxide’s mechanism of toxicity.
Alterations of the Murine Gut Microbiome with Age and Allergic Airway Disease
Authors: Vital Marius , Harkema Jack R. , Rizzo Mike , Tiedje James , Brandenberger Christina
Published: May 2015

The gut microbiota plays an important role in the development of asthma. With advanced age the microbiome and the immune system are changing and, currently, little is known about how these two factors contribute to the development of allergic asthma in the elderly. In this study we investigated the associations between the intestinal microbiome and allergic airway disease in young and old mice that were sensitized and challenged with house dust mite (HDM). After challenge, the animals were sacrificed, blood serum was collected for cytokine analysis, and the lungs were processed for histopathology. Fecal pellets were excised from the colon and subjected to 16S rRNA analysis. The microbial community structure changed with age and allergy development, where alterations in fecal communities from young to old mice resembled those after HDM challenge. Allergic mice had induced serum levels of IL-17A and old mice developed a greater allergic airway response compared to young mice. This study demonstrates that the intestinal bacterial community structure differs with age, possibly contributing to the exaggerated pulmonary inflammatory response in old mice. Furthermore, our results show that the composition of the gut microbiota changes with pulmonary allergy, indicating bidirectional gut-lung communications.
Isolated Spontaneous Renal Artery Dissection Presented with Flank Pain
Authors: Gandhi Shruti P. , Patel Kajal , Pal Bipin C.
Published: May 2015

Spontaneous renal artery dissection is a rare but important cause of flank pain. We report a case of isolated spontaneous renal artery dissection in 56-year-old man complicated by renal infarction presented with flank pain. Doppler study pointed towards vascular pathology. Computed tomography (CT) angiography was used to make final diagnosis which demonstrated intimal flap in main renal artery with renal infarction.
Morphological Findings in Trophozoites during Amoebic Abscess Development in Misoprostol-Treated BALB/c Mice
Authors: Aceves-Cano Andrés , Gaytán-Ochoa Rocío , Ramos-Martínez Ernesto , Erosa de la Vega Gilberto , González-Horta Carmen , Talamás-Rohana Patricia , Sánchez-Ramírez Blanca
Published: May 2015

During amoebic liver abscess (ALA) formation in susceptible animals, immune response is regulated by prostaglandin E2(PGE2) dependent mechanisms. The aim of this study was to analyze the effect of misoprostol (MPL), a PGE1analogue, on ALA formation in BALB/c mice. Male mice from BALB/c strain were intrahepatically infected with7.5×105trophozoites ofE. histolyticastrain HM1:IMSS and treated with 10−4 M of MPL daily until sacrifice at 2, 4, and 7 days postinfection (p.i.). ALA formation was evaluated at 2, 4, and 7 days postinfection; trophozoite morphology was analyzed using immunohistochemistry and image analysis. Results showed an increase in frequency of ALA formation in infected and MPL-treated mice only at 2 days p.i. (P=0.03). A significant diminution in the size of trophozoites was detected in abscesses from mice independently of MPL treatment (from5.8±1.1 µm at 2 days p.i. to2.7±1.9 µm at 7 days p.i.) compared with trophozoites dimensions observed in susceptible hamsters (9.6±2.7 µm) (P<0.01). These results suggest that MPL treatment may modify the adequate control of inflammatory process to allow the persistence of trophozoites in the liver; however, natural resistance mechanisms cannot be discarded.
Modified Luneburg Lens Based on Metamaterials
Authors: Chen Haibing , Cheng Qiang , Huang Aihua , Dai Junyan , Lu Huiying , Zhao Jie , Ma Huifeng , Jiang Weixiang , Cui Tiejun
Published: May 2015

We present the design, fabrication, and experimental characterization of a modified two-dimensional Luneburg lens based on bulk metamaterials. The lens is composed by a number of concentric layers. By varying the geometric dimensions of unit cells in each layer, the gradient refractive index profile required for the modified Luneburg lens can be achieved. The cylindrical waves generated from a point source at the focus point of the lens could be transformed into plane waves as desired in the microwave frequency. The proposed modified Luneburg lens can realize wide-angle beam scanning when the source moves along the circumferential direction inside the lens. Numerical and experimental results validate the performance of the modified Luneberg lens.
Few-View Prereconstruction Guided Tube Current Modulation Strategy Based on the Signal-to-Noise Ratio of the Sinogram
Authors: Chang Ming , Xiao Yongshun , Chen Zhiqiang
Published: May 2015

The radiation dose reduction without sacrificing the image quality as an important issue has raised the attention of CT manufacturers and different automatic exposure control (AEC) strategies have been adopted in their products. In this paper, we focus on the strategy of tube current modulation. It is deduced based on the signal-to-noise (SNR) of the sinogram. The main idea behind the proposed modulation strategy is to keep the SNR of the sinogram proximately invariable using the few-view reconstruction as a good reference because it directly affects the noise level of the reconstructions. The numerical experiment results demonstrate that, compared with constant tube current, the noise distribution is more uniform and the SNR and CNR of the reconstruction are better when the proposed strategy is applied. Furthermore it has the potential to distinguish the low-contrast target and to reduce the radiation dose.
Ellipsometric Analysis of Cadmium Telluride Films’ Structure
Authors: Evmenova Anna , Odarych Volodymyr , Vuichyk Mykola , Sizov Fedir
Published: May 2015

Ellipsometric analysis of CdTe films grown on Si and CdHgTe substrates at the “hot-wall” epitaxy vacuum setup has been performed. It has been found that ellipsometric data calculation carried out by using a simple one-layer film model leads to radical distortion of optical constants spectra: this fact authenticates the necessity to attract a more complicated model that should include heterogeneity of films. Ellipsometric data calculation within a two-layer film model permitted to conclude that cadmium telluride films have an outer layer that consists of the three-component mixture of CdTe, cavities, and basic matter oxide. Ratio of mixture components depends on the time of deposition, that is, on the film thickness. The inner layer consists of cadmium telluride.
Acute Intermittent Porphyria in Argentina: An Update
Authors: Cerbino Gabriela Nora , Gerez Esther Noemí , Varela Laura Sabina , Melito Viviana Alicia , Parera Victoria Estela , Batlle Alcira , Rossetti María Victoria
Published: May 2015

Porphyrias are a group of metabolic diseases that arise from deficiencies in the heme biosynthetic pathway. A partial deficiency in hydroxymethylbilane synthase (HMBS) produces a hepatic disorder named Acute Intermittent Porphyria (AIP); the acute porphyria is more frequent in Argentina. In this paper we review the results obtained for 101 Argentinean AIP families and 6 AIP families from foreign neighbour countries studied at molecular level at Centro de Investigaciones sobre Porfirinas y Porfirias (CIPYP). Thirty-five different mutations were found, of which 14 were described for the first time in our population. The most prevalent type of mutations was the missense mutations (43%) followed by splice defects (26%) and small deletions (20%). An odd case of a double heterozygous presentation of AIP in a foreign family from Paraguay is discussed. Moreover, it can be noted that 38 new families were found carrying the most frequent mutation in Argentina (p.G111R), increasing to 55.66% the prevalence of this genetic change in our population and adding further support to our previous hypothesis of a founder effect for this mutation in Argentina. Identification of patients with an overt AIP is important because treatment depends on an accurate diagnosis, but more critical is the identification of asymptomatic relatives to avoid acute attacks which may progress to death.
Sitagliptin: Is It Effective in Routine Clinical Practice?
Authors: Mohan Dallumal Rita , Chua Siew Siang , Wu David Bin-Chia , Vethakkan Shireene Ratna
Published: May 2015

Aim. The present study was conducted to determine the glycaemic effects of sitagliptin in type 2 diabetes patients.Methods. Data was collected from patient medical records of a major teaching hospital in Malaysia, from 2009 to 2012. Glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) values prior to and up to 12 months after the initiation of sitagliptin were analysed. The change inHbA1cvalues was accounted for based on a generalized linear model generated using the Generalized Estimating Equations (GEE) method.Results and Discussion. Of the 457 patients, 53.6% were elderly and 81.4% were overweight. The meanHbA1c(standard deviation) before initiation of sitagliptin was 8.5 (1.4)%. This dropped to 7.7 (1.4)%, 3 to 6 months after initiation of sitagliptin, with a mean difference of 0.8% (95% confidence interval (CI): 0.7–1.0; P<0.001). However, this value increased to 8.0 (1.7)% after 7 to 12 months on sitagliptin (P=0.002) with a mean difference from baseline of 0.6% (95% CI: 0.4–0.7;P < 0.001).Conclusion. In routine clinical practice, sitagliptin produces a significant reduction in meanHbA1c(0.8%) within the first 6 months of use which corresponds to efficacy data obtained in controlled clinical trials. However, this reduction was lesser, 7 to 12 month later.
Pharmacokinetic Study and Optimal Formulation of New Anti-Parkinson Natural Compound Schisantherin A
Authors: Sa Fei , Guo Bao Jian , Li Sai , Zhang Zai Jun , Chan Hok Man , Zheng Ying , Lee Simon Ming Yuen
Published: May 2015

Our recent studies showed that schisantherin A (StA) is a promising candidate for PD treatment, but the pharmacokinetic profile of StA is largely unknown. The effects of different formulations on the pharmacokinetics and bioavailability of StA were investigated by HPLC equipped with a vacuum degasser, a quaternary pump, a manual sampler, and an ultraviolet detector. The absolute bioavailability of StA in nanoemulsion formulation was significantly increased from 4.3% to 47.3%. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report of absolute bioavailability for StA in rats and successful increase of bioavailability of StA by nanoemulsion formulation. The pharmacokinetic profiles of StA could be significantly improved by a safe nanoemulsion formulation. This study provides a successful example of advanced delivery system for improving the bioavailability of potential central nervous system (CNS) drug candidate with poor solubility. This novel approach could be an effective alternative solution to overcome the shortcomings of conventional poor drug delivery of CNS drugs. The results of present study not only indicate that StA has potential to be developed as a promising oral therapeutic agent for the management of PD but also shed light on novel way to improve bioavailability of PD drugs.
Ecological Risk Aversion and Juvenile Ring-Tailed Lemur Feeding and Foraging
Authors: Teague O’Mara M.
Published: May 2015

The extended primate juvenile period has been linked to interactions between feeding ecology and sociality. However, accumulating field data on juvenile primates suggest variation in the linkages between foraging efficiency, group foraging and social behaviour. In many non-human primates, juvenile ability (strength, coordination and motor skills) does not limit foraging success. If predicted limitations in feeding are not found in juvenile monkeys, it is possible that the gregarious strepsirrhines may show foraging patterns similar to those implicated in the evolution of a life history where long juvenile periods are advantageous. To test these behavioural predictions, I present a mixed longitudinal sample of observations on feeding and foraging behaviour from ring-tailed lemurs (Lemur catta) at the Bezà Mahafaly Special Reserve, Madagascar. Like several platyrrhine species, close proximity during foraging, low feeding efficiency and low dietary diversity are not typical of ring-tailed lemurs. The lack of ecological trade-offs in these species may indicate stronger common roles of sociality and social complexity in structuring the elongation of the primate juvenile period.
Anchoring the Clade: Primate-Wide Comparative Analysis Supports the Relationship between Juvenile Interest in Infants and Adult Patterns of Infant Care
Authors: Meredith Stephanie L.
Published: May 2015

Female-biased juvenile interest in infants is common in primates. Proposed hypotheses to explain juvenile infant interest are that it helps immature individuals learn to parent, is a by-product of selection on adult infant care behavior, is kin-selected cooperative rearing, or is a form of harassment. If juvenile infant interest is associated with adult infant care, either functionally or as a by-product, sex-biased patterns of juvenile infant interest and adult infant care should show correlated evolution; if juvenile infant interest functions as cooperative rearing or harassment, they should not. Comparisons of nested bayesian Markov chain Monte Carlo models of independent and dependent evolution of juvenile infant interest and adult infant care indicate strong support for coevolution of juvenile infant interest and adult infant care. Expanding comparative analysis to include available data from lemurs strengthens this support, suggesting that the function of juvenile infant interest does not differ between strepsirrhines and haplorhines. As such, strepsirrhine taxa currently maintained in captivity will be particularly useful in future work aiming to test between the learning to parent and by-product hypotheses for juvenile infant interest.
Antipredator Vocalization Usage in the Male Ring-Tailed Lemur (Lemur catta)
Authors: Bolt Laura M. , Sauther Michelle L. , Cuozzo Frank P. , Jacky Ibrahim Antho Youssouf
Published: May 2015

The ring-tailed lemur (Lemur catta) is a group-living strepsirrhine primate endemic to Madagascar that faces considerable predation pressure from aerial and terrestrial predators. This species engages in mobbing and vigilance behavior in response to predators, and has referential alarm vocalizations. Because L. catta is female dominant, less is known about the alarm calls of males. We tested 3 hypotheses for male antipredator vocalization behavior on L. catta at the Bezà Mahafaly Special Reserve in Madagascar: the predator confusion, group maintenance, and predation risk allocation hypotheses. We found support for 2 hypotheses. When a male L. catta made an antipredator call, other group members vocalized in response. Dominant males did not make alarm calls at higher rates than subordinate males. Predators were more abundant on the western side of Parcel 1, but an even greater number of antipredator vocalizations occurred in this area than predator abundance warranted. We show that male L. catta consistently participated in group-level antipredator vocalization usage in high-risk locations. Although female L. catta are known to hold the primary role in group defense, male L. catta are also key participants in group-wide behaviors that may confuse or drive away predators.
Genetic Evidence for Male and Female Dispersal in Wild Lemur catta
Authors: Parga Joyce A. , Sauther Michelle L. , Cuozzo Frank P. , Jacky Ibrahim Antho Youssouf , Gould Lisa , Sussman Robert W. , Lawler Richard R. , Pastorini Jennifer
Published: May 2015

Lemur catta has traditionally been considered a species with male-biased dispersal; however, occasional female dispersal occurs. Using molecular data, we evaluated dispersal patterns in 2 L. catta populations in southwestern Madagascar: Tsimanampesotse National Park (TNP) and Bezà Mahafaly Special Reserve (BMSR). We also investigated the genetic differentiation between the populations and dispersal partner relatedness. Results showed minor genetic differentiation between the populations (ϴST = 0.039), which may indicate gene flow historically occurring in this region, made possible by the presence of L. catta groups between the sites. Different patterns of sex-biased dispersal were found between the sites using corrected assignment indices: male-biased dispersal in TNP, and a lack of sex-biased dispersal in BMSR. Observational evidence of female dispersal in BMSR supports these results and may imply intense female resource competition in and around BMSR, because small groups of 2-3 females have been observed dispersing within BMSR and entering the reserve from outside. These dispersing groups largely consisted of mothers transferring with daughters, although we have an aunt-niece pair transferring together. Genetic data suggest that males also transfer with relatives. Our data demonstrate that dispersal partners consist of same-sexed kin for L. catta males and females, highlighting the importance of kin selection.
Reproductive Female Feeding Strategies in Spiny Forest-Dwelling Lemur catta in Southern and Southwestern Madagascar: How Do Females Meet the Challenges of Reproduction in this Harsh Habitat?
Authors: Gould Lisa , Kelley Elizabeth A. , LaFleur Marni
Published: May 2015

The spiny forest ecoregion of southern and southwestern Madagascar is characterized by low annual rainfall, high temperatures, short-stature xeric vegetation and lack of canopy. Lemur catta is often the only diurnal primate persisting in this habitat. For reproductive females living in spiny forests, gestation and early-to-mid lactation periods occur during the dry season when food resources are limited. We conducted a between-site comparison of variables important to the feeding ecology of reproductive female L. catta inhabiting spiny forest at 3 sites: Berenty spiny forest (BSF), Cap Sainte-Marie (CSM) and Tsimanampesotse National Park (TNP). We hypothesize that the ability for pregnant and lactating females to adequately obtain plant foods high in protein, low in fiber and with a high water content is crucial to their survival and successful reproduction in spiny habitat. We found favorable or relatively equal protein-to-fiber ratios in plant foods most frequently consumed by reproductive females, and preferred foods contained high water content. Some overlap in preferred plant species at the 3 sites suggests important plant foods for reproductive females inhabiting spiny forests. We suggest that choosing foods high in protein, relatively low in fiber and with high water content are behavioral adaptations allowing female L. catta to reproduce and survive in this habitat.
Botulinum Toxin A in Clinical Practice, the Technical Aspects and What Urologists Want to Know about It
Authors: van Breda Hendrikje M.K. , Heesakkers John P.F.A.
Published: May 2015

Objectives: To give an overview of the literature concerning the clinical practice of Botulinum toxin A (BTA) treatment to meet the needs and knowledge of urologists. Methods: A literature search was performed to BTA treatment, together with a survey among Dutch urologist. Results: The registration trials used strict inclusion and exclusion criteria, a standardized application technique and follow-up. The approval for BTA is based on these trials but differs from country to country. BTA was already used before these approvals, with different application techniques. Published manuscripts about application techniques (trigone sparing/suburothelial injections/intradetrusor injections) show different outcomes. In literature there is no positive or negative predictor found with a preoperatively urodynamic investigation. It is shown that retreatment does not cause inflammatory infiltration or fibrosis in the bladder wall. The survey showed that in 96% of the urology departments BTA is used. Urodynamic investigation is requested by 87% of urologists before the treatment. Although it is regarded as an easy-to-learn procedure 60% of urologists would like training in practical aspects. Conclusions: No firm data exist about the technique of application with consequently the most optimal results. BTA treatment is regarded as an easy-to-learn, but still there is a request for training in practical treatment aspects.
Processing Body Formation Limits Proinflammatory Cytokine Synthesis in Endotoxin-Tolerant Monocytes and Murine Septic Macrophages
Authors: McClure Clara , Brudecki Laura , Yao Zhi Q. , McCall Charles E. , El Gazzar Mohamed
Published: May 2015

An anti-inflammatory phenotype with pronounced immunosuppression develops during sepsis, during which time neutrophils and monocytes/macrophages limit their Toll-like receptor 4 responses to bacterial lipopolysaccharide (LPS/endotoxin). We previously reported that during this endotoxin-tolerant state, distinct signaling pathways differentially repress transcription and translation of proinflammatory cytokines such as TNFα and IL-6. Sustained endotoxin tolerance contributes to sepsis mortality. While transcription repression requires chromatin modifications, a translational repressor complex of Argonaute 2 (Ago2) and RNA-binding motif protein 4 (RBM4), which bind the 3′-UTR of TNFα and IL-6 mRNA, limits protein synthesis. Here, we show that Dcp1 supports the assembly of the Ago2 and RBM4 repressor complex into cytoplasmic processing bodies (p-bodies) in endotoxin-tolerant THP-1 human monocytes following stimulation with LPS, resulting in translational repression and limiting protein synthesis. Importantly, this translocation process is reversed by Dcp1 knockdown, which restores TNFα and IL-6 protein levels. We also find this translational repression mechanism in primary macrophages of septic mice. Because p-body formation is a critical step in mRNA translation repression, we conclude that Dcp1 is a major component of the translational repression machinery of endotoxin tolerance and may contribute to sepsis outcome.
Ipsilateral Infarct in Newly Diagnosed Cervical Internal Carotid Artery Atherosclerotic Occlusion
Authors: Haussen Diogo C. , Rose David Z. , Drazin Doniel , Newsome Scott D. , Gardener Hannah , Edgell Randall C. , Boulos Alan , Bernardini Gary , Rundek Tatjana , Yavagal Dileep R.
Published: May 2015

Objective: We aimed to determine factors associated with recent infarct (RI) in patients with newly identified atherosclerotic cervical internal carotid artery occlusion (CICAO). Methods: This was a retrospective review of consecutive patients who underwent cervical CT angiography from 2002 to 2006 at a single tertiary center. RI was defined by positive diffusion-weighted imaging/apparent diffusion coefficient magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in the correspondent CICAO territory. Subjects were dichotomized into those with a RI versus patients with no RI (No-RI). Results: Of 2,459 patients with cervical CT angiograms in the study period, 108 (4.4%) had complete medical records and brain MRI and were included. The mean age was 64 ± 13 years, 58% were men, and 62 (57%) had a RI. The demographics of the RI and No-RI patients were comparable, with the exception that those with RI had a lower frequency of coronary artery disease (CAD, 13 vs. 54%; p < 0.01) and dyslipidemia (38 vs. 69%; p < 0.01). The use of antiplatelets was not statistically different between the groups (56 vs. 71%; p = 0.1). Subjects with RI were less likely on statins (21 vs. 56%; p < 0.01) and antihypertensives (9 vs. 71%; p < 0.01). Multivariate regression revealed that CAD, the use of statins, and the use of antihypertensives were associated with No-RI CICAO presentation. Conclusion: The use of statins and antihypertensives is associated with a decreased risk of RI atherosclerotic CICAO.
The Relationship between Retinol-Binding Protein 4 Concentrations and Gestational Diabetes Mellitus in Chinese Women
Authors: Du Mengkai , Wang Bo , Liang Zhaoxia , Dong Minyue , Chen Danqing
Published: May 2015

Background: This study aimed to investigate the relationship between retinol-binding protein 4 (RBP4) and gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM). Methods: Seventy-six women with and without GDM were recruited. Their blood samples were collected to detect RBP4, fasting plasma glucose (FPG), fasting insulin (Fins), triglyceride (TG), total cholesterol (TC), low-density lipoprotein, high-density lipoprotein (HDL) and glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1c) levels. Results: RBP4 (21.42 ± 3.846 vs. 39.08 ± 8.293 μg/ml), FPG, Fins, homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR), HbA1c, and TG levels were higher, while HDL levels were lower in women with GDM (p < 0.01). In healthy controls, RBP4 concentrations were positively correlated with HOMA-IR and TG and inversely correlated with FPG and HDL (p < 0.05). Serum concentrations of RBP4 in women with GDM were inversely correlated with TC and positively correlated with maternal weight gain during pregnancy (p < 0.05). The ROC curve was drawn with a correct rate of 93.4%. Conclusions: Concentrations of serum RBP4 were significantly higher in women with GDM, suggesting that elevated RPB4 level may play a role in the pathogenesis of GDM. Meanwhile, RBP4 might be a good predictor of GDM. RBP4 is correlated with TG and HDL, indicating that RBP4 plays a role in alterations of lipid metabolism in pregnant women.
Ismaili Jurisprudence: A Reaffirmation of Its Early History
Authors: Cilardo Agostino
Published: May 2015

A work, entitled Minhāǧ al-farāʾiḍ, is of questionable attribution, even if a copy of the ms clearly mentions al-qāḍī l-Nuʿmān as its author. This paper wants to re-affirm the paternity of al-Nuʿmān and the originality of the Ismaili jurisprudence. This short treatise is examined with reference to the legal writings of al-Nuʿmān. The comparative analysis of legal doctrines, both between the different works of al-Nuʿmān and between the Ismaili fiqh and the legal works of the different schools, leads to outline the development of the Ismaili law and the interrelations between jurists of different schools. It results that Minhāǧ al-farāʾiḍ represents the most ancient stage in the formation of the Ismaili jurisprudence.
ʿOlam ha-ze/ʿolam ha-ba, al-dunyā/al-āḫira : étude comparée de deux couples de termes dans la littérature talmudique et le Coran1
Authors: Costa José
Published: May 2015

La littérature rabbinique et le Coran croient en l’existence de deux mondes : le monde présent et le monde futur (ʿolam ha-ze/ʿolam ha-ba en hébreu, dunyā/āḫira en arabe : deux couples de mots sans relation linguistique). Les études sur l’eschatologie rabbinique ont toujours reconnu l’importance de ce thème. À l’inverse, il a été relativement négligé dans le champ des études coraniques et nécessite encore de nouvelles recherches. Nous avons comparé trois types de textes dans les deux corpus : ceux qui ne mentionnent que le monde présent ou futur et ceux qui traitent simultanément des deux mondes. À première vue, le Coran montre plus d’affinités avec les apocalypses juives ou la littérature chrétienne (particulièrement syriaque). Cependant, la comparaison souligne également quelques corrélations significatives avec les données rabbiniques, comme l’usage fréquent du couple « monde présent/monde futur » et plusieurs aspects de la doctrine de la rétribution. Finalement, notre analyse confirme que l’Arabie pré-islamique se caractérisait par une importante diversité et complexité religieuses, à l’intérieur du judaïsme et en dehors de lui.
De l’oeil et de l’esprit : une semiotique du visible et de l’invisible dans Dalāʾil al-iʿǧāz d’al-Ǧurǧānī
Authors: Belboukhari Abdelfattah
Published: May 2015

Le Dalāʾil al-iʿǧāz (Signes et preuves de l’inimitabilité du Coran) de ʿAbd al-Qāhir al-Ǧurǧānī (m. 471/1074) est reconnu comme l’un des traités majeurs de la rhétorique arabe. Et en tant que discours du savoir dont l’ambition affichée est celle d’une refondation de cette discipline, le sujet connaissant y tient une place centrale, en partie relativement à son rôle d’instance énonçante. C’est au niveau de cet opérateur d’énonciation que nous situerons notre analyse de la configuration discursive d’un contenu cognitif dans Dalāʾil. Ainsi, deux actes épistémiques vont retenir notre attention : la quête des signes, dont l’acte de voir (ʿayān) est l’instrument principal, et la quête des secrets. Dans cette double quête, le « je » du discours, comme expression formelle du sujet du savoir, est tenu pour une instance énonçante ancrée. C’est le « je-ici » identifiant le « champ positionnel du sujet » (Benveniste) dont il faut définir le parcours de compétence à travers lequel le sujet du savoir dans Dalāʾil se déploie comme une affirmation de soi.
The Dark Koran: A Semantic Analysis of the Koranic Darknesses (ẓulumāt) and their Metaphorical Usage
Authors: Christiansen Johanne Louise
Published: May 2015

Darkness (ẓulumāt) as a Koranic literary image has not been systematically analyzed, even though it is connected to fundamental Koranic topics such as understanding, salvation and the omniscience of God. The aim of this article is to argue for a close reading of the occurrences of ẓulumāt in the Koran and to discuss their metaphorical usage. By joining cognitive metaphor theories with the Koranic material, the article contributes to a new understanding of how and why modes of darkness are applied in the Koran. In the article, I argue for a six-fold classification of the occurrences, in which the utilization of particularly two conceptual metaphors, a mental state is darkness and protection is darkness appear. The former is employed to explain the imperative difference between belief and unbelief through the binary pair of darkness and light, whereas the latter is chosen to elucidate the omniscience of the Koranic God.
Anonymous Works and Their Ascription to Famous Authors: Are They Cases of Mistaken Identity of an Outright Forgery?
Authors: Poonawala Ismail K.
Published: May 2015

The false attribution of anonymous works to famous authors is not unique to Islamic tradition in general and to Ismāʿīlī tradition in particular. Rather it is a very old problem dating back to ancient Greeks. The students of philosophy are familiar with this question as a number of spurious books circulated in the Middle Ages known as “pseudo-Aristotelian” or “pseudo-Ammonius.” However, the scholars have succeeded to disentangle the genuine from the counterfeit by using various critical tools at their disposal. In what follows I have tried to demonstrate that both Minhāǧ al-farāʾiḍ and Kitāb al-Yanābīʿ are falsely ascribed to the famous Ismāʿīlī law giver al-Qāḍī l-Nuʿmān. Any scholar who is fully familiar with the whole corpus of al-Nuʿmān’s works, especially with his numerous works on jurisprudence, would reject Cilardo’s claim to the contrary.
Presentist Projections in a Hermeneutic’s Heaven
Authors: von Criegern Oliver
Published: May 2015

The book under review is the first translation of the Sarvatathāgatādhiṣṭhānasattvāvalokanabuddhakṣetrasaṃdarśanavyūha, a Mahāyānasūtra of mainly ritualistic content, preserved in Sanskrit in two Gilgit manuscripts. The translation is based on the edition prepared by the same author. The review deals with both the edition and the translation. It tries to show that especially the translation is rather problematic with regard to many passages and generally in its complete lack of explaining notes. The translation is accompanied by an interpretative essay, which is not conducive to a better understanding of the sūtra.
Some Remarks Regarding the aṣ̌əm vohū
Authors: Ahmadi Amir
Published: May 2015

This article attempts to show the eschatological horizon of the Avestan prayer aṣ̌əm vohū. Its placement in the Yasna at the threshold of the Old Avestan corpus and the virtues ascribed to it in other Avestan texts reveal its high stature in Zoroastrianism. The sense of the prayer remains obscure in its current translations. The problem is in part due to the fact that the text is syntactically defective. One must assume that the significance attributed to it in Avestan tradition is a reflection of what it says, its actual meaning. This is the guiding principle of its interpretation in this article. I critically consider the translations and interpretations of the prayer to date. Some of these are problematic even on the linguistic level. But the problem of sense remains even in those that are formally impeccable. The reason for this is that the translation reproduces the tautology that the original contains, instead of unfolding it. An attempt at unfolding the tautology can be seen in the Young Avestan exegesis of the prayer. Once the tautology is unfolded, the sense of the text becomes evident: those who support aṣ̌a (the primordial order of creation) will have their wish for a blissful afterlife in aṣ̌a (the divine sphere) fulfilled.
Oral Texts in Indian Mahāyāna
Authors: Drewes David
Published: May 2015

This paper reconsiders the idea that Indian Mahāyāna was specially involved with or indebted to the use of writing. Focusing on an analysis of the words ud√grah, √dhṛ, and pari ava√āp, it argues that like the texts of other pre-modern Indian religious traditions, Mahāyāna sūtras were primarily used orally and mnemically, though like epics, purāṇas, and non-Mahāyāna Buddhist sūtras, they were also written and venerated in written form.