bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Recurrent Lateral Ventricular Enterogenous Cyst: A Report of an Extreme Rare Case
Authors: Mondle Md. Shamsuzzaman , Alam Md. Shamsul , Ahmad Misbah Uddin , Yusuf Md. Abdullah
Published: May 2017

The patient was a 45-year-old man with a progressive headache. Evaluation in detail revealed it as a case of left lateral ventricular space occupying lesion (SOL) resembling choroid plexus papilloma. A left parietal craniotomy was done and the lesion was removed completely through intraparietal approach. Surgical removal resulted in complete symptomatic relief. Histopathology revealed that it was a case of the enterogenous cyst. One year after surgery, the patient again experienced the same symptom and the images revealed recurrence of the lesion. The patient has undergone 2nd surgery and histopathology was the same as before. The patient was given radiotherapy and now he is completely relieved and well. Although intracranial enterogenous cyst is not uncommon, intraventricular enterogenous cyst as well as recurrent intraventricular enterogenous cyst is a rare entity.
Antitumor Macrophage Response to Bacillus pumilus Ribonuclease (Binase)
Authors: Makeeva Anna , Rodriguez-Montesinos Julian , Zelenikhin Pavel , Nesmelov Alexander , Preissner Klaus T. , Cabrera-Fuentes Hector A. , Ilinskaya Olga N.
Published: May 2017

Extracellular bacterial ribonucleases such as binase from Bacillus pumilus possess cytotoxic activity against tumor cells with a potential for clinical application. Moreover, they may induce activation of tumor-derived macrophages either into the M1-phenotype with well-documented functions in the regulation of the antitumor immune response or into M2-macrophages that may stimulate tumor growth, metastasis, and angiogenesis. In this study, binase or endogenous RNase1 (but not RNA or short oligonucleotides) stimulated the expression of activated NF-κB p65 subunit in macrophages. Since no changes in MyD88 and TRIF adaptor protein expression were observed, toll-like receptors may not be involved in RNase-related NF-κB pathway activation. In addition, short exposure (0.5 hr) to binase induced the release of cytokines such as IL-6, МСР-1, or TNF-α (but not IL-4 and IL-10), indicative for the polarization into antitumor M1-macrophages. Thus, we revealed increased expression of activated NF-κB p65 subunit in macrophages upon stimulation by binase and RNase1, but not RNA or short oligonucleotides.
Effect of a Traditional Chinese Herbal Medicine Formulation on Cell Survival and Apoptosis of MPP+-Treated MES 23.5 Dopaminergic Cells
Authors: Ye Shuifen , Koon Ho Kee , Fan Wen , Xu Yihui , Wei Wei , Xu Chuanshan , Cai Jing
Published: May 2017

Progressive degeneration of dopaminergic neurons in the substantia nigra (SN) is implicated in Parkinson’s disease (PD). The efficacy of these currently used drugs is limited while traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) has been used in the management of neurodegenerative diseases for many years. This study was designed to evaluate the effect of a modified traditional Chinese herbal medicine decoction, Cong Rong Jing (CRJ), on cell survival and apoptosis of 1-methyl-4-phenylpyridinium- (MPP+-) treated MES23.5 dopaminergic cells. CRJ was prepared as a decoction from three Chinese herbs, namely,Herba Cistanches,Herba Epimedii, andRhizoma Polygonati. We reported here that CRJ significantly enhanced the cell survival of MES23.5 cells after the exposure of MPP+and inhibited the production of intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) induced by MPP+. CRJ also prevented the MPP+-treated MES23.5 cells from apoptosis by reducing the externalization of phosphatidylserine and enhancing the Bcl-2/Bax protein expression ratio. Signaling proteins such as JAK2, STAT3, and ERK1/2 were also involved in the action of CRJ. Taken together, these results provide a preliminary mechanism to support clinical application of the TCM formulation in PD and possibly other neurodegenerative diseases associated with ROS injury and apoptosis.
Dextran-Polyacrylamide as Matrices for Creation of Anticancer Nanocomposite
Authors: Telegeev G. , Kutsevol N. , Chumachenko V. , Naumenko A. , Telegeeva P. , Filipchenko S. , Harahuts Yu.
Published: May 2017

Drug targeting to specific organs and tissues is one of the crucial endeavors of modern pharmacotherapy. Controlled targeting at the site of action and reduced time of exposure of nontargeted tissues increase the efficacy of the treatment and reduce toxicity and side effects, improving compliance and convenience. Nanocarriers based on the branched copolymers dextran-graft-polyacrylamide were synthesized and characterized and were tested on phagocytic cells. It was shown that these nanoparticles are actively captured by phagocytic cells and that they are not cytotoxic. The polymer nanoparticles loaded with cisplatin at different concentrations from 0.1 to 10 μg/mL yielded dose-dependent decrease in viability of chronic myelogenous leukemia and histiocytic lymphoma cells. The lowest percentage of viable cells was observed for lymphoma cells (22%). Taking into account the fact that our nanoparticles will act mainly on malignant phagocytic cells and do not affect healthy cells, they can thus potentially be used for the therapeutic treatment of tumor cells having phagocytic activity. The effect of nanosilver on cell viability was lower than the one of polymer/cisplatin composite. The data from the cytotoxic studies indicate that nanosilver induces toxicity in cells. However, when the copolymers were conjugated to both nanosilver and cisplatin, such a nanosystem displayed less cytotoxic effect compared to the conjugates of dextran-polyacrylamide and cisplatin.
Detecting Steganography of Adaptive Multirate Speech with Unknown Embedding Rate
Authors: Tian Hui , Sun Jun , Huang Yongfeng , Wang Tian , Chen Yonghong , Cai Yiqiao
Published: May 2017

Steganalysis of adaptive multirate (AMR) speech is a significant research topic for preventing cybercrimes based on steganography in mobile speech services. Differing from the state-of-the-art works, this paper focuses on steganalysis of AMR speech with unknown embedding rate, where we present three schemes based on support-vector-machine to address the concern. The first two schemes evolve from the existing image steganalysis schemes, which adopt different global classifiers. One is trained on a comprehensive speech sample set including original samples and steganographic samples with various embedding rates, while the other is trained on a particular speech sample set containing original samples and steganographic samples with uniform distributions of embedded information. Further, we present a hybrid steganalysis scheme, which employs Dempster–Shafer theory (DST) to fuse all the evidence from multiple specific classifiers and provide a synthesized detection result. All the steganalysis schemes are evaluated using the well-selected feature set based on statistical characteristics of pulse pairs and compared with the optimal steganalysis that adopts specialized classifiers for corresponding embedding rates. The experimental results demonstrate that all the three steganalysis schemes are feasible and effective for detecting the existing steganographic methods with unknown embedding rates in AMR speech streams, while the DST-based scheme outperforms the others overall.
The Adsorption of Pb, Zn, Cu, Ni, and Cd by Modified Ligand in a Single Component Aqueous Solution: Equilibrium, Kinetic, Thermodynamic, and Desorption Studies
Authors: Igberase E. , Osifo P. , Ofomaja A.
Published: May 2017

In this investigation, an amino functionalized adsorbent was developed by grafting 4-aminobenzoic acid onto the backbone of cross-linked chitosan beads. The 3 sets of beads including chitosan (CX), glutaraldehyde cross-linked chitosan (CCX), and 4-aminobenzoic acid grafted cross-linked chitosan (FGCX) were characterized by FTIR, XRD, SEM, and TGA. The water content and amine concentration of FGCX were determined. The effect of adsorption parameters was studied and the optimum was used for further studies. Equilibrium data was obtained from the adsorption experiment carried out at different initial concentration; the data were applied in isotherm, thermodynamics, and kinetic studies. The Langmuir and Dubinin-Kaganer-Radushkevich (DKR) models were successful in describing the isotherm data for the considered metal ions while the Freundlich and Temkin model fit some of the considered metal ions. Pseudo-second-order and intraparticle model described the kinetic data quite well. Thermodynamic parameters such as Gibb’s free energy change (ΔGo), enthalpy change (ΔHo), and entropy change (ΔSo) were calculated and the results showed that the adsorption of Pb, Cu, Ni, Zn, and Cd ions onto FGCX is spontaneous and endothermic in nature. Regeneration of the spent adsorbent was efficient for the considered metal ions.
Intramural Hematoma of the Esophagus Complicating Severe Preeclampsia
Authors: Garzon Simone , Zanconato Giovanni , Zatti Nicoletta , Chiarioni Giuseppe , Franchi Massimo
Published: May 2017

Intramural hematoma of the esophagus is a rare injury causing esophageal mucosal dissection. Forceful vomiting and coagulopathy are common underlying causes in the elderly population taking antiplatelets or anticoagulation agents. Acute retrosternal pain followed by hematemesis and dysphagia differentiates the hematoma from other cardiac or thoracic emergencies, including acute myocardial infarction or aortic dissection. Direct inspection by endoscopy is useful, but chest computed tomography best assesses the degree of obliteration of the lumen and excludes other differential diagnoses. Intramural hematoma of the esophagus is generally benign and most patients recover fully with conservative treatment. Bleeding can be managed medically unless in hemodynamically unstable patients, for whom surgical or angiographic treatment may be attempted; only rarely esophageal obstruction requires endoscopic decompression. We report an unusual case of esophageal hematoma, presenting in a young preeclamptic woman after surgical delivery of a preterm twin pregnancy, with a favorable outcome following medical management.
Opioid Addiction: Social Problems Associated and Implications of Both Current and Possible Future Treatments, including Polymeric Therapeutics for Giving Up the Habit of Opioid Consumption
Authors: Benéitez M. Cristina , Gil-Alegre M. Esther
Published: May 2017

Background. Detoxification programmes seek to implement the most secure and compassionate ways of withdrawing from opiates so that the inevitable withdrawal symptoms and other complications are minimized. Once detoxification has been achieved, the next stage is to enable the patient to overcome his or her drug addiction by ensuring consumption is permanently and completely abandoned, only after which can the subject be regarded as fully recovered. Methods. A systematic search on the common databases of relevant papers published until 2016 inclusive. Results and Conclusion. Our study of the available oral treatments for opioid dependence has revealed that no current treatment can actually claim to be fully effective. These treatments require daily oral administration and, consequently, regular visits to dispensaries, which in most cases results in a lack of patient compliance, which causes fluctuations in drug plasma levels. We then reviewed alternative treatments in the available scientific literature on polymeric sustained release formulations. Research has been done not only on release systems for detoxification but also on release systems for giving up the habit of taking opioids. These efforts have obtained the recent authorization of polymeric systems for use in patients that could help them to reduce their craving for drugs.
AgNPs and Ag/C225 Exert Anticancerous Effects via Cell Cycle Regulation and Cytotoxicity Enhancement
Authors: Zhang Yan , Lu Hong , Yu Dahai , Zhao Di
Published: May 2017

Currently, cancer has become the leading cause of deaths and is a serious threat to human health. Nanotechnology-based medical applications are developing rapidly, especially in anticancer research, as nanomaterials can be retained in the cell after their entry across the cell membrane, making them potential candidates for application in the diagnosis and treatment of tumours. Here, we prepared silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) and silver/cetuximab (Ag/C225) particles of approximately 20 nm and investigated their inhibitory effect on proliferation of human nasopharyngeal carcinoma cell line CNE and laryngeal carcinoma cell line HEp-2. The MTT assay was used to determine their half-maximal inhibitory concentration (IC50) values. Electron microscopy revealed no obvious morphological differences between the prepared AgNPs and Ag/C225. Treatment of both cell lines with AgNPs and Ag/C225 increased the proportion of cells in the G0/G1 stage and decreased the proportion of cells in the S stage. AgNP and Ag/C225 treatments increased the expression of apoptotic proteins Bax and P21 and decreased the expression of Bcl-2 in CNE cells, compared to control cells. Ag/C225 is internalised by CNE cells, and it enhances X-irradiation-induced cytotoxicity. These results help increase the understanding of the anticancer effect of AgNPs and Ag/C225 and explore their application as radiosensitisers.
Pterostilbene 4′‐β‐Glucoside Protects against DSS‐Induced Colitis via Induction of Tristetraprolin
Authors: Chen Yingqing , Park Jeongmin , Joe Yeonsoo , Park Hyeok-Jun , Jekal Seung-Joo , Sato Daisuke , Hamada Hiroki , Chung Hun Taeg
Published: May 2017

Pterostilbene, a dimethyl ester analog of resveratrol, has anti‐inflammatory and antioxidative effects and alters cell proliferation. Tristetraprolin (TTP) promotes the degradation of proinflammatory mediators via binding to adenosine and uridine‐ (AU‐) rich elements (ARE) located in the 3′‐untranslated regions of mRNAs. Here, we utilized pterostilbene 4′‐β‐glucoside (4‐PG), a compound derived from pterostilbene, to investigate whether it has anti‐inflammatory effects on dextran sulfate sodium‐ (DSS‐) induced colitis via TTP enhancement. TTP expression was increased in 4‐PG dose‐ and time‐dependent manners in RAW264.7 cells. The production of proinflammatory cytokine, such as TNF‐α, was reduced by 4‐PG in vitro. To investigate the role of TTP in the anti‐inflammatory effects of 4‐PG, we used DSS–induced colitis in TTP WT and KO mice as models. The expression levels of TTP and proinflammatory cytokines were determined in serum and colon tissue. 4‐PG increased the expression of TTP while suppressing proinflammatory cytokines both in vitro and in vivo. These findings suggest that treatment with 4‐PG mediates the anti‐inflammatory effects of 4‐PG on DSS‐induced colitis via enhancing TTP expression.
Benign Multicystic Peritoneal Mesothelioma: A Rare Condition in an Uncommon Gender
Authors: Khurram Muhammad S. , Shaikh Hamadullah , Khan Uqba , Edens Jacob , Ibrar Warda , Hamza Ameer , Zaka Awais , Bano Roohi , Hadid Tarik
Published: May 2017

Benign Multicystic Peritoneal Mesothelioma (BMPM) is a rare condition that arises from the abdominal peritoneum. Fewer than 200 cases have been reported worldwide. BMPM usually affects premenopausal women and is extremely rare in men. Many factors are suspected to contribute to its development, such as previous surgery, endometriosis, and familial Mediterranean fever. The main management is surgical resection; however, it is estimated that the recurrence rate is up to 50%. Malignant transformation is rare. We report a case series of three male patients who were diagnosed with BMPM and were treated with cytoreductive surgery and hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC).
Increased T-cell Infiltration Elicited by Erk5 Deletion in a Pten-Deficient Mouse Model of Prostate Carcinogenesis
Authors: Loveridge Carolyn J. , Mui Ernest J. , Patel Rachana , Tan Ee Hong , Ahmad Imran , Welsh Michelle , Galbraith Julie , Hedley Ann , Nixon Colin , Blyth Karen , Sansom Owen , Leung Hing Y.
Published: May 2017

Prostate cancer does not appear to respond to immune checkpoint therapies where T-cell infiltration may be a key limiting factor. Here, we report evidence that ablating the growth regulatory kinase Erk5 can increase T-cell infiltration in an established Pten-deficient mouse model of human prostate cancer. Mice that were doubly mutant in prostate tissue for Pten and Erk5 (prostate DKO) exhibited a markedly increased median survival with reduced tumor size and proliferation compared with control Pten-mutant mice, the latter of which exhibited increased Erk5 mRNA expression. A comparative transcriptomic analysis revealed upregulation in prostate DKO mice of the chemokines Ccl5 and Cxcl10, two potent chemoattractants for T lymphocytes. Consistent with this effect, we observed a relative increase in a predominantly CD4+ T-cell infiltrate in the prostate epithelial and stroma of tumors from DKO mice. Collectively, our results offer a preclinical proof of concept for ERK5 as a target to enhance T-cell infiltrates in prostate cancer, with possible implications for leveraging immune therapy in this disease. Cancer Res; 77(12); 3158–68. ©2017 AACR.
Comissão Nacional da Verdade e a efetivação dos direitos à memória e à verdade histórica
Authors: Griebeler Lais Rodrigues
Published: May 2017

O presente texto objetiva analisar a criação da Comissão Nacional da Verdade no ano de 2012, por meio da Lei nº 12.528, de 18 de novembro de 2012, após quase 30 anos do fim do regime militar em 1985, buscando identificar qual o progresso que a atuação de uma comissão de verdade pode alcançar na efetivação dos direitos à memória e à verdade sobre as violações de direitos humanos perpetradas pelo governo de exceção. Pretende-se, portanto, verificar o lugar que esta Comissão ocupa dentro do processo de justiça de transição brasileiro, em meio à promulgação da Lei de Anistia, Lei nº 6.683, de 28 de agosto de 1979, enquanto no país vigia o governo de exceção, e às medidas de reparação econômicas e simbólicas praticadas especialmente pela Comissão Especial sobre Mortos e Desaparecidos Políticos e pela Comissão de Anistia. Por fim, será feita uma retomada filosófica sobre a memória individual e coletiva, fazendo relação especialmente com os temas identidade, esquecimento e testemunho, com a finalidade de analisar o papel e o potencial da Comissão Nacional da Verdade na construção da memória e da verdade histórica.
"Que o Policial diante da injustiça encontre guarita": Disputa, discurso e espaço na construção de sensibilidades jurídicas na Justiça Militar Estadual
Authors: Brandão Isaac Palma
Published: May 2017

O presente trabalho busca, a partir de dados etnográficos, que são fruto de observação direta na Auditoria da Justiça Militar do Rio de Janeiro (AJMERJ) e no Tribunal da Justiça Militar do Estado de São Paulo (TJMESP), discutir a produção e manutenção de sensibilidades jurídicas próprias da Justiça Militar Estadual. Busco, portanto, nesse trabalho, descrever algumas práticas, situações e experiências que me ajudaram a problematizar a construção espacial, que embora se faça de maneira distinta nas duas localidades, produz uma lógica que é compartilhada em ambos os lugares, que parece restringir e inibir possíveis visitantes externos e produzir uma espacialidade jurídico-militar. A descrição de audiências, situações e falas de agentes da justiça e juridíco-militares caminham no mesmo sentido, de compreensão de um espaço que produz uma lógica, que seria a síntese do encontro entre o Militar e o Jurídico. Pensando que tanto o militar quanto o jurídico tem sensibilidades jurídicas próprias, que não são unívocas, mas estão em constante disputa discursiva, tal encontro, não se da de maneira simples, mas dinâmica, o que deixa as estruturas em constante suspensão, com o fim de se adequar aos casos, podendo, de acordo com os casos ser mobilizados discursos idênticos com fins diferentes. Por fim, discuto, como tais espacialidades e discursos podem contribuir para a construção e manutenção de lógicas na Segurança Pública, nesse panorama de redes complexas de relações de poder que são significadas de maneiras diferentes, em lugares de fala e posições hierarquicas distintas.
Representações do feminino e do masculino nas petições enviadas às secretarias de Estado dos Negócios do Reino e do Império (Rio de Janeiro, 1808-c. 1830)
Authors: Martins William de Souza
Published: May 2017

O artigo pretende discutir as representações de gênero das petições enviadas às secretarias de Estado dos Negócios do Reino e do Império. A documentação foi coligida na Coleção de Documentos Biográficos da Divisão de Manuscritos da Biblioteca Nacional do Rio de Janeiro, separando-se para análise somente as petições que continham referências a estabelecimentos femininos de reclusão fundados na referida cidade. Nas petições que dirigiam ao monarca por intermédio das secretarias, os requerentes utilizavam representações tradicionais do feminino e do masculino, reforçando-as ou as invertendo, conforme a estratégia discursiva adotada, com a finalidade de obter determinadas mercês régias. As imagens de gênero analisadas não se referiam apenas às relações domésticas dos casais, aludindo também às concepções mais amplas do poder que envolviam os súditos e o soberano.
Cidade Sitiada: O cerco militar no século XVI como espaço de utopia e de contra-utopia – Os exemplos de Münster (1534-1535) e de Sancerre (1573)
Authors: Rodrigues Rui Luis
Published: May 2017

O objetivo deste trabalho é investigar as formas pelas quais o cerco militar foi representado no século XVI como espaço de utopia e de contra-utopia. O ponto comum entre os dois cercos analisados está no fato de que ambos foram movidos contra populações religiosamente minoritárias assinaladas por configurações de teor utópico-apocalíptico. Ambos os relatos nos permitem vislumbrar a cidade europeia do Quinhentos como espaço privilegiado para construções utópicas, ao mesmo tempo em que se destacam as mecânicas de rejeição da utopia e de criminalização das tentativas de transformação dos ordenamentos sociais. A investigação pressupõe uma preocupação com o tema da memória histórica e de como sua construção pode se converter em discursos ideologicamente condicionados.
Brain Perivascular Macrophages Initiate the Neurovascular Dysfunction of Alzheimer Aβ Peptides
Authors: Park Laibaik , Uekawa Ken , Garcia-Bonilla Lidia , Koizumi Kenzo , Murphy Michelle , Pistik Rose , Younkin Linda , Younkin Steven , Zhou Ping , Carlson George , Anrather Josef , Iadecola Costantino
Published: May 2017

Rationale:

Increasing evidence indicates that alterations of the cerebral microcirculation may play a role in Alzheimer disease, the leading cause of late-life dementia. The amyloid-β peptide (Aβ), a key pathogenic factor in Alzheimer disease, induces profound alterations in neurovascular regulation through the innate immunity receptor CD36 (cluster of differentiation 36), which, in turn, activates a Nox2-containing NADPH oxidase, leading to cerebrovascular oxidative stress. Brain perivascular macrophages (PVM) located in the perivascular space, a major site of brain Aβ collection and clearance, are juxtaposed to the wall of intracerebral resistance vessels and are a powerful source of reactive oxygen species.

Objective:

We tested the hypothesis that PVM are the main source of reactive oxygen species responsible for the cerebrovascular actions of Aβ and that CD36 and Nox2 in PVM are the molecular substrates of the effect.

Methods and Results:

Selective depletion of PVM using intracerebroventricular injection of clodronate abrogates the reactive oxygen species production and cerebrovascular dysfunction induced by Aβ applied directly to the cerebral cortex, administered intravascularly, or overproduced in the brain of transgenic mice expressing mutated forms of the amyloid precursor protein (Tg2576 mice). In addition, using bone marrow chimeras, we demonstrate that PVM are the cells expressing CD36 and Nox2 responsible for the dysfunction. Thus, deletion of CD36 or Nox2 from PVM abrogates the deleterious vascular effects of Aβ, whereas wild-type PVM reconstitute the vascular dysfunction in CD36-null mice.

Conclusions:

The data identify PVM as a previously unrecognized effector of the damaging neurovascular actions of Aβ and unveil a new mechanism by which brain-resident innate immune cells and their receptors may contribute to the pathobiology of Alzheimer disease.
Pulse Wave Velocity Predicts Response to Renal Denervation in Isolated Systolic Hypertension
Authors: Fengler Karl , Rommel Karl‐Philipp , Hoellriegel Robert , Blazek Stephan , Besler Christian , Desch Steffen , Schuler Gerhard , Linke Axel , Lurz Philipp
Published: May 2017

Background

Renal sympathetic denervation seems to be less effective as a treatment for hypertension in patients with isolated systolic hypertension, a condition associated with elevated central arterial stiffness. Because isolated systolic hypertension can also be caused by wave reflection or increased cardiac output, a more differentiated approach might improve patient preselection for renal sympathetic denervation. We sought to evaluate the additional predictive value of invasive pulse wave velocity for response to renal sympathetic denervation in patients with combined versus isolated systolic hypertension.

Methods and Results

Patients scheduled for renal sympathetic denervation underwent additional invasive measurement of pulse wave velocity and pulse pressure before denervation. Blood pressure was assessed via ambulatory measurement at baseline and after 3 months. In total 109 patients (40 patients with isolated systolic hypertension) were included in our analysis. After 3 months, blood pressure reduction was more pronounced among patients with combined hypertension compared with patients with isolated systolic hypertension (systolic 24‐hour average 9.3±10.5 versus 5.0±11.5 mm Hg,
P
=0.046). However, when stratifying patients with isolated systolic hypertension by invasive pulse wave velocity, patients in the lowest tertile of pulse wave velocity had comparable blood pressure reduction (12.1±12.6 mm Hg,
P
=0.006) despite lower baseline blood pressure than patients with combined hypertension (systolic 24‐hour average 154.8±12.5 mm Hg in combined hypertension versus 141.2±8.1, 148.4±10.9, and 150.5±12.7 mm Hg, respectively, by tertiles of pulse wave velocity,
P
=0.002).

Conclusions

Extended assessment of arterial stiffness can help improve patient preselection for renal sympathetic denervation and identify a subgroup of isolated systolic hypertension patients who benefit from sympathetic modulation.
Narrating Community: the Qiṣṣat Shakarwatī Farmāḍ and Accounts of Origin in Kerala and around the Indian Ocean
Authors: Kugle Scott , Margariti Roxani Eleni
Published: May 2017

The story of an Indian king’s conversion to Islam by the prophet Muhammad and of the subsequent foundation by Arab Muslims of communities and mosques across the sovereign’s former dominion in Kerala appears in various Arabic and Malayalam literary iterations. The most remarkable among them is theQiṣṣat Shakarwatī Farmāḍ. This legend of community origins is here translated from the Arabic in full for the first time. Historians have dealt with such origin stories by transmitting them at face value, rejecting their historicity, or sifting them for kernels of historical truth. The comparative approach adopted here instead juxtaposes theQiṣṣawith a Malayalam folksong and other Indian Ocean narratives of conversion as related in medieval Arabic travel literature to reveal underlying archetypes of just or enlightened kings as sponsors of community. The legend emerges as a crucial primary source for the constitution and self-definition of Islam in Kerala and for the discursive claims of this community vis-à-vis others.
Theodor W. Adorno, Gershom Scholem, and the ‘German-Jewish Dialogue’
Authors: Fischer Lars
Published: May 2017

The publication of the correspondence between Theodor W. Adorno and Gershom Scholem in 2015 is a major landmark, offering fresh insights into their personalities and the remarkable intellectual relationship and growing personal friendship between them. In this short piece, some of the evidence for the intensity of the relationship between Adorno and Scholem is presented, followed by a discussion of their shared emphatic negation of the notion that any such thing as a ‘German-Jewish Dialogue’ had existed prior to 1933. Henceforth, anyone who wants to continue dismissing Scholem’s remarks about the non-existence of a ‘German-Jewish dialogue’ prior to 1933 out of hand in the cavalier fashion in which it has become common-place to do so will need to reckon not only with Scholem but also with Adorno.
Revision of the genus Shairella Chûjô, 1962 (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae: Galerucinae) from Taiwan, with descriptions of five new species
Authors: LEE CHI-FENG , BEENEN RON
Published: May 2017

The brachelytrous galerucine genus Shairella Chûjô is reviewed based on examination of 240 specimens. Five new species are described: S. cheni sp. nov., S. chungi sp. nov., S. guoi sp. nov., S. motienensis sp. nov., and S. tsoui sp. nov. The diversity and distribution of most of Shairella species are reflected on one major host plant - Clinopodium laxiflorum var. taiwanianum. Smaller compound eyes relative to otherwise similar galerucines are characteristic for Shairella and may be related to nocturnal behavior. The occurrence of a subapical white band on the antenna and its possible function is discussed.
Les jeunes qui s’affirment croyants
Authors: Drapeau Émilie
Published: May 2017

Cet article s’appuie sur une recherche qualitative visant à mieux comprendre l’expérience religieuse de jeunes croyants en contexte sécularisé. À partir de douze entretiens semi-dirigés réalisés auprès de jeunes croyants qui adhèrent à différentes traditions religieuses, l’article aborde les défis que posent l’adhésion et l’affirmation religieuse par l’entremise de : 1) la perception des représentations sociales dominantes de la religion du point de vue de jeunes croyants et 2) la perception de la réaction de leur entourage vis-à-vis leur identification en tant que croyants, de même que les stratégies déployées par ces jeunes en réponse aux représentations et réactions estimées. L’article montre que le contexte sécularisé influence de manière significative leur expérience religieuse, les jeunes étant régulièrement amenés à négocier leur identification religieuse et la pratique de leur religion.
La secte et l’État
Authors: Derocher Lorraine
Published: May 2017

Les groupements sectaires partagent généralement une représentation démonisée de la société séculière en y référant comme étant le monde. Cette représentation religieuse est suffisamment négative pour qu’on veuille rompre avec ses valeurs. En revanche, la définition accordée à la secte par les agents étatiques émane également d’une représentation. Séculière, elle appréhende la secte à partir de critères de dangerosité en tentant de l’évincer de la sphère du religieux. Nous postulons que le conflit pouvant émaner de ces deux représentations peut être résolu par l’adoption, chez les intervenants, de l’approche compréhensive.
The Complexities of Family Health: Predicting Women’s Employment
Authors: Carson Jessica A.
Published: May 2017

There is a well-documented relationship between health and employment, and among women in particular, research ties health of the workers themselves and their family members to employment outcomes. However, little research considers the health of multiple family members simultaneously. Building on research linking individual-level health to women’s employment, this article examines health as a family-level construct. Using data from the Panel Study of Income Dynamics, I explore how the number of chronic condition diagnoses reported by women and their family members relates to women’s employment, and consider potential variation by educational attainment. Results show that women’s number of diagnoses more consistently predicts employment than the number of diagnoses at the family level, and these effects do not vary by women’s education. This research emphasizes the importance of multidimensional health measures and the need for more research on the family context of women’s employment.
“We’re Off on Holiday” and Other Tropes
Authors: Goss Brian Michael
Published: May 2017

This investigation draws on tropes of movement derived from Bauman to analyze recent “road movies” from prolific British director Michael Winterbottom, whose work is often characterized as confrontational toward the political and cinematic status quo. In addressing movement, the analysis also addresses the films’ contrasting postures toward globalization, where salient. Following a quick case study of Everyday (2012) that calls upon tropes of the tourist, traveler, and vagabond, In This World (2002) is interpreted as a quasi-fictional portrait of marginalized vagabonds that reveals the hard edges of an exclusionary global regime—as well as contradictions within that regime. By contrast, Genova (2008) is structured around privileged subjects’ extended travel experience as they partake of globalization’s benign opportunities for therapeutic discovery. Finally The Trip (2010) and The Trip to Italy (2014) stage tourism in largely affirmative, consumerist terms that reproduce male and class privilege, in a retreat toward conventionality in the filmmaker’s work.
Spatial recognition test: A novel cognition task for assessing topographical memory in mice
Authors: Havolli Enes , Hill Mark DW , Godley Annie , Goetghebeur Pascal JD
Published: May 2017

Dysfunction in topographical memory is a core feature of several neurological disorders. There is a large unmet medical need to address learning and memory deficits as a whole in central nervous system disease. There are considerable efforts to identify pro-cognitive compounds but current methods are either lengthy or labour intensive. Our test used a two chamber apparatus and is based on the preference of rodents to explore novel environments. It was used firstly to assess topographical memory in mice at different retention intervals (RI) and secondly to investigate the effect of three drugs reported to be beneficial for cognitive decline associated with Alzheimer’s disease, namely: donepezil, memantine and levetiracetam. Animals show good memory performance at all RIs tested under four hours. At the four-hour RI, animals show a significantly poorer memory performance which can be rescued using donepezil, memantine and levetiracetam. Using this test we established and validated a spatial recognition paradigm to address topographical memory in mice by showing a decremental time-induced forgetting response and reversing this decrease in performance using pharmacological tools. The spatial recognition test differs from more commonly used visuospatial laboratory tests in both throughput capability and potentially neuroanatomical substrate. This test has the potential to be used to assess cognitive performance in transgenic animals, disease models and to screen putative cognitive enhancers or depressors.
Clinical Outcome After Arthroscopic Debridement and Microfracture for Osteochondritis Dissecans of the Capitellum
Authors: Bexkens Rens , van den Ende Kim I.M. , Ogink Paul T. , van Bergen Christiaan J.A. , van den Bekerom Michel P.J. , Eygendaal Denise
Published: May 2017

Background:

Various surgical treatment techniques have been developed to treat capitellar osteochondritis dissecans; however, the optimal technique remains the subject of ongoing debate.

Purpose:

To evaluate clinical outcomes after arthroscopic debridement and microfracture for advanced capitellar osteochondritis dissecans.

Study Design:

Case series; Level of evidence, 4.

Methods:

Between 2008 and 2015, the authors followed 77 consecutive patients (81 elbows) who underwent arthroscopic debridement and microfracture, and loose body removal if needed, for advanced capitellar osteochondritis dissecans. Seventy-one patients (75 elbows) with a minimum follow-up of 1 year were included. The mean age was 16 years (SD, ±3.3 years; range, 11-26 years) and the mean follow-up length was 3.5 years (SD, ±1.9 years; range, 1-8.2 years). Based on CT and/or MRI results, 71 lesions were classified as unstable and 4 as stable. Clinical elbow outcome (pain, function, and social-psychological effect) was assessed using the Oxford Elbow Score (OES) at final follow-up (OES range, 0-48). Range of motion and return to sports were recorded. Multivariable linear regression analysis was performed to determine predictors of postoperative OES.

Results:

Intraoperatively, there were 3 grade 1 lesions, 2 grade 2 lesions, 10 grade 3 lesions, 1 grade 4 lesion, and 59 grade 5 lesions. The mean postoperative OES was 40.8 (SD, ±8.0). An open capitellar physis was a predictor of better elbow outcome (5.8-point increase; P = .025), as well as loose body removal/grade 4-5 lesions (6.9-point increase; P = .0020) and shorter duration of preoperative symptoms (1.4-point increase per year; P = .029). Flexion slightly improved from 134° to 139° ( P < .001); extension deficit slightly improved from 8° to 3° ( P < .001). Pronation ( P = .47) and supination did not improve ( P = .065). Thirty-seven patients (55%) returned to their primary sport at the same level, and 5 patients (7%) returned to a lower level. Seventeen patients (25%) did not return to sport due to elbow-related symptoms, and 10 patients (13%) did not return due to non–elbow-related reasons. No complications were recorded.

Conclusion:

Arthroscopic debridement and microfracture for advanced capitellar osteochondritis dissecans provide good clinical results, especially in patients with open growth plate, loose body removal, and shorter duration of symptoms. However, only 62% of patients in this study returned to sports.
Anchored Transosseous-Equivalent Versus Anchorless Transosseous Rotator Cuff Repair: A Biomechanical Analysis in a Cadaveric Model
Authors: Kilcoyne Kelly G. , Guillaume Stanley G. , Hannan Catherine V. , Langdale Evan R. , Belkoff Stephen M. , Srikumaran Uma
Published: May 2017

Background:

The original approach for the repair of torn rotator cuffs involved an open technique with sutures passing through the greater tuberosity and tendon. The development of suture anchors allowed for an all-arthroscopic approach with anchor configurations attempting to re-create a transosseous fixation pattern. Presently, an arthroscopic approach can be combined with a transosseous suture configuration without using anchors.

Purpose:

To evaluate cyclic loading, ultimate load to failure, and the failure mechanisms of transosseous-equivalent (TOE) repair with anchors and anchorless transosseous (AT) repair of rotator cuff tears.

Study Design:

Controlled laboratory study.

Methods:

Supraspinatus tears (25 mm) were created in 20 fresh-frozen, human cadaveric shoulders, which were randomized to TOE or AT repair (10 in each group, paired experimental design). Biomechanical testing was performed with an initial preload, cyclic loading, and load to failure. Optical markers were used to monitor gap formation in 3 planes, and the failure mode was recorded. Paired t tests were used to make comparisons of biomechanical parameters between the groups. Multinomial logistic regression was used to compare failure modes between the groups. Significance was set to .05.

Results:

The TOE group had a significantly higher mean (±SD) ultimate failure load (578.5 ± 123.8 N) than the AT group (468.7 ± 150.9 N) ( P = .034). The TOE group also had a significantly less mean first-cycle excursion (2.97 ± 1.97 mm) than the AT group (4.70 ± 2.04 mm) ( P = .046). There were no significant differences between the groups in cyclic elongation or linear stiffness during cyclic loading. Primary modes of failure were a type 2 tendon tear with medial tendon disruption in the TOE group (7/10) and a type 1 tendon tear with lateral tendon disruption in the AT group (6/10).

Conclusion:

TOE repair resulted in a significantly higher mean failure load compared with AT repair in a cadaveric model. The most common modes of failure were a type 2 tendon tear in the TOE group and a type 1 tendon tear in the AT group.

Clinical Relevance:

A higher mean failure load in TOE versus AT constructs may come at the cost of a less favorable failure mode adjacent to medial anchors at the musculotendinous junction, potentially making revision difficult.
The Execution of Wallace Wilkerson
Authors: Acker James R. , Champagne Ryan
Published: May 2017

Wallace Wilkerson was executed by a Utah firing squad in 1879 after the U.S. Supreme Court affirmed the constitutionality of his sentence. Shots from the marksmen’s rifles missed his heart. Not strapped into the chair where he had been seated, Wilkerson lurched onto the ground and exclaimed, “My God!…They missed it!” He groaned, continued breathing, and was pronounced dead some 27 min later. Relying on contemporaneous news accounts and legal documents, this article describes Wilkerson’s crime, the judicial decisions upholding his death sentence, and his execution. It next examines ensuing methods of capital punishment from the electric chair through lethal injection and notes persistent gaps between principle and practice in the continuing quest for increasingly humane modes of execution. The article concludes by suggesting that Wilkerson’s botched firing squad execution harbingered difficulties which continue to plague capital punishment. The implications for the future of the death penalty—a long-standing and resilient practice in American criminal justice—and the ultimate legacy of Wallace Wilkerson remain uncertain, although starkly evident is the daunting and perhaps impossible challenge of reconciling the paradox inherent in the concept of a “humane execution.”
Fabrication of micropatterns on polypropylene films via plasma pretreatment combined with UV-initiated graft polymerization
Authors: Jiang Liu , Qian Huaming , Chen Gang , Li Chunyan , Yan Guangjun , Luo Yanling , Liu Peng , Chen Yashao
Published: May 2017

In this study, micropatterns on polypropylene films were fabricated via plasma pretreatment and UV-initiated graft polymerization. Firstly, radio-frequency plasma, which does not significantly influence bulk attributes of substrates due to limited penetration depth, was utilized to activate polypropylene films. Then, different sizes of micropatterns of poly(hydroxyethyl methacrylate) (PHEMA) were fabricated on the polypropylene films via UV-initiated graft polymerization of hydroxyethyl methacrylate by using photo-masks. Scanning electron microscopy, atomic force microscopy, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, and contact angle (CA) were employed to characterize changes of pristine polypropylene films and modified ones in surface morphology, roughness, hydrophilicity, free energy and the surface chemical composition. All of these confirmed the successful grafting of different sizes of PHEMA micropatterns on the polypropylene surface. Furthermore, the influence of PHEMA micropatterns on cell proliferation and cytotoxicity was evaluated in vitro. Analysis of cell behaviour indicated that PHEMA micropatterns of the appropriate size can promote cellular adhesion and proliferation, and the PHEMA-micropatterned polypropylene films had good biocompatibility. The approach presented here provides an alternative to synthesize on the surface of polypropylene films’ micropatterns with the aim of using them in a diverse array of applications.
Computer numerical control machine tool information reusability within virtual machining systems
Authors: Vichare Parag , Zhang Xianzhi , Dhokia Vimal , Cheung Wai M , Xiao Wenlei , Zheng Lianyu
Published: May 2017

Virtual machining allows simulation of the machining process by realistically representing kinematic, static and dynamic behaviour of the intended machine tools. Using this method, manufacturing-related issues can be brought to light and corrected before the product is physically manufactured. Machining systems utilised in the manufacturing processes are represented in the virtual machining environment, and there is a plethora of commercial virtual machining software used in the industry. Each software system has a different focus and approach towards virtual machining; more than one system may be needed to complete machining verification. Thus, the significant increase in the use of virtual machining systems in the industry has increased the need for information reusability. Substantial time and money has been put into the research of virtual machining systems. However, very little of this research has been deployed within industrial best practice, and its acceptance by the end user remains unclear. This article reviews current research trends in the domain of virtual machining and also discusses how much of this research has been taken on board by software vendors in order to facilitate machine tool information reusability. The authors present use cases which utilise the novel concept of machining capability profile and the emerging STEP-NC compliant process planning framework for resource allocation. The use cases clearly demonstrate the benefits of using a neutral file format for representing machining capability profiles, as opposed to remodelling and/or reconfiguring of this information multiple times for different scenarios. This article has shown through the use cases that machining capability profiles are critical for representing recourse information from a kinematic, static and dynamic perspective that commercial software vendors can subsequently use. The impact of this on mainstream manufacturing industry is potentially significant as it will enable a true realisation of interoperability.
Heat dissipation from a stationary brake disc, Part 2: CFD modelling and experimental validations
Authors: Tirovic Marko , Stevens Kevin
Published: May 2017

Following from the analytical modelling presented in Part 1, this paper details a comprehensive computational fluid dynamics modelling of the three-dimensional flow field around, and heat dissipation from, a stationary brake disc. Four commonly used turbulence models were compared and the shear stress turbulence model was found to be most suitable for these studies. Inferior cooling of the anti-coning disc type is well known but the core cause in static conditions was only now established. The air flow exiting the lower vane channels at the inner rotor diameter changes direction and flows axially over the hat region. This axial flow acts as a blocker to the higher vane inlets, drastically reducing convective cooling from the upper half of the disc. The complexity of disc stationary cooling is further caused by the change of flow patterns during disc cooling. The above axial flow effects slowly vanish as the disc temperatures reduce. Consequently, convective heat transfer coefficients are affected by both, the change in the flow pattern and decrease in air velocities due to reduced air buoyancy as the disc cools down. As in Part 1, the special thermal rig was used to validate the computational fluid dynamics results quantitatively and qualitatively. The former used numerous thermocouples positioned strategically around the brake disc, with the latter introducing the concept of laser generated light plane combined with a smoke generator to enable flow visualisation. Predicted average heat transfer coefficients using computational fluid dynamics correlate well with the experimental values, and even two-dimensional analytical values (as presented in Part 1) reasonably closely follow the trends. The results present an important step in establishing cooling characteristics related to the electric parking brake application in commercial vehicles, with future publications detailing heat transfer from the entire brake assembly.