bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Group Contribution Methods for Phase Equilibrium Calculations
Authors: Gmehling Jürgen , Constantinescu Dana , Schmid Bastian
Published: August 2015

The development and design of chemical processes are carried out by solving the balance equations of a mathematical model for sections of or the whole chemical plant with the help of process simulators. For process simulation, besides kinetic data for the chemical reaction, various pure component and mixture properties are required. Because of the great importance of separation processes for a chemical plant in particular, a reliable knowledge of the phase equilibrium behavior is required. The phase equilibrium behavior can be calculated with the help of modern equations of state or gE–models using only binary parameters. But unfortunately, only a very small part of the experimental data for fitting the required binary model parameters is available, so very often these models cannot be applied directly. To solve this problem, powerful predictive thermodynamic models have been developed. Group contribution methods allow the prediction of the required phase equilibrium data using only a limited number of group interaction parameters. A prerequisite for fitting the required group interaction parameters is a comprehensive database. That is why for the development of powerful group contribution methods almost all published pure component properties, phase equilibrium data, excess properties, etc., were stored in computerized form in the Dortmund Data Bank. In this review, the present status, weaknesses, advantages and disadvantages, possible applications, and typical results of the different group contribution methods for the calculation of phase equilibria are presented.
Thymineless Death Lives On: New Insights into a Classic Phenomenon
Authors: Khodursky Arkady , Guzmán Elena C. , Hanawalt Philip C.
Published: August 2015

The primary mechanisms by which bacteria lose viability when deprived of thymine have been elusive for over half a century. Early research focused on stalled replication forks and the deleterious effects of uracil incorporation into DNA from thymidine-deficient nucleotide pools. The initiation of the replication cycle and origin-proximal DNA degradation during thymine starvation have now been quantified via whole-genome microarrays and other approaches. These advances have fostered innovative models and informative experiments in bacteria since this topic was last reviewed. Given that thymineless death is similar in mammalian cells and that certain antibacterial and chemotherapeutic drugs elicit thymine deficiency, a mechanistic understanding of this phenomenon might have valuable biomedical applications.
Prospects for Measurement of the Neutrino Mass Hierarchy
Authors: Patterson R.B.
Published: August 2015

The unknown neutrino mass hierarchy—whether the ν3mass eigenstate is the heaviest or the lightest—represents a major gap in our knowledge of neutrino properties. Determining the hierarchy is a critical step toward further precision measurements in the neutrino sector. The hierarchy is also central to interpreting the next generation of neutrinoless double-β decay results, plays a role in numerous cosmological and astrophysical questions, and serves as a powerful model discriminant for theories of neutrino mass generation and unification. Various current and planned experiments claim sensitivity for establishing the neutrino mass hierarchy. I review the most promising of these here, paying special attention to points of concern and consolidating the projected sensitivities into an outlook for the years ahead.
α-Lipoic acid reduces neurogenic hypertension by blunting oxidative stress-mediated increase in ADAM17
Authors: de Queiroz Thyago M. , Xia Huijing , Filipeanu Catalin M. , Braga Valdir A. , Lazartigues Eric
Published: August 2015

We previously reported that type 2 angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE2) compensatory activity is impaired by the disintegrin and metalloprotease 17 (ADAM17), and lack of ACE2 is associated with oxidative stress in neurogenic hypertension. To investigate the relationship between ADAM17 and oxidative stress, Neuro2A cells were treated with ANG II (100 nM) 24 h after vehicle or α-lipoic acid (LA, 500 μM). ADAM17 expression was increased by ANG II (120.5 ± 9.1 vs. 100.2 ± 0.8%, P < 0.05) and decreased after LA (69.0 ± 0.3 vs. 120.5 ± 9.1%, P < 0.05). In another set of experiments, LA reduced ADAM17 (92.9 ± 5.3 vs. 100.0 ± 11.2%, P < 0.05) following its overexpression. Moreover, ADAM17 activity was reduced by LA in ADAM17-overexpressing cells [109.5 ± 19.8 vs. 158.0 ± 20.0 fluorescence units (FU)·min−1·μg protein−1, P < 0.05], in which ADAM17 overexpression increased oxidative stress (114.1 ± 2.5 vs. 101.0 ± 1.0%, P < 0.05). Conversely, LA-treated cells attenuated ADAM17 overexpression-induced oxidative stress (76.0 ± 9.1 vs. 114.1 ± 2.5%, P < 0.05). In deoxycorticosterone acetate (DOCA)-salt hypertensive mice, a model in which ADAM17 expression and activity are increased, hypertension was blunted by pretreatment with LA (119.0 ± 2.4 vs. 131.4 ± 2.2 mmHg, P < 0.05). In addition, LA improved dysautonomia and baroreflex sensitivity. Furthermore, LA blunted the increase in NADPH oxidase subunit expression, as well as the increase in ADAM17 and decrease in ACE2 activity in the hypothalamus of DOCA-salt hypertensive mice. Taken together, these data suggest that LA might preserve ACE2 compensatory activity by breaking the feedforward cycle between ADAM17 and oxidative stress, resulting in a reduction of neurogenic hypertension.
Long-term physiological T3 supplementation in hypertensive heart disease in rats
Authors: Weltman Nathan Y. , Pol Christine J. , Zhang Youhua , Wang Yibo , Koder Adrienne , Raza Sarah , Zucchi Riccardo , Saba Alessandro , Colligiani Daria , Gerdes A. Martin
Published: August 2015

Animal studies suggest that hypertension leads to cardiac tissue hypothyroidism, a condition that can by itself lead to heart failure. We have previously shown that short-term thyroid hormone treatment in Spontaneously Hypertensive Heart Failure (SHHF) rats near heart failure is beneficial. This study tested the hypothesis that therapeutic, long-term T3 treatment in SHHF rats can prevent or attenuate cardiac dysfunction. Female SHHF rats were treated orally with a physiological T3 dose (0.04 μg/ml) from 12 to 24 mo of age. Age-matched female SHHF and Wistar-Kyoto rats served as hypertensive and normotensive controls, respectively. SHHF rats had reduced serum free thyroid hormone levels and cardiac tissue T3 levels, LV dysfunction, and elevated LV collagen content compared with normotensive controls. Restoration of serum and cardiac tissue thyroid hormone levels in T3-treated rats was associated with no change in heart rate, but strong trends for improvement in LV systolic function and collagen levels. For instance, end-systolic diameter, fractional shortening, systolic wall stress, and LV collagen levels were no longer significantly different from controls. In conclusion, longstanding hypertension in rats led to chronic low serum and cardiac tissue thyroid hormone levels. Long-term treatment with low-dose T3 was safe. While cardiac dysfunction could not be completely prevented in the absence of antihypertensive treatment, T3 may offer additional benefits as an adjunct therapy with possible improvement in diastolic function.
ErbB2 overexpression upregulates antioxidant enzymes, reduces basal levels of reactive oxygen species, and protects against doxorubicin cardiotoxicity
Authors: Belmonte Frances , Das Samarjit , Sysa-Shah Polina , Sivakumaran Vidhya , Stanley Brian , Guo Xin , Paolocci Nazareno , Aon Miguel A. , Nagane Masaki , Kuppusamy Periannan , Steenbergen Charles , Gabrielson Kathleen
Published: August 2015

Levels of the HER2/ErbB2 protein in the heart are upregulated in some women during breast cancer therapy, and these women are at high risk for developing heart dysfunction after sequential treatment with anti-ErbB2/trastuzumab or doxorubicin. Doxorubicin is known to increase oxidative stress in the heart, and thus we considered the possibility that ErbB2 protein influences the status of cardiac antioxidant defenses in cardiomyocytes. In this study, we measured reactive oxygen species (ROS) in cardiac mitochondria and whole hearts from mice with cardiac-specific overexpression of ErbB2 (ErbB2tg) and found that, compared with control mice, high levels of ErbB2 in myocardium result in lower levels of ROS in mitochondria ( P = 0.0075) and whole hearts ( P = 0.0381). Neonatal cardiomyocytes isolated from ErbB2tghearts have lower ROS levels and less cellular death ( P < 0.0001) following doxorubicin treatment. Analyzing antioxidant enzyme levels and activities, we found that ErbB2tghearts have increased levels of glutathione peroxidase 1 (GPx1) protein ( P < 0.0001) and GPx activity ( P = 0.0031) in addition to increased levels of two known GPx activators, c-Abl ( P = 0.0284) and Arg ( P < 0.0001). Interestingly, although mitochondrial ROS emission is reduced in the ErbB2tghearts, oxygen consumption rates and complex I activity are similar to control littermates. Compared with these in vivo studies, H9c2 cells transfected with ErbB2 showed less cellular toxicity and produced less ROS ( P < 0.0001) after doxorubicin treatment but upregulated GR activity ( P = 0.0237) instead of GPx. Our study shows that ErbB2-dependent signaling contributes to antioxidant defenses and suggests a novel mechanism by which anticancer therapies involving ErbB2 antagonists can harm myocardial structure and function.
In vivo compartmental analysis of leukocytes in mouse lungs
Authors: Patel Brijesh V. , Tatham Kate C. , Wilson Michael R. , O'Dea Kieran P. , Takata Masao
Published: August 2015

The lung has a unique structure consisting of three functionally different compartments (alveolar, interstitial, and vascular) situated in an extreme proximity. Current methods to localize lung leukocytes using bronchoalveolar lavage and/or lung perfusion have significant limitations for determination of location and phenotype of leukocytes. Here we present a novel method using in vivo antibody labeling to enable accurate compartmental localization/quantification and phenotyping of mouse lung leukocytes. Anesthetized C57BL/6 mice received combined in vivo intravenous and intratracheal labeling with fluorophore-conjugated anti-CD45 antibodies, and lung single-cell suspensions were analyzed by flow cytometry. The combined in vivo intravenous and intratracheal CD45 labeling enabled robust separation of the alveolar, interstitial, and vascular compartments of the lung. In naive mice, the alveolar compartment consisted predominantly of resident alveolar macrophages. The interstitial compartment, gated by events negative for both intratracheal and intravenous CD45 staining, showed two conventional dendritic cell populations, as well as a Ly6Clo monocyte population. Expression levels of MHCII on these interstitial monocytes were much higher than on the vascular Ly6Clo monocyte populations. In mice exposed to acid aspiration-induced lung injury, this protocol also clearly distinguished the three lung compartments showing the dynamic trafficking of neutrophils and exudative monocytes across the lung compartments during inflammation and resolution. This simple in vivo dual-labeling technique substantially increases the accuracy and depth of lung flow cytometric analysis, facilitates a more comprehensive examination of lung leukocyte pools, and enables the investigation of previously poorly defined “interstitial” leukocyte populations during models of inflammatory lung diseases.
Functional changes in Tg P23H-1 rat retinal responses: differences between ON and OFF pathway transmission to the superior colliculus
Authors: Fransen James W. , Pangeni Gobinda , Pyle Ian S. , McCall Maureen A.
Published: August 2015

The morphological consequences of retinal photoreceptor degeneration are well documented. Much less is known about changes in visual function during degeneration and whether central visual structures directly reflect changes in retinal ganglion cell (RGC) function. To address this, we compared changes in visual function of RGCs and cells in the superior colliculus (SC) in transgenic (Tg) P23H-1 rats, a model of retinitis pigmentosa (RP), and wild-type (WT) rats at postnatal days 35–50 (P35–50) and P300. RGCs were classified on the basis of their responses to light: onset (ON), offset (OFF), or both (ON-OFF). The distribution of ON, OFF, and ON-OFF RGCs is similar between WT and P35 Tg P23H-1 rats. By P300, many Tg P23H-1 RGCs are nonresponsive (NR). At this age, there is a sharp decline in ON and ON-OFF RGCs, and the majority that remain are OFF RGCs. Spontaneous rhythmic activity was observed in many RGCs at P300, but only in OFF or NR RGCs. In the SC, WT and P50 Tg P23H-1 responses are similar. At P300, Tg P23H-1 ON SC responses declined but OFF responses increased. We examined postsynaptic glutamate receptor expression located on the bipolar cells (BC), where the ON and OFF pathways arise. At P150, metabotropic glutamate receptor 6 (mGluR6) expression is lower than in WT, consistent with a decrease in ON RGC responses. GluR4 expression, an ionotropic glutamate receptor associated with OFF BCs, appears similar to that in WT. The loss of ON responses in Tg P23H-1 RGCs and in the SC is conserved and related to reduced mGluR6 signaling.
Lack of Association between Polymorphisms of the TLR4 Gene and Infection with the Hepatitis B and C Viruses
Authors: Pires-Neto Orlando de Souza , de Sá Keyla Santos Guedes , Santana Barbara Brasil , Tatielle Monteiro Gomes Samara , da Silva Graça Amoras Ednelza , da Silva Conde Simone Regina , Demachki Sâmia , Azevedo Vânia Nakauth , Martins-Feitosa Rosimar Neris , Ishak Marluísa de Oliveira Guimarães , Ishak Ricardo , Vallinoto Antonio Carlos Rosário
Published: August 2015

Toll‐like receptor 4 (TLR4) plays a crucial role in the early recognition of pathogenic microorganisms and provides an ideal model to investigate the consequences of genetic variation and susceptibility to diseases. The present study investigated the occurrence of the single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) rs4986790 (A>G) and rs4986791 (C>T) in the TLR4 gene in chronic carriers of the hepatitis B (HBV) and C (HCV) viruses. A total of 420 blood samples were collected (HBV, 49; HCV, 72; and controls, 299) at the liver disease outpatient clinic of Hospital da Fundação Santa Casa de Misericórdia do Pará (FSCMPA). Genomic DNA extracted from leukocytes was subjected to real‐time polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) analysis to identify the genetic profile of the participants. No significant differences were found in the allele and genotype frequencies between the infected participants and controls. No significant associations were found between the investigated polymorphisms and inflammatory activity, fibrosis, and the presence of cirrhosis; the same results were obtained in the haplotype analysis. The results showed a lack of association between the rs4986790 and rs4986791 SNPs and susceptibility to infection with HBV and HCV, as well as clinical and laboratory information of the patients.
From Eye Drops to ICU, a Case Report of Three Side Effects of Ophthalmic Timolol Maleate in the Same Patient
Authors: Rana Muhammad Asim , Mady Ahmed Fouad , Rehman Basheer Abdel , Alharthy Abdulrahman , Huwait Basim , Riaz Asim , Aletreby Waleed Tharwat
Published: August 2015

Timolol Maleate (also called Timolol) is a nonselective beta-adrenergic blocker and a class II antiarrhythmic drug, which is used to treat intraocular hypertension. It has been reported to cause systemic side effects especially in elderly patients with other comorbidities. These side effects are due to systemic absorption of the drug and it is known that Timolol is measurable in the serum following ophthalmic use. Chances of life threatening side effects increase if these are coprescribed with other cardiodepressant drugs like calcium channel or systemic beta blockers. We report a case where an elderly patient was admitted with three side effects of Timolol and his condition required ICU admission with mechanical ventilation and temporary transvenous pacing. The case emphasizes the need of raising awareness among physicians of such medications about the potential side effects and drug interactions. A close liaison among patient’s physicians is suggested.
Runge-Kutta Type Methods for Directly Solving Special Fourth-Order Ordinary Differential Equations
Authors: Hussain Kasim , Ismail Fudziah , Senu Norazak
Published: August 2015

A Runge-Kutta type method for directly solving special fourth-order ordinary differential equations (ODEs) which is denoted by RKFD method is constructed. The order conditions of RKFD method up to order five are derived; based on the order conditions, three-stage fourth- and fifth-order Runge-Kutta type methods are constructed. Zero-stability of the RKFD method is proven. Numerical results obtained are compared with the existing Runge-Kutta methods in the scientific literature after reducing the problems into a system of first-order ODEs and solving them. Numerical results are presented to illustrate the robustness and competency of the new methods in terms of accuracy and number of function evaluations.
Randomized Phase II Study of Adjuvant Chemotherapy with Long-term S-1 versus Cisplatin+S-1 in Completely Resected Stage II–IIIA Non–Small Cell Lung Cancer
Authors: Iwamoto Yasuo , Mitsudomi Tetsuya , Sakai Kazuko , Yamanaka Takeharu , Yoshioka Hiroshige , Takahama Makoto , Yoshimura Masahiro , Yoshino Ichiro , Takeda Masayuki , Sugawara Shunichi , Kawaguchi Tomoya , Takahashi Toshiaki , Ohta Mitsunori , Ichinose Yukito , Atagi Shinji , Okada Morihito , Saka Hideo , Nakagawa Kazuhiko , Nakanishi Yoichi , Nishio Kazuto
Published: August 2015

Purpose: The aims of this study were to evaluate the efficacy and safety of S-1 versus cisplatin (CDDP)+S-1 in patients with completely resected stage II and IIIA non–small cell lung cancer, and to identify predictive biomarkers whose expression in the tumors was significantly associated with patient outcome.

Experimental Design: A total of 200 patients were randomly assigned to receive either S-1 (40 mg/m2 twice per day) for 2 consecutive weeks repeated every 3 weeks for 1 year (S group) or CDDP (60 mg/m2) on day 1 plus oral S-1 (40 mg/m2 twice per day) for 2 consecutive weeks repeated every 3 weeks for four cycles (CS group) within 8 weeks after surgery. The primary endpoints were relapse-free survival (RFS) at 2 years and identification of predictive biomarkers whose expressions have been reported to be associated with CDDP or fluoropyrimidine sensitivity.

Results: The RFS rate at 2 years was 65.6% (95% confidence intervals; CI, 55.3–74.0%) in the S group and 58.1% (95% CI, 47.7–67.2%) in the CS group. The only gene with interaction of P < 0.05 was uridine monophosphate synthase (UMPS; P = 0.0348). The benefit that members of the S group had over members of the CS group was higher expression of UMPS. In vitro and in vivo experiments confirmed that overexpression of UMPS enhanced the antitumor effect of fluoropyrimidine.

Conclusions: Adjuvant S-1 monotherapy might be preferable to CDDP+S-1 for patients with completely resected NSCLC. UMPS expression may define a patient subset that would benefit from long-term postoperative S-1 monotherapy. Clin Cancer Res; 21(23); 5245–52. ©2015 AACR.
CD73 Expression Is an Independent Prognostic Factor in Prostate Cancer
Authors: Leclerc Bruno G. , Charlebois Roxanne , Chouinard Guillaume , Allard Bertrand , Pommey Sandra , Saad Fred , Stagg John
Published: August 2015

Purpose: CD73 is an adenosine-generating ecto-enzyme that suppresses antitumor immunity in mouse models of cancer, including prostate cancer. Although high levels of CD73 are associated with poor prognosis in various types of cancer, the clinical impact of CD73 in prostate cancer remains unclear.

Experimental Design: We evaluated the prognostic value of CD73 protein expression and CD8+ cell density in 285 cases of prostate cancer on tissue microarray (TMA). Normal adjacent and tumor tissues were evaluated in duplicates.

Results: Univariate and multivariate analyses revealed that high levels of CD73 in normal adjacent prostate epithelium were significantly associated with shorter biochemical recurrence (BCR)-free survival. Notably, CD73 expression in normal epithelium conferred a negative prognostic value to prostate-infiltrating CD8+ cells. Surprisingly, high levels of CD73 in the tumor stroma were associated with longer BCR-free survival in univariate analysis. In vitro studies revealed that adenosine signaling inhibited NF-κB activity in human prostate cancer cells via A2B adenosine receptors. Consistent with these results, CD73 expression in the prostate tumor stroma negatively correlated with p65 expression in the nuclei of prostate tumor cells.

Conclusions: Our study revealed that CD73 is an independent prognostic factor in prostate cancer. Our data support a model in which CD73 expression in the prostate epithelium suppresses immunosurveillance by CD8+ T cells, whereas CD73 expression in the tumor stroma reduces NF-κB signaling in tumor cells via A2B adenosine receptor signaling. CD73 expression, including in normal adjacent prostate epithelium, can thus effectively discriminate between aggressive and indolent forms of prostate cancer. Clin Cancer Res; 22(1); 158–66. ©2015 AACR.
Levothyroxine Treatment of Euthyroid Children with Autoimmune Hashimoto Thyroiditis: Results of a Multicenter, Randomized, Controlled Trial
Authors: Dörr Helmuth G. , Bettendorf Markus , Binder Gerhard , Karges Beate , Kneppo Carolin , Schmidt Heinrich , Voss Egbert , Wabitsch Martin , Dötsch Jörg
Published: August 2015

Background: Levothyroxine (L-T4) treatment of euthyroid children with Hashimoto thyroiditis (HT) is a controversial issue. Patients and Methods: We conducted a prospective, randomized, controlled clinical trial. Out of 79 identified euthyroid patients, 59 started the study; 25 patients (21 female, 4 male; age: 11.8 ± 2.3 years) received L-T4 at a mean dose of 1.6 µg/kg (SD, 0.8) daily, and 34 (27 female, 7 male; age: 12.6 ± 1.2 years) were not treated. Patients developing subclinical hypothyroidism during follow-up (n = 13) were treated with L-T4 and removed from the observation group. As the main outcome measures, thyroid gland volume (determined by ultrasound) as well as serum levels of TSH, free T4, and antibodies against thyroid peroxidase and thyroglobulin were assessed every 6 months for 36 months. Results: At the start, the mean thyroid volume (standard deviation score, SDS) was 2.5 in the treatment group and 1.6 in the observation group. There was a constant decline in mean thyroid volume (SDS) from 2.13 (month 12) to 1.12 (month 30) in the treated group, with a delta thyroid volume of -1.01 SDS. In the observation group, the mean delta thyroid volume increased to +0.27 SDS. The change of the delta thyroid volume was statistically significantly different between both groups during the 12- and 30-month time points (p < 0.05). L-T4 had no effect on thyroid function and serum thyroid antibodies. Conclusions: L-T4 treatment can decrease the thyroid volume in euthyroid children with HT, but the effect is limited to a definite time period.
Streptozocin and 5-Fluorouracil for the Treatment of Pancreatic Neuroendocrine Tumors: Efficacy, Prognostic Factors and Toxicity
Authors: Clewemar Antonodimitrakis Pantelis , Sundin Anders , Wassberg Cecilia , Granberg Dan , Skogseid Britt , Eriksson Barbro
Published: August 2015

Background: In our center, the combination of streptozocin (STZ) and 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) has been used as the first-line treatment in the majority of patients with pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors (pNETs) over the past few decades. The objective of the current study was to assess the efficacy, prognostic factors and safety of the combination of STZ and 5-FU. Patients and Methods: Medical records and radiological reports of 133 patients with pNETs who received the combination of STZ and 5-FU during the period 1981-2014 were retrospectively evaluated. Results: The median survival from the start of treatment was 51.9 months in the whole group. In the radiologically evaluable patients (n = 100), progression-free survival was 23 months. Complete response was reached in 3 patients (3%), partial response in 25 patients (25%), 64 patients (64%) had stable disease, and 8 patients (8%) had progressive disease. In a multivariate analysis, surgery of the primary tumor and having a G3 tumor were significant positive and negative prognostic factors of survival from the start of treatment, respectively. Having either a G3 tumor or a stage IV tumor were significant prognostic factors for a shorter progression-free survival. Chemotherapy had to be discontinued in 29 patients due to side effects, of which kidney toxicity (mainly grades 1-2) was the most frequent. Conclusion: As shown in recent reports, the combination of STZ and 5-FU is effective in the treatment of pNETs in terms of survival and radiological response and has an acceptable toxicity profile.
Multiparametric Cardiac Magnetic Resonance Survey in Children With Thalassemia Major
Authors: Casale Maddalena , Meloni Antonella , Filosa Aldo , Cuccia Liana , Caruso Vincenzo , Palazzi Giovanni , Rita Gamberini Maria , Pitrolo Lorella , Caterina Putti Maria , Giuseppe D’Ascola Domenico , Casini Tommaso , Quarta Antonella , Maggio Aurelio , Giovanna Neri Maria , Positano Vincenzo , Salvatori Cristina , Toia Patrizia , Valeri Gianluca , Midiri Massimo , Pepe Alessia
Published: August 2015

Background—

Cardiovascular magnetic resonance (CMR) plays a key role in the management of thalassemia major patients, but few data are available in pediatric population. This study aims at a retrospective multiparametric CMR assessment of myocardial iron overload, function, and fibrosis in a cohort of pediatric thalassemia major patients.

Methods and Results—

We studied 107 pediatric thalassemia major patients (61 boys, median age 14.4 years). Myocardial and liver iron overload were measured by T2* multiecho technique. Atrial dimensions and biventricular function were quantified by cine images. Late gadolinium enhancement images were acquired to detect myocardial fibrosis. All scans were performed without sedation. The 21.4% of the patients showed a significant myocardial iron overload correlated with lower compliance to chelation therapy (
P
<0.013). Serum ferritin ≥2000 ng/mL and liver iron concentration ≥14 mg/g/dw were detected as the best threshold for predicting cardiac iron overload (
P
=0.001 and
P
<0.0001, respectively). A homogeneous pattern of myocardial iron overload was associated with a negative cardiac remodeling and significant higher liver iron concentration (
P
<0.0001). Myocardial fibrosis by late gadolinium enhancement was detected in 15.8% of the patients (youngest children 13 years old). It was correlated with significant lower heart T2* values (
P
=0.022) and negative cardiac remodeling indexes. A pathological magnetic resonance imaging liver iron concentration was found in the 77.6% of the patients.

Conclusions—

Cardiac damage detectable by a multiparametric CMR approach can occur early in thalassemia major patients. So, the first T2* CMR assessment should be performed as early as feasible without sedation to tailor the chelation treatment. Conversely, late gadolinium enhancement CMR should be postponed in the teenager age.
Randomized Controlled Trial of Radiation Protection With a Patient Lead Shield and a Novel, Nonlead Surgical Cap for Operators Performing Coronary Angiography or Intervention
Authors: Alazzoni Ashraf , Gordon Chris L. , Syed Jaffer , Natarajan Madhu K. , Rokoss Michael , Schwalm Jon-David , Mehta Shamir R. , Sheth Tej , Valettas Nicholas , Velianou James , Pandie Shaheen , Al Khdair Darar , Tsang Michael , Meeks Brandi , Colbran Kiersten , Waller Ed , Fu Lee Shun , Marsden Tamara , Jolly Sanjit S.
Published: August 2015

Background—

Interventional cardiologists receive one of the highest levels of annual occupational radiation exposure. Further measures to protect healthcare workers are needed.

Methods and Results—

We evaluated the efficacy of a pelvic lead shield and a novel surgical cap in reducing operators’ radiation exposure. Patients undergoing coronary angiography or percutaneous coronary intervention (n=230) were randomized to have their procedure with or without a lead shield (Ultraray Medical, Oakville, Canada) placed over the patient. During all procedures, operators wore the No Brainer surgical cap (Worldwide Innovations and Technology, Kansas City, KS) designed to protect the head from radiation exposure. The coprimary outcomes for the lead shield comparison were (1) operator dose (µSv) and (2) operator dose indexed for air kerma (µSv/mGy). For the cap comparison, the primary outcome was the difference between total radiation dose (µSv; internal and external to cap). The lead shield use resulted in a 76% reduction in operator dose (mean dose, 3.07; 95% confidence interval [CI], 2.00–4.71 µSv lead shield group versus 12.57; 95% CI, 8.14–19.40 µSv control group;
P
<0.001). The mean dose indexed for air kerma was reduced by 72% (0.004; 95% CI, 0.003–0.005 µSv/mGy lead shield group versus 0.015; 95% CI, 0.012–0.019 µSv/mGy control group;
P
<0.001). The cap use resulted in a significant reduction in operator head radiation exposure (mean left temporal difference [external–internal] radiation dose was 4.79 [95% CI, 3.30–6.68] µSv;
P
<0.001).

Conclusions—

The use of a pelvic lead shield and the cap reduced significantly the operator radiation exposure and can be easily incorporated into clinical practice.

Clinical Trial Registration—

URL:
http://www.clinicaltrials.gov
. Unique identifier: NCT02128035.
God as Teacher in Psalm 25
Authors: Abernethy Andrew T.
Published: August 2015

There are nearly fifty verses in Psalms where God is the subject of a verb for teaching. Six of these occurrences take place in Psalm 25. Advancing beyond previous research on God as teacher in Psalm 25, this article offers an alternative to the traditional interpretation that Ps 25:4-5 and 8-9 speak of God teaching sinners to enable them to obey torah. The case is made that these verses may be understood as God teaching his people about himself—his ways—by intervening in their circumstances, at times through a word of wisdom, rather than simply teaching them about his demands to help them overcome sin.
Interpreting Biblical Metaphors: Introducing the Invariance Principle
Authors: Chau Kevin
Published: August 2015

The scholarship concerning biblical metaphor has profited widely from the conceptual (cognitive) approach to metaphor, but a key principle from this approach, the Invariance Principle, has been widely overlooked as a valuable tool for the interpretation of biblical metaphors. The Invariance Principle allows biblical scholars to evaluate logically and with consistency the many varied interpretations that are often generated from exegetically difficult metaphors. This principle stipulates that the logical relationships of a metaphor’s source domain (the metaphorical elements) must correspond to the structure of logical relationships in the target domain (the literal elements). An extended analysis of the partridge metaphor in the riddle-based proverb of Jer 17:11 demonstrates how the Invariance Principle can be used to evaluate previous interpretations and to provide logical structure for generating a fresh interpretation to this proverb.
The Contraceptive Mandate Controversy and the Future of Religious Accommodations in the United States: A Study of the us Supreme Court Case of Burwell v. Hobby Lobby Stores, Inc. (2014)
Authors: Chieregato Elisa
Published: August 2015

With its decision in the Hobby Lobby case, the us Supreme Court adjudicated over the “Contraceptive Mandate”, a regulation of the Healthcare Reform that aroused religious concerns as it requires companies offering health insurance to its employees to cover contraceptives. Recognizing for the first time that private companies are (legal) “persons” exercising religion, the Court declared that the Mandate violates their religious freedom and exempted them from covering contraceptives. The article argues that the restrictive interpretation of the Religious Freedom Restoration Act (rfra) here proposed, by granting strong protection to corporations’ religious claims over their employees’ interest in equal access to health care, may lead to the proliferation of religious accommodations far beyond this controversy. Yet, the article concludes that this dangerous scenario can be limited by taking into consideration the impact of religious accommodations on third parties’ rights, as imposed by an interpretation of rfra consistent with the Establishment Clause.
‘Vienna Calling’: Diplomacy and the Ordering of Intercommunal Relations at the Congress of Vienna
Authors: Urrestarazu Ursula Stark
Published: August 2015

This article contends that diplomacy is an essential factor in the (trans)formation of ‘intercommunal relations’ — that is, international relations understood as social order(s) constituted by the practices of different sorts of actors. This relationship is illustrated by the regulation of ranks of diplomatic agents at the Congresses of Vienna (1815) and Aix-la-Chapelle (1818) and its effects on international order. This regulation was supposed to — and indeed did — offer a solution to some typical ‘foreign policy problems’ of the early nineteenth century, whereas other equally typical problems remained unsolved. Yet the effects of this innovation resulted in a significant shift, both in diplomatic practice and in notions of international order, as it ‘ordered’ the relations between actors and constituted specific patterns of identity recognition.
Revision of the Neotropical species of the caddisfly genus Wormaldia McLachlan (Trichoptera: Philopotamidae)
Authors: MUÑOZ-QUESADA FERNANDO J. , HOLZENTHAL RALPH W.
Published: August 2015

Wormaldia McLachlan 1865 is the 2nd largest genus in the family Philopotamidae (Trichoptera) after Chimarra Stephens 1829 and is diverse and widely distributed, with ca. 175 extant species in all biogeographic regions except the Australasian. In this monograph, 14 previously described species are recognized for the Neotropical region: W. alicia Bueno-Soria, Santiago-Fragoso, & Barba-Alvarez 2005 [Mexico]; W. arizonensis (Ling 1938) [Mexico, USA]; W. cornuta Bueno-Soria & Holzenthal1986 [Mexico]; W. dampfi Ross & King 1956 [Mexico, Nicaragua]; W. dorsata Ross & King 1956 [Mexico]; W. endonima Ross & King 1956 [Mexico]; W. esperonis Ross & King 1956 [Mexico]; W. insignis (Martynov 1912) [Peru]; W. luma Bueno-Soria & Holzenthal 1986 [Mexico]; W. matagalpa Flint 1995 [Costa Rica, Guatemala, Nicaragua]; W. palma Flint 1991 [Colombia]; W. planae Ross & King 1956 [southwestern USA, Mexico, Caribbean, Central America, and northern South America]; W. prolixa Flint 1991[Colombia]; and W. tarasca Bueno-Soria & Holzenthal 1986 [Mexico]. Also, 36 additional Neotropical species are newly diagnosed, described, and illustrated: W. andrea [Ecuador]; W. anhelitus [Central America]; W. araujoi [Ecuador]; W. aymara [Bolivia]; W. barbai [Mexico]; W. bolivari [Venezuela]; W. boteroi [Colombia]; W. buenorum [Mexico]; W. calderonae [Mexico]; W. chrismark [Panama]; W. contrerasi [Panama]; W. dachiardiorum [Colombia]; W. eberhardi [Panama]; W. flinti [Bolivia, Panama]; W. francovilla [Panama]; W. fredycarol [Costa Rica, Panama]; W. gallardoi [Costa Rica, Panama]; W. gonzalezae [Venezuela]; W. hedamafera [Costa Rica, Nicaragua]; W. imberti [Costa Rica]; W. inca [Peru]; W. isela [Mexico]; W. juarox [Costa Rica]; W. lauglo [Panama]; W. machadorum [Costa Rica, Panama]; W. maesi [Nicaragua]; W. menchuae [Guatemala]; W. monsonorum [Costa Rica]; W. navarroae [Mexico]; W. paprockevi [Costa Rica]; W. saboriorum [Panama]; W. tocajoma [Costa Rica]; W. trondi [Costa Rica, Panama]; W. tupacamara [Bolivia]; W. zunigae [Colombia]; and W. zunigarceorum [Costa Rica, Panama]. In addition, the species W. arcopa Denning 1966 from Panama is considered a junior subjective synonym of W. planae. Furthermore, new distribution records for the Neotropical region for several species are given. Diagnoses, redescriptions, and illustrations of the male genitalia of the other 14 described Neotropical species in the genus are also presented. Illustrations of the forewing and hind wing of 19 species are also given. A structural terminology for male tergum X is proposed. Finally, a key for identification of males of all Neotropical species is provided.
“Spiritually, I’m Always in Lourdes”
Authors: Agnew Michael
Published: August 2015

Based on ethnographic fieldwork conducted with pilgrims on pilgrimages from England to the Marian shrine of Lourdes, this article focuses on the experience of serial pilgrims, those who have made the journey to Lourdes repeatedly for several years. Since the first organized pilgrimage from England to Lourdes in 1883, the Marian apparition site has been the premier destination for English Catholic pilgrims, with several diocesan pilgrimages, religious travel companies, and charitable organizations facilitating the journey each year. I argue that for many serial pilgrims, Lourdes constitutes a “home away from home,” a place that has become intimately familiar, safe, and sacred over several pilgrimages. For young pilgrims particularly, those “raised in Lourdes,” it is a formative site that is integral to their religious identity and sense of belonging. By exploring the rich narratives of serial pilgrims, I highlight the fluid boundaries between perceptions of home and destination within the context of contemporary pilgrimage.
A comparison between two didactical approaches on shielding problems in an electromagnetic compatibility course – Analytical method versus simulation method
Authors: Aciu Lia E , Cazan Ana-Maria , Ogrutan Petre L
Published: August 2015

The subject of electromagnetic compatibility is a compulsory one, taught to students from electrical engineering and applied electronics study programmes. We present a comparative study between the current teaching method of shielding calculation and a new simulation-based teaching approach. In the academic year 2013–2014, the effectiveness of the new method was evaluated by analyzing the answers provided by the students to the items in a questionnaire along with their final lab test scores.
Head and Neck Cancer Stem Cells
Authors: Dionne L.K. , Driver E.R. , Wang X.J.
Published: August 2015

Head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) is the most common form of head and neck cancer. Annually, more than half a million individuals are diagnosed with this devastating disease, with increasing incidence in Europe and Southeast Asia. The diagnosis of HNSCC often occurs in late stages of the disease and is characterized by manifestation of a high-grade primary tumor and/or lymph node metastasis, precluding timely management of this deadly cancer. Recently, HNSCC cancer stem cells have emerged as an important factor for cancer initiation and maintenance of tumor bulk. Like normal stem cells, cancer stem cells can undergo self-renewal and differentiation. This unique trait allows for maintenance of the cancer stem cell pool and facilitates differentiation into heterogeneous neoplastic progeny when necessary. Recent studies have suggested coexistence of different cancer stem cell populations within a tumor mass, where the tumor initiation and metastasis properties of these cancer stem cells can be uncoupled. Cancer stem cells also possess resistant phenotypes that evade standard chemotherapy and radiotherapy, resulting in tumor relapse. Therefore, understanding distinctive pathways relating to cancer stem cells will provide insight into early diagnosis and treatment of HNSCC. In this review, we highlight current advances in identifying cancer stem cells, detail the interactions of these cells with the immune system within the tumor niche, and discuss the potential use of immunotherapy in managing HNSCC.
Transitions and Transcendence of the Self: Stage Fright and the Paradox of Shy Performativity
Authors: Scott Susie
Published: August 2015

This article explores the paradox of shy performativity, whereby people who identify as shy in everyday life can nevertheless give confident displays on stage. Professional performing artists’ accounts reveal that this is both enabled and complicated by transformations in consciousness concerning the Meadian social self. While taking on a fictional persona can provide liberating opportunities for the transcendent subject ‘I’, the critically self-doubting ‘Me’ reappears at certain moments, such as stage fright, transitions in and out of character, and disruptions of a scene’s dramatic frame. Managing the shifting boundaries between contrivance and reality creates ontological dangers, the brave pursuit of which presents a thrilling challenge for the shy performer. Symbolic Interactionist and dramaturgical theories are therefore applied alongside concepts of edgework and flow to analyse shy performance art as voluntary risk-taking action.
Electrical and optical properties of polyester fabric coated with Ag/TiO2 composite films by magnetron sputtering
Authors: Yuan Xiaohong , Wei Qufu , Chen Dongsheng , Xu Wenzheng
Published: August 2015

Silver/titanium dioxide (Ag/TiO2) composite films were successfully deposited on polyester fabric by using direct current (DC) magnetron sputtering and radiofrequency (RF) magnetron reaction sputtering techniques with pure Ag and Ti targets. Atomic force microscope and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy were used to examine the structure and composition of Ag/TiO2 composite films. Anti-ultraviolet properties and antistatic properties of the Ag/TiO2 coated fabric were investigated, and structural color of the Ag/TiO2 coated fabric was also analyzed. The experimental results showed that the composite films deposited on textile substrates were even and dense. It was also found that Ag in Ag/TiO2 composite films was elemental silver, but Ti in Ag/TiO2 composite films was completely oxidized, and existed in TiO2 form. Compared with the original fabric samples, anti-ultraviolet properties and antistatic properties of the fabrics deposited with Ag/TiO2 composite films were improved significantly; meanwhile, different structural colors of the coated fabrics were generated.
Poor organisational strategy differentiates cognitively impaired and unimpaired HIV-positive adults
Authors: Gouse Hetta , Marobela Shathani , Westgarth-Taylor Jennifer , Witten Jade , Joska John A , Thomas Kevin GF
Published: August 2015

Many HIV-positive individuals manifest symptoms indicative of central nervous system injury. Frequently, those symptoms include cognitive impairment in domains supported by cortical and/or subcortical processing (e.g., executive functioning). The present study investigated one aspect of executive functioning, namely, organisational strategy (i.e., the strategy a person uses when attempting to complete a complex task efficiently). The Rey Complex Figure Test was administered to a group of HIV-positive individuals ( n = 63) and a matched group of HIV-negative individuals ( n = 63). Organisational strategy in completing the task was measured using the Rey Complex Figure Organizational Strategy Score system, which is a quantitative capture of the quality of the approach taken to the task. There were no significant between-group differences in Rey Complex Figure Organizational Strategy Scores, but within the HIV-positive group, increased level of overall cognitive impairment was associated with increasingly poor organisational strategy. These findings suggest that assessment of organisational strategy (and, more generally, assessment of executive functioning) in completing complex tasks may be a valuable component of neuropsychological batteries that attempt to describe the degree of cognitive impairment (and, by implication, the extent of functional impairment) experienced by people living with HIV.
Birth of a Failure: Consequences of Framing ICT Projects for the Centralization of Inter-Departmental Relations
Authors: Pelizza Annalisa , Hoppe Rob
Published: August 2015

Government information system failures are filling not only newspapers but also parliamentary and administrative reports. This article deals with a case in which information and communication technologies (ICT)–related failure claimed by the media influenced the parliamentary agenda, and intra-governmental relations. Drawing on a narrative analysis of a Dutch parliamentary commission’s hearings, it argues that the way the issue was initially framed by the media and then adopted, un-problematized, by Parliament steered the direction of action toward specific administrative solutions, thus shaping the landscape of possible organizational alliances. The article recommends a proactive role of parliaments in framing ICT projects.
Web-Based Acceptance and Commitment Therapy for Depressive Symptoms With Minimal Support
Authors: Lappalainen Päivi , Langrial Sitwat , Oinas-Kukkonen Harri , Tolvanen Asko , Lappalainen Raimo
Published: August 2015

Low-intensity interventions for people suffering from depressive symptoms are highly desirable. The aim of the present study was to investigate the outcomes of a web-based acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT)–based intervention without face-to-face contact for people suffering from depressive symptoms. Participants ( N = 39) with depressive symptoms were randomly assigned to an Internet-delivered acceptance and commitment therapy (iACT) intervention or a waiting list control condition (WLC). Participants were evaluated with standardized self-reporting measures (Beck Depression Inventory [BDI-II], Symptom Checklist–90 [SCL-90], Acceptance and Action Questionnaire [AAQ-2], Five Facet Mindfulness Questionnaire [FFMQ], Automatic Thoughts Questionnaire [ATQ], and White Bear Suppression Inventory [WBSI]) at pre- and post-measurement. Long-term effects in the iACT group were examined using a 12-month follow-up. The iACT program comprised home assignments, online feedback given by master’s-level students of psychology over a 7-week intervention period, and automated email-based reminders. Significant effects were observed in favor of the iACT group on depression symptomatology (between effect sizes [ESs] at post-treatment, iACT/WLC, g = .83), psychological and physiological symptoms (g = .60), psychological flexibility (g = .67), mindfulness skills (g = .53), and frequency of automatic thoughts (g = .57) as well as thought suppression (g = .53). The treatment effects in the iACT group were maintained over the 12-month follow-up period (within-iACT ES: BDI-II, g = 1.33; SCL-90, g = 1.04; ATQF/B [Frequency/Believability], FFMQ, WBSI, AAQ-II, g = .74-1.08). The iACT participants stated that they would be happy to recommend the same intervention to others with depressive symptoms. We conclude that an ACT-based guided Internet-delivered treatment with minimal contact can be effective for people with depressive symptoms.
An Illusory Consensus behind GMO Health Assessment
Authors: Krimsky Sheldon
Published: August 2015

Prominent scientists and policymakers assert with confidence that there is no scientific controversy over the health effects of genetically modified organisms (GMOs)—that genetically modified crops currently in commercial use and those yet to be commercialized are inherently safe for human consumption and do not have to be tested. Those who disagree are cast as “GMO deniers.” This article examines scientific reviews and papers on GMOs, compares the findings of professional societies, and discusses the treatment of scientists who have reported adverse effects in animal feeding experiments. This article concludes by exploring the role that politics and corporate interests have had in distorting an honest inquiry into the health effects of GMO crops.