bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Small Cell Lung Cancer Presenting as Severe Thrombocytopenia and Refractory Hypokalemia
Authors: Mandaliya Rohan , Hughes Lesley , Auerbach Herbert , LePar Felice
Published: May 2014

A 70-year-old female with a history of mild cirrhosis was referred by her primary care provider for a platelet count of 36,000/μL which had dropped from 47,000/μL in a week along with mild pain in extremities. Serum potassium was low (2.9 mEq/L) in spite of the patient being recently started on potassium supplement on outpatient for hypokalemia. Initially thrombocytopenia was attributed to cirrhosis. However, platelet counts continued to drop to a nadir of 9000/μL in spite of several platelet transfusions. Hypokalemia was refractory to potassium supplements. Subsequent bone marrow biopsy revealed extensive marrow necrosis with a focus of small cell tumor cells of pulmonary origin. CT scan of the chest showed a spiculated left lung mass. The ACTH level was high, with normal rennin and aldosterone levels. The patient likely had ectopic ACTH syndrome from small cell lung cancer. She died within few days of diagnosis. Severe thrombocytopenia and refractory hypokalemia can rarely be initial presentations of small cell lung cancer. Thrombocytopenia should prompt an evaluation for bone marrow metastases and a search for undiagnosed systemic malignancy. In severe cases of metastases, bone marrow necrosis can be present. Refractory hypokalemia can be the sole presentation of ectopic ACTH production.
Rheological Properties of Hydrophobically Associative Copolymers Prepared in a Mixed Micellar Method Based on Methacryloxyethyl-dimethyl Cetyl Ammonium Chloride as Surfmer
Authors: Liu Rui , Pu WanFen , Jia Hu , Shang XiaoPei , Pan Yue , Yan ZhaoPeng
Published: May 2014

A novel cationic surfmer, methacryloxyethyl-dimethyl cetyl ammonium chloride (DMDCC), is synthesized. The micellar properties, including critical micelle concentration and aggregation number, of DMDCC-SDS mixed micelle system are studied using conductivity measurement and a steady-state fluorescence technique. A series of water-soluble associative copolymers with acrylamide and DMDCC are prepared using the mixed micellar polymerization. Compared to conventional micellar polymerization, this new method could not only reasonably adjust the length of the hydrophobic microblock, that is,NH, but also sharply reduce the amount of surfactant. Their rheological properties related to hydrophobic microblock and stickers are studied by the combination of steady flow and linear viscoelasticity experiments. The results indicate that both the hydrophobic content and, especially the length of the hydrophobic microblock are the dominating factors effecting the intermolecular hydrophobic association. The presence of salt influences the dynamics of copolymers, resulting in the variation of solution characters. Viscosity measurement indicates that mixed micelles between the copolymer chain and SDS molecules serving as junction bridges for transitional network remarkably enhance the viscosity. Moreover, the microscopic structures of copolymers at different experimental conditions are conducted by ESEM. This method gives us an insight into the preparation of hydrophobically associative water-soluble copolymers by cationic surfmer-anionic surfactant mixed micellar polymerization with good performance.
Modularity in the Semilattice of ω-Words
Authors: Buls Jānis , Cers Edmunds
Published: May 2014

A partial ordering of ω-words can be introduced with regard to whether an ω-word can be transformed into another by a Mealy machine. It is known that the poset of ω-words that is introduced by this ordering is a join-semilattice. The width of this join-semilattice has the power of continuum while the depth is at least ℵ0. We have created a technique for proving that power-characteristic ω-words are incomparable. We use this technique to show that this join-semilattice is not modular.
Vibration Suppression of a Large Beam Structure Using Tuned Mass Damper and Eddy Current Damping
Authors: Bae Jae-Sung , Hwang Jai-Hyuk , Kwag Dong-Gi , Park Jeanho , Inman Daniel J.
Published: May 2014

For a few decades, various methods to suppress the vibrations of structures have been proposed and exploited. These include passive methods using constrained layer damping (CLD) and active methods using smart materials. However, applying these methods to large structures may not be practical because of weight, material, and actuator constraints. The objective of the present study is to propose and exploit an effective method to suppress the vibration of a large and heavy beam structure with a minimum increase in mass or volume of material. Traditional tuned mass dampers (TMD) are very effective for attenuating structural vibrations; however, they often add substantial mass. Eddy current damping is relatively simple and has excellent performance but is force limited. The proposed method is to apply relatively light-weight TMD to attenuate the vibration of a large beam structure and increase its performance by applying eddy current damping to a TMD. The results show that the present method is simple but effective in suppressing the vibration of a large beam structure without a substantial weight increase.
Soil-Pile Interaction in the Pile Vertical Vibration Based on Fictitious Soil-Pile Model
Authors: Deng Guodong , Zhang Jiasheng , Wu Wenbing , Shi Xiong , Meng Fei
Published: May 2014

By introducing the fictitious soil-pile model, the soil-pile interaction in the pile vertical vibration is investigated. Firstly, assuming the surrounding soil of pile to be viscoelastic material and considering its vertical wave effect, the governing equations of soil-pile system subjected to arbitrary harmonic dynamic force are founded based on the Euler-Bernoulli rod theory. Secondly, the analytical solution of velocity response in frequency domain and its corresponding semianalytical solution of velocity response in time domain are derived by means of Laplace transform technique and separation of variables technique. Based on the obtained solutions, the influence of parameters of pile end soil on the dynamic response is studied in detail for different designing parameters of pile. Lastly, the fictitious soil-pile model and other pile end soil supporting models are compared. It is shown that the dynamic response obtained by the fictitious soil-pile model is among the dynamic responses obtained by other existing models if there are appropriate material parameters and thickness of pile end soil for the fictitious soil-pile model.
Expression of IL-18, IL-18 Binding Protein, and IL-18 Receptor by Normal and Cancerous Human Ovarian Tissues: Possible Implication of IL-18 in the Pathogenesis of Ovarian Carcinoma
Authors: Medina Liat , Rabinovich Alex , Piura Benjamin , Dyomin Victor , Shaco Levy Ruthy , Huleihel Mahmoud
Published: May 2014

Proinflammatory cytokine IL-18 has been shown to be elevated in the sera of ovarian carcinoma patients. The aim of the study was to examine the levels and cellular origin of IL-18, IL-18 binding protein, and IL-18 receptor in normal and cancerous ovarian tissues. Ovarian tissue samples were examined by immunohistochemical staining for IL-18, IL-18BP, and IL-18R and mRNA of these cytokines was analyzed with semiquantitative PT-PCR. IL-18 levels were significantly higher in cancerous ovarian tissues (P=0.0007), IL-18BP levels were significantly higher in normal ovarian tissues (P=0.04), and the ratio of IL-18/IL-18BP was significantly higher in cancerous ovarian tissues (P=0.036). Cancerous ovarian tissues expressed significantly higher IL-18 mRNA levels (P=0.025), while there was no difference in the expression of IL-18BP mRNA and IL-18R mRNA between cancerous and normal ovarian tissues. IL-18 and IL-18BP were expressed dominantly in the epithelial cells of both cancerous and normal ovarian tissues, while IL-18R was expressed dominantly in the epithelial cells of cancerous ovarian tissues but expressed similarly in the epithelial and stromal cells of normal cancerous tissues. This study indicates a possible role of IL-18, IL-18BP, and IL-18R in the pathogenesis of epithelial ovarian carcinoma.
Face Recognition Method Based on Fuzzy 2DPCA
Authors: Li Xiaodong
Published: May 2014

2DPCA, which is one of the most important face recognition methods, is relatively sensitive to substantial variations in light direction, face pose, and facial expression. In order to improve the recognition performance of the traditional 2DPCA, a new 2DPCA algorithm based on the fuzzy theory is proposed in this paper, namely, the fuzzy 2DPCA (F2DPCA). In this method, applying fuzzy K-nearest neighbor (FKNN), the membership degree matrix of the training samples is calculated, which is used to get the fuzzy means of each class. The average of fuzzy means is then incorporated into the definition of the general scatter matrix with anticipation that it can improve classification result. The comprehensive experiments on the ORL, the YALE, and the FERET face database show that the proposed method can improve the classification rates and reduce the sensitivity to variations between face images caused by changes in illumination, face expression, and face pose.
NGS NominatedCELA1,HSPG2, andKCNK5as Candidate Genes for Predisposition to Balkan Endemic Nephropathy
Authors: Toncheva D. , Mihailova-Hristova M. , Vazharova R. , Staneva R. , Karachanak S. , Dimitrov P. , Simeonov V. , Ivanov S. , Balabanski L. , Serbezov D. , Malinov M. , Stefanovic V. , Čukuranović R. , Polenakovic M. , Jankovic-Velickovic L. , Djordjevic V. , Jevtovic-Stoimenov T. , Plaseska-Karanfilska D. , Galabov A. , Djonov V. , Dimova I.
Published: May 2014

Balkan endemic nephropathy (BEN) is a familial chronic tubulointerstitial disease with insidious onset and slow progression leading to terminal renal failure. The results of molecular biological investigations propose that BEN is a multifactorial disease with genetic predisposition to environmental risk agents. Exome sequencing of 22 000 genes with Illumina Nextera Exome Enrichment Kit was performed on 22 DNA samples (11 Bulgarian patients and 11 Serbian patients). Software analysis was performed via NextGene, Provean, and PolyPhen. The frequency of all annotated genetic variants with deleterious/damaging effect was compared with those of European populations. Then we focused on nonannotated variants (with no data available about them and not found in healthy Bulgarian controls). There is no statistically significant difference between annotated variants in BEN patients and European populations. From nonannotated variants with more than 40% frequency in both patients’ groups, we nominated 3 genes with possible deleterious/damaging variants—CELA1, HSPG2, andKCNK5. Mutant genes (CELA1, HSPG2, andKCNK5) in BEN patients encode proteins involved in basement membrane/extracellular matrix and vascular tone, tightly connected to process of angiogenesis. We suggest that an abnormal process of angiogenesis plays a key role in the molecular pathogenesis of BEN.
Effect of Er,Cr:YSGG Laser Irradiation with Radial Firing Tips onCandida albicansin Experimentally Infected Root Canals
Authors: Ozkan Leman , Cetiner Serap , Sanlidag Tamer
Published: May 2014

Aim. To compare the disinfection effect of Er,Cr:YSGG laser using radial firing tips with NaOCI in root canals infected withC. albicansand to evaluate the irradiation effect on the dentinal surfaces.Material and Methods. In total seventy-six mandibular premolar teeth were used. In order to standardize the incubation and sterilization procedure, eight teeth were used. Sixty-eight of the root canals were incubated withC. albicanssuspension for 72 hours. The specimens were divided into 5 experimental groups. Two groups were constituted as Group 1 was irradiated with 1.5 W laser (n=8) and group 2, which was irradiated with 2 W laser (n=8). Two more groups were formed as Group 3 (2 W laser (n=25) and Group 4 NaOCI (5%) (n=25). Group 5 (n=2) did not receive any treatment. Mann-WhitneyUand Kruskal-WallisHtests were used to compare the different laser output powers. Wilcoxon Signed Ranks Test was used in order to compare theCandidacfu/ml levels according to treatment protocols (P<0.05).Results. Both 1.5 W and 2 W laser resulted in a major reduction ofC. albicanswithout a significant difference. The comparison of the dentin surfaces irradiated with Er,Cr:YSGG laser at two power settings resulted in similar morphological changes. However, NaOCI was found to be more effective in reduction ofC. albicansthan 2 W laser application.Conclusion. According to the results of the present study, the Er,Cr:YSGG laser with radial firing tips presented less antifungal effects onC. albicansin root canals of infected teeth than NaOCl solution.
Circulating Tumor Cells: A Multifunctional Biomarker
Authors: Yap Timothy A. , Lorente David , Omlin Aurelius , Olmos David , de Bono Johann S.
Published: May 2014

One of the most promising developments in translational cancer medicine has been the emergence of circulating tumor cells (CTC) as a minimally invasive multifunctional biomarker. CTCs in peripheral blood originate from solid tumors and are involved in the process of hematogenous metastatic spread to distant sites for the establishment of secondary foci of disease. The emergence of modern CTC technologies has enabled serial assessments to be undertaken at multiple time points along a patient's cancer journey for pharmacodynamic (PD), prognostic, predictive, and intermediate endpoint biomarker studies. Despite the promise of CTCs as multifunctional biomarkers, there are still numerous challenges that hinder their incorporation into standard clinical practice. This review discusses the key technical aspects of CTC technologies, including the importance of assay validation and clinical qualification, and compares existing and novel CTC enrichment platforms. This article discusses the utility of CTCs as a multifunctional biomarker and focuses on the potential of CTCs as PD endpoints either directly via the molecular characterization of specific markers or indirectly through CTC enumeration. We propose strategies for incorporating CTCs as PD biomarkers in translational clinical trials, such as the Pharmacological Audit Trail. We also discuss issues relating to intrapatient heterogeneity and the challenges associated with isolating CTCs undergoing epithelial–mesenchymal transition, as well as apoptotic and small CTCs. Finally, we envision the future promise of CTCs for the selection and monitoring of antitumor precision therapies, including applications in single CTC phenotypic and genomic profiling and CTC-derived xenografts, and discuss the promises and limitations of such approaches.

See all articles in this CCR Focus section, “Progress in Pharmacodynamic Endpoints.”

Clin Cancer Res; 20(10); 2553–68. ©2014 AACR.
Pharmacologic Biomarkers in the Development of Stratified Cancer Medicine
Authors: Figg William Douglas , Newell David R.
Published: May 2014

Clinical pharmacologic research plays a vital role in cancer drug development. In recent years, biomarker studies have become integral to this process, specifically the use of pharmacologic biomarkers in the development of targeted therapies and their translation to clinical practice. In this overview, we discuss the validation of pharmacodynamics (PD) biomarkers and highlight the circulating tumor DNA as a promising cancer biomarker to illustrate how PD biomarkers can be powerful tools for guiding treatment strategies. We provide insights into PD biomarker approaches for future development of novel therapies and their role in cancer medicine.

See all articles in this CCR Focus section, “Progress in Pharmacodynamic Endpoints.”

Clin Cancer Res; 20(10); 2525–9. ©2014 AACR.
Convergent and Divergent Cellular Responses by ErbB4 Isoforms in Mammary Epithelial Cells
Authors: Wali Vikram B. , Haskins Jonathan W. , Gilmore-Hebert Maureen , Platt James T. , Liu Zongzhi , Stern David F.
Published: May 2014

Associations of ErbB4 (ERBB4/HER4), the fourth member of the EGFR family, with cancer are variable, possibly as a result of structural diversity of this receptor. There are multiple structural isoforms of ERBB4 arising by alternative mRNA splicing, and a subset undergo proteolysis that releases membrane-anchored and soluble isoforms that associate with transcription factors and coregulators to modulate transcription. To compare the differential and common signaling activities of full-length (FL) and soluble intracellular isoforms of ERBB4, four JM-a isoforms (FL and soluble intracellular domain (ICD) CYT-1 and CYT-2) were expressed in isogenic MCF10A cells and their biologic activities were analyzed. Both FL and ICD CYT-2 promoted cell proliferation and invasion, and CYT-1 suppressed cell growth. Transcriptional profiling revealed several new and underexplored ERBB4-regulated transcripts, including: proteases/protease inhibitors (MMP3 and SERPINE2), the YAP/Hippo pathway (CTGF, CYR61, and SPARC), the mevalonate/cholesterol pathway (HMGCR, HMGCS1, LDLR, and DHCR7), and cytokines (IL8, CCL20, and CXCL1). Many of these transcripts were subsequently validated in a luminal breast cancer cell line that normally expresses ERBB4. Furthermore, ChIP-seq experiments identified ADAP1, APOE, SPARC, STMN1, and MXD1 as novel molecular targets of ERBB4. These findings clarify the diverse biologic activities of ERBB4 isoforms, and reveal new and divergent functions.

Implications: ErbB4 as a regulator of Hippo and mevalonate pathways provides new insight into milk production and anabolic processes in normal mammary epithelia and cancer. Mol Cancer Res; 12(8); 1140–55. ©2014 AACR.
A Monotonic and Prognostic Genomic Signature from Fibroblasts for Colorectal Cancer Initiation, Progression, and Metastasis
Authors: Berdiel-Acer Mireia , Cuadras Daniel , Díaz-Maroto Natalia Guillén , Sanjuan Xavier , Serrano Teresa , Berenguer Antoni , Moreno Victor , Gonçalves-Ribeiro Samuel , Salazar Ramon , Villanueva Alberto , Molleví David G.
Published: May 2014

The differential gene expression patterns between normal colonic fibroblasts (NCF), carcinoma-associated fibroblasts from primary tumors (CAF-PT), and CAFs from hepatic metastasis (CAF-LM) are hypothesized to be useful for predicting relapse in primary tumors. A transcriptomic profile of NCF (n = 9), CAF-PT (n = 14), and CAF-LM (n = 11) was derived. Prediction Analysis of Microarrays (PAM) was used to obtain molecular details for each fibroblast class, and differentially expressed transcripts were used to classify patients according to recurrence status. A number of transcripts (n = 277) were common to all three types of fibroblasts and whose expression level was sequentially deregulated according to the transition: NCF→CAF-PT→CAF-LM. Importantly, the gene signature was able to accurately classify patients with primary tumors according to their prognosis. This capacity was exploited to obtain a refined 19-gene classifier that predicted recurrence with high accuracy in two independent datasets of patients with colorectal cancer and correlates with fibroblast migratory potential. The prognostic power of this genomic signature is strong evidence of the link between the tumor-stroma microenvironment and cancer progression. Furthermore, the 19-gene classifier was able to identify low-risk patients very accurately, which is of particular importance for stage II patients, who would benefit from the omission of chemotherapy, especially T4N0 patients, who are clinically classified as being at high risk.

Implications: A defined stromal gene expression signature predicts relapse in patients with colorectal cancer. Mol Cancer Res; 12(9); 1254–66. ©2014 AACR.
Tobacco Smoke Exposure in Pulmonary Arterial and Thromboembolic Pulmonary Hypertension
Authors: Keusch Stephan , Hildenbrand Florian F. , Bollmann Tom , Halank Michael , Held Matthias , Kaiser Ralf , Kovacs Gabor , Lange Tobias J. , Seyfarth Hans-Jürgen , Speich Rudolf , Ulrich Silvia
Published: May 2014

Background: Animal studies and data from a single-center study suggest that tobacco smoke exposure may be a risk factor for precapillary pulmonary hypertension (PH). Objective: We aimed to survey tobacco smoke exposure in a large PH collective and to compare it with epidemiological data from healthy subjects. Methods: This is an international, multicenter, case-control study including patients with pulmonary arterial and chronic thromboembolic PH. All patients were asked specific questions about tobacco smoke exposure. Healthy controls were retrieved from the Swiss Health Survey (n = 18,747). Results: Overall (n = 472), 49% of PH patients were smokers and there was a clear sex difference (women 37%, men 71%). Significantly more PH men were smokers compared with healthy controls, whereas less PH women were ever active smokers. However, 50% of the non-smoking PH women were exposed to secondhand smoke, leading to a significantly higher number of tobacco smoke-exposed individuals compared to healthy controls. PH smokers were significantly younger compared to those not exposed. Conclusion: Active and environmental tobacco smoke exposure is common in PH. The higher prevalence of male PH smokers, the higher exposure to environmental tobacco smoke in PH women compared to healthy controls and the lower age at PH diagnosis in smokers may indicate a pathogenic role of tobacco smoke exposure in PH.
A Decreased Mean Platelet Volume Is Associated with Stable and Exacerbated Asthma
Authors: Sun Wen-Xue , Zhang Ji-Rong , Cao Zhi-gang , Li Ying , Wang Rui-tao
Published: May 2014

Background: Systemic inflammation is related to disease progression in asthma. Activated platelets play a critical role in atherogenesis, inflammation, and atherothrombosis. The mean platelet volume (MPV) is an early marker of platelet activation. Objectives: The aim of this study is to clarify the relevance of MPV levels in patients with stable and exacerbated asthma. Methods: We investigated the peripheral blood cell count parameters, C-reactive protein (CRP), lung function parameters, and arterial blood gas in patients with asthma and control subjects. Eighty-five stable asthma patients and 85 asthmatics with exacerbations were investigated. Eighty-five controls matched for age, gender, body mass index (BMI), and smoking status were recruited. Results: Patients with exacerbated asthma had lower MPV and higher CRP levels and white blood cell (WBC) counts compared to patients with stable asthma and control subjects. Furthermore, the MPV was reduced in patients with stable asthma compared to control subjects. Negative correlations between MPV and CRP were present in stable and exacerbated asthma. Although there was no relationship between MPV and WBC count in stable asthma, there was an inverse relationship between MPV and WBC count in exacerbated asthma. Conclusions: These findings show that patients with stable asthma had a lower MPV compared to controls and the MPV levels in asthmatic patients with exacerbations were lower compared to those in patients with stable asthma. Further investigations regarding the role of MPV in asthma may be beneficial in the search for therapeutic targets.
Successful Treatment of Lung Cancer by Multimodal Endobronchial Interventions
Authors: Nakajima Takahiro , Yasufuku Kazuhiro , Sakairi Yuichi , Shibuya Kiyoshi , Yoshida Shigetoshi , Yoshino Ichiro
Published: May 2014

The innovation of thoracic interventions, such as endobronchial ultrasound and photodynamic ablation, has changed the interventional management of lung cancer. In this case report, we discuss the case of a successful treatment of endobronchial squamous cell carcinoma occluding the left upper lobe bronchus by a minimally invasive transbronchial approach. This case was initially planned for a sleeve left upper lobectomy. The careful assessment of radiological and ultrasonographic imaging concluded that the tumor was early-stage lung cancer. Multimodal endobronchial treatment cured the lung cancer without a thoracotomy. Pulmonary function was well preserved and no recurrence was found for more than 5 years. Even in the presence of a bulky endobronchial tumor, if there is no clear evidence of extraluminal invasion by computed tomography scan, a local bronchoscopic staging of the disease is mandatory.
Is Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease a Disease of Aging?
Authors: Cosio Manuel G. , Cazzuffi Riccardo , Saetta Marina
Published: May 2014

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a disease that usually presents clinically at an advanced age, after years of smoking cigarettes. It is usually believed that aging and its biological consequences are important mechanisms in the disease pathogenesis. This concept has maintained the focus of studies on COPD in old-age individuals. Here we analyze the possible role of aging from a different point of view and introduce different concepts that might be considered useful additions to the understanding of the disease. Essentially, we propose and show evidence that COPD is a disease of the young susceptible smoker that progresses over time and manifests in older age because we live longer and not so much because of the effect of aging itself; we examine the concept of cell senescence, the basis of tissue aging, and how stressors like the ones produced by smoking can accelerate cell senescence with all of its untoward consequences in COPD. We thus finally suggest that COPD might accelerate aging rather than be a consequence of it. In conclusion, we suggest that COPD could be considered a disease of the predisposed young individual that manifests clinically in old age because we live longer, with all of its consequences.
Evidence of an Acinar Response following Treatment for Exacerbation in Adult Patients with Cystic Fibrosis
Authors: Vanderhelst Eef , De Meirleir Liesbeth , Schuermans Daniel , Malfroot Anne , Vincken Walter , Verbanck Sylvia
Published: May 2014

Background: Treating acute infectious exacerbations in cystic fibrosis (CF) patients with intravenous antibiotic therapy leads to variability in lung function and the ventilation distribution response. Part of the variable lung clearance index (LCI) response could be associated with the variable peripheral effects of intravenous antibiotic administration. Objectives: We explored to what extent the peripheral lung zones of CF patients could contribute to lung function improvements following treatment for infectious exacerbations. Methods: Over a 1-year period, 15 adult CF patients admitted for acute exacerbations were recruited. Lung function and multiple breath washout (MBW) tests were performed on the day of admission and at discharge. From the MBW test, we obtained acinar and conductive indices of ventilation heterogeneity and LCI. Results: The mean age (±SD) was 26 ± 5 years. Upon admission, the FEV1 was 54 ± 16% predicted and the LCI was 181 ± 26% predicted. After treatment, the average FEV1 increased to 61 ± 20% predicted (p < 0.001) and the LCI decreased to 173 ± 28% predicted (p = 0.042). The change in LCI was associated with a change in acinar (ρ = +0.54; p = 0.039) but not in conductive ventilation heterogeneity (p > 0.1). Conclusions: In CF patients in whom an improvement in LCI was obtained after treatment for an acute infectious exacerbation, this was paralleled by a decrease in acinar ventilation heterogeneity.
Triple-Layered Cell Sheet for Tissue-Engineering the Synovial Membrane of the Temporomandibular Joint
Authors: Li Yingjie , Cai Hengxing , Fang Wei , Meng Qinggong , Wu Yang , Li Jian , Deng Mohong , Long Xing
Published: May 2014

Objective: Temporomandibular disorder causes the dysfunction of fibroblast-like synoviocytes (FLSs) which are predominant in the lining layer (LL) of synovial membrane (SM) and responsible for the secretion function of the SM of the temporomandibular joint (TMJ). This study aimed to construct a triple-layered cell sheet (CS) for tissue-engineering the SM. Methods: FLSs were harvested and identified immunocytochemically. A triple-layered CS was fabricated by an original method of combining type I collagen and FLSs. Staining and a transmission electron microscope were used to compare the morphological similarities between the CS and the natural LL. Hyaluronic acid (HA) production and HA synthase 2 (HAS2) gene expression were assessed by ELISA and PCR, respectively. Transplantation of triple-layered CSs into nude mice was performed and examined by staining and immunohistochemical methods. Results: FLSs expressed vimentin, CD44 and heat shock protein 27. The triple-layered CS possessed a structure similar to natural LL. No tight conjunction was observed between adjacent FLSs. The triple-layered CS secreted HA at a quantity about 3 times that of the single-layered CS. The triple-layered structure induced higher expression of HAS2 in FLSs. No difference in HAS2 expression between the triple-layered CS and natural SM was observed. Multiple-layered FLSs and invasion of host fibroblasts and vessels were observed 2 weeks after transplantation. HAS2 and HA were expressed in surface cells and extracellular matrix, respectively. Conclusion: FLSs of the TMJ were type B synoviocytes. The triple-layered CS mimicked natural SM morphologically and functionally. The CS survived for 2 weeks in vivo. Therefore, triple-layered CS might be highly competent for tissue-engineered SM.
Coccygeal Movement Test: An Objective, Non-Invasive Test for Localization of the Pelvic Floor Muscles in Healthy Women
Authors: Stensgaard Stine H. , Moeller Bek Karl , Ismail Khaled M.K.
Published: May 2014

Objective: To evaluate the use of palpation of the coccyx (the coccygeal movement test, CMT) as a possible objective screening tool for the assessment of adequate localization of the pelvic floor muscles (PFMs). Subjects and Methods: Twenty-four healthy female volunteers, known to be able to locate their PFMs, were given instructions (allocated at random) to perform a ‘correct contraction', ‘straining' or ‘nothing' when examined by six independent assessors using the CMT. The assessors were blinded to the instructions and to the test results recorded by other assessors. Data were available for 137 observations, and these were dichotomized into either ‘able to contract' (‘correct contraction') or ‘not able to contract' (‘straining' or ‘nothing'). This information was used to calculate the sensitivity, specificity and positive and negative predictive values for the CMT. Results: The CMT correctly identified 56/58 observations when women did not perform the contraction of the PFMs compared to 61/79 observations when they did. Hence, the sensitivity and specificity were 97 and 77%, respectively. Conclusion: This study showed that the CMT was a useful test to identify women who were able to localize their PFMs compared to those who were not, making it a potentially useful initial screening test in structured training programmes for the PFMs.
Array-CGH Shows Amplification of 8q Including MYC as the Sole Aberration in a Leiomyosarcoma of the Female Lower Genital Tract
Authors: Barnabas Nandita , Sanchez Jessica , Chitale Dhananjay , Adeyinka Adewale
Published: May 2014

Leiomyosarcomas (LMS) are uncommon in the female genital tract, and the literature on LMS of the vagina consists mostly of case reports. We report the cytogenetic, FISH and array-CGH findings in a LMS of the vagina. Tumor microscopy showed a cellular spindle cell tumor composed of oval to spindly cells arranged in sheets or fascicles supported by a rich vascular network and stained positive for smooth muscle markers (SMA, HHF35). The majority of metaphase cells from the short-term cultures of tumor cells had 49 chromosomes including 3 copies of a derivative chromosome that consisted in most part of 8q material. The remaining cells had 4 copies of the derivative chromosome. FISH studies showed that each derivative chromosome consisted in its entirety of chromosome 8 material, had 2 copies of MYC and 8qter signals, lacked an 8pter signal, and was devoid of a centromeric alpha satellite or satellite III signal of any of the 24 chromosomes. Strong positive staining for MYC was demonstrated in tumor nuclei. Microarray-CGH study on DNA extracted from the tumor confirmed amplification of 8q12.1∼q22.2 and 8q24.13∼qter, and to a lesser extent 8q22.3∼q24.12, as the sole genetic abnormality in the tumor. The present report, to the best of our knowledge, is the first cytogenetically characterized primary LMS of the vagina, and our findings indicate that amplification of 8q including MYC is a primary genetic abnormality as well as a pathway of evolution in the tumor.
Use of the GOES-R Split-Window Difference to Diagnose Deepening Low-Level Water Vapor
Authors: Lindsey Daniel T. , Grasso Louie , Dostalek John F. , Kerkmann Jochen
Published: May 2014

The depth of boundary layer water vapor plays a critical role in convective cloud formation in the warm season, but numerical models often struggle with accurate predictions of above-surface moisture. Satellite retrievals of water vapor have been developed, but they are limited by the use of a model’s first guess, instrument spectral resolution, horizontal footprint size, and vertical resolution. In 2016, Geostationary Operational Environmental Satellite-R (GOES-R), the first in a series of new-generation geostationary satellites, will be launched. Its Advanced Baseline Imager will provide unprecedented spectral, spatial, and temporal resolution. Among the bands are two centered at 10.35 and 12.3 μm. The brightness temperature difference between these bands is referred to as the split-window difference, and has been shown to provide information about atmospheric column water vapor. In this paper, the split-window difference is reexamined from the perspective of GOES-R and radiative transfer model simulations are used to better understand the factors controlling its value. It is shown that the simple split-window difference can provide useful information for forecasters about deepening low-level water vapor in a cloud-free environment.
Field Measurements of Rogue Water Waves
Authors: Christou Marios , Ewans Kevin
Published: May 2014

This paper concerns the collation, quality control, and analysis of single-point field measurements from fixed sensors mounted on offshore platforms. In total, the quality-controlled database contains 122 million individual waves, of which 3649 are rogue waves. Geographically, the majority of the field measurements were recorded in the North Sea, with supplementary data from the Gulf of Mexico, the South China Sea, and the North West shelf of Australia. The significant wave height ranged from 0.12 to 15.4 m, the peak period ranged from 1 to 24.7 s, the maximum crest height was 18.5 m, and the maximum recorded wave height was 25.5 m. This paper will describe the offshore installations, instrumentation, and the strict quality control procedure employed to ensure a reliable dataset. An examination of sea state parameters, environmental conditions, and local characteristics is performed to gain an insight into the behavior of rogue waves. Evidence is provided to demonstrate that rogue waves are not governed by sea state parameters. Rather, the results are consistent with rogue waves being merely extraordinary and rare events of the normal population caused by dispersive focusing.
Spectral Ocean Wave Climate Variability Based on Atmospheric Circulation Patterns
Authors: Espejo Antonio , Camus Paula , Losada Iñigo J. , Méndez Fernando J.
Published: May 2014

Traditional approaches for assessing wave climate variability have been broadly focused on aggregated or statistical parameters such as significant wave height, wave energy flux, or mean wave direction. These studies, although revealing the major general modes of wave climate variability and trends, do not take into consideration the complexity of the wind-wave fields. Because ocean waves are the response to both local and remote winds, analyzing the directional full spectra can shed light on atmospheric circulation not only over the immediate ocean region, but also over a broad basin scale. In this work, the authors use a pattern classification approach to explore wave climate variability in the frequency–direction domain. This approach identifies atmospheric circulation patterns of the sea level pressure from the 31-yr long Climate Forecast System Reanalysis (CFSR) and wave spectral patterns of two selected buoys in the North Atlantic, finding one-to-one relations between each synoptic pattern (circulation type) and each spectral wave energy distribution (spectral type). Even in the absence of long-wave records, this method allows for the reconstruction of long-term wave spectra to cover variability at several temporal scales: daily, monthly, seasonal, interannual, decadal, long-term trends, and future climate change projections.
Buddhist Scriptures: An Overview
Authors: Appleton Naomi
Published: May 2014

In this article I provide an overview of what scripture means and does in a Buddhist context. The article has three main parts. First, by way of introduction I explore the history of Buddhist scripture and a few of the different ways in which scripture was defined and classified in the early period. In the second section I use the common division into three ‘baskets’ of scripture (discourses, monastic discipline and higher teachings) to structure a closer look at some of the main genres of early Buddhist texts. Finally I examine the role of scripture in Buddhist life, as a source of teachings, a means of making karmic merit, and a vehicle of great power.

In the interests of time and space I have chosen to focus largely on the earliest scriptures of Indian Buddhism. Later compositions and compilations, such as the many scriptures of Tibetan or East Asian Buddhism, are not considered here.1 Because my focus is on the early Indian scriptures I use mainly Sanskrit (Skt) terminology, with the Pāli (P.) equivalent noted where relevant.
The Meaning of ‘We … Died to Sin’ in Romans 6.2
Authors: Ensor Peter
Published: May 2014

The article analyses the words ‘we … died to sin’ in Rom. 6.2, with special reference to the question whether the words are to be taken in a ‘forensic’ or a ‘moral’ sense, and argues that a stronger case can be made for the latter. It is also argued that the words are written with reference to baptised believers with a view to reminding them of the radical change they experienced at the time of their initiation into the Christian faith, and exhorting them to continue living as those who have renounced their former life styles and are now alive in Christ.
Iranian Mothers’ Disciplinary Strategies and Theory of Mind in Children
Authors: Shahaeian Ameneh , Nielsen Mark , Peterson Candida C. , Slaughter Virginia
Published: May 2014

Developing an understanding of others’ minds (called theory of mind) has been a topic of considerable research effort. Literature on theory of mind and family influences within Western cultures has documented that children’s understanding of mind is related to parental and family factors such as the number of siblings, discussion about emotions inside the family, and parenting styles. However, research in non-Western cultures is scarce, despite culture playing an important role in shaping parenting practices and family atmosphere. The current study therefore investigated links between mothers’ disciplinary strategies and children’s theory of mind understanding in Iran. Mothers of forty 4- to 6-year-old children responded to six parenting disciplinary situations derived from a study by Ruffman, Perner, and Parkin. In each situation, mothers were presented with a challenging scenario which may occur in daily interactions and were asked what they would do if that the situation happens. Mothers’ answers were coded based on a variety of disciplinary strategies. Children were tested with a battery of theory of mind tasks, including false belief, diverse beliefs, and a Theory of Mind Scale. Results showed that the disciplinary strategy of Silence or avoiding direct encounter with the child was negatively correlated with children’s total theory of mind scores as well as false belief and diverse beliefs understanding. In contrast, the disciplinary strategy focused on Discussion was positively correlated to all theory of mind measures. This study presents important findings to better understand theory of mind development and factors associated with it in a culture different from previously studied samples.
The Double
Authors: Stone Mark H.
Published: May 2014

This article explores the psychological and literary aspects of the Der Doppelgänger, The Double. A Double is related to the concept of multiple personality. Such mental conditions are classified as instances of dissociation. However, a much earlier history of a Double exists in literature rather than in psychology. In the literary past, a “Double-Personality” embodied the creative imagination of writers. Aspects of this condition have been reported in all cultures. In some societies a “Double-Personality” is thought to manifest great power whereas in others it represents illness. After Freud, writers fostered psychoanalytic speculations about this condition. The dynamic issues of this condition are discussed together with literary examples by world famous authors. Persons manifesting this condition frequently employ symbols, allegory, and other creative devices. While reason, observation, and experiment are the modes of science, appreciating the symbolic behavior associated with this condition is also important. Clinicians and others should carefully attend to how symbolic behavior may be employed by patients to describe symptoms of their condition not easily conveyed with clarity by complete rationality. There is special value in recognizing how persons may utilize this condition to further their fictive goals. Without this understanding, treatment may be less effective and improvement may not occur.
Mercy triumphs over judgment: James as social gospel
Authors: Flesher LeAnn Snow
Published: May 2014

The community addressed by the book of James has some serious disagreements and conflicts. Not only is the community dishonoring the poorest among them, but some are coveting what they do not have and even murdering to get it (4:2). As a remedy, James lists the characteristics of the wisdom from above: pure, peaceable, gentle, willing to yield, full of mercy and good fruits, without one trace of partiality and hypocrisy (3:17). James is calling for a righteous peace (3:18), and according to his understanding of the wisdom from above, that peace will come when equity and equality become the norm. If the poor covet and commit illegal acts to obtain what they desire, the answer for the people of faith is not violent retaliation, or physical punishment. The answer, according to James, is selfless service and honor given by the haves to the have nots. For although James does not ever condone breaking the law (2:10−11), he does encourage mercy in place of judgment (2:13); and according to the wisdom from above, saving faith exhibits such mercy.
What about Lazarus? A theological reflection on poverty in the United States
Authors: Russell Keith A.
Published: May 2014

This article is a reflection on the reality of poverty in the United States and its implications for the mission and work of the church. It addresses the growing poverty the US is currently experiencing by framing the discussion around the story of the rich man and Lazarus found in Luke’s gospel (16:19−31). Before attending to the rich man/Lazarus story, the article sets forth the Luke−Acts context in which this story is lodged. The author concludes that theological practice needs to deconstruct the normative narrative of the global market while at the same time painting a picture of new possibilities. Taking up the plight of Lazarus demands a compelling eschatological dimension—an understanding that to deal with the here and now we need a clear picture of the not yet. The reign of God fuels the power of this analysis and helps the church escape the bondage of the current age; it challenges us to take the hand of Lazarus as we move into the future.
Is the biblical perspective on poverty that “there shall be no poor among you” or “you will always have the poor with you”?
Authors: Wafawanaka Robert
Published: May 2014

This article analyzes poverty in its ancient Near Eastern and modern contexts. Based on the release laws and vision of a society without poverty in Deuteronomy 15, it traces the development of this ideal through Jesus’ classic statement that the poor will always be there. The Deuteronomic year of release is viewed as a mechanism to address the effects of poverty in Israelite society. Beginning with a glance at the United States setting, in which poverty still abounds, the article transitions to the larger ancient Near Eastern context. Deuteronomy 15 sets the stage by critically analyzing the meaning of release laws in the historical context of the biblical economy, and whether such release meant suspension, reduction, or cancellation of debt. The release laws of the ancient Near East provide useful background to the biblical materials. The article proceeds to engage the meaning of Jesus’ famous proclamation in light of previous findings. Essentially, it argues that the implementation of release laws and other measures would have led to the idealistic vision of a society without great wealth inequities. Consequently, the article reads Jesus’ proclamation as a serious indictment on ancient Israelite society’s failure to enforce the biblical mandate to prevent poverty. The article concludes by considering the implications of poverty, release laws, and debt forgiveness in the United States and the global economy in light of ancient Near Eastern and biblical perspectives on poverty.
From great expectation to gross exploitation
Authors: Wilkins Robert A.
Published: May 2014

In this article the author contends that capitalism is not only an economic system, but is also an attitude, a disposition, an active, living spirit whose principles easily endear themselves to seekers of progress and harmony, as well as to those who suffer from its failings. The practice of capitalism arouses the human propensities of desire, self-interest, and greed that often results in the co-opting and corruption of higher ideals, in this case the noble aims of education.
Reconsidering Social Movement Unionism in Postcrisis Argentina
Authors: Serdar Ayşe
Published: May 2014

The Central de Trabajadores de la Argentina, established in 1992, worked to expand its base, especially among nonunion organizations, to construct an anti-neoliberal front. Driven by the threat of neoliberalism rather than by political opportunities, it was initially outstanding among social movement unions in its reach and its unity. It excelled not only in building alliances with the community but in organizing the community itself. However, the structural weakness resulting from its not being located in a key industrial sector and its lack of legal privileges, which was originally compensated for by its alliances, eventually made it unable to take advantage of changing political opportunities.

La Central de Trabajadores de la Argentina, fundada en 1992, trabajó para ampliar su base, sobre todo entre las organizaciones no sindicales, para construir un frente anti-neoliberal. Impulsada por la amenaza del neoliberalismo más que por las oportunidades políticas, inicialmente se destacaba entre los sindicatos de los movimientos sociales en su alcance y su unidad. Se destacó no sólo en la construcción de alianzas con la comunidad, sino en la organización de la propia comunidad. Sin embargo, la debilidad structural que resulta de su no estar ubicado en un sector industrial clave y su falta de privilegios legales, lo que se compensó originalmente por sus alianzas, finalmente lo hizo incapaz de aprovechar de las cambiantes oportunidades políticas.