bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Polymers made of bile acids: from soft to hard biomaterials
Authors: Cunningham Alexander J. , Zhu X.X.
Published: June 2016

Bile acids are gaining increasing importance as building blocks in the development of novel polymeric materials. This is evidenced by the growing number of publications advocating the advantages of their incorporation in the design and construction of materials. Composed of a rigid steroid backbone, functional groups with potential towards diverse reactions, and a biocompatible framework, there are various ways in which these molecules can be utilized to afford biomaterials via distinct architectures. Soft materials utilize the intrinsic capacity of bile acids to self-assemble and have seen a range of applications, most notably in the field of drug delivery. On the other hand, there is also the possibility of including bile acids in the polymer backbone, which has been used in the preparation of elastomers. This review discusses a selection of materials that can be prepared using bile acids and the advantages afforded by these molecules. Focus will be on the development of soft and hard materials, where soft materials are described as being held by weak intermolecular interactions, whereas hard materials are mechanically stronger with bile acids covalently incorporated in the polymer network.
Resolution of Thiele’s acid
Authors: Chen Jun , Sun XuXin , Oliver Allen G. , Wulff Jeremy E.
Published: June 2016

Thiele’s acid has been resolved for the first time by diastereomeric salt formation with brucine. Determination of absolute stereochemistry was accomplished by X-ray crystallography of the corresponding diester. We anticipate that access to optically resolved Thiele’s acid will stimulate its use in a diverse range of applications requiring chiral molecular clefts.
Transfer of 2,4-D-resistance from Raphanus raphanistrum into Brassica napus: production of F1 hybrids through embryo rescue
Authors: Dillon Andrew J. , Kron Paul , Walsh Michael , Jugulam Mithila
Published: June 2016

Development of 2,4-D-resistant Brassica napus varieties is valuable for conservation tillage and post emergence control of broadleaf weeds. This research documents successful production and transfer of 2,4-D resistance from Raphanus raphanistrum (wild radish) into, Brassica napus via embryo rescue.
Timing of nesting of upland-nesting ducks in the Canadian prairies and its relation to spring wetland conditions
Authors: Raquel A.J. , Devries J.H. , Howerter D.W. , Alisauskas R.T. , Leach S.W. , Clark R.G.
Published: June 2016

Timing of breeding varies among waterfowl species and individuals, with strong effects on reproductive success, and may be related to habitat quality. Here, we analyse the start, span, and end of the nesting season for nine upland-nesting duck species at 166 Canadian Prairie–Parkland sites over 34 years to better characterize nesting patterns and test whether and how species respond to May pond abundances. Nesting metrics were compared between single-site versus multiple-site studies over 7 years to evaluate the effects of spatial scale and methodology. Strong, consistent differences in start of nesting were found among duck species, being earliest for Northern Pintail (Anas acuta L., 1758) and Mallard (Anas platyrhynchos L., 1758), followed by Northern Shoveler (Anas clypeata L., 1758), American Green-winged Teal (Anas crecca carolinensis Gmelin, 1789 = Anas carolinensis Gmelin, 1789), Blue-winged Teal (Anas discors L., 1766), American Wigeon (Anas americana Gmelin, 1789), Gadwall (Anas strepera L., 1758), and lastly by Lesser Scaup (Aythya affinis (Eyton, 1838)) and White-winged Scoter (Melanitta fusca deglandi (Bonaparte, 1850)). Span and end of nesting were related to May pond abundances, but the strength of these relationships varied among species, presumably reflecting the flexible (re-)nesting potential of individuals of some species in response to wetland-habitat quality.
Quantum discord and entanglement of two atoms in a micromaser-type system
Authors: Yan Xue-Qun , Wang Fu-Zhong
Published: June 2016

The correlations dynamics of two atoms in the case of a micromaser-type system is investigated. We show that the entangled state can be created by initially maximally mixed state and there exist collapse and revival phenomena for the time evolutions of both entanglement and quantum discord under the system considered as the field is initially in the Fock state. Our results confirm that entanglement and quantum discord have similar behaviors in certain time ranges, such as their oscillations during the time evolution being almost in phase, but they also present significant differences, such as quantum discord being maintained even after the complete loss of entanglement. Furthermore, we exhibit clearly that the dynamics of quantum discord under the action of environment are intimately related to the generation and evolution of entanglement.
Enhanced thermoelectric performance in c-axis oriented Ca3Co4O9 films by Ag addition through multiple annealing
Authors: Liu Shengman , Zhu Caixia , Ge Xianghong , Wang Tingtai , Feng Junlan , Yang Linfeng
Published: June 2016

The [Formula: see text]-axis oriented Ca3Co4O9 (CCO) films without and with 5 wt.% Ag addition were prepared by chemical solution deposition (CSD) through multiple annealing processing on single crystal LaAlO3 (001) substrates. With Ag addition, the resistivity at 300 K is decreased to 2.25 m[Formula: see text]cm, the Seebeck coefficient at 300 K is enhanced to 106 [Formula: see text]V/K and the power factor at 300 K can reach as high as 0.5 mW[Formula: see text]K[Formula: see text]m[Formula: see text], which is the highest value among CCO films prepared by CSD. The results suggest that Ag addition is a very effective route to improve the thermoelectric properties of CCO films through multiple annealing processing.
Stochastic Processing Networks
Authors: Williams Ruth J.
Published: June 2016

Stochastic processing networks arise as models in manufacturing, telecommunications, transportation, computer systems, the customer service industry, and biochemical reaction networks. Common characteristics of these networks are that they have entities—such as jobs, packets, vehicles, customers, or molecules—that move along routes, wait in buffers, receive processing from various resources, and are subject to the effects of stochastic variability through such quantities as arrival times, processing times, and routing protocols. The mathematical theory of queueing aims to understand, analyze, and control congestion in stochastic processing networks. In this article, we begin by summarizing some of the highlights in the development of the theory of queueing prior to 1990; this includes some exact analysis and development of approximate models for certain queueing networks. We then describe some surprises of the early 1990s and ensuing developments of the past 25 years related to the use of approximate models for analyzing the stability and performance of multiclass queueing networks. We conclude with a description of recent developments for more general stochastic processing networks and point to some open problems.
On the Frequentist Properties of Bayesian Nonparametric Methods
Authors: Rousseau Judith
Published: June 2016

In this paper, I review the main results on the asymptotic properties of the posterior distribution in nonparametric or high-dimensional models. In particular, I explain how posterior concentration rates can be derived and what we learn from such analysis in terms of the impact of the prior distribution on high-dimensional models. These results concern fully Bayes and empirical Bayes procedures. I also describe some of the results that have been obtained recently in semiparametric models, focusing mainly on the Bernstein–von Mises property. Although these results are theoretical in nature, they shed light on some subtle behaviors of the prior models and sharpen our understanding of the family of functionals that can be well estimated for a given prior model.
Physiological Aspects of Female Fertility: Role of the Environment, Modern Lifestyle, and Genetics
Authors: Hart Roger J.
Published: June 2016

Across the Western World there is an increasing trend to postpone childbearing. Consequently, the negative influence of age on oocyte quality may lead to a difficulty in conceiving for many couples. Furthermore, lifestyle factors may exacerbate a couple's difficulty in conceiving due mainly to the metabolic influence of obesity; however, the negative impacts of low peripheral body fat, excessive exercise, the increasing prevalence of sexually transmitted diseases, and smoking all have significant negative effects on fertility. Other factors that impede conception are the perceived increasing prevalence of the polycystic ovary syndrome, which is further exacerbated by obesity, and the presence of uterine fibroids and endometriosis (a progressive pelvic inflammatory disorder) which are more prevalent in older women. A tendency for an earlier sexual debut and to have more sexual partners has led to an increase in sexually transmitted diseases. In addition, there are several genetic influences that may limit the number of oocytes within the ovary; consequently, by postponing attempts at childbearing, a limitation of oocyte number may become evident, whereas in previous generations with earlier conception this potentially reduced reproductive life span did not manifest in infertility. Environmental influences on reproduction are under increasing scrutiny. Although firm evidence is lacking however, dioxin exposure may be linked to endometriosis, phthalate exposure may influence ovarian reserve, and bisphenol A may interfere with oocyte development and maturation. However, chemotherapy or radiotherapy is recognized to lead to ovarian damage and predispose the woman to ovarian failure.
The Impact of Colonoscopy Quality Control Table on Adenoma Detection Rates
Authors: Deng Bin , Zhi Jiehua , Chen Yaosheng , Liang Lanyu , Wu Jian , Gao Xuefen , Xiao Weiming , Ding Yanbing
Published: June 2016

Objective. This study aims to investigate the effects of reporting colonoscopy findings and the regular review of outcomes on adenoma detection rates.Methods. Patients who underwent colonoscopy from August 2013 to February 2014 were selected as the intervention group. The preintervention group included patients who underwent colonoscopy from January 2013 to July 2013, in which the procedure sheet for this group of patients was not accomplished. The primary outcome was adenoma detection rate (ADR), and secondary outcomes included the success rate of intubation and withdrawal time.Results. This study included 2,467 cases: 1,302 cases in the intervention group and 1,165 cases in the preintervention group. There was no significant difference in demographic characteristics between the two groups. In the intervention group, withdrawal time of colonoscopy was longer (P<0.01), and the success rate of intubation (92.5% versus 89.1%,P<0.05) and detection rate of polyps (32.6% versus 27.6%,P<0.05) and adenomas (20.0% versus 16.1%,P<0.05) were higher. Significantly high detection rates for proximal adenomas, flat adenomas, and adenomas with a diameter <5 mm were observed in the intervention group (allP<0.01).Conclusion. The reporting and review of procedure details help to improve quality indicators of colonoscopy.
On the Eigenvalue Based Detection for Multiantenna Cognitive Radio System
Authors: Ali Syed Sajjad , Liu Chang , Liu Jialong , Jin Minglu , Kim Jae Moung
Published: June 2016

Eigenvalue based spectrum sensing can make detection by catching correlation features in space and time domains, which can not only reduce the effect of noise uncertainty, but also achieve high detection probability. Hence, the eigenvalue based detection is always a hot topic in spectrum sensing area. However, most existing algorithms only consider part of eigenvalues rather than all the eigenvalues, which does not make full use of correlation of eigenvalues. Motivated by this, this paper focuses on multiantenna system and makes all the eigenvalues weighted for detection. Through the analysis of system model, we transfer the eigenvalue weighting issue to an optimal problem and derive the theoretical expression of detection threshold and probability of false alarm and obtain the close form expression of optimal solution. Finally, we propose new weighting schemes to give promotions of the detection performance. Simulations verify the efficiency of the proposed algorithms.
Blade of Grass as an Unusual Cause of Recurrent Facial Cutaneous Sinus Tract: A Clinical Case
Authors: Ademi-Abdyli Resmije , Perjuci Feriall , Bicaj Teuta , Abdyli Yll
Published: June 2016

The presence of an embedded foreign body in the oral and maxillofacial region is not unusual, but the impaction of a foreign body with vegetative nature is rare. Prompt diagnosis and surgical removal of these foreign bodies will minimize their associated complications. This case report presents a patient with recurrent submandibular abscess and persistent facial cutaneous sinus tract caused by a retained blade of grass inside the facial soft tissue. The fact that the plain radiograph misdiagnosed the presence of a foreign body meant that the pathology persisted for about three months, and the patient underwent hospitalization, surgical procedures, and antibiotic regimens; however all of these failed until the foreign body was detected and removed.Conclusion. To avoid misdiagnosis of foreign body presence in the orofacial region, notably suspected foreign bodies with low radiopacity, the clinician must perform careful clinical examination and use the ultrasonography. Also, in the uncertain cases where the pathology persists, despite having undertaken surgical procedures and antibiotic regimens, the clinician should pay more attention to the patient’s history which may suggest the presence of the foreign body.
An Operational Matrix of Fractional Differentiation of the Second Kind of Chebyshev Polynomial for Solving Multiterm Variable Order Fractional Differential Equation
Authors: Liu Jianping , Li Xia , Wu Limeng
Published: June 2016

The multiterm fractional differential equation has a wide application in engineering problems. Therefore, we propose a method to solve multiterm variable order fractional differential equation based on the second kind of Chebyshev Polynomial. The main idea of this method is that we derive a kind of operational matrix of variable order fractional derivative for the second kind of Chebyshev Polynomial. With the operational matrices, the equation is transformed into the products of several dependent matrices, which can also be viewed as an algebraic system by making use of the collocation points. By solving the algebraic system, the numerical solution of original equation is acquired. Numerical examples show that only a small number of the second kinds of Chebyshev Polynomials are needed to obtain a satisfactory result, which demonstrates the validity of this method.
Preeclampsia: A Possible Complication of Primary Hyperparathyroidism
Authors: Alharbi Bader Abdullah , Alqahtani Mohammed Ali , Hmoud Mohammed , Alhejaili Essam Awadh , Badros Reema
Published: June 2016

Background. Primary hyperparathyroidism is rare in pregnancy. An association between primary hyperparathyroidism and preeclampsia has been reported in few cases worldwide.Case. A 28-year-old woman (gravida 2, para 0, and abortus 1) in her 27th week of gestation was hospitalized due to a high reading of blood pressure (194/115 mmHg) that was not accompanied by any symptoms or signs of preeclampsia. Incidentally, she was found to have a high adjusted calcium and serum parathyroid hormone (PTH) level during admission. Ultrasonographic examination of the neck revealed the presence of parathyroid adenoma. She was scheduled for surgical excision after receiving an intravenous hydration. Fetal ultrasonography revealed a growth restricted fetus with normal biophysical profile. On the sixth day of hospitalization, the patient complained of headache and epigastric pain, with elevated BP and proteinuria. The fetal nonstress test was “nonreassuring.” Subsequently, she had an emergency cesarean delivery and surgical removal of the adenoma. The mother and her newborn were then transferred to intensive care, where their clinical course was unremarkable. The mother was discharged after 3 days, while the neonate stayed for close observation for 60 days.Conclusion. Early recognition of primary hyperparathyroidism among women with preeclampsia is important to prevent maternal and fetal morbidity and mortality.
Expression of Progesterone Receptor Membrane Component 1 (PGRMC1), Progestin and AdipoQ Receptor 7 (PAQPR7), and Plasminogen Activator Inhibitor 1 RNA-Binding Protein (PAIRBP1) in Glioma SpheroidsIn Vitro
Authors: Hlavaty Juraj , Ertl Reinhard , Miller Ingrid , Gabriel Cordula
Published: June 2016

Objective.Some effects of progesterone on glioma cells can be explained through the slow, genomic mediated responsevianuclear receptors; the other effects suggest potential role of a fast, nongenomic action mediated by membrane-associated progesterone receptors.Methods.The effects of progesterone treatment on the expression levels of progesterone receptor membrane component 1 (PGRMC1), plasminogen activator inhibitor 1 RNA-binding protein (PAIRBP1), and progestin and adipoQ receptor 7 (PAQR7) on both mRNA and protein levels were investigated in spheroids derived from human glioma cell lines U-87 MG and LN-229.Results.The only significant alteration at the transcript level was the decrease in PGRMC1 mRNA observed in LN-229 spheroids treated with 30 ng/mL of progesterone. No visible alterations at the protein levels were observed using immunohistochemical analysis. Stimulation of U-87 MG spheroids resulted in an increase of PGRMC1 but a decrease of PAIRBP1 protein. Double immunofluorescent detection of PGRMC1 and PAIRBP1 identified the two proteins to be partially colocalized in the cells. Western blot analysis revealed the expected bands for PGRMC1 and PAIRBP1, whereas two bands were detected for PAQR7.Conclusion.The progesterone action is supposed to be mediatedviamembrane-associated progesterone receptors as the nuclear progesterone receptor was absent in tested spheroids.
Acute Hepatitis and Pancytopenia in Healthy Infant with Adenovirus
Authors: Matoq Amr , Salahuddin Asma
Published: June 2016

Adenoviruses are a common cause of respiratory infection, pharyngitis, and conjunctivitis in infants and young children. They are known to cause hepatitis and liver failure in immunocompromised patients; they are a rare cause of hepatitis in immunocompetent patients and have been known to cause fulminant hepatic failure. We present a 23-month-old immunocompetent infant who presented with acute noncholestatic hepatitis, hypoalbuminemia, generalized anasarca, and pancytopenia secondary to adenovirus infection.
Leveraging In-Network Caching in Vehicular Network for Content Distribution
Authors: Tian Haiyan , Otsuka Yusuke , Mohri Masami , Shiraishi Yoshiaki , Morii Masakatu
Published: June 2016

Information-Centric Networking advocates ubiquitous in-network caching to enhance content distribution. Nonsafety application in vehicular communications is emerging beyond the initial safety application. However, content distribution based on TCP/IP Internet service in vehicular networks suffers from typical issue of low delivery ratio in urban environments, where high buildings block or attenuate the radio propagation as well as short radio coverage range. In order to solve this issue to deliver proximity marketing files, in this paper we propose in-network caching scheme in vehicular networks in accordance with traffic features, in which every vehicle is treated as either a subscriber to request a file or as a cache node to supply other nodes so as to accelerate file transmission effectively. Cache strategy of leave copy everywhere is uncoordinated and distributed, which fits the random and dynamic vehicular network. The performance evaluation is carried out by comparing the proposed scheme with the legacy solution of TCP/IP based scheme using simulation tools of OMNeT++ and Veins and SUMO, which is supplied with real-world urban map associated with random but reasonable traffic routes generated by our designed software for every vehicle. The simulation results validate the proposed scheme in four aspects: robustness resisting obstacle buildings, reliability and scalability in different traffic loads, low utilization ratios of RSUs and Internet resource, and efficiency of cache functions.
First Report of Bovine Leukemia Virus Infection in Yaks (Bos mutus) in China
Authors: Ma Jian-Gang , Zheng Wen-Bin , Zhou Dong-Hui , Qin Si-Yuan , Yin Ming-Yang , Zhu Xing-Quan , Hu Gui-Xue
Published: June 2016

Enzootic bovine leukosis (EBL) is a chronic lymphosarcoma disease of cattle caused by bovine leukemia virus (BLV). No information is available concerning the epidemiology of BLV infection in yaks (Bos mutus). One thousand five hundred and eighty-four serum samples from 610 black yaks and 974 white yaks from Gansu province, northwest China, were collected between April 2013 and March 2014 and tested for BLV antibodies using a commercially available ELISA kit. The overall BLV seroprevalence in yaks was 21.09% (334/1584), with 24.26% (148/610) black yaks and 19.10% (186/974) white yaks yielding positive results. Risk factor analysis indicated that with the exception of breed (OR = 1.36, 95% CI = 1.06–1.73,P<0.05), the age, region, gender, farm, and the numbers of pregnancies were not considered as risk factors for the presence of BLV in yaks included in this study. This is the first report of BLV infection in yaks in China, which provides information for controlling BLV infection in yaks.
Cancer Tills the Premetastatic Field: Mechanistic Basis and Clinical Implications
Authors: Chin Andrew R. , Wang Shizhen Emily
Published: June 2016

A growing body of work has shown that cancer metastasis is not a random spontaneous event; rather, it is the culmination of a cascade of priming steps through which a subpopulation of the tumor cells acquires invasive traits while readying a permissive environment, termed the "premetastatic niche," in which distant metastases can occur. Signals from the primary tumor mobilize and adapt immune cells as well as directly communicating with distant niche cells to induce a broad spectrum of adaptations in target organs, including the induction of angiogenesis, inflammation, extracellular matrix remodeling, and metabolic reprogramming. Together, these interactions facilitate the formation of a premetastatic niche composed of a variable mix of resident and recruited immune cells, endothelial cells, and stromal cells connected through a complex signaling network that we are only beginning to understand. Here, we summarize the latest findings on how cancer induces and guides the formation of this premetastatic niche as well as potential prognostic markers and therapeutic targets that may lead to a better understanding and effective treatment of metastatic disease. Clin Cancer Res; 22(15); 3725–33. ©2016 AACR.
GTL001, A Therapeutic Vaccine for Women Infected with Human Papillomavirus 16 or 18 and Normal Cervical Cytology: Results of a Phase I Clinical Trial
Authors: Van Damme Pierre , Bouillette-Marussig Myriam , Hens Annick , De Coster Ilse , Depuydt Christophe , Goubier Anne , Van Tendeloo Viggo , Cools Nathalie , Goossens Herman , Hercend Thierry , Timmerman Benedikt , Bissery Marie-Christine
Published: June 2016

Purpose: Women infected with human papillomavirus (HPV) with normal cytology to mild abnormalities currently have no treatment options other than watchful waiting or surgery if high-grade cervical lesions or cancer develop. A therapeutic vaccine would offer the possibility of preventing high-grade lesions in HPV-infected women. GTL001 is a therapeutic vaccine composed of recombinant HPV16 and HPV18 E7 proteins fused to catalytically inactive Bordetella pertussis CyaA. This study examined the tolerability and immunogenicity of GTL001 in women infected with HPV16 or HPV18 with normal cytology.

Experimental Design: This was a phase I trial (EudraCT No. 2010-018629-21). In an open-label part, subjects received two intradermal vaccinations 6 weeks apart of 100 or 600 μg GTL001 + topical 5% imiquimod cream at the injection site. In a double-blind part, subjects were randomized 2:1:1 to two vaccinations 6 weeks apart of 600 μg GTL001 + imiquimod, 600 μg GTL001 + placebo cream, or placebo + imiquimod.

Results: Forty-seven women were included. No dropouts, treatment-related serious adverse events, or dose-limiting toxicities occurred. Local reactions were transient and mostly mild or moderate. HPV16/18 viral load decreased the most in the 600 μg GTL001 + imiquimod group. In post hoc analyses, the 600 μg GTL001 + imiquimod group had the highest rates of initial and sustained HPV16/18 clearance. Imiquimod increased antigen-specific T-cell response rates but not rates of solicited reactions. All subjects seroconverted to CyaA.

Conclusions: For women infected with HPV16 or HPV18 with normal cervical cytology, GTL001 was immunogenic and had acceptable safety profile. Clin Cancer Res; 22(13); 3238–48. ©2016 AACR.
Advances in Neonatal Pulmonary Hypertension
Authors: Steinhorn Robin H.
Published: June 2016

Persistent pulmonary hypertension of the newborn (PPHN) is a surprisingly common event in the neonatal intensive care unit, and affects both term and preterm infants. Recent studies have begun to elucidate the maternal, fetal and genetic risk factors that trigger PPHN. There have been numerous therapeutic advances over the last decade. It is now appreciated that oxygen supplementation, particularly for the goal of pulmonary vasodilation, needs to be approached as a therapy that has risks and benefits. Administration of surfactant or inhaled nitric oxide (iNO) therapy at a lower acuity of illness can decrease the risk of extracorporeal membrane oxygenation/death, progression of disease and duration of hospital stay. Milrinone may have specific benefits as an ‘inodilator', as prolonged exposure to iNO plus oxygen may activate phosphodiesterase (PDE) 3A. Additionally, sildenafil and hydrocortisone may benefit infants exposed to hyperoxia and oxidative stress. Continued investigation is likely to reveal new therapies such as citrulline and cinaciguat that will enhance NO synthase and soluble guanylate cyclase function. Continued laboratory and clinical investigation will be needed to optimize treatment and improve outcomes.
Sustained Inflation and Its Role in the Delivery Room Management of Preterm Infants
Authors: Lista Gianluca , La Verde Paola Azzurra , Castoldi Francesca
Published: June 2016

A noninvasive approach in the delivery room in place of intubation and mechanical ventilation can reduce rates of bronchopulmonary dysplasia and death. Nevertheless, the rate of nasal continuous positive airway pressure failure still remains high. In order to prevent lung injury and to enhance the success of continuous positive airway pressure, sustained inflation (administration by face mask or nasopharyngeal tube of a high peak pressure of 20-25 cm H2O, maintained for 10-15 s) has been recently proposed to establish an early and efficient functional residual capacity in the delivery room. Sustained inflation is an intriguing therapy, although the results of clinical trials are controversial in terms of respiratory outcomes. A critical role in the success of sustained inflation could be the presence of open or closed glottis and the contribution of spontaneous breathing that allows air to enter the lungs during the maneuver. Recent neonatal resuscitation guidelines suggest that sustained inflation may be considered in individual clinical circumstances or research settings.
Marked Reduction of the Number and Individual Volume of Sebaceous Glands in Psoriatic Lesions
Authors: Liakou Aikaterini I. , Nyengaard Jens R. , Bonovas Stefanos , Knolle Juergen , Makrantonaki Evgenia , Zouboulis Christos C.
Published: June 2016

Background: Psoriasis is a chronic inflammatory skin disease characterized by plaques with inflammation, infiltration, hyper-/parakeratosis and desquamation. Microscopic findings in previous studies have revealed some degree of atrophy of the sebaceous glands in patients with psoriasis vulgaris and psoriatic alopecia. Objective: The aim of this study was to investigate possible changes of the sebaceous glands in patients with psoriatic plaques and especially psoriatic alopecia. Methods: Histological and stereological analyses were performed in skin specimens from involved and healthy-looking skin of 14 patients with psoriasis. Stereology detects and quantifies 3-dimensional structures ex vivo. Furthermore, the differentiation process of sebocytes of another 14 psoriatic patients was examined by immunohistochemistry of involved and uninvolved skin specimens. Results: A significant reduction of the number of sebaceous glands as well as of the volume of individual sebaceous glands was assessed in the lesional compared to the nonlesional psoriatic skin. Moreover, it was likely that sebocytes in psoriatic lesions may not differentiate properly. Conclusion: These findings indicate that the sebaceous gland may be a player and not an innocent bystander in the development of psoriatic lesions and especially of psoriatic alopecia.
Enumeration and Molecular Characterisation of Circulating Tumour Cells in Endometrial Cancer
Authors: Lemech Charlotte R. , Ensell Leah , Paterson Jennifer C. , Eminowicz Gemma , Lowe Helen , Arora Rupali , Arkenau Hendrik-Tobias , Widschwendter Martin , MacDonald Nicola , Olaitan Adeola , Mould Tim , Meyer Tim , Hartley John , Mitra Anita , Ledermann Jonathan A. , McCormack Mary , Kristeleit Rebecca S.
Published: June 2016

Background: This is a feasibility study to determine whether circulating tumour cells (CTCs) are detectable and suitable for molecular profiling in advanced endometrial cancer (aEC). Method: Between October 2012 and February 2014, 30 patients with aEC had baseline and up to 3 follow-up samples. CTCs and stathmin expression were evaluated using the CellSearch platform. Epithelial cell adhesion molecule (EpCAM) and stathmin immunohistochemistry were performed on FFPE tumour tissue. Results: Eighteen from 30 (60%) patients had detectable CTCs during study [1 CTC (n = 7), 2 (n = 4), 3 (n = 1), 4 (n = 2), 7 (n = 1), 8 (n = 1), 22 (n = 1), 172 (n = 1) in 7.5 ml blood]. Ten from 18 patients had between 50 and 100% of detectable CTCs that were stathmin positive. More CTC-positive than CTC-negative patients had non-endometrioid versus endometrioid histology, tumour size ≥5 versus <5 cm, higher-stage disease and worse survival [hazard ratio 3.3, p > 0.05, 95% confidence interval 0.7-16.2]. Twenty-one tumour blocks were tested for EpCAM and stathmin immunohistochemistry (IHC). Stathmin tumour immunostaining scores (TIS) on IHC were higher in CTC-positive patients. Conclusion: CTC enumeration and molecular profiling with stathmin on the CellSearch platform is feasible in aEC. Stathmin TIS on IHC, a known prognostic marker in EC, was associated with CTC positivity.
Glaucoma Management in Carotid Cavernous Fistula
Authors: Calafiore Silvia , Perdicchi Andrea , Scuderi Gianluca , Contestabile Maria Teresa , Abdolrahimzadeh Solmaz , Recupero Santi Maria
Published: June 2016

Carotid cavernous fistulas (CCF) are vascular communications between the carotid artery and the cavernous sinus. Ophthalmologists are called to diagnose and manage the condition in cases that present with ocular features. A 73-year-old female was referred to our glaucoma center clinic. Eight years before, she had started receiving medication for glaucoma and had undergone laser iridotomy, but a satisfactory management of intraocular pressure (IOP) had not been achieved. The patient was complaining of intermittent diplopia, bilateral proptosis, and conjunctival chemosis over the past 6 months. Best-corrected visual acuity in the right (OD) and left eye (OS) was 9/10 and 10/10, respectively. Visual field testing showed slight paracentral field defects mostly in OS. IOP was 20 mm Hg in OD and 34 mm Hg in OS. We referred the patient to neuroradiology, and MRI angiography revealed a CCF with angiographic classification of Cognard grade 2. Closure of the CCF by transarterial embolization was performed in the neuroradiology department. One week following the procedure, the clinical signs of diplopia, proptosis, and conjunctival chemosis had greatly improved, and IOP was reduced to 12 mm Hg OD and 19 mm Hg in OS. Glaucoma treatment was maintained with topical brimatoprost, brinzolamide, and timolol. Owing to the risk of vision loss associated with vascular stasis, retinal ischemia, and high IOP, ophthalmologists must be aware of the clinical features of CCF and should request appropriate imaging studies such as MRI angiography in order to confirm the diagnosis and plan multidisciplinary treatment.
Development of the Mexican Heart Team: The Long and Winding Road
Authors: Merino-Rajme J. Alfredo , Delgado-Espejel Lilian G. , Morales-Portano Julieta D. , Alcántara-Meléndez Marco A. , García-García J. Francisco , Muratalla-González Roberto , García-Ortegón M. Sol , Díaz-Quiroz Guillermo , Nuñez-López Vanessa F. , Gómez-Álvarez Enrique
Published: June 2016

Heart failure (HF) is the leading cause of death worldwide. Efforts to decrease HF mortality rates include a multidisciplinary approach management. Although evidence suggests that this has been an optimal strategy for treating HF, the model remains not widely implanted. The current article explores the rationale behind the formation of a Heart Team in a developing country and its development despite the lack of an allocated budget.
Two Patients with Severe Short Stature due to a FBN1 Mutation (p.Ala1728Val) with a Mild Form of Acromicric Dysplasia
Authors: de Bruin Christiaan , Finlayson Courtney , Funari Mariana F.A. , Vasques Gabriela A. , Lucheze Freire Bruna , Lerario Antonio M. , Andrew Melissa , Hwa Vivian , Dauber Andrew , Jorge Alexander A.L.
Published: June 2016

Background: Acromicric dysplasia (AD) and geleophysic dysplasia 2 (GD2) belong to the category of acromelic dysplasia syndromes, consisting of severe short stature, short hands and feet and skin thickening. Both can result from missense mutations in the transforming growth factor beta 5 domain of the fibrillin-1 gene (FBN1). Methods: Two patients (P1 age 10, and P2 age 7) from unrelated families presented to their endocrinologist with severe short stature (approx. -4 SDS). They were otherwise asymptomatic and only had mild facial dysmorphisms. Extensive endocrine work-up did not reveal an underlying etiology. Exome sequencing was performed in each family. Results: Exome sequencing identified the presence of the same heterozygous missense variant c.C5183T (p.Ala1728Val) in the FBN1 gene in both P1 and P2. This variant was previously reported in a patient with GD2 and associated cardiac valvulopathy and hepatomegaly. Detailed clinical re-examination, cardiac and skeletal imaging did not reveal any abnormalities in P1 or P2 other than mild hip dysplasia. Conclusion: This report broadens the phenotypic spectrum of growth disorders associated with FBN1 mutations. Identical mutations give rise to a wide phenotypic spectrum, ranging from isolated short stature to a more classic picture of GD2 with cardiac involvement, distinct facial dysmorphisms and various skeletal anomalies.
Senderos encontrados: Canguilhem y la escuela de los Annales
Authors: García Francisco Vázquez
Published: June 2016

Neste artigo analisamos a recepção da escola dos Annales na obra de Georges Canguilhem. Habitualmente, tende-se a destacar o paralelismo e, ao mesmo tempo, o desconhecimento recíproco entre os historiadores do grupo dos Annales e os representantes da epistemologia histórica francesa (Cavaillès, Koyré, Bachelard, Canguilhem). Este último, no entanto, constitui uma exceção, pois conhecia muito bem a obra do que denominava "equipe de Estrasburgo" (Febvre, Bloch, Halbwachs). Utilizando abundantes fontes inéditas, tentamos mostrar que esse encontro marcou decisivamente o estilo de epistemologia histórica praticado por Canguilhem.
A ciência é uma ideologia?
Authors: Santos Filho Gildo Magalhães dos
Published: June 2016

Pretende-se mostrar que, mesmo independentemente de a resposta à pergunta ser positiva ou negativa, no mínimo a atividade científica pode ser ideológica. Para isto é necessário explorar o conceito de ideologia e tentar defini-lo com maior precisão, o que será empreendido a partir de um ensaio de Georges Canguilhem sobre as ideologias científicas. Torna-se interessante e oportuno pensar na questão em sua plenitude e não restrita às ciências sociais, especialmente considerando a pretensa objetividade das ciências naturais.
Georges Canguilhem e a construção do campo da Saúde Coletiva brasileira
Authors: Ayres José Ricardo De Carvalho Mesquita
Published: June 2016

A epistemologia histórica tem desempenhado um papel destacado no desenvolvimento da Saúde Coletiva brasileira. Nascido como um movimento simultaneamente acadêmico, de busca de novas bases conceituais para um campo científico comprometido com as causas sociais, e político, de resistência contra a ditadura civil-militar implantada no Brasil em 1964, o chamado Movimento da Reforma Sanitária Brasileira encontrou na epistemologia histórica francesa um poderoso aliado. Este artigo busca revisitar os principais traços desta relação, enfocando particularmente os trabalhos inaugurais de Sérgio Arouca e Cecília Donnangelo e a Teoria do Processo de trabalho em Saúde desenvolvida no Departamento de Medicina Preventiva da Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade de São Paulo. A discussão está centrada no modo como, de um lado, os conceitos filosóficos de Canguilhem, tais como o caráter normativo da vida e de seu conhecimento, a descontinuidade qualitativa entre os fenômenos normais e patológicos e a definição de saúde orientada pela noção de valor e, de outro lado, a metodologia histórica de Canguilhem, focada no desenvolvimento racional dos conceitos como núcleo da pesquisa histórico-epistemológica, o reconhecimento das influências “externas” sobre os desenvolvimentos científicos, tais como condições sociais e tecnológicas, e o papel positivo atribuído aos obstáculos, falhas e acidentes no progresso das disciplinas científicas, foram todos cruciais para promover a articulação entre os interesses políticos e acadêmicos do Movimento, e ainda permanecem sendo elementos desafiadores para as reflexões históricas e filosóficas da Saúde Coletiva.
Additive Prognostic Value of Echocardiographic Global Longitudinal and Global Circumferential Strain to Electrocardiographic Criteria in Patients With Heart Failure Undergoing Cardiac Resynchronization Therapy
Authors: Delgado-Montero Antonia , Tayal Bhupendar , Goda Akiko , Ryo Keiko , Marek Josef J. , Sugahara Masataka , Qi Zhi , Althouse Andrew D. , Saba Samir , Schwartzman David , Gorcsan John
Published: June 2016

Background—

Response to cardiac resynchronization therapy is most favorable in patients with heart failure with QRS duration ≥150 ms and left bundle branch block and less predictable in those with QRS width 120 to 149 ms or non–left bundle branch block.

Methods and Results—

We studied 205 patients with heart failure referred for cardiac resynchronization therapy with QRS ≥120 ms and ejection fraction ≤35%. We tested the hypothesis that contractile function using speckle-tracking echocardiographic global circumferential strain (GCS) from 2 short-axis views and global longitudinal strain (GLS) from 3 apical views add prognostic value to electrocardiographic criteria. There were 112 patients (55%) with GLS >−9% and 136 patients (66%) with GCS >−9%. During 4 years, 81 patients reached the combined primary end point (death, circulatory support, or transplant) and 120 reached the secondary end point (heart failure hospitalization or death). Both GLS >−9% and GCS >−9% were associated with increased risk of unfavorable events as follows: for the primary end point (hazard ratio=2.91; 95% confidence interval, 1.88–4.49;
P
<0.001) and (hazard ratio=3.73; 95% confidence interval, 2.39–5.82;
P
<0.001) for the secondary end point (hazard ratio=2.10; 95% confidence interval, 1.45–3.05;
P
<0.001) and (hazard ratio=3.25; 95% confidence interval, 2.23–4.75;
P
<0.001). In a prespecified subgroup of 120 patients with QRS 120 to 149 ms or non–left bundle branch block, significant associations of baseline GLS and GCS and outcomes remained:
P
=0.014 and
P
=0.002 for the primary end point and
P
=0.049 and
P
=0.001 for the secondary end point. Global strain measures had additive prognostic value to routine clinical or electrocardiographic parameters (
P
<0.001).

Conclusions—

Baseline GCS and GLS were significantly associated with long-term outcome after cardiac resynchronization therapy and had additive prognostic value to routine clinical and electrocardiographic selection criteria for cardiac resynchronization therapy.
Belief and Acceptance for the Study of Religion
Authors: Bae Bosco B.
Published: June 2016

“Belief” in the study of religion has been vexed by complexities underlying the relationship between language, cognition, and religious behavior. Drawing on anthropological, sociological, and psychological literature, this article discusses the degrees and textures of “belief” to highlight the inadequacies of language and the variety of motivations for participating in rituals. Particular emphasis is given to discrimination, implicit bias, and the issue of discrepancy. The article argues that dual-process models of cognition provide a richer account of “belief” and then goes on to map an epistemological distinction between belief and acceptance as a viable methodology for the investigation of “belief” in the study of religion.
Canon Fodder
Authors: Simmons K. Merinda
Published: June 2016

This brief review of The Norton Anthology of World Religions uses the anthology as an occasion to consider the poststructuralist analytical offerings of what came to be known as the canon wars in literary studies, suggesting that the academic field of religious studies would be well-served to engage in its own canon wars. Doing so would begin to deconstruct in productive ways the protectionist and/or descriptive stance too many scholars of religion have in relation to their objects of study.
Judge Skubiszewski at the Iran-United States Claims Tribunal
Authors: Żenkiewicz Maciej
Published: June 2016

The article presents the contribution of Professor Skubiszewski to the work of the Iran-United States Claims Tribunal during the period of his presidency (1994–2010). The article discusses the cases of Iran-United States Claims Tribunal decided during that period (dual-nationality cases, intergovernmental disputes and military contract cases) and the challenges which Professor Skubiszewski had to confront. Also considered are the more general problems encountered, such as unexpected extended existence of the Tribunal and its slow pace of work. In conclusion some general comments are drawn on the contribution of Professor Skubiszewski to the trajectory of the Tribunal, and on the future of the Tribunal itself.
Leo Strauss, Political Science, and the Trouble with a “Great Books” Approach to the Study of Politics
Authors: Blakely Jason
Published: June 2016

I argue that Leo Strauss’s critique of political science has been deeply misunderstood. Moreover, once the true nature of Strauss’s critique is clarified, I argue that he does not provide a viable alternative to contemporary political science. Instead, his philosophy has mostly justified a “great books” approach to the study of politics, which has contributed to the self-isolation of political theory from the rest of political science. Political theorists should seek new ways forward that more substantively engage the concerns of the mainstream of the discipline.
Discontinuity Pragmatically Framed
Authors: Gorman Jonathan
Published: June 2016

This is an attempt to discover and clarify the philosophical nature of what Eelco Runia claims to be his new and up-to-date philosophy of history, a programme offered in his 2014 book Moved by the Past: Discontinuity and Historical Mutation. His suggestion that his argument is a “dance” is taken seriously, and following an analysis of historical “meaning” and its time-extended nature it is argued that the book’s presentation commits Runia to a conception of meaning that requires more weight than he allows to the centrality of narrative understanding in history. His attempt to reconnect critical and substantive philosophies of history is analysed and criticised. His apparently inconsistent commitments to both Vico’s verum-factum claim, where we can make history, and to Gumbrecht’s “presence”, where history can make us, is clarified in terms of a pragmatic philosophy that permits Runia to have the psychology-based approach that he relies upon.
The Cult of Roman Shukhevych in Ukraine: Myth Making with Complications
Authors: Rudling Per Anders
Published: June 2016

Ukrainian president Viktor Iushchenko’s posthumous designation of Roman Shukhevych (1907–1950), the supreme commander of the Ukrainian Insurgent Army (upa) as a Hero of Ukraine in 2007 triggered intense, and polarized debates in Ukraine and abroad, about Second World War-era Ukrainian nationalism and its place in history. Particularly sensitive are Roman Shukhevych’s whereabouts in 1940–1943, when he served in German uniform, as a Hauptmann, or captain, in the battalion Nachtigall in 1941 thereafter, in 1942–1943 in Schutzmannschaft battalion 201, taking part in ‘anti-partisan operations’ in occupied Belarus. This article analyzes the controversy regarding the memory of Roman Shukhevych.
Religion and the (de-)construction of Diaspora
Authors: Behloul Samuel M.
Published: June 2016

The aim of this article is to highlight aspects of the complex relationship between religious and ethno-national identity-building processes from transnational and trans-state perspectives, using the example of Muslim migrants from the former Yugoslavia in Switzerland, focussing on Albanians and Bosniaks.

The starting point of the article is the idea that religions, in addition to their use of symbols and myths of origin to surround ethno-nationalist ‘assumptions’ with a special ‘aura of factuality’ (Geertz, 1993: 90), provide important resources in the form of universal values that are adopted by individuals as norms of daily conduct. Furthermore, because of their universal claims, religions provide supranational and transnational beliefs and give rise to leaders whose reach can extend beyond their nation or faith tradition.
Scriptworlds Lost and Found
Authors: Damrosch David
Published: June 2016

When writing systems spread beyond their language of origin, they bring literacy to formerly oral cultures or intrude on or displace an existing system. The process of learning a new script often entails learning a good deal about the source culture and its literature, sometimes overwriting earlier local traditions, other times creatively stimulating them. This essay looks first at some of the literary consequences of the spread of cuneiform writing in relation to its hieroglyphic and alphabetic rivals in the ancient Near East, and then discusses the advance and later loss of Chinese script in Vietnam and Korea, in the examples of the foundational work of modern Vietnamese literature, Nguyen Du’s The Tale of Kieu, and poems by the modern Korean poet Pak Tujin.