bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Comparative Primate Connectomics
Authors: Rilling James K. , van den Heuvel Martijn P.
Published: August 2018

A connectome is a comprehensive map of neural connections of a species nervous system. While recent work has begun comparing connectomes across a wide breadth of species, we present here a more detailed and specific comparison of connectomes across the primate order. Long-range connections are thought to improve communication efficiency and thus brain function but are costly in terms of energy and space utilization. Methods for measuring connectivity in the brain include measuring white matter volume, histological cell counting, anatomical tract tracing, diffusion-weighted imaging and tractography, and functional connectivity in MRI. Comparisons of global white matter connectivity suggest that larger primate brains are less well connected than smaller primate brains, but that humans have more connections than expected for our cortical neuron number, which may be concentrated in the prefrontal cortex. Although there is significant overlap in structural connectivity between humans and nonhuman primates, human-specific connections are found in cortical areas involved with language, imitation, and tool use. Similar to structural connectivity, there is also widespread overlap between humans and macaques in resting state functional connectivity. However, there are again a number of human-specific connections in cortical regions involved in language, tool use, and empathy. Comparative connectomics also offers the opportunity to detect specializations of connectivity in other primate species besides humans. Future research should capitalize on the ability of diffusion tractography to measure connectivity in postmortem brains that could expand the representation of species beyond humans, chimpanzees, and rhesus macaques, and facilitate identification of connectivity-based adaptations to different social and ecological niches. This work will require careful attention to establishing cortical homologies across species and to improving tractography methods to limit detection of false-positive and false-negative connections. Finally, it will be important to attempt to establish the functional significance of variation in connectivity profiles by examining how these covary with behavior and cognition both across and within species.
Multidose Methotrexate Treatment of Ectopic Pregnancies with High initial β-Human Chorionic Gonadotropin: Can Success Be Predicted?
Authors: Tug Niyazi , Sargin Mehmet Akif , Yassa Murat
Published: August 2018

Objective: To investigate the clinical results and prognostic factors of multiple dose methotrexate (Mtx) treatment of ectopic pregnancy patients with high initial serum (human chorionic gonadotropin [hCG]). Design: Retrospective cohort study. Patients: Twenty-six ectopic pregnancy patients with serum (βhCG) > 5,000 mIU/mL who received multiple doses of Mtx (1 mg/kg) with folinic acid rescue on the alternating days. Results: Success rate was 88.5%. All failures were tubal ruptures in those who underwent surgery. Median initial hCG values of the success and the failure patients were 8,582 (5,058–31,114) and 5,280 (5,042–13,563) mIU/mL respectively (p > 0.05). Side effects were seen in 18 patients (69.2%, one bone marrow suppression and 17 minor side effects). The number of Mtx injections (7.04 ± 1.71), Mtx dose (71.35 ± 13.16 mg) and follow-up period (42.04 ± 23.77 days) did not differ between groups. Body mass index (BMI), Mtx dose, number of Mtx and change in βhCG levels between the initials and the levels measured 2 days after the 3rd, 4th, and 5th Mtx injections were found to be highly predictive for tubal rupture. Conclusions: Multiple-dose Mtx treatment of ectopic pregnancies with high initial hCG is safe and effective. BMI, Mtx dose, number of Mtx injections and the decrement of βhCG levels were found as highly predictive for the success of the treatment.
Gynecologic Oncologists’ Perceptions of Palliative Care and Associated Barriers: A Survey of the Society of Gynecologic Oncology
Authors: Cripe James C. , Mills Kathryn A. , Kuroki Lindsay K. , Wan Leping , Hagemann Andrea R. , Fuh Katherine C. , Mutch David G. , Powell Matthew A. , Thaker Premal H.
Published: August 2018

Objectives: Gynecologic oncologists frequently care for patients at the end of life with the aid of palliative care (PC) specialists. Our primary objectives were to identify perceived barriers to integrating specialty PC into gynecologic cancer care. Materials and Methods: Members of the Society of Gynecologic Oncology (SGO) were invited to participate in an anonymous online survey. A Likert scale captured perceptions regarding primary and specialty PC, frequent barriers to use of PC, and potential interventions. Results: A total of 174 (16%) gynecologic oncologists completed the survey. The majority (75%) agreed or strongly agreed that PC should be integrated into cancer care at diagnosis of advanced or metastatic cancer. The most frequently perceived PC barriers included patients’ unrealistic expectations (54%), limited access to specialty PC (25%), poor reimbursement (25%), time constraints (22%), and concern of reducing hope or trust (21%). The most agreed upon potential intervention was increased access to outpatient PC (80%). Conclusions: According to this cohort of SGO members, families’ or patients’ unrealistic expectations are the most frequent barriers to specialty PC. Understanding this communication breakdown is critically important.
11β-Hydroxysteroid Dehydrogenase Type 1 Inhibitor Development by Lentiviral Screening Based on Computational Modeling
Authors: Liu Haifeng , Li Lingyu , Zhang Chunlei , Li Hongzhi , Liu Jieting , Tang Chunyin , Zhang Yufei , Wu Dan , Chu Yanhui , Wu Yan , Yuan Xiaohuan
Published: August 2018

In this study, rat and human 11β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase type 1 (11β-HSD1) have been cloned by lentiviral transduction and expressed by CHO-K1 cells. The results showed that recombinant plasmids contained R11bhsd1 or H11bhsd1 have been constructed, which is consistent with the gene bank respectively. A clone cell was selected with G418 and cultivated to express 11β-HSD1. 11β-HSD1 catalytic activity of rat and human were 99.5 and 98.7%, respectively, determined by scanning radiometer. And the cloned CHO-K1 cells expressed the protein of 11β-HSD1 in a long-term and stable manner, which makes it suitable for screening 11β-HSD1 inhibitor. The three-dimensional structure of 11β-HSD1 was used for studying the interaction between inhibitor and enzyme by the binding poses predicted by AutoDock and LeDock software. The docking results revealed that compound 8 forms 2 hydrogen bonds with the residues of Gly-216 and Ile-218 in 11β-HSD1, that is to say compound 8 maybe a good 11β-HSD1 inhibitor. Moreover, C57BL/6 mice with R11bHsd1 overexpression had a higher body weight, glucose, total cholesterol, and triglyceride levels compared to the mice treated with an empty viral vector. The results might provide a beneficial foundation for selecting inhibitors of 11β-HSD1 or for researching drug candidate mechanisms.
Searching for the Culprit: Metastases from a Cancer of Unknown Primary
Authors: Dorantes-Heredia Rita , Motola-Kuba Daniel , Ruiz-Morales Jose Manuel , Muñoz-Castañeda Wallace Rafael A. , Vega-Ochoa Carolina , De la Peña Roberto
Published: August 2018

We report a case of metastases from a cancer of unknown primary whose primary site could not be identified during the appropriate pretreatment evaluation. The patient was a 58-year-old woman with a history of passive smoking and with no history of cancer in the family. Her current condition started with asthenia, adynamia, and pallor, followed by palpitations. An abdominopelvic computed tomography (CT) scan was performed, showing multiple osteolytic lesions distributed in all bone structures and axillary adenopathy on the left side. As part of the approach and given the high suspicion of multiple myeloma, tests were performed. The results were negative for multiple myeloma. A PET-CT scan was performed and showed left axillary adenopathy. The breasts and other organs were not affected. Left axillary lymph node resection revealed breast primary metastatic pleomorphic lobular carcinoma. Due to the metastatic disease (caused by the primary breast cancer), it was decided to start chemotherapy.
Mortality Effects of Prolonged Hemoperfusion Therapy Using a Polymyxin B-Immobilized Fiber Column for Patients with Septic Shock: A Sub-Analysis of the DESIRE Trial
Authors: Kawazoe Yu , Sato Tetsuya , Miyagawa Noriko , Yokokawa Yuta , Kushimoto Shigeki , Miyamoto Kyohei , Ohta Yoshinori , Morimoto Takeshi , Yamamura Hitoshi
Published: August 2018

Background/Aims: The optimal duration of hemoperfusion therapy with a polymyxin B-immobilized fiber column has not yet been verified. Methods: This analysis examined whether hemoperfusion therapy with a polymyxin B-immobilized fiber column lasting longer than 2 h (prolonged polymyxin) improved outcomes for patients with septic shock compared to 2-h polymyxin therapy (sub-analysis of data from the DESIRE trial). Results: The 2-h and prolonged polymyxin groups contained 22 and 14 patients, respectively. Both groups had similar characteristics. The polymyxin duration per session in the prolonged polymyxin group was significantly longer (median, 5.5 h) than in the 2-h polymyxin group (p < 0.01). The 28-day mortality rate was significantly higher in the 2-h polymyxin group (7, 31.8%) than in the prolonged polymyxin group (0, 0%; p = 0.019). Conclusion: Prolonged polymyxin therapy might be associated with better clinical outcomes than 2-h polymyxin therapy in patients with septic shock. Video Journal Club “Cappuccino with Claudio Ronco” at http://www.karger.com/?doi=491744.
Inhibition of Nicotine Dependence by Curcuminoid Is Associated with Reduced Acetylcholinesterase Activity in the Mouse Brain
Authors: Wilar Gofarana , Anggadiredja Kusnandar , Shinoda Yasuharu , Fukunaga Kohji
Published: August 2018

Nicotine is a stimulatory component in tobacco that activates the central nervous system reward pathway and causes nicotine dependence. We found that the anti-inflammatory agent, curcuminoid, prevents nicotine dependence and relapse, as assessed by the conditioned placed preference test. Curcuminoid (1, 3.2, and 10 mg·kg–1, oral) dose-dependently inhibited nicotine dependence and enhanced nicotine extinction when administrated 30 min prior to nicotine administration (0.5 mg·kg–1, i.p.) for 7 days. In addition, curcuminoid significantly suppressed the priming effects of nicotine and inhibited acetylcholinesterase (AChE) activity. Taken together, curcuminoid ameliorates nicotine dependence and relapse, in part via the inhibition of the AChE activity in the brain.
Emodin and Its Combination with Cytarabine Induce Apoptosis in Resistant Acute Myeloid Leukemia Cells in Vitro and in Vivo
Authors: Chen Yingyu , Gan Donghui , Huang Qinghua , Luo Xiaofeng , Lin Donghong , Hu Jianda
Published: August 2018

Background/Aims: Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) remains a hematologic malignancy with poor survival and a high risk of relapse, which is mainly caused by the emergence of multidrug resistance (MDR). The identification of novel agents to improve therapeutic strategies becomes important priority for AML treatment. It has been shown that emodin has therapeutic effects on many kinds of human malignant tumors. In this study, we investigated the anti-leukemia effects of emodin alone or in combination with cytarabine (Ara-C) on multidrug-resistant AML HL-60/ADR cells and in a mouse xenograft model of human highly tumorigenic AML HL-60/H3 cells. The underlying mechanism was also addressed. Methods: Cell viability after treatment was measured by MTT assay. The DNA fragmentation assay, Annexin V-PE/7-AAD, AO/EB staining, and electron microscopy were introduced to assess the apoptotic induction effects. Changes in protein expression in the Akt and ERK signaling pathways were determined by western blotting. In vivo antileukemia effects on HL-60/H3 xenograft model and overall mouse survival outcomes were further analyzed in this study. Results: Emodin dose-dependently induced growth inhibition and apoptotic effects in resistant HL-60/ADR cells in vitro as well as in the HL-60/H3 xenograft models in vivo. Moreover, emodin significantly enhanced chemosensitivity of AML cells to Ara-C, inhibited leukemic cell growth, and improved survival in the mouse xenograft model of AML. Dual targeting of Akt and ERK signaling pathways might contribute to the anti-leukemia effects on AML cells in vitro and in vivo. Conclusion: Emodin and its combination with Ara-C may be considered a promising therapeutic approach in AML and worthy of further investigation.
Rotenone Protects Against Acetaminophen-Induced Kidney Injury by Attenuating Oxidative Stress and Inflammation
Authors: Hua Hu , Ge Xuhua , Wu Mengqiu , Zhu Chunhua , Chen Lihong , Yang Guangrui , Zhang Yue , Huang Songming , Zhang Aihua , Jia Zhanjun
Published: August 2018

Background/Aims: In clinic, excessive acetaminophen (APAP) can cause kidney damage with uncertain mechanisms. Recently, accumulating evidence demonstrated a pathogenic role of mitochondrial dysfunction in the kidney injury. Thus, in this study, rotenone, a mitochondrial complex I inhibitor, was applied to the mice with APAP-induced acute kidney injury to evaluate the effect of mitochondrial complex I inhibition on APAP nephrotoxicity. Methods: After 3 days of rotenone pretreatment, mice were administered with APAP (300mg/kg) by intraperitoneal injection for 24 h. Then the kidney injury, inflammation, and oxidative stress were evaluated. Results: APAP significantly enhanced the BUN, serum creatine, and cystatin C levels in line with a moderate alteration of renal morphology. Strikingly, rotenone treatment normalized BUN, serum creatinine, and cystatin C levels, as well as the kidney morphology. Meanwhile, APAP enhanced tubular injury markers of NGAL and KIM-1 by 347- and 5-fold at mRNA levels, respectively. By Western blotting, we confirmed a 15-fold increment of NGAL in APAP-exposed kidneys. Importantly, rotenone treatment largely normalized NGAL and KIM-1 levels and attenuated inflammatory response in APAP-treated mice. Similarly, rotenone treatment enhanced the expressions of SOD1-3 compared with APAP group in line with a significant suppression of kidney MDA content. Finally, we observed that inhibition of mitochondrial complex III failed to protect against APAP-induced nephrotoxicity. Conclusion: Mitochondrial complex I inhibitor rotenone protected kidneys against APAP-induced injury possibly via the inhibition of mitochondrial oxidative stress and inflammation.
Combined Immunosuppressive Treatment May Improve Short-Term Renal Outcomes in Chinese Patients with Advanced IgA Nephropathy
Authors: Tan Li , Tang Yi , Peng Wei , Mathew Bechu Shelley , Qin Wei
Published: August 2018

Background/Aims: Treatment of advanced Immunoglobulin A nephropathy (IgAN) patients with estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) below 45 mL/min per 1.73 m2 remains inconsistent. The aim of this study is to compare the effects of corticosteroid and immunosuppressant therapies among these patients. Methods: A total of 201 adult patients with advanced IgAN (eGFR < 45 mL/min/1.73 m2 and proteinuria > 1 g/24h at biopsy) grouped into supportive care (SC), steroids alone (CS), and steroids plus immunosuppressant (IT) groups, were investigated between 30th December 2002 and 30th June 2016. The primary endpoint was the combined endpoint of a 50% decline in eGFR and/or end stage renal disease (ESRD: eGFR < 15 mL/min/1.73 m2 or maintenance renal replacement treatment). Responses to therapy included complete remission (CR: urinary protein excretion < 0.5 g/24h, with eGFR decrease less than 10% baseline), partial remission (PR: proteinuria decrease by > 50% baseline, with eGFR decrease less than 10% baseline), no response (NR: proteinuria decrease < 50% baseline, or eGFR decrease > 10% baseline) and ESRD. Kaplan–Meier and Cox proportional hazards analyses were performed. Results: During the follow-up period (37.2 ± 22.7 months), 6.8% patients in SC group, 25.0% in CS group, and 38.0% in IT group achieved CR or PR, while 78.4%, 62.5% and 49.3% patients in these 3 groups reached primary endpoint respectively (p < 0.001). Three-year renal survival rates in SC and combined immunosuppressive treatment groups (CS and IT groups) were 33.8% vs 51.2% (p = 0.02), and 5-year renal survival rates were 12.2% vs 21.3% (p = 0.1) respectively. Multivariate Cox regression analysis showed that hypertension (HR = 2.44, 95% CI 1.51–3.95; p < 0.001), Scr (HR = 1.01, 95% CI 1.00-1.01; p < 0.001), T1-T2 lesion (HR = 1.99, 95% CI 1.35–2.93; p = 0.001) were independent indicators of poor renal outcome. Conclusion: Immunosuppressive treatment (CS and IT therapy) may improve short-term renal outcome compared with supportive treatment in advanced IgAN patients.
Advertising Positions: Data Portraiture as Aesthetic Critique
Authors: Howe Daniel C. , Chen Qianxun , Chen Zong
Published: August 2018

Advertising Positions integrates 3D scanning, motion capture, novel image mapping algorithms and custom animation to create data portraits from the advertisements served by online trackers. Project volunteers use bespoke software to harvest the ads they receive over months of browsing. When enough ads have been collected, the volunteer is interviewed, 3D scanned and motion captured. Each ad is then mapped to a single polygon on the textured skin of their virtual avatar. Outcomes have been displayed as 2D/3D images, animations and interactive installations.
Legal Regulation of the Full-Face Veil in Public Spaces in Spain and Italy: Some Critical Reflections on the Applicability of the ECtHR Doctrine in S.A.S. v. France
Authors: Cañamares Santiago , Angeletti Silvia
Published: August 2018

This paper focuses on the use of the full-face veil in the public sphere, discussing the standpoint adopted by some local authorities in Spain and Italy and the content of different proposals that have been submitted to Parliament in both countries, aimed at restricting the use of this garment in public places. The doctrine of the ECtHR in S.A.S. v. France will be taken as a benchmark for a comparative study of this issue in both Mediterranean countries. It is assumed that from a legal approach the wearing of burqa is a very complex question that requires a detailed analysis of the different elements involved, including its social implications before giving it an enduring solution. A general ban can be detrimental for the goal of integration, and give way to new forms of discrimination. Therefore, prior to enacting any legislation that could affect fundamental rights, it should be considered what public interests are in real need of protection.
The Role of the Arts in the History of Emotions: Aesthetic Experience and Emotion as Method
Authors: Sullivan Erin
Published: August 2018

What role do the arts play in the study of the history of emotions? This essay reflects on the position that aesthetic works and arts-oriented methodologies have occupied in the field’s development since the early 2000s. It begins by connecting artistic sources to anxieties about impressionism within cultural history, before looking at examples from literature that help illustrate the advantages works of art can bring to the study of emotion over time. Chief among these benefits is the power of artistic sources to create emotional worlds for their audiences – including, of course, historians. Ultimately, in arguing for a greater use of aesthetic works in our field, the essay makes the case for a more overtly emotional history of the emotions.
Peripherality and World Literature
Authors: Azadibougar Omid
Published: August 2018

Critiques of World Literature often come with assumptions that are formed with reference to more central cultures’ conceptualization(s) of the relationship between literature, society and politics. As a result, they almost always neglect, perhaps unwittingly, the pluralities of literature in the world, and the specific and unexpected way(s) translated literature functions in diverse contexts. Focused on the condition of peripherality and engaging literary translation, academic relevance, and political impact, this paper addresses some of the critiques with specific examples from a peripheral context, to argue why the study of World Literature matters, and how it can lead to social and political effects that are not visible from the perspective of central cultures.
Debating World Literature
Authors: Birus Hendrik
Published: August 2018

Since the turn of the millennium the idea of “World Literature” has experienced a boom. This development is closely connected with the increasingly rapid globalization process, which began during the first few decades of the nineteenth century and led to the co-emergence of Weltliteratur and Littérature comparée in 1827. Goethe’s proclamation of the “Epoch of World Literature” created the impression that existing national literatures were to be supplanted; instead, however, the same period simultaneously witnessed the latter’s triumphant proliferation. Beecroft’s typology of the evolution of literary systems may assist in overcoming the rather pointless antithesis between world literature and national literatures. Since literary translation now plays an increasingly important role, it has become an indispensable factor contributing to the flourishing of world literature.
“Othering” Nationalism: The Bookends of the Industrial Age
Authors: Rosenthal Lawrence
Published: August 2018

More than any time in over 50 years, Donald Trump’s 2016 presidential campaign provoked a serious discussion of the threat of fascism at the level of presidential politics. During the campaign, it was above all Trump’s scapegoating of immigrants that gave rise to the conversation about fascism—first tying Mexicans to crime, drugs and rape, and then doubling down on Muslims. Since the inauguration, observers’ fears of fascism have expanded to include the Trump administration’s wholesale subversion of democratic norms and its affinity with the illiberal, or authoritarian, international zeitgeist. However, the more accurate historical analogy to the current moment is not the rise of fascism in the wake of World War I. but to what Poulantzas, Organski and Bottomore outlined as fascistogenic conditions. It behooves us to consider what transpired in the transition from the early twentieth century blossoming of “othering” nationalism to the rise of fascism.
The Art of PR War
Authors: Westbrook Donald A.
Published: August 2018

This article explores the relationship between the Church of Scientology and various forms of media, in particular the Internet. Building on insights in the academic literature, this piece attempts to fill a lacuna by giving more attention to some of Scientology’s own media programs and efforts. With these in mind, the Church of Scientology is a case study in the challenges that a new religion faces in legitimating itself to an increasingly globalized audience in the digital age. On a popular level, Scientology parishioners seem increasingly open to discussing, defending, and disseminating Scientology on social media platforms. These efforts may encourage others accustomed to a Scientological theology of evil in which “entheta” should be avoided and “suppressive persons” (SPs) shunned. As such, socially engaged Scientologists, in particular second- and third-generation members, may become witting and unwitting foot soldiers on behalf of the church in waging an ongoing public relations war, and thus poised to legitimate Scientology to outsiders disinterested in or suspicious of “institutional religion.” This hypothesis is all the more intriguing and plausible in the American context, given the market share created by the heterogeneous “rise of the nones” (religiously unaffiliated/disaffiliated populations).
Mankind's Bootstraps
Authors: Copper Francis Roy
Published: August 2018

Consistently through the ages men have “lifted themselves by their own bootstraps” by solving seemingly impossible problems.
The Right to be Lefthanded
Authors: Emery James Newell
Published: August 2018

In these days of “self determination,” why not a few concessions to that downtrodden minority the “Southpaws”?
The university is not your home: lived experiences of a Black woman in academia
Authors: Maseti Thandokazi
Published: August 2018

Entering academia as the youngest academic in my department, I encountered my blackness in ways that mirrored my days as a university student. Joining a university department with few Black1 academics was psychologically scarring. One of those scars had been constantly wondering whether my employment had been to fulfil demographic obligations or rightfully based on merit and suitability for the job. This evoked a recollection of past experiences: my experiences as a Black student in classes with very few Black bodies to engage with and/or look up to. The burden of constantly needing to prove my worth and intellectual capability became an artificial barrier to belonging in those spaces. Reflecting on transformation in South African Institutions of Higher Education, I utilise an autoethnographic method to reveal my experiences of (un)belonging and exclusions in academia as a way of revealing the psychological cost of being a ‘body out of place’.
Effect of group leaders on doctors’ learning in Balint groups
Authors: Tschuschke Volker , Flatten Guido
Published: August 2018

Objective

Although effective Balint leadership is viewed as essential for good Balint practice, nearly no quantitative research is available regarding the importance of the person of the group leader in Balint group outcome. This study aims to identify Balint group leaders’ impact on “typical Balint” learning processes in Balint groups.

Method

A total of 1460 medical doctors in 352 Balint groups in Germany, Austria, and Switzerland were investigated. Based on the three learning dimensions of the Balint Group Session Questionnaire, statistical analyses were conducted to identify differential effectiveness in Balint leadership.

Results

On the basis of the mean scores of the Balint Group Session Questionnaire items across all group participants of each group leader, the 80 certified Balint group leaders were clustered into two groups of more and less effective leaders by a hierarchichal cluster analysis. Mixed model analyses revealed that the effectiveness of the person of the Balint group leader was the most predictive factor for learning effects.

Conclusions

Training for Balint group leaders should take into account that effective learning processes in Balint groups are strongly related not only to the method itself but also to the person of the group leader.
Scientific and Regulatory Policy Committee Points to Consider: Histopathologic Evaluation in Safety Assessment Studies for PEGylated Pharmaceutical Products
Authors: Irizarry Rovira Armando R. , Bennet Bindu M. , Bolon Brad , Braendli-Baiocco Annamaria , Chandra Sundeep , Fleurance Renaud , Garman Robert , Hutto David , Lane Joan , Romeike Annette , Sargeant Aaron , Zimmerman Bevin
Published: August 2018

Colorless, intracytoplasmic vacuoles occur in multiple tissues in animals following repeated administration of polyethylene glycol (PEG)-conjugated molecules. The extent of vacuolation depends on physical characteristics and molecular backbone of the PEG and the dose, product, drug target/pharmacology, and duration of exposure. The collective experience gathered from multiple nonclinical toxicology studies of PEGylated biopharmaceuticals indicates that in general, PEG-related vacuolation is not associated with demonstrable cell and tissue damage or dysfunction and is reversible with sufficient duration of drug-free periods. Existing data are insufficient to predict whether nonclinical animal species differ in their sensitivity to develop PEG-associated vacuoles; however, recent data suggest that there may be species differences. Recent comprehensive reviews have addressed the basic challenges in developing PEGylated pharmaceutical products, including general reference to and description of PEG-associated tissue findings. These manuscripts have identified gaps in our current understanding of PEG-associated vacuolation, including the lack of a widely accepted standardized histological terminology and criteria to record and grade the severity of vacuolation as well as insufficient knowledge regarding the nature of the contents of these vacuoles. The goal of this article is to help address some of the gaps identified above by providing points to consider, including a pictorial review of PEG-associated microscopic findings, when evaluating and reporting the extent, severity, and significance (adversity or lack of adversity) of PEG-associated cytoplasmic vacuolation in safety assessment studies.

[Box: see text]
Parental intervention style and adult sibling conflicts: The mediating role of involvement in sibling bullying
Authors: Bouchard Geneviève , Plamondon Andréanne , Lachance-Grzela Mylène
Published: August 2018

Managing conflicts and aggressive behaviors between siblings is challenging for many parents, and parental responses to sibling conflict has been shown to influence the quality of children’s sibling interactions. Building on previous work on parental involvement in sibling conflict, the aim of this study was to investigate the mediating role of sibling bullying perpetration and victimization during childhood and adolescence in the relationship between parental intervention styles and conflicts in young adults’ sibling relationships. A sample of 302 individuals aged 17–33 years participated in the study. Results of structural equation modeling confirmed the proposed mediation model of young adults’ sibling conflicts. More precisely, parental control and parental noninvolvement were positively associated with experiences of sibling bullying perpetration and victimization, whereas parental coaching was associated with lower reports of sibling victimization. Involvement in sibling bullying during childhood and adolescence was, for its part, associated with sibling conflicts in young adulthood. Results of the current study confirmed that parenting intervention styles can influence children’s involvement in sibling bullying, which in turn, can predict conflicts in adult sibling relationships. In line with the family system theory, these results underline that parents can inadvertently play a role in the development of dysfunctional sibling relationships.
Most children who are allergic to cow’s milk tolerate yogurt
Authors: Küçükosmanoğlu Ercan , Özen Evrim , Eltan Sevgi Bilgiç , Özkars Mehmet Yaşar , Keskin Özlem
Published: August 2018

Objective

Cow’s milk allergy is the most common food allergy in childhood. Changes occur in the protein structure of milk during yogurt fermentation. This study aimed to determine whether children who are diagnosed with a cow’s milk allergy can tolerate yogurt.

Methods

We performed a yogurt challenge test on 34 children who were diagnosed with a cow’s milk allergy in our Pediatric Allergy Outpatient Clinic. The mean age of 24 male and 10 female children was 24 ± 13 months.

Results

A reaction was observed in 17 (50%) patients, whereas no reaction was observed in the other 17 (50%) during an oral yogurt challenge test that was performed in all of the 34 patients with a cow’s milk allergy. Cow’s milk-specific immunoglobulin E levels were significantly lower in the group of children who could tolerate yogurt than in the group of children who could not tolerate yogurt.

Conclusion

Yogurt is tolerated by half of children with a cow’s milk allergy when subjected to a challenge test performed with yogurt, which is consumed as much as milk in Turkey.
Inverse determination of elastic constants of a hyper-elastic member with inclusions using simple displacement/length measurements
Authors: Hajhashemkhani M , Hematiyan MR , Goenezen S
Published: August 2018

There are many engineering parts and natural soft members, which consist of several phases with different mechanical properties. Identification of material parameters of multi-material members is an important issue that has attracted considerable attention. In this article, a finite-element-based inverse method for identification of material parameters of a body made of several hyper-elastic materials is presented. In the presented inverse method, the unknowns are computed using a few simple displacement/length measurements in a few elasto-static experiments. The inverse analysis can be carried out without any full-field measurements. Both plane strain and plane stress conditions are considered. In the plane strain case, displacements of several sampling points on the boundary of the problem domain are used as measured data. In the plane stress case, some characteristic lengths of the member in the deformed configuration are used as measured data. A cost function in terms of the differences between calculated and measured values is defined and the Gauss–Newton method is used to minimize it. The multi-material sensitivity analysis in the optimization process is made by analytical differentiation of the weak form of the problem. Both numerical and experimental studies are made to demonstrate the effectiveness and accuracy of the proposed methods.
Robots and Computers Enhance Us More Than They Replace Us
Authors: Diamond Arthur M.
Published: August 2018

Past fears that robots and computers would cause large increases in secular unemployment have proven unfounded. Some well-respected economists and other technology and labor analysts are worried again. Advances in algorithms have proven impressive, but experts on the mind and neuroscience remain skeptical about the extent to which robots and computers will be able to duplicate or surpass humans in areas of insight, judgment, and creativity. Certainly, for the foreseeable future, robots and computers will be more complements to human labor, than they will be substitutes for human labor, enhancing us more than replacing us. If we use the precautionary principle to justify heavy regulation of robots and computers, the benefits of enhancement will be fewer and will be delayed.

JEL Classifications: J63, O33, L51, D83, O31
Comorbidity of Migraine and Epilepsy in Pediatrics: A Review
Authors: Jancic Jasna , Djuric Vesna , Hencic Boris , van den Anker John N. , Samardzic Janko
Published: August 2018

Migraine and epilepsy are classified as chronic paroxysmal neurologic disorders sharing many clinical features, as well as possible treatment options. This review highlights the similarities between migraine and epilepsy in pediatrics, focusing on epidemiologic, pathophysiological, genetic, clinical, and pharmacologic aspects. Despite the fact that several syndromes share symptoms of both migraine and epilepsy, further research is needed to clarify the pathophysiological and genetic basis of their comorbidity. Drugs used for prophylactic therapy of migraine and epilepsy have similar pharmacologic properties. The role of epileptic pharmacotherapy in the prophylaxis of migraine is assessed, including the use of conventional antiepileptic drugs, calcium channel blockers, and nonpharmacologic methods such as dietary therapy, supplements, and vagal nerve stimulation. Further randomized, controlled clinical trials assessing pharmacologic and nonpharmacologic methods for the treatment of both disorders are essential, in order to initiate new therapeutic approaches.
Motion and force analysis of slow-speed multi-trailer systems
Authors: Sorge Francesco
Published: August 2018

Comparing with the tractor-trailer systems for the road haulage, which must cope with some typical undesired trends, such as high-speed instability, over- or under-steering and off-tracking, the multi-trailer systems for the transport of luggage in the airports or in the railway stations, or for the transfer of goods in the warehouses, run at quite low speeds, but must manage to steer clear of the many obstacles encountered along their path. This type of vehicle is not subject to tire cornering phenomena, because the speed is just low and the wheels are generally stiff. Hence, the vehicle movement is in practice ruled by the non-holonomic rolling constraint of the wheels and by the steering device mounted on the trailers, which may consist in drawbars integrated with the front axles and rotating around a central pin (dolly-semitrailer systems), or else in roulettes set back with respect to their vertical connection pins to the trailer chassis (caster-trailer systems). The present analysis addresses all the interconnected aspects of the mechanical behaviour of these types of multi-trailer systems in an organic whole, starting from the kinematical analysis of the possible paths and their stability, giving guidelines for the proper layout of the vehicle units to eliminate the steady off-track, and ending with the calculation of the traction forces through the various links and the road forces at the ground prints, in order to gain information useful to check the stress state of the various structural elements.
Scleritis, keratitis, and orbital cellulitis: isolated ocular manifestation of systemic lupus erythematosus
Authors: Lin W V , Saumur M , Al-Mohtaseb Z
Published: August 2018

Systemic autoimmune diseases are associated with ocular inflammatory conditions such as episcleritis, scleritis, keratitis, and uveitis. However, ocular manifestations have been reported to correlate with the extent of systemic disease. We present a patient with scleritis, keratitis, and orbital cellulitis, as the isolated manifestation of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). No microbial etiology was identified and antibiotics did not produce clinical improvement. The patient improved significantly with steroids and disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs. Although ocular inflammation has been previously remarked in SLE of systemic severity, in this case there were no other organs with SLE involvement. We briefly discuss the ocular manifestations of SLE, which can involve all segments of the eye, including cornea, sclera, retina, uvea, optic nerve, and orbit.
An in Vitro and in Vivo Study of the Effect of Dexamethasone on Immunoinhibitory Function of Induced Pluripotent Stem Cell-Derived Mesenchymal Stem Cells
Authors: Wang Dan , Sun Yue-Qi , Gao Wen-Xiang , Fan Xing-Liang , Shi Jian-Bo , Fu Qing-Ling
Published: August 2018

Induced pluripotent stem cell-derived mesenchymal stem cells (iPSC-MSCs) represent a promising cell source for patient-specific cell therapy. We previously demonstrated that they display an immunomodulatory effect on allergic airway inflammation. Glucocorticoids are powerful anti-inflammatory compounds and widely used in the therapy of allergic diseases. However, the effect of glucocorticoids on the immunomodulatory function of iPSC-MSCs remains unknown. This study aimed to determine the effect of dexamethasone (Dex) on the immunomodulatory function of iPSC-MSCs in vitro and in vivo. A total of three human iPSC-MSC clones were generated from amniocyte-derived iPSCs. Anti-CD3/CD28-induced peripheral blood mononuclear cell (PBMC) proliferation was used to assess the effect of Dex on the immunoinhibitory function of iPSC-MSCs in vitro. Mouse models of contact hypersensitivity (CHS) and allergic airway inflammation were induced, and the levels of inflammation in mice were analyzed with the treatments of iPSC-MSCs and Dex, alone and combined. The results showed that Dex did not interfere with the immunoinhibitory effect of iPSC-MSCs on PBMC proliferation. In CHS mice, simultaneous treatment with Dex did not affect the effect of iPSC-MSCs on the inflammation, both in regional draining lymph nodes and in inflamed ear tissue. In addition, co-administration of iPSC-MSCs with Dex decreased the local expression of interferon (IFN)-γ and tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α in the ears of CHS mice. In the mouse model of allergic airway inflammation, iPSC-MSC treatment combined with Dex resulted in a similar extent of reduction in pulmonary inflammation as iPSC-MSCs or Dex treatment alone. In conclusion, Dex does not significantly affect the immunomodulatory function of iPSC-MSCs both in vitro and in vivo. These findings may have implications when iPSC-MSCs and glucocorticoids are co-administered.
Pentaisomaltose, an Alternative to DMSO. Engraftment of Cryopreserved Human CD34+ Cells in Immunodeficient NSG Mice
Authors: Svalgaard Jesper Dyrendom , Talkhoncheh Mehrnaz Safaee , Haastrup Eva Kannik , Munthe-Fog Lea , Clausen Christian , Hansen Morten Bagge , Andersen Pernille , Gørløv Jette Sønderskov , Larsson Jonas , Fischer-Nielsen Anne
Published: August 2018

Hematopoietic stem cell transplantation often involves the cryopreservation of stem cell products. Currently, the standard cryoprotective agent (CPA) is dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO), which is known to cause concentration-related toxicity and side effects when administered to patients. Based on promising in vitro data from our previous study using pentaisomaltose (a 1 kDa subfraction of Dextran 1) as an alternative to DMSO for cryopreservation of hematopoietic progenitor cells (HPCs) from apheresis products, we proceeded to a preclinical model and compared the two CPAs with respect to engraftment of human hematopoietic stem and progenitor cells (HSPCs) in the immunodeficient NSG mouse model. Human HPCs from apheresis products were cryopreserved with either pentaisomaltose or DMSO, and the following outcomes were measured: (1) the post-thaw recovery of cryopreserved cells and clonogenic potential of CD34+ cells and (2) hematopoietic engraftment in NSG mice. We found that recovery and colony-forming cells data were comparable between pentaisomaltose and DMSO. The engraftment data revealed comparable human CD45+ levels in peripheral blood at 8 weeks and bone marrow at 16 weeks post transplantation. Additionally, the frequencies of CD34+CD38low/negative and myeloid/lymphoid cells in the bone marrow were comparable. We here demonstrated that long-term engrafting HSPCs were well preserved in pentaisomaltose and comparable to cells cryopreserved with DMSO. Although a clinical trial is necessary to translate these results into human use, the present data represent an important step toward the replacement of DMSO with a non-toxic alternative.
Historical Evolution and Future Challenges of the Human Services Professions
Authors: Jimenez Mary Ann
Published: August 2018

The history of the human services professions in the 20th century reflects a continued increase in the demand for services among American families. Changing historical conditions, along with critical demographic shifts, have limited the ability of the private sector to meet these needs. Human services professionals will be challenged in the future to develop strategies to meet the overwhelming demand for services that they have helped to create.
Toward a Post-Industrial Social Policy
Authors: Moynihan Daniel Patrick
Published: August 2018

Social policy to eliminate poverty is traced from the Progressive Era to the present. New forms of social distress have arisen with post-industrial society. Before a new social policy can be developed, causes of poverty as they relate to family structure must be addressed. A tough-minded approach to post-industrial social issues may lead to a more mature American social policy.
Ethical Decision Making in Human Services: A Comparative Study
Authors: Walden Theodore , Wolock Isabel , Demone Harold W.
Published: August 2018

The authors report the findings of a study of ethical decision making using case vignettes that posed ethical dilemmas. Responses among acute-care hospital social workers, child welfare protective service workers, and students in a school of social work are compared with the help of a cost–benefit decision-making framework. Findings indicate that workers are most comfortable when their decisions meet both client wishes and organizational requirements.
Consequences of Abuse on the Relationships of Children
Authors: Fatout Marian F.
Published: August 2018

Severely abused and neglected children suffer from the psychological outcomes of their abuse throughout their lives. Many of these children are unable to develop and sustain relationships. Although the results of abuse and neglect may vary, some behaviors typify this group. Helping professionals need to understand why these behaviors occur in order to provide effective treatment.
Where are the Fathers in Social Work Literature?
Authors: Greif Geoffrey L. , Bailey Cynthia
Published: August 2018

A review of five major social work journals published during a 27-year period indicates that the literature on fathers is sparse. The view of fathers that emerges from articles that have been published shows fathers as perpetrators, as missing, and as embattled. If the social work profession is to remain committed to working with families, then researchers and practitioners must study the changing patterns of fatherhood.
Navigating the Labels: Appropriate Terminology for Students with Disabilities
Authors: Draper Ellary A.
Published: August 2018

Navigating the acronyms and labels when working in schools can be challenging and overwhelming. But knowing the appropriate terminology when working with students with disabilities is an important part of understanding students’ diagnoses, communicating with parents and other school personnel, and engaging in effective teaching practices to foster a culture of inclusion in music classrooms.
Female Representation in the Traditional Music Classroom
Authors: Lam Megan
Published: August 2018

This article discusses how the scarcity of female representation in music history curriculums, music textbooks, and traditional classical music repertoire affects student aspirations for professional careers in music and the way in which students relate to the music. The role of political issues and social movements in the classroom, such as those concerning gender issues, remains a controversial issue. However, it is also evidently a critical aspect in better understanding and re-creating the context for women in music. This article seeks to provoke discussion surrounding traditional music curricula in the vast disparity between male and female figures in music education and to encourage continual refinement of modern classical music curricula to present a more comprehensive view of music and music history.
A Novel Approach for Identifying Relevant Genes for Breast Cancer Survivability on Specific Therapies
Authors: Tabl Ashraf Abou , Alkhateeb Abedalrhman , Pham Huy Quang , Rueda Luis , ElMaraghy Waguih , Ngom Alioune
Published: August 2018

Analyzing the genetic activity of breast cancer survival for a specific type of therapy provides a better understanding of the body response to the treatment and helps select the best course of action and while leading to the design of drugs based on gene activity. In this work, we use supervised and nonsupervised machine learning methods to deal with a multiclass classification problem in which we label the samples based on the combination of the 5-year survivability and treatment; we focus on hormone therapy, radiotherapy, and surgery. The proposed nonsupervised hierarchical models are created to find the highest separability between combinations of the classes. The supervised model consists of a combination of feature selection techniques and efficient classifiers used to find a potential set of biomarker genes specific to response to therapy. The results show that different models achieve different performance scores with accuracies ranging from 80.9% to 100%. We have investigated the roles of many biomarkers through the literature and found that some of the discriminative genes in the computational model such as ZC3H11A, VAX2, MAF1, and ZFP91 are related to breast cancer and other types of cancer.