bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
β-Elemene Reverses Chemoresistance of Breast Cancer Cells by Reducing Resistance Transmission via Exosomes
Authors: Zhang Jun , Zhang He-da , Yao Yu-Feng , Zhong Shan-Liang , Zhao Jian Hua , Tang Jin Hai
Published: July 2015

Background: Currently, exosomes that act as mediators of intercellular communication are being researched extensively. Our previous studies confirmed that these exosomes contain microRNAs (miRNAs) that could alter chemo-susceptibility, which is partly attributed to the successful intercellular transfer of multidrug resistance (MDR)-specific miRNAs. We also confirmed that β-elemene could influence MDR-related miRNA expression and regulate the expression of the target genes PTEN and Pgp, which may lead to the reversal of the chemoresistant breast cancer (BCA) cells. We are the first to report these findings, and we propose the following logical hypothesis: β-elemene can mediate MDR-related miRNA expression in cells, thereby affecting the exosome contents, reducing chemoresistance transmission via exosomes, and reversing the drug resistance of breast cancer cells. Methods: MTT-cytotoxic, miRNA microarray, real-time quantitative PCR, Dual Luciferase Activity Assay, and Western blot analysis were performed to investigate the impact of β-elemene on the expression of chemoresistance specific miRNA and PTEN as well as Pgp in chemoresistant BCA exosomes. Results: Drug resistance can be reversed by β-elemene related to exosomes. There were 104 differentially expressed miRNAs in the exosomes of two chemoresistant BCA cells: adriacin (Adr) - resistant MCF-7 cells (MCF-7/Adr) and docetaxel (Doc) - resistant MCF-7 cells (MCF-7/Doc) that underwent treatment. Of these, 31 miRNAs were correlated with the constant changes in the MDR. The expression of miR-34a and miR-452 can lead to changes in the characteristics of two chemoresistant BCA exosomes: MCF-7/Adr exosomes (A/exo) and MCF-7/Doc exosomes (D/exo). The PTEN expression affected by β-elemene was significantly increased, and the Pgp expression affected by β-elemene was significantly decreased in both cells and exosomes. β-elemene induced a significant increase in the apoptosis rate in both MCF-7/Doc and MCF-7/Adr cells. Conclusions: Drug resistance can be reversed by β-elemene, which can alter the expression of some MDR-related miRNAs, including PTEN and Pgp in MCF-7/Adr and MCF-7/Doc in cells. It can therefore affect the exosome contents and induce the reduction of resistance transmission via exosomes.
Pedigree-Free Descent-Based Gene Mapping from Population Samples
Authors: Glazner Chris , Thompson Elizabeth
Published: July 2015

Segments of the genome inherited from a common ancestor by related individuals are said to be identical by descent (IBD). Modern genetic marker data provide information to infer such segments among multiple related members of a population, even when pedigree relationships are unknown. Previous methods have been proposed for the detection of pairwise IBD, but the computation of probabilities of trait data under many trait models requires an IBD estimate jointly consistent among individuals and slowly varying across genome locations; we refer to such an estimate as an ‘IBD graph'. In this paper, we develop a novel method that builds IBD graphs sequentially among related individuals from a population sample using either phased or unphased genetic marker data. We show how IBD graphs realized conditionally on marker data provide a form of linkage mapping score, analogous to a LOD score, and propose a permutation approach to normalize this mapping score. Using a simulated quantitative trait dependent on the (unobserved) genotype at a major locus, we apply the approach to two samples containing both closely and remotely related individuals, among whom there are complex patterns of IBD. We compare the results of our approach with an alternate approach based on the estimation of local kinship. We show that pairwise estimates derived from a joint IBD graph give significant improvements in LOD score estimation over estimates derived from an intrinsically pairwise approach.
Paraquat Poisoning Followed by Toxic Epidermal Necrolysis: A Report of Two Cases and Published Work Review
Authors: Xu Wei , Wang Liya , Wang Qiang , Li Xin-Hua , Hu Dayong , Li Changbin , Wu Tianfu , Mohan Chandra , Peng Ai , Shi Yuling
Published: July 2015

Toxic epidermal necrolysis (TEN) is a life-threatening, typically drug-induced, mucocutaneous disease. Whether paraquat, one of the most widely used herbicides, could induce TEN is not known. We describe 2 paraquat-poisoned patients with TEN. Both patients presented erythema after hospital discharge following initial paraquat poisoning and then developed a widespread eruption of diffuse erythema on almost the whole body, with bullae, epidermal necrosis and sloughing. They were successfully treated with intravenous immunoglobulin and methylprednisolone. These clinical features were consistent with TEN caused by medications with a high risk to induce Stevens-Johnson syndrome/TEN. Moreover, it is suggested that both skin exposure and ingestion of paraquat could induce TEN. To our knowledge, this is the first case report of TEN related to paraquat poisoning.
Association of Single Nucleotide Polymorphisms in the CYP19A1 Gene with Female Pattern Hair Loss in a Chinese Population
Authors: Rui Wenlong , Sheng Youyu , Hu Ruiming , Miao Ying , Han Yumei , Guo Xia , Qi Sisi , Xu Feng , Xu Jinhua , Yang Qinping
Published: July 2015

Background: It has been suggested that the single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) of the CYP19A1 gene encoding aromatase may affect the development of female pattern hair loss (FPHL). Objective: Our aim was to investigate the association of CYP19A1 gene SNPs with FPHL in a Chinese population. Methods: Two hundred Chinese Han patients with FPHL and 200 controls were enrolled into our study. SNaPshot technology was used to detect CYP19A1 gene candidate SNPs. Results: The allele frequencies and distributions of rs6493497 and rs7176005 were significantly different between FPHL and control subjects (p < 0.001 and p < 0.001 vs. p < 0.001 and p = 0.003). Conclusion: The rs6493497 and rs7176005 SNPs of the CYP19A1 gene may be genetic markers that influence the risk of FPHL in this Chinese population.
Novel Holistic Approaches for Overcoming Therapy Resistance in Pancreatic and Colon Cancers
Authors: Sarkar Fazlul H.
Published: July 2015

Gastrointestinal (GI) cancers, such as of the colon and pancreas, are highly resistant to both standard and targeted therapeutics. Therapy-resistant and heterogeneous GI cancers harbor highly complex signaling networks (the resistome) that resist apoptotic programming. Commonly used gemcitabine or platinum-based regimens fail to induce meaningful (i.e. disease-reversing) perturbations in the resistome, resulting in high rates of treatment failure. The GI cancer resistance networks are, in part, due to interactions between parallel signaling and aberrantly expressed microRNAs (miRNAs) that collectively promote the development and survival of drug-resistant cancer stem cells with epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) characteristics. The lack of understanding of the resistance networks associated with this subpopulation of cells as well as reductionist, single protein-/pathway-targeted approaches have made ‘effective drug design' a difficult task. We propose that the successful design of novel therapeutic regimens to target drug-resistant GI tumors is only possible if network-based drug avenues and agents, in particular ‘natural agents' with no known toxicity, are correctly identified. Natural agents (dietary agents or their synthetic derivatives) can individually alter miRNA profiles, suppress EMT pathways and eliminate cancer stem-like cells that derive from pancreatic cancer and colon cancer, by partially targeting multiple yet meaningful networks within the GI cancer resistome. However, the efficacy of these agents as combinations (e.g. consumed in the diet) against this resistome has never been studied. This short review article provides an overview of the different challenges involved in the understanding of the GI resistome, and how novel computational biology can help in the design of effective therapies to overcome resistance.
Quantification of Metamorphopsia Using the MacuFlow Test before and after Vitreoretinal Surgery
Authors: Achiron Asaf , Moisseiev Elad , Glick Mirit , Yeshurun Itamar , Bartov Elisha , Burgansky Zvia
Published: July 2015

Background and Objective: This pilot study evaluated the clinical utility of the MacuFlow software in measuring metamorphopsia prior to and following surgery in patients with vitreoretinal diseases. Patients and Methods: Four patients with vitreoretinal disorders causing metamorphopsia were included in this pilot study. Visual acuity (VA), optical coherence tomography and MacuFlow scores were recorded prior to and following surgical intervention. Results: The mean preoperative VA was 0.59 ± 0.09 logMAR, central macular thickness 491.2 ± 41.3 µm and calculated macular volume 8.99 ±1.47 mm3. These parameters improved postoperatively to a mean VA of 0.30 ± 0.22 logMAR, central macular thickness of 372.8 ± 85.4 µm and macular volume of 7.94 ± 1.34 mm3 but did not reach statistical significance. The mean preoperative MacuFlow score was 14.02 ± 8.21, which significantly improved postoperatively to 5.4 ± 3.13 (p = 0.045). Conclusions: This is the first study to demonstrate the clinical utility of MacuFlow for the quantification of metamorphopsia and its improvement or resolution following surgery. This simple method may be a valuable addition for the clinical assessment and monitoring of patients with retinal diseases causing metamorphopsia.
Procognitive Compounds Promote Neurite Outgrowth
Authors: Page Matthew , Pacico Nathalie , Ourtioualous Sadia , Deprez Tania , Koshibu Kyoko
Published: July 2015

Background/Aims: To this date, the only available drugs for treating Alzheimer's disease are cognitive enhancers, which may improve the cognitive function of patients for a few years while the disease continues to progress. As such, there are intense investigations to develop disease-modifying drugs to suppress progressive neurodegeneration. Methods: In this study, a range of procognitive compounds are tested in a primary neuronal culture to determine their relative potential for promoting neuritogenesis. Results: We report that donepezil, memantine, dimebon, Pre-084 and 4-IBP are neuritogenic while tacrine, rosemarinic acid, memoquin and a BACE1 inhibitor suppress neurite outgrowth of neurons. Conclusions: The results of this study indicate that some procognitive compounds may possess a disease-modifying potential.
Familial 1.3-Mb 11p15.5p15.4 Duplication in Three Generations Causing Silver-Russell and Beckwith-Wiedemann Syndromes
Authors: Vals Mari-Anne , Kahre Tiina , Mee Pille , Muru Kai , Kallas Eha , Žilina Olga , Tillmann Vallo , Õunap Katrin
Published: July 2015

Silver-Russell syndrome (SRS) and Beckwith-Wiedemann syndrome (BWS) are 2 opposite growth-affecting disorders. The common molecular cause for both syndromes is an abnormal regulation of genes in chromosomal region 11p15, where 2 imprinting control regions (ICR) control fetal and postnatal growth. Also, many submicroscopic chromosomal disturbances like duplications in 11p15 have been described among SRS and BWS patients. Duplications involving both ICRs cause SRS or BWS, depending on which parent the aberration is inherited from. We describe to our knowledge the smallest familial pure 1.3-Mb duplication in chromosomal region 11p15.5p15.4 that involves both ICRs and is present in 3 generations causing an SRS or BWS phenotype.
A Case of Multiple Spontaneous Keloid Scars
Authors: Jfri Abdulhadi , Rajeh Nawal , Karkashan Eman
Published: July 2015

Keloid scars result from an abnormal healing response to cutaneous injury or inflammation that extends beyond the borders of the original wound. Spontaneous keloid scars forming in the absence of any previous trauma or surgical procedure are rare. Certain syndromes have been associated with this phenomenon, and few reports have discussed the evidence of single spontaneous keloid scar, which raises the question whether they are really spontaneous. Here, we present a 27-year-old mentally retarded single female with orbital hypertelorism, broad nasal bridge, repaired cleft lip and high-arched palate who presented with progressive multiple spontaneous keloid scars in different parts of her body which were confirmed histologically by the presence of typical keloidal collagen. This report supports the fact that keloid scars can appear spontaneously and are possibly linked to a genetic factor. Furthermore, it describes a new presentation of spontaneous keloid scars in the form of multiple large lesions in different sites of the body.
Drug-Induced Hypersensitivity Syndrome Followed by Subacute Thyroiditis
Authors: Sato Mika , Mizuno Yuki , Matsuyama Kanako , Shu En , Kanoh Hiroyuki , Suwa Tetsuya , Seishima Mariko
Published: July 2015

Drug-induced hypersensitivity syndrome (DIHS) is a severe multiorgan system adverse drug reaction with reactivation of human herpesviruses (HHVs) such as HHV-6, HHV-7, cytomegalovirus (CMV) and Epstein-Barr virus. Various complications, including autoimmune diseases, sometimes appear during the course of DIHS. We report a case of salazosulfapyridine-induced DIHS associated with HHV-6 reactivation. Two and a half months after the onset of DIHS, subacute thyroiditis occurred, possibly associated with CMV reactivation. Prednisolone (20 mg/day) was effective for subacute thyroiditis. Long-term follow-up is needed in patients with DIHS because of the possible onset of autoimmune diseases.
Abnormal Liver Function Tests in an Anorexia Nervosa Patient and an Atypical Manifestation of Refeeding Syndrome
Authors: Vootla Vamshidhar R. , Daniel Myrta
Published: July 2015

Refeeding syndrome is defined as electrolyte and fluid abnormalities that occur in significantly malnourished patients when they are refed orally, enterally, or parenterally. The principal manifestations include hypophosphatemia, hypokalemia, vitamin deficiencies, volume overload and edema. This can affect multiple organ systems, such as the cardiovascular, pulmonary, or neurological systems, secondary to the above-mentioned abnormalities. Rarely, patients may develop gastrointestinal symptoms and show abnormal liver function test results. We report the case of a 52-year-old woman with anorexia nervosa who developed refeeding syndrome and simultaneous elevations of liver function test results, which normalized upon the resolution of the refeeding syndrome.
Incidental Syringomas of the Scalp in a Patient with Scarring Alopecia
Authors: Deen Kristyn , Curchin Claudia , Wu Jason
Published: July 2015

Syringomas are benign adnexal neoplasms of eccrine lineage, which occur most commonly in the periorbital region in middle-aged females. These cutaneous lesions rarely occur on the scalp, are typically asymptomatic and are predominantly of cosmetic significance. Involvement of the scalp may be indistinguishable from that of scarring alopecia. We present an unusual case of clinically inapparent syringomas occurring on the scalp of a 56-year-old female with alopecia who was subsequently diagnosed with lichen planopilaris after repeated scalp biopsy. In patients with unexplained hair loss, or in cases that are refractive to treatment, clinicians should perform scalp biopsy to exclude the diagnosis of rare neoplastic lesions like syringomas and to diagnose associated conditions.
Neuroprotective Effect of Progesterone in MPTP-Treated Male Mice
Authors: Bourque Mélanie , Morissette Marc , Al Sweidi Sara , Caruso Donatella , Melcangi Roberto C. , Di Paolo Thérèse
Published: July 2015

Background: Numerous studies have reported on the neuroprotective activity of estradiol, whereas the effect of the other ovarian steroid, progesterone, is much less documented. Methods: This study sought to investigate neuroprotection with a low dose of progesterone (1 µg) in 1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine (MPTP)-treated male mice to model Parkinson's disease and compare it to the effect of this steroid in intact mice (experiment 1). We also investigated if high doses of progesterone could protect dopaminergic neurons already exposed to MPTP (experiment 2). We measured progesterone effects on various dopaminergic markers [dopamine and its metabolites, dopamine transporter (DAT) and vesicular monoamine transporter 2 (VMAT2)] and on neuroactive steroids in both plasma and the brain. Results: For experiment 1, our results showed that progesterone completely prevented the effect of MPTP toxicity on dopamine concentrations, on the increase in the 3-methoxytyramine/dopamine ratio, as well as on VMAT2-specific binding in the striatum and the substantia nigra. Progesterone decreased MPTP effects on 3,4-dihydroxyphenylacetic acid concentrations and DAT-specific binding in the lateral part of the anterior striatum and in the middle striatum (medial and lateral parts). Progesterone treatment of intact mice had no effect on the markers investigated. For experiment 2, measures of dopaminergic markers in the striatum showed that 8 mg/kg of progesterone was the most effective dose to reduce MPTP effects, and more limited effects were observed with 16 mg/kg. We found that progesterone treatment increases the levels of brain progesterone itself as well as of its metabolites. Conclusion: Our result showed that progesterone has neuroprotective effects on dopaminergic neurons in MPTP-treated male mice.
Role of mTOR1 and mTOR2 complexes in MEG-01 cell physiology
Authors: López Esther , Berna-Erro Alejandro , López Javier J. , Granados María P. , Bermejo Nuria , Brull José M. , Salido Ginés M. , Rosado Juan A. , Redondo Pedro C.
Published: July 2015

The function of the mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) is upregulated in response to cell stimulation with growing and differentiating factors. Active mTOR controls cell proliferation, differentiation and death. Since mTOR associates with different proteins to form two functional macromolecular complexes, we aimed to investigate the role of the mTORI and mTOR2 complexes in MEG-01 cell physiology in response to thrombopoietin (TPO). By using mTOR antagonists and overexpressing FKBP38, we have explored the role of both mTOR complexes in proliferation, apoptosis, maturation-like mechanisms, endoplasmic reticulum-stress and the intracellular location of both active mTOR complexes during MEG-01 cell stimulation with TPO. The results demonstrate that mTOR1 and mTOR2 complexes play different roles in the physiology of MEG-01 cells and in the maturation-like mechanisms; hence, these findings might help to understand the mechanism underlying generation of platelets.
All-cause mortality and use of antithrombotics within 90 days of discharge in acutely ill medical patients
Authors: Mahan Charles , Fields Larry , Mills Roger , Stephenson Judith , Fu An-Chen , Fisher Maxine , Spyropoulos Alex
Published: July 2015

Conflicting evidence exists regarding predictors of and antithrombotic benefit on mortality in hospitalised acutely-ill medical patients. We compared mortality risk within 90 days post-discharge among medically ill patients who did and did not receive antithrombotics. This retrospective claims analysis included patients40 years with nonsurgical hospitalisation2 days between 2005 and 2009 using the HealthCore Integrated Research Database. Antithrombotic use (i.e. anticoagulants and antiplatelets) post-discharge was captured from pharmacy claims. All-cause mortality was determined from Social Security Death Index; cause of death was identified from National Death Index database. Kaplan-Meier survival curves were generated and hazard ratios (HR) for mortality risk were estimated using Cox proportional hazards models. Patients prescribed anticoagulants or antiplatelets post-discharge had lower risk of short-term mortality. For the anticoagulant model, the most significant predictors of mortality were malignant/benign neoplasms (hazard ratio [HR] 1.6, 95 % confidence interval [CI] 1.5–1.7), liver disease (HR 1.6, 95 % CI 1.5–1.7), anticoagulant omission (HR 1.6, 95 % CI 1.4–1.8), gastrointestinal or respiratory tract intubations (HR 1.5, 95 % CI 1.3–1.7), and blood dyscrasias (HR 1.4, 95 % CI 1.4–1.5). For the antiplatelet model, the most significant predictors of mortality were antiplatelet omission (HR 3.7, 95 % CI 3.3–4.1), liver disease (HR 1.6, 95 % CI 1.4–1.7), malignant/benign neoplasms (HR 1.6, 95 % CI 1.5–1.6), gastrointestinal or respiratory tract intubations (HR 1.5, 95 % CI 1.3–1.7), and blood dyscrasias (HR 1.4, 95 % CI 1.4–1.5). These mortality risk factors may guide future studies assessing potential benefits of antithrombotics in specific subsets of patients.
Management of adjunctive antithrombotic therapy in STEMI patients treated with fibrinolysis undergoing rescue or delayed PCI
Authors: Angiolillo Dominick J. , Capodanno Davide
Published: July 2015

Although primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) is the recommended method of reperfusion in patients presenting with ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI), fibrinolysis remains a beneficial alternative in patients who cannot be reperfused timely with primary PCI, and is still the preferred revascularisation strategy in many parts of the world where PCI facilities are unavailable. Because fibrinolysis is known to activate platelets and promote thrombin activity, concomitant administration of antiplatelet and anticoagulant therapies is needed to lower the risk for re-occlusion and to support mechanical interventions in patients undergoing rescue or delayed PCI. However, the addition of oral antiplatelet and parenteral anticoagulant drugs on top of fibrinolysis may come at the price of an increased risk of bleeding. The current availability of several antiplatelet and anticoagulant therapies often leads to questions about the optimal selection in STEMI patients treated with fibrinolytics. This article appraises current evidences for the management of adjunctive antiplatelet and anticoagulant therapies in patients with STEMI undergoing fibrinolysis followed by rescue or delayed PCI.
Antithrombotic drugs and subarachnoid haemorrhage risk
Authors: Pottegård Anton , Rodríguez Luis Alberto García , Poulsen Frantz Rom , Hallas Jesper , Gaist David
Published: July 2015

The study objective was to investigate the relationship between use of antithrombotic drugs and subarachnoid haemorrhage (SAH). We identified patients discharged from Danish neurosurgery units with a first-ever SAH diagnosis in 2000 to 2012 (n=5,834). For each case, we selected 40 age-, sex- and period-matched population controls. Conditional logistic regression models were used to estimate odds ratios (aOR), adjusted for comorbidity, education level, and income. Low-dose aspirin (ASA) use for < 1 month was associated with an increased risk of SAH (aOR 1.75, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.28–2.40). This aOR decreased to 1.26 (95%CI: 0.98–1.63) with 2–3 months of ASA use, and approached unity with use for more than three months (1.11, 95%CI 0.97–1.27). Analyses with first-time users confirmed this pattern, which was also observed for clopidogrel. ASA treatment for three or more years was associated with an aOR of SAH of 1.13 (95%CI: 0.86–1.49). Short-term use (< 1 month) of vitamin K-antagonists (VKA) yielded an aOR of 1.85 (95%CI 0.97–3.51) which dropped after 3+ years to 1.24, 95%CI: 0.86–1.77. The risk of SAH was higher in subjects in dual antithrombotic treatment (aOR 2.08, 95%CI: 1.26–3.44), and in triple antithrombotic treatment (aOR 5.74, 95%CI: 1.76–18.77). In conclusion, use of aspirin,clopidogrel and VKA were only associated with an increased risk of SAH in the first three months after starting treatment. Long-term aspirin use carried no reduced SAH risk. Results should be interpreted cautiously due to their observational nature.
Reduced peak, but no diurnal variation, in thrombin generation upon melatonin supplementation in tetraplegia
Authors: Dahm Anders , Skretting Grethe , Mowinckel Marie-Christine , Stranda Annicke , Østerud Bjarne , Sandset Per Morten , Kostovski Emil , Iversen Per Ole
Published: July 2015

Tetraplegic patients have increased risk of venous thrombosis despite anti-thrombotic prophylaxis. Moreover, they have blunted plasma variations in melatonin and altered diurnal variation of several haemostatic markers, compared with able-bodied. However, whether healthy individuals and tetraplegic patients, with or without melatonin, display abnormalities in thrombin generation during a 24-hour (h) cycle, is unknown. We therefore used the Calibrated Automated Thrombogram (CAT) assay to examine diurnal variations and the possible role of melatonin in thrombin generation. Six men with long-standing complete tetraplegia were included in a randomised placebo-controlled cross-over study with melatonin supplementation (2 mg, 4 consecutive nights), whereas six healthy, able-bodied men served as controls. Ten plasma samples were collected frequently during a 24-h awake/sleep cycle. No significant diurnal variation of any of the measured CAT indices was detected in the three study groups. Whereas endogenous thrombin potential (ETP) was independent (p > 0.05) of whether the tetraplegic men received melatonin or placebo, melatonin decreased (p = 0.005) peak values in tetraplegia compared with those given placebo. Able-bodied men had lower (p = 0.019) ETP and Lag-Time (p = 0.018) compared with tetraplegics receiving placebo. Neither the Time-to-Peak nor the Start-Tail was affected (p > 0.05) by melatonin in tetraplegia. In conclusion, indices of thrombin generation are not subjected to diurnal variation in healthy able-bodied or tetraplegia, but peak thrombin generation is reduced in tetraplegic men receiving oral melatonin.
Belief in Zamyatin’s we and Tarkovsky’s Stalker: Critique Versus Legitimation of Utopia Through Art
Authors: Vladiv-Glover Slobodanka
Published: July 2015

The paper offers a comparative analyses of a novel and a film with a science fiction theme, but instead of interpreting the theme, the analysis interprets the structure of the two works. The claim is made that the narrative structure of a work (which, according to the Structuralist model, is much more encompassing than the linear narrative) is implicated in the construction of belief and value. On analysis, the value constructed in Zamyatin’s novel is that of a heterogeneous Modernist subject of the unconscious, while Tarkovsky’s film is ambivalent but could be read as a pseudo-scientific utopia of sectarian ‘pure belief’.
Russian ‘Liberal’ Opposition: The Divide Be-Tween ‘Radicals’ and ‘Moderates’?
Authors: Taitslin Anna
Published: July 2015

The paper reflects on the divide emerged amidst the liberal opposition in Russia between the left liberals and the right liberals. The divide is not just about split-up between the radicals and the moderates. It re-flects the crisis of liberal ideas as formed in the 1990s, when the tran-sition to economy based on private property was seen as necessary and sufficient condition for dismantling the command economy and the one-party state. The ultimate issue at hand is the notion of the rule of law and a possibility of wider social consensus on the minimal rule of law threshold.
Perceptions of Corruption in Post-Soviet Kyrgyzstan: Neoliberalism and Contested Morality
Authors: Provis René
Published: July 2015

Corruption levels increased significantly across the newly independ-ent states of the former Soviet Union.1 The dominant approach to un-derstanding this developmental problem has been informed by neolib-eral models of market-led development2 which tend to under-socialize human action. Critical of this approach, this paper presents a case study from post-Soviet Kyrgyzstan, widely perceived to be among the most corrupt of the post-Soviet states. Drawing on ethnographic and interview data collected during 2011 and 2012, I argue that the domi-nant approach has misled attempts to address this problem through paying insufficient attention to different meanings engaged in transac-tions typically deemed petty corruption and the moral discourses ac-companying distribution of this illicit wealth.
The Influence of Christopher Caudwell on Alan Bush’s Early Response to Socialist Realism
Authors: Waters Julie
Published: July 2015

The ideas and music of British composer Alan Bush (1900–1995)—a lifelong member of the British Communist Party—were significantly shaped by the doctrine of socialist realism. His defence of the Zhdanov Decree identified him publically with Soviet aesthetics. However, little is known of his attempts to develop a Marxist aesthetic by drawing on a radical tradition closer to home, namely, the theories of the English Marxist writer Christopher Caudwell. Utilising a range of sources, including Bush’s lecture in 1948 to the Second International Congress of Composers and Musicologists at Prague, the paper explores Caudwell’s seminal influence on Bush.
The Role of the Media in the Process of “Color Revolutions” in the Cis
Authors: Yonghua Zhao
Published: July 2015

The main cause of "color revolutions" in the Commonwealth (CIS) countries is the political and economic crisis. The media policies, an-ti-government opinion and western media precipitaed the event. This article discusses the importance and influence of media on the pro-gress of "color revolutions" based on patterns of media and political reforms in the state, industrial development of mass media and media strategy of the Western States (as an example the U.S.) in relation to Commonwealth (CIS) countries.
The Joan of Arc Figures in Russian Discourse: Gender Prejudice Against Women in Public Life
Authors: A'Beckett Ludmilla
Published: July 2015

The translation of the glorious name of “Joan of Arc” into a tool of vilification is analysed in this paper. The majority of examples, col-lected from two popular Russian newspapers, contain negative under-currents. For instance, the unflattering portrait of the former Prime Minister of Ukraine, Yulia Tymoshenko, was established by the press through the persistent use of the name "Joan of Arc of Ukraine." The research reveals that many members of the discourse community still evaluate female activists through the lens of gender prejudice.
Serbian modernists and the experience of World War I
Authors: Dušanić Dunja
Published: July 2015

This article seeks to briefly revisit the connection between World War I and Serbian literary modernism. The argument is that this connection is subtler, deeper and more enduring than it is usually presented. To illustrate it, the literary development of three key writers of Serbian modernism, Miloš Crnjanski, Ivo Andrić and Rastko Petrović, is taken as an example, and their attitudes regarding the literary representation of World War I compared to the actual representations of war in their poetry and fiction.
The Great War in the Book Ithaca and Comments by Miloš Crnjanski
Authors: Savić Milisav
Published: July 2015

Crnjanski’s Ithaca and Comment, published forty years after the collection of poems about World War One entitled Lyrics of Ithaca are considered as a fragmented autobiographical novel about the poet's participation in the Great War.Although he found himself at the front, Crnjanski rarely describes battles, even less cruelties of war. He is the narrator of the war's echo. Both the poetic and prosaic story is linked by an idea about the meaninglessness of war. Crnjanski's anti-war stance in Ithaca is also present in the novel Diary About Čarnojević - Crnjanski's ‘war novel’. Ithaca and Comments is the first Serbian postmodern book which banishes borders between genres.
Three new genera of Schizopteridae from Australia with description of six new species (Hemiptera: Heteroptera: Schizopteridae)
Authors: HILL LIONEL
Published: July 2015

From Australia, three new schizopterid genera are described for six new species. The three new genera and Pachyplagioides Gross, 1951 share a declivent head with well-developed internal postocciptal region and a 3-segmented labium with bulbous base. The new genera and species are Parvodeceptor infrequens gen. n., sp. n., Dextritubus cucullatus gen. n., sp. n., D. acucullatus gen. n., sp. n., D. nubis gen. n., sp. n., Carinatala septentrionalis gen. n., sp. n. and C. meridiana gen. n., sp. n. Their description brings to near completion the known generic diversity of Australian Schizopteridae. Parvodeceptor has superficially hypselsomatine facies and may have affinity with the African Humpatanannus Wygodzinsky 1950. Dextritubus has accessory male genitalia reminiscent of Semangananus Stys, 1974 and Vilhenannus Wygodzinsky, 1950. Carinatala has dentate male fore and mid claws, not previously recorded in the family, and an unusual inflatable, spiculate vesica reminiscent of Dundonannus Wygodzinsky 1950. The retention of the internal postocciptal region in several schizopterid genera and lack of its correlation with declivent versus porrect head condition is outlined.
Continuity or Discontinuity – the Case of Macedonian Phonetics
Authors: Sawicka Irena
Published: July 2015

Continuity or Discontinuity – the Case of Macedonian PhoneticsThe article presents its principal topic of the continuity of linguistic phenomena based on the material of Macedonian phonetics, treated as a constituent of south-east European phonetics, and not as an element of the Slavic world. It provides, firstly, a static perspective, produced by enumerating typologically relevant features. Seen from this perspective, Macedonian phonetics is a component of the Central Balkanic area. Secondly, emphasis has been put on processes of phonetic convergence and their differences from those of grammatical convergence. These difference account for the instability of phonetic features, or in any case their generally lesser stability compared to morphosyntactic features, but on the other hand also for the possibility for some phenomena to survive in small areas, in a few dialects, and the possibility for linguistic features to reappear, which stems from alternating cross-dialectal interference. The Macedonian language territory abounds in such situations due to its multi-ethnicity, which is greater here than anywhere else in the Balkans. Particular in this respect is the area of Aegean Macedonia, where Slavic dialects are “protected” from the influence of the literary norm – albeit in the case of Macedonian even the realisation of the literary norm is not entirely stable in terms of phonetics.Ciągłość czy jej brak – casus macedońskiej fonetykiNadrzędny temat dotyczący ciągłości zjawisk przedstawiony został na materiale macedońskiej fonetyki. Fonetyka macedońska została rozpatrzona jako składnik fonetyki Europy południowo-wschodniej, a nie jako element świata słowiańskiego. Przedstawiono, po pierwsze, obraz statyczny, wynikający z wyliczania relewantnych typologicznie cech. Ten obraz klasyfikuje fonetykę macedońską jako składnik centralnego obszaru bałkańskiego. Po drugie, położono akcent na przebieg procesów konwergencyjnych w zakresie fonetyki i na różnice w stosunku do takich procesów w zakresie gramatyki. Wynika z nich: nietrwałość cech fonetycznych, a w każdym razie ogólnie mniejsza trwałość cech fonetycznych niż cech morfo-składniowych, ale też możliwość przetrwania pewnych zjawisk na małych obszarach, w paru gwarach, możliwość powracania cech fonetycznych, co wynika z naprzemiennej interferencji międzydialektalnej. Terytorium języka macedońskiego obfituje w takie sytuacje ze względu na większą multietniczność niż gdziekolwiek indziej na Bałkanach. Szczególny pod tym względem jest obszar Macedonii Egejskiej, gdzie dialekty słowiańskie są „zabezpieczone” przed działaniem normy literackiej. Chociaż w wypadku języka macedońskiego nawet realizacja normy literackiej pod względem fonetycznym nie jest całkiem stabilna.
Publicystyka Dymitra Fiłosofowa dotycząca Polski
Authors: Kuziur-Chrostowska Swiatłana
Published: July 2015

Poland in Dmitry Filosofov's JournalismPresentation of the publications of Dmitri Filosofov, concering Polsnd, Polish culture and politics.
Regime Transitions of Cross-Equatorial Hadley Circulations with Zonally Asymmetric Thermal Forcings
Authors: Zhai Jun , Boos William
Published: July 2015

Observed nonlinearities in the seasonal evolution of monsoons have been previously explained using theories for Hadley circulations driven by zonally symmetric thermal forcings, even though monsoonal forcings deviate strongly from the assumption of zonal symmetry. Here, an idealized model of a dry, three-dimensional atmosphere is used to compare the response to zonally symmetric and asymmetric off-equatorial thermal forcings. For symmetric forcings, the zonal-mean, cross-equatorial mass flux increases more rapidly with the amplitude of the forcing once the forcing becomes strong enough to reduce the upper-tropospheric absolute vorticity to near zero, consistent with previous studies of the transition to angular momentum–conserving flow. For zonally asymmetric forcings, the zonal-mean cross-equatorial flow exhibits a similar dependence on forcing strength and a similar reduction of the zonal-mean upper-level vorticity, but asymmetric forcings also produce strong zonal overturnings with subsidence west of the heating, as in the well-known linear response to off-equatorial heatings. The mass flux in these zonal overturnings increases linearly with forcing strength until its rate of increase tapers off for the strongest forcings; the total upward mass flux (i.e., the zonal-mean plus zonally asymmetric components) increases linearly with the strength of zonally asymmetric forcings and exhibits no abrupt or nonlinear dependence on forcing amplitude. These results indicate the importance of considering the zonally asymmetric part of the divergent response to off-equatorial forcings and suggest that theories based on zonally symmetric forcings need further examination before they can be assumed to describe observed monsoons.
A Momentum Budget Analysis of Westerly Wind Events Associated with the Madden–Julian Oscillation during DYNAMO
Authors: Oh Ji-Hyun , Jiang Xianan , Waliser Duane E. , Moncrieff Mitchell W. , Johnson Richard H. , Ciesielski Paul
Published: July 2015

The Dynamics of the Madden–Julian Oscillation (DYNAMO) field campaign was conducted over the Indian Ocean (IO) from October 2011 to February 2012 to investigate the initiation of the Madden–Julian oscillation (MJO). Three MJOs accompanying westerly wind events (WWEs) occurred in late October, late November, and late December 2011. Momentum budget analysis is conducted to understand the contributions of the dynamical processes involved in the wind evolution associated with the MJO over the IO during DYNAMO using European Centre for Medium-Range Weather Forecasts analysis. This analysis shows that westerly acceleration at lower levels associated with the MJO active phase generally appears to be maintained by the pressure gradient force (PGF), which could be partly canceled by meridional advection of the zonal wind. Westerly acceleration in the midtroposphere tends to be mostly attributable to vertical advection. The results herein imply that there is no simple linear dynamic model that can capture the WWEs associated with the MJO and that nonlinear processes have to be considered.

In addition, the MJO in November (MJO2), accompanied by two WWEs (WWE1 and WWE2) spaced a few days apart, is diagnosed. Unlike other WWEs during DYNAMO, horizontal advection is more responsible for the westerly acceleration in the lower troposphere for WWE2 than the PGF. Interactions between the MJO2 envelope and convectively coupled waves (CCWs) are analyzed to illuminate the dynamical contribution of these synoptic-scale equatorial waves to the WWEs. The authors suggest that different developing processes among WWEs can be attributed to different types of CCWs.
Phase-Specific Characteristics of Wintertime Clouds across a Midlatitude Mountain Range
Authors: Dorsi S. W. , Shupe M. D. , Persson P. O. G. , Kingsmill D. E. , Avallone L. M.
Published: July 2015

Observations from a series of frontal and postfrontal storms during the Colorado Airborne Multiphase Cloud Study (CAMPS) are combined to show transitions in cloud dynamics and microphysical statistics over a mountain range. During 10 flights in 2010 and 2011, along-wind, across-ridge transects over the Colorado Park Range are performed to statistically characterize air motion and microphysical conditions and their variability. Composite transect statistics show median vertical winds to be mostly upward windward of the ridge axis, and that cloud water concentration (CWC) and ice-particle number concentration are greatest near the ridge. Mixed-phase clouds were found throughout the study area, but increase in frequency by 70% relative to other cloud types in the vicinity of the range. Compared to ice-only clouds, mixed-phase clouds are associated with greater near-ridge increases in CWC and preferentially occur in regions with greater vertical wind variability or updrafts. Strong leeside reductions in CWC, the abundance of mixed-phase clouds, and number concentration of ice particles reflect the dominance of precipitation and particle mass loss processes, rather than cloud growth processes, downwind from the topographic barrier. On days in which the air column stability does not support lee subsidence, this spatial configuration is markedly different, with both ice- and liquid-water-bearing clouds appearing near the ridgeline and extending downwind. A case study from 9 January 2011 highlights mixed-phase regions in trapped lee waves, and in a near-ridgetop layer with evidence of low-altitude ice particle growth.
Determining Regional Weather Patterns from a Historical Diary
Authors: Bernhardt Jase
Published: July 2015

Prior to the twentieth century, there was a dearth of official local weather and climate observations for much of the United States outside of major cities. Useful information can be gleaned, however, from primary accounts, such as historical diaries kept by farmers and others whose interests were tied to the land. Herman Smith, a farmer in west-central New York State, kept a detailed record of daily life, including weather characteristics such as temperature, precipitation, and wind, for his farm near Covert. Two full years of his diary, 1884 and 1886, were recently published and selected for study. Although typically not numeric data, the lexicon used in the diary to describe relative heat and cold allow Smith’s observations to be analyzed semiquantitatively in order to determine the weather experienced that year including factors affecting the growing season, as well as significant weather and climatic events. The analysis demonstrates that for Covert—located in an area of topographic variability and proximal to the Finger Lakes—microclimatic effects occasionally dominated over the synoptic circulation. This finding was further reinforced by comparison of Smith’s 1886 records with those of a nearby farmer. Meanwhile, Smith’s accounts also establish an inextricable link between his agricultural practices and the weather and climate patterns he observed. These findings underscore the value of acquiring climatic data from nonconventional sources for places and times when reliable data may be nonexistent in order to better understand how climate, and its impacts on the environment, have varied over time, across multiple scales.
Effect of Probiotic Bacteria on Oral Candida in Frail Elderly
Authors: Kraft-Bodi E. , Jørgensen M.R. , Keller M.K. , Kragelund C. , Twetman S.
Published: July 2015

The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of a daily intake of probiotic lactobacilli on the prevalence and counts of oral Candida in frail elderly patients living in nursing homes. The study had a double-blind randomized placebo-controlled design with 2 parallel arms. The study group consisted of 215 older adults (range, 60 to 102 y) who were enrolled after informed consent. After baseline examination and randomization, the subjects were given 1 lozenge containing 2 strains of the probiotic bacterium Lactobacillus reuteri (DSM 17938 and ATCC PTA 5289) or placebo twice daily (morning and evening). The intervention period was 12 wk, and saliva and plaque samples were collected at baseline and follow-up. The primary end point was prevalence of high Candida counts assessed from chairside tests. Secondary end points were levels of dental plaque and gingival inflammation. The groups were balanced at baseline. The attrition rate to follow-up was 19%. There was a statistically significant reduction in the prevalence of high Candida counts in the probiotic group but not in the placebo group, and the difference was statistically significant in both saliva and plaque ( P < 0.05). No significant differences between the groups were noted concerning the levels of supragingival plaque or bleeding on probing. Thus, daily use of probiotic lozenges may reduce the prevalence of high oral Candida counts in frail elderly nursing homes residents ( ClinicalTrials.gov NCT02391532).
Efficacy and Safety of 2% and 4% Articaine for Lower Third Molar Surgery
Authors: Senes A.M. , Calvo A.M. , Colombini-Ishikiriama B.L. , Gonçalves P.Z. , Dionísio T.J. , Sant’ana E. , Brozoski D.T. , Lauris J.R.P. , Faria F.A.C. , Santos C.F.
Published: July 2015

This double-blind crossover randomized clinical trial compared the efficacy of 2 concentrations of articaine, 2% (A2) and 4% (A4), with 1:200,000 epinephrine, for lower third molar removal. During 2 separate appointments with either A2 or A4, both similarly positioned lower third molars in 46 volunteers were extracted. The following were evaluated: onset and duration of anesthetic action on soft tissues, intraoperative bleeding, hemodynamic parameters, postoperative analgesia, and mouth opening and wound healing during the 7th postoperative day, along with the incidence, type, and severity of adverse reactions. Nearly identical volumes of both anesthetic solutions were used for each appointment: 3.4 ± 0.9 mL ≈ 68 mg of articaine (A2) and 3.3 ± 0.8 mL ≈ 132 mg of articaine (A4). Statistical analysis indicated no differences in onset or duration of anesthetic action on soft tissues or duration of postoperative analgesia evoked by A2 and A4 anesthetic solutions ( P > 0.05). The surgeon’s rating of intraoperative bleeding was considered minimal throughout all surgery with both anesthetic solutions. While transient changes in blood pressure, heart rate, and oxygen saturation were observed, these factors were clinically insignificant and were uninfluenced by articaine concentration ( P > 0.05). No systemic or local adverse reactions were observed in the preoperative and postoperative periods due to A2 or A4, but 1 case of bilateral paresthesia was observed. There were no significant differences between preoperative and postoperative (7th day) values of mouth opening and wound healing whether volunteers received A2 or A4 ( P > 0.05). In conclusion, both A2 and A4, administered in equal volumes, were effective and safe during lower third molar surgery, and no significant differences were found between their efficacy and safety ( ClinicalTrials.gov NCT02457325).