bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Sequence Variants ofADIPOQand Association with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus in Taiwan Chinese Han Population
Authors: Tsai Ming-Kai , Wang Hui-Min David , Shiang Jeng-Chuan , Chen I-Hung , Wang Chih-Chiang , Shiao Ya-Fen , Liu Wen-Sheng , Lin Tai-Jung , Chen Tsung-Ming , Chen Ya-Huey
Published: July 2014

Diabetes is a serious global health problem. Large-scale genome-wide association studies identified loci for type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), including adiponectin (ADIPOQ) gene and transcription factor 7-like 2 (TCF7L2), but few studies clarified the effect of genetic polymorphisms ofADIPOQandTCF7L2on risk of T2DM. We attempted to elucidate association between T2DM and polymorphic variations of both in Taiwan’s Chinese Han population, with our retrospective case-control study genotyping single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) inADIPOQandTCF7L2genes both in 149 T2DM patients and in 139 healthy controls from Taiwan. Statistical analysis gauged association of these polymorphisms with risk of T2DM to showADIPOQrs1501299 polymorphism variations strongly correlated with T2DM risk(P=0.042), with rs2241766 polymorphism being not associated with T2DM(P=0.967). However, both polymorphisms rs7903146 and rs12255372 ofTCF7L2were rarely detected in Taiwanese people. This study avers thatADIPOQrs1501299 polymorphism contributes to risk of T2DM in the Taiwanese population.
A Spread Willingness Computing-Based Information Dissemination Model
Authors: Huang Haojing , Cui Zhiming , Zhang Shukui
Published: July 2014

This paper constructs a kind of spread willingness computing based on information dissemination model for social network. The model takes into account the impact of node degree and dissemination mechanism, combined with the complex network theory and dynamics of infectious diseases, and further establishes the dynamical evolution equations. Equations characterize the evolutionary relationship between different types of nodes with time. The spread willingness computing contains three factors which have impact on user’s spread behavior: strength of the relationship between the nodes, views identity, and frequency of contact. Simulation results show that different degrees of nodes show the same trend in the network, and even if the degree of node is very small, there is likelihood of a large area of information dissemination. The weaker the relationship between nodes, the higher probability of views selection and the higher the frequency of contact with information so that information spreads rapidly and leads to a wide range of dissemination. As the dissemination probability and immune probability change, the speed of information dissemination is also changing accordingly. The studies meet social networking features and can help to master the behavior of users and understand and analyze characteristics of information dissemination in social network.
Cross‐Linked ZnO Nanowalls Immobilized onto Bamboo Surface and Their Use as Recyclable Photocatalysts
Authors: Jin Chunde , Li Jingpeng , Wang Jin , Han Shenjie , Wang Zhe , Sun Qingfeng
Published: July 2014

A novel recyclable photocatalyst was fabricated by hydrothermal method to immobilize the cross‐linked ZnO nanowalls on the bamboo surface. The resultant samples were characterized by using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X‐ray diffraction (XRD), energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS), and Fourier transformation infrared (FTIR) techniques. FTIR spectra demonstrated that the cross‐linked wurtzite ZnO nanowalls and bamboo surface were interconnected with each other by hydrogen bonds. Meanwhile, the cross‐linked ZnO nanowalls modified bamboo (CZNB) presented a superior photocatalytic ability and could be recycled at least 3 times with a photocatalytic efficiency up to 70%. The current research provides a new opportunity for the development of a portable and recycled biomass‐based photocatalysts which can be an efficiently degraded pollutant solution and reused several times.
Physiological and Behavioral Stress and Anxiety in Children with Autism Spectrum Disorders during Routine Oral Care
Authors: Stein Leah I. , Lane Christianne J. , Williams Marian E. , Dawson Michael E. , Polido José C. , Cermak Sharon A.
Published: July 2014

Background. Children with autism spectrum disorders (ASD) commonly exhibit uncooperative behaviors which impede oral care. Previous studies have utilized dentist-report measures of uncooperative behaviors in children with ASD but none have utilized an objective measure of children’s behavior or a physiological measure of distress. This study investigated behavioral and physiological distress in children with ASD during routine oral care and examined factors associated with this distress.Methods. Participants were 44 children (n=22typical,n=22ASD) aged 6–12 receiving routine dental cleanings. Behavioral and physiological measures of stress and anxiety were collected during dental cleanings.Results. Children with ASD exhibited greater distress, compared to the typical group, on dentist-report and researcher-coded measures of overt distress behaviors and on physiological measures. Correlations between physiological and behavioral measures of distress were found in the ASD but not in the typical group. Behavioral distress was correlated with age in the typical group and with expressive communication ability and sensory processing difficulties in the ASD group; physiological distress was correlated with parent-report of anxiety in the typical group and sensory processing difficulties in the ASD group.Conclusions. Novel strategies may be required to decrease behavioral and physiological distress in children with ASD in the dental clinic.
Zinc Therapy in Dermatology: A Review
Authors: Gupta Mrinal , Mahajan Vikram K. , Mehta Karaninder S. , Chauhan Pushpinder S.
Published: July 2014

Zinc, both in elemental or in its salt forms, has been used as a therapeutic modality for centuries. Topical preparations like zinc oxide, calamine, or zinc pyrithione have been in use as photoprotecting, soothing agents or as active ingredient of antidandruff shampoos. Its use has expanded manifold over the years for a number of dermatological conditions including infections (leishmaniasis, warts), inflammatory dermatoses (acne vulgaris, rosacea), pigmentary disorders (melasma), and neoplasias (basal cell carcinoma). Although the role of oral zinc is well-established in human zinc deficiency syndromes including acrodermatitis enteropathica, it is only in recent years that importance of zinc as a micronutrient essential for infant growth and development has been recognized. The paper reviews various dermatological uses of zinc.
Pneumoperitoneum with Subcutaneous Emphysema after Percutaneous Endoscopic Gastrostomy
Authors: Iscan Yalin , Karip Bora , Ozcabi Yetkin , Ağca Birol , Alahdab Yesim , Memisoglu Kemal
Published: July 2014

Percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy is a safe way for enteral nutrition in selected patients. Generally, complications of this procedure are very rare but due to patients general health condition, delayed diagnosis and treatment of complications can be life threatening. In this study, we present a PEG-related massive pneumoperitoneum and subcutaneous emphysema in a patient with neuro-Behçet.
The Potential of Using Brain Images for Authentication
Authors: Chen Fanglin , Zhou Zongtan , Shen Hui , Hu Dewen
Published: July 2014

Biometric recognition (also known as biometrics) refers to the automated recognition of individuals based on their biological or behavioral traits. Examples of biometric traits include fingerprint, palmprint, iris, and face. The brain is the most important and complex organ in the human body. Can it be used as a biometric trait? In this study, we analyze the uniqueness of the brain and try to use the brain for identity authentication. The proposed brain-based verification system operates in two stages: gray matter extraction and gray matter matching. A modified brain segmentation algorithm is implemented for extracting gray matter from an input brain image. Then, an alignment-based matching algorithm is developed for brain matching. Experimental results on two data sets show that the proposed brain recognition system meets the high accuracy requirement of identity authentication. Though currently the acquisition of the brain is still time consuming and expensive, brain images are highly unique and have the potential possibility for authentication in view of pattern recognition.
The Role of Chemoattractant Receptors in Shaping the Tumor Microenvironment
Authors: Zhou Jiamin , Xiang Yi , Yoshimura Teizo , Chen Keqiang , Gong Wanghua , Huang Jian , Zhou Ye , Yao Xiaohong , Bian Xiuwu , Wang Ji Ming
Published: July 2014

Chemoattractant receptors are a family of seven transmembrane G protein coupled receptors (GPCRs) initially found to mediate the chemotaxis and activation of immune cells. During the past decades, the functions of these GPCRs have been discovered to not only regulate leukocyte trafficking and promote immune responses, but also play important roles in homeostasis, development, angiogenesis, and tumor progression. Accumulating evidence indicates that chemoattractant GPCRs and their ligands promote the progression of malignant tumors based on their capacity to orchestrate the infiltration of the tumor microenvironment by immune cells, endothelial cells, fibroblasts, and mesenchymal cells. This facilitates the interaction of tumor cells with host cells, tumor cells with tumor cells, and host cells with host cells to provide a basis for the expansion of established tumors and development of distant metastasis. In addition, many malignant tumors of the nonhematopoietic origin express multiple chemoattractant GPCRs that increase the invasiveness and metastasis of tumor cells. Therefore, GPCRs and their ligands constitute targets for the development of novel antitumor therapeutics.
Effect of Duplicate Genes on Mouse Genetic Robustness: An Update
Authors: Su Zhixi , Wang Junqiang , Gu Xun
Published: July 2014

In contrast toS. cerevisiaeandC. elegans, analyses based on the current knockout (KO) mouse phenotypes led to the conclusion that duplicate genes had almost no role in mouse genetic robustness. It has been suggested that the bias of mouse KO database toward ancient duplicates may possibly cause this knockout duplicate puzzle, that is, a very similar proportion of essential genes (PE) between duplicate genes and singletons. In this paper, we conducted an extensive and careful analysis for the mouse KO phenotype data and corroborated a strong effect of duplicate genes on mouse genetics robustness. Moreover, the effect of duplicate genes on mouse genetic robustness is duplication-age dependent, which holds after ruling out the potential confounding effect from coding-sequence conservation, protein-protein connectivity, functional bias, or the bias of duplicates generated by whole genome duplication (WGD). Our findings suggest that two factors, the sampling bias toward ancient duplicates and very ancient duplicates with a proportion of essential genes higher than that of singletons, have caused the mouse knockout duplicate puzzle; meanwhile, the effect of genetic buffering may be correlated with sequence conservation as well as protein-protein interactivity.
Generalized Equilibrium Problem with Mixed Relaxed Monotonicity
Authors: Rizvi Haider Abbas , Kılıçman Adem , Ahmad Rais
Published: July 2014

We extend the concept of relaxedα-monotonicity to mixed relaxedα-β-monotonicity. The concept of mixed relaxedα-β-monotonicity is more general than many existing concepts of monotonicities. Finally, we apply this concept and well known KKM-theory to obtain the solution of generalized equilibrium problem.
Plasma Treated High‐Density Polyethylene (HDPE) Medpor Implant Immobilized with rhBMP‐2 for Improving the Bone Regeneration
Authors: Lim Jin-Su , Kook Min-Suk , Jung Seunggon , Park Hong-Ju , Ohk Seung-Ho , Oh Hee-Kyun
Published: July 2014

We investigate the bone generation capacity of recombinant human bone morphogenetic protein‐2 (rhBMP‐2) immobilized Medpor surface through acrylic acid plasma‐polymerization. Plasma‐polymerization was carried out at a 20 W at an acrylic acid flow rate of 7 sccm for 5 min. The plasma‐polymerized Medpor surface showed hydrophilic properties and possessed a high density of carboxyl groups. The rhBMP‐2 was immobilized with covalently attached carboxyl groups using 1‐ethyl‐3‐(3‐dimethylaminopropyl) carbodiimide and N‐hydroxysuccinimide. Carboxyl groups and rhBMP‐2 immobilization on the Medpor surface were identified by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. The activity of Medpor with rhBMP‐2 immobilized was examined using an alkaline phosphatase assay on MC3T3‐E1 cultured Medpor. These results showed that the rhBMP‐2 immobilized Medpor increased the level of MC3T3‐E1 cell differentiation. These results demonstrated that plasma surface modification has the potential to immobilize rhBMP‐2 on polymer implant such as Medpor and can be used for the binding of bioactive nanomolecules in bone tissue engineering.
Dynamic Response and Optimal Design of Curved Metallic Sandwich Panels under Blast Loading
Authors: Qi Chang , Yang Shu , Yang Li-Jun , Han Shou-Hong , Lu Zhen-Hua
Published: July 2014

It is important to understand the effect of curvature on the blast response of curved structures so as to seek the optimal configurations of such structures with improved blast resistance. In this study, the dynamic response and protective performance of a type of curved metallic sandwich panel subjected to air blast loading were examined using LS-DYNA. The numerical methods were validated using experimental data in the literature. The curved panel consisted of an aluminum alloy outer face and a rolled homogeneous armour (RHA) steel inner face in addition to a closed-cell aluminum foam core. The results showed that the configuration of a “soft” outer face and a “hard” inner face worked well for the curved sandwich panel against air blast loading in terms of maximum deflection (MaxD) and energy absorption. The panel curvature was found to have a monotonic effect on the specific energy absorption (SEA) and a nonmonotonic effect on the MaxD of the panel. Based on artificial neural network (ANN) metamodels, multiobjective optimization designs of the panel were carried out. The optimization results revealed the trade-off relationships between the blast-resistant and the lightweight objectives and showed the great use of Pareto front in such design circumstances.
Butylidenephthalide Blocks Potassium Channels and Enhances Basal Tension in Isolated Guinea-Pig Trachea
Authors: Hsu Hsin-Te , Yang You-Lan , Chen Wan-Chen , Chen Chi-Ming , Ko Wun-Chang
Published: July 2014

Butylidenephthalide (Bdph, 30~300 μM), a constituent ofLigusticum chuanxiongHort., significantly enhanced tension in isolated guinea-pig trachea. In this study, we investigate the mechanism(s) of Bdph-induced contraction in the tissue. Isolated trachea was bathed in 5 mL of Krebs solution containing indomethacin (3 μM), and its tension changes were isometrically recorded. Cromakalim (3 μM), an ATP-dependent K+channel opener, significantly antagonized the Bdph-induced enhancement of baseline tension. Bdph (300 μM) also significantly antagonized cromakalim-induced relaxation. Bdph (300 μM) did not significantly influence the antagonistic effects of glibenclamide (GBC, 1 μM) and tetraethylammonium (TEA, 8 mM) against the cromakalim-induced relaxation. However, Bdph (300 μM) and 4-aminopiridine (4-AP, 5 mM), a blocker of Kv1 family of K+channels, in combination significantly rightward shifted the log concentration-relaxation curve of cromakalim. The antagonistic effect of the combination almost equals the sum of the individual effects of Bdph and 4-AP, suggesting that the antagonistic mechanism of Bdph may be similar to that of 4-AP. All calcium channel blockers influenced neither the baseline tension nor antagonistic effect of Bdph against cromakalim. In conclusion, Bdph may be similar to 4-AP, a blocker of Kv1 family of K+channels, to enhance the baseline tension of guinea-pig trachea.
Evaluating Reverse Supply Chain Efficiency: Manufacturer’s Perspective
Authors: Kumar Manasvi , Tiwari Manoj Kumar , Wong Kuan Yew , Govindan Kannan , Kuah Chuen Tse
Published: July 2014

The paper aims to illustrate the use of fuzzy data envelopment analysis (DEA) in analyzing reverse supply chain (RSC) performance from the manufacturer’s perspective. By using an alternative α‐cut approach, the fuzzy DEA model was converted into a crisp linear programming problem, thereby altering the problem to an interval programming one. The model is able to obtain precise and robust efficiency values. An investigation was also made between the obtained efficiency scores and certain relevant background information of the companies. The study revealed that while ISO 14001 certification usually ensures an environmentally friendly supply chain network, companies which have implemented RSC techniques since a longer duration do not necessarily have a more efficient supply chain in general.
The Impact of Simulated and Real Microgravity on Bone Cells and Mesenchymal Stem Cells
Authors: Ulbrich Claudia , Wehland Markus , Pietsch Jessica , Aleshcheva Ganna , Wise Petra , van Loon Jack , Magnusson Nils , Infanger Manfred , Grosse Jirka , Eilles Christoph , Sundaresan Alamelu , Grimm Daniela
Published: July 2014

How microgravity affects the biology of human cells and the formation of 3D cell cultures in real and simulated microgravity (r- and s-µg) is currently a hot topic in biomedicine. In r- and s-µg, various cell types were found to form 3D structures. This review will focus on the current knowledge of tissue engineering in space and on Earth using systems such as the random positioning machine (RPM), the 2D-clinostat, or the NASA-developed rotating wall vessel bioreactor (RWV) to create tissue from bone, tumor, and mesenchymal stem cells. To understand the development of 3D structures,in vitroexperiments using s-µgdevices can provide valuable information about modulations in signal-transduction, cell adhesion, or extracellular matrix induced by altered gravity conditions. These systems also facilitate the analysis of the impact of growth factors, hormones, or drugs on these tissue-like constructs. Progress has been made in bone tissue engineering using the RWV, and multicellular tumor spheroids (MCTS), formed in both r- and s-µg, have been reported and were analyzed in depth. Currently, these MCTS are available for drug testing and proteomic investigations. This review provides an overview of the influence ofµgon the aforementioned cells and an outlook for future perspectives in tissue engineering.
Online Regularized and Kernelized Extreme Learning Machines with Forgetting Mechanism
Authors: Zhou Xinran , Liu Zijian , Zhu Congxu
Published: July 2014

To apply the single hidden‐layer feedforward neural networks (SLFN) to identify time‐varying system, online regularized extreme learning machine (ELM) with forgetting mechanism (FORELM) and online kernelized ELM with forgetting mechanism (FOKELM) are presented in this paper. The FORELM updates the output weights of SLFN recursively by using Sherman‐Morrison formula, and it combines advantages of online sequential ELM with forgetting mechanism (FOS‐ELM) and regularized online sequential ELM (ReOS‐ELM); that is, it can capture the latest properties of identified system by studying a certain number of the newest samples and also can avoid issue of ill‐conditioned matrix inversion by regularization. The FOKELM tackles the problem of matrix expansion of kernel based incremental ELM (KB‐IELM) by deleting the oldest sample according to the block matrix inverse formula when samples occur continually. The experimental results show that the proposed FORELM and FOKELM have better stability than FOS‐ELM and have higher accuracy than ReOS‐ELM in nonstationary environments; moreover, FORELM and FOKELM have time efficiencies superiority over dynamic regression extreme learning machine (DR‐ELM) under certain conditions.
Giant Solitary Fibrous Tumor of the Parotid Gland
Authors: Chis Octavian , Albu Silviu
Published: July 2014

Solitary fibrous tumors (SFTs) are rare tumors that are mostly found arising from the pleura. SFT of the parotid gland is a rare tumor; only a few cases have been described in the literature. SFTs are benign in most cases. Clinically, SFTs usually manifest as well circumscribed, slow-growing, smooth, and painless masses. CT-Scan and MRI are the most sensitive imaging procedures used. The treatment of choice is complete surgical excision of the lesion. Since recurrence and metastasis can take place after several years, a lifelong clinical and imaging regular follow-up is compulsory. In this paper, we describe the diagnostic and therapeutic challenges of the up-to-now biggest parotid SFT. The clinical presentation, surgical management, and pathological and immunohistochemistry findings are described.
Horizontal Assembly of Single Nanowire Diode Fabricated by p-n Junction GaN NW Grown by MOCVD
Authors: Park Ji-Hyeon , Kissinger Suthan , Ra Yong Ho , San Kang , Park Min Ji , Yoo Kyung-Hwa , Lee Cheul-Ro
Published: July 2014

Uniaxially p-n junction gallium nitride nanowires have been synthesized via metal‐organic chemical vapor deposition method. Nanowires prepared on Si(111) substrates were found to grow perpendicular to the substrate, and the transmission electron microscopy studies demonstrated that the nanowires had singlecrystalline structures with a <0001> growth axis. The parallel assembly of the p-n junction nanowire was prepared on a Si substrate with a thermally grown SiO2 layer. The transport studies of horizontal gallium nitride nanowire structures assembled from p‐ and n‐type materials show that these junctions correspond to well‐defined p-n junction diodes. The p-n junction devices based on GaN nanowires suspended over the electrodes were fabricated and their electrical properties were investigated. The horizontally assembled gallium nitride nanowire diodes suspended over the electrodes exhibited a substantial increase in conductance under UV light exposure. Apart from the selectivity to different light wavelengths, high responsivity and extremely short response time have also been obtained.
The Structure and Stability of Molybdenum Ditelluride Thin Films
Authors: Wang Zhouling , Wang Wenwu , Yang Ya , Li Wei , Feng Lianghuan , Zhang Jingquan , Wu Lili , Zeng Guanggen
Published: July 2014

Molybdenum-tellurium alloy thin films were fabricated by electron beam evaporation and the films were annealed in different conditions in N2ambient. The hexagonal molybdenum ditelluride thin films with well crystallization annealed at 470°C or higher were obtained by solid state reactions. Thermal stability measurements indicate the formation of MoTe2took place at about 350°C, and a subtle weight-loss was in the range between 30°C and 500°C. The evolution of the chemistry for Mo-Te thin films was performed to investigate the growth of the MoTe2thin films free of any secondary phase. And the effect of other postdeposition treatments on the film characteristics was also investigated.
Antioxidant Properties of Mushroom Mycelia Obtained by Batch Cultivation and Tocopherol Content Affected by Extraction Procedures
Authors: Vamanu Emanuel
Published: July 2014

The determination of the antioxidant potential of lyophilized mushroom mycelia from 5 strains of the speciesPleurotus ostreatusandCoprinus comatus(obtained by submerged cultivation in batch system) was analyzed as ethanolic extracts by evaluating ABTS and the hydroxyl scavenging activity, FRAP method, the chelating capacity, the inhibition of human erythrocyte hemolysis, and the inhibition of xanthine oxidase activity. The main compounds present in all extracts were determined by HPLC chromatography. Overall, results demonstrated that the biologically active substances content is modulated by the extraction method used. The most beneficial extract, characterized by determining the EC50value, was that ofC. comatusM8102, followed byP. ostreatusPQMZ91109. Significant amount ofα-tocopherol (179.51 ± 1.51 mg/100 g extract) was determined as well as flavones such as rutin and apigenin. In theP. ostreatusPQMZ91109 extract, 4.8 ± 0.05 mg/100 g extract of tocopherol acetate known to play a significant role as an antioxidant in skin protection against oxidative stress generated by UV rays was determined. The various correlations (r2=0.7665–0.9426 for tocopherol content) assessed and the composition of extracts in fluidized bed from the mycelia of the tested species depicted a significant pharmacological potential as well as the possibility of usage in the development of new functional products.
Radical Cystectomy and Ileal Orthotopic Bladder Substitution after Radical Retropubic Prostatectomy: Functional and Oncological Results
Authors: Selli Cesare , Giannarini Gianluca , De Maria Maurizio , Pistolesi Donatella , Thalmann George N.
Published: July 2014

Men with good functional results following radical retropubic prostatectomy (RRP) and requiring radical cystectomy (RC) for subsequent bladder carcinoma seldom receive orthotopic bladder substitution. Four patients aged 62- 72 years (median 67 years), who had undergone RRP for prostate cancer of stage pT2bN0M0 Gleason score 6 (n = 1), pT2cN0M0 Gleason score 5 and 6 (n = 2) and pT3bN0M0 Gleason score 7 (n = 1) 27 to 104 months before, developed urothelial bladder carcinoma treated with RC and ileal orthotopic bladder substitution. After radical prostatectomy three were continent and one had grade I stress incontinence, and three achieved intercourse with intracavernous alprostadil injections. Follow-up after RC ranged between 27 and 42 months (median 29 months). At the 24-month follow-up visit after RC daily urinary continence was total (0 pad) in one patient, two used one pad for mild leakage, and one was incontinent following endoscopic incision of anastomotic stricture. One patient died of progression of bladder carcinoma, while the other three are alive without evidence of disease. The three surviving patients continued to have sexual intercourse with intracavernous alprostadil injections. Men with previous RRP have a reasonable chance of maintaining a satisfactory functional outcome following RC and ileal orthotopic bladder substitution.
Clinical and Neuropsychological Characteristics of a Nationwide Hospital-Based Registry of Frontotemporal Dementia Patients in Korea: A CREDOS-FTD Study
Authors: Kim Eun-Joo , Park Kyung-Won , Lee Jae-Hong , Choi SeongHye , Jeong Jee H. , Yoon Soo Jin , Kim Byeong C. , Kwon Jay C. , Ku Bon D. , Kim Seung Hyun , Choi Byung-Ok , Na Duk L.
Published: July 2014

Background: We investigated the demographic, clinical, and neuropsychological characteristics of frontotemporal dementia (FTD) from the Clinical Research Center for Dementia of South Korea (CREDOS)-FTD registry. Methods: A total of 200 consecutive patients with FTD recruited from 16 neurological clinics in Korea were evaluated by cognitive and functional assessments, a screening test for aphasia, behavioral questionnaires, motor assessments, and brain MRI or PET. Results: In our registry, 78 patients were classified as having been diagnosed with behavioral-variant FTD (bvFTD), 70 with semantic dementia (SD), 33 with progressive nonfluent aphasia (PNFA), and 8 with motor neuron disease plus syndrome (MND-plus). The patients with language variants of dementia were older than those with bvFTD. There were no differences in sex ratio, duration of illness, or level of education among the four subgroups. Overall, the patients with bvFTD showed a significantly better performance in cognitive tests. A higher frequency of motor symptoms and a lower frequency of behavioral symptoms were found in PNFA than in bvFTD and SD. The Global Language Index was significantly lower in SD than in bvFTD and PNFA. The MND-plus group had a poorer performance than all the others in all cognitive domains. Conclusion: The neuropsychological, behavioral, motor, and language characteristics of the four subtypes are comparable with those from other series. However, the proportion of SD (37.0%), which was similar to that of bvFTD (41.3%), was higher in our registry than in other series.
Aging and Potential for Self-Renewal: Hydra Living in the Age of Aging - A Mini-Review
Authors: Schaible Ralf , Sussman Meir , Kramer Boris H.
Published: July 2014

Hydra present an interesting deviation from typical life histories: they have an extensive capacity to regenerate and self-renew and seem to defy the aging process. Hydra have the ability to decouple the aging process from their life history and therefore provide us with a unique opportunity to gain insight into the aging process not only for basal hydrozoans but also for other species across the tree of life. We argue that under steady feeding and asexual reproduction Hydra species are able to escape aging as a result of high levels of cell proliferation and regenerative ability. We further highlight cellular processes for stem cell maintenance, such as the telomere dynamic, which prevent the accumulation of damage and protect against diseases and pathogens that mediate this condition. In addition, we discuss the causes of aging in other Hydra species.
Femoral Micropuncture or Routine Introducer Study (FEMORIS)
Authors: Ambrose John A. , Lardizabal Joel , Mouanoutoua Mouatou , Buhari Cyrus F. , Berg Ryan , Joshi Bipin , El-Sherief Karim , Wessel Ralph , Singh Manmeet , Kiel Richard
Published: July 2014

Objectives: The Micropuncture® 21-gauge needle may reduce complications related to vessel trauma from inadvertent venous or posterior arterial wall puncture. Methods: This was a single-center, multiple-user trial. Four hundred and two patients undergoing possible or definite percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) were randomized 1:1 to an 18-gauge versus a 21-gauge needle. Patients and personnel pulling the sheaths and performing the follow-up were blinded. The primary end point was a composite of access bleeding. Events were tabulated following sheath removal, ≤24 h after the procedure and at the follow-up (at 1-2 weeks). End points were blindly adjudicated. Results: The event rate overall was 12.4% and did not differ significantly between groups, although the 21-gauge needle was found to reduce events by more than one third. An exploratory subgroup analysis of prespecified variables indicated that: patients who did not undergo PCI or elective procedures, female patients and those with a final sheath size of ≤6 Fr all had a significant or near-significant reduction of complications with Micropuncture. Conclusions: Although no significant differences between the use of the 18- and 21-gauge needles were observed, there was a 50-75% reduction with Micropuncture in several subgroups. The study was terminated prematurely. Access site complications may be reduced by the use of the 21-gauge needle, particularly when the risk of bleeding is not high. Further multicenter data will be required to confirm these hypothesis-generating observations.
Respiratory Impedance and Response to Salbutamol in Healthy Individuals and Patients with COPD
Authors: da Costa Gerusa Maritimo , Faria Alvaro Camilo Dias , Di Mango Ana Maria Gonçalves Tavares , Lopes Agnaldo José , Lopes de Melo Pedro
Published: July 2014

Background: Recent studies suggested that the bronchodilator response depends on airway obstruction. The forced oscillation technique (FOT) may help improve our understanding of the changes in respiratory mechanics that occur after the application of a bronchodilator. Objectives: We aimed to (1) assess the response to salbutamol and to compare the impedance changes in healthy individuals and COPD patients, (2) investigate the effects of airway obstruction on this response and (3) evaluate the utility of the FOT as a complementary measurement to assess the response to the bronchodilator. Methods: Twenty-five healthy individuals and 82 patients with COPD were assessed with the FOT followed by spirometry before and after the use of salbutamol. Results: The changes exhibited by the COPD subgroups were greater than in the healthy individuals (p < 0.05). Increased obstruction resulted in decreased reductions in mean resistance and increased improvements in mean reactance (p < 0.001). In addition, the bronchodilation reduced the ventilation heterogeneity and the impedance modulus in all COPD stages (p < 0.05). The correlation coefficients for the spirometric and FOT changes were low (0.21-0.38). Conclusions: In the initial phases of COPD (stage I), the effects of bronchodilation are greater than in healthy volunteers. The bronchodilator use improved the oscillatory mechanics in all of the studied groups of COPD patients. These improvements are reduced in more advanced phases of airway obstruction (II, III and IV). The FOT provides information that complements the data supplied by spirometry, contributing to an improvement in the evaluation of the bronchodilator response in COPD.
Can Lung Ultrasound Replace Chest Radiography for the Diagnosis of Pneumonia in Hospitalized Children?
Authors: Reali Francesca , Sferrazza Papa Giuseppe Francesco , Carlucci Paolo , Fracasso Paola , Di Marco Fabiano , Mandelli Marzia , Soldi Simone , Riva Enrica , Centanni Stefano
Published: July 2014

Background: Lung ultrasound is a non-radiating accurate alternative tool to chest X-ray (CXR) in the diagnosis of community-acquired pneumonia (CAP) in adults. Objectives: The aim of our study was to define the accuracy of ultrasound in the diagnosis of CAP in children. Methods: 107 consecutive children with suspected CAP underwent clinical examination, blood sample analysis, CXR and lung ultrasound on admission to the Pediatric Department of the San Paolo Hospital. The diagnosis of pneumonia was made by an independent committee of physicians on the basis of the overall clinical and CXR data. Results: The diagnosis of CAP was confirmed by the committee in 81 patients (76%). Ultrasound and CXR were performed in all patients. Ultrasound had a sensitivity of 94% and specificity of 96%, while CXR showed a sensitivity of 82% and a specificity of 94%. In patients with CAP, ultrasound revealed subpleural consolidations with air bronchogram in 70 cases and focal B-lines in 6. A parapneumonic pleural effusion was detected in 17 patients by ultrasound, while only 11 of them could be detected by CXR. Conclusions: In our series, lung ultrasound was highly accurate for the diagnosis of CAP in hospitalized children. These results provide the rationale for a multicenter study in children.
Uterine Artery Pseudoaneurysm Manifesting as Delayed Postpartum Hemorrhage after Precipitous Delivery: Three Case Reports
Authors: Kim Jong Woon , Kim Yoon Ha , Kim Chul Hong , Cho Moon Kyoung , Kang Woo Dae , Kim Seok Mo , Yim Nam Yeol , Song Tae-Bok
Published: July 2014

Precipitous delivery may lead to serious maternal and neonatal complications. Uterine artery pseudoaneurysm (UAP) is one of the causes of delayed postpartum hemorrhage. Here we describe 3 cases of UAP manifesting as delayed postpartum hemorrhage after precipitous delivery. The duration of the second stage of labor in cases 1, 2, and 3 was 15, 15, and 60 min, respectively. Excessive vaginal bleeding occurred 10, 9, and 31 days after delivery, respectively. Ultrasonogram and pelvic angiography revealed the UAP in each case and uterine artery embolization was performed. UAP may be a complication of precipitous delivery.
Early Continuous Renal Replacement Therapy in Cardiogenic Shock Patients with Severe Acute Kidney Injury Undergoing Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation
Authors: Lin Yen-Chung , Lin Yi-Chun , Lin Feng-Yen , Shih Chun-Ming , Wu Mai-Szu , Chen Tzen-Wen , Chen Hsi-Hsien , Chang Nen-Chun , Tsao Nai-Wen , Huang Chun-Yao
Published: July 2014

Background: Continuous renal replacement therapy (CRRT) may benefit patients requiring extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO). However, the clinical benefits and timing of CRRT have not been fully elucidated for these patients. Methods: This study was conducted retrospectively at the Taipei Medical University Hospital between January 2008 and December 2010. We included patients who had Acute Kidney Injury Network (AKIN) stage 3 disease at the initiation of ECMO and subsequently underwent CRRT. We excluded patients aged <18 years or those who were chronic dialysis patients. Early dialysis was defined as receiving CRRT <24 h after the initiation of ECMO. The primary outcome was mortality before weaning from ECMO. Results: The median age of the 15 patients included in the study was 72 years. The median interval between ECMO and CRRT was 16 h. No significant difference in survival was observed between the early- and late-dialysis patients (p = 0.58, log-rank test). However, a trend toward a shorter mean duration of ECMO therapy was observed in the early-dialysis patients (124 vs. 169 h, p = 0.16). The median follow-up glomerular filtration rate for the survivors was 38.9 ml/min/1.73 m2. Conclusion: No survival benefit is conferred by the use of CRRT within 24 h after initiating ECMO in patients with severe acute kidney injury according to AKIN criteria. © 2014 S. Karger AG, Basel
PGC-1α Induces SPP1 to Activate Macrophages and Orchestrate Functional Angiogenesis in Skeletal Muscle
Authors: Rowe Glenn C. , Raghuram Srilatha , Jang Cholsoon , Nagy Janice A. , Patten Ian S. , Goyal Amrita , Chan Mun Chun , Liu Laura X. , Jiang Aihua , Spokes Katherine C. , Beeler David , Dvorak Harold , Aird William C. , Arany Zolt
Published: July 2014

Rationale
:

Mechanisms of angiogenesis in skeletal muscle remain poorly understood. Efforts to induce physiological angiogenesis hold promise for the treatment of diabetic microvascular disease and peripheral artery disease but are hindered by the complexity of physiological angiogenesis and by the poor angiogenic response of aged and patients with diabetes mellitus. To date, the best therapy for diabetic vascular disease remains exercise, often a challenging option for patients with leg pain. Peroxisome proliferation activator receptor-γ coactivator-1α (PGC-1α), a powerful regulator of metabolism, mediates exercise-induced angiogenesis in skeletal muscle.

Objective
:

To test whether, and how, PGC-1α can induce functional angiogenesis in adult skeletal muscle.

Methods and Results
:

Here, we show that muscle PGC-1α robustly induces functional angiogenesis in adult, aged, and diabetic mice. The process involves the orchestration of numerous cell types and leads to patent, nonleaky, properly organized, and functional nascent vessels. These findings contrast sharply with the disorganized vasculature elicited by induction of vascular endothelial growth factor alone. Bioinformatic analyses revealed that PGC-1α induces the secretion of secreted phosphoprotein 1 and the recruitment of macrophages. Secreted phosphoprotein 1 stimulates macrophages to secrete monocyte chemoattractant protein-1, which then activates adjacent endothelial cells, pericytes, and smooth muscle cells. In contrast, induction of PGC-1α in secreted phosphoprotein 1
−/−
mice leads to immature capillarization and blunted arteriolarization. Finally, adenoviral delivery of PGC-1α into skeletal muscle of either young or old and diabetic mice improved the recovery of blood flow in the murine hindlimb ischemia model of peripheral artery disease.

Conclusions
:

PGC-1α drives functional angiogenesis in skeletal muscle and likely recapitulates the complex physiological angiogenesis elicited by exercise.
Balancing Between Social Work and Prosecution
Authors: Heinonen Anna
Published: July 2014

Disciplinary violence is a type of a crime that still is not always perceived as a crime and perceptions of the severity and ‘educational’ nature of the acts still may affect authority decision making. This is not indifferent as pre-trial investigation carried out by the police has a crucial impact on how suspicions of crime proceed in the criminal process, especially when it comes to suspicions of violence against children. During pre-trial investigation, the police affect what kind of a case is being ‘constructed’ as a crime and, thus, affect what we perceive as a crime. This process of ‘defining’ what constitutes a crime is very meaningful especially when considering crimes like disciplinary violence that have not traditionally been considered as forbidden. Based on Finnish reports of crime to the police and pre-trial investigation documents from the year 2011, this research examines, first, what kind of typical suspicions of disciplinary violence come to the attention of the police and, second, how these suspicions have proceeded. The analysis shows that a typical suspicion of disciplinary violence is reported to the police by a social worker or the other parent, and that slightly less than two-thirds of the cases had been sent to a prosecutor. However, from the point of view of due process and equal treatment of children, the analysis yields alarming findings in the sense of very diverse policies of police departments and individual investigators in dealing with suspicions of disciplinary violence.
Voci italiane ed egiziane da Alessandria d’Egitto: un dialogo tra Fausta Cialente e Naǧīb Maḥfūẓ
Authors: Jaran Mahmoud
Published: July 2014

The city of Alexandria has always been a source of inspiration for many writers, poets and novelists, Western and Eastern. We may think of the works of Kavafis, the poems of Ungaretti and the novels of Lawrence Durrell. In addition to its historical value and its oriental charm, Alexandria remained in the collective memory as a multiethnic city par excellence in the first half of the Twentieth Century. After the coup of 1952, Alexandria has become a city-symbol of the Revolution of the Free Officers. There was born Ǧamāl ʿAbd el-Nāṣer and from its squares, he announced the nationalization of the Suez Canal. This article considers these two historical moments in order to analyse two novels, Cortile a Cleopatra by the Italian writer Fausta Cialente and Miramar by the Egyptian novelist Naǧīb Maḥfūẓ, both set in Alexandria, but in two different eras. The literary analysis focuses primarily on the realistic descriptions of the multi-ethnic society Cialente’s work and on the symbolism, which typifies Miramar. The result is a dialogue between two perspectives: one is Italian; the other is Egyptian, both choose Alexandria, however, as a stage of the drama of human experience.
Islamic Liberation Theology. An Inter-Religious Reflection between Gustavo Gutierrez, Farīd Esack and Ḥamīd Dabāšī
Authors: Demichelis Marco
Published: July 2014

In the published text by Ḥamīd Dabāšī, Islamic liberation theology, there is no mention within it of the essay by Farīd Esack, Qurʾān, liberation and pluralism, published in 1997, and after reading both introductions. Perhaps it will be helpful to better recognize the relationship between these two authors, and those who have gone before them (Ašgar ʿAlī Engineer and Šabbir Aḫtar), concerning Islamic Liberation Theology and Theodicy, not only in connection to their thinking and methodological approach, which emerges as being very different, but with respect to the historical events that are affecting the Islamic Middle East in recent years. The hermeneutic and theological approach of F. Esack, the South African citizen, contrasts markedly with the political Šīʿah terminology and methodology, used by Ḥ. Dabāšī, who is a US citizen of Iranian origin. However, their use of similar sources, including such Christian liberation theology authors as Gustavo Gutierrez, allows them to promote a study which is capable of reinterpreting contemporary Islamic theodicy against the background of the recent Middle East uprisings. The analysis to which I am particular attracted concerns the relationship between two reinterpretations of the takfīr concept and the plural identification of the Arab-Islamic holy prophecy, described as advocating religious pluralism. The deconstruction, leading from a purely theological analysis of the takfīr and the interpretation of a plural Islam, is not openly tolerant, but is able to consider a more shared concept of Truth, and could be politically contemplated by a faith approach which remains Islamic-oriented whilst not being culturally tied to the Western world. The balance of political Islam through a faith still acknowledging the transcendent and acting as the backer of human freedom continues to be sought by theorists but is not appreciated by the most uncompromising Muslims believers.
The Political Thought of Mirzā Aqā Khān Kermāni, The Father of Persian National Liberalism
Authors: Abdolmohammadi Pejman
Published: July 2014

The second half of the nineteenth century is one of the most important periods for the evolution of political thought in Persia. Notable intellectuals started to develop a critical perception of the social, economic and political issues, giving life to a new current of thought which became known as the constitutionalist movement of Iran. Mirzā Aqā Khān Kermāni (1853-1896) is one of the most important thinkers of this time who, in numerous books and articles, puts forward constitutionalist and nationalist ideas for the first time in Iranian contemporary history. This article will examine his political thought, highlighting how Kermāni, after being in contact with the liberal and constitutional ideas of western thinkers and also after a new revision of his own Persian history and philosophy, was able to work out a new way of thinking which contributed to creating the ideological basis for a modern concept of Nationalism in Iran and for the first attempt at secularization of Iranian society. This article shows how the Iranian constitutional revolution of 1906 (mashrūṭeh) was in fact partially the fruit of ideas of this first generation of secular thinkers such as Kermāni, who were able to spread a new civil concept of the state which separated religion from politics, by introducing the rule of law and limiting the absolute power of the monarch.
Mudarrisūn e muḥaddiṯūn a Damasco negli awāmir sulṭāniyyah (1876-1908)
Authors: Sicari Daniele
Published: July 2014

The Center for Historical Documentation of Damascus, which was founded in 1960, houses a relevant variety of first-hand sources dating back to the Ottoman period, which prove to be fundamental in order to better define some peculiar aspects of history of Bilād al-Šām, such as the role of ʿulamāʾ and transmission of knowledge.

As far as this is concerned, the awāmir sulṭāniyyah represent an essential part of the documentation, not only for the number of biographical data about mudarrisūn and muḥadditūn who were living and teaching in Damascus, but also for the particular relationship that they established with the main cultural institutions of the city, such as the traditional madāris.

Through the analysis of the awāmir, which still require a specific attention by the Oriental studies, our research focuses on some representative cases, in order to give evidence of the cultural richness and the extraordinary ferment in a period most marked by administrative, social and institutional reforms.