bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Sprue-like histology in patients with abdominal pain taking olmesartan compared with other angiotensin receptor blockers
Authors: Lagana Stephen M , Braunstein Eric D , Arguelles-Grande Carolina , Bhagat Govind , Green Peter H R , Lebwohl Benjamin
Published: October 2014

Aims

A severe syndrome characterised by life-threatening diarrhoea and severe sprue-like histology has been described in patients taking the angiotensin receptor blocker (ARB) olmesartan. It is unknown whether there are any histopathological changes in patients without severe diarrhoea exposed to this medication. It is also unknown whether other ARBs cause sprue-like histology.

Methods

Retrospective cohort study of patients with abdominal pain undergoing upper gastrointestinal endoscopy with duodenal biopsy who were taking ARBs. Patients taking olmesartan (n=20) and a non-olmesartan ARB (n=20) were compared with age and sex-matched controls. Histological features (classic sprue-like and other inflammatory changes) were analysed.

Results

No single histopathological finding was significantly more common in olmesartan-using patients than controls. However, 10 of 20 olmesartan patients had one or more sprue-like histological features compared with 4 of 20 age-matched and sex-matched controls not taking ARBs (p=0.10). Patients taking ARBs other than olmesartan were not more likely than controls to have one or more of these sprue-like histological features (9/20 vs. 12/20, p=0.34).

Conclusions

There were no statistically significant differences between olmesartan users with abdominal pain and controls for any single histopathological abnormality. However, there were trends towards significance for individual abnormalities as well as for a composite outcome of sprue-like changes. This raises the possibility that there is a spectrum of histological changes associated with olmesartan use.
Modeling swelling–shrinkage behavior of compacted expansive soils during wetting–drying cycles
Authors: Wang Gang , Wei Xing
Published: October 2014

This paper presents a straightforward approach for modelling volume change behavior of expansive soils during wetting–drying cycles. The swelling–shrinkage strain of expansive soils induced by cyclic wetting and drying was decomposed with distinctive physical background into a reversible component, which shows a synchronous change with the cyclic change of suction, and an irreversible component, which is generated mainly in the early stage of the wetting–drying process. The mechanisms of the two swelling–shrinkage strain components can be well explained through the double-level structure of expansive soils and its evolution with mechanical and hydraulic loading. The reversible component originates from the reversible deformation behavior of aggregates, and primarily depends on current suction or water content. The irreversible component is associated with the irreversible change of macrostructure, reflecting the difference in soil structures at current state and the equilibrium state. A practical constitutive model was proposed for compacted expansive clays from a global and phenomenological perspective. The model parameters can be calibrated with observed macroscopic deformation behavior without measuring microstructural parameters. The performance of the presented model was validated by simulating cyclic suction-controlled tests as well as an alternately soaked and dried test with irregular amplitudes of suctions.
Bianchi type-V early-decelerating and late-time-accelerating cosmological model with a perfect fluid and heat conduction
Authors: Chandel Savita , Ram Shri
Published: October 2014

In this paper, we discuss Einstein’s field equations for a spatially homogeneous and anisotropic Bianchi type-V space–time in the presence of a perfect fluid and heat conduction. We obtain exact solutions of the field equations by applying the hybrid expansion law for the average scale factor that yields power-law and exponential-law cosmologies in its special cases. We observe that the universe exhibits a transition from deceleration to acceleration in its expansion. The universe is anisotropic at the early stages of its evolution and becomes isotropic at late time. At late time dark energy dominates, leading to accelerated expansion of the universe. The physical and kinematical behaviors of the model are also discussed.
Automatically Detecting Rotation in Chest Radiographs Using Principal Rib-Orientation Measure for Quality Control
Authors: Santosh K. C. , Candemir Sema , Jaeger Stefan , Karargyris Alexandros , Antani Sameer , Thoma George R. , Folio Les
Published: October 2014

We present a novel method for detecting rotated lungs in chest radiographs for quality control and augmenting automated abnormality detection. The method computes a principal rib-orientation measure using a generalized line histogram technique for quality control, and therefore augmenting automated abnormality detection. To compute the line histogram, we use line seed filters as kernels to convolve with edge images, and extract a set of lines from the posterior rib-cage. After convolving kernels in all possible orientations in the range [0°, 180°), we measure the angle with maximum magnitude in the line histogram. This measure provides an approximation of the principal chest rib-orientation for each lung. A chest radiograph is upright if the difference between the orientation angles of both lungs with respect to the horizontal axis is negligible. We validate our method on sets of normal and abnormal images and argue that rib orientation can be used for rotation detection in chest radiographs as an aid in quality control during image acquisition. It can also be used for training and testing data sets for computer aided diagnosis research, for example. In our experiments, we achieve a maximum accuracy of approximately 90%.
Weyl geometry and gauge-invariant gravitation
Authors: Poulis F. P. , Salim J. M.
Published: October 2014

In this paper, we provide a gauge-invariant theory of gravitation in the context of Weyl Integrable Spacetimes. After making a brief review of the theory's postulates, we carefully define the observers' proper-time and point out its relation with spacetime description. As a consequence of this relation and the theory's gauge symmetry we recover all predictions of general relativity. This feature is made even clearer by a new exact solution we provide which reveals the importance of a well defined proper-time. The thermodynamical description of the source fields is given and we observe that each of the geometric fields have a certain physical significance, despite the gauge-invariance. This is shown by two examples, where one of them consists of a new cosmological constant solution. Our conclusions highlight the intimate relation among test particles trajectories, proper-time and spacetime description which can also be applied in any other situation, whether or not it recovers general relativity results and also in the absence of a gauge symmetry.
CRIDE: A Case Study in Multi-Criteria Analysis for Decision-Making Support in Rainwater Harvesting
Authors: Galarza-Molina Sandra Lorena , Torres Andrés , Moura Priscilla , Lara-Borrero Jaime
Published: October 2014

This paper aims to develop a multi-criteria decision analysis (MCDA) tool for rainwater harvesting (RWH) on a university campus in Bogota, Colombia. The specific type of MCDA our research proposes is known as CRIDE (multi-CRIteria DEcision support tool), which allows us to study various methods of RWH. In order to account for uncertainties such as the variability of expert opinions and imprecision stemming from the different criteria required, we have designed this tool to incorporate ELECTRE II and the Monte Carlo method. For this case study we apply a methodology that evaluates the performance of six RWH scenarios. These six input scenarios emerged from an ideal one, wherein all rainwater throughout the campus is successfully harvested and treated until potable. From there, reality sets in: the other five scenarios are varying degrees of deviance from the ideal one, both in terms of water quantity and quality. In regard to collection and treatment we used sustainable urban drainage systems (SUDS). As for the evaluation of each of the scenarios, we outline eight criteria, which include hydraulic performance, compatibility with the University's Master Plan and financial aspects. Our research concludes that CRIDE as a means of support during the decision-making process generates a complete view of possible solutions, in addition to ranking these solutions. The CRIDE-based approach allows for the proposal of a methodology that evaluates the relevance of an established criteria set, using robustness, redundancy and sensitivity.
A parameterless scale-space approach to find meaningful modes in histograms — Application to image and spectrum segmentation
Authors: Gilles Jérôme , Heal Kathryn
Published: October 2014

In this paper, we present an algorithm to automatically detect meaningful modes in a histogram. The proposed method is based on the behavior of local minima in a scale-space representation. We show that the detection of such meaningful modes is equivalent in a two classes clustering problem on the length of minima scale-space curves. The algorithm is easy to implement, fast and does not require any parameter. We present several results on histogram and spectrum segmentation, grayscale image segmentation and color image reduction.
Critical behaviors of 3D black holes with a scalar hair
Authors: Belhaj A. , Chabab M. , El Moumni H. , Masmar K. , Sedra M. B.
Published: October 2014

The principal focus of the present work concerns the critical behaviors of a class of three-dimensional (3D) black holes with a scalar field hair. Since the cosmological constant is viewed as a thermodynamic pressure and its conjugate quantity as a volume, we examine such properties in terms of two parameters B and a. The latters are related to the scalar field and the angular momentum, respectively. In particular, we give the equation of state predicting a critical universal number depending on the (B, a) moduli space. In the vanishing limit of the B parameter, we recover the usual perfect gas behavior appearing in the case of the non-rotating BTZ black hole. We point out that in a generic region of the (B, a) moduli space, the model behaves like a Van der Waals system.
A pest control model with state-dependent impulses
Authors: Ji Xuehui , Yuan Sanling , Chen Lansun
Published: October 2014

In this paper, a pest control model with state-dependent impulses is firstly established, which relies on releasing of natural enemies, together with spraying pesticides. By using the successor function of differential equation geometry rules, the existence of order one periodic solution is discussed. According to the Analogue of Poincaré's Criterion, the orbitally asymptotic stability of the order one periodic solution is obtained. Furthermore, we investigated the global attractor of the system. From a biological point of view, our results indicate that: (1) the pest population can be controlled below some threshold; (2) compared to single measure, it is more efficient to take two measures for reducing the level of the pests.
Trust, betrayal, and whistle-blowing
Authors: Tavani Herman T. , Grodzinsky Frances S.
Published: October 2014

Is every act of whistle blowing, by definition, a betrayal of trust on the part of the whistle-blower? If so, are employees who blow the whistle, by implication, untrustworthy employees? Assuming that they are, would employees who blow the whistle (presumably on the grounds of moral obligation) also be willing to concede that they are not trustworthy employees, by virtue of carrying out their whistle-blowing act(s)? In answering these questions, we first propose some working definitions of whistle-blowing, trust, and trustworthiness. We then ask whether some instances of whistle-blowing are morally permissible (and perhaps also morally required), even if it turns out that an employee's act of whistle-blowing always violates ("betrays") the trust relationship between that employee and his/her employer. Next, we examine a framework that purports to differentiate between acts of whistle-blowing that are morally permissible, and those that are morally required. Finally, we apply that model in our analysis of a recent case involving Edward Snowden, an employee, who intentionally leaked sensitive US-government information to the press.
Effects of an artificial gravity countermeasure on orthostatic tolerance, blood volumes and aerobic power after short-term bed rest (BR-AG1)
Authors: Linnarsson Dag , Hughson Richard L. , Fraser Katelyn S. , Clément Gilles , Karlsson Lars L. , Mulder Edwin , Paloski William H. , Rittweger Jörn , Wuyts Floris L , Zange Jochen
Published: October 2014

Exposure to artificial gravity (AG) in a short-arm centrifuge has potential benefits for maintaining human performance during long-term space missions. Eleven subjects were investigated during three campaigns of 5 days head-down bed rest: 1) bed rest without countermeasures (control), 2) bed rest and 30 min of AG (AG1) daily, and 3) bed rest and six periods of 5 min AG (AG2) daily. During centrifugation, the supine subjects were exposed to AG in the head-to-feet direction with 1 G at the center of mass. Subjects participated in the three campaigns in random order. The cardiovascular effects of bed rest and countermeasures were determined from changes in tolerance to a head-up tilt test with superimposed lower body negative pressure (HUT), from changes in plasma volume (PV) and from changes in maximum aerobic power (V̇o2peak) during upright work on a cycle ergometer. Complete data sets were obtained in eight subjects. After bed rest, HUT tolerance times were 36, 64, and 78% of pre-bed rest baseline during control, AG1 and AG2, respectively, with a significant difference between AG2 and control. PV and V̇o2peakdecreased to 85 and 95% of pre-bed rest baseline, respectively, with no differences between the treatments. It was concluded that the AG2 countermeasure should be further investigated during future long-term bed rest studies, especially as it was better tolerated than AG1. The superior effect of AG2 on orthostatic tolerance could not be related to concomitant changes in PV or aerobic power.
Postexercise protein ingestion increases whole body net protein balance in healthy children
Authors: Moore Daniel R. , Volterman Kimberly A. , Obeid Joyce , Offord Elizabeth A. , Timmons Brian W.
Published: October 2014

Postexercise protein ingestion increases whole body and muscle protein anabolism in adults. No study has specifically investigated the combined effects of exercise and protein ingestion on protein metabolism in healthy, physically active children. Under 24-h dietary control, 13 (seven males, six females) active children (∼11 yr old; 39.3 ± 5.9 kg) consumed an oral dose of [15N]glycine prior to performing a bout of exercise. Immediately after exercise, participants consumed isoenergetic mixed macronutrient beverages containing a variable amount of protein [0, 0.75, and 1.5 g/100 ml for control (CON), low protein (LP), and high protein (HP), respectively] according to fluid losses. Whole body nitrogen turnover (Q), protein synthesis (S), protein breakdown (B), and protein balance (WBPB) were measured throughout exercise and the early acute recovery period (9 h combined) as well as over 24 h. Postexercise protein intake from the beverage was ∼0.18 and ∼0.32 g/kg body mass for LP and HP, respectively. Q, S, and B were significantly greater (main effect time, all P < 0.001) over 9 h compared with 24 h with no differences between conditions. WBPB was also greater over 9 h compared with 24 h in all conditions (main effect time, P < 0.001). Over 9 h, WBPB was greater in HP ( P < 0.05) than LP and CON with a trend ( P = 0.075) toward LP being greater than CON. WBPB was positive over 9 h for all conditions but only over 24 h for HP. Postexercise protein ingestion acutely increases net protein balance in healthy children early in recovery in a dose-dependent manner with larger protein intakes (∼0.32 g/kg) required to sustain a net anabolic environment over an entire 24 h period.
Lack of limb or sex differences in the cutaneous vascular responses to exogenous norepinephrine
Authors: Greaney Jody L. , Stanhewicz Anna E. , Kenney W. Larry , Alexander Lacy M.
Published: October 2014

The cutaneous circulation is used to examine vascular adrenergic function in clinical populations; however, limited studies have examined whether there are regional limb and sex differences in microvascular adrenergic responsiveness. We hypothesized that cutaneous adrenergic responsiveness would be greater in the leg compared with the arm and that these regional limb differences would be blunted in young women ( protocol 1). We further hypothesized that cutaneous vasoconstriction to exogenous norepinephrine (NE) during β-adrenergic receptor antagonism would be augmented in young women ( protocol 2). In protocol 1, one microdialysis fiber was placed in the skin of the calf and the ventral forearm in 20 healthy young adults (11 men and 9 women). Laser-Doppler flowmetry was used to measure red blood cell flux in response to graded intradermal microdialysis infusions of NE (10−12 to 10−2 M). In protocol 2, three microdialysis fibers were placed in the forearm (6 men and 8 women) for the local perfusion of lactated Ringer (control), 5 mM yohimbine (α-adrenergic receptor antagonist), or 2 mM propranolol (β-adrenergic receptor antagonist) during concurrent infusions of NE (10−12 to 10−2 M). There were no limb or sex differences in cutaneous adrenergic responsiveness (logEC50) to exogenous NE. During α-adrenergic receptor blockade, women had greater exogenous NE-induced cutaneous vasodilation at the lowest doses of NE (10−12 to 10−10 M). Collectively, these data indicate that there are no limb or sex differences in cutaneous adrenergic responsiveness to exogenous NE; however, young women have a greater β-adrenergic receptor-mediated component of the vascular responsiveness to exogenous NE.
Potential role of the airway wall in the asthma of obesity
Authors: Bates Jason H. T. , Dixon Anne E.
Published: October 2014

The pathogenesis of late-onset TH2-low asthma in obesity is thought to be related to weight-related decreases in lung volume, but why only a subset of individuals with obesity develop this condition is unknown. We tested the hypothesis that natural variations in both airway wall stiffness and airway wall thickness could lead to a subpopulation of hyperresponsive individuals exhibiting the symptoms of asthma in the setting of obesity. Increases in airway resistance ( Raw) after airway smooth muscle stimulation were simulated using a computational model of an elastic airway embedded in elastic parenchyma. Using a range of randomly chosen values for both airway wall stiffness and thickness, we determined the resulting probability distributions of Rawresponsiveness for a variety of different levels of transpulmonary pressure ( Ptp). As Ptpdecreased from 5 to 1 cmH2O, the resulting distributions of Rawmoved toward progressively higher levels of responsiveness. With appropriate choices for the mean and standard deviation of the parameter that controls either airway wall stiffness or thickness, the model predicts a relationship between airway hyperresponsiveness and body mass index that is similar to that which has been reported in populations with obesity. We conclude that natural variations in airway wall mechanics and geometry between different individuals can potentially explain why an increasing percentage of the population exhibits the symptoms of asthma as the obesity of the population increases.
Can passive stretch inhibit motoneuron facilitation in the human plantar flexors?
Authors: Trajano Gabriel S. , Seitz Laurent B. , Nosaka Kazunori , Blazevich Anthony J.
Published: October 2014

The purpose of the present study was to examine the possible inhibitory effect of passive plantar flexor muscle stretching on the motoneuron facilitatory system. Achilles tendon vibration (70 Hz) and triceps surae electrical stimulation (20 Hz) were imposed simultaneously in 11 subjects to elicit contraction through reflexive pathways in two experiments. In experiment 1, a vibration-stimulation protocol was implemented with the ankle joint plantar flexed (+10°), neutral (0°), and dorsiflexed (−10°). In experiment 2, the vibration-stimulation protocol was performed twice before (control), then immediately, 5, 10, and 15 min after a 5-min intermittent muscle stretch protocol. Plantar flexor torque and medial and lateral gastrocnemius and soleus (EMGSol) EMG amplitudes measured during and after (i.e., self-sustained motor unit firing) the vibration protocol were used as an indicator of this facilitatory pathway. In experiment 1, vibration torque, self-sustained torque and EMGSolwere higher with the ankle at −10° compared with 0° and +10°, suggesting that this method is valid to assess motoneuronal facilitation. In experiment 2, torque during vibration was reduced by ∼60% immediately after stretch and remained depressed by ∼35% at 5 min after stretch ( P < 0.05). Self-sustained torque was also reduced by ∼65% immediately after stretch ( P < 0.05) but recovered by 5 min. Similarly, medial gastrocnemius EMG during vibration was reduced by ∼40% immediately after stretch ( P < 0.05), and EMGSolduring the self-sustained torque period was reduced by 44% immediately after stretch ( P < 0.05). In conclusion, passive stretch negatively affected the motoneuronal amplification for at least 5 min, suggesting that motoneuron disfacilitation is a possible mechanism influencing the stretch-induced torque loss.
Immuno-oncology Combinations: A Review of Clinical Experience and Future Prospects
Authors: Antonia Scott J. , Larkin James , Ascierto Paolo A.
Published: October 2014

Immuno-oncology is an evolving treatment modality that includes immunotherapies designed to harness the patient's own immune system. This approach is being studied for its potential to improve long-term survival across multiple tumor types. It is now important to determine how immunotherapies may be most effectively used to achieve the best possible patient outcomes. Combining or sequencing immunotherapies that target distinct immune pathways is a logical approach, with the potential to further enhance the magnitude of the antitumor immune response over single agents. Early clinical data in patients with melanoma treated with two immune checkpoint inhibitors, ipilimumab and nivolumab, suggest support for this combination approach. Numerous other combination approaches are being evaluated in early-phase clinical trials; however, their clinical activity remains unknown. Clinical experience to date has shown that when combining an immuno-oncology agent with an existing therapeutic modality, it is important to determine the optimal dose, schedule, and sequence. Clin Cancer Res; 20(24); 6258–68. ©2014 AACR.
Neurofeedback-Controlled Comparison of the Head Elevation versus Head Rotation and Head-Hand Methods in Eliciting Cervical Vestibular Evoked Myogenic Potentials
Authors: Rahne Torsten , Weiser Christian , Plontke Stefan
Published: October 2014

A constant tension of the sternocleidomastoid muscles is a prerequisite to a reliable recording of cervical vestibular evoked myogenic potentials (cVEMP). Therefore, the head elevation method, the head rotation method, and the head-hand method are used in clinical practice. So far, no method has been shown to achieve the best stability and validity of the cVEMP responses. We performed a prospective study to compare the cVEMP responses in a within-subject design. With 40 healthy subjects, cVEMP amplitudes, latencies, asymmetry ratios and thresholds were measured. The muscle tension was kept constant by using acoustic feedback. The individual subjective comfort and preference of a method were evaluated by a questionnaire. The cVEMP threshold and asymmetry ratios were lowest with the head rotation method. This method was also rated as the most comfortable and thus preferred one. The cVEMP latencies were not different between the methods. Our results show that the head rotation method appears to be superior to the compared head elevation and head-hand methods.
Functional Polymorphisms in BDNF and COMT Genes Are Associated with Objective Differences in Arithmetical Functioning in a Sample of Young Adults
Authors: González-Giraldo Yeimy , Rojas Johana , Novoa Paula , Mueller Shane T. , Piper Brian J. , Adan Ana , Forero Diego A.
Published: October 2014

Background: Understanding the molecular genetics of complex human behaviors and functions remains a substantial challenge for the neurosciences. Previous studies have shown a genetic basis for individual differences in mathematical functioning; however, the specific genes remain to be completely identified. In the present study, we explored the possibility that 2 functional polymorphisms in candidate genes could be associated with differences in arithmetical performance. Methods: A computerized test to analyze performance in basic arithmetical calculations (additions and subtractions) was applied to 168 healthy young Colombian participants using the PEBL (Psychology Experiment Building Language) battery. DNA samples were genotyped for 2 functional SNPs in candidate genes: brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF)-Val66Met and catechol-O-methyltransferase (COMT)-Val158Met. Results: We found significant differences for arithmetical processing scores between genotypes. For BDNF, Val/Val subjects had a worse performance (p value: 0.025) and for COMT, Val/Val carriers had a better performance (p value: 0.006). A multivariate model, including both BDNF and COMT genes, accounted for 7.1% of the variance in math processing scores. Discussion: To our knowledge, this is the first study finding associations of polymorphisms in BDNF and COMT genes with quantitative measures of numerical aptitude in healthy young participants. A future study of other genes involved in neural plasticity could be helpful to identify genetic correlates of arithmetical functioning, which will be important for the understanding of normal human behaviors and related neuropsychiatric disorders.
Reduced N-Acetylaspartate to Creatine Ratio in the Posterior Cingulate Correlates with Cognition in Alzheimer's Disease following Four Months of Rivastigmine Treatment
Authors: Penner Jacob , Wells Jennie L. , Borrie Michael J. , Woolmore-Goodwin Sarah M. , Bartha Robert
Published: October 2014

Aim: To determine whether 4 months of rivastigmine treatment would result in metabolic changes and whether metabolic changes correlate with changes in cognition in people with Alzheimer's disease (AD). Methods: Magnetic resonance spectra were acquired from the posterior cingulate cortex of subjects with AD at 3 T. Magnetic resonance imaging scans and cognitive tests were performed before and 4 months after the beginning of the treatment. Metabolite concentrations were quantified and used to calculate the metabolite ratios. Results: On average, the N-acetylaspartate/creatine (NAA/Cr) ratio decreased by 12.7% following 4 months of rivastigmine treatment, but changes in the NAA/Cr ratio correlated positively with changes in Mini-Mental State Examination scores. Conclusion: This positive correlation between changes in NAA/Cr and changes in cognitive performance suggests that the NAA/Cr ratio could be an objective indicator of a response to rivastigmine treatment. © 2014 S. Karger AG, Basel
Structural and Metabolic Effects of Obesity on the Myocardium and the Aorta
Authors: Rider Oliver J. , Lewis Andrew J.M. , Neubauer Stefan
Published: October 2014

Obesity per se is a recognized risk factor for cardiovascular disease exerting independent adverse effects on the cardiovascular system. Despite this well documented link, the mechanisms by which obesity modulates cardiovascular risk are not well understood. Obesity is linked to a wide variety of cardiac changes, from subclinical diastolic dysfunction to end stage systolic heart failure. In addition, obesity causes changes in cardiac metabolism that make ATP production and utilization less efficient producing functional consequences that are linked to the increased rate of heart failure in this population. This review focuses on the cardiovascular structural and metabolic remodelling that occurs in obesity with and without co-morbidities and the potential links to increased mortality in this population.
Deep Brain Stimulation in Multiple System Atrophy Mimicking Idiopathic Parkinson's Disease
Authors: Thavanesan Navamayooran , Gillies Martin , Farrell Michael , Green Alex L. , Aziz Tipu
Published: October 2014

Deep brain stimulation (DBS) is approved for idiopathic Parkinson's disease (IPD) but has a poor evidence base in Parkinson-plus syndromes such as multiple system atrophy (MSA). We describe the clinical and neuropathological findings in a man who was initially diagnosed with IPD, in whom DBS was unsuccessful, and in whom MSA was unexpectedly diagnosed at a subsequent autopsy. This case report highlights that DBS is often unsuccessful in MSA and also demonstrates that MSA can masquerade as IPD, which may explain treatment failure in a small group of patients apparently suffering from Parkinson's disease. Additionally, it also presents a case with an unusually long duration of disease prior to death, comparable only to a handful of other cases in the literature.
Interference of Descemet's Membrane with Aqueous Humor Drainage via an ExPRESS Mini Shunt
Authors: Tamaki Rikiya , Zako Masahiro
Published: October 2014

Purpose: To describe a case in which Descemet's membrane interfered with aqueous humor drainage through an ExPRESS mini shunt. This problem was successfully solved by Nd:YAG laser membranotomy. Case Report: A 70-year-old male, diagnosed with corticosteroid-induced glaucoma in his right eye, presented to our hospital. Topical betamethasone treatment was discontinued, and the patient was treated with intravenous D-mannitol and acetazolamide, followed by oral acetazolamide, oral potassium L-aspartate, topical dorzolamide hydrochloride, topical carteolol hydrochloride, and topical latanoprost. However, his right intraocular pressure (IOP) remained elevated. We performed ExPRESS shunt surgery in the patient's right eye. His postoperative IOP was initially within the normal range, but it reincreased 1 month after surgery. We found that the Descemet's membrane was interfering with both the primary (axial) and reserve orifices at the tip of the ExPRESS mini shunt. Nd:YAG laser membranotomy was performed and the patient's IOP again improved without any other medical treatment. Conclusion: Descemet's membrane interfered with aqueous humor drainage via ExPRESS mini shunt, causing an increased IOP, which was resolved by Nd:YAG laser membranotomy.
Von Willebrand Factor Improves Risk Prediction in Addition to N-Terminal Pro–B-type Natriuretic Peptide in Patients Referred to Coronary Angiography and Signs and Symptoms of Heart Failure and Preserved Ejection Fraction
Authors: Kleber Marcus E. , Koller Lorenz , Goliasch Georg , Sulzgruber Patrick , Scharnagl Hubert , Silbernagel Günther , Grammer Tanja B. , Delgado Graciela , Tomaschitz Andreas , Pilz Stefan , März Winfried , Niessner Alexander
Published: October 2014

Background—

Heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF) represents a growing health burden associated with substantial mortality and morbidity. Consequently, risk prediction is of highest importance. Endothelial dysfunction has been recently shown to play an important role in the complex pathophysiology of HFpEF. We therefore aimed to assess von Willebrand factor (vWF), a marker of endothelial damage, as potential biomarker for risk assessment in patients with HFpEF.

Methods and Results—

Concentrations of vWF were assessed in 457 patients with HFpEF enrolled as part of the LUdwigshafen Risk and Cardiovascular Health (LURIC) study. All-cause mortality was observed in 40% of patients during a median follow-up time of 9.7 years. vWF significantly predicted mortality with a hazard ratio (HR) per increase of 1 SD of 1.45 (95% confidence interval, 1.26–1.68;
P
<0.001) and remained a significant predictor after adjustment for age, sex, body mass index, N-terminal pro–B-type natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP), renal function, and frequent HFpEF-related comorbidities (adjusted HR per 1 SD, 1.22; 95% confidence interval, 1.05–1.42;
P
=0.001). Most notably, vWF showed additional prognostic value beyond that achievable with NT-proBNP indicated by improvements in C-Statistic (vWF×NT-proBNP: 0.65 versus NT-proBNP: 0.63;
P
for comparison, 0.004) and category-free net reclassification index (37.6%;
P
<0.001).

Conclusions—

vWF is an independent predictor of long-term outcome in patients with HFpEF, which is in line with endothelial dysfunction as potential mediator in the pathophysiology of HFpEF. In particular, combined assessment of vWF and NT-proBNP improved risk prediction in this vulnerable group of patients.
Stem Cell Factor Gene Transfer Improves Cardiac Function After Myocardial Infarction in Swine
Authors: Ishikawa Kiyotake , Fish Kenneth , Aguero Jaume , Yaniz-Galende Elisa , Jeong Dongtak , Kho Changwon , Tilemann Lisa , Fish Lauren , Liang Lifan , Eltoukhy Ahmed A. , Anderson Daniel G. , Zsebo Krisztina , Costa Kevin D. , Hajjar Roger J.
Published: October 2014

Background—

Stem cell factor (SCF), a ligand of the c-kit receptor, is a critical cytokine, which contributes to cell migration, proliferation, and survival. It has been shown that SCF expression increases after myocardial infarction (MI) and may be involved in cardiac repair. The aim of this study was to determine whether gene transfer of membrane-bound human SCF improves cardiac function in a large animal model of MI.

Methods and Results—

A transmural MI was created by implanting an embolic coil in the left anterior descending artery in Yorkshire pigs. One week after the MI, the pigs received direct intramyocardial injections of either a recombinant adenovirus encoding for SCF (Ad.SCF, n=9) or β-gal (Ad.β-gal, n=6) into the infarct border area. At 3 months post-MI, ejection fraction increased by 12% relative to baseline after Ad.SCF therapy, whereas it decreased by 4.2% (
P
=0.004) in pigs treated with Ad.β-gal. Preload-recruitable stroke work was significantly higher in pigs after SCF treatment (Ad.SCF, 55.5±11.6 mm Hg versus Ad.β-gal, 31.6±12.6 mm Hg,
P
=0.005), indicating enhanced cardiac function. Histological analyses confirmed the recruitment of c-kit
+
cells as well as a reduced degree of apoptosis 1 week after Ad.SCF injection. In addition, increased capillary density compared with pigs treated with Ad.β-gal was found at 3 months and suggests an angiogenic role of SCF.

Conclusions—

Local overexpression of SCF post-MI induces the recruitment of c-kit
+
cells at the infarct border area acutely. In the chronic stages, SCF gene transfer was associated with improved cardiac function in a preclinical model of ischemic cardiomyopathy.
Multilocus Genetic Risk Scores for Venous Thromboembolism Risk Assessment
Authors: Soria José Manuel , Morange Pierre‐Emmanuel , Vila Joan , Souto Juan Carlos , Moyano Manel , Trégouët David‐Alexandre , Mateo José , Saut Noémi , Salas Eduardo , Elosua Roberto
Published: October 2014

Background

Genetics plays an important role in venous thromboembolism (
VTE
). Factor V Leiden (

FVL

or rs6025) and prothrombin gene G20210A (

PT

or rs1799963) are the genetic variants currently tested for
VTE
risk assessment. We hypothesized that primary
VTE
risk assessment can be improved by using genetic risk scores with more genetic markers than just

FVL

‐rs6025 and prothrombin gene

PT

‐rs1799963. To this end, we have designed a new
genetic risk score
called Thrombo inCode (TiC).

Methods and Results

TiC was evaluated in terms of discrimination (Δ of the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve) and reclassification (
integrated discrimination improvement
and
net reclassification improvement
). This evaluation was performed using 2 age‐ and sex‐matched case–control populations:
SANTPAU
(248 cases, 249 controls) and the Marseille Thrombosis Association study (
MARTHA
; 477 cases, 477 controls). TiC was compared with other literature‐based
genetic risk score
s. TiC including
F5
rs6025/rs118203906/rs118203905,
F2
rs1799963,
F12
rs1801020,
F13
rs5985,

SERPINC
1

rs121909548, and

SERPINA
10

rs2232698 plus the A1 blood group (rs8176719, rs7853989, rs8176743, rs8176750) improved the
area under the curve
compared with a model based only on
F5‐
rs6025 and
F2‐
rs1799963 in
SANTPAU
(0.677 versus 0.575,
P
<0.001) and
MARTHA
(0.605 versus 0.576,
P
=0.008). TiC showed good
integrated discrimination improvement
of 5.49 (
P
<0.001) for
SANTPAU
and 0.96 (
P
=0.045) for
MARTHA
. Among the
genetic risk score
s evaluated, the proportion of
VTE
risk variance explained by TiC was the highest.

Conclusions

We conclude that TiC greatly improves prediction of
VTE
risk compared with other
genetic risk score
s. TiC should improve prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of
VTE
.
Muslim Religious Authority in Modern Asia
Authors: Feener R. Michael
Published: October 2014

The social, economic, and political transformations of the past two centuries have been rapid and dramatic, resulting in complex reconfigurations of religious authority in many Muslim societies. These changes have involved not only the emergence of distinctly new profiles of leadership, but also the persistence and adaptation of the models established by the ulama of the classical period. The challenges of modernizing reform at the turn of the twentieth century struck at the very heart of traditions that had bolstered established religious authority for a thousand years. In the modern period, ulama find themselves in increasingly crowded and highly contested public spheres in which they can no longer hold any kind of monopoly. Contemporary debates in Muslim public spheres are characterized by the emergence of complex new discursive formulations on issues of religious belief and practice, individual rights and responsibilities, and proper standards of public morality. This essay provides an historical introduction to the emergence of diverse models of Muslim religious authority in modern Asia.
The Authority of Ulama and the Problem of Anti-State Militancy in Pakistan
Authors: Akram Muhammad
Published: October 2014

Pakistan’s religious leaders, ulama, have been put under significant strain in relation to how deal with questions about the political tensions and violence over the past decade flowing from the Taliban’s role in conflict in Afghanistan and Pakistan. The effects of this fraught environment on religious authority can be seen through the way that religious leaders have issued contradictory and opaque fatwa (non-binding, but highly influential, legal opinions). This article particularly considers the way that different fatwa-giving religious groups, such as Deobandis, Brevalis, and Ahl-i-Hadith, have dealt with these problems. The violence, which has struck the heart of Pakistan civil society, has led to a confusing array of fatwa from these religious elites. These opinions have sought to categorize violence as either legitimate or to be condemned. This article therefore shows how these fatwa and the conflicting positions they taken have compromised religious authority in contemporary Pakistan.
Redrawing Lines of Religious Authority in Lombok, Indonesia
Authors: Kingsley Jeremy J.
Published: October 2014

Indonesia’s democratic reform and decentralization after the fall of authoritarian President Soeharto has brought both painful transformations and the potential of new beginnings. This is also the case for the island of Lombok where political changes have affected not only obvious political players, but also local Muslim religious leaders (Tuan Guru). These religious leaders wield a high level of socio-political and religious authority. Their significant social standing is largely due to the central role of Islam across Lombok which not only relates to people’s spiritual lives, but is also identified in long established local forms of governance that are focused upon Tuan Guru and their organizations. This article will seek to understand how to delineate their religious authority and conceptualize its application in these fast changing circumstances. In doing so I argue that the complex and unstable times that have occurred alongside the transition to democracy are transforming the potent authority of Tuan Guru.
Audience Reception Analysis of Moroccan Public Service Broadcasting
Authors: Zaid Bouziane
Published: October 2014

Television is one of the most important sources of information and entertainment for the majority of Moroccans. Since 2002, the Moroccan government has put forth policies to regulate the use of television as an important outside source for promoting its development programs. This audience reception study aims to assess the opinions of Moroccan television viewers on the quality of programming provided by the two public service TV stations, Al Oula and 2M. The study applies Stuart Hall’s encoding/decoding theory to examine the interactions of the Moroccan audience with the content of the two public service television stations. This study focuses mainly on television viewers of lower educational backgrounds and those with lower incomes because they could benefit most from the developmental role of public service television. The study examines the extent to which TV programming addresses the viewers’ lifestyles and concerns and the expectations viewers may have of their public service stations. The study uses focus groups as a stand-alone data-gathering strategy because of the multicultural nature of Moroccan society, which is characterized by different ethnic, linguistic and geographic attributes. Focus groups enable researchers to collect rich data in participants’ own words; they are particularly useful when the survey group is illiterate or semiliterate. The application of Stuart Hall’s theory in the Moroccan context reveals some of the model’s strengths as well some of its limitations. While the model provides rich analytical tools that help us understand the relationship between how television producers encode messages and how audiences decode them, this study illustrates the limits of Hall’s theory application to non-western audiences. Hall’s model is founded on the assumption that audiences are capable of decoding the television content and that the variations in the decoding process are the outcome of the audiences’ reactions to the hegemonic message. The study found that this was not applicable to Moroccan audiences and that additional theoretical tools needed to be in place for an audience reception analysis to be complete and substantial.
‘Dégage—We’re Filming!’
Authors: Mouline Nabil
Published: October 2014

The Egyptian film industry has gone through dramatic changes since the early 2000s. One tangible consequence of such changes was the production—whether intentional or not—of protest films that expressed opposition to prevailing viewpoints and sought to break the taboo on key sociopolitical issues. Not only do these films serve as historical documents reflecting the state of society, but they also proved to be efficient tools of soft influence and mobilization, and they contributed to the creation of a new dynamic that inspired people to take to the streets on 25 January 2011. Based on the analysis of a large sample of blockbuster films, this article sheds light on the roles played by Egyptian cinema between 2001 and 2011.
Notes on Early Land Plants Today. 64. Nomenclatural notes in Balantiopsidaceae
Authors: Engel John J. , Váňa Jíři , Söderström Lars , Hagborg Anders , Von Konrat Matt
Published: October 2014

During the preparation of the forthcoming world checklist of hornworts and liverworts (Söderström et al., in press.) it was noted that a few taxa need to be validated or combined. The subfamily name Balantiopsidoideae has been used as if it has been an autonym of the family Balantiopsidaceae H.Buch (1955: 23) (e.g. Grolle 1972, Engel & Smith Merrill 1997). However, as autonyms do not exist on any other taxonomic level than genus or species (ICN 22.3, 26.3; McNeill et al. 2012) all subfamilies need to be accompanied by a valid description or diagnoses or a reference to an effectively published description or diagnoses (ICN Art. 39.1).
A new species and new records of gasteroid fungi (Basidiomycota) from Central Amazonia, Brazil
Authors: Cabral Tiara Sousa , Silva Bianca Denise Barbosa , Ishikawa Noemia Kazue , Alfredo Donis Da Silva , Neto Ricardo Braga , Clement Charles Roland , Baseia Iuri Goulart
Published: October 2014

A new species, Geastrum inpaense, is described morphologically and molecularly. Geastrum lloydianum, G. schweinitzii, Phallus merulinus and Staheliomyces cinctus are reported here as new records for Central Amazonia. In addition, Mutinus fleischeri is reported as a new record for the Americas and Phallus atrovolvatus, as a new record for Brazil.
The bees of the genus Colletes Latreille 1802 of the European part of Russia, with keys to species (Hymenoptera: Apoidea: Colletidae)
Authors: KUHLMANN MICHAEL , Proshchalykin MAXIM YU.
Published: October 2014

For the European part of Russia 30 species of the bee genus Colletes are recorded. Colletes subnitens Noskiewicz 1936, C. wacki Kuhlmann 2002 and C. warnckei Kuhlmann 2002 were found in Russia for the first time and C. kozlovi Friese 1913 is newly recorded from the European part of Russia. For Colletes kozlovi, C. subnitens and C. wacki this is the first record for Europe. The female of C. subnitens Noskiewicz is here described for the first time. Illustrated keys to males and females of all species known from European part of Russia are provided.
Description of a new genus and species of Cerophytidae (Coleoptera: Elateroidea) from Africa with a cladistic analysis of the family
Authors: COSTA CLEIDE , VANIN SERGIO A. , ROSA SIMONE P.
Published: October 2014

The family Cerophytidae is revised to include Afrocerophytum vix gen. nov. and sp. nov., from the tropical rainforest of western Africa. Afrocerophytum and A. vix (type locality: Ivory Coast, Tai Region, neighborhood of Gouleako village) are described and illustrated. A key to the Cerophytidae genera is provided. The new genus is distinguished by four autapomorphies: anterior edge of phallobase rounded and not emarginate, base of tergite IX not fused at middle with the base of sternite IX, basal region of penis weakly constricted, and coxites divided into proximal and distal lobes. A cladistic analysis was conducted including all 22 species of known Cerophytidae and using representatives of the families Eucnemidae, Throscidae, Brachypsectridae and Elateridae as outgroups. The strict consensus cladogram produced from the resulting eighteen most parsimonious trees is (Cerophytum (Afrocerophytum (Brachycerophytum, Phytocerum))). Cerophytum, the Holarctic clade, is the sister group of the Gondwanian clade (Afrocerophytum (Brachycerophytum, Phytocerum)); the Ethiopian clade Afrocerophytum is the sister group of the Neotropical clade (Brachycerophytum, Phytocerum).
A new combination for the bembicine genus Selman Parker, 1929 (Hymenoptera: Crabronidae)
Authors: ROSA BRUNNO B. , MELO GABRIEL A. R.
Published: October 2014

The identity of Monedula diana Handlirsch, 1890 is reassessed and the species is transferred to the monotypic genus Selman, which now includes two species, S. diana n. comb. and S. notatus (Taschenberg, 1870). The main differences between the two species are presented. Photographs of the holotype of Monedula diana are provided and its putative type locality is discussed. Also new distribution records are provided for S. notatus.
First record of the Genus Lichnofugia from India with description of a new species (Orthoptera: Tettigoniidae; Conocephalinae; Agraeciini; Liarina)
Authors: HAJONG SUDHANYA RAY
Published: October 2014

The genus Lichnofugia is reported for the first time from India with a description of Lichnofugia umshingensis sp. nov. from Shillong, Meghalaya. The distribution of Lichnofugia thus extends eastward from Peninsular Malaysia and Thailand to north- eastern India.