bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Serotonergic regulation of distention-induced ATP release from the urothelium
Authors: Matsumoto-Miyai Kazumasa , Yamada Erika , Shinzawa Eriko , Koyama Yoshihisa , Shimada Shoichi , Yoshizumi Masaru , Kawatani Masahito
Published: November 2015

Serotonin [5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT)] is involved in both motor and sensory functions in hollow organs, especially in the gastrointestinal tract. However, the involvement of 5-HT in visceral sensation of the urinary bladder remains unknown. Because distention-induced ATP release from the urothelium plays an essential role in visceral sensation of the urinary bladder, we investigated the regulation of urothelial ATP release by the 5-HT signaling system. RT-PCR and immunohistochemical analyses of the urothelium revealed specific expression of 5-HT1D and 5-HT4 receptors. The addition of 5-HT did not affect urothelial ATP release without bladder distention, but it significantly reduced distention-induced ATP release by physiological pressure during urine storage (5 cmH2O). The inhibitory effect of 5-HT on distention-elicited ATP release was blocked by preincubation with the 5-HT1B/1D antagonist GR-127935 but not by the 5-HT4 antagonist SB-204070. mRNA encoding tryptophan hydroxylase 1 was detected in the urinary bladder by nested RT-PCR amplification, and l-tryptophan or the selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor citalopram also inhibited ATP release, indicating that 5-HT is endogenously synthesized and released in the urinary bladder. The addition of GR-127935 significantly enhanced the distention-elicited ATP release 40 min after distention, whereas SB-204070 reduced the amount of ATP release 20 min after distention. These data suggest that 5-HT4 facilitates the distention-induced ATP release at an earlier stage, whereas 5-HT1D inhibits ATP release at a later stage. The net inhibitory effect of 5-HT indicates that the action of 5-HT on the urothelium is mediated predominantly by 5-HT1D.
Peripheral vs. central determinants of vibrotactile adaptation
Authors: Klöcker A. , Gueorguiev D. , Thonnard J. L. , Mouraux A.
Published: November 2015

Long-lasting mechanical vibrations applied to the skin induce a reversible decrease in the perception of vibration at the stimulated skin site. This phenomenon of vibrotactile adaptation has been studied extensively, yet there is still no clear consensus on the mechanisms leading to vibrotactile adaptation. In particular, the respective contributions of 1) changes affecting mechanical skin impedance, 2) peripheral processes, and 3) central processes are largely unknown. Here we used direct electrical stimulation of nerve fibers to bypass mechanical transduction processes and thereby explore the possible contribution of central vs. peripheral processes to vibrotactile adaptation. Three experiments were conducted. In the first, adaptation was induced with mechanical vibration of the fingertip (51- or 251-Hz vibration delivered for 8 min, at 40× detection threshold). In the second, we attempted to induce adaptation with transcutaneous electrical stimulation of the median nerve (51- or 251-Hz constant-current pulses delivered for 8 min, at 1.5× detection threshold). Vibrotactile detection thresholds were measured before and after adaptation. Mechanical stimulation induced a clear increase of vibrotactile detection thresholds. In contrast, thresholds were unaffected by electrical stimulation. In the third experiment, we assessed the effect of mechanical adaptation on the detection thresholds to transcutaneous electrical nerve stimuli, measured before and after adaptation. Electrical detection thresholds were unaffected by the mechanical adaptation. Taken together, our results suggest that vibrotactile adaptation is predominantly the consequence of peripheral mechanoreceptor processes and/or changes in biomechanical properties of the skin.
The Effect of Hormone Replacement Therapy on Dry Eye Syndrome Evaluated with Schirmer Test and Break-Up Time
Authors: Feng Yanhong , Feng Gang , Peng Shuli , Li Hui
Published: November 2015

Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) for dry eye syndrome (DES) is controversial in clinical practice. The goal of this study was to review relevant studies and analyze the pooled data to determine whether HRT is effective for DES. In this study, a literature search of PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane databases up to May 2015 was performed, with the search restricted to English language publications. The studies were screened after reading the abstract and full text. Only studies related to the effect of HRT on DES were included in the meta-analysis. Results of Schirmer tests with and without anesthetics and tear break-up time (BUT) values data were extracted and entered into RevMan software to meta-analyze the overall effect of HRT on DES. A total of 43 studies were identified, and 21 of these studies were found to be related to the effect of HRT on DES. Ultimately, 5 studies were included in the final meta-analysis. The pooled results revealed that HRT can affect Schirmer test results without anesthetics but does not affect Schirmer test results with anesthetics and BUT. The results indicate that HRT might improve DES symptoms when measuring basal tear production without anesthesia.
Multimodal Medical Image Fusion by Adaptive Manifold Filter
Authors: Geng Peng , Liu Shuaiqi , Zhuang Shanna
Published: November 2015

Medical image fusion plays an important role in diagnosis and treatment of diseases such as image-guided radiotherapy and surgery. The modified local contrast information is proposed to fuse multimodal medical images. Firstly, the adaptive manifold filter is introduced into filtering source images as the low-frequency part in the modified local contrast. Secondly, the modified spatial frequency of the source images is adopted as the high-frequency part in the modified local contrast. Finally, the pixel with larger modified local contrast is selected into the fused image. The presented scheme outperforms the guided filter method in spatial domain, the dual-tree complex wavelet transform-based method, nonsubsampled contourlet transform-based method, and four classic fusion methods in terms of visual quality. Furthermore, the mutual information values by the presented method are averagely 55%, 41%, and 62% higher than the three methods and those values of edge based similarity measure by the presented method are averagely 13%, 33%, and 14% higher than the three methods for the six pairs of source images.
Impact of Computerized Order Entry to Pharmacy Interface on Order-Infusion Pump Discrepancies
Authors: Russell Rebecca A. , Triscari David , Murkowski Kathy , Scanlon Matthew C.
Published: November 2015

Background. The ability of safety technologies to decrease errors, harm, and risk to patients has yet to be demonstrated consistently.Objective. To compare discrepancies between medication and intravenous fluid (IVF) orders and bedside infusion pump settings within a pediatric intensive care unit (PICU) before and after implementation of an interface between computerized physician order entry (CPOE) and pharmacy systems.Methods. Within a 72-bed PICU, medication and IVF orders in the CPOE system and bedside infusion pump settings were collected. Rates of discrepancy were calculated and categorized by type. Results were compared to a study conducted prior to interface implementation. Expansion of PICU also occurred between study periods.Results. Of 455 observations, discrepancy rate decreased for IVF (p=0.01) compared to previous study. Overall discrepancy rate for medications was unchanged; however, medications infusing without an order decreased (p<0.01), and orders without corresponding infusion increased (p<0.05).Conclusions. Following implementation of an interface between CPOE and pharmacy systems, fewer discrepancies between IVF orders and infusion pump settings were observed. Discrepancies for medications did not change, and some types of discrepancies increased. In addition to interface implementation, changes in healthcare delivery and workflow related to ICU expansion contributed to observed changes.
Data Calibration Based on Multisensor Using Classification Analysis: A Random Forests Approach
Authors: Xing Xue , Yu Dexin , Zhang Wei
Published: November 2015

This paper analyzes the problem of meaningless outliers in traffic detective data sets and researches characteristics about the data of monophyletic detector and multisensor detector based on real-time data on highway. Based on analysis of the current random forests algorithm, which is a learning algorithm of high accuracy and fast speed, new optimum random forests about filtrating outlier in the sample are proposed, which employ bagging strategy combined with boosting strategy. Random forests of different number of trees are applied to analyze status classification of meaningless outliers in traffic detective data sets, respectively, based on traffic flow, spot mean speed, and roadway occupancy rate of traffic parameters. The results show that optimum model of random forest is more accurate to filtrate meaningless outliers in traffic detective data collected from road intersections. With filtrated data for processing, transportation information system can decrease the influence of error data to improve highway traffic information services.
Prevalence and Risk Factors for Complications in Patients with Nontransfusion Dependent Alpha- and Beta-Thalassemia
Authors: Winichakoon Poramed , Tantiworawit Adisak , Rattanathammethee Thanawat , Hantrakool Sasinee , Chai-Adisaksopha Chatree , Rattarittamrong Ekarat , Norasetthada Lalita , Charoenkwan Pimlak
Published: November 2015

Background.Nontransfusion dependent thalassemia (NTDT) is a milder form of thalassemia that does not require regular transfusion. It is associated with many complications, which differ from that found in transfusion-dependent thalassemia (TDT). Currently available information is mostly derived from beta-NTDT; consequently, more data is needed to describe complications found in the alpha-NTDT form of this disease.Methods. We retrospectively reviewed the medical records of NTDT patients from January 2012 to December 2013. Complications related to thalassemia were reviewed and compared.Results. One hundred patients included 60 females with a median age of 38 years. The majority (54 patients) had alpha-thalassemia. Overall, 83 patients had one or more complications. The three most common complications were cholelithiasis (35%), abnormal liver function (29%), and extramedullary hematopoiesis (EMH) (25%). EMH, cardiomyopathy, cholelithiasis, and pulmonary hypertension were more commonly seen in beta-thalassemia. Osteoporosis was the only complication that was more common in alpha-thalassemia. The risk factors significantly related to EMH were beta-thalassemia type and hemoglobin < 8 g/dL. The risk factors related to osteoporosis were female gender and age > 40 years. Iron overload (ferritin > 800 ng/mL) was the only risk factor for abnormal liver function.Conclusion. The prevalence of alpha-NTDT complications was lower and different from beta-thalassemia.
Leukogram Profile and Clinical Status invivaxandfalciparumMalaria Patients from Colombia
Authors: Tobón-Castaño Alberto , Mesa-Echeverry Esteban , Miranda-Arboleda Andrés Felipe
Published: November 2015

Introduction. Hematological alterations are frequent in malaria patients; the relationship between alterations in white blood cell counts and clinical status in malaria is not well understood. In Colombia, with low endemicity and unstable transmission for malaria, with malariavivaxpredominance, the hematologic profile in malaria patients is not well characterized. The aim of this study was to characterize the leukogram in malaria patients and to analyze its alterations in relation to the clinical status.Methods. 888 leukogram profiles of malaria patients from different Colombian regions were studied: 556 withP. falciparuminfection (62.6%), 313 withP. vivaxinfection (35.2%), and 19 with mixed infection by these species (2.1%).Results. Leukocyte counts at diagnosis were within normal range in 79% of patients and 18% had leucopenia; the most frequent alteration was lymphopenia (54%) followed by monocytosis (11%); the differential granulocyte count in 298 patients revealed eosinophilia (15%) and high basophil counts (8%). Leukocytosis, eosinopenia, and neutrophilia were associated with clinical complications. The utility of changes in leukocyte counts as markers of severity should be explored in depth. A better understanding of these hematological parameters will allow their use in prompt diagnosis of malaria complications and monitoring treatment response.
Size Control of Alloyed Cu‐In‐Zn‐S Nanoflowers
Authors: Kempken Björn , Erdt Alexandra , Parisi Jürgen , Kolny-Olesiak Joanna
Published: November 2015

Uniform, alloyed Cu‐In‐Zn‐S nanoflowers with sizes of 11.5 ± 2.1 nm and 31 ± 5 nm composed of aggregated 4.1 nm and 5.6 nm primary crystallites, respectively, were obtained in a one‐pot, heat‐up reaction between copper, indium, and zinc acetate with tert‐dodecanethiol in the presence of trioctylphosphine oxide. Larger aggregates were obtained by diluting tert‐dodecanethiol with oleylamine, which lowered the reactivity of the indium and zinc precursors and led to the formation of copper rich particles. The thermal decomposition of tert‐dodecanethiol stabilizing the primary crystallites induced their agglomeration, while the presence of trioctylphosphine oxide on the surface of the nanoflowers provided them with colloidal stability and prevented them from further aggregation.
Left Ventricular Thrombus as a Complication of Clozapine-Induced Cardiomyopathy: A Case Report and Brief Literature Review
Authors: Malik Shahbaz A. , Malik Sarah , Dowsley Taylor F. , Singh Balwinder
Published: November 2015

A 48-year-old male with history of schizoaffective disorder on clozapine presented with chest pain, dyspnea, and new left bundle branch block. He underwent coronary angiography, which revealed no atherosclerosis. The patient’s workup was unrevealing for a cause for the cardiomyopathy and thus it was thought that clozapine was the offending agent. The patient was taken off clozapine and started on guideline directed heart failure therapy. During the course of hospitalization, he was also discovered to have a left ventricular (LV) thrombus for which he received anticoagulation. To our knowledge, this is the first case report of clozapine-induced cardiomyopathy complicated by a LV thrombus.
A Computational Study of HSV-2 with Poor Treatment Adherence
Authors: Mhlanga A. , Bhunu C. P. , Mushayabasa S.
Published: November 2015

Herpes simplex virus type 2 (HSV-2) is the most prevalent sexually transmitted disease worldwide, despite the availability of highly effective antiviral treatments. In this paper, a basic mathematical model for the spread of HSV-2 incorporating all the relevant biological details and poor treatment adherence is proposed and analysed. Equilibrium states of the model are determined and their stability has been investigated. The basic model is then extended to incorporate a time dependent intervention strategy. The aim of the control is tied to reducing the rate at which HSV-2 patients in treatment quit therapy before completion. Practically, this control can be implemented through monitoring and counselling all HSV-2 patients in treatment. The Pontryagin’s maximum principle is used to characterize the optimal level of the control, and the resulting optimality system is solved numerically. Overall, the study demonstrates that though time dependent control will be effective on controlling new HSV-2 cases it may not be sustainable for certain time intervals.
Venovenous Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation for Negative Pressure Pulmonary Hemorrhage in an Elderly Patient
Authors: Ishida Kenichiro , Noborio Mitsuhiro , Iwasa Nobutaka , Sogabe Taku , Ieki Yohei , Saoyama Yuki , Takahashi Kyosuke , Shimahara Yumiko , Sadamitsu Daikai
Published: November 2015

The patient in this case report was an 88-year-old male. Acute upper airway obstruction by food led to transient cardiac arrest, and negative pressure pulmonary hemorrhage (NPPH) occurred 1 hour after the foreign body obstruction. Using venovenous extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) for severe acute respiratory distress syndrome resulting from NPPH, his respiratory state was recovered and hemoptysis stopped. NPPH is a life-threatening disease, the rapid recognition of which is required to initiate appropriate therapy. Although active hemorrhage might be a contraindication for ECMO, our experience showed this to be an effective treatment option. Moreover, our experience suggests that the application of ECMO to elderly patients should be considered on a case-by-case basis.
Human Endogenous Retrovirus Expression in Primary Cutaneous T-Cell Lymphomas
Authors: Fava Paolo , Bergallo Massimiliano , Astrua Chiara , Brizio Matteo , Galliano Ilaria , Montanari Paola , Tovo Pier Angelo , Novelli Mauro , Savoia Paola , Quaglino Pietro , Fierro Maria Teresa
Published: November 2015

Background: Mycosis fungoides (MF) and Sézary syndrome (SS) are the most frequent cutaneous T-cell lymphomas (CTCL). Human endogenous retroviruses (HERVs) were reverse transcribed and integrated into primate chromosomal DNA, becoming noninfectious, although various stimuli may reactivate them. HERV expression seems to be impaired in several human diseases but limited data regarding CTCL are available. Objective: To evaluate the endogenous retroviral transcription profile in CTCL and their expression among disease clinical stages. Methods: Peripheral blood mononuclear cells from 42 MF/SS patients were analyzed. Total RNA was extracted and amplified with reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction. Results were compared with those obtained in a cohort of 20 healthy donors. Results: HERVs were significantly overexpressed in MF/SS patients compared with healthy donors. No differences were found between early and advanced CTCL stages. Conclusion: HERVs can act as promoters in MF/SS pathogenesis. It remains to link HERV hyperexpression to the outcome in CTCL patients.
Effects of Repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation in the Rehabilitation of Communication and Deglutition Disorders: Systematic Review of Randomized Controlled Trials
Authors: Gadenz Camila Dalbosco , Moreira Tais de Campos , Capobianco Dirce Maria , Cassol Mauriceia
Published: November 2015

Objective: To systematically review randomized controlled trials that evaluate the effects of repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) on rehabilitation aspects related to communication and swallowing functions. Methods: A search was conducted on PubMed, Clinical Trials, Cochrane Library, and ASHA electronic databases. Studies were judged according to the eligibility criteria and analyzed by 2 independent and blinded researchers. Results: We analyzed 9 studies: 4 about aphasia, 3 about dysphagia, 1 about dysarthria in Parkinson's disease and 1 about linguistic deficits in Alzheimer's disease. All aphasia studies used low-frequency rTMS to stimulate Broca's homologous area. High-frequency rTMS was applied over the pharyngoesophageal cortex from the left and/or right hemisphere in the dysphagia studies and over the left dorsolateral prefrontal cortex in the Parkinson's and Alzheimer's studies. Two aphasia and all dysphagia studies showed a significant improvement of the disorder, compared to the sham group. The other 2 studies related to aphasia found a benefit restricted to subgroups with a severe case or injury on the anterior portion of the language cortical area, respectively, whereas the Alzheimer's study demonstrated positive effects specific to auditory comprehension. There were no changes for vocal function in the Parkinson's study. Conclusion: The benefits of the technique and its applicability in neurogenic disorders related to communication and deglutition are still uncertain. Therefore, other randomized controlled trials are needed to clarify the optimal stimulation protocol for each disorder studied and its real effects.
Balloon-Occluded Transcatheter Arterial Chemoembolization for Hepatocellular Carcinoma: A Single-Center Experience
Authors: Minami Yasunori , Minami Tomohiro , Chishina Hirokazu , Arizumi Tadaaki , Takita Masahiro , Kitai Satoshi , Yada Norihisa , Hagiwara Satoru , Tsurusaki Masakatsu , Yagyu Yukinobu , Ueshima Kazuomi , Nishida Naoshi , Murakami Takamichi , Kudo Masatoshi
Published: November 2015

Objective: To investigate whether balloon-occluded transcatheter arterial chemoembolization (b-TACE) can produce a more dense accumulation of iodized oil in various stages of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), from single to uncountable, to overcome inferior local control. Materials and Methods: We studied 27 patients with HCC, including single to uncountable multiple lesions, who underwent b-TACE between August 2013 and April 2015. Dynamic CT was performed at baseline and 1-3 months after b-TACE. The treatment effect (TE) after b-TACE was evaluated using the Response Evaluation Criteria in Cancer of the Liver (RECICL) proposed by the Liver Cancer Study Group of Japan. Results: In the countable HCC group, contrast-enhanced CT demonstrated RECICL TE4 in 43.8% (14/32), TE3 in 12.5% (4/32), TE2 in 37.5% (12/32), and TE1 in 6.3% (2/32) of patients. For the TACE-naïve cohort, the objective response rate was 52.9%. The objective response rate was 60% for the previously TACE-treated cohort. In the uncountable multiple HCC group, the objective response rate was 0% (0/10), with progressive disease in 90% (9/10) of patients. Conclusion: Our observations suggested that b-TACE did not reduce the efficacy of retreatment for HCC with an insufficient outcome from conventional TACE, but it could not improve the efficacy of treatment for uncountable multiple HCCs.
Comparison of Daclatasvir and Asunaprevir for Chronic HCV 1b Infection with Telaprevir and Simeprevir plus Peginterferon and Ribavirin, with a Focus on the Prevention of Occurrence and Recurrence of Hepatocellular Carcinoma
Authors: Sugimoto Kayo , Kim Soo Ryang , Kim Soo Ki , Imoto Susumu , Tohyama Madoka , Kim Ke Ih , Ohtani Aya , Hatae Takashi , Yano Yoshihiko , Kudo Masatoshi , Hayashi Yoshitake
Published: November 2015

Objectives: The efficacy of the all-oral administration of daclatasvir and asunaprevir for 24 weeks was compared with that of telaprevir for 12 weeks plus pegylated interferon and ribavirin (PEG-IFN/RBV) for 24 weeks, and that of simeprevir for 12 weeks plus PEG-IFN/RBV for 24 weeks, with a focus on the prevention of occurrence and recurrence of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). The levels of alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and α-fetoprotein (AFP) as suppressive markers of HCC were also measured. Methods: Patients received daclatasvir and asunaprevir (n = 17), simeprevir plus PEG-IFN/RBV (n = 15) and telaprevir plus PEG-IFN/RBV (n = 25). Sustained virological response (SVR) and the mean change in the level of serum ALT, AFP and platelet (PLT) count were compared among the three groups. Results: No difference in SVR was observed in patients given daclatasvir with asunaprevir (SVR4), telaprevir plus PEG-IFN/RBV or simeprevir plus PEG-IFN/RBV (SVR24). Also, no significant difference was observed in the mean change of serum ALT, AFP or PLT count among the three groups. Conclusion: The preventive effect of the IFN-free, all-oral regimen of daclatasvir and asunaprevir was observed with a focus on the occurrence and recurrence of HCC, as was IFN-based treatment with telaprevir or simeprevir plus PEG-IFN/RBV.
Intracranial Procedures and Expected Frequency of Creutzfeldt-Jakob Disease
Authors: Abrams Joseph Y. , Maddox Ryan A. , Schonberger Lawrence B. , Belay Ermias D.
Published: November 2015

Background/Aims: To assess the frequency and characteristics of intracranial procedures (ICPs) performed and the number of US residents living with a history of ICP. These data are used to calculate the expected annual number of sporadic Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease (CJD) cases among US residents with a history of ICP. Methods: The Nationwide Inpatient Sample provided data on the frequency and types of ICPs, and data from the National Center for Health Statistics was used to produce age-adjusted mortality rates. A model was constructed, which estimated long-term survival and sporadic CJD rates among ICP patients based on procedure type and age. Results: There were an estimated 2,070,488 ICPs in the United States from 1998 to 2007, an average of over 200,000 per year. There were an estimated 2,023,726 US residents in 2013 with a history of ICP in the previous 30 years. In 2013, there was expected to be 4.1 sporadic CJD cases (95% CI 1-8) among people with a history of ICP in the past 30 years. Conclusions: The considerable proportion of US residents living with a history of ICP is important information for retrospective assessments of CJD or any other suspected long-term outcome of ICPs.
An Analysis of Surgical Treatment for the Spontaneous Rupture of Hepatocellular Carcinoma
Authors: Sada Haruki , Ohira Masahiro , Kobayashi Tsuyoshi , Tashiro Hirotaka , Chayama Kazuaki , Ohdan Hideki
Published: November 2015

Background/Aims: The prognosis of spontaneous rupture of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) remains unclear. We investigated the prognosis of patients with ruptured HCC based on the treatments and prognostic factors associated with long-term survival. Methods: The prognoses of 64 consecutive patients treated for ruptured HCC from 1986 to 2013 were analyzed according to their methods of treatment. The prognostic factors of 16 surgical patients were identified, and their overall survival (OS) and recurrence rates were compared to 1,157 surgical patients who underwent surgery for non-ruptured HCC. The surgical outcomes were also compared using a propensity score matching method. Results: Surgery was associated with a better OS. Curative resection was the only independent prognostic factor in surgical patients with ruptured HCC (p = 0.040). Although the OS of surgical patients with non-ruptured HCC was found to be significantly better than that of the patients with ruptured HCC, no significant difference in OS was observed after propensity score matching. Conclusion: A curative resection should be the objective of treatment, assuming the suitability of the patient's clinical condition. When the liver function reserve and tumor extension of patients with ruptured and non-ruptured HCC are similar, then their surgical outcomes may not be significantly different.
Pretreatment Factors Associated with Recurrence for Patients with Cervical Cancer International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics Stage IB1 Disease
Authors: Liu Shih-Chieh , Huang Eng-Yen , Hu Ching-Fen , Ou Yu-Che , ChangChien Chan-Chao , Wang Chong-Jong , Tsai Ching-Chou , Fu Hung-Chun , Wu Chen-Hsuan , Lin Hao
Published: November 2015

Background: Pretreatment prognostic information is lacking for patients with cervical cancer International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics (FIGO) stage IB1 disease. Thus, we attempted to identify a high-risk subgroup among them prior to treatment. Methods: Cervical cancer FIGO stage IB1 patients who had received curative treatment with various modalities in our institute between January 2004 and December 2010 were enrolled. Pretreatment clinical parameters including age, squamous cell carcinoma antigen (SCC-Ag), carcinoembryonic antigen, hemoglobin (Hb) level, platelet count, histological type, and treatment modality were analyzed for treatment outcomes. Results: One hundred ninety-seven patients were included with a median follow-up of 66 months (range 6-119 months). In Cox regression analysis, only SCC histology (HR 0.457, 95% CI 0.241-0.967, p = 0.017) was an independent factor predicting better disease-free survival (DFS). Among SCC histology, patients with an Hb level less than 12 g/dl and a SCC-Ag level more than 3 ng/ml had worse treatment outcomes. The 5-year DFS rates were 89.2, 69.3, and 44.4% for the patients at low-risk (SCC, Hb >12 g/dl, SCC-Ag ≤3 ng/ml), intermediate-risk (non-SCC), and high-risk (SCC, Hb ≤12 g/dl, SCC-Ag >3 ng/ml), respectively (p < 0.001). Conclusion: Non-SCC and SCC histology with both anemia and high pretreatment SCC-Ag level were associated with recurrence. Further validation studies are warranted for clarification.
Primary Effusion Lymphoma: Cytological Diagnosis of a Rare Entity - Report of Two Cases in HIV-Uninfected Patients from a Single Institution
Authors: Nicola Marta , Onorati Monica , Bianchi Chiara Luisa , Pepe Giuseppe , Bellone Stefano , Di Nuovo Franca
Published: November 2015

Background: Primary effusion lymphoma (PEL) is a Kaposi's sarcoma-associated herpesvirus (KSHV)-related large B-cell lymphoma often affecting immunocompromised adults. However, several cases in nonimmunocompromised elderly patients have been reported. It usually occurs as a massive, serosal effusion without tumoral masses and lymphadenopathies. The most frequent diagnostic materials are cytological smears, displaying large lymphocytes with variable morphological aspects but with a specific ‘null-cell' phenotype associated with the expression of KSHV-related latency-associated nuclear antigen. Cases: We report 2 cases of PEL that occurred in elderly, HIV-uninfected patients. In the first case, an 83-year-old man presented with severe dyspnea of 1 week duration. Radiological images documented pericardial effusion causing cardiac tamponade, without lymphadenopathies and solid masses. In the second case, an HIV-uninfected 94-year-old man was affected by anorexia, fatigue, shortness of breath and nonproductive cough. Radiological studies revealed bilateral pleural effusion, without evidence of abnormal lymphadenopathies and lung and/or pleural masses. Thoracentesis was immediately performed. Cytological evaluations of pericardial (first case) and pleural (second case) fluid effusion showed anaplastic and immunoblastic lymphocytes, respectively, expressing LCA/CD45, CD30 and KSHV. Conclusion: Albeit rare, PEL should be kept in mind in the diagnostic algorithm of serosal cytological evaluation in elderly HIV-uninfected patients.
The Distribution of Substance P and Kisspeptin in the Mediobasal Hypothalamus of the Male Rhesus Monkey and a Comparison of Intravenous Administration of These Peptides to Release GnRH as Reflected by LH Secretion
Authors: Kalil Bruna , Ramaswamy Suresh , Plant Tony M.
Published: November 2015

Substance P (SP) was recently reported to be expressed in human kisspeptin/neurokinin B/dynorphin (KNDy) neurons and to enhance KNDy neuron excitability in the mouse hypothalamus. We therefore examined (1) interactions of SP and kisspeptin in the mediobasal hypothalamus of adult male rhesus monkeys using immunofluorescence, and (2) the ability of SP to induce LH release in GnRH-primed, agonadal juvenile male monkeys. SP cell bodies were observed only occasionally in the arcuate nucleus (Arc), but more frequently dorsal to the Arc in the region of the premammillary nucleus. Castration resulted in an increase in the number of SP cell bodies in the Arc but not in the other regions. SP fibers innervated the Arc, where they were found in close apposition with kisspeptin perikarya in the periphery of this nucleus. Beaded SP axons projected to the median eminence, where they terminated in the external layer and intermingled with beaded kisspeptin axons. Colocalization of the two peptides, however, was not observed. Although close apposition between SP fibers and kisspeptin neurons suggest a role for SP in modulating GnRH pulse generator activity, i.v. injections of SP failed to elicit release of GnRH (as reflected by LH) in the juvenile monkey. Although the finding of structural interactions between SP and kisspeptin neurons is consistent with the notion that this tachykinin may be involved in regulating pulsatile GnRH release, the apparent absence of expression of SP in KNDy neurons suggests that this peptide is unlikely to be a fundamental component of the primate GnRH pulse generator.
Enjoying the Fruits of Their Labor: Redirecting Exports to Asian Consumers
Authors: Thorbecke Willem
Published: November 2015

There has been an explosion in the amount of parts and components traded within East Asian production networks. The People's Republic of China (PRC) has emerged as the final assembly point for the goods produced. These goods then flow primarily outside of the region. When the global financial crisis (GFC) occurred, the decrease in Western demand led to a synchronized decline in Asian exports. If more final goods could flow to Asian consumers, it would provide insurance against another slowdown in the rest of the world. This paper uses a gravity model to investigate if emerging Asia is importing fewer consumption goods than predicted. The results indicate that since the GFC, the PRC and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) have imported more final goods than expected. Nevertheless, their consumption imports per capita are orders of magnitude lower than those of developed economies. This highlights the need for further growth in emerging Asia.
How Capital Flows in the Midst of Excess Savings Affect Macrofinancial Vulnerability
Authors: Azis Iwan J. , Yarcia Damaris
Published: November 2015

In contrast to the period prior to the 1997/98 Asian financial crisis, emerging East Asia today is a region with excess savings, particularly corporate savings. Beginning in the mid-2000s, liquidity was further amplified by massive capital flows, particularly bank-led flows, and subsequently by debt-led flows following the introduction of quantitative easing in the United States. Both types of inflows are critical for bank-dependent Asia in need of long-term financing for infrastructure development. Yet, these two types of capital flows are also the most volatile. The surge of inflows in the midst of excess savings helped raise liquidity and growth, but also posed serious challenges to financial stability. As revealed by flow-of-funds data, the risk-taking behavior of economic agents and their preferences toward financial assets increased. Bank-led flows increased noncore liabilities and caused a credit boom, elevating the risk of procyclicality, while debt-led flows raised the vulnerability to a reversal of flows. These inflows also lowered the effectiveness of monetary policy, underscoring the need to supplement standard measures with a more effective macroprudential policy.
Democratic Government and Development: A Survey
Authors: Fortunato Piergiuseppe
Published: November 2015

Recent decades have witnessed an unprecedented expansion of democracy. During the third wave of democratization, as described by Samuel Huntington, democracy spread well beyond its historical boundaries and it is now adopted in all major regions of the world. Yet, not all democracies are equally effectual in delivering good governance and progrowth policies. Why do democratic institutions induce good governance and prosperity only in some economies? This paper presents an overview of the dimensions along which successful and unsuccessful democracies differ. It argues that four socioeconomic variables are of critical importance to create and maintain a well-functioning democracy: (i) social capital, (ii) information, (iii) education, and (iv) equality. History also plays an important role as do the contingencies characterizing the collapse of authoritarian regimes and the emergence of democratic institutions.
Evolution and Exegesis
Authors: Atkinson Maggie
Published: November 2015

London artist Ethel Le Rossignol produced a series of forty-two images, symbolic of events that take place between ethereal and material planes of existence, that explicate fundamental philosophical precepts of late nineteenth and early twentieth-century adherents of Theosophical philosophy. Her series of mediumistic images present a complex interweaving of textual, symbolic, and pictorial devices meant to encourage viewers to spend time meditating on possible meanings embedded in her narrative. Although not as well-known today, in the early part of the twentieth century her pictures were appreciated, and she displayed them at various functions before her 1929 exhibition held at London Spiritual Alliance were she provided information in the form of writings and lectures of the significance of her symbolic narrative.
A Progressive View on Religion and Modern Art
Authors: Fowler Cynthia
Published: November 2015

This article examines the Religious Art of Today exhibition, originally held in 1944 at Boston’s Institute of Modern Art and then reformulated for the Dayton Art Institute in Ohio. The exhibition was eclectic in that it included a wide range of artists and a diversity of faiths, and engaged the debate held among museum professionals about the relationship between religion and modern art. The article focuses closely on Catholic, Jewish, and Navajo art included in the exhibition. The IMA’s commitment to the figurative tradition afforded artists the opportunity to explore their identities—as Jews, as Catholics, as Navajos—using recognizable religious subjects. That the works in the exhibition were selected as representative of modern art resulted in a convergence of discourses related to modern art with those of religious/cultural identity.
Spirotetramat causes an arrest of nematode juvenile development
Authors: Vang Leah E. , Opperman Charles H. , Schwarz Michael R. , Davis Eric L.
Published: November 2015

Spirotetramat (Movento™, Bayer CropScience) (SPT), an effective insecticide, has also demonstrated potential activity as a nematicide. No significant effects on hatching rates ofCaenorhabditis elegans,Meloidogyne incognitaorHeterodera glycineswere observed when eggs were soaked in a maximum concentration of 105 ppm of technical grade spirotetramat-enol (SPT-enol), the active form in plants. Synchronised first-stage juveniles ofC. eleganssoaked in SPT-enol concentrations as low as 30 ppm demonstrated arrested juvenile development with calculated EC95of 44-48 ppm. Single applications of formulated SPT (Movento 240SC) were applied to plant foliage at the labelled insecticidal rate of 87.6 g a.s. ha−1at 1-week intervals on soybean plants inoculated withH. glycinesor tomato plants inoculated withM. incognitain glasshouse tests. SPT consistently inhibited nematode development to reproductive maturity when applied at 1-2 weeks after inoculation. Optimal SPT application timings coincide with early stages of root infection, when nematodes are still in vulnerable juvenile stages.
Martyrs and Confessors of Lugdunum: A Validation of Eusebius’s Documentation
Authors: Ohtani Satoshi
Published: November 2015

In 177 AD, the persecution of Christians in Lugdunum increased. The sole extant account of this persecution is a letter preserved in Eusebius’s Ecclesiastical History. However, because of his daring excerpting and muddled terminology, the understanding of the situation of martyrs and confessors of Lugdunum is confusing. In addition, another source about the persecution, Collection of the Ancient Martyrs, was scattered. The purpose of this article is to organize the situation of the martyrs’ deaths and to validate how Eusebius recorded the martyrs and the confessors. For this purpose, I compared the fragments of the martyrs’ lists preserved in the Martyrology of Pseudo-Jerome, the Mar­tyrology bearing the name of Bede, several Passions, Glory of the Martyrs by Gregory of Tours, and Ecclesiastical History by Eusebius. Besides, I analyse the categories of martyrs in the reconstructed list of the martyrs of Lugdunum. As a result, it clarifies the way Eusebius constructed the list of martyrs. This article also contributes to the understanding of the terminology and documentation concerning martyrs and confessors in early Christian documents.
What Is the Evil to Be Overcome?
Authors: Yamada Nozomu
Published: November 2015

Significant perspectives on Christ’s life and death, which both Pelagius and the Eastern Fathers held, are Christ’s victory over the Devil, the continuous creation of humanity, and Christ’s redemption of human sin. Imitating Christ’s example by exercising free will is the most important Christian response to Christ’s victory. Synergism between the exercise of free will and Christ’s example as God’s grace are located in God’s mystical Oikonomia. As seen in their for-knowledge theory concerning the story of Esau’s abandonment, Pelagius’ synergism was in no way heretical, but rather completely consistent with the Eastern Fathers. On the other hand, the discontinuity in Augustine’s soteriology between human nature after the Fall and Christ’s redemption as God’s grace is significantly different from the continuity evident in Pelagius’ and the Eastern Fathers’ views. Augustine’s logical- philosophical speculation on Esau’s abandonment, which was repeated in non-historical contexts, had to come down to his theories of original sin and predestination. The peculiarity of the historical Jesus Christ in God’s Oikonomia, as well as the unique, special historicity of every human, was almost absorbed into the universality of Augustine’s theories. However, Pelagius as well as Basil and Rufinus thought that in every decision of free will to imitate Christ’s life and death, as seen in the same person narrative in Pelagius’ Pauline commentary, the grace of God was concretely and livingly expressed in the unique and personal history of believers.
Escaping Plato’s Cave: Some Platonic Metaphors in Symeon the New Theologian
Authors: Baranov Vladimir
Published: November 2015

This article proposes that the imagery Symeon the New Theologian employs for expressing his mystical experience in several passages of his Hymns of Divine Love might have been inspired by the texts of Plato and the Platonic tradition. The Hymns showing the traces of St. Symeon’s rethinking of the allegory of the Cave, the metaphor of the wings of the soul, and the intellectual Paradise of virtues are analyzed, opening the discussion on the earliest stages of the Platonic revival in eleventh-century Byzantium.
“The Ascent of Nature from the Lower to the Perfect”
Authors: Biriukov Dmitry
Published: November 2015

It is suggested that for building his hierarchy of beings Gregory of Nyssa followed two strategies: the strategy of dividing genera and species with the entire “existing” as the summit of' the hierarchy, and the strategy of taking the uncreated nature to be the summit of the hierarchy. The evolutionary ascent of natural species and the related topic of the hierarchical taxonomy of being in Gregory of Nyssa’s De opificio hominis 8 are examined. It is argued, against K. Reinhardt, G. Ladner, and a number of other scholars, that the influence of Posidonius on this topic in Gregory is not sufficiently well-founded. A brief overview of the taxonomies elaborated by several philosophers of Antiquity is provided. The general conclusion is that the Tree of Porphyry had a direct impact on the classification of beings in Gregory. Alongside this, Gregory seems to manifest Aris­to­telian, Platonic, and, particularly, Stoic trends. In contrast to previous studies which have only pointed to the similarity between Gregory and Porphyry’s systems without sufficient reasoning on details of it, it is investigated in what sense the similarity is, and it is shown that there are also some significant differences between their ordering of different levels. A suggestion is made as to why Gregory altered the order of hierarchical levels in comparison to that of Porphyry.
Helping Skills Training for Undergraduate Students
Authors: Hill Clara E. , Anderson Timothy , Kline Kathryn , McClintock Andrew , Cranston Saryn , McCarrick Shannon , Petrarca Allison , Himawan Lina , Pérez-Rojas Andrés E. , Bhatia Avantika , Gupta Shudarshana , Gregor Margo
Published: November 2015

We examined the effectiveness of the Hill model of helping skills training for 191 undergraduate students in six sections of a semester-long course. Students completed self-report, performance, and nonverbal measures at the beginning; they conducted one 20-min helping session at the beginning and another toward the end of the semester; and they completed self-efficacy measures at the end of the semester. Students’ helping skills improved over the course of the semester, as evidenced by higher helper- and volunteer client–rated session quality, reduced proportion of words spoken in sessions, increased proportion of exploration skills used in sessions, and increased self-efficacy for using helping skills. Self-reported empathy predicted four of the five helping skills criteria at the beginning-of-semester assessment. Facilitative interpersonal skills predicted end-of-semester self-efficacy in helping skills when controlling for retrospective prelevels and instructor effects. Implications for training and research are presented.
Economic Security, Social Cohesion, and Depression Disparities in Post-transition Societies
Authors: Hsieh Ning
Published: November 2015

Although both China and Russia have experienced several decades of market reform, initial evidence suggests that this structural change has compromised mental and physical health among the Russian population but not the Chinese population. Using data from the World Health Organization Study on Global AGEing and Adult Health (2007–2010), this study examines the factors associated with the disparity in depression between older adults in China and their Russian counterparts, all of whom experienced market transition in the prime of their lives ( N = 10,896). Results show that the lower level of depression among Chinese respondents is attributable to higher levels of economic security and social cohesion as well as stronger effects of economic and social resources on depression, while health-rating style is likely a minor factor. The study advances the sociological understanding of global/comparative mental health by considering the effects of macrolevel political, economic, social, and cultural conditions.
Mechanical behavior of airbag fabrics under quasi-static loading: an experimental evaluation of macro- and meso-scopic properties
Authors: Zacharski Steven , Ko Frank K , Vaziri Reza
Published: November 2015

In this paper the current generation of 350 dtex airbag coated and uncoated fabrics are examined experimentally under a multitude of simple and complex deformations. The geometric dimensions of the fabric architecture and the load–elongation behavior of the yarn constituents are studied. Furthermore, deformational shear behavior of airbag fabrics, which have not previously been investigated, are examined here. The stress–strain behavior of the yarn as well as the fabrics with and without coating are found to be highly nonlinear. Under uniaxial loading, nonlinearities of the fabric occur at lower strains due to crimp of the fabric, whereas under biaxial loading, the nonlinearity occurs at low and intermediate strain levels resulting from a combination of the inherent nonlinear material response of the yarn and geometric changes in the fabric structure. The data generated not only provide the basis for structural analysis of the airbag, but can also be used to develop more sophisticated definitions of the constitutive behavior of the fabric.
Extending the analysis of urban land conflict: An example from Johannesburg
Authors: Marx Colin
Published: November 2015

Social conflict can be mobilised to achieve progressive and/or regressive change. Focusing on urban land conflicts that relate to property rights, I examine how commonly held understandings of this phenomenon may risk glossing over conflict that emerges because of the property rights themselves, as well as legitimating only certain types of conflict as worthy of activism and scholarly engagement. Using the example of Thokoza, a largely residential area outside of Johannesburg, I juxtapose an understanding of conflict as being related to ‘distributional’ inequalities with that of conflict emerging from the inherent nature of property rights. This illustrates the complementary value of thinking about conflict caused by property rights themselves in analysing urban land conflicts.