bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Cervical spinal cord injury exacerbates ventilator-induced diaphragm dysfunction
Authors: Smuder Ashley J. , Gonzalez-Rothi Elisa J. , Kwon Oh Sung , Morton Aaron B. , Sollanek Kurt J. , Powers Scott K. , Fuller David D.
Published: October 2015

Cervical spinal cord injury (SCI) can dramatically impair diaphragm muscle function and often necessitates mechanical ventilation (MV) to maintain adequate pulmonary gas exchange. MV is a life-saving intervention. However, prolonged MV results in atrophy and impaired function of the diaphragm. Since cervical SCI can also trigger diaphragm atrophy, it may create preconditions that exacerbate ventilator-induced diaphragm dysfunction (VIDD). Currently, no drug therapy or clinical standard of care exists to prevent or minimize diaphragm dysfunction following SCI. Therefore, we first tested the hypothesis that initiating MV acutely after cervical SCI will exacerbate VIDD and enhance proteolytic activation in the diaphragm to a greater extent than either condition alone. Rats underwent controlled MV for 12 h following acute (∼24 h) cervical spinal hemisection injury at C2 (SCI). Diaphragm tissue was then harvested for comprehensive functional and molecular analyses. Second, we determined if antioxidant therapy could mitigate MV-induced diaphragm dysfunction after cervical SCI. In these experiments, SCI rats received antioxidant (Trolox, a vitamin E analog) or saline treatment prior to initiating MV. Our results demonstrate that compared with either condition alone, the combination of SCI and MV resulted in increased diaphragm atrophy, contractile dysfunction, and expression of atrophy-related genes, including MuRF1. Importantly, administration of the antioxidant Trolox attenuated proteolytic activation, fiber atrophy, and contractile dysfunction in the diaphragms of SCI + MV animals. These findings provide evidence that cervical SCI greatly exacerbates VIDD, but antioxidant therapy with Trolox can preserve diaphragm contractile function following acute SCI.
Neuronal activity in somatosensory cortex related to tactile exploration
Authors: Fortier-Poisson Pascal , Smith Allan M.
Published: October 2015

The very light contact forces (∼0.60 N) applied by the fingertips during tactile exploration reveal a clearly optimized sensorimotor strategy. To investigate the cortical mechanisms involved with this behavior, we recorded 230 neurons in the somatosensory cortex (S1), as two monkeys scanned different surfaces with the fingertips in search of a tactile target without visual feedback. During the exploration, the monkeys, like humans, carefully controlled the finger forces. High-friction surfaces offering greater tangential shear force resistance to the skin were associated with decreased normal contact forces. The activity of one group of neurons was modulated with either the normal or tangential force, with little or no influence from the orthogonal force component. A second group responded to kinetic friction or the ratio of tangential to normal forces rather than responding to a specific parameter, such as force magnitude or direction. A third group of S1 neurons appeared to respond to particular vectors of normal and tangential force on the skin. Although 45 neurons correlated with scanning speed, 32 were also modulated by finger forces, suggesting that forces on the finger should be considered as the primary parameter encoding the skin compliance and that finger speed is a secondary parameter that co-varies with finger forces. Neurons (102) were also tested with different textures, and the activity of 62 of these increased or decreased in relation to the surface friction.
Design of a Novel Ultrawide Stopband Lowpass Filter Using a DMS-DGS Technique for Radar Applications
Authors: Boutejdar Ahmed , Ibrahim Ahmed A. , Burte Edmund P.
Published: October 2015

A novel wide stopband (WSB) low pass filter based on combination of defected ground structure (DGS), defected microstrip structure (DMS), and compensated microstrip capacitors is proposed. Their excellent defected characteristics are verified through simulation and measurements. Additionally to a sharp cutoff, the structure exhibits simple design and fabrication, very low insertion loss in the pass band of 0.3 dB and it achieves a wide rejection bandwidth with overall 20 dB attenuation from 1.5 GHz up to 8.3 GHz. The compact low pass structure occupies an area of (0.40λg  × 0.24λg) where λg = 148 mm is the waveguide length at the cut-off frequency 1.1 GHz. Comparison between measured and simulated results confirms the validity of the proposed method. Such filter topologies are utilized in many areas of communications systems and microwave technology because of their several benefits such as small losses, wide reject band, and high compactness.
The Level of Circulating Endothelial Progenitor Cell Is Associated with Cerebral Vasoreactivity: A Pilot Study
Authors: Chung Chih-Ping , Huang Po-Hsun , Chen Jia-Shiong , Chen Jaw-Wen , Yang Kuang-Yao
Published: October 2015

Endothelial progenitor cell is known to be able to repair injured vessels. We assessed the hypothesis that endothelial progenitor cell also modulates cerebral endothelial function in healthy status. We used transcranial color-coded sonography to measure middle cerebral arterial vasoreactivity to CO2(breath-holding index) in healthy subjects and observed its relationship with the number of circulating CD34CD133+ cells. To detect significant correlations between each characteristic and breath-holding index of middle cerebral artery, we used univariate and multivariate regression analyses. 22 young healthy subjects were included in the present study (6 men, 16 women; mean age: 28.45 ± 3.98 years, range: 22–34 years). The mean breath-holding index and CD45lowCD34+CD133+ cells number were 0.95 ± 0.48% and 0.52 ± 0.26, respectively. The level of CD34CD133+ cells was independently associated with middle cerebral artery’s vasoreactivity(r=0.439,P=0.04). Our results suggest that endothelial progenitor cell also modulates healthy cerebral vessels’ endothelial function. This ability of endothelial progenitor cell could be potentially applied therapeutically and for prevention in conditions with cerebral endothelial dysfunction and cerebral ischemia.
Production of Monoclonal Antibodies in Plants for Cancer Immunotherapy
Authors: Moussavou Ghislain , Ko Kisung , Lee Jeong-Hwan , Choo Young-Kug
Published: October 2015

Plants are considered as an alternative platform for recombinant monoclonal antibody (mAb) production due to the improvement and diversification of transgenic techniques. The diversity of plant species offers a multitude of possibilities for the valorization of genetic resources. Moreover, plants can be propagated indefinitely, providing cheap biomass production on a large scale in controlled conditions. Thus, recent studies have shown the successful development of plant systems for the production of mAbs for cancer immunotherapy. However, their several limitations have to be resolved for efficient antibody production in plants.
Convergence Theorems for Generalized Functional Sequences of Discrete-Time Normal Martingales
Authors: Wang Caishi , Chen Jinshu
Published: October 2015

The Fock transform recently introduced by the authors in a previous paper is applied to investigate convergence of generalized functional sequences of a discrete-time normal martingaleM. A necessary and sufficient condition in terms of the Fock transform is obtained for such a sequence to be strongly convergent. A type of generalized martingales associated withMis introduced and their convergence theorems are established. Some applications are also shown.
Detection of Counterfeit Tequila by Fluorescence Spectroscopy
Authors: de la Rosa Vázquez José Manuel , Fabila-Bustos Diego Adrián , Quintanar-Hernández Luis Felipe de Jesús , Valor Alma , Stolik Suren
Published: October 2015

An ultraviolet (UV) light induced fluorescence study to discriminate fake tequila from genuine ones is presented. A portable homemade system based on four light emitting diodes (LEDs) from 255 to 405 nm and a miniature spectrometer was used. It has been shown that unlike fake and silver tequila, which produce weak fluorescence signal, genuine mixed, rested, and aged tequilas show high fluorescence emission in the range from 400 to 750 nm. The fluorescence intensity grows with aging in 100% agave tequila. Such fluorescence differences can even be observed with naked eyes. The presented results demonstrate that the fluorescence measurement could be a good method to detect counterfeit tequila.
Exploring the Physiological Link between Psoriasis and Mood Disorders
Authors: Connor Cody J. , Liu Vincent , Fiedorowicz Jess G.
Published: October 2015

Psoriasis is a chronic, immune-mediated skin condition with a high rate of psychiatric comorbidity, which often goes unrecognized. Beyond the negative consequences of mood disorders like depression and anxiety on patient quality of life, evidence suggests that these conditions can worsen the severity of psoriatic disease. The mechanisms behind this relationship are not entirely understood, but inflammation seems to be a key feature linking psoriasis with mood disorders, and physiologic modulators of this inflammation, including the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis and sympathetic nervous system, demonstrate changes with psychopathology that may be contributory. Cyclical disruptions in the secretion of the sleep hormone, melatonin, are also observed in both depression and psoriasis, and with well-recognized anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activity, this aberration may represent a shared contributor to both conditions as well as common comorbidities like diabetes and cardiovascular disease. While understanding the complexities of the biological mechanisms at play will be key in optimizing the management of patients with comorbid psoriasis and depression/anxiety, one thing is certain: recognition of psychiatric comorbidity is an imperative first step in effectively treating these patients as a whole. Evidence that improvement in mood decreases psoriasis severity underscores how psychological awareness can be critical to clinicians in their practice.
An Electromechanical Left Ventricular Wedge Model to Study the Effects of Deformation on Repolarization during Heart Failure
Authors: Rocha B. M. , Toledo E. M. , Barra L. P. S. , dos Santos R. Weber
Published: October 2015

Heart failure is a major and costly problem in public health, which, in certain cases, may lead to death. The failing heart undergo a series of electrical and structural changes that provide the underlying basis for disturbances like arrhythmias. Computer models of coupled electrical and mechanical activities of the heart can be used to advance our understanding of the complex feedback mechanisms involved. In this context, there is a lack of studies that consider heart failure remodeling using strongly coupled electromechanics. We present a strongly coupled electromechanical model to study the effects of deformation on a human left ventricle wedge considering normal and hypertrophic heart failure conditions. We demonstrate through a series of simulations that when a strongly coupled electromechanical model is used, deformation results in the thickening of the ventricular wall that in turn increases transmural dispersion of repolarization. These effects were analyzed in both normal and failing heart conditions. We also present transmural electrograms obtained from these simulations. Our results suggest that the waveform of electrograms, particularly the T-wave, is influenced by cardiac contraction on both normal and pathological conditions.
Crowd Motion Analysis Based on Social Force Graph with Streak Flow Attribute
Authors: Huang Shaonian , Huang Dongjun , Khuhro Mansoor Ahmed
Published: October 2015

Over the past decades, crowd management has attracted a great deal of attention in the area of video surveillance. Among various tasks of video surveillance analysis, crowd motion analysis is the basis of numerous subsequent applications of surveillance video. In this paper, a novel social force graph with streak flow attribute is proposed to capture the global spatiotemporal changes and the local motion of crowd video. Crowd motion analysis is hereby implemented based on the characteristics of social force graph. First, the streak flow of crowd sequence is extracted to represent the global crowd motion; after that, spatiotemporal analogous patches are obtained based on the crowd visual features. A weighted social force graph is then constructed based on multiple social properties of crowd video. The graph is segmented into particle groups to represent the similar motion patterns of crowd video. A codebook is then constructed by clustering all local particle groups, and consequently crowd abnormal behaviors are detected by using the Latent Dirichlet Allocation model. Extensive experiments on challenging datasets show that the proposed method achieves preferable results in the application of crowd motion segmentation and abnormal behavior detection.
Impact of Soil Compaction on Bulk Density and Root Biomass ofQuercus petraeaL. at Reclaimed Post-Lignite Mining Site in Lusatia, Germany
Authors: Twum Eric K. A. , Nii-Annang Seth
Published: October 2015

The impact of soil compaction on bulk density and root biomass ofQuercus petraeaL. was assessed after 85 years of reclamation of post-lignite mining soil at Welzow-South, in Lusatia, Germany. Bulk density of core soils sampled from 20 to 25 cm, 100 to 105 cm, and 200 to 205 cm depths and oven-dried biomass ofQ. petraearoots sampled from 0 to 30 cm and at successive depths of 20 cm, up to 210 cm depth at compacted and uncompacted sites were determined. Bulk density was significantly higher at 20 to 25 cm (1.74±0.09 g cm−3) and 100 to 105 cm (1.65±0.06 g cm−3) depths of the compacted site. Likewise, compaction induced significant greater root biomass within the 0 to 70 cm depth with higher bulk density; root biomass at this depth was 2-fold greater compared to the uncompacted site. Root biomass decreased with soil depth and showed significant relationship with depth at both sites. The result indicates that, after 85 years of reclamation, the impact of soil compaction persisted as evident in higher bulk density and greater root biomass.
An Efficient Method to Find Solutions for Transcendental Equations with Several Roots
Authors: Luck Rogelio , Zdaniuk Gregory J. , Cho Heejin
Published: October 2015

This paper presents a method for obtaining a solution for all the roots of a transcendental equation within a bounded region by finding a polynomial equation with the same roots as the transcendental equation. The proposed method is developed using Cauchy’s integral theorem for complex variables and transforms the problem of finding the roots of a transcendental equation into an equivalent problem of finding roots of a polynomial equation with exactly the same roots. The interesting result is that the coefficients of the polynomial form a vector which lies in the null space of a Hankel matrix made up of the Fourier series coefficients of the inverse of the original transcendental equation. Then the explicit solution can be readily obtained using the complex fast Fourier transform. To conclude, the authors present an example by solving for the first three eigenvalues of the 1D transient heat conduction problem.
DSMesons in Asymmetric Hot and Dense Hadronic Matter
Authors: Pathak Divakar , Mishra Amruta
Published: October 2015

The in-medium properties ofDSmesons are investigated within the framework of an effective hadronic model, which is a generalization of a chiralSU(3)model, toSU(4), in order to study the interactions of the charmed hadrons. In the present work, theDSmesons are observed to experience net attractive interactions in a dense hadronic medium, hence reducing the masses of theDS+andDS-mesons from the vacuum values. While this conclusion holds in both nuclear and hyperonic media, the magnitude of the mass drop is observed to intensify with the inclusion of strangeness in the medium. Additionally, in hyperonic medium, the mass degeneracy of theDSmesons is observed to be broken, due to opposite signs of the Weinberg-Tomozawa interaction term in the Lagrangian density. Along with the magnitude of the mass drops, the mass splitting betweenDS+andDS-mesons is also observed to grow with an increase in baryonic density and strangeness content of the medium. However, all medium effects analyzed are found to be weakly dependent on isospin asymmetry and temperature. We discuss the possible implications emanating from this analysis, which are all expected to make a significant difference to observables in heavy ion collision experiments, especially the upcoming Compressed Baryonic Matter (CBM) experiment at the future Facility for Antiproton and Ion Research (FAIR), GSI, where matter at high baryonic densities is planned to be produced.
A New Distributed User-Demand-Driven Location Privacy Protection Scheme for Mobile Communication Network
Authors: Wang Jin , Wu Hao , Liu Yudian
Published: October 2015

With the development of mobile communication networks and intelligent terminals, recent years have witnessed a rapid popularization of location-based service (LBS). While obtaining convenient services, the exploitation of mass location data is inevitably leading to a serious concern about location privacy security. Obviously, high quality of service (QoS) will result in poor location privacy protection, so that a trade-off is needed to fulfill users’ individual demands for both sides. Although existing methods perform well in certain scenarios, few have considered the abovementioned balance problem. Therefore, by combiningk-anonymity-based cloaking technique and obfuscation method, a new distributed user-demand-driven (DUDD) location privacy protection scheme is put forward in this paper. The basic idea is still to select a subcloaking area within the cloaking area generated by Location Anonymization Server. Moreover, by using the improved LBS system model, this paper constructs a distributed framework, in which location privacy protection is wholly occupied in server side and LBS provider is only dedicated to QoS-guarantee. In addition, normalized privacy demand and QoS metrics are given and a user-defined weight parameter is introduced to ensure location privacy security without decreasing QoS. The feasibility of the proposed method is proved through simulation.
Working Memory and Executive Function Decline across Normal Aging, Mild Cognitive Impairment, and Alzheimer’s Disease
Authors: Kirova Anna-Mariya , Bays Rebecca B. , Lagalwar Sarita
Published: October 2015

Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is a progressive neurodegenerative disease marked by deficits in episodic memory, working memory (WM), and executive function. Examples of executive dysfunction in AD include poor selective and divided attention, failed inhibition of interfering stimuli, and poor manipulation skills. Although episodic deficits during disease progression have been widely studied and are the benchmark of a probable AD diagnosis, more recent research has investigated WM and executive function decline during mild cognitive impairment (MCI), also referred to as the preclinical stage of AD. MCI is a critical period during which cognitive restructuring and neuroplasticity such as compensation still occur; therefore, cognitive therapies could have a beneficial effect on decreasing the likelihood of AD progression during MCI. Monitoring performance on working memory and executive function tasks to track cognitive function may signal progression from normal cognition to MCI to AD. The present review tracks WM decline through normal aging, MCI, and AD to highlight the behavioral and neurological differences that distinguish these three stages in an effort to guide future research on MCI diagnosis, cognitive therapy, and AD prevention.
An Unusual Case of Invasive Kaposi’s Sarcoma with Primary Effusion Lymphoma in an HIV Positive Patient: Case Report and Literature Review
Authors: Millet Alexandra , Singh Sanmeet , Gittens-Backus Genelle , Dang Kim Ann , Shokrani Babak
Published: October 2015

We report a case of AIDS-related Kaposi’s sarcoma (KS) with Primary Effusion Lymphoma (PEL) in a 28-year-old, African American male. Kaposi’s sarcoma is an AIDS defining disease and typically will disseminate early in the course of the disease affecting the skin, mucous membranes, gastrointestinal tract, lymph nodes, and lungs. This case reports an unusual presentation of the disease along with primary effusion lymphoma. Although the most common organ systems affected by KS are the respiratory and the gastrointestinal systems, the lungs of this patient did not show any evidence of KS. Additionally, the patient demonstrates the rarely seen liver and unique pancreatic involvement by KS along with unusual synchronous bilateral pleural and peritoneal cavity involvement by PEL, adding to the distinct pattern of invasive AIDS-related Kaposi’s sarcoma.
CPAP Therapy Improves Intractable Hemifacial Spasm
Authors: Kasemsap Narongrit , Netwijitpan Sittichai , Limpawattana Panita , Kongbunkiat Kannikar , Tiamkao Somsak , Chotmongkol Verajit , Aekphachaisawat Noppadol , Sawanyawisuth Kittisak
Published: October 2015

The correlation between obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) and hemifacial spasm has never been reported in the literature. Here, we report a case of OSA-induced hypertension with intractable hemifacial spasm in which both conditions improved after continuous positive airway pressure treatment.
Microdevelopment of Complex Featural and Spatial Integration with Contextual Support
Authors: Hirsch Pamela L. , Sandberg Elisabeth Hollister
Published: October 2015

Complex spatial decisions involve the ability to combine featural and spatial information in a scene. In the present work, 4- through 9-year-old children completed a complex map-scene correspondence task under baseline and supported conditions. Children compared a photographed scene with a correct map and with map-foils that made salient an object feature or spatial property. Map-scene matches were analyzed for the effects of age and featural-spatial information on children’s selections. In both conditions children significantly favored maps that highlighted object detail and object perspective rather than color, landmark, and metric elements. Children’s correct performance did not differ by age and was suboptimal, but their ability to choose correct maps improved significantly when contextual support was provided. Strategy variability was prominent for all age groups, but at age 9 with support children were more likely to give up their focus on features and transition to the use of spatial strategies. These findings suggest the possibility of a U-shaped curve for children’s development of geometric knowledge: geometric coding is predominant early on, diminishes for a time in middle childhood in favor of a preference for features, and then reemerges along with the more advanced abilities to combine featural and spatial information.
Invasive Bladder Cancer: Genomic Insights and Therapeutic Promise
Authors: Kim Jaegil , Akbani Rehan , Creighton Chad J. , Lerner Seth P. , Weinstein John N. , Getz Gad , Kwiatkowski David J.
Published: October 2015

Invasive bladder cancer, for which there have been few therapeutic advances in the past 20 years, is a significant medical problem associated with metastatic disease and frequent mortality. Although previous studies had identified many genetic alterations in invasive bladder cancer, recent genome-wide studies have provided a more comprehensive view. Here, we review those recent findings and suggest therapeutic strategies. Bladder cancer has a high mutation rate, exceeded only by lung cancer and melanoma. About 65% of all mutations are due to APOBEC-mediated mutagenesis. There is a high frequency of mutations and/or genomic amplification or deletion events that affect many of the canonical signaling pathways involved in cancer development: cell cycle, receptor tyrosine kinase, RAS, and PI-3-kinase/mTOR. In addition, mutations in chromatin-modifying genes are unusually frequent in comparison with other cancers, and mutation or amplification of transcription factors is also common. Expression clustering analyses organize bladder cancers into four principal groups, which can be characterized as luminal, immune undifferentiated, luminal immune, and basal. The four groups show markedly different expression patterns for urothelial differentiation (keratins and uroplakins) and immunity genes (CD274 and CTLA4), among others. These observations suggest numerous therapeutic opportunities, including kinase inhibitors and antibody therapies for genes in the canonical signaling pathways, histone deacetylase inhibitors and novel molecules for chromatin gene mutations, and immune therapies, which should be targeted to specific patients based on genomic profiling of their cancers. Clin Cancer Res; 21(20); 4514–24. ©2015 AACR.
CCR 20th Anniversary Commentary: Prospects and Challenges of Therapeutic Nanoparticles in Cancer
Authors: Rahman Mohammad Aminur , Shin Dong M.
Published: October 2015

In their review article published in the March 1, 2008, issue of Clinical Cancer Research, Cho and colleagues presented the strong potential of nanotechnology in cancer. This commentary discusses the latest advances in nanotechnology, which provide novel approaches for cancer diagnosis, imaging, drug delivery, and personalized therapy; highlights the perspectives for therapeutic nanoparticles; and describes the advantages and challenges of their multifunctionalities. Clin Cancer Res; 21(20); 4499–501. ©2015 AACR.

See related article by Cho et al., Clin Cancer Res 2008;14(5) March 1, 2008;1310–6
Red Cell Distribution Width Can Predict the Significance of Angiographically Intermediate Coronary Lesions
Authors: Açıkgöz Sadık Kadri , Açar Burak , Aydın Selahattin , Açıkgöz Eser , Er Okan , Şensoy Barış , Balci Mustafa Mücahit , Yayla Çağrı , Şen Fatih , Topal Salih , Aydoğdu Sinan
Published: October 2015

Objective: In the present study, the association between red cell distribution width (RDW) with functional significance of intermediate coronary artery lesions was investigated. Materials and Methods: Two hundred and forty-six consecutive patients, 168 males and 78 females, who underwent fractional flow reserve (FFR) measurement for angiographically intermediate coronary stenosis (40-70% in quantitative coronary analysis) in the left anterior descending coronary artery were enrolled into the study. The functional significance of intermediate coronary artery lesions was determined by FFR measurement. An FFR value <0.75 was defined as functionally significant. Venous blood samples were taken within 48 h before the FFR measurement, and RDW levels were determined by a Coulter LH Series hematology analyzer. Logistic regression analysis was used to examine the association between functional significance in FFR measurement and other variables. Results: Of the 246 patients, 62 (25.2%) exhibited significant functional stenosis (FFR <0.75) in the FFR measurement. The mean RDW level was significantly higher in patients with significant stenosis (14.19 ± 0.73 vs. 13.69 ± 0.77, p < 0.001). In stepwise multivariate logistic regression analysis, RDW (OR = 2.489, 95% CI = 1.631-3.799, p < 0.001) and male gender (OR = 2.826, 95% CI = 1.347-5.928, p = 0.006) were independent predictors of significant functional stenosis. Conclusion: Increased RDW levels were associated with functional significance of angiographically intermediate coronary artery stenoses.
Surgical Therapy of Early Carcinoma of the Esophagus
Authors: Pauthner Michael , Haist Thomas , Mann Markus , Lorenz Dietmar
Published: October 2015

Background: The modern therapy of early esophageal carcinomas (pT1) requires an excellent cooperation between experienced gastroenterologists, pathologists, and esophageal surgeons. While endoscopic resection (ER) is accepted as the standard curative treatment for mucosal esophageal carcinomas, submucosal tumors are regarded as a strict indication for surgery. There is an ongoing discussion about the operative approach and the extent of lymph node dissection in these cases. Methods: A literature review was performed to evaluate the operative treatment of early esophageal cancer. In view of oncological risk factors, treatment strategies, and operative procedures, current studies are summarized and compared to the results of our own center. Results and Conclusion: In early esophageal cancer, lymph node involvement is the only independent risk factor for survival and recurrence rates. There is evidence that infiltrated lymph nodes (N+) are significantly correlated with tumor infiltration depth, lymphovascular (L1) and microvascular invasion (V1), and poor tumor differentiation (G3). Several studies suggest that early squamous cell carcinomas (eSCCs) and early adenocarcinomas (eACs) have a different tumor biology and therefore need a different treatment strategy. While eSCCs in stage m1 and m2 can be cured by ER, tumors infiltrating the submucosal layer (sm1-3) show a high rate of lymph node metastasis (LNM); thus, surgical resection (SR) is clearly indicated. In tumors with invasion into the deep mucosa (m3) the risk of LNM is up to 11%; however, reliable data are rare and the type of therapy should be discussed with the patients individually. In eACs, ER is the standard curative treatment for all mucosal tumors (m1-m4) and sm1 tumors with low-risk constellation (G1, L0, VO, R0). All high-risk sm1 tumors and those with deeper submucosal infiltration (sm2, sm3) show a high rate of LNM and require SR. The standard operative proce- dure for early esophageal carcinomas is an Ivor-Lewis esophagectomy with radical, at least two-field lymphadenectomy.
Fifty-Three Years after a Pencil Puncture Wound
Authors: Aswani Vijay H. , Kim Seung Lae
Published: October 2015

A pencil core with an intact pencil tip was excised from the thigh of a 60-year-old male 53 years after a puncture wound. Histologic examination of the excised pencil core and the surrounding tissue revealed a foreign body reaction with abundant entrapped dark black pigment and chronic reparative changes, including dense sclerosis and focal granulation tissue formation.
Soluble urokinase plasminogen activator receptor and incidence of venous thromboembolism
Authors: Zöller Bengt , Svensson Peter J. , Melander Olle , Persson Margaretha , Engström Gunnar
Published: October 2015

Raised plasma levels of the soluble urokinase plasminogen activator receptor (suPAR) have been associated with increased incidence of cardiovascular diseases. Whether suPAR is associated with venous thromboembolism (VTE) is largely unknown. The purpose of the present study was to investigate the relationship between suPAR and incidence of VTE in a cohort study. suPAR was measured in 5,203 subjects (aged 46–68 years, 58 % women) from the general population, who participated in the Malmö Diet and Cancer (MDC) study between 1991 and 1994. Incident cases of VTE were identified from the Swedish patient register during a mean follow-up of 15.7 years. Of 5,203 subjects with measurements of suPAR, 239 had VTE during follow-up (127 venous thrombosis, 86 lung embolism, 26 both). Incidence of VTE was significantly higher in subjects with suPAR levels in the top quartile. Adjusted for age and sex, the HR (4th vs 1st quartile) was 1.74 (95%CI: 1.2–2.6, p for trend=0.003). After adjustments for risk factors, the HR was 1.66 (95 %CI: 1.1–2.5, p for trend=0.016). High level of suPAR was a risk indicator for incidence of VTE in this population-based cohort study. The causal relationships between suPAR and VTE remain to be explored.

Supplementary Material to this article is available online at www.thrombosis-online.com.
Platelet-specific markers are associated with monocyte-platelet aggregate formation and thrombin generation potential in advanced atherosclerosis
Authors: Ay Cihan , Riedl Julia , Kopp Christoph W. , Eichelberger Beate , Koppensteiner Renate , Panzer Simon , Gremmel Thomas
Published: October 2015

Platelet activation and thrombin generation are crucial steps in primary and secondary haemostasis. However, both also play major roles in intravascular thrombus formation and therefore in the development of adverse cardiovascular events. In the current study, we first sought to investigate the associations of the platelet biomarkers platelet factor (PF)-4, thrombospondin (TSP)-1, soluble CD40 ligand (sCD40L), and soluble P-selectin (sP-selectin) with each other and with monocyte-platelet aggregate (MPA) formation in 316 patients undergoing angioplasty and stenting. To better understand the interplay between platelet activation and thrombin generation, we subsequently investigated the associations of the platelet biomarkers with thrombin generation potential. The mostly platelet-specific markers PF-4, TSP-1 and sCD40L correlated strongly with each other (all p < 0.001), and the best correlation was observed between PF-4 and TSP-1 (r=0.91). In contrast, sP-selectin, which derives from platelets and endothelial cells, correlated rather poorly with TSP-1 (r=0.12, p=0.04), and did not correlate with PF-4 and sCD40L. While PF-4, TSP-1 and sP-selectin correlated significantly with in vivo MPA formation (all p < 0.001), no such association was found between sCD40L and MPA formation. PF-4, TSP-1 and sCD40L correlated strongly with peak thrombin generation (all p < 0.001) with the best correlation between PF-4 and peak thrombin generation (r=0.55), whereas sP-selectin did not correlate with peak thrombin generation. Likewise, PF-4, TSP-1 and sCD40L correlated significantly with the area under the thrombin generation curve (AUC; all p< 0.01), whereas sP-selectin did not correlate with the AUC. In conclusion, platelet-specific markers are associated with MPA formation and thrombin generation potential in patients with advanced atherosclerosis.
O filósofo & a arte
Authors: Soulages François
Published: October 2015

Que inter-relações possíveis existem entre a pesquisa filosófica e a arte? Tal é o problema que será trabalhado neste texto, no qual, por falta de espaço, não faço mais que evocar as experiências pessoais do primeiro momento, reservando sua análise para um futuro livro. No segundo momento, serão tiradas as consequências dessas experiências traçando-se as grandes linhas de uma estética em inter-relação com a arte.
Mitate: a retórica japonesa da repetição renovada
Authors: Cordaro Madalena Hashimoto
Published: October 2015

A retórica do mitate tem sido discutida nas últimas décadas como central na produção do período Edo, não só no campo da poesia como no da pintura. Almeja-se aqui fazer um estudo monográfico sobre o termo, destacando exemplos literários e pictóricos, bem como uma interpretação sobre os modos pelos quais este artifício retórico permeia a cultura japonesa de vários períodos.
Ensino de arte: um olhar para os espelhos retrovisores
Authors: Hillesheim Giovana Bianca Darolt , Da Silva Maria Cristina da Rosa Fonseca , Makowieky Sandra
Published: October 2015

Através da metáfora entre a direção de um veículo automotor e o ensino de arte são discutidos três saberes necessários para o exercício da docência em artes visuais: historiografia, crítica/curadoria e produção artística. Em defesa da especificidade da arte dentro da disciplina Artes, são elencadas razões que justificam a posição de que o objeto artístico pode discutir com qualidade e de maneira independente das outras visualidades as questões inerentes à condição humana. O artigo apresenta um estudo bibliográfico com abordagem de cunho qualitativo que busca fundamentar as investigações sobre a formação de professores de artes visuais a partir de conceitos específicos da área artística. Conclui-se que o afastamento destes conceitos desencadearia uma educação substitutiva, paliativa, colocando a arte sem atribuições claras dentro do currículo escolar.
Ouro dos tolos
Authors: Ewbank Antônio
Published: October 2015

Este texto conta os assuntos com pedras, empilhando-os à maneira de Robert Smithson (1938-1973). Em 1965, o artista norte-americano apresentou pela primeira vez a obra dupla aqui em questão, de nome Quick Millions. Ao lado do objeto, uma pequena declaração fora redigida pelo artista para o catálogo da mostra ART ‘65: Lesser Known and Unknown Painters / Young American Sculpture – East to West, editado por Brian O’Doherty (Patrick Ireland). A fim de que a matéria impressa não aparecesse só ou mal acompanhada. Vem daí um monte de complicações.
Do vazio à expressão (ou: sem concessões): entrevista com Rubem Grilo
Authors: Reifschneider Oto Dias Becker
Published: October 2015

Rubem Campos Grilo, mineiro de Pouso Alegre, nasceu em 1946. Desenvolve, desde o início da década de 1970, amplo e intenso trabalho na xilogravura. Ele é, hoje, um dos principais artistas em produção no país e um dos destaques da gravura brasileira. Essa entrevista em profundidade foi concedida a Oto Reifschneider na manhã do 20 de janeiro de 2012, em sua casa, no Rio de Janeiro.
Bot_anic. Acoplamentos estruturais entre plantas, homens e máquinas
Authors: Nóbrega Carlos Augusto Moreira
Published: October 2015

Bot_anic resulta do processo de invenção de um sistema planta/robô que dá continuidade às investigações sobre híbridos com base no entrecruzamento de organismos naturais e artificiais no contexto da arte. No presente artigo tomaremos por referência este projeto para refletir sobre o processo de criação de autômatos, a geração de comportamento emergente por simplicidade e sobre as ligações sensíveis da experiência artística interfaceada pelo uso de tecnologias.
Multisensorialidade e sinestesia: poéticas possíveis?
Authors: Leote Rosangella
Published: October 2015

Pretendo apresentar neste trabalho alguns aspectos da percepção quando esta envolve obras no uso de tecnologias emergentes, tanto para o fazer artístico, como na relação de fruição da obra. Para isto, trago conceitos de modos interativos, bem como multissensoriais, sinestésicos e pseudo sinestésicos. Observo uma problemática sobre a acepção da obra de arte, dentro desta situação poética, em especial quando ela compõe elementos lúdicos, assim como outros elementos de caráter de entretenimento. Encontro apoio para compreender esta problemática, que é de natureza transdisciplinar, em fundamentos de ordem multidisciplinar. Tento, neste discurso, apontar respostas objetivas, embora hipotéticas, uma vez que se referem a uma pesquisa em andamento. Para isto, abordo as relações entre estas figuras, sejam elas a obra, o artista e o interator. Elenco possíveis razões sistêmicas, semióticas e neurocientíficas para um tipo de aproximação entre estas partes que, desde já, coloco como imbricadas. Além disto, demonstro como certas poéticas podem encaminhar à Multisensorialidade sem envolver sinestesia.
A dobra schumanniana: transitividade e intermeios
Authors: Zani Amilcar , Zani Heloisa , Oliveira Branca de
Published: October 2015

A dobra schumanniana é um concerto-instalação que consiste em performances videográfica e pianística desenvolvidas em ambiente especialmente produzido para tal finalidade. A composição videográfica é projetada simultaneamente tanto nas paredes do ambiente quanto em tela especial, envolvendo completamente um palco central, circular e elevado, onde está localizado um piano. Através de processamento digital em tempo real, as imagens da performance pianística são mescladas à projeção mapeada de um vídeo pré-editado. Este composto videográfico não só busca traduzir a consonância da multiplicidade que atravessa a obra schumanniana com o paradigma estético processual que caracteriza o mundo contemporâneo, como também alia a expressão artística da performance pianística e da videoinstalação à prática da pesquisa organizada e do estudo crítico continuamente renovado, ressaltando a atualidade das proposições arquitetadas pelos gênios da cultura, Robert e Clara Schumann, e Johannes Brahms. Desse modo, o foco de a dobra schumanniana corrobora a coetaneidade de obras poéticas distantes no tempo.
Good Morning, Warsaw
Authors: Nerefuh Leandro , Maier Tobi
Published: October 2015

This short text was originally prepared for the exhibition “Amor e ódio á Lygia Clark / Love and Hate to Lygia Clark”, at Zachęta National gallery of Art, Warsaw (13/12/2013 - 23/2/2014), yet remained unpublished to date. Nerefuh and Maier reflect upon the surge of Brazil themed exhibitions of contemporary art worldwide during the first two decades of the 21st century.
Relationship Between Quantitative Adverse Plaque Features From Coronary Computed Tomography Angiography and Downstream Impaired Myocardial Flow Reserve by
13
N-Ammonia Positron Emission Tomography
Authors: Dey Damini , Diaz Zamudio Mariana , Schuhbaeck Annika , Juarez Orozco Luis Eduardo , Otaki Yuka , Gransar Heidi , Li Debiao , Germano Guido , Achenbach Stephan , Berman Daniel S. , Meave Aloha , Alexanderson Erick , Slomka Piotr J.
Published: October 2015

Background—

We investigated the relationship of quantitative plaque features from coronary computed tomography (CT) angiography and coronary vascular dysfunction by impaired myocardial flow reserve (MFR) by
13
N-Ammonia positron emission tomography (PET).

Methods and Results—

Fifty-one patients (32 men, 62.4±9.5 years) underwent combined rest–stress
13
N-ammonia PET and CT angiography scans by hybrid PET/CT. Regional MFR was measured from PET. From CT angiography, 153 arteries were evaluated by semiautomated software, computing arterial noncalcified plaque (NCP), low-density NCP (NCP<30 HU), calcified and total plaque volumes, and corresponding plaque burden (plaque volumex100%/vessel volume), stenosis, remodeling index, contrast density difference (maximum difference in luminal attenuation per unit area in the lesion), and plaque length. Quantitative stenosis, plaque burden, and myocardial mass were combined by boosted ensemble machine-learning algorithm into a composite risk score to predict impaired MFR (MFR≤2.0) by PET in each artery. Nineteen patients had impaired regional MFR in at least 1 territory (41/153 vessels). Patients with impaired regional MFR had higher arterial NCP (32.4% versus 17.2%), low-density NCP (7% versus 4%), and total plaque burden (37% versus 19.3%,
P
<0.02). In multivariable analysis with 10-fold cross-validation, NCP burden was the most significant predictor of impaired MFR (odds ratio, 1.35;
P
=0.021 for all). For prediction of impaired MFR with 10-fold cross-validation, receiver operating characteristics area under the curve for the composite score was 0.83 (95% confidence interval, 0.79–0.91) greater than for quantitative stenosis (0.66, 95% confidence interval, 0.57–0.76,
P
=0.005).

Conclusions—

Compared with stenosis, arterial NCP burden and a composite score combining quantitative stenosis and plaque burden from CT angiography significantly improves identification of downstream regional vascular dysfunction.
A Tablet-Based Virtual Environment for Neurosurgery Training
Authors: John Nigel W. , Phillips Nicholas I. , Cenydd Llyr ap , Coope David , Carleton-Bland Nick , Kamaly-Asl Ian , Gray William P.
Published: October 2015

The requirement for training surgical procedures without exposing the patient to additional risk is well accepted and is part of a national drive in the UK and internationally. Computer-based simulations are important in this context, including neurosurgical resident training. The objective of this study is to evaluate the effectiveness of a custom-built virtual environment in assisting training of a ventriculostomy procedure. The training tool (called VCath) has been developed as an app for a tablet platform to provide easy access and availability to trainees. The study was conducted at the first boot camp organized for all year-one trainees in neurosurgery in the UK. The attendees were randomly distributed between the VCath training group and the control group. Efficacy of performing ventriculostomy for both groups was assessed at the beginning and end of the study using a simulated insertion task. Statistically significant changes in performance of selecting the burr hole entry point, the trajectory length and duration metrics for the VCath group, together with a good indicator of improved normalized jerk (representing the speed and smoothness of arm motion), all suggest that there has been a higher-level cognitive benefit to using VCath. The app is successful as it is focused on the cognitive task of ventriculostomy, encouraging the trainee to rehearse the entry point and use anatomical landmarks to create a trajectory to the target. In straight-line trajectory procedures such as ventriculostomy, cognitive task-based education is a useful adjunct to traditional methods and may reduce the learning curve and ultimately improve patient safety.
The Effects of Spatialized Sounds on the Sense of Presence in Auditory Virtual Environments: A Psychological and Physiological Study
Authors: Kobayashi Maori , Ueno Kanako , Ise Shiro
Published: October 2015

Although many studies have indicated that spatialized sounds increase the subjective sense of presence in virtual environments, few studies have examined the effects of sounds objectively. In this study, we examined whether three-dimensional reproduced sounds increase the sense of presence in auditory virtual environments by using physiological and psychological measures. We presented the sounds of people approaching the listener through a three-dimensional reproduction system using 96 loudspeakers. There were two spatial sound conditions, spatialized and non-spatialized, which had different spatial accuracy of the reproduction. The experimental results showed that presence ratings for spatialized sounds were greater than for non-spatialized sounds. Further, the results of the physiological measures showed that the sympathetic nervous system was activated to a greater extent by the spatialized sounds compared with the non-spatialized sounds, and the responses to the three-dimensional reproduced sounds were similar to those that occur during intrusions into personal space in the real world. Additionally, a correlation was found between the psychological and the physiological responses in the spatialized sound condition. These results suggest that the physiological measures correlate to the perceived presence in acoustic environments.
Neoshamanism, National Identity and the Holy Crown of Hungary
Authors: Kürti László
Published: October 2015

This article analyzes state, national identity and religious revivalism by focusing on Hungarian neoshamanism and its connection to Hungary’s prized national symbol, the Holy Crown. In contrast to neoshamanic practices in the 1990s, the newly emergent forms of neoshamanism in Hungary have been incorporated into mainstream celebrations and major national holidays. How this happened and the underlying causes deserve serious scholarly scrutiny. By analyzing recent trends, new forms of state and alternative religious spheres are identified as coalescing into a new neoshamanistic religion in Hungary.
A New Look at Spirituality
Authors: Soranzo Matteo
Published: October 2015

The article examines the theme of spiritual transformation in three poets (Lazzarelli, Augurelli, Mantuanus) writing in the context of hermeticism, alchemy and monastic spirituality. Building on current scholarship on Western Esotericism and religious pluralism, the article argues that: 1) whether it occurs in hermetic, alchemical, or hagiographical contexts, spiritual transformation is characterized by recurring linguistic features and motifs consistent with Antoine Faivre’s definition of esotericism; 2) the presence of spiritual transformation and its corresponding language outside of proper esoteric contexts, suggests approaching this theme as a discursive strategy, whose features correspond to von Stuckrad’s definition of ‘language of experiential knowledge’. In a dialogue with Michel Foucault and Pierre Hadot, the article suggests taking this phenomenon as part of the Renaissance rediscovery of philosophy as a way of life, and an instance of a broader notion of spirituality.