bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Improvement of heterogeneous deformation measurement in digital image correlation
Authors: Shen Huan , Liang Zhonghan , Cheng Baishun
Published: May 2017

Heterogeneous deformation measurement using traditional digital image correlation (DIC) has times error of homogeneous deformation due to localized complexity. In case of small strain window, displacement field error will substantially corrupt the derived strain. On the contrary, large strain window will induce a reasonable information reduction in particular of heterogeneous deformation. In this paper, a novel parameter was put forward to correct displacement field and select strain subset size dynamically. This parameter was determined by localized displacement field that is called the localized displacement non-uniform intensity [Formula: see text]. In addition, there is a simple and effective method to eliminate the rigid body rotation impact on strain measurement. A series of speckle images containing different heterogeneous deformation are simulated finally. Results show that the accuracy on the displacement and strain field can be substantially improved especially in heterogeneous deformation fields.
Geochemical and U–Pb zircon age characterization of granites of the Bathani Volcano Sedimentary sequence, Chotanagpur Granite Gneiss Complex, eastern India: vestiges of the Nuna supercontinent in the Central Indian Tectonic Zone
Authors: Saikia Ashima , Gogoi Bibhuti , Kaulina Tatiana , Lialina Liudmila , Bayanova Tamara , Ahmad Mansoor
Published: May 2017

The Central Indian Tectonic Zone (CITZ) marks the suture zone where the North and South Indian cratonic blocks amalgamated to form the Greater Indian Landmass (GIL). It consists of three broad domains from west to east: the central CITZ occupying the central region of mainland India juxtaposed between two mobile belts, namely the Sausar Mobile Belt (SMB) in the south and the Mahakoshal Mobile Belt (MMB) in the north; the Chotanagpur Granite Gneiss Complex (CGGC) lying east of the main CITZ; and the easternmost Shillong Plateau Gneissic Complex (SPGC). The studied granites are from the Bathani Volcano Sedimentary sequence (BVSs) from the northern margin of the CGGC. These are high-K, calc-alkaline, I-type granites related to arc magmatism and are interpreted to have formed by partial melting of an igneous source at upper-crustal depths. The granitic magma underwent extensive fractional crystallization of plagioclase, biotite, K-feldspar and ilmenite during emplacement. The U–Pb (ID-TIMS) zircon emplacement age is
c.
1.7–1.6 Ga for these granites. This episode of magmatism can be correlated to the global event of the Nuna supercontinent assembly also reported from the MMB of the central CITZ. We infer that the BVSs is the eastern continuation of the MMB of the central CITZ.
Irritability in Children and Adolescents
Authors: Brotman Melissa A. , Kircanski Katharina , Leibenluft Ellen
Published: May 2017

Irritability is a common and impairing clinical presentation in children and adolescents. Despite its significant public health impact, irritability remains an elusive construct. Chronic and severe irritability is the primary symptom of the new DSM-5 diagnosis, disruptive mood dysregulation disorder (DMDD). However, empirical and clinical approaches to irritability are in their relative infancy, and questions regarding the validity of the DMDD diagnosis have been raised. Moreover, irritability is a trait distributed continuously in youth, thereby fitting within the National Institute of Mental Health Research Domain Criteria initiative. Thus, there are opportunities for scientific review and integration. Accordingly, the goals of this review include (a) clarifying the definitions of irritability, incorporating clinical and translational animal work; (b) reviewing the historical context surrounding the study of irritability; (c) reviewing the prevalence, clinical correlates, and longitudinal course of irritability; (d) presenting behavioral and neurobiological findings associated with irritability; and (e) exploring treatment options and proposing future directions for research.
The Philosophy of Nosology
Authors: Zachar Peter , Kendler Kenneth S.
Published: May 2017

Many scholars believe that psychiatric nosology is undergoing a crisis of confidence. Some of the issues up for debate hark back to the introduction of the natural history approach to classification in the seventeenth century. Natural histories map sameness and difference rather than speculate about causes. In contrast, the natural classification approach aspires to carve nature at the joints by demarcating classifications by causes. Natural classifications are more ideal scientifically, but speculation about causality has had a poor track record in psychiatric nosology. A natural classification of psychiatric disorders may have the added burden of requiring normative assumptions in addition to the discovery of fact. In the natural classification tradition, the epistemic iteration perspective, the Research Domain Criteria (RDoC) initiative, and dimensional models offer different views about the criteria of naturalness (or validity). Also in this tradition, some thinkers believe that causes can be empirically indexed by latent variable models, especially if the latent variables are moderately heritable, but these assumptions may be neither statistically nor genetically warranted.
Subjective Cognitive Decline in Preclinical Alzheimer's Disease
Authors: Rabin Laura A. , Smart Colette M. , Amariglio Rebecca E.
Published: May 2017

Older adults with subjective cognitive decline (SCD) in the absence of objective neuropsychological dysfunction are increasingly viewed as at risk for non-normative cognitive decline and eventual progression to Alzheimer's disease (AD) dementia. The past decade has witnessed tremendous growth in research on SCD, which may reflect the recognition of SCD as the earliest symptomatic manifestation of AD. Yet methodological challenges associated with establishing common assessment and classification procedures hamper the construct. This article reviews essential features of SCD associated with preclinical AD and current measurement approaches, highlighting challenges in harmonizing study findings across settings. We consider the relation of SCD to important variables and outcomes (e.g., AD biomarkers, clinical progression). We also examine the role of self- and informant-reports in SCD and various psychological, medical, and demographic factors that influence the self-report of cognition. We conclude with a discussion of intervention strategies for SCD, ethical considerations, and future research priorities.
Psychological Treatments for the World: Lessons from Low- and Middle-Income Countries
Authors: Singla Daisy R. , Kohrt Brandon A. , Murray Laura K. , Anand Arpita , Chorpita Bruce F. , Patel Vikram
Published: May 2017

Common mental disorders, including depression, anxiety, and posttraumatic stress, are leading causes of disability worldwide. Treatment for these disorders is limited in low- and middle-income countries. This systematic review synthesizes the implementation processes and examines the effectiveness of psychological treatments for common mental disorders in adults delivered by nonspecialist providers in low- and middle-income countries. In total, 27 trials met the eligibility criteria; most treatments targeted depression or posttraumatic stress. Treatments were commonly delivered by community health workers or peers in primary care or community settings; they usually were delivered with fewer than 10 sessions over 2–3 months in an individual, face-to-face format. Treatments included common elements, such as nonspecific engagement and specific domains of behavioral, interpersonal, emotional, and cognitive elements. The pooled effect size was 0.49 (95% confidence interval = 0.36–0.62), favoring intervention conditions. Our review demonstrates that psychological treatments—comprising a parsimonious set of common elements and delivered by a low-cost, widely available human resource—have moderate to strong effects in reducing the burden of common mental disorders.
Antidiabetic Compounds in Syzygium cumini Decoction and Ready to Serve Herbal Drink
Authors: Perera P. R. D. , Ekanayake S. , Ranaweera K. K. D. S.
Published: May 2017

Herbal beverages with desirable sensory attributes are an ideal way to offer consumers with phytochemicals having specific health promoting functionalities. Syzygium cumini bark decoction is used in treating diabetes mellitus in Ayurveda medicine. This work attempted to prove the presence of antidiabetic compounds in the S. cumini decoction and the ready to serve (RTS) herbal drink developed using the decoction. Activity guided fractionation of the decoction of the S. cumini was carried out by sequential extraction with organic solvents of different polarities. Thin Layer Chromatography (TLC) with authentic compounds and HPLC were performed for identification and confirmation of the compounds in the decoction and the RTS herbal drink. Presence of gallic and ellagic acids in the decoction and RTS herbal drink was proven and confirmed with HPLC. The LC UV‐VIS spectra of the two compounds were identical with the corresponding spectra of the library. Further, gallic acid and umbelliferone were determined as the active compounds in the decoction by TLC and were confirmed by cochromatography with authentic compounds. The present investigation confirmed the presence of gallic acid, ellagic acid, and umbelliferone which are proven to have antidiabetic activities in the decoction and the RTS herbal drink prepared with the decoction.
Phosphorylation of Histone H2A.X in Peripheral Blood Mononuclear Cells May Be a Useful Marker for Monitoring Cardiometabolic Risk in Nondiabetic Individuals
Authors: Yoon So Ra , Song Juhyun , Lee Jong Hwa , Kim Oh Yoen
Published: May 2017

Phosphorylation of H2A.X (serine 139) in the histone H2A family located in the downstream of the DNA damage kinase signaling cascade is an important indicator of DNA damage. Recently, phosphorylation of H2A.X was proposed as a sensitive biomarker of aging. This study investigated if phosphorylation of H2A.X in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) is associated with cardiometabolic risk in nondiabetic individuals. Basic parameters and oxidative stress/inflammatory markers were measured in nondiabetic healthy Koreans (n=119). Phosphorylation of H2A.X was measured randomly among the study subjects using a flow cytometer. According to the number of metabolic syndrome risk factor (MetS-RF), the study subjects were subdivided into “super healthy” (MetS−RF=0,n=71) and “MetS-risk” (MetS−RF≥1,n=48) groups. Phosphorylation of H2A.X in PBMCs (percentages and mean fluorescence intensity) was significantly higher in the MetS-risk group than in the super healthy group after adjusting for age, sex, cigarette smoking, and alcohol consumption. Phosphorylated H2A.X was positively correlated with the number of MetS-RF as well as waist circumference, blood pressures, triglyceride, HbA1C, oxidized LDL, high sensitivity C-reactive protein, tumor necrosis factor-alpha, and alanine aminotransferase after the adjustment. The present study suggested that phosphorylated H2A.X in circulating PBMCs measured by flow cytometer may be a useful marker for monitoring cardiometabolic risk in nondiabetic individuals.
Bifurcation of a Delayed SEIS Epidemic Model with a Changing Delitescence and Nonlinear Incidence Rate
Authors: Liu Juan
Published: May 2017

This paper is concerned with a delayed SEIS (Susceptible-Exposed-Infectious-Susceptible) epidemic model with a changing delitescence and nonlinear incidence rate. First of all, local stability of the endemic equilibrium and the existence of a Hopf bifurcation are studied by choosing the time delay as the bifurcation parameter. Directly afterwards, properties of the Hopf bifurcation are determined based on the normal form theory and the center manifold theorem. At last, numerical simulations are carried out to illustrate the obtained theoretical results.
The Validity and Reliability between Automated Oscillometric Measurement of Ankle-Brachial Index and Standard Measurement by Eco-Doppler in Diabetic Patients with or without Diabetic Foot
Authors: Ma Jing , Liu Min , Chen Dawei , Wang Chun , Liu Guanjian , Ran Xingwu
Published: May 2017

Objective. To evaluate the concordance between oscillometric ABI and standard Doppler ABI in diabetic Chinese patients with or without diabetic foot. Methods. 230 consecutive diabetic patients (n=459 limbs) were included. The right and left ABIs were determined with both devices by the same investigator. The concordance and agreement were assessed by kappa index and the Bland-Altman method. Results. The average Doppler ABI was 1.003 ± 0.286 on the right and 0.990 ± 0.287 on the left, while oscillometric ABI was 1.002 ± 0.332 and 0.993 ± 0.319, which had no significance. The average time for oscillometric ABI was 8.600 versus 16.980 minutes for Doppler ABI (p<0.001). There was good agreement between the two measurements, with a kappa value of 0.869 on the right and 0.919 on the left. Regarding the Doppler ABI as the gold standard, the accuracy, sensitivity, specificity, +LR, and −LR of oscillometric ABI reached 95.22%, 94.34%, 95.48%, 20.873%, and 0.059% on the right. For the left, it was 96.94%, 96.43%, 97.11%, 33.364%, and 0.036%. Conclusions. The oscillometric measurement is a reliable, convenient, and less time-consuming alternative to standard Doppler ABI in patients. It should be widely used for PAD detection.
Lurasidone in the Treatment of Bipolar Depression: Systematic Review of Systematic Reviews
Authors: Fornaro Michele , De Berardis Domenico , Perna Giampaolo , Solmi Marco , Veronese Nicola , Orsolini Laura , Buonaguro Elisabetta Filomena , Iasevoli Felice , Köhler Cristiano André , Carvalho André Ferrer , de Bartolomeis Andrea
Published: May 2017

Introduction. A burgeoning number of systematic reviews considering lurasidone in the treatment of bipolar depression have occurred since its Food and Drug Administration extended approval in 2013. While a paucity of available quantitative evidence still precludes preliminary meta-analysis on the matter, the present quality assessment of systematic review of systematic reviews, nonetheless, aims at highlighting current essential information on the topic. Methods. Both published and unpublished systematic reviews about lurasidone mono- or adjunctive therapy in the treatment of bipolar depression were searched by two independent authors inquiring PubMed/Cochrane/Embase/Scopus from inception until October 2016. Results. Twelve included systematic reviews were of moderate-to-high quality and consistent in covering the handful of RCTs available to date, suggesting the promising efficacy, safety, and tolerability profile of lurasidone. Concordance on the drug profile seems to be corroborated by a steadily increasing number of convergent qualitative reports on the matter. Limitations. Publication, sponsorship, language, citation, and measurement biases. Conclusions. Despite being preliminary in nature, this overview stipulates the effectiveness of lurasidone in the acute treatment of Type I bipolar depression overall. As outlined by most of the reviewed evidence, recommendations for future research should include further controlled trials of extended duration.
Some New Existence and Uniqueness Results for an Integral Boundary Value Problem of Caputo Fractional Differential Equations
Authors: Feng Haixing , Zhai Chengbo
Published: May 2017

In this work, we consider an integral boundary value problem of Caputo fractional differential equations. Based on a fixed-point theorem of generalized concave operators, we obtain the existence and uniqueness of positive solutions. As applications of main results, we give two examples in the end.
Investigating Potential Modes of Actions of Mimusops kummel Fruit Extract and Solvent Fractions for Their Antidiarrheal Activities in Mice
Authors: Molla Mulugeta , Gemeda Negero , Abay Solomon M.
Published: May 2017

Background. Fruits of Mimusops kummel A. DC. (Sapotaceae) are traditionally used for the treatment of diarrhea. The present study aimed at investigating modes of actions of this fruits for antidiarrheal action to guide future drug development process. Methods. Fractions of chloroform, n‐butanol, and water were obtained from 80% methanol extract, which was prepared by maceration. Antidiarrheal activities and the modes of actions were investigated in mice. Results. In castor oil induced diarrheal model, the extract delayed onset of diarrhea and reduced number and weight of feces at all tested doses significantly. In this model all fractions significantly delayed onset of diarrhea at all tested doses. Charcoal meal test showed that the extract and all the fractions produced a significant antimotility effect at all tested doses. Enteropooling test showed that the extract as well as n‐butanol and aqueous fractions at all tested doses produced a significant decline in volume and weight of intestinal contents, whereas chloroform fraction had substantial effect only at high dose. Conclusion. This study demonstrated that the extract and solvent fractions produced antidiarrheal activities due to dual inhibitory effect, intestinal motility, and fluid secretion, with the aqueous fraction being the most active among fractions in three models.
Active Flow Control in a Radial Vaned Diffuser for Surge Margin Improvement: A Multislot Suction Strategy
Authors: Marsan Aurélien , Trébinjac Isabelle , Moreau Stéphane , Coste Sylvain
Published: May 2017

This work is the final step of a research project that aims at evaluating the possibility of delaying the surge of a centrifugal compressor stage using a boundary-layer suction technique. It is based on Reynolds-Averaged Navier-Stokes numerical simulations. Boundary-layer suction is applied within the radial vaned diffuser. Previous work has shown the necessity to take into account the unsteady behavior of the flow when designing the active flow control technique. In this paper, a multislot strategy is designed according to the characteristics of the unsteady pressure field. Its implementation results in a significant increase of the stable operating range predicted by the unsteady RANS numerical model. A hub-corner separation still exists further downstream in the diffuser passage but does not compromise the stability of the compressor stage.
Development of a Novel Motor Imagery Control Technique and Application in a Gaming Environment
Authors: Li Ting , Zhang Jinhua , Xue Tao , Wang Baozeng
Published: May 2017

We present a methodology for a hybrid brain-computer interface (BCI) system, with the recognition of motor imagery (MI) based on EEG and blink EOG signals. We tested the BCI system in a 3D Tetris and an analogous 2D game playing environment. To enhance player’s BCI control ability, the study focused on feature extraction from EEG and control strategy supporting Game-BCI system operation. We compared the numerical differences between spatial features extracted with common spatial pattern (CSP) and the proposed multifeature extraction. To demonstrate the effectiveness of 3D game environment at enhancing player’s event-related desynchronization (ERD) and event-related synchronization (ERS) production ability, we set the 2D Screen Game as the comparison experiment. According to a series of statistical results, the group performing MI in the 3D Tetris environment showed more significant improvements in generating MI-associated ERD/ERS. Analysis results of game-score indicated that the players’ scores presented an obvious uptrend in 3D Tetris environment but did not show an obvious downward trend in 2D Screen Game. It suggested that the immersive and rich-control environment for MI would improve the associated mental imagery and enhance MI-based BCI skills.
On a Bivariate Spectral Homotopy Analysis Method for Unsteady Mixed Convection Boundary Layer Flow, Heat, and Mass Transfer due to a Stretching Surface in a Rotating Fluid
Authors: Motsa Sandile S. , Makukula Zodwa G.
Published: May 2017

A bivariate spectral homotopy analysis method (BSHAM) is extended to solutions of systems of nonlinear coupled partial differential equations (PDEs). The method has been used successfully to solve a nonlinear PDE and is now tested with systems. The method is based on a new idea of finding solutions that obey a rule of solution expression that is defined in terms of the bivariate Lagrange interpolation polynomials. The BSHAM is used to solve a system of coupled nonlinear partial differential equations modeling the unsteady mixed convection boundary layer flow, heat, and mass transfer due to a stretching surface in a rotating fluid, taking into consideration the effect of buoyancy forces. Convergence of the numerical solutions was monitored using the residual error of the PDEs. The effects of the flow parameters on the local skin-friction coefficient, the Nusselt number, and the Sherwood number were presented in graphs.
Numerical and Experimental Investigations on a Three-Dimensional Rod-Plate Impact
Authors: Wang Jianyao , Liu Zhuyong , Hong Jiazhen
Published: May 2017

There are a few numerical simulation methods available for impact problems. However, most numerical results are not validated experimentally. The goal of this paper is to examine how well the simulation results correspond to the physical reality. In this work, normal and oblique impacts of a hemispherical-tip rod on a square plate are investigated both numerically and experimentally. In the numerical approach, finite element method is used to discretize the contact bodies to describe the deformation precisely combined with the floating reference frame method to describe the rigid motion. In the experimental study, strain gauges and Laser Doppler Vibrometers are employed to measure the high-frequency impact responses. Detailed comparative studies between numerical and experimental results are performed. In the case of normal impact, great attention is given to investigate the influence of finite element mesh size on the simulation accuracy and a “Prediction-Refinement” discretization strategy is proposed for obtaining a mesh which is optimal for impact dynamics. In the case of oblique impact, the influence of Coulomb’s friction coefficient is investigated additionally. It shows that the numerical results are in good agreement with the experimental results for both normal and oblique impacts.
IPF-LASSO: IntegrativeL1-Penalized Regression with Penalty Factors for Prediction Based on Multi-Omics Data
Authors: Boulesteix Anne-Laure , De Bin Riccardo , Jiang Xiaoyu , Fuchs Mathias
Published: May 2017

As modern biotechnologies advance, it has become increasingly frequent that different modalities of high-dimensional molecular data (termed “omics” data in this paper), such as gene expression, methylation, and copy number, are collected from the same patient cohort to predict the clinical outcome. While prediction based on omics data has been widely studied in the last fifteen years, little has been done in the statistical literature on the integration of multiple omics modalities to select a subset of variables for prediction, which is a critical task in personalized medicine. In this paper, we propose a simple penalized regression method to address this problem by assigning different penalty factors to different data modalities for feature selection and prediction. The penalty factors can be chosen in a fully data-driven fashion by cross-validation or by taking practical considerations into account. In simulation studies, we compare the prediction performance of our approach, called IPF-LASSO (Integrative LASSO with Penalty Factors) and implemented in the R packageipflasso, with the standard LASSO and sparse group LASSO. The use of IPF-LASSO is also illustrated through applications to two real-life cancer datasets. All data and codes are available on the companion website to ensure reproducibility.
Combination of Neuroprotective and Regenerative Agents for AGE-Induced Retinal Degeneration: In Vitro Study
Authors: Bikbova Guzel , Oshitari Toshiyuki , Baba Takayuki , Yamamoto Shuichi
Published: May 2017

To determine the most effective combination of neuroprotective and regenerative agents for cultured retinal neurons from advanced glycation end products- (AGEs-) induced degeneration, retinal explants of 7 adult Sprague-Dawley rats were three-dimensionally cultured in collagen gel and incubated in serum-free media and in 7 media; namely, AGEs, AGEs + 100 μM citicoline, AGEs + 10 ng/mL NT-4, AGEs + 100 μM TUDCA, AGEs + 100 μM citicoline + TUDCA (doublet), and AGEs + 100 μM citicoline + TUDCA + 10 ng/mL NT-4 (triplet) were examined. The number of regenerating neurites was counted after 7 days of culture, followed by performing TUNEL and DAPI staining. The ratio of TUNEL-positive cells to the number of DAPI-stained nuclei was calculated. Immunohistochemical examinations for the active form of caspase-9 and JNK were performed. All of the neuroprotectants increased the number of neurites and decreased the number of TUNEL-positive cells. However, the number of neurites was significantly higher, and the number of TUNEL-positive cells and caspase-9- and JNK-immunopositive cells was fewer in the retinas incubated with the combined three agents. Combination solutions containing citicoline, TUDCA, and NT-4 should be considered for neuroprotective and regenerative therapy for AGE-related retinal degeneration.
Characterization of Hydraulic Power in Free-Stream Installations
Authors: Cleynen Olivier , Hoerner Stefan , Thévenin Dominique
Published: May 2017

The performance of open-channel hydropower devices can be optimized by maximizing the product of their load, hydraulic, and generator efficiencies. The maximum hydraulic power theoretically available must be defined according to the operational scenario retained for the device of interest. In the case of a device operating within a wide, unobstructed channel, the existence of a maximum hydraulic power and the operating speed required to reach it are first predicted using a one-dimensional flow model. This model is then extended to account for the effect of device ducting. As a result, given the available surface level drop and a single duct characteristic parameter, the model predicts the optimum device operating speed, whether the duct can improve performance, and the relative duct size which maximizes the installation’s power density, all at a very low computational cost.
Preanalytical Stability of Antibodies to Pathogenic Antigens
Authors: Hodgkinson Verity S. , Egger Sam , Betsou Fay , Waterboer Tim , Pawlita Michael , Michel Angelika , Baker Mark S. , Banks Emily , Sitas Freddy
Published: May 2017

Background: Serologic testing for antibodies against epitopes from pathogens is a valuable tool for investigating the relationship between infection and disease. This study comprehensively evaluates the impact of preanalytic variation on antibody seropositivities to a selected set of antigens arising from delays in processing of blood samples, preprocessing storage temperature, and vacutainer type.

Methods: We assessed peripheral blood collected from 29 volunteers in four different Vacutainer types [ethylenediaminoetetraacetic acid (EDTA), acid-citrate-dextrose (ACD), lithium heparin (LH), serum separator tubes (SST)], and stored at 4°C or room temperature for 0, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, and 6 days before processing. Multiplex serology was used to determine antibody reactivity against 35 antigens derived from human papillomaviruses, human polyomaviruses, Epstein–Barr virus, and Helicobacter pylori. Cohen's κ statistic was used to measure agreement on seropositivity status between samples exposed to standard and nonstandard clinical practice conditions.

Results: For samples processed without delay, κ was not associated with storage-temperature (P value range 0.23 to 0.95) or vacutainer type (P value range, 0.35–0.89). Kappa did not significantly decline with increasing delays in processing for any vacutainer-type storage temperature combination (P slope range, 0.06–1.00).

Conclusions: Antibodies to epitopes from various pathogenic infectious agents can be measured reliably from samples stored in SST, EDTA, ACD, or LH vacutainers at either room temperature or 4°C for up to 6 days before processing.

Impact: Serologic testing is robust to several preanalytic options. These findings are particularly important for epidemiologic studies recruiting participants from remote settings where sample exposure to preanalytic conditions can vary considerably. Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev; 26(8); 1337–44. ©2017 AACR.
Schizotypy and Cognitive Failures: A Mediating Role for Affect
Authors: Carrigan Nicole , Barkus Emma
Published: May 2017

Background: Cognitive failures are disruptions in cognitive functioning during everyday life. Vulnerability to these failures is increased in a range of psychological disorders, including schizophrenia. In addition, healthy individuals with personality-based psychosis proneness, or schizotypy, often complain of heightened failures. A factor known to exacerbate cognitive failures is negative affect. Negative affectivity is linked to both schizophrenia and schizotypy. It is therefore possible that affect is responsible for the increased everyday cognitive failures in “high schizotypes”. This poses 2 possibilities: are cognitive failures only present in high schizotypes who also have negative affect (moderation)? Or does negative affect account for the relationship between schizotypy and cognitive failures (mediation)? We sought to explore whether negative affect mediates or moderates the relationship between schizotypy and cognitive failures in young adults. Sampling and Methods: Healthy young adults from a student and community sample (n = 863, 71% female) aged 18-25 years (mean = 19.5, SD = 1.87) completed online questionnaires measuring self-report schizotypy, negative affect, and cognitive failures. Moderation and mediation analyses were carried out using the PROCESS macro in SPSS to examine how negative affect exerted its effect on the relationship between schizotypy and cognitive failures. Results: All 3 factors were positively correlated. Negative affect was not a moderator for the relationship between schizotypy and cognitive failures; however, it did partially mediate this relationship. Conclusions: Our findings suggest that whilst schizotypy and negative affect do not interact to produce cognitive failures, negative affect contributes to (but does not fully account for) the mechanism by which schizotypy increases failures in young adults. Other, as yet unidentified, facets of schizotypy also appear to contribute to cognitive failures. In attempting to address the cognitive complaints of at-risk individuals, clinicians need to be aware of the role of negative affect and other pertinent aspects of schizotypy.
Cantú Syndrome Associated with Ovarian Agenesis
Authors: Fryssira Helena , Psoni Stavroula , Amenta Styliani , Tsoutsou Eirini , Sofocleous Christalena , Manolakos Emmanouil , Gavra Maria , Lüdecke Hermann-Joseph , Czeschik Johanna-Christina
Published: May 2017

Cantú syndrome is a very rare autosomal dominant disorder characterized by generalized congenital hypertrichosis, neonatal macrosomia, coarse face, cardiomegaly, and occasionally, skeletal abnormalities. The syndrome has been attributed to mutated ABCC9 or KCNJ8 genes. We present a 4-year-old girl with developmental delay, distinctive coarse facial features, and generalized hypertrichosis apparent since birth. The investigation revealed absent ovaries and a hypoplastic uterus which have not been previously described. Conventional karyotyping was normal. DNA sequencing analysis of the ABCC9 gene was performed, and a heterozygous point mutation c.3460C>T (p.Arg1154Trp) was revealed. This missense gain-of-function mutation was located in exon 27 of the ABCC9 gene and has been reported in patients with the full phenotype of Cantú syndrome. However, the absence of the ovaries could be an expansion of the phenotype and not attributed to mutations in other genes important for ovarian development. Unfortunately, it has not been proven so far if the ABCC9 gene is expressed in the ovarian tissue.
Novel Unbalanced Translocations Affecting the Long Arms of Chromosomes 10 and 22 Cause Complex Syndromes with Very Severe Neurodevelopmental Delay, Speech Impairment, Autistic Behavior, and Epilepsy
Authors: Coci Emanuele G. , Auhuber Andrea , Langenbach Anna , Mrasek Kristin , Riedel Joachim , Leenen Andreas , Lücke Thomas , Liehr Thomas
Published: May 2017

Isolated abnormalities in terminal regions of chromosomes 10q and 22q were formerly described in patients affected by neuropsychological impairment, abnormal facies, and heterogeneous structural abnormalities of the body. Chromosomes 10q and 22q harbor important genes that play a major role in CNS development, like DOCK1 and SHANK3, and in overall body growth, like FGFR2 and HTRA1. By using clinical, neuroradiological, neurophysiological, and genetic assessment, we studied 3 siblings affected by 2 different forms of very severe neuropsychological impairment with structural physical abnormalities, epilepsy, and body overgrowth. The genetic analysis revealed 2 different unbalanced translocations t(10;22)(q26.13;q13.32) of genetic material between the long arms of chromosomes 10 and 22, deriving from a maternal balanced translocation. Consequences of the unbalanced translocation were the simultaneous partial monosomy of 10q26.13 to 10qter and partial trisomy of 22q13.32 to 22qter in 2 patients and the simultaneous trisomy distal q10 and monosomy distal q22 in 1 patient, respectively. To the best of our knowledge, we here describe for the first time a causal association between an unbalanced translocation t(10;22) affecting the long arms of both chromosomes 10 and 22 and a very severe neurodevelopmental delay in 3 siblings.
Dermoscopy of Malignant Skin Tumours: What's New?
Authors: Russo Teresa , Piccolo Vincenzo , Lallas Aimilios , Jacomel Jason , Moscarella Elvira , Alfano Roberto , Argenziano Giuseppe
Published: May 2017

Dermoscopy represents a new and effective tool that assists dermatologists in improving the accuracy of clinical diagnosis in onco-dermatology. The aim of this article is to provide an overview of the latest and important dermoscopic progress and observations in this ever-evolving field of dermatology.
Evaluating the Age Cutoff Criterion for Reporting Benign-Appearing Endometrial Cells in Routine Pap Tests: An 8-Year Retrospective Review
Authors: Grada Zakaria , Paquette Cherie , Eklund Claire M. , Zhang Cunxian , Sung C. James , Steinhoff Margaret , Quddus M. Ruhul
Published: May 2017

Objective: The 2014 Bethesda System recommends that benign-appearing endometrial cells (BECs) in routine Pap tests should be reported in patients aged ≥45 years. This is a change from previous guidelines to report BECs in women ≥40 years of age. BECs are reported to have 1% chance of endometrial lesion on follow-up. This study tests whether the new threshold may increase the specificity of the test for the detection of clinically significant endometrial lesions. Study Design: After institutional review board approval, 1,177 BECs, reported during an 8-year study period in patients aged ≥40 years, were retrieved from 672,000 routine ThinPrep Pap tests. The results of subsequent workup were collected by chart review, and the Fisher exact test was used to compare results in patients aged <50 and ≥50 years. Results: No endometrial carcinoma and only 2 cases of endometrial hyperplasia were detected in women aged <50 years, whereas 5.5% of women aged ≥50 years with BECs had carcinoma and/or endometrial hyperplasia (p = 0.000169). Conclusion: Investigation of BECs on routine Pap test are useful in patients aged ≥50 years as 5.5% of cases were confirmed to have significant endometrial disease. Our data as well as other studies support raising the BEC-reporting age threshold from ≥45 to ≥50 years, as the new threshold may improve the specificity of the test.
Higher Numbers of Hyperreflective Foci Seen in the Vitreous on Spectral-Domain Optical Coherence Tomographic Images in Eyes with More Severe Diabetic Retinopathy
Authors: Mizukami Takahiro , Hotta Yosuke , Katai Naomichi
Published: May 2017

Purpose: The aim of this study was to determine whether spectral-domain optical coherence tomography (SD-OCT) can detect and quantify the number of hyperreflective foci attached to the retina and in the vitreous of patients at different stages of diabetic retinopathy (DR). Methods: The medical charts of 929 eyes of 465 patients who had undergone SD-OCT were reviewed. The number of hyperreflective foci in the vitreous and attached to the retina was determined in the SD-OCT images. Results: Of the 929 eyes, 284 eyes from diabetic patients and 265 eyes from controls met the inclusion criteria. The number of hyperreflective foci increased significantly as the severity of DR increased. Conclusions: The correlation between the average number of hyperreflective foci and the severity of DR indicates that quantifying the number of hyperreflective foci may be used to estimate the severity of DR and, thus, identify eyes which require further tests or treatments.
Decrease of Horizontal Canal Vestibulo-Oculomotor Reflex Gain in the Elderly with Dysequilibrium without Lifetime Vertigo
Authors: Teggi Roberto , Trimarchi Matteo , Gatti Omar , Fornasari Francesco , Bussi Mario
Published: May 2017

Background/Aims: Unsteadiness in the elderly is a frequent complaint and a strong predictor of falls and psychological distress. Although there is a general consensus that it is a multifactorial condition, recent studies have focused on the role of aging of the vestibular system as a possible cofactor. The aim of our work was to assess horizontal canal function in the elderly. Methods: We evaluated the gain of horizontal vestibulo-ocular reflex (VOR) with a video head impulse test on a sample of 58 subjects aged >70 years without lifetime episodes of vertigo and correlated the value with different clinical conditions (hypertension, diabetes, prior cardiovascular and vascular disorders of the central nervous system, and falls). Results: The mean value of the gain was 0.86 ± 0.12, and people aged between 70 and 80 years presented higher values (0.90 ± 0.1) compared to those >80 years (0.81 ± 0.13; p = 0.025). Previous vascular disorders of the central nervous system were a predictor of decreased VOR gain (p = 0.0003). A nonparametric analysis demonstrated that sex, age, and VOR gain (p ˂ 0.0001) were predictive of falls. Conclusions: Our data support the hypothesis of a decrease of VOR gain in the elderly. The decrease of canal function may therefore play a role in the risk of falls in the elderly.
Effect of the Combination of Trabectedin and Pegylated Liposomal Doxorubicin in a BRCA2 Mutation Carrier with Recurrent Platinum-Sensitive Ovarian Cancer
Authors: Rubio Pérez María Jesús 
Published: May 2017

Introduction: The current standard of care for ovarian cancer is optimal cytoreduction with adjuvant chemotherapy based on a platinum/taxane combination. Although the response rate to this therapy is high, most patients ultimately relapse. Response to second-line therapy and prognosis are linked to the platinum-free interval (PFI); when both improve, the PFI increases. As a result, there is an increasing interest in the PFI extension strategies including platinum-free combinations. Case Presentation: A 50-year-old postmenopausal woman presented with ovarian serous carcinoma with peritoneal carcinomatosis. First-line neoadjuvant chemotherapy with carboplatin plus paclitaxel was initiated, followed by surgery and carboplatin plus paclitaxel chemotherapy. Eight months after the last cycle, CT revealed extensive supra- and infradiaphragmatic node involvement, and second-line chemotherapy was initiated with trabectedin and pegylated liposomal doxorubicin (PLD). Partial response was achieved and successfully maintained for 18 cycles. After the 18th cycle and a 25-month PFI, CT imaging evidenced disease progression. As the patient was a BRCA2 mutation carrier, third-line chemotherapy was initiated with carboplatin and gemcitabine every 3 weeks. After the third cycle, imaging confirmed complete response, which was maintained after the sixth and final cycle. Maintenance treatment with olaparib was initiated. At present – 6 months after the start of maintenance chemotherapy with olaparib – the patient is disease free. Conclusions: Second-line chemotherapy with a nonplatinum combination – trabectedin plus PLD – was effective in a BRCA2 mutation carrier with recurrent partially platinum-sensitive ovarian cancer.
A Twenty-Four-Year-Old Woman with Left Flank Lipoma-Like Hibernoma
Authors: Shackelford R.E. , Al Shaarani M. , Ansari J. , Wei E. , Cotelingam J.
Published: May 2017

A 24-year-old woman presented with a 5-month history of a left flank mass that was painful on palpation. Magnetic resonance imaging revealed a 10.0 × 6.0 × 2.5 cm mass consistent with lipoma. A fatty lobulated mass was excised and subjected to H&E staining and immunohistochemical analyses. The specimen consisted of mature univacuolated adipocytic cells, with intermixed multivacuolated eosinophilic granular cells. No atypia or hyperchromasia was identified. Most of the cells were S100 positive and Ki-67 immunonegative. A diagnosis of a lipoma-like hibernoma was rendered. Hibernomas are rare benign lipomatous tumors that show differentiation toward brown fat. The lipoma-like hibernoma subtype is rare and can be misdiagnosed as atypical lipoma or well-differentiated liposarcoma. Here we describe an example of this rare tumor.
Patchy Frontal Fibrosing Alopecia: Description of an Incomplete Clinical Presentation
Authors: Contin Leticia Arsie , de Almeida Ledá Yana Lya , Caldeira Nassif Kédima , Suárez Restrepo Maria Victoria
Published: May 2017

We describe 6 incomplete cases of frontal fibrosing alopecia (FFA). All patients were postmenopausal women. Their average age was 60 years; 2 of the women were Caucasian, and the remaining 4 women were of a mixed ethnicity. The disease duration ranged from 3 to 17 years. The patients' lesions presented as irregular alopecic plaques in the frontal and/or temporal regions, with few signs of perifollicular inflammation, slow progression, and progressive loss of the vellus hair in the frontal area. Loss of the eyebrows, facial hyperpigmentation, and loss of the body hair were observed in 3 patients, 1 patient, and 2 patients, respectively. Localized pruritus and dysesthesia were reported in 5 patients and 3 patients, respectively. Dermatoscopic examination indicated the absence of viable ostia at the centers and edges of the lesions and the absence of peripilar erythema; moreover, peripilar hyperkeratosis was less intense than it would be expected in classical cases of lichen planopilaris (LPP) and FFA. Histological examination revealed that all cases featured the presence of a perifollicular lichenoid infiltrate in the infundibulum and isthmus as well as concentric areas of fibrosis. All samples were subjected to direct immunofluorescence (DIF), which produced negative results. FFA has been recently diagnosed and is considered a subtype of LPP. FFA can present with incomplete clinical manifestations, a histology similar to LPP, and negative DIF findings. The correct diagnosis of FFA-associated lesions is critical for providing appropriate treatment, developing prognostic definitions, and excluding other types of scarring and nonscarring alopecia. The diagnosis of incomplete FFA is essential to avoid diagnostic and therapeutic errors.
Eratosthenes’ Erigone fr. 4 Rosokoki (= 22 Powell)
Authors: Rozokoki Alexandra
Published: May 2017

The proposal I make for the restoration of fr. 22 Powell of theErigoneby Eratosthenes faithfully rewrites the manuscript tradition and does not conflict with the metre, as the line Ἰκαριοῖ, etc. (see fr. 4 R.) is balanced, thanks to the trihemimeral caesura and the bucolic diaeresis. To further my argument, I cite a series of hexameters from both earlier epic as well as that of the Hellenistic era, where the secondary caesurae (trihemimeral + hephthemimeral or bucolic) are either found alone or are reinforced, as the main caesura is absent or cannot be applied given the enclitic, preposition, and (sometimes) elision. Starting from the surviving line, I argue that in theErigonemention was certainly made of the origins of tragedy, which are located in Attica. Eratosthenes drew from a pre-existing theory and, through his authority, made it the prevailing one. This can be seen from a plethora of similar evidence, in both later Greek and Latin authors and scholars.
The Growing Power of States in India’s Foreign Policy
Authors: Asthana Anamika , Jacob Happymon
Published: May 2017

This study examines the role of sub-national diplomacy in India with respect to four neighboring countries – Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Pakistan and China – and assesses the nature and consequences of such interactions for immediate policy shifts and in wider institutional terms. Except for five states – Haryana, Jharkhand, Madhya Pradesh, Chhatisgarh and Telengana – all other states in India have international land or maritime borders which make a study of this nature very pertinent. This study focuses on those states that have been more inclined to engage in India’s foreign and security policy making.
Beyond “Religion” and “Spirituality”
Authors: Murphy James
Published: May 2017

A review of recent research suggests that academic and popular distinctions between “religion” and “spirituality” are unfounded. Working from a meaning systems perspective, it is argued that recognizing that “religious” and “spiritual” are part of the same broad category does not go far enough. It is argued that a wider perspective that considers the interplay of many different cultural and social factors on both beliefs and practices is more useful. This broadening of the multi-level, interdisciplinary paradigm to examine all existential cultures, including the secular and non-religious, offers the potential to better understand the complexity and diversity of lived religion. Increased use of idiographic methodologies and a more reflective approach to the constructs used in nomothetic methodologies are advocated as a way to advance the field and better explore beliefs and practices in a more ecologically valid way.
Has it really Been that Long? Why Time Seems to Speed up with Age
Authors: Winkler Isabell , Fischer Katja , Kliesow Kristin , Rudolph Tina , Thiel Carolin , Sedlmeier Peter
Published: May 2017

The impression that time speeds up with age is a well known phenomenon. In the literature, a number of theories on this age effect exists, but results of the respective studies are inconclusive, and even somewhat paradoxical: The age effect occurred only when speed of time was judged for periods in the past. However, usually no difference was found when comparing present time perception between participants in different age groups. Our investigation had two aims: To begin, we tried to solve the riddle of this paradox. We contend that a context of comparison is needed for the age effect to occur, that is, a comparison of present time perception with the perception in previous life periods. The second aim was to compare potential causes of the age effect. Participants in a large sample (n = 517) covering a wide age range (20–80 years) provided time judgments and its potential predictors for both current and previous life periods. No age effect was found for speed of time in current life if only age was used as a predictor. If, however, other factors were statistically controlled for, a weak but noticeable age effect was found. Consistent with prior results, a clear age effect was obtained when participants compared different life periods retrospectively. Perceived time pressure and the number of routines are important factors of time perception both in current and previous life periods. A decreasing frequency of new life experiences seems to explain only the age effect of retrospective time perception.