bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Noninvasive Diagnosis of Liver Fibrosis: Utility of Data Mining of Both Ultrasound Elastography and Serological Findings to Construct a Decision Tree
Authors: Yada Norihisa , Kudo Masatoshi , Kawada Norifumi , Sato Shuichi , Osaki Yukio , Ishikawa Akihisa , Miyoshi Hisaaki , Sakamoto Michiie , Kage Masayoshi , Nakashima Osamu , Tonomura Akiko
Published: November 2014

Objective: Although liver biopsy is the gold standard for viral liver disease management, it is invasive and the sampling error rate is problematic. Real-time tissue elastography (RTE), a recently developed method of ultrasound elastography, can be used to assess liver fibrosis noninvasively but the overlap between fibrosis stages limits its ability to assess liver fibrosis adequately when used alone. Methods: A multicenter collaborative study involving 542 patients with chronic viral hepatitis and cirrhosis who were scheduled to undergo liver biopsy compared the image features obtained from RTE image analysis, the liver fibrosis index (LFI), and pathological diagnosis. RTE and a blood test were performed on the same day as the liver biopsy. Data mining was also performed to construct a decision tree, and its diagnostic performance for assessing liver fibrosis was evaluated. Results: The LFI was higher in patients with chronic hepatitis C (CHC) than in those with chronic hepatitis B (CHB). When a decision tree was constructed by data mining of RTE and serological findings, the diagnostic accuracy was very high for all fibrosis stages, with respective rates at F1, F2, F3, and F4 of 94.4, 54.1, 38.7, and 81.3% for patients with CHC and of 97.1, 50.0, 43.8, and 80.6% for patients with CHB. Conclusions: The variation in LFI values between the different etiologies appears to reflect the difference in the development style of liver fibrosis. The decision tree for assessing liver fibrosis constructed by data mining of both RTE and serological findings had a high diagnostic performance in assessing liver fibrosis and shows promising clinical utility.
Predictive Value of Endostatin in Chronic Heart Failure Patients with Poor Kidney Function
Authors: Ueland Thor , Aukrust Pål , Nymo Ståle H. , Kjekshus John , McMurray John J.V. , Wikstrand John , Wienhues-Thelen Ursula-Henrike , Block Dirk , Zaugg Christian , Gullestad Lars
Published: November 2014

Objectives: Increased circulating endostatin levels have been demonstrated in progressive cardiovascular (CV) and renal disorders. We investigated the predictive value of endostatin in patients with chronic heart failure (HF) and the association between endostatin and renal function. Methods: The interaction between serum endostatin, estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) and predefined endpoints, including the primary endpoint (CV death, nonfatal myocardial infarction, nonfatal stroke; n = 397), all-cause mortality (n = 410), CV death (n = 335) or the coronary endpoint (n = 317), was evaluated in 1,390 patients >60 years of age with ischemic systolic HF in the Controlled Rosuvastatin Multinational Trial in HF (CORONA) population, who were randomly assigned to 10 mg rosuvastatin or placebo. Results: In the population as a whole, endostatin added no predictive information after full multivariable adjustment including eGFR and N-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide. Serum endostatin was strongly correlated with eGFR (r = 0.59, p < 0.001). After full multivariable adjustment, an association between high serum endostatin and increased risk of all-cause mortality and decreased risk of the primary and coronary endpoints was seen in HF patients with impaired and preserved renal function, respectively. Conclusions: Endostatin added no predictive information regarding the adverse outcome in patients with chronic systolic HF of ischemic etiology. An increased risk of all-cause mortality was seen in patients with decreased renal function. i 2014 S. Karger AG, Basel
Neurogenesis in the Normal Ageing Hippocampus: A Mini-Review
Authors: Seib Désirée R.M. , Martin-Villalba Ana
Published: December 2014

New neurons are continuously generated and added to neural circuits in the adult brain. However, increasing age imposes changes in neural progenitor cells and their microenvironment that lead to a reduction of neurogenesis. Age-related decreased production of new neurons in the neurogenic dentate gyrus has been associated with memory impairments. Several mechanisms are known that might counteract this decline in cognitive functions. Here, we give an overview of ageing-related changes in neurogenesis in the brain of humans and rodents. We discuss possible causes for reduced neurogenesis with age, its consequences on cognition, and how neurogenesis might be restored in old age.
Real-time Functional Architecture of Visual Word Recognition
Authors: Whiting Caroline , Shtyrov Yury , Marslen-Wilson William
Published: December 2014

Despite a century of research into visual word recognition, basic questions remain unresolved about the functional architecture of the process that maps visual inputs from orthographic analysis onto lexical form and meaning and about the units of analysis in terms of which these processes are conducted. Here we use magnetoencephalography, supported by a masked priming behavioral study, to address these questions using contrasting sets of simple (walk), complex (swimmer), and pseudo-complex (corner) forms. Early analyses of orthographic structure, detectable in bilateral posterior temporal regions within a 150–230 msec time frame, are shown to segment the visual input into linguistic substrings (words and morphemes) that trigger lexical access in left middle temporal locations from 300 msec. These are primarily feedforward processes and are not initially constrained by lexical-level variables. Lexical constraints become significant from 390 msec, in both simple and complex words, with increased processing of pseudowords and pseudo-complex forms. These results, consistent with morpho-orthographic models based on masked priming data, map out the real-time functional architecture of visual word recognition, establishing basic feedforward processing relationships between orthographic form, morphological structure, and lexical meaning.
Grasping with the Press of a Button: Grasp-selective Responses in the Human Anterior Intraparietal Sulcus Depend on Nonarbitrary Causal Relationships between Hand Movements and End-effector Actions
Authors: Frey Scott H. , Hansen Marc , Marchal Noah
Published: December 2014

Evidence implicates ventral parieto-premotor cortices in representing the goal of grasping independent of the movements or effectors involved [Umilta, M. A., Escola, L., Intskirveli, I., Grammont, F., Rochat, M., Caruana, F., et al. When pliers become fingers in the monkey motor system. Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, U.S.A., 105, 2209–2213, 2008; Tunik, E., Frey, S. H., & Grafton, S. T. Virtual lesions of the anterior intraparietal area disrupt goal-dependent on-line adjustments of grasp. Nature Neuroscience, 8, 505–511, 2005]. Modern technologies that enable arbitrary causal relationships between hand movements and tool actions provide a strong test of this hypothesis. We capitalized on this unique opportunity by recording activity with fMRI during tasks in which healthy adults performed goal-directed reach and grasp actions manually or by depressing buttons to initiate these same behaviors in a remotely located robotic arm (arbitrary causal relationship). As shown previously [Binkofski, F., Dohle, C., Posse, S., Stephan, K. M., Hefter, H., Seitz, R. J., et al. Human anterior intraparietal area subserves prehension: A combined lesion and functional MRI activation study. Neurology, 50, 1253–1259, 1998], we detected greater activity in the vicinity of the anterior intraparietal sulcus (aIPS) during manual grasp versus reach. In contrast to prior studies involving tools controlled by nonarbitrarily related hand movements [Gallivan, J. P., McLean, D. A., Valyear, K. F., & Culham, J. C. Decoding the neural mechanisms of human tool use. Elife, 2, e00425, 2013; Jacobs, S., Danielmeier, C., & Frey, S. H. Human anterior intraparietal and ventral premotor cortices support representations of grasping with the hand or a novel tool. Journal of Cognitive Neuroscience, 22, 2594–2608, 2010], however, responses within the aIPS and premotor cortex exhibited no evidence of selectivity for grasp when participants employed the robot. Instead, these regions showed comparable increases in activity during both the reach and grasp conditions. Despite equivalent sensorimotor demands, the right cerebellar hemisphere displayed greater activity when participants initiated the robot's actions versus when they pressed a button known to be nonfunctional and watched the very same actions undertaken autonomously. This supports the hypothesis that the cerebellum predicts the forthcoming sensory consequences of volitional actions [Blakemore, S. J., Frith, C. D., & Wolpert, D. M. The cerebellum is involved in predicting the sensory consequences of action. NeuroReport, 12, 1879–1884, 2001]. We conclude that grasp-selective responses in the human aIPS and premotor cortex depend on the existence of nonarbitrary causal relationships between hand movements and end-effector actions.
Extraordinary Experiences and Religious Beliefs
Authors: Shushan Gregory
Published: December 2014

Many contemporary scholars believe that all experience is dependent upon language and culture, meaning that it is unintelligible to speak of some cross-cultural event which can be called “mystical” or “religious”; and that the notion of the origins of religious beliefs lying in such experiences is thus methodologically and theoretically unsound. Challenges to these perspectives leave one open to charges of naivety, or of having crossed a boundary from the (ostensibly) objective Study of Religions into a kind of universalist crypto-theology. In defense of the study of such experiences, this article attempts to demonstrate the weaknesses in these arguments by showing that they are based upon a number of mutually-reliant but unproven culturally-situated philosophical axioms. With particular reference to near-death and out-of-body experiences, a reflexive, theoretically eclectic approach to this area of study is suggested.
Geographic distribution of Gnamptogenys hartmani (Hymenoptera, Formicidae), an agro-predator that attacks fungus-growing ants
Authors: Wetterer James K.
Published: December 2014

Gnamptogenys hartmani is a specialist predator that attacks colonies of fungus-growing ants. To examine the biogeography of G. hartmani, I compiled specimen records of G. hartmani from 36 sites, and records of Gnamptogenys bruchi (a possible junior synonym) from seven sites. Records of Gnamptogenys hartmani ranged from Lucky, Louisiana (32.2°N) in the north to Villa Nougués, Argentina (26.9°S) in the south. If G. bruchi proves to be a synonym of G. hartmani, this would extend the known range as far south as Alta Gracia, Argentina (31.7°S). In the US, G. hartmani populations are known only from Texas and Louisiana, yet there is much apparently suitable habitat along the Gulf coast of Alabama, Mississippi, and Florida. Given the remarkable scarcity of G. hartmani records throughout its known range, it remains possible that G. hartmani populations occur all along the Gulf coast of the US, but have been overlooked.
Bradley Monton, Seeking God in Science: An Atheist Defends Intelligent Design. Peterborough, ON & Buffalo, NY 2009: Broadview Press. 177 pages. ISBN 9781551118635.
Authors: de Ridder Jeroen
Published: December 2014

Book Reviews Jacob Klapwijk, Purpose in the living world? (R. Clouser) Bradley Monton, Seeking God in Science: An Atheist Defends Intelligent Design (J. de Ridder) Alvin Plantinga and Michael Tooley, Knowledge of God (J. de Ridder) Nicholas Wolterstorff, Justice: Rights and Wrongs (A. Soeteman)
EMBEDDEDNESS AND SOCIAL PLURALISM
Authors: DeMoor Michael J.
Published: December 2014

This article examines Karl Polanyi’s “double-movement thesis” and, in particular, his claim that modern economies are characterized by a dis-embedding of the economy from society. I examine two significant lines of criticism of this thesis: first, that the concept of “embeddedness” is incoherent in that it implies that economies both can and cannot become “dis-embedded” from society; second, that, though conceptually coherent, the concept does not supply adequate normative guidance for those seeking to address the economic and social problems that emerge from a “dis-embedded” economy. I argue that re-articulating the double-movement thesis in the terms of Reformational social philosophy can show how these problems can be resolved.
Introduction to Special Issue
Authors: de Ridder Jeroen
Published: December 2014

Discussions about the relationship between science and religion have never been absent from the public arena, but they seem to have made something of a comeback in the past decade or two. It is hard to say what accounts for such large-scale developments in society. Perhaps it has something to do with the fact that it has become increasingly clear that the secularization thesis, i.e., the claim that the modernization and rationalization of societies goes hand in hand with the gradual disappearance of religion, must be put to rest at the graveyard of disconfirmed sociological predictions. Religion is here to stay, it now appears. Thoroughly secularized societies like those we find in Western Europe may be exceptional rather than exemplary.
DESIGN DISCOURSE AND THE COGNITIVE SCIENCE OF DESIGN
Authors: de Ridder Jeroen
Published: December 2014

Much of Alvin Plantinga’s Where the Conflict Really Lies(2011) will contain few surprises for those who have been following his work over the past decades. This —I hasten to add — is nothing against the book. The fact alone that his ideas on various topics, which have appeared scattered throughout the literature, are now actualized, applied to the debate about the (alleged) conflict between science and religion, and organized into an overarching argument with a single focus makes this book worthwhile. Moreover, I see this book making significant progress on two opposite ends of the spectrum of views about science and religion. On the one end, we find the so-called new atheists and other conflict-mongers. Compared to the overheated rhetoric that oozes from their writings, this book is a breath of fresh air. Plantinga cuts right to the chase and soberly exposes the bare bones of the new atheists’ arguments. It immediately becomes clear how embarrassingly bare these bones really are. On the other end of the spectrum are theologians and scientists who envisage harmony and concord between science and religion.
To “bee” or not to be—on some ornamental shrimp from Guangdong Province, Southern China and Hong Kong SAR, with descriptions of three new species
Authors: KLOTZ WERNER , VON RINTELEN THOMAS
Published: December 2014

Several atyid specimens were collected from hill streams in Guangdong Province, Southern China and Hong Kong during fieldtrips between 2004 and 2013. Some of these species, most of them also sold as ornamental pet shrimp in the international aquarium trade, proved to be new to science by morphological observation and analysis of mtDNA sequences. Three new species, Caridina logemanni n. sp., Caridina mariae n. sp. and Caridina conghuensis n. sp., all of them members of the so called Caridina serrata species group  (Cai & Ng 1999) are described in detail below. Caridina tumida Wang, Liang & Li, 2008 is synonymised with Caridina venusta Wang, Liang & Li, 2008. Caridina meridionalis Wang, Liang & Li, 2008 is moved to the genus Paracaridina Liang, Guo & Tang, 1999 and synonymised with Paracaridina zijinica Liang, 2002. New records for Caridina trifasciata Yam & Cai, 2003 and Caridina serrata Stimpson, 1860 are recorded. All species are compared to their morphologically closest congeners and the phylogenetic relationships between atyid shrimps from Southern China are shown.
Pathways, Volume Transport, and Mixing of Abyssal Water in the Samoan Passage
Authors: Voet Gunnar , Girton James B. , Alford Matthew H. , Carter Glenn S. , Klymak Jody M. , Mickett John B.
Published: December 2014

The flow of dense water through the Samoan Passage accounts for the major part of the bottom water renewal in the North Pacific and is thus an important element of the Pacific meridional overturning circulation. A recent set of highly resolved measurements used CTD/LADCP, a microstructure profiler, and moorings to constrain the complex pathways and variability of the abyssal flow. Volume transport estimates for the dense northward current at several sections across the passage, calculated using direct velocity measurements from LADCPs, range from 3.9 × 106 to 6.0 × 106 ± 1 × 106 m3 s−1. The deep channel to the east and shallower pathways to the west carried about equal amounts of this volume transport, with the densest water flowing along the main eastern channel. Turbulent dissipation rates estimated from Thorpe scales and direct microstructure agree to within a factor of 2 and provide a region-averaged value of O(10−8) W kg−1 for layers colder than 0.8°C. Associated diapycnal diffusivities and downward turbulent heat fluxes are about 5 × 10−3 m2 s−1 and O(10) W m−2, respectively. However, heat budgets suggest heat fluxes 2–6 times greater. In the vicinity of one of the major sills of the passage, highly resolved Thorpe-inferred diffusivity and heat flux were over 10 times larger than the region-averaged values, suggesting the mismatch is likely due to undersampled mixing hotspots.
Secondary Cyclogenesis along an Occluded Front Leading to Damaging Wind Gusts: Windstorm Kyrill, January 2007
Authors: Ludwig Patrick , Pinto Joaquim G. , Hoepp Simona A. , Fink Andreas H. , Gray Suzanne L.
Published: December 2014

Windstorm Kyrill affected large parts of Europe in January 2007 and caused widespread havoc and loss of life. In this study the formation of a secondary cyclone, Kyrill II, along the occluded front of the mature cyclone Kyrill and the occurrence of severe wind gusts as Kyrill II passed over Germany are investigated with the help of high-resolution regional climate model simulations. Kyrill underwent an explosive cyclogenesis south of Greenland as the storm crossed poleward of an intense upper-level jet stream. Later in its life cycle secondary cyclogenesis occurred just west of the British Isles. The formation of Kyrill II along the occluded front was associated (i) with frontolytic strain and (ii) with strong diabatic heating in combination with a developing upper-level shortwave trough. Sensitivity studies with reduced latent heat release feature a similar development but a weaker secondary cyclone, revealing the importance of diabatic processes during the formation of Kyrill II. Kyrill II moved farther toward Europe and its development was favored by a split jet structure aloft, which maintained the cyclone’s exceptionally deep core pressure (below 965 hPa) for at least 36 h. The occurrence of hurricane-force winds related to the strong cold front over north and central Germany is analyzed using convection-permitting simulations. The lower troposphere exhibits conditional instability, a turbulent flow, and evaporative cooling. Simulation at high spatiotemporal resolution suggests that the downward mixing of high momentum (the wind speed at 875 hPa widely exceeded 45 m s−1) accounts for widespread severe surface wind gusts, which is in agreement with observed widespread losses.
Crisis communication as institutional maintenance
Authors: Fredriksson Magnus
Published: December 2014

The aim of the article is to extend our understandings of crisis communication by examining the dynamics of its practice and how it is performed by organizations when mobilized by institutional disruptions. In the article, I analyze how three governmental agencies in Sweden – responsible for the governance of the financial markets – responded to the global financial crisis and how they communicate to maintain the markets as institutions. The study takes its point of departure in neo-institutional theory and the framework of institutional work and shows how the financial crisis calls forth the use of communication for the maintenance of rules, norms and practices governing the financial markets by the use of three strategies, providing, policing and routinizing. Thus, crisis communication, I argue, can be understood as a form of institutional work aiming for the maintenance of an institution at the same time as it has to be adapted to the very same conditions where the interests of individual organizations are subordinated to collective interests and social structures.
Bringing communication up to agency: UNESCO reforms its visibility
Authors: Dimitrov Roumen
Published: December 2014

This article is the first to discuss the recent and significant reforms of United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization’s (UNESCO) communications. I analyse the major measures such as bringing together communication and political workers in one sector, assembling all communicators and web services in one division and introducing monthly media reports. I examine issues such as opening the brand, clearance of press releases, use of languages, professionalisation, press agentry and the need to adopt a more conversational and multiple-voice approach. UNESCO’s communications reform has advanced only halfway in two respects. First, changes have not resulted in a comprehensive communication strategy. Despite refurbishing its web site and introducing various social media, the organisation is still using the one-sided model of public information. It is lacking the new media agents who can engage UNESCO’s diverse constituency in online sharing and networking. Second, the restructuring has partly empowered the communicators and made them more professional. The reform, however, is not accomplished. The functionalist, old-bureaucratic notion that communication is an organisational ‘silo’, and that changes should affect only those who are appointed to communicate, is redundant. For a full success, not only the communications of the organisation, but also the organisation that communicates needs to change.
Government communication in the digital age: Social media’s effect on local government public relations
Authors: Graham Melissa W
Published: December 2014

Using data collected from interviews with public information officers (PIOs) in local governments, this study explores the use and perceptions of social media as a communication tool. It specifically addresses how social media are used as a public relations function to promote democratic, participatory, and transparency models in government. Results indicate that social media are highly regarded as a beneficial communication tool for local governments. Four primary themes emerged from the data analysis: dialogue promotion, engagement, unconstrained, and barriers. The first three themes focus on the opportunities that social media provide PIOs to communicate with citizens and the fourth theme presents the challenges faced by local governments that utilize social media. The insights shared by PIOs in local governments are useful for public relations professionals and scholars to help them understand and apply social media practices to build relationships with citizens and enhance communication practices.
G20 and Development
Authors: Callaghan Mike , Carmignani Fabrizio , Makin Anthony J , Strube Daniela
Published: December 2014

In May 2014, Griffith University and the Lowy Institute for International Policy jointly organized the conference ‘G20 and Development’. This conference brought together academics, policymakers, representatives of the civil society and other development stakeholders to discuss the role of the G20 as a development actor. Four key themes were addressed: ( i) the G20 as a global steering committee: performance and challenges, ( ii) the G20 as a development actor: governance, agenda and accountability, ( iii) mainstreaming development in the G20 agenda and ( iv) G20’s contribution in other development policy areas. This article provides an overview of the discussion around these four themes.

JEL Classification: F53, F55, O10
Announcement Effect of Dividend in Presence of Dividend Tax: Possible Agency Problem and Macro Level Inefficiency?
Authors: Datta Debabrata , Ganguli Santanu K. , Chaturvedi Manu
Published: December 2014

This article evaluates the efficiency of existing dividend distribution tax in India from the perspective of investors’ preference pattern, as revealed in the market. It investigates the announcement effect of dividend in India in the presence of dividend distribution tax with specific legislative intent of discouraging dividend distribution. Using data on large profitable firms, we show that despite firm-level tax, higher dividend payout announcement leads to significant rise in share price. This implies that despite being tax-disadvantaged, investors of large profitable firms prefer higher payout, because it mitigates agency cost of retention. This shows that dividend distribution tax is inefficient.

JEL Classification: G32, G35
Climate Change: An Emerging Trade Opportunity in South Asia
Authors: Dinda Soumyananda
Published: December 2014

This article investigates emerging opportunities in climate change mitigation in South Asia through trade. Trade can mitigate the climate change issues of a country, region or the world as a whole. Through international agreement (or pressure), trade also creates the opportunity for green jobs that produce environment-friendly goods (EFG), which have less damaging impact on environment. This article examines possible potential trade opportunity of climate-friendly goods (CFG) in South Asia. Applying the gravity model, this article estimates potential trade of CFG in South Asia. It also measures the trade gap as to how well bilateral trade flow performs relative to the mean value of trade as predicted by the model. Here, ‘potential trade gap’ means the gap between actual trade and the predicted trade value. It suggests that there is a scope to improve the export of CFG with trading partners. This article suggests and also highlights an alternative possibility for a climate-friendly export-led growth model in South Asia. It also identifies the potential trade gap of CFG for each regional member and its partners within region and developed countries such as the European Union (EU) and North America (the USA and Canada).

JEL Classifications: Q5, C23, F1
Impact of MYC on malignant behavior
Authors: Ott German
Published: November 2014

MYC, a member of the helix-loop-helix leucine zipper family of nuclear transcription factors, is a potent proto-oncogene primarily identified as the target of the t(8;14)(q24;q32) chromosome translocation in Burkitt lymphoma. Activation of the MYC gene in normal cells both results in enhanced cellular proliferation and up-regulation of pro-apoptotic pathways, reflecting the tight regulation of the molecule in the normal cellular system. In the process of transformation, these secondary inhibitory functions of the MYC molecule have to be overcome through secondary mutations of the MYC gene itself and/or by abrogating the inhibitory effects of physiological regulators and/or repressors of proliferation such as BCL2, BCL6, BLIMP1, or others. Most aggressive lymphomas, therefore, harbor additional oncogenic alterations that cooperate with MYC deregulation, with different alterations identified in human solid or hematological tumors. These alterations are likely to counteract the pro-apoptotic function of MYC. MYC gene alterations in diffuse large B-cell lymphomas and in B-cell lymphomas, unclassifiable, with features intermediate between diffuse large B-cell lymphoma and Burkitt lymphoma are frequently associated with BCL2 or/and BCL6 translocations conferring a very aggressive behavior. This review summarizes inherent factors of the biology and function of MYC important in the process of transformation, especially taking account the interdependence of MYC on various cellular networks that have to be co-deregulated to achieve the full malignant phenotype.
Therapy for myeloproliferative neoplasms: when, which agent, and how?
Authors: Geyer Holly L. , Mesa Ruben A.
Published: November 2014

Myeloproliferative neoplasms, including polycythemia vera (PV), essential thrombocythemia, and myelofibrosis (MF) (both primary and secondary), are recognized for their burdensome symptom profiles, life-threatening complications, and risk of progression to acute leukemia. Recent advancements in our ability to diagnose and prognosticate these clonal malignancies have paralleled the development of MPN-targeted therapies that have had a significant impact on disease burden and quality of life. Ruxolitinib has shown success in alleviating the symptomatic burden, reducing splenomegaly and improving quality of life in patients with MF. The role and clinical expectations of JAK2 inhibition continues to expand to a variety of investigational arenas. Clinical trials for patients with MF focus on new JAK inhibitors with potentially less myelosuppression (pacritinib) or even activity for anemia (momelotinib). Further efforts focus on combination trials (including a JAK inhibitor base) or targeting new pathways (ie, telomerase). Similarly, therapy for PV continues to evolve with phase 3 trials investigating optimal frontline therapy (hydroxyurea or IFN) and second-line therapy for hydroxyurea-refractory or intolerant PV with JAK inhibitors. In this chapter, we review the evolving data and role of JAK inhibition (alone or in combination) in the management of patients with MPNs.
Hepatitis C virus-associated B-cell non-Hodgkin lymphomas
Authors: Vannata Barbara , Zucca Emanuele
Published: November 2014

Epidemiological studies have demonstrated an increased risk of developing B-cell lymphomas in patients with chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection. However, the strength of the association shows great geographic discrepancies, with higher relative risk in countries with high HCV prevalence. It remains unclear whether additional environmental and genetic factors are involved or if the international variability is simply a consequence of the variable infection prevalence. Therefore, a causal relationship remains controversial. Other confounding factors may affect the comparability of the different studies, including the method of HCV assessment, the selection of normal controls, the lymphoma classification used, and the year of publication. The most convincing proof is the observation, mainly limited to some indolent subtypes, of B-cell lymphoma regressions after HCV eradication with IFN and ribavirin. However, the molecular mechanisms of the HCV-induced lymphomagenesis are mainly hypothetical. According to the model considered to be most plausible, lymphoma growth is a consequence of the continuous antigenic stimulation of the B-cell immunologic response induced by the chronic viral infection. This review summarizes the current epidemiological and biological evidence of a role of HCV in lymphomagenesis, describing the putative mechanisms for a causative relationship. The clinical characteristics and management difficulties of the HCV-associated lymphomas are also discussed. HCV treatment with IFN cannot be given safely in concomitance with cytotoxic lymphoma treatment because of hematological and liver toxicity. However, novel and better tolerated antiviral regimens are under development and will hopefully make the treatment of both lymphoma and hepatitis easier in the future.
A review of the Hispanic paradox: time to spill the beans?
Authors: Young Robert P. , Hopkins Raewyn J.
Published: December 2014

Past epidemiological observations and recent molecular studies suggest that chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and lung cancer are closely related diseases, resulting from overlapping genetic susceptibility and exposure to aero-pollutants, primarily cigarette smoke. Statistics from the American Lung Association and American Cancer Society reveal that mortality from COPD and lung cancer are lowest in Hispanic subjects and generally highest in African American subjects, with mortality in non-Hispanic white subjects and Asian subjects in between. This observation, described as the “Hispanic paradox”, persists after adjusting for confounding variables, notably smoking exposure and sociodemographic factors. While differences in genetic predisposition might underlie this observation, differences in diet remain a possible explanation. Such a hypothesis is supported by the observation that a diet high in fruit and vegetables has been shown to confer a protective effect on both COPD and lung cancer. In this article, we hypothesise that a diet rich in legumes may explain, in part, the Hispanic paradox, given the traditionally high consumption of legumes (beans and lentils) by Hispanic subjects. Legumes are very high in fibre and have recently been shown to attenuate systemic inflammation significantly, which has previously been linked to susceptibility to COPD and lung cancer in large prospective studies. A similar protective effect could be attributed to the consumption of soy products (from soybeans) in Asian subjects, for whom a lower incidence of COPD and lung cancer has also been reported. This hypothesis requires confirmation in cohort studies and randomised control trials, where the effects of diet on outcomes can be carefully examined in a prospective study design.
Overview of current lung imaging in acute respiratory distress syndrome
Authors: Zompatori Maurizio , Ciccarese Federica , Fasano Luca
Published: December 2014

Imaging plays a key role in the diagnosis and follow-up of acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). Chest radiography, bedside lung ultrasonography and computed tomography scans can provide useful information for the management of patients and detection of prognostic factors. However, imaging findings are not specific and several possible differential diagnoses should be taken into account. Herein we will review the role of radiological techniques in ARDS, highlight the plain radiological and computed tomography findings according to the pathological stage of the disease (exudative, inflammatory and fibroproliferative), and summarise the main points for the differential diagnosis with cardiogenic oedema, which is still challenging in the acute stage.
The role of combination therapy in managing pulmonary arterial hypertension
Authors: Ghofrani Hossein-Ardeschir , Humbert Marc
Published: December 2014

Pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) is a complex, progressive disease with several pathobiological mechanisms, including the endothelin, nitric oxide and prostacyclin pathways. Current treatments for PAH target one of these pathways and, in more severe cases or instances of disease worsening, may be combined with a view to target multiple pathways in parallel. Treatment combination is performed sequentially (as an intensification from initial monotherapy) or upfront (use of two or more therapies in treatment-naïve patients). Whilst combination therapy has been historically considered to be an option for the treatment of PAH, supporting evidence was typically limited to expert opinion, clinical experience and registry data.

Data from randomised controlled trials on sequential combination therapy in particular has grown in recent years, resulting in a change in the level of recommendations in the latest update to the PAH treatment algorithm. However, short-term trials have shown inconsistent results, and have not been powered to assess morbidity/mortality outcomes. More recent data from long-term trials suggest a potential clinical benefit associated with sequential combination therapy.

In this review we will introduce the concept of combination therapy, consider the latest evidence for both sequential and upfront combination therapy, and discuss additional considerations when initiating combination therapy in clinical practice.
The right ventricle in pulmonary arterial hypertension
Authors: Naeije Robert , Manes Alessandra
Published: December 2014

Pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) is a right heart failure syndrome. In early-stage PAH, the right ventricle tends to remain adapted to afterload with increased contractility and little or no increase in right heart chamber dimensions. However, less than optimal right ventricular (RV)–arterial coupling may already cause a decreased aerobic exercise capacity by limiting maximum cardiac output. In more advanced stages, RV systolic function cannot remain matched to afterload and dilatation of the right heart chamber progressively develops. In addition, diastolic dysfunction occurs due to myocardial fibrosis and sarcomeric stiffening. All these changes lead to limitation of RV flow output, increased right-sided filling pressures and under-filling of the left ventricle, with eventual decrease in systemic blood pressure and altered systolic ventricular interaction. These pathophysiological changes account for exertional dyspnoea and systemic venous congestion typical of PAH. Complete evaluation of RV failure requires echocardiographic or magnetic resonance imaging, and right heart catheterisation measurements. Treatment of RV failure in PAH relies on: decreasing afterload with drugs targeting pulmonary circulation; fluid management to optimise ventricular diastolic interactions; and inotropic interventions to reverse cardiogenic shock. To date, there has been no report of the efficacy of drug treatments that specifically target the right ventricle.
Physicians’ and patients’ expectations of therapies for pulmonary arterial hypertension: where do they meet?
Authors: Howard Luke S. , Ferrari Pisana , Mehta Sanjay
Published: December 2014

In recent years, many new, effective therapies for pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) have become available and are widely used, yet the long-term prognosis for patients with PAH remains poor. In the absence of a cure, physicians’ expectations of PAH-specific therapies are to: 1) improve patients’ symptoms and functional capacity; 2) slow disease progression; and 3) improve survival. However, patients with PAH may prioritise other more tangible needs, such as improvements in their ability to carry out their daily tasks and increase their quality of life. Patients with PAH have also called out for social and emotional support from their physicians, caregivers, families and patient associations. Therefore, it is necessary that clinical trials of PAH-specific treatments include end-points that are meaningful to both patients and physicians, and that a multidisciplinary approach to the management of patients with PAH takes into consideration the broader aspects of patients’ and caregivers’ needs and wishes beyond simple physiological measurements.
The challenges in paediatric pulmonary arterial hypertension
Authors: Beghetti Maurice , Berger Rolf M.F.
Published: December 2014

Pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) is a rare, progressive disease affecting both adults and children. While overall survival has improved in recent years, the need for improved therapeutic approaches remains. Treatments for paediatric PAH have not yet been sufficiently examined, particularly regarding potential toxicities and optimal dosing, and there is a lack of appropriate clinical trial end-points and validated treatment goals that might enable a goal-oriented therapeutic approach. Adult randomised controlled trials in PAH are demonstrating a shift towards more long-term designs, focusing on mortality and morbidity end-points rather than changes in 6-min walking distance. However, such trial designs may not be feasible within the paediatric setting due to challenges such as sufficient recruitment and retention of paediatric patients. Consideration should, therefore, be given towards identifying optimal end-points for the paediatric population, allowing sufficient duration to evaluate efficacy and safety of potential treatments.

Herein we consider some of the complexities involved in the management of paediatric PAH, specifically presenting diagnostic challenges as well as reflecting on the lack of evidence currently available to support various therapeutic approaches within the paediatric population.
The problems and limitations of cohort studies
Authors: Lenney Warren , Gilchrist Francis J. , Kouzouna Aphrodite , Pandyan Anand D. , Ball Val
Published: December 2014

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is the third most common cause of mortality worldwide and it is important to discover whether risk factors can be identified from studies undertaken in childhood.

Numerous longitudinal cohort studies have been developed in many parts of the world to better understand the long-term outcomes of chronic respiratory diseases. Using data they have generated, it should be possible to identify specific risk factors in children and develop a model to prioritise their importance when found, in order to consider ways to reduce the prevalence and/or severity of disease in adults. However, this does require the sharing of data within the field, as is happening in other related fields, such as the Virtual International Stroke Trial Archive (www.vista.gla.ac.uk). Pooling of the raw data could be very informative and an organisation such as the European Respiratory Society could play an important role in ensuring this happens.

Unfortunately, cohort studies vary widely in their inclusion criteria, their methodology and the format in which lung function data are presented. The raw data required to develop a model to assess the impact of childhood risk factors on future lung function have not been made available from many of the published articles.

Our initial belief that recognised risk factors are independent variables was naïve and a different approach is required to better understand their interdependence.
Impact of evaluative criteria on satisfaction and dissatisfaction: identifying the role of knitwear involvement
Authors: Jeong So Won , Lee Kyu-Hye
Published: December 2014

This research explores an impact of evaluative criteria on consumer responses to knitwear products (satisfaction and dissatisfaction). Two conceptual frameworks are developed to identify the role of knitwear involvement as an antecedent of evaluative criteria and as a moderator between evaluative criteria and consumer responses. The survey was administered with a total of 382 Korean consumers. Structural equation modeling was employed to test the proposed hypotheses. The results confirmed the significant effects of knitwear involvement as an antecedent as well as a moderator on evaluative criteria, satisfaction, and dissatisfaction. Differential influences of evaluative criteria on satisfaction and dissatisfaction are shown. Theoretical and managerial implications are discussed.
Regression model to predict thread consumption incorporating thread-tension constraint: study on lock-stitch 301 and chain-stitch 401
Authors: Abeysooriya Ranga Prasad , Wickramasinghe Ganemulle Lekamalage Dharmasri
Published: December 2014

Prediction of sewing thread consumption requires an accurate method of calculation since it relates to the cost of manufacturing and distribution of apparel products. Previous researchers highlighted problems in existing thread consumption calculation methods; i.e. limitations in existing formulae which cause inaccurate predictions of thread amount needed for sewing operations. The existing methods of consumption calculations exhibit significant error percentages due to the ignorance of important parameters which affect on thread consumption. This paper investigates on correlation of thread tension to thread consumption of lock-stitch 301 and chain-stitch 401. The existing thread consumption formulae are optimized by considering a new parameter; thread tension, using regression analysis and geometrical modeling techniques. For the chain-stitch 401, results indicate that the thread tension significantly affects in determination of the thread consumption. The error analysis of proposed formulae was performed to indicate that the proposed formulae more accurate compared to the available methods of predicting sewing thread consumption. In addition, there are combined effects of thread tensions together with parameters such as fabric thickness and stitch density which determines accurate consumption values considering the properties of the stitch. In comparison, inclusion of the proposed thread tension variable depicts reduction in error percentages, so that the proposed formulae are expected to be a better approach to calculate thread consumption of lock-stitch 301 and chain-stitch 401.
Extraction of Indigo dye from Couroupita guianensisand its application on cotton fabric
Authors: Tayade Priti B , Adivarekar Ravindra V
Published: December 2014

Couroupita guianensis (Cannon ball tree) flowers and fruits are known to contain indigotin and indirubin. In this study an attempt is made to optimize the period for effective extraction of indigo from Couroupita guianensis fruit and application of the crude extract on the cotton fabric. Fermentation of the Couroupita guianensis fruit pulp for 5 days gave intense bluer pigment and hence was selected as the optimum period for fermentation. Major colouring components from Couroupita guianensis fruit extract were separated by thin layer chromatography using single solvent system, chloroform; which gives three pigments, violet, blue and pink with the Rf values of 0.88, 0.57, and 0.25 respectively. The Rf values, the wavelength of maximum absorption from UV-Visible spectroscopy, Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) spectrum and 1H Nuclear magnetic resonance (1H NMR) spectrum of blue pigment matched with that of synthetic indigo standard and that of the pink pigment matched with reported values of indirubin which is an isomer of indigotin. The % purity of indigo dye was found to be 26.46%. Dyeing of cotton fabric was carried out with the crude dye powder which gave comparable fastness properties vis-a-vis synthetic indigo.
Students Who Demonstrate Strong Talent and Interest in STEM Are Initially Attracted to STEM through Extracurricular Experiences
Authors: VanMeter-Adams Amy , Frankenfeld Cara L. , Bases Jessica , Espina Virginia , Liotta Lance A.
Published: December 2014

What early experiences attract students to pursue an education and career in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM)? Does hands-on research influence them to persevere and complete a major course of academic study in STEM? We evaluated survey responses from 149 high school and undergraduate students who gained hands-on research experience in the 2007–2013 Aspiring Scientists Summer Internship Programs (ASSIP) at George Mason University. Participants demonstrated their strong interest in STEM by volunteering to participate in ASSIP and completing 300 h of summer research. The survey queried extracurricular experiences, classroom factors, and hands-on projects that first cultivated students’ interest in the STEM fields, and separately evaluated experiences that sustained their interest in pursuing a STEM degree. The majority of students (65.5%, p < 0.0001) reported extracurricular encounters, such as the influence of a relative or family member and childhood experiences, as the most significant factors that initially ignited their interest in STEM, while hands-on lab work was stated as sustaining their interest in STEM (92.6%). Based on these findings collected from a cohort of students who demonstrated a strong talent and interest in STEM, community-based programs that create awareness about STEM for both children and their family members may be key components for igniting long-term academic interest in STEM.