bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Law in the Crisis of Empire: A Sasanian Example
Authors: Elman Yaakov 
Published: October 2013

AbstractExcept for a century or so beginning with Alexander’s invasion, one or another Iranian dynasty ruled a vast empire for some 1200 years—and then vanished with disconcerting speed in only a few short years in the aftermath of the Arab invasion. The following remarks attempt an explanation for this rapid demise. In particular, I intend to isolate two important factors that contributed mightily to that process, factors which, in my opinion, are reflected in perhaps the most important document dating from that short period: the so-called Sasanian Lawbook, theMādiyān ī Hazār Dādestān, the “Book of a Thousand Decisions.” This book reveals the attempts of Sasanian jurists to cope with 1.) a demographic crisis brought on by the constant wars of the sixth century and the Black Plague, and 2.) a crisis of liquidity.
Late Antique Iran and the Arabs: The Case of al-Hira
Authors: Toral-Niehoff Isabel 
Published: October 2013

AbstractThis article reevaluates our evidence for the interaction of Arab and Iranian elements in the Arab frontier-state of al-Hira, a state in late antiquity, which can be seen as a paradigmatic “third space” of special cultural dynamics. First, it sums up our evidence about the political and commercial ties connecting the Lakhmid principality and the Sasanian Empire; next, it focuses on the possible agents of cultural exchange between the two; finally, we direct our attention to the cultural spheres themselves and the issue of where and how Iranian-Arab transculturation as a process can be detected in the Hiran context. The article argues for a cautious reassessment of the material in light of current research in cultural studies. This is significant in its wider historical perspective, as such a process might have prepared the path for later developments in Islamic times, when the apogee of Arab-Iranian interaction is supposed to have taken place, i.e., in Abbasid Iraq.
Two Seal Impressions from Kāfer Qalʿa (Samarkand) and the Representations of Iranian Divinities
Authors: Compareti Matteo 
Published: October 2013

AbstractAmong the seal impressions found at the late Sogdian/early Islamic site of Kāfer Qalʿa, a few kilometers south of Samarkand, certain ones deserve special attention due to the divinities which embellish them. Two of these seal impressions are studied in detail in the present paper, within the framework of Zoroastrian religion and iconography. Some hypotheses on the utility of Kāfer Qalʿa as an important Sogdian administrative center during Late Antiquity are presented as well.
R.R. Vasmer and His Hand-written Catalogue of Tabarestān drachms
Authors: Kravtsov Konstantin V. 
Published: October 2013

Abstract
The present article concerns the hand-written catalogue of Tabarestān drachms, composed by the famous Russian orientalist R.R. Vasmer (1888-1938), in the possession of the State Hermitage Museum. The catalogue constitutes an integral part of Vasmer’s hand-written legacy, preserved in the Numismatic Department of the State Hermitage Museum, including 8 volumes of the catalogue of pre-Mongol Islamic coins and 1 volume of the catalogue of Islamic glass weights and stamps The catalogue of Tabarestān drachms (Tabari dirhams) contains detailed descriptions of 129 coins: 23 specimens of which belong to the Dabuyid coinage, and 106 were struck by the ‘Abbasid Governors of Tabarestān. Despite the fact that the catalogue was compiled between 1910 and 1916 it is still unpublished and remains a very important reference for studying the history of Tabarestān’s numismatics, in particular, and early Islamic numismatics, in general.
Early Persian Documents from Khorasan
Authors: Shaked Shaul 
Published: October 2013

Abstract
The article reports on a find of manuscripts of the eleventh century CE in Early New Persian, Early Judeo-Persian, Arabic, Judeo-Arabic, Hebrew and Aramaic, recently discovered in Afghanistan. Some of the contents of this group of manuscripts is described, as well as the possible origins of the Jewish community where these documents were produced and kept. An example of a piece of poetry in commemoration of a deceased member of the community is given in transcription into Standard Persian. Some notes on the significance of these documents for studying the history of the Persian language and the dialect of Khorasan are supplied.
An Investigation into the Kurdish Genre of the Shāhnāma and Its Religious Dimensions
Authors: Chamanara Behrooz 
Published: October 2013

AbstractThis paper intends to introduce the Kurdish genre of theShāhnāmaand, using manuscripts available to the author, undertakes a preliminary investigation into the religious world-views apparent in the genre. The following is an introductory note on the author’s more extensive research, the main conclusions of which are discussed and presented: specifically that the KurdishShāhnāmacontains an original and independent textual tradition, in the Gurāni literary style, a style which developed separately from classical Persian literature, and which draws upon the Zagros-Kurdish landscape, as well as other regional and sectarian-religious influences.
Whence Came the Asvārān? An Inquiry into the Ambiguity of Sources
Authors: Kamaly Hossein 
Published: October 2013

Abstract
Narratives of the Arab Conquests that were compiled in book form only after the ninth century fall short of providing a consistent, let alone an accurate, view of Sasanian hierarchies of rank and status during the sixth and seventh centuries. Knowledge of provincial divisions and administrative practices under Sasanian rule was reflected more accurately, not least of all because it directly pertained to the collection of tax revenues for the conquerors. When it comes to information about Iranian society and culture before the conquests, Arabic sources, often based on veterans’ tales, offer but fragmentary and anecdotal information. While scholars have made great use of these sources, it is still difficult to fathom the composition and function of groups such as the Sasanian asvārān. Focusing on a few well-known conquest narratives, this article investigates the information they contain on the asvārān, and will underline some of the difficulties involved when drawing inferences from them with respect to Sasanian social hierarchy and military structure.
The Iranian Time Reckoning and the Periodization of Iranian History into the ‘Pre Islamic’ and ‘Islamic’ Periods
Authors: Kholdani Asef 
Published: October 2013

Abstract
This paper, as part of a greater study, aims to shed light upon the failure of Western scholars to acknowledge the chronological schema adopted by Iranians themselves with respect to their own history. It also addresses the confusion, and negative consequences, resulting from when Iranian history was divided two centuries ago into “Pre-Islamic” and “Islamic” periods. This paper will argue for the validity of the time reckoning system developed by Iranians themselves, and by Biruni in particular, as a means to understand this history in the context of Iranian history and cultural traditions. An argument will be made for the fallacy of a chronological system that uses the development of an ideology, as opposed to a historical event, for the lens through which Iranian history is examined.
The Ethics and Praxis of Mehr and Mithras and the Social Institution of the ʿayyārs in the Epic Romance of Samak-e ʿayyār
Authors: Pourshariati Parvaneh 
Published: October 2013

AbstractGiving a very brief and introductory summary of the many avatars of the Iranian god, Mithra, throughout Eurasia, as well as the primordial functions of the god, this article proceeds to discuss the Iranian Mithraic world-view, as seen in the ethics and practices of the “chivalrous” brotherhoods and sisterhoods of theʿayyārs. Through a preliminary examination of the Parthian epic romance ofSamak-e ʿayyār, we shall argue here that this literary epic provides us with a fascinating template for decoding not only; 1) the ethics, “ideal” social mores and praxes and the ideological super-structures of the “chivalrous” brotherhood, or‘ayyars, of Iran, but also; 2) what was in effect the ethics of Mithraic brotherhoods and sisterhoods of the Iranian world.
The water mite family Mideopsidae (Acari: Hydrachnidia): a contribution to the diversity in the Afrotropical region and taxonomic changes above species level
Authors: PEŠIĆ VLADIMIR , COOK DAVID , GERECKE REINHARD , SMIT HARRY 
Published: October 2013

A rearrangement of genera and subgenera in the water mite family Mideopsidae is proposed, resulting in the following changes: Mideopsellinae Lundblad, 1937 and Phreatomideopsinae Schwoerbel, 1986 are synonymized with Mideopsidae Koenike, 1910; Djeboa K. Viets, 1911, Mideopsides Lundblad, 1943, Neoxystonotus Lundblad, 1927, Octomideopsis K. Viets, 1931 and Xystonotus Wolcott, 1900 are redefined and proposed as distinct genera. A global key for the genera of the family is given. New records of water mites of the genus Djeboa K. Viets, 1911, Xystonotus Wolcott, 1900 and Mideopsellides K.O.Viets, 1962 (Acari: Hydrachnidia, Mideopsidae) from the Afrotropical region are presented. Twenty species new to science are described, i.e., Djeboa amendano (Madagascar), D. amethystica (Madagascar), D. angulipalpis (Madagascar), D. coelestinica (Madagascar), D. crocodilorum (South Africa), D. curtipalpis (Ghana), Djeboa depressa (Côte d’Ivoire), D. dinosaurophila (South Africa), D. elephantina (Côte d’Ivoire), D. ghanaensis (Ghana), D. gledhilli (Côte d’Ivoire, Ghana), D. globulipalpis (South Africa, Ghana), D. granatica (Madagascar), D. mandena (Madagascar), D. maromandia (Madagascar), D. nzia (Côte d’Ivoire), D. turmalinica (Madagascar), D. vanilla (Madagascar), D. wondergemi (Ghana) and Xystonotus madagascariensis (Madagascar); a first description of the male is given for Djeboa bimaculata (Cook, 1966). A key for all species of the Djeboa is presented.
Negative-balance isolated pelvic perfusion in patients with incurable symptomatic rectal cancer: results and drug dose correlation to adverse events
Authors: Murata Satoru , Onozawa Shiro , Kim Chol , Tajima Hiroyuki , Kimata Ryoji , Uchida Eiji , Kumita Shin-ichiro 
Published: October 2013

Background Drug leakage and lack of a drug-removal system have prevented clinical application of isolated pelvic perfusion (IPP). These barriers were overcome with negative-balance IPP (NIPP) in experimental pig models. Here, a phase 1 clinical study of NIPP was performed in patients with incurable symptomatic rectal cancer. Purpose To establish a safe regimen of high-dose regional chemotherapy with NIPP using cisplatin in patients with incurable rectal cancer. Material and Methods Between June 2004 and January 2007, NIPP therapy was performed for 23 patients (11 women, 12 men; mean age, 58 years). NIPP was routinely performed twice over a 4-week interval. Dose-limiting toxicities (DLTs) were defined using a 5 + 3 design, and cisplatin doses were escalated from 170 mg/m2, with a fixed 5-fluorouracil dose of 1000 mg/m2. The grade of adverse events (AEs) at the first and second sessions of NIPP therapy, pharmacokinetics, and antitumor response were evaluated. Results No DLTs were observed during the first session of NIPP. However, at the second session, two patients experienced the DLT of neuropathy after administration of 200 mg/m2 cisplatin. Therefore, 190 mg/m2 cisplatin was indicated as the maximum tolerated dose (MTD). The plasma pelvic-to-systemic exposure ratio was 18.4 based on the maximum concentration and 19.0 based on the concentration-time curve. Solid tumor responses included complete response in two patients, partial response in five patients, stable disease in 15 patients, and progressive disease in one patient. Conclusion NIPP may offer the safe delivery of high-dose regional chemotherapy (MTD of 190 mg/m2 cisplatin) with negligible AEs and effective control of tumor growth in patients with incurable rectal cancer.
A critical role for Lyn kinase in strengthening endothelial integrity and barrier function
Authors: Han Jingyan , Zhang Guoying , Welch Emily J. , Liang Ying , Fu Jian , Vogel Stephen M. , Lowell Clifford A. , Du Xiaoping , Cheresh David A. , Malik Asrar B. , Li Zhenyu 
Published: October 2013

Key PointsIn contrast to c-Src and Yes, Lyn stabilizes endothelial junctions through interaction and phosphorylation of FAK.
HLA-dependent tumour development: a role for tumour associate macrophages?
Authors: Marchesi Maddalena , Andersson Emilia , Villabona Lisa , Seliger Barbara , Lundqvist Andreas , Kiessling Rolf , Masucci Giuseppe V 
Published: October 2013

AbstractHLA abnormalities on tumour cells for immune escape have been widely described. In addition, cellular components of the tumour microenvironment, in particular myeloid derived suppressor cells (MDSC) and alternatively activated M2 tumour-associated macrophages (TAMs), are involved in tumour promotion, progression, angiogenesis and suppression of anti-tumour immunity. However, the role of HLA in these activities is poorly understood. This review details MHC class I characteristics and describes MHC class I receptors functions. This analysis established the basis for a reflection about the crosstalk among the tumour cells, the TAMs and the cells mediating an immune response.The tumour cells and TAMs exploit MHC class I molecules to modulate the surrounding immune cells. HLA A, B, C and G molecules down-regulate the macrophage myeloid activation through the interaction with the inhibitory LILRB receptors. HLA A, B, C are able to engage inhibitory KIR receptors negatively regulating the Natural Killer and cytotoxic T lymphocytes function while HLA-G induces the secretion of pro-angiogenic cytokines and chemokine thanks to an activator KIR receptor expressed by a minority of peripheral NK cells. The open conformer of classical MHC-I is able to interact with LILRA receptors described as being associated to the Th2-type cytokine response, triggering a condition for the M2 like TAM polarization. In addition, HLA-E antigens on the surface of the TAMs bind the inhibitory receptor CD94/NKG2A expressed by a subset of NK cells and activated cytotoxic T lymphocytes protecting from the cytolysis.Furthermore MHC class II expression by antigen presenting cells is finely regulated by factors provided with immunological capacities. Tumour-associated macrophages show an epigenetically controlled down-regulation of the MHC class II expression induced by the decoy receptor DcR3, a member of the TNFR, which further enhances the M2-like polarization. BAT3, a positive regulator of MHC class II expression in normal macrophages, seems to be secreted by TAMs, consequently lacking its intracellular function, it looks like acting as an immunosuppressive factor.In conclusion HLA could cover a considerable role in tumour-development orchestrated by tumour-associated macrophages.
B. anthracisassociated cardiovascular dysfunction and shock: the potential contribution of both non-toxin and toxin components
Authors: Remy Kenneth E , Qiu Ping , Li Yan , Cui Xizhong , Eichacker Peter Q 
Published: October 2013

Abstract
The development of cardiovascular dysfunction and shock in patients with invasive Bacillus anthracis infection has a particularly poor prognosis. Growing evidence indicates that several bacterial components likely play important pathogenic roles in this injury. As with other pathogenic Gram-positive bacteria, the B. anthracis cell wall and its peptidoglycan constituent produce a robust inflammatory response with its attendant tissue injury, disseminated intravascular coagulation and shock. However, B. anthracis also produces lethal and edema toxins that both contribute to shock. Growing evidence suggests that lethal toxin, a metalloprotease, can interfere with endothelial barrier function as well as produce myocardial dysfunction. Edema toxin has potent adenyl cyclase activity and may alter endothelial function, as well as produce direct arterial and venous relaxation. Furthermore, both toxins can weaken host defense and promote infection. Finally, B. anthracis produces non-toxin metalloproteases which new studies show can contribute to tissue injury, coagulopathy and shock. In the future, an understanding of the individual pathogenic effects of these different components and their interactions will be important for improving the management of B. anthracis infection and shock.
The adverse effect of emergency department crowding on compliance with the resuscitation bundle in the management of severe sepsis and septic shock
Authors: Shin Tae Gun , Jo Ik Joon , Choi Dae Jong , Kang Mun Ju , Jeon Kyeongman , Suh Gee Young , Sim Min Seob , Lim So Yeon , Song Keun Jeong , Jeong Yeon Kwon 
Published: October 2013

Abstract
Introduction
The aim of this study is to evaluate the effects of emergency department (ED) crowding on the implementation of tasks in the early resuscitation bundle during acute care of patients with severe sepsis and septic shock, as recommended by the Surviving Sepsis Campaign guidelines.

Methods
We analyzed the sepsis registry from August 2008 to March 2012 for patients presenting to an ED of a tertiary urban hospital and meeting the criteria for severe sepsis or septic shock. The ED occupancy rate, which was defined as the total number of patients in the ED divided by the total number of ED beds, was used for measuring the degree of ED crowding. It was categorized into three groups (low; intermediate; high crowding). The primary endpoint was the overall compliance with the entire resuscitation bundle.

Results
A total of 770 patients were enrolled. Of the eligible patients, 276 patients were assigned to the low crowding group, 250 patients to the intermediate crowding group, and 244 patients to the high crowding group (ED occupancy rate: ≤ 115; 116–149; ≥ 150%). There was significant difference in compliance rates among the three groups (31.9% in the low crowding group, 24.4% in the intermediate crowding group, and 16.4% in the high crowding group, P < 0.001). In a multivariate model, the high crowding group had a significant association with lower compliance (adjusted odds ratio (OR), 0.44; 95% confidence interval (CI), 0.26 to 0.76; P = 0.003). When the ED occupancy rate was included as a continuous variable in the model, it had also a negative correlation with the overall compliance (OR of 10% increase of the ED occupancy rate, 0.90; 95% CI, 0.84 to 0.96, P = 0.002).

Conclusions
ED crowding was significantly associated with lower compliance with the entire resuscitation bundle and decreased likelihood of the timely implementation of the bundle elements.
FAM129B is a novel regulator of Wnt/β-catenin signal transduction in melanoma cells
Authors: Conrad Willliam , Major Michael B , Cleary Michele A , Ferrer Marc , Roberts Brian , Marine Shane , Chung Namjin , Arthur William T , Moon Randall T , Berndt Jason D , Chien Andy J 
Published: October 2013

The inability of targeted BRAF inhibitors to produce long-lasting improvement in the clinical outcome of melanoma highlights a need to identify additional approaches to inhibit melanoma growth. Recent studies have shown that activation of the Wnt/β-catenin pathway decreases tumor growth and cooperates with ERK/MAPK pathway inhibitors to promote apoptosis in melanoma. Therefore, the identification of Wnt/β-catenin regulators may advance the development of new approaches to treat this disease. In order to move towards this goal we performed a large scale small-interfering RNA (siRNA) screen for regulators of β-catenin activated reporter activity in human HT1080 fibrosarcoma cells. Integrating large scale siRNA screen data with phosphoproteomic data and bioinformatics enrichment identified a protein, FAM129B, as a potential regulator of Wnt/β-catenin signaling. Functionally, we demonstrated that siRNA-mediated knockdown of FAM129B in A375 and A2058 melanoma cell lines inhibits WNT3A-mediated activation of a β-catenin-responsive luciferase reporter and inhibits expression of the endogenous Wnt/β-catenin target gene, AXIN2. We also demonstrate that FAM129B knockdown inhibits apoptosis in melanoma cells treated with WNT3A. These experiments support a role for FAM129B in linking Wnt/β-catenin signaling to apoptosis in melanoma.
Ranibizumab for Choroidal Neovascularization Secondary to Choroidal Osteoma Associated and Central Serous Choroidopathy
Authors: Dolz-Marco Rosa , Martínez-Castillo Sebastián , Shields Carol L. , Gallego-Pinazo Roberto , Díaz-Llopis Manuel 
Published: October 2013

Purpose: To describe a case of atypical choroidal osteoma with secondary choroidal neovascularization associated with chronic central serous chorioretinopathy.
Case Report: A 46-year-old man presented with a 6-month history of vision loss in his left eye (OS). The visual acuity was 20/30 in his OS. Dilated fundus examination OS evidenced a whitish deep lesion in the superior temporal arcade suggestive of choroidal osteoma. Spectral-domain optical coherence tomography revealed a serous macular detachment with a heterogeneous hyperreflective intrachoroidal mass within the superior temporal major arcade with overlying cystoid macular edema, and a temporal macular pigment epithelial detachment. An intravitreal injection of ranibizumab was administered and one month later the visual acuity improved to 20/25 and the subretinal fluid partially regressed.
Conclusion: Although choroidal osteoma has no definite therapeutic approach, it may associate secondary complications. Patients should be monitored in order to detect changes suitable for potential therapies available and therefore minimize the visual burden of the disease.
Trace Metals in Patients with Parkinson’s Disease: A Multi-Center Case-Control Study of Nigerian Patients
Authors: Ogunrin A.O. , Komolafe M.A. , Sanya E.O. , Osubor C. , Ajose O.A. , Akande A.A. , Mosaku S.K. 
Published: October 2013

Background: The roles of environmental factors in the etiologic consideration of Parkinson’s disease (PD) need investigation and clarification, especially in sub-Saharan Africa where genetic mutations are rare. Trace metals toxicity has been associated with pathogenesis of neuro-degeneration including Parkinson’s disease.
Methods: PD patients presenting to three tertiary health facilities located in the south-west, south-south and central Nigeria were studied and compared with age and sex matched controls from the same regions using a protocol containing a structured questionnaire, diagnostic criteria based on the United Kingdom Parkinson’s Disease Society brain bank and atomic absorption spectrophotometry method for analysis of plasma trace metals – copper, zinc, magnesium, manganese and iron.
Findings: Sixty eight consecutive PD patients with a mean age of 65.7±7.29 years and a male preponderance (Male (46)/Female (22) = 2.1:1) had significantly elevated trace metals (namely copper, zinc, magnesium and iron) compared to controls (P<0.001). The means of the trace metals’ levels for the PD and controls were – Copper 51.8 and 14.7µmol/l, Magnesium 3.35 and 2.06mEq/l, Manganese 15.6 and 14.4µmol/l, Iron 78.5 and 17.4µmol/l and Zinc 88.7 and 19.3µmol/l respectively. There was no significant difference in level of manganese between PD patients and controls, though elevated in PD patients residing in the southern part of the country the difference between the PD patients and controls in central region (P=0.29) was insignificant.
Conclusion: The findings of this study suggested a possible role for trace metals toxicity in the pathogenesis of Parkinson’s disease. There is however need for further studies to elucidate the specific roles of these trace metals in the etiology of PD.