bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Delayed Consensus Problem for Single and Double Integrator Systems
Authors: Velasco-Villa Martín , Heras-Godínez Josué , Vázquez-Santacruz José Alejandro , Fragoso-Rubio Varinia
Published: April 2015

This work deals with the analysis of the consensus problem for networks of agents constituted by single and double integrator systems. It is assumed that the communication among agents is affected by a constant time-delay. Previous and numerous analysis of the problem shows that the maximum communication time-delay that can be introduced to the network without affecting the consensus of the group of the agents depends on the considered topology. In this work, a control scheme that is based on the estimation of future states of the agents and that allows increasing the magnitude of a possible time-delay affecting the communication channels is proposed. How the proposed delay compensation strategy is independent of the network topology in the sense that the maximum allowable time-delay that could be supported by the network depends on a design parameter and not on the maximum eigenvalue of the corresponding Laplacian matrix is shown. It is formally proven that, under the proposed prediction scheme, the consensus of the group can be achieved by improving the maximum time-delay bounds previously reported in the literature. Numerical simulations show the effectiveness of the proposed solution.
Effects of Diagnostic Errors in Pattern Differentiation and Acupuncture Prescription: A Single-Blinded, Interrater Agreement Study
Authors: Oliveira Ingrid Jardim de Azeredo Souza , de Sá Ferreira Arthur
Published: April 2015

This study compared the interrater agreement for pattern differentiation and acupoints prescription between two groups of human patients simulated with different diagnostic outcomes. Patients were simulated using a dataset aboutzangfupatterns and separated into groups (n=30each) according to the diagnostic outcome determined by a computational model. A questionnaire with 90 patients was delivered to 6 TCM experts (4-year minimal of clinic experience) who were asked to indicate a single pattern (among 73) and 8 acupoints (among 378). Interrater agreement was higher for pattern differentiation than for acupuncture prescription. Interrater agreement on pattern differentiation was slight for both groups with correct (Light’sκ=0.167, 95% CI = [0.108; 0.254]) and incorrect diagnosis (Light’sκ=0.190, 95% CI = [0.120; 0.286]). Interrater agreement on acupuncture prescription was slight for both groups of correct (ι=0.029, 95% CI = [0.015; 0.057]) and incorrect diagnosis (ι=0.040, 95% CI = [0.023; 0.058],P=0.075). Diagnostic performance of raters yielded the following: accuracy = 60.9%, sensitivity = 21.7%, and specificity = 100%. An overall improvement in the interrater agreement and diagnostic accuracy was observed when the data were analyzed using the internal systems instead of the pattern’s labels.
Automatic Side-Scan Sonar Image Enhancement in Curvelet Transform Domain
Authors: Zhou Yan , Li Qingwu , Huo Guanying
Published: April 2015

We propose a novel automatic side-scan sonar image enhancement algorithm based on curvelet transform. The proposed algorithm uses the curvelet transform to construct a multichannel enhancement structure based on human visual system (HVS) and adopts a new adaptive nonlinear mapping scheme to modify the curvelet transform coefficients in each channel independently and automatically. Firstly, the noisy and low-contrast sonar image is decomposed into a low frequency channel and a series of high frequency channels by using curvelet transform. Secondly, a new nonlinear mapping scheme, which coincides with the logarithmic nonlinear enhancement characteristic of the HVS perception, is designed without any parameter tuning to adjust the curvelet transform coefficients in each channel. Finally, the enhanced image can be reconstructed with the modified coefficients via inverse curvelet transform. The enhancement is achieved by amplifying subtle features, improving contrast, and eliminating noise simultaneously. Experiment results show that the proposed algorithm produces better enhanced results than state-of-the-art algorithms.
Partial PFO Closure for Persistent Hypoxemia in a Patient with Ebstein Anomaly
Authors: Zuberi S. A. , Liu S. , Tam J. W. , Hussain F. , Maguire D. , Kass M.
Published: April 2015

Ebstein anomaly is characterized by deformities of the anterior leaflet of the tricuspid valve and atrialization of the right ventricle. Patients with severe tricuspid regurgitation are recommended to have tricuspid valve surgery with concomitant atrial septal defect closure. A 73-year-old female with Ebstein anomaly presented with severe hypoxemia. Transthoracic echocardiography revealed severe tricuspid regurgitation and a patent foramen ovale with right-to-left shunting. Complete percutaneous patent foramen ovale closure led to acute decompensation; however, partial closure led to hemodynamic stability and improved oxygenation. In conclusion, similar patients with “patent foramen ovale dependency” from longstanding shunts may benefit from partial patent foramen ovale closure.
On Stability of Differential Systems with Noninstantaneous Impulses
Authors: Sood Anju , Srivastava Sanjay K.
Published: April 2015

A new class of impulsive differential equations with noninstantaneous fixed time impulses is considered. Uniform stability and uniform asymptotic stability of solutions of the system have been established by employing piecewise Lyapunov functions. An example is also given to illustrate the theoretical results.
Fast MR Imaging of the Paediatric Abdomen with CAIPIRINHA-Accelerated T1w 3D FLASH and with High-Resolution T2w HASTE: A Study on Image Quality
Authors: Li Mengxia , Winkler Beate , Pabst Thomas , Bley Thorsten , Köstler Herbert , Neubauer Henning
Published: April 2015

The aim of this study was to explore the applicability of fast MR techniques to routine paediatric abdominopelvic MRI at 1.5 Tesla. “Controlled Aliasing in Parallel Imaging Results in Higher Acceleration-” (CAIPIRINHA-) accelerated contrast-enhanced-T1w 3D FLASH imaging was compared to standard T1w 2D FLASH imaging with breath-holding in 40 paediatric patients and to respiratory-triggered T1w TSE imaging in 10 sedated young children. In 20 nonsedated patients, we compared T2w TIRM to fat-saturated T2w HASTE imaging. Two observers performed an independent and blinded assessment of overall image quality. Acquisition time was reduced by the factor of 15 with CAIPIRINHA-accelerated T1w FLASH and by 7 with T2w HASTE. With CAIPIRINHA and with HASTE, there were significantly less motion artefacts in nonsedated patients. In sedated patients, respiratory-triggered T1w imaging in general showed better image quality. However, satisfactory image quality was achieved with CAIPIRINHA in two sedated patients where respiratory triggering failed. In summary, fast scanning with CAIPIRINHA and HASTE presents a reliable high quality alternative to standard sequences in paediatric abdominal MRI. Paediatric patients, in particular, benefit greatly from fast image acquisition with less breath-hold cycles or shorter sedation.
Parallel and Cooperative Particle Swarm Optimizer for Multimodal Problems
Authors: Zhang Geng , Li Yangmin
Published: April 2015

Although the original particle swarm optimizer (PSO) method and its related variant methods show some effectiveness for solving optimization problems, it may easily get trapped into local optimum especially when solving complex multimodal problems. Aiming to solve this issue, this paper puts forward a novel method called parallel and cooperative particle swarm optimizer (PCPSO). In case that the interacting of the elements inD-dimensional function vectorX=[x1,x2,…,xd,…,xD]is independent, cooperative particle swarm optimizer (CPSO) is used. Based on this, the PCPSO is presented to solve real problems. Since the dimension cannot be split into several lower dimensional search spaces in real problems because of the interacting of the elements, PCPSO exploits the cooperation of two parallel CPSO algorithms by orthogonal experimental design (OED) learning. Firstly, the CPSO algorithm is used to generate two locally optimal vectors separately; then the OED is used to learn the merits of these two vectors and creates a better combination of them to generate further search. Experimental studies on a set of test functions show that PCPSO exhibits better robustness and converges much closer to the global optimum than several other peer algorithms.
The Weighted Support Vector Machine Based on Hybrid Swarm Intelligence Optimization for Icing Prediction of Transmission Line
Authors: Xu Xiaomin , Niu Dongxiao , Wang Peng , Lu Yan , Xia Huicong
Published: April 2015

Not only can the icing coat on transmission line cause the electrical fault of gap discharge and icing flashover but also it will lead to the mechanical failure of tower, conductor, insulators, and others. It will bring great harm to the people’s daily life and work. Thus, accurate prediction of ice thickness has important significance for power department to control the ice disaster effectively. Based on the analysis of standard support vector machine, this paper presents a weighted support vector machine regression model based on the similarity (WSVR). According to the different importance of samples, this paper introduces the weighted support vector machine and optimizes its parameters by hybrid swarm intelligence optimization algorithm with the particle swarm and ant colony (PSO-ACO), which improves the generalization ability of the model. In the case study, the actual data of ice thickness and climate in a certain area of Hunan province have been used to predict the icing thickness of the area, which verifies the validity and applicability of this proposed method. The predicted results show that the intelligent model proposed in this paper has higher precision and stronger generalization ability.
Antibacterial and Antiproliferative Activities of Plumericin, an Iridoid Isolated fromMomordica charantiaVine
Authors: Saengsai Jutamas , Kongtunjanphuk Sumonthip , Yoswatthana Nuttawan , Kummalue Tanawan , Jiratchariyakul Weena
Published: April 2015

Plumericin, an iridoid lactone, was isolated with relatively high yield fromMomordica charantiavine using the supercritical fluid extraction (SFE) and the separation box (Sepbox) comprising dual combination of high-performance liquid chromatography and solid phase extraction. This compound showed antibacterial activity againstEnterococcus faecalisandBacillus subtiliswith minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) values better than cloxacillin. Plumericin potently inhibited proliferation of two leukemic cancer cell lines: they were acute and chronic leukemic cancer cell lines, NB4 and K562, with the effective doses (ED50) of 4.35 ± 0.21 and 5.58 ± 0.35 μg/mL, respectively. In addition, the mechanism of growth inhibition in both cell lines was induced by apoptosis, together with G2/M arrest in K562 cells.
Evaluation of Chemical Constituents and Important Mechanism of Pharmacological Biology inDendrobiumPlants
Authors: Lam Yau , Ng Tzi Bun , Yao Ren Ming , Shi Jun , Xu Kai , Sze Stephen Cho Wing , Zhang Kalin Yanbo
Published: April 2015

Dendrobiumspecies, commonly known as “Shihu” or “Huangcao,” represents the second largest genus of Orchidaceae, which are used commonly as tonic herbs and healthy food in many Asian countries. The aim of this paper is to review the history, chemistry, and pharmacology of differentDendrobiumspecies on the basis of the latest academic literatures found in Google Scholar, PubMed, Sciencedirect, Scopus, and SID.
Limit Cycles and Analytic Centers for a Family of4n-1Degree Systems with Generalized Nilpotent Singularities
Authors: Wu Yusen , Zhang Cui , Xu Changjin
Published: April 2015

With the aid of computer algebra systemMathematica8.0 and by the integral factor method, for a family of generalized nilpotent systems, we first compute the first several quasi-Lyapunov constants, by vanishing them and rigorous proof, and then we get sufficient and necessary conditions under which the systems admit analytic centers at the origin. In addition, we present that seven amplitude limit cycles can be created from the origin. As an example, we give a concrete system with seven limit cycles via parameter perturbations to illustrate our conclusion. An interesting phenomenon is that the exponent parameterncontrols the singular point type of the studied system. The main results generalize and improve the previously known results in Pan.
Practical Modeling and Comprehensive System Identification of a BLDC Motor
Authors: Xiang Changle , Wang Xiaoliang , Ma Yue , Xu Bin
Published: April 2015

The aim of this paper is to outline all the steps in a rigorous and simple procedure for system identification of BLDC motor. A practical mathematical model for identification is derived. Frequency domain identification techniques and time domain estimation method are combined to obtain the unknown parameters. The methods in time domain are founded on the least squares approximation method and a disturbance observer. Only the availability of experimental data for rotor speed and armature current are required for identification. The proposed identification method is systematically investigated, and the final identified model is validated by experimental results performed on a typical BLDC motor in UAV.
Robust and Efficient Authentication Scheme for Session Initiation Protocol
Authors: Lu Yanrong , Li Lixiang , Yang Yixian
Published: April 2015

The session initiation protocol (SIP) is a powerful application-layer protocol which is used as a signaling one for establishing, modifying, and terminating sessions among participants. Authentication is becoming an increasingly crucial issue when a user asks to access SIP services. Hitherto, many authentication schemes have been proposed to enhance the security of SIP. In 2014, Arshad and Nikooghadam proposed an enhanced authentication and key agreement scheme for SIP and claimed that their scheme could withstand various attacks. However, in this paper, we show that Arshad and Nikooghadam’s authentication scheme is still susceptible to key-compromise impersonation and trace attacks and does not provide proper mutual authentication. To conquer the flaws, we propose a secure and efficient ECC-based authentication scheme for SIP. Through the informal and formal security analyses, we demonstrate that our scheme is resilient to possible known attacks including the attacks found in Arshad et al.’s scheme. In addition, the performance analysis shows that our scheme has similar or better efficiency in comparison with other existing ECC-based authentication schemes for SIP.
Evaluation of the Effects of a Combination of Japanese Honey and Hydrocolloid Dressing on Cutaneous Wound Healing in Male Mice
Authors: Mukai Kanae , Koike Miki , Nakamura Saki , Kawaguchi Yuka , Katagiri Fumika , Nojiri Saki , Yamada Yuki , Miyajima Eri , Matsumoto Mayuko , Komatsu Emi , Nakajima Yukari , Urai Tamae , Murakado Naoko , Nakatani Toshio
Published: April 2015

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of the combined use of Japanese honey and hydrocolloid dressing (HCD) on cutaneous wound healing. Mice were divided into four groups: the Acacia (Japan) + HCD, Manuka (New Zealand) + HCD, Chinese milk vetch (Japan) + HCD, and HCD (control) groups. The mice received two full-thickness wounds. The wounds of the HCD group were covered with HCD, whereas those of the other groups were treated with 0.1 mL of the relevant type of honey, before being covered with HCD. Wound area was significantly smaller in the HCD group than in the Acacia + HCD and Manuka + HCD groups on day 13 and days 8–14, respectively. Moreover, compared with the HCD group, reepithelialization was delayed in the Acacia + HCD group and reepithelialization and collagen deposition were delayed in the Chinese milk vetch + HCD and Manuka + HCD groups. These results indicate that the combined use of Japanese honey and HCD does not promote cutaneous wound healing compared with the use of HCD alone. Thus, this method is probably not useful for promoting healing.
Image Structure-Preserving Denoising Based on Difference Curvature Driven Fractional Nonlinear Diffusion
Authors: Yin Xuehui , Zhou Shangbo
Published: April 2015

The traditional integer-order partial differential equations and gradient regularization based image denoising techniques often suffer from staircase effect, speckle artifacts, and the loss of image contrast and texture details. To address these issues, in this paper, a difference curvature driven fractional anisotropic diffusion for image noise removal is presented, which uses two new techniques, fractional calculus and difference curvature, to describe the intensity variations in images. The fractional-order derivatives information of an image can deal well with the textures of the image and achieve a good tradeoff between eliminating speckle artifacts and restraining staircase effect. The difference curvature constructed by the second order derivatives along the direction of gradient of an image and perpendicular to the gradient can effectively distinguish between ramps and edges. Fourier transform technique is also proposed to compute the fractional-order derivative. Experimental results demonstrate that the proposed denoising model can avoid speckle artifacts and staircase effect and preserve important features such as curvy edges, straight edges, ramps, corners, and textures. They are obviously superior to those of traditional integral based methods. The experimental results also reveal that our proposed model yields a good visual effect and better values of MSSIM and PSNR.
Nuclear Factor Kappa B, Matrix Metalloproteinase-1, p53, and Ki-67 Expressions in the Primary Tumors and the Lymph Node Metastases of Colorectal Cancer Cases
Authors: Meteoglu Ibrahim , Erdogdu Ibrahim Halil , Tuncyurek Pars , Coskun Adil , Culhaci Nil , Erkus Muhan , Barutca Sabri
Published: April 2015

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the third most frequent malignancy. Many factors such as NF-κB, matrix metalloproteinase-1 (MMP-1), p53, and Ki-67 are likely to be involved in its development and progression. Lymph node metastases indicate increased tumor burden and tumor cell heterogeneity and affect both the treatment strategies and the prognosis. In this study, expressions of NF-κB, MMP-1, p53, and Ki-67 were between the primary tumors and lymph node metastases in 110 Dukes’ stage C, CRC cases by immunohistochemical methods, related to patients’ clinical outcomes. NF-κB, p53, and Ki-67 expressions were significantly higher in the metastatic lymph nodes compared to the primary tumor tissues (P=0.04,P=0.04, andP=0.01, resp.). In the metastatic lymph nodes NF-κB expression was correlated with both p53 (r=0.546,P=0.003) and Ki-67 (r=0.586,P=0.0001) expressions. The univariant and multivariant analyses showed that only “pT stage” preserved an independent prognostic significance for recurrence-free survival rates and 5-year overall survival rates (P<0.001for both). Metastatic cells can acquire different biological characteristics compared to their primaries. Elucidation of properties acquired by metastatic cells is important in order to better determine prognosis, reverse drug resistance, and discover new treatment alternatives.
Headspace-Solid-Phase Microextraction-Gas Chromatography as Analytical Methodology for the Determination of Volatiles in Wild Mushrooms and Evaluation of Modifications Occurring during Storage
Authors: Costa Rosaria , De Grazia Selenia , Grasso Elisa , Trozzi Alessandra
Published: April 2015

Mushrooms are sources of food, medicines, and agricultural means. Not much is reported in the literature about wild species of the Mediterranean flora, although many of them are traditionally collected for human consumption. The knowledge of their chemical constituents could represent a valid tool for both taxonomic and physiological characterizations. In this work, a headspace-solid-phase microextraction (HS-SPME) method coupled with GC-MS and GC-FID was developed to evaluate the volatile profiles of ten wild mushroom species collected in South Italy. In addition, in order to evaluate the potential of this analytical methodology for true quantitation of volatiles, samples of the cultivated speciesAgaricus bisporuswere analyzed. The choice of this mushroom was dictated by its ease of availability in the food market, due to the consistent amounts required for SPME method development. For calibration of the main volatile compounds, the standard addition method was chosen. Finally, the assessed volatile composition ofA. bisporuswas monitored in order to evaluate compositional changes occurring during storage, which represents a relevant issue for such a wide consumption edible product.
Enhanced GAB2 Expression Is Associated with Improved Survival in High-Grade Serous Ovarian Cancer and Sensitivity to PI3K Inhibition
Authors: Davis Sally J. , Sheppard Karen E. , Anglesio Michael S. , George Joshy , Traficante Nadia , Fereday Sian , Intermaggio Maria P. , Menon Usha , Gentry-Maharaj Aleksandra , Lubinski Jan , Gronwald Jacek , Pearce Celeste Leigh , Pike Malcolm C. , Wu Anna , Kommoss Stefan , Pfisterer Jacobus , du Bois Andreas , Hilpert Felix , Ramus Susan J. , Bowtell David D.L. , Huntsman David G. , Pearson Richard B. , Simpson Kaylene J. , Campbell Ian G. , Gorringe Kylie L.
Published: April 2015

Identification of genomic alterations defining ovarian carcinoma subtypes may aid the stratification of patients to receive targeted therapies. We characterized high-grade serous ovarian carcinoma (HGSC) for the association of amplified and overexpressed genes with clinical outcome using gene expression data from 499 HGSC patients in the Ovarian Tumor Tissue Analysis cohort for 11 copy number amplified genes: ATP13A4, BMP8B, CACNA1C, CCNE1, DYRK1B, GAB2, PAK4, RAD21, TPX2, ZFP36, and URI. The Australian Ovarian Cancer Study and The Cancer Genome Atlas datasets were also used to assess the correlation between gene expression, patient survival, and tumor classification. In a multivariate analysis, high GAB2 expression was associated with improved overall and progression-free survival (P = 0.03 and 0.02), whereas high BMP8B and ATP13A4 were associated with improved progression-free survival (P = 0.004 and P = 0.02). GAB2 overexpression and copy number gain were enriched in the AOCS C4 subgroup. High GAB2 expression correlated with enhanced sensitivity in vitro to the dual PI3K/mTOR inhibitor PF-04691502 and could be used as a genomic marker for identifying patients who will respond to treatments inhibiting PI3K signaling. Mol Cancer Ther; 14(6); 1495–503. ©2015 AACR.
Use of the Chick Embryo Model in Uveal Melanoma
Authors: Kalirai Helen , Shahidipour Haleh , Coupland Sarah E. , Luyten Gregorius
Published: April 2015

Animal models play a crucial role in basic and translational oncology research. Conventional rodent experiments, however, face ethical, practical and technical issues that limit their use. The chick embryo represents an accessible and economical in vivo model, which has long been used in developmental biology and for the study of angiogenesis. It is also a recognised xenograft model, and because of its lack of immune system in early development, the chick embryo has established itself as a key model system for cancer research, with which to study various steps in the metastatic process. In this chapter, we review the chick embryo model and the technical approaches adopted by cancer biologists, including advances in real-time imaging, and discuss how this has been or can be applied to improve our understanding of the biological events during uveal melanoma development and metastasis.
Uveal Melanoma Metastasis Models
Authors: Yang Hua , Cao Jinfeng , Grossniklaus Hans E.
Published: April 2015

Metastatic disease is the leading cause of death among patients with uveal melanoma. Treatment options for patients with clinically disseminated disease are usually unsuccessful. In vitro and in vivo models are important tools to investigate the pathogenesis of metastatic uveal melanomas and develop treatments for the metastases. In vitro experimental approaches focusing on cell invasion/migration which mimic the steps of the complex metastatic process may also be used for the identification of potential anti-invasion/migration drugs that may inhibit the spreading of tumor cells or the development of metastases. The effects of these drugs must subsequently be confirmed in reliable in vivo models before entering the clinical trial phase. Several models of intraocular melanoma with metastases in rodents and rabbits are currently being used. Most experimental models of uveal melanoma metastases require injection or implantation of melanoma cells into orthotopic locations, including into the liver, spleen, tail vein, or the left ventricle of the heart, in order to mimic the metastatic process.
Establishment of an Orthotopic Xenograft Mice Model of Retinoblastoma Suitable for Preclinical Testing
Authors: Cassoux Nathalie , Thuleau Aurélie , Assayag Franck , Aerts Isabelle , Decaudin Didier
Published: April 2015

Retinoblastoma is a rare cancer that occurs during childhood. The goal of current and future therapeutic strategies is to conserve the eye and visual function without using external beam radiotherapy, which is known to increase the risk of secondary cancers in genetically predisposed patients. Multimodality therapy (usually intravenous but also intra-arterial and intravitreal chemotherapy, transpupillary thermotherapy, cryotherapy, or brachytherapy) has recently improved the eye salvage rate in retinoblastoma and has led to a decreased need for external beam radiotherapy. However, the treatment of advanced intraocular retinoblastoma remains a real challenge, especially in cases of vitreous and subretinal seeding. There is a need for alternative and less toxic therapies as well as for better ways to administer the drugs. Animal models are an integral part of preclinical research in the field of oncology. This paper describes the different xenograft rodent models published in the literature so far. We will also describe a new orthotopic xenografted retinoblastoma model in immunodeficient mice, which is suitable for preclinical assays. The xenograft model was established from tumor tissue obtained directly from surgical samples and closely mimics human retinoblastoma.
Expression of Multidrug Resistance Transporter ABCB5 in a Murine Model of Human Conjunctival Melanoma
Authors: de Waard Nadine E. , Kolovou Paraskevi E. , McGuire Sean P. , Cao Jinfeng , Frank Natasha Y. , Frank Markus H. , Jager Martine J. , Ksander Bruce R.
Published: April 2015

Conjunctival melanoma (CM) is a rare ocular malignancy with a high tendency to reoccur locally and with a high risk of metastatic disease. Metastases are often unresponsive to conventional treatment. Recently, an animal model was set up using human CM cells. Orthotopic xenografts from human CM were created by subconjunctival injection of three different CM cell lines into NOD.Cg-Prkdcscid IL2rgtm1Wjl/SzJ (NSG) mice. Subconjunctival injection of cultured CM cells led to excellent subconjunctival growth, but no metastases were found. When single-cell suspensions were obtained from the subconjunctival xenografts and passaged in vivo, all mice developed metastases. As recent findings indicate that cancer stem cells are linked to tumor recurrences, we used this new murine model to determine the expression of the stem cell marker ABCB5 during tumor progression. Expression of the ABCB5 protein was determined in three cell lines and during different stages of tumor development as observed in our model. All three cell lines contained a subpopulation of cells positive for ABCB5. During tumor development, expression of ABCB5 increased during phases of tumor expansion. Furthermore, expression of ABCB5 was increased in metastases. Using this model for CM, we were able to initiate metastatic spread and determine the expression of the stem cell marker ABCB5 during different stages of tumor development, identifying ABCB5 as a potential novel therapeutic target. This study illustrates the potential of our newly established murine model.
Effect of Angiotensin Receptor Blockers on Flow-Mediated Vasodilation: A Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials
Authors: Chen Jian-Dong , Liu Ming , Chen Xiao-hu , Yang Zhi-Jian
Published: April 2015

Background: In a meta-analysis, we investigated the effects of angiotensin receptor blockers (ARBs) in comparison to placebo or other classes of antihypertensive drugs on endothelial function, which was measured by brachial flow-mediated vasodilation (FMD). Methods: We searched for randomized controlled trials that compared ARBs with placebo or other classes of antihypertensive drugs in improving FMD. A random-effect model was used to compute pooled estimates. Results: In 13 trials (n = 529), ARBs were more efficacious in improving brachial FMD than placebo [pooled weighted mean change difference (WMD) 1.34%, 95% CI, 0.93-1.75%, p < 0.001]. In 15 trials (n = 918), treatment with ARBs had a significant effect on brachial FMD when compared with other antihypertensive drugs (pooled WMD 0.59%, 95% CI, 0.20-0.98%, p = 0.003 with significant heterogeneity). ARBs were also more efficacious in improving brachial FMD than calcium channel blockers (CCBs; pooled WMD 1.61%, 95% CI, 0.72-2.49%, p < 0.001) but not the other classes of drugs (p ≥ 0.072). Conclusions: This meta-analysis shows that ARBs improve brachial FMD, a marker of endothelial function, and that they are superior to placebo and CCBs. There was no significant difference in the effect on brachial FMD between ARBs and the other antihypertensive drugs.
Effect of Left Ventricular Ejection Fraction on Postoperative Outcome in Patients With Severe Aortic Stenosis Undergoing Aortic Valve Replacement
Authors: Dahl Jordi S. , Eleid Mackram F. , Michelena Hector I. , Scott Christopher G. , Suri Rakesh M. , Schaff Hartzell V. , Pellikka Patricia A.
Published: April 2015

Background—

In asymptomatic patients with severe aortic stenosis, guidelines recommend left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) of <50% as the threshold for referral for aortic valve replacement. We investigated the importance of LVEF on long-term outcome after aortic valve replacement in symptomatic and asymptomatic patients with severe aortic stenosis.

Methods and Results—

We retrospectively identified 2017 patients with severe aortic stenosis (aortic valve area<1 cm
2
, mean gradient≥40 mm Hg, or indexed aortic valve area<0.6 cm
2
/m
2
) who underwent surgical aortic valve replacement from January 1995 to June 2009. Patients were divided into 4 groups depending on preoperative LVEF (<50% in 300 [15%] patients, 50%–59% in 331 [17%], 60%–69% in 908 [45%], and ≥70% in 478 [24%]). During follow-up of 5.3±4.4 years, 1056 (52%) patients died. A decrease in mortality was observed with increasing LVEF,
P
<0.0001; 5-year mortality estimates (95% confidence interval) were 0.41 (0.35–0.47), LVEF<50%; 0.35 (0.29–0.41), LVEF 50% to 59%; 0.26 (0.23–0.29), LVEF 60% to 69%; and 0.22 (0.18–0.26), LVEF≥70%. Compared with patients with LVEF≥60%, patients with LVEF 50% to 59% had increased mortality (hazard ratio [HR], 1.58;
P
<0.001), with similar risk increase in both symptomatic (HR, 1.56;
P
<0.001) and asymptomatic patients (HR, 1.58;
P
=0.006). Correcting for risk factors, LV mass index, aortic valve area, and stroke volume index, LVEF was independently predictive of mortality (HR, 0.88 per 10%;
P
<0.001). When this analysis was repeated in the subset of 1333 patients without history of coronary artery disease, LVEF remained associated with mortality (HR, 0.90 per 10%;
P
=0.009).

Conclusions—

LVEF is a powerful predictor of outcome in patients with severe aortic stenosis undergoing aortic valve replacement, independent of the presence of valve-related symptoms.
Popular Reading of the Bible in Revolutionary and Imperial Times
Authors: Barolín Darío
Published: April 2015

The present article aims at delineating the context in which the Popular Reading of the Bible was born and how it found its calling to walk beside the people in that dramatic situation. Times have changed drastically, however, and the utopia of a new social and economic order is out of the closed horizon. Even further is the idea that such change will resolve every situation of suffering of those excluded from the system. Empire is the new context and this demands to extend the understanding of politics. Therefore it is necessary to nourish the theological task and the biblical reading in the honest and out of anxiety encounter with suffering people. It is in this context of listening and learning that the Popular Reading of the Bible may facilitate the encounter of people with its God.
The Free Market and the Liberation of Faith
Authors: Míguez Néstor O.
Published: April 2015

This article introduces the issue of economics in Latin-American theology and explores the opposite meanings of freedom and liberation in the market and the theological vocabulary, with special attention to the Latin-American region in its present context. It considers how the imperial ‘free market’ functions at a globalized level, and the economic and political outcome of the neoliberal market system. It also focuses on the consequences of these phenomena with regard to human subjectivity, and what can be called the ‘capture of desire’, the creating a desire for others. The consumption structure of late capitalism ends in the denial of the other as an autonomous subject, with destructive consequences for human life and communities. Its oppressive mechanisms work basically at symbolic level, and destroy the freedom they claim to protect. Over against that we find the Christian concept of love, the responsibility for the neighbour, the other in need, and understand true liberation as the possibility of a desire with the other.
DANIEL VON CZEPKOS CONSOLATIO AD BARONISSAM CZIGANEAM
Authors: Ingen Ferdinand van
Published: April 2015

Czepkos Trostschrift für Barbara von Czigan (Consolatio ad Baronissam Cziganeam) war bisher hauptsächlich Beleg für die mystischen bzw. pansophischen Neigungen des Autors. Vorliegendes Referat versucht, teilweise im Anschluß an die Untersuchungen von Annemarie Meier und Sibylle Rusterholz, neue Ansätze zu finden und stellt die Schrift in die Tradition der Konsolationsliteratur. Im Mittelpunkt der Analysen steht die durchgreifende rhetorische Gestaltung: eine literarische Glanzleistung des jungen Czepko. Nachgewiesen wird dabei die Schlüsselrolle des Liebesbegriffs. Den Hohepunkt stellt die Vergegenwärtigung der Gestorbenen mittels der Liebe und Herzensempfindung der Schwester dar. Czepko scheint hier eine 'Philosophie der Empfindung' zu entwickeln, die seinem Text einen besonderen Charakter verleiht. Sie bedeutet eine erstaunliche Erneuerung der Gattung Consolatio.
"ICH BIN DIE DEUTSCHE REDLICHKEIT"
Authors: Goodman Katherine R.
Published: April 2015

Christiane Mariane von Ziegler wrote these 33 letters between 1731 and 1733. They illuminate both her character and particular events in her life during the years between her invitation to join the Deutsche Gesellschaft and her coronation as poet laureate. Ziegler actively participated in some of the intrigues surrounding the first Professor of German Rhetoric in Halle, Johann Ernst Philippi. Her involvement in these intrigues provoked Philippi to acts of revenge that ultimately damaged Ziegler's own reputation. Orchestrating much of the mischief from afar were the Liscow brothers and Hagedorn, opponents of the gallant and heroic style in literature. The letters are reprinted her for the first time since 1792.
VADIANS POMPONIUS MELA EIN STÜCK BUCHGESCHICHTE
Authors: Alicke Gerhard
Published: April 2015

Pomponius Mela, Spanier im römischen Weltreich, verfaßte 43/44 n. eh. eine Erdbeschreibung De chorographia, später allgemein bekannt unter De situ orbis. Mela beschrieb darin das Wissen über die zu seiner Zeit bekannte Welt. Es ist das älteste erhaltene geographische Werk der römischen Literatur. Die Originalhandschrift ging verloren, Abschriften sind jedoch vorhanden. Jahrhundertelang in Vergessenheit geraten, von Petrarca wiederentdeckt, wurde Melas Werk bis heute viele Male neu herausgegeben. Einer der Editoren war der St. Gallener Humanist Vadian, der Vorlesungen über Pomponius Mela an der Wiener Universität hielt und ihn 1518 zum ersten Mal herausgab, mit einer Fülle von Anmerkungen und Erklärungen (Scholien), die den eigentlichen Mela - Text um ein Vielfaches übersteigen. Diese Edition, eines der humanistischen Erfolgsbücher, wurde in den darauffolgenden Jahrzehnten von Vadian immer wieder überarbeitet, ergänzt, verbessert und von Basler Druckern herausgebracht.
FRISCHLINS EPOS ÜBER DIE WÜRTTEMBERGISCH-BADISCHE HOCHZEIT VON 1575 UND ZWEI NEUE BRIEFE FRISCHLINS
Authors: Ludwig Walther
Published: April 2015

Panegyrische Kunst ist Thema: die Wirtembergicarum nuptiarum Libri VII Frischlins, das vielleicht umfangreichste Hochzeits- und Turnierepos der Renaissance, werden erstmals historisch und literarisch untersucht (Veranlassung, Entstehung, Aufbau und Vergilimitation des Epos, gesellschaftliches Umfeld, Antikerezeption in den Festspielen, Bildungsvoraussetzungen).
"SUNDER DASS ER ZUE DEN STERNEN KAM, DIE DER GROSS ALEXANDER FAND"
Authors: Bärmann Michael
Published: April 2015

Der Beitrag unternimmt den Versuch, anhand zweier Textpassagen aus dem Familienbuch der Herren von Eptingen eine Rezeption sowohl der Alexanderdichtung als auch des Reiseberichts Jeans de Mandeville nachzuweisen und insbesondere die produktive Aneignung des Alexanderstoffes auf die im Spätmittelalter für den Basler Raum zumindest in Umrissen faßbare handschriftliche Überlieferung (Basler Alexander) zurückzuführen. Aufgrund der bereits von der älteren Forschung wiederholt erwogenen verwandtschaftlichen Verflechtung zwischen den Eptingem und den Herren von Staufen werden, unter Berücksichtigung weiterer Zeugnisse, darüber hinaus möglicherweise gemeinsame literarische Interessen greifbar, die auf eine familiengeschichtliche Aneignung des Alexanderstoffes hindeuten.
DIE REZEPTION SPANISCHER DRAMEN AM WIENER KAISERHOF DES 17. JAHRHUNDERTS
Authors: Noe Alfred
Published: April 2015

The study opens with an outline of the state of research concerning the reception of the Spanish drama at the imperial court of Vienna in the 17th century, the historical connections between the Spanish and the Austrian Habsburgs forming the starting point for a description of Emperor Leopold's I. literary interests as weH as the activities of his ambassador in Spain, Franz Eusebius count pötting. In particular, the Viennese representation of Calderón's Fineza contra fineza (1671) proves its importance by the editio princeps being realised in the imperial capital. The foHowing part of the study offers a chronological analysis of the 15 documented representations of Spanish dramas at the Viennese court. The reader will find short summaries of the identified plays as weH as references to tranlations, adaptations and similarities with contemporary works of imperial court poets.
ENCOMIUM MUSICAE UND MUSICA HISTORICA
Authors: Jahn Bernhard
Published: April 2015

Der Beitrag stellt die Frage nach dem Zusammenhang zwischen Musikgeschichtsschreibung und der Gattung des Encomium Musicae in der Frühen Neuzeit. Die Geschichtlichkeit der Musik wird in diesem Zeitraum zunächst als Argument im Rahmen eines Lobes der Musik eingesetzt. Das Encomium Musicae besteht, wie an Texten von Scherffer, Kleinwechter und Printz gezeigt wird, aus vier Topoi (ortus, progressus, usus und abusus musicae). Aus dem Topos progressus musicae entwickelt sich im 18. Iahrhundert die moderne Musikgeschichtsschreibung.
THE GERMAN KIRCHENGESANGBUCH: A LITERARY PHENOMENON OF THE SIXTEENTH CENTURY
Authors: Classen Albrecht
Published: April 2015

Musicologists and theologians have often paid close attention to the genre of the church song book which was basically created by Martin Luther, but soon found many imitators and developed into a genre on its own. Surprisingly, however, literary scholars have mostly ignored the church song books, although they contain highly valuable collections of sixteenth-century church songs, important prologues and epilogues, and other text types. The present article offers a broad overview of the genre, discusses major contributors, and also demonstrates that a significant number of religious women were also involved in composing church songs and in editing church song books. In fact, the analysis of this genre demonstrates that in the history of sixteenth-century German literature women were well represented and utilized the church song as a medium to find their own literary voice.
EIN FREUNDSCHAFTSGEDICHT VON PETRUS OHEIM
Authors: Ludwig Walther
Published: April 2015

Ein handschriftlich in einem Exemplar des Erotodidascalus von Caspar von Barth (1625) überliefertes deutsches Freundschaftsgedicht des Leipzigers Petrus Oheim von 1657 wird hier erstmals ediert. Nach Feststellung seiner bisher unbekannten Biographie wird das Gedicht in seiner Lebenssituation, in den Bezügen zum Laelius Ciceros und auf dem Hintergrund der deutschen Freundschaftslyrik interpretiert. Nach den Forschungen zum Freundschaftsthema bei prominenten Autoren des 17. Jahrhunderts zeigt das Gedicht, daß die Sitte derartiger Freundschaftsgedichte auch in oberen Gymnasialklassen wie denen der sächsischen Fürstenschu1e Schu1-Pforta Verbreitung gefunden hatte und dort zum Ausdruck von Freundschaften dienen konnte.
MYTHOS UND MISSVERSTÄNDNIS
Authors: Schwarz Alexander
Published: April 2015

Zusammenfassung: Der Eulenspiegel der Erwachsenen ist heute ein Mythos. Der stlitzt sich allerdings nicht auf jene Text-Versionen, die ihn explizieren, sondern auf die Kinderbuchfassungen, die das mit ihrem harmlos-fröhlichen Till nicht tun. Der Unterschied zwischen Kinder- und Erwachsenen-Eulenspiegel ist folglich einer der Leseweise. Sie betrifft vor allem den männlichen, einsamen und vagabundierenden melancholischen Narren der mythischen Lesart. Gegenüber diesen Merkmalen Eulenspiegels haben sich seit dem 16. lahrhundert die Einstellungen erwachsener Leser so stark verschoben, dass der Mythos Eulenspiegel nicht weniger als Missverständnis gegenliber dem Eulenspiegel der impliziten Leser des 16. lahrhunderts erscheint als der lustige Till. Allerdings ist zu fragen, ob nicht jede Zeit den ihr gemäßen Eulenspiegel haben dart und soll.
EINE EHEBRECHERIN UNTER MÖNCHEN
Authors: Engel Sabine
Published: April 2015

In diesem Beitrag wird ein Gemälde Rocco Marconis, Christus und die Ehebrecherin, in seinem monastischen Kontext untersucht. Marconis Adultera wurde speziell und als einzige bildliche Dekoration für den Kapitelsaal des renommierten venezianischen Klosters S. Giorgio Maggiore konzipiert. Abgesehen davon, daß es vielfach als Vorlage für Kopien diente, war es auch maßgebend für die malerische Ausstattung von Kapitelsalen, in denen bis dahin lediglich Kreuzigungsszenen oder Kreuzabnahmen Eingang gefunden hatten. Es wird der Stifter benannt und die zentrale Aufgabe rekonstruiert, die dem Gemälde beim täglichen Zeremoniell der Fratres, dem capitola delle colpe, zukam.
LEBENS- UND REGIERUNGS-MAXIMEN EINES FÜRSTEN
Authors: Pol Roberto De
Published: April 2015

Der Principe von Machiavelli, zwei Jahrhunderte lang Objekt einer heftigen politischen und moralischen Debatte, wurde in Deutschland entweder in der Originalsprache oder in lateinischer Übersetzung gelesen und war daher nur wenigen gelehrten Fachleuten zugänglich. Eine erste deutsche Übersetzung von 1692 blieb handschriftlich und war praktisch verschollen. Zweiundzwanzig Jahre später gelangte eine zweite, eigens zum Zweck der Veröffentlichung verfertigte Übersetzung in den Druck, wurde aber trotz der aufklärerischen Absicht, einer breiten Leserschaft den verrufenen Machiavelli in seinem eigenen Wortlaut zu eröffnen, praktisch totgeschwiegen. Der vorliegende Aufsatz versucht, die anonym und mit fingiertem Druckort 1714 erschienenen Lebens- und Regierungs-Maximen eines Fürsten sprachlich und kulturgeschichtlich zu erörtem und die beachtliche Leistung des unbekannten Übersetzers nachträglich zu würdigen.
SA TIRISCHE KLEINEPIK IM KONTEXT STÄNDISCHER AUSEINANDERSETZUNGEN
Authors: Seidel Robert
Published: April 2015

Petrus Johannes Beronicius (gest. 1673) verarbeitet in seinem satirischen Kleinepos Georgarchontomachia historische Ereignisse, die im Jahre 1672 die zeeländische Insel Walcheren erschütterten. Anders als es der an die pseudo-homerische Batrachomyomachia angelehnte Titel erwarten läßt, bildet allerdings nicht der Aufstand der 'Bauern' gegen die 'Herrschenden' den Kern der Auseinandersetzungen, vielmehr rekapituliert Beronicius in eindeutig patrizierfreundlicher Gesinnung die innerstädtischen Konflikte zwischen den Ratsgeschlechtern und den Vertretern der Gilden.
GELEHRTENKULTUR UND ANTITRINITARISCHE HÄRESIE AN DER NÜRNBERGER AKADEMIE ZU ALTDORF
Authors: Schmeisser Martin , Birnstiel Klaus
Published: April 2015

Die Nürnberger Akademie zu Altdorf gilt aufgrund des Dissidentenkreises um den Philosophie- und Medizinprofessor Ernst Soner (1573-1612) als das bedeutendste Zentrum des Antitrinitarismus im Reichsgebiet. Aus dem Zirkel um Soner gingen namhafte Vertreter der Ecclesia minor hervor, wie Martin Ruarus (1588-1657) und Johann Crell (1590-1633). Trotz seiner Bedeutung wurden dem Altdorfer ‘Kryptosozinianismus’ bislang nur wenige Einzelstudien gewidmet. Der thematische Schwerpunkt des vorliegenden Beitrags bilden die intellektuellen Voraussetzungen und die soziokulturellen Rahmenbedingungen, welche die Genese nonkonformer religiöser Anschauungen an der Academia Norica in der ersten Hälfte des 17. Jahrhunderts bestimmt haben. In den Blick genommen werden zudem die Kommunikationsformen der Altdorfer Dissidenten, die zu beobachtenden Prozesse des Aushandelns von Kompromissen und die Formen praktizierter Toleranz seitens der Obrigkeit.
“SCHAU IN DEM TEMPEL AN DEN GANZ ZERSTÜCKTEN LEIB, DER AUF DEM KREUZE LIEGET”
Authors: Weidner Daniel
Published: April 2015

Der Beitrag untersucht am Beispiel von Gryphius’ Leo Armenius das Zusammenspiel von Repräsentation und Präsenz im barocken Theater. Ausgehend vom Antagonismus politischer und heilsgeschichtlicher Deutungen des barocken Welttheatertopos wird eine (theater-)semiotische Lektüre vorgeschlagen, die sich insbesondere an den heiligen Zeichen sowie an ihrem Modell, dem Sakrament, orientiert. Dazu wird rekonstruiert, wie im Stück über das Problem der Zeichenhaftigkeit reflektiert wird, wodurch die — unentscheidbar zwischen Präsenz und Absenz schwankende — Inszenierung bzw. Verhüllung des Kreuzeszeichens auf der Bühne als grundlegende Reflexion über Theatralität lesbar wird.
NOTIZ
Authors: Löffler Anette
Published: April 2015

Der Barockdichter Paul Fleming (1609–1640) hinterließ ein umfangreiches literarisches Werk, jedoch nur wenige Autographen. In den Jahren 1622 bis 1628 war Fleming Schüler an der berühmten Leipziger Thomas-Schule, wo er unter anderem bei dem berühmten Thomas-Kantor Johann Hermann Schein lernte. Zu Beginn seines Leipziger Aufenthaltes 1622 schrieb Fleming einen Brief an seinen Vater Abraham, in dem er ihn um Noten bat, aber auch um einige Lebensmittel. Dieser private Brief galt seit dem Zweiten Weltkrieg als verschollen. Anläßlich der Aufarbeitung des Altbestandes in der Chemnitzer Stadtbibliothek tauchte dieser wichtige Brief wieder auf. Er stellt eines der wenigen und zugleich das früheste autographe Schriftzeugnis von Paul Fleming dar.
BARTHOLOMÄUS RINGWALDT ALS ÜBERSETZER
Authors: Masiero Federica
Published: April 2015

Im Mittelpunkt der vorliegenden Untersuchung steht die Tätigkeit des protestantischen Pfaffers Bartholomäus Ringwaldt als Übersetzer. Obwohl auf Ringwaldt als Übersetzer hinzuweisen bedeutet, nur einen kleinen Ausschnitt seiner literarischen Tätigkeit zu bennen, gewährt uns eine vergleichende Analyse seiner deutschen Übersetzung der lateinischen Komödie Daniel Cramers Plagium mit dem Original und mit zwei weiteren zeitgenössischen Übertragungen aufschlussreiche Einblicke nicht nur in sein Übersetzungsverfahren, sondern auch in die Eigenheit seines Schreibstils.