bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Revisiting the Low‐Frequency Dipolar Perturbation by an Impenetrable Ellipsoid in a Conductive Surrounding
Authors: Vafeas Panayiotis
Published: November 2017

This contribution deals with the scattering by a metallic ellipsoidal target, embedded in a homogeneous conductive medium, which is stimulated when a 3D time‐harmonic magnetic dipole is operating at the low‐frequency realm. The incident, the scattered, and the total three‐dimensional electromagnetic fields, which satisfy Maxwell’s equations, yield low‐frequency expansions in terms of positive integral powers of the complex‐valued wave number of the exterior medium. We preserve the static Rayleigh approximation and the first three dynamic terms, while the additional terms of minor contribution are neglected. The Maxwell‐type problem is transformed into intertwined potential‐type boundary value problems with impenetrable boundary conditions, whereas the environment of a genuine ellipsoidal coordinate system provides the necessary setting for tackling such problems in anisotropic space. The fields are represented via nonaxisymmetric infinite series expansions in terms of harmonic eigenfunctions, affiliated with the ellipsoidal system, obtaining analytical closed‐form solutions in a compact fashion. Until nowadays, such problems were attacked by using the very few ellipsoidal harmonics exhibiting an analytical form. In the present article, we address this issue by incorporating the full series expansion of the potentials and utilizing the entire subspace of ellipsoidal harmonic eigenfunctions.
ERβ Sensitizes NSCLC to Chemotherapy by Regulating DNA Damage Response
Authors: Nikolos Fotis , Thomas Christoforos , Bado Igor , Gustafsson Jan-Åke
Published: November 2017

The expression of wild-type estrogen receptor β (ESR2/ERβ1) correlates with clinical outcome in patients with non–small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). However, the molecular mechanism that accounts for this association is currently poorly understood. ERβ1 was previously linked to chemotherapy response in patients with breast cancer and in breast cancer cells. The effect of the receptor in NSCLC cells after chemotherapy treatment, a common remedy for advanced NSCLC, has not been studied. Here, upregulation of ERβ1 increases the sensitivity of NSCLC cells to treatment with doxorubicin and etoposide. This effect was primarily observed in p53-defecient NSCLC cells. In these cells, ERβ1 either enhanced G2–M cell-cycle arrest by activating the checkpoint kinase 1 (Chk1) and altering downstream signaling or induced apoptosis. The expression of p63 target genes that control G2–M checkpoint activation was altered by ERβ1 suggesting an ERβ1–p63 transcriptional cooperation in lung cancer cells that affects DNA damage response (DDR). These results suggest involvement of ERβ1 in the mechanism that regulates DNA damage response in NSCLC cells and support the potential predictive and therapeutic value of the receptor in clinical management of the disease.

Implications: This study demonstrating the impact of ERβ1 on chemosensitivity of NSCLC cells suggests the predictive value of the receptor for successful response of tumors to chemotherapy and the potential benefit of chemotherapy-treated patients from the use of ER ligands. Mol Cancer Res; 16(2); 233–42. ©2017 AACR.
ETV4 Facilitates Cell-Cycle Progression in Pancreatic Cells through Transcriptional Regulation of Cyclin D1
Authors: Tyagi Nikhil , Deshmukh Sachin K. , Srivastava Sanjeev K. , Azim Shafquat , Ahmad Aamir , AL-Ghadhban Ahmed , Singh Ajay P. , Carter James E. , Wang Bin , Singh Seema
Published: November 2017

The ETS family transcription factor ETV4 is aberrantly expressed in a variety of human tumors and plays an important role in carcinogenesis through upregulation of relevant target gene expression. Here, it is demonstrated that ETV4 is overexpressed in pancreatic cancer tissues as compared with the normal pancreas, and is associated with enhanced growth and rapid cell-cycle progression of pancreatic cancer cells. ETV4 expression was silenced through stable expression of a specific short hairpin RNA (shRNA) in two pancreatic cancer cell lines (ASPC1 and Colo357), while it was ectopically expressed in BXPC3 cells. Silencing of ETV4 in ASPC1 and Colo357 cells reduced the growth by 55.3% and 38.9%, respectively, while forced expression of ETV4 in BXPC3 cells increased the growth by 46.8% in comparison with respective control cells. Furthermore, ETV4-induced cell growth was facilitated by rapid transition of cells from G1- to S-phase of the cell cycle. Mechanistic studies revealed that ETV4 directly regulates the expression of Cyclin D1 CCND1, a protein crucial for cell-cycle progression from G1- to S-phase. These effects on the growth and cell cycle were reversed by the forced expression of Cyclin D1 in ETV4-silenced pancreatic cancer cells. Altogether, these data provide the first experimental evidence for a functional role of ETV4 in pancreatic cancer growth and cell-cycle progression.

Implications: The functional and mechanistic data presented here regarding ETV4 in pancreatic cancer growth and cell-cycle progression suggest that ETV4 could serve as a potential biomarker and novel target for pancreatic cancer therapy. Mol Cancer Res; 16(2); 187–96. ©2017 AACR.
Dietary Nutrient Intake, Ethnicity, and Epigenetic Silencing of Lung Cancer Genes Detected in Sputum in New Mexican Smokers
Authors: Leng Shuguang , Picchi Maria A. , Kang Huining , Wu Guodong , Filipczak Piotr T. , Juri Daniel E. , Zhang Xiequn , Gauderman W. James , Gilliland Frank D. , Belinsky Steven A.
Published: November 2017

Lung cancer gene methylation detected in sputum assesses field cancerization and predicts lung cancer incidence. Hispanic smokers have higher lung cancer susceptibility compared with non-Hispanic whites (NHW). We aimed to identify novel dietary nutrients affecting lung cancer gene methylation and determine the degree of ethnic disparity in methylation explained by diet. Dietary intakes of 139 nutrients were assessed using a validated Harvard food frequency questionnaire in 327 Hispanics and 1,502 NHWs from the Lovelace Smokers Cohort. Promoter methylation of 12 lung cancer genes was assessed in sputum DNA. A global association was identified between dietary intake and gene methylation (Ppermutation = 0.003). Seventeen nutrient measurements were identified with magnitude of association with methylation greater than that seen for folate. A stepwise approach identified B12, manganese, sodium, and saturated fat as the minimally correlated set of nutrients whose optimal intakes could reduce the methylation by 36% (Ppermutation < 0.001). Six protective nutrients included vitamin D, B12, manganese, magnesium, niacin, and folate. Approximately 42% of ethnic disparity in methylation was explained by insufficient intake of protective nutrients in Hispanics compared with NHWs. Functional validation of protective nutrients showed an enhanced DNA repair capacity toward double-strand DNA breaks, a mechanistic biomarker strongly linked to acquisition of lung cancer gene methylation in smokers. Dietary intake is a major modifiable factor for preventing promoter methylation of lung cancer genes in smokers' lungs. Complex dietary supplements could be developed on the basis of these protective nutrients for lung cancer chemoprevention in smokers. Hispanic smokers may benefit the most from this complex for reducing their lung cancer susceptibility. Cancer Prev Res; 11(2); 93–102. ©2017 AACR.
A Prospective Study to Evaluate a Diagnostic Algorithm for the Use of Fluid Lymphocyte Subset Analysis in Undiagnosed Unilateral Pleural Effusions
Authors: Dixon Giles , Bhatnagar Rahul , Zahan-Evans Natalie , Clive Amelia O. , Virgo Paul F. , Brett Mary T. , Otton Sophie H. , Medford Andrew R.L. , Maskell Nick A.
Published: November 2017

Background: Haematological malignancy is an important cause of pleural effusion. Pleural effusions secondary to haematological malignancy are usually lymphocyte predominant. However, several other conditions such as carcinoma, tuberculosis, and chronic heart failure also cause lymphocytic effusions. Lymphocyte subset (LS) analysis may be a useful test to identify haematological malignancy in patients with lymphocytic effusions. However, research into their utility in pleural effusion diagnostic algorithms has not yet been published. Objectives: We aimed to determine the clinical utility of pleural fluid LS analysis and whether it can be applied to a diagnostic algorithm to identify effusions secondary to haematological malignancy. The secondary aim was to evaluate the diagnostic value of pleural fluid differential cell count. Methods: Consecutive consenting patients presenting to our pleural service between 2008 and 2013 underwent thoracentesis and differential cell count analysis. We proposed an algorithm which selected patients with lymphocytic effusions (>50%) to have further fluid sent for LS analysis. Two independent consultants agreed on the cause of the original effusion after a 12-month follow-up period. Results: A total of 60 patients had samples sent for LS analysis. LS analysis had an 80% sensitivity (8/10) and a 100% specificity for the diagnosis of haematological malignancy. The positive and negative predictive values were 100 and 96.1%, respectively. Overall 344 differential cell counts were analysed; 16% of pleural effusions with a malignant aetiology were neutrophilic or eosinophilic at presentation. A higher neutrophil and eosinophil count was associated with benign diagnoses, whereas a higher lymphocyte count was associated with malignant diagnoses. Conclusions: LS analysis may identify haematological malignancy in a specific cohort of patients with undiagnosed pleural effusions. A pleural fluid differential cell count provides useful additional information to streamline patient pathway decisions.
Recurrent Copy Number Variants Associated with Syndromic Short Stature of Unknown Cause
Authors: Homma Thais K. , Krepischi Ana C.V. , Furuya Tatiane K. , Honjo Rachel S. , Malaquias Alexsandra C. , Bertola Debora R. , Costa Silvia S. , Canton Ana P. , Roela Rosimeire A. , Freire Bruna L. , Kim Chong A. , Rosenberg Carla , Jorge Alexander A.L.
Published: November 2017

Background/Aims: Genetic imbalances are responsible for many cases of short stature of unknown etiology. This study aims to identify recurrent pathogenic copy number variants (CNVs) in patients with syndromic short stature of unknown cause. Methods: We selected 229 children with short stature and dysmorphic features, developmental delay, and/or intellectual disability, but without a recognized syndrome. All patients were evaluated by chromosomal microarray (array-based comparative genomic hybridization/single nucleotide polymorphism array). Additionally, we searched databases and previous studies to recover recurrent pathogenic CNVs associated with short stature. Results: We identified 32 pathogenic/probably pathogenic CNVs in 229 patients. By reviewing the literature, we selected 4 previous studies which evaluated CNVs in cohorts of patients with short stature. Taken together, there were 671 patients with short stature of unknown cause evaluated by chromosomal microarray. Pathogenic/probably pathogenic CNVs were identified in 87 patients (13%). Seven recurrent CNVs, 22q11.21, 15q26, 1p36.33, Xp22.33, 17p13.3, 1q21.1, 2q24.2, were observed. They are responsible for about 40% of all pathogenic/probably pathogenic genomic imbalances found in short stature patients of unknown cause. Conclusion: CNVs seem to play a significant role in patients with short stature. Chromosomal microarray should be used as a diagnostic tool for evaluation of growth disorders, especially for syndromic short stature of unknown cause.
Increased Bone Morphogenetic Protein Signaling in the Cutaneous Vasculature of Patients with Calciphylaxis
Authors: Nigwekar Sagar U. , Jiramongkolchai Pawina , Wunderer Florian , Bloch Emily , Ichinose Rika , Nazarian Rosalynn M. , Thadhani Ravi I. , Malhotra Rajeev , Bloch Donald B.
Published: November 2017

Background: The objective of this study was to investigate the role of bone morphogenetic protein (BMP) signal transduction in the pathogenesis of calciphylaxis. Methods: Skin biopsy specimens were obtained from 18 patients with, and 12 patients without, calciphylaxis. Tissue sections were stained with antibodies directed against BMP effector proteins phosphorylated-SMAD (p-SMAD) 1/5/9, inhibitor of DNA 1 (Id1), inhibitor of DNA 3 (Id3), and Runx2. The intensity of staining was scored semi-quantitatively as strong versus weak or absent. Results: Of the 18 patients with calciphylaxis (mean age: 59 ± 8 years), 9 were women and 15 had end-stage renal disease. Of the 12 control patients (mean age: 57 ± 10 years), 8 were women and 8 had end-stage renal disease. Strong staining for p-SMAD 1/5/9 was detected in blood vessels from all calciphylaxis patients. In 1 patient with calciphylaxis, strong staining for p-SMAD 1/5/9 was detected in a blood vessel that did not have evidence of calcification. Id1 and Id3 immunoreactivity was detected in blood vessels from all 12 patients with calciphylaxis that were tested. Runx2 staining was detected in all 6 patients with calciphylaxis who were tested. p-SMAD 1/5/9 immunoreactivity was weak or absent in blood vessels of 10 of the 12 control samples. Conclusions: The BMP signal transduction pathway is activated in the cutaneous vasculature of calciphylaxis patients. The ability to detect p-SMAD 1/5/9, Id1, and Id3 in cutaneous vasculature may assist in the diagnosis of calciphylaxis. As BMP signaling inhibitors become available, this pathway may serve as a future therapeutic target for calciphylaxis.
An Introduction to Contrast-Enhanced Ultrasound for Nephrologists
Authors: Chang Emily H.
Published: November 2017

Contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) is an emerging technology with no known nephrotoxicity. CEUS has been utilized in cardiac and abdominal imaging for decades in Asia and Europe and has recently received greater attention in the United States with its approval for characterization of indeterminate liver lesions. Emerging data suggest that CEUS has potential as a diagnostic imaging tool among individuals who have contraindications to CT and MRI. Few nephrologists are aware of CEUS and even fewer are aware of its potential applications among individuals with kidney disease. This review introduces CEUS to the nephrology community and provides a basic overview of CEUS technology. Knowledge of the applications, advantages, and disadvantages of CEUS provides the framework for nephrologists to make informed decisions regarding this emerging imaging test in appropriate circumstances. This review focuses on the use of CEUS for the characterization of indeterminate kidney lesions and summarizes the most recent data, some of which specifically includes patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD). The results demonstrate that CEUS has high sensitivity and moderate specificity for detecting malignancy in indeterminate kidney lesions among individuals with and without CKD. In conclusion, CEUS is an emerging imaging technique that may have clinically useful applications for detecting malignant kidney lesions, specifically in patients with CKD. However, most of the current data come from small, single-center studies, and larger, multicenter studies are needed.
Atorvastatin Calcium Inhibits PDGF-ββ-Induced Proliferation and Migration of VSMCs Through the G0/G1 Cell Cycle Arrest and Suppression of Activated PDGFRβ-PI3K-Akt Signaling Cascade
Authors: Chen Shuang , Dong Siyuan , Li Zhao , Guo Xiaofan , Zhang Naijin , Yu Bo , Sun Yingxian
Published: November 2017

Background/Aims: Abnormal proliferation of vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) is a hallmark of vascular lesions, such as atherosclerosis and restenosis. PDGF-ββ, an isoform of PDGF (platelet-derived growth factor), has been demonstrated to induce proliferation and migration of VSMCs. Atorvastatin calcium, a selective inhibitor of 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl coenzyme A (HMG-CoA) reductase, has favorable protective effects on VSMCs. This study examined the effects of atorvastatin calcium on the proliferation and migration of PDGF-ββ-treated VSMCs, as well as its underlying mechanisms. Methods: MTT assays, Edu imaging, cell cycle analysis, wound healing assays, transwell migration assays, and western blot analysis were performed. Results: Atorvastatin calcium significantly inhibited cell proliferation, DNA synthesis and cell migration of PDGF-ββ-treated VSMCs. We demonstrated that atorvastatin calcium induced cell cycle arrest in the G0/G1 phase in response to PDGF-ββ stimulation and decreased the expression of G0/G1-specific regulatory proteins, including proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA), CDK2, cyclin D1, cyclin E and CDK4 in PDGF-ββ-treated VSMCs. Moreover, pretreatment with atorvastatin calcium inhibited the PDGF-ββ-treated phosphorylation of PDGFRβ and Akt, whereas atorvastatin calcium did not affect the phosphorylation of PLC-γ1 or (ERK) 1/2. Conclusion: Our data suggested that atorvastatin calcium inhibited abnormal proliferation and migration of VSMCs through G0/G1 cell cycle arrest and suppression of the PDGFRβ-Akt signaling cascade.
Enhancement of Anti-Leukemia Immunity by Leukemia–Derived Exosomes Via Downregulation of TGF-β1 Expression
Authors: Huang Fang , Wan Jiangbo , Hu Weiwei , Hao Siguo
Published: November 2017

Background/Aims: Minimal residual leukemia cells (MRLs) are difficult to eradicate through traditional treatment and therefore remain to be a major threat to the long-term survival of leukemia patients. Tumor-derived exosomes (TEXs), which carry tumor associated antigens (TAA), may be a potential cell-free tumor vaccine for the specific eradication of MRLs. However, TEXs are intended to be less immunogenic due to exosomal TGF-β1. To further optimize the efficacy of TEX-based vaccines, we investigated whether exosomes from TGF-β1 silenced leukemia cells (LEXTGF-β1si) had an increased potential to induce a specific antitumor effect compared with non-modified exosomes. Methods: Exosomal TGF-β1 was downregulated via lentiviral shRNA silencing of TGF-β1 in leukemia cells. The characteristics of LEXTGF-β1si were determined via electron microscopy, western blot analysis, and flow cytometry. The antitumor effect of LEXTGF-β1si was evaluated by detecting the properties of LEXTGF-β1si-pulsed dendritic cells (DCs), CD4+ T-cell proliferation, Th1 cytokine secretion, specific CTL activity, and NK cell function. Moreover, to verify the superiority of LEXTGF-β1si immunization, LEXTGF-β1si was subcutaneously injected into DBA/2 mice: either followed by tumor challenge or tumor bearing. Results: The lentiviral shRNA silencing of TGF-β1 in parental leukemia cells successfully downregulated the TGF-β1 level in leukemia cell derived exosomes (LEX). LEXTGF-β1si was uptaken by DCs and was more potent in promoting DC function by upregulating the surface expression of costimulatory factors and MHC class II molecules, while inducing the secretion of IL-12p70 and TNF-α. Furthermore, immunization with LEXTGF-β1si facilitated CD4+ T-cell proliferation and Th1 cytokine secretion, and stimulated stronger specific cytotoxic lymphocyte (CTL) response and nature killer (NK) cell cytotoxicity more efficiently compared to non-modified LEX. In mice models, immunization with LEXTGF-β1si resulted in a more potent capability to inhibit tumor growth and to prolong survival, suggesting that LEXTGF-β1si was more effective in both protective and therapeutic antitumor tests than non-modified LEX. Conclusions: These data suggested that down-regulation of exosomal TGF-β1 effectively induced potent anti-tumor immunity. Our strategy of optimizing exosome vaccine may have promising potential for leukemia immunotherapy.
Espaços públicos de propriedade privada: os Pops de Nova York
Authors: Oliveira Luciana , Pisani Maria Augusta Justi
Published: November 2017

Este artigo discute as implicações da transferência de responsabilidade da proposição e gestão dos espaços coletivos, da esfera pública para a esfera privada, e qual o impacto e/ou contribuição dessa transferência para a paisagem urbana e a qualidade de vida. O objeto de estudo é o sistema de bonificação utilizado em Nova York para criação de espaços de propriedade privada de uso coletivo, denominados POPS (Privately Owned Public Spaces). A pesquisa realizou levantamento quantitativo e qualitativo com base nos preceitos teóricos de Jan Gehl (2006), na Park Avenue. Os resultados obtidos demonstraram que as praças corporativas dos edifícios contribuem para o sistema de espaços livres para uso público e enobrecem a paisagem urbana local. Porém, a apropriação dos espaços livres pela população depende do grau de acessibilidade e permeabilidade visual entre os POPS e as circulações públicas, as calçadas.
Espelhos de si: Burle Marx a partir de suas cartas
Authors: Dourado Guilherme Mazza
Published: November 2017

Breve ensaio sobre as cartas de Roberto Burle Marx como inédita e significativa fonte de conhecimento de sua multifacetada atividade profissional e sua trajetória humana. Este trabalho analisa a correspondência ativa do paisagista-artista, escrita entre as décadas de 1940 e 1990, destinada a familiares, paisagistas, botânicos, horticultores, instituições e personalidades destacadas no cenário nacional e internacional da época.
Paisagem urbana, espaço público e imaginabilidade no eixo monumental da avenida Presidente Vargas, Rio de Janeiro
Authors: Moreira Adilson De Souza , Bueno Ayrton Portilho , Santiago Alina Gonçalves
Published: November 2017

Este artigo discorre sobre os espaços públicos livres e edificações representativos na paisagem urbana consolidada ao longo do eixo viário monumental da avenida Presidente Vargas, no Centro da cidade do Rio de Janeiro, abarcando os aspectos históricos de sua construção, os espaços culturais relevantes e de forte impacto imagético na composição atual da paisagem urbana. Utiliza, como cursor para a análise da paisagem, a realização de “percursos urbanos” – como denominado por Souza e Cabral (1992). Lança um olhar sobre a paisagem, conforme Gottdiener (2010) e Macedo (1999), associado à formação histórica e social dos espaços e edificações e à codificação do espaço urbano estabelecida por Lynch (2010) em A imagem da cidade. Foca na escala do bairro e na renovação urbana em sua borda, buscando identificar, ao longo da avenida Presidente Vargas e seu entorno, os aspectos que imprimem legibilidade à paisagem urbana.
Córregos ocultos na cidade de São Paulo: Córrego Tiburtino na Lapa
Authors: Piazzi Murillo Aggio
Published: November 2017

Este artigo trata dos córregos ocultos em São Paulo, com ênfase em um caso particular: o córrego Tiburtino. Pretende-se fazer emergir à consciência a existência de cursos d’água naturais vivos, embora ocultados. Para isso, empregaram-se como métodos investigativos: pesquisa cartográfica, visita a campo, consulta de jornais e crônicas de viagens, entre outras fontes, visando ao reconhecimento de algum curso d’água suprimido da paisagem paulistana. Aplicando-se o método mencionado, delimita-se o distrito da Lapa como recorte geográfico, região onde há grande probabilidade de localizar nascentes e córregos. Posteriormente, uma vertente é identificada no bairro conhecido como Vila Ipojuca. A investigação dessa nascente leva à detecção de uma rede de córregos pertencentes a uma bacia hidrográfica que se encontra totalmente velada – a bacia do córrego Tiburtino. Durante a investigação histórica, constata-se que o aproveitamento dos córregos na paisagem foi suprimido em decorrência de processos que deterioraram os cursos d´água, como a ineficiência do Estado em estabelecer uma rede eficaz de coleta e tratamento de esgotos. Isso é um problema atual: os córregos estudados exalam forte odor, que denuncia o despejo de esgoto em suas águas. Os trajetos descritos neste artigo remontam o curso que as águas seguiam. Presenciam-se as marcas deixadas pelo córrego no ambiente urbano: vielas, bueiros, odores e até o som do córrego fluindo podem ser notados. No entanto, em raros momentos é possível observar as águas, que continuam correndo anônimas nas entranhas da cidade.
Entre sonhos e cotidianos: divagações teóricas para uma proposta de parque no cotidiano de Brasilândia
Authors: Wehmann Hulda
Published: November 2017

O que significa um parque para Brasilândia na região norte do município de São Paulo? Este trabalho apresenta as digressões teóricas que foram permitidas ao longo do desenvolvimento de proposta para o Parque Municipal da Brasilândia. O distrito possui uma porção de área verde alvo de campanhas para transformação em parque. A proposta aqui discutida tem como diretriz o enraizamento do parque no bairro como estratégia para assegurar sua inserção como espaço físico e simbólico. Para isso são sugeridas novas relações entre o espaço construído e a área verde, utilizando-se das oportunidades encontradas na estrutura da cidade informal para entrelaçar espaço construído e zonas de natureza, tempo de lazer e vida cotidiana. O projeto apresentado utiliza-se de soluções de manejo das águas urbanas baseadas nos princípios de Melhores Práticas de Manejo (MPM) e Desenvolvimento de Baixo Impacto (Low Impact Development – LID), numa tentativa de melhorar a relação entre o espaço construído e a base biofísica, e da proposta da Borda de Amabilidades como costura suave entre o uso urbano e o espaço de proteção à vida natural.
Local Hemodynamic Forces After Stenting
Authors: Ng Jaryl , Bourantas Christos V. , Torii Ryo , Ang Hui Ying , Tenekecioglu Erhan , Serruys Patrick W. , Foin Nicolas
Published: November 2017

Local hemodynamic forces are well-known to modulate atherosclerotic evolution, which remains one of the largest cause of death worldwide. Percutaneous coronary interventions with stent implantation restores blood flow to the downstream myocardium and is only limited by stent failure caused by restenosis, stent thrombosis, or neoatherosclerosis. Cumulative evidence has shown that local hemodynamic forces affect restenosis and the platelet activation process, modulating the pathophysiological mechanisms that lead to stent failure. This article first covers the pathophysiological mechanisms through which wall shear stress regulates arterial disease formation/neointima proliferation and the role of shear rate on stent thrombosis. Subsequently, the article reviews the current evidence on (1) the implications of stent design on the local hemodynamic forces, and (2) how stent/scaffold expansion can influence local flow, thereby affecting the risk of adverse events.
Non–Endoplasmic Reticulum–Based Calr (Calreticulin) Can Coordinate Heterocellular Calcium Signaling and Vascular Function
Authors: Biwer Lauren A. , Good Miranda E. , Hong Kwangseok , Patel Rahul K. , Agrawal Neha , Looft-Wilson Robin , Sonkusare Swapnil K. , Isakson Brant E.
Published: November 2017

Objective—

In resistance arteries, endothelial cell (EC) extensions can make contact with smooth muscle cells, forming myoendothelial junction at holes in the internal elastic lamina (HIEL). At these HIEL, calcium signaling is tightly regulated. Because Calr (calreticulin) can buffer ≈50% of endoplasmic reticulum calcium and is expressed throughout IEL holes in small arteries, the only place where myoendothelial junctions form, we investigated the effect of EC-specific Calr deletion on calcium signaling and vascular function.

Approach and Results—

We found Calr expressed in nearly every IEL hole in third-order mesenteric arteries, but not other ER markers. Because of this, we generated an EC-specific, tamoxifen inducible, Calr knockout mouse (EC Calr Δ/Δ). Using this mouse, we tested third-order mesenteric arteries for changes in calcium events at HIEL and vascular reactivity after application of CCh (carbachol) or PE (phenylephrine). We found that arteries from EC Calr Δ/Δ mice stimulated with CCh had unchanged activity of calcium signals and vasodilation; however, the same arteries were unable to increase calcium events at HIEL in response to PE. This resulted in significantly increased vasoconstriction to PE, presumably because of inhibited negative feedback. In line with these observations, the EC Calr Δ/Δ had increased blood pressure. Comparison of ER calcium in arteries and use of an ER-specific GCaMP indicator in vitro revealed no observable difference in ER calcium with Calr knockout. Using selective detergent permeabilization of the artery and inhibition of Calr translocation, we found that the observed Calr at HIEL may not be within the ER.

Conclusions—

Our data suggest that Calr specifically at HIEL may act in a non-ER dependent manner to regulate arteriolar heterocellular communication and blood pressure.
Menopause Characteristics, Total Reproductive Years, and Risk of Cardiovascular Disease Among Chinese Women
Authors: Yang Ling , Lin Liling , Kartsonaki Christiana , Guo Yu , Chen Yiping , Bian Zheng , Xie Kaixu , Jin Donghui , Li Liming , Lv Jun , Chen Zhengming
Published: November 2017

Background—

Previous studies, mostly of Western women, have reported inconsistent findings on the association of menopause characteristics (status, age, and time since menopause) and total reproductive years with risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD).

Methods and Results—

The China Kadoorie Biobank recruited 302 632 women in 2004 to 2008 from 10 regions across China. During 9-year follow-up, 19 393 incident cases of stroke, 18 611 of ischemic heart disease, and 4978 CVD deaths occurred. Cox regression yielded adjusted hazard ratios relating each menopause characteristic and total reproductive years to CVD risk. Among 274 233 women with no prior CVD at baseline, 134 010 were naturally postmenopausal women (mean [SD] age at menopause of 48.6 [4.0] years and total reproductive years 32.7 [4.4]). Compared with premenopausal women, naturally peri- or postmenopausal women were at a higher risk of either fatal or nonfatal CVD. Among women who had had menopause, inverse associations were observed between age at menopause and risks of CVD mortality, incident ischemic heart disease, stroke, and subtypes of stroke, with 1.5% higher risk of CVD death (
P
<0.001), 0.7% for incident ischemic heart disease (
P
=0.002), and 0.5% for incident stroke (
P
=0.02) for every 1 year lower age at menopause. Compared with women who had menopause at age 48 to 50 years, lower age at menopause (ie, <43 years) was associated with 14% higher risk of CVD death and 6% higher risks of both incident ischemic heart disease and stroke. Higher risks of both fatal and nonfatal CVD were also found in women with 5 to 10, 10 to 15, 15 to 20, or >20 years since menopause compared with <5 years since menopause. Total reproductive years were inversely associated with risks of both fatal and nonfatal CVD, with 1.4% lower risk of CVD death per additional reproductive year (
P
<0.001).

Conclusions—

Women with younger age at menopause, longer time since menopause, or fewer total reproductive years had a higher risk of CVD.
Cardiovascular Effects of Long‐Term Exposure to Air Pollution: A Population‐Based Study With 900 845 Person‐Years of Follow‐up
Authors: Kim Hyeanji , Kim Joonghee , Kim Sunhwa , Kang Si‐Hyuck , Kim Hee‐Jun , Kim Ho , Heo Jongbae , Yi Seung‐Muk , Kim Kyuseok , Youn Tae‐Jin , Chae In‐Ho
Published: November 2017

Background

Studies have shown that long‐term exposure to air pollution such as fine particulate matter (≤2.5 μm in aerodynamic diameter [
PM
2.5
]) increases the risk of all‐cause and cardiovascular mortality. To date, however, there are limited data on the impact of air pollution on specific cardiovascular diseases. This study aimed to evaluate cardiovascular effects of long‐term exposure to air pollution among residents of Seoul, Korea.

Methods and Results

Healthy participants with no previous history of cardiovascular disease were evaluated between 2007 and 2013. Exposure to air pollutants was estimated by linking the location of outdoor monitors to the
ZIP
code of each participant's residence. Crude and adjusted analyses were performed using Cox regression models to evaluate the risk for composite cardiovascular events including cardiovascular mortality, acute myocardial infarction, congestive heart failure, and stroke. A total of 136 094 participants were followed for a median of 7.0 years (900 845 person‐years). The risk of major cardiovascular events increased with higher mean concentrations of
PM
2.5
in a linear relationship, with a hazard ratio of 1.36 (95% confidence interval, 1.29–1.43) per 1 μg/m
3
PM
2.5
. Other pollutants including
PM
2.5–10
of
CO
,
SO
2
, and
NO
2
, but not O
3
, were significantly associated with increased risk of cardiovascular events. The burden from air pollution was comparable to that from hypertension and diabetes mellitus.

Conclusions

This large‐scale population‐based study demonstrated that long‐term exposure to air pollution including
PM
2.5
increases the risk of major cardiovascular disease and mortality. Air pollution should be considered an important modifiable environmental cardiovascular risk factor.
Der Chronotopos der Ziegeninsel (Hom. Od. 9.116-141)
Authors: Xian Ruobing
Published: November 2017

This paper offers a new interpretation of the Goat Island episode inOd.9. The description of the island focuses on its potential for cultivation and settlement. Against the background of the colonization, my approach emphasizes the temporal dimension of the island, which evokes the past of the Phaeacians who fled from the violence of the Cyclopes before settling in Scheria. The narrative function of Goat Island resides within its temporal dimension that bestows it with a temporal-spatial connectedness, achronotopein Bachtin’s term.
A Discussion of S.S. Meyer, Plato. Laws 1 and 2
Authors: Bartels Myrthe L.
Published: November 2017

This article reviews Susan Sauvé Meyer’s new commentary on Laws 1–2 in the Plato Clarendon Series. The commentary offers a lucidly written and highly accessible introduction to Laws 1-2 to philosophical readers without knowledge of Greek. This review will focus on two new interpretations Meyer puts forward: the more philological problem of the third criterion of musical judgement in Book 2, and Meyer’s overall approach to the discussion about virtue that structures the argument of Books 1-2. It is argued, first, that Meyer convincingly solves the long-standing puzzle of the third element that needs to be taken into account when evaluating art; second, that her approach to virtue combines two views that, however, on closer inspection appear to sit somewhat uneasily together.
Sanctioned to Survive: How Foreign Firms Perform when Economic Sanctions Affect their Business Relationships—A Study of Contemporary Economic Sanction Actions and their Impact
Authors: Stout Blaine
Published: November 2017

The intent of this study is to examine the effects of economic sanctions on companies with significant fdi operating in the sanctioned country. Using case study methodology, we consider the impact of sanctions imposed on the Russian Federation (rf) by the United States of America for its intrusion into the sovereign rights of Ukraine. Past sanction events in South Africa and pre-rf formation are reviewed. Two measurable frameworks are developed to study strategies based on ‘divestment and non-divestment’ (Malone and Goodin 1997) dimensions and coupled with variables related to ‘direct and indirect’ effects on financial performance, forgone potential, (Losman 1988) and foreign direct investment (Biglaiser and Lektzian 2011). This research also relies on the historical accounts of Hufbauer et al. (2007) for the compilation of facts related to economic sanctions. Through literature review, the study asks: 1) Strategically, how does a company respond to the economic sanctions imposed by its home country on the sanctioned country in which it has significant fdi? 2) Financially, how do economic sanctions affect the company’s performance and fdi? and 3) Organizationally, how do economic sanctions affect the relationships with those recipient companies of fdi? The study focus is on the energy industry in which the rf economy relies upon for 40 percent of its sustainability and the company of focus is Exxon Mobil (xom). The author readily acknowledges that a single case study may not provide the degree of conclusiveness found in a cross-case study format. However, the outcome of the study does provide a template for use in future case reviews.
The Exclusion of Women from Property in Jordan
Authors: Ababsa Myriam
Published: November 2017

Only one fourth of Jordanian women entitled to property inheritance receive it fully. The main reason is that land and property are not formally registered. But this is also due to several strategies to exclude women from inheritance. Social pressure is translated into the “exclusion” (takhāruj) of inheritance rights. This is linked to social norms in favour of male property.
Urban Tanzîmât and Corrupting Property: Women as Petitioners of Honor in Nineteenth-Century Istanbul
Authors: Güçlü Eda
Published: November 2017

This article examines the relations betweentanzîmâtand corruption within the context of urban renewal projects in nineteenth-century Istanbul. It takes corruption as a critical locus of analysis in order to understand notions of justice and morality that historical actors fashioned in the social production of urban tanzîmât and property relations. It reveals that a theme of honor was central to both state institutions and real estate owners with regard to the positions that they took in property conflicts that emerged as a result of planning activities in the city. This study argues that honor was not only a moral but also an economic theme that revolved around the question of locational values in this intense period of spatial restructuring.
Awqâf al-Nisâ’ : femmes et propriété immobilière en waqf à Miliana à l’époque ottomane
Authors: Boughoufala Ouddène
Published: November 2017

Notre contribution se fixe pour objectif l’étude des waqfs des femmes dans la ville de Miliana située à 120 kilomètres au sud-ouest d’Alger. Comme d’autres villes algériennes de l’époque ottomane (1516–1830), les femmes établissaient, géraient et bénéficiaient des waqfs à Miliana.

Ce travail repose sur des documents officels provenant des Archives Nationales d’Algérie dont les registres (sijillât) deBayt al-Bâyliket les registres (sijillât) des tribunaux religieux, lesmaḥâkim shar‘iyya.

Ces documents constituent un corpus riche pour notre sujet, à savoir une analyse du rôle des femmes par rapport à la propriété foncière possédée par les waqfs ; de même ces documents contribuent à nous éclairer sur le rôle social des femmes et leurs responsabilités financières dans la société de Miliana.

En tant que jeune fille à la maison mais aussi comme épouse, mère et sœur, les femmes bénéficiaient de revenus provenant des propriétés foncières appartenant auxwaqfs ; par ailleurs, elles établissaient, elles-mêmes, deswaqfs et, dans certains cas, les géraient. Dans les trois cas, les droits comme les obligations sont déterminés selon des conditions établies par avance. Certaines de ces conditions placent l’homme et la femme à égalité alors que d’autres favorisent l’homme y compris lorsque lewaqfen question est établi par une femme.

Ainsi, notre perspective d’étude, telle que présentée ci-dessus, prend comme repère les questions suivantes :

Dans notre échantillon, quels sont les principes religieux et sociaux sous-jascents quant à la nature de la propriété foncière enwaqfvis-à-vis des rôles des femmes ?

Quel est le rôle social dans la société urbaine ou rurale concernant les femmes à propos deswaqfs ?
La propriété immobilière des femmes musulmanes de Jérusalem (1831–1841)
Authors: Sroor Musa
Published: November 2017

Cette étude a tenté de démontrer la place importante de la femme dans la société civile de Jérusalem durant la période 1831–1841, grâce à son droit de propriété et à la liberté d’en disposer. Nous avons traité cette question à partir des réponses aux questions suivantes : Quelle était alors l’attitude de la société locale vis-à-vis du droit des femmes du libre usage de leur argent ? Est-ce qu’elle acceptait facilement ou pas ?

Le milieu familial musulman à Jérusalem acceptant le principe d’un droit de propriété et le droit de l’usage ; mais dans plusieurs cas comme nous avons bien montré qu’il y avait de nombreuses familles jérusalémites n’acceptant pas le principe d’un droit de propriété ni le droit de l’usage.
Structure and formation of phellem of Betula maximowicziana
Authors: Shibui Hiromi , Sano Yuzou
Published: November 2017

Betula species have phellems with distinctive features such as stratification into thin paper-like layers, which are easily split in the tangential direction, and linear lenticels. We aimed to clarify the structure and development of the characteristic phellems of B. maximowicziana. In a normal periderm, phellem, phellogen, and phelloderm consist of tangentially elongated cells that are arranged in radial files. The phellem consists of layers of 1.4 ± 0.5 cells thick of very thin-walled phellem cells alternating with layers of 7.1 ± 1.5 thick-walled phellem cells. Seasonal sampling showed that the former and the latter were formed in the early and middle-to-late stages of the growing period, respectively. In lenticels, filling tissues alternated with closing layers. Most cells were collapsed and loosely packed in the filling tissue while all cells were intact and arranged in radial files in the closing layers. The filling tissue cells had unique walls that appeared to be easily deformed. Each annual increment of phellem in Betula is composed of a thin-walled cell layer (early phellem) and a thicker layer of thick-walled cells (late phellem). It is likely that the combination of filling tissue and closing layer in lenticels helps to perform the dual functions of gas exchange and protection, and that the collapse of the cells in filling tissue effectively contributes to gas permeability.
Description of Stauroneis saprophila sp. nov. (Bacillariophyta), a new diatom species from anthropogenic environment
Authors: NOGA TERESA , RYBAK MATEUSZ , ECTOR LUC
Published: November 2017

Studies were carried out in 2016 on a water outflow from a sewer drain, in the city of Stalowa Wola located in south-eastern Poland. The research material was collected from sediments being accumulated on the asphalt on which the water was flowing. Water from the studied outflow was characterized as alkaline to strongly alkaline pH (7.9–9.8), high to very high content of chlorides and sodium ions, and high electrolytic conductivity (331–13 250 µS cm-1). In the analyzed material, an unknown species of Stauroneis was found. The aim of this paper is to give a morphological and ecological description of Stauroneis saprophila sp. nov. from an anthropogenic environment.
Understanding the Link Between Race/Ethnicity, Drug Offending, and Juvenile Court Outcomes
Authors: Leiber Michael J. , Peck Jennifer H. , Lugo Melissa , Bishop Donna M.
Published: November 2017

Compared with criminal sentencing decisions, limited research has assessed the impact of an imagery of a “dangerous” offender on the interrelationships between race/ethnicity and juvenile court outcomes. Applying base premises from Steen, Engen, and Gainey’s perspective concerning the dangerous drug offender stereotype, the present study examines the case outcomes of White, Black, and Hispanic youth charged with drug offenses and who match the stereotype of a “dangerous drug offender” (male drug seller with a prior record). Findings suggest that youth who fully matched the stereotype were more likely to receive harsher dispositions compared with those who have some or none of the characteristics, but the magnitude of these effects for Whites did not exceed those of Blacks and Hispanics.
Cross-Level Group Measurement Invariance When Groups Are at Different Levels of Multilevel Data
Authors: Kim Eun Sook , Wang Yan , Kiefer Sarah M.
Published: November 2017

Studies comparing groups that are at different levels of multilevel data (namely, cross-level groups) using the same measure are not unusual such as student and teacher agreement in education or congruence between patient and physician perceptions in health research. Although establishing measurement invariance (MI) between these groups is important, testing MI is methodologically challenging because the groups compared for MI are at different levels with one group nested within the other group. We propose a multilevel confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) model that allows MI testing between cross-level groups at the between level and demonstrated testing MI between students and teachers using the promoting social interaction scale. Along with the demonstration, some methodological issues in implementing the proposed model (e.g., cluster invariance and reliability) and evaluating the model fit of multilevel CFA (e.g., ΔCFI and level-specific fit indices) and alternative approaches to the proposed model are discussed.
Theodicy, Christology, and Divine Hiding: Neutralizing the Problem of Evil
Authors: Moser Paul K.
Published: November 2017

This article neutralizes the intellectual problem of evil regarding divine culpability. God, it contends, is morally permitted to hide from humans (a statement of) the full divine purpose in allowing unjust suffering and evil in human lives, because it is morally too profound for them to understand properly now in a way that avoids counterproductive resistance to God and God’s full purpose. Given human moral and cognitive limitations relative to God’s superiority, we should not expect now to understand God’s full purpose properly; nor therefore should humans expect God to reveal that purpose to them. New Testament Christology illustrates this lesson about the absence of a full theodicy for humans now, and thereby contributes to neutralizing the intellectual problem of evil by removing a false expectation regarding God. The article distinguishes two kinds of theodicy, a full-explanation theodicy regarding God’s full purpose and a partial-justification theodicy regarding God’s hiding an explanation.
Epilogue: Looking Back to Look Ahead
Authors: Alvermann Donna E. , Price Latasha Hutcherson , Jackson A. J.
Published: November 2017

By definition, an epilogue is a concluding segment of a literary work that often describes the futures of its main characters. It can also be a short speech at the end of a play or musical interlude that addresses the audience directly. Leaning in the direction of the latter, we propose as writers of this epilogue to engage in a bit of poetic license while not deviating from the seriousness of the subject at hand. Our intention is to use multiple modes–as much as possible within a traditional print text–to achieve what we perceive is the purpose of the Journal of Education's themed issue on “Becoming a Nation of Readers: Retrospectives and Visions.” Namely, we offer a retrospective and visionary examination of literacy instruction from a multimodal perspective that includes visual imagery, icons, and memes to make connections between what the authors of other pieces in this issue have argued and how we envision their points playing out in the future.