bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
BHBA Suppresses LPS-Induced Inflammation in BV-2 Cells by Inhibiting NF-κB Activation
Authors: Fu Shou-Peng , Li Su-Nan , Wang Jian-Fa , Li Yang , Xie Shan-Shan , Xue Wen-Jing , Liu Hong-Mei , Huang Bing-Xu , Lv Qing-Kang , Lei Lian-Cheng , Liu Guo-Wen , Wang Wei , Liu Ju-Xiong
Published: April 2014

β-Hydroxybutyric acid (BHBA) has neuroprotective effects, but the underlying molecular mechanisms are unclear. Microglial activation plays an important role in neurodegenerative diseases by producing several proinflammatory enzymes and proinflammatory cytokines. The current study investigates the potential mechanisms whereby BHBA affects the expression of potentially proinflammatory proteins by cultured murine microglial BV-2 cells stimulated with lipopolysaccharide (LPS). The results showed that BHBA significantly reduced LPS-induced protein and mRNA expression levels of iNOS, COX-2, TNF-α, IL-1β, and IL-6. Blocking of GPR109A by PTX resulted in a loss of this anti-inflammatory effect in BV-2 cells. Western blot analysis showed that BHBA reduced LPS-induced degradation of IκB-αand translocation of NF-κB, while no effect was observed on MAPKs phosphorylation. All results imply that BHBA significantly reduces levels of proinflammatory enzymes and proinflammatory cytokines by inhibition of the NF-κB signaling pathway but not MAPKs pathways, and GPR109A is essential to this function. Overall, these data suggest that BHBA has a potential as neuroprotective drug candidate in neurodegenerative diseases.
HMMR Maintains the Stemness and Tumorigenicity of Glioblastoma Stem-like Cells
Authors: Tilghman Jessica , Wu Hao , Sang Yingying , Shi Xiaohai , Guerrero-Cazares Hugo , Quinones-Hinojosa Alfredo , Eberhart Charles G. , Laterra John , Ying Mingyao
Published: April 2014

Glioblastoma (GBM) stem cells (GSC) are a subpopulation of tumor cells that display stem-like characteristics (stemness) and play unique roles in tumor propagation, therapeutic resistance, and tumor recurrence. Therapeutic targets in GSCs are a focus of increasing interest to improve GBM therapy. Here we report that the hyaluronan-mediated motility receptor (HMMR) is highly expressed in GBM tumors, where it supports the self-renewal and tumorigenic potential of GSCs. HMMR silencing impairs GSC self-renewal and inhibits the expression of GSC markers and regulators. Furthermore, HMMR silencing suppresses GSC-derived tumor growth and extends the survival of mice bearing GSC xenografts. Conversely, HMMR overexpression promotes GSC self-renewal and intracranial tumor propagation. In human GBM tumor specimens, HMMR expression is correlated positively with the expression of stemness-associated markers and regulators. Our findings identify HMMR as a candidate therapeutic target to GSCs as a GBM treatment strategy. Cancer Res; 74(11); 3168–79. ©2014 AACR.
Cancer-Associated Fibroblasts Expressing CXCL14 Rely upon NOS1-Derived Nitric Oxide Signaling for Their Tumor-Supporting Properties
Authors: Augsten Martin , Sjöberg Elin , Frings Oliver , Vorrink Sabine U. , Frijhoff Jeroen , Olsson Eleonor , Borg Åke , Östman Arne
Published: April 2014

Cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAF) stimulate tumor growth and metastasis. Signals supporting CAF function are thus emerging as candidate therapeutic targets in the tumor microenvironment. The chemokine CXCL14 is a potent inducer of CAF protumorigenic functions. This study is aimed at learning how the protumoral functions of CXCL14-expressing CAF are maintained. We found that the nitric oxide synthase NOS1 is upregulated in CXCL14-expressing CAF and in fibroblasts stimulated with CXCL14. Induction of Nos1 was associated with oxidative stress and occurred together with activation of NRF2 and HIF1α signaling in CXCL14-expressing CAF. Genetic or pharmacologic inhibition of NOS1 reduced the growth of CXCL14-expressing fibroblasts along with their ability to promote tumor formation following coinjection with prostate or breast cancer cells. Tumor analysis revealed reduced macrophage infiltration, with NOS1 downregulation in CXCL14-expressing CAF and lymphangiogenesis as a novel component of CXCL14-promoted tumor growth. Collectively, our findings defined key components of a signaling network that maintains the protumoral functions of CXCL14-stimulated CAF, and they identified NOS1 as intervention target for CAF-directed cancer therapy. Cancer Res; 74(11); 2999–3010. ©2014 AACR.
Estrogen Receptor α Variants Affect Age at Onset of Alzheimer's Disease in a Multiethnic Female Cohort
Authors: Janicki S.C. , Park N. , Cheng R. , Clark L.N. , Lee J.H. , Schupf N.
Published: April 2014

Background/Aims: Few studies of gene variants that affect estrogen activity investigate their association with age at onset of Alzheimer's disease (AD) in women of different ethnicities. We examined the influence of ESR1 polymorphisms on age at onset of AD in a multiethnic cohort of women. Methods: Among 1,436 women participating in the Washington Heights Inwood Columbia Aging Project, association with age at AD onset was assessed for 41 single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) on the ESR1 gene using Cox proportional hazard models, adjusting for presence of an APOE ε4 allele, years of education, and body mass index. Results: Six SNPs in self-identified White women were protectively associated with delayed age of AD onset in this self-identified group, including the two restriction fragment length polymorphisms PvuII (rs2234693) and XbaI (rs9340799) (HR range = 0.420-0.483). Two separate SNPs were found to affect age of AD onset in self-identified Black women. Conclusions:ESR1 polymorphisms affect age of onset of AD in women, and risk alleles vary by ethnicity. These effects are possibly due to different linkage disequilibrium patterns or differences in comorbid environmental or cultural risk factors mediating the SNP effect on risk for AD.
Gamma Power and Cognition in Patients with Schizophrenia and Their First-Degree Relatives
Authors: Díez Álvaro , Suazo Vanessa , Casado Pilar , Martín-Loeches Manuel , Molina Vicente
Published: April 2014

Background: Gamma oscillations are essential for functional neural assembly formation underlying higher cerebral functions. Previous studies concerning gamma band power in schizophrenia have yielded diverse results. Methods: In this study, we assessed gamma band power in minimally treated patients with schizophrenia, their first-degree relatives and healthy controls during an oddball paradigm performance, as well as the relation between gamma power and cognitive performance. Results: We found a higher gamma power in the patient group than in the healthy controls at the P3, P4, Fz, Pz and T5 sites. Compared with their relatives, gamma power in the patients was only marginally higher over P3 and P4. We found a nearly significant inverse association between gamma power at F4 and Tower of London performance in the patients, as well as a significant inverse association between gamma power at T5 and verbal memory and working memory scores in the relatives. Conclusion: These results support higher total gamma power in association with schizophrenia and its inverse association with cognitive performance in patients and their first-degree relatives.
Present Status and Road Map to Achieve Inclusive and Holistic Care for Dementia in a Japanese Community: Analysis Using the Delphi Method
Authors: Takechi Hajime , Mori Toshio , Hashimoto Takeya , Nakamura Shigenobu
Published: April 2014

Background/Aims: Dementia is a priority issue in the public health realm. However, few reports address problems of dementia in the real world or provide comprehensive road maps to solve these problems. Methods: Nine groups of questions covering 4 topics were discussed using the Delphi method, relating to (1) current achievements and challenges regarding inclusive and holistic care in the community, (2) patients who are at a high risk of being excluded from care, (3) suggestions for a road map for the establishment of better and more inclusive medical and social care, and (4) unmet needs of patients with dementia. Results: In total, 477 opinions were obtained. Family issues, psychological/behavioral symptoms, and complications secondary to physical disorders are main factors for being excluded from care. To create a road map for care we have to address the topics of reaffirming care principles, multidisciplinary coalitions, and education for stakeholders. Conclusion: Further effective collaboration to promote dementia care is required.
The C in TORCH: A Cost-Effective Alternative to Screening Small-for-Gestational-Age Infants
Authors: Wei Daniel , Sardesai Smeeta R. , Barton Lorayne
Published: April 2014

Background: Infants born with birth weights under the 10th percentile for their gestational age are classified as small for gestational age (SGA). TORCH infections are reported to be associated with SGA infants. With the low incidence of infections, screening is likely to be expensive and of low utility. Objective: The objective of this study was to determine the utility and cost-effectiveness of screening SGA infants with TORCH serology titers, urine cytomegalovirus (CMV) cultures and cranial ultrasounds. Methods: A retrospective review was conducted on all infants admitted to the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) at Los Angeles County and University of Southern California (LAC+USC) Medical Center from January 2003 to December 2011 with a diagnosis of SGA or intrauterine growth restriction. Birth characteristics such as birth weight, length, head circumference and gestational age were recorded. TORCH titer results, urine CMV results and cranial ultrasound findings were collected. Results: Between 2003 and 2011, 232 SGA infants were admitted to the NICU at LAC+USC Medical Center. Of these, 117 infants (50%) had TORCH titer testing performed; there was only 1 positive CMV IgM and 1 positive HSV IgM result. Repeat urine CMV testing was performed on 109 infants (47%), with a total of 296 urine CMV samples collected from these infants; 6 infants had positive results, of whom 3 had repeat positive urine CMV samples. Overall, 149 of the infants had a cranial ultrasound done, none of which were positive for calcifications. Conclusions: TORCH titer testing, urine CMV screening and cranial ultrasound screening are of low yield in screening clinically asymptomatic SGA infants for TORCH infections. Given the low number of positive results, a cost-effective alternative of selective TORCH testing may be limited to infants with additional clinical findings. This study serves as a reminder to periodically examine testing practices and patient population to maximize cost-effectiveness.
Thyroid Status and Cognitive Function in Euthyroid Patients with Early Parkinson's Disease
Authors: Choi Seong-Min , Kim Byeong C. , Choi Kang-Ho , Nam Tai-Seung , Kim Joon-Tae , Lee Seung-Han , Park Man-Seok , Kim Myeong-Kyu , Cho Ki-Hyun
Published: April 2014

Background: Alterations in thyroid hormone (TH) levels may be related to the pathogenesis of mild cognitive impairment (MCI) and dementia. Cognitive deficits are common in Parkinson's disease (PD) patients. The aim of this study was to investigate whether variations within the normal ranges of thyroid function are related to cognitive function in early PD without dementia. Methods: Eighty-four euthyroid patients with early PD underwent evaluation of their thyroid status, including measures of thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH), total triiodothyronine (tT3) and free thyroxine (fT4), and comprehensive neuropsychological tests. Results: The 46 patients of the PD-MCI group did not differ in the serum levels of TH compared to the 38 patients of the PD-normal cognition group. fT4 levels were inversely associated with the Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) score and neuropsychological tests of attention and visuospatial and executive function. TSH and tT3 levels were not related to cognitive performances. After controlling for demographic and clinical variables, multiple regression analyses indicated statistically significant associations between fT4 concentrations and MMSE score and neuropsychological tests of executive function. Conclusions: This study supports a relationship between the thyroid status and cognitive function in euthyroid early PD patients, with higher concentrations of fT4 being associated with a poor performance of executive function.
Diagnostic Effectiveness of Dynamic Colpocystoproctography in Women Planning for Combined Surgery with Urinary Incontinence and Pelvic Organ Prolapse
Authors: Kim Jae Heon , Park Seong Jin , Yi Boem Ha , Lee Kwang Woo , Kim Min Eui , Kim Young Ho
Published: April 2014

Objective: To evaluate the advantage of performing the dynamic cystoproctography (DCP) in patients planning for combined surgery due to urinary incontinence and pelvic organ prolapse (POP). Materials and Methods: We performed DCP on a total of 113 consecutive women with POP and compared the findings of the physical examination with POP quantification against those of DCP including squeezing, straining and evacuation phases, and analyzed the changes to the rates of surgical planning. For statistical analysis, sensitivity, specificity, and positive predictive value of each test were performed. Results: DCP identified an additional 10 cases of cystocele, 32 cases of rectocele, 2 cases of enterocele, 4 cases of sigmoidocele, and 8 cases of rectal intussusception compared to those cases who were only included for a physical examination. The initial surgical plan was changed in a total of 24 cases (22.1%). The prevalence of bowel symptoms in the group in which the surgical plan changed was higher than in the group with no changes to the surgical plan (p = 0.023). Conclusions: DCP may be a more sensitive test for diagnosing POP compared to physical examination alone, and it is useful to patients with bowel symptoms by making surgical planning for combined surgery with stress urinary incontinence and POP.
Determinants of N-Terminal Pro-Brain Natriuretic Peptide Variation in Hemodialysis Patients and Prediction of Survival
Authors: Snaedal Sunna , Qureshi Abdul R. , Carrero Juan J. , Heimbürger Olof , Stenvinkel Peter , Bárány Peter
Published: April 2014

Background/Aims: N-Terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) is a predictor of cardiac events and death in the general population and in chronic kidney disease. There is limited information on how natriuretic peptides vary in dialysis patients. The aim of this study was to analyze NT-proBNP variability, factors predicting its variability and survival related to NT-proBNP variability. Methods: A prospective 3-month observational study of prevalent hemodialysis patients with monthly measurements of NT-proBNP was carried out. A total of 211 hemodialysis patients were included, and mortality was recorded during 52 months of follow-up. Results: Inflammation was the strongest predictor of NT-proBNP variability. Patients with constantly high NT-proBNP had an increased risk of death adjusting for age, sex, dialysis vintage and comorbidity but not when also adjusting for nutritional status. Conclusions: Longitudinal changes in NT-proBNP are associated with changes in inflammation, nutritional status, age and comorbidity. Due to strong interactions with predictors of mortality such as nutritional status, we were unable to confirm NT-proBNP as an independent marker for mortality in dialysis patients.
Evaluation of the Comparative Efficacy and Safety of Artemether-Lumefantrine, Artesunate-Amodiaquine and Artesunate-Amodiaquine-Chlorpheniramine (Artemoclo™) for the Treatment of Acute Uncomplicated Malaria in Nigerian Children
Authors: Falade C.O. , Dada-Adegbola H.O. , Ogunkunle O.O. , Oguike M.C. , Nash O. , Ademowo O.G.
Published: April 2014

Objective: To evaluate the comparative efficacy and safety of artemether-lumefantrine (AL), artesunate-amodiaquine (ASAQ) and artesunate-amodiaquine-chlorpheniramine (AQC) for the treatment of acute uncomplicated malaria among Southwest Nigerian children. Subjects and Methods: One hundred and sixty children aged 6 months to 14 years with acute uncomplicated malaria were randomized to AL (n = 53), ASAQ (n = 53), or AQC (n = 54). Enrollees were seen daily on days 0-3 and then on days 7, 14, 21, 28 and 42 for clinical and parasitological evaluations. Paired samples of genomic DNA at enrolment and at the time of recurrent parasitaemia were genotyped using nested PCR to distinguish between reinfection and recrudescence. Detailed haematological and biochemical evaluations were carried out in a subset of enrollees on days 0, 7 and 28 as part of a safety evaluation. Results: Of the 160 children, 144 (90%) completed the study. The mean fever clearance times and parasite clearance times for AL, ASAQ and AQC were comparable (p = 0.94 and p = 0.122, respectively). On day 14, the adequate clinical and parasitological response (ACPR) for AL and AQC was 100% and for ASAQ it was 90% (p = 0.39). The PCR-uncorrected results on days 28 and 42 and the ACPR-corrected results on day 42 were similar for all drugs (p = 0.62 and p = 0.56, respectively). AQC resulted in the best parasite clearance and haematological recovery on day 2 (p = 0.022 and p = 0.018, respectively). Biochemical parameters were not adversely affected by the three artemisinin-based combination therapies (ACTs) and these were well tolerated. Conclusion: The three ACTs were efficacious and safe, but AQC resulted in a better haematological recovery on day 2 and higher cure rates throughout the study period.
Inhibition of Glycosphingolipid Synthesis Ameliorates Atherosclerosis and Arterial Stiffness in Apolipoprotein E
−/−
Mice and Rabbits Fed a High-Fat and -Cholesterol Diet
Authors: Chatterjee Subroto , Bedja Djahida , Mishra Sumita , Amuzie Christine , Avolio Alberto , Kass David A. , Berkowitz Dan , Renehan Mark
Published: April 2014

Background—

Glycosphingolipids, integral components of the cell membrane, have been shown to serve as messengers, transducing growth factor–initiated phenotypes. Here, we have examined whether inhibition of glycosphingolipid synthesis could ameliorate atherosclerosis and arterial stiffness in transgenic mice and rabbits.

Methods and Results—

Apolipoprotein E
−/−
mice (12 weeks of age; n=6) were fed regular chow or a Western diet (1.25% cholesterol, 2% fat). Mice were fed 5 or 10 mg/kg of an inhibitor of glycosphingolipid synthesis, D-threo-1-phenyl-2-decanoylamino-3-morpholino-1-propanol (D-PDMP), solubilized in vehicle (5% Tween-80 in PBS); the placebo group received vehicle only. At 20 and 36 weeks of age, serial echocardiography was performed to measure aortic intima-media thickening. Aortic pulse-wave velocity measured vascular stiffness. Feeding mice a Western diet markedly increased aortic pulse-wave velocity, intima-media thickening, oxidized low-density lipoprotein, Ca
2+
deposits, and glucosylceramide and lactosylceramide synthase activity. These were dose-dependently decreased by feeding D-PDMP. In liver, D-PDMP decreased cholesterol and triglyceride levels by raising the expression of SREBP2, low-density lipoprotein receptor, HMGCo-A reductase, and the cholesterol efflux genes (eg,
ABCG5
,
ABCG8
). D-PDMP affected very-low-density lipoprotein catabolism by increasing the gene expression for lipoprotein lipase and very-low-density lipoprotein receptor. Rabbits fed a Western diet for 90 days had extensive atherosclerosis accompanied by a 17.5-fold increase in total cholesterol levels and a 3-fold increase in lactosylceramide levels. This was completely prevented by feeding D-PDMP.

Conclusions—

Inhibition of glycosphingolipid synthesis ameliorates atherosclerosis and arterial stiffness in apolipoprotein E
−/−
mice and rabbits. Thus, inhibition of glycosphingolipid synthesis may be a novel approach to ameliorate atherosclerosis and arterial stiffness.
Reduced Cerebral Blood Flow With Orthostasis Precedes Hypocapnic Hyperpnea, Sympathetic Activation, and Postural Tachycardia Syndrome
Authors: Del Pozzi Andrew T. , Schwartz Christopher E. , Tewari Deepali , Medow Marvin S. , Stewart Julian M.
Published: April 2014

Hyperventilation and reduced cerebral blood flow velocity can occur in postural tachycardia syndrome (POTS). We studied orthostatically intolerant patients, with suspected POTS, with a chief complaint of upright dyspnea. On the basis of our observations of an immediate reduction of cerebral blood flow velocity with orthostasis, we hypothesize that the resulting ischemic hypoxia of the carotid body causes chemoreflex activation, hypocapnic hyperpnea, sympathetic activation, and increased heart rate and blood pressure in this subset of POTS. We compared 11 dyspneic POTS subjects with 10 healthy controls during a 70° head-up tilt. In POTS subjects during initial orthostasis before blood pressure recovery; central blood volume and mean arterial pressure were reduced (
P
<0.025), resulting in a significant (
P
<0.001) decrease in cerebral blood flow velocity, which temporally preceded (17±6 s;
P
<0.025) a progressive increase in minute ventilation and decrease in end tidal CO
2
(
P
<0.05) when compared with controls. Sympathoexcitation, measured by muscle sympathetic nerve activity, was increased in POTS (
P
<0.01) and inversely proportional to end tidal CO
2
and resulted in an increase in heart rate (
P
<0.001), total peripheral resistance (
P
<0.025), and a decrease in cardiac output (
P
<0.025). The decrease in cerebral blood flow velocity and mean arterial pressure during initial orthostasis was greater (
P
<0.025) in POTS. Our data suggest that exaggerated initial central hypovolemia during initial orthostatic hypotension in POTS results in reduced cerebral blood flow velocity and postural hypocapnic hyperpnea that perpetuates cerebral ischemia. We hypothesize that sustained hypocapnia and cerebral ischemia produce sympathoexcitation, tachycardia, and a statistically significant increase in blood pressure.
S100a8/a9 Released by CD11b
+
Gr1
+
Neutrophils Activates Cardiac Fibroblasts to Initiate Angiotensin II–Induced Cardiac Inflammation and Injury
Authors: Wu Yina , Li Yulin , Zhang Congcong , A Xi , Wang Yueli , Cui Wei , Li Huihua , Du Jie
Published: April 2014

Angiotensin II induces cardiovascular injury, in part, by activating inflammatory response; however, the initial factors that trigger the inflammatory cascade remain unclear. Microarray analysis of cardiac tissue exposed to systemic angiotensin II infusion revealed that extracellular heterodimeric proteins S100a8/a9 were highly upregulated. The increase in S100a8/a9 mRNA of CD11b
+
Gr1
+
neutrophils isolated from both the peripheral blood and heart was highest on day 1 of angiotensin II infusion and decreased to baseline at day 7. Immunostaining showed that S100a8/a9 was primarily present in infiltrating CD11b
+
Gr1
+
neutrophils in the heart. The receptor for advanced glycation end products, an S100a8/a9 receptor, was expressed in cardiac fibroblasts (CFs). Microarray analysis and Bio-Plex protein array showed that treatment of CFs with recombinant S100a8/a9 activated multiple chemokine and cytokines released. Luciferase reporter assay indicated S100a8/a9-activated nuclear factor-κ B pathway in CFs. Consequently, recombinant S100a8/a9–treated CFs promoted migration of monocytes and CFs, whereas neutralizing S100a9 antibody blocked S100a9 or receptor for advanced glycation end products–suppressed cellular migration. Finally, administration of a neutralizing S100a9 antibody prevented angiotensin II infusion–induced nuclear factor-κ B activation, inflammatory cell infiltration, cytokine production, subsequent perivascular and interstitial fibrosis, and hypertrophy in heart. Our findings identify neutrophil-produced S100a8/a9 as an initial proinflammatory factor needed to trigger inflammation and cardiac injury during acute hypertension.
Angiotensin-(1–7) Recruits Muscle Microvasculature and Enhances Insulin’s Metabolic Action via
Mas
Receptor
Authors: Fu Zhuo , Zhao Lina , Aylor Kevin W. , Carey Robert M. , Barrett Eugene J. , Liu Zhenqi
Published: April 2014

Angiotensin-(1–7) [Ang-(1–7)], an endogenous ligand for the G protein–coupled receptor
Mas
, exerts both vasodilatory and insulin-sensitizing effects. In skeletal muscle, relaxation of precapillary arterioles recruits microvasculature and increases the endothelial surface area available for nutrient and hormone exchanges. To assess whether Ang-(1–7) recruits microvasculature and enhances insulin action in muscle, overnight-fasted adult rats received an intravenous infusion of Ang-(1–7) (0, 10, or 100 ng/kg per minute) for 150 minutes with or without a simultaneous infusion of the
Mas
inhibitor A-779 and a superimposition of a euglycemic insulin clamp (3 mU/kg per minute) from 30 to 150 minutes. Hind limb muscle microvascular blood volume, microvascular flow velocity, and microvascular blood flow were determined. Myographic changes in tension were measured on preconstricted distal saphenous artery. Ang-(1–7) dose-dependently relaxed the saphenous artery (
P
<0.05) ex vivo. This effect was potentiated by insulin (
P
<0.01) and abolished by either endothelium denudement or
Mas
inhibition. Systemic infusion of Ang-(1–7) rapidly increased muscle microvascular blood volume and microvascular blood flow (
P
<0.05, each) without altering microvascular flow velocity. Insulin infusion alone increased muscle microvascular blood volume by 60% to 70% (
P
<0.05). Adding insulin to the Ang-(1–7) infusion further increased muscle microvascular blood volume and microvascular blood flow (≈2.5 fold;
P
<0.01). These were associated with a significant increase in insulin-mediated glucose disposal and muscle protein kinase B and extracellular signal–regulated kinase 1/2 phosphorylation. A-779 pretreatment blunted the microvascular and insulin-sensitizing effects of Ang-(1–7). We conclude that Ang-(1–7) by activating
Mas
recruits muscle microvasculature and enhances the metabolic action of insulin. These effects may contribute to the cardiovascular protective responses associated with
Mas
activation and explain the insulin-sensitizing action of Ang-(1–7).
Multiple Tests Based on a Gaussian Approximation of the Unitary Events Method with Delayed Coincidence Count
Authors: Tuleau-Malot Christine , Rouis Amel , Grammont Franck , Reynaud-Bouret Patricia
Published: April 2014

The unitary events (UE) method is one of the most popular and efficient methods used over the past decade to detect patterns of coincident joint spike activity among simultaneously recorded neurons. The detection of coincidences is usually based on binned coincidence count (Grün, 1996 ), which is known to be subject to loss in synchrony detection (Grün, Diesmann, Grammont, Riehle, & Aertsen, 1999 ). This defect has been corrected by the multiple shift coincidence count (Grün et al., 1999 ). The statistical properties of this count have not been further investigated until this work, the formula being more difficult to deal with than the original binned count. First, we propose a new notion of coincidence count, the delayed coincidence count, which is equal to the multiple shift coincidence count when discretized point processes are involved as models for the spike trains. Moreover, it generalizes this notion to nondiscretized point processes, allowing us to propose a new gaussian approximation of the count. Since unknown parameters are involved in the approximation, we perform a plug-in step, where unknown parameters are replaced by estimated ones, leading to a modification of the approximating distribution. Finally the method takes the multiplicity of the tests into account via a Benjamini and Hochberg approach (Benjamini & Hochberg, 1995 ), to guarantee a prescribed control of the false discovery rate. We compare our new method, MTGAUE (multiple tests based on a gaussian approximation of the unitary events) and the UE method proposed in Grün et al. ( 1999 ) over various simulations, showing that MTGAUE extends the validity of the previous method. In particular, MTGAUE is able to detect both profusion and lack of coincidences with respect to the independence case and is robust to changes in the underlying model. Furthermore MTGAUE is applied on real data.
On Criticality in High-Dimensional Data
Authors: Saremi Saeed , Sejnowski Terrence J.
Published: April 2014

Data sets with high dimensionality such as natural images, speech, and text have been analyzed with methods from condensed matter physics. Here we compare recent approaches taken to relate the scale invariance of natural images to critical phenomena. We also examine the method of studying high-dimensional data through specific heat curves by applying the analysis to noncritical systems: 1D samples taken from natural images and 2D binary pink noise. Through these examples, we concluded that due to small sample sizes, specific heat is not a reliable measure for gauging whether high-dimensional data are critical. We argue that identifying order parameters and universality classes is a more reliable way to identify criticality in high-dimensional data.
Is Daniel 11:1-19 Based on a Ptolemaic Narrative?
Authors: Scolnic Benjamin
Published: April 2014

Abstract

Daniel 11 is considered an exceptional Biblical text because of its interest in and accuracy about historical and political events in the Hellenistic world. A recent theory suggests that the author was a former Seleucid scribe; another theory posits the use of a Ptolemaic propaganda document. The approach here will be inductive, reading out from the text to adduce evidence that the author of Daniel 11 either used or reflected the attitudes of Ptolemaic narrative, not necessarily because he was pro-Ptolemaic but because it suited his anti-Antiochene purpose.
Of Roosters and Repetitio: Ambrose’s Aeterne rerum conditor
Authors: Springer Carl P.E.
Published: April 2014

Abstract

This article examines Ambrose’s use of repetitio in his morning hymn Aeterne rerum conditor. Thanks in part to a long tradition of criticism that has focused primarily on the unadorned ‘simplicity’ of the Ambrosian hymn, relatively little attention has been paid to the poet’s artful use of rhetorical figures. Aeterne rerum conditor features a rooster whose repetitive cry is replicated in the third and fourth stanzas of the hymn in a striking figure that, upon a close reading, is found to be integrally connected with the poem’s meaning and message.
Maxentius’s Crosses: CIL VIII, 18261
Authors: Cook John Granger
Published: April 2014

Abstract

An inscription from Numidia may contribute evidence to the debate over Constantine and the end of crucifixion in the west. The text, probably on the base of a statue, was addressed to a certain Constantine, who must have been the emperor of that name. It praises him for setting aside “the crosses and cruel wars of the tyrant” a reference, it would seem, to Maxentius’s suppression of the revolt of the usurper Alexander. It is argued in this investigation that the “crosses” refer to the penalty of crucifixion and that the text of the inscription may be interpreted as evidence for the fact that Constantine and Maxentius used this penalty differently.
Renewal Ecclesiology in Empirical Perspective
Authors: Cartledge Mark J.
Published: April 2014

Recent discussions in ecclesiology have highlighted the difference between abstract models and concrete ethnographic studies. It is all too common for these two different approaches to be self-contained without any interaction between them. In the light of this context, this study considers recent Pentecostal ecclesiology and identifies two strands of thought, namely, ecumenical and retrieval approaches. Both of these approaches are classified as blueprint approaches and neither of them draws upon concrete studies of congregations. In order to address this weakness, and make a constructive proposal, the discussion draws on studies of congregations to provide empirical perspectives with which to engage. The outcome is a recommendation that renewal ecclesiology should be understood as a distinct strand that includes four core features, namely: the location of pneumatology as central rather than peripheral, the importance of relationality, the rediscovery of sacramentality, and the impact of doxology for mission.
Transcendence Descended
Authors: Strand Svein E.
Published: April 2014

Abstract

Our worldview, the basic assumptions of and for reality, strongly influences our perception of the Gospel. Thirty years ago Paul G. Hiebert wrote about the excluded middle, arguing that his “Western” assumptions of reality prevented him from grasping the spiritual world he faced as a missionary to India. This article, written thirty years later, argues that in parts of Europe there is, rather than an exclusion of the middle, an increasing tendency to exclude the top. That is to say, there is a greater opening for spiritual realities than we saw a few decades ago, but there is also an increased reluctance to accept spiritual absolutes. There is no authority on the top of the hierarchy. A parallel to a religiosity with an excluded top is seen in the immanentist religious culture found in Japan, where God is not easily seen as transcendent from the creation. The article makes use of worldview theory and insights from Japanese culture in its argument for “transcendence descended” – that God is increasingly limited to the immanent sphere.
Between the Domestic and Agoric Somatoscape: John Chrysostom on the Appearance of Female Roman Aristocrats in the Marketplace
Authors: de Wet Chris L.
Published: April 2014

Abstract

The purpose of this essay is to give an account of John Chrysostom’s views on the public appearance of female Roman aristocrats in the marketplace, and to ask what it tells us about the functioning of pastoral power. The focus is on John Chrysostom’s 28th homilyOn Hebrews. The study argues that Chrysostom’s rhetoric is aimed at pastoralizing the domestic somatoscape and manipulating thepatria potestas. The pastoralization of the household ramified various patriarchal operations in Christian households, and a potent programme of asceticization of the agoric space accompanies it. The asceticization of the agoric took place by means of a tripart campaign of metaphorization: firstly, metaphorical dedoulologization, accompanied by decosmeticization, and also psychic virginization.
Is There Anything New under the (Mediterranean) Sun? Expressions of Near Eastern Deities in the Graeco-Roman World
Authors: Miller Daniel R.
Published: April 2014

Abstract

The concept of divine translatability was a prominent feature of Graeco-Roman religion. Major deities of the Greek and Roman pantheons had their origins in the ancient Near East, and the Greeks and Romans equated members of their pantheons with ancient Near Eastern divinities having similar characteristics and functions. This study employs salient examples of equations and correspondences between the Graeco-Roman and ancient Near Eastern pantheons, as well as attestations of multiple manifestations of the same deity based on function or geographic region, as a heuristic device for problematizing the issue of divine translatability in general. It is asserted that a deity is but a projection of human will, a signifier without a signified. This, in turn, locates the phenomenon of divine translatability within the realm of the subjective, making any reasonable “translation” of two or more deities as valid as any other, with no external adjudication of the matter possible.
Whose Theology? The Promise of Cognitive Theories and the Future of a Disputed Field
Authors: Roubekas Nickolas P.
Published: April 2014

Abstract

Within a general attempt to reconceptualise theology and its position in the modern university, the paper argues that the cognitive science of religion offers a great opportunity to modern theology to engage into interdisciplinary research that could be proven especially profitable to its future. By drawing examples from contemporary Greece and a religious ritual that is disputed by the official Christian Orthodox Church as well as from historical theology and the Arian controversy in the fourth century CE, I argue that Justin Barrett’s cognitive theory of religion, known as ‘Theological Correctness’, can provide to theology a useful tool in understanding the religious beliefs of everyday believers. Without discounting other methodologies, theories, and interpretations, this paper argues that there is space for cognitive theories within theological research that could only benefit theology and its future in the twenty-first century.
Grieving, Brooding, and Transforming
Authors: Johns Cheryl Bridges
Published: April 2014

Cheryl Bridges Johns argues that hermeneutics alone cannot save us from inadequate and harmful ways of reading Scripture. She calls for a return to the basic questions regarding the nature of the subjecthood and otherness of the Bible. She offers a view of the Bible as living subject whose existence is grounded in the economic life of God. As such, the Bible serves as a sanctified, Spirit-filled vessel in service of restoring creation. A Spirit-filled feminist approach to the Bible as Spirit-Word includes the processes of grieving, brooding, and transformation. First, the reader moves through a hermeneutics of suspicion, through a hermeneutics of remembrance into a deeper, darker, and more profound place. The grieving Spirit of Shekinah is found here. However, a Spirit-filled feminist hermeneutic does not abandon women to grief. Rather, it moves us into the purposes of God toward justice and the healing of creation. The movement from grief to transformation often goes the way of ‘brooding’ over the brokenness and gestating newness. The final movement of Spirit-filled feminist hermeneutics is the movement of transformation. The Bible performed carries with it the power to transform and to bring about the reconstruction of life.
Getting Our Feet Wet
Authors: Stephenson Lisa P.
Published: April 2014

This article is an attempt to supplement John Howard Yoder’s thesis in his book Body Politics that the Church is in fact a polis, and to highlight the act of footwashing as another New Testament practice that is still observed in Churches today, especially Pentecostal ones. The article proceeds by engaging in a conversation with Yoder’s work on the political import of Christian practices and specifically addresses his indifference for footwashing. It then lifts up this practice with the intent of prompting Pentecostals to think about it in a fresh light so as to encourage its observance more frequently.
Radical and Responsible
Authors: Richie Tony
Published: April 2014

The contemporary global ecological crisis is a pressing concern for Christian theology. This essay proposes an activist approach that relates ecotheology to the classic doctrine of creation. Further, it mines the Wesleyan-Pentecostal heritage and theological trajectory for a faithful and effective approach for addressing relevant environmental concerns. Finally, it concludes with a summative reflection on the precise shape of a Wesleyan-Pentecostal ecotheology. The result is a constructive proposal for advancing Pentecostal contributions to ecotheology.
What if Miracles Don’t Happen?
Authors: Castelo Daniel
Published: April 2014

Theodical concerns are intricately embedded within accounts of divine healing and miracles. The following essay highlights some of these challenges for Pentecostals and charismatics, those who are especially affected by the point. What is needed in contexts such as these is nothing short of a recalibration of sensibilities and expectations regarding the theodical task overall. The work concludes with an amplification of what ‘empowered for witness’ can mean for Pentecostals facing the challenge of frustrated expectations on these concerns.
‘Generational Curses’ and the ‘Four Horns’
Authors: Degbe Simon Kouessan
Published: April 2014

African Pentecostals and Charismatics have come far with their faith in Christ and the Gospel. But it is an acknowledged fact that their primal orientations continue to influence their theologies and emphases. And this reality continues to generate a conflict between their past and present. In Ghana, Nicholas Duncan-Williams and Mensa Anamua Otabil have become examples of how African Pentecostals and Charismatics continue to respond to their primal religious heritage. Thus this paper seeks to show how Ghanaian Pentecostals and Charismatics continue to demonise their primal religious traditions, and at the same time use it to serve their purposes. This also confirms the timeless continuity and discontinuity with their primal past. Hence the sermons of Duncan-Williams on ‘Generational Curses’ and that of Otabil on ‘the Four Horns’ have been used to illustrate the point.
The Continuum Problem: Modified Occam’s Razor and Conventionalisation of Meaning
Authors: Mazzone Marco
Published: April 2014

According to Grice’s “Modified Occam’s Razor”, in case of uncertainty between the implicature account and the polysemy account of word uses it is parsimonious to opt for the former. However, it is widely agreed that uses can be partially conventionalised by repetition. This fact, I argue, raises a serious problem for MOR as a methodological principle, but also for the substantial notion of implicature in lexical pragmatics. In order to overcome these problems, I propose to reinterpret implicatures in terms of implicature-like effects delivered by non-inferential processes.
Interpreting Novel Metaphors
Authors: Wearing Catherine
Published: April 2014

This paper examines how categorization accounts handle cases of novel metaphor which involve “category-crossing” (e.g. “Her mind is a jungle”, “His life was a skiff with no oar”). I provide a stringent characterization of the cases I have in mind and show that the relevance-theoretic account of metaphor (Carston, 2002; Sperber and Wilson, 2008) as well as other central categorization accounts (Glucksberg, 2001; Recanati, 2004) lack the resources to explain such cases. An adequate categorization account, I argue, cannot avoid incorporating the central element of rival, comparison-based, views: analogy. I show how this might be done within a categorization framework.
Pretence and Echo: Towards an Integrated Account of Verbal Irony
Authors: Popa-Wyatt Mihaela
Published: April 2014

Two rival accounts of irony claim, respectively, that pretence and echo are independently sufficient to explain central cases. After highlighting the strengths and weaknesses of these accounts, I argue that an account in which both pretence and echo play an essential role better explains these cases and serves to explain peripheral cases as well. I distinguish between “weak” and “strong” hybrid theories, and advocate an “integrated strong hybrid” account in which elements of both pretence and echo are seen as complementary in a unified mechanism. I argue that the allegedly mutually exclusive elements of pretence and echo are in fact complementary aspects enriching a core-structure as follows: by pretending to have a perspective/thought F, an ironic speaker U echoes a perspective/thought G. F is merely pretended, perhaps caricaturised or exaggerated, while G is real/possible.
Kitis on Meaning in Language
Authors: Holdcroft David
Published: April 2014

As its title, Semantics: Meaning in Language, indicates the focus of this book is on context-less meaning (“narrow semantics”), for all that the intention is to throw light on issues of language use. Two main approaches are discussed in detail. The first has its origin in the philosophy of language, and is concerned with the extra-linguistic relations between units of language and items in the world; key concepts are reference, denotation and truth. The second originates in linguistics and concentrates on intra-linguistic relations such as antonymy and synonymy. However, at many points the question arises whether these approaches to narrow semantics need to be supplemented by pragmatics.
A new uncommon epilithic Eunotia (Bacillariophyceae, Eunotiaceae) from the Chapada Diamantina region, Northeast Brazil
Authors: Ferrari Fernanda , Wetzel Carlos Eduardo , Ector Luc , Bicudo Denise De Campos , Bicudo Carlos Eduardo de Mattos
Published: April 2014

A new uncommon epilithic diatom, Eunotia relicta sp. nov., is described from a small oligotrophic, acidic stream in the Chapada Diamantina region, northeast Brazil. Eunotia relicta is a typical eunotioid form with a pronounced arch on the dorsal side of the valve mainly in smaller valves. Contrary to most Eunotia species, Eunotia relicta does not possess rectangular frustules in girdle view. Until now, this characteristic was only observed in a few species such as E. charliereimeri Edlund & Brant, E. sarraceniae E.E. Gaiser & J.R. Johansen and E. arcuoides Foged, all of them considered asymmetric along the valve plane. Some interesting morphological features of the new species are broad copulae on the dorsal side, an inconspicuous single conical spine on the valve face near the margin at both poles, and the irregularly thickened interstriae. Moreover, each valve has irregular projections at the dorsal valve face margin/mantle juncture and up to three rimoportulae per valve located on the mantle. These features associated with the distinct valve outline set it apart from E. charliereimeri, E. sarraceniae and E. arcuoides, which have no spines, smooth valve faces and 1–2 rimoportulae per valve.
Begonia chingipengii (sect. Baryandra, Begoniaceae), a new species from Luzon Island, Philippines
Authors: Rubite Rosario Rivera , Kono Yoshiko , Yang Hsun-An
Published: April 2014

Begonia chingipengii from Gabaldon, Nueva Ecija, Luzon Island is described as a new species endemic to the Philippines. This is the latest addition to the newly delimited Begonia section Baryandra. It resembles Begonia trichochila but is distinguished by the variegated leaves with light green veins and midrib contrasting with the dark green adaxial surface and maroon abaxial surface, and its oblique leaf is elongated with an acuminate apex. The robust variegated leaves, large flowers and extensive inflorescence make it very attractive.
Thismia okhaensis (Thismiaceae)—a new fairy lantern from Vietnam
Authors: Lưu Hồng Trường , Nguyễn Thiện Tịch , Trần Giỏi , Đinh Quang Diệp , Vũ Ngọc Long , Nguyễn Xuân Bách , Ngô Thị Thùy Dung , Nguyễn Thành Trung
Published: April 2014

Thismia okhaensis is described and illustrated as a new species discovered in Ô Kha Valley, Khánh Hòa Province in central Vietnam. The new species belongs to section Sarcosiphon on account of having mitre-like flowers. It is allied to T. angustimitra and T. mirabilis, but it differs in having a convex top mitre with three digitate furrows, involucral bracts with round apex, apertures totally hidden under the mitre, and connective appendages with lateral teeth.
Indonesian species of Dilatognathus Kluge 2012 (Ephemeroptera, Leptophlebiidae, Choroterpes s.l.) and species-specific sexual dimorphism in development of maxilla
Authors: KLUGE NIKITA J.
Published: April 2014

Larvae, subimagoes and imagoes of both sexes reared from larvae of a new species Choroterpes (Dilatognathus) bogori sp.n. from Java are described. Formerly this species was described by Ulmer (1939) under the wrong name "Choroterpides exiguus (Eaton 1884)". In all species of Dilatognathus, maxilla of last instar larva has the same structure, but in Ch. (D.) cataractae its structure is different in previous instars, being different in males and females.
A new genus and species of myrmecophilous brentid beetle (Coleoptera: Brentidae) inhabiting the myrmecophytic epiphytes in the Bornean rainforest canopy
Authors: MARUYAMA MUNETOSHI , BARTOLOZZI LUCA , INUI YOKO , TANAKA HIROSHI O. , HYODO FUJIO , SHIMIZU-KAYA USUN , TAKEMATSU YOKO , HISHI TAKUO , ITIOKA TAKAO
Published: April 2014

Pycnotarsobrentus inuiae Maruyama & Bartolozzi, gen. nov. and sp. nov. (Brentinae: Eremoxenini) is described from the Lambir Hills National Park, Borneo (Sarawak, Malaysia) based on specimens collected from Crematogaster difformis F. Smith, 1857 ant nests in the myrmecophytic epiphytic ferns Platycerium crustacea Copel. and Lecanopteris ridleyi H. Christ. A second species of Pycnotarsobrentus is known from Malaysia but is represented by only one female and consequently not yet described pending discovery of a male. Pycnotarsobrentus belongs to the tribe Eremoxenini and shares some character states with the African genus Pericordus Kolbe, 1883. No species of Eremoxenini with similar morphological modifications are known from the Oriental region.