bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Rejuvenation of a NiFe Accumulator from 1930´s
Authors: Vorel Pavel , Prochazka Petr , Pazdera Ivo , Červinka Dalibor
Published: December 2014

A rejuvenation process of a very old nickel-iron accumulator (about 75 years) is described in this article. The supposed nominal parameters of the accumulator are 12V/(8Ah -10Ah). All cells of the accumulator were cleaned and rejuvenated by a quite long and laborious process including 11 cycles of charging and discharging, several changing of the electrolyte and even using a deep discharging to improve the capacity of the negative iron electrode. The charging and discharging characteristics of all cells were measured during the rejuvenation. Finally also the internal resistance of the accumulator was measured. The wooden case, output terminals and all the accumulator accessories were renovated. The work showed a surprising durability of old NiFe accumulators (see below).
Optimization of Temperature Profile in Concentrator Photovoltaic Cell
Authors: Vaculík Sebastian , Vyroubal Petr , Maxa Jiri , Vaněk Jiri
Published: December 2014

This article deals with optimization of temperature profile in concentrator photovoltaic cell. This work contains description of five simulated models. Design of first of them is based on sample, which was implemented and investigated at the Department of Electrical and Electronic. This model was subsequently optimized and thereby was achieved reduction of required cooling medium (in this case water) and improving the cooling.
Effect of Different Type of Cobalt Addition on the Cyclability of Ni(OH)2 in the Presence of Zincate Ions
Authors: Chladil Ladislav , Novák Vitězslav , Dvořák Petr
Published: December 2014

The influence of addition of cobalt into the nickel oxide electrodes (NOE) on their stability and electrochemical performance was investigated. The work deals with the evaluation of the two options of NOE stabilization by cobalt addition. An electrode containing the cobalt in the whole volume of active material, as well as an electrode which has active material covered by Co(OH)2, were prepared and studied. The different process of cobalt addition leads to a different electrode behavior. Whereas the first cobalt addition leads to stable discharging capacities accompanied with negligible mass changes during cycling, the second one leads to gradual increase of discharge electrode capacity. This capacity increase is accompanied by significant increase of electrode mass.
Optimization of Conditions in Climatic Chamber Designed for Curing Positive Electrodes
Authors: Kadlec Michal , Zimáková Jana , Fryda D
Published: December 2014

This article discussed the climatic conditions during the curing process of the active mass of the lead-acid positive electrode battery. The results of the experiment achieved in the preparation of climatic chambers are presented in this article, they are compared with previous experiments, and they are mainly about optimization of temperature and humidity in the process of curing and drying.
Temperature Changes in Lead Acid Battery during Pulse Charging
Authors: Křivík Petr
Published: December 2014

This paper explores temperature changes of lead acid battery cell during discharging and pulse charging. It is studied the effect of different settings of pulse charging regime on the cycle life and on increase of cell temperature during pulse charging.
Electrochemical Deposition of Hydroxyapatite Coatings on CoCrMo Alloy
Authors: Onderka Filip , Volodarskaja Anastasia , Kadlec Jaromír , Dobrocký David , Klanica Ondřej
Published: December 2014

Hydroxyapatite (HA) is widely applied as bone graft material due to its osteoconductive potential and well-established biocompatibility. The high osteoconductive potential of the HA coating provides a potential structure for use as bone substitute in orthopedic, oral, and cranio-maxillofacial reconstructive surgery, and as dento-alveolar implants. The aim of this work is to present hydroxyapatite coatings which were prepared on CoCrMo as-cast alloy by electrochemical deposition technology in the mixed solution Ca(NO3)2·4H2O and NH4H2PO4. CoCrMo alloy complies with the ISO 5832-4 standard and is widely used in the manufacturing of orthopedic implants because of its high strength, good corrosion resistance and excellent biocompatibility properties. HA coating is used to ensure sufficient bioactivity, but application of hydroxyapatite in orthopedic implants suffers from its low fracture toughness and poor wear resistance. Carbon nanotube (CNT), with its high stiffness and mechanical strength, is an attractive reinforcement for HA to surmount these issues.
Protective Coatings against Thermal Degradation of the Metal Thin Film
Authors: Šimonová Lucie , Šubarda Jiri , Čudek Pavel , Strachala David , Danovič Jakub
Published: December 2014

The aim of the work is to focus on permanent and extreme thermal effects, which can provide a thin metal films disrupt and even destroy. Our idea was to find out how much the individual materials are resistant separately for a long term aging and in a extreme short aging. In addition, we also focused on a variety of protective coatings that we tested under the same conditions, we investigated whether these coatings are able to protect the thin film at elevated temperatures and extreme temperatures. In the end we also tested a corrosion potential of thin films with examining samples under the microscope.
Transference Number Measurements on Gel Polymer Electrolytes for Lithium-Ion Batteries
Authors: Musil Michal , Vondrák Jiri
Published: December 2014

Gel polymer electrolytes for Lithium-Ion batteries based on MMA and LiPF6 in EC:DMC (1:1 wt.) with different salt concentration were prepared by radical photo polymerization. These samples were measured on transference number using Bruce-Vincent method based on combination of DC polarization and AC Electrochemical Impedance Spectroscopy (EIS) techniques. This method gave values ranging from 0.24 at 0.05 mol l-1 LiPF6 to 0.69 at 1 mol l-1 LiPF6 salt concentration.
Effect of p53 on mitochondrial morphology, import, and assembly in skeletal muscle
Authors: Saleem Ayesha , Iqbal Sobia , Zhang Yuan , Hood David A.
Published: December 2014

The purpose of this study was to investigate whether p53 regulates mitochondrial function via changes in mitochondrial protein import, complex IV (COX) assembly, or the expression of key proteins involved in mitochondrial dynamics and degradation. Mitochondria from p53 KO mice displayed ultra-structural alterations and were more punctate in appearance. This was accompanied by protein-specific alterations in fission, fusion, and mitophagy-related proteins. However, matrix-destined protein import into subsarcolemmal or intermyofibrillar mitochondria was unaffected in the absence of p53, despite mitochondrial subfraction-specific reductions in Tom20, Tim23, mtHsp70, and mtHsp60 in the knockout (KO) mitochondria. Complex IV activity in isolated mitochondria was also unchanged in KO mice, but two-dimensional blue native-PAGE revealed a reduction in the assembly of complex IV within the IMF fractions from KO mice in tandem with lower levels of the assembly protein Surf1. This observed defect in complex IV assembly may facilitate the previously documented impairment in mitochondrial function in p53 KO mice. We suspect that these morphological and functional impairments in mitochondria drive a decreased reliance on mitochondrial respiration as a means of energy production in skeletal muscle in the absence of p53.
Disruption of NHE8 expression impairs Leydig cell function in the testes
Authors: Xu Hua , Chen Huacong , Li Jing , Zhao Yang , Ghishan Fayez K.
Published: December 2014

Multiple sodium/hydrogen exchanger (NHE) isoforms are expressed in the testes, and they play various roles in cell volume regulation, intracellular pH regulation, and fluid absorption. NHE8, the most recently characterized NHE family member, is detected in the Leydig cells in humans and mice in great abundance by immunohistochemistry in the current study. Male mice lacking NHE8 expression were infertile. Despite having intact male reproductive organs, male NHE8−/− mice have smaller testes and lacked spermatozoon in the seminiferous tubules and the epididymis. At the age of 39 wk, few spermogonia were seen in the testis in NHE8−/− mice. Although male NHE8−/− mice have normal serum levels of luteinizing hormone and follicle-stimulating hormone, serum testosterone level was significantly reduced. These mice have decreased expression of luteinizing hormone receptor in the testes. In NHE8 small-interfering RNA-transfected mouse Leydig cells (MLTC-1), silencing of NHE8 decreased the expression of luteinizing hormone receptor by ∼70%. Moreover, loss of NHE8 function in Leydig cells resulted in disorganized luteinizing hormone receptor membrane distribution. Therefore, male infertility in NHE8−/− mice is at least partially due to the disruption of luteinizing hormone receptor distribution and consequent low testosterone production, which leads to Sertoli cell dysfunction. Our work identified a novel role of NHE8 in male fertility through its effect on modifying luteinizing hormone receptor function.
Ex Vivo Anatomical Characterization of Handsewn or Stapled Jejunocecal Anastomosis in Horses by Computed Tomography Scan
Authors: Giusto Gessica , Iotti Bryan , Sammartano Federica , Valazza Alberto , Gandini Marco
Published: December 2014

The aim of this study is to compare handsewn and stapled jejunocecal anastomosis with different stomal lengths in terms of anatomical differences. Group 1 underwent a two-layer handsewn jejunocecal side-to-side anastomosis (HS); Group 2 received a stapled jejunocecal side-to-side anastomosis (GIA). Each group was divided into two subgroups (HS80 and HS100, GIA80 and GIA100). Specimens were inflated and CT scanned. The stomal/jejunal area ratio and blind end pouch volume/area were measured and compared. Effective length of the stoma was measured and compared with the initial length. Stomal/jejunal area ratio was 1.1 for both 80 techniques, 1.6 for the GIA100, and 1.9 for the HS100 technique. Both HS and GIA techniques produced a blind end pouch and exhibited a mean increase of the final stomal length ranging from 6 to 11% greater than the original stomal length. All techniques will exhibit a length increase of the final stomal length compared to the intended stomal length, with a consequent increase in stomal area. Stapled techniques consistently produced a large distal blind end pouch. Length of a jejunocecal anastomosis should be selected in accordance with the diameter of afferent jejunum, and the 80 mm stomal length could be deemed sufficient in horses.
Wastewater Treatment Optimization for Fish Migration Using Harmony Search
Authors: Geem Zong Woo , Kim Jin-Hong
Published: December 2014

Certain types of fish migrate between the sea and fresh water to spawn. In order for them to swim without any breathing problem, river should contain enough oxygen. If fish is passing along the river in municipal area, it needs sufficient dissolved oxygen level which is influenced by dumped amount of wastewater into the river. If existing treatment methods such as settling and biological oxidation are not enough, we have to consider additional treatment methods such as microscreening filtration and nitrification. This study constructed a wastewater treatment optimization model for migratory fish, which considers three costs (filtration cost, nitrification cost, and irrigation cost) and two environmental constraints (minimal dissolved oxygen level and maximal nitrate‐nitrogen concentration). Results show that the metaheuristic technique such as harmony search could find good solutions robustly while calculus‐based technique such as generalized reduced gradient method was trapped in local optima or even divergent.
Mycobacterium aviumComplex Infection in a Patient with Sickle Cell Disease and Severe Iron Overload
Authors: Shemisa Kamal , Jafferjee Nasima , Thomas David , Jacobs Gretta , Meyerson Howard J.
Published: December 2014

A 34-year-old female with sickle cell anemia (hemoglobin SS disease) and severe iron overload presented to our institution with the subacute presentation of recurrent pain crisis, fever of unknown origin, pancytopenia, and weight loss. A CT scan demonstrated both lung and liver nodules concerning for granulomatous disease. Subsequent biopsies of the liver and bone marrow confirmed the presence of noncaseating granulomas and blood cultures isolatedMycobacterium aviumcomplex MAC. Disseminated MAC is considered an opportunistic infection typically diagnosed in the immunocompromised and rarely in immunocompetent patients. An appreciable number of mycobacterial infection cases have been reported in sickle cell disease patients without immune dysfunction. It has been reported that iron overload is known to increase the risk for mycobacterial infection in vitro and in vivo studies. While iron overload is primarily known to cause end organ dysfunction, the clinical relationship with sickle cell disease and disseminated MAC infection has not been reported. Clinical iron overload is a common condition diagnosed in the sub-Saharan African population. High dietary iron, genetic defects in iron trafficking, as well as hemoglobinopathy are believed to be the etiologies for iron overload in this region. Patients with iron overload in this region were 17-fold more likely to die fromMycobacterium tuberculosis. Both experimental and clinical evidence suggest a possible link to iron overload and mycobacterial infections; however larger observational studies are necessary to determine true causality.
On Exponential Stabilizability for a Class of Switched Nonlinear Systems with Mixed Time-Varying Delays
Authors: Qi Jie , Sun Yuangong
Published: December 2014

We study the exponential stabilizability for a class of switched nonlinear systems with mixed time-varying delays. By using a new technique developed for positive systems, we design the average dwell time switching under which the switched nonlinear system is exponentially stable for any bounded delays. Finally, numerical examples are worked out to illustrate the main theoretical result.
Gender Identity Disorder and Schizophrenia: Neurodevelopmental Disorders with Common Causal Mechanisms?
Authors: Rajkumar Ravi Philip
Published: December 2014

Gender identity disorder (GID), recently renamed gender dysphoria (GD), is a rare condition characterized by an incongruity between gender identity and biological sex. Clinical evidence suggests that schizophrenia occurs in patients with GID at rates higher than in the general population and that patients with GID may have schizophrenia-like personality traits. Conversely, patients with schizophrenia may experience alterations in gender identity and gender role perception. Neurobiological research, including brain imaging and studies of finger length ratio and handedness, suggests that both these disorders are associated with altered cerebral sexual dimorphism and changes in cerebral lateralization. Various mechanisms, such asToxoplasmainfection, reduced levels of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), early childhood adversity, and links with autism spectrum disorders, may account for some of this overlap. The implications of this association for further research are discussed.
Study of CRFP Shell Structures under Dynamic Loading in Shock Tube Setup
Authors: Khawaja H. A. , Bertelsen T. A. , Andreassen R. , Moatamedi M.
Published: December 2014

The paper gives the study of the response of carbon fiber reinforced polymers (CRFP) quasi-isotropic shell structures under the influence of dynamic loading. The quasi-isotropic CRFP shell specimens are fabricated using Multipreg E720 laminates. These laminates are laid in such a way that shell structure has equal strength and mechanical properties in the two-dimensional (2D) plane and hence can be regarded as quasi-isotropic. In this study, the dynamic loading is generated using shock waves in a shock tube experimental setup. The strain and pressure data is collected from the experiments. Additional tests are carried out using Material Test System (MTS) for both tensile and flexural response of CRFP. Results obtained from experiments are compared with numerical simulations using ANSYS Multiphysics 14.0 finite element method (FEM) package. The numerical simulation and experimental results are found to be in good agreement.
FDTD Acceleration for Cylindrical Resonator Design Based on the Hybrid of Single and Double Precision Floating-Point Computation
Authors: Waidyasooriya Hasitha Muthumala , Hariyama Masanori , Takei Yasuhiro , Kameyama Michitaka
Published: December 2014

Acceleration of FDTD (finite-difference time-domain) is very important for the fields such as computational electromagnetic simulation. We consider the FDTD simulation model of cylindrical resonator design that requires double precision floating-point and cannot be done using single precision. Conventional FDTD acceleration methods have a common problem of memory-bandwidth limitation due to the large amount of parallel data access. To overcome this problem, we propose a hybrid of single and double precision floating-point computation method that reduces the data-transfer amount. We analyze the characteristics of the FDTD simulation to find out when we can use single precision instead of double precision. According to the experimental results, we achieved over 15 times of speed-up compared to the CPU single-core implementation and over 1.52 times of speed-up compared to the conventional GPU-based implementation.
Irreversible Thermodynamics of the Universe: Constraints fromPlanckData
Authors: Saha Subhajit , Biswas Atreyee , Chakraborty Subenoy
Published: December 2014

The present work deals with irreversible universal thermodynamics. The homogenous and isotropic flat model of the universe is chosen as open thermodynamical system and nonequilibrium thermodynamics comes into picture. For simplicity, entropy flow is considered only due to heat conduction. Further, due to Maxwell-Cattaneo modified Fourier law for nonequilibrium phenomenon, the temperature satisfies damped wave equation instead of heat conduction equation. Validity of generalized second law of thermodynamics (GSLT) has been investigated for universe bounded by apparent or event horizon with cosmic substratum as perfect fluid with constant or variable equation of state or interacting dark species. Finally, we have used threePlanckdata sets to constrain the thermal conductivityλand the coupling parameterb2. These constraints must be satisfied in order for GSLT to hold for universe bounded by apparent or event horizons.
Sarcoidosis Treatment with Antifungal Medication: A Follow-Up
Authors: Terčelj Marjeta , Salobir Barbara , Zupancic Mirjana , Rylander Ragnar
Published: December 2014

Introduction. The aim of the study was to compare treatment of sarcoidosis with antifungal or corticosteroid medication.Methods.In patients with sarcoidosis antifungal medication (n=29), corticosteroids (n=21) or a combination (n=27) was given. Nine patients allotted to antifungal medication were later given corticosteroids because of the lack of regression of the disease. X-ray scores for the severity of granuloma infiltration were determined. Chitotriosidase and angiotensin converting enzyme were determined. The time in months till remission was observed as well as the number of recurrences.
Predicting Concrete Compressive Strength and Modulus of Rupture Using Different NDT Techniques
Authors: Martínez-Molina Wilfrido , Torres-Acosta Andrés Antonio , Jáuregui Juan Carlos , Chávez-García Hugo Luis , Alonso-Guzmán Elia Mercedes , Graff Mario , Arteaga-Arcos Juan Carlos
Published: December 2014

Quality tests applied to hydraulic concrete such as compressive, tension, and bending strength are used to guarantee proper characteristics of materials. All these assessments are performed by destructive tests (DTs). The trend is to carry out quality analysis using nondestructive tests (NDTs) as has been widely used for decades. This paper proposes a framework for predicting concrete compressive strength and modulus of rupture by combining data from four NDTs: electrical resistivity, ultrasonic pulse velocity, resonant frequency, and hammer test rebound with DTs data. The model, determined from the multiple linear regression technique, produces accurate indicators predictions and categorizes the importance of each NDT estimate. However, the model is identified from all the possible linear combinations of the available NDT, and it was selected using a cross-validation technique. Furthermore, the generality of the model was assessed by comparing results from additional specimens fabricated afterwards.
Renal Function and Ultrasound Imaging in Elderly Subjects
Authors: Zanoli Luca , Romano Giulia , Romano Marcello , Rastelli Stefania , Rapisarda Francesco , Granata Antonio , Fatuzzo Pasquale , Malaguarnera Mariano , Castellino Pietro
Published: December 2014

We evaluated in elderly subjects (a) the ability of GFR formulas to discriminate chronic kidney disease (CKD), (b) the correlation between renal morphology and function, and (c) the usefulness of combined r-US and GFR formulas to detect CKD. A total of 72 patients were enrolled (mean age 80 ± 7 years, male sex 44%, serum creatinine 0.98 ± 0.42 mg/dL, and CKD 57%). Cockcroft-Gault showed the highest sensitivity (78%) and specificity (94%) for CKD and was correlated with kidney volume (R=0.68,P<0.001). All formulas failed to provide a reliable estimate of GFR. In multivariate analysis, Cockcroft-Gault < 52 mL/min and kidney sinus section area < 28 cm2showed the highest accuracy for the identification of CKD subjects (AUC 0.90,P<0.001). MDRD and CKD-EPI differed significantly for GFR ≥90 mL/min.Conclusions. Cockcroft-Gault < 52 mL/min was able to discriminate subjects with CKD but all formulas failed to provide a reliable estimate of GFR. The combined use of r-US and Cockcroft-Gault formula improved the ability to discriminate CKD in elderly subjects.
Antidiabetic Activity of Benzopyrone Analogues in Nicotinamide-Streptozotocin Induced Type 2 Diabetes in Rats
Authors: Nayak Yogendra , Hillemane Venkatachalam , Daroji Vijay Kumar , Jayashree B. S. , Unnikrishnan M. K.
Published: December 2014

Benzopyrones are proven antidiabetic drug candidate in diabetic drug discovery. In this view novel synthetic benzopyrone analogues were selected for testing in experimental diabetes. Type 2 diabetes (T2D) was induced in Wistar rats by streptozotocin (60 mg/kg, i.p.) followed by nicotinamide (120 mg/kg i.p.). Rats having fasting blood glucose (FBG) >200 mg/dL, 7 days after T2D-induction, are selected for the study. Test compounds and standard treatment were continued for 15 days. FBG, oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT), and insulin tolerance test (ITT) were determined on 21st day after induction of T2D. Plasma lipids and serum insulin were estimated. Homeostatic model assessment (HOMA-IR) was then calculated from serum insulin. Rats were sacrificed and pancreas was isolated for histopathological observations. Oxidative stress markers were estimated in liver homogenate. Quercetin, a natural product with benzopyrone ring, showed significant hypoglycemic activity comparable to glibenclamide. Treatment with test compounds lowered the FBG and insulin resistance was significant alleviated as determined by OGTT, HOMA-IR, and ITT. There was significant normalisation of liver antioxidant enzymes compared to diabetic rats indicating that all the synthesised benzopyrone analogues are beneficial in reducing oxidative stress and are on par with the standard quercetin and glibenclamide in experimental T2D.
Stochastic Methods Based on VU‐Decomposition Methods for Stochastic Convex Minimax Problems
Authors: Lu Yuan , Wang Wei , Chen Shuang , Huang Ming
Published: December 2014

This paper applies sample average approximation (SAA) method based on ‐space decomposition theory to solve stochastic convex minimax problems. Under some moderate conditions, the SAA solution converges to its true counterpart with probability approaching one and convergence is exponentially fast with the increase of sample size. Based on the ‐theory, a superlinear convergent ‐algorithm frame is designed to solve the SAA problem.
Accuracy of the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale for Identifying Depression in Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease Patients
Authors: Nowak Christoph , Sievi Noriane A. , Clarenbach Christian F. , Schwarz Esther Irene , Schlatzer Christian , Brack Thomas , Brutsche Martin , Frey Martin , Irani Sarosh , Leuppi Jörg D. , Rüdiger Jochen , Thurnheer Robert , Kohler Malcolm
Published: December 2014

Psychological morbidity is common in chronic respiratory diseases. The diagnostic accuracy of the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS) and risk factors for comorbid depression in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) are addressed. Consecutive COPD patients (GOLD stage I–IV, 40–75 years old) were enrolled in a multicentre, cross-sectional cohort study. Diagnosis of depression was ascertained through clinical records. Lung function, HADS score, 6-minute walking test (6-MWT), MRC dyspnoea score, and COPD Assessment Test (CAT) were evaluated. Two hundred fifty-nine COPD patients (mean age 62.5 years; 32% female; mean FEV1 48% predicted) were included. Patients diagnosed with depression (29/259; 11.2%) had significantly higher HADS-D and HADS-Total scores than nondepressed patients (median (quartiles) HADS-D 6 [4; 9] versus 4 [2; 7], median HADS-Total 14 [10; 20] versus 8 [5; 14]). Receiver-operating characteristic plots showed moderate accuracy for HADS-D, AUC 0.662 (95%CI 0.601–0.719), and HADS-Total, AUC 0.681 (95%CI 0.620–0.737), with optimal cut-off scores of >5 and >9, respectively. Sensitivity and specificity were 62.1% and 62.6% for HADS-D compared to 75.9% and 55.2% for HADS-Total. Age, comorbidities, sex, and lower airflow limitation predicted depression. The HADS exhibits low diagnostic accuracy for depression in COPD patients. Younger men with comorbidities are at increased risk for depression.
Evaluation of a Tumor Microenvironment–Based Prognostic Score in Primary Operable Colorectal Cancer
Authors: Park James H. , McMillan Donald C. , Powell Arfon G. , Richards Colin H. , Horgan Paul G. , Edwards Joanne , Roxburgh Campbell S.D.
Published: December 2014

Purpose: The tumor microenvironment is recognized as an important determinant of progression and outcome in colorectal cancer. The aim of the present study was to evaluate a novel tumor microenvironment–based prognostic score, based on histopathologic assessment of the tumor inflammatory cell infiltrate and tumor stroma, in patients with primary operable colorectal cancer.

Experimental Design: Using routine pathologic sections, the tumor inflammatory cell infiltrate and stroma were assessed using Klintrup–Mäkinen (KM) grade and tumor stroma percentage (TSP), respectively, in 307 patients who had undergone elective resection for stage I–III colorectal cancer. The clinical utility of a cumulative score based on these characteristics was examined.

Results: On univariate analysis, both weak KM grade and high TSP were associated with reduced survival (HR, 2.42; P = 0.001 and HR, 2.05; P = 0.001, respectively). A cumulative score based on these characteristics, the Glasgow Microenvironment Score (GMS), was associated with survival (HR, 1.93; 95% confidence interval, 1.36–2.73; P < 0.001), independent of TNM stage and venous invasion (both P < 0.05). GMS stratified patients in to three prognostic groups: strong KM (GMS = 0), weak KM/low TSP (GMS = 1), and weak KM/high TSP (GMS = 2), with 5-year survival of 89%, 75%, and 51%, respectively (P < 0.001). Furthermore, GMS in combination with node involvement, venous invasion, and mismatch repair status further stratified 5-year survival (92% to 37%, 93% to 27%, and 100% to 37%, respectively).

Conclusions: The present study further confirms the clinical utility of assessment of the tumor microenvironment in colorectal cancer and introduces a simple, routinely available prognostic score for the risk stratification of patients with primary operable colorectal cancer. Clin Cancer Res; 21(4); 882–8. ©2014 AACR.
PI3′-Kinase Inhibition Forestalls the Onset of MEK1/2 Inhibitor Resistance in BRAF-Mutated Melanoma
Authors: Deuker Marian M. , Marsh Durban Victoria , Phillips Wayne A. , McMahon Martin
Published: December 2014

Phosphatidylinositide 3′ (PI3′)-lipid signaling cooperates with oncogenic BRAFV600E to promote melanomagenesis. Sustained PI3′-lipid production commonly occurs via silencing of the PI3′-lipid phosphatase PTEN or, less commonly, through mutational activation of PIK3CA, encoding the 110-kDa catalytic subunit of PI3′-kinase-α (PI3Kα). To define the PI3K catalytic isoform dependency of BRAF-mutated melanoma, we used pharmacologic, isoform-selective PI3K inhibitors in conjunction with melanoma-derived cell lines and genetically engineered mouse (GEM) models. Although BRAFV600E/PIK3CAH1047R melanomas were sensitive to the antiproliferative effects of selective PI3Kα blockade, inhibition of BRAFV600E/PTENNull melanoma proliferation required combined blockade of PI3Kα, PI3Kδ, and PI3Kγ, and was insensitive to PI3Kβ blockade. In GEM models, isoform-selective PI3K inhibition elicited cytostatic effects, but significantly potentiated melanoma regression in response to BRAFV600E pathway–targeted inhibition. Interestingly, PI3K inhibition forestalled the onset of MEK inhibitor resistance in two independent GEM models of BRAFV600E-driven melanoma. These results suggest that combination therapy with PI3K inhibitors may be a useful strategy to extend the duration of clinical response of patients with BRAF-mutated melanoma to BRAFV600E pathway–targeted therapies.

Significance: Although BRAFV600E pathway–targeted therapies elicit melanoma regression, the onset of drug resistance limits the durability of response. Here, we show that combined treatment with PI3K inhibitors significantly forestalled the onset of MEK1/2 inhibitor–resistant disease in BRAF-mutated GEM melanoma models. These results provide a conceptual framework for the combined deployment of BRAFV600E plus PI3K pathway–targeted inhibitors in the treatment of a subset of patients with BRAF-mutated melanoma. Cancer Discov; 5(2); 143–53. ©2014 AACR.

This article is highlighted in the In This Issue feature, p. 97
CXCR5-Mediated Shaping of the Lymphoid Follicle in Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia
Authors: López-Guerra Mònica , Xargay-Torrent Sílvia , Colomer Dolors
Published: December 2014

Summary: Heinig and colleagues, using the Eμ-Tcl1 mouse model of chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL), shed light on the trafficking routes of CLL cells into the protective microenvironmental niches in secondary lymphoid organs. The authors propose a crucial role of the resident follicular dendritic cells for leukemia pathogenesis that is essentially orchestrated by the chemokine receptor CXCR5. Cancer Discov; 4(12); 1374–6. ©2014 AACR.

See related article by Heinig and colleagues, p. 1448
Long-Term Effectiveness of Preserved Celiac Branch of Vagal Nerve After Roux-en-Y Reconstruction in Laparoscopy-Assisted Distal Gastrectomy
Authors: Inokuchi Mikito , Sugita Hirofumi , Otsuki Sho , Sato Yuya , Nakagawa Masatoshi , Kojima Kazuyuki
Published: December 2014

Background: The aim of this retrospective cohort study was to clarify the effectiveness of preserving the celiac branch (CB) of the vagal trunk after the Roux-en-Y (R-Y) reconstruction in laparoscopy-assisted distal gastrectomy (LADG). Methods: One hundred twenty patients with pathological stage I gastric cancer underwent R-Y reconstruction after LADG with D1 + F lymphadenectomy between January 2004 and March 2009 and were followed up for 5 years. The patients were divided into 2 groups: the preservation group (P-CB) and the resection group (R-CB). Evaluated variables included symptoms, endoscopic findings, nutritional status, and gallstone formation at 5 years after gastrectomy. Results: Gallstone formation was significantly less common in P-CB than in R-CB (16 vs. 33%, p = 0.035). One patient (2%) in P-CB and 4 (7%) in R-CB underwent surgery for symptomatic gallstones. On multivariate analysis of gallstone formation, R-CB was an independent risk factor for gallstone formation (odds ratio = 2.5, 95% confidential interval: 1.0-6.1, p = 0.049). Symptoms and endoscopic findings did not differ significantly between the groups. Relative values of body weight, serum albumin level, and total cholesterol level also did not significantly differ between the groups. Conclusion: Preserving the CB independently contributes to the prevention of gallstone formation during long-term follow-up after R-Y reconstruction following LADG. i 2014 S. Karger AG, Basel
Eosinophilic Jejunitis Presenting as Intractable Abdominal Pain
Authors: Mungan Zeynel , Attila Tan , Kapran Yersu , Tokatli Ilyas Pinar , Unal Zeynep
Published: December 2014

Eosinophilic gastroenteritis is an uncommon disease characterized by eosinophilic infiltration of the gastrointestinal tract. The clinical manifestations are related to the layer(s) and extent of the bowel involved. In this paper, we present a case of intractable abdominal pain caused by jejunal submucosal eosinophilic infiltration without mucosal involvement, diagnosed by deep endoscopic biopsies. The patient was successfully treated with steroids without need for surgery for diagnosis or therapy.
Adverse Epigenetic Signatures by Histone Methyltransferase Set7 Contribute to Vascular Dysfunction in Patients With Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus
Authors: Paneni Francesco , Costantino Sarah , Battista Rodolfo , Castello Lorenzo , Capretti Giuliana , Chiandotto Sergio , Scavone Giuseppe , Villano Angelo , Pitocco Dario , Lanza Gaetano , Volpe Massimo , Lüscher Thomas F. , Cosentino Francesco
Published: December 2014

Background—

Cellular studies showed that histone methyltransferase Set7 mediates high glucose–induced inflammation via epigenetic regulation of the transcription factor NF-kB. However, the link between Set7 and vascular dysfunction in patients with diabetes mellitus remains unknown. This study was designed to investigate whether Set7 contributes to vascular dysfunction in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM).

Methods and Results—

Set7-driven epigenetic changes on NF-kB p65 promoter and expression of NF-kB-dependent genes, cyclooxygenase 2 and inducible endothelial nitric oxide synthase, were assessed in peripheral blood mononuclear cells isolated from 68 subjects (44 patients with T2DM and 24 age-matched controls). Brachial artery flow–mediated dilation, 24-hour urinary levels of 8-isoprostaglandin F
2α
, and plasma adhesion molecules, intercellular cell adhesion molecule-1 and monocyte chemoattractant protein-1, were also determined. Experiments in human aortic endothelial cells exposed to high glucose were performed to elucidate the mechanisms of Set7-driven inflammation and oxidative stress. Set7 expression increased in peripheral blood mononuclear cells from patients with T2DM when compared with controls. Patients with T2DM showed Set7-dependent monomethylation of lysine 4 of histone 3 on NF-kB p65 promoter. This epigenetic signature was associated with upregulation of NF-kB, subsequent transcription of oxidant/inflammatory genes, and increased plasma levels of intercellular cell adhesion molecule-1 and monocyte chemoattractant protein-1. Interestingly, we found that Set7 expression significantly correlated with oxidative marker 8-isoprostaglandin F
2α
(
r
=0.38;
P
=0.01) and flow-mediated dilation (
r
=−0.34;
P
=0.04). In human aortic endothelial cells, silencing of Set7 prevented monomethylation of lysine 4 of histone 3 and abolished NF-kB-dependent oxidant and inflammatory signaling.

Conclusions—

Set7-induced epigenetic changes contribute to vascular dysfunction in patients with T2DM. Targeting this chromatin-modifying enzyme may represent a novel therapeutic approach to prevent atherosclerotic vascular disease in this setting.
Causae adquirendi eius quod nostrum non sit (D. 41,2,3,21): ‘rechtmäßiger Eigenbesitz’?
Authors: Sirks A.J.B.
Published: December 2014

The thesis that the causae adquirendi in D. 41,2,3,21 lead first of all to a ‘rechtmäßiger Eigenbesitz’ (justified possession) and not to ownership or acquisitive possession, as formulated by Pool, does appear not to hold upon examination of this text. The key text D. 41,4,2,1 on which his thesis that the title pro emptore implies such possession relies, does not imply more than factual possession. The causae of D. 41,2,3,21 refer, as the causa in D. 41,4,2,1 and other places, to the causa antecedens, the reason for the taking of possession.
Sull’uso di rescindere in materia di testamenta inofficiosa nelle fonti romane
Authors: Tuzov Daniil
Published: December 2014

On the use of rescindere in the Roman sources concerning testamenta inofficiosa. – The judgement which ascertained that a testament was inofficiosum, had in Roman law a constitutive effect, in that it annulled the testament. It will be shown that the use of rescindere in this respect is classical and can be used to prove the thesis in question. A critical analysis shall be made of the doctrine according to which the same term is used with respect to testamentum inofficiosum, to indicate the declaration of nullity (inexistence). The following sources will be analyzed: Val. Max. 7,7 init.; 7,7,2; 7,7,6; 7,8 init.; 7,8,1; 7,8,5; CTh. 2,19,2 (Const.); CTh. 15,14,9 (Arcad., Honor.); FV. 270 (Herm., tit. de donat.); C. 3,28,24 (Diocl., Maxim.); C. 3,28,30pr. (Iust.); C. 3,28,32 (Iust.); C. 3,28,34 (Iust.); C. 3,29,4 (Diocl., Maxim.); C. 3,36,16 (Diocl., Maxim.); C. 6,20,17 (Leo); D. 5,2,8,5 (Ulp. 14 ad ed.); D. 5,2,8,16 (Ulp. 14 ad ed.); D. 5,2,17pr. (Paul. 2 quest.); D. 5,2,19 (Paul. 2 quaest.); D. 5,2,25,1 (Ulp. 2 disp.).
RESPONSE
Authors: Quainoo Aba Amissah
Published: December 2014

In the introduction the following section stand out in my mind: “”¦.. ..that world-integration is impelled by the divine order even when led by greedy trans-nationals trying to dominate the world ”¦.. be prepared to accept world integration as a normal tendency that must eventually end up in the full political and economic integration of the planet. This does not mean that everything is fine with the integration process: As with any other process involving human actions, world-integration is tainted with sin and evil.” I share the writer’s sentiments and would add that since world-integration and globalisation are inevitable consequences of economic development, as Christians our responsibility is to ensure that the process is equitable, sustainable and in conformity with the teachings of Christ. The players in the globalisation process are none other than ourselves as owners, employers, employees and clients of the trans-nationals spearheading the process. I have come to the conclusion, and this is purely personal, that in a country like Ghana which, since independence in 1957, has seen every shade and manner of political ideology, dictatorships and democracies: “The interests of global trans-nationals are ironically contributing to political stability. With this stability civil society through its organisations and associations has the opportunity to compel government to respond to the needs of its citizens and thus address burning issues such as poverty, unemployment and pollution.” I hold the view that in the African context political stability, good governance and respect for human rights must be an integral aspect of García’s NF. This is due to the fact that a stable environment is a productive environment.
GOSPEL, CULTURE, AND CULTURES:LESSLIE NEWBIGINS MISSIONARY CONTRIBUTION
Authors: Goheen Mike
Published: December 2014

Lesslie Newbigin’s book Foolishness to the Greeks: The Gospel and Western Culture opens with an interesting observation. On the one hand, the relationship between the gospel and culture is not a new subject. One thinks, for example, of the classic study of H. Richard Niebuhr who proposed five models of the relation of Christ to culture, and of work of Paul Tillich who struggled toward, what he called, a ‘theology of culture’ (Niebuhr 1951; Tillich 1959). However, the majority of work has been done by scholars who have not had the missionary experience of communicating the gospel to a radically foreign culture. On the other hand, the last three decades have witnessed a spate of studies on the issue of gospel and culture within the discipline of missiology under the general rubric ‘contextualization studies.’1 Missionaries have become more aware of the western captivity of the gospel and have struggled fruitfully with the issues of gospel and culture, and gospel and cultures. Yet while “it has sought to explore the problems of contextualization in all the cultures of humankind from China to Peru, it has largely ignored the culture that is the most widespread, powerful, and persuasive among all contemporary cultures — namely . . . modern Western culture” (Newbigin 1986:2-3). To put Newbigin’s observation another way, the missionary experience and tradition has gained penetrating insight into the issues of gospel and culture, and gospel and cultures but this tradition has not been appropriated in mainstream western scholarship to shed light on the subject of gospel and culture, and more particularly on the relationship between the gospel and western culture. To my way of thinking, this is a great loss because the missionary experience of cross-cultural witness offers important insight into the gospel-culture relation.
CRITICAL STUDY:DE METAFYSICA VAN CORNELIS VERHOEVEN
Authors: Stellingwerff Johan
Published: December 2014

Cornelis Verhoeven was een beschouwelijke en fijnzinnig filosoof die veel doceerde en schreef, maar geen systematisch geordend geheel naliet. Wel zijn reeds tien delen van zijn Verzamelde Werken (VW) verschenen. Deze filosoof van de nuance was een bescheiden mens, zoals Thomas à Kempis, die contemplatie zocht ‘in angello cum libello’. Ook was hij een liefhebber van de heldere sfeer zoals die uitgedrukt wordt in de intieme schilderijen van Johannes Vermeer. Als een Nederlands filosoof bleef hij niet onbekend want hij werd, met zijn verzorgde taal in een stroom van geschriften, door een brede kring gelezen.
GELOOF EN VERLICHTING: KRITIEK VAN HET CONSERVATISMEEEN REACTIE OP ANDREAS KINNEGING
Authors: Sap Jan Willem
Published: December 2014

In het artikel ‘Het conservatisme: kritiek van de Verlichting en de moderniteit’ in Philosophia Reformata (65, 2000, 126-153) gaat Andreas Kinneging op zoek naar de wortels van het conservatisme en bespreekt hij de relatie met de Verlichting, het christendom en de moderne samenleving. In deze reactie wil ik kort enkele opmerkingen en vragen plaatsen bij de veertien paragrafen van zijn betoog. Dat Kinneging het debat heeft aangezwengeld acht ik van waarde. Ik heb bewondering voor zijn belezenheid en het consequent vasthouden en doorvoeren van gedachten en waardeer zijn betrokken verzet tegen de onverschillige houding van ‘ik ben o.k., jij bent o.k.’ in de Nederlandse samenleving. Bij het lezen moest ik ook denken aan het oude spreekwoord: ‘Wat baten goede wetten bij bedorven zeden?’ Tegelijkertijd is er ook kritiek, met name waar hij conservatisme en christelijk geloof in elkaar probeert te schuiven of de Verlichtingsidealen tekort doet7. Er van uitgaand dat de lezer zijn betoog kent (of makkelijk kan opzoeken) sluit ik aan bij zijn paragraafopbouw en ga vooral in op zaken die ik anders zie of waarover ik iets wil opmerken.
DEISM AND THE ABSENCE OF CHRISTIAN SOCIOLOGY
Authors: Wearne Bruce C.
Published: December 2014

This article encourages a reconsideration of Christian sociology. It explains how deism makes a decisive impact in the theoretical foundations of the discipline. Dutch neocalvinistic philosophy in its North American immigrant setting after World War II issued a challenge which drew attention to the dogmas of deism implicit in sociology, but this challenge has not been met. Christian sociology, however, still retains its God-given vocation to find ways to encourage people everywhere to positively form complex differentiated social settings in the Spirit of the Suffering and Glorified Messiah.
critical study: EEN FILOSOFIE VAN TAAL EN TEKST
Authors: Koster Edwin
Published: December 2014

Het boek Filosofie van taal en tekst van René van Woudenberg is een heldere en uitdagende inleiding in enkele problemen van de taal- en tekstfilosofie. Het is niet een inleiding in verschillende filosofische theorieën over taal en tekst, maar eerder een inleiding in de problemen die in die theorieën aan de orde komen. Het centrale vraagstuk dat in het boek aan de orde komt, luidt (5): ‘Wat zeggen we precies wanneer we zeggen dat een woord, zin of tekst, betekenis heeft?’ De auteur streeft dus naar verheldering van het begrip ‘betekenis’. Waar onduidelijkheden zijn door het verschillend gebruik van dit begrip, probeert Van Woudenberg deze op te lossen door heldere onderscheidingen aan te brengen.
GODGELEERDHEID EN RECHTSGELEERDHEID: VERGELIJKBARE WETENSCHAPPEN
Authors: de Haan P.
Published: December 2014

Verschillende redenen geven mij aanleiding tot het schrijven van dit artikel. In de eerste plaats zijn dat de discussies die onlangs zijn gevoerd in de Koninklijke Nederlandse Akademie van Wetenschappen, respectievelijk over de wetenschappelijkheid van de godgeleerdheid en de rechtsgeleerdheid.1 In geen van beide discussies werd ook maar enig verband gelegd tussen beide wetenschappen, laat staan gesproken over de reden waarom nu juist deze twee de twijfel over hun wetenschappelijk karakter moeten ondergaan. Wie namelijk enigszins ingevoerd is in de problemen van de sociale wetenschappen weet net zo goed, dat in de moderne natuurwetenschappelijke zin van het woord deze ook nauwelijks als wetenschap kunnen worden beschouwd. Paul Schnabel wijst daar in zijn Akademie-voordracht over ‘De wetenschappelijkheid van de theologie maatschappelijk bekeken’ in het voorbijgaan even op (p.57), maar gaat dan snel over tot de problemen van wat hij noemt de ‘godswetenschap’. Ik kom daar uiteraard op terug.
PRESCRIPTIVE REALISM
Authors: Hare John E.
Published: December 2014

In my book God’s Call1 I gave an historical account of the debate within twentieth century analytic philosophy between moral realism and expressivism. Moral realism is the view that moral properties like goodness or cruelty exist independently of our making judgements that things have such properties. Such judgements are, on this theory, objectively true when the things referred to have the specified properties and objectively false when they do not. Expressivism is the view that when a person makes a moral judgment, she is expressing emotion or desire or will. I used the term ‘orectic’ (from the Greek orexis) to refer to these mental states, because we do not have in English a sufficiently general term. In God’s Call, I started with a moral realist whom I called a ‘platonist’, G. E. Moore, and then I traced the argument through the emotivists, A. J. Ayer and Charles Stevenson, and the prescriptivist, R. M. Hare, and Iris Murdoch, whom I called a ‘humble platonist’, and J. L. Mackie’s ‘error theory’, and John McDowell, whose theory I call ‘disposition theory’, and David Brink, the ‘new-wave realist’, and Allan Gibbard, who calls his own theory ‘norm expressivism’. My project was to collect together the concessions that the two sides of the debate have made to each other over the course of this history, and then to construct a position which molds these concessions into a single coherent theory. I called this theory ‘prescriptive realism’.