bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
MicroRNA-451 Negatively Regulates Hepatic Glucose Production and Glucose Homeostasis by Targeting Glycerol Kinase–Mediated Gluconeogenesis
Authors: Zhuo Shu , Yang Mengmei , Zhao Yanan , Chen Xiaofang , Zhang Feifei , Li Na , Yao Pengle , Zhu Tengfei , Mei Hong , Wang Shanshan , Li Yu , Chen Shiting , Le Yingying
Published: August 2016

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are a new class of regulatory molecules implicated in type 2 diabetes, which is characterized by insulin resistance and hepatic glucose overproduction. We show that miRNA-451 (miR-451) is elevated in the liver tissues of dietary and genetic mouse models of diabetes. Through an adenovirus-mediated gain- and loss-of-function study, we found that miR-451 negatively regulates hepatic gluconeogenesis and blood glucose levels in normal mice and identified glycerol kinase (Gyk) as a direct target of miR-451. We demonstrate that miR-451 and Gyk regulate hepatic glucose production, the glycerol gluconeogenesis axis, and the AKT-FOXO1-PEPCK/G6Pase pathway in an opposite manner; Gyk could reverse the effect of miR-451 on hepatic gluconeogenesis and AKT-FOXO1-PEPCK/G6Pase pathway. Moreover, overexpression of miR-451 or knockdown of Gyk in diabetic mice significantly inhibited hepatic gluconeogenesis, alleviated hyperglycemia, and improved glucose tolerance. Further studies showed that miR-451 is upregulated by glucose and insulin in hepatocytes; the elevation of hepatic miR-451 in diabetic mice may contribute to inhibiting Gyk expression. This study provides the first evidence that miR-451 and Gyk regulate the AKT-FOXO1-PEPCK/G6Pase pathway and play critical roles in hepatic gluconeogenesis and glucose homeostasis and identifies miR-451 and Gyk as potential therapeutic targets against hyperglycemia in diabetes.
Reduced β-Cell Secretory Capacity in Pancreatic-Insufficient, but Not Pancreatic-Sufficient, Cystic Fibrosis Despite Normal Glucose Tolerance
Authors: Sheikh Saba , Gudipaty Lalitha , De Leon Diva D. , Hadjiliadis Denis , Kubrak Christina , Rosenfeld Nora K. , Nyirjesy Sarah C. , Peleckis Amy J. , Malik Saloni , Stefanovski Darko , Cuchel Marina , Rubenstein Ronald C. , Kelly Andrea , Rickels Michael R.
Published: August 2016

Patients with pancreatic-insufficient cystic fibrosis (PI-CF) are at increased risk for developing diabetes. We determined β-cell secretory capacity and insulin secretory rates from glucose-potentiated arginine and mixed-meal tolerance tests (MMTTs), respectively, in pancreatic-sufficient cystic fibrosis (PS-CF), PI-CF, and normal control subjects, all with normal glucose tolerance, in order to identify early pathophysiologic defects. Acute islet cell secretory responses were determined under fasting, 230 mg/dL, and 340 mg/dL hyperglycemia clamp conditions. PI-CF subjects had lower acute insulin, C-peptide, and glucagon responses compared with PS-CF and normal control subjects, indicating reduced β-cell secretory capacity and α-cell function. Fasting proinsulin-to-C-peptide and proinsulin secretory ratios during glucose potentiation were higher in PI-CF, suggesting impaired proinsulin processing. In the first 30 min of the MMTT, insulin secretion was lower in PI-CF compared with PS-CF and normal control subjects, and glucagon-like peptide 1 and gastric inhibitory polypeptide were lower compared with PS-CF, and after 180 min, glucose was higher in PI-CF compared with normal control subjects. These findings indicate that despite “normal” glucose tolerance, adolescents and adults with PI-CF have impairments in functional islet mass and associated early-phase insulin secretion, which with decreased incretin responses likely leads to the early development of postprandial hyperglycemia in CF.
Enhanced Integrin α4β1–Mediated Adhesion Contributes to a Mobilization Defect of Endothelial Progenitor Cells in Diabetes
Authors: Abplanalp Wesley T. , Conklin Daniel J. , Cantor Joseph M. , Ginsberg Mark H. , Wysoczynski Marcin , Bhatnagar Aruni , O’Toole Timothy E.
Published: August 2016

Diabetes is associated with a deficit of circulating endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs), which has been attributed to their defective mobilization from the bone marrow. The basis for this mobilization defect is not completely understood, and we sought to determine if hyperglycemic conditions enhanced EPC adhesion. We found that culturing EPCs in high glucose media increased adhesion to bone marrow stromal cells. This enhanced adhesion was associated with decreased expression of protein kinase A regulatory subunit 1β (PRKAR1β), activation of protein kinase A (PKA), and phosphorylation of α4-integrin on serine 988. This potentiated adhesion was reversed by treatment with a PKA inhibitor, overexpression of PRKAR1β, or expression of a phosphorylation-defective α4-integrin variant (α4[S988A]). Using a model of type 1 diabetes, we showed that α4(S988A)-expressing mice have more circulating EPCs than their wild-type counterparts. Moreover, diabetic α4(S988A) mice demonstrate enhanced revascularization after hind limb ischemia. Thus, we have identified a novel signaling mechanism activating PKA in diabetes (downregulation of an inhibitory regulatory subunit) that leads to deficits of circulating EPCs and impaired vascular repair, which could be reversed by α4-integrin mutation.
Renal Denervation Reverses Hepatic Insulin Resistance Induced by High-Fat Diet
Authors: Iyer Malini S. , Bergman Richard N. , Korman Jeremy E. , Woolcott Orison O. , Kabir Morvarid , Victor Ronald G. , Clegg Deborah J. , Kolka Cathryn
Published: August 2016

Activation of the sympathetic nervous system (SNS) constitutes a putative mechanism of obesity-induced insulin resistance. Thus, we hypothesized that inhibiting the SNS by using renal denervation (RDN) will improve insulin sensitivity (SI) in a nonhypertensive obese canine model. SI was measured using euglycemic-hyperinsulinemic clamp (EGC), before (week 0 [w0]) and after 6 weeks of high-fat diet (w6-HFD) feeding and after either RDN (HFD + RDN) or sham surgery (HFD + sham). As expected, HFD induced insulin resistance in the liver (sham 2.5 ± 0.6 vs. 0.7 ± 0.6 × 10−4 dL ⋅ kg−1 ⋅ min−1 ⋅ pmol/L−1 at w0 vs. w6-HFD [P < 0.05], respectively; HFD + RDN 1.6 ± 0.3 vs. 0.5 ± 0.3 × 10−4 dL ⋅ kg−1 ⋅ min−1 ⋅ pmol/L−1 at w0 vs. w6-HFD [P < 0.001], respectively). In sham animals, this insulin resistance persisted, yet RDN completely normalized hepatic SI in HFD-fed animals (1.8 ± 0.3 × 10−4 dL ⋅ kg−1 ⋅ min−1 ⋅ pmol/L−1 at HFD + RDN [P < 0.001] vs. w6-HFD, [P not significant] vs. w0) by reducing hepatic gluconeogenic genes, including G6Pase, PEPCK, and FOXO1. The data suggest that RDN downregulated hepatic gluconeogenesis primarily by upregulating liver X receptor α through the natriuretic peptide pathway. In conclusion, bilateral RDN completely normalizes hepatic SI in obese canines. These preclinical data implicate a novel mechanistic role for the renal nerves in the regulation of insulin action specifically at the level of the liver and show that the renal nerves constitute a new therapeutic target to counteract insulin resistance.
Nanopore-CMOS Interfaces for DNA Sequencing
Authors: Magierowski Sebastian , Huang Yiyun , Wang Chengjie , Ghafar-Zadeh Ebrahim
Published: August 2016

DNA sequencers based on nanopore sensors present an opportunity for a significant break from the template-based incumbents of the last forty years. Key advantages ushered by nanopore technology include a simplified chemistry and the ability to interface to CMOS technology. The latter opportunity offers substantial promise for improvement in sequencing speed, size and cost. This paper reviews existing and emerging means of interfacing nanopores to CMOS technology with an emphasis on massively-arrayed structures. It presents this in the context of incumbent DNA sequencing techniques, reviews and quantifies nanopore characteristics and models and presents CMOS circuit methods for the amplification of low-current nanopore signals in such interfaces.
Increasing HIV Incidence among Men Who Have Sex with Men in Jiangsu Province, China: Results from Five Consecutive Surveys, 2011–2015
Authors: Hu Haiyang , Liu Xiaoyan , Zhang Zhi , Xu Xiaoqin , Shi Lingen , Fu Gengfeng , Huan Xiping , Zhou Ying
Published: August 2016

Epidemics of HIV among men who have sex with men (MSM) are major public health concerns in most parts of China. This study examined the trends in HIV incidence and associated factors among MSM in Jiangsu Province. Five consecutive cross-sectional surveys were conducted among MSM from 2011 to 2015 in eight cities throughout Jiangsu Province. Participants were recruited from MSM venues or via the internet. Demographic and behavioral data were collected through HIV bio-behavioral surveys. Blood specimens were collected to test for HIV and syphilis. HIV incidence was estimated by the IgG-capture BED-EIA (BED) method and a chi-square trend test was used to compare differences over the years. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was used to identify factors associated with recent infection. A total of 2433, 2678, 2591, 2610 and 2541 participants were enrolled in 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014 and 2015, respectively. HIV incidence increased from 5.10% in 2011 to 6.62% in 2015 (p = 0.025). MSM who had an education level of junior high school or less (aOR = 1.472, p = 0.018), engaged in condomless anal sex in the past 6 months (aOR = 2.389, p < 0.001), did not have an HIV test in the past 12 months (aOR = 3.215, p < 0.001), and were currently infected with syphilis (aOR = 2.025, p = 0.001) were likely to be recently infected with HIV. HIV incidence is increasing among MSM in Jiangsu Province, China. Condom usage and HIV testing promotion should be prioritized when attempting to reduce HIV transmission among MSM in China.
The Regularities in Insufficient Leisure-Time Physical Activity in Poland
Authors: Biernat Elżbieta , Buchholtz Sonia
Published: August 2016

Background: Insufficient physical activity (PA) has become an increasing risk factor of noncommunicable diseases and an important cause of deaths all over the world. The goal of this paper is to provide an in-depth description of insufficient PA in Poland as well as an examination of some of its correlates. Methods: We take advantage of statistical and econometric (logistic regression) analysis on the basis of a representative survey. Out of 3056 respondents, we analyze the 1260 low-PA ones. Results: The household size is more significant than the household life phase, and only several professions increase the odds of insufficient PA. The influence of socioeconomic status and place of residence is most robust. Gender does not significantly influence insufficient PA. Physical inactivity is concentrated among inhabitants of rural areas and town dwellers, with poor educational profile, and limited labor market opportunities. However, even high socioeconomic status does not completely prevent insufficient activity. Conclusions: Groups at the highest risk of inactivity should be covered by promotional actions first. Their aim should mainly be raising the leisure-time physical activity (LTPA) awareness. To start with, primary forms of activity would be walking, Nordic walking and jogging.
Particulate Matter in Second-Hand Smoke Emitted from Different Cigarette Sizes and Types of the Brand Vogue Mainly Smoked by Women
Authors: Kant Nora , Müller Ruth , Braun Markus , Gerber Alexander , Groneberg David
Published: August 2016

Indoor air pollution with harmful particulate matter (PM) is mainly caused by cigarette smoke. Super-Slim-Size-Cigarettes (SSL) are considered a less harmful alternative to King-Size-Cigarettes (KSC) due to longer filters and relatively low contents. We ask if “Combined Mainstream and Sidestream Smoke” (CMSS)-associated PM levels of SSL are lower than of KSC and thus are potentially less harmful. PM concentrations in CMSS (PM10, PM2.5, and PM1) are measured from four cigarette types of the brand Vogue, using an “automatic-environmental-tobacco-smoke-emitter” (AETSE) and laser aerosol spectrometry: SSL-BLEUE, -MENTHE, -LILAS and KSC-La Cigarette and -3R4F reference. This analysis shows that SSL MENTHE emitted the highest amount of PM, and KSC-La Cigarette the lowest. 3R4F reference emitted PM in the middle range, exceeding SSL BLEUE and falling slightly below SSL LILAS. It emerged that PM1 constituted the biggest proportion of PM emission. The outcome shows significant type-specific differences for emitted PM concentrations. Our results indicate that SSL are potentially more harmful for passive smokers than the respective KSC. However, this study cannot give precise statements about the general influence of the size of a cigarette on PM. Alarming is that PM1 is responsible for the biggest proportion of PM pollution, since smaller particles cause more harmful effects.
Corrosion Behavior and Strength of Dissimilar Bonding Material between Ti and Mg Alloys Fabricated by Spark Plasma Sintering
Authors: Pripanapong Patchara , Kariya Shota , Luangvaranunt Tachai , Umeda Junko , Tsutsumi Seiichiro , Takahashi Makoto , Kondoh Katsuyoshi
Published: August 2016

Ti and solution treated Mg alloys such as AZ31B (ST), AZ61 (ST), AZ80 (ST) and AZ91 (ST) were successfully bonded at 475 °C by spark plasma sintering, which is a promising new method in welding field. The formation of Ti3Al intermetallic compound was found to be an important factor in controlling the bonding strength and galvanic corrosion resistance of dissimilar materials. The maximum bonding strength and bonding efficiency at 193 MPa and 96% were obtained from Ti/AZ91 (ST), in which a thick and uniform nano-level Ti3Al layer was observed. This sample also shows the highest galvanic corrosion resistance with a measured galvanic width and depth of 281 and 19 µm, respectively. The corrosion resistance of the matrix on Mg alloy side was controlled by its Al content. AZ91 (ST) exhibited the highest corrosion resistance considered from its corrode surface after corrosion test in Kroll’s etchant. The effect of Al content in Mg alloy on bonding strength and corrosion behavior of Ti/Mg alloy (ST) dissimilar materials is discussed in this work.
Removal of Cr(VI) from Water Using a New Reactive Material: Magnesium Oxide Supported Nanoscale Zero-Valent Iron
Authors: Siciliano Alessio
Published: August 2016

The chromium pollution of water is an important environmental and health issue. Cr(VI) removal by means of metallic iron is an attractive method. Specifically, nanoscopic zero valent iron (NZVI) shows great reactivity, however, its applicability needs to be further investigated. In the present paper, NZVI was supported on MgO grains to facilitate the treatments for remediation of chromium-contaminated waters. The performances and mechanisms of the developed composite, in the removal of hexavalent chromium, were investigated by means of batch and continuous tests. Kinetic studies, under different operating conditions, showed that reduction of Cr(VI) could be expressed by a pseudo second-order reaction kinetic. The reaction rate increased with the square of Fe(0) amount, while it was inversely proportional to the initial chromium concentration. The process performance was satisfactory also under uncontrolled pH, and a limited influence of temperature was observed. The reactive material was efficiently reusable for many cycles without any regeneration treatment. The performances in continuous tests were close to 97% for about 80 pore volume of reactive material.
Maternal Methyl-Group Donor Intake and Global DNA (Hydroxy)Methylation before and during Pregnancy
Authors: Pauwels Sara , Duca Radu , Devlieger Roland , Freson Kathleen , Straetmans Dany , Van Herck Erik , Huybrechts Inge , Koppen Gurdun , Godderis Lode
Published: August 2016

It is still unclear to which extent methyl-group intake during pregnancy can affect maternal global DNA (hydroxyl)methylation. Pregnancy methylation profiling and its link with methyl-group intake in a healthy population could enhance our understanding of the development of pregnancy related disorders. One hundred forty-eight women were enrolled in the MANOE (MAternal Nutrition and Offspring’s Epigenome) study. Thiry-four women were enrolled before pregnancy and 116 during the first trimester of pregnancy. Global DNA (hydroxy)methylation in blood using LC-MS/MS and dietary methyl-group intake (methionine, folate, betaine, and choline) using a food-frequency questionnaire were estimated pre-pregnancy, during each trimester, and at delivery. Global DNA (hydroxy)methylation levels were highest pre-pregnancy and at weeks 18–22 of pregnancy. We observed a positive relation between folic acid and global DNA methylation (p = 0.04) and hydroxymethylation (p = 0.04). A high intake of methionine pre-pregnancy and in the first trimester showed lower (hydroxy)methylation percentage in weeks 11–13 and weeks 18–22, respectively. Choline and betaine intake in the first weeks was negatively associated with hydroxymethylation. Women with a high intake of these three methyl groups in the second and third trimester showed higher hyrdoxymethylation/methylation levels in the third trimester. To conclude, a time trend in DNA (hydroxy)methylation was found and women with higher methyl-group intake showed higher methylation in the third trimester, and not in earlier phases of pregnancy.
The Effect of the Sodium to Potassium Ratio on Hypertension Prevalence: A Propensity Score Matching Approach
Authors: Park Junhyung , Kwock Chang , Yang Yoon
Published: August 2016

This study investigated the effect of the sodium to potassium ratio on hypertension prevalence and blood pressure. The study population was constructed by pooling the Korean National Health and Nutrition Examination Surveys between 2010 and 2014. The study population was divided into quartiles based on the sodium to potassium ratio, and the effect was inferred by the difference in hypertension prevalence across quartiles by six pairwise comparisons using a propensity score matching technique. The quartiles with the higher sodium to potassium ratio had higher hypertension prevalence rates based on the following pairwise comparisons: the first vs. third quartile, the first vs. fourth quartile, the second vs. third quartile, and the second vs. fourth quartile. The prevalence differences were 2.74% point (p < 0.05), 3.44% point (p < 0.01), 2.47% point (p < 0.05), and 2.95% point (p < 0.01), respectively. In addition, statistically significant higher systolic (p < 0.05) and diastolic blood pressure (p < 0.01) was observed in the second quartiles compared to the first quartiles. Because a strong association was also detected between the sodium to potassium ratio and blood pressure even at a low level of sodium to potassium ratio, a lower sodium to potassium ratio diet than a usual diet is recommended to control high blood pressure in Korea.
Novel Electrospun Polylactic Acid Nanocomposite Fiber Mats with Hybrid Graphene Oxide and Nanohydroxyapatite Reinforcements Having Enhanced Biocompatibility
Authors: Liu Chen , Wong Hoi , Yeung Kelvin , Tjong Sie
Published: August 2016

Graphene oxide (GO) and a nanohydroxyapatite rod (nHA) of good biocompatibility were incorporated into polylactic acid (PLA) through electrospinning to form nanocomposite fiber scaffolds for bone tissue engineering applications. The preparation, morphological, mechanical and thermal properties, as well as biocompatibility of electrospun PLA scaffolds reinforced with GO and/or nHA were investigated. Electron microscopic examination and image analysis showed that GO and nHA nanofillers refine the diameter of electrospun PLA fibers. Differential scanning calorimetric tests showed that nHA facilitates the crystallization process of PLA, thereby acting as a nucleating site for the PLA molecules. Tensile test results indicated that the tensile strength and elastic modulus of the electrospun PLA mat can be increased by adding 15 wt % nHA. The hybrid nanocomposite scaffold with 15 wt % nHA and 1 wt % GO fillers exhibited higher tensile strength amongst the specimens investigated. Furthermore, nHA and GO nanofillers enhanced the water uptake of PLA. Cell cultivation, 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) and alkaline phosphatase tests demonstrated that all of the nanocomposite scaffolds exhibit higher biocompatibility than the pure PLA mat, particularly for the scaffold with 15 wt % nHA and 1 wt % GO. Therefore, the novel electrospun PLA nanocomposite scaffold with 15 wt % nHA and 1 wt % GO possessing a high tensile strength and modulus, as well as excellent cell proliferation is a potential biomaterial for bone tissue engineering applications.
A Rapid Assay to Detect Toxigenic Penicillium spp. Contamination in Wine and Musts
Authors: Sanzani Simona , Miazzi Monica , Di Rienzo Valentina , Fanelli Valentina , Gambacorta Giuseppe , Taurino Maria , Montemurro Cinzia
Published: August 2016

Wine and fermenting musts are grape products widely consumed worldwide. Since the presence of mycotoxin-producing fungi may greatly compromise their quality characteristics and safety, there is an increasing need for relatively rapid “user friendly” quantitative assays to detect fungal contamination both in grapes delivered to wineries and in final products. Although other fungi are most frequently involved in grape deterioration, secondary infections by Penicillium spp. are quite common, especially in cool areas with high humidity and in wines obtained by partially dried grapes. In this work, a single-tube nested real-time PCR approach—successfully applied to hazelnut and peanut allergen detection—was tested for the first time to trace Penicillium spp. in musts and wines. The method consisted of two sets of primers specifically designed to target the β-tubulin gene, to be simultaneously applied with the aim of lowering the detection limit of conventional real-time PCR. The assay was able to detect up to 1 fg of Penicillium DNA. As confirmation, patulin content of representative samples was determined. Most of analyzed wines/musts returned contaminated results at >50 ppb and a 76% accordance with molecular assay was observed. Although further large-scale trials are needed, these results encourage the use of the newly developed method in the pre-screening of fresh and processed grapes for the presence of Penicillium DNA before the evaluation of related toxins.
The Scholar as Poet
Authors: Meister Peter
Published: August 2016

Some of the poetry that medievalists study today was jotted in the margins of medieval manuscripts by scholars taking a break from their day job. Albrecht Classen does likewise today, serving readers of his criticism as a helpful guide in part because he refuses to forget he is a poet.
Wernher der Gartenaere and the Arthurian Romance: The Intertextuality of Helmbrecht’s Cap
Authors: Murray Alan V.
Published: August 2016

The meaning of the Middle High German poem Helmbrecht, the sole known work of the poet Wernher der Gartenaere, is straightforward and transparent. The young Helmbrecht, son and grandson of peasants (both also named Helmbrecht), aspires to leave his lowly yet ordered and reasonably
comfortable life in the country. Against the advice of his father, but with the misguided encouragement of his mother and sister, he takes up with a band of robbers, and after a short career of violence, theft and extortion he is caught, tried and condemned to mutilation by the forces of justice;
finally he is seized and hanged by a group of peasants whom he has previously despoiled. He has been punished for attempting to overturn the social order.
Adapting the Rose for New Manuscript Contexts: the Case of Poitiers, Bibliothèque Municipale, MS 215
Authors: Pratt Karen
Published: August 2016

This essay examines the different approaches to the adaptation of the Roman de la rose in a selection of late medieval manuscripts, both single item and multi-text codices. Analysing first methods ranging from the collection of a series of extracts to the abridgement of the whole
work, we then focus on a fifteenth-century compilatory manuscript from Poitiers which contains 1931 lines of the Rose copied as short gnomic sententiae and longer passages of narrative, thus displaying the techniques of both extraction and abbreviation. The following questions
are addressed in this essay: what type of material is retained or omitted; how does the Poitiers compiler deal with the questions of authority and voice; what effect might the use of rubrication have had on a contemporary reader; and how does the adaptation of the Rose sit with the
other texts and extracts in this compilation?
The Name of King Arthur
Authors: Breeze Andrew
Published: August 2016

Few medieval subjects offer better opportunities for thought and its opposite than the British hero Arthur. Evidence for him is limited; books on him abound. So it is worth discussing his name, one of the many things really known about him. Celtic scholars have long derived it from
Latin Artorius (and not any native British form); despite that, misconceptions remain. One even notices a decline, so that conclusions accepted in the 1950s are now ignored by senior professors at universities in Britain and beyond. A study of the name Arthur, familiar throughout
the middle ages and beyond, may thus honour a medievalist who has done much to enlighten us on them, besides warning us on the fragility of established truth.
Die versäumte Gelegenheit zur Toleranz gegenüber den Juden
Authors: Frey Winfried
Published: August 2016

Die Christenheit hatte vom Anfang ihrer Geschichte an, und sie hat, auch in ihrer säkularisierten Form, bis heute ein Problem mit den Juden und dem Judentum. Sie hat deshalb den Juden nicht nur Probleme gemacht. Sie hat ,die Juden‘ immer wieder kritisiert, diffamiert,
ausgegrenzt, malträtiert und – gipfelnd im unauslöschlichen Makel des Holocaust – versucht, die störende Minderheit auszurotten.
Beya and Gabricus: Erotic Imagery in German Alchemy
Authors: Willard Thomas
Published: August 2016

The first printed text of German alchemy, Rosarium Philosophorum (published in 1550, but written one to two centuries earlier) has an account of the incestuous union of a brother and sister named Gabricus and Beya. In the alchemical allegory, they represent body and spirit, respectively,
and their union produces the soul that holds them together.
Die Pilger und die Fleischeslust. Zur Ideengeschichte von Erotik, Kunst und Religion
Authors: Münster Reinhold
Published: August 2016

Eine ideengeschichtliche Betrachtungsweise soll auf die engen Zusammenhänge von Religion/ Kirche und Erotik/ Sexualität verweisen. Gerade die Kunst vermittelte und vermittelt bis heute die beiden Sphären des Lebens und Denkens der Menschen und erinnerte in Fall von Goethes
Römischen Elegien an die Totalität des Lebens. Die Trennung von Fleischeslust und religiösen Vorstellungen, die bei einigen theologischen Autoren des Mittelalters rigoros vertreten wurde, diese Beschreibung wäre mit vielen Fragezeichen zu versehen, und vor einer
Verallgemeinerung wäre zu warnen. Der enge Zusammenhang zwischen den drei Lebensbereichen von Glauben, Erotik und Kunst wird am Beispiel der Pilgerfahrt kurz umrissen.
Mirrors of Skill and Renown: Women and Self-Fashioning in Early-Modern Dutch Art
Authors: Peacock Martha Moffitt
Published: August 2016

Due to traditional biases that castigated women’s vanity in association with mirror gazing, self-representation was problematic for the female artist. Nevertheless, several early-modern Dutch women artists were able to subvert these prejudices and proclaim for themselves a fame
previously restricted to men.
Eine Kugel kam geflogen (A bullet came a-flying.)
Authors: Jones George Fenwick
Published: August 2016

In Der gute Kamerad, Ludwig Uhland’s touching poem of conflict between military comradeship and military discipline, a veteran recalls the death of his buddy in battle. He remembers how, as they were advancing to the attack in cadence, he heard a bullet coming at them.
Before the ball tore away his friend, as if it were a piece of himself, he had time to speculate “Is it for me or is it for you?” When the fallen warrior reached for his comrade’s hand, the well-disciplined soldier could not give it. Since troops at that time loaded and fired
at command, he could not give his hand, but he could express the hope that they would remain good comerades in eternity.
Geographies in Aimon de Varennes’ Florimont
Authors: Simons Penny
Published: August 2016

Florimont contains a remarkable number of references to geographical locations in and around the Mediterranean, as well as claims by the poet to have visited several of the sites he mentions. Together with imaginary locations, these form a combination of known and narrative worlds
exploited in different ways to suit a story of the grandfather of Alexander the Great.
,,strîtes êre“ – über die Verflechtung von Ehre, Schande, Scham und Aggressivität in der mittelalterlichen Mentalität
Authors: Dinzelbacher Peter
Published: August 2016

Keineswegs ist es so einfach, sich über die psychologischen Konstanten und historischen Wandlungen der hier thematisierten Begriffe genauer zu informieren, wie es bei Worten, die man täglich liest oder gebraucht, zu erwarten wäre. Gerade diese fehlen oft in den bekannten
Standardwerken: In den drei großen Lexika der mediävistischen Zunft, dem Lexikon des Mittelalters (9 Bände), dem Dictionary of the Middle Ages (13 Bände) und dem Kulturhistorisk Leksikon for nordisk middelalder (22 Bände) finden sich keine Lemmata über Scham
und Schande. Obwohl Ehre in der Mittelalter-Forschung viel beliebter ist, wird sie in dem deutschen Werk nur theologisch-philosophisch, ,,honor“ nur feudalrechtlich erfaßt, ähnlich im Encyclopedia of the Middle Ages (verbesserte Bearbeitung des Dictionnaire encyclopédique
du moyen âge, 2 Bände). Was auch in puncto Ehre überall fehlt, sind Hinweise auf ihre Bedeutung in der Mentalität der Epoche, im Lebensvollzug, da die Thematik von Historikern höchstens in speziellen Bezügen zu Persönlichkeiten der politischen Geschichte
beachtet wird, kaum noch innerhalb der sonst schnell populär gewordenen mediävistischen Emotionsforschung, wogegen es ein Überangebot von literaturwissenschaftlichen, v. a. germanistischen Studien gibt, schon seit den Zeiten der nationalromantischen Philologie; besser unterrichten
daher die älteren Reallexika zur germanischen Altertumskunde und ihr moderner Nachfolger.
Significantly Accelerated Wound Healing of Full-Thickness Skin Using a Novel Composite Gel of Porcine Acellular Dermal Matrix and Human Peripheral Blood Cells
Authors: Kuna Vijay K. , Padma Arvind M. , Håkansson Joakim , Nygren Jan , Sjöback Robert , Petronis Sarunas , Sumitran-Holgersson Suchitra
Published: August 2016

Here we report the fabrication of a novel composite gel from decellularized gal-gal-knockout porcine skin and human peripheral blood mononuclear cells (hPBMCs) for full-thickness skin wound healing. Decellularized skin extracellular matrix (ECM) powder was prepared via chemical treatment, freeze drying, and homogenization. The powder was mixed with culture medium containing hyaluronic acid to generate a pig skin gel (PSG). The effect of the gel in regeneration of full-thickness wounds was studied in nude mice. We found significantly accelerated wound closure already on day 15 in animals treated with PSG only or PSG + hPBMCs compared to untreated and hyaluronic acid-treated controls ( p < 0.05). Addition of the hPBMCs to the gel resulted in marked increase of host blood vessels as well as the presence of human blood vessels. At day 25, histologically, the wounds in animals treated with PSG only or PSG + hPBMCs were completely closed compared to those of controls. Thus, the gel facilitated generation of new skin with well-arranged epidermal cells and restored bilayer structure of the epidermis and dermis. These results suggest that porcine skin ECM gel together with human cells may be a novel and promising biomaterial for medical applications especially for patients with acute and chronic skin wounds.
Radiation Costing Methods: A Systematic Review
Authors: Rahman F. , Seung S.J. , Cheng S.Y. , Saherawala H. , Earle C.C. , Mittmann N.
Published: August 2016

Objective: Costs for radiation therapy (rt) and the methods used to cost rt are highly diverse across the literature. To date, no study has compared various costing methods in detail. Our objective was to perform a thorough review of the radiation costing literature to identify sources of costs and methods used. Methods: A systematic review of Ovid medline, Ovid oldmedline, embase, Ovid HealthStar, and EconLit from 2005 to 23 March 2015 used search terms such as “radiation,” “radiotherapy,” “neoplasm,” “cost,” “ cost analysis,” and “cost benefit analysis” to locate relevant articles. Original papers were reviewed for detailed costing methods. Cost sources and methods were extracted for papers investigating rt modalities, including three-dimensional conformal rt (3D-crt), intensity-modulated rt (imrt), stereotactic body rt (sbrt), and brachytherapy (bt). All costs were translated into 2014 U.S. dollars. Results: Most of the studies (91%) reported in the 33 articles retrieved provided rt costs from the health system perspective. The cost of rt ranged from US$2687.87 to US$111,900.60 per treatment for imrt, followed by US$5583.28 to US$90,055 for 3D-crt, US$10,544.22 to US$78,667.40 for bt, and US$6520.58 to US$19,602.68 for sbrt. Cost drivers were professional or personnel costs and the cost of rt treatment. Most studies did not address the cost of rt equipment (85%) and institutional or facility costs (66%). Conclusions: Costing methods and sources were widely variable across studies, highlighting the need for consistency in the reporting of rt costs. More work to promote comparability and consistency across studies is needed.
Approach to Fever Assessment in Ambulatory Cancer Patients Receiving Chemotherapy: A Clinical Practice Guideline
Authors: Krzyzanowska M.K. , Walker-Dilks C. , Atzema C. , Morris A. , Gupta R. , Halligan R. , Kouroukis T. , McCann K.
Published: August 2016

Background: This guideline was prepared by the Fever Assessment Guideline Development Group, a group organized by the Program in Evidence-Based Care at the request of the Cancer Care Ontario Systemic Treatment Program. The mandate was to develop a standardized approach (in terms of definitions, information, and education) for the assessment of fever in cancer patients receiving chemotherapy. Methods: The guideline development methods included a search for existing guidelines, literature searches in medline and embase for systematic reviews and primary studies, internal review by content and methodology experts, and external review by targeted experts and intended users. Results: The search identified eight guidelines that had partial relevance to the topic of the present guideline and thirty-eight primary studies. The studies were mostly noncomparative prospective or retrospective studies. Few studies directly addressed the topic of fever except as one among many symptoms or adverse effects associated with chemotherapy. The recommendations concerning fever definition are supported mainly by other existing guidelines. No evidence was found that directly pertained to the assessment of fever before a diagnosis of febrile neutropenia was made. However, some studies evaluated approaches to symptom management that included fever among the symptoms. Few studies directly addressed information needs and resources for managing fever in cancer patients. Conclusions: Fever in patients with cancer who are receiving systemic therapy is a common and potentially serious symptom that requires prompt assessment, but currently, evidence to inform best practices concerning when, where, and by whom that assessment is done is very limited.
Will Oncologists Applaud the Paris Accord? Time to Rethink Global Mega-Conferences
Authors: Jacobs C. , Joy A.A. , Clemons M.
Published: August 2016

It is ironic that the signing of the Paris Accord1,2, [...]
ICE GRAIN COLLISIONS IN COMPARISON: CO2, H2O, AND THEIR MIXTURES
Authors: Musiolik Grzegorz , Teiser Jens , Jankowski Tim , Wurm Gerhard
Published: August 2016

Collisions of ice particles play an important role in the formation of planetesimals and comets. In recent work, we showed that CO2 ice behaves like silicates in collisions. The resulting assumption was that it should therefore stick less efficiently than H2O ice. Within this paper, a quantification of the latter is presented. We used the same experimental setup to study collisions of pure CO2 ice, pure water ice, and 50% mixtures by mass between CO2 and water at 80 K, 1 mbar, and an average particle size of ∼90 μm. The results show a strong increase of the threshold velocity between sticking and bouncing with increasing water content. This supports the idea that water ice is favorable for early growth phases of planets in a zone within the H2O and the CO2 iceline.
Herpes virus Reactivation after Initiation of Interferon-Free Antiviral Agents in HIV–HCV-Coinfected Subjects: A New Immune Restoration Disease?
Authors: Marocco Raffaella , Lichtner Miriam , Tieghi Tiziana , Pozzetto Irene , Mastroianni Claudio M
Published: August 2016

We report four HCV–HIV-coinfected patients who developed herpes zoster or muco-cutaneous herpes virus disease shortly after starting interferon-free antiviral treatment for HCV. We suggest that in our patients the prompt clearance of HCV following direct-acting antivirals leads to a paradoxical effect on the innate and adaptive immune system mediating the reactivation of herpetic infection.
Trouble du déficit de l’attention avec hyperactivité (TDAH) : un trouble de la transformation des affects et de la pensée ?
Authors: Günter Michael
Published: August 2016

Dans la littérature sur la psychanalyse de l’enfant et de l’adolescent, le trouble du déficit de l’attention avec hyperactivité (TDAH) est décrit comme un syndrome complexe aux caractéristiques psychodynamiques très diverses. Schématiquement, le trouble est divisé en trois catégories : 1. Un trouble des relations d’objet précoces qui aboutit au développement d’une organisation des défenses d’allure maniaque dans laquelle les angoisses de perte d’objet et les affects dépressifs ne sont pas traités via la symbolisation mais sont organisés sur un mode essentiellement corporel ; 2. Un trouble de la triangulation dans laquelle l’investissement de la position paternelle n’est pas stable, une structuration psychique fragile alterne avec un excès d’excitation et la régulation de l’affect est limitée ; 3. La présence d’un stress émotionnel ou d’une expérience traumatique. Je propose de poser un regard neuf sur le TDAH à la lumière de la psychanalyse. En regard de la phénoménologie du trouble, nous devrions considérer, en sus de l’approche psychodynamique, que des déficits de la fonction alpha sont constitutifs du TDAH. Ces déficits sont à l’origine des troubles de la pensée et du traitement des affects, et la symptomatologie apparaît comme une tentative (imparfaite) d’y remédier. À un niveau secondaire, on assiste au développement d’un cercle vicieux par le biais du renforcement mutuel d’une transformation défectueuse des données sensorielles et des affects en des contenus de pensée, d’un côté, et de processus secondaires défensifs largement narcissiques, de l’autre. Ces considérations sont importantes pour améliorer la compréhension du TDAH et pour rendre compte de notre technique psychanalytique.
Délire et vision bi-oculaire
Authors: de Masi Franco
Published: August 2016

L’état délirant est le résultat d’une disjonction grave au sein de la psyché dont l’issue n’est pas aisée à prévoir. L’étude d’un mode de disjonction spécifique peut nous aider à comprendre la nature et le caractère radical du délire. L’auteur de cet article présente le traitement d’un patient psychotique qui, en dépit de nombreuses années d’analyse et des progrès accomplis dans sa vie, a continué de manifester des épisodes délirants bien qu’ils soient délimités et contenus. Chez ce patient, les deux formes de vision, l’une d’ordre délirant et l’autre d’ordre réel, demeurent distinctes et différenciées l’une de l’autre, car elles partagent toutes deux le même caractère perceptif, à savoir celui de la réalité. Ce patient a une vision bi-oculaire de la réalité et non pas une vision binoculaire, car sa vision manque d’intégration, ce qui aurait été forcément le cas si ces deux formes de visions avaient pu être comparées l’une avec l’autre. Le principe de non-contradiction cesse de s’appliquer dans le délire. L’un des corollaires de l’échec du principe de non-contradiction est que, si une affirmation et sa négation sont vraies l’une et l’autre, alors toute affirmation est vraie. Les logiciens qualifient cette conséquence de principe d’explosion. C’est pour cette raison que toute distinction entre vérité, réalité, improbabilité, probabilité, possibilité et impossibilité, est perdue dans le système délirant, entraînant dans son sillage un mécanisme omnipotent et explosif au potentiel de progression infini. L’auteur de cet article présente ses réflexions sur les possibilités d’une transformation par la psychanalyse de l’expérience délirante.
Les révolutions arabes et leur devenir. Les cas paradigmatiques de l’Égypte et de la Tunisie
Authors: Khosrokhavar Farhad
Published: August 2016

La Tunisie et l’Égypte ont été le théâtre des deux révolutions arabes majeures qui réussirent à renverser les gouvernements autocratiques dans un espace de temps extrêmement court : 28 jours en Tunisie et 18 jours en Égypte. En dépit de l’effet d’imitation exercé sur les autres sociétés arabes, ces deux soulèvements présentaient des différences majeures. La Révolution tunisienne a abouti à l’élaboration d’une constitution laïque et le processus démocratique s’est enchaîné non sans succès. La Révolution égyptienne a résulté en de longues périodes de violence ininterrompue qui a abouti au coup d’État militaire et à la fin du processus de démocratisation. Ces deux cas paradigmatiques soulèvent la question des contextes nationaux spécifiques ainsi que l’histoire de ces sociétés et la manière dont la violence est traitée en leur sein.
Islam et politique dans la Libye contemporaine
Authors: Abouyoub Younes
Published: August 2016

Cet article analyse la relation entre les différents pouvoirs en Libye et la religion depuis le XIX e siècle et plus particulièrement depuis l’insurrection de 2011. Comme la Libye a toujours été l’un des pays les plus conservateurs d’Afrique du Nord, le conflit libyen ne saurait se résumer à une confrontation entre un courant « libéral » et un autre « islamiste ». Ce n’est pas tant la question religieuse qui divise l’élite libyenne, mais plutôt la lutte pour le pouvoir.
Philosophie d’un islam post-fondamentaliste
Authors: Hanafi Hassan
Published: August 2016

Hassan Hanafi comprend l’islam fondamentaliste comme une réaction historique à des circonstances particulières. Ainsi l’islam politique ne serait pas un choix mais le seul refuge qui soit disponible. C’est pourquoi, l’intellectuel égyptien appelle à une alternative post-fondamentaliste. L’islam post-fondamentaliste serait une vision progressiste, rationnelle, historique et humaine, basée sur les principes de la charia, et surtout endogène. C’est dans la création de cette alternative née dans son propre terreau que serait l’un des grands défis de l’intellectuel arabo-musulman.
Une lecture non-herméneutique du Coran : l’Analyse littérale
Authors: Al Ajamî Moreno
Published: August 2016

L’explication du Coran passe par diverses herméneutiques, autant d’interprétations du texte. C’est la formation de ces cercles herméneutiques complexes qui limite l’accès au sens du Coran. L’auteur propose une méthodologie sémantique dite non-herméneutique par analyse séquentielle appliquée au Coran (ou A.L.C.) : analyse littérale du Coran. Cet algorithme littéral a pour objectif de réduire les sens coraniques possibles de manière non spéculative ou interprétative.
The ETS Family Transcription Factors Etv5 and PU.1 Function in Parallel To Promote Th9 Cell Development
Authors: Koh Byunghee , Hufford Matthew M. , Pham Duy , Olson Matthew R. , Wu Tong , Jabeen Rukhsana , Sun Xin , Kaplan Mark H.
Published: August 2016

The IL-9–secreting Th9 subset of CD4 Th cells develop in response to an environment containing IL-4 and TGF-β, promoting allergic disease, autoimmunity, and resistance to pathogens. We previously identified a requirement for the ETS family transcription factor PU.1 in Th9 development. In this report, we demonstrate that the ETS transcription factor ETS variant 5 (ETV5) promotes IL-9 production in Th9 cells by binding and recruiting histone acetyltransferases to the Il9 locus at sites distinct from PU.1. In cells that are deficient in both PU.1 and ETV5 there is lower IL-9 production than in cells lacking either factor alone. In vivo loss of PU.1 and ETV5 in T cells results in distinct effects on allergic inflammation in the lung, suggesting that these factors function in parallel. Together, these data define a role for ETV5 in Th9 development and extend the paradigm of related transcription factors having complementary functions during differentiation.
Maternal Milk T Cells Drive Development of Transgenerational Th1 Immunity in Offspring Thymus
Authors: Ghosh Mrinal K. , Nguyen Virginia , Muller H. Konrad , Walker Ameae M.
Published: August 2016

Using multiple murine foster-nursing protocols, thereby eliminating placental transfer and allowing a distinction between dam- and pup-derived cells, we show that foster nursing by an immunized dam results in development of CD8+ T cells in nonimmunized foster pups that are specific for Ags against which the foster dam was immunized (Mycobacterium tuberculosis or Candida albicans). We have dubbed this process “maternal educational immunity” to distinguish it from passive cellular immunity. Of the variety of maternal immune cells present in milk, only T cells were detected in pup tissues. Maternal T cells, a substantial percentage of which were CD4+MHC class II+, accumulated in the pup thymus and spleen during the nursing period. Further analysis of maternal cells in the pup thymus showed that a proportion was positive for maternal immunogen-specific MHC class II tetramers. To determine the outcome of Ag presentation in the thymus, the maternal or foster pup origin of immunogen-responding CD8+ cells in foster pup spleens was assessed. Whereas ∼10% were maternally derived in the first few weeks after weaning, all immunogen-responding CD8+ T cells were pup derived by 12 wk of age. Pup-derived immunogen-responsive CD8+ cells persisted until at least 1 y of age. Passive cellular immunity is well accepted and has been demonstrated in the human population. In this study, we show an arguably more important role for transferred immune cells: the direction of offspring T cell development. Harnessing maternal educational immunity through prepregnancy immunization programs has potential for improvement of infant immunity.