bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Antioxidant Potential, DNA Protection, and HPLC-DAD Analysis of Neglected MedicinalJurinea dolomiaeaRoots
Authors: Shah Naseer Ali , Khan Muhammad Rashid , Naz Kiran , Khan Mubarak Ali
Published: May 2014

Jurinea dolomiaeaBoiss., family Compositae, is a medicinally important plant of alpine region. Its tuberous roots are used in various ailments in folk medicine. This study was undertaken to estimate total phenolic (TPC) and total flavonoid contents (TFC) and to determine anti-free radical potential by diversein vitroantioxidant assays. Crude methanol extract (JDME) was fractionated inton-hexane (JDHE), chloroform (JDCE), ethyl acetate (JDEE),n-butanol (JDBE), and aqueous (JDAE) fractions. The results indicated that JDEE and JDCE constituted the highest amount of TFC (807±7.2 mg rutin equivalent/g sample) and TPC (757±9.4 mg gallic acid equivalent/g sample), respectively. Significant correlation of TFC with IC50values was recorded for•OH (R2=0.91), H2O2(R2=0.82), and ABTS (R2=0.82) assay. It could be made clear that JDEE was the most potent in antioxidant activity as compared to others, with generally lower IC50values for DPPH (41.1±1.0 μg/mL), ABTS (46.7±0.6 μg/mL), H2O2(42.2±0.9 μg/mL),•OH (61.1±1.1 μg/mL),O2-(152±1.1 μg/mL), and antilipid peroxidation (54.3±1.6 μg/mL). HPLC chromatogram of JDEE revealed the presence of catechin, caffeic acid, and rutin. The results indicated the antioxidant activities ofJ. dolomiaearoots and merit further investigations for their use in oxidative stress related disorders.
Phenotypic and Genotypic Characterization of AtypicalListeria monocytogenesandListeria innocuaIsolated from Swine Slaughterhouses and Meat Markets
Authors: Moreno Luisa Zanolli , Paixão Renata , Sena de Gobbi Debora Dirani , Raimundo Daniele Cristine , Porfida Ferreira Thais Sebastiana , Micke Moreno Andrea , Hofer Ernesto , dos Reis Cristhiane Moura Falavina , Matté Glavur Rogério , Matté Maria Helena
Published: May 2014

In the last decade, atypicalListeria monocytogenesandL. innocuastrains have been detected in food and the environment. Because of mutations in the major virulence genes, these strains have different virulence intensities in eukaryotic cells. In this study, we performed phenotypic and genotypic characterization of atypicalL. monocytogenesandL. innocuaisolates obtained from swine slaughterhouses and meat markets. Forty strains were studied, including isolates ofL. monocytogenesandL. innocuawith low-hemolytic activity. The isolates were characterized using conventional phenotypicListeriaidentification tests and by the detection and analysis ofL. monocytogenes-specific genes. Analysis of 16S rRNA was used for the molecular identification of theListeriaspecies. TheL. monocytogenesisolates were positive for all of the virulence genes studied. The atypicalL. innocuastrains were positive forhly, plcA,andinlC. Mutations in the InlC, InlB, InlA, PI-PLC, PC-PLC, and PrfA proteins were detected in the atypical isolates. Furtherin vitroand transcriptomic studies are being developed to confirm the role of these mutations inListeriavirulence.
Linear Total Variation Approximate Regularized Nuclear Norm Optimization for Matrix Completion
Authors: Han Xu , Wu Jiasong , Wang Lu , Chen Yang , Senhadji Lotfi , Shu Huazhong
Published: May 2014

Matrix completion that estimates missing values in visual data is an important topic in computer vision. Most of the recent studies focused on the low rank matrix approximation via the nuclear norm. However, the visual data, such as images, is rich in texture which may not be well approximated by low rank constraint. In this paper, we propose a novel matrix completion method, which combines the nuclear norm with the local geometric regularizer to solve the problem of matrix completion for redundant texture images. And in this paper we mainly consider one of the most commonly graph regularized parameters: the total variation norm which is a widely used measure for enforcing intensity continuity and recovering a piecewise smooth image. The experimental results show that the encouraging results can be obtained by the proposed method on real texture images compared to the state-of-the-art methods.
Bifurcation and Chaos Prediction in Nonlinear Gear Systems
Authors: Farshidianfar Anooshirvan , Saghafi Amin
Published: May 2014

The homoclinic bifurcation and transition to chaos in gear systems are studied both analytically and numerically. Applying Melnikov analytical method, the threshold values for the occurrence of chaotic motion are obtained. The influence of system parameters on the character of vibration is studied. The numerical simulation of the system including bifurcation diagram, phase plane portraits, Fourier spectra, and time histories is considered to confirm the analytical predictions for the occurrence of homoclinic bifurcation and chaos in nonlinear gear systems.
Acute Myeloid Leukemia Presenting with Pulmonary Tuberculosis
Authors: Thomas Merlin , AlGherbawe Mushtak
Published: May 2014

We report the case of a 58-year-old immunocompetent man presenting with fever, cough, anorexia, weight loss, and cervical lymphadenopathy. Blood investigations revealed severe neutropenia with monocytosis. Chest imaging showed bilateral reticular infiltrates with mediastinal widening. Bronchoalveolar lavage culture and molecular test were positive forMycobacterium tuberculosisand treatment with isoniazid, rifampicin, pyrazinamide, and ethambutol was started. Although pulmonary tuberculosis could explain this clinical presentation we suspected associated blood dyscrasias in view of significant monocytosis and mild splenomegaly. Bone marrow aspiration revealed acute myeloid leukemia. Thereafter the patient received induction chemotherapy and continued antituberculous treatment. After first induction of chemotherapy patient was in remission and successfully completed 6 months antituberculosis therapy without any complications. To our knowledge there has been no such case reported from the State of Qatar to date.
Apoptosis Induction by the Total Flavonoids from Arachniodes exilis in HepG2 Cells through Reactive Oxygen Species‐Mediated Mitochondrial Dysfunction Involving MAPK Activation
Authors: Li Huimin , Chen Jing , Xiong Chaomei , Wei Han , Yin Changchang , Ruan Jinlan
Published: May 2014

Arachniodes exilis is used as a folk medicine in China and proved to have antibacterial, anti‐inflammatory, and sedative activities. In the present study, the antitumor effect of the total flavonoids of A. exilis (TFAE) against HepG2 cells was evaluated. The results showed that TFAE inhibited the growth of HepG2 cells in a dosage‐ and time‐dependent manner. Flow cytometry and Hoechst 33342 fluorescence staining results showed that TFAE could significantly increase the apoptosis ratio of HepG2 cells, which is accompanied with increased intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) production and decreased mitochondrial membrane potential (ΔΨm). Western blotting indicated that TFAE downregulated the ratio of Bcl‐2/Bax, increased cytochrome c release, and activated the caspases‐3 and ‐9. Further analysis showed that TFAE stimulated the mitogen‐activated protein kinase (MAPK). However, treatment with NAC (reactive oxygen species scavenger) and MAPK‐specific inhibitors (SP600125 and SB203580) could reverse the changes of these apoptotic‐related proteins. These results suggested that TFAE possessed potential anticancer activity in HepG2 cells through ROS‐mediated mitochondrial dysfunction involving MAPK pathway.
Bioclinical Parameters Driving Decision-Making of Subsequent Lines of Treatment in Metastatic Castration-Resistant Prostate Cancer
Authors: Irelli A. , Bruera G. , Cannita K. , Palluzzi E. , Gravina G. L. , Festuccia C. , Ficorella C. , Ricevuto E.
Published: May 2014

Different options are available as second-line treatment of metastatic castrate-resistant prostate cancer: cabazitaxel, abiraterone, and enzalutamide. Phase III studies evaluating cabazitaxel and the two hormonal agents have been shown to significantly prolong overall survival compared to mitoxantrone and placebo, respectively. Several studies have also demonstrated feasibility and activity of docetaxel rechallenge in case of a sufficient progression-free interval (3–6 months), good performance status, and previous acceptable safety profile, thus providing an additional treatment option in clinical practice. Clinical and biological parameters should be considered to tailor II line treatment. In clinical practice, we can primarily evaluate patients’ fitness according to age, performance status, symptomatic disease, comorbidities, and expected safety profile of each drug. Different prognostic/predictive factors may be considered, such as presence of bone-limited or visceral metastases, length of androgen deprivation therapy (ADT) before chemotherapy, time to progression after docetaxel, Gleason score, PSA doubling time, and serum testosterone, even if their clinical relevance is still debated. This review will discuss current options of innovative drugs sequencing and selection according to bioclinical parameters.
C-Reactive Protein and Colorectal Cancer Mortality in U.S. Adults
Authors: Goyal Abhishek , Terry Mary Beth , Jin Zhezhen , Siegel Abby B.
Published: May 2014

Background: Chronic inflammation has been associated with colorectal cancer. Prediagnostic levels of C-reactive protein (CRP), a highly sensitive marker of inflammation, have been weakly associated with increased colorectal cancer incidence, but few data are available examining its relationship with colorectal cancer mortality.

Methods: In the Third National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES III), 65% of the 15,924 adult participants had CRP levels ≤0.21 mg/dL. Using this as the reference group, we calculated hazard ratios (HR) for higher CRP categories and colorectal cancer mortality, and compared them with HRs for other mortality causes.

Results: Over a median follow-up period of 14.2 years, there were 92 deaths from colorectal cancer. Compared with the reference group, multivariable adjusted HRs for colorectal cancer mortality were 2.66 [95% confidence interval (CI), 1.36–5.20] for CRP levels 0.22–0.50 mg/dL; 3.40 (95% CI, 1.48–7.77) for levels 0.51–1.00 mg/dL; and 3.96 (95% CI, 1.64–9.52) for levels >1.00 mg/dL. Estimates for colorectal cancer mortality did not change appreciably after excluding deaths within the first 3 years or by limiting follow-up to 5 or 10 years.

Conclusions: In a large representative study of U.S. adults, we observed strong dose–response associations between CRP levels and colorectal cancer mortality.

Impact: Further evaluation of CRP may help identify high-risk groups for colorectal cancer screening and those who might benefit most from prophylactic anti-inflammatory therapy. Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev; 23(8); 1609–18. ©2014 AACR.
PLCE1 mRNA and Protein Expression and Survival of Patients with Esophageal Squamous Cell Carcinoma and Gastric Adenocarcinoma
Authors: Li Wen-Qing , Hu Nan , Burton Victoria H. , Yang Howard H. , Su Hua , Conway Catherine M. , Wang Lemin , Wang Chaoyu , Ding Ti , Xu Yi , Giffen Carol , Abnet Christian C. , Goldstein Alisa M. , Hewitt Stephen M. , Taylor Philip R.
Published: May 2014

Background: Germline genetic variants in PLCE1 (10q23) have demonstrated consistent associations with risk of esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) and gastric cancer among Chinese. We evaluated PLCE1 mRNA and protein expression in paired tumor-normal tissues, and their relationship with survival.

Methods: PLCE1 mRNA was profiled using three probes in the Affymetrix GeneChip U133 for paired tumor-normal tissues of ESCC (n = 132), gastric cardia adenocarcinoma (GCA, n = 62), and gastric noncardia adenocarcinoma (GNCA, n = 72). We used immunohistochemistry to detect PLCE1 protein on slides from tissue microarrays in paired tumor-normal tissues of ESCC (n = 303), and tumors of GCA (n = 298) and GNCA (n = 124).

Results: Compared with normal tissues, PLCE1 mRNA expression was significantly reduced in ESCC tumors (P = 0.03, probe_205112_at), as well as in GCA and GNCA tumors (P < 0.0001, each probe). Protein expression was nonsignificantly reduced in ESCC tumors (P = 0.51). Increased tumor-normal mRNA fold change (probe_205112_at) was associated with longer survival in ESCC (9.6 months for highest vs. lowest quartile; Ptrend = 0.02). Increased mRNA tumor-normal fold change (probe_205111_at) was associated with longer survival for GCA (10.7 months for highest quartile; Ptrend = 0.04), but not for GNCA cases (P = 0.72). Similar to mRNA, elevated tumor-normal fold change for protein in ESCC was also associated with improved survival (8.1 months for highest quartile; Ptrend = 0.04).

Conclusions: Dysregulated PLCE1 mRNA expression was observed for both ESCC (one probe only) and GCA tumors, and the altered PLCE1 expression seems to be associated with cancer prognosis.

Impact: A potential role for PLCE1 in the early detection and/or therapy of ESCC and GCA warrants further investigation. Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev; 23(8); 1579–88. ©2014 AACR.
Inhibition of Protein Phosphatase 2A Enhances Cytotoxicity and Accessibility of Chemotherapeutic Drugs to Hepatocellular Carcinomas
Authors: Bai Xue-Li , Zhang Qi , Ye Long-Yun , Hu Qi-Da , Fu Qi-Han , Zhi Xiao , Su Wei , Su Ri-Ga , Ma Tao , Chen Wei , Xie Shang-Zhi , Chen Cong-Lin , Liang Ting-Bo
Published: May 2014

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is one of the most common and therapeutically challenging malignancies worldwide. For patients ineligible for “curative resection” or liver transplantation, chemotherapy is an important minimally effective option. Strategies for chemosensitization are urgently needed. Here, we report that LB-100, a serine/threonine protein phosphatase 2A (PP2A) inhibitor, enhances the cytotoxicity of chemotherapy for HCC in vitro and in vivo. We found that LB-100 significantly enhanced inhibition of HCC by doxorubicin and cisplatin in vitro and in vivo in a PP2A-dependent way, while having little inhibitory activity when used alone. LB-100 promoted vascular endothelial growth factor secretion and vasculogenic mimicry, associated with increased microvessel density and blood perfusion of tumor cell xenografts. LB-100 also enhanced paracellular endothelial permeability to Evans Blue dye and doxorubicin in vivo and in vitro, presumably by altering vascular endothelial–cadherin contact between cells. Changes in permeability and perfusion were accompanied by increased accumulation of doxorubicin in HCC xenografts but not in normal liver tissue. In conclusion, LB-100 enhances chemotherapy by interfering with DNA damage–induced defense mechanisms and by increasing angiogenesis and drug penetration into tumor cells. The induction of angiogenesis and vascular permeability of tumor xenografts by inhibition of PP2A may be a novel approach for enhancing the cytotoxic treatment of HCC and potentially other cancers. Mol Cancer Ther; 13(8); 2062–72. ©2014 AACR.
SIRT2 Interacts with β-Catenin to Inhibit Wnt Signaling Output in Response to Radiation-Induced Stress
Authors: Nguyen Phuongmai , Lee Sunmin , Lorang-Leins Dominique , Trepel Jane , Smart DeeDee K.
Published: May 2014

Wnt signaling is critical to maintaining cellular homeostasis via regulation of cell division, mitigation of cell stress, and degradation. Aberrations in Wnt signaling contribute to carcinogenesis and metastasis, whereas sirtuins have purported roles in carcinogenesis, aging, and neurodegeneration. Therefore, the hypothesis that sirtuin 2 (SIRT2) directly interacts with β-catenin and whether this interaction alters the expression of Wnt target genes to produce an altered cellular phenotype was tested. Coimmunoprecipitation studies, using mouse embryonic fibroblasts (MEF) from Sirt2 wild-type and genomic knockout mice, demonstrate that β-catenin directly binds SIRT2. Moreover, this interaction increases in response to oxidative stress induced by ionizing radiation. In addition, this association inhibits the expression of important Wnt target genes such as survivin (BIRC5), cyclin D1 (CCND1), and c-myc (MYC). In Sirt2 null MEFs, an upregulation of matrix metalloproteinase 9 (MMP9) and decreased E-cadherin (CDH1) expression is observed that produces increased cellular migration and invasion. Together, these data demonstrate that SIRT2, a tumor suppressor lost in multiple cancers, inhibits the Wnt signaling pathway in nonmalignant cells by binding to β-catenin and that SIRT2 plays a critical role in the response to oxidative stress from radiation.

Implications: Disruption of the SIRT2–β-catenin interaction represents an endogenous therapeutic target to prevent transformation and preserve the integrity of aging cells against exogenous stressors such as reactive oxygen species. Mol Cancer Res; 12(9); 1244–53. ©2014 AACR.
Vulnerabilities of PTEN–TP53-Deficient Prostate Cancers to Compound PARP–PI3K Inhibition
Authors: González-Billalabeitia Enrique , Seitzer Nina , Song Su Jung , Song Min Sup , Patnaik Akash , Liu Xue-Song , Epping Mirjam T. , Papa Antonella , Hobbs Robin M. , Chen Ming , Lunardi Andrea , Ng Christopher , Webster Kaitlyn A. , Signoretti Sabina , Loda Massimo , Asara John M. , Nardella Caterina , Clohessy John G. , Cantley Lewis C. , Pandolfi Pier Paolo
Published: May 2014

Prostate cancer is the most prevalent cancer in males, and treatment options are limited for advanced forms of the disease. Loss of the PTEN and TP53 tumor suppressor genes is commonly observed in prostate cancer, whereas their compound loss is often observed in advanced prostate cancer. Here, we show that PARP inhibition triggers a p53-dependent cellular senescence in a PTEN-deficient setting in the prostate. Surprisingly, we also find that PARP-induced cellular senescence is morphed into an apoptotic response upon compound loss of PTEN and p53. We further show that superactivation of the prosurvival PI3K–AKT signaling pathway limits the efficacy of a PARP single-agent treatment, and that PARP and PI3K inhibitors effectively synergize to suppress tumorigenesis in human prostate cancer cell lines and in a Pten/Trp53–deficient mouse model of advanced prostate cancer. Our findings, therefore, identify a combinatorial treatment with PARP and PI3K inhibitors as an effective option for PTEN-deficient prostate cancer.

Significance: The paucity of therapeutic options in advanced prostate cancer displays an urgent need for the preclinical assessment of novel therapeutic strategies. We identified differential therapeutic vulnerabilities that emerge upon the loss of both PTEN and p53, and observed that combined inhibition of PARP and PI3K provides increased efficacy in hormone-insensitive advanced prostate cancer. Cancer Discov; 4(8); 896–904. ©2014 AACR.

This article is highlighted in the In This Issue feature, p. 855
A Novel Molecular Diagnostic Marker for Familial and Early-Onset Coronary Artery Disease and Myocardial Infarction in the
LRP8
Gene
Authors: Shen Gong-Qing , Girelli Domenico , Li Lin , Rao Shaoqi , Archacki Stephen , Olivieri Oliviero , Martinelli Nicola , Park Jeong Euy , Chen Qiuyun , Topol Eric J. , Wang Qing K.
Published: May 2014

Background—

Many single-nucleotide polymorphisms have been associated with coronary artery disease (CAD)/myocardial infarction (MI) by genome-wide association studies, but the diagnostic value of these variants is limited. Functional single-nucleotide polymorphism R952Q in
LRP8
is associated with familial and early-onset CAD/MI. The objective of this study is to test whether fine mapping and haplotype analysis for single-nucleotide polymorphisms flanking R952Q may identify a haplotype that may serve as a molecular diagnostic marker for familial and early-onset CAD/MI.

Methods and Results—

Five single-nucleotide polymorphisms (rs7546246, rs2297660, rs3737983, R952Q, and rs5177) were genotyped and analyzed in GeneQuest (381 patients with familial, early-onset CAD and 183 patients with MI versus 560 controls) and the Italian population (248 patients with familial MI versus 308 controls). One novel risk haplotype, TACGC, was found only in patients with CAD and MI but not in controls. It was significantly associated with CAD (
P
=7.4×10
–7
) and MI (
P
=2.2×10
–9
) in GeneQuest. The finding was replicated in the Italian cohort (
P
=0.041). Sib-transmission disequilibrium test analysis showed a significant association between haplotype TACGC and CAD in GeneQuest II (
P
=0.039). Haplotype TACGC was not present in a South Korean population of 611 patients with CAD and 294 normal controls. TACGC/TACGC homozygotes tended to develop CAD/MI earlier and showed higher low-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels than heterozygotes (
P
<0.05).

Conclusions—

The rare haplotype TACGC in
LRP8
confers a significant risk of familial, early-onset CAD/MI. Because the risk haplotype exists only in patients with familial and early-onset CAD/MI, we propose that it may be a molecular diagnostic marker for diagnosis of familial, early-onset CAD/MI in some white populations.
γδT Cell–Derived Interleukin-17A via an Interleukin-1β–Dependent Mechanism Mediates Cardiac Injury and Fibrosis in Hypertension
Authors: Li Yulin , Wu Yina , Zhang Congcong , Li Ping , Cui Wei , Hao Jianlei , Ma Xinliang , Yin Zhinan , Du Jie
Published: May 2014

Inflammation is implicated in the initiation of hypertension and end-organ injury. Interleukin-17A (IL-17A) is a key pathogenic factor in a variety of inflammatory diseases and hypertension. However, the mechanisms underlying IL-17A production, and its role in mediating inflammation and early cardiovascular injury in hypertensive heart, remain unknown. Angiotensin II (Ang II) infusion increased cardiac IL-17A mRNA expression and IL-17A
+
CD3
+
cell infiltration in a time-dependent manner. IL-17A in the hypertensive heart was derived mostly from infiltrating γδT cells rather than from CD4 T cells. Genetic knockdown of γδT cells or specific anti-γδT antibody abolished IL-17A production in Ang II–infused heart. Moreover, monocyte-secreted IL-1β, not cardiac fibroblast–secreted IL-6 or transforming growth factor-β, was required for IL-17A production from γδT cell. IL-17A accelerated differentiation of myofibroblast through promoting IL-6 production from cardiac fibroblast. Finally, inflammatory cell infiltration, proinflammatory or profibrotic cytokine expression, and fibrotic lesion induced by Ang II were attenuated in IL-17A–deficient mice. Moreover, the deletion of γδT cell was protected from Ang II–induced cardiac injury. Thus, a triangular positive feedback loop exists among monocytic-secreted IL-1β, γδT-cell–derived IL-17A, and cardiac fibroblast–produced IL-6, which triggers the cardiac injury in hypertension.
Long-Term Sympathoinhibitory Effects of Surgically Induced Weight Loss in Severe Obese Patients
Authors: Seravalle Gino , Colombo Manuela , Perego Paolo , Giardini Vittorio , Volpe Marco , Dell’Oro Raffaella , Mancia Giuseppe , Grassi Guido
Published: May 2014

Weight loss improves insulin sensitivity and exerts sympathomodulatory effects. No data, however, are available on the effects of the weight loss induced by vertical sleeve gastrectomy on sympathetic neural drive, insulin sensitivity, and their reciprocal cross talks. In 10 severe obese hypertensives (age, 54.0±2.3 years [mean±SEM]), we measured sphygmomanometric blood pressure, heart rate, body mass index, homeostatic model assessment index, plasma leptin, muscle sympathetic nerve traffic (microneurography), and baroreflex sensitivity (vasoactive drug technique). Measurements were performed 2 to 3 days before surgery and repeated 6 and 12 months after the procedure. Ten matched hypertensive obeses not undergoing gastrectomy served as controls. Six months after bariatric surgery, a significant (
P
<0.05) reduction in body mass index (−9.1±1.4 kg/m
2
), sphygmomanometric systolic blood pressure (−10.2±4.5 mm Hg), heart rate (−11.0±2.4 bpm), homeostatic model assessment index (−3–3±1.3 AU), plasma leptin (−53.6±8.8 μg/L), and muscle sympathetic nerve traffic (−15.0±3.4 bursts/100 heart beats) was observed. The weight loss, the plasma leptin reduction, and the sympathetic inhibition were maintained after 12 months, whereas homeostatic model assessment index showed a tendency to return toward presurgery values. A significant improvement in baroreflex control of sympathetic nerve traffic was observed both 6 (+32.1%;
P
<0.05) and 12 months (+60.7%;
P
<0.01) after gastrectomy. No significant changes in the above-mentioned variables were detected in the control group. These data provide evidence that massive weight loss induced by sleeve gastrectomy triggers profound sympathoinhibitory effects, associated with a stable and significant reduction in plasma leptin levels, whereas the improvement in insulin sensitivity was attenuated with time and unrelated to the sympathoinhibition.
Microcirculatory Marker for the Prediction of Renal End Points
Authors: Baumann Marcus , Burkhardt Klaus , Heemann Uwe
Published: May 2014

Retinal arteriolar narrowing reflects aging, hypertension, chronic kidney disease (CKD), and other vascular processes. We examined the predictive value of retinal arteriolar narrowing alone and in combination with albuminuria on renal disease progression in CKD. A white CKD stage 2 to 4 cohort of 164 men and women (60.8±13.8 years) underwent retinal photography and determination of albuminuria. The calibers of all retinal arterioles were measured after digital conversion of the photographs. Cases of incident renal end points defined as 50% renal function loss and start of renal replacement therapy were identified and validated by case record reviews. Over an average period of 1410 (range, 106–1606) days, 25 patients with CKD had incident renal end points. Kaplan–Meier analysis revealed that patients with CKD within the tertile of narrowest arterioles had more renal end points (log-rank
P
<0.001). Cox regression analysis confirmed this before (β=1.183±0.411) and after adjusting for age and baseline renal function (β=1.204±0.416). With respect to renal end points, a significant interaction was present between narrow arterioles and albuminuria. The relative risk for renal end points of narrow arterioles was 3.7 (1.7–8.4), of albuminuria was 5.4 (2.5–12.0), and of combined narrow arterioles and albuminuria was 16.2 (4.6–57.2). Hence retinal arteriolar narrowing is related to incident renal end points. Narrow arterioles and albuminuria reveal a synergistic predictive value. The findings support a leading role of the microvasculature in the pathogenesis of renal disease progression. They also suggest that retinal photography in combination with albuminuria determination may be useful for risk stratification with respect to renal disease progression in patients with CKD stage 2 to 4.
Prostaglandin E-Prostanoid
4
Receptor Mediates Angiotensin II–Induced (Pro)Renin Receptor Expression in the Rat Renal Medulla
Authors: Wang Fei , Lu Xiaohan , Peng Kexin , Du Yaomin , Zhou Shu-Feng , Zhang Aihua , Yang Tianxin
Published: May 2014

Angiotensin II (Ang II) stimulates (pro)renin receptor (PRR) expression in the renal collecting duct, triggering the local renin response in the distal nephron. Our recent study provided evidence for involvement of cyclooxygenase-2–prostaglandin E
2
pathway in Ang II-dependent stimulation of PRR expression in the collecting duct. Here, we tested the role of E-prostanoid (EP) subtypes acting downstream of cyclooxygenase-2 in this phenomenon. In primary rat inner medullary collecting duct cells, Ang II treatment for 12 hours induced a 1.8-fold increase in the full-length PRR protein expression. To assess the contribution of EP receptor, the cell was pretreated with specific EP receptor antagonists: SC-51382 (for EP
1
), L-798106 (for EP
3
), L-161982 (for EP
4
), and ONO-AE3-208 (ONO, a structurally distinct EP
4
antagonist). The upregulation of PRR expression by Ang II was consistently abolished by L-161982 and ONO and partially suppressed by SC-51382 but was unaffected by L-798106. The PRR expression was also significantly elevated by the EP
4
agonist CAY10598 in the absence of Ang II. Sprague-Dawley rats were subsequently infused for 1 or 2 weeks with vehicle, Ang II alone, or in combination with ONO. Ang II infusion induced parallel increases in renal medullary PRR protein and renal medullary and urinary renin activity and total renin content, all of which were blunted by ONO. Both tail cuff plethysmography and telemetry demonstrated attenuation of Ang II hypertension by ONO. Overall, these results have established a crucial role of the EP
4
receptor in mediating the upregulation of renal medullary PRR expression and renin activity during Ang II hypertension.
The Nonproliferation Emperor Has No Clothes: The Gas Centrifuge, Supply-Side Controls, and the Future of Nuclear Proliferation
Authors: Kemp R. Scott
Published: May 2014

Technology has been long understood to play a central role in limiting the proliferation of nuclear weapons. Evolving nuclear technology, increased access to information, and systematic improvements in design and manufacturing tools, however, should in time ease the proliferation challenge. Eventually, even developing countries could possess a sufficient technical ability. There is evidence that this transition has already occurred. The basic uranium-enrichment gas centrifuge, developed in the 1960s, has technical characteristics that are within reach of nearly all states, without foreign assistance or access to export-controllable materials. The history of centrifuge development in twenty countries supports this perspective, as do previously secret studies carried out by the governments of the United States and the United Kingdom. Complicating matters, centrifuges also have properties that make the detection of a clandestine program enormously difficult. If conditions for the clandestine and indigenous production of weapons have emerged, then nonproliferation institutions focused on technology will be inadequate. Although it would represent a near-foundational shift in nuclear security policy, the changed technology landscape may now necessitate a return to institutions focused instead on motivations.
New synonymy in the wheat thrips, Haplothrips tritici (Thysanoptera: Phlaeothripidae)
Authors: MINAEI KAMBIZ , MOUND LAURENCE
Published: May 2014

The wheat thrips, Haplothrips tritici, is known from across eastern Europe and adjoining areas of Asia into western Europe and north Africa, and is widely regarded as a pest of cultivated cereal crops, particularly of Triticum but also of Hordeum (Özsisli 2011). The identity of this thrips species is not in doubt, but a closely similar species, Haplothrips cerealis, was described from Egypt (Priesner 1939), and subsequently recorded between southeastern Europe and Iran (see Minaei & Mound 2008). Priesner based this species on an unspecified number of specimens of both sexes, collected from the ears of cultivated wheat at “Wadi Gederât, Sinai”, and did not designate a holotype. Minaei and Mound (2010) indicated that they considered the records of cerealis from Iran to be based on misidentifications of tritici, but they suggested that further studies were required to determine if there is any evidence that these names represent different species in other countries. The problems arise because the published descriptions of, and comparisons between, the two species are confusing and sometimes contradictory. The objective of this report is to examine the published literature, and to consider this in relation to observed structural variation in recently collected samples as well as specimens in museums that are variously labeled as one or other of these two species.
The Decline of Political Trust in Spain and Portugal
Authors: Torcal Mariano
Published: May 2014

This article deals with the problem of the increasing distrust in institutions in European democracies, paying special attention to countries such as Spain and Portugal, which are being severely harmed by the current economic crisis and the austerity measures imposed by supranational organizations such as the European Union and implemented by their respective national governments. Contrary to the purely political-economic paradigm, the present article, based on panel survey data gathered during the years 2011 and 2012 in Spain and Portugal, shows that this deterioration is due principally to the negative perception of the political responsiveness of representative institutions and aggravated by the increasing perception of political corruption. Multilevel governance and the present economic crisis are challenging representative institutions, but their functioning and elite misbehavior during the crisis are the main explanations of increasing citizen distrust in such institutions.
Caring Is Not Enough
Authors: Hos Rabia
Published: May 2014

The educational landscape for schools in the United States is continuing to shift with the arrival of refugee students with limited or interrupted formal education, especially at the secondary schools. As refugee students with limited or interrupted formal education (SLIFE) adjust to schools in the United States, they may experience acculturative stress, migration stress, and stress of learning a new language. Teachers play an essential role in providing support to help immigrant and refugee students adjust. Caring should be at the core of education. For ethical care to occur, teachers need to see themselves as “responsible for empowering their students.” This article reports on an ethnographic research study of a newcomer classroom with refugee SLIFE in an urban secondary school. The participant teacher in this study exhibited ethical care toward refugee SLIFE and provided positive classroom experiences for SLIFE, which is a critical step toward betterment of educational experiences for them. However, caring by itself does not provide the necessary support needed for the refugee SLIFE’s success in U.S. schools.
Why Does New Testament Textual Criticism Matter? Refined Definitions and Fresh Directions
Authors: Epp Eldon Jay
Published: May 2014

New Testament textual criticism often has been dismissed as an esoteric scholarly discipline that is best avoided by clergy, students–even scholars–and better left to experts. The complexities involved in fulfilling textual criticism’s first goal–identifying the earliest attainable text in each set of variant readings–can be demystified, however, (1) by facing and understanding those complexities and (2) by testing and illustrating the methods employed. Furthermore, a refined definition of the goal opens the way for correcting the long-standing neglect of rejected variant readings and for emphasising the enrichment afforded by recovering the stories that these readings have to tell about real life-issues in the early church, namely, multiple interpretations of theological questions (such as Christology) and of ethical, liturgical, and social practices (such as divorce and remarriage). The results offer fresh and fascinating glimpses of the dynamism in early Christianity.
Heritage nation vs heritage language: Towards a more nuanced rhetoric of ‘heritage’ in Italian language pedagogy
Authors: Tortora Christina
Published: May 2014

Language programs in the US frequently invoke the notion of heritage in order to spark student interest in language learning. The idea is that acquisition of a particular language can connect a student to their past in ways that can empower them and give them a richer appreciation of their own ethnic background. This article addresses this ‘appeal to heritage’ approach to the promotion of language learning, in relation to Italian. I discuss the disconnect between the language of the classroom on the one hand and true Italian-American linguistic heritage on the other. My purpose is to facilitate an informed discussion of linguistic reality, which is that many members of the Italian diaspora descend from ancestors who were monolingual dialettofoni. I argue that the facts of linguistic diversity in Italy and dialect heritage in the US should be central to any discourse which aims to promote the learning of Italian as a gateway to our students’ pasts. While there is no question that knowledge of Standard Italian gives access to Italy, which in turn can give access to the Italian-American student’s heritage culture(s), it is necessary to formulate a more precise understanding of the link between ‘knowledge of Italian’ on the one hand, and ‘Italian heritage’ on the other – a link which is much less direct than is often suggested.
Hydrocarbon Deposition Attenuates Osteoblast Activity on Titanium
Authors: Hayashi R. , Ueno T. , Migita S. , Tsutsumi Y. , Doi H. , Ogawa T. , Hanawa T. , Wakabayashi N.
Published: May 2014

Although the reported percentage of bone-implant contact is far lower than 100%, the cause of such low levels of bone formation has rarely been investigated. This study tested the negative biological effect of hydrocarbon deposition onto titanium surfaces, which has been reported to be inevitable. Osteogenic MC3T3-E1 cells were cultured on titanium disks on which the carbon concentration was experimentally regulated to achieve carbon/titanium (C/Ti) ratios of 0.3, 0.7, and 1.0. Initial cellular activities such as cell attachment and cell spreading were concentration-dependently suppressed by the amount of carbon on the titanium surface. The osteoblastic functions of alkaline phosphatase activity and calcium mineralization were also reduced by more than 40% on the C/Ti (1.0) surface. These results indicate that osteoblast activity is influenced by the degree of hydrocarbon contamination on titanium implants and suggest that hydrocarbon decomposition before implant placement may increase the biocompatibility of titanium.
Low Concentration H2O2/TiO_N in Office Bleaching
Authors: Bortolatto J.F. , Pretel H. , Floros M.C. , Luizzi A.C.C. , Dantas A.A.R. , Fernandez E. , Moncada G. , de Oliveira O.B.
Published: May 2014

Objectives: The purpose of this randomized double-blinded clinical trial was to test the efficacy and tooth sensitivity promoted by the use of an in-office 15% H2O2 bleaching agent containing nanoparticles of TiO_N photocatalyzed with LED/laser light (HP15) and a control of 35% H2O2 (HP35). Methods: Forty healthy volunteers, both sexes, aged 18 to 25 yr, were randomly distributed in 2 groups: HP15 ( n = 20) was treated in 3 sessions of 48 min each, and HP35 ( n = 20) was treated in 3 sessions of 45 min each. The efficacy (E) was evaluated by ΔE values measured via reflectance spectroscopy. The tooth sensitivity (S) was analyzed by visual analog scale (low, average, high, very high). The absolute risk reduction and the number needed to treat index were calculated. The data were analyzed by mixed repeated measures analysis of variance with Bonferroni-correction t test ( α = 0.05). Results: For the efficacy, significant differences were found for number of bleaching sessions ( p = .0001; [Formula: see text] = 0.73 and π = 1.000) and for the interaction of number of sessions and bleaching protocols ( p = .0001; [Formula: see text] = 0.319 and π = 1.000. The tooth sensitivity level showed significant differences only between the bleaching protocols. Absolute risk reduction calculated was 52% and number needed to treat, 1.92. Conclusions: The bleaching agent with the lower concentration (HP15) promoted lower levels of tooth sensitivity and presented greater efficacy compared to the control (HP35) in patients between 18 and 25 yr old. The limitation of short-term evaluation did not provide information about the longevity of the tooth bleaching (Brazilian Clinical Trials Registry Re Bec no. U1111-1150-4466).
Family Influences on the Use of Mental Health Services among African Americans
Authors: Villatoro Alice P. , Aneshensel Carol S.
Published: May 2014

We examine how families influence mental health service (MHS) utilization among African Americans by drawing on the concept of family ambivalence, which encompasses both family support and stress, and by placing utilization within the context of family histories of psychiatric disorder and treatment. Data are from the 2001–2003 National Survey of American Life, a nationally representative sample of African American adults ( n = 3,149), including a clinical need subsample ( n = 605) of respondents with a disorder. Negative family interactions have indirect positive effects on use of any MHS through need for care, whereas family social support lacks any effect. Although poor self-rated mental health (SRMH) is associated with greater utilization of any and specialty MHS given family histories of no disorder or treated disorder, utilization is low given a family history of untreated disorder, irrespective of SRMH. Screening for family histories of psychiatric disorder in primary care is recommended.
Case Studies Nested in Fuzzy-set QCA on Sufficiency
Authors: Schneider Carsten Q. , Rohlfing Ingo
Published: May 2014

Qualitative Comparative Analysis (QCA) is a method for cross-case analyses that works best when complemented with follow-up case studies focusing on the causal quality of the solution and its constitutive terms, the underlying causal mechanisms, and potentially omitted conditions. The anchorage of QCA in set theory demands criteria for follow-up case studies that are different from those known from regression-based multimethod research (MMR). Based on the evolving research on set-theoretic MMR, we introduce principles for formalized case selection and causal inference after a fuzzy-set QCA on sufficiency. Using an empirical example for illustration, we elaborate on the principles of counterfactuals for intelligible causal inference in the analysis of three different types of cases. Furthermore, we explain how case-based counterfactual inferences on the basis of QCA solutions are related to counterfactuals in the course of processing a truth table in order to produce a solution. We then flesh out two important functions that ideal types play for QCA-based case studies: First, they inform the development of formulas for the choice of the best available cases for with-case analysis and, second, establish the boundaries of generalization of the causal inferences.
Physical Triggers of Anxiety in African Americans
Authors: Gordon Tynessa L. , Steiner Amanda R. W. , Teachman Bethany A.
Published: May 2014

Understanding the primary triggers of anxiety for African Americans, and the cultural factors associated with these triggers, can enhance our knowledge of emotional responding in African Americans and can ultimately influence how we assess and treat anxiety disorders in this population. In the current study, we investigated the experience of anxiety for African Americans following physical stressors, with an emphasis on cardiovascular arousal. Specifically, anxious responding, following cardiovascular arousal, other physical stressors, and a control task, was evaluated among African American ( n = 23) and European American ( n = 23) groups on affective, cognitive, and physiological measures of anxiety. Findings suggest physical stressors in general (as opposed to cardiovascular arousal specifically) may be a prominent trigger of anxiety for African Americans. Discussion centers on the idea that the observed relationship between anxiety and physical stressors for African Americans may stem from a cultural sense of vulnerability regarding physical disease.
Employee Machiavellianism to Unethical Behavior
Authors: Greenbaum Rebecca L. , Hill Aaron , Mawritz Mary B. , Quade Matthew J.
Published: May 2014

Drawing on trait activation theory, we examine a person-situation interactionist model to predict unethical behavior in organizations. In particular, we examine abusive supervision as a condition under which employee Machiavellianism (Mach) is activated and thus more strongly predicts unethical behavior. We offer a more fine-grained analysis of the Mach–trait activation process by specifically examining the interactive effect of each Mach dimension (viz., Distrust in Others, Desire for Control, Desire for Status, and Amoral Manipulation) and abusive supervision onto unethical behavior. We collected multisource field data to test our hypotheses across two studies. We then tested our theoretical model utilizing an experimental design. The results of our field studies indicate that the interaction of amoral manipulation and abusive supervision is the most predictive of unethical behavior, whereas our experimental findings indicate that the interaction of desire for control and abusive supervision is the primary predictor of unethical behavior. Implications for the Machiavellianism literature and trait activation theory are discussed.
Channeled Autonomy
Authors: Gonzalez-Mulé Erik , Courtright Stephen H. , DeGeest David , Seong Jee-Young , Hong Doo-Seung
Published: May 2014

Past research suggests that autonomy has highly variable effects on team performance, and that one explanation for this pattern of findings is that autonomous teams fall into a state of disorder where they lack clarity regarding the goals of the broader organization. Following this perspective, the authors develop a model proposing that performance feedback coupled with high autonomy enables teams to have greater clarity of the organization’s goals, which in turn increases team performance. This model was tested on 110 teams in a defense industry manufacturing firm in South Korea using mediated-moderation techniques. Results indicate that highly autonomous teams that receive a high degree of performance feedback outperform other teams because of their heightened level of organizational goal clarity. In contrast, highly autonomous teams that receive low levels of feedback perform at the lowest levels compared to other teams because of a lack of organizational goal clarity. The authors discuss the implications of these findings for theory, research, and practice.
Apologies of the Rich and Famous
Authors: Cerulo Karen A. , Ruane Janet M.
Published: May 2014

In recent years, U.S. and other Western media have inundated the public with celebrity apologies. The public (measured via representative opinion polls) then expresses clear ideas about who deserves forgiveness. Is forgiveness highly individualized or tied to broader social, cultural, and cognitive factors? To answer this question, we analyzed 183 celebrity apologies offered between October 1, 2000, and October 1, 2012. Results are twofold and based in both cultural and social psychological perspectives. First, we found that public forgiveness is systematically tied to discursive characteristics of apologies—particularly sequential structures. Certain sequences appear to cognitively prime the public, creating associative links to established cultural scripts of atonement and rendering some apologies more successful than others. Second, public forgiveness is contingent on broader patterns of social interaction. Like many persuasive messages, successful apologies exist as ordered cultural moments steeped in characteristics of the social relations that bind offenders, victims, and a broader audience of onlookers.
Religious Conversion: A Psycho-spiritual Perspective
Authors: Iyadurai Joshua
Published: May 2014

This article argues that religious conversion cannot be explained simply as a psychological process, but involves a spiritual dimension which gains greater significance from a phenomenological perspective. Analysing a single narrative of conversion in light of the other studies, the author argues for an integrated, psycho-spiritual, approach, and points out the centrality of religious experience in conversion. He claims that conversion triggers transformation in various aspects of the converts’ life.