bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Flood Diversion Algorithm for Anticollision in RFID System
Authors: Huo Hua , Liu Jun Qiang , Wang Yong Jie
Published: April 2015

Radio frequency identification (RFID) provides a contactless approach for object identification. If there are multiple tags in the interrogation zone of a reader, tag collision occurs due to radio signal interference. To solve tags identification collision and improve identification efficiency in RFID system, a flood division anticollision (FDAC) algorithm has been presented. Firstly, the algorithm launches an estimation of the number of tags and according to the estimation result decides whether a flood diversion processing needs to be started or not. Secondly, when the flood diversion processing needs to be done, all tags are grouped and assigned to different models in which the tags are to be processed and identified in parallel. Thirdly, in the identification processing, for reducing data transmission, the reader needs only to send a three-dimensional-vector command to tags, tags respond to the command with part of collision-bit parameters, and stack and queue are adopted to store precious request command and tags' ID to avoid repeatedly transmitting them between the reader and the tags. Simulation experiment results show that FDAC is superior to the dynamic frame slotted (DFS) Aloha algorithm, the binary-retreat tree algorithm (BRT) and the dynamic binary-search tree (DBST) algorithm, in the performances of data bits transmission, identification time delay, and energy consumption by the reader.
Harmony Search Method: Theory and Applications
Authors: Gao X. Z. , Govindasamy V. , Xu H. , Wang X. , Zenger K.
Published: April 2015

The Harmony Search (HS) method is an emerging metaheuristic optimization algorithm, which has been employed to cope with numerous challenging tasks during the past decade. In this paper, the essential theory and applications of the HS algorithm are first described and reviewed. Several typical variants of the original HS are next briefly explained. As an example of case study, a modified HS method inspired by the idea of Pareto-dominance-based ranking is also presented. It is further applied to handle a practical wind generator optimal design problem.
A Transformation of Accelerated Double Step Size Method for Unconstrained Optimization
Authors: Stanimirović Predrag S. , Milovanović Gradimir V. , Petrović Milena J. , Kontrec Nataša Z.
Published: April 2015

A reduction of the originally double step size iteration into the single step length scheme is derived under the proposed condition that relates two step lengths in the accelerated double step size gradient descent scheme. The proposed transformation is numerically tested. Obtained results confirm the substantial progress in comparison with the single step size accelerated gradient descent method defined in a classical way regarding all analyzed characteristics: number of iterations, CPU time, and number of function evaluations. Linear convergence of derived method has been proved.
Modification of PLGA Nanofibrous Mats by Electron Beam Irradiation for Soft Tissue Regeneration
Authors: Lee Jae Baek , Ko Young-Gwang , Cho Donghwan , Park Won Ho , Kim Byeong Nam , Lee Byeong Cheol , Kang Inn-Kyu , Kwon Oh Hyeong
Published: April 2015

Biodegradable poly(lactide‐co‐glycolide) (PLGA) has found widespread use in modern medical practice. However, the degradation rate of PLGA should be adjusted for specific biomedical applications such as tissue engineering, drug delivery, and surgical implantation. This study focused on the effect of electron beam radiation on nanofibrous PLGA mats in terms of physical properties and degradation behavior with cell proliferation. PLGA nanofiber mats were prepared by electrospinning, and electron beam was irradiated at doses of 50, 100, 150, 200, 250, and 300 kGy. PLGA mats showed dimensional integrity after electron beam irradiation without change of fiber diameter. The degradation behavior of a control PLGA nanofiber (0 kGy) and electron beam‐irradiated PLGA nanofibers was analyzed by measuring the molecular weight, weight loss, change of chemical structure, and fibrous morphology. The molecular weight of the PLGA nanofibers decreased with increasing electron beam radiation dose. The mechanical properties of the PLGA nanofibrous mats were decreased with increasing electron beam irradiation dose. Cell proliferation behavior on all electron beam irradiated PLGA mats was similar to the control PLGA mats. Electron beam irradiation of PLGA nanofibrous mats is a potentially useful approach for modulating the biodegradation rate of tissue‐specific nonwoven nanofibrous scaffolds, specifically for soft tissue engineering applications.
The Improvement on the Boundedness and Norm of a Class of Integral Operators onLpSpace
Authors: Zhou Lifang , Lu Jin
Published: April 2015

We prove the condition “cis neither0nor a negative integer” can be dropped on the boundedness of a class of integral operatorsSa,b,conLpspace, which improves the result by Krues and Zhu. Besides, the exact norm ofSa,b,conLpspace is also obtained under the assumptionc=n+1+a+b.
Transversal Vibration of Chain Ropeway System Having Support Boundary Conditions with Polygonal Action
Authors: Yang Zhou , Li Xue-Ping , Li Jun , Hong Tian-Sheng , Xue Kun-Peng
Published: April 2015

The purpose of this paper is to characterize the modal parameters and transverse vibrations of a monochain ropeway system for hilly orchards. The moving chain is modeled with uniform distribution and concentrated inertial loads. In order to study the dynamical behavior of the moving chain, Hamilton’s principle is applied to obtain the homogenous differential equation of transverse vibration. With the boundary conditions subjected to the polygonal action caused by chain-support engagement, the coupling effect of concentrated load, variable tension, and time-dependent speed on transverse vibration is investigated. The contribution of residue of singularity to total vibrations in phase space is numerically analyzed by using the Laplace transform method. The influence of the boundary condition considering the polygonal action is investigated in terms of excitation frequency and amplitude coupled with transport speed. The transverse vibrations are calculated numerically and measured experimentally. The numerical results are in agreement with the experimental data, which suggest that the amplitude and frequency of vibration are proportional to the value of propagation speed. The analytical solution to the moving chain problem provides a feasible reference for its stability analysis and wind-induced vibration control.
Mori Folium and Mori Fructus Mixture Attenuates High-Fat Diet-Induced Cognitive Deficits in Mice
Authors: Kim Hyo Geun , Jeong Hyun Uk , Park Gunhyuk , Kim Hocheol , Lim Yunsook , Oh Myung Sook
Published: April 2015

Obesity has become a global health problem, contributing to various diseases including diabetes, hypertension, cancer, and dementia. Increasing evidence suggests that obesity can also cause neuronal damage, long-term memory loss, and cognitive impairment. The leaves and the fruits ofMorus albaL., containing active phytochemicals, have been shown to possess antiobesity and hypolipidemic properties. Thus, in the present study, we assessed their effects on cognitive functioning in mice fed a high-fat diet by performing immunohistochemistry, using antibodies against c-Fos, synaptophysin, and postsynaptic density protein 95 and a behavioral test. C57BL/6 mice fed a high-fat diet for 21 weeks exhibited increased body weight, but mice coadministered an optimized Mori Folium and Mori Fructus extract mixture (2 : 1; MFE) for the final 12 weeks exhibited significant body weight loss. Additionally, obese mice exhibited not only reduced neural activity, but also decreased presynaptic and postsynaptic activities, while MFE-treated mice exhibited recovery of these activities. Finally, cognitive deficits induced by the high-fat diet were recovered by cotreatment with MFE in the novel object recognition test. Our findings suggest that the antiobesity effects of MFE resulted in recovery of the cognitive deficits induced by the high-fat diet by regulation of neural and synaptic activities.
The Correlation Study of Interest at Physics and Knowledge of Mathematics Basic Concepts towards the Ability to Solve Physics Problems of 7th Grade Students at Junior High School in Ambon Maluku Province, Indonesia
Authors: Wenno Izaak Hendrik
Published: April 2015

The purpose of the study is to determine the relation between interest at Physics and knowledge of Mathematics basic concepts with the ability to solve Physics problems. The populations are all students in the 7th grade at the junior high school in Ambon, Maluku, Indonesia. The used sample schools are Junior High Schools 8, 9, and 10 during 2013/2014 academic year with 44 students per school. Two independent variables and one dependent variable are studied. The independent variables are the interest at Physics (X1) and the knowledge of Mathematics basic concepts (X2), while the dependent variable is the ability to solve Physics problems (Y). Data collection technique forX1is an interview with questionnaire instrument, while for theX2andYis using the test technique with test items instrument. The obtained data from the measurements were analyzed with descriptive analysis and inferential analysis. The results show that there is a positive relation between interest at Physics and knowledge of Mathematics basic concepts with students’ ability to solve Physics problems.
Operators on Spaces of Bounded Vector-Valued Continuous Functions with Strict Topologies
Authors: Nowak Marian
Published: April 2015

LetXbe a completely regular Hausdorff space, and let(E,‖·‖E)and(F,‖·‖F)be Banach spaces. LetCb(X,E)be the space of allE-valued bounded, continuous functions defined onX, equipped with the strict topologiesβz, where  z=σ,∞,p,τ,t. General integral representation theorems of(βz,‖·‖F)-continuous linear operators  T:Cb(X,E)→F  with respect to the corresponding operator-valued measures are established. Strongly bounded and(βz,‖·‖F)-continuous operatorsT:Cb(X,E)→Fare studied. We extend to “the completely regular setting” some classical results concerning operators on the spacesC(X,E)andCo(X,E), whereX  is a compact or a locally compact space.
The Janus Face of Stress on Reproduction: From Health to Disease
Authors: Zelena Dóra
Published: April 2015

Parenthood is a fundamental feature of all known life. However, infertility has been recognized as a public health issue worldwide. But even when the offspring are conceived, in utero problems can lead to immediate (abortion), early (birth), and late (adulthood) consequences. One of the most studied factors is stress. However, stress response is, per se, of adaptive nature allowing the organism to cope with challenges. Stressors lead to deterioration if one is faced with too long lasting, too many, and seemingly unsolvable situations. In stress adaptation the hypothalamus-pituitary-adrenocortical axis and the resulting glucocorticoid elevation are one of the most important mechanisms. At cellular level stress can be defined as an unbalance between production of free radicals and antioxidant defenses. Oxidative stress is widely accepted as an important pathogenic mechanism in different diseases including infertility. On the other hand, the goal of free radical production is to protect the cells from infectious entities. This review aims to summarize the negative and positive influence of stress on reproduction as a process leading to healthy progeny. Special emphasis was given to the balance at the level of the organism and cells.
Reduced Systemic Levels of IL‐10 Are Associated with the Severity of Obstructive Sleep Apnea and Insulin Resistance in Morbidly Obese Humans
Authors: Leon-Cabrera Sonia , Arana-Lechuga Yoaly , Esqueda-León Enrique , Terán-Pérez Guadalupe , Gonzalez-Chavez Antonio , Escobedo Galileo , Velázquez Moctezuma Javier
Published: April 2015

Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) has been related to elevation of inflammatory cytokines and development of insulin resistance in morbidly obese (MO) subjects. However, it is still unclear whether the systemic concentration of anti‐inflammatory mediators is also affected in MO subjects directly related to the severity of OSA and level of insulin resistance. Normal weight and MO subjects were subjected to overnight polysomnography in order to establish the severity of OSA, according to the apnea‐hypopnea index (AHI). Blood samples were obtained for estimation of total cholesterol and triglycerides, insulin, glucose, insulin resistance, tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF‐α), interleukin 12 (IL12), and interleukin 10 (IL‐10). Serum levels of IL‐10 were significantly lower in MO subjects with OSA than in MO and control individuals without OSA. Besides being inversely associated with serum TNF‐α and IL‐12, decreased IL‐10 levels were significantly related to increased AHI, hyperinsulinemia, and insulin resistance. Serum IL‐10 is significantly reduced in morbidly obese subjects with severe OSA while also showing a clear relationship with a state of hyperinsulinemia and insulin resistance probably regardless of obesity in the present sample. It may be of potential clinical interest to identify the stimulatory mechanisms of IL‐10 in obese individuals with OSA.
Preventive Effect of Liothyronine on Electroconvulsive Therapy-Induced Memory Deficit in Patients with Major Depressive Disorder: A Double-Blind Controlled Clinical Trial
Authors: Mohagheghi Arash , Arfaie Asghar , Amiri Shahrokh , Nouri Masoud , Abdi Salman , Safikhanlou Salman
Published: April 2015

Introduction and Objective. Despite the effectiveness of electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) in treating major depressive disorder (MDD), its cognitive side effects make it less popular. This study investigated the impact of liothyronine on ECT-induced memory deficit in patients with MDD.Methodology. This is a double-blind clinical trial, in which 60 patients with MDD who were referred for ECT were selected. The diagnosis was based on the criteria of DSM-IV-TR. Patients were divided randomly into two groups to receive either liothyronine (50 mcg every morning) or placebo. After the assessment with Wechsler Memory Scale-Revised (WMS-R) before first session of ECT, posttests were repeated again, two months after the completion of ECT.Findings. By controlling the pretest scores, the mean scores of the experimental group were higher than the control group in delayed recall, verbal memory, visual memory, general memory, and attention/concentration scales (P<0.05).Conclusion. Liothyronine may prevent ECT-induced memory impairment in patients with MDD. This study has been registered in IRCT underIRCT201401122660N2.
Dynamical Behavior of a System of Third-Order Rational Difference Equation
Authors: Zhang Qianhong , Liu Jingzhong , Luo Zhenguo
Published: April 2015

This paper deals with the boundedness, persistence, and global asymptotic stability of positive solution for a system of third-order rational difference equationsxn+1=A+xn/yn-1yn-2,yn+1=A+yn/xn-1xn-2,n=0,1,…, whereA∈(0,∞),x-i∈(0,∞);y-i∈(0,∞),i=0,1,2. Some examples are given to demonstrate the effectiveness of the results obtained.
Helicobacter pyloriOuter Membrane Protein 18 (Hp1125) Is Involved in Persistent Colonization by Evading Interferon-γSignaling
Authors: Shan Yuqun , Lu Xingxiao , Han Yingnan , Li Xinpeng , Wang Xiao , Shao Chunhong , Wang Lixiang , Liu Zhifang , Tang Wei , Sun Yundong , Jia Jihui
Published: April 2015

Outer membrane proteins (OMPs) can induce an immune response. Omp18 (HP1125) ofH. pyloriis a powerful antigen that can induce significant interferon-γ(IFN-γ) levels. Previous studies have suggested that IFN-γplays an important role inH. pyloriclearance. However,H. pylorihas multiple mechanisms to avoid host immune surveillance for persistent colonization. We generated anomp18mutant (H. pylori26695 andH. pyloriSS1) strain to examine whether Omp18 interacts with IFN-γand is involved inH. pyloricolonization. qRT-PCR revealed that IFN-γinduced Omp18 expression. qRT-PCR and western blot analysis revealed reduced expressions of virulence factors CagA and NapA inH. pylori26695 with IFN-γtreatment, but they were induced in the Δomp18strain. In C57BL/6 mice infected withH. pyloriSS1 and the Δomp18strain, the Δomp18strain conferred defective colonization and activated a stronger inflammatory response. Signal transducer phosphorylation and transcription 1 (STAT1) activator was downregulated by the wild-type strain but not the Δomp18strain in IFN-γ-treated macrophages. Furthermore, Δomp18strain survival rates were poor in macrophages compared to the wild-type strain. We concluded thatH. pyloriOmp18 has an important function influencing IFN-γ-mediated immune response to participate in persistent colonization.
The Impact of ATRA on Shaping Human Myeloid Cell Responses to Epithelial Cell‐Derived Stimuli and on T‐Lymphocyte Polarization
Authors: Chatterjee Arunima , Gogolak Péter , Blottière Hervé M. , Rajnavölgyi Éva
Published: April 2015

Vitamin A plays an essential role in the maintenance of gut homeostasis but its interplay with chemokines has not been explored so far. Using an in vitro model system we studied the effects of human colonic epithelial cells (Caco2, HT‐29, and HCT116) derived inflammatory stimuli on monocyte‐derived dendritic cells and macrophages. Unstimulated Caco2 and HT‐29 cells secreted CCL19, CCL21, and CCL22 chemokines, which could attract dendritic cells and macrophages and induced CCR7 receptor up‐regulation by retinoic‐acid resulting in dendritic cell migration. The chemokines Mk, CXCL16, and CXCL7 were secreted by all the 3 cell lines tested, and upon stimulation by IL‐1β or TNF‐α this effect was inhibited by ATRA but had no impact on CXCL1, CXCL8, and CCL20 secretion in response to IL‐1β. In the presence of ATRA the supernatants of these cells induced CD103 expression on monocyte‐derived dendritic cells and when conditioned by ATRA and cocultured with CD4+ T‐lymphocytes they reduced the proportion of Th17 T‐cells. However, in the macrophage‐T‐cell cocultures the number of these effector T‐cells was increased. Thus cytokine‐activated colonic epithelial cells trigger the secretion of distinct combinations of chemokines depending on the proinflammatory stimulus and are controlled by retinoic acid, which also governs dendritic cell and macrophage responses.
Hybrid Push-Pull Endoscopic and Laparoscopic Full Thickness Resection for the Minimally Invasive Management of Gastrointestinal Stromal Tumors: A Pilot Clinical Study
Authors: Willingham Field F. , Reynolds Paul , Lewis Melinda , Ross Andrew , Maithel Shishir K. , Rocha Flavio G.
Published: April 2015

Background. Gastric gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GISTs) that are predominantly endophytic or in anatomically complex locations pose a challenge for laparoscopic wedge resection; however, endoscopic resection can be associated with a positive deep margin given the fourth-layer origin of the tumors.Methods. Patients at two tertiary care academic medical centers with gastric GISTs in difficult anatomic locations or with a predominant endophytic component were considered for enrollment. Preoperative esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD), endoscopic ultrasound (EUS) with or without fine needle aspiration (FNA), and cross-sectional imaging were performed. Eligible patients were offered and consented for hybrid and standard management.Results. Over ten months, four patients in two institutions with anatomically complex or endophytic GISTs underwent successful, uncomplicated push-pull hybrid procedures. GIST was confirmed in all resection specimens.Conclusion. In a highly selected population, the hybrid push-pull approach was safe and effective in the removal of complex gastric GISTs. Endoscopic resection alone was associated with a positive deep margin, which the push-pull technique manages with a laparoscopic, full thickness, R0 resection. This novel, minimally invasive, hybrid laparoscopic and endoscopic push-pull technique is a safe and feasible alternative in the management of select GISTs that are not amenable to standard laparoscopic resection.
Estimates for Multilinear Commutators of Generalized Fractional Integral Operators on Weighted Morrey Spaces
Authors: He Sha , Zheng Taotao , Tao Xiangxing
Published: April 2015

LetLbe the infinitesimal generator of an analytic semigroup onL2(Rn)with Gaussian kernel bounds, and letL-α/2be the fractional integrals ofLfor0<α<n. Assume thatb→=(b1,b2,…,bm)is a finite family of locally integrable functions; then the multilinear commutators generated byb→andL-α/2are defined byLb→-α/2f=[bm,…,[b2,[b1,L-α/2]],…]f. Assume thatbjbelongs to weighted BMO space,j=1,2,…,m; the authors obtain the boundedness ofLb→-α/2on weighted Morrey spaces. As a special case, whenL=-Δis the Laplacian operator, the authors also obtain the boundedness of the multilinear fractional commutatorIαb→on weighted Morrey spaces. The main results in this paper are substantial improvements and extensions of some known results.
Artificial Bee Colony Algorithm with Time-Varying Strategy
Authors: Qin Quande , Cheng Shi , Zhang Qingyu , Li Li , Shi Yuhui
Published: April 2015

Artificial bee colony (ABC) is one of the newest additions to the class of swarm intelligence. ABC algorithm has been shown to be competitive with some other population-based algorithms. However, there is still an insufficiency that ABC is good at exploration but poor at exploitation. To make a proper balance between these two conflictive factors, this paper proposed a novel ABC variant with a time-varying strategy where the ratio between the number of employed bees and the number of onlooker bees varies with time. The linear and nonlinear time-varying strategies can be incorporated into the basic ABC algorithm, yielding ABC-LTVS and ABC-NTVS algorithms, respectively. The effects of the added parameters in the two new ABC algorithms are also studied through solving some representative benchmark functions. The proposed ABC algorithm is a simple and easy modification to the structure of the basic ABC algorithm. Moreover, the proposed approach is general and can be incorporated in other ABC variants. A set of 21 benchmark functions in 30 and 50 dimensions are utilized in the experimental studies. The experimental results show the effectiveness of the proposed time-varying strategy.
β-Catenin-Dependent Signaling Pathway Contributes to Renal Fibrosis in Hypertensive Rats
Authors: Cuevas Catherina A. , Tapia-Rojas Cheril , Cespedes Carlos , Inestrosa Nibaldo C. , Vio Carlos P.
Published: April 2015

The mechanism of hypertension-induced renal fibrosis is not well understood, although it is established that high levels of angiotensin II contribute to the effect. Sinceβ-catenin signal transduction participates in fibrotic processes, we evaluated the contribution ofβ-catenin-dependent signaling pathway in hypertension-induced renal fibrosis. Two-kidney one-clip (2K1C) hypertensive rats were treated with lisinopril (10 mg/kg/day for four weeks) or with pyrvinium pamoate (Wnt signaling inhibitor, single dose of 60 ug/kg, every 3 days for 2 weeks). The treatment with lisinopril reduced the systolic blood pressure from 220 ± 4 in 2K1C rats to 112 ± 5 mmHg (P<0.05), whereas the reduction in blood pressure with pyrvinium pamoate was not significant (212 ± 6 in 2K1C rats to 170 ± 3 mmHg,P>0.05). The levels of collagen types I and III, osteopontin, and fibronectin decreased in the unclipped kidney in both treatments compared with 2K1C rats. The expressions ofβ-catenin, p-Ser9-GSK-3beta, and theβ-catenin target genes cyclin D1, c-myc, and bcl-2 significantly decreased in unclipped kidney in both treatments (P<0.05). In this study we provided evidence thatβ-catenin-dependent signaling pathway participates in the renal fibrosis induced in 2K1C rats.
Nordihydroguaiaretic Acid Disrupts the Antioxidant Ability ofHelicobacter pylorithrough the Repression of SodB ActivityIn Vitro
Authors: Tsugawa Hitoshi , Mori Hideki , Matsuzaki Juntaro , Masaoka Tatsuhiro , Hirayama Tasuku , Nagasawa Hideko , Sakakibara Yasubumi , Suematsu Makoto , Suzuki Hidekazu
Published: April 2015

Iron-cofactored superoxide dismutase (SodB) ofHelicobacter pyloriplays an indispensable role in the bacterium’s colonization of the stomach. Previously, we demonstrated that FecA1, a Fe3+-dicitrate transporter homolog, contributes to SodB activation by supplying ferrous iron (Fe2+) to SodB, andfecA1-deletion mutant strains have reduced gastric mucosal-colonization ability in Mongolian gerbils, suggesting that FecA1 is a possible target for the development of a novel eradication therapy. This study aimed to identify novel FecA1-binding compoundsin silicoand then examined the effect of a predicted FecA1-binding compound onH. pyloriSodB activityin vitro. Specifically, we demonstrated that nordihydroguaiaretic acid (NDGA) is a predicted FecA1-binding compound. NDGA reduced intracellular Fe2+levels inH. pyloriand reduced SodB activity. Additionally, NDGA increased H2O2sensitivity ofH. pyloriand increased the metronidazole (Mtz) sensitivity. The present study demonstrated that NDGA repressed SodB activity associated with the gastric mucosal-colonization via inhibition of intracellular Fe2+uptake by FecA1, suggesting that NDGA might be effective for the development of a novel eradication therapy.
Colonic Foreign Body Retrieval Using a Modified TAMIS Technique with Standard Instruments and Trocars
Authors: Cawich Shamir O. , Mohammed Fawwaz , Spence Richard , Albert Matthew , Naraynsingh Vijay
Published: April 2015

Background. Reports of retained colorectal foreign bodies (CFBs) are no longer considered uncommon. We present a case where a retained CFB was retrieved using a modified TAMIS technique using standard instruments and trocars.Case Report. A 52-year-old man presented with a CFB. We report our technique of extraction with standard laparoscopic instruments without specialized access platforms.Conclusions. This modified TAMIS technique is well suited for resource poor environments because it requires no specialized equipment, platforms, or additional skill sets compared to conventional laparoscopy.
Variants ofSCARB1andVDRInvolved in Complex Genetic Interactions May Be Implicated in the Genetic Susceptibility to Clear Cell Renal Cell Carcinoma
Authors: Pośpiech Ewelina , Ligęza Janusz , Wilk Wacław , Gołas Aniela , Jaszczyński Janusz , Stelmach Andrzej , Ryś Janusz , Blecharczyk Aleksandra , Wojas-Pelc Anna , Jura Jolanta , Branicki Wojciech
Published: April 2015

The current data are still inconclusive in terms of a genetic component involved in the susceptibility to renal cell carcinoma. Our aim was to evaluate 40 selected candidate polymorphisms for potential association with clear cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC) based on independent group of 167 patients and 200 healthy controls. The obtained data were searched for independent effects of particular polymorphisms as well as haplotypes and genetic interactions. Association testing implied position rs4765623 in theSCARB1gene (OR=1.688, 95% CI: 1.104–2.582,P=0.016) and a haplotype inVDRcomprising positions rs739837, rs731236, rs7975232, and rs1544410 (P=0.012) to be the risk factors in the studied population. The study detected several epistatic effects contributing to the genetic susceptibility to ccRCC. Variation inGNAS1was implicated in a strong synergistic interaction withBIRC5. This effect was part of a model suggested by multifactor dimensionality reduction method including also a synergy betweenGNAS1andSCARB1(P=0.036). Significance ofGNAS1-SCARB1interaction was further confirmed by logistic regression (P=0.041), which also indicated involvement ofSCARB1in additional interaction withEPAS1(P=0.008) as well as revealing interactions betweenGNAS1andEPAS1(P=0.016),GNAS1andMC1R(P=0.031),GNAS1andVDR(P=0.032), andMC1RandVDR(P=0.035).
Recruitment of Oligoclonal Viral-Specific T cells to Kill Human Tumor Cells Using Single-Chain Antibody–Peptide–HLA Fusion Molecules
Authors: Noy Roy , Haus-Cohen Maya , Oved Kfir , Voloshin Tali , Reiter Yoram
Published: April 2015

Tumor progression is often associated with the development of diverse immune escape mechanisms. One of the main tumor escape mechanism is HLA loss, in which human solid tumors exhibit alterations in HLA expression. Moreover, tumors that present immunogenic peptides via class I MHC molecules are not susceptible to CTL-mediated lysis, because of the relatively low potency of the tumor-specific CLTs. Here, we present a novel cancer immunotherapy approach that overcomes these problems by using the high affinity and specificity of antitumor antibodies to recruit potent antiviral memory CTLs to attack tumor cells. We constructed a recombinant molecule by genetic fusion of a cytomegalovirus (CMV)-derived peptide pp65 (NLVPMVATV) to scHLA-A2 molecules that were genetically fused to a single-chain Fv Ab fragment specific for the tumor cell surface antigen mesothelin. This fully covalent fusion molecule was expressed in E. coli as inclusion bodies and refolded in vitro. The fusion molecules could specifically bind mesothelin-expressing cells and mediate their lysis by NLVPMVATV-specific HLA-A2–restricted human CTLs. More importantly, these molecules exhibited very potent antitumor activity in vivo in a nude mouse model bearing preestablished human tumor xenografts that were adoptively transferred along with human memory CTLs. These results represent a novel and powerful approach to immunotherapy for solid tumors, as demonstrated by the ability of the CMV–scHLA-A2–SS1(scFv) fusion molecule to mediate specific and efficient recruitment of CMV-specific CTLs to kill tumor cells. Mol Cancer Ther; 14(6); 1327–35. ©2015 AACR.
On the Road to Precision Cancer Medicine: Analysis of Genomic Biomarker Actionability in 439 Patients
Authors: Schwaederle Maria , Daniels Gregory A. , Piccioni David E. , Fanta Paul T. , Schwab Richard B. , Shimabukuro Kelly A. , Parker Barbara A. , Kurzrock Razelle
Published: April 2015

Despite the increased use of molecular diagnostics, the extent to which patients who have these tests harbor potentially actionable aberrations is unclear. We retrospectively reviewed 439 patients with diverse cancers, for whom next-generation sequencing (mostly 236-gene panel) had been performed. Data pertaining to the molecular alterations identified, as well as associated treatment suggestions (on- or off-label, or experimental), were extracted from molecular diagnostic reports. Most patients (420/439; 96%) had at least one molecular alteration: 1,813 alterations (in 207 distinct genes) were identified [the majority being mutations (62%) or amplifications (29%)]. The three most common gene abnormalities were TP53 (44%), KRAS (16%), and PIK3CA (12%). The median number of alterations per patient was 3 (range, 0–16). Nineteen patients (4%) had no alterations; 48 patients (11%) had only one alteration; and 372 patients had two or more abnormalities (85%). The median number of potentially actionable anomalies per patient was 2 (range, 0–8). Most patients (393/439; 90%) had at least one potentially actionable alteration, and in all these cases the aberration could at least be targeted by an experimental drug in a clinical trial. A total of 307 patients (70%) had an alteration that was actionable with an approved drug, but in only 89 patients (20%) was the drug approved for their disease (on-label). Next-generation sequencing identified theoretically actionable aberrations in 90% of our patients. Many of the drugs are, however, experimental or would require off-label use. Strategies to address drug access for patients harboring potentially actionable mutations are needed. Mol Cancer Ther; 14(6); 1488–94. ©2015 AACR.
Drosophila as a Potential Model for Ocular Tumors
Authors: Bennett Daimark , Lyulcheva Ekaterina , Cobbe Neville
Published: April 2015

Drosophila has made many contributions to our understanding of cancer genes and mechanisms that have subsequently been validated in mammals. Despite anatomical differences between fly and human eyes, flies offer a tractable genetic model in which to dissect the functional importance of genetic lesions found to be affected in human ocular tumors. Here, we discuss different approaches for using Drosophila as a model for ocular cancer and how studies on ocular cancer genes in flies have begun to reveal potential strategies for therapeutic intervention. We also discuss recent developments in the use of Drosophila for drug discovery, which is coming to the fore as Drosophila models are becoming tailored to study tumor types found in the clinic.
Carcinoid Heart Disease: From Pathophysiology to Treatment - ‘Something in the Way It Moves'
Authors: Grozinsky-Glasberg Simona , Grossman Ashley B. , Gross David J.
Published: April 2015

Carcinoid heart disease (CHD) is a rare cardiac manifestation occurring in patients with advanced neuroendocrine tumours and the carcinoid syndrome, usually involving the right-sided heart valves and eventually leading to right heart failure. The pathophysiology of CHD is still obscure and believed to be multifactorial, as a variety of vasoactive substances secreted by the tumour appear to be involved. The management of patients with CHD is complex, as both the systemic malignant disease and the heart involvement have to be addressed. Timely diagnosis and early surgical treatment in appropriately selected patients are of outmost importance, as CHD is associated with increased morbidity and mortality. Valve replacement surgery alleviates right heart failure and may also contribute to improved survival. In the present study we have comprehensively reviewed the existing literature to date, mainly focusing on the pathophysiology of CHD. Other aspects of CHD (such as the clinical presentation, diagnostic tools and therapeutic approach) are addressed in brief.
Quality of Anticoagulation Control in Preventing Adverse Events in Patients With Heart Failure in Sinus Rhythm
Authors: Homma Shunichi , Thompson John L.P. , Qian Min , Ye Siqin , Di Tullio Marco R. , Lip Gregory Y.H. , Mann Douglas L. , Sacco Ralph L. , Levin Bruce , Pullicino Patrick M. , Freudenberger Ronald S. , Teerlink John R. , Graham Susan , Mohr J.P. , Labovitz Arthur J. , Buchsbaum Richard , Estol Conrado J. , Lok Dirk J. , Ponikowski Piotr , Anker Stefan D.
Published: April 2015

Background—

The aim of this study is to examine the relationship between time in the therapeutic range (TTR) and clinical outcomes in heart failure patients in sinus rhythm treated with warfarin.

Methods and Results—

We used data from the Warfarin versus Aspirin in Reduced Cardiac Ejection Fraction (WARCEF) trial to assess the relationship of TTR with the WARCEF primary outcome (ischemic stroke, intracerebral hemorrhage, or death), with death alone, ischemic stroke alone, major hemorrhage alone, and net clinical benefit (primary outcome and major hemorrhage combined). Multivariable Cox models were used to examine how the event risk changed with TTR and to compare the high TTR, low TTR, and aspirin-treated patients, with TTR being treated as a time-dependent covariate. A total of 2217 patients were included in the analyses; among whom 1067 were randomized to warfarin and 1150 were randomized to aspirin. The median (interquartile range) follow-up duration was 3.6 (2.0–5.0) years. Mean (±SD) age was 61±11.3 years, with 80% being men. The mean (±SD) TTR was 57% (±28.5%). Increasing TTR was significantly associated with reduction in primary outcome (adjusted
P
<0.001), death alone (adjusted
P
=0.001), and improved net clinical benefit (adjusted
P
<0.001). A similar trend was observed for the other 2 outcomes, but significance was not reached (adjusted
P
=0.082 for ischemic stroke and adjusted
P
=0.109 for major hemorrhage).

Conclusions—

In patients with heart failure in sinus rhythm, increasing TTR is associated with better outcome and improved net clinical benefit. Patients in whom good quality anticoagulation can be achieved may benefit from the use of anticoagulants.

Clinical Trial Registration—

URL:
http://www.clinicaltrials.gov
. Unique identifier: NCT00041938.
MicroRNA-155 Exerts Cell-Specific Antiangiogenic but Proarteriogenic Effects During Adaptive Neovascularization
Authors: Pankratz Franziska , Bemtgen Xavier , Zeiser Robert , Leonhardt Franziska , Kreuzaler Sheena , Hilgendorf Ingo , Smolka Christian , Helbing Thomas , Hoefer Imo , Esser Jennifer S. , Kustermann Max , Moser Martin , Bode Christoph , Grundmann Sebastian
Published: April 2015

Background—

Adaptive neovascularization after arterial occlusion is an important compensatory mechanism in cardiovascular disease and includes both the remodeling of pre-existing vessels to collateral arteries (arteriogenesis) and angiogenic capillary growth. We now aimed to identify regulatory microRNAs involved in the modulation of neovascularization after femoral artery occlusion in mice.

Methods and Results—

Using microRNA-transcriptome analysis, we identified miR-155 as a downregulated microRNA during hindlimb ischemia. Correspondingly, inhibition of miR-155 in endothelial cells had a stimulatory effect on proliferation and angiogenic tube formation via derepression of its direct target gene angiotensin II type 1 receptor. Surprisingly, miR-155–deficient mice showed an unexpected phenotype in vivo, with a strong reduction of blood flow recovery after femoral artery ligation (arteriogenesis) dependent on the attenuation of leukocyte-endothelial interaction and a reduction of proarteriogenic cytokine expression. Consistently, miR-155–deficient macrophages exhibit a specific alteration of the proarteriogenic cytokine expression profile, which is partly mediated by the direct miR-155 target gene SOCS-1.

Conclusions—

Our data demonstrate that miR-155 exerts an antiangiogenic but proarteriogenic function in the regulation of neovascularization via the suppression of divergent cell-specific target genes and that its expression in both endothelial and bone marrow–derived cells is essential for arteriogenesis in response to hindlimb ischemia in mice.
Delayed Administration of Tat-HA-NR2B9c Promotes Recovery After Stroke in Rats
Authors: Zhou Hai-Hui , Tang Ying , Zhang Xin-Yong , Luo Chun-Xia , Gao Li-Yan , Wu Hai-Yin , Chang Lei , Zhu Dong-Ya
Published: April 2015

Background and Purpose—

Previous studies reported that Tat-NR2B9c, a peptide disrupting the
N
-methyl-
d
-aspartate receptor–postsynaptic density protein-95 interaction, reduced ischemic damage in the acute phase after stroke. However, its effect in the subacute phase is unknown. The aim of this study is to determine whether disrupting the
N
-methyl-
d
-aspartate receptor–postsynaptic density protein-95 interaction in the subacute phase promotes recovery after stroke.

Methods—

Studies were performed on Sprague-Dawley rats or nNOS
−/−
mice, and experimental ischemic stroke was induced by middle cerebral artery occlusion. Animals were treated with drugs starting at day 4 after ischemia. Sensorimotor functions and spatial learning and memory ability were assessed after drug treatment. Then, rats were euthanized for morphological observation and biochemical tests.

Results—

Disrupting the
N
-methyl-
d
-aspartate receptor–postsynaptic density protein-95 interaction with Tat-HA-NR2B9c significantly ameliorated the ischemia-induced impairments of spatial memory and sensorimotor functions in rats during subacute stage but did not improve stroke outcome in nNOS
−/−
mice. Consistent with the functional recovery, Tat-HA-NR2B9c substantially increased neurogenesis in the dentate gyrus and dendritic spine density of mature neurons in the motor cortex of rats, meanwhile, reversed the ischemia-induced formation of
S
-nitrosylation-cyclin-dependent kinase 5 and increased cyclin-dependent kinase 5 activity in ipsilateral hippocampus. However, directly blocking
N
-methyl-
d
-aspartate receptors with MK-801 or Ro 25-6981 did not show the beneficial effects above.

Conclusions—

Dissociating
N
-methyl-
d
-aspartate receptor–postsynaptic density protein-95 coupling by Tat-HA-NR2B9c in the subacute phase after stroke promotes functional recovery, probably because of that it increases neurogenesis and dendritic spine density of mature neurons via regulating cyclin-dependent kinase 5 in the ischemic brain.
Oman’s Islamic Banking Regulatory Framework: The Corporate Governance of Sharīʿa Compliance in a New Jurisdiction
Authors: Morrison Scott
Published: April 2015

This article sets out and comments upon those aspects of the Islamic Banking Regulatory Framework (ibrf) that pertain to Sharīʿa compliance and the corporate governance of that compliance in the newly introduced (since 2012) Islamic banking sector in the Sultanate of Oman. The relevant authority, the Central Bank of Oman, has indisputably demonstrated the premium that it attaches to consistent and dependable Sharīʿa risk management and reduction with its development of the ibrf. This article inventories and analyses the array of regulatory techniques contained in the ibrf. It also identifies some areas of potential reform.
MORD, TOTSCHLAG, VERGEWALTIGUNG, UNTERDRÜCKUNG UND SEXUALITÄT
Authors: Classen Albrecht
Published: April 2015

In den Mreren Heinrich Kaufringers macht sich auffallend häufig das Phänomen der physischen Gewalt bemerkbar, die vor allem die eheliche Gemeinschaft gefährdet oder sogar zerstört, Kaufringer verurteilt zwar nicht von vornherein die Anwendung von Gewalt, vor allem wenn sie zur Strafe von Verbrechen oder ethischen Normbrüchen eingesetzt wird. Er wamt aber vor dem unkontrollierten, hemmungslosen Einsatz von Gewalt, die letztlich katastrophal destruktive Folgen haben kann. Vor dieser narrativen Schablone ergeben sich eine Reihe von bedenkenswerten Einsichten in die Sozial- und Mentalitätsgeschichte im deutschen Städteleben, wo Kaufringers Meeren primär rezipiert wurden. Die Analyse wird darlegen, wie sehr diese Versnovellen Aussagen darüber vermitteln, wie das öffentliche Problem der Gewalt aus literarischer Sicht beurteilt und welche offentlichen und privaten Verhaltensweisen dem Leser/Zuhörer nahegelegt wurden. Zum Vergleich kommt am Ende auch Heinrich Wittenwilers Ring zur Sprache, wo sich das gleiche Phänornen konstatieren läßt.
OAS EXEMPEL "VOM VATER, SOHN UNO ESEL" ALS THEATERSTÜCK: EIN SPIEL VON HANS HECHLER?
Authors: Gerhardt Christoph
Published: April 2015

Im Aufsatztitel stecken zwei Thesen: Zum einen soll gezeigt werden, daß das in einer Kompilation dreier Texte als Teil der dritten Verssatire gedruckte 'Exempel' "Vom Vater, Sohn und Esel" auf ein Spiel, vennutlich ein Fastnachtspiel, zurückgeht. Anläßlich eines Druckes ist der Spieltext zu einer Leseausgabe redigiert worden. Das zeigt sich besonders deutlich im Fehlen von eher äußerlichem Beiwerk wie Bühnen- oder Spielanweisungen; die dramatische Struktur des Textes dagegen scheint im wesentlichen ohne Eingriffe redaktioneller Art geblieben zu sein. Zum anderen wird auf den Schweizer Autor des 16. Jahrhunderts Hans Hechler verwiesen, dessen Name in einem Separatdruck der Moralsatire auftaucht. Sein Anteil an der gedruckten Fassung, sei es als Autor, Bearbeiter oder Redaktor, muß allerdings offenbleiben, da derzeit über den Autor, von dem ein weiteres Fastnachtspiel erhalten ist, zu wenig zugänglich ist, urn stilistische Vergleiche, solche der dramatischen Struktur u.a.m, durchführen zu können.
GENDER AND THE AESTHETICS OF DISPLAY: BAROQUE POETICS AND SARTORIAL LAW
Authors: Wurst Karin A.
Published: April 2015

Seventeenth-century poetics makes heavy use of clothing metaphors to explain rhetorical devices. Of course it is not clothing per se, that ist found to be useful in illumnating the principle of poetic or decorative language but the concept of border, of hierarchically organized gradations of oranamentation. The similarity, the 'simile' between the discourse on ornamentation in rhetoric and the discourse on ornamentation in dress which has come to be associated with a gendered display of power is the focus of this article. We are accustomed to seeing vestimentary codes as highly gendered. When examining the history of fashion in seventeenth century Europe, it becomes apparent that social hierarchy is the dominant means of classification, gender is a secondary means. Likewise, when dress is used metaphorically, the tertium comparationis is hierarchy. In both signifying systems - dress and poetic language - rank and class supersedes gender.
PRIVATE PIETY IN SEVENTEENTH-CENTURY GERMANY AND THE DEVOTIONAL COMPILATIONS OF CASPAR STIELER
Authors: Aikin Judith P.
Published: April 2015

Caspar Stieler (1632-1707), chiefly known today as the author of erotic love song texts and melodies, serio-comic musical dramas, a treatise of journalism , and his ground-breaking dictionary, also wrote devotional texts and published compilations of prayers together with devotional song texts and their melodies that combined his own creations with those of other authors of Evangelical Lutheran Germany. His four surviving compilations (and their various later editions) are discussed in the context of treatment of the religious practices of the times, especially private and domestic devotional exercises. In addition, the study places the compilations in the spiritual movements with which Stieler became involved in the period from around 1665 through 1686, and in particular examines the evidence in these collections of his relationship with Ahasverus Fritsch, an early proponent of Philipp Jakob Spener's Pietism. This study of the devotional handbooks also relates them to Stieler's life, to his other publication activities, and to his life-long involvement with vocal music as composer and as poet of texts designed to be set to music.
DER TOD ALS BRAUTFÜHRER. BRIDAL IMAGERY IN FUNERAL WRITINGS
Authors: Linton Anna
Published: April 2015

Die reiche lutherische Bildersprache der Hochzeit des Larnmes, die oft verwendet wird, urn die Glaubensartikel zu unterstiitzen, kommt auch haufig in Trostschriften vor. Der erste Teil dieses Artikels skizziert die Entwicklung dieser Metaphem vom Alten und Neuen Testament uber die patristischen und mittelalterlichen Auslegungen des Hohen Liedes bis zur Frühen Neuzeit. Im zweiten Teil wird die Anwendung in den Trostschriften für Eltem verstorbener Kinder untersucht. Die Vorstellung eines Verstorbenen als Braut Christi hat eine tropologische, exhortative Funktion für die gesamte Gemeinde, wird aber hauptsachlich anagogisch als 'consolatio' benutzt, urn die Trauemden zu trösten. Um die Frage zu beantworten, inwiefem diese Hochzeitsbilder geschlechts- und altersgebunden sind. werden andere gängige Metaphem für Kindertodesfälle kurz untersucht. Dabei wird die Wichtigkeit der Brautmetapher für Mädchen im Pubertätsalter berücksichtigt. Es folgt eine Diskussion, wie die Vorstellung des Todes als Brautführer tröstlich eingesetzt wird, urn die Grausamkeit des Sterbens und den Schmerz der Eltem zu mindem.
THE DEVOTIONAL SONGS OF CASPAR STIELER
Authors: Aikin Judith P.
Published: April 2015

Caspar Stiel er (1632-1707), known today chiefly as the author of erotic love songs, serio-comic musical dramas, a treatise on journalism, and a ground-breaking dictionary, also wrote numerous devotional songs. This study attempts to identify his original song texts from among those he published anonymously in devotional compilations, discuss their stylistic attributes and content in the context of this literary and musical oeuvre, and create a catalogue raisonné of the devotional songs that appear for the first time in the compilations he edited. This study is a companion to my article on the compilations that appeared in Daphnis 29 (2000), pp. 221-279.