bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Sparse Representation Based Method to Classify Pulmonary Patterns of Diffuse Lung Diseases
Authors: Zhao Wei , Xu Rui , Hirano Yasushi , Tachibana Rie , Kido Shoji
Published: March 2015

We applied and optimized the sparse representation (SR) approaches in the computer-aided diagnosis (CAD) to classify normal tissues and five kinds of diffuse lung disease (DLD) patterns: consolidation, ground-glass opacity, honeycombing, emphysema, and nodule. By using the K-SVD which is based on the singular value decomposition (SVD) and orthogonal matching pursuit (OMP), it can achieve a satisfied recognition rate, but too much time was spent in the experiment. To reduce the runtime of the method, the K-Means algorithm was substituted for the K-SVD, and the OMP was simplified by searching the desired atoms at one time (OMP1). We proposed three SR based methods for evaluation: SR1 (K-SVD+OMP), SR2 (K-Means+OMP), and SR3 (K-Means+OMP1). 1161 volumes of interest (VOIs) were used to optimize the parameters and train each method, and 1049 VOIs were adopted to evaluate the performances of the methods. The SR based methods were powerful to recognize the DLD patterns (SR1: 96.1%, SR2: 95.6%, SR3: 96.4%) and significantly better than the baseline methods. Furthermore, when the K-Means and OMP1were applied, the runtime of the SR based methods can be reduced by 98.2% and 55.2%, respectively. Therefore, we thought that the method using the K-Means and OMP1(SR3) was efficient for the CAD of the DLDs.
Nucleofection of Rat Pheochromocytoma PC-12 Cells with Human Mutated Beta-Amyloid Precursor Protein Gene (APP-sw) Leads to Reduced Viability, Autophagy-Like Process, and Increased Expression and Secretion of Beta Amyloid
Authors: Pająk Beata , Kania Elżbieta , Orzechowski Arkadiusz
Published: March 2015

Pheochromocytoma PC-12 cells are immune to physiological stimuli directed to evoke programmed cell death. Besides, metabolic inhibitors are incapable of sensitizing PC-12 cells to extrinsic or intrinsic apoptosis unless they are used in toxic concentrations. Surprisingly, these cells become receptive to cell deletion after humanAPP-swgene expression. We observed reduced cell viability inGFPvector +APP-sw-nucleofected cells (drop by 36%) but not inGFPvector − orGFPvector +APP-wt-nucleofected cells. Lower viability was accompanied by higher expression of Aβ1-16 and elevated secretion of Aβ1-40 (in average 53.58 pg/mL). At the ultrastructural level autophagy-like process was demonstrated to occur inAPP-sw-nucleofected cells with numerous autophagosomes and multivesicular bodies but without autolysosomes. HumanAPP-swgene is harmful to PC-12 cells and cells are additionally driven to incomplete autophagy-like process. When stimulated by TRAIL or nystatin, CLU protein expression accompanies early phase of autophagy.
Physical Activity Enhances Metabolic Fitness Independently of Cardiorespiratory Fitness in Marathon Runners
Authors: Laye M. J. , Nielsen M. B. , Hansen L. S. , Knudsen T. , Pedersen B. K.
Published: March 2015

High levels of cardiovascular fitness (CRF) and physical activity (PA) are associated with decreased mortality and risk to develop metabolic diseases. The independent contributions of CRF and PA to metabolic disease risk factors are unknown. We tested the hypothesis that runners who run consistently >50 km/wk and/or >2 marathons/yr for the last 5 years have superior metabolic fitness compared to matched sedentary subjects (CRF, age, gender, and BMI). Case-control recruitment of 31 pairs of runner-sedentary subjects identified 10 matched pairs with similar VO2max(mL/min/kg) (similar-VO2max). The similar-VO2maxgroup was compared with a group of age, gender, and BMI matched pairs who had the largest difference in VO2max(different-VO2max). Primary outcomes that defined metabolic fitness including insulin response to an oral glucose tolerance test, fasting lipids, and fasting insulin were superior in runners versus sedentary controls despite similar VO2max. Furthermore, performance (velocity at VO2max, running economy), improved exercise metabolism (lactate threshold), and skeletal muscle levels of mitochondrial proteins were superior in runners versus sedentary controls with similar VO2max. In conclusion subjects with a high amount of PA have more positive metabolic health parameters independent of CRF. PA is thus a good marker against metabolic diseases.
Iseljavanje iz Hrvatske od 1900. do 2001.: demografske posljedice stoljetnog procesa
Authors:   Učiteljski fakultet, Sveučilište u Zagrebu, Zagreb, Hrvatska, Nejašmić Ivo
Published: March 2015

In the period between 1900 and 2001, about 2.3 million people emigrated from the present-day territory of the Republic of Croatia. Immigration mitigated the outflow of “human capital”; it replaced almost a half of the total emigrated contingent. The migration “balance deficit” took 33.4% of the average population number, or 52% of the total natural change (increase). Only a few countries have had such a significant population loss due to emigration. Total Croatian population losses in the observed period amount to about 1.89 million people, and some categories have the following share: negative emigration balance 63.3%, war losses 32.7% and epidemics 4.0%. If there were no emigration (i.e. in a hypothetical “closed population”), Croatia would have at least 6.22 million people in 2001 or 40.1% more than the registered number. The long-term (delayed) effects of emigration have also come to the fore. The emigration of the most vital age groups has led to the narrowing of fertile cohorts, and consequently to a decrease in birth rates and increased mortality. In the early 1990s, negative natural change was recorded. Several factors affected biological (natural) depopulation, but emigration took the first place. Continuous and strong emigration, and negative net migration respectively, is one of the main reasons underlying the fact that Croatia belongs to the group of ten European countries with the oldest population. After the 19th century, in which the population of Croatia doubled, and the 20th century, when the country saw weak growth (40.4%), the 21st century will be marked by depopulation. A highly negative migration balance from the analyzed centennial period has an important role among many factors having impact on such Croatian demographic perspective.
Development and Clinical Validation of an In Situ Biopsy-Based Multimarker Assay for Risk Stratification in Prostate Cancer
Authors: Blume-Jensen Peter , Berman David M. , Rimm David L. , Shipitsin Michail , Putzi Mathew , Nifong Thomas P. , Small Clayton , Choudhury Sibgat , Capela Teresa , Coupal Louis , Ernst Christina , Hurley Aeron , Kaprelyants Alex , Chang Hua , Giladi Eldar , Nardone Julie , Dunyak James , Loda Massimo , Klein Eric A. , Magi-Galluzzi Cristina , Latour Mathieu , Epstein Jonathan I. , Kantoff Philip , Saad Fred
Published: March 2015

Purpose: Prostate cancer aggressiveness and appropriate therapy are routinely determined following biopsy sampling. Current clinical and pathologic parameters are insufficient for accurate risk prediction leading primarily to overtreatment and also missed opportunities for curative therapy.

Experimental Design: An 8-biomarker proteomic assay for intact tissue biopsies predictive of prostate pathology was defined in a study of 381 patient biopsies with matched prostatectomy specimens. A second blinded study of 276 cases validated this assay's ability to distinguish “favorable” versus “nonfavorable” pathology independently and relative to current risk classification systems National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN and D'Amico).

Results: A favorable biomarker risk score of ≤0.33, and a nonfavorable risk score of >0.80 (possible range between 0 and 1) were defined on “false-negative” and “false-positive” rates of 10% and 5%, respectively. At a risk score ≤0.33, predictive values for favorable pathology in very low-risk and low-risk NCCN and low-risk D'Amico groups were 95%, 81.5%, and 87.2%, respectively, higher than for these current risk classification groups themselves (80.3%, 63.8%, and 70.6%, respectively). The predictive value for nonfavorable pathology was 76.9% at biomarker risk scores >0.8 across all risk groups. Increased biomarker risk scores correlated with decreased frequency of favorable cases across all risk groups. The validation study met its two coprimary endpoints, separating favorable from nonfavorable pathology (AUC, 0.68; P < 0.0001; OR, 20.9) and GS-6 versus non–GS-6 pathology (AUC, 0.65; P < 0.0001; OR, 12.95).

Conclusions: The 8-biomarker assay provided individualized, independent prognostic information relative to current risk stratification systems, and may improve the precision of clinical decision making following prostate biopsy. Clin Cancer Res; 21(11); 2591–600. ©2015 AACR.
COX-2 Elevates Oncogenic miR-526b in Breast Cancer by EP4 Activation
Authors: Majumder Mousumi , Landman Erin , Liu Ling , Hess David , Lala Peeyush K.
Published: March 2015

MicroRNAs (miRs) are small regulatory molecules emerging as potential biomarkers in cancer. Previously, it was shown that COX-2 expression promotes breast cancer progression via multiple mechanisms, including induction of stem-like cells (SLC), owing to activation of the prostaglandin E2 receptor EP4 (PTGER4). COX-2 overexpression also upregulated microRNA-526b (miR-526b), in association with aggressive phenotype. Here, the functional roles of miR-526b in breast cancer and the mechanistic role of EP4 signaling in miR-526b upregulation were examined. A positive correlation was noted between miR-526b and COX-2 mRNA expression in COX-2 disparate breast cancer cell lines. Stable overexpression of miR-526b in poorly metastatic MCF7 and SKBR3 cell lines resulted in increased cellular migration, invasion, EMT phenotype and enhanced tumorsphere formation in vitro, and lung colony formation in vivo in immunodeficient mice. Conversely, knockdown of miR-526b in aggressive MCF7-COX-2 and SKBR3-COX-2 cells reduced oncogenic functions and reversed the EMT phenotype, in vitro. Furthermore, it was determined that miR-526b expression is dependent on EP4 receptor activity and downstream PI3K–AKT and cyclic AMP (cAMP) signaling pathways. PI3K–AKT inhibitors blocked EP4 agonist–mediated miR-526b upregulation and tumorsphere formation in MCF7 and SKBR3 cells. NF-κB inhibitor abrogates EP agonist–stimulated miRNA expression in MCF7 and T47D cells, indicating that the NF-κB pathway is also involved in miR-526b regulation. In addition, inhibition of COX-2, EP4, PI3K, and PKA in COX-2–overexpressing cells downregulated miR-526b and its functions in vitro. Finally, miR-526b expression was significantly higher in cancerous than in noncancerous breast tissues and associated with reduced patient survival. In conclusion, miR-526b promotes breast cancer progression, SLC-phenotype through EP4-mediated signaling, and correlates with breast cancer patient survival.

Implications: This study presents novel findings that miRNA 526b is a COX-2 upregulated, oncogenic miRNA promoting SLCs, the expression of which follows EP4 receptor-mediated signaling, and is a promising biomarker for monitoring and personalizing breast cancer therapy. Mol Cancer Res; 13(6); 1022–33. ©2015 AACR.
Sarsaparilla (Smilax Glabra Rhizome) Extract Inhibits Cancer Cell Growth by S Phase Arrest, Apoptosis, and Autophagy via Redox-Dependent ERK1/2 Pathway
Authors: She Tiantian , Qu Like , Wang Lixin , Yang Xingxin , Xu Shuo , Feng Junnan , Gao Yujing , Zhao Chuanke , Han Yong , Cai Shaoqing , Shou Chengchao
Published: March 2015

Cancer is still the major cause of death across the world. Regular approaches cannot effectively solve the emerging problems, including drug/radiation resistance, side effects, and therapeutic ineffectiveness. Natural dietary supplements have shown effectiveness in the prevention and treatment of cancer. Sarsaparilla (Smilax Glabra Rhizome) has growth-inhibitory effects on several cancer cell lines in vitro and in vivo, with little toxicity on normal cells. However, the mechanism underlying its function remains elusive. In the present study, we examined the anticancer activity of the supernatant of the water-soluble extract (SW) from sarsaparilla. Liquid chromatography/mass spectrometry–ion trap–time-of-flight (LC/MS-IT-TOF) analysis identified flavonoids, alkaloids, and phenylpropanoids as the major bioactive components of SW. SW was shown to markedly inhibit the growth of a broad spectrum of cancer cell lines in the in vitro and in vivo assays. S phase arrest, autophagy, or/and apoptosis were partly responsible for SW-induced growth inhibition. Results of microarray analysis and validation by quantitative RT-PCR indicated the involvement of oxidative stress and the MAPK1 pathway in SW-treated cells. We further found that SW destroyed intracellular-reduced glutathione/oxidized glutathione (GSH/GSSG) balance, and supplement with N-acetylcysteine (NAC) or glutathione (GSH) significantly antagonized SW-induced S phase arrest, apoptosis, and autophagy. In addition, SW-induced GSH/GSSG imbalance activated the ERK1/2 pathway, which contributed to SW-induced S phase arrest, apoptosis, autophagy, and resultant growth-inhibitory effect. Together, our results provide a molecular basis for sarsaparilla as an anticancer agent. Cancer Prev Res; 8(5); 464–74. ©2015 AACR.
Botulinum Toxin for the Treatment of Refractory Erythema and Flushing of Rosacea
Authors: Park Kui Young , Hyun Moo Yeol , Jeong Se Yeong , Kim Beom Joon , Kim Myeung Nam , Hong Chang Kwun
Published: March 2015

Background: Persistent erythema and severe rosacea flushing can cause significant physical discomfort and emotional stress to patients. Currently, no satisfactory treatments are available. Methods: We report two cases of refractory flushing and erythema of rosacea that were successfully treated with intradermal botulinum toxin injections. Results: Good cosmetic results were achieved for both patients. The side effects during and after treatment were mild pain and localized bruising; these symptoms resolved within several days without further treatment. Conclusion: Intradermal botulinum toxin injection may be an effective treatment for refractory erythema and rosacea flushing that deserves further study in a larger patient population.
Effect of the cumin cyminum L. Intake on Weight Loss, Metabolic Profiles and Biomarkers of Oxidative Stress in Overweight Subjects: A Randomized Double-Blind Placebo-Controlled Clinical Trial
Authors: Taghizadeh Mohsen , Memarzadeh Mohammad Reza , Asemi Zatollah , Esmaillzadeh Ahmad
Published: March 2015

Background: The current study was performed to determine the effects of cumin cyminum L. intake on weight loss and metabolic profiles among overweight subjects. Methods: This randomized double-blind placebo-controlled clinical trial was conducted among 78 overweight subjects (male, n = 18; female, n = 60) aged 18-60 years old. Participants were randomly assigned into three groups to receive: (1) cumin cyminum L. capsule (n = 26); (2) orlistat120 capsule (n = 26) and (3) placebo (n = 26) three times a day for 8 weeks. Anthropometric measures and fasting blood samples were taken at baseline and after 8 weeks of intervention. Results: Consumption of the Cuminum cyminum L. and orlistat120 resulted in a similar significant decrease in weight (-1.1 ± 1.2 and -0.9 ± 1.5 vs. 0.2 ± 1.5 kg, respectively, p = 0.002) and BMI (-0.4 ± 0.5 and -0.4 ± 0.6 vs. 0.1 ± 0.6 kg/m2, respectively, p = 0.003) compared with placebo. In addition, taking Cuminum cyminum L., compared with orlistat and placebo, led to a significant reduction in serum insulin levels (-1.4 ± 4.5 vs. 1.3 ± 3.3 and 0.3 ± 2.2 µIU/ml, respectively, p = 0.02), HOMA-B (-5.4 ± 18.9 vs. 5.8 ± 13.3 and 1.0 ± 11.0, respectively, p = 0.02) and a significant rise in QUICKI (0.01 ± 0.01 vs. -0.005 ± 0.01 and -0.004 ± 0.01, respectively, p = 0.02). Conclusion: Taking cumin cyminum L. for eight weeks among overweight subjects had the same effects of orlistat120 on weight and BMI and beneficial effects on insulin metabolism compared with orlistat120 and placebo.
Anthropometric and Nutritional Parameters in Egyptian Children and Adolescents with Osteogenesis Imperfecta
Authors: Hamza Rasha Tarif , Abdelaziz Tarek Hassan , Elakkad Magdy
Published: March 2015

Background/Aims: Patients with osteogenesis imperfecta (OI) present with various degrees of short stature and nutritional disorders. Thus, we aimed to evaluate anthropometric and nutritional parameters in OI children and their variability among various types. Methods: Eighty-four patients with OI (types I, II, and IV) were subjected to the following anthropometric measurements: standing height (Ht), sitting height (SH), arm span, weight (Wt), and head circumference (HC), with calculation of Ht, SH, Wt, body mass index (BMI), and HC standard deviation scores (SDSs), and relative arm span. Triceps skinfold thickness (TSFT), subscapular skinfold thickness (SSFT), and mid upper arm circumference (MUAC) were measured, as well as dietary intake of macronutrients and calcium; also, energy requirements were calculated. Results: Ht SDS was reduced in OI-III and OI-IV compared to OI-I; SH SDS was reduced in OI-III compared to OI-I. HC SDS was more increased in OI-III than in OI-I and OI-IV. BMI SDS correlated with TSFT, SSFT, and MUAC. OI-III patients had the highest percentage of energy intake. The frequency of low macronutrient and calcium intake was highest in OI-III, while the frequency of low fat intake was highest in OI-I. Conclusions: Anthropometric and nutritional parameters differ among OI types. Assessment of anthropometric measurements and nutritional status in OI patients is important.
IgE Sensitization to Lupine in Bakers - Cross-Reactivity or Co-Sensitization to Wheat Flour?
Authors: van Kampen Vera , Sander Ingrid , Quirce Santiago , Brüning Thomas , Merget Rolf , Raulf Monika
Published: March 2015

Background: Food allergy to lupine has frequently been reported in patients allergic to peanut or soy, and cross-reactivity between these legumes is known. Moreover, respiratory allergy to lupine has been described after inhalation, mostly at workplaces. Our aim was to study the frequency of lupine sensitization in European bakers with suspected bakers' allergy. Furthermore, associations between sensitizations to lupine and other plant allergens were investigated. Methods: One hundred and sixteen bakers with work-related allergic symptoms but without known food allergies were examined. Specific IgE (sIgE) antibodies to wheat flour, rye flour, lupine, peanut, soy and the recombinant single birch protein rBet v 1 were quantified. Selected sera were tested for cross-reactivity using ImmunoCAP inhibition and ISAC microarrays. Results: Whereas 67% of bakers were sensitized to wheat and/or rye flour, 35% showed sIgE to peanut and 33% to lupine. All lupine-positive bakers also had sIgE to either wheat flour (89%) and/or peanut (92%), and lupine sIgE correlated significantly with sIgE to peanut, soy, wheat and rye flour. Used as an inhibitor, wheat flour inhibited IgE binding to lupine in 4 out of 8 sera, indicating cross-reactivity. In microarrays, these sera showed IgE binding to lipid transfer proteins, profilins and/or cross-reactive carbohydrate determinants. Further inhibition experiments suggest that these single allergens are involved in cross-reactivity. Conclusion: One third of 116 symptomatic bakers showed sIgE to lupine. At least some of these sensitizations were based on cross-reactivity between lupine and wheat flour. However, the considerable sensitization rate could also be a sign that the use of lupine flour in bakeries may be of occupational relevance.
A Single-Centre, Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Clinical Trial to Investigate the Efficacy and Safety of Minoxidil Topical Foam in Frontotemporal and Vertex Androgenetic Alopecia in Men
Authors: Hillmann Kathrin , Garcia Bartels Natalie , Kottner Jan , Stroux Andrea , Canfield Douglas , Blume-Peytavi Ulrike
Published: March 2015

Background: 5% minoxidil formulations twice daily are effective in treating vertex male androgenetic alopecia (AGA); however, efficacy and safety data in frontotemporal regions are lacking. Objectives: To assess the efficacy of 5% minoxidil topical foam (5% MTF) in the frontotemporal region of male AGA patients after 24 weeks of treatment compared to placebo treatment and to the vertex region. Methods: Seventy males with moderate AGA applied 5% MTF or placebo foam (plaTF) twice daily for 24 weeks in frontotemporal and vertex regions. Target area non-vellus hair count (TAHC) was the primary end point. Results: Frontotemporal and vertex TAHC and target area cumulative non-vellus hair width (TAHW) showed similar responses to 5% MTF with significant increases up to week 16 compared to baseline (p < 0.001). After 24 weeks of treatment, frontotemporal TAHW increased significantly in the 5% MTF group compared to the plaTF group (p = 0.017), while TAHC showed a similar non-significant increase from baseline in both regions. At 24 weeks, 5% MTF users rated a significant improvement in scalp coverage for the frontotemporal (p = 0.016) and vertex areas (p = 0.027). Conclusions: 5% MTF twice a day promotes hair density and width in both frontotemporal and vertex regions in men with moderate stages of AGA.
A Porcine Reproductive and Respiratory Syndrome Virus Vaccine Candidate Based on PRRSV Glycoprotein 5 and the Toll-Like Receptor 5 Agonist Salmonella typhimurium Flagellin
Authors: Song Hongqin , Xiong Dan , Wang Jing , Zhai Xianyue , Liang Guangcheng
Published: March 2015

Glycoprotein 5 (GP5) from porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus (PRRSV) is a key inducer of neutralizing antibodies. A truncated GP5 gene lacking the signal peptide and transmembrane sequences was amplified via an overlap PCR method and inserted into prokaryotic expression vectors, pET32a or pGEX-6p-1, to add an His or GST tag, respectively. His-tagged GP5 was induced with IPTG, verified by SDS-PAGE and Western blotting, and purified to serve as an immunogen accompanied with the Salmonella typhimurium flagellin (FliC), a Toll-like receptor 5 (TLR5) agonist. Levels of TLR5 and cytokine mRNAs in spleens of mice following injection with FliC were detected by qRT-PCR to verify the activation of innate immunity. FliC was used as an adjuvant and administered with the GP5 to C57BL/6 mice via intraperitoneal injection. Coadministration of GP5 with FliC induced a significantly enhanced GP5-specific IgG and IFN-γ response compared with administration of GP5 alone, and the GP5-specific titer in the GP5 + FliC coadministration group was elevated almost twofold after the third immunization. These results indicate that FliC is an effective adjuvant, increasing the induction of antibodies against GP5 with the induction of both humoral and cellular immune responses.
El conflicto trabajo-familia ante los derechos al cuidado de niños y niñas
Authors: Gómez-Urrutia Verónica , Jiménez-Figueroa Andrés
Published: March 2015

Este artículo está basado en una investigación documental en la que examinamos la tensión entre el proyecto de ampliar y asegurar los derechos para la infancia en Chile y el objetivo de lograr una mayor equidad socio-económica y de género. Los principios que orientan programas sociales para la primera infancia, suponen la disponibilidad de recursos familiares para sus objetivos -principalmente, el trabajo femenino no remunerado-. Argumentamos que el número creciente de mujeres que desean y necesitan entrar al mercado laboral implica dejar intacta la tensión trabajo-familia, especialmente para las madres, afectándose así la percepción de autoeficacia parental, y con ello, las posibilidades de los niños y niñas de recibir un cuidado apropiado. Concluimos justificando la necesidad de pensar los derechos de la infancia desde la perspectiva del concepto de co-responsabilidad.
Cardiac Resynchronization Therapy Restores Sympathovagal Balance in the Failing Heart by Differential Remodeling of Cholinergic Signaling
Authors: DeMazumder Deeptankar , Kass David A. , O’Rourke Brian , Tomaselli Gordon F.
Published: March 2015

Rationale:

Cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) is the only heart failure (HF) therapy documented to improve left ventricular function and reduce mortality. The underlying mechanisms are incompletely understood. Although β-adrenergic signaling has been studied extensively, the effect of CRT on cholinergic signaling is unexplored.

Objective:

We hypothesized that remodeling of cholinergic signaling plays an important role in the aberrant calcium signaling and depressed contractile and β-adrenergic responsiveness in dyssynchronous HF that are restored by CRT.

Methods and Results:

Canine tachypaced dyssynchronous HF and CRT models were generated to interrogate responses specific to dyssynchronous versus resynchronized ventricular contraction during hemodynamic decompensation. Echocardiographic, electrocardiographic, and invasive hemodynamic data were collected from normal controls, dyssynchronous HF and CRT models. Left ventricular tissue was used for biochemical analyses and functional measurements (calcium transient, sarcomere shortening) from isolated myocytes (n=42–104 myocytes per model; 6–9 hearts per model). Human left ventricular myocardium was obtained for biochemical analyses from explanted failing (n=18) and nonfailing (n=7) hearts. The M2 subtype of muscarinic acetylcholine receptors was upregulated in human and canine HF compared with nonfailing controls. CRT attenuated the increased M2 subtype of muscarinic acetylcholine receptor expression and Gαi coupling and enhanced M3 subtype of muscarinic acetylcholine receptor expression in association with enhanced calcium cycling, sarcomere shortening, and β-adrenergic responsiveness. Despite model-dependent remodeling, cholinergic stimulation completely abolished isoproterenol-induced triggered activity in both dyssynchronous HF and CRT myocytes.

Conclusions:

Remodeling of cholinergic signaling is a critical pathological component of human and canine HF. Differential remodeling of cholinergic signaling represents a novel mechanism for enhancing sympathovagal balance with CRT and may identify new targets for treatment of systolic HF.
Head-to-Head Comparisons of Hydrochlorothiazide With Indapamide and Chlorthalidone
Authors: Roush George C. , Ernst Michael E. , Kostis John B. , Tandon Suraj , Sica Domenic A.
Published: March 2015

Hydrochlorothiazide (HCTZ) has often been contrasted with chlorthalidone, but relatively little is known about HCTZ versus indapamide (INDAP). This systematic review retrieved 9765 publications, and from these, it identified 14 randomized trials with 883 patients comparing HCTZ with INDAP and chlorthalidone on antihypertensive potency or metabolic effects. To make fair comparisons, the dose of the diuretic in each arm was assigned 1 of 3 dose levels. In random effects meta-analysis, INDAP and chlorthalidone lowered systolic blood pressure more than HCTZ: −5.1 mm Hg (95% confidence interval, −8.7 to −1.6);
P
=0.004 and −3.6 mm Hg (95% confidence interval, −7.3 to 0.0);
P
=0.052, respectively. For both comparisons, there was minimal heterogeneity in effect across trials and no evidence for publication bias. The HCTZ–INDAP contrast was biased in favor of greater HCTZ potency because of a much greater contribution to the overall effect from trials in which the HCTZ arm had a higher dose level than the INDAP arm. For the HCTZ–INDAP comparison, no single trial was responsible for the overall result nor was it possible to detect significant modifications of this comparison by duration of follow-up, high- versus low-bias trials, or the presence or absence of background medications. There were no detectable differences between HCTZ and INDAP in metabolic adverse effects, including effects on serum potassium. In conclusion, these head-to-head comparisons demonstrate that, like chlorthalidone, INDAP is more potent than HCTZ at commonly prescribed doses without evidence for greater adverse metabolic effects.
Hardware-Amenable Structural Learning for Spike-Based Pattern Classification Using a Simple Model of Active Dendrites
Authors: Hussain Shaista , Liu Shih-Chii , Basu Arindam
Published: March 2015

This letter presents a spike-based model that employs neurons with functionally distinct dendritic compartments for classifying high-dimensional binary patterns. The synaptic inputs arriving on each dendritic subunit are nonlinearly processed before being linearly integrated at the soma, giving the neuron the capacity to perform a large number of input-output mappings. The model uses sparse synaptic connectivity, where each synapse takes a binary value. The optimal connection pattern of a neuron is learned by using a simple hardware-friendly, margin-enhancing learning algorithm inspired by the mechanism of structural plasticity in biological neurons. The learning algorithm groups correlated synaptic inputs on the same dendritic branch. Since the learning results in modified connection patterns, it can be incorporated into current event-based neuromorphic systems with little overhead. This work also presents a branch-specific spike-based version of this structural plasticity rule. The proposed model is evaluated on benchmark binary classification problems, and its performance is compared against that achieved using support vector machine and extreme learning machine techniques. Our proposed method attains comparable performance while using 10% to 50% less in computational resource than the other reported techniques.
The Framing of Characters in Popular Movies
Authors: Cutting James E.
Published: March 2015

I investigated the number and locations of characters as they appear on the screen in 48 popular movies released from 1935 to 2010. Sampling an average of one of every 500 frames (∼20 s of film) I amassed data from almost 14 000 movie images. The number and placement of the characters in each image were digitally recorded and compared across years and across aspect ratios (the ratio of the width to the height of the image). Results show a roughly linear decrease in the number of characters on the screen across years. Moreover, the number of characters influences shot scale, shot duration, and mediates their direct effect on one another. The location of characters on the screen was measured by the bridge of the nose between the eyes. By this measure I found that framing varies widely across aspect ratios, but when each image is conformed to the same shape, the overlap of the locations of characters is remarkably constant across years and aspect ratios for images with one, two, and three characters. Together, these results exemplify both constancy and change in the evolution of popular movies.
Education through and to love - Sexuality as a source of conflict in German pastoral care of youth and the possibilities of practice in sex education
Authors: Gärtner Stefan
Published: March 2015

The climate in German Catholic pastoral care of youth with regards to sex education is in a sorry plight. This is due to the fact that the conflicts of the past are still very much alive. At the same time, however, there is a positive potential for development in this field of pastoral care of youth. This is especially significant, because friendship and sexuality are such important themes for children and young people. Indeed, pastoral care of youth will have to take into account their special life situation and the changed social context. Individualised, postmodern society offers a large number of sexual options. Against this background, we will end by outlining some fundamental perspectives for sex educational concepts in pastoral care of youth, in which teaching them to love and the ability to form relationships is central.
Seen & Heard: A Theology of Childhood
Authors: Frambach Nathan
Published: March 2015

What are the central tenants of a theology of childhood? In this article I consider a perspective that sees children and young people as active agents of faith. I argue that this requires a theological shift to enable children and young people take a fuller place among the community of the baptised as participants, leaders and theological educators themselves. I locate this argument in a matrix 'intentional intergenerational ministry', which I suggest requires consideration of ecclesiology and sacramental theology to provide this intentional dimension
Youth and Youth Ministry in non-Christian Religious Traditions
Authors: Kageler Len
Published: March 2015

In this timely article, Len Kageler brings to us new perspectives on Christian Youth Ministry. He offers a comparative critique from both Islam and traditional Asian religions by which to help Christians explore their own motivation and praxis. Kageler is courageous in not minimising the differences but is also keen to lead the reader to a position of mutual respect and learning.
Youth Ministry as a Practical Theology: Making a Case for Youth Ministry as an Academic Discipline
Authors: Nel Malan
Published: March 2015

Traditionally Youth Ministry is seen as an appendix to Christian Education. Many still do not even consider it to be an academic discipline within it's own right. Nel's conviction is that ministering to youth is the broader field and should be researched, studied and taught as such. The new well established paradigm of what Practical Theology is opens up new possibilities to explore and make a case for Youth Ministry as a sub-discipline within Practical Theology. Of such a sub-discipline Christian Education is a vital part. Youth Ministry however is more than Christian Education. It includes research of the present governing theories as well as the praxis. Only a Practical Theological approach to this field and ministry will bring about scientifically sound new theories arid a new praxis whereby and where in parents, churches and other agencies will be empowered to minister to the millions of children and young people around the world
Yellow on White Background: Korean American Youth Ministry and the Challenge of Constructing Korean American Identity
Authors: Park Kil Jae
Published: March 2015

Identity-formation for any cultural group living in a second cultural environment is difficult. The impact of such identity-formation on the philosophy and provision of youth ministry is enormous. In this article, Kil Jae Park explores the interaction between youth ministry and the identity-formation of young Korean Americans.
From Original Vision to World Vision. A comparison of the level of recognition and reporting of religious experience of two groups of catholic high schools students.
Authors: McQuillan Paul , Marx Eric
Published: March 2015

The research reported in this paper began as a result of Dr Paul McQuillan's quest to verify his personal experience teaching senior high school students (age 16 and 17) in Australian Catholic Schools. Over a number of years of teaching Religious Education to groups of students he noted that they often witnessed to their deep experience of the transcendent, even though this was not always interpreted religiously by the students. His own teaching methodology was based on the experiential approach to Religious Education espoused by Hammond, Hay, Moxon, Netto, Raban, Straugheir and Williams and facilitated the recognition and recording of these experiences by the students. The statistical analysis in comparisons between survey groups was the work of Dr Eric Marx from the School of Psychology at the McAuley (Brisbane) Campus of Australian Catholic University. The authors suggest ways to address an apparently diminishing level of recognition and reporting of these experiences.
Faith in networks: Religious education of Dutch young adults in a 'post-ecclesial era'
Authors: Zondervan Ton
Published: March 2015

In the Netherlands church membership amongst young adults is declining drastically, but interest in religion remains. It takes on other forms, which are found mostly outside the traditional religious institutions. This has important implications for religious education and, concomitantly, for the church as a place of religious learning. In this article I focus on the issue of the localization of religious education, in a society that is transforming into a network-society. My social-theoretical analysis also implies ecclesiological and practical theological issues. Starting from Schillebeeckx' notion of 'negative ecclesiology' I discuss the issue of the need for new ecclesiological metaphors for places of religious learning in a post-modern context, responding to Pete Ward and Miroslav volf. I will also argue that a shift from an ecclesiological to a hermeneutical perspective is needed to be able to reflect adequately on the lived religion of most of contemporary young adults.
Two new species of Borreria (Spermacoceae, Rubiaceae) from the states of Goiás and Minas Gerais, Brazil
Authors: Miguel Laila Mabel , Souza Elnatan , Cabral Elsa Leonor
Published: March 2015

Two new species of Borreria from Goiás and Minas Gerais are described and illustrated. Borreria minensis was found in “campos rupestres” formation, between 1100 and 1600 m elevation, and is endemic to Minas Gerais, while Borreria psyllocarpoides was found in the “cerrado” vegetation, at the border of Goiás and Minas Gerais. Electron microphotographs of the seeds and pollen grains, and a distribution map of the two new species are also provided.
Paspalum chilense (Poaceae, Paspaleae): A new species from southern South America
Authors: Catanzaro María Paz , Bonasora Marisa Graciela , Speranza Pablo Rafael , Medina-Nicolas Marcelo , Valls José F.M. , Rua Gabriel Hugo
Published: March 2015

Paspalum chilense, a new species from Chile belonging to the informal Notata group, is described and illustrated on the basis of morphological, cytological and molecular evidence. Our evidence supports its affinity with P. barretoi and P. nummularium, from Brazil, from which it probably diverged by vicariant speciation. The limited available material of the new species was previously identified as P. pumilum or P. minus. A new key to the species of the core Notata group is provided.
Lepiota elseae (Agaricales, Agaricaceae), a new species of section Lepiota from Spain
Authors: CABALLERO AGUSTÍN , Vizzini Alfredo , MUÑOZ GUILLERMO , Contu Marco , Ercole Enrico
Published: March 2015

A new species, Lepiota elseae, is described from Mediterranean areas in Spain in association with Quercus ilex, based on both morphological and molecular characters (analysis of the ITS-rDNA sequences). Illustrations of fresh basidiomata in situ and of the main macro- and micromorphological features are provided. L. elseae belongs to section Lepiota and is compared with morphologically similar taxa. The phylogenetic relationship with related species based on ITS sequences is discussed.
A new species of Haliclona (Demospongiae: Haplosclerida: Chalinidae) from southeastern Brazil and the first record of Haliclona vansoesti from the Brazilian coast
Authors: MURICY GUILHERME , ESTEVES EDUARDO L. , MONTEIRO LEANDRO C. , RODRIGUES BEATRIZ ROMA , ALBANO RODOLPHO M.
Published: March 2015

In this paper we describe two species of the cosmopolitan sponge genus Haliclona from Rio de Janeiro State, SE Brazil, one of which is new to science and the other a new record to Brazil. Haliclona (Rhizoniera) fugidia sp. nov. is brownish-pink, salmon or cream, thickly encrusting, without oscular tubes and tangential ectosomal reticulation. Choanosomal skeleton is a mostly unispicular ladder-like reticulation of oxeas, very organized near the sponge surface and denser and more disorganized in the interior of the sponge. Haliclona (Halichoclona) vansoesti de Weerdt et al., 1999 was originally described from the Caribbean. It has a very loose connection between ectosome and choanosome, a whitish translucent ectosome combined with a purplish choanosome, a cavernous structure and a friable or crispy consistency. The conspecificity of SE Brazilian and Caribbean populations of H. (Halich.) vansoesti was verified through phylogenetic analysis of small subunit 18S rRNA (18S) and mitochondrial cytochrome oxidase subunit I (COI) gene sequences. A maximum likelihood phylogenetic tree constructed with 18S sequences indicates that specimens of H. (Halich.) vansoesti from Rio de Janeiro were phylogenetically closer to the same species from the Caribbean than to other species of Haliclona. Although not available for H. (Halich.) vansoesti from the Caribbean, COI sequences of our specimens were also quite distinct from those of other Haliclona species. Molecular identification based on DNA sequences is a useful complement to traditional morphology-based taxonomy, especially in highly plastic sponges such as Haliclona spp. and other haplosclerids.
Sucrose non-fermenting AMPK related kinase/Pentraxin 3 and DNA damage axis: a gateway to cardiovascular disease in systemic lupus erythematosus among Egyptian patients
Authors: Zineldeen Doaa Hussein , Keshk Walaa Arafa , Ghazy Ahmed Hamza , El-Barbary Amal Mohamed
Published: March 2015

Background

Systemic lupus erythematosus is a chronic multisystemic autoimmune disease characterized by chronic inflammatory processes and failure of immune-regulatory mechanisms. Systemic lupus erythematosus is associated with increased risk for cardiovascular disease. In view of immunometabolic derangements of systemic lupus erythematosus, we investigated the roles of sucrose non-fermenting AMPK related kinase, Pentraxin 3, and DNA damage in the pathogenesis of systemic lupus erythematosus complicated with cardiovascular disease.

Methods

Forty systemic lupus erythematosus women with cardiovascular disease (systemic lupus erythematosus cases), 40 systemic lupus erythematosus women without cardiovascular disease, and 40 healthy controls were enrolled in this study. Demographic and clinical data were recorded. Plasma concentrations of sucrose non-fermenting AMPK related kinase and Pentraxin 3 were immunoassayed. Carotid intima media thickness, atherogenic, and DNA damage indices were also assessed.

Results

Plasma sucrose non-fermenting AMPK related kinase and Pentraxin 3 concentrations were increased in systemic lupus erythematosus cases with cardiovascular disease compared to systemic lupus erythematosus controls and healthy controls ( P < 0.0001). In systemic lupus erythematosus cases, there was a positive correlation between sucrose non-fermenting AMPK related kinase and Pentraxin 3 (r = 0.57, P < 0.002).

Conclusions

These data highlight a novel role of sucrose non-fermenting AMPK related kinase/Pentraxin 3 axis in systemic lupus erythematosus pathogenesis. Sucrose non-fermenting AMPK related kinase/Pentraxin 3 combined role in immunometabolic signaling and DNA damage response is proposed to accelerate cardiovascular complications in systemic lupus erythematosus patients.
“A great caravansary filled with strangers”: American popular democracy in T. C. Haliburton’s political satire
Authors: Godeanu-Kenworthy Oana
Published: March 2015

This article examines the political satire of Nova Scotian writer and politician Thomas Chandler Haliburton through the lens of early nineteenth-century transatlantic debates over reform and the best form of government. Haliburton’s Sam Slick sketches, featuring a charismatic Yankee commenting on global political affairs, were immensely popular at the time, being published and read in Britain, Canada, and the US. The following pages argue that Haliburton’s portrayal of American culture is informed by his negative views on popular democracy and on its relationship with the nascent industrial capitalism transforming North America. Haliburton’s political satire was meant to persuade colonial readers that the introduction of American-style elective institutions in Nova Scotia had the potential to radically alter British North American culture, and push the colonies out of the orbit of the Empire.
Industrial legislation in Australia in 2014
Authors: Sutherland Carolyn
Published: March 2015

2014 was a year of considerable legislative activity with the introduction of six industrial relations Bills into Parliament. However, the Coalition Government failed to secure the passage of a single piece of industrial legislation. This article focuses on the most significant of these reforms, the Fair Work Amendment Bill 2014, which is designed to facilitate the making of greenfields agreements and to increase the take-up rate of individual flexibility agreements. At the same time, the Bill proposes to constrain the rights of unions to enter workplaces. As an addendum to these measures, a second Bill to amend the Fair Work Act was introduced late in the year. It aims to encourage the inclusion of productivity measures in enterprise bargaining negotiations. The article also considers legislative activity in the building and construction sector and the delayed implementation of new reporting requirements under the Workplace Gender Equality Act 2012. At the state level, the article briefly reviews Tasmanian legislation to protect businesses from the activities of protesters, developments in the regulation of work health and safety in Queensland and Western Australia and a new code of practice for the building and construction sector in Victoria.
Theology Today: Comparative Theology as a Catholic Theological Approach
Authors: Moyaert Marianne
Published: March 2015

Comparative theology is a relatively novel theological approach that revolves around a practice of comparative reading of authoritative religious documents. The International Theological Commission’s Theology Today: Perspectives, Principles and Criteria (2012) develops a systematic-theological elaboration of the specificity of Catholic theology. Our author investigates the question whether and to what extent Theology Today may endorse comparative theology as a genuine expression of Catholic theology.
Forskningsdata från cyberrymden: Analys och vägledning utifrån vårdvetenskaplig kunskapsteori
Authors: Salzmann-Erikson Martin , Eriksson Henrik
Published: March 2015

Aim

The aim was to identify how ethical issues have been handled in theses written by undergraduate students in the field of nursing.

Background

The act of gathering information online to become an ‘expert’ by locating useful advice for oneself – and others – is a fairly new phenomenon. How virtual caring and nursing can contribute to people’s health as a resource is growing as an area of interest within the field of caring sciences.

Methods

A qualitative content analysis of 21 bachelor theses in nursing science was conducted. The analysis focused on how ethical issues concerning gathering data in cyberspace were handled.

Findings

The results show that the students chose very complex health issues when gathering data in cyberspace. The results reveal asymmetries between the researcher and subjects behind the data (the bloggers), both in terms of knowledge as well as in relation to the resources available to them.

Conclusions

There is a need to discuss cyberspace as a source of data, including ethical, ontological, and epistemological issues. Based on the findings, we provide a tentative outline of how data from cyberspace can be used by nursing researchers and instructors at all levels in the field.