bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Persistence in Prayer in Luke-Acts
Authors: Hinson E. Glenn
Published: March 2014

Persistence in prayer is the key theme that runs throughout Luke and Acts. This theme is demonstrated by Jesus' actions throughout the gospel, is taught explicitly in one of the unique parables of Luke (the Persistent Widow), and is highlighted in the ways that Luke edits his gospel. In the book of Acts, this theme is demonstrated by the actions of Peter, Paul, and the early community of faith. Throughout Luke and Acts, persistence in prayer is not a matter of persuading a reluctant God, but rather it is a matter of disciples remaining faithful. In this interval between the “D-Day” of the cross and the “V-Day” of the parousia, not all our prayers are or can be answered. Persistence in prayer is how we remain faithful as we await the eschatological fulfillment of the gospel.
Tears for the World
Authors: Claassens L. Juliana M.
Published: March 2014

This sermon was preached in 2006 in the chapel of Baptist Theological Seminary at Richmond with a combination of students, faculty and staff in attendance. Although not preached on the exact day, this sermon was very much conceived in the spirit of World Aids Day. Living and working part of the year in South Africa, the topic of HIV/Aids is close to my heart.
The Empire Strikes Back: The Mark of the Beast in Revelation
Authors: May David M.
Published: March 2014

The symbol for the “mark of the beast” originated within the numismatic environment of the first-century Roman world. Many of the images and symbols in the book of Revelation were also prominent motifs on Roman imperial and provincial coinage that served to distribute imperial theology and propaganda into every part of the Empire. The “mark,” itself, is implicitly linked with the imook operial economic system. In chaotic periods of revolution and civil war, one of the most visible and widespread ways that aspirants to demonstrate authority and gain support for being the next emperor of Rome was by circulating countermarked coins. The historical referents for the “mark” were special countermarks, perhaps the Capricorn associated in Roman imperial ideology with Emperor Augustus, stamped on Roman imperial coins, especially those circulated in Asia. John may have seized upon the visually prominent countermarked Roman coinage as the mark of the beast in order to advocate a radical rejection of this mark along with the entire economic system it represented.
The Lord's Supper for Baptists: A Spiritual Meal, a Snack, or a Placebo?
Authors: Hustad Donald Paul
Published: March 2014

Baptists and other evangelical Christians have some unique challenges in Table worship. They are essentially alone in insisting that the Lord's Supper is not a sacrament — “a visible sign instituted by Christ to symbolize or confer grace.” They are more comfortable calling it an “ordinance,” which acknowledges Christ's institution of the act and their own obedience, but hesitates to claim any spiritual benefit. Their fears of “sacramental heresy” were confirmed in pre-Reformation abuses by Roman Catholics, especially those connected with transubstantiation and the concept of ex opere operato.

In the sixteenth-century Reformation, the new Baptists and others in England, and Anabaptists on the Continent, were more radical than the magisterial denominations in “policing” table participation and limiting its meaning. Basically, they were followers of the Swiss reformer Ulrich Zwingli, who heralded communion as remembrance and Christian education, with no expectation of special grace. From the beginning, their table service was limited to brief prayers of thanks for the bread and the cup, improvised by deacons.

The passing centuries contributed little to a meaningful Lord's Supper for Baptists. What we need now is a full, complete service of actions and words, with full remembrance of our Lord from eternity to eternity; full thanksgiving for all we remember; full awareness of our eating and drinking symbols of Christ's body and blood, which, by faith, can nourish us as he promised; and full recommitment of believers to love God completely and neighbors as themselves. The total result could be the spiritual maturation of believers through worship, and repetition of the full Gospel story for the uncommitted.
Select Archaeological Discoveries from Transjordan with Significance for Biblical Studies
Authors: Mattingly Gerald L.
Published: March 2014

When one thinks of archaeological sites related to biblical studies, one usually thinks immediately of sites in the modern nation of Israel, sites west of the Jordan River. Yet there are also many significant sites related to biblical studies east of the Jordan. This article focuses on ten such sites in the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan. The sites range chronologically from the Early Bronze site of Bab edh-Dhra‘ to the modern capital of Amman which also has Iron Age and Hellenistic-Roman-Byzantine and later Islamic remains. The sites cross Jordan from the Nabatean Petra in the south to the Cities of the Decapolis near the Syrian border in the north. They include the well-known and famous, Petra, “half as old as time itself,” and the unfamiliar and relatively unknown Umm ar-Resas, Khirbat an-Nahas, and Khirbat as-Sil. Also included are the ancient Moabite capital of Dibon/Dhiban, Madaba, and Tell Deir”Alla.
The New Ecclesiology
Authors: Mims Lynn R.
Published: March 2014

This article discusses the implications of the emergence and growth of the non-denominational church and the concurrent development of mega-churches in mainline denominations. Is there a future for the mainline church? Why has it declined in the last fifty years while non-denominational churches have grown? Does this decline signal a new move God and a need to redefine how we do church? The answer is found both in a theological understanding of the church and in an examinination of the cultural and technological developments of the last half of the twentieth century
Left Behind: The American Dream and the Hispanic Dilemma
Authors: De La Torre Miguel A.
Published: March 2014

Quantitative studies over the last few years graphically illustrate the growing economic disparities and inequalities in American society. These inequalities lead to disenfranchisement and dispossession, and impact mainly racial and ethnic minorities. Hispanics have experienced the negative aspects of current economic realities and represent a large group left behind by the economic system of the U.S. A foundational factor for the inequality is the capitalist system of the U.S. that perpetuates a social order based on Euroamerican ethics. Such an ethic favors the status quo and the elites that benefit from it. This essay suggests a way to confront and confound the economic reality of the status quo through para joder. The ethics of para joder is an activism that disrupts and challenges the injustices of the current economic structures.
The Lord Will Make a Way Somehow: Strategies for Cross-Cultural Music and Worship
Authors: Ward James C.
Published: March 2014

With neighborhoods shifting racially and economically, churches are challenged with meeting the new population with relevant and culturally meaningful worship music. Ethnic groups are diverse within themselves as well, with black and Latino peoples having disparate tastes and traditions from Church of God in Christ to South American Evangelicals. Congregations must have strong pastoral leadership and competent, spiritually alert musicians and singers. Although the leadership may want more effective outreach through music, it requires trained musicians, often in jazz, to educate the musicians as well as the congregation. Vocalists must also be melded together, trained and untrained, into a vernacular blend in praise teams or choirs. Musicians must do research in the community for songs and resources that touch the “heart music” of the target population. The result of such a commitment is to see a congregation rally around a new mission and new friendships. Children growing up in such a cross-cultural worship have a more open view of the world. But bearing fruit in cross-cultural ministry is measured in decades and may not have overwhelming success like some homogeneous church plants. If we want to see the church's witness as credible before a watching world, racial reconciliation and justice fleshed out in the worshipping community must be a greater priority. In a society still plagued with racial alienation, this may be the toughest strategy of all.
Baptists against Racism and Ethnic Conflict… Worldwide!
Authors: Lotz Denton
Published: March 2014

One of the most significant and rewarding experiences for me during my tenure as general secretary of the Baptist World Alliance was to sponsor an International Summit on Baptists against Racism and Ethnic Conflict. This significant summit was held from January 8 – 11, 1999, in the historic Ebenezer Baptist Church in Atlanta, Georgia, Martin Luther King Jr.'s home church. At this summit we learned of the tragedy of racism worldwide. We learned that we needed to expand our definition of racism to include ethnic violence. We came as Christians and discovered the power of Christ to bring reconciliation and unity. The latter part of this article will review some of the horrific examples of racism and ethnic conflict worldwide. We will also celebrate the prophetic witness of many Baptist congregations worldwide in fighting against racism and ethnic violence.
Key Questions on the Parables of Jesus
Authors: Snodgrass Klyne R.
Published: March 2014

Assumptions about the nature of parables, the process of interpreting them, and why Jesus taught in parables determine how parables will be understood. Such assumptions should not be left unexamined. This article identifies eight key questions for interpreting parables. The questions deal with intent (i.e., whether recovering intent is a worthy and necessary goal and whether the nature of the Gospels allows recovery of Jesus' intent), with the nature of parables and whether they have reference outside themselves, with the importance of context for understanding parables, with whether classification of parables is necessary and helpful, and with the discomfort some parables cause with their emphasis on judgment and violence. In each case direction is provided to help readers understand and appropriate the intent of Jesus.
She-Preachers, Bossy Women, and Children of the Devil: Women Ministers in the Baptist Tradition, 1609–2012
Authors: Durso Pamela R.
Published: March 2014

For four hundred years, Baptist women have been central to the growth of their churches, the upkeep of their buildings, the funding of their programs, and the theological education of their children. Yet, during most of those four hundred years, women did not hold formal leadership positions in Baptist churches. They were not given official titles or paid salaries. Only in the last fifty years or so have significant numbers of Baptist women been ordained either as deacons or as ministers. Despite the lack of recognition and despite opposition, Baptist women have served, led, and ministered from the earliest days of the history of the Baptist faith.

This article provides a chronological timeline of the history of Baptist women's service and ministries from the early seventeenth century until the early twenty-first century. Included is a tracing of known “first” ordinations of women both here in the United States within six Baptist denominational bodies and by Baptist denominations in nine countries around the world. Other earlier ordinations may have taken place, and as more research is done in this field, other ordinations surely will be discovered and documented. The article also includes available information about the number of Baptist women who have been ordained or who are currently serving as pastors.
Learning How to Preach in a Co-Pastorate with Two Locations: The Science of Effective Communication
Authors: Williams Joseph L.
Published: March 2014

Aristotle believed that the trio of logos, ethos, and pathos was interconnected in effective communication. If one of the elements of speaking, logos, pathos, or ethos, can be identified as a source that has more weight than the others as it relates to preaching, preachers will be empowered to learn and gain from the study. After observing the effects of a contrast in the ethos of a senior and a junior minister as perceived by their shared congregation, the author undertook a study that demonstrated: (a) that ethos is arguably the most effective aspect of communication among Aristotle's triad and (b) that the most significant aspect of ethos is the importance of the audience's familiarity with the speaker.
The Long Road to Freedom of Worship
Authors: Everts W. W.
Published: March 2014

And most of all thank God for this—The war and waste of clashing creeds Now end in words and not in deeds, And no one suffers loss or bleeds For thoughts that men call heresies.

—H. W. Longfellow.
System analysis of waste oil management in Finland
Authors: Kapustina V , Havukainen J , Virkki-Hatakka T , Horttanainen M
Published: March 2014

Waste oil management systems include processes such as generation, collection, recycling, and disposal and result in various environmental, economic, social, and regulatory impacts which complicate waste management analysis. In this paper, the waste oil management system in Finland is analysed using the systems thinking approach to identify the main system components and to describe the interactions between them. The results of analysing the Finnish system increase the understanding of the main factors affecting the performance of waste oil management. The outcome of this analysis can be adapted for the examination of similar systems. The waste oil management system analysis shows an increase in the performance: the waste oil collection rate within the official collection system has increased more than 30% during the last 6 years. The environmental performance of the treatment and recovery system have increased, taking into account the increase of the material recovery rate, more than 70% during the last 6 years.
Experimental study on chemical recuperation using hybrid dielectric barrier discharge-catalytic methane-steam reforming
Authors: Liu Qian , Zheng Hongtao , Yang Ren , Pan Gang
Published: March 2014

Hybrid dielectric barrier discharge-catalytic steam reforming is proposed here for use in chemically recuperated gas turbines, so as to be compatible with the low-temperature exhaust heat from turbines. Four different types of reactor were designed for comparison, and extensive experiments were performed to evaluate the exhaust heat recovery in terms of effective carbon recovery rate, methane conversion, fuel heating value increase rate, and total enthalpy increase rate. The effect of methane space velocity and reactor wall temperature on methane conversion have been analyzed. The results showed that, for any reactor, there was an optimum methane space velocity for the most heat recovery. With increasing wall temperatures, the parallel synergistic reforming technology induced more methane conversion than the other reactors. Under the same input power, parallel synergistic reactors could recover more exhaust heat than the sum of catalyst-only and plasma-only reactors, with a relative total enthalpy increase as much as three times the sum of the latter two. Moreover, the parallel synergistic reforming technology resulted in a higher relative total enthalpy increase for reformed gas at low temperatures. These results demonstrate that parallel synergistic reforming technology is a promising technology to significantly recover exhaust heat under different working conditions.
The changing brain: Neuroscience and the enduring import of everyday experience
Authors: Pickersgill Martyn , Martin Paul , Cunningham-Burley Sarah
Published: March 2014

Discourses of ‘neuroplasticity’ have become increasingly apparent in the neurosciences and wider society. These connect with broader narratives about the ‘changing brain’ throughout the life-course. Here, we explore their presence in the talk of a range of publics. Their presence is indicative of how novel neuroscience is accepted, or not, by our participants. In particular, we suggest that any acceptance of the science relates to their personal and/or professional experiences of change (to their own or others’ subjectivities) rather than to some intrinsic and widely-held significance of scientific concepts per se. Accordingly, we also submit that it is in part through the congruence of some neuroscientific claims to everyday experiences and perspectives that the former are rendered legible and salient. In this respect, ‘lay’ knowledge has considerable import for the wider cultural authorisation of that of ‘experts’.
Relationship between scientific knowledge and fortune-telling
Authors: Shein Paichi Pat , Li Yuh-Yuh , Huang Tai-Chu
Published: March 2014

This study takes on a relational and situated perspective to understand the relationship between scientific knowledge and fortune-telling. Measures included socio-demographic characteristics, knowledge of scientific facts and methods, and fortune-telling beliefs and practices. A sample of 1863 adults was drawn from a population of Taiwanese citizens using the method of probability proportional to size. The findings showed that knowledge of scientific methods was negatively associated with fortune-telling beliefs. However, knowledge of scientific facts was, by and large, positively associated with engagement in fortune-telling practices, a phenomenon known as cognitive polyphasia. This study does not imply that science communication or education have no effect on promoting scientific knowledge; rather, it hopes to encourage researchers and practitioners to use a culturally sensitive lens to rethink the role of science in society and its relationship with other forms of knowledge and belief.
Book Review: Branding in a Competitive Market Place
Authors: Sharma Kirti
Published: March 2014

Rajat K. Baisya, Branding in a Competitive Market Place. SAGE, 2013, 229 pp., (Paperback). ₹450. ISBN: 978-81-321-1059-0
Book Review: Management Essentials: A Recipe for Business Success
Authors: Srivastava Ritu
Published: March 2014

Arindam Banerjee, Management Essentials: A Recipe for Business Success. SAGE Publications. 2013, 141 pp., ₹295 (Paperback). ISBN: 978-81-321-1103-0.
Homebirth Transfers in the United States
Authors: Cheyney Melissa , Everson Courtney , Burcher Paul
Published: March 2014

The purpose of this study was to explore the contested space of home-to-hospital transfers that occur during labor or in the immediate postpartum period, as a means of identifying the mechanisms that maintain philosophical and practice divides between homebirth midwives and hospital-based clinicians in the United States. Using data collected from open-ended, semistructured interviews, participant observation, and reciprocal ethnography, we identified six key themes—three from each provider type. Collectively, providers’ narratives illuminate the central stressors that characterize home-to-hospital transfers, and from these, we identify three larger sociopolitical mechanisms that we argue are functioning to maintain fractured articulations at the time of transfer. These mechanisms impede efficient and mutually respectful interactions and can result in costly delays. However, they also contain the seeds of possible solutions, and thus are important starting points for developing an integrated maternity system premised on mutual accommodation and seamless articulations across all delivery locations.
Syringe plunger contamination by hazardous drugs: A comparative study
Authors: Smith Stephen T , Szlaczky Mark C
Published: March 2014

Aim

The purpose of this study was to perform a comparative cyclophosphamide contamination level test with Becton Dickinson® syringe plungers with Phaseal® Closed System Transfer Devices and Equashield® syringe plungers under routine oncological compounding conditions.

Method

The ChemoGlo™ sampling kit and analysis services were used to test for cyclophosphamide contamination levels on the syringe plungers of Becton Dickinson® Phaseal and Equashield® syringes that underwent cycles of drug transfer in a Forma Class II, 2A Biological Safety Cabinet. Prior to testing, the syringes were divided into three equal groups for the Equashield® and Becton Dickinson® syringes. A 50 mL aliquot of cyclophosphamide was drawn into each syringe and then injected back into the cyclophosphamide vial. This drug transfer procedure was immediately repeated twice for the syringes in group 1, four times for group 2, and eight times for group 3. After the completion of the drug transfers with the Equashield® and Becton Dickinson® Phaseal syringes, the plungers were retracted back to the nominal syringe marking, and a wipe test of the exposed plunger was done using the ChemoGlo™ sampling kit.

Results

Significant contamination levels of 2000 ng and greater were detected on most Becton Dickinson® syringe plungers with Phaseal® Closed System Transfer Devices, whereas all Equashield® syringes remained uncontaminated at undetectable levels.
More Than a Nuisance
Authors: Clark Stephanie K. , Jeglic Elizabeth L. , Calkins Cynthia , Tatar Joseph R.
Published: March 2014

Despite indications that acts of frotteurism and exhibitionism are frequent occurrences, these sexual paraphilias have received little empirical attention. To address this gap in our knowledge about these paraphilias, 459 undergraduate students in a major metropolitan city completed a self-report measure designed to investigate the frequency and correlates of frotteurism and exhibitionism. Results indicate a high rate of victimization among female college students for both paraphilias. Furthermore, acts of frotteurism and exhibitionism most often occurred in places related to public transportation (e.g., subway trains or platforms) in this urban setting. In addition, victims reported a number of negative outcomes as a consequence of victimization, including feelings of violation, changes in behavior, and even long-term psychological distress. Older females were the most likely to be victimized. These findings are discussed as they pertain to the prevention and deterrence of paraphilic sexual acts.
Plasma and urine renalase levels and activity during the recovery of renal function in kidney transplant recipients
Authors: Quelhas-Santos Janete , Soares-Silva Isabel , Fernandes-Cerqueira Cátia , Simões-Silva Liliana , Ferreira Inês , Carvalho Catarina , Coentrão Luís , Vaz Raquel , Sampaio-Maia Benedita , Pestana Manuel
Published: March 2014

Renalase is a recently described enzyme secreted by the kidney into both plasma and urine, where it was suggested to degrade catecholamines contributing to blood pressure control. While there is a controversy regarding the relationship between renal function and plasma renalase levels, there is virtually no data in humans on plasma renalase activity as well as on both urine renalase levels and activity. We prospectively examined the time course of plasma and urine renalase levels and activity in 26 end-stage renal disease (ESRD) patients receiving a cadaver kidney transplant (cadaver kidney recipients [CKR]) before surgery and during the recovery of renal function up to day 90 post transplant. The relationship with sympathetic and renal dopaminergic activities was also evaluated. The recovery of renal function in CKR closely predicted decreases in plasma renalase levels ( r = 0.88; P < 0.0001), urine renalase levels ( r = 0.75; P < 0.0001) and urine renalase activity ( r = 0.56; P < 0.03), but did not predict changes in plasma renalase activity ( r = −0.02; NS). Plasma norepinephrine levels positively correlated with plasma renalase levels ( r = 0.64, P < 0.002) as well as with urine renalase levels and activity ( r = 0.47 P < 0.02; r = 0.71, P < 0.0005, respectively) and negatively correlated with plasma renalase activity ( r = −0.57, P < 0.002). By contrast, plasma epinephrine levels positively correlated with plasma renalase activity ( r = 0.67, P < 0.0001) and negatively correlated with plasma renalase levels ( r = −0.62, P < 0.003). A significant negative relationship was observed between urine dopamine output and urine renalase levels ( r = −0.48; P < 0.03) but not with urine renalase activity ( r = −0.33, NS). We conclude that plasma and urine renalase levels closely depend on renal function and sympathetic nervous system activity. It is suggested that epinephrine-mediated activation of circulating renalase may occur in renal transplant recipients with good recovery of renal function. The increase in plasma renalase activity observed in ESRD patients and renal transplant recipients can be explained on the basis of reduced inhibition of the circulating enzyme.
Tissue Engineered Meniscus Repair
Authors: Schwartz John A. , Wang William , Goldstein Todd , Grande Daniel A.
Published: March 2014

Objective:

Studies have shown that meniscal repairs have better outcomes over both partial and total meniscectomies. Tissue engineering strategies to repair meniscus tears have been explored using cell sources that involve a donor as well as a period of in vitro cell expansion before use. This study explored cell sources that could be easily harvested and rapidly isolated by enzymatic digestion and cannulated delivery.

Methods:

Bovine menisci were used to create a bucket handle tear. Cell lines were established from meniscus, synovium, and adipose tissue and fluorescently labeled. At passages P2, P4, and P8, cells were added to the defect from the following experimental groups: cells alone, collagen gel, collagen scaffold, or hyaluronic acid. Menisci constructs were xenografted subcutaneously onto the dorsum of athymic rats and incubated for 3, 6, and 9 weeks, at which time they were retrieved and processed for histology.

Results:

Meniscal cells were able to repair defects faster and significantly better than adipose or synovium derived cells. Adipose cells were the least effective in comparison. Repair was significantly better at 9 weeks compared with 6 and 3 weeks. Macroscopic examination of menisci that received cell implants showed the thickest tissue in menisci that had collagen implants, and the thinnest fill occurred in menisci treated with cells alone. Histology confirmed no cells or integrative repair in the control specimens.

Conclusions:

Delivery of cells alone outperformed the additional use of biomaterials. Our results suggest a strategy that would use both meniscus and synovial cells for arthroscopic meniscal repair.
Performing gender in lay saints’ Lives
Authors: Constantinou Stavroula
Published: March 2014

Taking as its point of departure Judith Butler’s theory of gender performativity, this article shows how femininity and masculinity are performed in three lay saints’ Lives from the middle Byzantine period: the Life of Philaretos the Merciful (820), the Life of Thomaïs of Lesbos (mid-tenth century) and the Life of Mary the Younger (eleventh century). The approach of these texts through gender performativity shows in the most graphic way the difference between male and female constructions of sanctity on the one hand, and the important role that gender plays in the construction of lay sanctity, on the other.
Byzantium confronts its neighbours: Islam and the crusaders in the twelfth century
Authors: France John
Published: March 2014

The fall of the Byzantine empire at the end of the twelfth century and the debacle of 1204 had complex causes, most of which are far beyond the scope of a short paper. However, it is very evident that military failure was a powerful element in the Byzantine collapse. The enquiry that follows seeks to establish the reasons for this failure by examining the nature of the empire’s armies and the events of particular campaigns. It is evident that sweeping generalizations about military failure need considerable qualification and that the outcome of individual expeditions was influenced by particular circumstances. Yet it does appear that it is possible to see certain general factors at work undermining, or at least limiting, the military efforts of Byzantium.
Chastity stripped bare: on temporal and eternal things in the Sacra Parallela
Authors: Meyer Mati
Published: March 2014

The only known illuminated copy of the Sacra Parallela (Paris, BnF, gr. 923) presents a unique rendering of Basil the Great in the company of two female personifications, identified here as lust and chastity. Adopting as its ideological premise the social visions of Basil and John Chrysostom on wealth and poverty, this essay argues that the peculiar image is informed by two interrelated monastic concerns – earthly possessions and the desire of the flesh – and participates in a discourse on issues of earthly wealth and sexual abstinence.
Expansion of the neonatal platelet mass is achieved via an extension of platelet lifespan
Authors: Liu Zhi-Jian , Hoffmeister Karin M. , Hu Zhongbo , Mager Donald E. , Ait-Oudhia Sihem , Debrincat Marlyse A. , Pleines Irina , Josefsson Emma C. , Kile Benjamin T. , Italiano Joseph , Ramsey Haley , Grozovsky Renata , Veng-Pedersen Peter , Chavda Chaitanya , Sola-Visner Martha
Published: March 2014

Key Points

Rapid growth and rising platelet counts result in a significant expansion of platelet mass during neonatal life. The rise in platelet counts is mediated by a prolongation in the neonatal platelet lifespan.
From the parents’ perspective: a user-satisfaction survey of immunization services in Guatemala
Authors: Barrera Lissette , Trumbo Silas Pierson , Bravo-Alcántara Pamela , Velandia-González Martha , Danovaro-Holliday M Carolina
Published: March 2014

Background

Immunization coverage levels in Guatemala have increased over the last two decades, but national targets of ≥95% have yet to be reached. To determine factors related to undervaccination, Guatemala’s National Immunization Program conducted a user-satisfaction survey of parents and guardians of children aged 0–5 years. Variables evaluated included parental immunization attitudes, preferences, and practices; the impact of immunization campaigns and marketing strategies; and factors inhibiting immunization.

Methods

Based on administrative coverage levels and socio-demographic indicators in Guatemala’s 22 geographical departments, five were designated as low-coverage and five as high-coverage areas. Overall, 1194 parents and guardians of children aged 0–5 years were interviewed in these 10 departments. We compared indicators between low- and high-coverage areas and identified risk factors associated with undervaccination.

Results

Of the 1593 children studied, 29 (1.8%) were determined to be unvaccinated, 458 (28.8%) undervaccinated, and 1106 (69.4%) fully vaccinated. In low-coverage areas, children of less educated (no education: RR = 1.49, p = 0.01; primary or less: 1.39, p = 0.009), older (aged >39 years: RR =1.31, p = 0.05), and single (RR = 1.32, p = 0.03) parents were more likely to have incomplete vaccination schedules. Similarly, factors associated with undervaccination in high-coverage areas included the caregiver’s lack of education (none: RR = 1.72, p = 0.0007; primary or less: RR = 1.30, p = 0.05) and single marital status (RR = 1.36, p = 0.03), as well as the child’s birth order (second: RR = 1.68, p = 0.003). Although users generally approved of immunization services, problems in service quality were identified. According to participants, topics such as the risk of adverse events (47.4%) and next vaccination appointments (32.3%) were inconsistently communicated to parents. Additionally, 179 (15.0%) participants reported the inability to vaccinate their child on at least one occasion. Compared to high-coverage areas, participants in low-coverage areas reported poorer service, longer wait times, and greater distances to health centers. In high-coverage areas, participants reported less knowledge about the availability of services.

Conclusions

Generally, immunization barriers in Guatemala are related to problems in accessing and attaining high-quality immunization services rather than to a population that does not adequately value vaccination. We provide recommendations to aid the country in maintaining its achievements and addressing new challenges.
Assessing the efficiency of multiple sequence alignment programs
Authors: Pais Fabiano Sviatopolk-Mirsky , Ruy Patrícia de Cássia , Oliveira Guilherme , Coimbra Roney Santos
Published: March 2014

Background

Multiple sequence alignment (MSA) is an extremely useful tool for molecular and evolutionary biology and there are several programs and algorithms available for this purpose. Although previous studies have compared the alignment accuracy of different MSA programs, their computational time and memory usage have not been systematically evaluated. Given the unprecedented amount of data produced by next generation deep sequencing platforms, and increasing demand for large-scale data analysis, it is imperative to optimize the application of software. Therefore, a balance between alignment accuracy and computational cost has become a critical indicator of the most suitable MSA program. We compared both accuracy and cost of nine popular MSA programs, namely CLUSTALW, CLUSTAL OMEGA, DIALIGN-TX, MAFFT, MUSCLE, POA, Probalign, Probcons and T-Coffee, against the benchmark alignment dataset BAliBASE and discuss the relevance of some implementations embedded in each program’s algorithm. Accuracy of alignment was calculated with the two standard scoring functions provided by BAliBASE, the sum-of-pairs and total-column scores, and computational costs were determined by collecting peak memory usage and time of execution.

Results

Our results indicate that mostly the consistency-based programs Probcons, T-Coffee, Probalign and MAFFT outperformed the other programs in accuracy. Whenever sequences with large N/C terminal extensions were present in the BAliBASE suite, Probalign, MAFFT and also CLUSTAL OMEGA outperformed Probcons and T-Coffee. The drawback of these programs is that they are more memory-greedy and slower than POA, CLUSTALW, DIALIGN-TX, and MUSCLE. CLUSTALW and MUSCLE were the fastest programs, being CLUSTALW the least RAM memory demanding program.

Conclusions

Based on the results presented herein, all four programs Probcons, T-Coffee, Probalign and MAFFT are well recommended for better accuracy of multiple sequence alignments. T-Coffee and recent versions of MAFFT can deliver faster and reliable alignments, which are specially suited for larger datasets than those encountered in the BAliBASE suite, if multi-core computers are available. In fact, parallelization of alignments for multi-core computers should probably be addressed by more programs in a near future, which will certainly improve performance significantly.
Doxorubicin-conjugated PLA-PEG-Folate based polymeric micelle for tumor-targeted delivery: Synthesis and in vitro evaluation
Authors: Hami Zahra , Amini Mohsen , Ghazi-Khansari Mahmoud , Rezayat Seyed Mehdi , Gilani Kambiz
Published: March 2014

Background

Selective delivery of anticancer agents to target areas in the body is desirable to minimize the side effects while maximizing the therapeutic efficacy. Anthracycline antibiotics such as doxorubicin (DOX) are widely used for treatment of a wide variety of solid tumors.

This study evaluated the potential of a polymeric micellar formulation of doxorubicin as a nanocarrier system for targeted therapy of a folate-receptor positive human ovarian cancer cell in line.

Results

DOX-conjugated targeting and non-targeting micelles prepared by the dialysis method were about 188 and 182 nm in diameter, respectively and their critical micelle concentration was 9.55 μg/ml. The DOX-conjugated micelles exhibited a potent cytotoxicity against SKOV3 human ovarian cancer cells. Moreover, the targeting micelles showed higher cytotoxicity than that of non-targeting ones (IC50 = 4.65 μg/ml vs 13.51 μg/ml).

Conclusion

The prepared micelle is expected to increase the efficacy of DOX against cancer cells and reduce its side effects.
The Semanticscience Integrated Ontology (SIO) for biomedical research and knowledge discovery
Authors: Dumontier Michel , Baker Christopher JO , Baran Joachim , Callahan Alison , Chepelev Leonid , Cruz-Toledo José , Del Rio Nicholas R , Duck Geraint , Furlong Laura I , Keath Nichealla , Klassen Dana , McCusker Jamie P , Queralt-Rosinach Núria , Samwald Matthias , Villanueva-Rosales Natalia , Wilkinson Mark D , Hoehndorf Robert
Published: March 2014

The Semanticscience Integrated Ontology (SIO) is an ontology to facilitate biomedical knowledge discovery. SIO features a simple upper level comprised of essential types and relations for the rich description of arbitrary (real, hypothesized, virtual, fictional) objects, processes and their attributes. SIO specifies simple design patterns to describe and associate qualities, capabilities, functions, quantities, and informational entities including textual, geometrical, and mathematical entities, and provides specific extensions in the domains of chemistry, biology, biochemistry, and bioinformatics. SIO provides an ontological foundation for the Bio2RDF linked data for the life sciences project and is used for semantic integration and discovery for SADI-based semantic web services. SIO is freely available to all users under a creative commons by attribution license. See website for further information: http://sio.semanticscience.org.
Arsenic removal from aqueous solutions by adsorption onto iron oxide/activated carbon magnetic composite
Authors: Yao Shuhua , Liu Ziru , Shi Zhongliang
Published: March 2014

In this work the adsorption features of activated carbon and the magnetic properties of iron oxides were combined in a composite to produce magnetic adsorbent. Batch experiments were conducted to study the adsorption behavior of arsenate onto the synthetic magnetic adsorbent. The effects of initial solution pH, contact time, adsorbent dosage and co-existing anionic component on the adsorption of arsenate were investigated. The results showed that the removal percentage of arsenate could be over 95% in the conditions of adsorbent dosage 5.0 g/L, initial solution pH 3.0-8.0, and contact time 1 h. Under the experimental conditions, phosphate and silicate caused greater decrease in arsenate removal percentage among the anions, and sulfate had almost no effect on the adsorption of arsenate. Kinetics study showed that the overall adsorption rate of arsenate was illustrated by the pseudo-second-order kinetic model. The applicability of the Langmuir and Freundlich models for the arsenate adsorption data was tested. Both the models adequately describe the experimental data. Moreover, the magnetic composite adsorbent could be easily recovered from the medium by an external magnetic field. It can therefore be potentially applied for the treatment of water contaminated by arsenate.
Heterogeneous atypical cell populations are present in blood of metastatic breast cancer patients
Authors: Lustberg Maryam B , Balasubramanian Priya , Miller Brandon , Garcia-Villa Alejandra , Deighan Clayton , Wu Yongqi , Carothers Sarah , Berger Michael , Ramaswamy Bhuvaneswari , Macrae Erin R , Wesolowski Robert , Layman Rachel M , Mrozek Ewa , Pan Xueliang , Summers Thomas A , Shapiro Charles L , Chalmers Jeffrey J
Published: March 2014

Introduction

Circulating tumor cells (CTCs) are commonly isolated from the blood by targeting the epithelial cell adhesion molecule (EpCAM) through positive selection. However, EpCAM can be downregulated during metastatic progression, or it can be initially not present. We designed the present prospective trial to characterize CTCs as well as other circulating cell populations in blood samples from women with metastatic breast cancer without EpCAM-dependent enrichment and/or isolation technology.

Methods

A total of 32 patients with metastatic breast cancer were enrolled, and blood samples were processed using a previously described negative depletion immunomagnetic methodology. Samples from healthy volunteers were run as controls (n = 5). Multistep sequential labeling was performed to label and fix cell-surface markers followed by permeabilization for cytokeratins (CK) 8, 18 and 19. Multiparametric flow cytometry (FCM) analysis was conducted using a BD LSR II flow cytometer or a BD FACSAria II or FACSAria III cell sorter. Immunocytochemical staining on postenrichment specimens for DAPI, EpCAM, CD45, CK, epidermal growth factor receptor and vimentin was performed. Expression of these markers was visualized using confocal microscopy (CM).

Results

CD45-negative/CK-positive (CD45− CK+) populations with EpCAM + and EpCAM − expression were identified with both FCM and CM from the negatively enriched patient samples. In addition, EpCAM + and EpCAM − populations that were CK + and coexpressing the pan-hematopoietic marker CD45 were also noted. There were more CK + EpCAM − events/ml than CK + EpCAM + events/ml in both the CD45− and CD45+ fractions (both statistically significant at P ≤ 0.0005). The number of CK + CD45− and CK + CD45+ events per milliliter in blood samples (regardless of EpCAM status) was higher in patient samples than in normal control samples (P ≤ 0.0005 and P ≤ 0.026, respectively). Further, a significant fraction of the CK + CD45+ events also expressed CD68, a marker associated with tumor-associated macrophages. Higher levels of CD45-CK + EpCAM − were associated with worse overall survival (P = 0.0292).

Conclusions

Metastatic breast cancer patients have atypical cells that are CK + EpCAM − circulating in their blood. Because a substantial number of these patients do not have EpCAM + CTCs, additional studies are needed to evaluate the role of EpCAM − circulating cells as a prognostic and predictive marker.
Circulating Glucagon-like Peptide-1 (GLP-1) Inhibits Eating in Male Rats by Acting in the Hindbrain and Without Inducing Avoidance
Authors: Punjabi Mukesh , Arnold Myrtha , Rüttimann Elisabeth , Graber Mariana , Geary Nori , Pacheco-López Gustavo , Langhans Wolfgang
Published: March 2014

To address the neural mediation of the eating-inhibitory effect of circulating glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1), we investigated the effects of 1) intra-fourth ventricular infusion of the GLP-1 receptor antagonist exendin-9 or 2) area postrema lesion on the eating-inhibitory effect of intrameal hepatic portal vein (HPV) GLP-1 infusion in adult male rats. To evaluate the physiological relevance of the observed effect we examined 3) the influence of GLP-1 on flavor acceptance in a 2-bottle conditioned flavor avoidance test, and 4) measured active GLP-1 in the HPV and vena cava (VC) in relation to a meal and in the VC after HPV GLP-1 infusion. Intrameal HPV GLP-1 infusion (1 nmol/kg body weight-5 min) specifically reduced ongoing meal size by almost 40% (P < .05). Intra-fourth ventricular exendin-9 (10 μg/rat) itself did not affect eating, but attenuated (P < .05) the satiating effect of HPV GLP-1. Area postrema lesion also blocked (P < .05) the eating-inhibitory effect of HPV GLP-1. Pairing consumption of flavored saccharin solutions with HPV GLP-1 infusion did not alter flavor acceptance, indicating that HPV GLP-1 can inhibit eating without inducing malaise. A regular chow meal transiently increased (P < .05) HPV, but not VC, plasma active GLP-1 levels, whereas HPV GLP-1 infusion caused a transient supraphysiological increase (P < .01) in VC GLP-1 concentration 3 minutes after infusion onset. The results implicate hindbrain GLP-1 receptors and the area postrema in the eating-inhibitory effect of circulating GLP-1, but question the physiological relevance of the eating-inhibitory effect of iv infused GLP-1 under our conditions.
Bone Morphogenetic Protein 2 Stimulates Noncanonical SMAD2/3 Signaling via the BMP Type 1A Receptor in Gonadotrope-Like Cells: Implications for FSH Synthesis
Authors: Wang Ying , Ho Catherine C. , Bang EunJin , Rejon Carlis A. , Libasci Vanessa , Pertchenko Pavel , Hébert Terence E. , Bernard Daniel J.
Published: March 2014

FSH is an essential regulator of mammalian reproduction. Its synthesis by pituitary gonadotrope cells is regulated by multiple endocrine and paracrine factors, including TGFβ superfamily ligands, such as the activins and inhibins. Activins stimulate FSH synthesis via transcriptional regulation of its β-subunit gene (Fshb). More recently, bone morphogenetic proteins (BMPs) were shown to stimulate murine Fshb transcription alone and in synergy with activins. BMP2 signals via its canonical type I receptor, BMPR1A (or activin receptor-like kinase 3 [ALK3]), and SMAD1 and SMAD5 to stimulate transcription of inhibitor of DNA binding proteins. Inhibitor of DNA binding proteins then potentiate the actions of activin-stimulated SMAD3 to regulate the Fshb gene in the gonadotrope-like LβT2 cell line. Here, we report the unexpected observation that BMP2 also stimulates the SMAD2/3 pathway in these cells and that it does so directly via ALK3. Indeed, this novel, noncanonical ALK3 activity is completely independent of ALK4, ALK5, and ALK7, the type I receptors most often associated with SMAD2/3 pathway activation. Induction of the SMAD2/3 pathway by ALK3 is dependent upon its own previous activation by associated type II receptors, which phosphorylate conserved serine and threonine residues in the ALK3 juxtamembrane glycine-serine-rich domain. ALK3 signaling via SMAD3 is necessary for the receptor to stimulate Fshb transcription, whereas its activation of the SMAD1/5/8 pathway alone is insufficient. These data challenge current dogma that ALK3 and other BMP type I receptors signal via SMAD1, SMAD5, and SMAD8 and not SMAD2 or SMAD3. Moreover, they suggest that BMPs and activins may use similar intracellular signaling mechanisms to activate the murine Fshb promoter in immortalized gonadotrope-like cells.
Protein Kinase B (PKB/AKT1) Formed Signaling Complexes with Mitochondrial Proteins and Prevented Glycolytic Energy Dysfunction in Cultured Cardiomyocytes During Ischemia-Reperfusion Injury
Authors: Deng Wu , Leu Hsin-Bang , Chen Yumay , Chen Yu-Han , Epperson Christine M. , Juang Charity , Wang Ping H.
Published: March 2014

Our previous studies showed that insulin stimulated AKT1 translocation into mitochondria and modulated oxidative phosphorylation complex V in cardiac muscle. This raised the possibility that mitochondrial AKT1 may regulate glycolytic oxidative phosphorylation and mitochondrial function in cardiac muscle cells. The aims of this project were to study the effects of mitochondrial AKT1 signaling on cell survival in stressed cardiomyocytes, to define the effect of mitochondrial AKT1 signaling on glycolytic bioenergetics, and to identify mitochondrial targets of AKT1 signaling in cardiomyocytes. Mitochondrial AKT1 signaling played a protective role against apoptosis and necrosis during ischemia-reperfusion stress, suppressed mitochondrial calcium overload, and alleviated mitochondrial membrane depolarization. Activation of AKT1 signaling in mitochondria increased glucose uptake, enhanced respiration efficiency, reduced superoxide generation, and increased ATP production in the cardiomyocytes. Inhibition of mitochondrial AKT attenuated insulin response, indicating that insulin regulation of ATP production required mitochondrial AKT1 signaling. A proteomic approach was used to reveal 15 novel targets of AKT1 signaling in mitochondria, including pyruvate dehydrogenase complex (PDC). We have confirmed and characterized the association of AKT1 and PDC subunits and verified a stimulatory effect of mitochondrial AKT1 on the enzymatic activity of PDC. These findings suggested that AKT1 formed protein complexes with multiple mitochondrial proteins and improved mitochondrial function in stressed cardiomyocytes. The novel AKT1 signaling targets in mitochondria may become a resource for future metabolism research.