bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Vacuum Condensate, Geometric Phase, Unruh Effect, and Temperature Measurement
Authors: Capolupo Antonio , Vitiello Giuseppe
Published: July 2015

In our previous work the possibility to use the Aharonov-Anandan invariant as a tool in the analysis of disparate systems has been shown, including Hawking and Unruh effects, as well as graphene physics and thermal states. We show that the vacuum condensation, characterizing such systems, is also related with geometric phases and we analyze the properties of the geometric phase of systems represented by mixed state and undergoing a nonunitary evolution. In particular, we consider two-level atoms accelerated by an external potential and interacting with a thermal state. We propose the realization of Mach-Zehnder interferometers which can prove the existence of the Unruh effect and can allow very precise measurements of temperature.
Evaluation of Hydrophilized Graphite Felt for Electrochemical Heavy Metals Detection (Pb2+, Hg2+)
Authors: Bouabdalaoui Laila , Le Ouay Benjamin , Coradin Thibaud , Laberty-Robert Christel
Published: July 2015

Hydrophilized graphite felt has been used,for the first time, for the electrochemical detection of Hg2+ions both as single metal species and via its simultaneous detection with Pb2+. To do so, square wave voltammetry (SWV) method was developed with alginate modified graphite felt as working electrode. The structure of the graphite felt such as its high porosity and specific surface area coupled with its good electrical conductivity allows achieving large peak currents via the SWV method, suggesting that the alginate coating helps to preconcentrate metals at the carbon surface. The as-described electrode has low cost, it is easy to manipulate, and the electrochemical analysis can be performed by simple immersion of the felt in the metal solution.
Combining an Aurora Kinase Inhibitor and a Death Receptor Ligand/Agonist Antibody Triggers Apoptosis in Melanoma Cells and Prevents Tumor Growth in Preclinical Mouse Models
Authors: Liu Yan , Hawkins Oriana E. , Vilgelm Anna E. , Pawlikowski Jeffrey S. , Ecsedy Jeffrey A. , Sosman Jeffrey A. , Kelley Mark C. , Richmond Ann
Published: July 2015

Purpose: Preclinical studies show that inhibition of aurora kinases in melanoma tumors induces senescence and reduces tumor growth, but does not cause tumor regression. Additional preclinical models are needed to identify agents that will synergize with aurora kinase inhibitors to induce tumor regression.

Experimental Design: We combined treatment with an aurora kinase A inhibitor, MLN8237, with agents that activate death receptors (Apo2L/TRAIL or death receptor 5 agonists) and monitored the ability of this treatment to induce tumor apoptosis and melanoma tumor regression using human cell lines and patient-derived xenograft (PDX) mouse models.

Results: We found that this combined treatment led to apoptosis and markedly reduced cell viability. Mechanistic analysis showed that the induction of tumor cell senescence in response to the AURKA inhibitor resulted in a decreased display of Apo2L/TRAIL decoy receptors and increased display of one Apo2L/TRAIL receptor (death receptor 5), resulting in enhanced response to death receptor ligand/agonists. When death receptors were activated in senescent tumor cells, both intrinsic and extrinsic apoptotic pathways were induced independent of BRAF, NRAS, or p53 mutation status. Senescent tumor cells exhibited BID-mediated mitochondrial depolarization in response to Apo2L/TRAIL treatment. In addition, senescent tumor cells had a lower apoptotic threshold due to decreased XIAP and survivin expression. Melanoma tumor xenografts of one human cell line and one PDX displayed total blockage of tumor growth when treated with MLN8237 combined with DR5 agonist antibody.

Conclusions: These findings provide a strong rationale for combining senescence-inducing therapeutics with death receptor agonists for improved cancer treatment. Clin Cancer Res; 21(23); 5338–48. ©2015 AACR.
Stool Bacteriomic Profiling in Patients with Metastatic Renal Cell Carcinoma Receiving Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor–Tyrosine Kinase Inhibitors
Authors: Pal Sumanta K. , Li Sierra M. , Wu Xiwei , Qin Hanjun , Kortylewski Marcin , Hsu JoAnn , Carmichael Courtney , Frankel Paul
Published: July 2015

Purpose: Diarrhea occurs in approximately half of patients with metastatic renal cell carcinoma (mRCC) receiving vascular endothelial growth factor–tyrosine kinase inhibitors (VEGF-TKI). We evaluated the relationship between VEGF-TKI–related diarrhea and stool microbiota.

Experimental Design: Stool samples were collected from 20 mRCC patients receiving VEGF-TKIs. 16S rRNA sequencing was used to characterize the stool bacteriomic profiling of patients. Assay validation with Salmonella typhimurium spike-in experiments suggested greatest speciation with use of the V5 region.

Results: Higher levels of Bacteroides spp. and lower levels of Prevotella spp. were found in patients with diarrhea. In addition, patients receiving VEGF-TKIs with mRCC appeared to have less relative abundance of Bifidobacterium spp. as compared with previous reports based on healthy subjects.

Conclusions: We have thus demonstrated interplay between microbiota and VEGF-TKI–induced diarrhea. Further studies are warranted to evaluate the potential causative role of preexisting dysbiosis in VEGF-TKI–related diarrhea. Clin Cancer Res; 21(23); 5286–93. ©2015 AACR.
Moving Beyond “Lumpology”: PET/CT Imaging of Pheochromocytoma and Paraganglioma
Authors: Hofman Michael S. , Hicks Rodney J.
Published: July 2015

High somatostatin receptor expression on the cell membrane of succinate dehydrogenase mutation-related pheochromocytoma and paraganglioma provides a potential target for imaging and therapy. 68Ga-DOTATATE positron emission PET/CT may represent a new gold standard for staging pheochromocytoma/paraganglioma and have future therapeutic implications. Clin Cancer Res; 21(17); 3815–7. ©2015 AACR.

See related article by Janssen et al., p. 3888
PTS-Mediated Regulation of the Transcription Activator MtlR from Different Species: Surprising Differences despite Strong Sequence Conservation
Authors: Joyet Philippe , Derkaoui Meriem , Bouraoui Houda , Deutscher Josef
Published: July 2015

The hexitol D-mannitol is transported by many bacteria via a phosphoenolpyruvate (PEP):carbohydrate phosphotransferase system (PTS). In most Firmicutes, the transcription activator MtlR controls the expression of the genes encoding the D-mannitol-specific PTS components and D-mannitol-1-P dehydrogenase. MtlR contains an N-terminal helix-turn-helix motif followed by an Mga-like domain, two PTS regulation domains (PRDs), an EIIBGat- and an EIIAMtl-like domain. The four regulatory domains are the target of phosphorylation by PTS components. Despite strong sequence conservation, the mechanisms controlling the activity of MtlR from Lactobacillus casei, Bacillus subtilis and Geobacillus stearothermophilus are quite different. Owing to the presence of a tyrosine in place of the second conserved histidine (His) in PRD2, L. casei MtlR is not phosphorylated by Enzyme I (EI) and HPr. When the corresponding His in PRD2 of MtlR from B. subtilis and G. stearothermophilus was replaced with alanine, the transcription regulator was no longer phosphorylated and remained inactive. Surprisingly, L. casei MtlR functions without phosphorylation in PRD2 because in a ptsI (EI) mutant MtlR is constitutively active. EI inactivation prevents not only phosphorylation of HPr, but also of the PTSMtl components, which inactivate MtlR by phosphorylating its EIIBGat- or EIIAMtl-like domain. This explains the constitutive phenotype of the ptsI mutant. The absence of EIIBMtl-mediated phosphorylation leads to induction of the L. caseimtl operon. This mechanism resembles mtlARFD induction in G. stearothermophilus, but differs from EIIAMtl-mediated induction in B. subtilis. In contrast to B. subtilis MtlR, L. casei MtlR activation does not require sequestration to the membrane via the unphosphorylated EIIBMtl domain.
Synthesis and Physicochemical Characterization of D-Tagatose-1-Phosphate: The Substrate of the Tagatose-1-Phosphate Kinase in the Phosphotransferase System-Mediated D-Tagatose Catabolic Pathway of Bacillus licheniformis
Authors: Van der Heiden Edwige , Delmarcelle Michaël , Simon Patricia , Counson Melody , Galleni Moreno , Freedberg Darón I. , Thompson John , Joris Bernard , Battistel Marcos D.
Published: July 2015

We report the first enzymatic synthesis of D-tagatose-1-phosphate (Tag-1P) by the multicomponent phosphoenolpyruvate:sugar phosphotransferase system (PEP-PTS) present in tagatose-grown cells of Klebsiella pneumoniae. Physicochemical characterization by 31P and 1H nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy reveals that, in solution, this derivative is primarily in the pyranose form. Tag-1P was used to characterize the putative tagatose-1-phosphate kinase (TagK) of the Bacillus licheniformis PTS-mediated D-tagatose catabolic pathway (Bli-TagP). For this purpose, a soluble protein fusion was obtained with the 6 His-tagged trigger factor (TFHis6) of Escherichia coli. The active fusion enzyme was named TagK-TFHis6. Tag-1P and D-fructose-1-phosphate are substrates for the TagK-TFHis6 enzyme, whereas the isomeric derivatives D-tagatose-6-phosphate and D-fructose-6-phosphate are inhibitors. Studies of catalytic efficiency (kcat/Km) reveal that the enzyme specificity is markedly in favor of Tag-1P as the substrate. Importantly, we show in vivo that the transfer of the phosphate moiety from PEP to the B. licheniformis tagatose-specific Enzyme II in E. coli is inefficient. The capability of the PTS general cytoplasmic components of B. subtilis, HPr and Enzyme I to restore the phosphate transfer is demonstrated.
Calhex231 Ameliorates Cardiac Hypertrophy by Inhibiting Cellular Autophagy in Vivo and in Vitro
Authors: Liu Lei , Wang Chao , Sun Dianjun , Jiang Shuangquan , Li Hong , Zhang Weihua , Zhao Yajun , Xi Yuhui , Shi Sa , Lu Fanghao , Tian Ye , Xu Changqing , Wang Lina
Published: July 2015

Background/Aims: Intracellular calcium concentration ([Ca2+]i) homeostasis, an initial factor of cardiac hypertrophy, is regulated by the calcium-sensing receptor (CaSR) and is associated with the formation of autolysosomes. The aim of this study was to investigate the role of Calhex231, a CaSR inhibitor, on the hypertrophic response via autophagy modulation. Methods: Cardiac hypertrophy was induced by transverse aortic constriction (TAC) in 40 male Wistar rats, while 10 rats underwent a sham operation and served as controls. Cardiac function was monitored by transthoracic echocardiography, and the hypertrophy index was calculated. Cardiac tissue was stained with hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) or Masson's trichrome reagent and examined by transmission electron microscopy. An angiotensin II (Ang II)-induced cardiomyocyte hypertrophy model was established and used to test the involvement of active molecules. Intracellular calcium concentration ([Ca2+]i) was determined by the introduction of Fluo-4/AM dye followed by confocal microscopy. The expression of various active proteins was analyzed by western blot. Results: The rats with TAC-induced hypertrophy had an increased heart size, ratio of heart weight to body weight, myocardial fibrosis, and CaSR and autophagy levels, which were suppressed by Calhex231. Experimental results using Ang II-induced hypertrophic cardiomyocytes confirmed that Calhex231 suppressed CaSR expression and downregulated autophagy by inhibiting the Ca2+/calmodulin-dependent-protein kinase-kinase-β (CaMKKβ)- AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK)-mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) pathway to ameliorate cardiomyocyte hypertrophy. Conclusions: Calhex231 ameliorates myocardial hypertrophy induced by pressure-overload or Ang II via inhibiting CaSR expression and autophagy. Our results may support the notion that Calhex231 can become a new therapeutic agent for the treatment of cardiac hypertrophy.
Functional Network Analysis Reveals Versatile MicroRNAs in Human Heart
Authors: Xu Yingqi , Zhu Wenliang , Sun Yong , Wang Zhe , Yuan Wei , Du Zhimin
Published: July 2015

Background: Acting on many mRNAs allows the power of a single miRNA to modulate multiple pathophysiological phenotypes. One question is whether versatile miRNAs exist in the pathological scenarios of myocardial infarction (MI) and heart failure (HF). Methods: A hypergeometric analysis, in combination with network-based functional analyses, was performed on the available human protein interaction and miRNA-gene association data to highlight versatile miRNAs among the significantly dysregulated miRNAs in MI and HF. In vivo, mice models of MI and HF were then established to investigate whether dysregulated expression be undertaken by versatile miRNA identified here. Results: Systematic analyses really identified the previously validated miRNAs that have been verified of multiple important roles in MI and HF, demonstrating method effectiveness. By using this means, we innovatively revealed the vital role of miR-7 in maintaining the dynamic balance of protein interactions and its obvious overexpression in MI and HF that implies pathological involvement. Functional experiments are definitely needed for further revealing its potential influences on MI- or HF-led myocardial injury. Conclusion: Our results have implications not only for the coming miRNA-based strategy in treating MI and HF but also for further understanding on gene regulation by miRNAs in human heart.
Human Papillomavirus Positivity in Women Undergoing Intrauterine Insemination Has a Negative Effect on Pregnancy Rates
Authors: Depuydt Christophe E. , Verstraete Ludo , Berth Mario , Beert Johan , Bogers John-Paul , Salembier Geert , Vereecken Annie J. , Bosmans Eugene
Published: July 2015

Background: Sexually transmitted infections are a major cause of infertility. Human papillomavirus (HPV) infection is one of the most common viral infections of the female genital tract. Only a limited number of studies have investigated the influence of HPV on fertility and its impact remains controversial. Objective: We investigated the relationship between cervical HPV infection and pregnancy outcome after intrauterine insemination (IUI). Since other sexually transmitted infections could also influence outcome, we also analyzed the influence of Trichomonas vaginalis (TV) and Chlamydia trachomatis (CT) on pregnancy outcome. Methods: We performed a retrospective analysis of 590 women who underwent 1,529 IUI cycles at AML between 2010 and 2014. Positivity of 18 different HPV types (6, 11, 16, 18, 31, 33, 35, 39, 45, 51, 52, 53, 56, 58, 59, 66, 67, 68) and TV was assessed by PCR in cervical cytology specimens. CT status was ascertained by detection of IgA/IgG antibodies on serum samples or by PCR on cervical swabs. Results: The HPV prevalence per IUI cycle was 11.0 and 6.9% for CT; none of the women tested positive for TV. HPV-positive women were six times less likely to become pregnant after IUI (1.87 vs. 11.36%; p = 0.0041). There was no significant difference in pregnancy rates between women with or without a history of CT (8.51 vs. 11.10%; p > 0.05). Conclusion: Detection of HPV is associated with a negative IUI outcome.
Management of Anesthesia in Adult and Pediatric Mastocytosis: A Study of the Spanish Network on Mastocytosis (REMA) Based on 726 Anesthetic Procedures
Authors: Matito Almudena , Morgado José Mario , Sánchez-López Paula , Álvarez-Twose Iván , Sánchez-Muñoz Laura , Orfao Alberto , Escribano Luis
Published: July 2015

Background: The role of anesthesia as an elicitor of mast cell (MC) mediator release symptoms in mastocytosis is poorly investigated. Objective: To determine the frequency and type of MC mediator release symptoms during anesthetic procedures in mastocytosis patients. Methods: Medical records were reviewed regarding the anesthetic techniques for 501 mastocytosis patients (459 adults and 42 children; 95 and 5% with systemic involvement, respectively) who were subjected to 676 and 50 anesthetic techniques, respectively. General, sedation, epidural, and local anesthetic techniques were used in 66 (10%), 67 (10%), 76 (11%), and 515 (76%) adult patients and in 24 (48%), 8 (16%), 2 (4%), and 25 (50%) pediatric patients. Results: The frequency of perioperative MC mediator-related symptoms and anaphylaxis was 2 and 0.4% in the adult series and 4 and 2% among children. In the adult series, this frequency was significantly higher in patients who previously presented with anaphylaxis (p = 0.03), underwent major surgeries (p < 0.001) and general anesthesia (p = 0.02), and were not given prophylactic antimediator therapy (PAT) 1 h before the anesthesia (H1/H2 antihistamines and benzodiacepines; p = 0.002).Hypersensitivity and/or allergy to the involved drugs and latex allergy were ruled out in all but one symptomatic case; when PAT was given and sedation was added, some cases later tolerated the same anesthetic drugs. Conclusion: The frequency of perioperative anaphylaxis appears to be higher in mastocytosis patients than in the general population. Mastocytosis should not be a contraindication for anesthesia since PAT and adequate anesthetic management using the drugs with the safest profile appears to be effective in preventing/controlling MC mediator-associated symptoms.
High-Sensitivity Cardiac Troponin T and Risk of Hypertension
Authors: McEvoy John W. , Chen Yuan , Nambi Vijay , Ballantyne Christie M. , Sharrett A. Richey , Appel Lawrence J. , Post Wendy S. , Blumenthal Roger S. , Matsushita Kunihiro , Selvin Elizabeth
Published: July 2015

Background—

The diagnosis of hypertension is often preceded by cardiac structural abnormalities. Thus, we assessed whether high-sensitivity cardiac troponin T (hs-cTnT), a marker of subclinical myocardial damage, can identify individuals at risk for hypertension or left ventricular hypertrophy.

Methods and Results—

We studied 6516 Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities (ARIC) Study participants who were free of prevalent hypertension and cardiovascular disease at baseline (1990–1992). We examined the association of baseline hs-cTnT categories with incident diagnosed hypertension (defined by self-report of a diagnosis or medication use during a maximum of 19.9 years of follow-up) and with incident visit-based hypertension (defined by self-report, medication use, or measured blood pressure >140/90 mm Hg over 6 years). Relative to hs-cTnT <5 ng/L, adjusted hazard ratios for incident diagnosed hypertension were 1.16 (95% confidence interval, 1.08–1.25) for individuals with hs-cTnT of 5 to 8 ng/L, 1.29 (95% confidence interval, 1.14–1.47) for hs-cTnT of 9 to 13 ng/L, and 1.31 (95% confidence interval, 1.07–1.61) for hs-cTnT ≥14ng/L (
P
for trend <0.001). Associations were stronger for incident visit-based hypertension. These associations were driven by higher relative hazard in normotensive people (compared with those with prehypertension;
P
for interaction=0.001). Baseline hs-cTnT was also strongly associated with incident left ventricular hypertrophy by electrocardiography over 6 years (eg, adjusted hazard ratio, 5.19 [95% confidence interval, 1.49–18.08] for hs-cTnT ≥14 versus <5 ng/L). Findings were not appreciably changed after accounting for competing deaths or adjusting for baseline blood pressure levels or N-terminal probrain natriuretic peptide.

Conclusions—

In an ambulatory population with no history of cardiovascular disease, hs-cTnT was associated with incident hypertension and risk of left ventricular hypertrophy. Further research is needed to determine whether hs-cTnT can identify people who may benefit from ambulatory blood pressure monitoring or hypertension prevention lifestyle strategies.
Association of Exposure to Di-2-Ethylhexylphthalate Replacements With Increased Blood Pressure in Children and Adolescents
Authors: Trasande Leonardo , Attina Teresa M.
Published: July 2015

Phthalates are environmental chemicals widely used in consumer and personal care products. In this study, we examined associations of urinary phthalates with blood pressure, triglycerides, and lipoproteins in children and adolescents, performing a cross-sectional analysis of a subsample of US children 6 to 19 years of age who participated in the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey between the years 2009 and 2012. We quantified exposure to common environmental phthalates, with a focus on the dietary contaminant di-2-ethylhexylphthalate and 2 increasingly used replacements, di-isononyl phthalate and di-isodecyl phthalate, based on micromolar concentration of urinary metabolites. We assessed descriptive, univariate, and multivariable associations with blood pressure and lipids. Controlling for an array of sociodemographic and behavioral factors, as well as diet and body mass, metabolites of di-2-ethylhexylphthalate, di-isononyl phthalate, and di-isodecyl phthalate were associated with higher age-, sex- and height-standardized blood pressure. For each log unit increase in di-isodecyl phthalate metabolites, a 0.105 standard deviation unit increase in systolic blood pressure
z
score was identified (
P
=0.004); for di-isononyl phthalate metabolites, a 0.113 standard deviation unit increment was identified (
P
=0.008). For di-2-ethylhexylphthalate metabolites, a 0.103 standard deviation unit increment (
P
=0.013) was detected. Metabolites of low molecular weight phthalates commonly found in cosmetics and personal care products showed an association with blood pressure (≥90th percentile) in univariate analysis, but this was no longer significant in our full multivariable model, suggesting specificity. Phthalate metabolites were not associated with triglycerides or high-density lipoproteins. Further, longitudinal studies are needed to confirm these associations and to assess opportunities for intervention.
Chemerin Regulates Crosstalk Between Adipocytes and Vascular Cells Through Nox
Authors: Neves Karla Bianca , Nguyen Dinh Cat Aurelie , Lopes Rheure Alves Moreira , Rios Francisco Jose , Anagnostopoulou Aikaterini , Lobato Nubia Souza , de Oliveira Ana Maria , Tostes Rita C. , Montezano Augusto C. , Touyz Rhian M.
Published: July 2015

Adipocytes produce adipokines, including chemerin, a chemoattractant that mediates effects through its ChemR23 receptor. Chemerin has been linked to endothelial dysfunction and vascular injury in pathological conditions, such as obesity, diabetes mellitus, and hypertension. Molecular mechanisms underlying this are elusive. Here we assessed whether chemerin through redox-sensitive signaling influences molecular processes associated with vascular growth, apoptosis, and inflammation. Human microvascular endothelial cells and vascular smooth muscle cells were stimulated with chemerin (50 ng/mL). Chemerin increased generation of reactive oxygen species and phosphorylation of mitogen-activated protein kinases, effects that were inhibited by ML171, GKT137831 (Nox inhibitors), and N-acetylcysteine (reactive oxygen species scavenger). Chemerin increased mRNA expression of proinflammatory mediators in vascular cells and increased monocyte-to-endothelial cell attachment. In human vascular smooth muscle cells, chemerin induced phosphorylation of mitogen-activated protein kinases and stimulated proliferation (increased proliferating cell nuclear antigen expression [proliferation marker] and BrdU incorporation [proliferation assay]). Chemerin decreased phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase/protein kinase B activation and increased TUNEL-positive human vascular smooth muscle cells. In human microvascular endothelial cells, chemerin reduced endothelial nitric oxide synthase activity and nitric oxide production. Adipocyte-conditioned medium from obese/diabetic mice (db/db), which have elevated chemerin levels, increased reactive oxygen species generation in vascular smooth muscle cells, whereas adipocyte-conditioned medium from control mice had no effect. Chemerin actions were blocked by CCX 832, a ChemR23 inhibitor. Our data demonstrate that chemerin, through Nox activation and redox-sensitive mitogen-activated protein kinases signaling, exerts proapoptotic, proinflammatory, and proliferative effects in human vascular cells. These findings elucidate some molecular mechanisms through chemerin, which is increased in obesity, whereby adipocytes may influence vascular function. We identify chemerin as a novel vasoactive adipokine, which may be important in obesity-related vascular injury.
Relationship Between Cancer and Cardiovascular Outcomes Following Percutaneous Coronary Intervention
Authors: Hess Connie N. , Roe Matthew T. , Clare Robert M. , Chiswell Karen , Kelly Joseph , Tcheng James E. , Hagstrom Emil , James Stefan K. , Khouri Michel G. , Hirsch Bradford R. , Kong David F. , Abernethy Amy P. , Krucoff Mitchell W.
Published: July 2015

Background

Cardiovascular disease and cancer increasingly coexist, yet relationships between cancer and long‐term cardiovascular outcomes post–percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) are not well studied.

Methods and Results

We examined stented PCI patients at Duke (1996–2010) using linked data from the Duke Information Systems for Cardiovascular Care and the Duke Tumor Registry (a cancer treatment registry). Our primary outcome was cardiovascular mortality. Secondary outcomes included composite cardiovascular mortality, myocardial infarction, or repeat revascularization and all‐cause mortality. We used adjusted cause‐specific hazard models to examine outcomes among cancer patients (cancer treatment pre‐PCI) versus controls (no cancer treatment pre‐PCI). Cardiovascular mortality was explored in a cancer subgroup with recent (within 1 year pre‐PCI) cancer and in post‐PCI cancer patients using post‐PCI cancer as a time‐dependent variable. Among 15 008 patients, 3.3% (n=496) were cancer patients. Observed rates of 14‐year cardiovascular mortality (31.4% versus 27.7%,
P
=0.31) and composite cardiovascular death, myocardial infarction, or revascularization (51.1% versus 55.8%,
P
=0.37) were similar for cancer versus control groups; all‐cause mortality rates were higher (79.7% versus 49.3%,
P
<0.01). Adjusted risk of cardiovascular mortality was similar for cancer patients versus controls (hazard ratio 0.95; 95% CI 0.76 to 1.20) and for patients with versus without recent cancer (hazard ratio 1.46; 95% CI 0.92 to 2.33). Post‐PCI cancer, present in 4.3% (n=647) of patients, was associated with cardiovascular mortality (adjusted hazard ratio 1.51; 95% CI 1.11 to 2.03).

Conclusions

Cancer history was present in a minority of PCI patients but was not associated with worse long‐term cardiovascular outcomes. Further investigation into PCI outcomes in this population is warranted.
Cluster Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Forster Anne , Young John , Chapman Katie , Nixon Jane , Patel Anita , Holloway Ivana , Mellish Kirste , Anwar Shamaila , Breen Rachel , Knapp Martin , Murray Jenni , Farrin Amanda
Published: July 2015

Background and Purpose—

We developed a new postdischarge system of care comprising a structured assessment covering longer-term problems experienced by patients with stroke and their carers, linked to evidence-based treatment algorithms and reference guides (the longer-term stroke care system of care) to address the poor longer-term recovery experienced by many patients with stroke.

Methods—

A pragmatic, multicentre, cluster randomized controlled trial of this system of care. Eligible patients referred to community-based Stroke Care Coordinators were randomized to receive the new system of care or usual practice. The primary outcome was improved patient psychological well-being (General Health Questionnaire-12) at 6 months; secondary outcomes included functional outcomes for patients, carer outcomes, and cost-effectiveness. Follow-up was through self-completed postal questionnaires at 6 and 12 months.

Results—

Thirty-two stroke services were randomized (29 participated); 800 patients (399 control; 401 intervention) and 208 carers (100 control; 108 intervention) were recruited. In intention to treat analysis, the adjusted difference in patient General Health Questionnaire-12 mean scores at 6 months was −0.6 points (95% confidence interval, −1.8 to 0.7;
P
=0.394) indicating no evidence of statistically significant difference between the groups. Costs of Stroke Care Coordinator inputs, total health and social care costs, and quality-adjusted life year gains at 6 months, 12 months, and over the year were similar between the groups.

Conclusions—

This robust trial demonstrated no benefit in clinical or cost-effectiveness outcomes associated with the new system of care compared with usual Stroke Care Coordinator practice.

Clinical Trial Registration—

URL:
http://www.controlled-trials.com
. Unique identifier: ISRCTN 67932305.
Is There a Room for Queer Desires in the House of Biblical Scholarship?
Authors: Menéndez-Antuña Luis
Published: July 2015

When tackling the issue of homosex, New Testament interpreters either read the biblical text as continuously relevant to our present (continuism) or as completely estranged from contemporary conceptions of desire (alteritism). This article explores the historiographical styles underlying both hermeneutical strategies to argue that, despite their many advantages, continuism and alteritism both have homophobic and/or queerphobic foundations and occlude from contemporary debates of sexuality’s multiple queer desires and practices (like “straights” having queer sex). By surveying recent developments in queer historiography, I conclude that no comprehensive account of desire is equipped to account for the present, and, thus, virtual dis/identifications with the biblical past cannot be guaranteed or foreclosed.
The Sultan’s Sons-in-Law: Analysing Ottoman Imperial Damads
Authors: Bouquet Olivier
Published: July 2015

Studies of imperial courts tend to focus on the ruler and the direct line of succession, which was crucial for the survival of the dynasty. Where succession was patrilineal, princes therefore generally received more attention than their sisters. A group that is invariably overlooked altogether consists of the husbands of these princesses, despite the fact that they too were part of the extended imperial household. The Ottoman Empire was no exception. This article attempts to redress that imbalance by examining various aspects of the Ottoman son-in-law, including recruitment, social status, reputations, careers, and reception history.
The Final Simile in the Aeneid
Authors: Mader Gottfried
Published: July 2015

Turnus’ ballistic effort in the poem’s finale is answered by a contrapuntal simile describing Aeneas’ spear-throw as a salvo from a siege-engine: Turnus’ abortive feat, emulating an archaic epic gesture, now marks the anarcho-primitivist, while the ballista image—a conspicuous, forward-looking anachronism—pointedly plays off ‘modern’ technological rationality against a model of outdated heroics. As symbol and metonymy, this tension recapitulates aspects of the poem’s teleological design and, as such, discloses the mechanisms of the text’s own functioning: the simile of mechanized warfare echoes the theme of Jupiter’s blueprint with its defining polarities chaos/order,uis/consilium, nature/culture, and the forward march of history.
Sapphirina iris Dana, 1849 and S. sinuicauda Brady, 1883 (Copepoda, Cyclopoida): predators of salps in Monterey Bay and the Gulf of California
Authors: Gasca R. , Suárez-Morales E. , Haddock S. H. D.
Published: July 2015

Species of the copepod genusSapphirinaThompson, 1829 are deemed as specialized predators of salps. There are only a few documented records of such copepods actually found within their prey. During two cruises of the R/V “Western Flyer” of MBARI (Monterey Bay Aquarium Research Institute), SCUBA diving was used to sample the zooplankton in Monterey Bay and the Gulf of California. An ovigerous female ofSapphirinairisDana, 1849 and a male ofS. sinuicaudaBrady, 1883 were collected inside aggregate zooids of the salpPegea confoederata(Forskål, 1775). Also, two adult females ofS. iriswere recorded insideP. socia(Bosc, 1802); both were lodged near the orifices they made to enter the salp’s body. This is the first documented record of the association involving these sapphirinid copepods lodged in their prey. The high number of eggs of the femaleS. irissupports the suggestion that sapphirinids have a higher fecundity than that of other planktonic copepods, an adaptive strategy related to their mode of life. The find of the maleS. sinuicaudaattached inside the salp differs from earlier observations on the behaviour of sapphirinid males.
Population structure and dynamics of the freshwater shrimp Atyaephyra desmarestii (Millet, 1831) in the lower River Minho (NW Portugal)
Authors: Fidalgo Maria L. , Santos Paulo , Ferreira Cláudia , Silva Andreia
Published: July 2015

This paper reports population dynamics, growth, and reproductive features ofAtyaephyra desmarestii(Millet, 1831) from the estuary of the River Minho. Also, data were compared to information available from its distribution range. Samples were taken monthly between October 2010 and September 2011. Males were less abundant and smaller than females. The growth pattern showed hardly any increase during the autumn and winter, but a fast increase in size was recorded in spring, followed by slower growth in summer. The life span was 11-12 months. The reproductive period was from April to August, and mean fecundity reached 643 ± 254 eggs/female. Juveniles started to appear in July and a strong recruitment occurred in summer and autumn. The ecological relevance of the shrimp supports the need of obtaining further and more specific knowledge on the relationship between geographical distribution and water quality. Our results coupled with longer time series in different localities will be essential to the conservation of the species.
Access to Personal Data and the Right to Good Governance during Asylum Procedures after the cjeu’s YS. and M. and S. judgment (C-141/12 and C-372/12)
Authors: Brouwer Evelien , Borgesius Frederik Zuiderveen
Published: July 2015

In the YS. and M. and S. judgment, the Court of Justice of the European Union ruled on three procedures in which Dutch judges asked for clarification on the right of asylum seekers to have access to the documents regarding the decision on asylum applications. The judgment is relevant for interpreting the concept of personal data and the scope of the right of access under the Data Protection Directive, and the right to good administration in the eu Charter of Fundamental Rights. At first glance, the judgment seems disappointing from the viewpoint of individual rights. Nevertheless, in our view the judgment provides sufficient grounds for effective access rights to the minutes in future asylum cases.
Strengthening the Protection of Stateless Persons from Arbitrary Detention in Immigration Control Proceedings
Authors: Seet Matthew
Published: July 2015

There is a growing movement (globally and in Europe) addressing statelessness, and the July 2014 decision of Kim v Russia illustrates the role of the Strasbourg Court as a guardian of one of the most important fundamental rights of the ‘legally invisible’ in Europe. The court held that Russia’s two-year detention of a stateless person with a view to expulsion violated his right to liberty and security under Article 5(1) of the European Convention of Human Rights. This comment argues that Kim v Russia represents an important step forward by the Strasbourg Court in safeguarding the stateless person’s right to liberty and security of person under echr doctrine, by highlighting and addressing the special vulnerability of stateless persons to prolonged, indefinite and cyclical detention in immigration control proceedings, although the court should have gone further and indicated general measures explicitly recommending for Russia to introduce statelessness determination procedures.
Islamic Manuscript Collections in Ethiopia
Authors: Kawo Hassen Muhammad
Published: July 2015

Ethiopian Muslims introduced literary culture and manuscript collection in the mosques after the introduction of Islam in the seventh century. Books stored and preserved in a bookshelves known as taqet (Arabic, tāqat, shelf). This clearly shows African endogenous culture of preserving textual material that before the introduction of European models for archives and museums. This article demonstrates the collection of Islamic manuscripts in Ethiopian state archives and private collections and illustrates their challenges with recommendation to rescue the collections.
Resolution of polyphyly in Pueraria (Leguminosae, Papilionoideae): The creation of two new genera, Haymondia and Toxicopueraria, the resurrection of Neustanthus, and a new combination in Teyleria
Authors: Egan Ashley N. , Pan Bo
Published: July 2015

Recent molecular phylogenetic studies (Egan et al., in prep.) have demonstrated widespread polyphyly within the genus Pueraria. A new classification is presented here that delineates monophyletic groups previously considered congeneric with Pueraria. This taxonomic treatment provides several new species combinations and a more natural circumscription of Pueraria by reinstating the genus Neustanthus, transferring one species to Teyleria and establishing two new genera: Haymondia and Toxicopueraria.
Recognizing the species of Thuja (Cupressaceae) based on their cone and foliage morphology
Authors: Sun Bin , Cui Yi-Ming , Wang Hai-Feng , Ferguson David Kay , Xiang Qiao-Ping , Ma Qing-Wen , Wang Yu-Fei
Published: July 2015

Thuja, with 5 extant species, exhibiting a disjunctive distribution between East Asia (3 species) and North America (2 species), was investigated with respect to the morphological characters of foliage and cones by LM and SEM. Here we provide 2 keys to all 5 species of Thuja based on the cones and foliage respectively, which not  only can be used for identifying extant Thuja at the species level, but also have a great potential for recognizing and/or linking the fossil species to living ones, and further tracing the evolutionary history of the genus.
Three new northern Brazilian Myrtaceae
Authors: Sobral Marcos , SOUZA MARIA ANÁLIA DUARTE DE , LUIZE BRUNO G.
Published: July 2015

Calyptranthes irregularis, Eugenia abunan and Myrcia macaca are described, illustrated and compared with related species. Calyptranthes irregularis, from the state of Amazonas, is related to C. cuspidata, from which it is distinguished by blades with adaxially sulcate midvein, larger flowers and a calyx with irregular splitting; Eugenia abunan, from the state of Rondônia, is related to E. multirimosa, differing in its larger flowers and absent calyx tube; Myrcia macaca, from the state of Roraima, is related to M. porphyrea and M. crispa, differing mainly by its trilocular ovary.
The Influence of the MJO on the Intraseasonal Variability of Northern Hemisphere Spring Snow Depth
Authors: Barrett Bradford S. , Henderson Gina R. , Werling Joshua S.
Published: July 2015

Intraseasonal variability in springtime Northern Hemisphere daily snow depth change (ΔSD) by phase of the MJO was explored in this study. Principal findings of the relationship between ΔSD and the MJO included the following: 1) Statistically significant regions of lagged ΔSD anomalies for multiple phases of the MJO were found in March, April, and May in both North America and Eurasia. 2) In each month, lagged ΔSD anomalies were physically supported by corresponding lagged anomalies of 500-hPa height (Z500) and surface air temperature (SAT). Spearman rank correlation coefficients indicated a moderate to strong relationship between both Z500 and ΔSD and SAT and ΔSD in both Eurasia and North America for phases 5 and 7 in March. In April, a moderately strong relationship between Z500 and ΔSD was found over Eurasia for phase 5, but the relationship between SAT and ΔSD was weak. In May, correlations between ΔSD and both Z500 and SAT over a hemisphere-wide latitude band from 60° to 75°N were close to −0.5 and −0.4, respectively. Given the strength of these statistical relationships, the following physical pathway is proposed for intraseasonal variability of spring snow depth changes: poleward-propagating Rossby waves in response to tropical MJO convection interact with Northern Hemisphere background flow, leading to anomalous troughing and ridging. These anomalous circulation centers then impact daily snow depth change via precipitation processes and anomalies in surface air temperature.
Midlatitude–Equatorial Dynamics of a Grounded Deep Western Boundary Current. Part II: Cross-Equatorial Dynamics
Authors: Swaters Gordon E.
Published: July 2015

This is Part II of a two-part theoretical study into the midlatitude–cross-equatorial dynamics of a deep western boundary current (DWBC) in an idealized meridionally aligned, differentially rotating ocean basin with zonally varying parabolic bottom topography. Part I determined the midlatitude flow across the planetary vorticity gradient and the dynamics of the DWBC as it begins to enter the equatorial region in the “intermediate equatorial region.” Part II determines the nonlinear dynamics of the DWBC as it flows across the basin along the equator in the “inner equatorial region.” The large-scale structure of the flow within the inner equatorial region corresponds to a zonally aligned nonlinear stationary planetary wave pattern that meanders about the equator in which the flow exits the equatorial region on the eastern side of the basin. In addition to numerically determining the pathlines for the large-scale equatorial flow, an approximate nonlinear model is introduced for which an analytical solution can be obtained for the nonlinear planetary wave along the equator. If the DWBC exits the equatorial region into the opposite hemisphere from its source hemisphere, the characteristic curves associated with the flow must necessarily intersect within the inner equatorial region. It is in the regions of intersecting characteristics that dissipation makes a leading-order contribution to the dynamics and induces the requisite potential vorticity adjustment permitting the cross-equatorial flow of a DWBC that is in planetary geostrophic dynamical balance in midlatitudes.
A Dual Role for P2X7 Receptor during Porphyromonas gingivalis Infection
Authors: Ramos-Junior E.S. , Morandini A.C. , Almeida-da-Silva C.L.C. , Franco E.J. , Potempa J. , Nguyen K.A. , Oliveira A.C. , Zamboni D.S. , Ojcius D.M. , Scharfstein J. , Coutinho-Silva R.
Published: July 2015

Emerging evidence suggests a role for purinergic signaling in the activation of multiprotein intracellular complexes called inflammasomes, which control the release of potent inflammatory cytokines, such as interleukin (IL) -1β and -18. Porphyromonas gingivalis is intimately associated with periodontitis and is currently considered one of the pathogens that can subvert the immune system by limiting the activation of the NLRP3 inflammasome. We recently showed that P. gingivalis can dampen eATP-induced IL-1β secretion by means of its fimbriae in a purinergic P2X7 receptor–dependent manner. Here, we further explore the role of this purinergic receptor during eATP-induced IL-1β processing and secretion by P. gingivalis–infected macrophages. We found that NLRP3 was necessary for eATP-induced IL-1β secretion as well as for caspase 1 activation irrespective of P. gingivalis fimbriae. Additionally, although the secretion of IL-1β from P. gingivalis–infected macrophages was dependent on NLRP3, its adaptor protein ASC, or caspase 1, the cleavage of intracellular pro-IL-1β to the mature form was found to occur independently of NLRP3, its adaptor protein ASC, or caspase 1. Our in vitro findings revealed that P2X7 receptor has a dual role, being critical not only for eATP-induced IL-1β secretion but also for intracellular pro-IL-1β processing. These results were relevant in vivo since P2X7 receptor expression was upregulated in a P. gingivalis oral infection model, and reduced IFN-γ and IL-17 were detected in draining lymph node cells from P2rx7-/- mice. Furthermore, we demonstrated that P2X7 receptor and NLRP3 transcription were modulated in human chronic periodontitis. Overall, we conclude that the P2X7 receptor has a role in periodontal immunopathogenesis and suggest that targeting of the P2X7/NLRP3 pathway should be considered in future therapeutic interventions in periodontitis.
Evaluating Bias of Sequential Mixed-mode Designs Against Benchmark Surveys
Authors: Klausch Thomas , Schouten Barry , Hox Joop J.
Published: July 2015

This study evaluated three types of bias—total, measurement, and selection bias (SB)—in three sequential mixed-mode designs of the Dutch Crime Victimization Survey: telephone, mail, and web, where nonrespondents were followed up face-to-face (F2F). In the absence of true scores, all biases were estimated as mode effects against two different types of benchmarks. In the single-mode benchmark (SMB), effects were evaluated against a F2F reference survey. In an alternative analysis, a “hybrid-mode benchmark” (HMB) was used, where effects were evaluated against a mix of the measurements of a web survey and the SB of a F2F survey. A special reinterview design made available additional auxiliary data exploited in estimation for a range of survey variables. Depending on the SMB and HMB perspectives, a telephone, mail, or web design with a F2F follow-up (SMB) or a design involving only mail and/or web but not a F2F follow-up (HMB) is recommended based on the empirical findings.
The Therapeutic Spirit of Neoliberalism
Authors: Foster Roger
Published: July 2015

My essay argues that neoliberal forms of government emerged through the shifting political trajectory of the therapeutic ethos in the postwar period in Anglo-American societies. In the postwar era, the therapeutic ethos attracted the attention of conservative cultural critics who described it as a destructive force on communal obligation. Initially, the therapeutic ethos appeared to align naturally with New Left ideas of democratization in the workplace and private sphere. However, I argue that the New Right was subsequently able to sever the therapeutic ethos from its alignment with social democratization by imbuing it with an alternative set of meanings centered on the ideas of market freedom and the entrepreneur. The result was the construction of the new, neoliberal forms of power, which, I argue, take the form of the management of subjectivity. Finally, I outline the two major social pathologies of the neoliberal era, namely, the consequences of its contractualized notion of citizenship and the explosion of social inequality, both of which are traceable to the influence of therapeutic notions of the self.
Chinese Land Grabbing in Argentina and Colombia
Authors: Puyana Alicia , Costantino Agostina
Published: July 2015

Land grabbing by foreigners may be seen as the transfer of value from countries of the periphery to the countries of the center. China is one of the principal countries acquiring land in Latin America, and Argentina and Colombia are the main countries in which its investment is concentrated. The explicit objective of Chinese investment in land there is, in addition to the pursuit of profits in both food production and land value, acquiring a guaranteed supply of cheap food to sustain its low industrial wages and of Chinese manufactures to maintain its competitiveness at the international level. This makes this investment of crucial interest because it allows us to understand the dependent character of the development measures that are being employed in those Latin American countries despite their different ideological orientations.

Se puede considerar el acaparamiento de tierras por extranjeros como la transferencia de valor de países de la periferia a países del centro. La China es uno de los principales países que adquiere tierra en América Latina, y su inversión se concentra mayormente en Argentina y Colombia. El objetivo explícito de la inversión china en tierras allí es, además de la búsqueda de ganancias en producción de comestibles y valor del suelo, adquirir un suministro garantizado de comestibles baratos para sostener sus bajos sueldos industriales y para que la manufactura china mantenga su competitividad a nivel internacional. Por eso, esta inversión es de crucial interés porque nos permite comprender el carácter dependiente de las medidas de desarrollo que se emplean en esos países latinoamericanos a pesar de sus distintas orientaciones ideológicas.