bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Abstract PR12: Early TCRα expression during T cell development for the generation of enhanced-affinity TCRs for TCR gene therapy.
Authors: Schmitt Thomas M. , Greenberg Philip D. , Aggen David H. , Kranz David , Ochsenreither Sebastian
Published: August 2014

Thymic selection eliminates T cells expressing TCRs with a high affinity for self-antigen. However, many of the most promising tumor antigens for T cell-based cancer immunotherapies are unmodified self-antigens. Therefore, tumor-specific T cells often have a low avidity for tumor antigens, thus limiting the efficacy of this approach. TCR gene therapy using TCR genes that have been modified for increased affinity can overcome this limitation. The generation of enhanced affinity TCRs generally involves saturation mutagenesis targeting the complementarity determining regions of the TCR genes to be modified. However, this approach requires considerable trial and error, and is still not always successful at generating a higher affinity TCR without promiscuous off-target activity. We have developed a system for selecting high affinity tumor antigen-specific TCRs from a population of T cells selected by agonist signaling during T cell development in vitro.

The αβ/γδ lineage choice is in part dictated by the strength of TCR/pre-TCR signaling during early T cell development, such that the pre-TCR provides a weak signal that drives αβ T cell development while the mature γδ TCR provides a stronger signal that drives γδ T cell development. In TCR transgenic mice, early expression of the transgenic TCRα chain prior to β-selection can also provide a stronger γδ-like signal through the mature αβ TCR, leading to the development of lineage redirected TCRαβ+ CD4/CD8 double negative (DN) γδ wanna-be” cells. The development of these DN TCRαβ+ cells is enhanced in the presence of cognate antigen or TCR crosslinking; suggesting that early expression of an antigen-specific TCRα chain before β-selection could promote the generation of DN TCRαβ+ cells in the presence of antigen, through a process in which the introduced TCRα chain pairs with an endogenous TCRβ chain to produce an αβ TCR with high affinity for the target antigen. To test this hypothesis, the TCRα chain from a tumor antigen-specific TCR was transduced into hematopoietic progenitor cells and a library of TCRβ chains was isolated from the lineage redirected DN TCRαβ+ T cells that developed. Several TCRβchains of varying CDR3 lengths were isolated that confer enhanced affinity for the target antigen when paired with the introduced TCRα chain.

This abstract is also presented as Poster A13.

Citation Format: Thomas M. Schmitt, Philip D. Greenberg, David H. Aggen, David Kranz, Sebastian Ochsenreither. Early TCRα expression during T cell development for the generation of enhanced-affinity TCRs for TCR gene therapy. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the AACR Special Conference on Tumor Immunology: Multidisciplinary Science Driving Basic and Clinical Advances; Dec 2-5, 2012; Miami, FL. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2013;73(1 Suppl):Abstract nr PR12.
Abstract PR3: Myofibroblasts activated upon tissue injury and hypoxia promote development of castration-resistant prostate cancer.
Authors: Ammirante Massimo , Kang Youngjin , Karin Michael
Published: August 2014

Background: Prostate cancer (PCa) progresses from prostatic intraepithelial neoplasia through locally invasive adenocarcinoma to castration resistant (CR) metastatic carcinoma. Although radical prostatectomy, radiation and androgen ablation are effective therapies for androgen-dependent (AD) PCa, metastatic CR-PCa is a major complication with high mortality. Cancer associated fibroblasts (CAFs) are a heterogeneous cell population of the tumor microenvironment that play important enabling roles in cancer development and progression. The mechanism resonsible for myofibroblast activation within the tumor microenvironment are not entirely clear and can be cancer-specific and heterogeneous.

Methods: We used the Myc-CaP translpantable model of AD-PCa and the spontaneous mouse PCa model, TRAMP and we examinated how androgen ablation leads to induction of CXCL13 expression, which is critical for recruitment of B cells into tumor remnants and accellerate evolution of CR-PCa. We confirmed our data using human specimens of PCa.

Results: Following castration, many myofibroblasts were present within the tumors remnants, which expressed CXCL13. Ablation of myofibroblasts led to a marked reduction in the infiltration of T, B and dendritic cells into the tumor remnants after the castration, reduced the expression of several chemokines, including CXCL13 and also delayed the re-growth of CR-PCa.

We also found that androgen ablation led to increased expression of TGF-β in the tumor remnants. Inhibition of TGF-β signaling prevented activation of myofibroblasts, infiltration of B cells, induction of CXCL13 expressing myofibroblasts and also delayed the re-growth of CR-PCa. The main source of TGF-β in PCa tumors after castration appeared to be the fibroblast fraction.

After castration, hypoxic areas appeared along with nuclear translocation of HIF-1α. Exposure of inactivated fibroblasts isolated from PCa tumors of non-castrated mice under hypoxic condition induced the expression of CTGF and TGF-β, which was HIF-1α dependent, and converted the fibroblasts into myofibroblasts.

Conclusions: Our data show for the first time that androgen ablation led to hypoxia-induced myofibroblast activation, which is the cell type in the tumor stroma that recruits tumor-infiltrating B cells that allow the re-growth of CR-PCa through the production of lymphotoxin and IKKα nuclear translocation in the prostate epithelial cells.

This abstract is also presented as Poster A75.

Citation Format: Massimo Ammirante, Youngjin Kang, Michael Karin. Myofibroblasts activated upon tissue injury and hypoxia promote development of castration-resistant prostate cancer. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the AACR Special Conference on Tumor Immunology: Multidisciplinary Science Driving Basic and Clinical Advances; Dec 2-5, 2012; Miami, FL. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2013;73(1 Suppl):Abstract nr PR3.
Micropercutaneous Nephrolithotomy in the Management of Bilateral Renal Stones in a 7-Month-Old Infant: The Youngest Case in the Literature
Authors: Sancaktutar Ahmet Ali , Adanur Senol , Ziypak Tevfik , Hatipoglu Namık Kemal , Bodakcı Mehmet Nuri , Soylemez Haluk , Ozbey İsa
Published: August 2014

During infancy, the renal parenchyma and pelvicalyceal system are relatively fragile. Therefore, percutaneous nephrolithotomy for the management of renal stones in this age group is a challenging procedure for urologists. Herein, we present the uneventful management of bilateral renal stones using micropercutaneous nephrolithotomy (microperc) administered to a 7-month-old infant with recurrent urinary tract infections. In this paper, the advantages and disadvantages of the microperc procedure are discussed. As far as we know, our patient is the youngest case in whom the microperc procedure has been performed.
Retroperitoneal Laparoscopic Reimplantation of the Left Renal Vein for Nutcracker Syndrome
Authors: Shao Pengfei , Li Pu , Ju Xiaobing , Qin Chao , Yin Changjun
Published: August 2014

Objective: To describe the feasibility of retroperitoneal laparoscopic reimplantation of the left renal vein (LRV) for nutcracker syndrome (NCS). Patients and Methods: Two patients with NCS underwent the surgery. Both patients complained of gross hematuria and flank discomfort that could not be relieved by resting. They were placed in a supine position and 5 ports were placed in the right abdominal wall. The procedures were performed with a retroperitoneal approach. The LRV was transected and then reimplanted into the distal inferior vena cava. Results: The procedures were performed successfully without any major complications. The total operation time was 105 and 120 min, respectively. Hematuria and flank discomfort were resolved after the surgery. Ultrasonography revealed a patent lumen without compression. Conclusions: Retroperitoneal laparoscopic reimplantation of the LRV appears to be a feasible procedure with satisfactory short-term outcomes.
Validation and Reference Ranges of Hair Cortisol Measurement in Healthy Children
Authors: Noppe Gerard , Van Rossum Elisabeth F.C. , Koper Jan Willem , Manenschijn Laura , Bruining G. Jan , de Rijke Yolanda B. , van den Akker Erica L.T.
Published: August 2014

Background: Cortisol is produced in a circadian rhythm controlled by the hypothalamus-pituitary-adrenal axis, making it cumbersome to measure long-term cortisol exposure. Hair has proven to be a reliable matrix for long-term cortisol measurement in adults and can be used as diagnostic tool for (cyclic) Cushing's syndrome. The diagnostic applicability in children has not been studied, nor have the effects of development and hair care been evaluated in children. We aimed to establish reference ranges of hair cortisol concentrations (HCC) in healthy children and to evaluate the effects of age, gender, puberty and characteristics of hair care. Methods: In 128 healthy children aged 4-14 years, HCC were measured in a small 3-cm hair lock from the back of the head. Results: HCC increased with age (p = 0.04) up to age 10 years, with a mean of 5.0, 5.8, 6.8 and 8.5 pg/mg at age 4-5, 6-7, 8-9 and 10-14 years, respectively. Children aged 4-7 years had significantly lower HCC compared to healthy adults (p = 0.007). We did not find any influence of gender, puberty or hair care characteristics on hair cortisol. Conclusion: HCC can be reliably measured in childhood, and reference ranges increase with age. HCC in children are not dependent on hair care or hair characteristics.
Proteomic Investigation of the Hippocampus in Prenatally Stressed Mice Implicates Changes in Membrane Trafficking, Cytoskeletal, and Metabolic Function
Authors: Föcking Melanie , Opstelten Rianne , Prickaerts Jos , Steinbusch Harry W.M. , Dunn Michael J. , van den Hove Daniël L.A. , Cotter David R.
Published: August 2014

Prenatal stress influences the development of the fetal brain and so contributes to the risk of the development of psychiatric disorders in later life. The hippocampus is particularly sensitive to prenatal stress, and robust abnormalities have been described in the hippocampus in schizophrenia and depression. The aim of this study was to determine whether prenatal stress is associated with distinct patterns of differential protein expression in the hippocampus using a validated mouse model. We therefore performed a comparative proteomic study assessing female hippocampal samples from 8 prenatally stressed mice and 8 control mice. Differential protein expression was assessed using 2-dimensional difference in gel electrophoresis and subsequent mass spectrometry. The observed changes in a selected group of differentially expressed proteins were confirmed by Western blotting. In comparison to controls, 47 protein spots (38 individual proteins) were found to be differentially expressed in the hippocampus of prenatally stressed mice. Functional grouping of these proteins revealed that prenatal stress influenced the expression of proteins involved in brain development, cytoskeletal composition, stress response, and energy metabolism. Western blotting was utilized to validate the changes in calretinin, hippocalcin, profilin-1 and the signal-transducing adaptor molecule STAM1. Septin-5 could not be validated via Western blotting due to methodological issues. Closer investigation of the validated proteins also pointed to an interesting role for membrane trafficking deficits mediated by prenatal stress. Our findings demonstrate that prenatal stress leads to altered hippocampal protein expression, implicating numerous molecular pathways that may provide new targets for psychotropic drug development.
Normal Findings on Pretreatment Transcranial Ultrasound in Patients Treated with Sonothrombolysis
Authors: Johansson Elias , Gu Thomas , Wester Per
Published: August 2014

In populations with a high (≥14) median National Institute of Health Stroke Score (NIHSS), a normal finding of Thrombolysis in Brain Ischemia grade 5 (TIBI 5) in the artery of interest has been reported to be an unusual finding when transcranial ultrasound is performed during thrombolysis. In such instances, a stroke mimic can be suspected, but there are alternative pathophysiological explanations. In this case series, the median NIHSS was relatively low (5), and 33% (6/18) of the patients treated with thrombolysis had TIBI 5 in the artery of interest at the time of treatment initiation. These 6 patients had normal findings on the computerized tomography angiography. Only 33% (2/6) of these patients were stroke mimics, the remaining had either lacunar (n = 2) or cortical strokes (n = 2). These cortical stroke patients probably had a pretreatment recanalization marked by partial symptom regression before treatment onset. Compared to patients with TIBI <5 at baseline, the patients with TIBI 5 at baseline tended to be younger (p = 0.19, Mann-Whitney test) and more often have lacunar syndrome (p = 0.18, g2 test). Thus, among patients treated with thrombolysis and with a low median NIHSS, a finding of TIBI 5 is not unusual. This does not mean that the patient has a stroke mimic per se, and it tends to be more common among patients with lacunar syndrome than among patients with cortical syndromes. i 2014 S. Karger AG, Basel
Cardiac Safety of (Neo)Adjuvant Trastuzumab in the Community Setting: A Single-Center Experience
Authors: Gomes da Fonseca Leonardo , de Melo Gagliato Debora , Takahashi Tiago K. , Perez Mak Milena , Barroso-Sousa Romualdo , Testa Laura , Petry Helena Vanessa , de Paula Costa Romulo , Hoff Paulo M. , Mano Max S.
Published: August 2014

Background: Trastuzumab improves the survival of patients with human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2)-positive breast cancer (BC). The incidence and long-term impact of trastuzumab-related cardiotoxicity in the community setting is of great clinical importance. Material and Methods: Patients with HER2-positive BC treated with (neo)adjuvant trastuzumab were retrospectively evaluated. Cardiotoxicity was defined as cardiac death or absolute decrease in left ventricular ejection fraction of at least 10% to a value less than 50%, or symptomatic heart failure. Results: We evaluated 237 patients: median age 53 years (range 27-83 years). 40.5% of these patients had received neoadjuvant and 59.5% adjuvant chemotherapy. The majority (83.9%) were treated with an anthracycline-based regimen. Median exposure to trastuzumab was 8 months (range 2-12 months). Cardiotoxicity was diagnosed in 20.2%, but symptoms only occurred in 3.8%. 41.6% recovered cardiac function. None of the risk factors were associated with cardiotoxicity. Conclusion: The incidence of trastuzumab-related cardiotoxicity found in this study was slightly higher than those reported in randomized clinical trials. Nevertheless, most patients were asymptomatic. We describe the cardiac outcomes of a non-selected population, which possibly reflects those found in the ‘real world'. The risks versus benefits of trastuzumab use remain in favor of treatment, but cardiotoxicity should be monitored.
Cardiac Structure and Function and Prognosis in Heart Failure With Preserved Ejection Fraction
Authors: Shah Amil M. , Claggett Brian , Sweitzer Nancy K. , Shah Sanjiv J. , Anand Inder S. , O’Meara Eileen , Desai Akshay S. , Heitner John F. , Li Guichu , Fang James , Rouleau Jean , Zile Michael R. , Markov Valetin , Ryabov Vyacheslav , Reis Gilmar , Assmann Susan F. , McKinlay Sonja M. , Pitt Bertram , Pfeffer Marc A. , Solomon Scott D.
Published: August 2014

Background—

Abnormalities in cardiac structure and function in heart failure with preserved ejection fraction may help identify patients at particularly high risk for cardiovascular morbidity and mortality.

Methods and Results—

Cardiac structure and function were assessed by echocardiography in a blinded core laboratory at baseline in 935 patients with heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (left ventricular ejection fraction ≥45%) enrolled in the Treatment of Preserved Cardiac Function Heart Failure with an Aldosterone Antagonist (TOPCAT) trial and related to the primary composite outcome of cardiovascular death, heart failure hospitalization, or aborted cardiac arrest, and its components. At a median follow-up of 2.9 years, 244 patients experienced the primary outcome. Left ventricular hypertrophy (adjusted hazard ratio, 1.52; 95% confidence interval, 1.16–2.00), elevated left ventricular filling pressure (E/E′; adjusted hazard ratio 1.05 per 1 integer increase; 95% confidence interval, 1.02–1.07), and higher pulmonary artery pressure assessed by the tricuspid regurgitation velocity (hazard ratio, 1.23 per 0.5 m/s increase; 95% confidence interval, 1.02–1.49) were associated with the composite outcome and heart failure hospitalization alone after adjusting for clinical and laboratory variables. The risk of adverse outcome associated with left ventricular hypertrophy was additive to the risk associated with elevated E/E′.

Conclusions—

Among heart failure with preserved ejection fraction patients enrolled in TOPCAT, left ventricular hypertrophy, higher left ventricular filling pressure, and higher pulmonary artery pressure were predictive of heart failure hospitalization, cardiovascular death, or aborted cardiac arrest independent of clinical and laboratory predictors. These features, both alone and in combination, identify heart failure with preserved ejection fraction patients at particularly high risk for cardiovascular morbidity and mortality.

Clinical Trial Registration—

URL:
http://www.clinicaltrials.gov
. Unique identifier: NCT00094302.
Clashing Temporalities of Public Mourning: Warsaw after the Death of Pope John Paul II
Authors: Brzozowski Grzegorz
Published: August 2014

Public mourning in Poland after the death of Pope John Paul II in 2005 acquired the status of a “Second Holy Week,” but not only because of the role of the institutional Church. The performative dynamics of spontaneous embodied mourning in response to the passing of the Pope warrant close scrutiny as the interactions of individual mourners were appropriated by normative forces that shaped subsequent commemorative behaviors.
“A Peculiar Stampe of Our Owne”: The Massachusetts Mint and the Battle over Sovereignty, 1652–1691
Authors: Barth Jonathan Edward
Published: August 2014

The Massachusetts mint of 1652-82 was a remarkably bold expression of colonial sovereignty. As a restored monarchy sought to wrest control of the Boston coinage after 1660, pragmatic moderates within the colony simultaneously sought to overpower the radical faction that, in clinging to the Bay shilling, demonstrated its dangerous pretensions to independence.
Taxonomic studies on the Neotropical Landrevinae with description of new taxa (Orthoptera, Grylloidea, Gryllidae)
Authors: DE CAMPOS LUCAS DENADAI , DE MELLO FRANCISCO DE A. G.
Published: August 2014

The understanding of the subfamily Landrevinae has been modified by different authors since its creation. In the neotropics three genera are known to the present: Odontogryllus Saussure, 1877 (one from México, the others amazonian), Brasilodontus de Mello, 1992 with two species (from Brazilian Atlantic Forest), e Valchica de Mello, 1992 with one species (from Costa Rica). De Mello (1992) erroneously created the tribe Odontogryllini for this cluster of neotropical genera, here suppressed. In the present paper we revise and add new species to Brasilodontus and describe two monotypic genera, Xulavuna n. gen. and Yarrubura, n. gen. An identification key to the genera of neotropical Landrevinae is presented as well as one for the species of Brasilodontus. The male fore wings of Xulavuna adenoptera n. sp. is remarkable regarding its shape and its glandular condition.
The Origins of Vortex Sheets in a Simulated Supercell Thunderstorm
Authors: Markowski Paul , Richardson Yvette , Bryan George
Published: August 2014

This paper investigates the origins of the (cyclonic) vertical vorticity within vortex sheets that develop within a numerically simulated supercell in a nonrotating, horizontally homogeneous environment with a free-slip lower boundary. Vortex sheets are commonly observed along the gust fronts of supercell storms, particularly in the early stages of storm development. The “collapse” of a vortex sheet into a compact vortex is often seen to accompany the intensification of rotation that occasionally leads to tornadogenesis. The vortex sheets predominantly acquire their vertical vorticity from the tilting of horizontal vorticity that has been modified by horizontal buoyancy gradients associated with the supercell’s cool low-level outflow. If the tilting is within an ascending airstream (i.e., the horizontal gradient of vertical velocity responsible for the tilting resides entirely within an updraft), the vertical vorticity of the vortex sheet nearly vanishes at the lowest model level for horizontal winds (5 m). However, if the tilting occurs within a descending airstream (i.e., the horizontal gradient of vertical velocity responsible for tilting includes a downdraft adjacent to the updraft within which the majority of the cyclonic vorticity resides), the vortex sheet extends to the lowest model level. The findings are consistent with the large body of prior work that has found that downdrafts are necessary for the development of significant vertical vorticity at the surface.
Male Police Officers’ Law Enforcement Preferences In Cases of Intimate Partner Violence Versus Non-Intimate Interpersonal Violence
Authors: Gracia Enrique , García Fernando , Lila Marisol
Published: August 2014

This article explores male police officers’ law enforcement preferences across different scenarios of interpersonal violence, involving intimate (partner violence against women) and non-intimate relationships (between- and within-gender). The influence of police officers’ sexist attitudes and empathy on their law enforcement preferences was also analyzed within and across these scenarios. The sample consisted of 308 male police officers. Results showed that police officers prefer a stronger and unconditional law enforcement approach in cases of violence against women, both in intimate and non-intimate relationships. Benevolent sexism was linked to a preference for a more conditional law enforcement across interpersonal violence scenarios. The type of interpersonal violence scenario also conditioned the influence of hostile sexism and empathy on police preferences. Implications for training and selection of police officers are discussed.
Inhibition of sphingosine kinase 2 downregulates the expression of c-Myc and Mcl-1 and induces apoptosis in multiple myeloma
Authors: Kummetha Venkata Jagadish , An Ningfei , Stuart Robert , Costa Luciano J. , Cai Houjian , Coker Woodrow , Song Jin H. , Gibbs Kiwana , Matson Terri , Garrett-Mayer Elizabeth , Wan Zhuang , Ogretmen Besim , Smith Charles , Kang Yubin
Published: August 2014

Key Points

SK2 is overexpressed in myeloma cells and contributes to myeloma cell survival and proliferation. SK2-specific inhibitor promotes proteasome degradation of Mcl-1 and c-Myc and inhibits myeloma growth in vitro and in vivo.
Crust and uppermost mantle structure beneath central Japan inferred from receiver function analysis
Authors: Igarashi Toshihiro , Iidaka Takashi , Iwasaki Takaya , Shibutani Takuo , Ueno Tomotake ,   Japanese University Group of the Joint Seismic Observation at the Niigata-Kobe Tectonic Zone
Published: August 2014

We apply the receiver function method to estimate the structure of the crust and the uppermost mantle at an area that traverses central Japan including the Niigata-Kobe Tectonic Zone (NKTZ). The resultant receiver function images show clear seismic discontinuities, such as the subducting Philippine Sea plate, the Moho in the overriding plate, and other discontinuities inside the crust around the NKTZ. We also address station corrections for shallow structures using a synthetic receiver function. Crustal discontinuities seem to be complicated at the south side from the northern limit of the NKTZ. The dip of the discontinuities changes around the Atotsugawa active fault located in the NKTZ. The Moho discontinuity in the overriding plate is continuous and gradually dips to the south. The depths of the Moho discontinuity in the receiver function image exceed 40 km at the southern part of the profile line, and are 5–10 km deeper than that indicated by an explosion analysis of the same profile line. It seems that the differences between the estimated depths obtained by the two methods indicate complicated structures around the Moho discontinuity.
Competing Visions of Empowerment: Oneida Progressive-Era Politics and Writing Tribal Histories
Authors: Kiel Doug
Published: August 2014

During the first decades of the twentieth century, a new generation of Native American intellectuals and activists established national organizations such as the Society of American Indians (SAI) and grappled with issues such as private property, reservation industrialization, traditional governance, Euro-American education, and individuality versus tribalism. Dennison Wheelock and Laura Cornelius Kellogg, two citizens of the Oneida Nation of Wisconsin, shed light on the broader Progressive Era debates that swept through Indian Country as they engaged in vigorous local and national conversations about the meaning of Indigenous empowerment in modern America and the ideal form that it should take.
Introduction
Authors: Feurer Rosemary
Published: August 2014

In the Bookmark feature several commentators discuss University of Missouri historian Jonathan Sperber's much-cited new biography, Karl Marx: A Nineteenth-Century Life in a scholarly exchange that originated in the Newberry Library's fall 2013 Labor History Seminar. For those who have not yet had the pleasure of reading Sperber's well-turned prose, Rosemary Feurer offers a useful précis. Then, historians John Abbott, Bruce Levine, Nelson Lichtenstein, and Susan Pearson share their spirited appreciations and critiques that inevitably involve political as well as historical judgments. Appropriately, Sperber has the last word.
Predator–prey encounter and capture rates in turbulent environments
Authors: Pécseli H. L. , Trulsen J. K. , Fiksen Ø.
Published: August 2014

Lay Abstract

In this article, we review the ways in which turbulent water flow affects predator–prey encounter and capture rates. In quiet environments, zooplankton rely on self‐induced motions to encounter their prey. However, flows in nature, the oceans in particular, are usually turbulent. Fluid turbulence is very effective at mixing the water and can also greatly enhance the encounter rate between predators and prey—especially when both are carried passively by the flow. In this sense, there is an advantage for planktonic predators to be in a turbulent environment, but turbulence can also reduce the probability of prey capture. Our estimates suggest that there is an optimum turbulence level where the gain by enhanced encounter rates is balanced by reduced capture rates. These optimum conditions can be expressed mathematically in terms of the basic variables describing the problem, where the water flow is characterized by its kinematic viscosity, the turbulence by the specific energy dissipation rate, and plankton by their capture range and opening angle of its field of reception and a minimum time needed for capturing prey. The velocities of the self‐induced motions with respect to the local flow are also important. Turbulence not only affects the relative motion between predator and prey but also disturbs signals from the sensory organs on their antennae. Enhanced turbulence levels can be interpreted as noise by plankton by giving rise to random velocity variations along their antennae. This noise can be misinterpreted as a signal of the presence of prey. Similarly, prey can interpret such disturbances as false evidence of a predator. In the first case, a predator can attack even in absence of prey, while in the latter case prey can be seen to perform escape responses in the absence of a predator. Simple mathematical models can explain the basic features of this problem and help to increase our understanding of plankton ecology.
To the Question about the Peculiarities of the Structure of Transverse Abdominal Fascia at the Persons of Different Sex, Age and with Different Form of the Inguinal Period
Authors: Любых  , Lyubykh E. , Малеев  , Maleev Yu. , Черных  , Chernykh A. , Закурдаев  , Zakurdaev E.
Published: August 2014

The study was aimed at finding new structural features of the rear wall of the inguinal canal, the use of which allow to improving the prevention of inguinal hernias. The study involved 123 corpses of different sex and age. Anatomical and physiological nature of the valve mechanism inguinal canal, the peculiarities of the structure of the back wall in individuals of different sex and age were revealed; the various forms of inguinal gap were studied. Using cluster analysis of transverse fascia thickness abdominal length and height of the deep inguinal ring was one of three variants of the structure back wall of the inguinal canal: a strong, transient and weak. The technique of determining the location of the deep inguinal ring relative to the edge of the internal oblique abdominal muscles is offered. The use of this technique objectively reflects the anatomical and physiological characteristics of the inguinal canal as a whole. In interpreting the results of a valve mechanism of deep inguinal ring should be considered ineffective in the medial or medial edge of the boundary location of the deep inguinal ring relative to the internal oblique abdominal muscles. Functional and anatomical factors that contribute to the formation of inguinal hernias were identified. It is proved that the triangular shape of the inguinal gap causes a high risk of inguinal hernias. In both sexes the transverse abdominal fascia becomes thinner with age, and the deep inguinal ring increases in size. The obtained data will improve the effectiveness of preventive measures.
Significance of Perinatal Anamnesis for Determination of Treatment Plan and Subsequent Neurological Prognosis for Children with Anomaly Chiari 1
Authors: Козлитина  , Kozlitina T. , Глаголев  , Glagolev Nikolay
Published: August 2014

The injuries of the cervical spine injury craniovertebral transition, involving in pathological process of vertebral arteries or the spinal cord can cause obstetric benefits as pathological and normal birth. In this article the authors evaluate the effects generic posttraumatic changes soft tissues of the cervical spine in the development of vascular disorders in the field craniovertebral transition. For this study, 112 patients with Chiari anomaly 1, received conservative and surgical treatment, were ex-amined. Children from 2 to 18 years were divided into two groups: the 1st group - children (55 patients) without surgical treatment, and the 2nd group of children after decompressive trepanation about Chiari anomaly 1. Common neurological status, anatomy and function of blood vessels at the level craniovertebral transition were assessed in all children. Perinatal anamnesis, including: cesarean section, rapid delivery, entanglement neck child´s umbilical cord, and use of obstetric benefits in the form of application of forceps and receive «squeezing», was studied. Changes in the normal course of delivery, pointing to birth trauma level craniovertebral transition were noted in 96 patients (85,7%). This fact may have prognostic value in the treatment and follow-up care of children with Chiari anomaly 1.
Use of Physiotherapy in the Treatment of Oral Muco-sa (brief message)
Authors: Сериков  , Serikov N. , Серикова  , Serikova O. , Щербаченко  , Shcherbachenko O.
Published: August 2014

Lichen planus is one of the most common diseases of the oral mucosa, which is characterized by a chronic course, clinical polymorphism, resistant to treatment, the possibility of malignancy. For treatment of the red lichen planus, the modern medicines are used: neurotropic, corticosteroids, aminoquinolinic preparations, antibiotics, retinoids, drugs, vitamins that have impact on different stages of pathogenesis. However, the prescription of these drugs is often inefficient, and is associated with the development of complications and the development of resistance to the therapy. The phenomena of toxic and allergic reactions in the use of drugs are frequent. Improvement of non-drug methods of treatment of the red lichen planus in mucous membranes of the mouth is an urgent task. Combined methods of physiotherapy are one way of treatment. Combined physiotherapy is physiotherapy, based on simultaneously (coinfection) use of two or more physical factors on the same area of the body. These factors were selected with the aim of increasing their physical activity and therapeutic effectiveness. One of the variants of combined physical therapy of diseases of the oral mucosa is the use of a device for the treatment of dental diseases «Radadent», in which there are two types of physical factors: the extremely high frequency electromagnetic and ultraviolet radiation. In the clinic of the Department of stomatology the apparatus «Radadent» was used in the complex treatment of 12 patients with erosive and ulcerative forms of red lichen planus. The reduction or elimination of inflammatory processes of the mucous membrane and the regeneration of tissues trophism of the mouth, elimination of pain, cell regeneration, the acceleration of healing of ulcers and ero-sions were identified.
Complex Gender-Hormone Producing Therapy in Men with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease
Authors: Никитин  , Nikitin V. , Васильева  , Vasileva L. , Титова  , Titova L.
Published: August 2014

The paper presents the results of study of the clinical and functional characteristics of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease III degree. The peculiarities of hormonal status by determining the hormones as cortisol, aldosterone, DHEA-S are revealed. At the correlation determining of hormone levels with clinical signs it was established significantly lower levels of cortisol, aldosterone, and DHEA-S at severe and very severe dyspnea in patients with COPD III degree. The use of low-intensity laser radiation in the treatment of patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease improves clinical features and laboratory data on improved hormonal status, including significant increase in cortisol, aldosterone, DHEA-S, and reduces the duration of acute illness and financial expenses in the inpatient treatment of patients, improves the quality of life in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Correlation analysis showed the presence of multiple linear relationships between hormone levels and clinical signs. Correlation between levels of cortisol, aldosterone, and DEHA-S with the main clinical laboratory and functional indicators of COPD was defined. It was found that reducing the concentration of hormones is accompanied by varying degrees of severity of the deterioration of clinical, laboratory and functional parameters that determine the severity of the disease. The proposed method of hormone therapy is effective, safe, well tolerated and doesn’t cause side effects. The data on the effectiveness of complex treatment can be used in treatment, clinical examination of the design of programs, prevention and rehabilitation of patients with COPD.
Pharmacological Modulation of Compensatory Malate-Aspartate Shuttle of Energy Metabolism by Metabolitotropic Cardioprotector Angiolin in Experimental Myocardial Infarction
Authors: Мазур  , Mazur I. , Нагорная  , Nagornaya E. , Кучеренко  , Kucherenko L. , Авраменко  , Avramenko N.
Published: August 2014

Cardioprotector Angiolin with original structure 3-methyl-1,2,4-triazolyl-5-thioacetate (S)-2,6-diaminohexanoic acid and its dosage form – 2,5% solution for injection – were developed by Scientific and Production Corporation «Pharmatron». Angiolin administration in dose of 50 mg/kg to the animals with pituitrin-isadrin myocardial infarction resulted in normalization of energy metabolism of the heart due to intensification of aerobic reactions and compensatory activation of malate-aspartate shuttle, in decrease of anaerobic glycolysis and improvement of mitochondria functions, saving use of oxidation substrates and activation of energy transport. Thus, in myocardium of the animals with myocardial infarction which received Angiolin the increase of ATP production was noted against the background of the increase of levels of such malate-aspartate shuttle components as malate, aspartate, glutamate and malate dehydrogenase activation as well as isocitrate content growth and lactate level decrease as compared with untreated animals group. Increase of glycogen and glucose 6-phosphate contents, increase of mitochondrial and cytosolic creatine phosphokinase activity took place in animals’ myocardium when administrating Angiolin. Thus Angiolin administration at myocardial infarction forms resistance of cardiac hystiocytes to hypoxia due to energy pathways change which supposes mobilization of mechanisms of protons supply for oxidative phosphorylation and saving use of deficient oxygen. Angiolin therapeutical efficiency significantly exceeds the efficiency of reference drug Mildronate (100 mg/kg).
Mesothelin Expression in Pancreatic Mucinous Cysts
Authors: Frank Renee , Li Shaoying , Ahmad Nuzhat A. , Sepulveda Antonia R. , Jhala Nirag C.
Published: August 2014

Objectives:

Mesothelin (MSLN) is a differentiation antigen found to be overexpressed in intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasms (IPMNs) and is a potential treatment target in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma.

Methods:

From institutional archives, 114 cases of resected pancreatic mucinous cysts were identified, including IPMN and mucinous cystic neoplasm (MCN). Immunohistochemical analysis of MSLN was performed on representative sections.

Results:

MSLN was seen more frequently in neoplastic epithelial cells from IPMN (39/52; P < .0005) and MCN (9/14; P < .0001) compared with unremarkable adjacent pancreatic and bile ducts (0/57) and benign foveolar and duodenal epithelium (0/21). When present, MSLN was diffusely expressed in neoplastic epithelium and only focally expressed in adjacent ducts (8/57). No significant difference was seen (P = .26) in MLSN expression between IPMN (79%) and MCN (83%) when only presence or absence was considered.

Conclusion:

Our findings suggest that MLSN can be used as a marker of neoplastic transformation of epithelial cells in pancreatic mucinous cysts. The findings can help identify neoplastic mucinous epithelium.
THE RELIGIOUS-PHILOSOPHICAL CONCEPT OF PERSONAL DAIMON AND THE MAGICO-THEURGIC RITUAL OF SYSTASIS IN THE GREEK MAGICAL PAPYRI
Authors: Pachoumi Eleni
Published: August 2014

The paper examines the religious and philosophical concept of the personal daimon in the Greek magical papyri in relation to Greek philosophy and especially to the Neo-Platonist philosophers. Questions to be addressed are: What is the nature of the personal daimon? What is the relationship between the personal daimon and the individual and how is this relationship established in magic? Special emphasis is placed on the role of the magico-theurgic ritual of systasis in the process of establishing the relationship with the personal daimon. Finally, the paper examines the relationship between magic rituals, mysteries and philosophy, focusing on the issue of the internalization of the personal daimon.
LES DÉRIVÉS PRÉFIXAUX DU VERBE ΆΠΛΌΩ DANS LES ÉCRITS DE LA TRADITION PLATONICIENNE APRÈS PLOTIN
Authors: Alekniene Tatjana
Published: August 2014

This article pursues the earlier analysis by the same author (Philologus 154/1, 2010, 55-75) concerning the use of ἁπλόω and ἅπλωσις in the texts of Plotinus and Marcus Aurelius. It shows that, in the Platonic tradition after Plotinus (Syrianus, Proclus, Damascius, Pseudo-Dionysius Areopagite), the verb ὑπερ-απλοῦμαι, originally signifying: ‘to be spread out over’, acquires the particular philosophical meaning ‘surpass in simplicity’, but it does not have this meaning in De mysteriis Egyptorum of Iamblichus. Later, in Damascius, the philosophical signification of verbs of the root ἁπλ- is extended to ἀναπλόω, which begins to signify ‘simplify’, and not ‘unfold’.
Water, Power, and Competition in Asia
Authors: Chellaney Brahma
Published: August 2014

At a time when Asia is at a defining moment in its history, water stress has emerged as one of its most serious challenges. Water shortages have not only stirred geopolitical tensions by intensifying competition over the resources of shared rivers and aquifers, but they also threaten Asia’s continued economic rise.
Bangladesh, India, and Fifteen Years of Peace
Authors: Pandey Punam
Published: August 2014

The Ganges River Treaty, one of the world's successful examples of a peaceful resolution to a long-drawn river water dispute, has completed half of its tenure. This provides an opportunity to evaluate the variables of its success and further understand how both India and Bangladesh are going to deal with emerging challenges.
Political Change in North Korea
Authors: Haggard Stephan , Herman Luke , Ryu Jaesung
Published: August 2014

During the succession from Kim Jong Il to Kim Jong Un, North Korea witnessed a revival of party institutions. However, the most distinctive feature of the transition was a succession of purges that replaced powerful figures from the Kim Jong Il era with new loyalists. The system remains personalist, but with strong reliance on the military and security apparatus.
The Switch from Fermentation to Respiration in Saccharomyces cerevisiae Is Regulated by the Ert1 Transcriptional Activator/Repressor
Authors: Gasmi Najla , Jacques Pierre-Etienne , Klimova Natalia , Guo Xiao , Ricciardi Alessandra , Robert François , Turcotte Bernard
Published: August 2014

In the yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae, fermentation is the major pathway for energy production, even under aerobic conditions. However, when glucose becomes scarce, ethanol produced during fermentation is used as a carbon source, requiring a shift to respiration. This adaptation results in massive reprogramming of gene expression. Increased expression of genes for gluconeogenesis and the glyoxylate cycle is observed upon a shift to ethanol and, conversely, expression of some fermentation genes is reduced. The zinc cluster proteins Cat8, Sip4, and Rds2, as well as Adr1, have been shown to mediate this reprogramming of gene expression. In this study, we have characterized the gene YBR239C encoding a putative zinc cluster protein and it was named ERT1 (ethanol regulated transcription factor 1). ChIP-chip analysis showed that Ert1 binds to a limited number of targets in the presence of glucose. The strongest enrichment was observed at the promoter of PCK1 encoding an important gluconeogenic enzyme. With ethanol as the carbon source, enrichment was observed with many additional genes involved in gluconeogenesis and mitochondrial function. Use of lacZ reporters and quantitative RT-PCR analyses demonstrated that Ert1 regulates expression of its target genes in a manner that is highly redundant with other regulators of gluconeogenesis. Interestingly, in the presence of ethanol, Ert1 is a repressor of PDC1 encoding an important enzyme for fermentation. We also show that Ert1 binds directly to the PCK1 and PDC1 promoters. In summary, Ert1 is a novel factor involved in the regulation of gluconeogenesis as well as a key fermentation gene.
Winchelsea masonry arch bridge, Australia: first major maintenance
Authors: Morris David
Published: August 2014

The existing three-span stone arch bridge across the Barwon River at Winchelsea in Australia was opened on 3 December 1867 by HRH the Duke of Edinburgh, Prince Alfred. For 145 years, this now heritage-listed bridge has carried traffic on the Princes Highway West without loading restrictions. An inspection in 2012 revealed significant cracking of the voussoirs and a load rating of 23 t was posted. The Princes Highway West upgrade project will provide a new river crossing so that the stone arch bridge will revert to carrying pedestrians and cyclists. However, during the construction of the new bridge, the existing stone arch bridge is required to be reopened to traffic without a posted load limit to carry one lane of traffic for up to 2 years. An engineering investigation was therefore required to determine what rehabilitation works were required to facilitate this. This paper presents the results of an engineering investigation to determine a reliable way of replacing the cementitious material between the voussoirs of the bridge. The experience obtained during re-grouting of the three stone arches, which was successfully completed in January 2014, is also discussed.
Science as an Early Driver of Policy: Child Labor Reform in the Early Progressive Era, 1870–1900
Authors: Perera Frederica
Published: August 2014

Scientific evidence is an increasingly important driver of social and environmental policy concerning child health. This trend began earlier than generally recognized. The child labor reform movement of the Gilded Age and early Progressive Era reflected not only moral and economic forces but also the dramatic advances during the later decades of the 19th century in scientific knowledge concerning children’s biological and psychological vulnerability to environmental and psychosocial stressors. The growing importance of scientific information in shaping policy concerning children’s health between 1870 and 1900 is illustrated by the events leading up to and following the New York State Child Labor Law of 1886. Child labor reform during this period was a critical step in the development of a science-based as well as a value-driven movement to protect children’s environmental health and well-being that continues today.
The Relationship Between Gun Ownership and Stranger and Nonstranger Firearm Homicide Rates in the United States, 1981–2010
Authors: Siegel Michael , Negussie Yamrot , Vanture Sarah , Pleskunas Jane , Ross Craig S. , King Charles
Published: August 2014

Objectives. We examined the relationship between gun ownership and stranger versus nonstranger homicide rates.

Methods. Using data from the Supplemental Homicide Reports of the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Uniform Crime Reports for all 50 states for 1981 to 2010, we modeled stranger and nonstranger homicide rates as a function of state-level gun ownership, measured by a proxy, controlling for potential confounders. We used a negative binomial regression model with fixed effects for year, accounting for clustering of observations among states by using generalized estimating equations.

Results. We found no robust, statistically significant correlation between gun ownership and stranger firearm homicide rates. However, we found a positive and significant association between gun ownership and nonstranger firearm homicide rates. The incidence rate ratio for nonstranger firearm homicide rate associated with gun ownership was 1.014 (95% confidence interval = 1.009, 1.019).

Conclusions. Our findings challenge the argument that gun ownership deters violent crime, in particular, homicides.
The Affordable Care Act and Emergency Care
Authors: McClelland Mark , Asplin Brent , Epstein Stephen K. , Kocher Keith Eric , Pilgrim Randy , Pines Jesse , Rabin Elaine Judith , Rathlev Niels Kumar
Published: August 2014

The Affordable Care Act (ACA) will have far-reaching effects on the way health care is designed and delivered. Several elements of the ACA will directly affect both demand for ED care and expectations for its role in providing coordinated care. Hospitals will need to employ strategies to reduce ED crowding as the ACA expands insurance coverage. Discussions between EDs and primary care physicians about their respective roles providing acute unscheduled care would promote the goals of the ACA.