bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
How Who I am Affects What I See: Reading Mark with Latin American Eyes
Authors: Barreto Raimundo
Published: March 2014

This article examines the dynamics of the interpretation of the book of Mark with regard to the social location of the interpreter. On one hand, the original meaning of a text is irremediably unreachable, on the other, the text can only have any meaning through its readers, and it changes with them. These dynamics allow for the infinite translatability of the Gospel, which makes possible for it to be ‘at home’ in different cultures and social contexts. The Latin American movement of biblical popular reading exemplifies the attempt to make such a translation. It seeks to position common people again as themain interpreters of the biblical text, thereby preventing both the danger of developing a pastoral action without biblical foundations as well as the danger of developing biblical exegesis without any pastoral orientation. In relation specifically to Mark, this interpretive practice produces a reading that does not strip the Gospel of Mark from its political contents, that highlights the viewpoint of the victims of the Empire, that fosters a certain identification between the ‘third-world’ contemporary audiences and the content of the Gospel. Two major themes treated in Mark come to the fore: The Kingdom of God and resistance to the Empire, which continue to represent alternative orders.
Faith on Edge: The Difficult Case of the Spirit-Seized Boy in Mark 9:14–29
Authors: Spencer F. Scott
Published: March 2014

Peter's impetuous plan to construct three tents and camp out on the Mount of Transfiguration no doubt becomes even more appealing when he, fellow disciples James and John, and Jesus encounter the turbulent situation waiting for them below. There will be no time to bask in the glow of Jesus' mountaintop glory; the reality of a feckless, “faithless generation” (Mark 9:19) hits fast and hard.
Pastoral Care during Economic Crisis
Authors: Rosell Ruth Lofgren
Published: March 2014

Although the economic recession is lessening, still many in our churches and communities need pastoral care. This article assists pastors and congregations in exploring how to respond. Of primary importance is for pastors to respond with a pastoral presence that is representative of both God and the faith community and that provides support and strength to those experiencing high levels of anxiety. It is also noted how unexamined cultural bias against those who are poor can greatly undermine efforts to be present pastorally during financial need. Attention is given to addressing the crises people are facing, care for the grief involved, support for adjustment to job loss, support during the job search, help in stabilizing financial situations, response to the presence of depression, and encouragement to reevaluation life's values and goals.
To Love as God Loves: The Spirit of Dominion
Authors: Greenway William
Published: March 2014

In relation to ecological concerns in recent decades, the seven days of creation and Adam and Eve narratives have typically been pitted against one another. Christians with ecological concerns have stressed the call to stewardship in the Adam and Eve narrative while shying from or even criticizing the seven days narrative for encouraging a human spirit of domination and even exploitation vis-à-vis the rest of creation. We argue that the problem is not with the seven days narrative itself but with predominant modern interpretation. Contrary to this predominant modern interpretation, the seven days narrative presumes and strives to inspire a humble and gracious spirituality that calls Christians to love as God loves. Thus, it calls us to a dominion that is like in kind to God's loving dominion, and calls us to subdue the earth in a way that is like in kind to God's subduing of the chaos. Affirming and actually enriching the Adam and Eve call to stewardship, the seven days narrative calls us to love all creatures, and makes it clear that it is because we are filled with love for all creatures that we will care for all creatures and act as good stewards of all creation.
Christian Prophetic Leadership for the Environment
Authors: Randolph Richard O.
Published: March 2014

This essay argues that God calls twenty-first-century Christians to provide prophetic leadership on the environment. Christians should see this prophetic leadership as part of faithful discipleship, helping to fulfill our human role as stewards of God's good creation. This is, fundamentally, a spiritual crisis. The first step which the Church must take for prophetic leadership is to confess and lament our past and present failures to be good stewards of creation. Accepting God's forgiveness, the Church must “re-calibrate” its understanding of the Trinity, re-focusing on the creative work of the first person of the Trinity and our corresponding work as stewards of creation. American Christians must also be good stewards of our American citizenship by working for laws and regulations that promote a sustainable society. Finally, the Church must cast a vision of the good and happy life that is an alternative to the prevailing, secular vision that promises happiness through the consumption of more and more goods and services. Christianity has an alternative vision of the good life, informed by spiritual growth and renewal, discipleship, community, and love.
Bible Translation and the Myth of “Literal Accuracy”
Authors: Strauss Mark L.
Published: March 2014

A widespread belief among many pastors, Bible teachers, and laypeople holds that the most accurate Bible translation is one that is “literal” or formal equivalent. This is a misunderstanding of the nature of languages, which differ significantly from one another in terms of words (lexemes), syntax, and idioms. This article looks at the fallacy of “literal accuracy” by showing how the differences between languages mean that one must alter the form of the Hebrew and Greek text in order accurately to reproduce the meaning in English. Seeking lexical concordance (word-for-word reproduction) does not work, since words do not have a single “literal” meaning. They have a range of potential senses. Since these senses differ across languages, one must first interpret each word in Hebrew or Greek and then render it with an equivalent word or phrase in English. Similarly, syntactic correspondence does not work, since languages use different grammatical forms, idioms, and collocations to produce the same meanings. Replicating grammatical forms inevitably results in changed meaning, awkward language, and/or obscurity. Indeed, all Bible versions—even those that claim to be “essentially literal”—consistently change forms to reproduce the meaning. While so-called “literal” versions are useful tools for beginning language students to help them identify formal features of the Greek or Hebrew text, as a philosophy of translation formal equivalence is fundamentally flawed.
The King James Version Then and Now
Authors: Stine Philip C.
Published: March 2014

For four hundred years, the King James Bible has been the principal Bible for millions of English-speaking Christians. Vocabulary and spelling have changed so that readers frequently misunderstand this Bible and find it difficult to read. Yet the language still finds its way into our daily speech and public discourse.

The translation was a major influence on the standardization of the English language precisely because the translators were not attempting to create significant literature. Their aim was to produce a Bible that a largely illiterate audience could understand when it was read aloud.

Its origins are found in the history and politics of sixteenth- and seventeenth-century England. When the English church broke with Rome, English Bibles were needed to confirm that rupture. However, the struggles first between Roman Catholics and Protestants, and then between the establishment Anglicans and Puritans, led to the situation by 1600 where the Geneva Bible was favored by the Puritans, but the Bible authorized for use in all the churches was the Bishops' Bible. When James I came to the English throne in 1603, the Puritans asked for more reform and authorization of the Geneva Bible. James ordered instead a new translation, and established a process and set of principles to ensure it was free of Calvinist doctrine and would support the monarchy and the established church. The Bible included the Apocrypha, which was normally included in printings until 1826.

The Bible was published in 1611 in two versions. It is not known which was first. Different printers introduced numerous misprints and corrections over the years. Even today there are several different versions of the King James Bible published in America. There is no such thing as an original, flawless King James Bible.
Issues in Bible Translation in Africa
Authors: Zogbo Lynell
Published: March 2014

While all Bible translation projects face difficult challenges, those in Africa must deal with some unique issues: (1) the difficulty of finding appropriate renderings for key terms such as “grace” and “angel” in cultures where Christianity is relatively “new”; and (2) the problem of rendering items mentioned in Scripture that do not exist in the tropics, for example “bear” and “camel,” etc.

On the other hand, African exegetes and translators may have certain advantages over Western ones since their context and worldview often shares features with the biblical one. For example, the importance of community values, the notions of honor and shame, generosity and hospitality, the presence of polygamy, slavery, and even circumcision as a sign all make the message of the Bible less foreign and easier to render in translation for an African audience. Along with some shared cultural values and practices, some linguistic structures and expressions (“son of man,” “in the hand of,” “dying you will die”) are common to both African and biblical languages.

The challenges are real, but the news is good: The African church is slowly awakening to the role it must play in Bible translation, not only in practical matters, but also in crucial decisions concerning theology, exegesis, and translation renderings.
Neither Gerizim Nor Zion: Worship beyond Race (John 4:1–42)
Authors: McCall Emmanuel
Published: March 2014

Luke 4:18–19 is often referred to as the inaugural address of Jesus and the beginning of his public ministry. These verses are quoted from Isa 61:1–2. “Freedom” is a poignant theme in the passage and indeed the total ministry of Jesus. He came to “set the captives free.” The experience mentioned in John 4 is illustrative of our emancipation. Jesus set this woman free from the bondage to sin, from the intimidation of a manipulative society, from the imposition of sexism, from social control, from religious bigotry and from a confused understanding and relationship with God. She was set free to be herself and to rise to full freedom in Christ.
The Enthymematic Nature of Parables: A Dialogic Reading of the Parable of the Rich Fool (Luke 12:16–20)
Authors: Gowler David B.
Published: March 2014

Parables are apparently simple but deceptively enigmatic meshalim. A systematic analysis of a parable will thus not necessarily result in one “true” or “original” meaning, but a dialogic approach guided by the four “textures of texts” taxonomy enables interpreters to view texts more comprehensively and helps fill in some of the enthymematic gaps in Jesus' parables.

Not all questions can be answered through analyses of the four textures of a text, even in this apparently simple example story of the Rich Fool. The first-century social and cultural texture of this parable demands, though, that the rich man be seen as rapacious even before God condemns him. The rich man and others like him in Luke ignore Jesus' demand that life in the kingdom of God involves not only treasure in heaven but also vertical generalized reciprocity—a redistribution from the advantaged to the disadvantaged that expects nothing in return—in our lives on earth.

The essay concludes with reflections on a painting by Rembrandt, which may or may not represent the Rich Fool parable, a brief addendum that also sheds light on parables as dialogic, enthymematic works of art. In Rembrandt's paintings scholars wrestle with issues parallel to those explored by scholars of Jesus' parables, ranging from questions of provenance (e.g., did Rembrandt paint some of the paintings attributed to him?) to what these paintings are “intended” to represent.

Rembrandt's manipulation of light and shadow, in this instance, along with the man's seemingly introspective detachment, create a sense of mystery. The rays of light are reflected in various ways and sundry places, just as parables are reflected in different ways in different contexts and heard in numerous ways by various hearers. Both Jesus and Rembrandt illuminate some things clearly, while other aspects remain obscure, placed (deliberately) in the shadows.
WWLD? The Writer of Luke-Acts as a Paradigm for Pastoral Prophetic Preaching
Authors: Graves Michael
Published: March 2014

In preaching circles, the term prophetic is often set over against pastoral, the former a harsher style of preaching, the latter more comforting. It would be more accurate to contrast prophetic and priestly, both of them appropriate in pastoral ministry. As such, the author of Luke-Acts can serve as a model for prophetic preaching in the pastorate for a variety of reasons: 1) the Evangelist lived among a people of God and had some measure of a pastoral charge; 2) the Evangelist sought to tell the story of Jesus and the Church for a different context some forty years later; and 3) Luke's Gospel is more focused on the prophetic ministry of Jesus than the other Gospels, and therefore, related issues of justice.
Unpacking Prophetic Preaching: The Pastor as Cultured Actor
Authors: Tanner Allison J.
Published: March 2014

Although the concept of prophetic preaching gets bantered around a good bit in pastoral circles, like many professional “buzz words” this one needs some unpacking. In this article, I will provide a brief overview of various understandings of prophetic preaching, illustrating the impact of history and culture on what it means to engage in prophetic preaching. I will then argue that pastors are cultured actors and provide a basic understanding of how cultural theory can illuminate options available to pastors who wish to preach prophetically. Specifically, I will articulate three dimensions of culture that significantly influence the options for prophetic speech. Finally, I will offer some suggestions to pastors who wish to engage more effectively in prophetic preaching.
Resisting Daniel: The Church's Fear of Bearing Witness to a Difficult Book
Authors: Garber David G.
Published: March 2014

Three obstacles contribute to American Christianity's resistance to reading the book of Daniel: 1) a backlash against the overuse of Daniel in certain presentations of end times doctrine; 2) Daniel's complicated references to previous biblical prophetic traditions and visionary experiences; and 3) the depictions of suffering in the latter chapters of the book. A reading of Daniel 10 illustrates the latter two obstacles, calling for readers to hearken to Daniel's testimony to the suffering of the Jewish community in the second century BCE. Overcoming the resistance to the book by Christian ministers is a daunting task that requires readers to deconstruct popular notions of apocalyptic eschatology, attend to issues of genre and biblical authorship, and develop a working knowledge of the historical context from which the writers of Daniel operated. While demanding, such an effort would allow readers to hear the book as an expression of a community living under unjust rule, to begin perceiving and evaluating the relationship between human and divine power, and to practice attending to the testimony of the oppressed.
Resisting the Power of Empire: The Theme of Resistance in the Book of Daniel
Authors: Jones Barry A.
Published: March 2014

The recent theoretical perspective of postcolonial studies calls attention to the practices that empires use to maximize and to legitimize their uneven exercise of power, and to the efforts that subjected peoples use to resist these practices. This article compares two representative treatments of the book of Daniel from a postcolonial perspective. Daniel provides a testimony to the efforts of Jews to be faithful to God under the rule of foreign empires, culminating in acts of resistance to Antiochus IV's persecution of the Jews in 167 to 164 BCE. The article also considers implications of the theme of resistance in Daniel for Christian faith and ministry
“Jeremiah: Prophet of Doom.”
Authors: Gardner E. Norfleet
Published: March 2014

Jer. 2:11, 13: “My people have changed their glory for that which doth not profit … For my people committed two evils: they have forsaken me, the fountain of living waters, and hewed them out cisterns, broken cisterns, that can hold no water.”
“Joel: God's Place in the World.” (Joel 1; 2:12-18a, 21-32)
Authors: Gardner E. Norfleet
Published: March 2014

Joel 2:11b-23, “The Day of Jehovah is great and very terrible; and who can abide it? Yet even now, saith Jehovah, turn ye unto me with all your heart, and with fasting, and with weeping, and with mourning: and rend your heart, and not your garments, and turn unto Jehovah your God; for He is gracious and merciful, slow to anger, and abundant in loving kindness, and repenteth him of the evil.”
Russia’s Policy and Standing in Nanotechnology
Authors: Terekhov Alexander I.
Published: March 2014

In this article, I consider the historical stages of development of nanotechnology in Russia as well as the political framework for this. It is shown that early federal nanotechnology programs in Russia date back to the 1990s and that since the mid-2000s, nanotechnology has attracted the increasing attention of government. I characterize the formation of the political landscape and the basic institutions for the promotion of nanotechnology in relation to the adoption of the Russian Federation president’s initiative “Strategy of Nanoindustry Development” in 2007. The evaluative part of the article deals with three aspects: (a) bibliometric to assess Russian research output in nanotechnology, (b) scientific cadre to assess the research capacity of Russia in the long term, and (c) economical to consider the early results and prospects of the domestic nanoindustry. To construct the scientometric indicators, I used the Science Citation Index Expanded and some internal databases. The texts of program documents and available reports served as the source of economic information.
A deconvolution method for deriving the transit time spectrum for ultrasound propagation through cancellous bone replica models
Authors: Langton Christian M , Wille Marie-Luise , Flegg Mark B
Published: March 2014

The acceptance of broadband ultrasound attenuation for the assessment of osteoporosis suffers from a limited understanding of ultrasound wave propagation through cancellous bone. It has recently been proposed that the ultrasound wave propagation can be described by a concept of parallel sonic rays. This concept approximates the detected transmission signal to be the superposition of all sonic rays that travel directly from transmitting to receiving transducer. The transit time of each ray is defined by the proportion of bone and marrow propagated. An ultrasound transit time spectrum describes the proportion of sonic rays having a particular transit time, effectively describing lateral inhomogeneity of transit times over the surface of the receiving ultrasound transducer. The aim of this study was to provide a proof of concept that a transit time spectrum may be derived from digital deconvolution of input and output ultrasound signals. We have applied the active-set method deconvolution algorithm to determine the ultrasound transit time spectra in the three orthogonal directions of four cancellous bone replica samples and have compared experimental data with the prediction from the computer simulation. The agreement between experimental and predicted ultrasound transit time spectrum analyses derived from Bland–Altman analysis ranged from 92% to 99%, thereby supporting the concept of parallel sonic rays for ultrasound propagation in cancellous bone. In addition to further validation of the parallel sonic ray concept, this technique offers the opportunity to consider quantitative characterisation of the material and structural properties of cancellous bone, not previously available utilising ultrasound.
Market Development by Multinational Brands: Empirical Evidence from Indian Fast Food Retailing Business
Authors: Mukherjee Jaydeep
Published: March 2014

One of the major dilemmas faced by the multinational marketer is to decide on opening up new markets. This study develops a framework for market development activity by multinational brands based on literature. In the framework, expected customer demand (ECD) is dependent on acceptance of global brand (AGB), image of the parent brand (IPB) and quality perception (QP) about the product. The framework is empirically tested in urban Indian fast food market. The results demonstrate that each of these variables have significant impact on ECD. The priority of marketing budgets allocation should be in order of improving the AGB and IPB and then on QP, so as to have the highest impact on the demand.
Stock Market Anomalies: Evidence from Emerging BRIC Markets
Authors: Singh Satinder Pal
Published: March 2014

The study investigates and identifies the presence of stock market anomalies for four emerging stock markets of Brazil, Russia, India and China (BRIC) for the period 1 January 2003–15 June 2013. The article uses dummy regression model to examine the existence of ‘Day of the Week’ (DOW) and Month of the Year (MOY) effects of stock market returns of BRIC countries. The study supports the efficient market hypothesis in DOW and MOY form for Brazil, Russia and India. However, it demonstrates statistically significant negative return on Tuesday for Chinese stock market, although no anomaly is found in MOY form. This indicates that an investor may leverage the knowledge of such abnormal returns to enter the stock market a day earlier and make profits. At the same time the findings may also be used by the regulatory agencies of China to investigate why these patterns exist and take necessary actions to allow efficient functioning of the market. The study challenges some of the previous studies of DOW and MOY anomalies for India and Russia.
MiR-126: a novel route for natalizumab action?
Authors: Meira Maria , Sievers Claudia , Hoffmann Francine , Derfuss Tobias , Kuhle Jens , Kappos Ludwig , Lindberg Raija LP
Published: March 2014

Background:

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) have emerged as a family of post-transcriptional regulators of gene expression that mediate diverse aspects of immunity. MiRNA dysregulation has been found in multiple sclerosis (MS), reflecting the growing need to identify disease-specific miRNA expression signatures. Our previous low-density array studies reveal differential miR-126 expression in the CD4+T cells of untreated relapsing–remitting MS (RRMS) patients. Here, we investigated miR-126 expression in natalizumab-treated patients.

Methods:

We isolated CD4+ T cells from untreated ( n = 12) and natalizumab-treated MS patients ( n = 24), and from healthy volunteers ( n = 12). We analyzed the expression of miRNAs and potential targets by real time reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). We assessed specific inhibition of miR-126, in vitro.

Results:

MiR-126 was down-regulated in cells of patients under natalizumab treatment and up-regulated during relapse, supporting a regulatory role in MS immunopathogenesis. MiR-126 expression correlated with the expression of POU2AF1, a regulator of Spi-B that binds to the promoter/enhancer sequences of JC virus (JCV), the pathogen of progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy (PML), a rare complication of natalizumab treatment. The same trend was found for Spi-B. Strong up-regulation of both genes appeared to be treatment duration-dependent. Specific inhibition experiments supported the link between the expression of miR-126 and POU2AF1/Spi-B.

Conclusions:

Our findings provided deeper insight into the mode of action of natalizumab, with possible implications for understanding both the effects of natalizumab on MS activity and its specific adverse event profile.
The Fire Next Time in the civil sphere: Literary journalism and justice in America 1963
Authors: Forde Kathy Roberts
Published: March 2014

As a form of communication that can inspire solidarity through appeals to democratic ideals, literary journalism can play a constitutive role in social and political struggles for justice and freedom in democratic societies. In 1963, at a pivotal moment in the US Civil Rights Movement, James Baldwin’s The Fire Next Time helped many Americans, including those in the highest offices of the federal government, understand the moral good of the goals of the African American freedom struggle and the democratic imperative to enact and protect the civil rights of all Americans. In this way, Baldwin’s work, along with other key historical forces, helped to expand the civil sphere and build a more just and democratic society in the United States. Civil sphere theory helps explain the role of such communication in social struggles for democracy.
Colonic smooth muscle cells and colonic motility patterns as a target for irritable bowel syndrome therapy: mechanisms of action of otilonium bromide
Authors: Rychter Jakub , Espín Francisco , Gallego Diana , Vergara Patri , Jiménez Marcel , Clavé Pere
Published: March 2014

Otilonium bromide (OB) is a spasmolytic compound of the family of quaternary ammonium derivatives and has been successfully used in the treatment of patients with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) due to its specific pharmacodynamic effects on motility patterns in the human colon and the contractility of colonic smooth muscle cells. This article examines how. OB inhibits the main patterns of human sigmoid motility in vitro, which are spontaneous rhythmic phasic contractions, smooth muscle tone, contractions induced by stimulation of excitatory motor neurons and contractions induced by direct effect of excitatory neurotransmitters. It does this mainly by blocking calcium influx through L-type calcium channels and interfering with mobilization of cellular calcium required for smooth muscle contraction, thereby limiting excessive intestinal contractility and abdominal cramping. OB also inhibits T-type calcium channels and muscarinic responses. Finally, OB inhibits tachykinin receptors on smooth muscle and primary afferent neurons which may have the joint effect of reducing motility and abdominal pain. All these mechanisms mediate the therapeutic effects of OB in patients with IBS and might be useful in patients with other spastic colonic motility disorders such as diverticular disease.
Burden and predictors of hypertension in India: results of SEEK (Screening and Early Evaluation of Kidney Disease) study
Authors: Farag Youssef MK , Mittal Bharati V , Keithi-Reddy Sai Ram , Acharya Vidya N , Almeida Alan F , C Anil , HS Ballal , P Gaccione , R Issacs , Jasuja Sanjiv , AL Kirpalani , V Kher , GK Modi , Nainan Georgy , Prakash Jai , Rajapurkar Mohan M , DS Rana , Sreedhara Rajanna , DK Sinha , Shah Bharat V , Sunder Sham , Sharma Raj Kumar , Seetharam Sridevi , Raju Tatapudi Ravi , Singh Ajay K
Published: March 2014

Background

Hypertension (HTN) is one of the major causes of cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. The objective of the study was to investigate the burden and predictors of HTN in India.

Methods

6120 subjects participated in the Screening and Early Evaluation of Kidney disease (SEEK), a community-based screening program in 53 camps in 13 representative geographic locations in India. Of these, 5929 had recorded blood pressure (BP) measurements. Potential predictors of HTN were collected using a structured questionnaire for SEEK study.

Results

HTN was observed in 43.5% of our cohort. After adjusting for center variation (p < 0.0001), predictors of a higher prevalence of HTN were older age ≥40 years (p < 0.0001), BMI of ≥ 23 Kg/M2(p < 0.0004), larger waist circumference (p < 0.0001), working in sedentary occupation (p < 0.0001), having diabetes mellitus (p < 0.0001), having proteinuria (p < 0.0016), and increased serum creatinine (p < 0.0001). High school/some college education (p = 0.0016), versus less than 9th grade education, was related with lower prevalence of HTN. Of note, proteinuria and CKD were observed in 19% and 23.5% of HTN subjects. About half (54%) of the hypertensive subjects were aware of their hypertension status.

Conclusions

HTN was common in this cohort from India. Older age, BMI ≥ 23 Kg/M2, waist circumference, sedentary occupation, education less, diabetes mellitus, presence of proteinuria, and raised serum creatinine were significant predictors of hypertension. Our data suggest that HTN is a major public health problem in India with low awareness, and requires aggressive community-based screening and education to improve health.
TLR ligands up-regulate Trex1 expression in murine conventional dendritic cells through type I Interferon and NF-κB-dependent signaling pathways
Authors: Xu Jun , Zoltick Philip W , Gamero Ana M , Gallucci Stefania
Published: March 2014

Mutations in the Trex1 are associated with a spectrum of type I IFN-dependent autoimmune diseases. Trex1 plays an essential role in preventing accumulation of excessive cytoplasmic DNA, avoiding cell-intrinsic innate DNA sensor activation and suppressing activation of type I IFN-stimulated and -independent antiviral genes. Trex1 also helps HIV to escape cytoplasmic detection by DNA sensors. However, regulation of Trex1 in innate immune cells remains elusive. We report that murine cDCs have high constitutive expression of Trex1 in vitro and in vivo in the spleen. In resting bone marrow-derived cDCs, type I IFNs up-regulate Trex1 expression via the IFNAR-mediated signaling pathway (STAT1- and STAT2-dependent). DC activation induced by TLR3, -4, -7, and -9 ligands also augments Trex1 expression through autocrine IFN-β production and triggering of the IFN signaling pathway, whereas TLR4 ligand LPS also stimulates an early expression of Trex1 through IFN-independent NF-κB-dependent signaling pathway. Furthermore, retroviral infection also induces Trex1 up-regulation in cDCs, as we found that a gene therapy HIV-1-based lentiviral vector induces significant Trex1 expression, suggesting that Trex1 may affect local and systemic administration of gene-therapy vehicles. Our data indicate that Trex1 is induced in cDCs during activation upon IFN and TLR stimulation through the canonical IFN signaling pathway and suggest that Trex1 may play a role in DC activation during infection and autoimmunity. Finally, these results suggest that HIV-like viruses may up-regulate Trex1 to increase their ability to escape immunosurveillance.
GAD Autoantibody Affinity in Adult Patients With Latent Autoimmune Diabetes, the Study Participants of a GAD65 Vaccination Trial
Authors: Krause Stephanie , Landherr Ulrike , Agardh Carl-David , Hausmann Simone , Link Katarina , Hansen Jesse M. , Lynch Kristian F. , Powell Michael , Furmaniak Jadwiga , Rees-Smith Bernard , Bonifacio Ezio , Ziegler Anette G. , Lernmark Åke , Achenbach Peter
Published: March 2014

OBJECTIVE

Patients with latent autoimmune diabetes in adults (LADA) express autoantibodies against the 65-kDa isoform of GAD (GADA). Intervention with recombinant human GAD65 formulated with aluminium hydroxide (GAD-alum) given twice subcutaneously to LADA patients at intervals of 4 weeks was safe and did not compromise β-cell function in a Phase II clinical trial. GADA affinity has been shown to predict progression to type 1 diabetes. Here, we asked whether GADA affinity was affected by the GAD65 antigen-specific vaccination and/or associated with β-cell function in participants of this trial.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

GADA affinity was measured in sera of 46 LADA patients obtained prior to the first week and 20 weeks after the second injection with GAD-alum or placebo using competitive binding experiments with [125I]-labeled and unlabeled human GAD65.

RESULTS

At baseline, GADA affinities ranged from 1.9 × 107 to 5.0 × 1012 L/mol (median 2.8 × 1010 L/mol) and were correlated with GADA titers (r = 0.47; P = 0.0009), fasting (r = −0.37; P = 0.01) and stimulated (r = −0.40; P = 0.006) C-peptide concentrations, and HbA1c (r = 0.39; P = 0.007). No significant changes in affinity were observed from baseline to week 24. Patients with GADA affinities in the lower first quartile (<4 × 109 L/mol) had better preserved fasting C-peptide concentrations at baseline than those with higher affinities (mean 1.02 vs. 0.66 nmol/L; P = 0.004) and retained higher concentrations over 30 months of follow-up (mean 1.26 vs. 0.62 nmol/L; P = 0.01).

CONCLUSIONS

Intervention with GAD-alum in LADA patients had no effect on GADA affinity. Our data suggest that patients with low GADA affinity have a prolonged preservation of residual β-cell function.
Genetic Interactions of STAT3 and Anticancer Drug Development
Authors: Fang Bingliang
Published: March 2014

Signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) plays critical roles in tumorigenesis and malignant evolution and has been intensively studied as a therapeutic target for cancer. A number of STAT3 inhibitors have been evaluated for their antitumor activity in vitro and in vivo in experimental tumor models and several approved therapeutic agents have been reported to function as STAT3 inhibitors. Nevertheless, most STAT3 inhibitors have yet to be translated to clinical evaluation for cancer treatment, presumably because of pharmacokinetic, efficacy, and safety issues. In fact, a major cause of failure of anticancer drug development is lack of efficacy. Genetic interactions among various cancer-related pathways often provide redundant input from parallel and/or cooperative pathways that drives and maintains survival environments for cancer cells, leading to low efficacy of single-target agents. Exploiting genetic interactions of STAT3 with other cancer-related pathways may provide molecular insight into mechanisms of cancer resistance to pathway-targeted therapies and strategies for development of more effective anticancer agents and treatment regimens. This review focuses on functional regulation of STAT3 activity; possible interactions of the STAT3, RAS, epidermal growth factor receptor, and reduction-oxidation pathways; and molecular mechanisms that modulate therapeutic efficacies of STAT3 inhibitors.
Electron and Hole Transport Layers: Their Use in Inverted Bulk Heterojunction Polymer Solar Cells
Authors: Lattante Sandro
Published: March 2014

Bulk heterojunction polymer solar cells (BHJ PSCs) are very promising organic-based devices for low-cost solar energy conversion, compatible with roll-to-roll or general printing methods for mass production. Nevertheless, to date, many issues should still be addressed, one of these being the poor stability in ambient conditions. One elegant way to overcome such an issue is the so-called “inverted” BHJ PSC, a device geometry in which the charge collection is reverted in comparison with the standard geometry device, i.e., the electrons are collected by the bottom electrode and the holes by the top electrode (in contact with air). This reverted geometry allows one to use a high work function top metal electrode, like silver or gold (thus avoiding its fast oxidation and degradation), and eliminates the need of a polymeric hole transport layer, typically of an acidic nature, on top of the transparent metal oxide bottom electrode. Moreover, this geometry is fully compatible with standard roll-to-roll manufacturing in air and is less demanding for a good post-production encapsulation process. To date, the external power conversion efficiencies of the inverted devices are generally comparable to their standard analogues, once both the electron transport layer and the hole transport layer are fully optimized for the particular device. Here, the most recent results on this particular optimization process will be reviewed, and a general outlook regarding the inverted BHJ PSC will be depicted.
Influence of Diet, Menstruation and Genetic Factors on Iron Status: A Cross-Sectional Study in Spanish Women of Childbearing Age
Authors: Blanco-Rojo Ruth , Toxqui Laura , López-Parra Ana , Baeza-Richer Carlos , Pérez-Granados Ana , Arroyo-Pardo Eduardo , Vaquero M.
Published: March 2014

The aim of this study was to investigate the combined influence of diet, menstruation and genetic factors on iron status in Spanish menstruating women (n = 142). Dietary intake was assessed by a 72-h detailed dietary report and menstrual blood loss by a questionnaire, to determine a Menstrual Blood Loss Coefficient (MBLC). Five selected SNPs were genotyped: rs3811647, rs1799852 (Tf gene); rs1375515 (CACNA2D3 gene); and rs1800562 and rs1799945 (HFE gene, mutations C282Y and H63D, respectively). Iron biomarkers were determined and cluster analysis was performed. Differences among clusters in dietary intake, menstrual blood loss parameters and genotype frequencies distribution were studied. A categorical regression was performed to identify factors associated with cluster belonging. Three clusters were identified: women with poor iron status close to developing iron deficiency anemia (Cluster 1, n = 26); women with mild iron deficiency (Cluster 2, n = 59) and women with normal iron status (Cluster 3, n = 57). Three independent factors, red meat consumption, MBLC and mutation C282Y, were included in the model that better explained cluster belonging (R2 = 0.142, p < 0.001). In conclusion, the combination of high red meat consumption, low menstrual blood loss and the HFE C282Y mutation may protect from iron deficiency in women of childbearing age. These findings could be useful to implement adequate strategies to prevent iron deficiency anemia.
A mechanistic particle flux model applied to the oceanic phosphorus cycle
Authors: DeVries T. , Liang J.-H. , Deutsch C.
Published: March 2014

Abstract. The sinking and decomposition of particulate organic matter are critical processes in the ocean's biological pump, but are poorly understood and crudely represented in biogeochemical models. Here we present a mechanistic model for particle fluxes in the ocean that solves the evolution of the particle size distribution with depth. The model can represent a wide range of particle flux profiles, depending on the surface particle size distribution, the relationships between particle size, mass and velocity, and the rate of particle mass loss during decomposition. Spatially variable flux profiles are embedded in a data-constrained ocean circulation model, where the most uncertain parameters governing particle dynamics are tuned to achieve an optimal fit to the global distribution of phosphate. The resolution of spatially variable particle sizes has a significant effect on modeled organic matter production rates, increasing production in oligotrophic regions and decreasing production in eutrophic regions compared to a model that assumes spatially uniform particle sizes and sinking fluxes. The mechanistic particle model can reproduce global nutrient distributions better than, and sediment trap fluxes as well as, other commonly used empirical formulas. However, these independent data constraints cannot be simultaneously matched in a closed P budget commonly assumed in ocean models. Through a systematic addition of model processes, we show that the apparent discrepancy between particle flux and nutrient data can be resolved through P burial, but only if that burial is associated with a slowly decaying component of organic matter as might be achieved through protection by ballast minerals. Moreover, the model solution that best matches both datasets requires a larger rate of P burial (and compensating inputs) than have been previously estimated. Our results imply a marine PO4 inventory with a residence time of a few thousand years, similar to that of the relatively dynamic N cycle.
Reasons for (not) Signing the State Registry: Surveying Department of Motor Vehicles Customers in New York State
Authors: Feeley Thomas Hugh , Reynolds-Tylus Tobias , Anker Ashley E. , Evans Melanie
Published: March 2014

Context

Prior research examining rationales for enrolling as an organ donor is biased because of its reliance on college student samples and retrospective recall.

Objective

To characterize New York state residents' registry enrollment decisions in close proximity to a registration opportunity.

Design

Surveys were conducted with customers exiting Department of Motor Vehicle offices.

Participants

A total of 1325 customers were surveyed upon exiting 1 of 18 Department of Motor Vehicle offices spanning 9 counties.

Main Outcome Measure

Customers making donation-relevant transactions (ie, license renewal/registration) reported whether they had registered as a donor that day, and all other customers reported whether they had registered as a donor in the past. Customers reported reasons to justify their enrollment decision through short interview questions.

Results

Among current donation-relevant transactions (n = 299), 27% reported enrolling in the registry. Of remaining customers, 39% reported enrolling in the state registry in the past. For those who elected not to enroll, many failed to communicate a reason for their decision, or reported a lack of opportunity to sign or decisional uncertainty. Among enrollees, reasons for registration included the altruistic benefits of donation, prior registration, personal experience with donation, and rational arguments for donation.

Conclusion

The value of point-of-decision survey data are discussed in relation to strategic efforts to promote organ donor registration.
Tuberculosis in Solid-Organ Transplant Recipients: Disease Characteristics and Outcomes in the Current Era
Authors: Sun Hsin-Yun , Munoz Patricia , Torre-Cisneros Julian , Aguado Jose M. , Lattes Roberta , Montejo Miguel , Garcia-Reyne Ana , Bouza Emilio , Valerio Maricela , Lara Rosario , Wagener Marilyn M. , John George T. , Bruno Didier , Singh Nina
Published: March 2014

We determined the characteristics of posttransplant tuberculosis and the impact of rifampin-based antituberculosis regimens on outcomes in the current era. Patients comprised 64 transplant recipients with tuberculosis, divided into 2 consecutive cohorts: an earlier cohort (cases occurring from 2003 to 2007) and a later cohort (cases from 2008 to 2011). Patients from the later versus earlier era had tuberculosis develop later after transplant (odds ratio, 1.01; 95% CI, 1.00–1.02; P = .05), were more likely to be liver transplant recipients (odds ratio, 4.52; 95% CI, 1.32–15.53; P = .02), and were more likely to receive tacrolimus-based immunosuppression (odds ratio, 3.24; 95% CI, 1.14–9.19; P = .03). Mortality rate was 10% in the later cohort and 21% in the earlier cohort ( P = .20). Rifampin-based treatment was less likely to be used in patients with prior rejection ( P = .04). However, neither rejection rate ( P = .71) nor mortality ( P = .93) after tuberculosis differed between recipients who received rifampin and recipients who did not. Thus, notable changes have occurred in the epidemiological characteristics of tuberculosis in transplant recipients. Overall mortality rate has improved, with about 90% of the patients now surviving after tuberculosis.
Current Insights: Use of Immuknow in Heart Transplant Recipients
Authors: Andrikopoulou Efstathia , Mather Paul J.
Published: March 2014

Despite the advances in medical management of congenital and acquired cardiac disease, heart transplant remains the only curative option for certain patients. Transplant physicians aim to maintain a fine balance between too much and too little immunosuppression, so as to prevent complications such as infections, malignant growths, and toxic effects of drugs on one hand and acute or chronic rejection of the graft on the other hand. The ImmuKnow assay (by Cylex, recently acquired by Viracor-IBT Laboratories, Inc) was first introduced in 2002 by the Food and Drug Administration for detecting cell-mediated global immunity, thus providing an additional tool to help identify patients at risk for infection and rejection. All studies done to date are reviewed to examine the use of ImmuKnow in heart transplant recipients, both adults and children. Advantages and disadvantages are described, as well as areas in need of further investigation and improvement.
An Analysis of Reflection Characteristics of the Surface-Acoustic-Wave Reflector by an Equivalent Circuit Model
Authors: Kojima Toshihiro , Shibayama Kimio
Published: March 2014

This paper presents one method of theoretical analysis of the reflection characteristics of a metal strip array (a reflector for a SAW resonator). In the analysis, the equivalent circuit model including energy storage effects and propagation losses is used. By application of the image parameter theory, the expressions for the reflection characteristics are derived in closed and simple forms. As examples of numerical calculations, the reflection characteristics for the array in the second harmonic range are investigated.
Equivalent Circuit Model for Positive/Negative Reflection-Type SAW Reflectors
Authors: Koshiba Masanori , Mitobe Seiichi , Suzuki Michio
Published: March 2014

An equivalent circuit model for positive/negative reflection-type SAW reflectors is presented. Circuit parameters can be theoretically determined by applying the finite-element method to an infinite array. To show the validity and usefulness of this model, examples are computed for the positive/negative reflection-type reflector utilizing electrical loading by shorted and open metal-strips on a 128° Y-X LiNbO3 substrate. The computed results agree well with the experimental results.
SAW Resonator for Broad Band Tunable VCO
Authors: Yamamoto Yasushi
Published: March 2014

A new design technique of surface acoustic wave resonators (SAWR) for broad band tunable voltage controlled oscillators and its experimental results are shown. This is a modification of the normal SAWR design technique. The wide shoulder characteristics of SAWR and the longitudinal modes suppression enable broadening of the tunable frequency band of SAW VCO. Experimentally, a broad tunable VCO change of about 1%, which is more than twice that using conventional SAWR, was obtained.
Recent Advances in Medical Ultrasonic Engineering
Authors: Ide Masao
Published: March 2014

In this review, the progress of medical ultrasonic equipment for both diagnosis and therapy is described. The use of ultrasonic diagnostic equipment is currently flourishing and such equipment is now a necessary complement in a hospital. The digital technique has brought about this development. Several pieces of ultrasonic therapeutic equipment, which effectively utilize ultrasound are now frequently used.
Behavior of Electric Discharge in Ultrasonic Field
Authors: Nakane Tomoo , Hirata Takashi , Seya Koichiro
Published: March 2014

This paper deals with the influence of ultrasonic field on electric discharge phenomenon, i.e., spark and high-pressure glow discharge. An electrostatic unit having a positive needle electrode and a negative plate electrode was located at the sound pressure node in a standing sound wave field; the sound pressure level and the applied voltage were varied. As a result, the shape of the electric discharge was changed to an open fan-like shape, and the starting voltage for spark and high-pressure glow discharge could be varied by the sound.