bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
In Silico Characterization and Homology Modeling of a Cyanobacterial Phosphoenolpyruvate Carboxykinase Enzyme
Authors: Smith Aubrey A. , Caruso Amanda
Published: March 2013

ATP-dependent phosphoenolpyruvate carboxykinase (PEPCK) is a key catabolic enzyme found in various species of bacteria, plants, and yeast. PEPCK may play a role in carbon fixation in aquatic ecosystems consisting of photosynthetic cyanobacteria. RuBisCO-based CO2 fixation is prevalent in cyanobacteria through C3 intermediates; however, a significant amount of carbon flows into C4 acids during cyanobacterial photosynthesis. This indicates that a C4 mechanism for inorganic carbon fixation is prevalent in cyanobacteria with PEPCK as an important β-carboxylation enzyme. Newly available genomic information has confirmed the existence of putative PEPCK genes in a number of cyanobacterial species. This project represents the first structural and physicochemical study of cyanobacterial PEPCKs. Biocomputational analyses of cyanobacterial PEPCKs were performed and a homology model of Cyanothece sp. PCC 7424 PEPCK was generated. The modeled enzyme consists of an N-terminal and C-terminal domains with a mixed α/β topology with the active site located in a deep cleft between the two domains. Active site residues and those involved in metal ion coordination were found to be conserved in the cyanobacterial enzymes. An active site lid which is known to close upon substrate binding was also predicted. Amino acid stretches that are unique to cyanobacterial PEPCKs were also identified.
Economic Viability of Metallic Sodium-Cooled Fast Reactor Fuel in Korea
Authors: Kim S. K. , Ko W. I. , Lee Yoon Hee
Published: March 2013

This paper evaluates whether SFR metallic nuclear fuel can be economical. To make this determination, the cost of SFCF (SFR fuel cycle facilities) was estimated, and the break-even point of the manufacturing cost of SFR metallic nuclear fuel for direct disposal option was then calculated. As a result of the cost estimation, the levelized unit cost (LUC) for SFCF was calculated to be 5,311 $/kgHM, and the break-even point was calculated to be $5,267/kgHM. Therefore, the cost difference between LUC and the break-even point is not only small but is also within the relevant range of the uncertainty level of Class 3 in accordance with a generic cost estimate classification matrix of AACE (the Association for the Advancement of Cost Engineering). This means it is very difficult to judge the economical feasibility of SFR metallic nuclear fuel because as of today there are no commercial facilities in Korea or the world. The economic feasibility of SFR metallic nuclear fuel, however, will be enhanced if the mass production of SFCF becomes possible in the future.
Phase Transformation of Zeolite P to Y and Analcime Zeolites due to Changing the Time and Temperature
Authors: Azizi Seyed Naser , Alavi Daghigh Akram , Abrishamkar Maryam
Published: March 2013

In the present study, the synthesis of template free zeolite P under hydrothermal condition was investigated. The effects of parameters such as Si/Al ratios (3–45), crystallization temperatures (80–160°C), and cry (40–60 h) on the synthesis of zeolite P were studied. The phase transformation of zeolite P to two types of high crystallinity Y and analcime zeolites due to change of temperature was observed. The effect of temperature on the achievement of two different zeolite types (Y and analcime) with a constant initial synthetic composition under organic free synthesis of zeolite P was studied. The zeolitic products were characterized by X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, and IR spectroscopy techniques.
Positive Solutions for the Initial Value Problem of Fractional Evolution Equations
Authors: Yang He , Liang Yue
Published: March 2013

By using the fixed point theorems and the theory of analytic semigroup, we investigate the existence of positive mild solutions to the Cauchy problem of Caputo fractional evolution equations in Banach spaces. Some existence theorems are obtained under the case that the analytic semigroup is compact and noncompact, respectively. As an example, we study the partial differential equation of the parabolic type of fractional order.
The Effect of Lipoic Acid Therapy on Cognitive Functioning in Patients with Alzheimer's Disease
Authors: Fava Antonietta , Pirritano Domenico , Plastino Massimiliano , Cristiano Dario , Puccio Giovanna , Colica Carmen , Ermio Caterina , De Bartolo Matteo , Mauro Gaetano , Bosco Domenico
Published: March 2013

Diabetes mellitus (DM) is an important risk factor for Alzheimer's disease (AD). Most diabetic patients have insulin resistance (IR) that is associated with compensatory hyperinsulinemia, one of the mechanisms suggested for increased AD risk in patients with DM. Alpha-lipoic acid (ALA) is a disulfide molecule with antioxidant properties that has positive effects on glucose metabolism and IR. This study evaluated the effect of ALA treatment (600 mg/day) on cognitive performances in AD patients with and without DM. One hundred and twenty-six patients with AD were divided into two groups, according to DM presence (group A) or absence (group B). Cognitive functions were assessed by MMSE, Alzheimer's Disease Assessment Scale-cognitive (ADAS-Cog), Clinician's Interview-Based Impression of Severity (CIBIC), Clinical Dementia Rating (CDR), and Alzheimer's Disease Functional and Change Scale (ADFACS). IR was assessed by HOMA index. At the end of the study, MMSE scores showed a significant improvement in 43% patients of group A (26 subjects) and 23% of group B (15 subjects), compared to baseline (). Also ADAS-Cog, CIBIC, and ADFACS scores showed a significant improvement in group A versus group B. IR was higher in group A. Our study suggests that ALA therapy could be effective in slowing cognitive decline in patients with AD and IR.
Concurrent Infection with Dengue and Malaria: An Unusual Presentation
Authors: Mushtaq Mohsin Bin , Qadri Mehmood I. , Rashid Aaliya
Published: March 2013

Dengue and malaria are both endemic in South Asia and represent a major public health burden in this region. Though there have been some case reports of concurrent infection with dengue and malaria, yet there are only few cases of such infections reported from South Asia. Here, we present a case of a young male returning from a dengue endemic area who tested positive for the virus along withPlasmodium vivaxandPlasmodium falciparum. In view of the severity of coinfection (Epelboin et al., 2012), overlapping symptoms, and a challenging obscurity of diagnosis, a multidimensional diagnostic approach is suggested.
From Intervention to Innovation: Applying a Formal Implementation Strategy in Community Primary Care
Authors: Wallace Andrea S. , Sussman Andrew L. , Anthoney Mark , Parker Edith A.
Published: March 2013

Objective. To describe a comprehensive strategy for implementing an effective diabetes self-management support intervention incorporating goal-setting and followup support in community health clinics (CHCs) serving vulnerable patients.Methods. The Replicating Effective Programs (REP) framework was applied to develop an intervention strategy. In order to create a strategy consistent with the REP framework, four CHCs engaged in an iterative process involving key-informant interviews with clinic staff, ongoing involvement of clinic staff facilitating translational efforts, feedback from national experts, and an instructional designer.Results. Moving through the REP process resulted in an implementation strategy that aims to facilitate commitment, communication, and change at the clinic level, as well as means of providing interactive, time-limited education about patient behavior change and support to health care providers.Conclusion. The REP offered a useful framework for providing guidance toward the development of a strategy to implement a diabetes self-management intervention in CHCs serving medically underserved and underrepresented patient populations.
A Novel Algorithm for Intrusion Detection Based on RASL Model Checking
Authors: Zhu Weijun , Zhou Qinglei , Yang Weidong , Zhang Haibin
Published: March 2013

The interval temporal logic (ITL) model checking (MC) technique enhances the power of intrusion detection systems (IDSs) to detect concurrent attacks due to the strong expressive power of ITL. However, an ITL formula suffers from difficulty in the description of the time constraints between different actions in the same attack. To address this problem, we formalize a novel real-time interval temporal logic—real-time attack signature logic (RASL). Based on such a new logic, we put forward a RASL model checking algorithm. Furthermore, we use RASL formulas to describe attack signatures and employ discrete timed automata to create an audit log. As a result, RASL model checking algorithm can be used to automatically verify whether the automata satisfy the formulas, that is, whether the audit log coincides with the attack signatures. The simulation experiments show that the new approach effectively enhances the detection power of the MC-based intrusion detection methods for a number of telnet attacks, p-trace attacks, and the other sixteen types of attacks. And these experiments indicate that the new algorithm can find several types of real-time attacks, whereas the existing MC-based intrusion detection approaches cannot do that.
Vibroacoustical Analysis of Multiple-Layered Structures with Viscoelastic Damping Cores
Authors: Lin Fei , Rao Mohan D.
Published: March 2013

This paper presents a modeling technique to study the vibroacoustics of multiple-layered viscoelastic laminated beams using the Biot damping model. In this work, a complete simulation procedure for studying the structural acoustics of the system using a hybrid numerical model is presented. The boundary element method (BEM) was used to model the acoustical cavity, whereas the finite element method (FEM) was the basis for vibration analysis of the multiple-layered beam structure. Through the proposed procedure, the analysis can easily be extended to another complex geometry with arbitrary boundary conditions. The nonlinear behavior of viscoelastic damping materials was represented by the Biot damping model taking into account the effects of frequency, temperature, and different damping materials for individual layers. The curve-fitting procedure used to obtain the Biot constants for different damping materials for each temperature is explained. The results from structural vibration analysis for selected beams agree with published closed-form results, and results for the radiated noise for a sample beam structure obtained using a commercial BEM software are compared with the acoustical results of the same beam by using the Biot damping model.
Adsorption of Cd (II), Cu (II), and Zn (II) from Aqueous Solution onto Nitrogen‐Functionalized Desmostachya bipinnata
Authors: Kour Jagjit , Homagai Puspa Lal , Cagnin Massimo , Masi Antonio , Pokhrel Megh Raj , Ghimire Kedar Nath
Published: March 2013

A very simple means of nitrogen functional group grafting onto the backbone of Desmostachya bipinnata is investigated, which is a sacrificial herb in the south Asian region particular to Hindu religion. This natural biomaterial is found to be very effective for metal binding, after treatment with hydrazine monohydrate. The present study explores a comparison of amination processes by considering several options. The maximum metal loading capacities for Cd, Cu, and Zn were found to be 76.80 mg/g, 72.10 mg/g, and 58.16 mg/g, respectively. The kinetic evaluation indicated that the adsorption of Cd, Cu, and Zn onto the biomaterials followed the pseudo second‐order rate equation.
ITO/Poly(Aniline)/Sol-Gel Glass: An Optically Transparent, pH-Responsive Substrate for Supported Lipid Bilayers
Authors: Al-Obeidi Ahmed , Ge Chenhao , Orosz Kristina S. , Saavedra S. Scott
Published: March 2013

Described here is fabrication of a pH-sensitive, optically transparent transducer composed of a planar indium-tin oxide (ITO) electrode overcoated with a poly(aniline) (PANI) thin film and a porous sol-gel layer. Adsorption of the PANI film renders the ITO electrode sensitive to pH, whereas the sol-gel spin-coated layer makes the upper surface compatible with fusion of phospholipid vesicles to form a planar supported lipid bilayer (PSLB). The response to changes in the pH of the buffer contacting the sol-gel/PANI/ITO electrode is pseudo-Nernstian with a slope of 52 mV/pH over a pH range of 4–9. Vesicle fusion forms a laterally continuous PSLB on the upper sol-gel surface that is fluid with a lateral lipid diffusion coefficient of 2.2 μm2/s measured by fluorescence recovery after photobleaching. Due to its lateral continuity and lack of defects, the PSLB blocks the pH response of the underlying electrode to changes in the pH of the overlying buffer. This architecture is simpler to fabricate than previously reported ITO electrodes derivatized for PSLB formation and should be useful for optical monitoring of proton transport across supported membranes derivatized with ionophores and ion channels.
Expression of Inflammation-Related Genes Is Altered in Gastric Tissue of Patients with Advanced Stages of NAFLD
Authors: Mehta Rohini , Birerdinc Aybike , Neupane Arpan , Shamsaddini Amirhossein , Afendy Arian , Elariny Hazem , Chandhoke Vikas , Baranova Ancha , Younossi Zobair M.
Published: March 2013

Obesity is associated with chronic low-grade inflammation perpetuated by visceral adipose. Other organs, particularly stomach and intestine, may also overproduce proinflammatory molecules. We examined the gene expression patterns in gastric tissue of morbidly obese patients with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and compared the changes in gene expression in different histological forms of NAFLD. Stomach tissue samples from 20 morbidly obese NAFLD patients who were undergoing sleeve gastrectomy were profiled using qPCR for 84 genes encoding inflammatory cytokines, chemokines, their receptors, and other components of inflammatory cascades. Interleukin 8 receptor-beta (IL8RB) gene overexpression in gastric tissue was correlated with the presence of hepatic steatosis, hepatic fibrosis, and histologic diagnosis of nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH). Expression levels of soluble interleukin 1 receptor antagonist (IL1RN) were correlated with the presence of NASH and hepatic fibrosis. mRNA levels of interleukin 8 (IL8), chemokine (C-C motif) ligand 4 (CCL4), and its receptor chemokine (C-C motif) receptor type 5 (CCR5) showed a significant increase in patients with advanced hepatic inflammation and were correlated with the severity of the hepatic inflammation. The results of our study suggest that changes in expression patterns for inflammatory molecule encoding genes within gastric tissue may contribute to the pathogenesis of obesity-related NAFLD.
Human Chagas Disease and Migration in the Context of Globalization: Some Particular Aspects
Authors: Pinto Dias João Carlos
Published: March 2013

Human Chagas disease originated in Latin America, being spread around the world in relation with multiple bioecological, sociocultural, and political factors. The process of the disease production and dispersion is discussed, emphasizing the human migration and correlated aspects, in the context of globalization. Positive and negative consequences concern the future of this trypanosomiasis, mainly in terms of the ecologic and sociopolitical characteristics of the endemic and nonendemic countries.
Improving the Electrical Parameters of a Photovoltaic Panel by Means of an Induced or Forced Air Stream
Authors: Mazón-Hernández R. , García-Cascales J. R. , Vera-García F. , Káiser A. S. , Zamora B.
Published: March 2013

The main priority in photovoltaic (PV) panels is the production of electricity. The transformation of solar energy into electricity depends on the operating temperature in such a way that the performance increases with the decreasing temperatures. In the existing literature, different cooling techniques can be found. The purpose of most of them is to use air or water as thermal energy carriers. This work is focused on the use of air as a working fluid whose movement is either induced by natural convection or forced by means of a fan. The aim of this study is to characterise the electrical behaviour of the solar panels in order to improve the design of photovoltaic installations placed in roof applications ensuring low operating temperatures which will correct and reverse the effects produced on efficiency by high temperature. To do this, a test installation has been constructed at the Universidad Politécnica de Cartagena in Spain. In this paper, the results of the tests carried out on two identical solar panels are included. One of them has been modified and mounted on different channels through which air flows. The different studies conducted show the effects of the air channel cross-section, the air velocity, and the panel temperature on the electrical parameters of the solar panels, such as the voltage, current, power, and performance. The results conclude that the air space between the photovoltaic panels and a steel roof must be high enough to allow the panel to be cooled and consequently to achieve higher efficiency.
New Delay-Dependent Robust Stability Criterion for LPD Discrete-Time Systems with Interval Time-Varying Delays
Authors: Yotha Narongsak , Mukdasai Kanit
Published: March 2013

This paper investigates the problem of robust stability for linear parameter-dependent (LPD) discrete-time systems with interval time-varying delays. Based on the combination of model transformation, utilization of zero equation, and parameter-dependent Lyapunov-Krasovskii functional, new delay-dependent robust stability conditions are obtained and formulated in terms of linear matrix inequalities (LMIs). Numerical examples are given to demonstrate the effectiveness and less conservativeness of the proposed methods.
Burkitt’s Lymphoma Presented as Advanced Ovarian Cancer without Evidence of Lymphadenopathy: CT and MRI Findings
Authors: Manganaro Lucia , Bernardo Silvia , Sergi Maria Eleonora , Sollazzo Paolo , Vinci Valeria , De Grazia Alessandra , Clerico Anna , Mollace Maria Giovanna , Saldari Matteo
Published: March 2013

Burkitt's lymphoma is a rare non-Hodgkin's lymphoma which can occasionally involve the ovary and may cause confusion for the clinician since its presentation might mimic other much more frequent tumors. We present a case of a 23-year-old woman with sporadic Burkitt’s lymphoma presented as advanced ovarian cancer with bilateral ovarian masses, peritoneal carcinomatosis, ascites, and marked elevation of CA-125. Liver involvement and atypical bone lesions, such as the cranial vault and the iliac wing, were also detected without evidence of lymphadenopathy. We describe the MRI and CT findings of simultaneous ovarian and bone lesions, which have never been reported in literature in a patient with Burkitt's lymphoma, before and after one cycle of chemotherapy. In evaluating any ovarian neoplasm in a young woman, Burkitt's lymphoma should be considered as a possibility, particularly if associated with bone lesions. MRI is the most useful tool to characterize the ovarian lesions and suggest the diagnosis before the histopathological results.
Chinese Medicine Injection Shuanghuanglian for Treatment of Acute Upper Respiratory Tract Infection: A Systematic Review of Randomized Controlled Trials
Authors: Zhang Hongwei , Chen Qin , Zhou Weiwei , Gao Shi , Lin Huiguang , Ye Shuifen , Xu Yihui , Cai Jing
Published: March 2013

Acute upper respiratory tract infections (AURTIs) are the illnesses caused by an acute infection with various viruses and bacteria involving the upper respiratory tract. Shuanghuanglian (SHL) injection, a Chinese medicine intravenous preparation extracted from honeysuckle,Scutellaria baicalensis, and fructus forsythiae, is commonly used to treat AURTIs. Although it is used largely in Chinese hospitals, there is no substantial evidence to demonstrate its clinical effect on AURTIs. We conducted a systematic review to evaluate the effectiveness and safety of Shuanghuanglian injection for the treatment of acute upper respiratory tract infections.
Time to First Cigarette and 4-(Methylnitrosamino)-1-(3-Pyridyl)-1-Butanol (NNAL) Levels in Adult Smokers; National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES), 2007–2010
Authors: Branstetter Steven A. , Muscat Joshua E.
Published: March 2013

Background: The time to first cigarette (TTFC) is a good indicator of several dimensions of nicotine dependence. An early TTFC is also associated with increased lung and oral cancer risk. Our objective was to determine the relationship between TTFC and exposure to tobacco smoke carcinogens.

Methods: We conducted a cross-sectional analysis of a nationally representative subsample of smoking adults that had urinary samples analyzed for tobacco biomarkers. The study included 1,945 participants from the 2007–2008 and 2009–2010 National Health and Nutrition and Examination Survey. The main outcome measure was creatinine-adjusted urinary 4-(methylnitrosamino)-1-(3-pyridyl)-1-butanol (NNAL) levels.

Results: The cigarette-per-day adjusted levels of NNAL were twice as high in participants who smoked within 5 minutes after waking than in participants who refrained from smoking for at least 1 hour (0.58 vs. 0.28 ng/mL, P < 0.001). In multivariate linear models, a shorter TTFC was significantly associated with increasing NNAL levels, after adjusting for cigarettes smoked per day (or cotinine), secondhand smoke exposure, age, sex, race/ethnicity, and other potential confounders.

Conclusions: These data show that in a nationally representative sample, there is a dose-dependent relationship between earlier smoking in the day and higher biologic exposure to a tobacco smoke carcinogen.

Impact: Our study provides further evidence that highlights the relationship between TTFC, nicotine dependence, and cancer risk. Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev; 22(4); 615–22. ©2013 AACR.
A Novel Serum Metabolomics-Based Diagnostic Approach to Pancreatic Cancer
Authors: Kobayashi Takashi , Nishiumi Shin , Ikeda Atsuki , Yoshie Tomoo , Sakai Aya , Matsubara Atsuki , Izumi Yoshihiro , Tsumura Hidetaka , Tsuda Masahiro , Nishisaki Hogara , Hayashi Nobuhide , Kawano Seiji , Fujiwara Yutaka , Minami Hironobu , Takenawa Tadaomi , Azuma Takeshi , Yoshida Masaru
Published: March 2013

Background: To improve the prognosis of patients with pancreatic cancer, more accurate serum diagnostic methods are required. We used serum metabolomics as a diagnostic method for pancreatic cancer.

Methods: Sera from patients with pancreatic cancer, healthy volunteers, and chronic pancreatitis were collected at multiple institutions. The pancreatic cancer and healthy volunteers were randomly allocated to the training or the validation set. All of the chronic pancreatitis cases were included in the validation set. In each study, the subjects' serum metabolites were analyzed by gas chromatography mass spectrometry (GC/MS) and a data processing system using an in-house library. The diagnostic model constructed via multiple logistic regression analysis in the training set study was evaluated on the basis of its sensitivity and specificity, and the results were confirmed by the validation set study.

Results: In the training set study, which included 43 patients with pancreatic cancer and 42 healthy volunteers, the model possessed high sensitivity (86.0%) and specificity (88.1%) for pancreatic cancer. The use of the model was confirmed in the validation set study, which included 42 pancreatic cancer, 41 healthy volunteers, and 23 chronic pancreatitis; that is, it displayed high sensitivity (71.4%) and specificity (78.1%); and furthermore, it displayed higher sensitivity (77.8%) in resectable pancreatic cancer and lower false-positive rate (17.4%) in chronic pancreatitis than conventional markers.

Conclusions: Our model possessed higher accuracy than conventional tumor markers at detecting the resectable patients with pancreatic cancer in cohort including patients with chronic pancreatitis.

Impact: It is a promising method for improving the prognosis of pancreatic cancer via its early detection and accurate discrimination from chronic pancreatitis. Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev; 22(4); 571–9. ©2013 AACR.
Dairy Intakes in Older Girls and Risk of Benign Breast Disease in Young Women
Authors: Berkey Catherine S. , Willett Walter C. , Tamimi Rulla M. , Rosner Bernard , Frazier A. Lindsay , Colditz Graham A.
Published: March 2013

Previous investigations found high dairy intakes in girls associated with rapid height growth and excess weight gain, which had opposite relationships with benign breast disease (BBD) in young women. We use data from the longitudinal Growing Up Today Study (GUTS) to investigate whether dairy intakes, in older children/adolescents, are associated with BBD risk in young women. GUTS includes 9,039 females, ages 9–15 years in 1996, who completed questionnaires annually through 2001, then in 2003, 2005, 2007, and 2010. Dietary food frequencies (1996–2001) obtained milk, yogurt, and cheese intakes. On 2005–2010 surveys, 7,011 females (18–29 years) reported whether a health care provider ever diagnosed them with BBD (n = 250) and if confirmed by breast biopsy (n = 105). Logistic regression models estimated associations between prevalent biopsy-confirmed BBD and dairy intakes, adjusted for age and energy. Multivariable-adjusted models additionally included menarche age, childhood adiposity, adolescent alcohol consumption, and pregnancy. Further analyses stratified by family history. Age-energy–adjusted models of dairy (milk, yogurt, cheese, total dairy servings, dairy protein, dairy fat) intakes at 14 yr found no significant associations with BBD risk [milk: OR, 0.90/(serving/d); 95% confidence interval (CI), 0.76–1.05; dairy protein: OR, 0.98/(10 g/d); 95% CI, 0.82–1.17). Separate analyses of dairy intakes at 10 yr, intakes before the growth spurt, during the growth spurt, before menses-onset, and after menses-onset provided no significant associations with BBD. Multivariable adjustment, and family history stratification, did not alter the above findings. We conclude that dairy intakes by older girls have no strong relation with BBD risk in young women. Because of small number of cases, it is important to continue follow-up and re-examine later. Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev; 22(4); 670–4. ©2013 AACR.
Bisphosphorylated PEA-15 Sensitizes Ovarian Cancer Cells to Paclitaxel by Impairing the Microtubule-Destabilizing Effect of SCLIP
Authors: Xie Xuemei , Bartholomeusz Chandra , Ahmed Ahmed A. , Kazansky Anna , Diao Lixia , Baggerly Keith A. , Hortobagyi Gabriel N. , Ueno Naoto T.
Published: March 2013

Paclitaxel is a standard chemotherapeutic agent for ovarian cancer. PEA-15 (phosphoprotein enriched in astrocytes-15 kDa) regulates cell proliferation, autophagy, apoptosis, and glucose metabolism and also mediates AKT-dependent chemoresistance in breast cancer. The functions of PEA-15 are tightly regulated by its phosphorylation status at Ser104 and Ser116. However, the effect of PEA-15 phosphorylation status on chemosensitivity of cancer cells remains unknown. Here, we tested the hypothesis that PEA-15 phosphorylated at both Ser104 and Ser116 (pPEA-15) sensitizes ovarian cancer cells to paclitaxel. We first found that knockdown of PEA-15 in PEA-15–high expressing HEY and OVTOKO ovarian cancer cells resulted in paclitaxel resistance, whereas re-expression of PEA-15 in these cells led to paclitaxel sensitization. We next found that SKOV3.ip1-DD cells (expressing phosphomimetic PEA-15) were more sensitive to paclitaxel than SKOV3.ip1-AA cells (expressing nonphosphorylatable PEA-15). Compared with SKOV3.ip1-vector and SKOV3.ip1-AA cells, SKOV3.ip1-DD cells displayed reduced cell viability, inhibited anchorage-independent growth, and augmented apoptosis when treated with paclitaxel. Furthermore, HEY and OVTOKO cells displayed enhanced paclitaxel sensitivity when transiently overexpressing phosphomimetic PEA-15 and reduced paclitaxel sensitivity when transiently overexpressing nonphosphorylatable PEA-15. These results indicate that pPEA-15 sensitizes ovarian cancer cells to paclitaxel. cDNA microarray analysis suggested that SCLIP (SCG10-like protein), a microtubule-destabilizing protein, is involved in pPEA-15–mediated chemosensitization. We found that reduced expression and possibly posttranslational modification of SCLIP following paclitaxel treatment impaired the microtubule-destabilizing effect of SCLIP, thereby promoting induction of mitotic arrest and apoptosis by paclitaxel. Our findings highlight the importance of pPEA-15 as a promising target for improving the efficacy of paclitaxel-based therapy in ovarian cancer. Mol Cancer Ther; 12(6); 1099–111. ©2013 AACR.
Antisense Oligonucleotide Inhibition of Apolipoprotein C-III Reduces Plasma Triglycerides in Rodents, Nonhuman Primates, and Humans
Authors: Graham Mark J. , Lee Richard G. , Bell Thomas A. , Fu Wuxia , Mullick Adam E. , Alexander Veronica J. , Singleton Walter , Viney Nick , Geary Richard , Su John , Baker Brenda F. , Burkey Jennifer , Crooke Stanley T. , Crooke Rosanne M.
Published: March 2013

Rationale:

Elevated plasma triglyceride levels have been recognized as a risk factor for the development of coronary heart disease. Apolipoprotein C-III (apoC-III) represents both an independent risk factor and a key regulatory factor of plasma triglyceride concentrations. Furthermore, elevated apoC-III levels have been associated with metabolic syndrome and type 2 diabetes mellitus. To date, no selective apoC-III therapeutic agent has been evaluated in the clinic.

Objective:

To test the hypothesis that selective inhibition of apoC-III with antisense drugs in preclinical models and in healthy volunteers would reduce plasma apoC-III and triglyceride levels.

Methods and Results:

Rodent- and human-specific second-generation antisense oligonucleotides were identified and evaluated in preclinical models, including rats, mice, human apoC-III transgenic mice, and nonhuman primates. We demonstrated the selective reduction of both apoC-III and triglyceride in all preclinical pharmacological evaluations. We also showed that inhibition of apoC-III was well tolerated and not associated with increased liver triglyceride deposition or hepatotoxicity. A double-blind, placebo-controlled, phase I clinical study was performed in healthy subjects. Administration of the human apoC-III antisense drug resulted in dose-dependent reductions in plasma apoC-III, concomitant lowering of triglyceride levels, and produced no clinically meaningful signals in the safety evaluations.

Conclusions:

Antisense inhibition of apoC-III in preclinical models and in a phase I clinical trial with healthy subjects produced potent, selective reductions in plasma apoC-III and triglyceride, 2 known risk factors for cardiovascular disease. This compelling pharmacological profile supports further clinical investigations in hypertriglyceridemic subjects.
Outcomes After Acute Myocardial Infarction in HIV-Infected Patients
Authors: Lorgis Luc , Cottenet Jonathan , Molins Guillaume , Benzenine Eric , Zeller Marianne , Aube Hervé , Touzery Claude , Hamblin Joelle , Gudjoncik Aurélie , Cottin Yves , Quantin Catherine
Published: March 2013

Background—

We aimed to assess in-hospital case fatality and 1-year prognosis in HIV-infected patients with acute myocardial infarction.

Methods and Results—

From the PMSI (Program de Medicalisation des Systèmes d’informatique) database, data from 277 303 consecutive acute myocardial infarction patients hospitalized from January 1, 2005, to December 31, 2009, were analyzed. Surviving patients were followed up for 1 year after discharge. HIV-infected patients were compared with uninfected patients. Among the cohort, HIV-infected patients (n=608) accounted for 0.22%. All-cause hospital and 1-year mortality rates were lower in the HIV-infected group than in uninfected patients (3.1% versus 8.1% [
P
<0.001] and 1.4% versus 5.5% [
P
<0.001], respectively). From the database, we then analyzed a cohort derived from a matching procedure, with 1 HIV patient matched with 2 patients without HIV, based on age and sex (n=1824). Ischemic cardiomyopathy was more frequent in the HIV group (7.6% versus 4.2%,
P
=0.003). Hospitalization and 1-year mortality rates were similar in the 2 groups (3.1% versus 2.1% [
P
=0.168] and 1.4% versus 1.7% [
P
=0.642], respectively). However, at 12 months, hospitalizations for episodes of heart failure were significantly more frequent in HIV-infected than in uninfected patients (3.3% versus 1.4%, respectively;
P
=0.020). HIV infection, diabetes mellitus, history of ischemic cardiomyopathy, and undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention were associated in univariate analysis with occurrence of heart failure. By multivariable analysis, HIV infection (odds ratio 2.82, 95% confidence interval 1.32–6.01), diabetes mellitus, and undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention remained independent predictors of heart failure.

Conclusions—

The present study demonstrates that after acute myocardial infarction, HIV status influences long-term risk, although the short-term risk in HIV patients is comparable to that in uninfected patients.
How the Devil Got His Hooves and Horns: The Origin of the Motif and the Implied Demonology of 3 Baruch
Authors: Kulik Alexander
Published: March 2013

Abstract

This paper reexamines the problem of the origins of a popular medieval and modern image of the devil as an anthropomorphic creature with hooves and horns and seeks to reconstruct the analogous ancient image of a satyr-like devil as it could be witnessed in diverse sources, including Hellenistic mythology, rabbinic legends, and early Christian texts. It seems that, not belonging completely to any of these worlds, this therianthropic motif emerges from a complicated literary history wherein Greco-Roman Pan, Jewish seirim, and other mythological figures graft themselves and their imagery around the forces of the demonic. The main argument of the paper as a whole centers around the place of 3 Baruch in this complicated history. This composition may contain the only physical description and detailed treatment of demonic seirim-satyrs in early Jewish literature and the earliest notion of satyr-like demons available to us.
Origen in Augustine: A Paradoxical Reception
Authors: Ramelli Ilaria L.E.
Published: March 2013

Abstract

I argue that, paradoxically, Augustine embraced much of Origen’s system, especially in his anti-Manichaean polemic, exactly when he was convinced that he did not know his thought. The most remarkable point in his initial adherence to Origen’s ideas regards the apokatastasis doctrine, which he later condemned as heretical and felt the need to recant in his Retractationes (Second Thoughts). I point out many other elements of contact concerning philosophical arguments and Biblical exegesis, which the early Augustine drew from Origen and have escaped scholars who have investigated the Origen-Augustine relationship. With this I shall hopefully add an important piece to the study of Origen’s influence on Western Patristics. I thus explain how Augustine used Origen’s thought in defense of Christian orthodoxy against the Manichaean “heresy,” whereas, after he was informed about Origen’s thought by Horosius and Jerome, he began to find it heretical and condemned it, especially in De civitate Dei (The City of God) and De haeresibus (On Heresies), where he shows that he was misinformed about it. A remarkable role in this transformation was played by Augustine’s ­anti-Pelagian polemic: several of his expressions of blame directed against Origen’s ideas are found in his anti-Pelagian works. Another notable factor was Augustine’s ignorance of the important semantic distinction between αἰώνιος and ἀΐδιος, which got lost in the translation of both with aeternus. Moreover, I endeavor to clarify the ways and sources through which Augustine came to know Origen’s true thought when he did adhere to it, probably without being aware that it was Origen’s.
Animal-Assisted Interventions and Psychiatric Disorders: Knowledge and Attitudes among General Practitioners, Psychiatrists, and Psychologists
Authors: Berget Bente , Grepperud Sverre , Aasland Olaf G. , Braastad Bjarne O.
Published: March 2013

Abstract

There appears to be a growing interest among farmers and researchers in animal-assisted interventions (AAI). However, less is known about the attitudes toward the use of such interventions among therapists. In this study, Norwegian general practitioners, psychiatrists, and psychologists were asked about their knowledge of, and experience with, AAI and their motivation for learning more about AAI. About two-thirds of the respondents had some or significant knowledge of AAI and were motivated to adapt AAI to their own practice. Almost 9 out of 10 thought that AAI should be used more in psychiatric treatment; however, GPs were not as positive as the psychiatrists/psychologists. More than 2 out of 3 respondents wanted to learn more about AAI, the men being more positive than the women. There were no professional differences on this question, while number of years with clinical work was negatively related, and earlier experiences with AAI positively related, to this motivation to learn more about AAI. Belief in treatment effects was a positive predictor.
Redesigning the Donation Box: The Effect of Animal Banks on Donations for Animal Welfare
Authors: Guéguen Nicolas
Published: March 2013

Abstract

Some recent studies have shown that physical objects present in the environment can affect altruism. This effect was demonstrated in the context of fundraising for animals. Different banks were placed near the cash register in eight bakeries with a message explaining that the solicitation was for animal welfare. The banks were either in the shape of a dog, a cat, a cow, a pig, or a classic cube. Results showed that more donations were given with the dog and cat banks, whereas no difference in donations was found among the three other banks.
The Census of the Israelites on the Plains of Moab (Numbers 26): Sources and Redaction
Authors: Kislev Itamar
Published: March 2013

Abstract

In its present form, the census description in Numbers 26 can be identified as the product of a protracted literary process. Three principal stages of composition may be discerned as: a) close reliance on the list in Genesis 46 produced a census description and a list of the Israelite clans when they left Egypt ; b) the displacement of the original list from its original location to its extant position, wherein it serves as a “database” for the allocation of Canaan in accordance with the size of the tribes; c) the text reflected in the MT, in which the original form of the list was changed to better fit the new context, thereby establishing a greater similitude between Numbers 26 and other parts in its literary context.
David and Hattushili III: The Impact of Genre and a Response to J. Randall Short
Authors: Knapp Andrew
Published: March 2013

Abstract

This article has two components. The first is a theoretical discussion of genre, in which two distinct approaches are outlined. Literary genre theory, which has prevailed in biblical scholarship of the past century, is useful but has certain limitations since a literary genre is an historically situated category. Rhetorical genre theory, on the other hand, defines genre in a transhistorical way that allows one to employ it in situations where literary genre theory does not apply, such as when comparing texts from different cultures and time periods.

The second part of the article illustrates the preceding through a response to J. Randall Short’s recent monograph, The Surprising Election and Confirmation of King David. The article submits that Short employs an unsound understanding of genre, treating apologetic—a transhistorical phenomenon that appears in all human cultures in various forms—as a literary genre instead of a rhetorical genre.
The Form and Function of a Biblical Blood Ritual
Authors: Meshel Naphtali S.
Published: March 2013

Abstract

There is a consensus in current research that Levitical law never requires blood to be tossed upon the upper surface of the altar. This conception has reinforced—and has been reinforced by—an understanding that yhwh is never to be offered blood. However, it appears that according to several priestly texts, the blood of many sacrifices, including wellbeing, whole-burnt and reparation offerings, is to be tossed upon the upper surface of the altar.
Wisdom as an Immanent Event in Job 28, Not a Transcendent Ideal
Authors: Hankins Davis
Published: March 2013

Abstract

Job 28 poses several interpretive difficulties: its reflections about wisdom seem disembodied and misplaced within the dialogue; its content, especially the final verse, seems ill-fit for the issues the book raises. Much interpretive discomfort with the poem stems from the misconception that it presents human inaccessibility to wisdom in opposition to God’s accessibility. By reassessing the poem as moving rhetorically from a metonymic (in vv.1-19) to a metaphoric logic (in vv.20-28), this article demonstrates that wisdom is displaced throughout the poem—from humans, God, and creation. Job 28 primarily opposes two different ways of relating to this displaced wisdom: the metonymic search that evokes wisdom as perpetually transcendent, versus the discovery of wisdom in metaphoric effects that appear as displaced from their causes. This reinterpretation enables more nuanced readings of v.28 as an appositive metaphor, and of the poem’s displacement in the book as appropriate to its teachings about wisdom.
Aus der Welt eines Gefangenen Die Kommunikationsstruktur des Philipperbriefs im Spiegel seiner Abfassungssituation
Authors: Standhartinger Angela
Published: March 2013

Abstract

It is well known that Philippians was written in prison. However, very few have investigated whether the living conditions of ancient imprisonment are reflected in Philippians. Even less frequently studied are the specific structures of communication for those in Roman custody. This article argues that the situation of composition in prison demanded a degree of ambiguity in speaking and writing that produced difficulties for interpreters of Philippians then and now. For a letter written in prison has to reckon with being read by more than the immediate addressees, like the prison guards, police personnel, and judges. Thus, a letter from prison is always an “open interaction between the subordinates and those who dominate,” or, as James Scott has called it, a “public transcript.” The question, however, arises, whether behind the public transcript, that is the letter to the Philippians, we may also discover a hidden transcript, a discourse that takes place “offstage,” beyond direct observation by power holders. This article seeks to clarify what Paul is conveying in Philippians by reading it against ancient prison life and the circumstances of writing and communicating from therein. It finally asks how the community in Philippi might have read the letter beyond what is (and is not) obviously communicated in it.
Die Perikope von der Hochzeit zu Kana ( Joh 2:1-11) im Kontext der Spätantike
Authors: Förster Hans
Published: March 2013

Abstract

One focus of the interpretation of the Wedding at Cana ( John 2:1-11) is usually the abundance of wine. The amount of water in the six large jars, which is changed into wine, seems to be enormous. However, the amount is traditionally not put into the context of the average consumption of wine in antiquity. Archaeological and papyrological sources suggest that—in the context of antiquity—the amount seems not to be extraordinarily large. Rather, the amount of wine seems to be sufficient just for a “common household.” This is important for the interpretation of the entire passage: The “abundance of wine” is very often related to the hypothesis that this supposed abundance is to be seen in the context of the attempt to surpass the cult of Dionysos.
Potential recovery of a declined turtle population diminished by a community shift towards more generalist species
Authors: Pitt Amber L. , Pitt Amber L. , Nickerson Max A.
Published: March 2013

Models suggest that a declined turtle population may rebound if the cause of decline is remedied and adult mortality is reduced, but recovery time will likely be slow. In 2005-2007, we reexamined a river turtle community which included a population of Northern Map Turtles (Graptemys geographica) that had been reduced by approximately 50% between 1969 and 1980 likely as a result of harvesting, and had failed to rebound by 2004 despite no evidence of continued harvesting. Comparisons of population estimates for G. geographica showed no significant differences between 2005 and 2006 (, ) or between 2006 and 2007 (, ). However, the population estimate for 2007 was not significantly different from the population estimate for 1969 (, ) but was significantly higher than the population estimate for 1980 (, ), suggesting the population had returned to its pre-decline (1969) size. While the recovery of the G. geographica population demonstrates that a previously harvested river turtle population may rebound if no further harvesting occurs, the recovery period will be extensive, thus confirming model predictions. Furthermore, the turtle community composition was shifting towards a higher relative abundance of generalist species and a lower relative abundance of specialist species – a pattern that can be expected with habitat degradation, another threat which may present new challenges to G. geographica, a dietary specialist.
Irrelevant idiosyncratic acts as preparatory, confirmatory, or transitional phases in motor behaviour
Authors: Keren Hila , Mort Joel , Boyer Pascal , Weiss Omri , Eilam David
Published: March 2013

Motor behaviours typically include acts that may seem irrelevant for the goal of the task. These unnecessary idiosyncratic acts are excessively manifested in certain activities, such as sports or compulsive rituals. Using the shared performance (commonness) of acts as a proxy for their relevance to the current task, we analysed motor behaviour in daily tasks, sport-related tasks, and obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) tasks. For each task, these motor behaviours comprised common acts that were performed by all the individuals, and idiosyncratic acts that were performed by only some individuals. In all three tasks there was a temporal section that included all the common acts (termed ‘body’). This body section was preceded by a sequence of idiosyncratic acts that we termed ‘head’, and was followed by another sequence of idiosyncratic acts that we termed ‘tail’. While both head and tail sections were relatively short in the daily tasks, the head was relatively long and the tail largely absent in sport-related tasks, which have a definite end and high stakes. In contrast, OCD behaviour had a relatively long tail. In light of these results, we suggest that the head is a preparatory phase and the tail a confirmatory phase. The head may be viewed as a warm-up phase for the pragmatic section of the task (‘body’), and the tail as a cool-down phase. Finally, we suggest that rituals may be viewed as a descendant of pragmatic activities, which differentially feature a greater terminal phase of idiosyncratic acts in OCD, and an extended initial phase of idiosyncratic acts in sport rituals.