bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Epinecidin-1 Has Immunomodulatory Effects, Facilitating Its Therapeutic Use in a Mouse Model of Pseudomonas aeruginosa Sepsis
Authors: Pan Chieh-Yu , Chen Jian-Chyi , Sheen Jenn-Feng , Lin Tai-Lang , Chen Jyh-Yih 
Published: May 2014

ABSTRACT

Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) are garnering attention as possible alternatives to antibiotics. Here, we describe the antimicrobial properties of epinecidin-1 against a multidrug-resistant clinical isolate of
P. aeruginosa
(
P. aeruginosa
R) and a
P. aeruginosa
strain from ATCC (
P. aeruginosa
ATCC 19660)
in vivo
. The MICs of epinecidin-1 against
P. aeruginosa
R and
P. aeruginosa
ATCC 19660 were determined and compared with those of imipenem. Epinecidin-1 was found to be highly effective at combating peritonitis infection caused by
P. aeruginosa
R or
P. aeruginosa
ATCC 19660 in mouse models, without inducing adverse behavioral effects or liver or kidney toxicity. Taken together, our results indicate that epinecidin-1 enhances the rate of survival of mice infected with the bacterial pathogen
P. aeruginosa
through both antimicrobial and immunomodulatory effects.
The Macrophage Migration Inhibitory Factor Homolog of Entamoeba histolytica Binds to and Immunomodulates Host Macrophages
Authors: Moonah Shannon N. , Abhyankar Mayuresh M. , Haque Rashidul , Petri William A. 
Published: May 2014

ABSTRACT

The host inflammatory response contributes to the tissue damage that occurs during amebic colitis, with tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) being a key mediator of the gut inflammation observed. Mammalian macrophage migration inhibitory factor (MIF) is a proinflammatory cytokine that plays an important role in the exacerbation of a wide range of inflammatory diseases, including colitis. We identified a MIF gene homolog in the
Entamoeba histolytica
genome, raising the question of whether
E. histolytica
MIF (
Eh
MIF) has proinflammatory activity similar to that of mammalian MIF. In this report, we describe the first functional characterization of
Eh
MIF. Antibodies were prepared against recombinantly expressed
Eh
MIF and used to demonstrate that
Eh
MIF is expressed as a 12-kDa protein localized to the cytoplasm of trophozoites. In a manner similar to that of mammalian MIF,
Eh
MIF interacted with the MIF receptor CD74 and bound to macrophages.
Eh
MIF induced interleukin-6 (IL-6) production. In addition,
Eh
MIF enhanced TNF-α secretion by amplifying TNF-α production by lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated macrophages and by inhibiting the glucocorticoid-mediated suppression of TNF-α secretion.
Eh
MIF was expressed during human infection, as evidenced by the presence of anti-
Eh
MIF antibodies in the sera of children living in an area where
E. histolytica
infection is endemic. Anti-
Eh
MIF antibodies did not cross-react with human MIF. The ability of
Eh
MIF to modulate host macrophage function may promote an exaggerated proinflammatory immune response and contribute to the tissue damage seen in amebic colitis.
M2 occlusions as targets for endovascular therapy: comprehensive analysis of diffusion/perfusion MRI, angiography, and clinical outcomes
Authors: Sheth Sunil A , Yoo Bryan , Saver Jeffrey L , Starkman Sidney , Ali Latisha K , Kim Doojin , Gonzalez Nestor R , Jahan Reza , Tateshima Satoshi , Duckwiler Gary , Vinuela Fernando , Liebeskind David S 
Published: May 2014

BackgroundThe ideal population of patients for endovascular therapy (ET) in acute ischemic stroke remains undefined. Recent ET trials have moved towards selecting patients with proximal middle cerebral artery (MCA) or internal carotid artery occlusions, which will likely leave a gap in our understanding of the treatment outcomes of M2 occlusions.Objective and methodsTo examine the presentation, treatment, and outcomes of M2 compared with M1 MCA occlusions in patients undergoing ET by assessing comprehensive MRI, angiography, and clinical data.ResultsWe found that M2 occlusions can lead to massive strokes defined by hypoperfused and infarcted volumes as well as death or moderate to severe disability in nearly 50% of patients at discharge. Compared with M1 occlusions, M2 occlusions achieved similar Thrombolysis in Cerebral Infarction (TICI) 2b/3 recanalization rates, with significantly less hemorrhage. M2 occlusions presented with smaller infarct and hypoperfused volumes and had smaller final infarct volumes regardless of recanalization. TICI 2b/3 recanalization of M2 occlusions was associated with smaller infarct volumes compared with TICI 0–2a recanalization, as well as less infarct expansion, in patients who received IV tissue plasminogen activator as well as those that did not. Successful reperfusion of M2 occlusions was associated with improved discharge modified Rankin scale.ConclusionsIf suitable as targets of ET, M2 occlusions should be given the same consideration as M1 occlusions.
Iterative interpretation of tail-recursive LISP procedures
Authors: Greussay Patrick 
Published: May 2014

The design of a LISP interpreter that allows tail-recursive procedures to be interpreted iteratively is presented at the machine-language level. Iterative interpretation means that, without any program transformations, no environments and continuations will be stacked unless necessary.
We apply a specific modification within a traditional stack-oriented version of LISP interpreter, without any non-recursive control structure. The design is compatible with value-cells as well as a-lists LISP processors.
We present a complete modified interpreter written itself in LISP and an informal proof that it meets its requirements.
The VLISP KIT
Authors: Chailloux Jérôme 
Published: May 2014

This study presents the realization of

three systems

VLISP (a dialect of LISP) developped at the University of Paris 8 - Vincennes, on the following machines:

- a 8 bit words micro-processor (Intel8080/Zilog80)
- a 16 bit words PDP-11
- a 36 bit words PDP-10

From these realizations is extracted an

implementation model.

Our study proposes a solution to the problems of construction and evaluation of such a system. These problems are :

1) The exhaustive description of the implementation. We propose a description based on the

virtual, referential and prototype machine VCMC2.

2) The adequate representations of the VLISP objects and functions. We have associated some

natural properties

and we have established a

functionnal typology.

3) The efficiency of the interpreter (in words of core, execution time and

power

). Our iterpreter does, for his own need, a optimal core allocation (in term of CONS module calls). The direct acces (which needs only one memory access) to the values of objects variable and function, and a type classification of functions allow a

direct invocation

of all typed functions.

4) The

power

of control structures. Our implementation's KIT generalizes the VLISP control structures SELF an ESCAPE, extends them with the new constructions

EXIT, WHERE and LETF

and unifies completly their description and implementation.

An incarnation of our model is given by the realization of a

complete

VLISP system in the referential machine VCMC2. The

full

code is given in appendix.
Making Sense of Culture
Authors: Patterson Orlando 
Published: May 2014

I present a brief review of problems in the sociological study of culture, followed by an integrated, interdisciplinary view of culture that eschews extreme contextualism and other orthodoxies. Culture is defined as the conjugate product of two reciprocal, componential processes. The first is a dynamically stable process of collectively made, reproduced, and unevenly shared knowledge structures that are informational and meaningful, internally embodied, and externally represented and that provide predictability, coordination equilibria, continuity, and meaning in human actions and interactions. The second is a pragmatic component of culture that grounds the first, and it has its own rules of usage and a pragmatically derived structure of practical knowledge. I also offer an account of change and draw on knowledge activation theory in exploring the microdynamics of cultural practice and propose the concept of cultural configuration as a better way of studying cultural practice in highly heterogeneous modern societies where people shift between multiple, overlapping configurations.Power, power everywhere, And how the signs do shrink, Power, power everywhere, And nothing else to think. —Marshall Sahlins (2002) , Waiting for Foucault, Still O how they cling and wrangle, some who claim For preacher and monk the honored name! For, quarreling, each to his view they cling. Such folk see only one side of a thing. —Parable of the Blind Men and the Elephant Udanam vi.4 (transl. F.L. Woodward, 1948 , p. 83)
VEGF Regulates Region-Specific Localization of Perivascular Bone Marrow–Derived Cells in Glioblastoma
Authors: Burrell Kelly , Singh Sanjay , Jalali Shahrzad , Hill Richard P. , Zadeh Gelareh 
Published: May 2014

Abstract
Glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) is characterized by a pathogenic vasculature that drives aggressive local invasion. Recent work suggests that GBM cells recruit bone marrow–derived progenitor cells (BMDC) to facilitate recurrence after radiotherapy, but how this may be achieved is unclear. In this study, we established the spatiotemporal and regional contributions of perivascular BMDCs (pBMDC) to GBM development. We found an increased recruitment of BMDCs to GBM in response to tumor growth and following radiotherapy. However, in this study, BMDCs did not differentiate into endothelial cells directly but rather provided a perivascular support role. The pBMDCs were shown to associate with tumor vasculature in a highly region-dependent manner, with central vasculature requiring minimal pBMDC support. Region-dependent association of pBMDC was regulated by VEGF. In the absence of VEGF, following radiotherapy or antiangiogenic therapy, we documented an increase in Ang2 that regulated recruitment of pBMDCs to maintain the vulnerable central vasculature. Together, our results strongly suggested that targeting pBMDC influx along with radiation or antiangiogenic therapy would be critical to prevent vascular recurrence of GBM. Cancer Res; 74(14); 3727–39. ©2014 AACR.
VDR Status Arbitrates the Prometastatic Effects of Tumor-Associated Macrophages
Authors: Zhang Yan , Guo Quanjun , Zhang Zhujun , Bai Nan , Liu Ze , Xiong Min , Wei Yuquan , Xiang Rong , Tan Xiaoyue 
Published: May 2014

Abstract
The relationship between tumor-associated macrophages (TAM) and epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) during the initiation and progression of metastasis is still unclear. Here, a role for the vitamin D receptor (VDR) in metastasis was identified, as well as a role in the relationship between TAMs and EMT. First, the expression level of VDR was examined in clinical tissue from human patients with breast cancer or a mouse model of breast cancer with differential metastasis. These results revealed that VDR expression negatively correlates with metastasis in breast cancer. Second, coculture of VDR-overexpressing breast cancer cells with a macrophage cell line demonstrated that overexpression of VDR alleviated the prometastatic effect of cocultured macrophages on breast cancer cells. Furthermore, VDR overexpression abrogated the induction of EMT in breast cancer cells by cocultured macrophage cells, as measured by a loss of E-cadherin (CDH1) and induction of α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA). TNFα in macrophage conditioned media inhibited VDR expression, whereas downregulation of VDR further mediated the promotion of TGFβ-induced EMT by TNFα. In addition, β-catenin expression was inhibited in VDR-overexpressing breast cancer cells and tumor xenografts. Finally, administration of calcitriol [1,25-(OH)2D3], an active vitamin D metabolite, exerted similar antimetastatic effects in breast cancer cells in vitro and a mouse model of breast cancer in vivo with preservation of VDR and suppression of β-catenin.
Implications: VDR suppression by TNFα mediates the prometastatic effect of TAMs through enhancement of the β-catenin pathway. Mol Cancer Res; 12(8); 1181–91. ©2014 AACR.
Arterial Baroreflex Dysfunction Impairs Ischemia‐Induced Angiogenesis
Authors: Hao Changning , Huang Zhen‐Hao , Song Shu‐Wei , Shi Yi‐Qin , Cheng Xian Wu , Murohara Toyoaki , Lu Wei , Su Ding‐Feng , Duan Jun‐Li 
Published: May 2014

Background

Endothelium‐derived acetylcholine (
eAC
h) plays an important role in the regulation of vascular actions in response to hypoxia, whereas arterial baroreflex (ABR) dysfunction impairs the
eAC
h system. We investigated the effects of ABR dysfunction on ischemia‐induced angiogenesis in animal models of hindlimb ischemia with a special focus on
eAC
h/nicotinic ACh receptor (
nAChR
) signaling activation.

Methods and Results

Male Sprague‐Dawley rats were randomly assigned to 1 of 3 groups that received (1) sham operation (control group), (2) sinoaortic denervation (SAD)‐induced ABR dysfunction (SAD group), or (3) SAD rats on diet with an acetylcholinesterase inhibitor pyridostigmine (30 mg/kg per day, SAD+Pyr group). After 4 weeks of the SAD intervention, unilateral limb ischemia was surgically induced in all animals. At postoperative day 14, SAD rats exhibited impaired angiogenic action (skin temperature and capillary density) and decreased angiogenic factor expressions (vascular endothelial growth factor [VEGF] and hypoxic inducible factor [HIF]‐1α) in ischemic muscles. These changes were restored by acetylcholinesterase inhibition. Rats with ABR dysfunction had lower
eAC
h levels than did control rats, and this effect was recovered in SAD+Pyr rats. In α7‐
nAChR
knockout mice, pyridostigmine improved ischemia‐induced angiogenic responses and increased the levels of VEGF and HIF‐1α. Moreover, nicotinic receptor blocker inhibited VEGF expression and VEGF receptor 2 phosphorylation (p‐VEGFR2) induced by ACh analog.

Conclusions

Thus, ABR dysfunction appears to impair ischemia‐induced angiogenesis through the reduction of
eAC
h/α7‐
nAChR
‐dependent and ‐independent HIF‐1α/VEGF‐VEGFR2 signaling activation.
U.S.-China Containment and Counter-Containment in Southeast Asia
Authors: Wong Pak Nung , Yue Wai Kay Ricky 
Published: May 2014

Abstract
In 2011, the United States of America (u.s.) adopted the “pivot to Asia” (also known as “return to Asia”) foreign policy. In order to provide a critique of this apparent policy change, this paper has two aims. First, we will contextualize such policy agenda against the Anglo-American strategic culture of “containment” as a strand of geopolitical realism and a foreign policy practice against communism. Second, by providing a case study on the changing relations between the Union of Myanmar (Burma), the People’s Republic of China and the United States of America, we will characterize u.s. containment and China’s counter-containment strategies through the lens of Suntzu’s Art of War.
Multilateralism and Dependency Theory
Authors: Lim Tai Wei 
Published: May 2014

Abstract
This paper situates center-periphery issues at two levels. At the broadest level (world system), it looks at the spectrum of selected dependency theories and the position of George Klay Kieh Jr’s ideas in this spectrum. In this discussion, I will pay especial attention to small states, powers and economies and explain the justifications in the section below. At the intermediate level (compradorial category) of the world system, I examined some area-specific writings on this subject, in particular those related to Asia and Africa but also classical studies of compradorial economies in South America. In reviewing these theories, I identified three major issues for study. First, are dependency theories and the idea of an intermediate compradorial economy in the world system still relevant or important to the study of developing economies? Second, are regional economic bodies in the intermediate space of the world system challenging the dichotomous binary of only center and periphery? Third, if resource supply and primary processing are the comparative advantages of smaller or peripheral states, can regional cooperation help to upgrade the value-added-ness of their economic activities?
The U.S. Aid and Taiwan’s Post-War Economic Development, 1951-1965
Authors: Chiang Min-Hua 
Published: May 2014

Abstract
The aim of this article is to showcase how Taiwan entered into the us-led capitalist system via the aid (1951-1965) as an intermediate and how was the aid related to Taiwan’s post-war economic development. There are three points made in this article. First, the main purpose of the us aid was to reinforce Taiwan’s military capabilities against the Communist China’s invasion. Second, although the us aid was not for Taiwan’s economic development, it was by means of the us aid that the small island could afford the large military establishment without damaging its domestic economy. Third, with the us assistance, the kmt had its bureaucratic agencies to guide all aspects of the island’s economy. In consideration of large military expenditure and the economic chaos at that time, there would be no so-called “state-led development” in Taiwan without initial financial injection from the us.
The Language of Security in Philippine-us Relations
Authors: Misalucha Charmaine G. 
Published: May 2014

Abstract
There is a need to reformulate the way in which we view international relations. Rather than simply a play at an obscure theater with the same characters reprising their respective roles based on an old script, international relations need to be seen as a play at the world stage whose script is always being reviewed, revised, rewritten, and renegotiated by characters who are actively searching for ways to be accommodated. In this way, the characters and the roles they play are provisional: they become who or what they are because of actions they take, and not necessarily because they are fated to be revered or condemned. To achieve the fluid nature of this script, one must pay attention to language games. These games allow for the participation of both sides of the equation – the Philippines and the United States – in the creation of the structure and direction of their relationship.
Perceived Threats and Governing Capacity
Authors: Chou Bill 
Published: May 2014

Abstract
Many of the past literature on small states focus on the foreign policies and political economies of liberal democracies. This paper examines the non-liberal democracies of Singapore and Macao in their construction of national identities. Non-liberal democracies are different from their democratic counterparts in their reactions to perceived threats. Instead of forming a corporatist system to make important decisions by consensus, both Singapore and Macao leadership exclude the participation of civil society in defining their national identities. Faced with high perceived threats and armed with strong governing capacity, Singapore succeeds in building a national identity overarching the cultural identities of major ethnic groups. In view of electoral setbacks, Singapore leaders have to include more public inputs into its policy making process, including the definition of national identity. On the contrary, the perceived threats of Macao are not pressing. The cultural and political affinity enables the post-colonial Macao to integrate smoothly with China’s national identities defined by the Communist leadership. The relative weak capacity of the city government makes the building of national identities gradual. Its high degree of ethnic homogeneity has contributed to a process of nation building relatively free of disputes.
A New Grading System for Ototoxicity in Adults
Authors: Theunissen Eleonoor A.R. , Dreschler Wouter A. , Latenstein Merel N. , Rasch Coen R.N. , van der Baan Sieberen , de Boer Jan Paul , Balm Alfons J.M. , Zuur Charlotte L. 
Published: May 2014

Objective: This study aimed to propose an ototoxicity grading system sensitive to the effect of ototoxicity on specific daily life situations like speech intelligibility and the perception of ultra-high sounds and to test its feasibility compared to current criteria. Methods: Pure tone averages (PTAs) for speech perception (1-2-4 kHz) and ultra-high frequencies (8-10-12.5 kHz) were incorporated. Threshold shift and hearing level posttreatment were taken into account. Criteria were tested on head and neck cancer patients treated with (chemo-)radiotherapy ([C]RT) and compared with the Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events version 4 (CTCAEv4) and the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association criteria (ASHA). Results: Grades 1 and 2 were based on threshold shifts from baseline (in dB) and subjective complaints. Grades 3 and 4 were defined as treatment-induced hearing loss of ≥ 35 dB at PTA 1-2-4 kHz and ≥ 70 dB at PTA 1-2-4 kHz, respectively. In high-dose cisplatin CRT incidences by the new criteria, CTCAEv4 and ASHA were comparable (78%-88%). In RT and low-dose cisplatin CRT, incidences were 36% to 39% in the new criteria versus 22% to 53% in CTCAEv4 and ASHA. Conclusion: The new criteria show an increased sensitivity to ototoxicity compared to CTCAEv4 and ASHA and provide insight into the effect of hearing loss on certain daily life situations. The new grading system seems feasible for clinic and research purposes.
The impact of a smoke-free psychiatric hospitalization on patient smoking outcomes: a systematic review
Authors: Stockings Emily A , Bowman Jenny A , Prochaska Judith J , Baker Amanda L , Clancy Richard , Knight Jenny , Wye Paula M , Terry Margarett , Wiggers John H 
Published: May 2014

Objective: Smoke-free policies have been introduced in inpatient psychiatric facilities in most developed nations. Such a period of supported abstinence during hospitalization may impact smoking behaviours post discharge, yet little quantitative evidence exists. The aim of this review was to provide the first synthesis of the research evidence examining the impact of a smoke-free psychiatric hospitalization on patients’ smoking-related behaviours, motivation, and beliefs. Methods: We conducted a systematic review of electronic databases PubMed, MEDLINE, PsycINFO, and EMBASE from inception to June 2013. Studies were included if they were conducted in an inpatient psychiatric facility with a smoke-free policy and if they examined any change in patients’ smoking-related behaviours, motivation, or beliefs either during admission, post discharge, or both. Risk of bias was assessed using the Cochrane Collaboration Risk of Bias Tool. Results: Fourteen studies were included in the review. Of the four studies that assessed change in smoking from admission to post discharge, two indicated a significant decline in cigarette consumption up to 3 months post discharge. Positive changes in motivation to quit and beliefs about quitting ability were identified in two studies. One study reported an increase in the rate of quit attempts and one reported a decline in nicotine dependence levels. Conclusions: A smoke-free psychiatric hospitalization may have a positive impact on patients’ smoking-related behaviours, motivation, and beliefs, both during admission and up to 3 months post discharge. Further controlled studies with more rigorous designs are required to confirm this potential.