bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Conservatism as a situated identity: Implications for consumer behavior
Authors: Oyserman Daphna , Schwarz Norbert
Published: August 2017

Insufficient attention to political ideology as an organizing axis reduces predictive power. Jost (2017 – this issue) makes a significant contribution by outlining and documenting a set of relationships among personality factors, attitudes, values, and conservatism. The value of this approach is highlighting the possibility that ideology sticks when it fits features of the individual and hence has an enduring quality. This approach needs to be balanced by consideration of the power of the immediate situation to define what an identity means and the potential universality of many features associated with conservatism. We discuss both issues using identity‐based motivation theory as our organizing framework.
Proving Bribery, Fraud and Money Laundering in International Arbitration
Authors: Betz Kathrin
Published: August 2017

Over the past few decades, arbitration has become the number one mechanism to settle international investment and commercial disputes. As a parallel development, the international legal framework to combat economic crime became much stronger within the fields of foreign public bribery, private bribery, fraud and money laundering. With frequent allegations of criminal conduct arising in international arbitration proceedings, it is crucially important to consider how such claims can be proven. This book analyses relevant case law involving alleged criminal conduct within international arbitration and addresses the most pressing issues regarding applicable criminal law and evidence. It is an essential resource for practising lawyers and academics active in the field of international investment and commercial arbitration.
The Evolution of Pragmatic Markers in English
Authors: Brinton Laurel J.
Published: August 2017

Based on a rich set of historical data, this book traces the development of pragmatic markers in English, from hwæt in Old English and whilom in Middle English to whatever and I'm just saying in present-day English. Laurel J. Brinton carefully maps the syntactic origins and development of these forms, and critically examines postulated unilineal pathways, such as from adverb to conjunction to discourse marker, or from main clause to parenthetical. The book sets case studies within a larger examination of the development of pragmatic markers as instances of grammaticalization or pragmaticalization. The characteristics of pragmatic markers - as primarily oral, syntactically optional, sentence-external, grammatically indeterminate elements - are revised in the context of scholarship on pragmatic markers over the last thirty or more years.
Ethical Climates in Organizations: A Review and Research Agenda
Authors: Newman Alexander , Round Heather , Bhattacharya Sukanto , Roy Achinto
Published: August 2017

Since seminal meta-analytical work in 2006 we have witnessed burgeoning research on ethical climates. This article offers a comprehensive review of literature examining the antecedents and outcomes of ethical climates over the last decade, as well as moderators of the relationship between ethical climates and other variables. Based on the review, an agenda for future research is also presented. In addition to highlighting the potential for incorporating alternative theoretical perspectives such as situational strength theory, trait-activation theory, social information processing theory, and institutional theory to better our understanding of ethical climates, this article highlights the need for future research to incorporate a dynamic perspective to study ethical climates, examine the curvilinear effects of ethical climates on work outcomes, extend the study of ethical climates to different levels of the organization, and examine the effects of culture on ethical climates.
Performance augmentation mechanism of in-line tandem flapping foils
Authors: Muscutt L. E. , Weymouth G. D. , Ganapathisubramani B.
Published: August 2017

The propulsive performance of a pair of tandem flapping foils is sensitively dependent on the spacing and phasing between them. Large increases in thrust and efficiency of the hind foil are possible, but the mechanisms governing these enhancements remain largely unresolved. Two-dimensional numerical simulations of tandem and single foils oscillating in heave and pitch at a Reynolds number of 7000 are performed over a broad and dense parameter space, allowing the effects of inter-foil spacing ($S$) and phasing ($\unicode[STIX]{x1D711}$) to be investigated over a range of non-dimensional frequencies (or Strouhal number,$St$). Results indicate that the hind foil can produce from no thrust to twice the thrust of a single foil depending on its spacing and phasing with respect to the fore foil, which is consistent with previous studies that were carried out over a limited parameter space. Examination of instantaneous flow fields indicates that high thrust occurs when the hind foil weaves between the vortices that have been shed by the fore foil, and low thrust occurs when the hind foil intercepts these vortices. Contours of high thrust and minimal thrust appear as inclined bands in the$S-\unicode[STIX]{x1D711}$parameter space and this behaviour is apparent over the entire range of Strouhal numbers considered$(0.2\leqslant St\leqslant 0.5)$. A novel quasi-steady model that utilises kinematics of a virtual hind foil together with data obtained from simulations of a single flapping foil shows that performance augmentation is primarily determined through modification of the instantaneous angle of attack of the hind foil by the vortex street established by the fore foil. This simple model provides estimates of thrust and efficiency for the hind foil, which is consistent with data obtained through full simulations. The limitations of the virtual hind foil method and its physical significance is also discussed.
Incompressible variable-density turbulence in an external acceleration field
Authors: Gat Ilana , Matheou Georgios , Chung Daniel , Dimotakis Paul E.
Published: August 2017

Dynamics and mixing of a variable-density turbulent flow subject to an externally imposed acceleration field in the zero-Mach-number limit are studied in a series of direct numerical simulations. The flow configuration studied consists of alternating slabs of high- and low-density fluid in a triply periodic domain. Density ratios in the range of $1.05\leqslant R\equiv \unicode[STIX]{x1D70C}_{1}/\unicode[STIX]{x1D70C}_{2}\leqslant 10$ are investigated. The flow produces temporally evolving shear layers. A perpendicular density–pressure gradient is maintained in the mean as the flow evolves, with multi-scale baroclinic torques generated in the turbulent flow that ensues. For all density ratios studied, the simulations attain Reynolds numbers at the beginning of the fully developed turbulence regime. An empirical relation for the convection velocity predicts the observed entrainment-ratio and dominant mixed-fluid composition statistics. Two mixing-layer temporal evolution regimes are identified: an initial diffusion-dominated regime with a growth rate ${\sim}t^{1/2}$ followed by a turbulence-dominated regime with a growth rate ${\sim}t^{3}$. In the turbulent regime, composition probability density functions within the shear layers exhibit a slightly tilted (‘non-marching’) hump, corresponding to the most probable mole fraction. The shear layers preferentially entrain low-density fluid by volume at all density ratios, which is reflected in the mixed-fluid composition.
Generalized Two Temperatures Thermoelasticity of Micropolar Porous Circular Plate with Three Phase Lag Model
Authors: Kumar R. , Miglani A. , Rani R.
Published: August 2017

The present study is to focus on the two dimensional problem of micropolar porous circular plate with three phase lag model within the context of two temperatures generalized thermoelasticity theory. The problem is solved by applying Laplace and Hankel transforms after using potential functions. The expressions of displacements, microrotation, volume fraction field, temperature distribution and stresses are obtained in the transformed domain. To show the utility of the approach, normal force and thermal source are taken. The numerical inversion techniques of transforms have been carried out in order to evaluate the resulting quantities in the physical domain. Finally, the resulting quantities are depicted graphically to show the effect of porosity, two temperatures and phase lags.
Derivation of Non-Newtonian Magnetic Fluid Lubricated Rough Centrosymmetric Squeeze Film Reynolds Equation and its Application
Authors: Lin J. R. , Chu L. M. , Chiang H. L. , Chiu Y. K.
Published: August 2017

Based upon the Shliomis ferromagnetic fluid model and the Stokes microcontinuum theory incorporating with the Christensen stochastic model, a modified Reynolds equation of centrosymmetric squeeze films has been derived in this paper. The Reynolds equation includes the combined effects of non-Newtonian rheology, magnetic fluids with applied magnetic fields, rotational inertia forces, and surface roughness. To guide the use of the derived equation, the squeeze film of rotational rough-surface circular disks lubricated with non-Newtonian magnetic fluids is illustrated. According to the results obtained, the effects of rotation inertia decrease the load capacity and the squeeze film time of smooth circular disks. By the use of non-Newtonian magnetic fluids with applied magnetic fields, the rotational circular disks predict better squeeze film performances. When the influences of circumferential roughness patterns are considered, the non-Newtonian magnetic-fluid lubricated rotational rough disks with applied magnetic fields provide further higher values of the load capacity and the squeeze film time as compared to those of the smooth case.
Patagonian Eocene Archaeopithecidae Ameghino, 1897 (Notoungulata): systematic revision, phylogeny and biostratigraphy
Authors: Vera Bárbara
Published: August 2017

The Archaeopithecidae is a very poorly known group of native ungulates from the Eocene of Patagonia (Argentina), whose alpha taxonomy has remained obscure since Ameghino’s times. It is traditionally considered as a family representative of the Casamayoran (middle Eocene) South American Land Mammal Age, and is thought to be morphologically close to the notopithecids. After studying >200 specimens from several institutions, including all the type specimens, a taxonomic overestimation is established. Out of the six species considered originally as archaeopithecids,Archaeopithecus rogeriAmeghino, 1897 is here recognized as the only valid name and species; subsequent synonymies are proposed and previous taxonomic hypotheses discarded. This exhaustive revision has permitted improving the knowledge ofA.rogeriand, for the first time, it has revealed many craniodental characters, which allow amending its diagnosis and differentiating this taxon from other Eocene notoungulates.Archaeopithecus rogeriis a small-sized taxon characterized by its complete and rooted dentition, which is relatively higher than that of other contemporaneous short-crowned notoungulates and shows ontogenetic variation in size and morphology. The body mass range ofA.rogeri(1.4–2.5 kg) is comparable to those of notopithecids and some small hegetotheriids. The phylogenetic analysis showsA.rogeriis not directly related to any family within Notoungulata, appearing into a polytomy, as a basal taxon of typotherians. The biochronological range ofA.rogeriis adjusted to Vacan (middle Eocene) through Barrancan subages (late middle Eocene); older (Riochican, late early Eocene) and younger (Mustersan, late Eocene) records remain to be confirmed.
Aid Allocation and Targeted Development in an Increasingly Connected World
Authors: Bermeo Sarah Blodgett
Published: August 2017

Aid donors pursue a strategy of targeted development with regard to recipient states. The determinants of aid allocation have shifted significantly. Industrialized states are increasingly unable to insulate themselves from spillovers caused by underdevelopment abroad. Donors attempt to use aid to decrease these spillovers, targeting developing countries where the effects on the donor are anticipated to be large. Once a recipient is chosen, concern for recipient government capacity guides the composition of aid. Empirical analysis of aid allocation from 1973 to 2012 demonstrates that, while explanations based on security and economic ties to the donor explain allocation well in the Cold War, the post-2001 period is best understood by incorporating a role for targeted development. This framework helps synthesize various findings in the aid allocation literature and has important implications for studying aid effectiveness.
Benthic organisms as ecological indicators for the status assessment of coastal ecosystems
Authors: Komar D. , Dolenec M. , Dolenec T. , Vrhovnik P. , Lojen S. , Kniewald G. , Matešić S.S. , Lambaša Belak Ž. , Orlando-Bonaca M.
Published: August 2017

The presence of potentially toxic elements (PTE) was determined in different tissues of five selected marine organisms. The As, Cd, Cu, Mn, Mo, Ni, Pb and Zn concentrations were measured in the seagrassCymodocea nodosa, the green algaCladophora echinus, the red algaGelidiella lubrica, the marine topshellPhorcus turbinatusand the littoral crabCarcinus aestuarii, as well as in seawater from Makirina Bay. The levels of As, Cd, Cu, Mn and Zn in the biota were found to exceed those in previously analysed sediments, indicating the bioaccumulation of these PTE. The biota-sediment accumulation factor (BSAF) and concentration factor (CF) varied among different organisms. As regards the five selected species,C. nodosa,C. echinusandG. lubricaproved to be the strongest accumulators of Mn, whileP. turbinatusandC. aestuariishowed a high capacity to accumulate As, Cd, Cu and Zn. These species can be considered as good ecological indicators in the assessment of PTE pollution in marine littoral environments.
Justification by faith
Authors: DUNNINGTON KENT
Published: August 2017

This article advances a non-doxastic account of saving faith that nevertheless emphasizes the connection between faith and belief. I argue that saving faith epistemically justifies some religious beliefs. I offer an account that is meant to show how faith can play a variety of significant roles it is often purported to play, that is, how a specific virtue of faith can secure salvation, epistemically justify theistic belief, practically justify religious ways of life, and belong to practitioners of different religions. The account also provides an alternative to evidentialist, fideist, and Reformed Epistemology approaches to faith and reason.
Engineering the emergence of norms: a review
Authors: Haynes Chris , Luck Michael , McBurney Peter , Mahmoud Samhar , Vítek Tomáš , Miles Simon
Published: August 2017

Complex systems often exhibit emergent behaviour, unexpected macro-level behaviour caused by the interaction of micro-level components. In multiagent systems, these micro-level components may be autonomous agents and the emergent behaviour may be expressed as norms—patterns of behaviour that arise among the agents in response to their environment and each other. These emergent norms may be beneficial (e.g. by encouraging cooperative behaviour), or detrimental, but in either case it is useful to recognize these norms as they emerge and either encourage or discourage their establishment. We term this process engineering the emergence of norms and have identified three steps: the identification of a possible norm, evaluation of its benefit and its encouragement (or discouragement). This paper is an attempt to provide a survey of existing research related to these steps. We also provide an analysis of the approaches based upon their suitability for a variety of normative systems: we examine the requirements for agents to have autonomy over their choice of norms, the degree of observability required in the system, and the norm enforcement methods. The paper concludes with an discussion of open issues.
Characterizing environmental risk factors for West Nile virus in Quebec, Canada, using clinical data in humans and serology in pet dogs
Authors: ROCHELEAU J. P. , MICHEL P. , LINDSAY L. R. , DREBOT M. , DIBERNARDO A. , OGDEN N. H. , FORTIN A. , ARSENAULT J.
Published: August 2017

The identification of specific environments sustaining emerging arbovirus amplification and transmission to humans is a key component of public health intervention planning. This study aimed at identifying environmental factors associated with West Nile virus (WNV) infections in southern Quebec, Canada, by modelling and jointly interpreting aggregated clinical data in humans and serological data in pet dogs. Environmental risk factors were estimated in humans by negative binomial regression based on a dataset of 191 human WNV clinical cases reported in the study area between 2011 and 2014. Risk factors for infection in dogs were evaluated by logistic and negative binomial models based on a dataset including WNV serological results from 1442 dogs sampled from the same geographical area in 2013. Forested lands were identified as low-risk environments in humans. Agricultural lands represented higher risk environments for dogs. Environments identified as impacting risk in the current study were somewhat different from those identified in other studies conducted in north-eastern USA, which reported higher risk in suburban environments. In the context of the current study, combining human and animal data allowed a more comprehensive and possibly a more accurate view of environmental WNV risk factors to be obtained than by studying aggregated human data alone.
Mitotic index and morphological characteristics of ovarian small follicles from goats submitted to nutritionally unbalanced regimens
Authors: Rondina Davide , Freitas Vicente J.F. , Bruno Jamily B. , Celestino Juliana J.H. , Santos Regiane R.
Published: August 2017

The objective of this study was to assess the influence of nutritional regimens such as adequate feeding, restricted feeding, and underfeeding–refeeding on the follicle growth and development from caprine ovaries. Goats were divided into three different groups (n = 5 per group). For 24 weeks, goats received elephant grass plus concentrate to provide 1.5 (n = 5) and 0.72 (n = 10) times the energy requirements for maintenance of live weight. Underfed goats were subsequently refed for 6 weeks with the diet of the nourished group (1.5 times the energetic requirements of maintenance). Follicular morphology and morphometry, as well as granulosa cells mitotic index were assessed. Ovarian follicles were classified as small or large preantral follicles, or as small or large antral follicles. Ovarian volume was smaller in animals from both underfed and refed groups than in those animals from fed group. Although no difference in the total number of normal follicles was observed among the nutritional groups, underfed animals presented higher percentages of atretic preantral and small antral follicles when compared with fed animals. Large antral follicles from underfed and refed goats presented a lower mitotic index when compared with fed ones. In conclusion, ovaries from goats challenged with prolonged undernutrition will be functionally compromised, which is characterized by atresia of preantral and small antral follicles and decreased mitotic index of large antral follicles. Refeeding those animals will not recover ovarian function to a same level experienced by goats fed a diet with adequate energy requirements.
Factors affecting storage of Slovak native rabbit semen in the gene bank
Authors: Kulíková Barbora , Oravcová Marta , Baláži Andrej , Supuka Peter , Chrenek Peter
Published: August 2017

In this study, fresh and frozen–thawed semen of Nitra and Zobor rabbit breeds were evaluated for potential inter-breed or inter-male differences in sperm quality traits. Individual male semen from four rabbits of each breed were diluted (v:v; 1:1) in a freezing medium composed of a commercial diluent, 16% of dimethyl sulphoxide (DMSO), 4% of Ficoll 70 and 2% of sucrose and frozen in liquid nitrogen vapours before being plunged into liquid nitrogen. Different motility traits, viability and plasma membrane integrity of fresh and frozen–thawed semen were evaluated in vitro using computer-assisted sperm analysis and flow cytometry. To evaluate the sperm fertilization ability, artificial insemination of fresh and frozen–thawed sperm was performed. Our results showed the effect of breed (P ≤ 0.05) on frozen–thawed sperm viability and plasma membrane integrity. Moreover, individual variability in semen quality among the rabbits was revealed (0.31 to 0.71 among quality traits). Our results thereby confirmed that the cryopreservation procedure could not ensure comparable sperm post-thaw survival for different breeds or males. Nevertheless, correlations between numbers of fresh total motile and progressively moving sperm and several quality parameters measured post thawing were revealed. Therefore, we suggest that the objective assessment of fresh rabbit sperm motility may be an effective indicator of frozen–thawed semen quality. Consequently, regular semen assessment is required in order to preserve good-quality insemination doses from native breeds.
“Giant within a giant”: a case of typical Kawasaki disease with a giant coronary aneurysm and a large coronary thrombus – a rare case report
Authors: Rajasekharan Sandeep , Kalliath Suneesh , Govindan Sajeev C.
Published: August 2017

Kawasaki disease is a febrile vasculitis affecting young children, which may lead to coronary aneurysms. Echocardiography, although sensitive in detecting coronary aneurysms, has a limited role in diagnosing coronary thrombus. Here we report the case of a 10-year-old boy who presented with typical features of Kawasaki disease with giant coronary aneurysms. His follow-up echocardiogram revealed coronary arterial thrombus.
Light verb semantics in theInternational Corpus of English: onomasiological variation, identity evidence and degrees of lightness
Authors: MEHL SETH
Published: August 2017

This study employs corpus semantic techniques to examine the semantics of light verbs and light verb constructions (LVCs) in Singapore English, Hong Kong English and British English via their respective components in theInternational Corpus of English(ICE; Greenbaum 1996). The study investigates onomasiological variation (see Geeraertset al.1994) by identifying selection preferences in natural use between light verb constructions and their related verb alternatives. In addition,identity evidenceis forwarded as a valuable corpus semantic tool, in which instances of naturally occurring language data resemble classic identity tests for polysemy. Via a close reading and manual semantic analysis of thousands of instances of lightmake,take,giveand their semantic alternatives, this study finds remarkable consistency across the three varieties of World Englishes (WEs) in onomasiological preferences, even in extremely nuanced features of LVCs. Onomasiological evidence and identity evidence also suggest the new finding that the three light verbs and their constructions exhibitdegrees of lightness, and that these degrees of lightness are extremely consistent across regional varieties.
Kant on Moral Illusion and Appraisal of Others
Authors: Hakim David
Published: August 2017

Kant’s accounts of moral education, appraisal respect and gratitude each depend on the assumption that human beings see and judge each other’s actions to be morally good. This assumption appears to stand in tension with the Opacity Thesis, Kant’s claim that we can never know if an action is morally good. This paper examines Kant’s discussion of moral illusion to relieve this tension. It is argued that we are required to uphold moral illusion, i.e. to represent others’ actions to be morally good (while knowing that we may be mistaken), due to the duty of beneficence for others’ moral well-being.
A Good Enough Heart: Kant and the Cultivation of Emotions
Authors: Thomason Krista K.
Published: August 2017

One way of understanding Kant’s views about moral emotions is thecultivation view. On this view, emotions play a role in Kantian morality provided they are properly cultivated. I evince a sceptical position about the cultivation view. First, I show that the textual evidence in support of cultivation is ambiguous. I then provide an account of emotions in Kant’s theory that explains both his positive and negative views about them. Emotions capture our attention such that they both disrupt the mind’s composure and serve as a surrogate for reason. As such, Kant cannot recommend that we cultivate our emotions.
Structural and Chemical Analysis of Hydroxyapatite (HA)-Boron Nitride (BN) Nanocomposites Sintered Under Different Atmospheric Conditions
Authors: Bakan Feray , Sezen Meltem , Gecgin Merve , Goncu Yapincak , Ay Nuran
Published: August 2017

Calcium phosphate derivatives have been widely employed in medical and dental applications for hard tissue repair, as they are the main inorganic constitution of hard tissue; such as bones and teeth. Owing to their excellent osteoconductive and bioactive properties, hydroxyapatite- (HA) based ceramics are the best candidates of this group for medical, bioscience, and dental applications. However, when replacing a bone or tooth, HA is not able to sustain similar mechanical properties. In this study, to improve the mechanical properties, nanoscale hexagonal boron nitride with different compositional percentages was added to the nano HA to form composites. The effect of compositional changes and sintering parameters on microstructural and morphological properties of the ceramic composites was comparatively investigated. Detailed chemical characterization of the composite materials was carried out using X-ray diffraction, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, Raman spectroscopy, and energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, whereas scanning electron microscopy and atomic force microscopy investigations were employed to monitor morphological and surface features. Additional transmission electron microscopy investigations were carried out to reveal the nanostructure and crystal structure of the composites.
Treatment of non-melanoma superficial skin cancer with custom-made wax moulds using Iridium-192 high-dose-rate brachytherapy source
Authors: Shah Kamran Ali , Ahmad Habib , Khatak Muhammad Rauf , Ahmad Misbah , Javed Nabila , Shah Syed Jawad Ali , Shaheen Wajeeha
Published: August 2017

Introduction

In non-melanoma skin cancer—that is, basal cell carcinoma (BCC) and squamous cell carcinoma (SCC)—brachytherapy treatment is preferred over surgical excision because of cosmetic reasons, acceptability and preference of patients.

Material and methods

Moulds are prepared of wax to match the size of the lesion. This represents the area to be considered in treatment planning. A total of 85 patients who had either SCC or BCC were treated, and all these patients were classified on the basis of age, gender and origin.

Results

Patients were treated with 39 Gy in 13 fractions (biological effective dose=50·7 Gy). In 52 BCC patients, treatment achieved excellent cosmetic results in 49 cases, with 17 of these patients experiencing Grade-1 skin reactions related to treatment in the first 24 weeks of follow-up. A single patient experienced Grade-II hyper-pigmentation reaction in the third week. In 33 SCC patients, treatment achieved excellent cosmetic results in 28 cases, with 17 of these patients experiencing Grade-I reaction in the first 36 weeks after treatment. Among the remaining four patients, only one developed Grade-II hypo-pigmentation and one patient experienced tumour recurrence near the primary site. The overall outcome efficacy of the treatment was 98·8%.

Findings

The treatment outcome not only enhances our confidence in brachytherapy but also improves the patient’s satisfaction regarding cosmetic results and curative output achieved by avoiding a surgical procedure for non-melanoma skin cancers.
Constraints, lazy constraints, or propagators in ASP solving: An empirical analysis
Authors: CUTERI BERNARDO , DODARO CARMINE , RICCA FRANCESCO , SCHÜLLER PETER
Published: August 2017

Answer set programming (ASP) is a well-established declarative paradigm. One of the successes of ASP is the availability of efficient systems. State-of-the-art systems are based on the ground+solve approach. In some applications, this approach is infeasible because the grounding of one or a few constraints is expensive. In this paper, we systematically compare alternative strategies to avoid the instantiation of problematic constraints, which are based on custom extensions of the solver. Results on real and synthetic benchmarks highlight some strengths and weaknesses of the different strategies.
Self-employment in Italy: the role of Social Security Wealth
Authors: BORELLA MARGHERITA , BELLONI MICHELE
Published: August 2017

Using a rich micro dataset drawn from administrative archives, we explore whether Social Security Wealth (SSW) is an important factor affecting the decision to become self-employed. We focus on the two main categories of self-employed professions covered by the Italian public pension system: craftsmen and shopkeepers. We use the large exogenous variation in individual expected SSW that occurred as a result of the policy reform process undertaken in Italy during the 1990s to identify the effect of this variable and we study how the probability of being self-employed or employed depends, amongst other things, on the difference in the expected SSW that accrues under the two alternative employment scenarios. Our key finding is that a higher difference in expected SSW from self-employment compared with employment has a positive effect on the probability of being self-employed and on the probability of switching to self-employment, whereas it has a negative effect on the probability of switching from self-employment to employment.
Confirmatory factor analysis of the Beck Depression Inventory–II in patients with advanced cancer: A theory-driven approach
Authors: Tobias Kristen G. , Lehrfeld Jonathan , Rosenfeld Barry , Pessin Hayley , Breitbart William
Published: August 2017

Objective:

The diagnosis and treatment of depression are complicated by the presence of a serious medical illness, such as cancer. The role of inflammation in the pathophysiology of depression remains unknown; however, the symptom cluster of sickness behavior is more clearly related to inflammation. Symptom clusters may provide the specificity needed to improve treatment outcomes. The purpose of this study is to use confirmatory factor analysis to examine the construct of sickness behavior in patients with advanced cancer using the Beck Depression Inventory–II (BDI–II).

Method:

Patients (N = 167) were recruited from chemotherapy clinics and the Department of Psychiatry at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center. Symptoms were a priori delineated using the factor labels sickness behavior and negative affectivity (two-factor model), and affective, cognitive, and sickness behavior (three-factor model). These data were also fit for a more traditional model using affective, cognitive, and somatic factors.

Results:

The mean total BDI–II score was 14.74 (SD = 8.52; range = 1–46). Fit statistics for all models were good, but the novel three-factor model with sickness behavior provided the best fit: χ2(186) = 273.624; p < 0.001; root-mean-square error of approximation = 0.053; comparative fit index = 0.949.

Significance of results:

Both the two- and three-factor models provide support for the unique construct of sickness behavior in patients with advanced cancer. High factor correlations with the BDI–II and other measures of distress were observed, which raises questions about theoretically distinct, but related, constructs.
Biology and Management of Glyphosate-Resistant and Glyphosate-Susceptible Palmer Amaranth (Amaranthus palmeri) Phenotypes from a Segregating Population
Authors: Chaudhari Sushila , Jordan David L. , York Alan C. , Jennings Katherine M. , Cahoon Charles W. , Chandi Aman , Inman Matthew D.
Published: August 2017

Palmer amaranth is the most economically damaging glyphosate-resistant (GR) weed in the southern United States. An understanding of the basic biology, including relative growth and competitiveness of GR and glyphosate-susceptible (GS) Palmer amaranth phenotypes from a segregating population collected from the same geographical location, may yield information helpful in the management of resistant populations. A segregating population of Palmer amaranth collected in North Carolina during 2010 was used as a plant source for both GR and GS traits. Research was conducted in the greenhouse to compare the following: level of resistance and shikimate accumulation in GR and GS phenotypes following glyphosate application; interference from GR and GS phenotypes on early-season vegetative growth of corn, cotton, and peanut; effect of various durations of imposed drought stress on GR and GS phenotypes; and response of GR and GS phenotypes to POST-applied herbicides. The GR50(glyphosate rate providing 50% reduction in shoot dry biomass) was 17 times greater with the GR phenotype compared with the GS phenotype. Shikimate accumulated in both GR and GS phenotypes following glyphosate application, but greater concentrations were found in GS plants. The GR and GS phenotypes responded similarly when subjected to drought stress; grown with corn, cotton, and peanut; or treated with 2,4-D, atrazine, dicamba, fomesafen, glufosinate, paraquat, tembotrione, and thifensulfuron. These results indicate that in the absence of glyphosate selection pressure, resistance to glyphosate does not influence the growth and competitiveness of GR and GS Palmer amaranth phenotypes collected from the same geographical location.
Self-Regulation Facilitates Meaning in Life
Authors: Van Tongeren Daryl R. , DeWall C. Nathan , Green Jeffrey D. , Cairo Athena H. , Davis Don E. , Hook Joshua N.
Published: August 2017

Meaning is a central feature of human life. Our overarching proposition is that self-regulation helps facilitate meaning in life. We propose that purposeful, effortful, and directive actions that regulate selfish impulses are necessary to continually develop a sense of meaning in life. We explain how self-regulatory processes map onto this process: the drive for meaning is governed by internalized standards of meaning, people monitor their experiences to ensure a fit between their experiences and standards of meaning, and strength is required for deliberative behaviors aimed at reaffirming and regaining meaning. Moreover, we outline various self-regulatory pathways to gain meaning via coherence, significance, and purpose. Finally, we suggest various ways to test and expand our model and hypotheses.
MET/SMAD3/SNAIL circuit mediated by miR-323a-3p is involved in regulating epithelial–mesenchymal transition progression in bladder cancer
Authors: Li Jiangfeng , Xu Xin , Meng Shuai , Liang Zhen , Wang Xiao , Xu Mingjie , Wang Song , Li Shiqi , Zhu Yi , Xie Bo , Lin Yiwei , Zheng Xiangyi , Liu Ben , Xie Liping
Published: August 2017

Bladder cancer (BCa) is the one of the most common cancers with high incidence, occurrence and low 5-year survival rate. Emerging evidence indicates that DLK1-DIO3 genomic region especially the miRNA cluster in this region is involved in several pathologic processes and various cancers, and miR-323a-3p is a member of this miRNA cluster. In this study, we investigate the function and regulatory network of miR-323a-3p in BCa. miR-323a-3p is frequently downregulated in BCa tissues and three cell lines compared with adjacent non-tumorous tissues and bladder normal cell line (SV-HUC-1). Besides, downregulation of miR-323a-3p is significantly associated with poor overall survival rate of BCa. Methylation of DLK1-MEG3 intergenic DMR (IG-DMR) contributes to the reduction of miR-323a-3p. Overexpression of miR-323a-3p significantly inhibits the epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT) progression of BCa. Both upregulated MET and SMAD3 are direct targets of miR-323a-3p, and the knockdown of MET and SMAD3 also represses the EMT progression consistently with overexpression of miR-323a-3p. SNAIL is detected in the last targeted confocal protein of both MET and SMAD3 signaling that trigger EMT consequently. Hence, a miR-323a-3p/MET/SMAD3/SNAIL circuit is established to regulate the EMT progression of BCa. And a mutual regulatory mechanism between miR-323a-3p/miR-433/miR-409 and MET also participates in this circuit. In conclusion, our study demonstrates a novel regulatory mechanism of the miR-323a-3p/MET/SMAD3/SNAIL circuit that is involved in the EMT regulation of BCa, which may be a potential therapy target for BCa.
Discovery of (4-bromophenyl)(3-hydroxy-4-methoxyphenyl)methanone through upregulating hTERT induces cell apoptosis and ERS
Authors: Cheng Xiu , Shi Jing Bo , Liu Hao , Chen Liu Zeng , Wang Yang , Tang Wen Jian , Liu Xin Hua
Published: August 2017

Dominant-negative mutants of telomerase hTERT were demonstrated to have selective effects in tumor cells. However, no any effective and highly selective hTERT inhibitor has been developed so far. We focused on developing new hTERT modulators and synthesized a small molecular compound, named (4-bromophenyl)(3-hydroxy-4-methoxyphenyl)methanone. Our in vitro studies found that title compound showed high inhibitory activity against telomerase, had high antiproliferative capacity on SMMC-7721 cells with IC50 value 88 nm, and had no obvious toxic effect on human normal hepatocyte cells with IC50 value 10 μM. Our in vivo studies showed that this compound significantly inhibited tumor growth in xenograft tumor models. The further molecular mechanisms of title compound inhibition SMMC-7721 cell proliferation by modulating hTERT were explored; the results showed that endoplasmic reticulum stress (ERS) through ER over response (EOR) activates the expression of hTERT, and then induces ERS, which is believed to be intricately associated with oxidative stress and mitochondrial dysfunction, resulting in apoptotic cell death, thereby modulating the expression of downstream signaling molecules including CHOP (CAAT/enhancer-binding protein homologous protein)) and mitochondrion pathway of apoptosis, leading to inhibition of cell proliferation.
Microenvironment inflammatory infiltrate drives growth speed and outcome of hepatocellular carcinoma: a prospective clinical study
Authors: Critelli Rosina , Milosa Fabiola , Faillaci Francesca , Condello Rosario , Turola Elena , Marzi Luca , Lei Barbara , Dituri Francesco , Andreani Silvia , Sighinolfi Pamela , Manni Paola , Maiorana Antonino , Caporali Cristian , di Benedetto Fabrizio , Del Buono Mariagrazia , De Maria Nicola , Schepis Filippo , Martinez-Chantar Maria-Luz , Giannelli Gianluigi , Villa Erica
Published: August 2017

In HCC, tumor microenvironment, heavily influenced by the underlying chronic liver disease, etiology and stage of the tissue damage, affects tumor progression and determines the high heterogeneity of the tumor. Aim of this study was to identify the circulating and tissue components of the microenvironment immune-mediated response affecting the aggressiveness and the ensuing clinical outcome. We analyzed the baseline paired HCC and the surrounding tissue biopsies from a prospective cohort of 132 patients at the first diagnosis of HCC for immunolocalization of PD-1/PD-L1, FoxP3, E-cadherin, CLEC2 and for a panel of 82 microRNA associated with regulation of angiogenesis, cell proliferation, cell signaling, immune control and autophagy. Original microarray data were also explored. Serum samples were analyzed for a panel of 19 cytokines. Data were associated with biochemical data, histopathology and survival. Patients with a more aggressive disease and shorter survival, who we named fast-growing accordingly to the tumor doubling time, at presentation had significantly higher AFP levels, TGF-β1 and Cyphra 21-1 levels. Transcriptomic analysis evidenced a significant downregulation of CLEC2 and upregulation of several metalloproteinases. A marked local upregulation of both PD-1 and PD-L1, a concomitant FoxP3-positive lymphocytic infiltrate, a loss of E-cadherin, gain of epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT) phenotype and extreme poor differentiation at histology were also present. Upregulated microRNA in fast-growing HCCs are associated with TGF-β signaling, angiogenesis and inflammation. Our data show that fast HCCs are characterized not only by redundant neo-angiogenesis but also by unique features of distinctively immunosuppressed microenvironment, prominent EMT, and clear-cut activation of TGFβ1 signaling in a general background of long-standing and permanent inflammatory state.
Doxorubicin upregulates CXCR4 via miR-200c/ZEB1-dependent mechanism in human cardiac mesenchymal progenitor cells
Authors: Beji Sara , Milano Giuseppina , Scopece Alessandro , Cicchillitti Lucia , Cencioni Chiara , Picozza Mario , D'Alessandra Yuri , Pizzolato Sarah , Bertolotti Matteo , Spaltro Gabriella , Raucci Angela , Piaggio Giulia , Pompilio Giulio , Capogrossi Maurizio C , Avitabile Daniele , Magenta Alessandra , Gambini Elisa
Published: August 2017

Doxorubicin (DOXO) treatment is limited by its cardiotoxicity, since it causes cardiac-progenitor-cell depletion. Although the cardioprotective role of the stromal cell-derived factor-1/C-X-C chemokine receptor type 4 (SDF1/CXCR4) axis is well established, its involvement during DOXO-induced cardiotoxicity has never been investigated. We showed that in a mouse model of DOXO-induced cardiomyopathy, CXCR4+ cells were increased in response to DOXO, mainly in human cardiac mesenchymal progenitor cells (CmPC), a subpopulation with regenerative potential. Our in vitro results showed a CXCR4 induction after 24 h of DOXO exposure in CmPC. SDF1 administration protected from DOXO-induced cell death and promoted CmPC migration. CXCR4 promoter analysis revealed zinc finger E-box binding homeobox 1 (ZEB1) binding sites. Upon DOXO treatment, ZEB1 binding decreased and RNA-polymerase-II increased, suggesting a DOXO-mediated transcriptional increase in CXCR4. Indeed, DOXO induced the upregulation of miR-200c, that directly targets ZEB1. SDF1 administration in DOXO-treated mice partially reverted the adverse remodeling, decreasing left ventricular (LV) end diastolic volume, LV ejection fraction and LV anterior wall thickness in diastole, recovering LV end systolic pressure and reducing±dP/dt. Moreover, in vivo administration of SDF1 partially reverted DOXO-induced miR-200c and p53 protein upregulation in mouse hearts. In addition, downmodulation of ZEB1 mRNA and protein by DOXO was significantly increased by SDF1. In keeping, p21 mRNA, that is induced by p53 and inhibited by ZEB1, is induced by DOXO treatment and is decreased by SDF1 administration. This study showed new players of the DOXO-induced cardiotoxicity, that can be exploited to ameliorate DOXO-associated cardiomyopathy.
Apelin involved in progression of diabetic nephropathy by inhibiting autophagy in podocytes
Authors: Liu Yu , Zhang Jia , Wang Yangjia , Zeng Xiangjun
Published: August 2017

Podocyte autophagy dysfunction has been reported to be responsible for the progression of diabetic nephropathy (DN), however, the factors contributed to autophagy dysfunction in type 2 diabetes are not fully understood. Among promoting factors in DN, an adipokine, apelin, had been showed to trigger podocyte dysfunction. Therefore, it is hypothesized that apelin, which is increased in plasma in type 2 diabetes, lead to podocyte apoptosis through inhibiting podocyte autophagy, which resulted in podocyte dysfunction followed by DN. KkAy mice (diabetic mice) and cultured podocytes (MPC5 cells and native podocytes) were treated with high glucose (HG) and apelin or its antagonist F13A. Renal function, podocyte autophagy, podocyte apoptosis and corresponding cell signaling pathways in podocytes were detected. The results showed that apelin aggravated the renal dysfunction and foot process injuries in kkAy mice, which is positively correlated to podocyte apoptosis and negatively correlated to podocyte autophagy. Apelin induced podocyte apoptosis and inhibited podocyte autophagy in both normal glucose and HG conditions while F13A reversed these effects. Investigations by western blot found that apelin inhibits podocyte autophagy through ERK-, Akt- and mTOR-dependent pathways. In conclusion, increased apelin concentration in plasma inhibited podocyte autophagy, which would lead to podocyte apoptosis and renal dysfunction in diabetes. These effects would contribute to the progression of DN.
Mycobacterium abscessus glycopeptidolipids inhibit macrophage apoptosis and bacterial spreading by targeting mitochondrial cyclophilin D
Authors: Whang Jake , Back Yong Woo , Lee Kang-In , Fujiwara Nagatoshi , Paik Seungwha , Choi Chul Hee , Park Jeong-Kyu , Kim Hwa-Jung
Published: August 2017

Mycobacterium abscessus (MAB) is a species of nontuberculous mycobacteria (NTM) and a major causative pathogen of pulmonary diseases especially in patients with cystic fibrosis. MAB infection is notoriously difficult to treat because of its intrinsic or inducible resistance to most antibiotics. The rough (R) morphotype of MAB, lacking cell surface glycopeptidolipids (GPLs), is associated with more severe and persistent infection than the smooth (S) type; however, the mechanisms underlying the R type’s virulence and the relation with GPLs remain unclear. In this study, we found that R-type MAB is much more proapoptotic than the S type, as a result of GPL-mediated inhibition of macrophage apoptosis. Polar GPLs inhibited an apoptotic response (induced by proapoptotic stimuli) by suppressing ROS production and the cytochrome c release and by preserving mitochondrial transmembrane potential. Furthermore, GPLs were found to be targeted to mitochondria and interacted with cyclophilin D; their acetylation was essential for this interaction. Finally, GPLs inhibited the intracellular growth and bacterial spreading of R-type MAB among macrophages via apoptosis inhibition. These findings suggest that GPLs limit MAB virulence by inhibiting apoptosis and the spread of bacteria and therefore provide a novel insight into the mechanism underlying virulence of MAB.
Hydrologic resilience and Amazon productivity
Authors: Ahlström Anders , Canadell Josep G. , Schurgers Guy , Wu Minchao , Berry Joseph A. , Guan Kaiyu , Jackson Robert B.
Published: August 2017

The Amazon rainforest is disproportionately important for global carbon storage and biodiversity. The system couples the atmosphere and land, with moist forest that depends on convection to sustain gross primary productivity and growth. Earth system models that estimate future climate and vegetation show little agreement in Amazon simulations. Here we show that biases in internally generated climate, primarily precipitation, explain most of the uncertainty in Earth system model results; models, empirical data and theory converge when precipitation biases are accounted for. Gross primary productivity, above-ground biomass and tree cover align on a hydrological relationship with a breakpoint at ~2000 mm annual precipitation, where the system transitions between water and radiation limitation of evapotranspiration. The breakpoint appears to be fairly stable in the future, suggesting resilience of the Amazon to climate change. Changes in precipitation and land use are therefore more likely to govern biomass and vegetation structure in Amazonia.