bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Impact of p53 Status on Radiosensitization of Tumor Cells by MET Inhibition–Associated Checkpoint Abrogation
Authors: Mikami K. , Medová M. , Nisa L. , Francica P. , Glück A.A. , Tschan M.P. , Blaukat A. , Bladt F. , Aebersold D.M. , Zimmer Y.
Published: September 2015

Signaling via the MET receptor tyrosine kinase has been implicated in crosstalk with cellular responses to DNA damage. Our group previously demonstrated that MET inhibition in tumor cells with deregulated MET activity results in radiosensitization via downregulation of the ATR–CHK1–CDC25 pathway, a major signaling cascade responsible for intra-S and G2–M cell-cycle arrest following DNA damage. Here we aimed at studying the potential therapeutic application of ionizing radiation in combination with a MET inhibitor, EMD-1214063, in p53-deficient cancer cells that harbor impaired G1–S checkpoint regulation upon DNA damage. We hypothesized that upon MET inhibition, p53-deficient cells would bypass both G1–S and G2–M checkpoints, promoting premature mitotic entry with substantial DNA lesions and cell death in a greater extent than p53-proficient cells. Our data suggest that p53-deficient cells are more susceptible to EMD-1214063 and combined treatment with irradiation than wild-type p53 lines as inferred from elevated γH2AX expression and increased cytotoxicity. Furthermore, cell-cycle distribution profiling indicates constantly lower G1 and higher G2–M population as well as higher expression of a mitotic marker p-histone H3 following the dual treatment in p53 knockdown isogenic variant, compared with the parental counterpart.

Implications: The concept of MET inhibition-mediated radiosensitization enhanced by p53 deficiency is of high clinical relevance, as p53 is frequently mutated in numerous types of human cancer. The current data point for a therapeutic advantage for an approach combining MET targeting along with DNA-damaging agents for MET-positive/p53-negative tumors. Mol Cancer Res; 13(12); 1544–53. ©2015 AACR.
Cell and Tissue Damage after Skin Exposure to Ionizing Radiation: Short- and Long-Term Effects after a Single and Fractional Doses
Authors: Kinoshita Kahori , Ishimine Hisako , Shiraishi Kenshiro , Kato Harunosuke , Doi Kentaro , Kuno Shinichiro , Kanayama Koji , Mineda Kazuhide , Mashiko Takanobu , Feng Jingwei , Nakagawa Keiichi , Kurisaki Akira , Itami Satoshi , Yoshimura Kotaro
Published: September 2015

Ionizing radiation is often used to treat progressive neoplasms. However, the consequences of long-term radiation exposure to healthy skin tissue are poorly understood. We aimed to evaluate the short- and long-term radiation damage to healthy skin of the same irradiation given either as single or fractional doses. C57BL/J6 mice were randomly assigned to one of three groups: a control and two exposure groups (5 Gy ×2 or 10 Gy ×1). The inguinal area was irradiated (6-MeV beam) 1 week after depilation in the treatment groups. Skin samples were evaluated macroscopically and histologically for up to 6 months after the final exposure. After anagen hair follicle injury by irradiation, hair cycling resumed in both groups, but hair graying was observed in the 10 Gy ×1 group but not in the 5 Gy ×2 group, suggesting the dose of each fractional exposure is more relevant to melanocyte stem cell damage than the total dose. On the other hand, in the long term, the fractional double exposures induced more severe atrophy and capillary reduction in the dermis and subcutis, suggesting fractional exposure may cause more depletion of tissue stem cells and endothelial cells in the tissue. Thus, our results indicated that there were differences between the degrees of damage that occurred as a result of a single exposure compared with fractional exposures to ionizing radiation: the former induces more severe acute injury to the skin with irreversible depigmentation of hairs, while the latter induces long-term damage to the dermis and subcutis.
Uncoupling of Protein Aggregation and Neurodegeneration in a Mouse Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis Model
Authors: Lee Joo-Yong , Kawaguchi Yoshiharu , Li Ming , Kapur Meghan , Choi Su Jin , Kim Hak-June , Park Song-Yi , Zhu Haining , Yao Tso-Pang
Published: September 2015

Aberrant accumulation of protein aggregates is a pathological hallmark of many neurodegenerative diseases, including amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). Although a buildup of protein aggregates frequently leads to cell death, whether it is the key pathogenic factor in driving neurodegenerative disease remains controversial. HDAC6, a cytosolic ubiquitin-binding deacetylase, has emerged as an important regulator of ubiquitin-dependent quality control autophagy, a lysosome-dependent degradative system responsible for the disposal of misfolded protein aggregates and damaged organelles. Here, we show that in cell models HDAC6 plays a protective role against multiple disease-associated and aggregation-prone cytosolic proteins by facilitating their degradation. We further show that HDAC6 is required for efficient localization of lysosomes to protein aggregates, indicating that lysosome targeting to autophagic substrates is regulated. Supporting a critical role of HDAC6 in protein aggregate disposal in vivo, genetic ablation of HDAC6 in a transgenic SOD1G93A mouse, a model of ALS, leads to dramatic accumulation of ubiquitinated SOD1G93A protein aggregates. Surprisingly, despite a robust buildup of SOD1G93A aggregates, deletion of HDAC6 only moderately modified the motor phenotypes. These findings indicate that SOD1G93A aggregation is not the only determining factor to drive neurodegeneration in ALS, and that HDAC6 likely modulates neurodegeneration through additional mechanisms beyond protein aggregate clearance.
MicroRNA-150 Inhibits Cell Invasion and Migration and Is Downregulated in Human Osteosarcoma
Authors: Li Xiao , Chen Li , Wang Wei , Meng Fan-Bin , Zhao Ren-Tao , Chen Yang
Published: September 2015

miR-150 expression in osteosarcoma (OS) cell lines and human osteoblast cells was detected, and OS cell models were transfected with exogenous miR-150 to investigate its role in cell proliferation, invasion, and apoptosis. Our results showed that miR-150 expression in OS cells (MG63, Saos-2, SOSP-9607, and U2OS) was significantly lower compared to the osteoblast hFOB1.19 cell line (all p < 0.01). The expression level of miR-150 in MG63 cells that were transfected with exogenous miR-150 mimics was markedly upregulated, while the miR-150 expression level in the inhibitor group was significantly downregulated (both p < 0.01). Similar results were also found in SOSP-9607 cells. Importantly, exogenous miR-150 expression stimulated cell apoptosis and inhibited proliferation, invasion, and migration. A luciferase reporter assay displayed that miR-150 also regulated Sp1 expression by targeting its 3′-UTR, and qRT-PCR and Western blotting showed that elevated levels of miR-150 may reduce Sp1 protein expression. The mRNA and protein levels of Sp1 were upregulated after transfection with a Sp1-expression plasmid and partially reversed the inhibitory effects of miR-150 on cell proliferation, invasion, and metastasis in MG63 and SOSP-9607 cells, as well as promoted cell apoptosis. In conclusion, miR-150 inhibits cell proliferation, invasion, and metastasis and stimulates cell apoptosis by regulating the expression of Sp1. Therefore, miR-150 may be a potential clinical target for the treatment of OS patients.
Patterns of Adenoma Recurrence in Familial Adenomatous Polyposis Patients after Ileal Pouch-Anal Anastomosis
Authors: Goldstein Adam L. , Kariv Revital , Klausner Joseph M. , Tulchinsky Hagit
Published: September 2015

Aim: This study aims at identifying the risk factors for the development of pre-cancerous pouch and/or cuff adenomas post ileal pouch anal anastomosis (IPAA) in familial adenomatous polyposis patients. Method: We retrospectively studied 59 patients operated at a single medical center during a 26-year period. Data on the timing and location of adenoma recurrence were recorded and possible correlations with patients' gender, age, presence of desmoid tumor, duodenal adenomas, type of anastomosis and number of operation stages were analyzed. Results: Thirty-five (59%) patients had at least one adenoma in either the cuff or the pouch, including 20 with isolated cuff adenomas, 4 with isolated pouch adenomas and 11 patients with adenomas in both the pouch and cuff. There was no significant correlation between gender, age at surgery, type of anastomosis, number of operative stages and the development of pouch or cuff adenomas. Desmoid tumor and pouch adenomas were significantly correlated with cuff adenomas formation. Duodenal adenomas were associated with pouch adenomas. There was some relationship between the development of cuff adenomas and the burden of colonic polyps, as well as the presence of duodenal adenomas. Conclusion: Adenomas in both the pouch and cuff commonly occur following IPAA, mandating lifelong annual endoscopic surveillance.
Risk and Protective Factors for Small Intestine Neuroendocrine Tumors: A Prospective Case-Control Study
Authors: Rinzivillo Maria , Capurso Gabriele , Campana Davide , Fazio Nicola , Panzuto Francesco , Spada Francesca , Cicchese Noemi , Partelli Stefano , Tomassetti Paola , Falconi Massimo , Delle Fave Gianfranco
Published: September 2015

Background: The incidence of small intestine neuroendocrine tumors (SI-NETs) is increasing, but few studies have investigated risk factors for their occurrence, suggesting that family history (FH) of any cancer, smoking and previous cholecystectomy are associated with an increased risk. Such studies investigated small series or examined cancer registries without direct interviews. Aim: We therefore aimed at clarifying risk and protective factors for the occurrence of sporadic SI-NETs. Subjects and Methods: We performed a multicenter case-control study. Patients with a histologic diagnosis of SI-NETs were prospectively evaluated, excluding familial syndromes. Controls with non-neoplastic/non-chronic disorders seen at gastrointestinal outpatients clinics were matched for sex and age (4:1). All subjects were directly interviewed by means of a specific questionnaire on potential risk and protective factors. Cases and controls were compared by Fisher's test or Student's t test for categorical or continuous variables. Explanatory variables were analyzed by simple logistic regression analysis. A multiple logistic regression analysis was performed with an Enter model; p < 0.05 was considered significant. Results: 215 SI-NET patients and 860 controls were enrolled. FH of colorectal cancer (CRC) (8.8 vs. 5.0%) and breast cancer (10.2 vs. 4.8%), heavy smoking (24.7 vs. 14.8%) and drinking >21 alcohol units per week (7.4 vs. 3.8%) were all significantly more frequent in SI-NET patients than in controls. Multivariate analysis showed that FH of CRC (OR 2.23, 95% CI 1.29-3.84, p = 0.003), FH of breast cancer (OR 2.05, 95% CI 1.13-3.69, p = 0.01) and smoking (OR 1.47, 95% CI 1.07-2.03, p = 0.01) and in particular heavy smoking (OR 1.94, 95% CI 1.29-3.84, p = 0.0008) were associated with an increased risk for carcinoid occurrence, while use of aspirin can be considered a protective factor (OR 0.20, 95% CI 0.06-0.65, p = 0.008). Conclusion: FH of colorectal and breast cancer as well as smoking seem to be risk factors for the development of SI-NETs, while use of aspirin might be a protective factor. These factors partially overlap with those associated with CRC, but are different from those previously associated with pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors. These findings may suggest that the mechanisms of carcinogenesis for endocrine cells in different sites can be specific and similar to those of their exocrine counterparts.
A política do grupo: modos de produção como ato político
Authors: Moreira Carina Maria Guimarães
Published: September 2015

O presente artigo propõe pensar a relação estreita entre os processos históricos socioeconômicos de configuração dos modos de produção da arte e seus rumos temáticos e formais. A partir da experiência da Cia. São Jorge de Variedades e de seu trabalho teatral Barafonda, buscaremos refletir sobre possíveis relações entre os movimentos considerados neste trabalho como políticos que se deflagraram historicamente na conformação de determinados modos de produção dos grupos teatrais paulistas nos últimos anos, ancorados pela Lei Municipal de Fomento ao Teatro e suas possíveis inscrições nas propostas estético-formais da companhia e do espetáculo. 
PICON-VALLIN, Béatrice. Le Théâtre du Soleil. Les cinquante premières années
Authors: Aslan Odette
Published: September 2015

Resenha de novo livro de Picon-Vallin feita por Odette Aslan
Purinergic Receptors in Thrombosis and Inflammation
Authors: Hechler Béatrice , Gachet Christian
Published: September 2015

Under various pathological conditions, including thrombosis and inflammation, extracellular nucleotide levels may increase because of both active release and passive leakage from damaged or dying cells. Once in the extracellular compartment, nucleotides interact with plasma membrane receptors belonging to the P2 purinergic family, which are expressed by virtually all circulating blood cells and in most blood vessels. In this review, we focus on the specific role of the 3 platelet P2 receptors P2Y
1
, P2Y
12
, and P2X
1
in hemostasis and arterial thrombosis. Beyond platelets, these 3 receptors, along with the P2Y
2
, P2Y
6
, and P2X
7
receptors, constitute the main P2 receptors mediating the proinflammatory effects of nucleotides, which play important roles in various functions of circulating blood cells and cells of the vessel wall. Each of these P2 receptor subtypes specifically contributes to chronic or acute vascular inflammation and related diseases, such as atherosclerosis, restenosis, endotoxemia, and sepsis. The potential for therapeutic targeting of these P2 receptor subtypes is also discussed.
Apolipoprotein A-I Limits the Negative Effect of Tumor Necrosis Factor on Lymphangiogenesis
Authors: Bisoendial Radjesh , Tabet Fatiha , Tak Paul P. , Petrides Francine , Cuesta Torres Luisa F. , Hou Liming , Cook Adam , Barter Philip J. , Weninger Wolfgang , Rye Kerry-Anne
Published: September 2015

Objective—

Lymphatic endothelial dysfunction underlies the pathogenesis of many chronic inflammatory disorders. The proinflammatory cytokine tumor necrosis factor (TNF) is known for its role in disrupting the function of the lymphatic vasculature. This study investigates the ability of apolipoprotein (apo) A-I, the principal apolipoprotein of high-density lipoproteins, to preserve the normal function of lymphatic endothelial cells treated with TNF.

Approach and Results—

TNF decreased the ability of lymphatic endothelial cells to form tube-like structures. Preincubation of lymphatic endothelial cells with apoA-I attenuated the TNF-mediated inhibition of tube formation in a concentration-dependent manner. In addition, apoA-I reversed the TNF-mediated suppression of lymphatic endothelial cell migration and lymphatic outgrowth in thoracic duct rings. ApoA-I also abrogated the negative effect of TNF on lymphatic neovascularization in an ATP-binding cassette transporter A1-dependent manner. At the molecular level, this involved downregulation of TNF receptor-1 and the conservation of prospero-related homeobox gene-1 expression, a master regulator of lymphangiogenesis. ApoA-I also re-established the normal phenotype of the lymphatic network in the diaphragms of human TNF transgenic mice.

Conclusions—

ApoA-I restores the neovascularization capacity of the lymphatic system during TNF-mediated inflammation. This study provides a proof-of-concept that high-density lipoprotein–based therapeutic strategies may attenuate chronic inflammation via its action on lymphatic vasculature.
Trends in Stroke Incidence and 28-Day Case Fatality in a Nationwide Stroke Registry of a Multiethnic Asian Population
Authors: Tan Chuen Seng , Müller-Riemenschneider Falk , Ng Sheryl Hui Xian , Tan Pei Zheng , Chan Bernard P.L. , Tang Kok-Foo , Ahmad Aftab , Kong Keng He , Chang Hui Meng , Chow Khuan Yew , Koh Gerald Choon-Huat , Venketasubramanian Narayanaswamy
Published: September 2015

Background and Purpose—

This study investigated trends in stroke incidence and case fatality overall and according to sex, age, ethnicity, and stroke subtype in a multiethnic Asian population.

Methods—

The Singapore Stroke Registry identifies all stroke cases in all public hospitals using medical claims, hospital discharge summaries, and death registry data. Age-standardized incidence rates and 28-day case-fatality rates were calculated for individuals aged ≥15 years between 2006 and 2012. To estimate the annual percentage change of the rates, a linear regression model was fitted to the log rates, and a Wald test was performed to test for trend.
P
values <0.05 were considered significant.

Results—

A total of 40 623 cases were recorded. The total stroke incidence fell by ≈12.0%, and case fatality fell by 17.2% in the study. Declining trends in stroke incidence were stronger in women (female: −2.94; 95% confidence interval [CI], −3.43 to −2.44; male: −1.80; 95% CI, −2.58 to −1.02); in the older age groups (≥65 years: −3.62; 95% CI, −4.30 to −2.94; 50–64 years: −1.26; 95% CI, −1.97 to −0.55; <50 years: 3.33; 95% CI, 1.49 to 5.20), in Chinese (−2.64; 95% CI, −3.15 to −2.13), Indians (−3.78; 95% CI, −5.93 to −1.58), and others (−12.73; 95% CI, −18.93 to −6.06) compared with Malays (2.58; 95% CI, 1.17 to 4.02); and in ischemic stroke subtype (ischemic: −2.43; 95% CI, −3.13 to −1.73; hemorrhagic: −1.02; 95% CI, −2.04 to 0.01). Subgroup-specific findings for case fatality were similar.

Conclusion—

This is the first countrywide hospital-based registry study in a multiethnic Asian population, and it revealed marked overall reductions in stroke incidence and case fatality. However, it also identified important population groups with less favorable trends, especially younger adults and those of Malay ethnicity.
Using Strange Attractors to Control Sound Processing in Live Electroacoustic Composition
Authors: Spasov Miroslav
Published: September 2015

This article explores the possibility of using chaotic attractors to control sound processing with software instruments in live electroacoustic composition. The practice-led investigation involves the Attractors Library, a collection of Max/MSP externals based on iterative mathematical equations representing nonlinear dynamical systems; Attractors Player, a Max/MSP patch that controls the attractors' performance and live processing; and the two compositions based on the software: Strange Attractions for flute, clarinet, horn, and live electronics, and Sabda Vidya No. 2 for flute, tenor saxophone, and live electronics. In the article I discuss some specific attractors' characteristics and their use in interactive composition, relying on the experience from the performances of these two compositions. The idea is to highlight the experience with these nonlinear systems and to encourage other composers to use them in their own works.
Sound Synthesis Based on Ordinary Differential Equations
Authors: Stefanakis Nikolaos , Abel Markus , Bergner André
Published: September 2015

Ordinary differential equations (ODEs) have been studied for centuries as a means to model complex dynamical processes from the real world. Nevertheless, their application to sound synthesis has not yet been fully exploited. In this article we present a systematic approach to sound synthesis based on first-order complex and real ODEs. Using simple time-dependent and nonlinear terms, we illustrate the mapping between ODE coefficients and physically meaningful control parameters such as pitch, pitch bend, decay rate, and attack time. We reveal the connection between nonlinear coupling terms and frequency modulation, and we discuss the implications of this scheme in connection with nonlinear synthesis. The ability to excite a first-order complex ODE with an external input signal is also examined; stochastic or impulsive signals that are physically or synthetically produced can be presented as input to the system, offering additional synthesis possibilities, such as those found in excitation/filter synthesis and filter-based modal synthesis.
“I am the Buddha, the Buddha is Me”: Concentration Meditation and Esoteric Modern Buddhism in Burma/Myanmar
Authors: Foxeus Niklas
Published: September 2015

In postcolonial Burma, two trends within lay Buddhism — largely in tension with one another — developed into large-scale movements. They focused upon different meditation practices, insight meditation and concentration meditation, with the latter also including esoteric lore. An impetus largely shared by the movements was to define an “authentic” Buddhism to serve as the primary vehicle of the quest for individual, local, and national identity. While insight meditation was generally considered Buddhist meditationpar excellence, concentration meditation was ascribed a more dubious Buddhist identity. Given this ambiguity, it could be considered rather paradoxical that concentration meditation could be viewed as a source of “authentic” Buddhism.

The aim of this article is to investigate the issue of identity and the paradox of authenticity by examining the concentration meditation practices of one large esoteric congregation and tentatively comparing its practices with those of the insight meditation movement. It will be argued that the movements represented two varieties of so-called modern Buddhism (rationalist modern Buddhism and esoteric modern Buddhism) drawing on different Buddhist imaginaries and representing two main trends that are largely diametrically opposed to one another. They therefore represent two ways of constructing an individual, local, and national identity.
The effect of hunger on the exploratory behaviour of shoals of mosquitofish Gambusia holbrooki
Authors: Hansen Matthew J. , Schaerf Timothy M. , Ward Ashley J.W.
Published: September 2015

The question of how hunger affects locomotory behaviour, in particular how it affects the kinematics of movement and an animal’s interaction with the physical structures in its environment is of broad relevance in behavioural ecology. We experimentally manipulated the hunger levels of individual mosquitofish (Gambusia holbrooki) and recorded their swimming behaviour in shoals of 4 fish. We found that hungry individuals in shoals moved at greater speeds and had higher turning speeds than satiated individuals in shoals, as well as a greater variance in speed and turning speeds. We also found that hungry individuals explored more of the arena and used more of its internal space, away from the square arena’s walls and displayed less wall-following behaviour than satiated individuals. A functional explanation for this change in swimming behaviour and interaction with environmental heterogeneity is discussed in the context of social foraging, as is the consequence of these results for models of search patterns and collective movement.
Further evidence of a context-specific agonistic signal in bottlenose dolphins: the influence of consortships and group size on the pop vocalization
Authors: Vollmer Nicole L. , Hayek Lee-Ann C. , Heithaus Michael R. , Connor Richard C.
Published: September 2015

Pops are a low-frequency, pulsed vocalization produced by Indo-Pacific bottlenose dolphins (Tursiopscf.aduncus) in Shark Bay, Western Australia and are often heard when male alliances are consorting or ‘herding’ a female. Previous research indicated that pops produced in this context are an agonistic ‘come-hither’ demand produced by males and directed at female consorts. Here we examine pop occurrence during focal follows on bottlenose dolphin alliances with and without female consorts present. Regression analysis was conducted to determine if pop numbers were higher in the presence of female consorts, and if variables including group size alone and the interaction between presence/absence of a consortship and group size, influenced pop production. While the presence or absence of a consortship significantly affected the number of pops, average group size had no significant effect on pop production. Our research provides further evidence that the pop vocalization plays an important role in consortships.
Nematicidal activities of bacterial volatiles and components from two marine bacteria, Pseudoalteromonas marina strain H-42 and Vibrio atlanticus strain S-16, against the pine wood nematode, Bursaphelenchus xylophilus
Authors: Yu Jie , Du Guicai , Li Ronggui , Li Li , Li Zi , Zhou Changjing , Chen Congcong , Guo Daosen
Published: September 2015

Bacterial volatiles represent an important source for new natural nematicidal compounds that may be developed as novel nematicidal agents to control plant-parasitic nematodes. In this study, two marine bacteria,Pseudoalteromonas marinastrain H-42 andVibrio atlanticusstrain S-16, were isolated from seawater and the bay scallop (Argopecten irradians), respectively, collected from the subtidal beds at Qingdao, China.In vitrobioassays indicated that culture supernatants of the two bacteria displayed strong nematicidal activities with corrected mortalities of more than 93% after 24 h exposure against the pine wood nematode (PWN),Bursaphelenchus xylophilus. Maximal nematicidal activity was exhibited by culture supernatants of the two marine bacteria incubated at 15-20°C for 3 days in Zobell 2216E medium prepared with 100% seawater and initial pH 6.0-7.0, inoculating 19-h-old cultures. Through analysis using solid-phase microextraction-gas chromatography/mass spectrometry, the volatiles produced by the two bacteria were shown to contain mainly dimethyl disulphide, benzaldehyde, dimethyl trisulphide,tert-butylamine, acetone and dimethylamine, N-(diisopropylphosphino)methyl-. Results from nematicidal assay using pure commercial compounds instead of the candidate volatiles demonstrated that the four volatile compounds, dimethyl trisulphide (LC90 = 0.060 mmol l−1), benzaldehyde (LC90 = 0.309 mmol l−1), dimethyl disulphide (LC90 = 0.162 mmol l−1) andtert-butylamine (LC90 = 0.366 mmol l−1), showed strong nematicidal activities against PWN. This is the first report on the nematicidal activity of volatile organic compounds (VOC) from marine microorganisms. This study indicates that the nematicidal VOC produced by marine bacteria are potential substitutes for current chemical control options of pine wilt disease caused by PWN which greatly threatens global forest resources.
The Limitation of Truth-Semantics in the Understanding of Religion
Authors: Albinus Lars
Published: September 2015

While this article salutes attempts to use Donald Davidson’s principles of radical interpretation in the study of religion in order to avoid the pitfalls of correspondence theory of truth, on the one hand, and cultural relativism, on the other, it suggests that an adequate understanding of religion may also take other pragmatic aspects of meaning into account. Buying into Jürgen Habermas’ critique of Davidson, the more specific argument is that a differentiation of validity criteria serves to disclose the restricted role “truth” plays in speech acts. It is also argued that although Richard Rorty’s skepticism towards universal criteria of rationality borders on relativism, he is justified in focusing more radically—along with Robert Brandom—on pragmatic and situational criteria of meaning. Finally, drawing on Wittgenstein’s concept of “perspicuous representation” I suggest an alternate way of coming to grips with meaning potentials in religious ways of life.
Towards a “Redescription” of “Spirituality”: A Response
Authors: Melvær Knut Mordal
Published: September 2015

In “The Spiritual Illusion” (2014), Jonathan R. Herman wishes to initiate a discussion of the feasibility of the category “spirituality” within the study of religions. This response addresses several methodological problems with his effort, and questions the feasibility of this ironic approach. My critique is five-folded: Firstly, Herman draws a crude picture of the relationship between theology and the study of religion. Secondly, he does not explain why his sample of authors constitutes a hegemony for the understanding of “spirituality” in the study of religions. Thirdly, he ignores those who have been influential for how the category is used today. Fourthly, religion is assumed to be a “rectified” category not worthy of discussion. Fifthly, it remains unclear where an “ironic” and “imaginative” comparison of spiritual\religion and penis\vagina will take us.
A Christian Amulet Containing Colossians 3:9-10
Authors: Wayment Thomas A.
Published: September 2015

This article presents the editio princeps and a brief discussion of a Christian amulet that preserves Colossians 3:9-10 in Greek on papyrus. The amulet was discovered at Oxyrhynchus by W.M. Flinders Petrie and is currently housed in the Petrie Egyptian Museum in London. This is currently the first amulet to preserve a passage from Colossians in Greek and it appears that the amulet served as an aide mémoire to the person wearing it to remind the person of the meaning of Christian baptism.
Moses Typology for Peter in the Epistula Petri and the Contestatio
Authors: Ruffatto Kristine J.
Published: September 2015

The Epistula Petri and the Contestatio, introductory writings to the Pseudo-Clementines, emphasize the primacy of Peter over against (an unnamed) Paul. The numerous allusions to Moses are of particular importance in understanding the strong claims made about Peter in these writings. Peter is shown to be Moses’ scribal successor in passing on the traditions of God’s eternally valid law. Just as Moses established an authoritative chain of succession by selecting seventy elders, so Peter, through James, passes on the books of his pro-law preaching to a new generation of seventy. Moses typology serves a polemical function. Peter’s apostolic authority is grounded in his continuity with Moses; he alone is the legitimate transmitter of Mosaic truth. Moses is the interpretive lens through which the primacy of Peter is understood.
Korsgaard v. Gewirth on Universalization: Why Gewirthians are Kantians and Kantians Ought to be Gewirthians
Authors: Beyleveld Deryck
Published: September 2015

Christine Korsgaard claims that Gewirth’s argument for morality fails to demonstrate that there is a categorically binding principle on action because it operates with the assumption that reasons for action are essentially private. This attribution is unfounded and Korsgaard’s own argument for moral obligation, in its appeal to Wittgenstein’s Private Language Argument to establish that reasons for action are essentially public, is misdirected and unnecessary. Gewirth’s attempt to demonstrate a strictly a priori connection between a moral principle and the concept of being an agent as such is essentially Kantian, and recognizing that the Principle of Hypothetical Imperatives is categorically binding requires Kantians to accept that Gewirth’s Principle of Generic Consistency is the supreme practical principle.
What Properly Belongs to Me
Authors: Allais Lucy
Published: September 2015

Kant has a number of harsh-sounding things to say about beggars and giving to beggars. He describes begging as “closely akin to robbery” (6:326), and says that it exhibits self-contempt. In this paper I argue that on a particular interpretation of his political philosophy his critique of giving to beggars can be seen as part of a concern with social justice, and that his analysis makes sense of some troubling aspects of the phenomenology of being confronted with beggars. On Kant's view, without absolute poverty relief, the poor persons' external freedom is subject to the arbitrary choices of those who have means. But the legitimacy of the state is based on ensuring that no one's basic freedom is subject to the arbitrary choices of another. This means that in a legitimate state public structures must ensure that there is unconditional poverty relief. Having your basic needs met through private charity wrongs you. Kant's analysis is that when you encounter someone in a public space who asks you for money to meet their basic survival needs, you are being asked to solve a public problem in a private interaction, and there is no rightful way for you to do this.
Defending the Ignorance View of Sceptical Scenarios
Authors: Kraft Tim
Published: September 2015

What is the role of sceptical scenarios—dreams, evil demons, brains in a vat—in sceptical arguments? According to the error view, sceptical scenarios illustrate the possibility of massive falsity in one’s beliefs, whereas according to the ignorance view, they illustrate the possibility of massive ignorance not necessarily due to falsity. In this paper, the ignorance view is defended by surveying the arguments in favour of it and by replying to two pressing objections against it. According to the first objection, the ignorance view illicitly introduces thekk-principle into sceptical arguments. In reply I argue thatkkis not less plausible than its main rival, the closure principle. According to the second objection, relying on veridical ignorance-possibilities contradicts the transparency of belief. In reply I introduce a version of transparency that is consistent with the ignorance view.
Continuous variation supports accommodating Lilium habaense and L. xanthellum within L. stewartianum (Liliaceae)
Authors: Gao Yundong
Published: September 2015

Continuous variation among Lilium stewartianum I.B.Balfour & W.W.Smith (1922: 127) and its close allies, L. habaense (1986: 51) and L. xanthellum F.T.Wang et Tang (1980: 283) have been observed by the author. In particular, L. habaense is distinguished from L. stewartianum on the basis of stamen having slightly shorter filaments (Wang et al. 1986). Lilium xanthellum is distinguished from the other two species by means of papillose nectaries that form two ridges along the bases of the inner tepals (Fig. 1) (Liang 1980). I have observed in the field that the variations in anthers length and nectary morphology are extensive, largely continuous, and dependent upon the phase of flowering. Therefore, on the basis of continuous variation I propose to accommodate L. habaense and L. xanthellum within L. stewartianum.
Tidying up the mess: lectotype selections, synonyms, a new status and a new species in Syngonanthus sect. Carphocephalus (Eriocaulaceae)
Authors: WATANABE MAURICIO TAKASHI COUTINHO , Hensold Nancy , Sano Paulo Takeo
Published: September 2015

Novelties and nomenclatural issues in Syngonanthus sect. Carphocephalus (Eriocaulaceae) are presented here. This study is based on analyses of herbarium materials and field observations. Syngonanthus sect. Carphocephalus contains 13 species, all restricted to the Americas. Some species are widely distributed, such as S. caulescens, but most are rare or only known from the holotype. This taxonomic treatment presents new synonyms (S. inundatus and S. yacuambensis), lectotype selections for six names (Syngonanthus sect. Carphocephalus, S. appressus, S. hygrotrichus, S. inundatus, S. peruvianus, and S. rhizonema), nomenclatural changes (S. caulescens var. discretifolius) and a new species (S. mollis), from S. sect. Carphocephalus.
The Collection Efficiency of Shielded and Unshielded Precipitation Gauges. Part I: CFD Airflow Modeling
Authors: Colli Matteo , Lanza Luca G. , Rasmussen Roy , Thériault Julie M.
Published: September 2015

The aerodynamic response of snow gauges when exposed to the wind is responsible for a significant reduction of their collection performance. The modifications induced by the gauge and the windshield onto the space–time patterns of the undisturbed airflow deviate the snowflake trajectories. In Part I, the disturbed air velocity field in the vicinity of shielded and unshielded gauge configurations is investigated. In Part II, the airflow is the basis for a particle tracking model of snowflake trajectories to estimate the collection efficiency. A Geonor T-200B gauge inside a single Alter shield is simulated for wind speeds varying from 1 to 8 m s−1. Both time-averaged and time-dependent computational fluid dynamics simulations are performed, based on Reynolds-averaged Navier–Stokes (RANS) and large-eddy simulation (LES) models, respectively. A shear stress tensor k–Ω model (where k is the turbulent kinetic energy and Ω is the turbulent specific dissipation rate) is used for the RANS formulation and solved within a finite-volume method. The LES is implemented with a Smagorinsky subgrid-scale method that models the subgrid stresses as a gradient-diffusion process. The RANS simulations confirm the attenuation of the airflow velocity above the gauge when using a single Alter shield, but the generated turbulence above the orifice rim is underestimated. The intensity and spatial extension of the LES-resolved turbulent region show a dependency on the wind speed that was not detected by the RANS. The time-dependent analysis showed the propagation of turbulent structures and the impact on the turbulent kinetic energy above the gauge collecting section.
Optimizing powder metallurgy methods: Effects of carbon nanotube dispersal mechanisms on mechanical properties of aluminium/carbon nanotube composites
Authors: Rael Ben J , Fu Yaqin , Khraishi Tariq A , Jiang Ying-Bing
Published: September 2015

The influence of carbon nanotube dispersion techniques (surfactant-assisted dispersion, ultrasonication and magnetic stirring) and surface functionalization of carbon nanotubes on mechanical properties of nanocomposites fabricated via powder metallurgy techniques is characterized. Functionalized multiwalled carbon nanotubes dispersed using a combination of techniques results in Al/functionalized multiwalled carbon nanotube composites with excellent microstructure and enhanced mechanical properties. Nonfunctionalized carbon nanotubes dispersed using zwitterionic surfactants show good dispersion patterns on Al powder surfaces and results in composites with good strength and relative densities are also obtained. Carbon nanotubes dispersed solely via shear mixing techniques resulted in highly embrittled composites with poor microstructure. Also discussed in this study is the usefulness of scanning electron microscopy in conjunction with image analysis techniques in characterizing porosity in Al/carbon nanotube composites.
From Alienation to Efficacy: An Examination of Racial Identity and Racial Academic Stereotypes Among Black Male Adolescents
Authors: Ellis James M. , Rowley Larry Lee , Nellum Christopher J. , Smith Chauncey D.
Published: September 2015

Black male adolescents face unique barriers in schools that may contribute to racial disparities in educational outcomes. Their social-cognitive strengths, however, influence their confidence to be academically successful despite these barriers. This study explored whether racial academic stereotypes and racial centrality were associated with and predicted school efficacy among 103 urban Black male adolescents. Findings indicated that racial centrality had the strongest relationship with and was the strongest predictor of school efficacy. Youth mentoring programs and educators who work with urban Black male adolescents play a key role in promoting and shaping their efficacious beliefs toward their academic success.
Are We “There” Yet? The Treatment of Gender and Feminism in Technical, Business, and Workplace Writing Studies
Authors: White Kate , Rumsey Suzanne Kesler , Amidon Stevens
Published: September 2015

This article reexamines the treatment of gender and feminism in technical, business, and workplace writing studies—areas in which the three of us teach. Surprisingly, the published discourse of our field seems to implicitly minimize the gendered nature of business and technical writing workplaces and classrooms. To understand this apparent lack of focus, we review five technical and business communication academic journals and build on previous quantitative evaluations done by Isabelle Thompson in 1999 and by Isabelle Thompson Elizabeth Overman Smith in 2006. We also review nine popular textbooks using a content analysis method based on Thompson’s work. Finally, we discuss current research in feminist pedagogies vis-à-vis these results and our own experiences in the professional writing classroom.
The Effects of Gender Cues and Political Sophistication on Candidate Evaluation
Authors: Coronel Jason C. , Federmeier Kara D.
Published: September 2015

Gender-based political stereotypes pervade the media environment in the United States, and this may cause voters to automatically activate these stereotypes while evaluating politicians. In the research reported here, we investigate whether voters are able to reduce the automatic activation of unwanted stereotypes and how political sophistication influences this capacity. The current experiment uses self-reports to measure controlled stereotyping, and we develop a new eye movement metric to measure automatic stereotyping. We find that political sophisticates are more effective than novices at reducing unwanted gender-based political stereotypes. This study has two main implications for communication research. First, the results suggest that the effects of gender-based automatic stereotyping—induced by the information environment—on political judgments may not be as powerful as some of the current literature portrays them to be. Second, this study adds eye movements to the arsenal of tools available to communication scholars interested in measuring covert forms of stereotyping.
Legal Regimes and Investor Response to the Auditor’s Going-Concern Opinion
Authors: Kausar Asad , Taffler Richard J. , Tan Christine E. L.
Published: September 2015

This article examines how legal regime may affect the market’s reaction to the auditor’s going-concern (GC) opinion. We hypothesize that, ceteris paribus, investors in a creditor-friendly bankruptcy regime (the United Kingdom) will react more adversely to a first-time GC opinion indicating increased risk of loss associated with bankruptcy than do investors in a debtor-friendly bankruptcy regime (the United States). Our empirical results are consistent with this expectation. These findings are strengthened by additional analysis of the impact of the recent convergence in bankruptcy regime between the United States and United Kingdom on the market reaction to GC opinions in the United States. Our findings demonstrate a specific situation where the auditing standards and institutional factors interact, with their joint impact affecting the market’s reaction to the GC opinion.
Bad news for probation? Analysing the newspaper coverage of Transforming Rehabilitation
Authors: Hedderman Carol , Murphy Alex
Published: September 2015

Opinion surveys routinely show that probation is neither well understood nor highly regarded by the general public. Media reporting may play a role in shaping public opinion, but studies which focus directly on the way the media report probation are very rare. The current study helps to address this gap by focusing on the way national newspapers covered probation during 2013, with a particular focus on how the Transforming Rehabilitation (TR) consultation and the subsequent strategy were reported. The level of privatization and scaling back of the National Probation Service, which the strategy embodies, is arguably the greatest change to the delivery of probation services since the Probation Act of 1907. However, the current study shows that most of the potential risks identified by probation professionals and academics received little attention. Moreover, such reporting as there was came from a few specialist criminal justice reporters and was largely concentrated in the broadsheets. The general lack of media interest cannot be said to have caused the country to unquestioningly accept the dismantling of the national public probation service, but it has contributed to it and suggests that there will be little public appetite for the upheaval and expense involved in reversing the process.
Female Sex Offenders: An Analysis of Crime Scene Behaviors
Authors: Almond Louise , McManus Michelle A. , Giles Susan , Houston Elisabeth
Published: September 2015

The concept of the female sex offender (FSO) is a relatively new phenomenon within the social research literature. Studies of female rape, male rape, pedophilia, and juvenile sex offenders have suggested that different styles of offending are reflected in the different types of behaviors committed by offenders at the crime scene. These studies suggest that there are three distinct themes of behavior: Hostility, Impersonal, and Involvement. Multidimensional analysis is carried out on 35 crime scene behaviors of 73 FSOs from U.K. and U.S. law reports. The proposed framework was found to be a useful way of classifying FSOs with 84% displaying a dominant theme. These resulted in 52% classified as displaying Involvement, 17% as Control, and 15% as Hostility. Finally, the implications and suggestions for future research are discussed.
Trends in Maternal Care Utilization in Urban India
Authors: Mojumdar Sujoy Kumar
Published: September 2015

The present study attempts to observe the recent changes in the Indian health care utilization pattern based on secondary data from three National Sample Survey Organisation (NSSO) rounds. The study focuses on urban households across different classes of towns emphasizing the most recent births to married women within a recall of period 365 days. Three dimensions of maternal care services have been discussed in this study, namely, prenatal care services, delivery services and postnatal care services. It is found that the utilization of prenatal, postnatal and delivery services are positively correlated with the economic status of households as measured by the per capita monthly consumption expenditure (MPCE). It is also noted that the household educational and employment index are correlated with the level of prenatal and postnatal care utilization and the dimension of correlation is positive and statistically significant. But in case of delivery services the degree of correlation has changed from being highly positive to negative, specifically in case of household employment index.

This study also attempts to understand the changes in utilization of maternal health care services with respect to public health infrastructure. It is found that the use of public health facilities has significantly reduced over time. The correlation between household economic status and the use of public facilities for the prenatal, postnatal and delivery care present a strong negative and the degree of correlation becomes stronger over time. A similar dimension of association is found in the case of household educational index. It may be the improvement in utilizing public health infrastructure among households from the formal sector. The discrepancy in access to health facilities among different classes of cities can be cited as one of the reasons for lower utilization of maternal health care services. Such discrepancies are relatively lower in case of small towns especially in the case of delivery and prenatal care services.
Joining of polymer and metal tubes by cold forming
Authors: Alves LM , Silva CMA , Martins PAF
Published: September 2015

This paper proposes a technology for joining polymer and metal tubes by their ends at room temperature, which is an alternative to structural bonding and mechanical couplings. The technology is built upon a two-stage tube forming process in which the metal tube is firstly expanded with a mandrel and, subsequently, assembled and locked by compression beading with the polymer tube by means of localized plastic instability. The presentation provides details on the tooling system and on the experimental and finite element analysis that were carried out during the development of the proposed technology. Special emphasis is placed on establishing the role of process parameters in the joinability of polymer and metal tubes and determining the maximum internal pressure that these hybrid joints are capable to withstand, without leakage.