bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
La culture organisationnelle des multinationales françaises en Chine. Risque managérial de l’hybridation
Authors: Gao Huiyi , David Patricia
Published: May 2017

Cet article cherche à appréhender l’évolution de la culture organisationnelle chinoise en prenant en considération deux dimensions suivantes : les impacts culturels du contexte dans lequel les organisations se situent d’une part, et d’autre part la dynamique des changements des contextes à la fois interne (niveaux individuel et organisationnel) et externe. Nous allons nous interroger sur les transformations éventuelles de la culture organisationnelle chinoise dans le cas d’une hybridation des cultures aux niveaux national, organisationnel ou individuel. Pour cela, nous allons mobiliser la théorie de crossvergence définie comme un processus dynamique basé sur la synergie de différents éléments : l’évolution des valeurs et des comportements résultant de l’interaction entre les influences socio-culturelles et les influences de l’idéologie économique. Pour apporter des premiers éléments de réponse concernant l’évolution de la culture organisationnelle au sein des firmes chinoises, nous présenterons les premiers résultats d’une enquête réalisée dans quatre multinationales françaises en Chine. Ils illustrent l’émergence d’une « culture particulière » synthétisant les forces internes et externes de l’organisation influencée par le contexte culturellement hybride. Notre objectif final vise l’identification des risques managériaux, souvent occultés, liés au processus de l’hybridation conceptuelle dans tel ou tel contexte culturel.
Ambivalence du système d’information dans la chaîne logistique : vecteur de performance ou facteur de risques ?
Authors: Ruel Salomée , Ouabouch Lhoussaine
Published: May 2017

Le système d’information est généralement perçu comme vecteur de performance. Pourtant, son utilisation demeure problématique dans de nombreuses entreprises. Cet article s’inscrit à la frontière du management des systèmes d’information et du management de la chaîne logistique (ou supply chain management ). Dans ce dernier champ, les typologies des risques sont courantes mais ignorent bien souvent les risques liés aux systèmes d’information et à leurs usages. Il s’agit d’envisager également les systèmes d’information comme potentiels facteurs de risques dans un contexte de supply chain management. Une revue de la littérature permet de contribuer à la théorie en élaborant une typologie des risques liés aux systèmes d’information et à leurs usages. Puis, cinq études de cas explicatives menées dans divers secteurs permettent d’éprouver cette typologie et d’identifier les risques liés aux systèmes d’information et à leurs usages les plus récurrents. Sur un plan managérial, cet article sensibilise les supply chain managers, les directeurs des systèmes d’information ainsi que les chefs de projet système d’information/supply chain à la nécessité de ne pas percevoir le système d’information uniquement comme un vecteur de performance mais aussi comme un facteur de risques dans les supply chains.
Inferior Oblique Overaction: Anterior Transposition Versus Myectomy
Authors: Rajavi Zhale , Feizi Mohadeseh , Behradfar Narges , Yaseri Mehdi , Sayanjali Shima , Motevaseli Tahmine , Sabbaghi Hamideh , Faghihi Mohammad
Published: May 2017

Purpose:

To compare the efficacy of inferior oblique myectomy and anterior transposition for correcting inferior oblique overaction (IOOA).

Methods:

This retrospective study was conducted on 56 patients with IOOA who had either myectomy or anterior transposition of the inferior oblique muscle from 2010 to 2015. The authors compared preoperative and postoperative inferior oblique muscle function grading (−4 to +4) as the main outcome measure and vertical and horizontal deviation, dissociated vertical deviation (DVD), and A- and V-pattern between the two surgical groups as secondary outcomes.

Results:

A total of 99 eyes of 56 patients with a mean age of 5.9 ± 6.5 years were included (47 eyes in the myectomy group and 52 eyes in the anterior transposition group). There were no differences in preoperative best corrected visual acuity, amblyopia, spherical equivalent, and primary versus secondary IOOA between the two groups. Both surgical procedures were effective in reducing IOOA and satisfactory results were similar between the two groups: 61.7% and 67.3% in the myectomy and anterior transposition groups, respectively (
P
= .56). After adjustment for the preoperative DVD, there was no statistically significant difference between the two groups postoperatively. The preoperative hypertropia was 6 to 14 and 6 to 18 prism diopters (PD) in the myectomy and anterior transposition groups, respectively. After surgery, no patient had a vertical deviation greater than 5 PD.

Conclusions:

Both the inferior oblique myectomy and anterior transposition procedures are effective in reducing IOOA with similar satisfactory results. DVD and hypertropia were also corrected similarly by these two surgical procedures.

[
J Pediatr Ophthalmol Strabismus
. 2017;54(4):232–237.]
Progression of High Anisometropia in Children
Authors: Zedan Rasha H. , El-Fayoumi Dina , Awadein Ahmed
Published: May 2017

Purpose:

To investigate the onset and rate of progression of high anisometropia in myopic children younger than 13 years.

Methods:

A retrospective study was performed on children with anisometropia younger than 13 years with myopia of more than 4.00 diopters (D) in the more ametropic eye and a difference in spherical equivalent refraction of 4.00 D between both eyes. All children had a complete ophthalmologic examination, including measurement of visual acuity and cycloplegic refraction every 3 to 6 months for at least 5 years. Change in the spherical equivalent and the cylindrical error for both eyes and changes in the difference in spherical equivalent refraction between both eyes were calculated for each patient at each visit. Linear, polynomial, logarithmic, and exponential fitting models were tested for both eyes and for the anisometropic difference between both eyes. The regression line with the greatest
R
2
value was considered best fit.

Results:

Sixty-three patients fulfilled the inclusion criteria. The more ametropic eye grew in a regular fashion during the first 2 years of life, followed by a rapid decrease in the rate of growth to become almost stable after 4 years of age. The increase in myopia best fit a third-degree polynomial (cubic) model (
R
2
= 0.98). The less ametropic eye showed only a small increase in myopia during the follow-up period. The anisometropic difference between both eyes increased gradually during the first 2 years, then remained stable.

Conclusions:

High anisometropic myopia progresses rapidly in the first few years of life before becoming stable.

[
J Pediatr Ophthalmol Strabismus
. 2017;54(5):282–286.]
Combined Surgery for Simultaneous Treatment of Congenital Ptosis and Coexisting Strabismus
Authors: Zhou Feng , Ouyang Ming , Ma Dahui , Liu Guiqin , Cheng Hongbo
Published: May 2017

Purpose:

To evaluate the clinical outcomes of single-stage surgery for treatment of patients with congenital ptosis and coexisting strabismus.

Methods:

A retrospective analysis was performed on 10 patients (17 eyes) with congenital ptosis and coexisting strabismus. Patients were treated with levator resection or frontalis suspension for ptosis and ocular muscle surgery for strabismus, performed as a single-stage procedure. Levator resection was performed in 9 patients (15 eyes) and frontalis muscle flap suspension was performed in 1 patient (2 eyes) with blepharophimosis. Seven patients (11 eyes) simultaneously underwent exotropia correction, and inferior oblique myectomy was performed in 3 patients (3 eyes) with congenital superior oblique palsy.

Results:

Satisfactory efficacy of single-stage surgery for correction of congenital ptosis and coexisting strabismus was achieved without complications.

Conclusions:

Comprehensive preoperative examination is vital to determine the appropriate diagnosis and guide surgical decision-making. Single-stage surgery for congenital ptosis and coexisting strabismus is effective and a shortened treatment period is beneficial to patients.

[
J Pediatr Ophthalmol Strabismus
. 2017;54(5):288–294.]
Do Psychiatric Medications Cause More Harm Than Good?
Authors: Howland Robert H.
Published: May 2017

A head-to-head debate published in
The BMJ
was centered on the question “Does long-term use of psychiatric drugs cause more harm than good?” One of the debaters stated that virtually all psychotropic drug use could be stopped without deleterious effects, claiming that these drugs have minimal benefits, are immensely harmful, and cause more than 500,000 deaths each year. In the current article, this conclusion is disputed by the discussion of the history of psychiatric therapeutics, limitations of research investigations, inherent morbidity and mortality associated with mental disorders, and importance of direct care experience with psychiatric patients and their families. [
Journal of Psychosocial Nursing and Mental Health Services, 53
(7), 15–19.]
Effect of Copper Addition on Mechanical Properties of Nanostructured Pb1-xCuxTe Thermoelectric Alloy Systems by Nanoindentation
Authors: Mansour Mohamed Abd El Naser , Abd El-Moneim Ahmed , Nakamura Koichi
Published: May 2017

The mechanical properties of sintered nanostructured Pb1-xCuxTe (0 ≤ x ≤ 0.2) alloy systems were investigated using nanoindentation technique. The powder precursors of the designed systems were prepared by ball milling technique and sintered by hot isostatic pressing. Cu acts as a dopant in these alloy systems, and an increase in its concentration, up to x = 0.1, leads to a more dense and refined nanostructure along with enhancements in both hardness and Young’s modulus. The Cu addition caused an apparent embrittlement in the materials, and spalling of the materials was recognized when x exceeded 0.15. These results imply that design parameters of complex mechanical environments under thermal shocks and vibrations cannot be determined only in terms of hardness and Young’s modulus of thermoelectric systems like Pb1-xCuxTe alloys.
Statistical Design Analysis of Silver-Titanium Dioxide Nanocomposite Materials Synthesized via Horizontal Vapor Phase Growth (HVPG)
Authors: Muflikhun Muhammad Akhsin , Chua Alvin Y. , Santos Gil Nonato C.
Published: May 2017

This study aims to create a statistical design analysis of the synthesized Silver-Titanium dioxide nanocomposite materials using HVPG technique. The analysis was obtained to report the nature of nanomaterials produced for a specific growth time and temperature. The synthesized nanocomposite materials were characterized using the Scanning Electron Microscope and Energy Dispersive X-ray system. Using the JMP ANOVA Software, the experimental results revealed an empirical equation to predict the behavior of the synthesized material formed at different growth zones.
Effect of Bonding Temperature on the Microstructure and Strength of the Joint between Magnesium AZ31 and Ti-6Al-4V Alloys Using Copper Coatings and Tin Interlayers
Authors: AlHazaa Abdulaziz N.
Published: May 2017

Transient Liquid Phase (TLP) bonding was performed between Mg-AZ31 and Ti-6Al-4V alloys with various bonding temperatures using Cu coatings and Sn interlayers. The bonding parameters such as bonding pressure and bonding time were fixed at 1 MPa and 15 minutes respectively in order to study the effect of bonding temperature on the joint evolution. Bonds made at temperatures of 540, 560, 580 and 600 C showed good bond strength. The obtained bonds were investigated by Electron Probe Micro-analyzer EPMA and showed reaction layers and diffusion zones for all bonds made. The maximum joint shear strength of 78 MPa was obtained for bond made at 580 C. X-ray diffraction XRD and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy XPS were taken for the fractured surfaces of bond made at 580 C. The analysis of the fractured surfaces found that the reaction layer contains Sn5Ti6 IMC in the titanium side and Mg2Cu IMC in the magnesium side where the fracture occurs at the diffusion zone in the mg side.
Brazing Inconel 600 to Manufacture the Plate Heat Exchanger
Authors: Lu Han Wei , Chou Shih Kai , Shiue R.K.
Published: May 2017

The purpose of this investigation is concentrated on brazing Inconel 600 (IN-600) using pure Cu and Cu-6Sn (wt%) filler foils in order to replace the current plate heat exchanger made by austenitic stainless steel. Both Cu and Cu-6Sn brazed joints consist of interfacial chromium carbides in the Cu/Ni-rich matrix. The application of Cu-6Sn filler foil to braze IN-600 alloy demonstrates average shear strengths of above 300 MPa, which is much better than those of Cu brazed ones (217 ~ 290 MPa). Ductile dimple fracture is observed from all fractographs of Cu-6Sn brazed joints after shear tests. Because the brazing temperature of Cu-6Sn filler is lower than pure Cu, dissolution of IN-600 substrate into the brazed joint is significantly decreased. Isothermal solidification of Cu-6Sn brazed joint becomes less prominent than that of Cu brazed one. Better Cu-6Sn brazed joint is obtained due to less isothermal solidification defects in the joint. The Cu-6Sn filler foil shows great potential in brazing the IN-600 plate heat exchanger for industrial application.
CD63-Mediated Antigen Delivery into Extracellular Vesicles via DNA Vaccination Results in Robust CD8+ T Cell Responses
Authors: Kanuma Tomohiro , Yamamoto Takuya , Kobiyama Kouji , Moriishi Eiko , Masuta Yuji , Kusakabe Takato , Ozasa Koji , Kuroda Etsushi , Jounai Nao , Ishii Ken J.
Published: May 2017

DNA vaccines are attractive immunogens for priming humoral and cellular immune responses to the encoded Ag. However, their ability to induce Ag-specific CD8+ T cell responses requires improvement. Among the strategies for improving DNA vaccine immunogenicity are booster vaccinations, alternate vaccine formulations, electroporation, and genetic adjuvants, but few, such as extracellular vesicles (EVs), target natural Ag delivery systems. By focusing on CD63, a tetraspanin protein expressed on various cellular membranes, including EVs, we examined whether a DNA vaccine encoding an Ag fused to CD63 delivered into EVs would improve vaccine immunogenicity. In vitro transfection with plasmid DNA encoding an OVA Ag fused to CD63 (pCD63-OVA) produced OVA-carrying EVs. Immunizations with the purified OVA-carrying EVs primed naive mice to induce OVA-specific CD4+ and CD8+ T cells, whereas immunization with EVs purified from cells transfected with control plasmids encoding OVA protein alone or a calnexin-OVA fusion protein delivered into the endoplasmic reticulum failed to do so. Vaccinating mice with pCD63-OVA induced potent Ag-specific T cell responses, particularly those from CD8+ T cells. CD63 delivery into EVs led to better CD8+ T cell responses than calnexin delivery into the endoplasmic reticulum. When we used a mouse tumor implantation model to evaluate pCD63-OVA as a therapeutic vaccine, the EV-delivered DNA vaccination significantly inhibited tumor growth compared with the control DNA vaccinations. These results indicate that EV Ag delivery via DNA vaccination offers a new strategy for eliciting strong CD8+ T cell responses to the encoded Ag, making it a potentially useful cancer vaccine.
Lineage-Specific Metabolic Properties and Vulnerabilities of T Cells in the Demyelinating Central Nervous System
Authors: Seki Scott M. , Stevenson Max , Rosen Abagail M. , Arandjelovic Sanja , Gemta Lelisa , Bullock Timothy N. J. , Gaultier Alban
Published: May 2017

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a disease that is characterized by immune-mediated destruction of CNS myelin. Current MS therapies aim to block peripheral immune cells from entering the CNS. Although these treatments limit new inflammatory activity in the CNS, no treatment effectively prevents long-term disease progression and disability accumulation in MS patients. One explanation for this paradox is that current therapies are ineffective at targeting immune responses already present in the CNS. To this end, we sought to understand the metabolic properties of T cells that mediate ongoing inflammation in the demyelinating CNS. Using experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE) in C57BL/6 mice, a well-studied model of MS, we showed that the CD4+ and CD8+ T cells that invade the EAE CNS are highly glycolytic. Elevated glycolytic rates in T cells isolated from the EAE CNS correlate with upregulated expression of glycolytic machinery and is essential for inflammatory responses to myelin. Surprisingly, we found that an inhibitor of GAPDH, 3-bromopyruvic acid (3-BrPa), blocks IFN-γ, but not IL-17A, production in immune cells isolated from the EAE CNS. Indeed, in vitro studies confirmed that the production of IFN-γ by differentiated Th1 cells is more sensitive to 3-BrPa than is the production of IL-17A by Th17 cells. Finally, in transfer models of EAE, 3-BrPa robustly attenuates the encephalitogenic potential of EAE-driving immune cells. To our knowledge, these data are among the first to demonstrate the metabolic properties of T cells in the demyelinating CNS in vivo.
CCR2 Regulates the Immune Response by Modulating the Interconversion and Function of Effector and Regulatory T Cells
Authors: Bakos Eszter , Thaiss Christoph A. , Kramer Matthias P. , Cohen Sivan , Radomir Lihi , Orr Irit , Kaushansky Nathali , Ben-Nun Avraham , Becker-Herman Shirly , Shachar Idit
Published: May 2017

Chemokines and chemokine receptors establish a complex network modulating immune cell migration and localization. These molecules were also suggested to mediate the differentiation of leukocytes; however, their intrinsic, direct regulation of lymphocyte fate remained unclear. CCR2 is the main chemokine receptor inducing macrophage and monocyte recruitment to sites of inflammation, and it is also expressed on T cells. To assess whether CCR2 directly regulates T cell responses, we followed the fates of CCR2−/− T cells in T cell–specific inflammatory models. Our in vitro and in vivo results show that CCR2 intrinsically mediates the expression of inflammatory T cell cytokines, and its absence on T cells results in attenuated colitis progression. Moreover, CCR2 deficiency in T cells promoted a program inducing the accumulation of Foxp3+ regulatory T cells, while decreasing the levels of Th17 cells in vivo, indicating that CCR2 regulates the immune response by modulating the effector/regulatory T ratio.
RIG-I–like Receptor Triggering by Dengue Virus Drives Dendritic Cell Immune Activation and TH1 Differentiation
Authors: Sprokholt Joris K. , Kaptein Tanja M. , van Hamme John L. , Overmars Ronald J. , Gringhuis Sonja I. , Geijtenbeek Teunis B. H.
Published: May 2017

Dengue virus (DENV) causes 400 million infections annually and is one of several viruses that can cause viral hemorrhagic fever, which is characterized by uncontrolled immune activation resulting in high fever and internal bleeding. Although the underlying mechanisms are unknown, massive cytokine secretion is thought to be involved. Dendritic cells (DCs) are the main target cells of DENV, and we investigated their role in DENV-induced cytokine production and adaptive immune responses. DENV infection induced DC maturation and secretion of IL-1β, IL-6, and TNF. Inhibition of DENV RNA replication abrogated these responses. Notably, silencing of RNA sensors RIG-I or MDA5 abrogated DC maturation, as well as cytokine responses by DENV-infected DCs. DC maturation was induced by type I IFN responses because inhibition of IFN-α/β receptor signaling abrogated DENV-induced DC maturation. Moreover, DENV infection of DCs resulted in CCL2, CCL3, and CCL4 expression, which was abrogated after RIG-I and MDA5 silencing. DCs play an essential role in TH cell differentiation, and we show that RIG-I and MDA5 triggering by DENV leads to TH1 polarization, which is characterized by high levels of IFN-γ. Notably, cytokines IL-6, TNF, and IFN-γ and chemokines CCL2, CCL3, and CCL4 have been associated with disease severity, endothelial dysfunction, and vasodilation. Therefore, we identified RIG-I and MDA5 as critical players in innate and adaptive immune responses against DENV, and targeting these receptors has the potential to decrease hemorrhagic fever in patients.
Mycobacterium tuberculosis Lipoprotein MPT83 Induces Apoptosis of Infected Macrophages by Activating the TLR2/p38/COX-2 Signaling Pathway
Authors: Wang Lin , Zuo Mianyong , Chen Hao , Liu Siyu , Wu Xiangyang , Cui Zhenling , Yang Hua , Liu Haipeng , Ge Baoxue
Published: May 2017

Tuberculosis caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis continues to pose a serious global health threat. The attenuated Mycobacterium bovis bacillus Calmette–Guérin, as the only licensed vaccine, has limited protective efficacy against TB. The development of more effective antituberculosis vaccines is urgent and demands for further identification and understanding of M. tuberculosis Ags. MPT83 (Rv2873), a secreted mycobacterial lipoprotein, has been applied into subunit vaccine development and shown protective effects against M. tuberculosis infection in animals; however, the understanding of the underlying mechanism is limited. In present study, we systematically studied the effect of MPT83 on macrophage apoptosis by constructing Mycobacterium smegmatis strain overexpressing MPT83 (MS_MPT83) and purifying rMPT83 protein. We found that MPT83 induced apoptosis in both human and mouse macrophages. MPT83 induced cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) expression at both the transcriptional and protein levels in macrophages, whereas silencing or inhibiting COX-2 blocked rMPT83-induced apoptosis or the enhanced apoptotic response to MS_MPT83 in comparison with M. smegmatis transfected with pMV261 vector (MS_Vec), indicating that COX-2 is required for MPT83-induced apoptosis. Additionally, tlr2 deficiency led to significant reduction of COX-2 expression, accompanied by less apoptosis in macrophages stimulated with rMPT83 or infected with MS_MPT83. Moreover, the activation of p38 accounted for MPT83-induced COX-2 expression. Finally, lower bacteria burdens in the lungs and spleens and enhanced survival were observed in mice i.v. infected with MS_MPT83 compared with MS_Vec. Taken together, our results established a proapoptotic effect of MPT83 and identified the TLR2/p38/COX-2 axis in MPT83-induced macrophage apoptosis.
Cutting Edge: Differential Fine-Tuning of IL-2– and IL-15–Dependent Functions by Targeting Their Common IL-2/15Rβ/γc Receptor
Authors: Meghnem Dihia , Morisseau Sébastien , Frutoso Marie , Trillet Kilian , Maillasson Mike , Barbieux Isabelle , Khaddage Sarah , Leray Isabelle , Hildinger Markus , Quéméner Agnès , Jacques Yannick , Mortier Erwan
Published: May 2017

Interleukin 2 and IL-15 are two closely related cytokines, displaying important functions in the immune system. They share the heterodimeric CD122/CD132 receptor to deliver their signals within target cells. Their specificity of action is conferred by their α receptor chains, IL-2Rα and IL-15Rα. By combining an increased affinity for CD122 and an impaired recruitment of CD132, we have generated an original molecule named IL-2Rβ/γ (CD122/CD132) inhibitor (BiG), targeting the CD122/CD132 receptor. BiG efficiently inhibited IL-15– and IL-2–dependent functions of primary cells, including CD8 T and NK cells, in vitro and in vivo. We also report a differential dynamic of action of these cytokines by highlighting a major role played by the IL-2Rα receptor. Interestingly, due to the presence of IL-2Rα, BiG had no impact on IL-2–dependent regulatory T cell proliferation. Thus, by acting as a fine switch in the immune system, BiG emphasizes the differential roles of these two cytokines.
Cutting Edge: Defective Aerobic Glycolysis Defines the Distinct Effector Function in Antigen-Activated CD8+ Recent Thymic Emigrants
Authors: Cunningham Cody A. , Bergsbaken Tessa , Fink Pamela J.
Published: May 2017

Recent thymic emigrants (RTEs) are the youngest peripheral T cells that have completed thymic selection and egress to the lymphoid periphery. RTEs are functionally distinct from their more mature but still naive T cell counterparts, because they exhibit dampened proliferation and reduced cytokine production upon activation. In this article, we show that, compared with more mature but still naive T cells, RTEs are impaired in their ability to perform aerobic glycolysis following activation. Impaired metabolism underlies the reduced IFN-γ production observed in activated RTEs. This failure to undergo Ag-induced aerobic glycolysis is caused by reduced mTORC1 activity and diminished Myc induction in RTEs. Critically, exogenous IL-2 restores Myc expression in RTEs, driving aerobic glycolysis and IFN-γ production to the level of mature T cells. These results reveal a previously unknown metabolic component to postthymic T cell maturation.
The possible prognostic role of histone deacetylase and transforming growth factor β/Smad signaling in high grade gliomas treated by radio-chemotherapy: a preliminary immunohistochemical study
Authors: Sferra Roberta , Pompili Simona , Festuccia Claudio , Marampon Francesco , Gravina Giovanni L. , Ventura Luca , Di Cesare Ernesto , Cicchinelli Sara , Gaudio Eugenio , Vetuschi Antonella
Published: May 2017

Glioblastoma (GBM) is the most common and aggressive tumor of the central nervous system. Unfortunately, patients affected by this disease have a very poor prognosis, due to high level of invasiveness and resistance to standard therapies. Although the molecular profile of GBM has been extensively investigated, the events responsible for its pathogenesis and progression remain largely unknown. Histone Deacetylases (HDAC) dependent epigenetic modifications and transforming growth factor (TGF)-β/Smad pathway seem to play an important role in GBM tumorigenesis, resistance to common therapies and poor clinical outcome.  The aim of this study was to evaluate the involvement and the possible interaction between these two molecular cascades in the pathogenesis and prognosis of GBM. Immunohistochemistry (IHC) was performed on microdissected GBM samples, collected from 14 patients (6 men and 8 women) ranging in age from 43 to 74 years. The patients were previously divided, on the basis of their overall survival (OS), into two groups: short and long OS. Patients with poor prognosis showed hyperexpression of HDAC4 and HDAC6, an activation of the TGF-β/Smad pathway, with high levels of IL-13, Smad2, PDGF and MMP3 expression, compared to the long survivors. The short OS group exhibits a decrease in Smad 7 expression and also low levels of p21 immunostaining, which represents a common target of the two pathways. The IHC data was confirmed by quantitative analysis and Immunoblotting. Our preliminary results suggest that both HDAC4 and HDAC6 together with the TGF-β/Smad pathway may be involved in progression of GBM and this cross talking could be a useful prognostic marker in this deadly disease.
A Clinician’s Guide to Working with Problem Gamblers
Authors: Heersink Michelle
Published: May 2017

not available
I am More Chinese than You: Online Narratives of Locals and Migrants in Singapore
Authors: Ang Sylvia
Published: May 2017

Migrants from mainland China now make up nearly a million of Singapore’s total population of 5.4 million, an influx unprecedented since the nineteenth century. This has compelled both locals and migrants to (re)think their Chinese-ness. Simultaneously, the state produces its hegemonic version of Chinese-ness with Mandarin as an important signifier. This discourse has been increasingly challenged by residents with the advent of the internet as a platform for alternative views. This article suggests that by endorsing Singaporean state discourse that defines Chinese authenticity as Mandarin proficiency, Chinese migrants deride Chinese-Singaporeans as less Chinese, and therein less Singaporean. In defence, Chinese-Singaporeans appear to present a united front by deriding Chinese migrants’ deficiency in the English language. I argue that, to the contrary, Chinese-Singaporeans’ online narratives show fragmentation within the group.
Demolition, Documentary and the Politics of Minjian on Contemporary Chinese Screens
Authors: Edwards Dan
Published: May 2017

China’s transformation in the reform era has been most immediately experienced by many ordinary citizens in spatial terms, as existing urban communities have been dispersed and their environments levelled, to be replaced by ‘spaces of flows’ that prioritise speed, mobility and circulation. A wide range of Chinese films have represented this experience from the perspective of existing urban communities. This article argues that in certain ‘unofficial’ documentaries produced outside China’s state-sanctioned channels of production and distribution, using small, highly mobile digital video cameras, an engagement with grassroots communities has opened up a new space on screen, in which a critical questioning of the developmental ethos driving contemporary China becomes evident. A close analysis of Ou Ning’s Meishi Street (2006), Shu Haolun’s Nostalgia (2006) and Du Haibin’s A Young Patriot (2015) will illustrate how the unofficial spaces of localised, grassroots cultures (minjian) are represented in these works as sites of resistance to the coercive imposition of a globalised modernity on Chinese cities.
Who are the Real Insiders? Ambivalent Dynamics between a Korean Man and Immigrant Labourers in 'He’s on Duty'
Authors: Kim Sina
Published: May 2017

This article explores the possibilities and the limits of immigrant workers’ struggle for coexistence by analysing the ambivalent representation of migrant workers in the Korean film, He’s on Duty (2010), about Taesik Bang, a Korean man who pretends to be an illegal worker from Bhutan to get a job. While many media representations of immigrant labourers reinforce stereotypical concepts of them, this film captures the dynamics between the domestic poor and the migrant labour force with more complexity than previously displayed. The article shows how the film asks the audience to redefine Korean identity and multicultural society by focusing on the struggles of the Korean protagonist as well as immigrant labourers.
Comparison of AOD, AAOD and column single scattering albedo from AERONET retrievals and in situ profiling measurements
Authors: Andrews Elisabeth , Ogren John A. , Kinne Stefan , Samset Bjorn
Published: May 2017

Abstract. Here we present new results comparing aerosol optical depth (AOD), aerosol absorption optical depth (AAOD) and column single scattering albedo (SSA) obtained from in situ vertical profile measurements with AERONET ground-based remote sensing from two rural, continental sites in the US. The profiles are closely matched in time (within ±3 h) and space (within 15 km) with the AERONET retrievals. We have used Level 1.5 inversion retrievals when there was a valid Level 2 almucantar retrieval in order to be able to compare AAOD and column SSA below AERONET's recommended loading constraint (AOD > 0.4 at 440 nm). While there is reasonable agreement for the AOD comparisons, the direct comparisons of in situ-derived to AERONET-retrieved AAOD (or SSA) reveal that AERONET retrievals yield higher aerosol absorption than obtained from the in situ profiles for the low aerosol optical depth conditions prevalent at the two study sites. However, it should be noted that the majority of SSA comparisons for AOD440 > 0.2 are, nonetheless, within the reported SSA uncertainty bounds. The observation that, relative to in situ measurements, AERONET inversions exhibit increased absorption potential at low AOD values is generally consistent with other published AERONET–in situ comparisons across a range of locations, atmospheric conditions and AOD values. This systematic difference in the comparisons suggests a bias in one or both of the methods, but we cannot assess whether the AERONET retrievals are biased towards high absorption or the in situ measurements are biased low. Based on the discrepancy between the AERONET and in situ values, we conclude that scaling modeled black carbon concentrations upwards to match AERONET retrievals of AAOD should be approached with caution as it may lead to aerosol absorption overestimates in regions of low AOD. Both AERONET retrievals and in situ measurements suggest there is a systematic relationship between SSA and aerosol amount (AOD or aerosol light scattering) – specifically that SSA decreases at lower aerosol loading. This implies that the fairly common assumption that AERONET SSA values retrieved at high-AOD conditions can be used to obtain AAOD at low-AOD conditions may not be valid.
Using snowflake surface area-to-volume ratio to model and interpret snowfall triple-frequency radar signatures
Authors: Gergely Mathias , Cooper Steven J. , Garrett Timothy J.
Published: May 2017

Abstract. The snowflake microstructure determines the microwave scattering properties of individual snowflakes and has a strong impact on snowfall radar signatures. In this study, the microstructure of individual snowflakes is approximated by collections of randomly distributed ice spheres where the size and number of the constituent ice spheres are specified by the snowflake mass and ice surface area-to-volume ratio (SAV) and the bounding volume is given by the snowflake maximum dimension. Radar backscatter cross sections for the ice sphere collections are calculated at X-, Ku-, Ka-, and W-band frequencies and then used to model snowfall triple-frequency radar signatures for exponential snowflake size distributions (SSDs). Additionally, first results are presented for using snowflake complexity values derived from high-resolution multi-view snowflake images as indicator of snowflake SAV. The modeled snowfall triple-frequency radar signatures cover a wide range of triple-frequency signatures that were previously determined from radar reflectivity measurements and illustrate characteristic differences related to snow type, quantified through snowflake SAV, and snowflake size. The results show high sensitivity to snowflake SAV and SSD maximum size but are less affected by uncertainties in the parameterization of snowflake mass, indicating the importance of a realistic description of snowflake SAV for a quantitative interpretation of snowfall triple-frequency radar signatures.
Laser ablation ICP-MS of size-segregated atmospheric particles collected with a MOUDI cascade impactor: a proof of concept
Authors: Robinson Marin S. , Grgić Irena , Šelih Vid S. , Šala Martin , Bitsui Marsha , van Elteren Johannes T.
Published: May 2017

Abstract. A widely used instrument for collecting size-segregated particles is the micro-orifice uniform deposit impactor (MOUDI). In this work, a 10-stage MOUDI (cut-point diameter of 10 µm to 56 nm) was used to collect samples in Ljubljana, Slovenia, and Martinska, Croatia. Filters, collected with and without rotation, were cut in half and analyzed for nine elements (As, Cu, Fe, Ni, Mn, Pb, Sb, V, Zn) using laser ablation ICP-MS. Elemental image maps (created with ImageJ) were converted to concentrations using NIST SRM 2783. Statistical analysis of the elemental maps indicated that for submicron particles (stages 6–10), ablating 10 % of the filter (0.5 cm2, 20 min ablation time) was sufficient to give values in good agreement (±10 %) to analysis of larger parts of the filter and with good precision (RSE < 1 %). Excellent sensitivity was also observed (e.g., 20 ± 0.2 pg m−3 V). The novel use of LA-ICP-MS, together with image mapping, provided a fast and sensitive method for elemental analysis of size-segregated MOUDI filters, particularly for submicron particles.
Living coccolithophores from the eastern equatorial Indian Ocean during the spring intermonsoon: Indicators of hydrography
Authors: Sun Jun , Liu Haijiao , Zhang Xiaodong , Zhang Cuixia , Song Shuqun
Published: May 2017

Abstract. We studied the biodiversity of autotrophic calcareous coccolithophore assemblages at 30 locations in the eastern equatorial Indian Ocean (EEIO) (80°–94° E, 6° N–5° S) and evaluated the importance of regional hydrology. We found 25 taxa of coccospheres and 17 taxa of coccoliths. The coccolithophore community was dominated by Gephyrocapsa oceanica, Emiliania huxleyi, Florisphaera profunda, Umbilicosphaera sibogae, and Helicosphaera carteri. The abundance of coccoliths and coccospheres ranged from 0.192×103 to 161.709×103 coccoliths l−1 and 0.192×103 to 68.365×103 cells l−1, averaged at 22.658×103 coccoliths l−1 and 9.386×103 cells l−1, respectively. Biogenic PIC, POC, and rain ratio mean values were 0.498 μgC l−1, 1.047 μgC l−1, and 0.990 respectively. High abundances of both coccoliths and coccospheres in the surface ocean layer occurred north of the equator. Vertically, the great majority of coccoliths and coccospheres were concentrated in water less than 75 m deep. The ratios between the number of coccospheres and free coccoliths across four transects indicated a pattern that varied among different oceanographic settings. The H’ and J values of coccospheres were similar compared with those of coccoliths. Abundant coccolithophores along the equator) mainly occurred west of 90° E, which was in accordance with the presence of Wyrtki jets (WJs). F. profunda was not found in surface water, indicating a stratified and stable water system. U. irregularis dominated in the equatorial zone, suggesting oligotrophic water conditions. Coccosphere distribution was explained by environmental variables, indicated by multi-dimensional scaling (MDS) ordination in response variables and principal components analysis (PCA) ordination in explanatory variables. Coccolithophore distribution was related to temperature, salinity, density and chlorophyll a.
Deriving principle channel metrics from bank and long-profile geometry with the R-package cmgo
Authors: Golly Antonius , Turowski Jens M.
Published: May 2017

Abstract. Landscape patterns result from landscape forming processes. This link can be exploited in geomorphological research by reversely analyzing the geometrical content of landscapes to develop or confirm theories of the underlying processes. Since rivers represent a dominant control on landscape formation, there is a particular interest in examining channel metrics in a quantitative and objective manner. For example, river cross-section geometry is required to model local flow hydraulics which in turn determine erosion and thus channel dynamics. Similarly, channel geometry is crucial for engineering purposes, water resource management and ecological restauration efforts. These applications require a framework to capture and derive the data. In this paper we present an open-source software tool that performs the calculation of several channel metrics (length, slope, width, bank retreat, etc.) in an objective and reproducible way based on principle bank geometry that can be measured in the field or in a GIS. Furthermore, the software provides a framework to integrate spatial features, for example the abundance of species or the occurrence of knickpoints. The program is available https://github.com/AntoniusGolly/cmgo and is free to use, modify and redistribute under the terms of the GNU General Public License version 3 as published by the Free Software Foundation.
Interpretation of zircon corona textures from metapelitic granulites of the Ivrea-Verbano Zone, Northern Italy: Two-stage decomposition of Fe-Ti oxides
Authors: Kovaleva Elizaveta , Austrheim Håkon O. , Klötzli Urs S.
Published: May 2017

Abstract. In this study, we report the occurrence of zircon coronae textures in metapelitic granulites of the Ivrea-Verbano Zone. Unusual zircon textures are spatially associated with Fe-Ti oxides and occur as (1) vermicular-shaped aggregates 50–200 µm long and 5–20 µm thick, and as (2) zircon coronae and fine-grained chains, hundreds of µm long and ≤ 1 µm thick, spatially associated with the larger zircon grains. Formation of such textures is a result of zircon precipitation during cooling after peak metamorphic conditions, which involved: (1) decomposition of Zr-rich ilmenite to Zr-bearing rutile and vermicular-shaped zircon during retrograde metamorphism and hydration; (2) recrystallization of Zr-bearing rutile to Zr-depleted rutile intergrown with quartz and submicron-thick zircon coronae during further exhumation and cooling. We also observed hat-shaped grains that are composed of preexisting zircon overgrown by zircon coronae during stage (2). Formation of vermicular zircon (1) preceded ductile and brittle deformation of the host rock, as vermicular zircon is found both plastically- and cataclastically-deformed. Formation of thin zircon coronae (2) was coeval with, or immediately after brittle deformation, as coronae are found to fill fractures in the host rock. The latter is evidence of local, fluid-aided mobility of Zr. This study demonstrates that metamorphic zircon can nucleate and grow as a result of hydration reactions and mineral breakdown during cooling after granulite-facies metamorphism. Zircon corona textures indicate metamorphic reactions in the host rock, and establishing the direction of the reaction front.
Phonetic neutralization in Palestinian Arabic vowel shortening, with implications for lexical organization
Authors: Hall Nancy
Published: May 2017

This study acoustically compares lexically short vowels in Palestinian Arabic to vowels that are underlyingly long, but have undergone closed syllable shortening, a phonological process affecting certain CV:CC sequences (as in /faːq-ʃ/ → faqʃ ‘woke-negative’; /ӡaːb-l-ak/ → ӡablak ‘brought to you’). In a study of word pairs produced by 74 speakers, the two vowel types were found to be indistinguishable in duration. Speakers differ as to the contexts in which they apply shortening: some shorten before the negative suffix /-ʃ/, but not the dative suffix /-l/, likely due to paradigm leveling. The results are compared to earlier studies finding incomplete neutralization in Arabic vowel epenthesis, to identify factors that affect completeness of neutralization. It appears that orthography is not an important factor, but that morphologized or lexicalized processes produce more complete neutralization. It is proposed that allomorphs produced by more fossilized processes are more weakly linked in the mental lexicon, and that incomplete neutralization of vowel quantity in particular would require linkage through the abstract CV word pattern.
Diagnostic difficulties in human rabies: A case report and review of the literature
Authors: Chacko Kadavil , Parakadavathu Rakesh Theeyancheri , Al-Maslamani Muna , Nair Arun P , Chekura Amrutha Puthalalth , Madhavan Indira
Published: May 2017

Rabies is a zoonotic disease with the highest fatality rate of any infectious disease. The clinical features of rabies encephalopathy are highly nonspecific at the onset and clinicians from low endemic areas usually face difficulties in recognizing cases during the early stages. The need for establishing a rapid and accurate test to identify rabies during the ante-mortem period is important. However, in actual clinical practice, the latter may remain difficult for various reasons. In human rabies, positively identifying the antigen, antibody or genetic material by various diagnostic methods during the symptomatic period is affected by the unpredictable nature of viremia, levels of antibody immune response of the host, and the virulence of the infecting strain. Also, more advanced testing with greater sensitivity may not be readily available at all centers. Here we describe a case of a young male who was bitten by a rabid dog and developed progressive encephalopathy with a fatal outcome, with negative antibodies in the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF). A review of the literature on the clinical features, diagnostic tests, treatment and prevention of rabies is also presented.
Control de las concentraciones económicas en el marco jurídico de la Ley 601, Ley de Promoción de la Competencia
Authors: Escobar Cerda Melvin Javier
Published: May 2017

ESTE ARTÍCULO EXPLORA LA IMPORTANCIA Y NECESIDAD DE LA existencia de un marco jurídico que regule el comportamiento de las empresas en el mercado, es decir, aquellas prácticas restrictivas que tienen como finalidad evitar la competencia y controlar las estructuras del mercado. En Nicaragua se aprobó la Ley 601, Ley de Promoción de la Competencia, el 28 de septiembre de 2006 y fue publicada en La Gaceta Diario Oficial No. 206 del 24 de octubre de 2006. Sin embargo, hasta la fecha, PROCOMPETENCIA (Instituto Nacional de Promoción de la Competencia), que es el órgano cuya misión es la aplicación de la Ley, no ha sido conformado y por ende el mercado nacional, integrado por agentes económicos y consumidores, se encuentra desprotegido. Los operadores económicos más poderosos cuentan con la libertad de cometer abusos e incluso de fusionarse con otras empresas con el objetivo de alcanzar una mayor cuota de mercado que les permita establecer de manera unilateral el funcionamiento y condiciones del mismo. Este estudio explora los principales criterios que la Ley establece en materia de concentraciones
Gerencia de la Innovación en Pymes de Nicaragua (Estudio de campo en 26 Pymes de Nicaragua)
Authors: Escobar Cerda Omar Antonio
Published: May 2017

LA INNOVACIÓN, TANTO A NIVEL MACRO COMO A NIVEL MICRO, se vuelve de gran importancia para competir en un mundo globalizado y ayudar a países como Nicaragua a encontrar nuevas vías de crear riqueza que no sean las tradicionales de producir bienes primarios, usar recursos naturales o emplear mano de obra barata. En este artículo se analizan los resultados de una investigación de campo llevada a cabo en Nicaragua en el período de octubre 2007 a febrero 2008. Se entrevistó a 26 Pymes de alto rendimiento de distintos sectores económicos y operando en distintas regiones del país. La mayoría de ellas habían participado en la primera etapa del programa público “Proyecto de apoyo a la innovación tecnológica”. El objetivo principal de la investigación fue mostrar cómo estas Pymes manejan y gestionan a nivel interno la innovación. El artículo muestra y analiza los elementos característicos de la gestión de la innovación en este grupo de Pymes. Constituye un enfoque micro de la innovación en un grupo muy especial de Pymes en Nicaragua.
La formalización del voluntariado juvenil en Nicaragua en el contexto de América Latina y el Caribe
Authors: Olate René
Published: May 2017

EL ARTÍCULO SE BASA EN UNA INVESTIGACIÓN QUE UTILIZA LA TEORÍA de los orígenes sociales de la sociedad civil (Salamon & Anheier, 1998) y el concepto de formalización para analizar los programas de voluntariado juvenil en Nicaragua. Describe el nivel de formalización de los mismos y lo compara con el de otros países de la subregión y de América Latina y el Caribe. También analiza la relación existente entre la formalización y orientación de estos programas y un conjunto de variables a nivel de programa, organización y país
Poder de mercado y transmisión asimétrica de precios en el mercado de hidrocarburos en Nicaragua
Authors: Polvorosa Juan , Altamirano Álvaro , Arteaga Gabriela , Gamboa Eddy , Lacayo Francisco , Loásiga Xochilt , Montes Laureen , Vega Gustavo
Published: May 2017

LA INVESTIGACIÓN DESCRIBE UNA CADENA DE COMERCIALIZACIÓN DE PRODUCTOS derivados del petróleo -específicamente de diesel y gasolinas- altamente concentrada en Nicaragua, donde una empresa concentra un gran porcentaje del mercado en la fase de distribución y ventas. La regresión de nuestro modelo identificó la presencia de asimetría tanto en magnitud como en velocidad para el diesel y la gasolina súper. En términos de la velocidad de ajuste de los precios, ambos productos exhiben asimetrías, dado que los períodos de ajuste difieren entre alzas y bajas de los precios. La asimetría en la magnitud del ajuste describe una situación en la que, para ambos productos, los incrementos en los precios internacionales conllevan a un aumento más que proporcional de los precios domésticos, siendo más significativo este ajuste para el diesel. Por otro lado, las reducciones en los precios internacionales se traducen en reducciones de la misma magnitud para el diesel, no así para la gasolina, cuyo precio desciende menos que proporcionalmente al descenso experimentado en el precio internacional de la misma