bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Biological Weighting Function for RBE Specification of Neutron Therapy Beams. Intercomparison of 9 European Centres
Authors: Pihet P. , Menzel H.G. , Schmidt R. , Beauduin M. , Wambersie A.
Published: February 2017

Microdosimetric measurements (0.5 inch TEPC, 2 µm simulated diameter) were performed in similar conditions for 14 neutron beams with energies ranging from p(4)+Be to p(65)+Be used for radiobiology and therapy. They were collected in an intercomparison programme currently carried out by the EORTC at European facilities and aimed at the comparison of the radiation quality (in terms of RBE) of a given neutron beam with a reference neutron beam. Indeed, accurate physical and biological characteristics for these beams are urgently required. The large RBE differences (up to 50%) observed between different Neutron Therapy Centres must be accurately (<±5%) taken into account for the comparison of clinical results. In order to provide a practicable solution to the existing and unsolved problem of accounting for radiation quality variations in neutron therapy, RBE against lineal energy weighting functions have been established by unfolding methods using radiobiological data and microdosimetric spectra obtained under identical conditions at the neutron beams investigated. This empirical procedure enabled the determination of the best accuracy achievable in predicting RBE variations between neutron beams using their weighted mean lineal energy.
4-Methyl-3,4-dihydro-2H-1,4-benzothiazin-3-one
Authors: Ellouz Mohamed , Sebbar Nada Kheira , Ouzidan Younes , Essassi El Mokhtar , Mague Joel T.
Published: February 2017

In the crystal of the title compound, C9H9NOS, the molecules are linked by C—H...O hydrogen bonds to generate bilayers lying parallel to (001).
5-{[5-(4-Chlorophenyl)-3-methyl-1H-pyrazol-1-yl]methyl}-1,3,4-oxadiazole-2(3H)-thione
Authors: Mague Joel T. , Mohamed Shaaban K. , Akkurt Mehmet , Marzouk Adel A. , Hawaiz Farouq E. , Abdel-Rahman Hamdy M.
Published: February 2017

In the title compound, C13H11ClN4OS, the oxadiazolethione ring is inclined to the pyrazole ring by 79.2 (2)°. The 4-chlorophenyl ring is rotationally disordered, with the two fragments inclined to one another by 27.1 (4)°, and to the pyrazole ring by 43.1 (3) and 68.6 (3)°. In the crystal, molecules are linked by pairs of N—H...N hydrogen bonds, forming inversion dimers, enclosing anR22(14) ring motif. The dimers are linked by C—H...N hydrogen bonds, forming ribbons propagating along thea-axis direction and enclosingR22(8) ring motifs. The ribbons are linked by C—H...Cl hydrogen bonds, forming a three-dimensional supramolecular structure.
The examination of power and politics in a conservation organisation
Authors: Powell Lisa , Tilt Carol
Published: February 2017

Purpose

For more than three decades, researchers have been searching for evidence of corporate economic, social and environmental sustainability, the holy grail of corporate success in a socially and environmentally conscious world of the future. The vast majority of entities that researchers have investigated have focussed on the primary goal of profit maximisation, with only vaguely articulated (if any) social and environmental targets. Very little research has been undertaken to expose the inner workings of organisations that are striving primarily to improve environmental outcomes within a commercial setting. The purpose of this paper is to expose the inside details of an organisation that tried but failed, and highlights the role of power and politics in its demise.

Design/methodology/approach

The “processual” or “contextualist” (Burns, 2000, p. 568) methodology adopted in this investigation has facilitated the interpretation and understanding of complex inter-relationships existing amongst key management personnel. The method steps undertaken included observation and documentation of organisational strategic and operational decision-making practices over a period of 22 months and the examination and analysis of over 800 documents prepared either by or about the organisation.

Findings

Examining the inter-relationships of power and politics amongst key players during a period of significant change revealed an intense struggle for corporate survival between two management groups: the original “environmentalist” managers who prepared the entity for listing on the Australian Securities Exchange (ASX); and, the introduced “economic rationalist” managers who guided it through the post listing phase. A failure to effectively transition the power held over resources, decision-making and meanings from the old to the new managers proved to significantly challenge the organisation and possibly contributed to its ultimate demise. Some important lessons were highlighted, particularly the need to develop and establish shared understandings. It is suggested that for a business to move closer to being sustainable, rather than allowing one of the existing paradigms to dominate, a new business model needs to emerge.

Originality/value

The practical implementation of conservation activities on a large commercial scale is a controversial notion. The investigation of this unique case through a period of significant change represents an important experiment in the quest for sustainability and reveals valuable lessons that may guide other organisations that follow in its wake.
Key performance indicators for excellent teachers in Malaysia
Authors: Amzat Ismail Hussein
Published: February 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to create a key performance indicator (KPI) that can be used as the benchmark tool for teaching performance and practices of both excellent teachers (ETs) and non-ETs and to investigate the possible interrelationships between the five thinking domains (teachers’ teaching philosophy, teaching objective, pedagogical content knowledge, teachers’ expectations and management style).

Design/methodology/approach

This study uses a quantitative approach with a sample of 306 ETs from eight states including the Federal Territory. Exploratory factor analysis was used to validate the instrument and confirmatory factor analysis for model fit.

Findings

The findings showed that an excellent classroom management style was the most significant domain for KPI with the highest factor loading, followed by ETs’ teaching philosophy and objectives. It revealed that there was no significant relationship between ETs’ expectations and their classroom management style and that the relationships between the other domains were weak.

Originality/value

With this research creating a KPI model for excellent teaching practices, it is suggested that an in-depth review should be conducted concerning the standardization of the classroom management and the national teaching objectives in Malaysia. Perhaps representatives from the Ministry of Education and the school principals could go into the field to determine whether the excellent and non-ETs are fulfilling the national education objectives and meeting the expectations. This could lead to setting KPIs for achieving teaching objectives among the ETs.
Rational and emotional factors of customer satisfaction and brand loyalty in a business-to-business setting
Authors: Elsäßer Marc , Wirtz Bernd W.
Published: February 2017

Purpose

Reaching customer satisfaction and brand loyalty in a business-to-business setting is still an area of rising interest to both researchers and practitioners. Compared to consumer branding, there is notably very little known about the success factors of industrial branding and how to convince buyers rationally and emotionally in business-to-business markets. Therefore, this paper aims to examine the success factors of branding in a business-to-business setting and analyze their performance impact on customer satisfaction and brand loyalty.

Design/methodology/approach

In total, 258 buyers of mechanical and plant engineering companies participated in an online survey. Data analysis was performed by using confirmatory factor analysis and structural equation modeling.

Findings

The results reveal that rational brand quality consists of the three dimensions, product quality, service quality and distribution quality, whereas consistent advertising style, brand image, country-of-manufacture image and salesperson’s personality are dimensions of emotional brand associations. All dimensions positively influence customer satisfaction and brand loyalty.

Originality/value

This study offers a certain value compared to the relevant literature mentioned in literature review. Compared to a large majority of the papers, the integration of rational and emotional factors in an integrative and complex model implies novelty. For example, Davis et al. (2008) and Baumgarth and Binckebanck (2011) focus on specific exogenous factors in their studies, namely, brand awareness and brand image, respectively, sales force impact combined with product quality and non-personal communication. In contrast, Van Riel, Pahud de Mortanges and Streukens (2005), Chen et al. (2011) and Chen and Su (2012) conceptualized a more complex model but did not separate rational and emotional factors. Jensen and Klastrup (2008) were the only authors who made this separation, but they did not include well-known emotional success factors such as brand image or country-of-manufacture image in their research model. Furthermore, an endogenous causal chain representing an observable consumer behavior is missing. This paper fills this gap.
Market responsiveness: antecedents and the moderating role of external supply chain integration
Authors: Luu Tuan
Published: February 2017

Purpose

The interaction between opening and closing behaviors of ambidextrous leadership produces “change” force throughout the organization in proactive response to market forces. This research aims to assess the role of ambidextrous leadership in fostering entrepreneurial orientation (EO) and market responsiveness. The research also seeks an insight into how external supply chain integration moderates the positive effect of EO on market responsiveness.

Design/methodology/approach

Research data were collected from 327 meso-level managers and 517 subordinates from chemical manufacturing companies in the Vietnam business context.

Findings

Research findings shed light on the positive effect of ambidextrous leadership on EO, which in turn contributes to market responsiveness. The moderation role that external supply chain integration plays on the EO–market responsiveness linkage was also grounded on the data set.

Originality/value

Through the identification of the predictive roles of ambidextrous leadership and EO for market responsiveness, the current research indicates the convergence between leadership, EO and market responsiveness research streams.
Reflections on CSR: the case of Egypt
Authors: Darrag Menatallah , Crowther David
Published: February 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to review the corporate social responsibility (CSR) concept in Egypt via six sub-purposes which are the operational definition, activities, corporations’ strategic direction, budgeting and drivers for and obstacles against CSR alongside the implications of the January 25th 2011’s revolution on the concept.

Design/methodology/approach

This research is a perception study adopting a mixed methodology. A sample of 20 corporate managers undertaking CSR activities had been interviewed. Results are analyzed using content analysis and non-parametricz-tests.

Findings

The research identified the prevalent hands-on definitions of CSR which highlight an identification problem, as well as the leading two activities undertaken that are highly linked to the lack of a corporate strategic direction. Also, it showed that budgeting was a vague undisclosed aspect and further highlighted the drivers for and obstacles against CSR before and in transition post January 25th 2011, revolution.

Practical implications

This overview serves as a building block for practitioners to identify the CSR build-up in Egypt, to guide further current or future endeavors undertaken.

Originality/value

This paper provides a genuine contextualized review of CSR in Egypt that had been a reported gap in literature by identifying its operational definition, activities, budgeting, corporations’ strategic direction and drivers for and obstacles against the concept in light of the timeline pre and in-transition post the January 25th 2011 revolution.
Why standards are useful for predicting doses
Authors: Holford Nick H. G. , Anderson Brian J.
Published: February 2017

Germovsek and colleagues have recently concluded that a standard approach to modelling pharmacokinetics is not wrong and appears to be at least as useful as other ad hoc methods for describing drug concentrations. There are other advantages of this approach including learning about biology, comparing different studies, detecting errors and rationalizing dose prediction. A standard approach to size and maturation is not a panacea but provides the framework for challenging new ideas and supports a consistent method of dosing in patients of all ages.
Population pharmacokinetics and site of action exposures of veliparib with topotecan plus carboplatin in patients with haematological malignancies
Authors: Mehrotra Shailly , Gopalakrishnan Mathangi , Gobburu Jogarao , Greer Jacqueline M. , Piekarz Richard , Karp Judith E. , Pratz Keith , Rudek Michelle A.
Published: February 2017

Aims

Veliparib is a potent inhibitor of poly(ADP‐ribose) polymerase (PARP) enzyme. The objectives of the analysis were to evaluate the effect of baseline covariates and co‐administration of topotecan plus carboplatin (T + C) on pharmacokinetics of veliparib in patients with refractory acute leukaemia, and compare veliparib concentration in various biological matrices.

Methods

A population pharmacokinetic model was developed and effect of age, body size indices, sex, creatinine clearance (CrCL) and co‐administration of T + C on the pharmacokinetics of veliparib were evaluated. The final model was qualified using bootstrap and quantitative predictive check. Linear regression was conducted to correlate concentrations of veliparib in various biological matrices.

Results

A two compartment model with first‐order absorption with Tlag described veliparib pharmacokinetics. The apparent clearance (CL/F) and volume (Vc/F) were 16.5 l h−1 and 122.7 l, respectively. The concomitant administration of T + C was not found to affect veliparib CL/F. CrCL and lean body mass (LBM) were significant covariates on CL/F and Vc/F, respectively. While a strong positive relationship was observed between veliparib concentrations in plasma and bone marrow supernatant, no correlation was observed between plasma and peripheral blood or bone marrow blasts.

Conclusions

Consistent with veliparib's physiochemical properties and its elimination mechanism, LBM and CrCL were found to affect pharmacokinetics of veliparib while concomitant administration of T + C did not affect veliparib's CL/F. Plasma concentrations were found to be a reasonable surrogate for veliparib concentrations in peripheral blood and bone marrow supernatant but not blasts. The current model will be utilized to conduct exposure‐response analysis to support dosing recommendations.
What Do We See When We See Total Darkness?
Authors: Ordóñez Angulo Emmanuel
Published: February 2017

Seeing total darkness is a peculiar perceptual state: in it, the subject is visually aware of something while seeming to fail to be aware of anything. Recent treatments of the topic (Sorensen , Soteriou ) leave this particular puzzle unsolved. Here, I attempt a solution. Following Dretske, I begin by suggesting that the perceptual report ‘S sees (total) darkness’ is ambiguous between two distinct kinds of perceptual states: epistemic and non‐epistemic. This will lead to an examination of the metaphysics of what is supposed to be seen. I show, on the one hand, the difficulty of reducing the perception of total darkness to the perception of a particular instantiation of a property, and on the other, that it has important similarities with the perception of (non‐particular) ‘stuff’. I propose, finally, that the solution to the puzzle might involve postulating a novel ontological status for total darkness: that of a ‘concrete universal’. Potential implications of interest for particularism and for naïve realism are suggested.
The geobiological nitrogen cycle: From microbes to the mantle
Authors: Zerkle A. L. , Mikhail S.
Published: February 2017

Nitrogen forms an integral part of the main building blocks of life, including DNA, RNA, and proteins. N2 is the dominant gas in Earth's atmosphere, and nitrogen is stored in all of Earth's geological reservoirs, including the crust, the mantle, and the core. As such, nitrogen geochemistry is fundamental to the evolution of planet Earth and the life it supports. Despite the importance of nitrogen in the Earth system, large gaps remain in our knowledge of how the surface and deep nitrogen cycles have evolved over geologic time. Here, we discuss the current understanding (or lack thereof) for how the unique interaction of biological innovation, geodynamics, and mantle petrology has acted to regulate Earth's nitrogen cycle over geologic timescales. In particular, we explore how temporal variations in the external (biosphere and atmosphere) and internal (crust and mantle) nitrogen cycles could have regulated atmospheric pN2. We consider three potential scenarios for the evolution of the geobiological nitrogen cycle over Earth's history: two in which atmospheric pN2 has changed unidirectionally (increased or decreased) over geologic time and one in which pN2 could have taken a dramatic deflection following the Great Oxidation Event. It is impossible to discriminate between these scenarios with the currently available models and datasets. However, we are optimistic that this problem can be solved, following a sustained, open‐minded, and multidisciplinary effort between surface and deep Earth communities.
Impaired Mental Health‐Related Quality of Life in Patients with Idiopathic Ventricular Fibrillation
Authors: VISSER MARLOES , PEREIRA LEONOR COOLS PAULINO , MASTENBROEK MIRJAM H. , VERSTEEG HENNEKE , HASSINK RUTGER J.
Published: February 2017

Background

Idiopathic ventricular fibrillation (iVF) is diagnosed in cardiac arrest survivors without an identifiable cause. Data regarding the health‐related quality of life (HRQoL) in iVF patients are lacking. The purpose of this study was to investigate the HRQoL of iVF patients and to compare it to patients with an implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD) diagnosed with an underlying disease and healthy subjects.

Methods

In 61 iVF patients with an ICD (iVF‐ICD) and 59 ICD patients with a diagnosis (diagnosis‐ICD), HRQoL was assessed using the 12‐item Short‐Form Health Survey (SF‐12), the EuroQoL‐5 dimensions (EQ‐5D), the 9‐item Patient Health Questionnaire, and the ICD Patient Concerns (ICDC) Questionnaire. In addition, 860 healthy subjects completed the SF‐12.

Results

IVF‐ICD showed similar SF‐12 physical summary scores compared with diagnosis‐ICD patients (50.8 [interquartile range (IQR) = 42.1–53.9] vs 54.1 [IQR = 46.5–58.3]; P = 0.080) and healthy subjects (51.8 [IQR = 45.9–54.1]; P = 0.691). The mental summary score was impaired in iVF‐ICD patients compared with diagnosis‐ICD patients (45.9 [IQR = 40.7–49.4] vs 54.6 [IQR = 46.0–57.9]; P < 0.001) and healthy subjects (47.7 [IQR = 43.0–50.4]; P = 0.027). Scores on all five EQ‐5D domains were similar between iVF‐ICD patients and diagnosis‐ICD patients, as well as symptoms of severe depression (19% vs 12%; P = 0.101). ICD concerns were similar between iVF‐ICD and diagnosis‐ICD patients (ICDC‐scores 2 vs 2; P = 0.494).

Conclusions

Data suggest that there is a reduced mental HRQoL in patients with iVF compared to other cardiac arrest survivors. Screening and treatment of psychological distress should therefore be considered in iVF patients.
Establishment of a tobacco BY2 cell line devoid of plant‐specific xylose and fucose as a platform for the production of biotherapeutic proteins
Authors: Hanania Uri , Ariel Tami , Tekoah Yoram , Fux Liat , Sheva Maor , Gubbay Yehuda , Weiss Mara , Oz Dina , Azulay Yaniv , Turbovski Albina , Forster Yehava , Shaaltiel Yoseph
Published: February 2017

Plant‐produced glycoproteins contain N‐linked glycans with plant‐specific residues of β(1,2)‐xylose and core α(1,3)‐fucose, which do not exist in mammalian‐derived proteins. Although our experience with two enzymes that are used for enzyme replacement therapy does not indicate that the plant sugar residues have deleterious effects, we made a conscious decision to eliminate these moieties from plant‐expressed proteins. We knocked out the β(1,2)‐xylosyltranferase (XylT) and the α(1,3)‐fucosyltransferase (FucT) genes, using CRISPR/Cas9 genome editing, in Nicotiana tabacum L. cv Bright Yellow 2 (BY2) cell suspension. In total, we knocked out 14 loci. The knocked‐out lines were stable, viable and exhibited a typical BY2 growing rate. Glycan analysis of the endogenous proteins of these lines exhibited N‐linked glycans lacking β(1,2)‐xylose and/or α(1,3)‐fucose. The knocked‐out lines were further transformed successfully with recombinant DNaseI. The expression level and the activity of the recombinant protein were similar to that of the protein produced in the wild‐type BY2 cells. The recombinant DNaseI was shown to be totally free from any xylose and/or fucose residues. The glyco‐engineered BY2 lines provide a valuable platform for producing potent biopharmaceutical products. Furthermore, these results demonstrate the power of the CRISPR/Cas9 technology for multiplex gene editing in BY2 cells.
Confirmation of the HLA‐C*16:97 allele in multiple individuals, a new common and well‐defined allele?
Authors: Vecchiato C. , Lochmann E. , Gentilini I.
Published: February 2017

The
HLA‐C*16:97 allele was found in multiple donors from the Bone Marrow Registry in South Tyrol.
Mutants in the imprinted PICKLE RELATED 2 gene suppress seed abortion of fertilization independent seed class mutants and paternal excess interploidy crosses in Arabidopsis
Authors: Huang Fang , Zhu Qian‐hao , Zhu Anyu , Wu Xiaoba , Xie Liqiong , Wu Xianjun , Helliwell Chris , Chaudhury Abed , Finnegan E. Jean , Luo Ming
Published: February 2017

Endosperm cellularization is essential for embryo development and viable seed formation. Loss of function of the FERTILIZATION INDEPENDENT SEED (FIS) class Polycomb genes, which mediate trimethylation of histone H3 lysine27 (H3K27me3), as well as imbalanced contributions of parental genomes interrupt this process. The causes of the failure of cellularization are poorly understood. In this study we identified PICKLE RELATED 2 (PKR2) mutations which suppress seed abortion in fis1/mea by restoring endosperm cellularization. PKR2, a paternally expressed imprinted gene (PEG), encodes a CHD3 chromatin remodeler. PKR2 is specifically expressed in syncytial endosperm and its maternal copy is repressed by FIS1. Seed abortion in a paternal genome excess interploidy cross was also partly suppressed by pkr2. Simultaneous mutations in PKR2 and another PEG, ADMETOS (ADM), additively rescue the seed abortion in fis1 and in the interploidy cross, suggesting that PKR2 and ADM modulate endosperm cellularization independently and reproductive isolation between plants of different ploidy is established by imprinted genes. Genes upregulated in fis1 and downregulated in the presence of pkr2 are enriched in glycosyl‐hydrolyzing activity, while genes downregulated in fis1 and upregulated in the presence of pkr2 are enriched with microtubule motor activity, consistent with the cellularization patterns in fis1 and the suppressor line. The antagonistic functions of FIS1 and PKR2 in modulating endosperm development are similar to those of PICKLE (PKL) and CURLY LEAF (CLF), which antagonistically regulate root meristem activity. Our results provide further insights into the function of imprinted genes in endosperm development and reproductive isolation.
A New Numerical Method for Solving Nonlinear Fractional Fokker–Planck Differential Equations
Authors: Guo BeiBei , Jiang Wei , Zhang ChiPing
Published: February 2017

The nonlinear fractional-order Fokker–Planck differential equations have been used in many physical transport problems which take place under the influence of an external force filed. Therefore, high-accuracy numerical solutions are always needed. In this article, reproducing kernel theory is used to solve a class of nonlinear fractional Fokker–Planck differential equations. The main characteristic of this approach is that it induces a simple algorithm to get the approximate solution of the equation. At the same time, an effective method for obtaining the approximate solution is established. In addition, some numerical examples are given to demonstrate that our method has lesser computational work and higher precision.
Draft Genome Sequence of Klebsiella pneumoniae AWD5
Authors: Rajkumari Jina , Singha L. Paikhomba , Pandey Piyush
Published: February 2017

Here, we report the draft genome sequence of
Klebsiella pneumoniae
strain AWD5, isolated from an automobile workshop in India. The
de novo
assembly resulted in a 4,807,409 bp genome containing 25 rRNA genes, 81 tRNAs, and 4,636 coding sequences (CDS). It carries important genes for polyaromatic hydrocarbon degradation and benzoate degradation.
Toward a Complete North American Borrelia miyamotoi Genome
Authors: Kingry Luke C. , Replogle Adam , Batra Dhwani , Rowe Lori A. , Sexton Christopher , Dolan Marc , Connally Neeta , Petersen Jeannine M. , Schriefer Martin E.
Published: February 2017

Borrelia miyamotoi
, of the relapsing-fever spirochete group, is an emerging tick-borne pathogen causing human illness in the northern hemisphere. Here, we present the chromosome, eight extrachromosomal linear plasmids, and a draft sequence for five circular and one linear plasmid of a
Borrelia miyamotoi
strain isolated from an
Ixodes
sp. tick from Connecticut, USA.
Draft Genome Sequence of Acholeplasma laidlawii, a Common Contaminant of Cell Cultures
Authors: Siqueira Franciele Maboni , Cibulski Samuel Paulo , Teixeira Thais Fumaco , Mayer Fabiana Quoos , Roehe Paulo Michel
Published: February 2017

Mollicutes
are important cell culture contaminants which may eventually affect the results of biological assays or affect their interpretation.
Acholeplasma laidlawii
is one of the most frequent contaminants of cell cultures. Here, we report the complete genome sequence of
A. laidlawii
strain MDBK/IPV, recovered from Madin-Darby bovine kidney (MDBK) cells.
Corolla size and temporal displacement of flowering times among sympatric diploid and tetraploid highbush blueberry (Vaccinium corymbosum)
Authors: Poster Lauren S. , Handel Steven N. , Smouse Peter E.
Published: February 2017

Polyploidy (whole-genome duplication) is common in vascular plants, but the modes of establishment and persistence, as well as the ecological consequences, of polyploidy remain vague. Highbush blueberry (Vaccinium corymbosum L.) is an ecologically and economically important understory shrub with an unclear species definition, coexisting in sympatric populations of diploid and tetraploid cytotypes. This study analyzes differences in bloom time between sympatric diploid and tetraploid V. corymbosum in natural populations, testing the potential for these cytotypes to interbreed and contributing to the formation and continuity of ploidy-level diversification within this species. Ploidal level was confirmed through DNA flow cytometry of sympatric plants from two populations in New Jersey, USA. Flower bloom date and corolla size were recorded over a 3-year period. Diploid corollas were 32% smaller than tetraploid corollas, making them easily identifiable in the field. Ploidy accounted for 55%–69% of the variation in bloom date, with diploids flowering about 1 week before tetraploids, and the remaining variation distributed among plants, among branches, and within branches. Notwithstanding these differences, there was modest overlap in flowering time between cytotypes, suggesting that cross-pollination is possible. This contributes evidence to the most current species definition of V. corymbosum as a single (mixed ploidy) species.
Impaired peripheral vasodilation during graded systemic hypoxia in healthy older adults: role of the sympathoadrenal system
Authors: Richards Jennifer C. , Crecelius Anne R. , Larson Dennis G. , Luckasen Gary J. , Dinenno Frank A.
Published: February 2017

Systemic hypoxia is a physiological and pathophysiological stress that activates the sympathoadrenal system and, in young adults, leads to peripheral vasodilation. We tested the hypothesis that peripheral vasodilation to graded systemic hypoxia is impaired in older healthy adults and that this age-associated impairment is due to attenuated β-adrenergic mediated vasodilation and elevated α-adrenergic vasoconstriction. Forearm blood flow was measured (Doppler ultrasound), and vascular conductance (FVC) was calculated in 12 young (24 ± 1 yr) and 10 older (63 ± 2 yr) adults to determine the local dilatory responses to graded hypoxia (90, 85, and 80% O2 saturations) in control conditions, following local intra-arterial blockade of β-receptors (propranolol), and combined blockade of α- and β-receptors (phentolamine + propranolol). Under control conditions, older adults exhibited impaired vasodilation to hypoxia compared with young participants at all levels of hypoxia (peak ΔFVC at 80% [Formula: see text] = 4 ± 6 vs. 35 ± 8%; P < 0.01). During β-blockade, older adults actively constricted at 85 and 80% [Formula: see text] (peak ΔFVC at 80% [Formula: see text] = −13 ± 6%; P < 0.05 vs. control), whereas the response in the young was not significantly impacted (peak ΔFVC = 28 ± 8%). Combined α- and β-blockade increased the dilatory response to hypoxia in young adults; however, older adults failed to significantly vasodilate (peak ΔFVC at 80% [Formula: see text]= 12 ± 11% vs. 58 ± 11%; P < 0.05). Our findings indicate that peripheral vasodilation to graded systemic hypoxia is significantly impaired in older adults, which cannot be fully explained by altered sympathoadrenal control of vascular tone. Thus, the impairment in hypoxic vasodilation is likely due to attenuated local vasodilatory and/or augmented vasoconstrictor signaling with age.

NEW & NOTEWORTHY We found that the lack of peripheral vasodilation during graded systemic hypoxia with aging is not mediated by the sympathoadrenal system, strongly implicating local vascular control mechanisms in this impairment. Understanding these mechanisms may lead to therapeutic advances for improving tissue blood flow and oxygen delivery in aging and disease.
The Landscape of Somatic Genetic Alterations in Metaplastic Breast Carcinomas
Authors: Ng Charlotte K.Y. , Piscuoglio Salvatore , Geyer Felipe C. , Burke Kathleen A. , Pareja Fresia , Eberle Carey A. , Lim Raymond S. , Natrajan Rachael , Riaz Nadeem , Mariani Odette , Norton Larry , Vincent-Salomon Anne , Wen Y. Hannah , Weigelt Britta , Reis-Filho Jorge S.
Published: February 2017

Purpose: Metaplastic breast carcinoma (MBC) is a rare and aggressive histologic type of breast cancer, predominantly of triple-negative phenotype, and characterized by the presence of malignant cells showing squamous and/or mesenchymal differentiation. We sought to define the repertoire of somatic genetic alterations and the mutational signatures of MBCs.

Experimental Design: Whole-exome sequencing was performed in 35 MBCs, with 16, 10, and 9 classified as harboring chondroid, spindle, and squamous metaplasia as the predominant metaplastic component. The genomic landscape of MBCs was compared with that of triple-negative invasive ductal carcinomas of no special type (IDC-NST) from The Cancer Genome Atlas. Wnt and PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway activity was assessed using a qPCR assay.

Results: MBCs harbored complex genomes with frequent TP53 (69%) mutations. In contrast to triple-negative IDC-NSTs, MBCs more frequently harbored mutations in PIK3CA (29%), PIK3R1 (11%), ARID1A (11%), FAT1 (11%), and PTEN (11%). PIK3CA mutations were not found in MBCs with chondroid metaplasia. Compared with triple-negative IDC-NSTs, MBCs significantly more frequently harbored mutations in PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway–related (57% vs. 22%) and canonical Wnt pathway–related (51% vs. 28%) genes. MBCs with somatic mutations in PI3K/AKT/mTOR or Wnt pathway–related genes displayed increased activity of the respective pathway.

Conclusions: MBCs are genetically complex and heterogeneous, and are driven by a repertoire of somatic mutations distinct from that of triple-negative IDC-NSTs. Our study highlights the genetic basis and the importance of PI3K/AKT/mTOR and Wnt pathway dysregulation in MBCs and provides a rationale for the metaplastic phenotype and the reported responses to PI3K/AKT/mTOR inhibitors in these tumors. Clin Cancer Res; 23(14); 3859–70. ©2017 AACR.
Aspirin-Induced Chemoprevention and Response Kinetics Are Enhanced by PIK3CA Mutations in Colorectal Cancer Cells
Authors: Zumwalt Timothy J. , Wodarz Dominik , Komarova Natalia L. , Toden Shusuke , Turner Jacob , Cardenas Jacob , Burn John , Chan Andrew T. , Boland C. Richard , Goel Ajay
Published: February 2017

This study was designed to determine how aspirin influences the growth kinetics and characteristics of cultured colorectal cancer cells that harbor a variety of different mutational backgrounds, including PIK3CA- and KRAS-activating mutations, and the presence or absence of microsatellite instability. Colorectal cancer cell lines (HCT116, HCT116 + Chr3/5, RKO, SW480, HCT15, CACO2, HT29, and SW48) were treated with pharmacologically relevant doses of aspirin (0.5–10 mmol/L) and evaluated for proliferation and cell-cycle distribution. These parameters were fitted to a mathematical model to quantify the effects and understand the mechanism(s) by which aspirin modifies growth in colorectal cancer cells. We also evaluated the effects of aspirin on key G0–G1 cell-cycle genes that are regulated by the PI3K–Akt pathway. Aspirin decelerated growth rates and disrupted cell-cycle dynamics more profoundly in faster growing colorectal cancer cell lines, which tended to be PIK3CA mutants. Additionally, microarray analysis of 151 colorectal cancer cell lines identified important cell-cycle regulatory genes that are downstream targets of PIK3 and were also dysregulated by aspirin treatment (PCNA and RB1). Our study demonstrated what clinical trials have only speculated, that PIK3CA-mutant colorectal cancers are more sensitive to aspirin. Aspirin inhibited cell growth in all colorectal cancer cell lines regardless of mutational background, but the effects were exacerbated in cells with PIK3CA mutations. Mathematical modeling combined with bench science revealed that cells with PIK3CA-mutations experience significant G0–G1 arrest and explains why patients with PIK3CA mutant colorectal cancers may benefit from aspirin use after diagnosis. Cancer Prev Res; 10(3); 208–18. ©2017 AACR.
As práticas discursivas da Administração de Empresas: análises sobre a dominação do trabalho e do trabalhador
Authors: Oliveira Flávia Manuella Uchôa de
Published: February 2017

Neste artigo apresentamos uma análise de práticas discursivas e de uma lógica administrativa que vigora nas empresas. Por empresa entendemos toda organização constituída para explorar determinado ramo de negócio no mercado dentro do sistema capitalista. É nosso objetivo caracterizar os usos da Administração como campo de conhecimento e de formação de profissionais para resoluções dos problemas sobre o trabalho que a modernidade fez emergir. Utilizando-nos da leitura de Michel Foucault, pois encontramos suporte em suas análises sobre a história e a funcionalidade do poder. Procedemos com a análise documental de ementas e de referências bibliográficas indicadas nas disciplinas de dois cursos de duas instituições brasileiras: a Escola de Administração de Empresas de São Paulo da Fundação Getulio Vargas (Eaesp-FGV) e o curso de Administração da Faculdade de Economia, Administração e Contabilidade da Universidade de São Paulo (FEA-USP). Diante deste exame, pudemos formular algumas reflexões como resultado: a Administração de Empresas é a ciência da demonstração, o que se faz produtivo da realidade ou o que se produz nela é o que se torna científico
O combate à corrupção no Brasil e a Lei n. 12.846/2013: a busca pela efetividade da Lei e celeridade do processo de responsabilização através do Acordo de Leniência
Authors: Andrade Jackeline Póvoas Santos de
Published: February 2017

Este artigo se debruça sobre um tema amplo e de repercussões imensuráveis na vida do povo brasileiro: a corrupção. Limitando-se na análise do acordo de leniência, previsto na Lei 12.846/2013, objetiva-se apresentar esse instituto do Direito Administrativo como um dos mecanismos anticorrupção empresarial. Com características semelhantes à delação premiada, o acordo de leniência da LACE vem sofrendo alterações, mas demonstra que a Administração Pública está disposta a negociar as possíveis sanções administrativas e civis com os infratores, em caso de efetiva colaboração, quando as empresas se obrigam a apontar outros agentes privados envolvidos no ato infracional, facilitando a investigação e a instrução processual, que talvez nem fosse deflagrada sem a colaboração voluntária. A pesquisa teve como escopo averiguar se esse mecanismo de combate à corrupção será capaz de revestir o processo administrativo do manto da celeridade e ao mesmo tempo, tornar efetivo o enfrentamento da corrupção empresarial. Como notável comando legal, será que a Lei Anticorrupção Empresarial está apta a contribuir para a retomada da confiança no Estado Democrático de Direito? Sem a presunção de encerrar nesse estudo a discussão proposta, persegue-se aqui o deslindamento dessa contenda.
Angiogenic Factor With G Patch and FHA Domains 1 Is a Novel Regulator of Vascular Injury
Authors: Zhou Bisheng , Zeng Sheng , Li Nan , Yu Liming , Yang Guang , Yang Yuyu , Zhang Xinjian , Fang Mingming , Xia Jun , Xu Yong
Published: February 2017

Objective—

Phenotypic modulation of vascular smooth muscle cells represents a hallmark event in vascular injury. The underlying mechanism is not completely sorted out. We investigated the involvement of angiogenic factor with G patch and FHA domains 1 (Aggf1) in vascular injury focusing on the transcriptional regulation of vascular smooth muscle cell signature genes.

Approach and Results—

We report here that Aggf1 expression was downregulated in several different cell models of phenotypic modulation in vitro and in the vessels after carotid artery ligation in mice. Adenovirus-mediated Aggf1 overexpression dampened vascular injury and normalized vascular smooth muscle cell signature gene expression. Mechanistically, Aggf1 interacted with myocardin and was imperative for the formation of a serum response factor–myocardin complex on gene promoters. In response to injurious stimuli, kruppel-like factor 4 was recruited to the Aggf1 promoter and enlisted histone deacetylase 11 to repress Aggf1 transcription. In accordance, depletion of kruppel-like factor 4 or histone deacetylase 11 restored Aggf1 expression and abrogated vascular smooth muscle cell phenotypic modulation. Finally, treatment of a histone deacetylase 11 inhibitor attenuated vascular injury in mice.

Conclusions—

Therefore, we have unveiled a previously unrecognized role for Aggf1 in regulating vascular injury.
Space of Deprivation
Authors: Chakrabarti Sumit
Published: February 2017

A much neglected section of the 19th Century imperial bhadrolok population during British rule in India was the Bengali clerk or the kerani. While his English education and caste identity likened him to the middle-class gentleman, his pattern of work, low salary, lack of opportunities for improvement, pushed him closer to the labour class. But was this neglected section of the “bhadrolok” always without his representational space? In this paper, I shall study examples from clerks’ memoirs and from contemporary literature and read them alongside the violently repressive The Clerk’s Manual published in 1889, to see if the clerk was secretly discovering a heterotopia of his own.
Importing Notions in Health Law: Science and Proven Experience
Authors: Wahlberg Lena , Persson Johannes
Published: February 2017

In Swedish law, the notion of ‘science and proven experience’ (in Swedish, vetenskap och beprövad erfarenhet) defines the gold standard for public decision-making and practice, especially in medicine. The notion is notoriously vague but nevertheless plays an important role in the distribution of rights and duties of patients and healthcare workers. For example, failure to provide care in accordance with this standard can lead to penal responsibility. The notion also helps to define Swedish patients’ right to reimbursement for cross-border healthcare. From a legal point of view, the notion is especially intriguing because it appears to import medical standards into the legal conceptual apparatus. The purpose of this article is to explore the mechanisms of this and kindred ‘importing notions’ by investigating the role that the notion of science and proven experience plays in Swedish law and in the transfer of information between the legal and medical fields.
A revision of the genus Syagrus (Arecaceae)
Authors: NOBLICK LARRY R.
Published: February 2017

Presented here is a taxonomic revision of the Neotropical palm genus Syagrus (Arecaceae, Arecoideae, Cocoseae, Attaleinae), which is mostly from South America and primarily from Brazil. The history of the genus is reviewed. The revision includes a key, a complete list of synonymy, species descriptions, a list of specimens, distribution maps, color plates, and a conservation assessment of each species. Included herein are 65 species, 2 subspecies, and 14 natural hybrids. Of these palms, one is new (Syagrus pimentae); three are new combinations (S. cataphracta, S. elata, S. × dickensonii); and two have changed their status (S. graminifolia subsp. graminifolia and S. graminifolia subsp. glazioviana). Of the fourteen naturally occurring hybrids, eleven have hybrid names and three do not. This revision is an important contribution to the taxonomy and identification of Syagrus species from South America and the Caribbean, and is the culmination of many years of lab and fieldwork.
New species and new records of linyphiid spiders from the Indo-Malayan Region (Araneae, Linyphiidae)
Authors: TANASEVITCH ANDREI V.
Published: February 2017

Linyphiid spiders collected from the Indo-Malayan Region and kept at three European Museums are studied. Twenty-three known species are newly recorded from continental or insular parts of Southeastern Asia and from the Oriental area of India. Seven new species are described: Asiagone komannai n. sp. (from Thailand), Erigone apophysalis n. sp. and E. sumatrana n. sp. (Sumatra, Indonesia), Gnathonarium luzon n. sp. (Philippines), Ketambea acuta n. sp. (Thailand, Myanmar), Oedothorax myanmar n. sp. (Myanmar) and Theoa malaya n. sp. (West Malaysia).
Revision of the spider genus Gippsicola Hogg, 1900 (Araneae: Segestriidae)
Authors: GIROTI ANDRÉ MARSOLA , BRESCOVIT ANTONIO DOMINGOS
Published: February 2017

Gippsicola Hogg is one of the four genera included in the family Segestriidae. Currently this monotypic Australian genus is represented by Gippsicola raleighi Hogg, 1900, a species described based on an immature specimen from Victoria, Australia. In this work we present a taxonomic revision of this genus, with an elucidative diagnosis, redescribing G. raleighi based on detailed morphologic characters of adult male specimens. Also, we are describing three new species: Gippsicola robusta n. sp. and G. lineata n. sp., both represented by males and females, and G. minuta n. sp., only known by the male. We provide some enlightenment on the systematics of Gippsicola and putative synapomorphies for the subfamily Segestriinae.
Method of auditing of business
Authors: Ситнов  , Sitnov Alyeksyey
Published: February 2017

This article for the first time summarizes and systematizes the different points of view on the method of operational audit and proposed scientific and reasonable definition. In the study the author outlined his point of view on the problem facing the audit profession.
Using psychometric data from the stated preference (SP) experiments to search explanatory power for appropriateness of congestion charging policy
Authors: Saleh Sofyan M. , Sugiarto Sugiarto , Mutiawati Cut , Angraini Renni , Isya Muhammad
Published: February 2017

Comprehensive stated preference (SP) experiment was conducted in Jakarta (a capital of Indonesia), where proposal for congestion charge (CC) has been considered as a way to reduce acute traffic congestion. With the government planning a CC scheme, public support is regarded as a prerequisite for its implementation. Therefore, a framework of structural equation model (SEM) is used to search explanatory power for the appropriateness of CC considering unobserved variable (latent variable) from psychometric data obtained from SP questionare.  Causal paths among psychological determinants and their strength are measured and analyzed along with proposal acceptability from a psychological perspective. The findings from analysis with a SEM approach shows that a number of psychological determinants provide an explanation for the acceptability of the proposed scheme. The findings from analysis with a SEM approach shows that a number of psychological determinants provide an explanation for the appropriateness of the proposed scheme. Latent variables representing the validity of the CC scheme, such as ACE, APC and REC appear to have a significant explanation. These emerge as psychological determinants contributing a positive correlation with enhancement of appropriateness CC policy. Empirical result further shows that males have positive scores for the latent variables of car dependency (CDC) and inhibition freedom of movement (IFM). Furthermore, the variable of annual income, it has a positive correlation with recognition of the effects of CC in mitigating congestion and environmental problems (REC), car dependency (CDC) and awareness of the problems of cars in society (APC). This means that respondents with higher incomes are more concerned with the problems manifested by motorization while, on the contrary, the path coefficient between annual income (AI) and car dependency (CDC) has a value of 0.270. This discloses an automobile dependency. These findings should provide insight that designing a more acceptable policy in respecting to the acceptance of public in large.
Corporeal translation across borders: Indigenous choreographer Bulareyaung Pagarlava and his Warriors
Authors: Yatin Lin
Published: February 2017

This article looks into a genealogy of the multiple versions of the work Warriors (2010–2014) choreographed by Bulareyaung Pagarlava (also known as ‘Bula’). I discuss the evolution of the work alongside the search for his indigenous identity over the past few years as a freelance choreographer after having created works for dance companies from Taiwan such as Cloud Gate 2 and LAFA & Artists, then collaborating with performers from various institutions such as his alma mater the Taipei National University of the Arts (TNUA), the Martha Graham Dance Company, and the American Dance Festival (ADF), as well as the Formosa Aboriginal Song and Dance Troupe from Taiwan, leading up to the founding of his own Bulareyaung Dance Company (BDC) in 2014. Borrowing from Japanese cultural theorist Naoki Sakai’s concepts of subjectivity and translation, I trace how Bulareyaung gradually developed his indigenous creative voice after years of working with dancers of different ethnicities and nationalities from around the world, and how he chose to return home and set up an ensemble in his rural hometown of Taitung in southeastern Taiwan, gradually developing new movement vocabularies in tune with his indigenous subjects.
Understanding Osmosis
Authors: Wiesneth Rebecca
Published: February 2017

Activity for understanding osmosis.