bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effects of tillage on variability in soil penetration resistance in an olive orchard
Authors: López de Herrera Juan , Tejedor Tomás Herrero , Saa-Requejo Antonio , Tarquis A. M.
Published: March 2016

Spatial variability of soil properties such as soil structure and soil penetrometer resistance (SPR) is relevant for identifying those zones with physical degradation. We used classical statistical and multifractal analyses for characterising the spatial patterns of SPR distributions and compared them at different soil depths to investigate the tillage effect in soil compaction. The study was conducted on an Ochrept dedicated to olive orchards for the last 70 years. Two parallel transects of 64 m were selected as different soil-management plots: conventional tillage and no tillage. Penetrometer resistance readings were carried out at 50-cm intervals within the first 20 cm of soil depth. Two-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) highlighted that tillage system, soil depth and their interaction were statistically significant to explain the variance of SPR data from 5 to 20 cm soil depth. The scaling properties of each SPR profile were characterised by τ(q) function, calculated in the range of moment orders (q) between −5 and +5 taken at 0.5 lag increments. Several parameters were calculated from this: the singularities of strength (α); the Hausdorff dimension (f(α)); entropy dimension (α1); and their multifractal spectrum, i.e. graph α v. f(α). Multifractal scaling was evident and added valuable information to describe the spatial arrangement of depth-dependent penetrometer datasets in all soil layers, which was complementary to the ANOVA results.
Analysis of the conformation and thermal stability of the high-affinity IgE Fc receptor β chain polymorphic proteins*
Authors: Terada Tomoyoshi , Takahashi Teppei , Arikawa Hajime , Era Seiichi
Published: March 2016

The high-affinity IgE Fc receptor (FcεRI) β chain acts as a signal amplifier through the immunoreceptor tyrosine-based activation motif in its C-terminal intracellular region. Polymorphisms in FcεRI β have been linked to atopy, asthma, and allergies. We investigated the secondary structure, conformation, and thermal stability of FcεRI β polymorphic (β-L172I, β-L174V, and β-E228G) proteins. Polymorphisms did not affect the secondary structure and conformation of FcεRI β. However, we calculated Gibbs free energy of unfolding (ΔGunf) and significant differences were observed in ΔGunf values between the wild-type FcεRI β (β-WT) and β-E228G. These results suggested that β-E228G affected the thermal stability of FcεRI β. The role of β-E228G in biological functions and its involvement in allergic reactions have not yet been elucidated in detail; therefore, differences in the thermal stability of β-E228G may affect the function of FcεRI β.
Reciprocal autoregulation by NFI occupancy and ETV1 promotes the developmental expression of dendrite-synapse genes in cerebellar granule neurons
Authors: Ding Baojin , Cave John W. , Dobner Paul R. , Mullikin-Kilpatrick Debra , Bartzokis Marina , Zhu Hong , Chow Chi-Wing , Gronostajski Richard M. , Kilpatrick Daniel L.
Published: March 2016

Nuclear Factor One (NFI) transcription factors regulate temporal gene expression required for dendritogenesis and synaptogenesis via delayed occupancy of target promoters in developing cerebellar granule neurons (CGNs). Mechanisms that promote NFI temporal occupancy have not been previously defined. We show here that the transcription factor ETV1 directly binds to and is required for expression and NFI occupancy of a cohort of NFI-dependent genes in CGNs maturing in vivo. Expression of ETV1 is low in early postnatal cerebellum and increases with maturation, mirroring NFI temporal occupancy of coregulated target genes. Precocious expression of ETV1 in mouse CGNs accelerated onset of expression and NFI temporal occupancy of late target genes and enhanced Map2(+) neurite outgrowth. ETV1 also activated expression and NFI occupancy of the Etv1 gene itself, and this autoregulatory loop preceded ETV1 binding and activation of other coregulated target genes in vivo. These findings suggest a potential model in which ETV1 activates NFI temporal binding to a subset of late-expressed genes in a stepwise manner by initial positive feedback regulation of the Etv1 gene itself followed by activation of downstream coregulated targets as ETV1 expression increases. Sequential transcription factor autoregulation and subsequent binding to downstream promoters may provide an intrinsic developmental timer for dendrite/synapse gene expression.
Structural comparison of the Caenorhabditis elegans and human Ndc80 complexes bound to microtubules reveals distinct binding behavior
Authors: Wilson-Kubalek Elizabeth M. , Cheeseman Iain M. , Milligan Ronald A.
Published: March 2016

During cell division, kinetochores must remain tethered to the plus ends of dynamic microtubule polymers. However, the molecular basis for robust kinetochore–microtubule interactions remains poorly understood. The conserved four-subunit Ndc80 complex plays an essential and direct role in generating dynamic kinetochore–microtubule attachments. Here we compare the binding of the Caenorhabditis elegans and human Ndc80 complexes to microtubules at high resolution using cryo–electron microscopy reconstructions. Despite the conserved roles of the Ndc80 complex in diverse organisms, we find that the attachment mode of these complexes for microtubules is distinct. The human Ndc80 complex binds every tubulin monomer along the microtubule protofilament, whereas the C. elegans Ndc80 complex binds more tightly to β-tubulin. In addition, the C. elegans Ndc80 complex tilts more toward the adjacent protofilament. These structural differences in the Ndc80 complex between different species may play significant roles in the nature of kinetochore–microtubule interactions.
Brief Report: Highly Active Antiretroviral Therapy Mitigates Liver Disease in HIV Infection
Authors: Price Jennifer C. , Seaberg Eric C. , Phair John P. , Witt Mallory D. , Koletar Susan L. , Thio Chloe L.
Published: March 2016

To determine the impact of highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) on liver disease, we analyzed changes in the aspartate aminotransferase to platelet ratio index (APRI) pre- and post-HAART initiation among 441 HIV-monoinfected and 53 HIV-viral hepatitis–coinfected men. Before HAART, APRI increased 17% and 34% among the HIV-monoinfected and coinfected men, respectively. With HAART initiation, APRI decreased significantly in men who achieved HIV RNA of <500 copies per milliliter: 16% for HIV-monoinfected and 22% for coinfected men. Decreases in APRI were dependent on HIV suppression. This protective effect of HAART decreased after 2 years, particularly in the HIV-monoinfected men.
Genetic heterogeneity in autism: from single gene to a pathway perspective
Authors: An Joon Yong , Claudianos Charles
Published: March 2016

The extreme genetic heterogeneity of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) represents a major challenge. Recent advances in genetic screening and systems biology approaches have extended our knowledge of the genetic etiology of ASD. In this review, we discuss the paradigm shift from a single gene causation model to pathway perturbation model as a guide to better understand the pathophysiology of ASD. We discuss recent genetic findings obtained through next-generation sequencing (NGS) and examine various integrative analyses using systems biology and complex networks approaches that identify convergent patterns of genetic elements associated with ASD. This review provides a summary of the genetic findings of family-based genome screening studies.
Advancing insect vector biology research: a community survey for future directions, research applications and infrastructure requirements
Authors: Kohl Alain , Pondeville Emilie , Schnettler Esther , Crisanti Andrea , Supparo Clelia , Christophides George K , Kersey Paul J , Maslen Gareth L , Takken Willem , Koenraadt Constantianus J. M. , Oliva Clelia F , Busquets Núria , Abad F Xavier , Failloux Anna-Bella , Levashina Elena A , Wilson Anthony J , Veronesi Eva , Pichard Maëlle , Marsh Sarah Arnaud , Simard Frédéric , Vernick Kenneth D
Published: March 2016

Background: Vector-borne pathogens impact public health and economies worldwide. It has long been recognized that research on arthropod vectors such as mosquitoes, ticks, sandflies and midges which transmit parasites and arboviruses to humans and economically important animals is crucial for development of new control measures that target transmission by the vector. While insecticides are an important part of this arsenal, appearance of resistance mechanisms is an increasing issue. Novel tools for genetic manipulation of vectors, use of Wolbachia endosymbiotic bacteria and other biological control mechanisms to prevent pathogen transmission have led to promising new intervention strategies. This has increased interest in vector biology and genetics as well as vector-pathogen interactions. Vector research is therefore at a crucial juncture, and strategic decisions on future research directions and research infrastructures will benefit from community input. Methodology/Principal Findings: A survey initiated by the European Horizon2020 INFRAVEC-2 consortium set out to canvass priorities in the vector biology research community and to determine key issues that should be addressed for researchers to efficiently study vectors, vector-pathogen interactions, as well as access the structures and services that allow such work to be carried out. Conclusions/Significance: We summarize the key findings of the survey which in particular reflect priorities in European countries, and which will be of use to stakeholders that include researchers, government, and research organizations.
Evaluation of rebar corrosion in reinforced concrete under freeze-thaw environment and protection measures
Authors: Ma Zhiming , Zhao Tiejun , Xiao Jianzhuang , Guan Ting
Published: March 2016

Purpose

– Rebar corrosion in reinforced concrete is the major reason for the durability degradation, especially under harsh environment. This paper presents an experiment conducted to investigate the influence of freeze-thaw cycles on the rebar corrosion in reinforced concrete. The purpose of this paper is to provide fundamental information about rebar corrosion under frost environment and improvement measures.

Design/methodology/approach

– The related elastic modulus and compressive strength of different concrete specimens were measured after different freeze-thaw cycles. The accelerated rebar corrosion test was carried out after different freeze-thaw cycles; additionally, the value of calomel half-cell potential was determined. The actual rebar corrosion appearance was checked to prove the accuracy of the results of calomel half-cell potential.

Findings

– The results show that frost damage aggravates the rebar corrosion rate and degree under freeze-thaw environment; furthermore, the results become more obvious with the freeze-thaw cycles increasing. Mixing the air-entrained agent into fresh concrete to prepare air-entrained concrete, increasing the cover thickness and processing the surface of concrete with a waterproofing agent can significantly improve the resistance to rebar corrosion. From the actual appearance of rebar corrosion, the results of calomel half-cell potential can well reflect the actual rebar corrosion in reinforced concrete.

Originality/value

– The durability of reinforced concrete is mainly determined on chloride penetration that brings about rebar corrosion in chloride environments. Furthermore, the degradation of concrete durability becomes more serious in the harsh environment. As the concrete exposure to the freeze-thaw cycles environment, the freeze-thaw cycles accelerate the concrete damage, and the penetration of chloride into the concrete becomes easier because of the growing pore and crack sizes. In addition, rebar corrosion caused by chloride is one of the major forms of environmental attack on reinforced concrete. The tests conducted in this paper will describe the rebar corrosion in reinforced concrete under freeze-thaw environment.
Doing the right thing: computer ethics pedagogy revisited
Authors: Jones Simon
Published: March 2016

Purpose

– This paper aims to critically reassess established approaches to the teaching and analysis of computer ethics, and to propose a revised methodology, drawing on the practical experience of teaching undergraduates in a culturally diverse, international learning environment.

Design/methodology/approach

– Theoretical in scope, reviewing concepts and methods in the existing literature and developing an alternative inter-disciplinary and multi-dimensional framework.

Findings

– Ethical analysis can benefit from broader, inter-disciplinary perspectives that take into account the social and economic context in which information and communication technologies (ICTs) are designed, deployed and used, and the complex forces that drive their development. A richer analysis of this context enables a better understanding of the specific properties and applications of ICTs which, in turn, foreground particular ethical issues. This can result in a more self-reflexive and rounded appreciation of the ethical, legal and professional issues invoked by ICTs.

Originality/value

– The paper develops a revised, flexible methodology for doing ethics which can be applied to any case study or domain of application. It outlines some of the key questions and major ethical principles that are generated by ICTs. The paper has pedagogical value for both teachers and students of computer ethics, but has relevance also for information technology professionals and practitioners.
Engineering a Three-Dimensional In Vitro Drug Testing Platform for Glioblastoma
Authors: Akay Metin , Nguyen Duong T. , Fan Yantao , Akay Yasemin M.
Published: March 2016

Three-dimensional (3D) in vivo cell culture modeling is quickly emerging as a platform to replace two-dimensional (2D) monolayer cell culture in vitro tests. Three-dimensional tumor models mimic physiological conditions and provide valuable insight of the tumor cell response to drug discovery application. In this study, we used poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG) hydrogel microwells to generate 3D brain cancer spheroids and studied their treatment with anticancer drugs in single or combination treatment. Glioblastoma (GBM) spheroids were grown through 14 days before infecting with two drugs: Pitavastatin and Irinotecan at various concentrations. A significant cell lysis was observed and cell viability decreased to lower than 7% when drugs were combined at the concentration Pitavastatin 10 μM and Irinotecan 50 μM to infect after 7 days. These findings demonstrate a promising platform—PEG hydrogel microwells—that should be an efficient way to test the drug sensitivity in vitro as well as application in different studies.
Complete Genome Sequence and Methylome Analysis of
Aeromonas hydrophila
Strain YL17, Isolated from a Compost Pile
Authors: Lim Yan-Lue , Roberts Richard J. , Ee Robson , Yin Wai-Fong , Chan Kok-Gan
Published: March 2016

In this report, we announce the complete genome sequence of
Aeromonas hydrophila
strain YL17. Single-molecule real-time (SMRT) DNA sequencing was used to generate the complete genome sequence and the genome-wide DNA methylation profile of this environmental isolate. A total of five unique DNA methyltransferase recognition motifs were reported here.
Draft Genome Sequence of
Acinetobacter baumannii
IITR88, a Bacterium Degrading Indoles and Other Aromatic Compounds
Authors: Regar Raj Kumar , Gaur Vivek Kumar , Mishra Gayatri , Jadhao Sudhir , Kamthan Mohan , Manickam Natesan
Published: March 2016

Here, we report the 4.16-Mb draft genome sequence of an indole-degrading bacterium,
Acinetobacter baumannii
IITR88, isolated from the Bhagirathi river in India. A total of 4,069 coding regions (CDSs), 3 rRNAs, and 52 tRNAs were predicted. Genes for the degradation of indoles, phenylacetaldehyde, anthranilate, and several other aromatic compounds were present.
The use of a pro forma to improve quality in clerking vascular surgery patients
Authors: Kentley Jonathan , Fox Amy , Taylor Sophia , hassan yahya , Filipek Alicja
Published: March 2016

At our institution, a large tertiary referral centre for vascular surgery, patients are often admitted directly to the ward and clerked by foundation year one (FY1) doctors. We found that these clerkings frequently fell short of national record keeping standards, potentially leading to an increased risk for patients during their hospital stay. In addition, we found that junior doctors did not feel confident in clerking vascular surgery patients.

A literature review found that high quality clerkings were strongly linked to improved patient safety, and that the use of a pro forma was one method to improve compliance with documentation guidelines. We devised a clerking pro forma based on national guidelines and introduced it to the department.

We found that the use of a pro forma significantly improved documentation standards across a number of domains, including patient demographics, presenting complaint, and family and social histories (p <0.05). Examinations were significantly more comprehensive, with cardiac and vascular examination as well as peripheral pulses documented (p <0.05).

In conclusion, we found that using a pro forma helped to aid junior doctors in clerking new patients, and significantly improved the quality of their history and examinations. This leads to a potential positive impact on patient safety during their inpatient stay, and should be rolled out more widely across the hospital.
A 1300 year reconstruction of paleofloods using oxbow lake sediments in temperate southwestern Quebec, Canada
Authors: Oliva F. , Viau A.E. , Bjornson J. , Desrochers N. , Bonneau M.-A.
Published: March 2016

The study of paleofloods provides important information on past flood frequency and intensity for regions where there is a paucity of records; it therefore extends our knowledge of flood occurrence beyond the historical record. Many paleoflood reconstructions come from the arid dry climate of southwestern USA and from Europe, with few studies being conducted in temperate climates of North America. This study uses sediment cores from oxbow lakes to reconstruct past flood events in a temperate region. Cores extracted from two oxbow lakes along the Désert River in southwestern Quebec, Canada, were analyzed for magnetic susceptibility, loss on ignition, and grain size and were radiocarbon dated (14C). Using a combination of magnetic susceptibility variations, along with changes in grain size and organic material content, five floods were identified within the 220 cm core (1300 years) from the North oxbow lake, and six floods in the 118 cm core (600 years) from the South oxbow lake. This study provides evidence to support the use of oxbow lakes in temperate regions as a proxy of past floods, thus helping us understand hydroclimatic changes at regional scales. Data that span a longer period of time and in different environments are key to increase flood modelling accuracy to improve mitigation strategies under a changing climate.
Monitoring Nûtimesânân Following the Diversion of Our River: A Community-led Registry in Eeyou Istchee, Northern Québec
Authors: Strangway Ronald Edward , Dunn Marc , Erless Ryan
Published: March 2016

The Waskaganish Voluntary Anadromous Cisco Catch Registry is a community-led ex post monitoring programme carried out within the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) Follow-up Phase of the Rupert River Diversion Hydroelectric Project. The Registry monitors an aboriginal subsistence fishery in the Cree community of Waskaganish. Due to the complexity of the socio-ecological system, predicting the project’s impacts on the fishery at the ex ante stage proved difficult. The programme has allowed the community to monitor changes in the cisco fishery, while also providing a forum for communication and collaboration with the proponent, Hydro-Québec. The programme recognises and incorporates both local ecological knowledge and scientific results from site-specific biological monitoring studies. Overall, the Registry has enhanced stakeholder understanding of project impacts, improved mitigation management decision-making and led to the development of an effective consultation framework. Most importantly, the Registry has helped the fishery to continue into the future despite project impacts.
Study of Hydrostatic Pump Created Under Liquid Sloshing in a Rectangular Tank Subjected to External Excitation
Authors: Bouabidi Abdallah , Driss Zied , Abid Mohamed Salah
Published: March 2016

The aim of this work is to study the hydrostatic pump created under liquid sloshing in a rectangular tank partially filled with liquid. A numerical simulation was performed to predict the liquid motion in the tank. The apparition of the compression and the depression zones due to the liquid motion was presented and analyzed. An experimental setup with sinusoidal movement was developed to study the hydrostatic pump. The hydrostatic pump is created using a mixing element. The experimental results show that the compression and the depression zones can create the hydrostatic pump. The effect of the connecting chamber value was studied for different values of external excitation frequency. The pump depends considerably on the dimension of the connecting zone between the two volumes. For the different connecting chamber values, the pumped quantity increase with the increase of the frequency.
Genomic Loss of DUSP4 Contributes to the Progression of Intraepithelial Neoplasm of Pancreas to Invasive Carcinoma
Authors: Hijiya Naoki , Tsukamoto Yoshiyuki , Nakada Chisato , Tung Nguyen Lam , Kai Tomoki , Matsuura Keiko , Shibata Kohei , Inomata Masafumi , Uchida Tomohisa , Tokunaga Akinori , Amada Kohei , Shirao Kuniaki , Yamada Yasunari , Mori Hiromu , Takeuchi Ichiro , Seto Masao , Aoki Masahiro , Takekawa Mutsuhiro , Moriyama Masatsugu
Published: March 2016

The progression from precursor lesions of pancreatic cancer, including pancreatic intraepithelial neoplasia and intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasm (IPMN), to invasive disease is characterized by stepwise accumulation of genetic alterations. However, it remains unclear whether additional alterations are required for the progression of high-grade neoplasms to invasive pancreatic carcinoma. We compared the genomic profiles of paired noninvasive and invasive carcinoma tissues collected from patients with IPMN. We demonstrate that the frequency of genomic copy-number aberrations significantly increased during the course of invasion, and the loss of 8p11.22-ter was more often associated with invasive tissues. Expression profiling in pancreatic cancer cell lines with and without 8p11.22-ter revealed that DUSP4, an MAPK phosphatase, was significantly downregulated in cells lacking 8p11.22-ter as well as in invasive carcinomas due to genomic loss. Restoration of DUSP4 expression in pancreatic cancer cells significantly suppressed invasiveness and anoikis resistance via ERK inactivation. Accordingly, we found that blockade of ERK signaling by MEK inhibition was effective in an orthotopic xenograft model and significantly extended survival. Collectively, our findings demonstrate a genetic mechanism by which pancreatic precursor lesions progress to invasive carcinomas and highlight DUSP4 as a novel invasion suppressor that can be therapeutically exploited through manipulation of ERK signaling. Cancer Res; 76(9); 2612–25. ©2016 AACR.
Association of Prostate Cancer Risk Variants with TMPRSS2:ERG Status: Evidence for Distinct Molecular Subtypes
Authors: Penney Kathryn L. , Pettersson Andreas , Shui Irene M. , Graff Rebecca E. , Kraft Peter , Lis Rosina T. , Sesso Howard D. , Loda Massimo , Mucci Lorelei A.
Published: March 2016

Background: Numerous genetic variants have been confirmed as prostate cancer risk factors. These variants may confer susceptibility to the development of specific molecular alterations during tumor initiation and progression. The TMPRSS2:ERG gene fusion occurs in roughly 50% of prostate cancers. Genetic risk variants may influence the development of this fusion. We sought to determine whether prostate cancer risk variants are differentially associated with TMPRSS2:ERG fusion–positive and negative cancer.

Methods: In the Health Professionals Follow-up Study and Physicians' Health Study Tumor Cohort, we evaluated the associations of 39 prostate cancer risk SNPs with TMPRSS2:ERG fusion status, measured by ERG protein expression. Logistic regression was performed to generate OR and 95% confidence intervals. The primary outcome was ERG+ (n = 227) versus ERG− (n = 260) prostate cancer. A secondary outcome was ERG+ or ERG− cancer versus controls without cancer.

Results: Six of 39 SNPs were significantly associated (P < 0.05) with ERG+ versus ERG− disease. Three SNPs were exclusively associated with the risk of ERG+, one with risk of ERG−, and two with associations trending in opposite directions for ERG+ and ERG−. Only two significant SNPs would be expected by chance.

Conclusions: Prostate cancer genetic risk variants are differentially associated with the development of ERG+ and ERG− prostate cancer.

Impact: Our findings suggest the molecular process of prostate carcinogenesis may be distinct for men with different underlying genetic predisposition. When examining risk factors for prostate cancer, the integration of molecular subtypes may enhance understanding of the etiology of this disease. Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev; 25(5); 745–9. ©2016 AACR.
Pancreatic Cancer: Associations of Inflammatory Potential of Diet, Cigarette Smoking, and Long-Standing Diabetes
Authors: Antwi SO , Oberg AL , Shivappa N , Bamlet WR , Chaffee KG , Steck SE , Hebert JR , Petersen GM
Published: March 2016

Background: Pancreatic cancer (PanC) is a rapidly lethal malignancy with poorly understood etiology. Epidemiologic studies show strong associations between PanC and inflammatory conditions or stimuli such as cigarette smoking and diabetes, suggesting that inflammation may play a key role in PanC. Studies of dietary patterns and cancer outcomes also suggest that diet might influence an individual's risk of PanC through modulation of inflammation. We, therefore, examined independent and joint associations between inflammatory potential of diet, cigarette smoking and long-standing type II diabetes (greater than 5 years) in relation to risk of PanC. Methods: Data were from a clinic-based, case-control study of rapidly ascertained patients with incident adenocarcinoma of the exocrine pancreas (n = 819) evaluated at Mayo Clinic and non-cancer control patients (n = 1,769) recruited from Mayo Clinic primary care facilities. Controls were frequency-matched to cases on age, race, and sex. Inflammatory potential of diet was measured using the dietary inflammatory index (DII), calculated from dietary intake assessed via a 144-item food frequency questionnaire and adjusted for energy intake. Logistic regression was used to calculate odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs), adjusting for age, sex, race, body mass index, diabetes, smoking, and education. Results: Higher DII scores, reflecting a more pro-inflammatory diet, were associated with increased odds of PanC (OR Quintile5vs1 = 2.80, 95% CI, 2.06–3.79, Ptrend < 0.0001). Increased odds of PanC also were observed among current (OR = 2.55, 95% CI, 1.75–3.72) and former (OR = 1.26, 95% CI, 1.05–1.51) smokers as compared to non- smokers, and among participants with long-standing type II diabetes (OR = 2.96, 95% CI, 1.95–4.51) compared to non-diabetics. Joint associations were observed for the combined effect of having greater than the control median DII score and a) being a current smoker (OR = 4.20, 95% CI, 2.67–6.61),or b) having long-standing type II diabetes (OR = 6.13, 95% CI, 3.47–10.80) as compared to having less than or equal to the control median DII score and being a non-smoker or non-diabetic, respectively. Conclusion: These findings suggest that a pro-inflammatory diet may act synergistically with cigarette smoking and diabetes to increase the risk of PanC beyond the risk of any of these factors alone.
E-Cigarette Marketing Online: A Systematic Content Analysis of Manufacturers and Retailers
Authors: Klein EG , Berman M , Hemmerich N , Carlson C , Htut S , Slater M
Published: March 2016

Purpose: To identify the current atmosphere of online sales of Electronic Nicotine Delivery Systems (ENDS) in regards to key health-related and legal claims being made and to analyze the legal framework for regulating such claims. Methods: In December 2014, a systematic search protocol was employed with 3 popular search engines using six terms: 1) e-cigarettes, 2) e-cigs, 3) e-juice, 4) e-liquid, 5) e-hookah, and 6) vape pen. Websites from ENDS manufacturers and retailers were eligible for inclusion, and excluded review sites, blogs, or other non-commercial sites. Three pages of content were examined for each search term. In Phase I, included sites were independently coded for several health-related and legal themes, including: Modified or Reduced Risk, Cessation, Smoke anywhere, Health Benefits, Cleanliness, Environmentally Friendly, and Modern. In Phase II, gathered qualitative data was further coded for primary (explicit) and secondary (implicit) claims. Results: The final web search (n = 115) identified eligible sites and these were divided into two categories Manufacturers (n = 78) and Retailers (n = 32). Between both groups, the most common claims were Modified or reduced risk claims (63.6%), Cessation claims (41.8%), and Claims regarding one's ability to get around clean indoor air laws (42.7%) for Manufacturers and Retailers, combined. Overall, Manufacturers were more likely to make any health or legal claim than Retailers. Conclusions: The unregulated marketing of ENDS has led to a proliferation of health-related claims. Applying a legal/regulatory perspective, this research reveals the different types of health-related claims being made by ENDS manufacturers and retailers on their websites. For claims that are misleading or deceptive, the specifics content and context of each claim may influence whether the FDA has the current regulatory authority to address it. This research demonstrates that the FDA should complete the proposed “deeming” rule and develop a comprehensive regulatory scheme to addresses health-related claims by ENDS manufacturers and retailers.
Entrectinib, a Pan–TRK, ROS1, and ALK Inhibitor with Activity in Multiple Molecularly Defined Cancer Indications
Authors: Ardini Elena , Menichincheri Maria , Banfi Patrizia , Bosotti Roberta , De Ponti Cristina , Pulci Romana , Ballinari Dario , Ciomei Marina , Texido Gemma , Degrassi Anna , Avanzi Nilla , Amboldi Nadia , Saccardo Maria Beatrice , Casero Daniele , Orsini Paolo , Bandiera Tiziano , Mologni Luca , Anderson David , Wei Ge , Harris Jason , Vernier Jean-Michel , Li Gang , Felder Eduard , Donati Daniele , Isacchi Antonella , Pesenti Enrico , Magnaghi Paola , Galvani Arturo
Published: March 2016

Activated ALK and ROS1 tyrosine kinases, resulting from chromosomal rearrangements, occur in a subset of non–small cell lung cancers (NSCLC) as well as other tumor types and their oncogenic relevance as actionable targets has been demonstrated by the efficacy of selective kinase inhibitors such as crizotinib, ceritinib, and alectinib. More recently, low-frequency rearrangements of TRK kinases have been described in NSCLC, colorectal carcinoma, glioblastoma, and Spitzoid melanoma. Entrectinib, whose discovery and preclinical characterization are reported herein, is a novel, potent inhibitor of ALK, ROS1, and, importantly, of TRK family kinases, which shows promise for therapy of tumors bearing oncogenic forms of these proteins. Proliferation profiling against over 200 human tumor cell lines revealed that entrectinib is exquisitely potent in vitro against lines that are dependent on the drug's pharmacologic targets. Oral administration of entrectinib to tumor-bearing mice induced regression in relevant human xenograft tumors, including the TRKA-dependent colorectal carcinoma KM12, ROS1-driven tumors, and several ALK-dependent models of different tissue origins, including a model of brain-localized lung cancer metastasis. Entrectinib is currently showing great promise in phase I/II clinical trials, including the first documented objective responses to a TRK inhibitor in colorectal carcinoma and in NSCLC. The drug is, thus, potentially suited to the therapy of several molecularly defined cancer settings, especially that of TRK-dependent tumors, for which no approved drugs are currently available. Mol Cancer Ther; 15(4); 628–39. ©2016 AACR.
Caracterização de iniciativas de geração de trabalho e renda destinadas a usuários de serviços de saúde mental e aproximação com a economia solidária: a realidade do Estado de São Paulo
Authors: Morato Giovana Garcia , Lussi Isabela Aparecida de Oliveira
Published: March 2016

A inauguração da parceria entre a Área Técnica de Saúde Mental e a Secretaria Nacional de Economia Solidária com o objetivo de fomentar as iniciativas de trabalho no campo da saúde mental, impulsionou o aumento progressivo no número destas inciativas e o investimento nestas como estratégias de inclusão social. O presente estudo teve como objetivos caracterizar as iniciativas de geração de trabalho e renda compostas por usuários de serviços de saúde mental no estado de São Paulo e identificar se estas iniciativas estão vinculadas ao movimento da economia solidária. Trata-se de um estudo transversal descritivo de abordagem qualitativa do qual participaram 16 terapeutas ocupacionais. Para a coleta de dados foi elaborado um questionário semiestruturado. Os dados provenientes deste instrumento foram analisados de maneira descritiva. Os resultados revelam que o tempo de existência das iniciativas variou entre 5 e 20 anos, que a maioria conta somente com usuários da saúde mental e afirmam estar vinculadas à economia solidária. O presente estudo revelou aspectos potenciais das iniciativas no processo de afirmação dos usuários como cidadãos e potenciais trabalhadores, entretanto, desafios precisam ser enfrentados, principalmente no que diz respeito à geração de renda.
O trabalho e a tecnologia assistiva na perspectiva de pessoas com deficiência física.
Authors: Cruz Daniel Marinho Cezar da , Matsushima Alessandra Mary , Rodrigues Daniela Da Silva , Dos Santos Patricia , Figueiredo Mirela De Oliveira
Published: March 2016

Nos dias atuais, a empregabilidade das pessoas com deficiência é um debate crescente e as dificuldades no trabalho precisam ser compreendidas a partir daqueles que vivenciam esse processo. Objetiva-se identificar os aspectos que facilitam e/ou dificultam a inclusão de pessoas com deficiência em atividades laborais e entender a contribuição da tecnologia assistiva no desempenho do papel ocupacional de trabalho. Trata-se de uma pesquisa qualitativa. Participaram 30 sujeitos, com idade entre 18 e 60 anos. Foi desenvolvida entrevista semiestruturada e a análise dos dados foi feita a partir da análise de conteúdo temática. O trabalho apresentou-se como importante meio de realização pessoal e profissional na vida dos entrevistados, além de forma de reconhecimento pela sociedade. A tecnologia assistiva apareceu como um facilitador tanto no ambiente de trabalho quanto em relação à acessibilidade para se chegar a ele. A escolaridade e o preconceito foram pontuados como as principais barreiras ao processo de inclusão. Destaca-se a importância de ações afirmativas e de incentivo ao debate de políticas públicas pelo acesso aos direitos das pessoas com deficiência, garantidos na Lei brasileira.
ABO Blood Group and Risk of Thromboembolic and Arterial Disease
Authors: Vasan Senthil K. , Rostgaard Klaus , Majeed Ammar , Ullum Henrik , Titlestad Kjell-Einar , Pedersen Ole B.V. , Erikstrup Christian , Nielsen Kaspar Rene , Melbye Mads , Nyrén Olof , Hjalgrim Henrik , Edgren Gustaf
Published: March 2016

Background—

ABO blood groups have been shown to be associated with increased risks of venous thromboembolic and arterial disease. However, the reported magnitude of this association is inconsistent and is based on evidence from small-scale studies.

Methods and Results—

We used the SCANDAT2 (Scandinavian Donations and Transfusions) database of blood donors linked with other nationwide health data registers to investigate the association between ABO blood groups and the incidence of first and recurrent venous thromboembolic and arterial events. Blood donors in Denmark and Sweden between 1987 and 2012 were followed up for diagnosis of thromboembolism and arterial events. Poisson regression models were used to estimate incidence rate ratios as measures of relative risk. A total of 9170 venous and 24 653 arterial events occurred in 1 112 072 individuals during 13.6 million person-years of follow-up. Compared with blood group O, non-O blood groups were associated with higher incidence of both venous and arterial thromboembolic events. The highest rate ratios were observed for pregnancy-related venous thromboembolism (incidence rate ratio, 2.22; 95% confidence interval, 1.77–2.79), deep vein thrombosis (incidence rate ratio, 1.92; 95% confidence interval, 1.80–2.05), and pulmonary embolism (incidence rate ratio, 1.80; 95% confidence interval, 1.71–1.88).

Conclusions—

In this healthy population of blood donors, non-O blood groups explain >30% of venous thromboembolic events. Although ABO blood groups may potentially be used with available prediction systems for identifying at-risk individuals, its clinical utility requires further comparison with other risk markers.
Effect of Reference Scheme on Power and Phase of the Local Field
Potential
Authors: Shirhatti Vinay , Borthakur Ayon , Ray Supratim
Published: March 2016

Brain signals are often analyzed in the spectral domain, where the power spectral density (PSD) and phase differences and consistency can reveal important information about the network. However, for proper interpretation, it is important to know whether these measures depend on stimulus/behavioral conditions or the reference scheme used to analyze data. We recorded local field potential (LFP) from an array of microelectrodes chronically implanted in area V1 of monkeys under different stimulus/behavioral conditions and computed PSD slopes, coherence, and phase difference between LFPs as a function of frequency and interelectrode distance while using four reference schemes: single wire, average, bipolar, and current source density. PSD slopes were dependent on reference scheme at low frequencies (below 200 Hz) but became invariant at higher frequencies. Average phase differences between sites also depended critically on referencing, switching from 0 degrees for single-wire to 180 degrees for average reference. Results were consistent across different stimulus/behavioral conditions. We were able to account for these results based on the coherence profile across sites and properties of the spectral estimator. Our results show that using different reference schemes can have drastic effects on phase differences and PSD slopes and therefore must be interpreted carefully to gain insights about network properties.
Robust Clustering Method in the Presence of Scattered Observations
Authors: Notsu Akifumi , Eguchi Shinto
Published: March 2016

Contamination of scattered observations, which are either featureless or unlike the other observations, frequently degrades the performance of standard methods such as K-means and model-based clustering. In this letter, we propose a robust clustering method in the presence of scattered observations called Gamma-clust. Gamma-clust is based on a robust estimation for cluster centers using gamma-divergence. It provides a proper solution for clustering in which the distributions for clustered data are nonnormal, such as t-distributions with different variance-covariance matrices and degrees of freedom. As demonstrated in a simulation study and data analysis, Gamma-clust is more flexible and provides superior results compared to the robustified K-means and model-based clustering.
Fishing and the Rural Economy Farmer-Fishermen and the Merrimack River 1800–1846
Authors: Reardon Erik
Published: March 2016

During the early nineteenth century, rural New England communities consistently strove to manage river fisheries to ensure sustainable returns. While agriculture provided a strong foundation for the region's pre-industrial economy, this paper explores the place of rivers and fish within New England's socio-economic landscape and the ways in which locals sought to defend their way of life from the destructive potential of over-fishing and industrial dams.
Captain Robert Niles and the Connecticut State Navy
Authors: Cohen Sheldon S.
Published: March 2016

Captain Robert Niles (1734–1818) commanded the schooner, Spy, in the Connecticut state navy during the American Revolution. He gathered intelligence, protecting his state's coast, transported supplies, and traded for contraband in the West Indies. In 1778 Niles sailed Spy to France, delivering a copy of the American-ratified Franco-American Treaty. After the war, he continued maritime pursuits, went bankrupt, endured family tragedies, yet remained active in civic and religious affairs.
Kinesonic Repertoire and Racial Discourse in Japanese Brazilian Taiko Practice
Authors: Lorenz Shanna
Published: March 2016

Over the past decade there has been an unprecedented surge of interest in taiko ensemble drumming (kumi-daiko) in Brazil, with more than 150 ensembles currently performing in states all across the country. This paper focuses on the performance and pedagogy of Setsuo Kinoshita, a second-generation Japanese Brazilian taiko musician and composer who maintains a successful taiko academy in São Paulo, Brazil and directs two ensembles, Wadaiko Sho and Setsuo Kinoshita Taiko Group. Based on class and performance observation, as well as interviews conducted with Kinoshita and his students between 2003 and 2013, this study argues that Brazilian styles of taiko practice, which work to heal the traumas of ethnic exclusion from the Brazilian nation state, emerge at the crossroads of Japanese and Brazilian kinesonic repertoires.
Imagining organization through metaphor and metonymy: Unpacking the process-entity paradox
Authors: Schoeneborn Dennis , Vásquez Consuelo , Cornelissen Joep
Published: March 2016

Within organization studies, Morgan’s seminal book Images of Organization has laid the groundwork for an entire research tradition of studying organizational phenomena through metaphorical lenses. Within Morgan’s list of images, that of ‘organization as flux and transformation’ stands out in two important regards. First, it has a strong metonymic dimension, as it implies that organizations consist of and are constituted by processes. Second, the image invites scholars to comprehend organizations as a paradoxical relation between organization (an entity) and process (a non-entity). In this article, we build on Morgan’s work and argue that flux-based images of organization vary in their ability to deal with the process-entity paradox, depending on the degree to which its metaphorical and metonymic dimensions are intertwined. We also examine three offsprings of the flux image: Organization as Becoming, Organization as Practice, and Organization as Communication. We compare these images regarding their metaphor–metonymy dynamics, the directionality of their process of imagination, and their degree of concreteness. We contribute to Morgan’s work, and to organization studies more generally, by offering an analytical grid for unpacking different processes of imagining organization. Moreover, our grid helps explain why images of organization vary in their ability to comprehend organizations in dialectical and paradoxical ways.
Employment regulation and productivity: Is there a case for deregulation?
Authors: Brookes Michael , James Philip , Rizov Marian
Published: March 2016

This article explores empirically the economic validity of the relatively limited approach to the regulation of employment protection pursued in the UK over the last three decades and within the European Union more recently. It does so by comparing the UK’s manufacturing labour productivity performance with those of three countries – France, Germany and Sweden – that possess more stringent employment protection laws. The findings reveal that while productivity growth in the UK was superior to France and Sweden, it was lower than in Germany. More generally, the study’s findings fail to support the existence of a straightforward negative relationship between regulatory stringency and productivity growth.
The imaginary and politics in modernity
Authors: Domingues José Maurício
Published: March 2016

Culture has been at the core of many recent developments in the social sciences, particularly after the so-called ‘linguistic turn’. This has also been seeping into discussions about the relation between culture and politics. The present paper proposes a specific theoretical approach in this respect. It mobilizes Castoriadis’s concept of the ‘imaginary’, as well as those of ‘collective subjectivity’ and ‘social creativity’. It also makes use of the rich case of ‘populism’, more generally, and Peronism, more specifically, so as to make clear its workings in a sociological strategy that unfolds in both the theoretical and the empirically-oriented domains. The paper offers an alternative to Alexander’s and Laclau’s approaches to culture and politics.
Dimethyl trisulfide
Authors: Rockwood Gary A , Thompson David E , Petrikovics Ilona
Published: March 2016

In the present studies, the in vitro and in vivo efficacies of a novel cyanide countermeasure, dimethyl trisulfide (DMTS), were evaluated. DMTS is a sulfur-based molecule found in garlic, onion, broccoli, and similar plants. DMTS was studied for effectiveness as a sulfur donor-type cyanide countermeasure. The sulfur donor reactivity of DMTS was determined by measuring the rate of the formation of the cyanide metabolite thiocyanate. In experiments carried out in vitro in the presence of the sulfurtransferase rhodanese (Rh) and at the experimental pH of 7.4, DMTS was observed to convert cyanide to thiocyanate with greater than 40 times higher efficacy than does thiosulfate, the sulfur donor component of the US Food and Drug Administration-approved cyanide countermeasure Nithiodote®. In the absence of Rh, DMTS was observed to be almost 80 times more efficient than sodium thiosulfate in vitro. The fact that DMTS converts cyanide to thiocyanate more efficiently than does thiosulfate both with and without Rh makes it a promising sulfur donor-type cyanide antidote (scavenger) with reduced enzyme dependence in vitro. The therapeutic cyanide antidotal efficacies for DMTS versus sodium thiosulfate were measured following intramuscular administration in a mouse model and expressed as antidotal potency ratios (APR = LD50 of cyanide with antidote/LD50 of cyanide without antidote). A dose of 100 mg/kg sodium thiosulfate given intramuscularly showed only slight therapeutic protection (APR = 1.1), whereas the antidotal protection from DMTS given intramuscularly at the same dose was substantial (APR = 3.3). Based on these data, DMTS will be studied further as a promising next-generation countermeasure for cyanide intoxication.