bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Farming of Plant-Based Veterinary Vaccines and Their Applications for Disease Prevention in Animals
Authors: Liew Pit Sze , Hair-Bejo Mohd
Published: August 2015

Plants have been studied for the production of pharmaceutical compounds for more than two decades now. Ever since the plant-made poultry vaccine against Newcastle disease virus made a breakthrough and went all the way to obtain regulatory approval, research to use plants for expression and delivery of vaccine proteins for animals was intensified. Indeed, in view of the high production costs of veterinary vaccines, plants represent attractive biofactories and offer many promising advantages in the production of recombinant vaccine proteins. Furthermore, the possibility of conducting immunogenicity and challenge studies in target animals has greatly exaggerated the progress. Although there are no edible plant-produced animal vaccines in the market, plant-based vaccine technology has great potentials. In this review, development, uses, and advantages of plant-based recombinant protein production in various expression platforms are discussed. In addition, examples of plant-based veterinary vaccines showing strong indication in terms of efficacy in animal disease prevention are also described.
An Intelligent Wireless Sensor Networks System with Multiple Servers Communication
Authors: Li Jian-qiang , He Sui-qiang , Ming Zhong , Cai Shubin
Published: August 2015

For shortcomings of current smart home system and power line carrier insufficient data transferring, an intelligent sensor networks system based on intelligent gateway is studied in this paper. Smart home system includes internal network, intelligent gateway, and external network. Multiple servers are designed in gateway, which start at the same time and receive various forms of data. Then data is processed for internal network format. External network includes several modes of communication such as TCP/IP, UDP, and pipe. Internal network includes ZigBee wireless and power line carrier (PLC) communication. Power line carrier protocol is improved, and it expands data transmission capacity to accommodate communication needs of modern family. Smart home system is designed as modules, such as intelligent gateway module, power line carrier communication module, ZigBee wireless communication modules, and appliance within electric equipment. Finally this system is physically designed and verified. The smart home system introduced in this paper has easily used and has strong compatibility.
Room-Temperature Synthesis of Ni Nanoparticles as the Absorbent Used for Sewage Treatment
Authors: Zhang Genhua , Li Jianchen , Zhang Guangshu , Zhao Lijun
Published: August 2015

The magnetic Ni nanoparticles of 10–30 nm in size were synthesized by the reduction of Ni2+by NaBH4at room temperature. The amount of added water in the formation of Ni nanoparticles is a significant factor, which ensures that Ni nanoparticles are not oxidized by oxygen. XRD patterns and FESEM micrographs showed the constituent and structure and micromorphology. Congo red was used as adsorbate to quantitatively examine the adsorption capability of Ni nanoparticles for the organic dyes in industry wastewater. The magnetic hysteresis measurement indicated that the Ni nanoparticles presented ferromagnetic properties. The experimental results showed the as-obtained Ni nanoparticles might be a potential adsorbent in sewage treatment process.
Perivascular M2 Macrophages Stimulate Tumor Relapse after Chemotherapy
Authors: Hughes Russell , Qian Bin-Zhi , Rowan Charlotte , Muthana Munitta , Keklikoglou Ioanna , Olson Oakley C. , Tazzyman Simon , Danson Sarah , Addison Christina , Clemons Mark , Gonzalez-Angulo Ana Maria , Joyce Johanna A. , De Palma Michele , Pollard Jeffrey W. , Lewis Claire E.
Published: August 2015

Tumor relapse after chemotherapy-induced regression is a major clinical problem, because it often involves inoperable metastatic disease. Tumor-associated macrophages (TAM) are known to limit the cytotoxic effects of chemotherapy in preclinical models of cancer. Here, we report that an alternatively activated (M2) subpopulation of TAMs (MRC1+TIE2HiCXCR4Hi) accumulate around blood vessels in tumors after chemotherapy, where they promote tumor revascularization and relapse, in part, via VEGF-A release. A similar perivascular, M2-related TAM subset was present in human breast carcinomas and bone metastases after chemotherapy. Although a small proportion of M2 TAMs were also present in hypoxic tumor areas, when we genetically ablated their ability to respond to hypoxia via hypoxia-inducible factors 1 and 2, tumor relapse was unaffected. TAMs were the predominant cells expressing immunoreactive CXCR4 in chemotherapy-treated mouse tumors, with the highest levels expressed by MRC1+ TAMs clustering around the tumor vasculature. Furthermore, the primary CXCR4 ligand, CXCL12, was upregulated in these perivascular sites after chemotherapy, where it was selectively chemotactic for MRC1+ TAMs. Interestingly, HMOX-1, a marker of oxidative stress, was also upregulated in perivascular areas after chemotherapy. This enzyme generates carbon monoxide from the breakdown of heme, a gas known to upregulate CXCL12. Finally, pharmacologic blockade of CXCR4 selectively reduced M2-related TAMs after chemotherapy, especially those in direct contact with blood vessels, thereby reducing tumor revascularization and regrowth. Our studies rationalize a strategy to leverage chemotherapeutic efficacy by selectively targeting this perivascular, relapse-promoting M2-related TAM cell population. Cancer Res; 75(17); 3479–91. ©2015 AACR.
Serum Retinol and Carotenoid Concentrations and Prostate Cancer Risk: Results from the Prostate Cancer Prevention Trial
Authors: Nash Sarah H. , Till Cathee , Song Xiaoling , Lucia M. Scott , Parnes Howard L. , Thompson Ian M. , Lippman Scott M. , Platz Elizabeth A. , Schenk Jeannette
Published: August 2015

Background: Findings from epidemiologic studies examining associations of serum retinol and carotenoids with prostate cancer risk have been inconsistent. This case–control study nested in the Prostate Cancer Prevention Trial evaluated associations of serum retinol and carotenoids with total, low-, and high-grade prostate cancer risk in a highly screened study population.

Methods: We used logistic regression adjusting for age, family history of prostate cancer, race, body mass index, and serum cholesterol to estimate ORs and 95% confidence intervals (CI) of prostate cancer by quartiles of serum retinol and carotenoids, separately in the placebo (975 cases/1,009 frequency-matched controls) and finasteride (708 cases/743 frequency-matched controls) arms of the trial.

Results: Serum retinol concentrations were associated with increased risk of total prostate cancer [OR (95% CI) comparing the highest quartile of serum retinol with the lowest: 1.30 (1.00–1.68)] and high-grade prostate cancer [OR (95% CI), 1.74 (1.14–2.68)] in the placebo arm of the trial only. Also in the placebo arm, there was a moderate positive association of α-carotene with risk of total prostate cancer [OR (95% CI), 1.32 (1.01–1.73)]. None of the other carotenoids was associated with prostate cancer risk in the placebo arm. No associations were observed for retinol and carotenoids in the finasteride arm.

Conclusion: In the placebo arm of this prospective study, high serum retinol and α-carotene concentrations were associated with increased risk of total and high-grade prostate cancers.

Impact: Men with higher levels of serum retinol and α-carotene may be at increased risk for prostate cancer. Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev; 24(10); 1507–15. ©2015 AACR.
Activation of EZH2 and SUZ12 Regulated by E2F1 Predicts the Disease Progression and Aggressive Characteristics of Bladder Cancer
Authors: Lee Se-Ra , Roh Yun-Gil , Kim Seon-Kyu , Lee Ju-Seog , Seol So-Young , Lee Hyun-Hee , Kim Won-Tae , Kim Wun-Jae , Heo Jeonghoon , Cha Hee-Jae , Kang Tae-Hong , Chung Jin Woong , Chu In-Sun , Leem Sun-Hee
Published: August 2015

Purpose: Previous study identified E2F1 as a key mediator of non–muscle-invasive bladder cancer (NMIBC) progression. The aim of this study was to identify the E2F1-related genes associated with poor prognosis and aggressive characteristics of bladder cancer.

Experimental Design: Microarray analysis was performed to find E2F1-related genes associated with tumor progression and aggressiveness in the gene expression data from 165 primary patients with bladder cancer. The biologic activity of E2F1-related genes in tumor progression and aggressiveness was confirmed with experimental assays using bladder cancer cells and tumor xenograft assay.

Results: The expression of E2F1 was significantly associated with EZH2 and SUZ12. The overexpression of E2F1, EZH2, and SUZ12 enhanced cancer progression including cell colony formation, migration, and invasiveness. Knockdown of these genes reduced motility, blocked invasion, and decreased tumor size in vivo. E2F1 bound the proximal EZH2 and SUZ12 promoter to activate transcription, suggesting that E2F1 and its downstream effectors, EZH2 and SUZ12, could be important mediators for the cancer progression. In addition, we confirmed an association between these genes and aggressive characteristics. Interestingly, the treatment of anticancer drugs to the cells overexpressing E2F1, EZH2, and SUZ12 induced the expression of CD44, KLF4, OCT4, and ABCG2 known as cancer stem cell (CSC)–related genes.

Conclusions: The link between E2F1, EZH2, and/or SUZ12 revealed that E2f1 directly regulates transcription of the EZH2 and SUZ12 genes. The signature of E2F1–EZH2–SUZ12 shows a predictive value for prognosis in bladder tumors and the E2F1–EZH2–SUZ12–driven transcriptional events may regulate the cancer aggressiveness and chemo-resistance, which may provide opportunity for development of new treatment modalities. Clin Cancer Res; 21(23); 5391–403. ©2015 AACR.
Redesigning a Monospecific Anti-FGFR3 Antibody to Add Selectivity for FGFR2 and Expand Antitumor Activity
Authors: Yin Yiyuan , Djakovic Stevan , Marsters Scot , Tien Janet , Peng Jing , Tremayne Jarrod , Lee Genee , Neve Richard M. , Wu Yan , Merchant Mark , Ashkenazi Avi , Carter Paul J.
Published: August 2015

FGF receptors (FGFR) are attractive candidate targets for cancer therapy because they are dysregulated in several human malignancies. FGFR2 and FGFR3 can be inhibited potentially without disrupting adult tissue homeostasis. In contrast, blocking the closely related FGFR1 and FGFR4, which regulate specific metabolic functions, carries a greater safety risk. An anti-FGFR3 antibody was redesigned here to create function-blocking antibodies that bind with dual specificity to FGFR3 and FGFR2 but spare FGFR1 and FGFR4. R3Mab, a previously developed monospecific anti-FGFR3 antibody, was modified via structure-guided phage display and acquired additional binding to FGFR2. The initial variant was trispecific, binding tightly to FGFR3 and FGFR2 and moderately to FGFR4, while sparing FGFR1. The X-ray crystallographic structure indicated that the antibody variant was bound to a similar epitope on FGFR2 as R3Mab on FGFR3. The antibody was further engineered to decrease FGFR4-binding affinity while retaining affinity for FGFR3 and FGFR2. The resulting dual-specific antibodies blocked FGF binding to FGFR3 and FGFR2 and inhibited downstream signaling. Moreover, they displayed efficacy in mice against human tumor xenografts overexpressing FGFR3 or FGFR2. Thus, a monospecific antibody can be exquisitely tailored to confer or remove binding to closely related targets to expand and refine therapeutic potential. Mol Cancer Ther; 14(10); 2270–8. ©2015 AACR.
Real-Time Imaging Reveals Local, Transient Vascular Permeability, and Tumor Cell Intravasation Stimulated by TIE2hi Macrophage–Derived VEGFA
Authors: Harney Allison S. , Arwert Esther N. , Entenberg David , Wang Yarong , Guo Peng , Qian Bin-Zhi , Oktay Maja H. , Pollard Jeffrey W. , Jones Joan G. , Condeelis John S.
Published: August 2015

Dissemination of tumor cells is an essential step in metastasis. Direct contact between a macrophage, mammalian-enabled (MENA)–overexpressing tumor cell, and endothelial cell [Tumor MicroEnvironment of Metastasis (TMEM)] correlates with metastasis in breast cancer patients. Here we show, using intravital high-resolution two-photon microscopy, that transient vascular permeability and tumor cell intravasation occur simultaneously and exclusively at TMEM. The hyperpermeable nature of tumor vasculature is described as spatially and temporally heterogeneous. Using real-time imaging, we observed that vascular permeability is transient, restricted to the TMEM, and required for tumor cell dissemination. VEGFA signaling from TIE2hi TMEM macrophages causes local loss of vascular junctions, transient vascular permeability, and tumor cell intravasation, demonstrating a role for the TMEM within the primary mammary tumor. These data provide insight into the mechanism of tumor cell intravasation and vascular permeability in breast cancer, explaining the value of TMEM density as a predictor of distant metastatic recurrence in patients.

Significance: Tumor vasculature is abnormal with increased permeability. Here, we show that VEGFA signaling from TIE2hi TMEM macrophages results in local, transient vascular permeability and tumor cell intravasation. These data provide evidence for the mechanism underlying the association of TMEM with distant metastatic recurrence, offering a rationale for therapies targeting TMEM. Cancer Discov; 5(9); 932–43. ©2015 AACR.

See related commentary by Kadioglu and De Palma, p. 906.

This article is highlighted in the In This Issue feature, p. 893
Tumoral Immune Resistance Mediated by Enzymes That Degrade Tryptophan
Authors: van Baren Nicolas , Van den Eynde Benoît J.
Published: August 2015

Cancer patients mount T-lymphocyte responses against antigens expressed selectively by their malignancy, but these responses often fail to control their disease, because tumors select mechanisms that allow them to resist immune destruction. Among the numerous resistance mechanisms that have been proposed, metabolic inhibition of T cells by tryptophan catabolism deserves particular attention, because of the frequent expression of tryptophan-degrading enzymes in human tumors, and because in vitro and in vivo studies have shown that their enzymatic activity can be readily blocked by pharmacologic inhibitors, thereby restoring T-cell–mediated tumor cell killing and paving the way to targeted therapeutic intervention. In view of recent observations, and taking into account the differences between human and mouse data that differ in several aspects, in this Cancer Immunology at the Crossroads article, we discuss the role of the three enzymes that have been proposed to control tryptophan catabolism in tumoral immune resistance: indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenase 1 (IDO1), tryptophan 2,3-dioxygenase (TDO), and indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenase 2 (IDO2). Cancer Immunol Res; 3(9); 978–85. ©2015 AACR.
Saphenous Vein Graft Disease Is Associated with a Low Serum Erythropoietin Level
Authors: Kocaoğlu İbrahim , Arslan Uğur , Koza Yavuzer , Balcı Mustafa Mücahit , Çelik Gizem , Aydoğdu Sinan
Published: August 2015

Objective: To measure the serum erythropoietin (EPO) level in patients with saphenous vein grafts (SVGs) and to compare the EPO level in those with and without SVG disease. Subjects and Methods: The study included 85 consecutive patients with a history of coronary artery bypass graft surgery that underwent elective coronary angiography. Patients with >30% stenosis (diseased grafts) in at least one saphenous graft were included in group 1 (diseased group: n = 40), and group 2 (nondiseased group: n = 45) consisted of patients without diseased SVGs. The EPO level was measured using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) using a commercially available ELISA kit; χ2 test and independent samples t test were used where appropriate. Logistic regression was used for multivariate analysis. Results: There were not any significant differences in age, gender, or cardiovascular risk factors between the two groups except for increased triglyceride and low high-density lipoprotein levels in group 2. The EPO level was significantly higher in the nondiseased SVG group than in the diseased SVG group (25.5 ± 9.6 vs. 17.8 ± 6.8 mU ml-1, p = 0.002). Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that the serum EPO level was an independent predictor of SVG disease (OR 1.14, 95% CI 1.06-1.24, p = 0.001). Conclusion: In this study, SVG disease was associated with a low serum EPO level, suggesting that a low EPO level could be predictive of and contributes to the pathophysiology of SVG disease.
Angiotensin II Induces Skeletal Muscle Atrophy by Activating TFEB-Mediated
MuRF1
Expression
Authors: Du Bois Philipp , Pablo Tortola Cristina , Lodka Doerte , Kny Melanie , Schmidt Franziska , Song Kunhua , Schmidt Sibylle , Bassel-Duby Rhonda , Olson Eric N. , Fielitz Jens
Published: August 2015

Rationale:

Skeletal muscle wasting with accompanying cachexia is a life threatening complication in congestive heart failure. The molecular mechanisms are imperfectly understood, although an activated renin–angiotensin aldosterone system has been implicated. Angiotensin (Ang) II induces skeletal muscle atrophy in part by increased muscle-enriched E3 ubiquitin ligase muscle RING-finger-1 (
MuRF1
) expression, which may involve protein kinase D1 (PKD1).

Objective:

To elucidate the molecular mechanism of Ang II–induced skeletal muscle wasting.

Methods and Results:

A cDNA expression screen identified the lysosomal hydrolase-coordinating transcription factor EB (TFEB) as novel regulator of the human
MuRF1
promoter. TFEB played a key role in regulating Ang II–induced skeletal muscle atrophy by transcriptional control of
MuRF1
via conserved E-box elements. Inhibiting TFEB with small interfering RNA prevented Ang II–induced
MuRF1
expression and atrophy. The histone deacetylase-5 (HDAC5), which was directly bound to and colocalized with TFEB, inhibited TFEB-induced
MuRF1
expression. The inhibition of TFEB by HDAC5 was reversed by PKD1, which was associated with HDAC5 and mediated its nuclear export. Mice lacking PKD1 in skeletal myocytes were resistant to Ang II–induced muscle wasting.

Conclusion:

We propose that elevated Ang II serum concentrations, as occur in patients with congestive heart failure, could activate the PKD1/HDAC5/TFEB/MuRF1 pathway to induce skeletal muscle wasting.
The F-BAR Protein NOSTRIN Dictates the Localization of the Muscarinic M3 Receptor and Regulates Cardiovascular Function
Authors: Kovacevic Igor , Müller Miriam , Kojonazarov Baktybek , Ehrke Alexander , Randriamboavonjy Voahanginirina , Kohlstedt Karin , Hindemith Tanja , Schermuly Ralph Theo , Fleming Ingrid , Hoffmeister Meike , Oess Stefanie
Published: August 2015

Rationale:

Endothelial dysfunction is an early event in cardiovascular disease and characterized by reduced production of nitric oxide (NO). The F-BAR protein NO synthase traffic inducer (NOSTRIN) is an interaction partner of endothelial NO synthase and modulates its subcellular localization, but the role of NOSTRIN in pathophysiology in vivo is unclear.

Objective:

We analyzed the consequences of deleting the
NOSTRIN
gene in endothelial cells on NO production and cardiovascular function in vivo using NOSTRIN knockout mice.

Methods and Results:

The levels of NO and cGMP were significantly reduced in mice with endothelial cell–specific deletion of the
NOSTRIN
gene resulting in diastolic heart dysfunction. In addition, systemic blood pressure was increased, and myograph measurements indicated an impaired acetylcholine-induced relaxation of isolated aortic rings and resistance arteries. We found that the muscarinic acetylcholine receptor subtype M3 (M3R) interacted directly with NOSTRIN, and the latter was necessary for correct localization of the M3R at the plasma membrane in murine aorta. In the absence of NOSTRIN, the acetylcholine-induced increase in intracellular Ca
2+
in primary endothelial cells was abolished. Moreover, the activating phosphorylation and Golgi translocation of endothelial NO synthase in response to the M3R agonist carbachol were diminished.

Conclusions:

NOSTRIN is crucial for the localization and function of the M3R and NO production. The loss of NOSTRIN in mice leads to endothelial dysfunction, increased blood pressure, and diastolic heart failure.
Some Notes on the Representation of Non-Muslim Officials in al-Ǧahšiyārī’s (d. 331/942) Kitāb al-Wuzarāʾ wa-l-kuttāb
Authors: Khalek Nancy
Published: August 2015

Rather than a handbook or chronological history of secretaries and viziers, or a straightforward guide to administrative terminology, the Kitāb al-Wuzarā⁠ʾ wa-l-kuttāb by Muḥammad b. al-ʿAbdūs al-Ǧahšiyārī (d. 331/942) is a collection of ʿAbbāsid-era narratives on the history of early Islamic administration. Related to other works in the genre adab al-kātib, the Kitāb al-Wuzarā⁠ʾ wa-l-kuttāb provides insight into one compiler’s literary techniques as well as his social/cultural agenda. The portion of al-Ǧahšiyārī’s work analyzed here focuses on key events in the Umayyad period and illustrates his apologetic stance on the non-Muslim foundations of ʿAbbāsid administrative structures especially well. Using short anecdotes that contain pithy, repetitive tropes of non-Muslim administrative officials’ arrogance or incompetence, al-Ǧahšiyārī polemically mythologized a foundations narrative for early Islamic administrative history. Several studies of another portion of this text, on the ʿAbbāsid caliphs and the Barmakids, have determined the literary/historical value of al-Ǧahšiyārī’s work. In these brief comments, four short anecdotes from a relatively understudied portion of the Kitāb al-Wuzarā⁠ʾ wa-l-kuttāb are assessed in order to demonstrate al-Ǧahšiyārī’s mode of representation for the earliest stages of Islamic administration.
Gravity Wave Diagnostics and Characteristics in Mesoscale Fields
Authors: Kruse Christopher G. , Smith Ronald B.
Published: August 2015

As numerical models of complex atmospheric flows increase their quality and resolution, it becomes valuable to isolate and quantify the embedded resolved gravity waves. The authors propose a spatial filtering method combined with a selection of quadratic diagnostic quantities such as heat, momentum, and energy fluxes to do this. These covariant quantities were found to be insensitive to filter cutoff length scales between 300 and 700 km, suggesting the existence of a “cospectral gap.” The gravity waves identified with the proposed method display known properties from idealized studies, including vertical propagation, upwind propagation, the relationship between momentum and energy flux, and agreement with fluxes derived from an alternative method involving simulations with and without terrain. The proposed method is applied to 2- and 6-km-resolution realistic WRF simulations of orographic and nonorographic gravity waves over and around New Zealand within complex frontal cyclones. Deep mountain wave, shallow mountain wave, jet-generated gravity wave, and convection-generated gravity wave events were chosen for analysis. The four wave events shared the characteristics of positive vertical energy flux, negative zonal momentum flux, and upwind horizontal energy flux. Two of the gravity wave events were dissipated nonlinearly.
Characterization and Modulation of Langmuir Circulation in Chesapeake Bay
Authors: Scully Malcolm E. , Fisher Alexander W. , Suttles Steven E. , Sanford Lawrence P. , Boicourt William C.
Published: August 2015

Measurements made as part of a large-scale experiment to examine wind-driven circulation and mixing in Chesapeake Bay demonstrate that circulations consistent with Langmuir circulation play an important role in surface boundary layer dynamics. Under conditions when the turbulent Langmuir number Lat is low (<0.5), the surface mixed layer is characterized by 1) elevated vertical turbulent kinetic energy; 2) decreased anisotropy; 3) negative vertical velocity skewness indicative of strong/narrow downwelling and weak/broad upwelling; and 4) strong negative correlations between low-frequency vertical velocity and the velocity in the direction of wave propagation. These characteristics appear to be primarily the result of the vortex force associated with the surface wave field, but convection driven by a destabilizing heat flux is observed and appears to contribute significantly to the observed negative vertical velocity skewness.

Conditions that favor convection usually also have strong Langmuir forcing, and these two processes probably both contribute to the surface mixed layer turbulence. Conditions in which traditional stress-driven turbulence is important are limited in this dataset. Unlike other shallow coastal systems where full water column Langmuir circulation has been observed, the salinity stratification in Chesapeake Bay is nearly always strong enough to prevent full-depth circulation from developing.
Standing Internal Tides in the Tasman Sea Observed by Gliders
Authors: Johnston T. M. Shaun , Rudnick Daniel L. , Kelly Samuel M.
Published: August 2015

Low-mode internal tides are generated at tall submarine ridges, propagate across the open ocean with little attenuation, and reach distant continental slopes. A semidiurnal internal tide beam, identified in previous altimetric observations and modeling, emanates from the Macquarie Ridge, crosses the Tasman Sea, and impinges on the Tasmanian slope. Spatial surveys covering within 150 km of the slope by two autonomous underwater gliders with maximum profile depths of 500 and 1000 m show the steepest slope near 43°S reflects almost all of the incident energy flux to form a standing wave. Starting from the slope and moving offshore by one wavelength (~150 km), potential energy density displays an antinode–node–antinode–node structure, while kinetic energy density shows the opposite.

Mission-mean mode-1 incident and reflected flux magnitudes are distinguished by treating each glider’s survey as an internal wave antenna for measuring amplitude, wavelength, and direction. Incident fluxes are 1.4 and 2.3 kW m−1 from the two missions, while reflected fluxes are 1.2 and 1.8 kW m−1. From one glider surveying the region of highest energy at the steepest slope, the reflectivity estimates are 0.8 and 1, if one considers the kinetic and potential energy densities separately. These results are in agreement with mode-1 reflectivity of 0.7–1 from a model in one horizontal dimension with realistic topography and stratification. The direction of the incident internal tides is consistent with altimetry and modeling, while the reflected tide is consistent with specular reflection from a straight coastline.
Assessment of FY-3A and FY-3B MWHS Observations
Authors: Chen Keyi , English Stephen , Bormann Niels , Zhu Jiang
Published: August 2015

The Fengyun-3 series of satellites (FY-3) began in May 2008 with the launch of FY-3A. The onboard Microwave Humidity Sounders (MWHSs) provide vertical information about water vapor, which is important for numerical weather prediction (NWP). The noise equivalent delta temperature (NEDT) of the MWHS is higher than that of the Microwave Humidity Sounder (MHS) instrument (e.g., on board MetOp-B) but lower than that of the older AMSU-B instruments (on board NOAA-15, NOAA-16, and NOAA-17). Assimilation of MWHS observations into the ECMWF Integrated Forecast System (IFS) improved the fit of short-range forecasts to other observations, notably MHS, and also slightly improved the longer-range forecast scores verified against analyses. Also, assimilating the MWHS on board both FY-3A and FY-3B gave a larger impact than either instrument alone. Furthermore, when MWHS and MHS were added separately to a baseline using neither, the impact of MWHS was found to be comparable to that of MHS. Consequently, ECMWF has been assimilating the FY-3B MWHS data in the operational forecasting system since 24 September 2014. This is the first operational use of Chinese polar-orbiting satellite data by an NWP center outside of China.
Adverse Health Effects of Benzene Exposure Among Children Following a Flaring Incident at the British Petroleum Refinery in Texas City
Authors: D’Andrea Mark A. , Reddy G. Kesava
Published: August 2015

This study examined the health effects of benzene exposure among children from a flaring incident at the British Petroleum (BP) refinery in Texas City, Texas. A total of 899 children (benzene exposed, n = 641 and unexposed, n = 258), aged <17 years, were included. Hematological analysis showed that white blood cell (×103/µL) counts were significantly decreased in the exposed children compared with the unexposed children (7.1 ± 2.2 versus 7.6 ± 2.1, P = .001). Similarly, the hemoglobin (g/dL) levels were decreased significantly in the exposed group compared with the unexposed group (12.7 ± 1.3 vs 13.1 ± 1.5, P = .001). Conversely, platelet (×103/µL) counts were increased significantly in the exposed group compared with the unexposed group (318.6 ± 79.8 versus 266.9 ± 58.8, P = .001). Hepatic enzymes were also significantly elevated among exposed children compared with the unexposed children. These findings suggest that children exposed to benzene are at a higher risk of developing both hepatic and bone marrow–related disorders.
Reduced working hours and stress in the Swedish social services: A longitudinal study
Authors: Barck-Holst Peter , Nilsonne Åsa , Åkerstedt Torbjörn , Hellgren Carina
Published: August 2015

Stress has been reported among Swedish social workers for over a decade. Survey data from a longitudinal quasi-experimental trial in the public sector of reduced working hours, with a proportional decrease in workload and retained full pay, were used to examine the effect on stress, symptoms of Exhaustion syndrome, psychosocial work characteristics and work–life balance in social workers. Reduced working hours had a positive effect on restorative sleep, stress, memory difficulties, negative emotion, sleepiness, fatigue and exhaustion both on workdays and weekends; on sleep quality on weekends; and on demands, instrumental manager support and work intrusion on private life.
Recognition Matters!
Authors: Shelef Nadav G. , Zeira Yael
Published: August 2015

Does international recognition of statehood affect support for territorial compromise among groups engaged in struggles for self-determination? We show that, contrary to skepticism about the impact of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA), international recognition of statehood by the UNGA shapes mass attitudes toward territorial compromise. The impact of international recognition, however, is two-pronged. International recognition simultaneously increases support for partition as a strategy of conflict resolution and decreases support for compromise on the territorial terms of partition. We also suggest a logic to explain these impacts of international recognition based on the intuition that international recognition should improve the bargaining position of the newly recognized group. We demonstrate that international recognition has an impact on mass attitudes of groups in conflict using a combination of a panel survey and survey experiment assessing the impact of the 2012 UNGA recognition of Palestine. This study is the first to show that international recognition can shape mass attitudes toward conflict.
Making useful conflict predictions
Authors: Kennedy Ryan
Published: August 2015

One of the major issues in predicting state failure is the relatively rare occurrence of event onset. This class skew problem can cause difficulties in both estimating a model and selecting a decision boundary. Since the publication of King & Zeng’s studies in 2001, scholars have utilized case-control methods to address this issue. This article builds on the landmark research of the Political Instability Task Force comparing the case-control approach to several other methods from the machine learning field and some original to this study. Case-control methods have several practical disadvantages and show no measurable advantages in prediction. The article also introduces cost-sensitive methods for determining a decision boundary. This explication raises questions about the Task Force’s formulation of a decision boundary and suggests methods for making useful predictions for policy. I find that the decision boundary chosen by the PITF implicitly assumes that the cost of intervention is about 7.7% of the cost of non-intervention when state failure will take place. These findings demonstrate that there is still much work to be done in predicting state failure, especially in limiting the number of false positives. More generally, it suggests caution in using accuracy as a measure of success when significant class imbalance exists in the data.
The Outcomes of Broadcasting Self-Disclosure Using New Communication Technologies: Responses to Disclosure Vary Across One’s Social Network
Authors: Rains Stephen A. , Brunner Steven R.
Published: August 2015

Several new communication technologies have made it relatively easy for individuals to broadcast a single self-disclosure directly to almost everyone with whom they share a relationship—ranging from close friends to little-known acquaintances. Drawing from research on self-disclosure and the negativity effect, two studies were conducted to test the notion that the interpersonal and relational outcomes of broadcasting positive and negative self-disclosures are not uniform. The results of the cross-sectional survey offer evidence that the outcomes of positive and negative broadcasted disclosures vary depending on the receiver’s relationship with the discloser. The results from the experiment largely support the negativity effect explanation for differences in the outcomes of broadcasted disclosures. Relative to positive disclosures, negative broadcasted self-disclosures have a significantly greater impact on acquaintances than on friends’ perceptions of the discloser and their relationship.
Internal Control Weakness Disclosure and Firm Investment
Authors: Sun Yan
Published: August 2015

I use Sarbanes–Oxley Act Section 404 auditor opinions on the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting to examine whether firm investment level is associated with the disclosure of internal control weaknesses. I find that firms that receive adverse auditor internal control opinions have significantly lower investment than firms that receive clean opinions. I also find that these firms’ investment decreases after the weakness revelation and then increases after the weakness remediation. I further find that these firms’ reduction in investment is driven by the decrease in the relatively risky components of investment (i.e., acquisitions, research and development expenses). These results suggest that internal control evaluation and disclosure have significant influence on operating decisions within the firms.
Improving the geospatial consistency of digital libraries metadata
Authors: Renteria-Agualimpia Walter , Lopez-Pellicer Francisco J. , Lacasta Javier , Zarazaga-Soria F. Javier , Muro-Medrano Pedro R.
Published: August 2015

Consistency is an essential aspect of the quality of metadata. Inconsistent metadata records are harmful: given a themed query, the set of retrieved metadata records would contain descriptions of unrelated or irrelevant resources, and may even not contain some resources considered obvious. This is even worse when the description of the location is inconsistent. Inconsistent spatial descriptions may yield invisible or hidden geographical resources that cannot be retrieved by means of spatially themed queries. Therefore, ensuring spatial consistency should be a primary goal when reusing, sharing and developing georeferenced digital collections. We present a methodology able to detect geospatial inconsistencies in metadata collections based on the combination of spatial ranking, reverse geocoding, geographic knowledge organization systems and information-retrieval techniques. This methodology has been applied to a collection of metadata records describing maps and atlases belonging to the Library of Congress. The proposed approach was able to automatically identify inconsistent metadata records (870 out of 10,575) and propose fixes to most of them (91.5%) These results support the ability of the proposed methodology to assess the impact of spatial inconsistency in the retrievability and visibility of metadata records and improve their spatial consistency.
An exploration of search session patterns in an image-based digital library
Authors: Han Hyejung , Wolfram Dietmar
Published: August 2015

Three months of server transaction logs containing complete clickstream data for an image collection digital library were analysed for usage patterns to better understand user searching and browsing behaviour in this environment. Eleven types of user actions were identified from the log content. The study is novel in its combined analytical techniques and use of clickstream data from an image-based digital library. Three analytical techniques were used to analyse the data: (a) network analysis to better understand the relationship between sequential actions; (b) sequential pattern mining to identify frequent action sequences; and (c) k-means cluster analysis to identify groups of session patterns. The analysis revealed strong ties between several pairs of actions, relatively short pattern sequences that frequently duplicate previous actions and largely uniform session behaviour with little individual item browsing within sessions, indicating users are primarily engaged in purposeful and directed searching. Developers of image-based digital libraries should consider design features that support rapid browsing.
A Touch Too Much: Negotiating Masculinity, Propriety and Proximity in Intimate Labour
Authors: Hancock Philip , Sullivan Katie , Tyler Melissa
Published: August 2015

This paper explores how men who perform intimate labour negotiate perceptions of themselves and their work through complex intersections of masculinity, proximity and propriety. Its focus is on the ways in which embodied organizational negotiations are shaped by gendered perceptions of bodily propriety in three examples of physically, sexually and/or emotionally intimate forms of labour: male massage therapists; men who work in sex shops; and men working as Santa Claus performers. While ostensibly quite different forms of work, each is shaped by the expectation that a ‘quality’ interaction with customers or clients will be based upon the nurturance of a close physical, sexual and/or emotional bond between the service provider and recipient, at the same time as maintaining appropriate bodily boundaries and professional distance. Mediating both imperatives requires a careful negotiation of being appropriately close while at the same time understanding that social perceptions of their work, themselves as workers, and their interactions with customers and clients mean that they are frequently under heightened scrutiny, requiring constant vigilance on their part. Drawing on insights from phenomenological writing on embodiment, specifically Merleau-Ponty’s (2002 [1945]) Phenomenology of Perception, the analysis considers the ways in which intersections between masculinity, propriety and proximity are perceived and negotiated in intimate forms of labour, reflecting on instances when a touch becomes ‘too much’. It considers what these instances reveal to us about gendered experiences of embodiment within organizations and the importance of perception in understanding embodied negotiations of workplace intimacy.
Regulatory Forum Opinion Piece*
Authors: Boorman Gary A. , Foster John R. , Laast Victoria A. , Francke Sabine
Published: August 2015

Historically it has been easier to publish positive scientific results than negative data not supporting the research hypothesis. This appears to be increasing, with fewer negative studies appearing in the literature across many disciplines. Failure to recognize the value of negative results has important implications for the toxicology community. Implications include perpetuating scientific fields based upon selective or occasionally erroneous, positive results. One example is decreased vaccination rates and increased measles infections that can lead to childhood mortality following one erroneous positive study linking vaccination to adverse effects despite multiple negative studies. Publication of negative data that challenges existing paradigms enhances progress by stopping further investment in scientifically barren topics, decreases the use of animals, and focuses research in more fruitful areas. The National Toxicology Program (NTP) publishes both positive and negative rodent data. Retrospective analysis of the NTP database has provided insights on the carcinogenic process and in the gradual acceptance of using fewer animals in safety studies. This article proposes that careful publication of both positive and negative data can enhance product safety assessment, add robustness to safety determinations in the regulatory decision-making process, and should be actively encouraged by those determining journal editorial policy.
A Comparison of Parent and Child Narratives of Children’s Recovery From Trauma
Authors: Alisic Eva , Krishna Revathi N. , Robbins Megan L. , Mehl Matthias R.
Published: August 2015

Little is known about correspondence between parents’ and children’s narratives after a child’s exposure to trauma. We examined 24 parent and child narratives of a child’s recovery using Linguistic Inquiry and Word Count, a software program that yields the percentage of words that fall into linguistic categories (e.g., personal pronouns) and psychological categories (e.g., emotion words). Analyses revealed significant parent–child associations for number of words, rate of cognitive processing words, and rate of anxiety words. No associations were found for anger or sadness words. With both similarities and differences in parents’ and children’s narratives, the current findings encourage further research in the domain of posttrauma narratives.
Understanding business intelligence system continuance intention
Authors: Hou Chung-Kuang
Published: August 2015

There is currently a trend for companies to invest in business intelligence (BI) systems to enhance their management decision-making capability. Even though a great deal of attention has been paid to the practical decision-making benefits of BI system adoption, there is still a lack of research to investigate factors that affect users’ intention to continue using BI systems after they had already adopted the systems. Therefore, the aim of the study is to examine post-adoption cognitive beliefs and factors influencing users’ intention to continue using BI systems. This study compares three theoretical models, namely, the Expectation-Confirmation Model of IS Continuance (ECM), the Technology Acceptance Model (TAM), and a synthesized model combining ECM and TAM to examine which model can best explain users’ intentions to continue using BI systems. Survey data collected from 330 respondents in the Taiwanese electronics industry were examined using structural equation modeling. Our findings indicate that the synthesized model was the most parsimonious and had a greater explanatory power than the TAM and ECM models. The results suggest that users’ continuance intention is determined by perceived usefulness and satisfaction. Several implications and limitations of this study are discussed.
Is there pain with neuropathic characteristics in patients with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis? A cross-sectional study
Authors: Moisset Xavier , Cornut-Chauvinc Catherine , Clavelou Pierre , Pereira Bruno , Dallel Radhouane , Guy Nathalie
Published: August 2015

Background:

Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis is a progressive debilitating and lethal disorder, characterized by degeneration of motor neurons that warrant palliative care. Pain is frequent in patients with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis and significantly impacts on quality of life.

Aim:

To describe pain and assess the prevalence of pain with neuropathic characteristics in patients with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis.

Design:

Cross-sectional survey from March 2009 to October 2013.

Setting/participants:

Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis patients underwent multidisciplinary assessment and completed questionnaires measuring the severity and impact of pain and anxiety. The Douleur Neuropathique–4 questionnaire was used to look for pain with neuropathic characteristics.

Results:

Of 96 clinical evaluations, 93 were usable for analysis (age at onset: 62 ± 12.5 years; disease duration: 34 ± 33 months). The overall pain prevalence was 66%, with 9% experiencing pain with neuropathic characteristics. Pain was most often located in the neck and shoulders (38% of pain patients). Neck and shoulder pain was associated with neck ( p = 0.04) and proximal upper limb muscular weakness ( p = 0.02), respectively. Pain was not associated with disease duration, respiratory or nutritional parameters, but with higher anxiety scores ( p = 0.01). Patients with neuropathic characteristics pain did not differ significantly from patients with or without pain, except that they had higher minimal pain intensity score ( p < 0.05). Neuropathic characteristics pain was frequently spontaneous (rarely evoked) and described as numbness, burning, electric shock, tingling, and pins-and-needle.

Conclusion:

Even if amyotrophic lateral sclerosis is a disease of the motor system, pain is frequent and can rarely have neuropathic characteristics. Pain must be always sought and appropriately treated to limit quality of life impairment.
Restricted sedation and absence of cognitive impairments after administration of intranasal scopolamine
Authors: Weerts Aurélie P , Pattyn Nathalie , Putcha Lakshmi , Hoag Stephen W , Van Ombergen Angelique , Hallgren Emma , Van de Heyning Paul H , Wuyts Floris L
Published: August 2015

Introduction:

Space motion sickness in astronauts during spaceflight causes significant discomfort, which might impede their functionality. Pharmacological treatment has been mainly restricted to promethazine. Transdermal and oral scopolamine have also been used in space; however, their use was reduced due to unpredictable effectiveness and side effects. Recently, intranasal scopolamine administration has gained much interest, since this route ensures fast and reliable absorption with a decreased incidence of undesirable side effects. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of intranasal scopolamine on cognitive performance and to determine its side effects.

Methods:

This double-blind, placebo controlled, repeated measures study evaluated vigilant attention, short-term memory, implicit memory and working memory. Side effects were reported on a 22-item questionnaire and sleepiness was assessed by the Karolinska, Stanford and Epworth Sleepiness Scales.

Results:

Scopolamine had no effect on cognitive function. Only the Karolinska score was significantly increased for scopolamine compared to placebo. Participants reported a dry mouth and dizziness after receiving scopolamine.

Discussion:

Results show that intranasal scopolamine did not impair cognitive performance. Intranasal scopolamine might be a good alternative to promethazine for the alleviation of space motion sickness, since the agent has minimal sedative effects and does not hamper cognitive performance.