bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Genomic Status ofMETPotentiates Sensitivity to MET and MEK Inhibition in NF1-Related Malignant Peripheral Nerve Sheath Tumors
Authors: Peacock Jacqueline D. , Pridgeon Matthew G. , Tovar Elizabeth A. , Essenburg Curt J. , Bowman Megan , Madaj Zachary , Koeman Julie , Boguslawski Elissa A. , Grit Jamie , Dodd Rebecca D. , Khachaturov Vadim , Cardona Diana M. , Chen Mark , Kirsch David G. , Maina Flavio , Dono Rosanna , Winn Mary E. , Graveel Carrie R. , Steensma Matthew R.
Published: May 2018

Malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumors (MPNST) are highly resistant sarcomas that occur in up to 13% of individuals with neurofibromatosis type I (NF1). Genomic analysis of longitudinally collected tumor samples in a case of MPNST disease progression revealed early hemizygous microdeletions in NF1 and TP53, with progressive amplifications of MET, HGF, and EGFR. To examine the role of MET in MPNST progression, we developed mice with enhanced MET expression and Nf1 ablation (Nf1fl/ko;lox-stop-loxMETtg/+;Plp-creERTtg/+; referred to as NF1-MET). NF1-MET mice express a robust MPNST phenotype in the absence of additional mutations. A comparison of NF1-MET MPNSTs with MPNSTs derived from Nf1ko/+;p53R172H;Plp-creERTtg/+ (NF1-P53) and Nf1ko/+;Plp-creERTtg/+ (NF1) mice revealed unique Met, Ras, and PI3K signaling patterns. NF1-MET MPNSTs were uniformly sensitive to the highly selective MET inhibitor, capmatinib, whereas a heterogeneous response to MET inhibition was observed in NF1-P53 and NF1 MPNSTs. Combination therapy of capmatinib and the MEK inhibitor trametinib resulted in reduced response variability, enhanced suppression of tumor growth, and suppressed RAS/ERK and PI3K/AKT signaling. These results highlight the influence of concurrent genomic alterations on RAS effector signaling and therapy response to tyrosine kinase inhibitors. Moreover, these findings expand our current understanding of the role of MET signaling in MPNST progression and identify a potential therapeutic niche for NF1-related MPNSTs.

Significance: Longitudinal genomic analysis reveals a positive selection for MET and HGF copy number gain early in malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumor progression. Cancer Res; 78(13); 3672–87. ©2018 AACR.
Androgen Receptor Signaling Reduces Radiosensitivity in Bladder Cancer
Authors: Ide Hiroki , Inoue Satoshi , Mizushima Taichi , Jiang Guiyang , Chuang Kuang-Hsiang , Oya Mototsugu , Miyamoto Hiroshi
Published: May 2018

Although radiotherapy often with chemotherapy has been shown to offer a survival benefit comparable with that of radical cystectomy in select patients with bladder cancer, the development of radiosensitization strategies may significantly enhance its application. Notably, emerging preclinical evidence has indicated the involvement of androgen receptor (AR) signaling in urothelial cancer progression. We here assessed whether AR signals could contribute to modulating radiosensitivity in bladder cancer cells. Ionizing radiation reduced the numbers of viable cells or colonies of AR-negative lines more significantly than those of AR-positive lines. Similarly, in AR-positive cells cultured in androgen-depleted conditions, dihydrotestosterone treatment lowered the effects of irradiation. Meanwhile, an antiandrogen hydroxyflutamide enhanced them in AR-positive cells cultured in the presence of androgens. AR knockdown or hydroxyflutamide treatment also resulted in a delay in DNA double-strand break repair 4–24 hours after irradiation. We then established “radiation-resistant” sublines and found considerable elevation of the expression of AR as well as DNA repair genes, such as ATR, CHEK1, and PARP-1, in these sublines, compared with respective controls. Furthermore, dihydrotestosterone induced the expression of these DNA repair genes in irradiated AR-positive cells, and hydroxyflutamide antagonized the androgen effects. Finally, in a mouse xenograft model, low-dose flutamide was found to enhance the inhibitory effects of irradiation, and its tumor size was similar to that of AR knockdown line with radiation alone. These findings suggest that AR activity inversely correlates with radiosensitivity in bladder cancer. Accordingly, antiandrogenic drugs may function as sensitizers of irradiation, especially in patients with AR-positive urothelial cancer. Mol Cancer Ther; 17(7); 1566–74. ©2018 AACR.
Experience with One-Stage Repair of Urethral Strictures Using the Augmented Anastomotic Repair Technique
Authors: Kunz Inga , Musch Michael , Vogel Anne , Maek Mirko , Roggenbuck Ulla , Krege Susanne , Kroepfl Darko
Published: May 2018

Introduction: We report the results of augmented anastomotic repair (AAR) in the treatment of anterior urethral strictures. Material and Methods: In this retrospective study, we evaluated 71 consecutive patients who had undergone AAR between June 2004 and June 2013. Medical records were reviewed to identify early postoperative complications based on the Clavien-Dindo classification (CDC). Self-developed standardized questionnaires sent to the patients and referring urologists were used to collect data on late complications (>90) days. Stricture recurrence (SR) was defined as any postoperative endoscopic or open surgical intervention on the urethra. The influence of patient demographics, stricture characteristics, and operative procedure performed on the occurrence of SR was analyzed. Results: Early postoperative complications were rare events (11.3%) with only one severe CDC complication. Late complications were reported in 46.5% cases. At a median follow-up of 17 months (range 3–114 months), however, 64 patients had no evidence of SR and required no further intervention, giving an overall success rate of 90.1%. Seven patients with SR had a higher body mass index, were older, and had been operated on by less experienced surgeon(s). Most SRs occurred within the first year after surgery. Conclusions: AAR was an effective and safe operative technique that allowed one-stage repair in our patients with anterior urethral strictures who needed resection of the scarred urethra and otherwise were not suitable for primary anastomosis or simple substitution urethroplasty.
Optimizing the Risk Assessment in Upper Gastrointestinal Bleeding: Comparison of 5 Scores Predicting 7 Outcomes
Authors: Cúrdia Gonçalves Tiago , Barbosa Mara , Xavier Sofia , Boal Carvalho Pedro , Firmino Machado João , Magalhães Joana , Marinho Carla , Cotter José
Published: May 2018

Introduction: Although different scores have been suggested to predict outcomes in the setting of upper gastrointestinal bleeding (UGIB), few comparative studies between simplified versions of older scores and recent scores have been published. We aimed to evaluate the accuracy of pre- (PreRS) and postendoscopic Rockall scores (PostRS), the Glasgow-Blatchford score (GBS) and its simplified version (sGBS), as well as the AIMS65 score in predicting different clinical outcomes. Methods: In this retrospective study, PreRS, PostRS, GBS, sGBS, and AIMS65 score were calculated, and then, areas under the receiver operating characteristic curve were used to evaluate the performance of each score to predict blood transfusion, endoscopic therapy, surgery, admission to intensive/intermediate care unit, length of hospital stay, as well as 30-day rebleeding or mortality. Results: PreRS, PostRS, GBS, and sGBS were calculated for all the 433 included patients, but AIMS65 calculation was only possible for 315 patients. Only the PreRS and PostRS were able to fairly predict 30-day mortality. The GBS and sGBS were good in predicting blood transfusion and reasonable in predicting surgery. None of the studied scores were good in predicting the need for endoscopic therapy, admission to intensive/intermediate care unit, length of hospital stay, and 30-day rebleeding. Conclusions: Owing to the identified limitations, none of the 5 studied scores could be singly used to predict all the clinically relevant outcomes in the setting of UGIB. The sGBS was as precise as the GBS in predicting blood transfusion and surgery. The PreRS and PostRS were the only scores that could predict 30-day mortality. An algorithm using the PreRS and the sGBS as an initial approach to patients with UGIB is presented and suggested.
Retrograde Intrarenal Surgery for Symptomatic Renal Sinus Cysts: Long-Term Results and Literature Review
Authors: Mancini Vito , Cormio Luigi , d’Altilia Nicola , Benedetto Giuseppe , Ferrarese Paolo , Balzarro Matteo , Defidio Lorenzo , Carrieri Giuseppe
Published: May 2018

Introduction: To report the long-term multicenter experience with retrograde intrarenal holmium-laser incision (RIR-HoLI) in the management of symptomatic renal sinus cysts (RSCs). In the literature, RIR-HoLI has been shown to be a safe and effective treatment, but there are only a few reports regarding long-term results and reproducibility of this procedure. Material and Methods: From June 2010 to June 2015, 14 patients with symptomatic RSCs underwent RIR-HoLI. The mean age was 52.1 ± 11.28 years (range 28–77) and the mean cyst size was 53.2 ± 14.23 mm (range 35–90). In all cases, contrast-enhanced computer tomography (CT) showed compression of the renal pelvis by the cyst (no malignancy). Surgical outcome was assessed in terms of symptoms improvement (measured by Visual Analogue Scale [VAS] for pain) and renal ultrasound findings at 3–6–12 months postoperatively and then yearly. CT scan was carried out at 12 months follow-up. Results: RIR-HoLI was successful in all patients. The mean operative time was 47.8 ± 13.54 min (range 30–80) and mean hospital stay was 3.5 days (range 2–5). There were 2 Clavien grade II complications (flank pain and urgency delaying discharge). After surgery, all patients ­became asymptomatic (VAS score change, p = 0.0001). One patient had persistence of a small cyst (10 mm). Mean follow-up is 44 ± 17.24 months (range 24–84); all patients remained asymptomatic, with no signs of recurrence. Conclusions: RIR-HoLI proved to be a safe and effective treatment for symptomatic RSCs. In our experience, it provided excellent long-term results and was reproducible at 4 different ­institutions.
Prognostic Value of Soluble Death Receptor Ligands in Patients with Transitional Cell Carcinoma of Bladder
Authors: Ben Bahria-Sediki Islem , Chebil Mohamed , Sampaio Carla , Martel-Frachet Véronique , Cherif Mohamed , Zermani Rachida , Rammeh Soumaya , Ben Ammar Gaaied Amel , Bettaieb Ali
Published: May 2018

Background: The activation of Fas/Fas ligand (FasL) and DR4-DR5/tumor necrosis factor-related-apoptosis-inducing ligand (TRAIL) pathways in cancer cells triggers apoptosis. The objective of this study was to investigate the prognostic value of soluble FasL (sFasL) and soluble (sTRAIL) in the serum of patients with bladder cancer. Methods: The sFasL and sTRAIL levels in the sera of patients with bladder cancer or healthy donors were determined using the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Micro-culture tetrazolium viability assay and Western blot were used to analyze cell cytotoxicity and death receptors protein expression respectively. Results: Whether no difference in sTRAIL levels was seen between patients and controls, the level of sFasL was higher in patients than that in healthy donors. According to, sFasL level was the highest in the serum of patients with superficial stage or low- and medium-grade cancer. Moreover, sFasL in patients with superficial noninvasive bladder tumors or low- and medium-grade cancers was higher than that in patients with invasive carcinomas and high-grade cancers. Patients with high levels of sFasL survive longer than those with low levels, probably related to the cytotoxic potential of FasL preserved in its soluble form. Conclusion: The data suggest that monitoring the level of sFasL and its cytotoxic activity could be a prognostic marker in the follow-up of patients with bladder cancer.
Identification of a Novel Keratin 9 Missense Mutation in a Chinese Family with Epidermolytic Palmoplantar Keratoderma
Authors: Xiao Heng , Guo Yi , Yi Junhui , Xia Hong , Xu Hongbo , Yuan Lamei , Hu Pengzhi , Yang Zhijian , He Zhenghao , Lu Hongwei , Deng Hao
Published: May 2018

Background/Aims: Epidermolytic palmoplantar keratoderma (EPPK) is an autosomal dominant genodermatosis. It is characterized by diffuse yellow keratoses on the palmoplantar epidermis, with an erythematous border. The keratin 9 gene (KRT9) and less frequently the keratin 1 gene (KRT1) are responsible for EPPK. This study aims to identify and analyse genetic defects responsible for EPPK in a Han Chinese pedigree. Methods: A four-generation Han Chinese pedigree containing five individuals affected with EPPK was recruited. Exome sequencing, Sanger sequencing, and bioinformatics tools were conducted to identify the mutation in this pedigree. HaCaT cells were transfected with either wild-type or mutated KRT9. Confocal laser immunofluorescence assay, imaging processing, and statistical analysis were performed to evaluate wild-type and mutant KRT9 groups. Results: A novel heterozygous c.1369C>T transition (p.Leu457Phe) in exon 6 of the KRT9 gene was identified in four patients. It co-segregated with the disorder in the family. Functional analysis showed that withdrawal of the filament network from the cell periphery and particle formation were present in about 10% of Leu457Phe-transfected HaCaT cells, while approximately 3% of cells transfected with wild-type KRT9 showed this phenotype. The particles in mutant group were larger than that in wild-type group (P-value < 0.05). Conclusion: The variant may be the disease-causing missense mutation and produce dominant negative effects by interrupting keratin network formation. This study indicates the pathogenic role of the KRT9 gene mutation in this pedigree with EPPK, and may be helpful in genetic counseling, prenatal diagnosis and gene-targeted therapies of EPPK.
Intravenously Delivered Allogeneic Mesenchymal Stem Cells Bidirectionally Regulate Inflammation and Induce Neurotrophic Effects in Distal Middle Cerebral Artery Occlusion Rats Within the First 7 Days After Stroke
Authors: Li XiaoBo , Huang Min , Zhao RenChao , Zhao ChunSong , Liu Yao , Zou HaiQiang , Chen Ling , Guan YunQian , Zhang Y. Alex
Published: May 2018

Background/Aims: Neurotrophic effects and immunosuppression are the main therapeutic mechanisms of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) in stroke treatment. Neurotrophins are produced by graft cells, host neurons, astrocytes, and even microglia/macrophages. Meanwhile, MSCs can increase inflammation if they are not sufficiently induced by pro-inflammatory cytokines. We examined whether intravenously transplanted bone marrow MSCs (BM-MSCs) increase inflammation in distal middle cerebral artery occlusion (dMCAO) rats, how long the increased inflammation effect persists for, and what the final therapeutic outcomes will be. We also tested the neurotrophic role of BM-MSCs and attempted to identify the neurotrophin-producing cells. Methods: At 1 h after dMCAO was performed on Sprague-Dawley rats, allogeneic BM-MSCs were transplanted intravenously. The infarct volume was examined by Tetrazolium Red staining at 2 days (day 2), and the behavioral tests (cylinder test and grid walking test) were performed at 2, 4 (day 4) and 7 days (day 7) after transplantation. The concentrations of inflammation related cytokines and neurotrophins in the ischemic cortex, ipsilateral striatum, and serum, were measured using ELISA at days 2-7. The cell source of neurotrophins was observed by immunohistochemistry. Results: The transplanted cells were mainly found in the infarct border zone (IBZ) of the brain. Infarct volume was reduced and behavioral outcomes were improved at 2 days after ischemia. In the striatum and circulation, BM-MSC transplantation increased inflammation at day 2 and decreased it at day 7. At days 2-7, insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1) and brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) concentrations in the ischemic core of the cortex were significantly higher in the BM-MSC group than in the ischemia vehicle group. IGF-1 and BDNF were derived mainly from host microglia/macrophages in the ischemic core, and transplanted cells in the IBZ. At day 2, BM-MSC transplantation significantly increased the number of IGF-1+CD68+ and BDNF+Iba-1+ double positive cells in the ischemic core cortex. Conclusions: Although increased inflammation, BM-MSCs were still beneficial to dMCAO recovery at day 2. The immunopromoting effect of MSCs was transient and shifted to an immunosuppressive action at day 7. The neurotrophic factors IGF-1 and BDNF, which were mainly derived from transplanted BM-MSCs and host microglia/macrophages, contributed to the therapeutic effects from day 2 to day 7.
Quem tem medo dos antropólogo(a)s? Práticas científicas em novos cenários políticos
Authors: Machado Lia Zanotta , Motta Antonio , Facchini Regina
Published: May 2018

Este artigo busca refletir sobre o percurso e a visibilidade social da antropologia no Brasil nas últimas cinco décadas, como resultado do avanço das chamadas “políticas de identidade” sobre o fazer antropológico. Analisamos os dilemas e desafios colocados para a prática científica no atual cenário político, no qual forças conservadoras se insurgiram contra a expansão dos direitos à pluralidade: indígenas, quilombolas, questões de gênero e diversidade sexual. Apresentamos, assim, o dossiê “Quem tem medo dos antropólogo(a)s? Dilemas e desafios para a produção e práticas científicas em novos cenários políticos”, cujo propósito é oferecer múltiplas contribuições para refletir, dimensionar e qualificar os dilemas e desafios trazidos pelo novo e recente cenário político.
Os antropólogos, as terras tradicionalmente ocupadas e as estratégias de redefinição do Estado no Brasil
Authors: O’Dwyer Eliane Cantarino
Published: May 2018

O objetivo deste texto é refletir sobre o fazer antropológico no decorrer dos processos de construção moderna do Brasil como Estado-nação, isto é, os processos do chamado “nation-building”, nos quais empreendimentos capitalistas e o Estado moderno constituem os dois mais importantes poderes que organizam o espaço hoje. O projeto modernizador de construção do Estado-nação brasileiro não envolve apenas os governantes que tentam implementá-lo, mas também aqueles que lutam contra seus efeitos negativos em espaços políticos legais estabelecidos. Juntamente com o projeto modernizador são configuradas novas formas de fazer história, principalmente após a Constituinte de 1987-8, mediante o reconhecimento das terras tradicionalmente ocupadas por indígenas, quilombolas e outras categorias de povos tradicionais. É contra esses direitos diferenciados de cidadania que é instaurada a CPI da FUNAI e do INCRA, que busca, em última instância, atingir os direitos territoriais e culturais de povos tradicionais mediante estratégias de criminalização de pesquisadores. A criminalização atua de modo a desqualificar pesquisas acadêmicas, assim como estudos realizados para a elaboração de relatórios técnicos antropológicos e laudos periciais judiciais, que venham a resultar na garantia de direitos territoriais e no questionamento dos efeitos socioambientais dramáticos. Tais estudos apontam que a implementação de metas públicas definidas pelo projeto modernizador atinge a continuidade de modos tradicionais de fazer, criar e viver.
Antropologia e sociobiologia: breve crônica sobre a ressurreição de um debate
Authors: Macagno Lorenzo
Published: May 2018

No final de 2016, um Requerimento emitido por membros de uma Comissão Parlamentar de Inquérito (CPI), conhecida como CPI FUNAI-INCRA 2, solicitou a quebra de sigilo bancário e fiscal da Associação Brasileira de Antropologia (ABA), bem como do seu presidente. Para fundamentar as acusações contra a ABA, o Requerimento citou, em uma de suas passagens, argumentos de Napoleon A. Chagnon, dentre os quais a afirmação de que os antropólogos brasileiros não fazem ciência, mas ativismo. Chagnon foi um dos poucos antropólogos a adotar os postulados da chamada sociobiologia. Com a evocação do nome de Chagnon, o Requerimento da CPI estava, involuntariamente, “ressuscitando” um debate moribundo: antropologia versus sociobiologia. A partir do cenário acusatório montado pela CPI FUNAI-INCRA 2, este artigo retoma aquela controvérsia fundamental que, desde a década de 1970, dividiu antropólogos e sociobiólogos.
Religião, arte e política na controvérsia pública da Igrejinha da Pampulha
Authors: Oliveira Paola Lins de
Published: May 2018

O artigo apresenta uma reflexão sobre os primeiros anos da biografia cultural da Igreja de São Francisco de Assis, situada no bairro da Pampulha, Belo Horizonte – MG. A Igrejinha da Pampulha se insere em um plano de modernização urbana idealizado no início dos anos de 1940 pelo então prefeito da capital mineira, Juscelino Kubitschek, que dá origem ao Conjunto Arquitetônico da Pampulha. Com projeto do arquiteto Oscar Niemeyer e programa decorativo encabeçado pelo artista plástico Cândido Portinari, a edificação é recusada pelas autoridades religiosas mineiras, estabelecendo uma controvérsia pública entre defensores e críticos de sua consagração religiosa. O interesse que ancora esta análise está no modo como a edificação fundamenta, condensa e estimula consórcios entre as dimensões religiosa, artística e também política, ao mesmo tempo em que seus idealizadores, críticos e defensores oscilam entre, de um lado, a sustentação de tais associações e, de outro, a aposta nas distinções entre as mesmas dimensões, tanto para defendê-las quanto para criticá-las. Trata-se portanto de um caso no qual está em jogo o tensionamento constante do paradigma moderno de separação e autonomia das instâncias religiosas, artísticas e políticas.
Nota dos Editores
Authors: Moutinho Laura
Published: May 2018

Nota dos Editores
La place du sadomasochisme lesbien : construction et vivabilité des plaisirs dans une nouvelle de Jane Delynn
Authors: Wadbled Nathanaël
Published: May 2018

Dans « The duchess of LA », J. Delynn propose le récit d’une initiation à la sexualité sadomasochiste lesbienne. Elle l’oppose à une sexualité sadomasochiste hétérosexuelle en la décrivant dans un espace différent de l’espace domestique conjugal. Dans ce dernier, le plaisir est la réalisation d’un désir préalablement déterminé par lequel le sujet définit à la fois son identité et la conscience de lui-même. Dans un club sadomasochiste lesbien au contraire, le plaisir est une jouissance qui survient en excès par rapport à la conscience que le sujet a de lui-même. La conscience du désir est alors produite performativement. Il s’agit d’un côté de comprendre ce qui produit un orgasme, et d’un autre côté de le vivre.
Renée Vivien, tradutora de Safo
Authors: Leite Letticia Batista Rodrigues
Published: May 2018

O objetivo deste artigo é apresentar e comentar, de forma breve, as traduções/versões francesas de duas composições atribuídas à poeta Safo de Lesbos (VII-VI a.C.) feitas por Renée Vivien (1877-1909). O enfoque não será posto na avaliação da qualidade literária do seu textos em francês, em comparação com o texto grego, mas sim, nas motivações que levaram essa autora a traduzir os poemas sáficos, assim como na sua escolha explícita em afirmar o homoerotismo poético, expresso no feminino, que pode ser lido nesses fragmentos e que, a contragosto ou não, impôs-se, em alguma medida, à crítica que se dedicou a comentá-los como uma questão incontornável.
Evaluation of the Impact of a Chronic Total Coronary Occlusion on Ventricular Arrhythmias and Long‐Term Mortality in Patients With Ischemic Cardiomyopathy and an Implantable Cardioverter‐Defibrillator (the eCTOpy‐in‐ICD Study)
Authors: van Dongen Ivo M. , Yilmaz Dilek , Elias Joëlle , Claessen Bimmer E. P. M. , Delewi Ronak , Knops Reinoud E. , Wilde Arthur A. M. , van Erven Lieselot , Schalij Martin J. , Henriques José P. S.
Published: May 2018

Background

Previous studies report conflicting results about a higher incidence of ventricular arrhythmias in patients with a chronic total coronary occlusion (
CTO
). We aimed to investigate this association in a large cohort of implantable cardioverter defibrillator patients with long‐term follow‐up.

Methods and Results

All consecutive patients from 1992 onwards who underwent implantable cardioverter defibrillator implantation for ischemic cardiomyopathy at the Leiden University Medical Center were evaluated. Coronary angiograms were reviewed for the presence of a
CTO
. The occurrence of ventricular arrhythmias and survival status at follow‐up were compared between patients with and patients without a
CTO
. A total of 722 patients constitute the study cohort (age 66±11 years; 84% males; 74% primary prevention, median left ventricular ejection fraction 30% [first–third quartile: 25–37], 44% received a cardiac resynchronization therapy defibrillator). At baseline, 240 patients (33%) had a
CTO
, and the
CTO
s were present for at least 44 (2–127) months. The median follow‐up duration was 4 (2–6) years. On long‐term follow‐up,
CTO
patients had a higher crude appropriate device therapy rate (37% versus 27%,
P
=0.010) and a lower crude survival rate (51% versus 67%,
P
<0.001) compared with patients without a
CTO
. Corrected for baseline characteristics including left ventricular ejection fraction, the presence of a
CTO
was an independent predictor for appropriate device therapy.

Conclusions

The presence of a
CTO
in implantable cardioverter defibrillator patients was associated with more appropriate device therapy and worse prognosis at long‐term follow‐up. Further investigation is warranted regarding a potential beneficial effect of
CTO
revascularization on the incidence of ventricular arrhythmias.
A new species of Wimmeria (Celastraceae) from Central America
Authors: JIMÉNEZ JOSÉ ESTEBAN , BARRIE FRED R.
Published: May 2018

Wimmeria excoriata, a heretofore undescribed species from the dry forests of Central America, is described and illustrated. It may be distinguished from W. cyclocarpa by its obovate to oblanceolate leaves with rounded apices and larger flowers. It was treated as W. pubescens in the Flora of Nicaragua, but differs from that species in having larger leaves with penninerved secondary venation and larger flowers.
Foundations in Switzerland: Between the American and the German Cases
Authors: von Schnurbein Georg , Perez Marybel
Published: May 2018

This article considers the current state of the Swiss foundation sector in relation to both its own historical development and its counterparts in Germany and the United States. Through a descriptive analysis of the database of the Center for Philanthropy Studies (CEPS) of 11,619 foundations and a case study of 2,679 foundations in 7 cantons, we show that despite the similarities to Germany in historical growth and to the United States in asset distribution Swiss foundations are unique in density and fields of activity they pursue. In terms of roles Swiss foundations are close to the U.S. foundations in their emphasis on complementarity, but in terms of approach are close to Germany with a significant number of grant-making foundations. Overall, it is found that despite some socioeconomic transformations in Switzerland the categorization of the foundation sector close to a liberal model has not fundamentally changed.
Foundations in China: From Statist to Corporatist
Authors: Chan Kin-Man , Lai Weijun
Published: May 2018

This article discusses the development of philanthropic foundations in China. In the early stage of development from 1980s to 2003, most Chinese foundations were established by the government. They were given a special privilege to raise funds from the public but their projects were usually carried out through an “encapsulated system,” that is, within the administrative networks of the government agencies. The 2004 reform in the regulation of foundations allowed space for nongovernmental foundations to emerge, particularly those founded by corporations or individual elites. The Chinese government expected most of them to rely on their own funds and did not grant them right to conduct public fundraising. Some of these foundations later became “policy entrepreneurs” striving for equal right in fundraising and making grants to nongovernmental organizations. Regardless of these changes, the Chinese state still possesses eminent regulatory power and informal political influences in the sector. The foundation regime has changed from a statist to a corporatist model but is unlikely to move further to a liberal one.
Online insomnia treatment and the reduction of anxiety symptoms as a secondary outcome in a randomised controlled trial: The role of cognitive-behavioural factors
Authors: Gosling John A , Batterham Phil , Ritterband Lee , Glozier Nick , Thorndike Frances , Griffiths Kathleen M , Mackinnon Andrew , Christensen Helen M
Published: May 2018

Objective:

Insomnia and anxiety commonly co-occur, yet the mechanisms underlying this remain unclear. The current paper describes the impact of an Internet-based intervention for insomnia on anxiety, and explores the influence of two cognitive-behavioural constructs – dysfunctional beliefs about sleep and sleep-threat monitoring.

Methods:

A large-scale, 9-week, two-arm randomised controlled trial ( N = 1149) of community-dwelling Australian adults with insomnia and elevated yet subclinical depression symptoms was conducted, comparing a cognitive behavioural therapy–based online intervention for insomnia (Sleep Healthy Using The Internet) with an attention-matched online control intervention (HealthWatch). Symptoms of anxiety were assessed at pretest, posttest, and 6-month follow-up. Dysfunctional beliefs about sleep and sleep threat monitoring were assessed only at pretest.

Results:

Sleep Healthy Using The Internet led to a greater reduction in anxiety symptoms at both posttest ( t724.27 = –6.77, p < 0.001) and at 6-month follow-up ( t700.67 = –4.27, p < 0.001) than HealthWatch. At posttest and follow-up, this effect was found to moderated by sleep-threat monitoring ( t713.69 = –2.39, p < 0.05 and t694.77 = –2.98, p < 0.01 respectively) but not by dysfunctional beliefs about sleep at either posttest or follow-up ( t717.53 = –0.61, p = 0.55 and t683.79 = 0.22, p = 0.83 respectively). Participants in the Sleep Healthy Using The Internet condition with higher levels of sleep-threat monitoring showed a greater reduction in anxiety than those with lower levels from pretest to posttest, ( t724.27 = –6.77, p < 0.001) and through to 6-month follow-up ( t700.67 = –4.27, p < 0.001). This result remained after controlling for baseline anxiety levels.

Conclusion:

The findings suggest that online cognitive behavioral therapy interventions for insomnia are beneficial for reducing anxiety regardless of people’s beliefs about their sleep and insomnia, and this is particularly the case for those with high sleep-threat monitoring. This study also provides further evidence for cognitive models of insomnia.
Innovation and inter-organizational learning in the context of public service reform
Authors: Hartley Jean , Rashman Lyndsay
Published: May 2018

This article examines links between innovation and inter-organizational learning in the context of public service reform. The theory-building and empirical research draws on longitudinal analysis using mixed methods and multiple stakeholder respondents, set in the context of the Beacon Scheme, an instrument of UK public service reform. The research examines two questions: first, how does inter-organizational learning contribute to innovation? Second, how do changes in the approach to inter-organizational learning shape changes in the approach to innovation over time? The research on the whole of English local government ( N = 388) used temporal bracketing to examine developments in three phases over nine years. The article builds theory about the inter-organizational learning underpinning innovation, and shows that the approach to innovation changed over time, shifting from learning to imitate, to learning to innovate.

Points for practitioners

• Innovation is underpinned by inter-organizational learning. • Organizations improved over time in their ability to acquire and use learning. • Innovation involves the sharing of tacit as well as explicit knowledge. • Over time, organizations learnt to shift from learning to imitate, to learning to innovate. • Improvement through inter-organizational learning was not uniform. Initially, differences between organizations widened as those able to acquire learning used it to improve more rapidly. • Adaptation to local context, not adoption of a single approach, is apparent but is underemphasized in public service reform. • Learning pull, not dissemination push, aids learning and improvement.
Ordinal Data Models for No-Opinion Responses in Attitude Survey
Authors: Iannario Maria , Manisera Marica , Piccolo Domenico , Zuccolotto Paola
Published: May 2018

In analyzing data from attitude surveys, it is common to consider the “don’t know” responses as missing values. In this article, we present a statistical model commonly used for the analysis of responses/evaluations expressed on Likert scales and extended to take into account the presence of don’t know responses. The main objective is to offer an alternative to the usual custom to treat them as missing values by considering them as a source of uncertainty. The original proposal in this article is the introduction of the relevant covariates in order to discriminate subpopulations that can show different behaviors in choosing between a substantive response and the don’t know option.
Between Academia and Politics: Latin American Studies in Germany during the Cold War
Authors: Puhle Hans-Jürgen
Published: May 2018

Latin American studies in Germany from the 1960s on developed in two waves with (partial) crises and periods of stagnation in between. Whereas in the communist GDR they were affected by the limited scope of academic endeavors and their instrumentalization for state and party politics and policies, in the Federal Republic interdisciplinary Latin American studies had two tiers (within the universities and outside as independent research institutes) and were shaped by the particular structure of funding schemes and agencies and by “triggers” such as the Cuban Revolution, the Chilean coup, the arrival of exiles, and the presence of the Latin American revolutionary experience in the debates of the West German student movement after 1968. While many of the West German features were shared with other Western countries, significant differences emerged because of Germany’s short colonial tradition, the Cold War rivalry between the Federal Republic and the GDR, and the fact that political foundations such as the Konrad Adenauer Foundation and the Friedrich Ebert Foundation played a key role not only in designing and implementing government-financed development aid projects in Latin America but also in helping to promote and shape a new takeoff for Latin American studies (a uniquely German constellation).

A partir de la década de 1960, los estudios alemanes sobre Latinoamérica se desarrollaron en dos oleadas, con crisis (parciales) y períodos de estancamiento en el proceso. En la RDA comunista, la investigación se vio afectada por el alcance limitado de los esfuerzos académicos y su instrumentalización para políticas estatales y partidarias. En la República Federal, los estudios interdisciplinarios latinoamericanos se desarrollaron en dos ámbitos (universidades además de lugares externos como institutos de investigación independientes) y obedeciendo a estructuras y agencias de financiamiento particulares, así como “factores detonantes” (por ejemplo, la Revolución Cubana, el golpe de estado en Chile, la llegada de exiliados y la presencia de la experiencia revolucionaria latinoamericana en los debates del movimiento estudiantil de Alemania Occidental después de 1968). Mientras que muchas de las características de la República Federal eran compartidas por otros países occidentales, surgieron diferencias significativas a partir de la corta tradición colonial alemana, la rivalidad entre la República Federal y la RDA durante la Guerra Fría, y el hecho de que patronatos políticos como la Fundación Konrad Adenauer y la Fundación Friedrich Ebert desempeñaron un papel clave no solo en el diseño e implementación de proyectos gubernamentales de ayuda al desarrollo en Latinoamérica, sino también en promover y encaminar los estudios latinoamericanos (en una constelación exclusivamente alemana).
Metropolitan Living: The Los Angeles Parklabrea Apartments
Authors: Cayer Aaron
Published: May 2018

Reflecting a commitment to public service and an interest in abiding investments, life insurance companies after the Second World War were responsible for the construction of an unprecedented number of housing developments across the United States. They were able to help alleviate housing shortages, elevate the standards of postwar housing, and offer new forms of modern living. This article examines the practices of the Metropolitan Life Insurance Company and its developing of Parklabrea (now Park La Brea) in Los Angeles during the 1940s. As the largest housing community west of the Mississippi River, Parklabrea stands prominently in the center of the city, though it is elided in histories of California housing. Against the backdrop of postwar public housing, which failed in part due to a disregard for urban context, Parklabrea’s history reveals how life insurance companies were increasingly attuned to the social, physical, and economic contexts of postwar cities.
Construing the Essence: The Effects of Construal Level on Genetic Attributions for Individual and Social Group Differences
Authors: Napier Jaime L. , Luguri Jamie B. , Dovidio John F. , Oltman Kathleen A.
Published: May 2018

The present research links a nonsocial, contextual influence (construal level) to the tendency to endorse genetic attributions for individual and social group differences. Studies 1 to 3 show that people thinking in an abstract (vs. concrete) mind-set score higher on a measure of genetic attributions for individual and racial group differences. Study 4 showed that abstract (vs. concrete) construal also increased genetic attributions for novel groups. Study 5 explored the potential downstream consequences of construal on intergroup attitudes, and found that abstract (vs. concrete) construal led people to endorse genetic attributions in general and this was associated with increased anti-Black prejudice.
The Role of Affect in Shaping the Behavioral Consequences of CEO Option Incentives
Authors: Zolotoy Leon , O’Sullivan Don , Martin Geoffrey P. , Veeraraghavan Madhu
Published: May 2018

We advance behavioral agency theory by exploring the influence of mood or “affect” on the behavioral consequences of stock option incentives. Drawing on insights from psychology and behavioral decision theory, we describe how affect influences agent risk behavior. We argue that positive affect amplifies both the extent to which executives reduce strategic risk taking in response to risk bearing and engage in strategic risk taking in response to incentives for further enrichment. Building again on the psychology literature, we describe how CEO accountability attenuates the influence of affect on CEO risk behavior in response to stock option incentives. We test our expectations in a longitudinal data set of CEO stock option incentives, affect, and strategic risk taking by U.S. firms.
The Role of Patent Co-inventorship Networks in Regional Inventive Performance
Authors: de Araújo Inácio Fernandes , Gonçalves Eduardo , Taveira Juliana Gonçalves
Published: May 2018

Patent co-inventorship networks are important for knowledge acquisition and can influence the innovative performance of regions. However, collaborative networks play a different role depending on the regional characteristics. Thus, we analyze the relationship between the properties of technological collaboration networks and the inventive performance for core and peripheral regions. We also classified the regions using a typology created from their potential to access knowledge in the intra- and interregional networks. The collaborative networks were constructed by means of patent application data for Brazil in the period 2000–2011. The main results show that the external links in the co-inventorship networks are essential for regions that do not have autosufficiency to innovate. Therefore, the regions lagging behind can benefit from the diffusion of knowledge created in core regions by means the interregional collaborations with such regions.
Reconfiguration, Contestation, and Decline
Authors: Sovacool Benjamin K. , Lovell Katherine , Ting Marie Blanche
Published: May 2018

Large technical systems (LTS) are integral to modern lifestyles but arduous to analyze. In this paper, we advance a conceptualization of LTS using the notion of mature “phases,” drawing from insights into innovation studies, science and technology studies, political science, the sociology of infrastructure, history of technology, and governance. We begin by defining LTS as a unit of analysis and explaining its conceptual utility and novelty, situating it among other prominent sociotechnical theories. Next, we argue that after LTS have moved through the (overlapping) phases proposed by Thomas Hughes of invention, expansion, growth, momentum, and style, mature LTS undergo the additional (overlapping) phases of reconfiguration, contestation (subject to pressures such as drift and crisis), and eventually stagnation and decline. We illustrate these analytical phases with historical case studies and the conceptual literature, and close by suggesting future research to refine and develop the LTS framework, particularly related to more refined typologies, temporal dimensions, and a broadening of system users. We aim to contribute to theoretical debates about the coevolution of LTS as well as empirical discussions about system-related use, sociotechnical change, and policy-making.
Institutional Quality, Taxation and Human Development: The Case of Morocco
Authors: Castellano Fernando López , Sánchez Isabel Marín
Published: May 2018

The main goal of this article is to explore the relationship between taxation and development in Morocco, particularly among university students in the city of Tetouan. This article analyzes the culture and tax morale in a sample of university students, in order to offer a deeper explanation on the obstacles that hamper the construction of human development in that country. A fairer and more equitable tax system is at the basis of human development. In this sense, this research shows the necessity to restore the relationship and trust of citizens toward their states. The work is organized as follows: first, there is a brief introduction; then the second part raises the theoretical framework of the research. The third part analyzes the data collected through the survey on tax culture and development, and the article concludes with a brief reflection.
A reconfigurable interactive interface for controlling robotic origami in virtual environments
Authors: Huang Jian-Lin , Zhakypov Zhenishbek , Sonar Harshal , Paik Jamie
Published: May 2018

Origami shape transformation is dictated by predefined folding patterns and their folding sequence. The working principle of robotic origami is based on the same principle: we design quasi-two-dimensional tiles and connecting hinges and define and program their folding sequences. Since the tiles are often of uniform shape and size, their final configuration is governed by the kinematic relationship. Mathematicians, computer scientists and even architects have studied a wide range of origami algorithms. However, for multiple shape transformations, the origami design parameters and consequently sequence planning become more challenging. In this work, we present a reconfigurable interactive interface, a physics-based modeling control interface to explore the design space of origami robots. We developed two interactive modes for proof of concept of a bidirectional communication interface between virtual and physical environments. The first interaction mode is origami-inspired, foldable surfaces with distributed sensors that can recreate folding sequences and shape transformations in a virtual environment via hardware-in-loop simulation. Its complementary digital transcription lays the foundation for a robotic origami design tool that provides visual representation of various design formulations as well as an intuitive controller for robotic origami. In the second interaction mode, we construct a physics-based modeling interface for intuitive user manipulation of robotic origami in a virtual environment. Algorithms for graphical representation and command transformation were developed for robotic interaction. Lastly, we tested the efficacy of the algorithms on prototypes to discover the applications and capacities of the reconfigurable interactive interface.
Drug and Alcohol-Related Crime Among University Students
Authors: Bennett Trevor , Holloway Katy
Published: May 2018

The aim of the article is to determine the approximate prevalence of drug and alcohol-related crime among university students in seven universities in the United Kingdom and to assess whether there are differences between substance users who offend and substance users who do not offend. In total, 7,855 students submitted a questionnaire. The results of the study show that 10% of students who used drugs and about the same percentage who used alcohol had committed substance-related crimes in the current academic year. The most prolific offenders in relation to both drug and alcohol-related offending were males, those who frequently went out to socialise, frequent users of nightclubs off campus, and those in poor physical or mental health. The article proposes that preventative interventions should be used to address alcohol and drug-related crime and its consequences.