bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Investigation of Vitamin D-Binding Protein Polymorphism Impact on Coronary Artery Disease and Relationship with Longevity: Own Data and a Review
Authors: Stakisaitis Donatas , Lesauskaitė Vita , Girdauskaitė Milda , Janulionis Ernestas , Ulys Albertas , Benetis Rimantas
Published: April 2016

The aim of the study was to assess the effect of vitamin D-binding protein (DBP) polymorphism on coronary artery disease (CAD). DBP phenotypes were identified in the groups: control (n=306), men suffering from CAD (n=154), and long-lived individuals (n=108). Isoelectric focusing of DBP phenotypes in serum was performed on polyacrylamide gel. Distribution of DBP phenotypes in the study groups was found to be in Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium. Gc1s-1s phenotype and Gc1s allele frequency in CAD groups were significantly higher than in control, and Gc1s allele frequency was found significantly more often in CAD compared with long-lived group (p<0.05). The Gc2 allele frequency in control was higher as compared with Gc2 frequency in CAD group (p<0.05). The Gc2-2 phenotype was more frequent in long-lived survivors than in the CAD group (p<0.05). It was found that the Gc1s allele significantly increased the risk of CAD with the odds ratio (OR) equal to 1.45 (p<0.02) and showed Gc2 to be related with a decreased risk of CAD (OR = 0.69;p<0.03). Authors review the role of DBP in resistance to atherosclerosis and cancer as the main longevity determinants.
A Rare Case of Primary Anterior Mediastinal Yolk Sac Tumor in an Elderly Adult Male
Authors: Nakhla Sammy G. , Sundararajan Srinath
Published: April 2016

Mediastinal germ cell tumors are extragonadal germ cell tumors (EGGCTs) commonly seen in children and young adults. They are more common in men. Clinically they are classified as teratomas, seminomas, and nonseminomatous germ cell tumors. Primary mediastinal yolk sac neoplasm is an extremely rare tumor. We present here a very rare case of primary yolk sac tumor of the anterior mediastinum in a 73-year-old male. Mediastinal germ cell tumors have a worse prognosis than gonadal germ cell tumors. Chemotherapy followed by adjuvant surgery improves overall response in EGGCTs. However, comorbidities can render treatment with chemotherapy and surgery challenging in elderly patients.
SOCS3 Modulates the Response to Enzalutamide and Is Regulated by Androgen Receptor Signaling and CpG Methylation in Prostate Cancer Cells
Authors: Handle Florian , Erb Holger H.H. , Luef Birgit , Hoefer Julia , Dietrich Dimo , Parson Walther , Kristiansen Glen , Santer Frédéric R. , Culig Zoran
Published: April 2016

The proinflammatory cytokine IL6 is associated with bad prognosis in prostate cancer and implicated in progression to castration resistance. Suppressor of cytokine signaling 3 (SOCS3) is an IL6-induced negative feedback regulator of the IL6/Janus kinase (JAK)/STAT3 pathway. This study reveals that the SOCS3 promoter is hypermethylated in cancerous regions compared with adjacent benign tissue in prostate cancer using methylation-specific qPCR. A series of in vitro experiments was performed to assess the functional impact of low SOCS3 expression during anti-androgen treatment. Using lentivirus-mediated knockdown, it was demonstrated for the first time that SOCS3 regulates IL6/JAK/STAT3 signaling in androgen receptor–positive LNCaP cells. In addition, SOCS3 mRNA is upregulated by the anti-androgens bicalutamide and enzalutamide. This effect is caused by androgen receptor–mediated suppression of IL6ST and JAK1 expression, which leads to altered STAT3 signaling. Functionally, knockdown of SOCS3 led to enhanced androgen receptor activity after 3 weeks of enzalutamide treatment in an inflammatory setting. Furthermore, the stemness/self-renewal associated genes SOX2 and NANOG were strongly upregulated by the long-term treatment, and modulation of SOCS3 expression was sufficient to counteract this effect. These findings prove that SOCS3 plays an important role during anti-androgen treatment in an inflammatory environment.

Implications: SOCS3 is frequently inactivated by promoter hypermethylation in prostate cancer, which disrupts the feedback regulation of IL6 signaling and leads to reduced efficacy of enzalutamide in the presence of inflammatory cytokines. Mol Cancer Res; 14(6); 574–85. ©2016 AACR.
Bile Acid-Induced Suicidal Erythrocyte Death
Authors: Lang Elisabeth , Pozdeev Vitaly I. , Gatidis Sergios , Qadri Syed M. , Häussinger Dieter , Kubitz Ralf , Herebian Diran , Mayatepek Ertan , Lang Florian , Lang Karl S. , Lang Philipp A.
Published: April 2016

Background/Aims: In nucleated cells, bile acids may activate cation channels subsequently leading to entry of Ca2+. In erythrocytes, increase of cytosolic Ca2+ activity triggers eryptosis, the suicidal death of erythrocytes characterized by phosphatidylserine exposure at the cell surface and cell shrinkage. Eryptosis is triggered by bile duct ligation, an effect partially attributed to conjugated bilirubin. The present study explored, whether bile acids may stimulate eryptosis. Methods: Phosphatidylserine exposing erythrocytes have been identified utilizing annexin V binding, cell volume estimated from forward scatter, cytosolic Ca2+ activity determined using Fluo-3 fluorescence, and ceramide abundance at the erythrocyte surface utilizing specific antibodies. Results: The exposure of human erythrocytes to glycochenodesoxycholic (GCDC) and taurochenodesoxycholic (TCDC) acid was followed by a significant decrease of forward scatter and significant increase of Fluo-3 fluorescence, ceramide abundance as well as annexin V binding. The effect on annexin V binding was significantly blunted, but not abolished by removal of extracellular Ca2+. Conclusion: Bile acids stimulate suicidal cell death, an effect paralleled by and in part due to Ca2+ entry and ceramide. The bile acid induced eryptosis may in turn lead to accelerated clearance of circulating erythrocytes and, thus, may contribute to anemia in cholestatic patients.
Protective Effects of Cerium Oxide Nanoparticles on MC3T3-E1 Osteoblastic Cells Exposed to X-Ray Irradiation
Authors: Wang Cuifen , Blough Eric , Dai Xiaoniu , Olajide Omolola , Driscoll Henry , Leidy John W. , July Mose , Triest William E. , Wu Miaozong
Published: April 2016

Background/Aims: Exposure to ionizing radiation can result in bone damage, including decreased osteocyte number and suppressed osteoblastic activity. However, molecular mechanisms remain to be elucidated, and effective prevention strategies are still limited. This study was to investigate whether cerium oxide nanoparticles (CeO2 NP) can protect MC3T3-E1 osteoblast-like cells from damaging effects of X-ray irradiation, and to study the underpinning mechanism(s). Methods: MC3T3-E1, a osteoblast-like cell line, was exposed to X-ray irradiation and treated with different concentration of CeO2 nanoparticles. The micronucleus frequency was counted under a fluorescence microscope. Cell viability was evaluated using MTT assay. The effects of irradiation and CeO2 nanoparticles on alkaline phosphatase activity and MC3T3-E1 mineralization were further assayed. Results: We found that the ratio of micronuclei to binuclei was dose-dependently increased with X-ray irradiation (from 2 to 6 Gy), but diminished with the increased concentration of CeO2 NP treatment (from 50 to 100 nM). Exposure to X-rays (6 Gy) decreased cell viability, differentiation and the mineralization, but CeO2 NP treatment (100 nM) attenuated the deteriorative effects of irradiation. Both intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) production and extracellular H2O2 concentration were increased after X-ray irradiation, but reduced following CeO2 NP treatment. Similar to irradiation, exposure to H2O2 (10 µM) elevated the frequency of micronuclei and diminished cell viability and mineralization, while these changes were ameliorated following CeO2 NP treatment. Conclusions: Taken together, our findings suggest that CeO2 nanoparticles exhibit astonishing protective effects on irradiation-induced osteoradionecrosis in MC3T3-E1 cells, and the protective effects appear to be mediated, at least partially, by reducing oxidative stress.
Proline Absorption and SGK1 Expression are Inhibited in Intestinal Tis7 Transgenic Mice
Authors: Lu Jianyun , Garcia Amy M. , Geisman Taylor , Wakeman Derek , Warner Brad W. , Swietlicki Elzbieta A. , Levin Marc S. , Rubin Deborah C.
Published: April 2016

Background/Aims: Expression of the transcriptional co-regulator tis7 is markedly increased in the adaptive small intestine in a mouse model of short bowel syndrome. Transgenic mice with enterocytic overexpression of tis7 (tis7tg) have accelerated triglyceride absorption, with increased adiposity yet reduced skeletal muscle mass. To further explore this phenotype, we examined whether tis7 also regulates amino acid and carbohydrate absorption. Methods: Small intestinal glucose and amino acid uptake were quantified in wild type (WT) and tis7tg mice. Amino acid transporter expression was assessed by qRT-PCR and immunoblot. Apical cell surface transporter expression was quantified by cell surface biotinylation. Results: Active glucose uptake rates were unchanged. Uptake of proline but not leucine was significantly reduced in tis7tg vs. WT jejunum. Expression of serum and glucocorticoid-induced kinase 1 (SGK1), a solute carrier activator, was inhibited in tis7tg jejunum. Apical membrane expression of the proline transporter SLC6A20 was reduced in tis7tg jejunum. Conclusions: Tis7 overexpression in enterocytes inhibits proline uptake, associated with decreased expression of activated SGK1 and reduced cell surface expression of SLC6A20. Consistent with the observed tis7tg phenotype, tis7 overexpression increases triglyceride absorption but has adverse effects on the uptake of selected amino acids. Tis7 has pleiotropic effects on nutrient absorption.
Distribution and Function of PACAP and Its Receptors in the Healthy and Nephrotic Kidney
Authors: Eneman Benedicte , van den Heuvel Lambertus , Freson Kathleen , Van Geet Chris , Willemsen Brigith , Dijkman Henry , Levtchenko Elena
Published: April 2016

Background/Aims: Plasma deficiency of pituitary adenylate cyclase-activating polypeptide (PACAP) was recently demonstrated in children with nephrotic syndrome (NS). Previous studies have reported an important protective effect of PACAP on kidney proximal tubules. The aim of this study was to explore the expression of PACAP and its receptors PAC1, VPAC1 and VPAC2 in the healthy and nephrotic kidney and to determine if PACAP has an effect on renal proximal tubular cells exposed to albumin. Methods: Expression of PACAP and its receptors was studied using kidney tissue from healthy and nephrotic children, and in 3 human renal cell lines (glomerular microvascular endothelial cells, podocytes and proximal tubular epithelial HK-2 cells). The functionality of the VPAC1 receptor was tested in HK-2 cells, measuring cyclic adenosine monophosphate levels after PACAP exposure. The influence of PACAP on cell viability and transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1) expression was measured in HK-2 cells exposed to albumin, mimicking proteinuria related damage. Results: VPAC1 expression was detected in the tubular proximal epithelial cells and in the glomerular podocytes of renal tissue from healthy and nephrotic children. Increased staining for PACAP was found in the proximal tubules of renal sections from children with NS compared to healthy renal sections. Expression and functionality of VPAC1 were demonstrated in HK-2 cells. Finally, PACAP did not alter cell viability or TGF-β1 expression of HK-2 cells exposed to albumin. Conclusion: VPAC1 is the predominant receptor in the human kidney. The enhanced presence of PACAP in proximal tubular epithelial cells in nephrotic kidneys points to the reabsorption of filtered PACAP. On short term, PACAP has no in vitro effect on cell viability and TGF-β1 expression of proximal tubular epithelial cells exposed to high concentrations of albumin.
Nicorandil Inhibits Cyclic Strain-Induced Interleukin-8 Expression in Human Umbilical Vein Endothelial Cells
Authors: Chao Hung-Hsing , Hong Hong-Jye , Cheng Tzu-Hurng , Shih Neng-Lang , Loh Shih-Hurng , Liu Ju-Chi , Chen Jin-Jer , Sung Li-Chin
Published: April 2016

Background: Nicorandil, a mitochondrial adenosine triphosphate-sensitive potassium (mitoKATP) channel opener, exerts protective effects on the cardiovascular system. This study examined the effect of nicorandil on cyclic strain-induced interleukin-8 (IL-8) expression in human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs). Methods: Cultured HUVECs were exposed to cyclic strain in the presence or absence of nicorandil (1-10 μmol/l); we then analyzed IL-8 expression. We also assessed the effects of nicorandil on heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) expression and cyclic strain-modulated IL-8 expression after HO-1 silencing in HUVECs. Summary: HUVECs exposed to cyclic strain showed increased IL-8 messenger RNA expression and protein secretion. Nicorandil (1-10 μmol/l) inhibited cyclic strain-induced IL-8 expression, whereas 5-hydroxydecanoate (100 μmol/l), a selective inhibitor of the mitoKATP channel, completely reversed the inhibitory effects of nicorandil on cyclic strain-induced IL-8 expression. We demonstrated that nicorandil increased HO-1 expression in HUVECs. In addition, cobalt protoporphyrin (10 μmol/l), an inducer of HO-1 expression, mimicked the effects of nicorandil and inhibited IL-8 expression under cyclic strain, whereas zinc protoporphyrin IX (10 μmol/l), an inhibitor of HO-1 expression, antagonized the effect of nicorandil. HO-1 silencing significantly abrogated the inhibitory effects of nicorandil on cyclic strain-induced IL-8 expression, suggesting that HO-1 plays a role in the mechanism of action of nicorandil. Key Messages: This study is the first to report that nicorandil inhibits cyclic strain-induced IL-8 expression through the induction of HO-1 expression in HUVECs. This finding provides valuable new insight into the molecular pathways contributing to the vasoprotective effects of nicorandil.
Activated protein C protects against renal ischaemia/reperfusion injury, independent of its anticoagulant properties
Authors: Lattenist Lionel , Jansen Marcel , Teske Gwendoline , Claessen Nike , Meijers Joost , Rezaie Alireza , Esmon Charles , Florquin Sandrine , Roelofs Joris
Published: April 2016

Acute renal failure, a serious condition characterised by a drastic decline in renal function, often follows ischaemia/reperfusion (I/R) episodes. I/R is characterised by necrosis, inflammation and activation of coagulation, in concert causing renal tissue damage. In this context, activated protein C (APC) might be of importance in the pathogenesis of renal I/R. APC is a serine protease which has anticoagulant but also several anti-inflammatory and cytoprotective effects such as protection of endothelial barrier function. It was our objective to study the role of cytoprotective and anticoagulant functions of APC during renal I/R. C57BL/6j mice subjected to renal I/R were treated with intraperitoneally injected exogenous human APC, or two mutant forms of APC(200 µg/kg) which specifically lack anticoagulant or signalling properties. In a different experiment mice received specific monoclonal antibodies (20 mg/kg) that block the cytoprotective and/or anticoagulant properties of endogenous APC. Treatment with APC reduced tubular injury and enhanced renal function without altering the inflammatory response and did reduce renal fibrin deposition. Administration of APC mutant lacking anticoagulant properties reduced renal damage and enhanced renal function. Blocking the anticoagulant and cytoprotective functions of endogenous APC resulted in elevated tubular damage and reduced tubular cell proliferation, however, without influencing renal function or the inflammatory response. Furthermore, blocking both the anticoagulant and cytoprotective effects of APC resulted in dramatic renal interstitial haemorrhage, indicative of impaired vascular integrity. Blocking only the anticoagulant function of APC did not result in interstitial bleeding. In conclusion, the renoprotective effect of APC during I/R is independent of its anticoagulant properties.
The functions of the A1A2A3 domains in von Willebrand factor include multimerin 1 binding
Authors: Parker D'Andra , Tasneem Subia , Farndale Richard , Bihan Dominique , Sadler J. , Sebastian Silvie , De Groot Philip , Hayward Catherine
Published: April 2016

Multimerin 1 (MMRN1) is a massive, homopolymeric protein that is stored in platelets and endothelial cells for activation-induced release. In vitro, MMRN1 binds to the outer surfaces of activated platelets and endothelial cells, the extracellular matrix (including collagen) and von Willebrand factor (VWF) to support platelet adhesive functions. VWF associates with MMRN1 at high shear, not static conditions, suggesting that shear exposes cryptic sites within VWF that support MMRN1 binding. Modified ELISA and surface plasmon resonance were used to study the structural features of VWF that support MMRN1 binding, and determine the affinities for VWF-MMRN1 binding. High shear microfluidic platelet adhesion assays determined the functional consequences for VWF-MMRN1 binding. VWF binding to MMRN1 was enhanced by shear exposure and ristocetin, and required VWF A1A2A3 region, specifically the A1 and A3 domains. VWF A1A2A3 bound to MMRN1 with a physiologically relevant binding affinity (KD: 2.0 ± 0.4 nM), whereas the individual VWF A1 (KD: 39.3 ± 7.7 nM) and A3 domains (KD: 229 ± 114 nM) bound to MMRN1 with lower affinities. VWF A1A2A3 was also sufficient to support the adhesion of resting platelets to MMRN1 at high shear, by a mechanism dependent on VWF-GPIbD binding. Our study provides new information on the molecular basis of MMRN1 binding to VWF, and its role in supporting platelet adhesion at high shear. We propose that at sites of vessel injury, MMRN1 that is released following activation of platelets and endothelial cells, binds to VWF A1A2A3 region to support platelet adhesion at arterial shear rates.
Neologismos: o mapeamento de áreas de interface na ciência da informação
Authors: Siqueira Jéssica Câmara
Published: April 2016

A pesquisa analisa os neologismos na Ciência da Informação por meio da abordagem terminológica, com intuito de mapear as principais relações intersticiais dessa área. O percurso exploratório de termos objetiva verificar as áreas de interface que corroboram o delineamento do escopo da Ciência da Informação. O trabalho tem como base a análise qualitativa dos neologismos selecionados nos cinco periódicos mais bem classificados no Qualis/CAPES no último decênio. O corpus de exclusão constituiu-se a partir de obras lexicográficas da área e da Base de Pesquisa em Ciência da Informação (BRAPCI). O mapeamento das áreas de interface, a partir da delimitação dos contextos terminológicos dos neologismos, permite a identificação das relações intersticiais entre os campos que constituem a Ciência da Informação.
Escrita e comportamento social: Dom Obá II nas páginas dos jornais cariocas do século XIX
Authors: Borba Lilian Do Rocio
Published: April 2016

Este artigo tem como objetivo focalizar os escritos de Cândido da Fonseca Galvão (1845-1890), o Dom Obá II d’África, como estratégia de visibilidade e ascensão social. Galvão foi um indivíduo negro livre no Brasil escravocrata1; filho de africano forro de origem iorubá, publicou uma série de artigos em jornais cariocas no fim do século XIX. Este estudo de caso tem como lugar teórico a sociolinguística histórica em diálogo com estudos relacionados à história social, corrente historiográfica que se reporta a evidências de vários aspectos do cotidiano de diversificados agentes da história, sobretudo daqueles que participam da história em papéis subalternizados, a chamada “história vista de baixo”. A significação social atribuída à escrita por Cândido Galvão é um elemento de relevo para se discutir o uso da linguagem como comportamento social (Labov, 2008 [1972]), sobretudo como aspiração à mobilidade social. A produção textual desse sujeito do século XIX testemunha um comportamento social profundamente conectado com os valores relacionados às práticas escritas da sociedade de então. Por meio da participação das práticas de escrita o sujeito histórico da pesquisa se inseriu de forma ativa na sociedade da qual fez parte, se inscreveu no mundo da escrita, se posicionou como um cidadão, constituindo a identidade de um sujeito de escrita.
Crime e castigo: as técnicas do narrador onisciente (excertos)
Authors: Rosenshield Gary
Published: April 2016

Gary Rosenshield é PhD pela Universidade de Wisconsin-Madison e foi professor emérito do departamento de Língua e Literatura Eslavas na mesma universidade. Autor de Western Law, Russian Justice: Dostoesvky, the Jury Trial, and the Law e Pushkin and the Genres of Madness: The Masterpieces of 1833. Publicou também o estudo Crime and Punishment: The Techniques of the Omniscient Author (Lisse: The Peter de Ridder Press, 1978), do qual foram traduzidos a introdução e dois capítulos: “O narrador, Raskólnikov e o epílogo” e “O ponto de vista elevado”. Joseph Frank, no capítulo em que aborda o processo de criação de Crime e castigo, cita, em nota, esse estudo, recomendando-o como uma “análise cuidadosa e perspicaz” e “um dos melhores estudos dedicados ao romance” (FRANK, Joseph. Dostoiévski: Os anos milagrosos, 1865-1871. São Paulo: Edusp, 2003, p. 125). Victor Terras engrossa o coro elogioso ao afirmar tratar-se de uma “excelente análise”
The Neural Basis of Recollection Rejection: Increases in Hippocampal–Prefrontal Connectivity in the Absence of a Shared Recall-to-Reject and Target Recollection Network
Authors: Bowman Caitlin R. , Dennis Nancy A.
Published: April 2016

Recollection rejection or “recall-to-reject” is a mechanism that has been posited to help maintain accurate memory by preventing the occurrence of false memories. Recollection rejection occurs when the presentation of a new item during recognition triggers recall of an associated target, a mismatch in features between the new and old items is registered, and the lure is correctly rejected. Critically, this characterization of recollection rejection involves a recall signal that is conceptually similar to recollection as elicited by a target. However, previous neuroimaging studies have not evaluated the extent to which recollection rejection and target recollection rely on a common neural signal but have instead focused on recollection rejection as a postretrieval monitoring process. This study utilized a false memory paradigm in conjunction with an adapted remember–know–new response paradigm that separated “new” responses based on recollection rejection from those that were based on a lack of familiarity with the item. This procedure allowed for parallel recollection rejection and target recollection contrasts to be computed. Results revealed that, contrary to predictions from theoretical and behavioral literature, there was virtually no evidence of a common retrieval mechanism supporting recollection rejection and target recollection. Instead of the typical target recollection network, recollection rejection recruited a network of lateral prefrontal and bilateral parietal regions that is consistent with the retrieval monitoring network identified in previous neuroimaging studies of recollection rejection. However, a functional connectivity analysis revealed a component of the frontoparietal rejection network that showed increased coupling with the right hippocampus during recollection rejection responses. As such, we demonstrate a possible link between PFC monitoring network and basic retrieval mechanisms within the hippocampus that was not revealed with univariate analyses alone.
Fundamentally Distributed Information Processing Integrates the Motor Network into the Mental Workspace during Mental Rotation
Authors: Schlegel Alexander , Konuthula Dedeepya , Alexander Prescott , Blackwood Ethan , Tse Peter U.
Published: April 2016

The manipulation of mental representations in the human brain appears to share similarities with the physical manipulation of real-world objects. In particular, some neuroimaging studies have found increased activity in motor regions during mental rotation, suggesting that mental and physical operations may involve overlapping neural populations. Does the motor network contribute information processing to mental rotation? If so, does it play a similar computational role in both mental and manual rotation, and how does it communicate with the wider network of areas involved in the mental workspace? Here we used multivariate methods and fMRI to study 24 participants as they mentally rotated 3-D objects or manually rotated their hands in one of four directions. We find that information processing related to mental rotations is distributed widely among many cortical and subcortical regions, that the motor network becomes tightly integrated into a wider mental workspace network during mental rotation, and that motor network activity during mental rotation only partially resembles that involved in manual rotation. Additionally, these findings provide evidence that the mental workspace is organized as a distributed core network that dynamically recruits specialized subnetworks for specific tasks as needed.
Type studies of J. Rick’s corticioid homobasidiomycetes (Agaricomycetes, Basidiomycota) housed in the Herbarium Anchieta (PACA)
Authors: BALTAZAR JULIANO M. , SILVEIRA ROSA MARA B. DA , RAJCHENBERG MARIO
Published: April 2016

A revision of J. Rick’s type collection at Herbarium Anchieta (PACA) was carried out and 134 specimens corresponding to 115 taxa of corticioid homobasidiomycetes (Basidiomycota) proposed by Rick were studied. Sixteen taxa are accepted: Epithele bambusina is accepted in this genus, Poria bambusarum is accepted as Fomitiporia bambusarum (syn. Phellinus bambusarum), and the following new combinations are proposed: Clavulicium flavidulum, Dendrothele triangulispora, Fibrodontia fimbriata (syn. Fibrodontia gossypina), Hyphoderma cinereoalbum (syn. Hyphoderma variolosum), Hyphoderma molliusculum, Hyphodontia corticioidea (syn. Hyphodontia sphaerospora), Hypochnicium horridulum (syn. Hypochnicium gomezii), Parvodontia albocrustacea, Peniophora carneorosea (syn. Peniophora laxitexta), Peniophora conspersa, Peniophora gomezii (syn. Peniophora confusa), Phlebia subconspersa (syn. Mycoacia subconspersa), Resinicium luteosulphureum (syn. Resinicium friabile), and Vararia calospora (syn. Vararia tropica). Forty-four taxa are considered synonyms of older names, ten names are invalid and three are illegitimate. Furthermore, eight lectotypes and one epitype are designated. Forty-three taxa remain unsolved mainly due to the poor condition of Rick’s specimens. Twelve unpublished names were found among Rick’s type collections, and their determination is given whenever possible. Descriptions and drawings are provided to taxa poorly known from literature.
A Climatology of Multiple Tropical Cyclone Events
Authors: Schenkel Benjamin A.
Published: April 2016

The present study provides a climatology of multiple tropical cyclone (TC) events (MTCEs) and the potential environmental factors responsible for triggering MTCEs in the North Atlantic (NATL), eastern North Pacific (EPAC), and western North Pacific (WPAC). While single TC events (STCEs) occur more frequently than MTCEs in each basin, a substantial fraction (34%–57%) of all TCs within each basin occur during MTCEs. Comparison of the total monthly number of MTCEs and STCEs reveals significant correlations (0.79 ≤ R ≤ 0.90), while nonsignificant correlations exist between the annual number of MTCEs and STCEs. New TCs that form during MTCEs occur in the eastern main development region east of the STCE formation location in the NATL and EPAC, while new TC formation locations are spread evenly throughout the WPAC during both MTCEs and STCEs. The spatiotemporal separation between TCs during MTCEs is consistent among basins with median zonal distances between TCs of ~(1640–2010) km and median temporal separation between TC formation of 3.00–3.25 days. Composites of EPAC MTCEs suggest the existence of significantly stronger large-scale intraseasonal anomalies compared to STCEs, which may favor EPAC MTCE occurrence. Eastward zonal group velocities and the agreement of the zonal wavelength of TC-induced Rossby waves with the observed zonal distance between TCs suggests that Rossby wave radiation may contribute to a substantial fraction of MTCEs in all basins. These results suggest remarkable similarity in MTCE characteristics among basins, while potentially indicating that the large-scale environment is preconditioned for EPAC MTCE occurrence.
Multidecadal Change of the South Pacific Gyre Circulation
Authors: Roemmich Dean , Gilson John , Sutton Philip , Zilberman Nathalie
Published: April 2016

Multidecadal trends in ocean heat and freshwater content are well documented, but much less evidence exists of long-term changes in ocean circulation. Previously, a 12-yr increase, 1993 to 2004, in the circulation of the South Pacific Subtropical Gyre interior was described. That analysis was based on differences between early Argo and 1990s hydrographic data and changes in sea surface height. Here, it is shown that the trend of increasing circulation continues through 2014, with some differences within the Argo decade (2005 to 2014). Patterns that indicate or are consistent with increasing equatorward transport in the eastern portion of the South Pacific Gyre are seen in Argo temperature and steric height, Argo trajectory velocity, altimetric sea surface height, sea surface temperature, sea level pressure, and wind stress. Between 2005 and 2014 the geostrophic circulation across 35°S, from 160°W to South America, was enhanced by 5 Sv (1 Sv ≡ 106 m3 s−1) of added northward flow. This was countered by a southward transport anomaly between the date line and 160°W. Corresponding temperature trends span the full 2000-m depth range of Argo observations. The 22-yr trend, 1993 to 2014, in sea surface height at 35°S, 160°W is 8 cm decade−1. Trends in sea surface temperature over 34 yr, 1981 to 2014, show a similar spatial pattern to that of sea surface height, with an increase of 0.5°C decade−1 at 35°S, 160°W. These multidecadal trends support the interpretation of the 40°S maximum in global ocean heat gain as resulting from anomalous wind forcing and Ekman convergence.
Evaluation of WRF Model Forecasts and Their Use for Hydroclimate Monitoring over Southern South America
Authors: Müller Omar V. , Lovino Miguel A. , Berbery Ernesto H.
Published: April 2016

Weather forecasting and monitoring systems based on regional models are becoming increasingly relevant for decision support in agriculture and water management. This work evaluates the predictive and monitoring capabilities of a system based on WRF Model simulations at 15-km grid spacing over the La Plata basin (LPB) in southern South America, where agriculture and water resources are essential. The model’s skill up to a lead time of 7 days is evaluated with daily precipitation and 2-m temperature in situ observations for the 2-yr period from 1 August 2012 to 31 July 2014. Results show high prediction performance with 7-day lead time throughout the domain and particularly over LPB, where about 70% of rain and no-rain days are correctly predicted. Also, the probability of detection of rain days is above 80% in humid regions. Temperature observations and forecasts are highly correlated (r > 0.80) while mean absolute errors, even at the maximum lead time, remain below 2.7°C for minimum and mean temperatures and below 3.7°C for maximum temperatures. The usefulness of WRF products for hydroclimate monitoring was tested for an unprecedented drought in southern Brazil and for a slightly above normal precipitation season in northeastern Argentina. In both cases the model products reproduce the observed precipitation conditions with consistent impacts on soil moisture, evapotranspiration, and runoff. This evaluation validates the model’s usefulness for forecasting weather up to 1 week in advance and for monitoring climate conditions in real time. The scores suggest that the forecast lead time can be extended into a second week, while bias correction methods can reduce some of the systematic errors.
Additional Evidence for the Validity of the Employer Attitudes Toward Blind Employees Scale
Authors: McDonnall Michele C.
Published: April 2016

Negative employer attitudes have traditionally been considered one of the major barriers to employment faced by people who are blind or visually impaired. Recent research suggests this continues to be a problem, yet little research has directly measured employer attitudes toward this population. Data were collected from a large sample of hiring managers ( N = 382) to provide evidence for the validity of a recently developed instrument, the Employer Attitudes Toward Blind Employees Scale. Confirmatory factor analysis was used to evaluate the instrument, providing evidence for its reliability and validity. Social desirability bias was not found to be a significant problem with the instrument. Self-reported likelihood to hire a person who is blind or visually impaired in the future had a strong association with attitude scores, providing evidence for the scale’s predictive validity.
The promises and pitfalls of collective bargaining for ending the victimization of trade union activists: Lessons from France
Authors: Guillaume Cécile , Pochic Sophie , Chappe Vincent-Arnaud
Published: April 2016

The broadening of the anti-discrimination legislation and the growing use of litigation have put pressure on organizations to respond to the law by elaborating formal rules and, in the case of France, negotiating collective agreements on union rights. This article addresses the issue of union victimization by investigating the various organizational responses to anti-discrimination law. By focusing on in-depth case studies over a long period of time, it offers new insights into the processes whereby law is internalized and how they interact with litigation over time, and also highlights the active, contested and changing role of HR professionals and trade unionists in the shaping of organizational responses.
The Many Faces of Wisdom
Authors: Weststrate Nic M. , Ferrari Michel , Ardelt Monika
Published: April 2016

Psychological research on wisdom has flourished in the last 30 years, much of it investigating laypeople’s implicit theories of wisdom. In three studies, we took an exemplar and prototype approach to implicit wisdom theories by asking participants to nominate one or more cultural-historical figures of wisdom. Study 1 revealed that individuals draw from a wide range of wisdom exemplars, with substantial agreement on the most iconic figures. In Study 2, multidimensional scaling analysis of exemplars revealed practical, philosophical, and benevolent prototypes; follow-up analyses indicated that prototypes differed in familiarity, likability, and perceived wisdom. Study 3 showed that individuals nominated exemplars from the practical prototype more frequently than from the philosophical and benevolent prototypes and that prototype nomination depended in part on nominator characteristics. These studies suggest that exemplar- and prototype-based implicit wisdom theories are consistent with explicit psychological theories of wisdom.
A thousand words is worth a picture
Authors: Collins Harry , Evans Robert
Published: April 2016

In this response to Ribeiro and Lima’s paper on interactional expertise, we argue that, by not incorporating the insights of constructivist social science, their analysis goes backwards rather than advancing the debate. We show that much of the evidence they present does not lead to the conclusions they draw. We also critically examine the idea of physical contiguity, which forms a central part of Ribeiro and Lima’s position. We show that its meaning is ambiguous. We conclude by suggesting that more research on the nature and influence of physical contiguity would be interesting in its own right but that it would not bear on the notion of interactional expertise.
Only When the Societal Impact Potential Is High? A Panel Study of the Relationship Between Public Service Motivation and Perceived Performance
Authors: van Loon Nina , Kjeldsen Anne Mette , Andersen Lotte Bøgh , Vandenabeele Wouter , Leisink Peter
Published: April 2016

Many studies find positive associations between public service motivation (PSM) and performance, but much of this literature is based on cross-sectional data prone to endogeneity and common method bias. Moreover, we know little about potential moderators. In this study, we test the moderating role of societal impact potential (SIP)—the degree to which the job is perceived to provide opportunities to contribute to society. We use cross-sectional data from 13,967 employees in 2010 and 2012 aggregated to construct longitudinal data for 42 organizations. As expected, the association between PSM and individual perceived performance is positive when SIP is high. However, when SIP is low, PSM is only weakly or not at all related to performance. This is an important insight for organizations that try to enhance performance through PSM. Our findings suggest that this can only be done when the employees think that their jobs allow them to contribute to society.
Ship financing in Italy in the first half of the twentieth century
Authors: Giulianelli Roberto
Published: April 2016

This article traces the history of shipping and shipbuilding finance in Italy during the first half of the twentieth century, a period in which the Italian merchant fleet grew into one of the world’s largest, was mostly destroyed during the Second World War and then was rapidly reconstructed. This history is divided into four periods. Prior to the First World War the maritime sector lacked specialist sources of funding and relied on the country’s main banks, referred to here as ‘universal’ banks due to their engagement in both commercial and investment banking. During the war their monopoly was broken by the establishment of two bodies under the control of the Bank of Italy and the largest shipping company in the country, a situation which lasted until the late 1920s. After 1928, and throughout the 1930s, the banks were largely ousted from shipping finance by the State-controlled Istituto per il Credito Navale, created by Alberto Beneduce on the orders of Benito Mussolini. Finally, in 1940 this institution was dissolved and its functions taken over by the Istituto Mobiliare Italiano, which between 1945 and 1954 presided over a rapid reconstruction of the fleet. There is a rich literature on the construction and navigation bounties, mail subventions, subsidies of the main national and international lines, but little is known about ship financing in Italy in the first half of the twentieth century. This article aims to illuminate this important facet of Italian maritime industry.
Breastfeeding among Mothers on Opioid Maintenance Treatment
Authors: Tsai Lillian C. , Doan Therese Jung
Published: April 2016

Although there is an abundance of interventional studies to increase breastfeeding rates, little is known about how to support and promote breastfeeding among mothers on opioid maintenance treatment (OMT). The studies on maternal OMT mainly focus on medication excreted in breast milk and breastfeeding benefits for infants with neonatal abstinence syndrome (NAS). We aim to review interventions to improve breastfeeding outcomes among mothers on OMT to make recommendations for practice and future research. We searched CINAHL, PubMed, PsycINFO, and the Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews for articles, preferably experimental/quasi-experimental studies published within the past 10 years, that examined interventions to increase rates of breastfeeding initiation and duration among mothers on OMT. Nine studies met our inclusion criteria, comprising 5 categories: 4 combined obstetric and addiction care, 1 rooming-in, 1 Baby-Friendly hospital, 2 inpatient/outpatient NAS treatment, and 1 divided methadone dose. Breastfeeding rates were relatively higher for divided methadone dose (81% initiated any breastfeeding) and rooming-in (62% initiated any breastfeeding); lower in Baby-Friendly hospital (24%) and inpatient/outpatient NAS treatment (45% and 24%, respectively); and mixed in combined obstetric and addiction care programs (2 studies reported 70% and 76%; 2 studies reported 17% and 28%). Studies that included both methadone and buprenorphine did not specify breastfeeding results by medication. We recommend future research to differentiate breastfeeding types and duration by OMT medication. Qualitative studies are needed to explore maternal view on breastfeeding regarding need, barrier, and motivating factors in order to develop effective interventions to promote breastfeeding among mothers on OMT.
Perceptions of Male and Female STEM Aptitude
Authors: Reilly Erin D. , Rackley Kadie R. , Awad Germine H.
Published: April 2016

This study investigated evaluations and advice communicated to male and female technology interns experiencing work difficulties, using a 2 (workplace issue: ability or interpersonal) ×2 (intern gender: male vs. female) between-subjects experimental design. Technology professionals rated hypothetical interns on competence, qualifications, intelligence, and potential field issues. Results suggest that female interns with ability issues are viewed as having lower field aptitude than male interns with ability issues, when judged by individuals holding both hostile and benevolent sexist beliefs. Rater gender was not a significant predictor of aptitude rating. Aptitude assessments of male and female interns with interpersonal issues did not differ; however, open-ended analyses revealed that male interns were expected to be agentic and dissuaded from help seeking when facing interpersonal issues, while female interns were expected to find mentors and control their emotions. Findings show how sexist beliefs, workplace issues, and intern gender can affect responses and assessments by potential mentors.
Observations on and potential trends for mechanically supercharging a downsized passenger car engine:a review
Authors: Hu Bo , Turner James WG , Akehurst Sam , Brace Chris , Copeland Colin
Published: April 2016

Engine downsizing is a proven approach for achieving a superior fuel efficiency. It is conventionally achieved by reducing the swept volume of the engine and by employing some means of increasing the specific output to achieve the desired installed engine power, usually in the form of an exhaust-driven turbocharger. However, because of the perceptible time needed for the turbocharger system to generate the required boost pressure, a characteristic of turbocharged engines is their degraded driveability in comparison with those of their naturally aspirated counterparts. Mechanical supercharging refers to the technology that compresses the intake air using the energy taken directly from the engine crankshaft. It is anticipated that engine downsizing which is realised either solely by a supercharger or by a combination of a supercharger and a turbocharger will enhance a vehicle’s driveability without significantly compromising the fuel consumption at an engine level compared with the downsizing by turbocharging. The capability of the supercharger system to eliminate the high exhaust back pressure, to reduce the pulsation interference and to mitigate the surge issue of a turbocharged engine in a compound-charging system offsets some of the fuel consumption penalty incurred in driving the supercharger. This, combined with an optimised down-speeding strategy, can further improve the fuel efficiency performance of a downsized engine while still enhancing its driveability and performance at a vehicle level. This paper first reviews the fundamentals and the types of supercharger that are currently used, or have been used, in passenger car engines. Next, the relationships between the downsizing, the driveability and the down-speeding are introduced to identify the improved synergies between the engine and the boosting machine. Then, mass production and prototype downsized supercharged passenger car engines are briefly described, followed by a detailed review of the current state-of-the-art supercharging technologies that are in production as opposed to the approaches that are currently only being investigated at a research level. Finally, the trends for mechanically supercharging a passenger car engine are discussed, with the aim of identifying potential development directions for the future. Enhancement of the low-end torque, improvement in the transient driveability and reduction in low-load parasitic losses are the three main development directions for a supercharger system, among which the adoption of a continuously variable transmission to decouple the supercharger speed from the engine speed, improvement of the compressor isentropic and volumetric efficiency and innovation of the supercharger mechanism seem to be the potential trend for mechanically supercharging a passenger car engine.
Touch or Watch to Learn? Toddlers’ Object Retrieval Using Contingent and Noncontingent Video
Authors: Choi Koeun , Kirkorian Heather L.
Published: April 2016

The experiment reported here was designed to examine the effect of contingent interaction with touch-screen devices on toddlers’ use of symbolic media (video) during an object-retrieval task. Toddlers (24–36 months old; N = 75) were randomly assigned to watch an animated character hiding on screen either in a no-contingency video (requiring no action), a general-contingency video (accepting touch input anywhere on screen), or a specific-contingency video (requiring touch input on a particular area of interest). After the hiding event, toddlers searched for the character on a corresponding felt board. Across all trials, younger toddlers were more likely to search correctly after a specific-contingency video than after a no-contingency video, which suggests that contingent interaction designed to emphasize specific information on screen may promote learning. However, this effect was reversed for older toddlers. We interpret our findings with respect to the selective encoding of target features during hiding events and the relative strength of memory traces during search.
Late-Holocene palaeolimnological and climate dynamics at Princessvlei, South Africa: Evidence from diatoms
Authors: Kirsten Kelly L , Meadows Michael E
Published: April 2016

The ‘Cape Flats’ region, situated in the winter rainfall zone of South Africa, is a low-lying tombolo underlain by recent fluvial and aeolian sands and characterised by numerous small lakes and wetlands. One of these is Princessvlei, a eutrophic, freshwater coastal lake. The lake lies in an inter-dunal depression encroached on in the more recent past by high-density residential, industrial and agricultural land uses. A 210-cm core extracted from the lake periphery yielded high diatom fossil concentrations for the upper 174 cm. Princessvlei appears to oscillate between two ecologically stable states, namely, a state characterised by clear water, oligotrophic, benthic communities and a turbid state dominated by eutrophic, planktonic species. The two stable ecological states are interpreted to be a function of the relative dominance of catchment precipitation or groundwater influx which augments the open water conditions. From 2600 to 1500 cal. BP (173–135 cm), the system is predominantly turbid with greater moisture availability before a relatively rapid development of oligotrophic and dilute conditions from 1300 to 610 cal. BP (135–30 cm). A brief period of deeper water depths and meso-eutrophic conditions is observed between 550 and 445 cal. BP (23–13 cm). Following a short-lived hiatus, poly-hypertrophic, alkaline species are abundant in the top 10 cm coinciding with European colonisation in the region from the 17th century.