bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
PD-L1 Expression Promotes Epithelial to Mesenchymal Transition in Human Esophageal Cancer
Authors: Chen Lujun , Xiong Yuqi , Li Jing , Zheng Xiao , Zhou Qi , Turner Abbey , Wu Changping , Lu Binfeng , Jiang Jingting
Published: August 2017

Background/Aims: PD-L1 (Programmed cell death 1 ligand 1, PD-L1), an essential immune checkpoint molecule in the tumor microenvironment, is an important target for cancer immunotherapy. We have previously reported that its expression in human gastric and esophageal cancer tissues is significantly associated with cancer progression and patients’ postoperative prognoses. Its expression in cancer cells is well known to inhibit the T cell-mediated anti-tumor response, and this mechanism of action has been targeted for cancer immunotherapy. As of now, the autonomous effect of PD-L1 on cancer cells is not well understood, thus our present study aimed to examine the role of PD-L1 intervention in cellular biological functions, especially epithelial to mesenchymal transition (EMT), of the human esophageal cancer cell line, Eca-109 cells. Methods: Immunohistochemistry assay was used to investigate the correlation between expression of PD-L1 and EMT markers in human esophageal cancer tissues. Intervention of PD-L1 by using RNAi and over-expression methods were used to study the role of PD-L1 in regulation of biological behaviors and EMT in Eca-109 cells. Results: Our clinical and pathological data demonstrated that tumor samples in the EMT positive subgroup had higher PD-L1 expression than those in the EMT negative subgroup. By manipulating PD-L1 expression in Eca-109 cells either through ablation or overexpression of wild type and the cytoplasmic domain-truncated mutant, we demonstrated that PD-L1 expression significantly promoted the cell viability, migration and EMT phenotype. Furthermore, our study also indicated that PD-1 fusion protein mediated stimulation of PD-L1 and the cytoplasmic domain of PD-L1 played a critical role in promoting EMT phenotype of Eca-109 cells, thereby suggesting that PD-1 receptor usually by triggering the reverse signaling can effect PD-L1 mediated regulation of esophageal cancer cell response. Conclusion: Our present study reveals a tumor cell-autonomous role of PD-L1 signaling in promoting EMT in human esophageal cancer.
Targeting the Endocannabinoid/CB1 Receptor System For Treating Major Depression Through Antidepressant Activities of Curcumin and Dexanabinol-Loaded Solid Lipid Nanoparticles
Authors: He Xiaolie , Yang Li , Wang Mei , Zhuang Xizhen , Huang Ruiqi , Zhu Rongrong , Wang Shilong
Published: August 2017

Background/Aims: This study investigated the underlying mechanisms of the antidepressant effects of curcumin and dexanabinol-loaded solid lipid nanoparticles in corticosterone-induced cell and mice depression models. Methods: Curcumin and dexanabinol-loaded solid lipid nanoparticles (Cur/SLNs-HU-211) were synthesized via an emulsifcation and low-temperature solidification method. Antidepressant activities of nanoparticles in a corticosterone-induced major depression model were investigated by MTT assay, cellular uptake by flow cytometry, behaviour by Forced Swimming Test and rotarod test, neurotransmitters by High Performance Liquid Chromatography, Western blotting, qPCR and immunofluorescence. Results: Treatment with Cur/SLNs-HU-211 induced greater dopamine (DA)/5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT) release with reduced corticosterone-induced apoptotic cell death in PC12 cells. Additionally, in vivo Cur/SLNs-HU-211 significantly induced recovery from depressive behaviour with increased DA/5-HT levels, CB1 mRNA levels and CB1, p-MEK1 and p-ERK1/2 protein expression levels in the hippocampus and striatum. Cur/SLNs-HU-211 improved CB1 expression and inspired the proliferation of astrocytes in the hippocampus and striatum, exerted neuroprotective effects by preventing corticosterone -induced BDNF/NeuN expression reduction. Conclusion: Our study implies that Cur/SLNs-HU-211 may be a useful approach for treatment of major depression.
Modeling Inborn Errors of Hepatic Metabolism Using Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells
Authors: Pournasr Behshad , Duncan Stephen A.
Published: August 2017

Inborn errors of hepatic metabolism are because of deficiencies commonly within a single enzyme as a consequence of heritable mutations in the genome. Individually such diseases are rare, but collectively they are common. Advances in genome-wide association studies and DNA sequencing have helped researchers identify the underlying genetic basis of such diseases. Unfortunately, cellular and animal models that accurately recapitulate these inborn errors of hepatic metabolism in the laboratory have been lacking. Recently, investigators have exploited molecular techniques to generate induced pluripotent stem cells from patients’ somatic cells. Induced pluripotent stem cells can differentiate into a wide variety of cell types, including hepatocytes, thereby offering an innovative approach to unravel the mechanisms underlying inborn errors of hepatic metabolism. Moreover, such cell models could potentially provide a platform for the discovery of therapeutics. In this mini-review, we present a brief overview of the state-of-the-art in using pluripotent stem cells for such studies.
Description of Globodera sandveldensis n. sp. (Nematoda: Heteroderidae) from South Africa
Authors: Knoetze Rinus , Swart Antoinette , Wentzel Ria , Tiedt Lourens R.
Published: August 2017

A new cyst nematode, herein described as Globodera sandveldensis n. sp., was found in the Sandveld, Western Cape Province, South Africa. As the host plant of G. sandveldensis n. sp. is currently unknown, the species is represented by cysts and second-stage juveniles (J2) only. The J2 are characterised by a well developed stylet of 26.4 (24.8-28.5) μm with rounded to anteriorly flattened knobs. The distance from the dorsal pharyngeal gland outlet to the stylet knobs is 4.5 (2.4-7.2) μm. The tail is 64 (56-77) μm long and the length of the hyaline region is 33 (22-39) μm. The cysts are characterised by their ovate to spherical shape, short neck, and the presence of subcuticular punctations and bullae or vulval bodies. Six to 14 cuticular ridges/lines are present on the outer surface of the cyst between the anus and vulval basin. Granek’s ratio is 1.7 (0.9-3.0), the vulval basin diam. is 20.4 (13.1-34.6) μm and the distance between vulval basin and anus is 33.5 (19.7-54.0) μm. Phylogenetic relationships with other species of the genus, inferred from ITS-rDNA sequences, indicate that G. sandveldensis n. sp. is included in the clade of Globodera sp. that parasitise non-solanaceous plants and is closely related to unidentified Globodera spp. from Portugal, G. millefolii, and G. artemisiae.
Sexual Exploitation and Abuse in un Peace Operations
Authors: Oswald Bruce ‘Ossie’
Published: August 2017

Since 2003, the un has sought to develop responses to combat sexual exploitation and abuse by un personnel serving on peace operations. Almost 15 years later, the un is still facing challenges in dealing effectively with allegations of sexual exploitation and abuse committed by peacekeepers. With the adoption of Security Council Resolution 2272 (2016) on 11 March 2016; the un Secretary-General’s reports of 16 February and 23 June 2016; and General Assembly Resolution A/res/70/286 in 2016; the un appears to have stepped up its efforts to combat sexual exploitation and abuse by peacekeepers. The first part of this paper seeks to outline the development of the un’s strategy to deal with sexual exploitation and abuse by peacekeepers. The second part identifies the key issues that underlie the un’s strategy. The third part reflects on three components of that strategy: the zero tolerance policy for sexual exploitation and abuse by peacekeepers, the accountability of un peacekeepers where allegations of sexual exploitation and abuse have been substantiated, and reparations for victims of sexual exploitation and abuse by un peacekeepers.
Litigating National Security Cases under The United States Uniform Code of Military Justice
Authors: Smith Lieutenant Commander Ursula , Lecce Colonel Daniel J.
Published: August 2017

This paper will discuss classified litigation procedures in United States Military Courts-Martial, governed by Military Rule of Evidence 505 and the Uniform Code of Military Justice. The differences between United States Federal Court procedures and United States Military Commissions, governed by the Classified Information Privilege Act
(cipa) and Military Commissions Rule of Evidence 505, are also discussed. Finally, best practices and selected military cases regarding espionage are presented.
Implications of Children’s Rights for Military Justice in the Context of Members of the Armed Forces Younger than the Age of Eighteen
Authors: Waschefort Gus
Published: August 2017

A number of States lawfully enlist persons younger than eighteen (but at least sixteen) into their national armed forces. While such enlistment is consistent with the relevant States’ international law obligations, a number of additional obligations are triggered that the State owes towards the child enlistee by virtue of international children’s rights. This article engages with these additional obligations as they apply to child members of the armed forces who are in conflict with the law. In particular, focus is placed on States that maintain a separate and distinct military justice system, and the examples of Australia, Canada and the United Kingdom are relied upon for illustrative purposes. In order to properly engage with State obligations, in this regard, the article also endeavors to address the nature of the duty of care owed by the armed forces in respect of child members.
Halamphora oceanica (Catenulaceae, Bacillariophyta), a new species from the epipelagic region of the southwestern Gulf of Mexico
Authors: OLIVARES-RUBIO HUGO F. , CABRERA LIDIA I. , GODÍNEZ-ORTEGA JOSÉ LUIS , SALAZAR-CORIA LUCÍA , VEGA-LÓPEZ ARMANDO
Published: August 2017

In the oceanic zones of the Gulf of Mexico a new species of diatom was found belonging to the genus Halamphora. Live cells were isolated using basic microbiological techniques for culturing and DNA analysis. Observations to determine morphological and morphometric characteristics were performed by both light and scanning electron microscopy. In addition, a phylogeny was built based on the expression and sequencing of the small subunit of the 18S gene. As a result of these observations, we conclude that this pennate diatom is a new species here proposed as Halamphora oceanica.
Gastrodia bambu (Orchidaceae: Epidendroideae), A New Species from Java, Indonesia
Authors: METUSALA DESTARIO , SUPRIATNA JATNA
Published: August 2017

Gastrodia bambu Metusala, a new species of Gastrodia (Orchidaceae: Epidendroideae, Gastrodieae) from Mount Merapi, Yogyakarta Province, Java, Indonesia, is described and illustrated. This new species is morphologically close to Gastrodia abscondita J.J.Sm, but differs in having a larger dark brown flower, a longer perianth tube, ovate petals, a longer and oblong-lanceolate lip, a different shape keels on lip, and a different shape column.
Impatiens walongensis (Balsaminaceae), a new species from North-East India
Authors: HAREESH VADAKKOOT SANKARAN , BORAH SOURAVJYOTI , SABU MAMIYIL
Published: August 2017

Impatiens walongensis is described from Anjaw district of Arunachal Pradesh, North-East India. Detailed descriptions, distribution, and ecology along with colour photographs are provided.
A new genus for North American Cicadetta species (Hemiptera: Cicadidae)
Authors: MARSHALL DAVID C. , HILL KATHY B. R.
Published: August 2017

The generic classification of cicadas within the globally distributed tribe Cicadettini (Hemiptera: Cicadidae) has been challenging due to their often conservative morphology. A recent molecular analysis has indicated that the six North American taxa currently classified in Cicadetta are unrelated to the European type species of Cicadetta, C. montana Scopoli. Here we identify a set of diagnostic morphological characters for a new genus, which we distinguish from its closest relatives in Eurasia and Australasia.
CoCoRaHS Observers Contribute to “Condition Monitoring” in the Carolinas: A New Initiative Addresses Needs for Drought Impacts Information
Authors: Lackstrom Kirsten , Farris Amanda , Eckhardt David , Doesken Nolan , Reges Henry , Turner Julian , Smith Kelly Helm , Ward Rebecca
Published: August 2017

This article introduces two new tools developed to enhance drought impacts monitoring by citizen scientists. In collaboration with the National Integrated Drought Information System (NIDIS), the National Drought Mitigation Center (NDMC), and the Community Collaborative Rain, Hail and Snow (CoCoRaHS) network, the Carolinas Integrated Sciences and Assessments (CISA) developed an experimental method of drought monitoring and reporting by citizen scientists. Since 2013, CISA has recruited CoCoRaHS observers in the Carolinas to participate in “condition monitoring,” the regular reporting of local conditions. In contrast to intermittent drought impact reports, condition monitoring creates a baseline for comparison of change through time and improves understanding of the onset, intensification, and recovery of drought.

A project evaluation demonstrated the usefulness of the qualitative reports, while also identifying a need for improved accessibility to the information and a quantitative metric to more quickly assess changing conditions. Evaluation findings informed the development of 1) a condition monitoring scale bar for inclusion on the national CoCoRaHS reporting form and 2) a web map to spatially display the condition monitoring reports. CoCoRaHS observers use the scale bar to record their assessment of local conditions, ranging from severely wet to severely dry. Their qualitative reports provide more in-depth information about their selection, noting the effects of weather and climate on the environment and communities in their area. The web map provides an easily accessible format for users such as the State Climate Offices to view the reports, facilitating the incorporation of CoCoRaHS observations into drought monitoring processes.
An Atmospheric Hydraulic Jump in the Santa Barbara Channel
Authors: Juliano Timothy W. , Parish Thomas R. , Rahn David A. , Leon David C.
Published: August 2017

As part of the Precision Atmospheric Marine Boundary Layer Experiment, the University of Wyoming King Air sampled an atmospheric environment conducive to the formation of a hydraulic jump on 24 May 2012 off the coast of California. Strong, northwesterly flow rounded the Point Arguello–Point Conception complex and encountered the remnants of an eddy circulation in the Santa Barbara Channel. The aircraft flew an east–west vertical sawtooth pattern that captured a sharp thinning of the marine boundary layer and the downstream development of a hydraulic jump. In situ observations show a dramatic rise in isentropes and a coincident sudden decrease in wind speeds. Imagery from the Wyoming Cloud Lidar clearly depicts the jump feature via copolarization and depolarization returns. Estimations of MBL depth are used to calculate the upstream Froude number from hydraulic theory. Simulations using the Weather Research and Forecasting Model produced results in agreement with the observations. The innermost domain uses a 900-m horizontal grid spacing and encompasses the transition from supercritical to subcritical flow south of Point Conception. Upstream Froude number estimations from the model compare well to observations. A strongly divergent wind field, consistent with expansion fan dynamics, is present upwind of the hydraulic jump. The model accurately resolves details of the marine boundary layer collapse into the jump. Results from large-eddy simulations show a large increase in the turbulent kinetic energy field coincident with the hydraulic jump.
Processes for Occurrence of Strong Cold Events over Eastern China
Authors: Song Lei , Wu Renguang
Published: August 2017

A strong cold event hit eastern China around 24 January 2016 with surface air temperature reaching more than 10°C below the climatological mean in most regions of eastern China south of 40°N. A total of 37 strong cold events similar to the January 2016 event with temperature anomalies over eastern China exceeding −5°C have been identified during the winters from 1979/80 to 2015/16. A comparative analysis of events with surface temperature anomalies of the same intensity but limited to north of 40°N indicates that the southward invasion of cold air to eastern China south of 40°N is related to two factors. One is the latitudinal location of the upper-level wave train, the surface Siberian high, and the midtropospheric East Asian trough over the mid- to high-latitude Eurasian continent. The other is a subtropical upper-level wave train emanating from the midlatitude North Atlantic. The emergence of the subtropical wave train is related to the positive phase of the North Atlantic Oscillation (NAO). When the mid- to high-latitude wave train is located too far northward and the subtropical wave train induces an anomalous midtropospheric high over southern China, the East Asian trough does not extend southwestward and the Siberian high does not expand southeastward. In such a case, the cold air mainly affects northeastern China and northern Japan.
Engaging with Users of Climate Information and the Coproduction of Knowledge
Authors: Kruk Michael C. , Parker Britt , Marra John J. , Werner Kevin , Heim Richard , Vose Russell , Malsale Philip
Published: August 2017

Within the realm of climate and environmental sciences, stakeholder engagement has traditionally been given a relative low priority in favor of generating tools, products, and services following the longstanding practice of pushing out information in the hopes users will pull it into their decision toolkits. However, the landscape is gradually shifting away from that paradigm and toward one in which the stakeholder community is more directly involved in the production of products and services with the scientific organization. This mutual learning arrangement, referred to as the coproduction of knowledge, has been applied to two user engagement activities within the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) National Centers for Environmental Information (NCEI) and the NOAA Office of Coastal Management (OCM) Coral Reef Conservation Program (CRCP). The iterative nature of such dialogues helped scientists within NCEI and OCM to better understand user requirements and as a result generate climate information that was locally relevant and regionally applicable. The recent engagement activities exemplified the benefits of a robust and sustained relationship between climate scientists and the user community. They demonstrate that the interactions between the two led to the empowerment of the local community to shape and mold climate information products as well as further enhancing user buy in of these products and services with which local agriculture and food security, disaster risk reduction, energy, health, and water decisions are being made. This coproduction of knowledge model for user engagement activities also serves to build trust between the scientific and user communities.
The Law of Jante and generalized trust
Authors: Cappelen Cornelius , Dahlberg Stefan
Published: August 2017

A widespread cultural phenomenon – and/or individual disposition – is the idea that one should never try to be more, try to be different, or consider oneself more valuable than other people. In Scandinavia this code of modesty is referred to as the ‘Jante mentality’, in Anglo-Saxon societies the ‘tall poppy syndrome’, and in Asian cultures ‘the nail that stands out gets hammered down’. The study reported here examines how this modesty code relates to generalized trust. We argue, prima facie, that a positive and a negative relationship are equally plausible. Representative samples of the Norwegian population were asked about their agreement with the Jante mentality and the extent to which they have trust in other people. Two population surveys were conducted; one measuring individual level associations and another measuring aggregate level associations. It was found that the relationship between having a Jante mentality and trust is negative, at both levels of analysis and, furthermore, that the Jante mentality – this modesty code assumed to be instilled in Scandinavians from early childhood – is a powerful predictor of generalized trust.
Analytics and expert collaboration: How individuals navigate relationships when working with organizational data
Authors: Barbour Joshua B , Treem Jeffrey W , Kolar Brad
Published: August 2017

Analytics is heralded as an important, new and increasingly widespread organizational function, and one that promises new approaches for generating value from organizational knowledge. What is not yet clear is how analytics may affect how organizations work with data, or how organizations can realize the benefits of analytics. Analytics, envisioned as not just a technical skill but a reconceptualization of data’s place in the organization, may improve, challenge or undermine existing processes and procedures. Building upon scholarship on expert collaboration and multidisciplinary knowledge work, this study reports a mixed-methods investigation of the implementation of analytics at a Fortune 500 financial services company. The findings make multiple contributions, including (a) confirming the importance of relationships among organizational experts in analytics work; (b) exploring specific communicative strategies employed by practitioners in those relationships; (c) demonstrating that the functioning of those relationships may differ depending on the type of analytics work (i.e. the degree to which it involves requesting, collaborating or commissioning); and (d) indicating that analytics practitioners need autonomy, as well as technical acumen, to question entrenched ideas about organizational data and problems. The findings contribute to practice by identifying problems that may be common in implementing analytics and strategies employed to address them.
Digital Signal Processing–based Dynamic Mass Measurement System for Egg Weighing Process
Authors: Yabanova İsmail
Published: August 2017

In this study, an electronic, mechanical and software system, where the weight measurements of eggs can be performed dynamically, is developed. As the speed is an important factor in the production sector, it is of significant importance that the manufactured products be weighed in a rapid and correct manner. For this reason, systems where the products are dynamically weighed are developed. However, as the products are weighed while they are moving in dynamic weighing systems, undesired disturbing effects occur on the measurement signal. The product weights must be measured at required speeds by eliminating this disturbing effect. Dynamic weighing is performed using a load cell. A digital signal processing–based card has been developed to measure the signal received from the load cell and to send it to the computer. The eggs are weighed while they are moving as they roll over the load cell. A program has been developed using the LabVIEW program to receive, filter and analyze the data read and sent to the computer by digital signal processing. In addition, the configuration adjustments of the integrated analog-to-digital converter that reads data from the load cell can also be performed thanks to this program.
Early psychosis in central Vietnam: A longitudinal study of short-term functional outcomes and their predictors
Authors: Humphries Seiji , King Robert , Dunne Michael P , Nguyen Cat Huu
Published: August 2017

Background:

Few longitudinal studies have investigated the functional outcomes of individuals with recent-onset psychotic illness in low- and middle-income countries.

Aims:

To investigate short-term functional remission and its predictors in a central Vietnamese sample.

Methods:

A naturalistic 6-month prospective cohort study recruited 79 patients of public health facilities who had experienced a first episode of schizophrenia or related illness in the past 18 months. Individuals and their family members were interviewed using standardised assessments of community functioning, symptoms, treatment, demographics and various psychosocial variables. Rates of functional remission (i.e. no or minimal impairment) were calculated based on rigorous, culturally appropriate criteria. Generalised estimating equations were used to explore predictors of remission.

Results:

Rates of global functional remission were 28% at baseline and 53% at follow-up. In individual functional domains, remission was least common for occupational activities, intermediate for relationships and relatively common for daily living activities. Global functional remission was significantly associated with absence of negative and cognitive symptoms, average or better household economic status and unimpaired premorbid functioning.

Conclusion:

Remission rates appeared similar to those seen in many international intervention studies. However, individuals from poor households had markedly unfavourable outcomes, suggesting the need for community-based interventions targeting low-socioeconomic status (SES) groups.
Confirmatory factor analysis of the Warwick-Edinburgh Mental Wellbeing Scale among youth in Mexico
Authors: Hoffman Steven , Rueda Heidi A , Lambert Matthew C
Published: August 2017

The internal structure of the Warwick-Edinburgh Mental Wellbeing Scale was evaluated using confirmatory factor analysis for a sample of youth living in Michoacán, Mexico. While the chi-square test of model fit suggested misfit to the data, the alternative fit indices and standardized factor loadings supported the conclusion that the items are adequate and reliable indicators of a single underlying latent factor. The utilization of this strengths-based mental health instrument could help circumvent some of the negativity and stigma inherent in traditional mental health assessments.
Bullying and Cyberbullying in Turkish Adolescents: Direct and Indirect Effects of Parenting Processes
Authors: Vazsonyi Alexander T. , Ksinan Jiskrova Gabriela , Özdemir Yalçın , Bell Marcia Malone
Published: August 2017

The current investigation sought to (a) report on the prevalence of bullying and cyberbullying perpetration among Turkish youth; (b) test a predictive model of bullying and cyberbullying perpetration, which specifies both direct links and indirect links via low self-control between measures of maternal and paternal parenting and measures of bullying; and (c) examine sex differences in the model. Questionnaire data were collected from adolescents ( N = 546; Mage = 15.91; 56.2% female) at two public high schools in a small city in western Turkey. Key measures included low self-control, bullying and cyberbullying perpetration, and parental closeness, monitoring, and peer approval (autonomy granting). Substantial rates of both bullying (72.9%) and cyberbullying (17.9%) perpetration were found in this student population. Based on path analyses, paternal peer approval predicted bullying both directly and indirectly via low self-control. In addition, paternal closeness was found to predict higher levels of self-control; finally, low self-control predicted both bullying and cyberbullying behaviors. Analyses by sex showed that maternal and paternal closeness as well as paternal peer approval predicted low self-control and bullying/cyberbullying behaviors for female youth; however, none of the parenting processes were associated with low self-control or bullying/cyberbullying among male adolescents.
Multidimensional Social Competence, Motivation, and Cyberbullying: A Cultural Approach With Colombian and Spanish Adolescents
Authors: Romera Eva M. , Herrera-López Mauricio , Casas José A. , Ortega-Ruiz Rosario , Gómez-Ortiz Olga
Published: August 2017

International research on the risk and protective factors of cyberbullying focus on individual personality variables and the use of technological devices. However, it is necessary to examine in greater depth the interpersonal context as a factor that may influence cyberbullying and the possible differences between cultures. The objective of this article was to analyze the relationship of influence of two interpersonal variables, multidimensional social competence and social motivation, on cyberaggression and cybervictimization through a cultural study of Spain and Colombia, which will permit generalizing the influence of interpersonal variables on cyberbullying in different cultural settings. The sample consisted of 3,830 secondary school students (50.4% Colombian and 49.6% Spanish). Self-reporting measurement instruments validated with different European samples were used. Confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) and structural equation modeling (SEM) were performed. A model of mutual influence revealing the inverse relationship of normative adjustment and the direct relationship of popularity goals in cyberaggression was obtained. Cybervictimization was explained by the direct influence of prosocial behaviors and avoidance goals and the inverse influence of perceived social efficacy, development goals, and social and normative adjustment. As conclusion, this study demonstrates the homogeneity of the Colombian and Spanish models and the important role that the face-to-face context plays in cyberbullying involvement. This article highlights and supports the design of cyberbullying prevention programs, which requires the inclusion of multidimensional social competence and social goals.
Evaluation of different methods for DNA extraction from human burnt bones and the generation of genetic profiles for identification
Authors: Uzair Anum , Rasool Nouman , Wasim Muhammad
Published: August 2017

Bone exposure to heat in the presence of moisture breaks the phosphodiester bonds of the backbone, leaving sheared DNA in bone cells. This also limits the possibility of generating a complete profile of the victim. With the increasing incidence of fire outbreaks over the past few years, a paradigm shift to establish identity has been observed, from morphological identification of victims to STR profiling. For this study, 10 bone samples were taken from burnt human bodies that were recovered from different fire outbreak scenes. The DNA from these burnt human tissues was isolated using four different extraction methods: the organic extraction method, the total demineralisation method, the Qiagen kit method, and the Chelex extraction method. STR profiles of victims were generated on a genetic analyser using an AmpFlSTR Identifiler® Plus Kit and analysed on Gene Mapper ID-X. DNA isolated from bones using the total demineralisation extraction method and organic extraction method was of the highest quality due to the efficient removal of inhibitors. DNA obtained using these two methods successfully generated the STR profiles of the victims. The quality of isolated DNA obtained through the Qiagen kit was comparatively low, but STR profiles of the victims were successfully generated. The Chelex kit failed to extract good quality DNA of high quantity from the burnt bones, encountering inhibition in all samples at varying degrees. This study concludes that total demineralisation and the Qiagen kit are sophisticated and reliable methods to obtain a good yield of DNA from burnt human bones, which can be used for the identification of victims.
Rural transformation, cereals and youth in Africa: What role for international agricultural research?
Authors: Ripoll Santiago , Andersson Jens , Badstue Lone , Büttner Marion , Chamberlin Jordan , Erenstein Olaf , Sumberg James
Published: August 2017

Young people are increasingly linked to targeted agriculture and food security interventions. In Africa, the argument is that the combination of agricultural value chains, technology and entrepreneurship will unlock a sweet spot for youth employment. This article examines this argument from a rural transformations perspective. A framework is proposed with which to analyse young people’s economic room to manoeuvre in different rural contexts and the differential abilities of young people to exploit associated opportunities. Using cereal agri-food systems as an example, the article identifies two new research areas that address important knowledge gaps: how young rural people in Africa engage with these systems and what pathways they use to become engaged. To address these questions, we propose an analytical framework built around key contextual factors that constrain or enable young people’s economic activity. By pursuing the proposed research agenda, international agricultural research could make important contributions to both agricultural policy debates and development-oriented interventions.
Practical aspects of the DesignDEVS simulation environment
Authors: Goldstein Rhys , Breslav Simon , Khan Azam
Published: August 2017

DesignDEVS is a simulation development environment based on the Discrete Event System Specification (DEVS) formalism. This paper provides an in-depth overview of the software while focusing on the practical considerations influencing its design. Practitioners who stand to benefit from systems engineering will approach formalism-based simulation tools with little knowledge of the underlying theory. It is therefore important that theoretical principles, such as the separation of model and simulator, be emphasized by the user interface. Other practical aspects of DesignDEVS include the simplicity of atomic model code, a focus on coupling for collaboration purposes, the enforcement of essential modeling constraints, and a reliance on best practices in cases where strict enforcement might inconvenience users. In DesignDEVS, an issue we refer to as the Insidious Pointer Problem is aggressively tackled through run-time error handling. By contrast, the separation of output values from state transitions is left as a best practice for the sake of user convenience. The design decisions explained in this paper are relevant to developers of other formalism-based tools seeking widespread adoption of scalable modeling and simulation practices.
Geographies of fat waste. Or, how kitchen fats make citizens
Authors: Ibáñez Martín Rebeca , de Laet Marianne
Published: August 2017

While waste marks the beginning of relocation, re-materialization, and resourcing processes, it is also a set of connections, producing specific figurations of citizenship that follow from, as they inform, waste management strategies. This article regards household practices to do with the disposal of used fats as a site where citizenship forms. The authors see the figure of ‘good citizen’ appear along the trajectory of kitchen fats. They contrast this figure with the ‘re-user,’ who acts by a different set of rules, so as to explore logics and normativities embedded in the mundane processes of discarding fats. Fat waste not only turns out to be different things for different stakeholders; it is in different fat disposal practices that different (kinds of) stakeholders emerge. As the authors situate citizenship in mundane practices, kitchen fats suggest the situational, material-relational character of waste and waste-eliminating schemes – and of citizenship itself.
Subjective Meanings and Identification With Middle Age
Authors: Dolberg Pnina , Ayalon Liat
Published: August 2017

The “middle-age” life period has not been researched extensively and lacks a theoretical conceptualization. The present study explores subjective experiences of members of this age-group. This is a qualitative research, based on in-depth interviews and thematic analysis, which looks into the life stories of 25 Israeli residents aged 48–64 years. The results indicate that the definition of middle age is not clear-cut, and some participants regard their age negatively. Yet, participants report that this period is characterized by a relief of tasks, broader choice opportunity, a sense of liberation, peace of mind, experience, self-awareness, and self-acceptance. Description of middle age as a peak in life, with concerns about future old age, came up repeatedly. Middle-aged individuals‘ difficulties to identify with their age-group and the social concept that dichotomizes age into young versus old are discussed. The article calls for further research of and engagement with middle age.
The Evidence Base for Interventions Targeting Individuals With Work-Related PTSD: A Systematic Review and Recommendations
Authors: Torchalla Iris , Strehlau Verena
Published: August 2017

The purpose of this study was to summarize the evidence base for interventions targeting individuals with work-related posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), to make recommendations for clinicians and administrative decision makers involved in their rehabilitation, and to guide future research in this area. Particular attention was given to studies that were conducted in naturalistic clinical settings or in a workers’ compensation claim context. Electronic searches of Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, MEDLINE, PubMed, PsycINFO, CINAHL, PILOTS, and EMBASE identified 11 articles. Study populations included railroad personnel, police officers, disaster workers, and individuals with industrial injuries. Interventions included trauma-focused cognitive-behavioral therapy and eye movement desensitization and reprocessing. Several studies specifically targeted workers who had failed to return to work (RTW) after standard PTSD treatment. The results suggest that psychotherapy interventions are beneficial for helping clients recover from PTSD symptoms and RTW. In studies that reported on work status, RTW rates increased over time and generally lay between 58% and 80% across follow-up time points. Narrative impressions were supplemented by calculation of Risk Differences for individuals working at pretreatment versus posttreatment. Clinical consideration, methodological issues limiting the current body of work, and recommendations for future research are discussed.
Media Events, solidarity, and the rise and fall of the public sphere
Authors: Goldfarb Jeffrey C
Published: August 2017

Dayan and Katz’s classic, Media Events, has continued relevance even as its primary object of inquiry, ceremonial television, is no longer as significant as it once was. The book demonstrates how a key insight of Gabriel Tarde, concerning the importance of media in modern societies, resolves a dilemma of Emile Durkheim’s sociology, the continued importance of common beliefs and rituals in complex society when the members of society have more differences than commonalities. This insight is then applied to a deeper understanding of how ‘media events’ resolved a weakness in Habermas’ account of the transformation public sphere, the cogency of an understanding of a central public sphere when there are in fact multiple publics. The article concludes with reflections on the clear and present crises of public life today when multiple publics do not meet.
The lasting charm of Media Events
Authors: Sonnevend Julia
Published: August 2017

This essay analyzes the power, charm and limitations of Daniel Dayan’s and Elihu Katz’s Media Events: The Live Broadcasting of History (Harvard, 1992). It argues that the book presented a uniquely compelling and alluring concept, but has three limitations: Media Events has a present-centric view of events, a constrained understanding of conflicting narratives in the global context, and it is inattentive to how media events travel across multiple platforms. But overall, this essay concludes that ceremonial media events as described by the canonic book of Dayan and Katz are still important in the 21st century, and will survive the passing of time and media.
The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program and frequency of sugar-sweetened soft drink consumption among low-income adults in the US
Authors: Park Jiyeun , Lin Hsien-Chang , Peng Chao-Ying
Published: August 2017

Background:

The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) was designed to help low-income people purchase nutritious foods in the US. In recent years, there has been a consistent call for banning purchases of sugar drinks in SNAP.

Aim:

The aim of this study was to examine the association between SNAP participation and the frequency of sugar-sweetened soft drink (SSD) consumption among low-income adults in the US.

Method:

Data came from the 2009–2010 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey. Low-income adults aged ≥20 years with a household income ≤250% of the Federal Poverty Level ( N = 1200) were categorized into two groups based on the household’s SNAP receipt: SNAP recipients ( n = 393) and non-recipients ( n = 807). Propensity-score matching was used to minimize observable differences between these two groups that may explain the difference in SSD consumption, generating the final sample of 393 matched pairs (SNAP recipients, n = 393; non-recipients, n = 393). An ordinal logistic regression was conducted on the matched sample.

Results:

SNAP recipients were more likely to report higher levels of SSD consumption, compared with non-recipients (adjusted odds ratio (AOR) = 1.55, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.17−2.07). Male gender (AOR = 1.69, 95% CI = 1.17−2.46), younger age (AOR = 0.97, 95% CI = 0.96−0.99), lower education level (AOR = 2.28, 95% CI = 1.33−3.89), and soda availability in homes (AOR = 2.24, 95% CI = 1.77−2.83) were also associated with higher levels of SSD consumption among low-income adults.

Conclusions:

SNAP participation was associated with frequent SSD consumption. To reduce SSD consumption, strategic efforts need to focus on educating people about the harms of SSD and promoting nutritious food choices with SNAP benefits.
Patterns of nonverbal parental communication: A social and situational contexts approach
Authors: Grebelsky-Lichtman Tsfira , Shenker Eli
Published: August 2017

Nonverbal communication plays an important role in parent–child interactions; however, previous studies have focused on patterns of verbal parental communication. The current study expands the existing research to patterns of nonverbal parental communication. This study presents a social and situational contexts approach to explain various nonverbal parental communication styles. Parent–child interactions ( n = 240) in structured joint-game sequences were filmed in families’ homes and analyzed using a mixed multivariant design. Confirmatory factor analysis produced a conceptualization of patterns of nonverbal parental communication: authoritative, authoritarian, and permissive. Multifaceted analyses revealed significant effects of a range of social and situational contexts. The findings delineated the contexts that activated diverse nonverbal parental communication styles. The proposed theoretical and analytical framework contributes to the research of parent–child interactions and establishes a social and situational approach for patterns of nonverbal parental communication.
Disaster management practices of academic libraries in Panay Island, Philippines: Lessons from Typhoon Haiyan
Authors: Superio Daryl L , Alayon Stephen B , Oliveros Mary Grace H
Published: August 2017

A disaster management plan is essential because it can guide library personnel on what to do in a critical time. Using an eight-part survey instrument, this paper documents the impact of Typhoon Haiyan on 22 academic libraries in Northern Panay, Western Visayas, Philippines and the disaster management practices that were implemented. The results revealed that although the majority of the libraries do not have a disaster management plan, they all had common disaster management practices that enabled them to save parts of their collections. Moreover, the study revealed that librarians lacked knowledge and skills on disaster management. This paper was presented at the 40th International Association of Aquatic and Marine Science Libraries and Information Centers (IAMSLIC) Annual Conference, Noumea, New Caledonia, September 14–18, 2014.
Lexicalized structural priming in second language online sentence comprehension
Authors: Wei Hang , Boland Julie E. , Brennan Jonathan , Yuan Fang , Wang Min , Zhang Chi
Published: August 2017

Prior work has shown intriguing differences between first language (L1) and second language (L2) comprehension priming of relative clauses. We investigated English reduced relative clause priming in Chinese adult learners of English. Participants of different education levels read sentences in a self-paced, moving window paradigm. Critical sentences had a temporarily ambiguous reduced relative clause. Across lists, critical sentences were rotated, so that they occurred either as prime or as target, and had either the same or different verb as the critical sentence with which they were paired. Prime/target pairs were separated by several filler sentences, which never contained a relative clause. Mean reading times for the disambiguating region in the target sentences were faster than in the prime sentences, but only in the same-verb condition, not in the different-verb condition. This pattern of results is consistent with L1 comprehension priming research, suggesting that similar lexically specific mechanisms are involved in L1 and L2 comprehension priming of reduced relative clauses. These findings are in line with lexicalist accounts of sentence comprehension (e.g. MacDonald et al., 1994), according to which syntactic information is bound to specific words. In addition, these findings argue against theories that postulate fundamental differences in processing of L1 and L2 (e.g. Clahsen and Felser, 2006a, 2006b).
Efficacy and Safety of the Early Addition of Vasopressin to Norepinephrine in Septic Shock
Authors: Hammond Drayton A. , Cullen Julia , Painter Jacob T. , McCain Kelsey , Clem Oktawia A. , Brotherton Amy L. , Chopra Divyan , Meena Nikhil
Published: August 2017

Background:

Delays in achievement of target mean arterial pressure (MAP) have been associated with increased mortality in patients with septic shock. Vasopressin may be added to norepinephrine to raise MAP or decrease norepinephrine dosage. The purpose of this study was to determine whether early initiation of vasopressin to norepinephrine resulted in a reduced time to target MAP compared to norepinephrine monotherapy.

Methods:

This retrospective cohort study compared early addition of vasopressin within 4 hours of septic shock onset to norepinephrine versus initial norepinephrine monotherapy in medically, critically ill patients with septic shock admitted from May 2014 to October 2015. Time to goal MAP was compared using Student t test and examined with Kaplan-Meier curves. Changes in Sequential Organ Failure Assessment (SOFA) scores were evaluated with Wilcoxon rank sum test.

Results:

Each group contained 48 patients. Mean arterial pressure (61.5 vs 58.6 mm Hg) and intravenous fluid volume received at vasopressor initiation (14.3 vs 25.2 hours, P = .014) were similar. Patients started on early vasopressin achieved and maintained goal MAP sooner (6.2 vs 9.9 hours, P = .023), experienced greater reductions in SOFA scores at 72 hours (−4 vs −1, P = .012), and had shorter hospital durations (343 vs 604 hours, P = .014). Not initiating early vasopressin trended toward an association with increased time to goal MAP ( P = .067).

Conclusion:

Early initiation of vasopressin in patients with septic shock may achieve and maintain goal MAP sooner and resolve organ dysfunction at 72 hours more effectively than later or no initiation.