bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
O DIREITO INTERNACIONAL ENTRE O DEVER ÉTICO E A AÇÃO POLÍTICA: Os fundamentos de um dever de cooperação internacional na filosofia política de Immanuel Kant
Authors: Pozzatti Ademar Junior
Published: February 2017

O presente artigo investiga se existe um fundamento para afirmar existir um dever de cooperação internacional ou se a colaboração é apenas um ato de cortesia entre os Estados. Esse trabalho busca fundamentar tal dever na teoria moral deontológica da tradição kantiana para mostrar que a sua concepção da razão prática impõe um dever de cooperação internacional. A hipótese deste trabalho é que existe um dever tanto moral quanto jurídico de cooperação internacional. Para a construção deste argumento, verifica-se como a ideia de dever ético se articula na direção da ação política e que é possível transpor o edifício ético kantiano para as relações internacionais através do desenvolvimento de um cosmopolitismo moral e jurídico. Por fim, verifica-se que o desdobramento contemporâneo de alguns desses preceitos pode sustentar um dever de cooperação internacional por parte dos Estados. A originalidade desta abordagem está na busca das categorias da filosofia política para pensar o direito, bem como na tentativa de sedimentar a cooperação internacional em preceitos éticos.
Identification of tower-wake distortions using sonic anemometer and lidar measurements
Authors: McCaffrey Katherine , Quelet Paul T. , Choukulkar Aditya , Wilczak James M. , Wolfe Daniel E. , Oncley Steven P. , Brewer W. Alan , Debnath Mithu , Ashton Ryan , Iungo G. Valerio , Lundquist Julie K.
Published: February 2017

Abstract. The eXperimental Planetary boundary layer Instrumentation Assessment (XPIA) field campaign took place in March through May 2015 at the Boulder Atmospheric Observatory, utilizing its 300 m meteorological tower, instrumented with two sonic anemometers mounted on opposite sides of the tower at six heights. This allowed for at least one sonic anemometer at each level to be upstream of the tower at all times and for identification of the times when a sonic anemometer is in the wake of the tower frame. Other instrumentation, including profiling and scanning lidars aided in the identification of the tower wake. Here we compare pairs of sonic anemometers at the same heights to identify the range of directions that are affected by the tower for each of the opposing booms. The mean velocity and turbulent kinetic energy are used to quantify the wake impact on these first- and second-order wind measurements, showing up to a 50 % reduction in wind speed and an order of magnitude increase in turbulent kinetic energy. Comparisons of wind speeds from profiling and scanning lidars confirmed the extent of the tower wake, with the same reduction in wind speed observed in the tower wake, and a speed-up effect around the wake boundaries. Wind direction differences between pairs of sonic anemometers and between sonic anemometers and lidars can also be significant, as the flow is deflected by the tower structure. Comparisons of lengths of averaging intervals showed a decrease in wind speed deficit with longer averages, but the flow deflection remains constant over longer averages. Furthermore, asymmetry exists in the tower effects due to the geometry and placement of the booms on the triangular tower. An analysis of the percentage of observations in the wake that must be removed from 2 min mean wind speed and 20 min turbulent values showed that removing even small portions of the time interval due to wakes impacts these two quantities. However, a vast majority of intervals have no observations in the tower wake, so removing the full 2 or 20 min intervals does not diminish the XPIA dataset.
Tropospheric products of the 2nd European reprocessing (1996–2014)
Authors: Dousa Jan , Vaclavovic Pavel
Published: February 2017

Abstract. In this paper, we present results of the 2nd reprocessing of all data from 1996 to 2014 from all stations in the European GNSS permanent network as performed at the Geodetic Observatory Pecný (GOP). While the original goal of this research was to ultimately contribute to new realization of the European terrestrial reference system, we also aim to provide a new set of GNSS tropospheric parameter time series with possible applications to climate research. To achieve these goals, we enhanced a strategy to guarantee the continuity of these tropospheric parameters and we prepared several variants of troposphere modelling. We then assessed all solutions in terms of the repeatability of coordinates as an internal evaluation of applied models and strategies, and in terms of zenith tropospheric delays (ZTD) and horizontal gradients with those of ERA-Interim numerical weather model (NWM) reanalysis. When compared to the GOP Repro1 solution, the results of the GOP Repro2 yielded improvements of approximately 50 % and 25 % in the repeatability of the horizontal and vertical components, respectively, and of approximately 9 % in tropospheric parameters. Vertical repeatability was reduced from 4.14 mm to 3.73 mm when using the VMF1 mapping function, a priori ZHD, and non-tidal atmospheric loading corrections from actual weather data. Raising the elevation angle cut-off from 3° to 7° and then to 10° increased RMS from coordinates’ repeatability, which was then confirmed by independently assessing GNSS tropospheric parameters with the NWM reanalysis. The assessment of tropospheric horizontal gradients with respect to the ERA-Interim revealed a strong sensitivity of estimated gradients to the quality of GNSS antenna tracking performance. This impact was demonstrated at the Mallorca station, where gradients systematically grew up to 5 mm during the period between 2003 and 2008, before this behaviour disappeared when the antenna at the station was changed.
Using graphs to find economically optimal safety targets for multiple
lines of flood defences
Authors: Dupuits Egidius Johanna Cassianus , Diermanse Ferdinand Lennaert Machiel , Kok Matthijs
Published: February 2017

Abstract. Flood defences can be designed as multiple lines of defence. This paper presents an approach for finding an optimal configuration for flood defence systems, based on an economic cost-benefit analysis with an arbitrary number of interdependent lines of defence. The proposed approach is based on a graph algorithm and is, thanks to some beneficial properties of the application, able to traverse large problems. A number of case studies were carried out to compare the optimal paths found by the proposed approach with the results of competing methods, and were found to generate (near) identical results. The work presented here makes cost-benefit analyses of complex flood defence systems with interdependent multiple lines of defence both easier and applicable to a broad range of flood defence systems with multiple lines of defence.
Human Resource Planning Practice in Managing Human Resource: A Literature Review
Authors: Aslam Hassan Danial , Aslam Mehmood , Ali Naeem , Habib Badar , Jabeen Madiha
Published: February 2017

Human resource planning is vital and foremost practice of human resource management. This article has explored theoretical grounds of human resource planning practice. Author has attempted to present comprehensive literature review on this imperative practice.  This paper explores how human resource planning plays a strategic role in managing organizations. Author has detailed importance, strategic objectives and factors affecting human resource planning process. Moreover, this paper details human resource planning models, frameworks and processes of retaining and motivating employed workforce.
The Relationship between Work Motivation, Burnout and Intention to Leave for the Top Level Managers of Garment Industry (A Case Study of Indian Garment Industry)
Authors: Qureshi Seema
Published: February 2017

Managers play an important role in organizations. They are the persons who formulate and implement policies, plans etc in the organization. Managers are the first to be contacted for suggestions with regard to overall information about the organization. Taking into consideration the importance of managers in the organization and a critical review of literature which revealed that the study on work motivation, burnout and intention to leave has not been conducted so far on the top level managers of garment industry of Delhi and NCR, the researcher found a gap to be filled by  conducting investigation on this sample for the variables in question. So the sample of the present study consists of top level managers of garment industry of Delhi and NCR. Thus, a convenient sampling method was used for drawing the sample from 60 garment export houses of Delhi and 40 of NCR. This paper gives a deep insight of work motivation, burnout and intention to leave for the top level managers of the garment industry of Delhi/NCR. In this paper we have checked the relationship of all dimensions of work motivation with the dimensions of burnout and intention to leave and have observed that all dimensions of work motivation have some more or less relationship with each dimension of burnout but neither of the dimensions of work motivation or total work motivation have any relationship with intention to leave. So even if top level managers leave their current job they don’t leave because of lack of work motivation.
Literatur-Rundschau
Authors: Städter Benjamin , Hasenberg Peter , Saxer Ulrich , Stroth Nicole , Vowe Gerhard , Rothenberger Liane , Hemels Joan , Burger Reiner
Published: February 2017

Thomas Bohrmann/Werner Veith/Stephan Zöller (Hg.): Handbuch Theologie und Populärer Film (Benjamin Städter)
Les « Cahiers de lecture » (1963-1986)
Authors: Melançon Benoît
Published: February 2017

Trois « Cahiers de lecture » d’André Belleau sont conservés au Service des archives et de gestion des documents de l’Université du Québec à Montréal, où il a enseigné de 1969 à sa mort en 1986. Sauf pour des extraits parus en 1995, ces textes, qui comptent un peu plus de soixante mille mots, sont inédits. Quelques semaines ou mois avant de mourir, Belleau a relu les notes qu’il avait rassemblées depuis 1963. Il ne les a pas réorganisées, réécrites, transformées en profondeur, mais il a voulu s’y replonger et y laisser la trace, difficilement, d’une (re)lecture. Corrigeant, précisant, proposant des renvois, un auteur-lecteur arrêtait son texte une dernière fois. Pour lui-même ? Pour d’autres ? Mais qu’est-ce que ces « Cahiers » ? Quelle place occupent-ils par rapport aux publications, études ou essais, d’André Belleau ? Que révèlent-ils de l’atelier de l’écrivain ? C’est à ces questions que l’article s’attache à répondre.
Medial knee joint contact force in the intact limb during walking in recently ambulatory service members with unilateral limb loss: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Miller Ross H. , Krupenevich Rebecca L. , Pruziner Alison L. , Wolf Erik J. , Schnall Barri L.
Published: February 2017

Background

Individuals with unilateral lower limb amputation have a high risk of developing knee osteoarthritis (OA) in their intact limb as they age. This risk may be related to joint loading experienced earlier in life. We hypothesized that loading during walking would be greater in the intact limb of young US military service members with limb loss than in controls with no limb loss.

Methods

Cross-sectional instrumented gait analysis at self-selected walking speeds with a limb loss group (N = 10, age 27 ± 5 years, 170 ± 36 days since last surgery) including five service members with transtibial limb loss and five with transfemoral limb loss, all walking independently with their first prosthesis for approximately two months. Controls (N = 10, age 30 ± 4 years) were service members with no overt demographical risk factors for knee OA. 3D inverse dynamics modeling was performed to calculate joint moments and medial knee joint contact forces (JCF) were calculated using a reduction-based musculoskeletal modeling method and expressed relative to body weight (BW).

Results

Peak JCF and maximum JCF loading rate were significantly greater in limb loss (184% BW, 2,469% BW/s) vs. controls (157% BW, 1,985% BW/s), with large effect sizes. Results were robust to probabilistic perturbations to the knee model parameters.

Discussion

Assuming these data are reflective of joint loading experienced in daily life, they support a “mechanical overloading” hypothesis for the risk of developing knee OA in the intact limb of limb loss subjects. Examination of the evolution of gait mechanics, joint loading, and joint health over time, as well as interventions to reduce load or strengthen the ability of the joint to withstand loads, is warranted.
A new glimpse on Mesozoic zooplankton—150 million-year-old lobster larvae
Authors: Haug Joachim T. , Haug Carolin
Published: February 2017

Larvae of malacostracan crustaceans represent a large fraction of modern day zooplankton. Plankton is not only a major part of the modern marine ecosystem, but must have played an important role in the ecosystems of the past as well. Unfortunately, our knowledge about plankton composition of the past is still quite limited. As an important part of today’s zooplankton, malacostracan larvae are still a rarity in the fossil record; many types of malacostracan larvae dominating the modern plankton have so far not been found as fossils. Here we report a new type of fossil malacostracan larva, found in the 150 million years old lithographic limestones of southern Germany (Solnhofen Lithographic Limestones). The three rather incomplete specimens mainly preserve the telson. A pronounced middle spine on the posterior edge of these specimens indicates that they are either larval forms of a clawed lobster or of an axiidean lobster, or of a closer relative to one of the two groups. The tergo-pleura are drawn out into distinct spines in one specimen, further supporting the interpretation as a larva of a clawed lobster or an early relative. The telson morphology also shows adaptations to a prolonged planktic life style, the latero-posterior edges are drawn out into distinct spines. Similar adaptations are known in larvae of the modern homarid lobsterNephrops norvegicus, not necessarily indicating a closer relationship, but convergent life styles. The new finds provide an important new insight into the composition of Mesozoic zooplankton and demonstrate the preservation potential of lithographic limestones.
A decade of volcanic construction and destruction at the summit of NW Rota‐1 seamount: 2004–2014
Authors: Schnur Susan R. , Chadwick William W. , Embley Robert W. , Ferrini Vicki L. , de Ronde Cornel E. J. , Cashman Katharine V. , Deardorff Nicholas D. , Merle Susan G. , Dziak Robert P. , Haxel Joe H. , Matsumoto Haru
Published: February 2017

Arc volcanoes are important to our understanding of submarine volcanism because at some sites frequent eruptions cause them to grow and collapse on human timescales. This makes it possible to document volcanic processes. Active submarine eruptions have been observed at the summit of NW Rota‐1 in the Mariana Arc. We use remotely operated vehicle videography and repeat high‐resolution bathymetric surveys to construct geologic maps of the summit of NW Rota‐1 in 2009 and 2010 and relate them to the geologic evolution of the summit area over a 10 year period (2004–2014). We find that 2009 and 2010 were characterized by different eruptive styles, which affected the type and distribution of eruptive deposits at the summit. Year 2009 was characterized by ultraslow extrusion and autobrecciation of lava at a single eruptive vent, producing a large cone of blocky lava debris. In 2010, higher‐energy explosive eruptions occurred at multiple closely spaced vents, producing a thin blanket of pebble‐sized tephra overlying lava flow outcrops. A landslide that occurred between 2009 and 2010 had a major effect on lithofacies distribution by removing the debris cone and other unconsolidated deposits, revealing steep massive flow cliffs. This relatively rapid alternation between construction and destruction forms one end of a seamount growth and mass wasting spectrum. Intraplate seamounts, which tend to grow larger than arc volcanoes, experience collapse events that are orders of magnitude larger and much less frequent than those occurring at subduction zone settings. Our results highlight the interrelated cyclicity of eruptive activity and mass wasting at submarine arc volcanoes.
Historic and projected changes in vapor pressure deficit suggest a continental‐scale drying of the United States atmosphere
Authors: Ficklin Darren L. , Novick Kimberly A.
Published: February 2017

Via air temperature increases and relative humidity changes, climate change will modify vapor pressure deficit (VPD), which is an important determinant of water vapor and CO2 exchange between the land surface and atmosphere. VPD is the difference between the water vapor the air can hold at saturation (es) and the actual amount of water vapor (ea). Here we assess changes in VPD, es, and ea in the United States (U.S.) for the recent past (1979–2013) and the future (2065–2099) using gridded, observed climate data and output from general circulation models. Historically, VPD has increased for all seasons, driven by increases in es and declines in ea. The spring, summer, and fall seasons exhibited the largest areal extent of significant increases in VPD, which was largely concentrated in the western and southern portions of the U.S. The changes in VPD stemmed from recent air temperature increases and relative humidity decreases. Projections indicate similar, amplified patterns into the future. For the summer, the general circulation model ensemble median showed a 51% projected increase (quartile range of 39 and 64%) in summer VPD for the U.S., reflecting temperature‐driven increases in es but decreases or minimal changes in relative humidity that promotes negligible changes in ea. Using a simple model for plant hydraulic functioning, we also show that in the absence of stomatal acclimation, future changes in VPD can reduce stomatal conductance by 9–51%, which is a magnitude comparable to the expected decline in stomatal conductance from rising CO2.
SNARE‐Reconstituted Liposomes as Controllable Zeptoliter Nanoreactors for Macromolecules
Authors: Hu Yachong , Lai Ying , Wang Yongyao , Zhao Minglei , Zhang Yunxiang , Crowe Michael , Tian Zhiqi , Long Jiangang , Diao Jiajie
Published: February 2017

Liposomes are synthetic phospholipid vesicles containing an aqueous lumen confined by a lipid bilayer. These vesicles have been used as nanoreactors because they offer confined environments that can result in significant changes to chemistry. However, a major limitation of using liposomes as nanocontainers is the impermeability of their lipid membranes. To overcome this, scientists have tested the use of porous liposomes generated by membrane phase changes or by pore formation proteins. In this study, the selective permeability of porous liposomes to molecules smaller than the threshold pore size is demonstrated for triggering internal reactions. Furthermore, in order to deliver macromolecules larger than the threshold pore size into lipid‐based nanoreactors, fusogenic soluble N‐ethylmaleimide‐sensitive factor attachment protein receptor (SNARE) proteins were employed to mediate membrane fusion between two liposomes to initiate reactions on demand without losing previously encapsulated macromolecules. This novel approach circumvents limitations associated with inserting molecules larger than the threshold pore size of porous lipid membranes.
Parameters affecting the localized fluidization in a particle medium
Authors: Mena Sarah E. , Luu Li‐Hua , Cuéllar Pablo , Philippe Pierre , Curtis Jennifer Sinclair
Published: February 2017

The current study presents experiments for the initial stages of fluidization induced by a localized fluid injection. The process was studied by recording high‐speed videos in a 2‐D‐region far from the boundaries using Planar Laser Induced Fluorescence and Refractive Index Matching. The experimental setup allowed for several parameters to be systematically studied including particle sizes, initial bed heights, and injection port diameters. The results show that the critical flow rate required for fluidization is primarily dependent on the initial height of the granular bed. However, this dependence is not a linear relation but progressively plateaus for larger heights. Conversely, the diameter of the chimney relates only slightly to the injection port diameter and significantly more to the diameter of the particles. © 2016 American Institute of Chemical Engineers AIChE J, 63: 1529–1542, 2017
Nuclear erythroid 2‐related factor 2 activation inhibits house dust mite–induced sinonasal epithelial cell barrier dysfunction
Authors: London Nyall R. , Tharakan Anuj , Lane Andrew P. , Biswal Shyam , Ramanathan Murugappan
Published: February 2017

Background

Dysregulated sinonasal epithelial cell (SNEC) barrier function has been proposed to contribute to the pathogenesis of sinonasal inflammatory conditions such as allergic rhinitis (AR) and chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS). Allergens such as house dust mite (HDM) have been reported to disrupt SNEC barrier integrity. We have recently identified nuclear erythroid 2‐related factor 2 (Nrf2) activation via sulforaphane (SFN) stimulation to stabilize SNEC barrier function. The purpose of this study was to explore whether Nrf2 activation could ameliorate HDM‐induced SNEC barrier dysfunction.

Methods

Human SNECs (HSNECs) were grown from patients at the air‐liquid interface (ALI). HSNECs were stimulated with HDM with or without pharmacologic activation of Nrf2 with SFN. HSNECs were then stained for the epithelial cell junction protein zonula occludens‐1 (ZO‐1) and cell surface localization was evaluated by confocal microscopy. Transepithelial electrical resistance (TER) and paracellular fluorescein isothiocyanate (FITC)‐dextran permeability was measured in response to stimulation with HDM and SFN.

Results

HDM stimulation caused a global disruption of the protein ZO‐1 along with an associated decrease in TER (p < 0.001) and increased FITC‐dextran paracellular permeability (p < 0.0001). Enhancing Nrf2 activation through treatment with SFN prior to stimulation with HDM was associated with increased localization of ZO‐1 at the cell surface and statistically significant increases in TER (p < 0.05) and decrease in paracellular FITC‐dextran permeability (p < 0.001).

Conclusion

This is the first study to demonstrate that HDM‐induced SNEC barrier dysfunction may be preventable by Nrf2 activation. The Nrf2 antioxidant pathway may represent a potential therapeutic target for allergen‐induced sinonasal inflammation.
Antagonistic effects on mechanical properties of microfibrillar composites with dual reinforcement: Explanation by FEA model of soft interface
Authors: Kelnar Ivan , Kratochvíl Jaroslav , Kaprálková Ludmila , Zhigunov Alexander , Padovec Zdeněk , Růžička Milan , Nevoralová Martina
Published: February 2017

Nanofillers (NF) in microfibrillar composites support melt‐drawing and may lead to improved performance. However, antagonistic effects have also been found. The deterioration of mechanical properties by drawing in the presence of NF, as found by other authors in analogous undrawn systems, has not yet been explained. Experiments indicating the importance of NF migration between the HDPE matrix and the PA6 fibrils in the course of drawing have led to a tentative conclusion of changed crystallinity in the interfacial area resulting in a layer with reduced modulus. This was confirmed by the finite element analysis considering the formation of a “soft” interface as a result of reduced content of HDPE spherulites at the fiber surfaces. The results show a marked impact of this phenomenon on modulus. This original concept presents a basis for explaining some antagonistic effects in multicomponent polymer systems and a tool for the more rational design of composite materials. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2017, 134, 44712.
Dual antibacterial functional regenerated cellulose fibers
Authors: Ates Busra , Cerkez Idris
Published: February 2017

N‐[3‐(dimethylamino)propyl]methacrylamide monomer was used to impart dual antibacterial functionality to regenerated cellulose fibers. In this regard, the monomer was grafted onto the surfaces by a “grafting from” technique, then the tertiary amine groups were quaternized and the acyclic amide groups were halogenated. Antibacterial activities of the mono‐ and dual‐functional coatings were comparatively evaluated. All the treatments were found to be effective against Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli with about six logs bacterial reduction. It was found that dual‐functional coatings provided rapid inactivation as opposed to the monofunctional coatings. FTIR, TGA, and SEM analysis, wash fastness, light stabilities, and the mechanical properties of the coated fabrics were also comparably reported. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2017, 134, 44872.
Characterization of the binding of a glycosylated serine protease from Euphorbia cf. lactea latex to human fibrinogen
Authors: Siritapetawee Jaruwan , Talabnin Chutima , Vanichtanankul Jarunee , Songsiriritthigul Chomphunuch , Thumanu Kanjana , Chen Chun‐Jung , Komanasin Nantarat
Published: February 2017

In this study, the binding of a glycosylated serine protease (EuP‐82) with human fibrinogen was investigated by isothermal titration calorimetry (ITC). ITC analysis indicated that the binding of EuP‐82 to fibrinogen in the conditions with or without the activator (Ca2+) was an exothermic reaction (dominant negative enthalpy), which tended to be driven by hydrogen bonding and van der Waals interactions. In contrast, the binding of fibrinogen−EuP‐82 in the condition with the inhibitor (Zn2+) was an unfavorable endothermic reaction. EuP‐82 could not inhibit the platelet activity in citrated whole blood via the ADP–receptor pathways (mainly, P2Y1 and P2Y12), but it could enhance the platelet aggregation. The ITC together with whole blood platelet aggregation suggested that EuP‐82 provided multiple fibrinogen‐binding sites that were not related to the arginine‐glycine‐aspartate (RGD) and the dodecapeptide sequences of fibrinogen. In addition, EuP‐82 had neither thrombin‐like activity nor anticoagulant activity. The SR‐FTIR spectra revealed that EuP‐82 was a glycoprotein. Deglycosylation of EuP‐82 did not affect its proteolytic activity. Moreover, EuP‐82 did not exhibit any toxicity to the living cells (NIH‐3T3). This study supports that EuP‐82 may be useful for wound‐healing material through stabilizing the clot via the platelet induction for the first process.
Selectively Converting Biomass to Jet Fuel in Large‐scale Apparatus
Authors: Li Jie , Sun Jian , Fan Ronggang , Yoneyama Yoshiharu , Yang Guohui , Tsubaki Noritatsu
Published: February 2017

Jet fuel is not easy to synthesize by the biomass‐to‐liquid (BTL) process owing to the limitation of the Anderson–Schulz–Flory (ASF) hydrocarbon distribution law in Fischer–Tropsch synthesis (FTS) with biomass‐derived syngas (CO+H2). Here, we realized an anti‐ASF distribution to selectively produce jet fuel from biomass on a large scale by addition of small amounts of 1‐olefin, a FTS product, into syngas, enhancing jet fuel selectivity in hydrocarbons up to 64 % and that in oil product to as high as 91 %. The Co/SiO2 catalyst (300 g) was loaded into a flow‐type three‐phase reactor and 120 h continuous operation was conducted by using the real‐time on‐line biomass‐derived syngas from an entrained bed gasifier of biomass (240 kg day−1) of Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, Ltd. The production rate of liquid oil reached 720 g kgcat−1 h−1. The structure of the fresh and used catalyst was characterized in detail, accompanied with lab‐scale data on reaction performance and catalyst properties. The stable technology process from biomass gasification to FTS, stable catalyst structure, and novel design of 1‐olefin addition are the key to success in selectively converting biomass to jet fuel on a large scale.
The ABC model of prostate cancer: A conceptual framework for the design and interpretation of prognostic studies
Authors: Pettersson Andreas , Gerke Travis , Fall Katja , Pawitan Yudi , Holmberg Lars , Giovannucci Edward L. , Kantoff Philip W. , Adami Hans‐Olov , Rider Jennifer R. , Mucci Lorelei A. ,   on behalf of the Transdisciplinary Prostate Cancer Partnership (ToPCaP)
Published: February 2017

There has been limited success in identifying prognostic biomarkers in prostate cancer. A partial explanation may be that insufficient emphasis has been put on clearly defining what type of marker or patient category a biomarker study aims to identify and how different cohort characteristics affect the ability to identify such a marker. In this article, the authors put forth the ABC model of prostate cancer, which defines 3 groups of patients with localized disease that an investigator may seek to identify: patients who, within a given time frame, will not develop metastases even if untreated (category A), will not develop metastases because of radical treatment (category B), or will develop metastases despite radical treatment (category C). The authors demonstrate that follow‐up time and prostate‐specific antigen screening intensity influence the prevalence of patients in categories A, B, and C in a study cohort, and that prognostic markers must be tested in both treated and untreated cohorts to accurately distinguish the 3 groups. The authors suggest that more emphasis should be put on considering these factors when planning, conducting, and interpreting the results from prostate cancer biomarker studies, and propose the ABC model as a framework to aid in that process. Cancer 2017;123:1490–1496. © 2017 American Cancer Society.
Do Capitation‐based Reimbursement Systems Underfund Tertiary Healthcare Providers? Evidence from New Zealand
Authors: Shin Somi , Schumacher Christoph , Feess Eberhard
Published: February 2017

One of the main concerns about capitation‐based reimbursement systems is that tertiary institutions may be underfunded due to insufficient reimbursements of more complicated cases. We test this hypothesis with a data set from New Zealand that, in 2003, introduced a capitation system where public healthcare provider funding is primarily based on the characteristics of the regional population. Investigating the funding for all cases from 2003 to 2011, we find evidence that tertiary providers are at a disadvantage compared with secondary providers. The reasons are that tertiary providers not only attract the most complicated, but also the highest number of cases. Our findings suggest that accurate risk adjustment is crucial to the success of a capitation‐based reimbursement system. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
In vitro assessment of the growth and plasma membrane H+‐ATPase inhibitory activity of ebselen and structurally related selenium‐ and sulfur‐containing compounds in Candida albicans
Authors: Orie Natalie N. , Warren Andrew R. , Basaric Jovana , Lau‐Cam Cesar , Piętka‐Ottlik Magdalena , Młochowski Jacek , Billack Blase
Published: February 2017

Ebselen (EB, compound 1) is an investigational organoselenium compound that reduces fungal growth, in part, through inhibition of the fungal plasma membrane H+‐ATPase (Pma1p). In the present study, the growth inhibitory activity of EB and of five structural analogs was assessed in a fluconazole (FLU)‐resistant strain of Candida albicans (S2). While none of the compounds were more effective than EB at inhibiting fungal growth (IC50 ∼ 18 μM), two compounds, compounds 5 and 6, were similar in potency. Medium acidification assays performed with S2 yeast cells revealed that compounds 4 and 6, but not compounds 2, 3, or 5, exerted an inhibitory activity comparable to EB (IC50 ∼ 14 μM). Using a partially purified Pma1p preparation obtained from S2 yeast cells, EB and all the analogs demonstrated a similar inhibitory activity. Taken together, these results indicate that EB analogs are worth exploring further for use as growth inhibitors of FLU‐resistant fungi.
Osteogenic differentiation of human gingival mesenchymal stem cells by Aristolochia bracteolata supplementation through enhanced Runx2 expression
Authors: Murugan Girija Dinesh , Y Ranga Rao Suresh , Kalachaveedu Mangathayaru , Subbarayan Rajasekaran
Published: February 2017

The phenotypic characteristics of human gingival derived mesenchymal stem cells (HGMSCs) on induction with total methanol extract of Aristolochia bracteolata have been evaluated. HGMSCs were cultured in control and two different induction medium: Control medium (basal medium), OM1 (Standard induction medium), and OM2 (100 μg/ml of A. bracteolata). Osteogenic differentiation of the cultured cells was assessed by studying the calcium deposition and osteoblastic gene expression. OM2 medium showed an enhanced osteogenic differentiation potential than OM1 as measured by increased calcium deposition and elevated expression of Runx2, osteopontin, osteonectin, osteocalcin, Collagen type I, and ALP levels in comparison with OM1 differentiated cells. We conclude that at 100 μg/ml A. bracteolata has induced HGMSC differentiation into osteogenic lineage consequent to enhanced Runx2 expression and related osteogenic genes.
Efficient salt‐aided aqueous extraction of bitter almond oil
Authors: Liu Lei , Yu Xiuzhu , Zhao Zhong , Xu Lirong , Zhang Rui
Published: February 2017

BACKGROUND

Salt‐aided aqueous extraction (SAAE) is an inexpensive and environmentally friendly method of oil extraction that is influenced by many factors. In the present study, we investigated the effect of SAAE on bitter almond oil yield.

RESULTS

This study used sodium bicarbonate solution as extraction solvent and the optimal extraction parameters predicted by Box–Behnken design (i.e., concentration of sodium bicarbonate, 0.4 mol L−1; solvent‐to‐sample ratio, 5:1; extraction temperature, 84 °C; extraction time, 60 min), for oil recovery of 90.9%. The physiochemical characteristics of the extracted oil suggest that the quality was similar to that of the aqueous enzymatic extracted oil. Moreover, the content of hydrocyanic acid (HCN) in bitter almond oil was found to be less than 5 mg kg−1, which was lower compared to that obtained by other reported methods. Results of microanalysis indicated that SAAE led to significant improvement in oil yield by allowing the release of oil and decreasing the emulsion fraction. Therefore, extraction of bitter almond oil by SAAE is feasible.

CONCLUSION

These results demonstrate that extraction of bitter almond oil by SAAE based on the salt effect is feasible on a laboratory scale. © 2017 Society of Chemical Industry
New application of three‐dimensional printing biomaterial in nasal reconstruction
Authors: Park Sun Hwa , Yun Byeong Gon , Won Joo Yun , Yun Won Soo , Shim Jin Hyung , Lim Mi Hyun , Kim Do Hyun , Baek Sang A. , Alahmari Yahya Dhafer , Jeun Jun Ho , Hwang Se Hwan , Kim Sung Won
Published: February 2017

Objectives

Polycaprolactone (PCL) is an U.S. Food and Drug Administration‐approved synthetic biodegradable polymer and is easily fabricated into three‐dimensional (3D) structures. In this study, the 3D‐printed PCL implant for nasal augmentation was further evaluated for its suitability for nasal surgeries such as septoplasty and rhinoplasty.

Methods

Ten New Zealand White rabbits were included and divided into study and sham groups (7 and 3, respectively). A lateral incision was made on the nasal dorsum and a pocket formed in the subperichondrial plane between the upper lateral cartilage and nasal septum. Polycaprolactone was fabricated based on 3D printing technology into a 0.8 × 0.8‐cm rectangular shape for use as a nasal implant. The material was inserted as a septal extension graft and sutured with alar cartilage for nasal reshaping. The implants were harvested 4, 8, and 12 weeks after implantation and evaluated by gross morphological assessment and histological examination.

Results

The initial shape of the implant was unchanged in all cases, and no definitive postoperative complications were seen over the 3‐month period. Gross morphological evaluation confirmed that implants remained in their initial location without migration or extrusion. Histologic evaluations showed that the implant architectures were maintained with excellent fibrovascular ingrowth and minimal inflammatory reactions.

Conclusion

Polycaprolactone can be used for nasal reconstruction such as nasal augmentation. Polycaprolactone is easy to work with and will avoid the increased operative time and morbidity associated with autograft harvesting. Therefore, PCL implants designed by 3D printing can serve as clinically biocompatible materials in craniofacial reconstruction in the future.

Level of Evidence

NA. Laryngoscope, 127:1036–1043, 2017
PPAR‐γ agonist ameliorates liver pathology accompanied by increasing regulatory B and T cells in high‐fat‐diet mice
Authors: Xu Zhipeng , Wang Gang , Zhu Yuxiao , Liu Ran , Song Jingwei , Ni Yangyue , Sun Hongzhi , Yang Bingya , Hou Min , Chen Lin , Ji Minjun , Fu Zan
Published: February 2017

Objective

Peroxisome proliferator‐activated receptor (PPAR)‐γ plays critical roles in human metabolic disorders. However, the mechanism remains incompletely understood. Regulatory cells contribute to these metabolic improvements; therefore, whether PPAR‐γ agonist regulates regulatory cells was investigated.

Methods

C57BL/6J mice received a normal or high‐fat diet (HFD) with or without pioglitazone treatment. Mice were sacrificed for detecting the metabolic parameters. Lymphocytes from spleen and visceral adipose tissue (VAT) were collected and analyzed for ST2+Tregs and Bregs by flow cytometry. IL‐10 in the liver or VAT was detected by immunofluorescence and ELISA. Correlation analysis between IL‐10 and liver weight or serum total cholesterol was made by Pearson correlation analysis.

Results

Pioglitazone increased VAT weight but reduced serum total cholesterol, hepatic steatosis, and cholesterol crystallization formation. Pioglitazone treatment enhanced ST2+Tregs and Bregs in the VAT and spleen of HFD‐fed mice (all P < 0.05). Pioglitazone treatment increased IL‐10 in the livers or VAT of HFD‐fed mice (all P < 0.05). The expression of IL‐10 in the liver was significantly negatively correlated with liver weight or serum total cholesterol in pioglitazone‐treated HFD‐fed mice (r2 = 0.74, P < 0.05; r2 = 0.58, P < 0.05).

Conclusions

PPAR‐γ signaling plays a critical role in the regulation of metabolic disorders through promoting regulatory cell response.
Romiplostim for therapy‐related thrombocytopenia in pediatric malignancies
Authors: Jacobson Amanda E. , Shah Nilay , Setty Bhuvana A.
Published: February 2017

Therapy‐related thrombocytopenia (TRT), due to chemotherapy and/or radiation therapy, is common with pediatric cancer treatments, and it can result in dose reductions and therapy delays. Romiplostim, a thrombopoietin mimetic, is efficacious as a second‐line treatment for immune thrombocytopenia in children and for TRT in adult cancer patients. However, there are no data for its use for TRT in children. We report a case series of five children treated for solid tumors where romiplostim was used without adverse effects to successfully resolve and prevent therapy‐limiting refractory TRT. Prospective studies on this use of romiplostim are warranted.
Activity Trends of Binary Silver Alloy Nanocatalysts for Oxygen Reduction Reaction in Alkaline Media
Authors: Wu Xiaoqiang , Chen Fuyi , Zhang Nan , Lei Yimin , Jin Yachao , Qaseem Adnan , Johnston Roy L.
Published: February 2017

The electrocatalytic activity of Pt‐based alloys exhibits a strong dependence on their electronic structures, but a relationship between electronic structure and oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) activity in Ag‐based alloys is still not clear. Here, a vapor deposition based approach is reported for the preparation of Ag75M25 (M = Cu, Co, Fe, and In) and AgxCu100−x (x = 0, 25, 45, 50, 55, 75, 90, and 100) nanocatalysts and their electronic structures are determined by valence band spectra. The relationship of the d‐band center and ORR activity exhibits volcano‐shape behaviors, where the maximum catalytic activity is obtained for Ag75Cu25 alloys. The ORR enhancement of Ag75Cu25 alloys originates from the 0.12 eV upshift in d‐band center relative to pure Ag, which is different from the downshift in the d‐band center in Pt‐based alloys. The activity trend for these Ag75M25 alloys is in the order of Ag75Cu25 > Ag75Fe25 > Ag75Co25. These results provide an insight to understand the activity and stability enhancement of Ag75Cu25 and Ag50Cu50 catalysts by alloying.
A note on the Kazdan-Warner type condition
Authors: Han Zheng-chao , Li YanYan
Published: February 2017

This paper addresses the necessary conditions for a function

K(x)

on

\mathbf S^n

to be the scalar curvature function of a metric pointwise conformal to the standard metric on

\mathbf S^n

. The well known necessary conditions are:

K(x)

is positive somewhere and satisfies the Kazdan–Warner type condition (
see
the text below). It has remained an outstanding problem for many years whether the above necessary conditions are also sufficient. Recently W. Chen and C. Li ([ChL]) proved that the above conditions are not sufficient by producing
changing sign
functions

K

which satisfy the above conditions, but are not scalar curvature functions of any metric pointwise conformal to the standard metric on

\mathbf S^n

. In their construction, it is essential that

K

changes sign

. In fact, for

n =

2, it follows from the results of [XY] that for the class of
positive
nondegenerate axisymmetric functions the Kazdan–Warner type condition is actually necessary and sufficient. This brings up a natural question that whether this is a general fact, or it is only so for axisymmetric functions. In this note we answer the above question for

2 ≤ n ≤ 4

by producing a family of
positive
functions

K

which satisfy the Kazdan–Warner type condition, but nevertheless are not scalar curvature functions of any metric pointwise conformal to the standard metric on

\mathbf S^n

.

Nous construisons certaines fonctions positives sur

\mathbf S^n

,

2 ≤ n ≤ 4

, qui satisfont les conditions de type Kazdan–Warner, mais telles qu’elles ne sont pas les courbures scalaires des métriques conformes á la métrique standard de

\mathbf S^n

.
Large deviation asymptotics for Anosov flows
Authors: Waddington Simon
Published: February 2017

We derive precise asymptotic formulae for large deviation probabilities for suspensions of subshifts of finite type. As a corollary, we give a stronger version of the Central Limit Theorem. We apply our results to transitive Anosov flows, giving a result describing fluctuations in the volume of Bowen balls and an asymptotic large deviation formula of a homological nature involving Schwartzmann’s winding cycle.
EVIDENCE FOR SIGNIFICANT SUBTERRANEAN STORAGE AT TWO HUNTER-GATHERER SITES: THE PRESENCE OF A MAST-BASED ECONOMY IN THE LATE ARCHAIC COASTAL AMERICAN SOUTHEAST
Authors: Sanger Matthew C.
Published: February 2017

Excavations at two Late Archaic shell rings on St. Catherines Island, Georgia, revealed evidence of significant amounts of subterranean storage. Based on botanical evidence, ethonographic analogies, and interpretations of other Late Archaic sites, hickory nuts and acorns are the most likely resource being stored, and quantifying the capacity found at each ring highlights the prevalence and importance of mast storage. These findings are important because large-scale storage has rarely been proposed for Late Archaic coastal peoples and, therefore, its impact as a potential factor for social changes enacted during this time period, including increasing sedentism, formalization of intragroup relations, and regionalization of cultural identities, has yet to be explored.
Temporally resolved measurements of heavy, rigid fibre translation and rotation in nearly homogeneous isotropic turbulence
Authors: Sabban L. , Cohen A. , van Hout R.
Published: February 2017

A two orthogonal view, holographic cinematography system (volume of$17\times 17\times 17~\text{mm}^{3}$) was used to measure three-dimensional fibre translational velocities, orientations and rotation rates in near homogeneous isotropic air turbulence (HIT). Flow characteristics were determined from temporally resolved particle image velocimetry measurements. Two sets of rigid, nylon fibres having the same nominal length (0.5 mm) but different diameters (13.7 and$19.1~\unicode[STIX]{x03BC}\text{m}$), were released in near HIT at a Taylor microscale Reynolds number of$Re_{\unicode[STIX]{x1D706}}\approx 130$and tracked at more than five times the Kolmogorov frequency. The ratio of fibre length to the Kolmogorov length scale was 2.8 and the two sets were characterized by Stokes numbers of 1.35 and 2.44, respectively. As a result of increased inertia, the probability density functions (PDFs) of the fluctuating fibre translational velocities were narrower than the ones of the air and the fibre velocity autocorrelations decreased at a decreasing rate. While fibre orientations in the cameras’ frame of reference were random as a result of the strong turbulence, it was shown that fibres align with the flow to minimize drag. PDFs of the fibre rotation rates indicated the occurrence of extreme rotation rate events. Furthermore, increasing inertia lowered the normalized, mean squared fibre rotation rates in comparison to results obtained for neutrally buoyant fibres having the same aspect ratio and including the effect of preferential alignment. The present results compare well to direct numerical simulations including the effect of fibre inertia.
Viscosity effect on the longwave instability of a fluid interface subjected to horizontal vibrations
Authors: Lyubimov D. V. , Khilko G. L. , Ivantsov A. O. , Lyubimova T. P.
Published: February 2017

The effect of viscosity on the longwave Kelvin–Helmholtz instability of two immiscible incompressible fluids under horizontal vibrations is considered. The linear stability boundaries are found analytically using series expansion in terms of small wavenumber. The values of parameters, at which a transition from the longwave to finite-wavelength instability takes place, are determined. It has been shown that for high-frequency vibrations a viscous dissipation has just a weak destabilizing effect. At vibrations of moderate frequencies, destabilization is more significant, especially in the systems with large viscosity contrast. In contrast to that, at low frequencies the viscosity stabilizes the basic flow by suppressing the longwave perturbations.
Cows and guns. Cattle-related conflict and armed violence in Fizi and Itombwe, eastern DR Congo
Authors: Verweijen Judith , Brabant Justine
Published: February 2017

This paper analyses the role of cattle in the entwined dynamics of conflict and violence in the Fizi and Itombwe region of South Kivu province, in the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo. On the one hand, agropastoral conflict intensifies armed mobilisation, allowing armed groups to draw upon particular conflict narratives that generate popular and elite support. It also creates incentives for armed actors to engage in cattle-looting, or the defence against it, for both symbolic and material reasons. On the other hand, the presence of armed forces and the use of violence profoundly shape agropastoral conflicts. Importantly, they change the perceived stakes of these conflicts, and hamper their resolution. By showing that the relations between cattle-related conflict and armed activity are indirect, complex and mutual, the paper refines both theories on agropastoral conflict and those highlighting the role of local conflicts in fuelling violence in the eastern Congo.