bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
RIFLESSIONI SULLA METODOLOGIA DEGLI STUDI COMPARATI
Authors: Smelser Neil J. , Recchi Traduzione di Ettore
Published: September 2018

Sono passati vent'anni da quando pubblicaiComparative Methods in the Social Sciences(Smelser 1976). Il libro riscosse un certo interesse da parte della sociologia e della scienza politica. Tuttavia, dovrei mettere in chiaro che la sua pubblicazione fu in qualche modo singolare. Nella mia carriera non mi sono mai considerato un metodologo, malgrado in alcuni periodi abbia insegnato metodologia. E benché ritenga che il messaggio di quel volume sia congruente con gran parte della mia ricerca sostantiva, avevo scritto ben poco sui metodi di comparazione prima dell'uscita del libro, e niente ho scritto sul tema in seguito. L'invito a tenere una lezione presso l'Istituto Universitario Europeo mi ha offerto una gradita opportunità di passare in rassegna alcuni sviluppi occorsi dopo la seconda metà degli anni Settanta e di elaborare nuove riflessioni su alcune tematiche metodologiche nelle scienze sociali comparatistiche. Queste mie riflessioni si svilupperanno in quattro parti:a)alcune informazioni sui precedenti della stesura del libro e un'analisi retrospettiva dei suoi contenuti e dei suoi scopi intellettuali;b)una rassegna dei contributi alla letteratura sulla metodologia comparatista che sono apparsi in seguito;c)un tentativo di mettere ordine in questa letteratura confusa;d)una breve riconsiderazione finale di un paio di problemi centrali che verranno allo scoperto in questa presentazione.
I GRUPPI PARLAMENTARI DOPO IL 1994. FLUIDITÀ E RIAGGREGAZIONI
Authors: Verzichelli Luca
Published: September 2018

Lo studio dei gruppi parlamentari non ha mai rivestito grande importanza in Italia, anche per la generale convergenza tra gli studiosi, politologi e giuristi, intorno alla tesi della subordinazione dei gruppi stessi rispetto ai partiti, sin dall'epoca della ricostruzione democratica del dopoguerra.
COME PERDERE UNA MAGGIORANZA. LA COMPETIZIONE NEI COLLEGI UNINOMINALI
Authors: D'Alimonte Roberto , Bartolini Stefano
Published: September 2018

Introduzione

A dispetto delle attese e dei pronostici di molti, non c'è stato pareggio. Il voto ha prodotto un vincente: la coalizione di centro-sinistra formata dai partiti dell'Ulivo e da Rifondazione Comunista. Nelle elezioni del '94 il risultato non era stato così chiaro. Allora, emerse un «Parlamento diviso»: i Poli di Berlusconi vinsero nettamente alla Camera, ma sfiorarono solo la maggioranza assoluta dei seggi al Senato. Anche questa volta si rileva una differenza significativa tra Camera e Senato: al Senato i partiti dell'Ulivo da soli hanno quasi la maggioranza assoluta dei seggi mentre alla Camera non possono in ogni caso prescindere dal sostegno di Rc. Si può dire però che il sistema elettorale ha funzionato. Nonostante le sue imperfezioni la componente maggioritaria è riuscita a trasformare una maggioranza relativa di voti in una maggioranza assoluta di seggi consentendo così la formazione di un governo come diretta emanazione del verdetto elettorale. Si è inoltre realizzata l'attesa alternanza. Una alternanza atipica, visto che il governo entrante non sostituisce il governo installato dopo le elezioni del '94, ma un governo (quasi) tecnico già sostenuto in Parlamento dalla maggior parte dei partiti che hanno vinto le elezioni e che ora sostengono il governo Prodi. Questo articolo tratta delle cause della vittoria del centro-sinistra. Prima di mettere mano alla spiegazione, facciamo il punto sui risultati delle ultime elezioni mettendoli a confronto con quelli delle precedenti.
L'EFFETTO MANCATO DELLA RIFORMA MAGGIORITARIA: IL VOTO STRATEGICO
Authors: Chiaramonte Alessandro
Published: September 2018

La riforma elettorale tra speranze e scetticismo

Al tempo della campagna in favore dell'adozione del principio maggioritario di rappresentanza in Italia, la speranza di molti era che il nuovo sistema elettorale potesse produrre effetti simili a quelli delle democrazie anglosassoni cui intendeva ispirarsi, ossia che strutturasse la competizione partitica in termini bipolari – se non bipartitici – e favorisse quindi l'alternanza dei governi.

Sebbene siano trascorsi ormai più di tre anni da allora e, soprattutto, abbiano avuto luogo due elezioni, è ancora presto per dire se le nuove regole abbiano prodotto gli effetti desiderati. La transizione politica italiana è un processo ancora lontano dall'approdo finale e non consente ad oggi valutazioni definitive. Certo è che i sistemi elettorali introdotti nel 1993 sono stati caricati da molti di attese taumaturgiche, nonostante i moniti lanciati dal mondo scientifico sulla necessità di una modifica ben più incisiva dell'architettura istituzionale del sistema politico italiano. Qualunque sistema elettorale, infatti, costituisce di per sésolouna struttura di vincoli e di opportunità, dunque di vincoli più o meno stringenti e di opportunità che possono essere colte o meno. Inoltre, riguardo all'effettiva configurazione della normativa elettorale approvata dal Parlamento nell'agosto del 1993, la cautela sulle prospettive del cambiamento muoveva dalla considerazione che le nuove regole incarnavano entrambi i principi maggioritario (pur prevalente) e proporzionale di rappresentanza, quindi due logiche distinte di competizione e di voto sulla combinazione delle quali era difficile fare previsioni.
CITTADINANZA DIFFERENZIATA E INTEGRAZIONE MULTICULTURALE
Authors: Gianni Matteo
Published: September 2018

Introduzione

Dopo un lungo periodo di disinteresse, i teorici della politica ricominciano a considerare seriamente il ruolo che le minoranze culturali esercitano sul funzionamento e la legittimità normativa dei sistemi democratici. Le società liberali sono caratterizzate da tensioni politiche e sociali profonde, che rischiano di paralizzarne il funzionamento e di rimetterne in causa la stabilità. Come afferma un eminente filosofo liberale «dar risposta a tali questioni costituisce probabilmente la sfida più grande che oggi le democrazie si trovano a fronteggiare» (Kymlicka 1995b, 1). Se tutti concordano sull'idea che il problema è serio, le soluzioni proposte sono molto diverse. Ciò non deve sorprendere visto che i rimedi avanzati dipendono in larga misura dalla maniera in cui il problema da risolvere viene interpretato e costruito analiticamente.
L'EVOLUZIONE DEGLI ASSETTI CONCERTATIVI IN ITALIA E IN GERMANIA
Authors: Gualmini Elisabetta
Published: September 2018

Introduzione

Il dibattito sul neo-corporativismo ha conosciuto un curioso destino: si è diffuso nel corso degli anni settanta con straordinaria rapidità, sostenuto da una particolare enfasi prescrittiva che vedeva nei nuovi modelli di rappresentanza degli interessi una sicura ricetta per la stabilità politica ed economica nazionale; è stato poi in gran parte smentito dai suoi stessi fondatori che a partire dalla metà degli anni ottanta hanno cominciato a parlare di un suo incipiente declino, tanto che il termine «neo-corporativismo» è gradualmente scomparso dalla letteratura come se evocasse fastidiose assonanze.
LA POLITICA DELLA SECESSIONE
Authors: Nevola Gaspare
Published: September 2018

Introduzione

Un nuovo termine sta facendo irruzione nel nostro lessico politico corrente: secessione. E con esso, un nuovo fantasma s'aggira anche per l'Italia. Dopo e accanto alla questione settentrionale, al federalismo e al problema del senso di nazione, con la parola d'ordine «secessione» è ancora una volta la Lega a ridefinire l'arena del dibattito politico, introducendovi temi di riflessione inediti o trascurati nel nostro paese. Suo malgrado, essendo di altra natura i suoi intenti, il leghismo ci costringe ad affrontare importanti questioni politico-culturali. A dispetto del dubbio spessore della cultura politica della sua leadership, con le sue iniziative ad effetto, spregiudicate e talora preoccupanti, il leghismo sta certamente contribuendo ad un progressivo rifacimento del linguaggio politico di casa nostra. In particolare, con i proclami secessionisti del leghismo «padano» emerge ancora una volta la centralità della dimensione territoriale in politica. Siamo insomma di fronte ad un tipico problema di «politicizzazione del territorio». Ma siamo altresì collocati sul terreno della politica: della «politica della secessione».
I PARTITI CONSERVATORI IN EUROPA. UN SUCCESSO DA SPIEGARE
Authors: Raniolo Francesco
Published: September 2018

Premessa

Alla fine degli anni '80 Girvin affermava che in quel decennio c'era stato un movimento tanto nelle politiche che nella politica verso la destra (1988, 4) il cui aspetto immediatamente visibile in Europa era stato il marcato predominio conservatore sul piano elettorale. Due date possono essere assunte come punti di riferimento: le elezioni britanniche del 1979 che consentirono al Partito conservatore, sotto la guida della Thatcher, di andare al governo e di restarvi per i successivi diciotto anni e, negli Stati Uniti, l'elezione di Reagan nel 1980 e nel 1984.
LE MOSCHE BIANCHE. PERCHÉ I GIOVANI ATTIVISTI DI PARTITO SONO POCHI?
Authors: Recchi Ettore
Published: September 2018

Introduzione

I partiti politici detengono il triste primato di essere le istituzioni pubbliche in cui i giovani italiani nutrono minor fiducia – meno che nella burocrazia statale, nel governo, nella magistratura, nelle forze di polizia, nell'esercito, nella Chiesa, nei sindacati, nelle banche, nei giornali e nelle televisioni (Buzziet al.1997, 382). Per quanto aggravatosi in tempi recenti, questo discredito ha radici lontane e trova espressione in un distacco crescente, dagli anni settanta in poi, dei giovani dalla vita dei partiti. Generazione dopo generazione, stando allesurveycondotte negli ultimi cinque lustri, i cittadini dai 18 ai 25 anni che prendono parte regolarmente alle attività di qualche organizzazione politica sono passati dal 7,3% del 1970, al 6,2% del 1983, al 4,1% del 1987, al 2,7% del 1992 e del 19% (Tullio-Altan e Marradi 1976, 472; Cavalli e de Lillo 1993, 286; Buzziet al.1997, 419). Più precisamente, gli individui tra i 20 e i 24 anni che negli ultimi sei mesi hanno svolto «attività gratuita per un partito» ammontano nel 1994 ad un misero 1,8% – meno di un terzo della quota di attivisti di partito che si ritrova nella popolazione fra i 35 e i 44 anni d'età (Istat 1996, 143). Dati di fonte partitica, del resto, confermano il quadro: a cavallo fra il 1995 e il 1996 le organizzazioni giovanili dei partiti contavano 204.000 membri (Turi 1997, 126) – ossia, il 2% della popolazione tra i 19 e 29 anni (Istat 1995, 102).
High-order singularities of 5R planar parallel robots
Authors: Özdemir Mustafa
Published: September 2018

Singularity analysis of parallel manipulators is an active research field in robotics. The present article derives for the first time in the literature a condition under which a five-bar parallel robot encounters high-order parallel singularities. In this regard, by focusing on the planar 5R mechanism, a theorem is given in terms of the slope of its coupler curve at the parallel singular configurations. At high-order parallel singularities, the associated determinant vanishes simultaneously with at least its first-order time derivative. The determination of such singularities is quite important since in their presence, some special conditions should be satisfied for bounded inverse dynamic solutions.
Crystal structure of bretylium tosylate (Bretylol®), C18H24BrNO3S
Authors: Wheatley Austin M. , Kaduk James A. , Gindhart Amy M. , Blanton Thomas N.
Published: September 2018

The crystal structure of bretylium tosylate has been solved and refined using synchrotron X-ray powder diffraction data, and optimized using density functional techniques. Bretylium tosylate crystallizes in space group C2/c (#15) with a = 32.6238(4), b = 12.40353(14), c = 9.93864(12) Å, β = 101.4676(10), V = 3941.39(5) Å3, and Z = 8. The sample exhibited visible decomposition in the X-ray beam. The unusual displacement ellipsoid of the Br atom probably indicates that the decomposition in the beam involves the Br atom. The crystal structure can be viewed as layered parallel to the bc plane. The layers are double, the center consisting of the cation/anion polar interactions and the outer surface of the double layers consists of hydrocarbon interactions. In the absence of normal hydrogen bond donors, the only hydrogen bonds in the bretylium tosylate structure are C–H…O hydrogen bonds. The powder pattern has been submitted to ICDD® for inclusion in the Powder Diffraction File™.
X-ray powder diffraction data for a new compound (NH4)H2Co2O(OH)(MoO4)1.6(WO4)0.4•H2O type ϕy
Authors: Echavarría Adriana , Amaya Sandra L.
Published: September 2018

A new trimetallic compound with formula (NH4)H2Co2O(OH)(MoO4)1.6(WO4)0.4•H2O and lamellar structure was prepared by hydrothermal synthesis. The solid was characterized using X-ray diffraction (XRD), thermogravimetric (TGA) and differential thermal (DTA) analyses, Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FT–IR), laser Raman spectroscopy (LRS), and atomic absorption spectroscopy (AA). Crystallographic studies showed that the solid crystallizes with hexagonal symmetry in space group R-3 m with a = 6.0807 and c = 21.7591 Å.
Postoperative endometrial cancer treatments with electronic brachytherapy source
Authors: Lozares-Cordero Sergio , Font-Gómez Jose Antonio , Gandía-Martínez Almudena , Méndez-Villamón Agustina , Villa-Gazulla David , Miranda-Burgos Anabela , Alba-Escorihuela Verónica , Jiménez-Puertas Sara
Published: September 2018

Purpose

This study is a dosimetric and acute toxicity comparison of endometrial cancer patients treated with either Axxent (Xoft, Inc., San José, CA, USA) electronic and interstitial brachytherapy versus interstitial high dose rate brachytherapy (HDRBT).

Materials and Methods

Between 2015 and 2017, 94 patients with postoperative endometrial cancer were treated in our centre with the Axxent electronic brachytherapy (eBT) system. The V150 and V200 are evaluated prospectively for each plan. The mean age of patients was 65.9 years (age range 33–84 years), with different tumour staging. Of the 94 patients, 37 received exclusive adjuvant brachytherapy (25 Gy in five sessions); the remaining patients received external beam radiotherapy (EBRT) with a regimen of 23 sessions of 2 Gy each to the entire pelvis, followed by eBT (15 Gy in three sessions). Additionally, the absorbed doses received by the organs at risk (OAR), urinary bladder, rectum and sigmoid colon were compared with HDRBT plans, evaluating D2cc, V50% and V35%. Median follow-up was done for each of the 94 patients to assess the toxicity of the treatment: vaginal mucosa toxicity, rectal and urinary toxicity; and results are presented for acute toxicity, toxicity at 1 month after the end of treatment and follow-up after 12 months for a portion of patients according to the Radiation Therapy Oncology Group (RTOG) toxicity criteria.

Results

The doses in OAR for eBT plans were lower than that for HDRBT plans, both Ir-192 and Co-60 plans, whose doses were similar. The dose in bladder with eBT was 63.8% of the prescribed dose for D2cc versus 70.1% for HDRBT Ir-192, for V50% was 7.2% versus 12.7% and for V35% was 15.2% versus 28.2%. In rectum the D2cc was 61.2% versus 68.4%, for V50% was 7.9% versus 14.3% and for V35% was 16.7% versus 32%. Results demonstrated lower doses to OAR in all eBT plans. Acute toxicity in eBT was very low in cases of mucositis, with only one case of toxicity greater than grade 1, rectal toxicity and urinary toxicity; results at 1 month are equally good, toxicity symptoms disappeared and no relapses have occurred to date.

Conclusions

The results of treatment with the Axxent eBT unit for 94 patients are very good, as no recurrence has been observed and the toxicity of the treatment is very low. The increase in V150 and V200 has not produced an increase in vaginal mucosa toxicity, and the doses in the OAR are lower than in the plans implemented for HDRBT with Ir-192 or Co-60. eBT is a good alternative to treat endometrial cancer in centres without conventional HDR availability. To date, there are limited published studies reporting on outcomes from patients treated with eBT.
Less meat, more legumes: prospects and challenges in the transition toward sustainable diets in Sweden
Authors: Röös Elin , Carlsson Georg , Ferawati Ferawati , Hefni Mohammed , Stephan Andreas , Tidåker Pernilla , Witthöft Cornelia
Published: September 2018

The Western diet is characterized by high meat consumption, which negatively affects the environment and human health. Transitioning toward eating more plant-based products in Western societies has been identified as a key instrument to tackle these problems. However, one potential concern is that radically reducing meat in the current diet might lead to deficiencies in nutritional intake. In this paper, we explore a scenario in which meat consumption in Sweden is reduced by 50% and replaced by domestically grown grain legumes. We quantify and discuss the implications for nutritional intake on population level, consequences for agricultural production systems and environmental performance. The reduction in meat consumption is assumed to come primarily from a decrease in imported meat. We use data representing current Swedish conditions including the Swedish dietary survey, the Swedish food composition database, Statistics Sweden and existing life cycle assessments for different food items. At population level, average daily intake of energy and most macro- and micro-nutrients would be maintained within the Nordic Nutrition Recommendations after the proposed transition (e.g., for protein, fat, zinc, vitamin B12 and total iron). The transition would also provide a considerable increase in dietary fiber and some increase in folate intake, which are currently below the recommended levels. The transition scenario would increase total area of grain legume cultivation from 2.2% (current level) to 3.2% of Swedish arable land and is considered technically feasible. The climate impact of the average Swedish diet would be reduced by 20% and the land use requirement by 23%. There would be a net surplus of approximately 21,500 ha that could be used for bioenergy production, crop production for export, nature conservation, etc. Implementation of this scenario faces challenges, such as lack of suitable varieties for varying conditions, lack of processing facilities to supply functional legume-based ingredients to food industries and low consumer awareness about the benefits of eating grain legumes. In sum, joint efforts from multiple actors are needed to stimulate a decrease in meat consumption and to increase cultivation and use of domestically grown grain legumes.
Response Preparation With Reliable Cues Decreases Response	Competition in the Flanker Task
Authors: Wühr Peter , Frings Christian , Heuer Herbert
Published: September 2018

Abstract. We tested the hypothesis that selective response preparation, based on reliable response cues, reduces response conflict in an Eriksen flanker task. Previous studies of this issue produced inconclusive results because presenting an always valid response cue before the stimulus display turns a choice-response task into a simple-response task, in which full processing of the actual stimulus display is no longer necessary. We conducted two experiments in which we matched stimulus processing in conditions without cues and with reliable cues as far as possible. In both experiments, we presented a nogo target stimulus in 25% of the trials. The different cueing conditions were presented in separate blocks in Experiment 1 but mixed within blocks in Experiment 2. The most important result was the reduction of response conflict as induced by incompatible flanker stimuli in both experiments with reliable response cues. This finding supports the notion of a negative preparation-interference relationship.
Re-Watching Lectures as a Study Strategy and Its Effect on Mind	Wandering
Authors: Martin Leonardo , Mills Caitlin , D’Mello Sidney K. , Risko Evan F.
Published: September 2018

Abstract. Material re-exposure (e.g., re-reading) is a popular mnemonic strategy, however, its utility has been questioned. We extend research on re-reading to re-watching – an emerging mnemonic technique given the increased use of recorded lectures today (e.g., in online courses). Consistent with findings from recent investigations of re-reading, there were no benefits of massed re-watching on memory for lecture material and re-watching increased rates of mind wandering. We discuss implications for understanding the cognitive consequences of re-exposure-based mnemonics.
When a Reactivated Visual Mask Disrupts Serial Recall
Authors: Rey Amandine E. , Versace Rémy , Plancher Gaën
Published: September 2018

Abstract. To prevent forgetting in working memory, the attentional refreshing is supposed to increase the level of activation of memory traces by focusing attention. However, the involvement of memory traces reactivation in refreshing relies in the majority on indirect evidence. The aim of this study was to show that refreshing relies on the reactivation of memory traces by investigating how the reactivation of an irrelevant trace prevents the attentional refreshing to take place, and (2) the memory traces reactivated are sensorial in nature. We used a reactivated visual mask presented during the encoding (Experiment 1) and the refreshing (Experiment 2) of pictures in a complex span task. Results showed impaired serial recall performance in both experiments when the mask was reactivated compared to a control stimulus. Experiment 3 confirmed the refreshing account of these results. We proposed that refreshing relies on the reactivation of sensory memory traces.
Should We Tell the Recruiter That We Value a Good Work–Life	Balance?
Authors: Proost Karin , Verhaest Dieter
Published: September 2018

Abstract. Although both employees and organizations increasingly realize the importance of a good work–life balance, it remains unclear how recruiters react when applicants mention a desire for balance on their CV. We conducted a between-subjects experiment (N = 96) in which one group of participants received a CV of an applicant who valued work–life balance versus a CV from which this information was omitted. Based on signaling theory and gender–role congruence theory, we suggested that mentioning balance on one’s CV would lead to less favorable recruitment outcomes through a lower work ethic, especially for men. The results supported this mediation hypothesis but, contrary to expectations, showed that the mediation effect was only significant for women.
Millions More Americans Face Flood Risks Than Previously Thought
Authors: Wing Oliver , Bates Paul , Sampson Christopher , Smith Andrew , Fargione Joseph , Johnson Kris
Published: September 2018

A different modeling approach fills large gaps in the U.S. government's flood risk estimates, revealing previously overlooked at-risk areas often surrounding small flood-prone streams.
Transient Response of the Gulf Stream to Multiple Hurricanes in 2017
Authors: Todd Robert E. , Asher Taylor G. , Heiderich Joleen , Bane John M. , Luettich Richard A.
Published: September 2018

Autonomous underwater glider observations collected during and after 2017 Hurricanes Irma, Jose, and Maria show two types of transient response within the Gulf Stream. First, anomalously fresh water observed near the surface and within the core of the Gulf Stream offshore of the Carolinas likely resulted from Irma's rainfall being entrained into the Loop Current‐Gulf Stream system. Second, Gulf Stream volume transport was reduced by as much as 40% for about 2 weeks following Jose and Maria. The transport reduction had both barotropic and depth‐dependent characteristics. Correlations between transport through the Florida Straits and reanalysis winds suggest that both local winds in the Florida Straits and winds over the Gulf Stream farther downstream may have contributed to the transport reduction. To clarify the underlying dynamics, additional analyses using numerical models that capture the Gulf Stream's transient response to multiple tropical cyclones passing nearby in a short period are needed.
MODIS Retrievals of Cloud Effective Radius in Marine Stratocumulus Exhibit No Significant Bias
Authors: Witte Mikael K. , Yuan Tianle , Chuang Patrick Y. , Platnick Steven , Meyer Kerry G. , Wind Gala , Jonsson Haflidi H.
Published: September 2018

Satellite retrievals of cloud effective radius re are frequently validated using aircraft in situ measurements. Past intercomparisons have found a significant bias toward larger remotely sensed re. Explanations for this bias have focused on retrieval algorithms and large‐scale heterogeneity, with in situ measurement uncertainty regarded as a minor factor. We compare Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer re with in situ observations of marine stratocumulus clouds from three aircraft campaigns using a phase Doppler interferometer probe. Retrieved and in situ re typically agree within uncertainty in both nonprecipitating and drizzling conditions with no apparent systematic bias (mean bias of −0.22 μm, mean relative bias 3%). Agreement depends on the choice of in situ probe as well as microphysical context. We demonstrate that probes must adequately characterize the width of the drop size distribution to avoid systematic underestimation of re.
Fast Diffusion of Ultrarelativistic Electrons in the Outer Radiation Belt: 17 March 2015 Storm Event
Authors: Jaynes A. N. , Ali A. F. , Elkington S. R. , Malaspina D. M. , Baker D. N. , Li X. , Kanekal S. G. , Henderson M. G. , Kletzing C. A. , Wygant J. R.
Published: September 2018

Inward radial diffusion driven by ULF waves has long been known to be capable of accelerating radiation belt electrons to very high energies within the heart of the belts, but more recent work has shown that radial diffusion values can be highly event‐specific, and mean values or empirical models may not capture the full significance of radial diffusion to acceleration events. Here we present an event of fast inward radial diffusion, occurring during a period following the geomagnetic storm of 17 March 2015. Ultrarelativistic electrons up to ∼8 MeV are accelerated in the absence of intense higher‐frequency plasma waves, indicating an acceleration event in the core of the outer belt driven primarily or entirely by ULF wave‐driven diffusion. We examine this fast diffusion rate along with derived radial diffusion coefficients using particle and fields instruments on the Van Allen Probes spacecraft mission.
Adolescents With Suspected Intentional Overdose: Ethical Considerations in Determining Liver Transplant Candidacy
Authors: Triplett Kelli N. , Mayersohn Gillian S. , Pelley William , Desai Dev M.
Published: September 2018

As the suicide rate for early adolescents has doubled in the past decade, pediatric liver transplant centers may more frequently encounter patients who present with acute liver failure secondary to an intentional ingestion of substances. The purpose of this article is to explore the ethical issues surrounding the determination of liver transplant candidacy for pediatric patients with suspected intentional ingestion of substances. Two case examples of pediatric patients who were evaluated for liver transplant after a suspected intentional ingestion of substances are explored. Evaluations to determine transplant candidacy in cases where an overdose is suspected, but unable to be confirmed, are typically complicated by time constraints due to medical urgency and potential biases by members of multidisciplinary transplant team members. More rigorous examination of long-term outcomes in pediatric patients who are post–liver transplant secondary to ingestion of substances is warranted. Until more robust pediatric outcome data are available, clinicians should continue to carefully weigh the risks and benefits of transplant while being guided by ethical principles. Pediatric psychologists working with potential liver transplant patients play a key role in ensuring that ethical principles are considered as a guide to inform transplant listing decisions.

Implications for Impact Statement

This article explores ethical issues that may arise in determining whether an adolescent should be listed for liver transplant after a suspected intentional overdose. The application of the ethical principles of distributive justice, nonmaleficence, beneficence, and autonomy is discussed. This article may assist pediatric psychologists, social workers, and other health care providers should they face similar ethical dilemmas when making solid organ transplant candidacy decisions.
Consumption of dairy, fruits and dark green leafy vegetables is associated with lower risk of adverse pregnancy outcomes (APO): a prospective cohort study in rural Ethiopia
Authors: Zerfu Taddese A. , Pinto Elisabete , Baye Kaleab
Published: September 2018

Background

Poor maternal nutrition during pregnancy is a leading modifiable risk factor associated with risks of adverse pregnancy outcomes (APO). Nevertheless, there is paucity of evidence if consumption of some food groups is associated with lower risk of APO, particularly in low-income settings. We aimed to determine whether consumption of some food groups is associated with lower risk of APOs such as: preterm birth (PTB), low-birth weight (LBW), and stillbirth in rural Central Ethiopia.

Methods

A multi-center (8 health centers) prospective cohort study, enrolling 432 pregnant women during their initial antenatal care visit, was employed. All mothers were then followed monthly (for a total of four visits) from enrollment to delivery. Midwives in respective health centers assessed dietary diversity using the Women’s individual dietary diversity score and evaluated birth outcomes following standard procedures. Logistic regression models were run to predict association of food groups with the APO.

Findings

Out of the 374 pregnant women who completed the study, one in five [74 (19.8%)] experienced at least one of the APO: 34 (9.1%) gave birth to LBW babies, 51(13.6%) had PTB and 17 (4.5%) experienced stillbirth. Poor or inconsistent consumption (<¾ assessments) of dark green leafy vegetables (adjusted odds ratio (AOR) = 2.01; 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.04–3.87), dairy products (AOR = 2.64; 95% CI: 1.11–6.30), and fruits and vegetables (AOR = 2.92; 95% CI: 1.49–5.67) were independently associated with higher APO risks. Whereas, being nonanemic at term (AOR = 0.24; 95% CI: 0.12–0.48) was independently associated with lower APO risks.

Conclusions

Poor or inconsistent consumption of dairy, dark green leafy vegetables and fruits were associated with higher risk of APOs. While community-based trials and mechanistic studies are needed to substantiate these findings, efforts to promote dietary diversity through increased consumption of fruits, vegetables and dairy may be beneficial in this and similar settings.
Prenatal exposure to TiO2 nanoparticles in mice causes behavioral deficits with relevance to autism spectrum disorder and beyond
Authors: Notter Tina , Aengenheister Leonie , Weber-Stadlbauer Ulrike , Naegeli Hanspeter , Wick Peter , Meyer Urs , Buerki-Thurnherr Tina
Published: September 2018

Environmental factors are involved in the etiology of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and may contribute to the raise in its incidence rate. It is currently unknown whether the increasing use of nanoparticles such as titanium dioxide (TiO2 NPs) in consumer products and biomedical applications may play a role in these associations. While nano-sized TiO2 is generally regarded as safe and non-toxic, excessive exposure to TiO2 NPs may be associated with negative health consequences especially when occurring during sensitive developmental periods. To test if prenatal exposure to TiO2 NPs alters fetal development and behavioral functions relevant to ASD, C57Bl6/N dams were subjected to a single intravenous injection of a low (100 µg) or high (1000 µg) dose of TiO2 NPs or vehicle solution on gestation day 9. ASD-related behavioral functions were assessed in the offspring using paradigms that index murine versions of ASD symptoms. Maternal exposure to TiO2 NPs led to subtle and dose-dependent impairments in neonatal vocal communication and juvenile sociability, as well as a dose-dependent increase in prepulse inhibition of the acoustic startle reflex of both sexes. These behavioral alterations emerged in the absence of pregnancy complications. Prenatal exposure to TiO2 NPs did not cause overt fetal malformations or changes in pregnancy outcomes, nor did it affect postnatal growth of the offspring. Taken together, our study provides a first set of preliminary data suggesting that prenatal exposure to nano-sized TiO2 can induce behavioral deficits relevant to ASD and related neurodevelopmental disorders without inducing major changes in physiological development. If extended further, our preclinical findings may provide an incentive for epidemiological studies examining the role of prenatal TiO2 NPs exposure in the etiology of ASD and other neurodevelopmental disorders.
NADPH oxidase 4 regulates anoikis resistance of gastric cancer cells through the generation of reactive oxygen species and the induction of EGFR
Authors: Du Shangce , Miao Ji , Zhu Zhouting , Xu En , Shi Linsen , Ai Shichao , Wang Feng , Kang Xing , Chen Hong , Lu Xiaofeng , Guan Wenxian , Xia Xuefeng
Published: September 2018

Anoikis is a type of programmed cell death induced by detachment from the extracellular matrix. In cancer cells, anoikis resistance is essential for cancer cell survival in blood circulation and distant metastasis. However, the mechanisms behind anoikis resistance of gastric cancer remain largely unknown. Herein, we demonstrate that NADPH oxidase 4 (NOX4) expression and reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation are upregulated in suspension gastric cell cultures compared with adherent cultures. Silencing of NOX4 decreases ROS generation and downregulates EGFR, sensitizing cells to anoikis. NOX4 overexpression upregulates ROS and EGFR levels and promotes anoikis resistance. NOX4 depletion inhibits gastric cancer survival in blood circulation and attenuates distant metastasis. NOX4 expression is correlated with EGFR expression in patients. In conclusion, induction of NOX4 expression by detachment promotes anoikis resistance of gastric cancer through ROS generation and downstream upregulation of EGFR, which is critical for the metastatic progression of gastric cancer.
Helicobacter pylori infection and inflammatory bowel disease: a crosstalk between upper and lower digestive tract
Authors: Yu Yang , Zhu Shengtao , Li Peng , Min Li , Zhang Shutian
Published: September 2018

Helicobacter pylori has coexisted with humans for approximately 60,000 years and greater than 50% of the global population is infected with H. pylori. H. pylori was successfully cultured in vitro in 1983 and studies of H. pylori have achieved substantial advances over the last 35 years. Since then, H. pylori has been characterized as the primary pathogenic factor for chronic gastritis, peptic ulcer, and gastric malignancy. Numerous patients have received H. pylori eradication treatment, but only 1–2% of H. pylori-infected individuals ultimately develop gastric cancer. Recently, numerous epidemiological and basic experimental studies suggested a role for chronic H. pylori infection in protecting against inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) by inducing systematic immune tolerance and suppressing inflammatory responses. Here we summarize the current research progress on the association between H. pylori and IBD, and further describe the detailed molecular mechanism underlying H. pylori-induced dendritic cells (DCs) with the tolerogenic phenotype and immunosuppressive regulatory T cells (Tregs). Based on the potential protective role of H. pylori infection on IBD, we suggest that the interaction between H. pylori and the host is complicated, and H. pylori eradication treatment should be administered with caution, especially for children and young adults.
p53 cooperates with SIRT6 to regulate cardiolipin de novo biosynthesis
Authors: Li Meiting , Hou Tianyun , Gao Tian , Lu Xiaopeng , Yang Qiaoyan , Zhu Qian , Li Zhiming , Liu Chaohua , Mu Guanqun , Liu Ge , Bao Yantao , Wen He , Wang Lina , Wang Haiying , Zhao Ying , Gu Wei , Yang Yang , Zhu Wei-Guo
Published: September 2018

The tumor suppressor p53 has critical roles in regulating lipid metabolism, but whether and how p53 regulates cardiolipin (CL) de novo biosynthesis is unknown. Here, we report that p53 physically interacts with histone deacetylase SIRT6 in vitro and in vivo, and this interaction increases following palmitic acid (PA) treatment. In response to PA, p53 and SIRT6 localize to chromatin in a p53-dependent manner. Chromatin p53 and SIRT6 bind the promoters of CDP-diacylglycerol synthase 1 and 2 (CDS1 and CDS2), two enzymes required to catalyze CL de novo biosynthesis. Here, SIRT6 serves as a co-activator of p53 and effectively recruits RNA polymerase II to the CDS1 and CDS2 promoters to enhance CL de novo biosynthesis. Our findings reveal a novel, cooperative model executed by p53 and SIRT6 to maintain lipid homeostasis.
Aberrant activation of Notch-1 signaling inhibits podocyte restoration after islet transplantation in a rat model of diabetic nephropathy
Authors: He Yunqiang , Zhang Mei , Wu Ying , Jiang Hemin , Fu Hongxing , Cai Yong , Xu Ziqiang , Liu Chengyang , Chen Bicheng , Yang Tao
Published: September 2018

Signaling abnormalities play important roles during podocyte injury and have been indicated as crucial events for triggering many glomerular diseases. There is emerging evidence demonstrating significant improvements in preventing renal injury and restoring podocytes after islet transplantation. However, whether signaling abnormalities affect the therapeutic efficacy of islet transplantation remain unclear. This study was established to investigate the impact of Notch-1 signaling activation on renal injury and podocyte restoration after islet transplantation. Experiments were performed in vivo and in vitro under conditions of diabetic nephropathy and high-glucose medium, respectively. Podocyte injury in vitro was induced by high-glucose concentration, and expression levels of genes associated with the Notch-1 pathway were also regulated by Jagged-1/FC and N-[N-(3,5-Difluorophenacetyl)-l-alanyl]- S-phenylglycine t-butyl ester (DAPT). Podocytes were co-cultured with islets to investigate the protective effect of islets in high-glucose conditions. Histopathological staining and transmission electron microscopy were performed to assess pathological changes in podocytes in glomeruli. The results from this study showed that Notch-1 signaling in podocytes was significantly decreased by functional islet cells in vivo and in vitro. Compared with the co-cultured group and transplanted group, highly activated Notch-1 signaling significantly moderated the effect of islets in affecting podocyte restoration and renal injury. Renal damage and podocyte injury were alleviated after DAPT treatment. Furthermore, the balance between apoptosis and autophagy was diverse under different treatments. All the data in this study showed that highly activated Notch-1 signaling could affect the therapeutic efficacy of islet transplantation on renal injury and podocyte restoration in high-glucose conditions. The balance between apoptosis and autophagy was also closely associated with the degree of podocyte restoration. This finding may suggest that the in vivo microenvironment plays a critical role in podocyte restoration after islet transplantation, which provides a promising and individual assessment and targeting treatment for different diabetic nephropathy patients after islet transplantation into the future.
MicroRNA-3619-5p suppresses bladder carcinoma progression by directly targeting β-catenin and CDK2 and activating p21
Authors: Zhang Qingsong , Miao Shuo , Han Xihong , Li Chuanchang , Zhang Mengyang , Cui Kai , Xiong Tao , Chen Zhong , Wang Chenghe , Xu Hua
Published: September 2018

Current studies indicate that microRNAs (miRNAs) are widely decreased in various tumors and function as tumor suppressors by inhibiting cancer cell proliferation, survival, invasion, and migration. The potential application of using miRNAs to predict therapeutic responses to multiple types of cancer treatment holds high promise. In current study, we demonstrate that miR-3619-5p is downregulated in bladder cancer (BCa) tissues and cells. Exogenous overexpression of miR-3619-5p in BCa cells inhibits proliferation, migration, and invasion. Moreover, a nude mouse xenograft model shows that miR-3619-5p inhibits BCa cell growth. We also demonstrate that miR-3619-5p leads to the activation of p21 by targeting its promoter in BCa cells. Enforced miR-3619-5p expression consistently leads to the downregulation of β-catenin and cyclin-dependent kinase 2 (CDK2) through predicted binding sites within the β-catenin and CDK2 3′-untranslated regions (UTRs), respectively. Moreover, β-catenin and CDK2 knockdown is able to mimic BCa cells growth and metastasis effects induced by overexpressing miR-3619-5p. We further confirm that miR-3619-5p inhibits Wnt-β-catenin signal pathway and EMT progression in BCa cells. We also found that miR-3619-5p-induced growth arrest and metastasis inhibition are p21-dependent in BCa cells. Taken together, these results confirm that miR-3619-5p plays a tumor suppressive role in BCa by interfering with cell growth and metastasis and may serve as a potential therapeutic target in BCa treatment.
The role of miR-106p-5p in cervical cancer: from expression to molecular mechanism
Authors: Yi Yuexiong , Liu Yanyan , Wu Wanrong , Wu Kejia , Zhang Wei
Published: September 2018

This study aims to investigate the role of miR-106b-5p in cervical cancer by performing a comprehensive analysis on its expression and identifying its putative molecular targets and pathways based on The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) dataset, Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) dataset, and literature review. Significant upregulation of miR-106b-5p in cervical cancer is confirmed by meta-analysis with the data from TCGA, GEO, and literature. Moreover, the expression of miR-106b-5p is significantly correlated with the number of metastatic lymph nodes. Our bioinformatics analyses show that miR-106b could promote cervical cancer progression by modulating the expression of GSK3B, VEGFA, and PTK2 genes. Importantly, these three genes play a crucial role in PI3K-Akt signaling, focal adhesion, and cancer. Both the expression of miR-106b-5p and key genes are upregulated in cervical cancer. Several explanations could be implemented for this upregulation. However, the specific mechanism needs to be investigated further.
Mitochondrial uncoupling reveals a novel therapeutic opportunity for p53-defective cancers
Authors: Kumar R. , Coronel L. , Somalanka B. , Raju A. , Aning O. A. , An O. , Ho Y. S. , Chen S. , Mak S. Y. , Hor P. Y. , Yang H. , Lakshmanan M. , Itoh H. , Tan S. Y. , Lim Y. K. , Wong A. P. C. , Chew S. H. , Huynh T. H. , Goh B. C. , Lim C. Y. , Tergaonkar V. , Cheok C. F.
Published: September 2018

There are considerable challenges in directly targeting the mutant p53 protein, given the large heterogeneity of p53 mutations in the clinic. An alternative approach is to exploit the altered fitness of cells imposed by loss-of-wild-type p53. Here we identify niclosamide through a HTS screen for compounds selectively killing p53-deficient cells. Niclosamide impairs the growth of p53-deficient cells and of p53 mutant patient-derived ovarian xenografts. Metabolome profiling reveals that niclosamide induces mitochondrial uncoupling, which renders mutant p53 cells susceptible to mitochondrial-dependent apoptosis through preferential accumulation of arachidonic acid (AA), and represents a first-in-class inhibitor of p53 mutant tumors. Wild-type p53 evades the cytotoxicity by promoting the transcriptional induction of two key lipid oxygenation genes, ALOX5 and ALOX12B, which catalyzes the dioxygenation and breakdown of AA. Therefore, we propose a new paradigm for targeting cancers defective in the p53 pathway, by exploiting their vulnerability to niclosamide-induced mitochondrial uncoupling.
In vivo neutralization of dendrotoxin-mediated neurotoxicity of black mamba venom by oligoclonal human IgG antibodies
Authors: Laustsen Andreas H. , Karatt-Vellatt Aneesh , Masters Edward W. , Arias Ana Silvia , Pus Urska , Knudsen Cecilie , Oscoz Saioa , Slavny Peter , Griffiths Daniel T. , Luther Alice M. , Leah Rachael A. , Lindholm Majken , Lomonte Bruno , Gutiérrez José María , McCafferty John
Published: September 2018

The black mamba (Dendroaspis polylepis) is one of the most feared snake species of the African savanna. It has a potent, fast-acting neurotoxic venom comprised of dendrotoxins and α-neurotoxins associated with high fatality in untreated victims. Current antivenoms are both scarce on the African continent and present a number of drawbacks as they are derived from the plasma of hyper-immunized large mammals. Here, we describe the development of an experimental recombinant antivenom by a combined toxicovenomics and phage display approach. The recombinant antivenom is based on a cocktail of fully human immunoglobulin G (IgG) monoclonal antibodies capable of neutralizing dendrotoxin-mediated neurotoxicity of black mamba whole venom in a rodent model. Our results show the potential use of fully human monoclonal IgGs against animal toxins and the first use of oligoclonal human IgG mixtures against experimental snakebite envenoming.
Chiral self-sorted multifunctional supramolecular biocoordination polymers and their applications in sensors
Authors: Shang Xiaobo , Song Inho , Jung Gwan Yeong , Choi Wanuk , Ohtsu Hiroyoshi , Lee Jeong Hyeon , Koo Jin Young , Liu Bo , Ahn Jaeyong , Kawano Masaki , Kwak Sang Kyu , Oh Joon Hak
Published: September 2018

Chiral supramolecules have great potential for use in chiral recognition, sensing, and catalysis. Particularly, chiral supramolecular biocoordination polymers (SBCPs) provide a versatile platform for characterizing biorelated processes such as chirality transcription. Here, we selectively synthesize homochiral and heterochiral SBCPs, composed of chiral naphthalene diimide ligands and Zn ions, from enantiomeric and mixed R-ligands and S-ligands, respectively. Notably, we find that the chiral self-sorted SBCPs exhibit multifunctional properties, including photochromic, photoluminescent, photoconductive, and chemiresistive characteristics, thus can be used for various sensors. Specifically, these materials can be used for detecting hazardous amine materials due to the electron transfer from the amine to the SBCP surface and for enantioselectively sensing a chiral species naproxen due to the different binding energies with regard to their chirality. These results provide guidelines for the synthesis of chiral SBCPs and demonstrate their versatility and feasibility for use in various sensors covering photoactive, chemiresistive, and chiral sensors.
Physics-based forecasting of man-made earthquake hazards in Oklahoma and Kansas
Authors: Langenbruch Cornelius , Weingarten Matthew , Zoback Mark D.
Published: September 2018

Reinjection of saltwater, co-produced with oil, triggered thousands of widely felt and several damaging earthquakes in Oklahoma and Kansas. The future seismic hazard remains uncertain. Here, we present a new methodology to forecast the probability of damaging induced earthquakes in space and time. In our hybrid physical–statistical model, seismicity is driven by the rate of injection-induced pressure increases at any given location and spatial variations in the number and stress state of preexisting basement faults affected by the pressure increase. If current injection practices continue, earthquake hazards are expected to decrease slowly. Approximately 190, 130 and 100 widely felt M ≥ 3 earthquakes are anticipated in 2018, 2019 and 2020, respectively, with corresponding probabilities of potentially damaging M ≥ 5 earthquakes of 32, 24 and 19%. We identify areas where produced-water injection is more likely to cause seismicity. Our methodology can be used to evaluate future injection scenarios intended to mitigate seismic hazards.