bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Berberine Regulated Lipid Metabolism in the Presence of C75, Compound C, and TOFA in Breast Cancer Cell Line MCF-7
Authors: Tan Wen , Zhong Zhangfeng , Wang Shengpeng , Suo Zhanwei , Yang Xian , Hu Xiaodong , Wang Yitao
Published: August 2015

Berberine interfering with cancer reprogramming metabolism was confirmed in our previous study. Lipid metabolism and mitochondrial function were also the core parts in reprogramming metabolism. In the presence of some energy-related inhibitors, including C75, compound C, and TOFA, the discrete roles of berberine in lipid metabolism and mitochondrial function were elucidated. An altered lipid metabolism induced by berberine was observed under the inhibition of FASN, AMPK, and ACC in breast cancer cell MCF-7. And the reversion of berberine-induced lipid suppression indicated that ACC inhibition might be involved in that process instead of FASN inhibition. A robust apoptosis induced by berberine even under the inhibition of AMPK and lipid synthesis was also indicated. Finally, mitochondrial function regulation under the inhibition of AMPK and ACC might be in an ACL-independent manner. Undoubtedly, the detailed mechanisms of berberine interfering with lipid metabolism and mitochondrial function combined with energy-related inhibitors need further investigation, including the potential compensatory mechanisms for ATP production and the upregulation of ACL.
Robust Observer-Based Feedback Control for Lipschitz Singularly Perturbed Systems
Authors: Wang Yanyan , Liu Wei
Published: August 2015

The observer-based feedback control for singularly perturbed systems (SPSs) with Lipschitz constraint is addressed. A sufficient condition, independent of the perturbation parameter, for a full-order observer is presented in terms of linear matrix inequality (LMI) such that observation error is exponentially stable for all sufficiently small perturbation parameters. Then, for observer-based feedback control, a proper controller is constructed to guarantee the input-to-state stability of the system with regard to the observation error. Considering the convergence of observation error, the stability of the system can be obtained based on the input-to-state stability property. It is shown that the proposed method is simple and easy to operate. Moreover, the upper bound of the small perturbation parameter for stability of systems can be explicitly estimated with a workable computation way. Finally, two numerical examples show the effectiveness of the proposed method.
Kalman Filter-Based Indoor Position Tracking with Self-Calibration for RSS Variation Mitigation
Authors: Lee Sangwoo , Cho Bongkwan , Koo Bonhyun , Ryu Sanghwan , Choi Jaehoon , Kim Sunwoo
Published: August 2015

This paper investigates the indoor position tracking problem under the variation of received signal strength (RSS) characteristic from the changes of device statuses and environmental factors. A novel indoor position tracking algorithm is introduced to provide reliable position estimates by integrating motion sensor-based positioning (i.e., dead-reckoning) and RSS-based fingerprinting positioning with Kalman filter. In the presence of the RSS variation, RSS-based fingerprinting positioning provides unreliable results due to different characteristics of RSS measurements in the offline and online phases, and the tracking performance is degraded. To mitigate the effect of the RSS variation, a recursive least square estimation-based self-calibration algorithm is proposed that estimates the RSS variation parameters and provides the mapping between the offline and online RSS measurements. By combining the Kalman filter-based tracking algorithm with the self-calibration, the proposed algorithm can achieve higher tracking accuracy even in severe RSS variation conditions. Through extensive computer simulations, we have shown that the proposed algorithm outperforms other position tracking algorithms without self-calibration.
Preeclampsia Is Associated with Increased Central Aortic Pressure, Elastic Arteries Stiffness and Wave Reflections, and Resting and Recruitable Endothelial Dysfunction
Authors: Torrado Juan , Farro Ignacio , Zócalo Yanina , Farro Federico , Sosa Claudio , Scasso Santiago , Alonso Justo , Bia Daniel
Published: August 2015

Introduction. An altered endothelial function (EF) could be associated with preeclampsia (PE). However, more specific and complementary analyses are required to confirm this topic. Flow-mediated dilation (FMD), low-flow-mediated constriction (L-FMC), and hyperemic-related changes in carotid-radial pulse wave velocity (PWVcr) offer complementary information about “recruitability” of EF.Objectives. To evaluate, in healthy and hypertensive pregnant women (with and without PE), central arterial parameters in conjunction with “basal and recruitable” EF.Methods. Nonhypertensive (HP) and hypertensive pregnant women (gestational hypertension, GH; preeclampsia, PE) were included. Aortic blood pressure (BP), wave reflection parameters (AIx@75), aortic pulse wave velocity (PWVcf) and PWVcr, and brachial and common carotid stiffness and intima-media thickness were measured. Brachial FMD and L-FMC and hyperemic-related change in PWVcr were measured.Results. Aortic BP and AIx@75 were elevated in PE. PE showed stiffer elastic but not muscular arteries. After cuff deflation, PWVcr decreased in HP, while GH showed a blunted PWVcr response and PE showed a tendency to increase. Maximal FMD and L-FMC were observed in HP followed by GH; PE did not reach significant arterial constriction.Conclusion. Aortic BP and wave reflections as well as elastic arteries stiffness are increased in PE. PE showed both “resting and recruitable” endothelial dysfunctions.
A Fuzzy Similarity Elimination Algorithm for Indoor Fingerprint Positioning
Authors: Chen Yongle , Liu Wei , Xiong Yongping , Duan Jing , Li Zhi , Zhu Hongsong
Published: August 2015

Fingerprint positioning can take advantage of existing WLAN to achieve indoor locations, which has been widely studied. We analyzed the corresponding positions distribution of similar fingerprints, and then found that the fuzzy similarity between fingerprints is the root cause of the larger errors existing. According to clusters distribution feature of corresponding positions of the similar fingerprints, we proposed a K-Means+ clustering algorithm to achieve fine-grained fingerprint positioning. Due to the K-Means+ algorithm failing to locate the positions of outliers, we also designed a linear sequence matching algorithm to improve the outliers positioning, and reduce the impact of fuzzy similarity. Experimental results illustrate that our algorithm can get a maximum positioning error less than 5 m, which outperforms other algorithms. Meanwhile, all the positioning errors over 4 m in our algorithm are less than 2%. The positioning accuracy has been improved significantly.
Spatial/Temporal Characterization and Risk Assessment of Trace Metals in Mangla Reservoir, Pakistan
Authors: Saleem Muhammad , Iqbal Javed , Akhter Gulraiz , Shah Munir H.
Published: August 2015

Composite water samples were collected from different sites of Mangla reservoir, Pakistan, in premonsoon, monsoon, and postmonsoon seasons. The physicochemical parameters and trace/heavy metals were determined in all water samples. The results manifested significant seasonal variations among Co, Cr, Ni, and Pb and the metals exhibited highest contribution in premonsoon season except Mn. Principal component analysis (PCA) and cluster analysis (CA) revealed considerable anthropogenic intrusions in the reservoir. Probable risk associated with the metals levels on human health was also evaluated using hazard quotients (HQ) by ingestion and dermal routes for adults and children. It was noted that Cd, Co, Cr, Ni, and Pb (HQing>1) were the most important pollutants leading to noncarcinogenic concerns. TheHQdermlevels of all metals were below unity, suggesting that these metals posed no hazards via dermal absorption, while the oral intake was the major exposure pathway. The largest contributors to chronic risks were Cd, Co, Cr, Ni, and Pb in all the seasons. Therefore, immediate measures should be taken for sustaining the healthy aquatic ecosystem.
An Online-Traffic-Prediction Based Route Finding Mechanism for Smart City
Authors: Niu Xiaoguang , Zhu Ying , Cao Qingqing , Zhang Xining , Xie Wei , Zheng Kun
Published: August 2015

Finding fastest driving routes is significant for the intelligent transportation system. While predicting the online traffic conditions of road segments entails a variety of challenges, it contributes much to travel time prediction accuracy. In this paper, we propose O-Sense, an innovative online-traffic-prediction based route finding mechanism, which organically utilizes large scale taxi GPS traces and environmental information. O-Sense firstly exploits a deep learning approach to process spatial and temporal taxi GPS traces shown in dynamic patterns. Meanwhile, we model the traffic flow state for a given road segment using a linear-chain conditional random field (CRF), a technique that well forecasts the temporal transformation if provided with further supplementary environmental resources. O-Sense then fuses previously obtained outputs with a dynamic weighted classifier and generates a better traffic condition vector for each road segment at different prediction time. Finally, we perform online route computing to find the fastest path connecting consecutive road segments in the route based on the vectors. Experimental results show that O-Sense can estimate the travel time for driving routes more accurately.
CCR20th Anniversary Commentary:RASas a Biomarker for EGFR-Targeted Therapy for Colorectal Cancer—From Concept to Practice
Authors: Camp E. Ramsay , Ellis Lee M.
Published: August 2015

Clinical data support the use of EGFR mAbs in patients with metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC) with wild-type RAS status. This notion, hypothesized in the review article by Camp, Ellis, and colleagues in the January 1, 2005, issue of Clinical Cancer Research, serves as an example of the successful application of basic science principles to clinical practice. The exclusion of patients with mCRC with Ras-mutated tumors from therapy with EGFR mAbs has led to improved outcomes while sparing patients unnecessary and potentially harmful therapy. Clin Cancer Res; 21(16); 3578–80. ©2015 AACR.

See related article by Camp et al., Clin Cancer Res 2005;11(1): January 1, 2005;397–405
MEK plus PI3K/mTORC1/2 Therapeutic Efficacy Is Impacted byTP53Mutation in Preclinical Models of Colorectal Cancer
Authors: García-García Celina , Rivas Martín A. , Ibrahim Yasir H. , Calvo María Teresa , Gris-Oliver Albert , Rodríguez Olga , Grueso Judit , Antón Pilar , Guzmán Marta , Aura Claudia , Nuciforo Paolo , Jessen Katti , Argilés Guillem , Dienstmann Rodrigo , Bertotti Andrea , Trusolino Livio , Matito Judit , Vivancos Ana , Chicote Irene , Palmer Héctor G. , Tabernero Josep , Scaltriti Maurizio , Baselga José , Serra Violeta
Published: August 2015

Purpose: PI3K pathway activation occurs in concomitance with RAS/BRAF mutations in colorectal cancer, limiting the sensitivity to targeted therapies. Several clinical studies are being conducted to test the tolerability and clinical activity of dual MEK and PI3K pathway blockade in solid tumors.

Experimental Design: In the present study, we explored the efficacy of dual pathway blockade in colorectal cancer preclinical models harboring concomitant activation of the ERK and PI3K pathways. Moreover, we investigated if TP53 mutation affects the response to this therapy.

Results: Dual MEK and mTORC1/2 blockade resulted in synergistic antiproliferative effects in cell lines bearing alterations in KRAS/BRAF and PIK3CA/PTEN. Although the on-treatment cell-cycle effects were not affected by the TP53 status, a marked proapoptotic response to therapy was observed exclusively in wild-type TP53 colorectal cancer models. We further interrogated two independent panels of KRAS/BRAF- and PIK3CA/PTEN-altered cell line– and patient-derived tumor xenografts for the antitumor response toward this combination of agents. A combination response that resulted in substantial antitumor activity was exclusively observed among the wild-type TP53 models (two out of five, 40%), but there was no such response across the eight mutant TP53 models (0%). Interestingly, within a cohort of 14 patients with colorectal cancer treated with these agents for their metastatic disease, two patients with long-lasting responses (32 weeks) had TP53 wild-type tumors.

Conclusions: Our data support that, in wild-type TP53 colorectal cancer cells with ERK and PI3K pathway alterations, MEK blockade results in potent p21 induction, preventing apoptosis to occur. In turn, mTORC1/2 inhibition blocks MEK inhibitor–mediated p21 induction, unleashing apoptosis. Clin Cancer Res; 21(24); 5499–510. ©2015 AACR.
HSP90 Inhibitor–SN-38 Conjugate Strategy for Targeted Delivery of Topoisomerase I Inhibitor to Tumors
Authors: Proia David A. , Smith Donald L. , Zhang Junyi , Jimenez John-Paul , Sang Jim , Ogawa Luisa Shin , Sequeira Manuel , Acquaviva Jaime , He Suqin , Zhang Chaohua , Khazak Vladimir , Astsaturov Igor , Inoue Takayo , Tatsuta Noriaki , Osman Sami , Bates Richard C. , Chimmanamada Dinesh , Ying Weiwen
Published: August 2015

The clinical benefits of chemotherapy are commonly offset by insufficient drug exposures, narrow safety margins, and/or systemic toxicities. Over recent decades, a number of conjugate-based targeting approaches designed to overcome these limitations have been explored. Here, we report on an innovative strategy that utilizes HSP90 inhibitor–drug conjugates (HDC) for directed tumor targeting of chemotherapeutic agents. STA-12-8666 is an HDC that comprises an HSP90 inhibitor fused to SN-38, the active metabolite of irinotecan. Mechanistic analyses in vitro established that high-affinity HSP90 binding conferred by the inhibitor backbone could be exploited for conjugate accumulation within tumor cells. In vivo modeling showed that the HSP90 inhibitor moiety was required for selective retention of STA-12-8666, and this enrichment promoted extended release of active SN-38 within the tumor compartment. Indeed, controlled intratumoral payload release by STA-12-8666 contributed to a broad therapeutic window, sustained biomarker activity, and remarkable degree of efficacy and durability of response in multiple cell line and patient-derived xenograft models. Overall, STA-12-8666 has been developed as a unique HDC agent that employs a distinct mechanism of targeted drug delivery to achieve potent and sustained antitumor effects. These findings identify STA-12-8666 as a promising new candidate for evaluation as novel anticancer therapeutic. Mol Cancer Ther; 14(11); 2422–32. ©2015 AACR.
Daucus carota Pentane/Diethyl Ether Fraction Inhibits Motility and Reduces Invasion of Cancer Cells
Authors: Zgheib Perla , Daher Costantine F. , Mroueh Mohamad , Nasrallah Anita , Taleb Robin I. , El-Sibai Mirvat
Published: August 2015

Daucus carota (DC) is a herb used in folklore medicine in Lebanon to treat numerous diseases including cancer. Recent studies in our laboratory on DC oil and its fractions revealed potent anticancer activities in vitro and in vivo. The present study aims to investigate the effect of the most potent DC fraction, pentane/diethyl ether (50:50), on lung, skin, breast and glioblastoma cancer cell motility and invasion. Upon treatment, a pronounced decrease in cancer cell motility was observed in the 4 cell lines. The treatment also led to a decrease in cancer cell invasion and an increased cell adhesion. Additionally, the DC fraction caused a decrease in the activation of the ρ-GTPases Rac and CDC42, a finding that may partially explain the treatment-induced decrease in cell motility. The current study demonstrates a crucial effect of the DC pentane/diethyl ether fraction on cancer cell motility and metastasis, making it a potential candidate for cancer therapy specifically targeting cancer motility and metastasis.
The Adipokine Chemerin Induces Apoptosis in Cardiomyocytes
Authors: Rodríguez-Penas Diego , Feijóo-Bandín Sandra , García-Rúa Vanessa , Mosquera-Leal Ana , Durán Darío , Varela Alfonso , Portolés Manuel , Roselló-Lletí Esther , Rivera Miguel , Diéguez Carlos , Gualillo Oreste , González-Juanatey José Ramón , Lago Francisca
Published: August 2015

Background: The adipokine chemerin has been associated with cardiovascular disease. We investigated the effects of chemerin on viability and intracellular signalling in murine cardiomyocytes, and the effects of insulin and TNF-α on cardiomyocyte chemerin production. Methods: Hoechst dye vital staining and cell cycle analysis were used to analyse the viability of murine cardiac cells in culture. Western blot was used to explore the phosphorylation of AKT and caspase-9 activity in neonatal rat cardiomyocytes and HL-1 cells. Finally, RT-qPCR, ELISA and western blot were performed to examine chemerin and CMKLR1 expression after insulin and TNF-α treatment in cardiac cells. Results: Chemerin treatment increased apoptosis, reduced phosphorylation of AKT at Thr308 and increased caspase-9 activity in murine cardiomyocytes. Insulin treatment lowered chemerin and CMKLR1 mRNA and protein levels, and the amount of chemerin in the cell media, while TNF-α treatment increased chemerin mRNA and protein levels but decreased expression of the CMKLR1 gene. Conclusion: Chemerin induces apoptosis, reduces AKT phosphorylation and increases the cleavage of caspase-9 in murine cardiomyocytes. The expression of chemerin is regulated by important metabolic (insulin) and inflammatory (TNF-α) mediators at cardiac level. Our results suggest that chemerin could play a role in the physiopathology of cardiac diseases.
Influence of Ambient Stressors and Time Constraints on Diagnostic Accuracy of Borderline Pigmented Skin Lesions
Authors: Feci Luca , Cevenini Gabriele , Nami Niccolò , Fagiolini Alberto , Perotti Roberto , Miracco Clelia , Fimiani Michele , Rubegni Pietro
Published: August 2015

Background: Health professionals are required to make complex decisions in dynamic contexts involving many variables and factors. Decisions are more difficult in the presence of uncertainty, urgency and high risk. Objective: To evaluate the effect of ambient stressors and time constraints on decision making by expert dermatologists faced with borderline pigmented skin lesions (PSL) (early melanoma vs. atypical nevi). Methods: We performed a retrospective chart review of PSL from the image databases of our department. A total of 321 PSL (219 nevi and 102 melanomas) were randomly assigned to three groups: control group, ambient stress group and time stress group. The diagnostic accuracy of each group was evaluated as sensitivity and specificity. Results: Mean sensitivity and specificity of diagnosis were 69.2 and 90.5% in the control group, 62 and 81.2% in the ambient stress group and 59.6 and 82.5% in the time stress group, respectively. Conclusion: Time constraints and stressors negatively influenced the performance of dermatologists in the diagnosis of atypical PSL.
Is a Practice Incremental Shuttle Walk Test Needed for Patients with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease Admitted to Hospital for an Acute Exacerbation?
Authors: Johnson-Warrington Vicki , Mitchell Katy E. , Singh Sally J.
Published: August 2015

Background: The incremental shuttle walk test (ISWT) assesses exercise capacity in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) patients. Guidelines suggest that 2 ISWTs should be performed. However, in inpatients with an acute exacerbation, it is unknown if 2 ISWTs are required. Objective: To investigate if a practice ISWT is needed for inpatients with an acute COPD exacerbation. Methods: Patients admitted to hospital with an acute exacerbation completed 2 ISWTs prior to discharge. Patients provided informed consent and were included if they used the same oxygen and mobility aid (if any) between tests. Results: Thirty-nine inpatients with COPD were included with a mean (SD) forced expiratory volume in 1 s (FEV1) of 1.1 litres (0.5) [42.5% predicted (13.2)] and a median (interquartile range) Medical Research Council dyspnoea grade of 4 (3-5). Participants achieved 88.2 m (96.7) on ISWT1, and there was a statistically significant increase of 14.1 m (28.4) for ISWT2 (p < 0.05). Multiple regression explained 98.8% of the variance (F(8-22) p < 0.001, R2 = 0.988) between ISWTs using age, FEV1/forced vital capacity (FVC)%, FVC, resting oxygen saturation, resting heart rate (HR), ISWT1 distance, ISWT1 post-HR and post-Rated Perceived Exertion (p < 0.05). Using this equation to calculate predicted ISWT2, there was good agreement and no significant difference between this and actual ISWT2 (0.01 m, p > 0.05). Conclusions: There was a small but statistically significant increase between ISWTs, which was below the minimal clinically important difference but would have had consequences for exercise prescription. This exploratory work has shown that we may be able to predict the difference between ISWTs using a multiple regression equation which could substitute the need for a second ISWT; this needs to be confirmed prospectively.
Hospital Readmission Rates Among Mechanically Ventilated Patients With Stroke
Authors: Lahiri Shouri , Navi Babak B. , Mayer Stephan A. , Rosengart Axel , Merkler Alexander E. , Claassen Jan , Kamel Hooman
Published: August 2015

Background and Purpose—

Tracheostomy is frequently performed in patients with severe ischemic stroke, intracerebral hemorrhage, or subarachnoid hemorrhage. Little is known about readmission rates among stroke patients who undergo mechanical ventilation.

Methods—

We used previously validated
International Classification of Diseases, Ninth Edition-Clinical Modification
codes and data on all discharges from nonfederal acute care hospitals in 3 states. We compared readmission rates among mechanically ventilated patients with stroke who were discharged with or without a tracheostomy.

Results—

Among 39 881 patients who underwent mechanical ventilation during the index stroke hospitalization and survived to discharge, 10 690 (26.8%; 95% confidence interval, 26.4%–27.2%) underwent tracheostomy. During a mean follow-up period of 3.4 (±2.0) years, the overall incidence rate of readmissions was 4.25 (95% confidence interval, 4.22–4.28) per 100 patients per 30 days. The rate of any readmissions within 30 days was 26.9% among patients with tracheostomy compared with 22.5% among those without a tracheostomy (absolute risk difference, 4.4%; 95% confidence interval, 3.5%–5.4%;
P
<0.001). After adjustment for potentially confounding variables, tracheostomy was associated with a slightly increased readmission rate (incidence rate ratio, 1.07; 95% confidence interval, 1.03–1.11).

Conclusions—

Approximately one quarter of mechanically ventilated patients with stroke who survive to discharge are readmitted to the hospital within 30 days. Readmission rates are significantly higher in patients with stroke who undergo tracheostomy, but the difference is not clinically meaningful. Thirty-day readmission rates among mechanically ventilated patients with stroke are similar to Medicare beneficiaries hospitalized with major medical diseases such as pneumonia.
Keeping the Bombs in the Basement: U.S. Nonproliferation Policy toward Israel, South Africa, and Pakistan
Authors: Rabinowitz Or , Miller Nicholas L.
Published: August 2015

How has the United States behaved historically toward friendly states with nuclear weapons ambitions? Recent scholarship has demonstrated the great lengths to which the United States went to prevent Taiwan, South Korea, and West Germany from acquiring nuclear weapons. Yet seemingly on the other side of the ledger are cases such as Israel, South Africa, and Pakistan, where the United States failed to prevent proliferation, and where many have argued that the United States made exceptions to its nonproliferation objectives given conflicting geopolitical goals. A reexamination of the history of U.S. nonproliferation policy toward Israel, South Africa, and Pakistan, based on declassified documents and interviews, finds that these cases are not as exceptional as is commonly understood. In each case, the United States sought to prevent these states from acquiring nuclear weapons, despite geopolitical constraints. Moreover, once U.S. policymakers realized that prior efforts had failed, they continued to pursue nonproliferation objectives, brokering deals to prevent nuclear tests, public declaration of capabilities, weaponization, or transfer of nuclear materials to other states.
Organised Religion, Civil Society and Philanthropy in Japan
Authors: Potter David M.
Published: August 2015

Scholarship on socially-engaged religion in Japan and research on the non-profit sector in that country tend to be mutually disregarding. This article attempts to fill the gap between the scholarship on socially-engaged religion and that on the non-profit sector. It first outlines the ways in which legal categories of civil society organisations in Japan hinder the identification of religious organisations with the rest of the non-profit sector. Second, it places organised religion within Japan’s broader non-profit sector. Finally, the article examines the connections between religious and civil society organisations in other non-profit sectors. The cases suggest that organised religion is involved in some form or other in all of the major sectors of the broader non-profit sector but that their participation varies both by sector and religion.
Oblicité et connivence : la négociation de la distance entre les poètes et leur patron au début de l’époque abbasside (750-811)
Authors: Hoorelbeke Mathias
Published: August 2015

Lorsque des auteurs ne peuvent parler librement, ils sont enclins à tenir un double discours, qui leur permet d’exprimer leurs souhaits ou leurs griefs sans enfreindre les règles de la bienséance. Les poètes abbassides, fréquemment tiraillés entre la nécessité de défendre leur position et le respect dû à leur bienfaiteur, ne font pas exception à la règle. Mais le type de rhétorique qu’ils déploient s’appuie sur des codes et des allusions qui s’adressent à des connaisseurs. Les poètes tiennent généralement pour acquis le fait que leur auditoire, et en particulier leur patron, dispose des compétences nécessaires pour saisir l’implicite de leur discours. Mais ils peuvent également jouer sur le fait que cette compétence n’est pas à la portée de tout le monde et mettre à l’épreuve leurs auditeurs, afin de créer une complicité entre ceux qui comprennent et ceux qui ne comprennent pas, questionnant ainsi (de manière assez inoffensive) les hiérarchies sociales et intellectuelles.
Four new species of Begonia (Begoniaceae) from Vietnam: B. abbreviata, B. calciphila, B. sphenantheroides and B. tamdaoensis
Authors: Peng Ching-I , Yang Hsun-An , Kono Yoshiko , Jung Ming-Jer , Nguyen Tien Hiep
Published: August 2015

Four new species of Begonia, namely B. abbreviata C.-I Peng, B. calciphila C.-I Peng, B. sphenantheroides C.-I Peng and B. tamdaoensis C.-I Peng are documented from northern Vietnam. Detailed descriptions, line drawings, color plates, chromosome data, foliar SEM observations and comparisons with phenetically similar species are provided to aid in identification.
Nomenclatural notes on Goeppertia (Marantaceae)
Authors: Saka Mariana Naomi , Lombardi Julio Antonio
Published: August 2015

A recent molecular based phylogeny (Borchsenius et al. 2012) redefined the genus Goeppertia Nees (1831: 337) to include all the subgenera of Calathea Meyer (1818: 6) proposed by Schumann (1902) with the exception of C. subgenus Calathea Körnicke (1862: 112). As a result, several species of Calathea recently described were transferred to Goeppertia (Braga 2014). Similarly, a taxonomic revision of the Brazilian species, currently carried out by the first author, led to the conclusion that Calathea polytricha Baker (1894: 497) should be combined in Goeppertia. This species features the synapomorphies of Goeppertia, such as simple inflorescences and corolla lobes straight to spreading, and belongs to Schumann’s subgenus Pseudophrynium Körnicke (1862: 113). During the taxonomic revision, other names have been considered synonyms and are typified here.
The Nearctic genera of Agathidinae (Hymenoptera: Braconidae) with a phylogenetic analysis, illustrated generic key, and the description of three new genera
Authors: SHARKEY MICHAEL J. , CHAPMAN ERIC G.
Published: August 2015

The genera of Nearctic Agathidinae are revised based on a phylogenetic analysis of COI and 28S sequence data; 151 ingroup taxa are included. Three new genera are proposed, i.e., Aphelagathis Sharkey n. gen., Pneumagathis Sharkey n. gen. and Gelastagathis Sharkey n. gen.. The enigmatic species Agathis verticalis Cresson is identified and placed in Aphelagathis, Aphelagathis verticalis (Cresson) n. comb., and a neotype for the species is designated. Two species are described, i.e., Gelastagathis grisselli Sharkey n. sp. and G. frosti Sharkey n. sp. Two new combinations are proposed, Bassus spiracularis Muesebeck and Bassus brooksi Sharkey are transferred to Pneumagathis, Pneumagathis spiracularis (Muesebeck) n. comb., Pneumagathis brooksi (Sharkey) n. comb. An illustrated key to the Nearctic genera of Agathidinae is provided.
Lepidodactylus lugubris (Duméril & Bibron 1836) (Reptilia: Gekkonidae), an introduced lizard new for Brazil, with remarks on and correction of its distribution in the New World
Authors: Hoogmoed Marinus S. , Avila-Pires Teresa C.S.
Published: August 2015

Recently seven specimens of the gecko Lepidodactylus lugubris were collected or observed in Belém, Pará, northern Brazil. This is the first vouchered occurrence in Brazil of a widely dispersed (Pacific area) and invasive species (much of the Pacific, parts of northern South America and southern Central America and Florida, U.S.A.). In Suriname the species has already spread into the interior. The distribution of the species is corrected and the history of its introduction in the New World is reconstructed, with an estimation of the state of invasiveness for each country. Some possible routes of introduction are discussed.
A Musicology of Performance
Authors: Fabian Dorottya
Published: August 2015

This book examines the nature of musical performance. In it, Dorottya Fabian explores the contributions and limitations of some of these approaches to performance, be they theoretical, cultural, historical, perceptual, or analytical. Through a detailed investigation of recent recordings of J. S. Bach’s Six Sonatas and Partitas for Solo Violin, she demonstrates that music performance functions as a complex dynamical system. Only by crossing disciplinary boundaries, therefore, can we put the aural experience into words. A Musicology of Performance provides a model for such a method by adopting Deleuzian concepts and various empirical and interdisciplinary procedures.

Fabian provides a case study in the repertoire, while presenting new insights into the state of baroque performance practice at the turn of the twenty-first century. Through its wealth of audio examples, tables, and graphs, the book offers both a sensory and a scholarly account of musical performance. These interactive elements map the connections between historically informed and mainstream performance styles, considering them in relation to broader cultural trends, violin schools, and individual artistic trajectories.

A Musicology of Performance is a must read for academics and post-graduate students and an essential reference point for the study of music performance, the early music movement, and Bach’s opus.
Linking the Anomaly Initialization Approach to the Mapping Paradigm: A Proof-of-Concept Study
Authors: Weber Robin J. T. , Carrassi Alberto , Doblas-Reyes Francisco J.
Published: August 2015

Seasonal-to-decadal predictions are initialized using observations of the present climatic state in full field initialization (FFI). Such model integrations undergo a drift toward the model attractor due to model deficiencies that incur a bias in the model. The anomaly initialization (AI) approach reduces the drift by adding an estimate of the bias onto the observations at the expense of a larger initial error.

In this study FFI is associated with the fidelity paradigm, and AI is associated with an instance of the mapping paradigm, in which the initial conditions are mapped onto the imperfect model attractor by adding a fixed error term; the mapped state on the model attractor should correspond to the nature state. Two diagnosis tools assess how well AI conforms to its own paradigm under various circumstances of model error: the degree of approximation of the model attractor is measured by calculating the overlap of the AI initial conditions PDF with the model PDF; and the sensitivity to random error in the initial conditions reveals how well the selected initial conditions on the model attractor correspond to the nature states. As a useful reference, the initial conditions of FFI are subjected to the same analysis.

Conducting hindcast experiments using a hierarchy of low-order coupled climate models, it is shown that the initial conditions generated using AI approximate the model attractor only under certain conditions: differences in higher-than-first-order moments between the model and nature PDFs must be negligible. Where such conditions fail, FFI is likely to perform better.
Incorporating social media comments in affective video retrieval
Authors: Nemati Shahla , Naghsh-Nilchi Ahmad Reza
Published: August 2015

Affective video retrieval systems aim at finding video contents matching the desires and needs of users. Existing systems typically use the information contained in the video itself to specify its affect category. These systems either extract low-level features or build up higher-level attributes to train classification algorithms. However, using low-level features ignores global relations in data and constructing high-level features is time consuming and problem dependent. To overcome these drawbacks, an external source of information may be helpful. With the explosive growth and availability of social media, users’ comments could be such a valuable source of information. In this study, a new method for incorporating social media comments with the audio-visual contents of videos is proposed. Furthermore, for the combination stage a decision-level fusion method based on the Dempster–Shafer theory of evidence is presented. Experiments are carried out on the video clips of the DEAP (Database for Emotion Analysis using Physiological signals) dataset and their associated users’ comments on YouTube. Results show that the proposed system significantly outperforms the baseline method of using only the audio-visual contents for affective video retrieval.
Discovering aspects of online consumer reviews
Authors: Suleman Kaheer , Vechtomova Olga
Published: August 2015

In this paper we propose a fully unsupervised approach for product aspect discovery in on-line consumer reviews. We apply a two-step hierarchical clustering process in which we first cluster words representing aspects based on the semantic similarity of their contexts and then on the similarity of the hypernyms of the cluster members. Our approach also includes a method for assigning class labels to each of the clusters. We evaluated our methods on large datasets of restaurant and camera reviews and found that the two-step clustering process performed better than a single-step clustering process at identifying aspects and words refering to aspects. Finally, we compare our method to a state-of-the-art topic modelling approach by Titov and McDonald, and demonstrate better results on both datasets.
Information encountering on social media and tacit knowledge sharing
Authors: Panahi Sirous , Watson Jason , Partridge Helen
Published: August 2015

The purpose of this paper is to investigate how social media may support information encountering (i.e. where individuals encounter useful and interesting information while seeking or browsing for some other information) and how this may lead to the facilitation of tacit knowledge creation and sharing. The study employed a qualitative survey design that interviewed 24 physicians who were active users of social media to better understand the phenomenon of information encountering on social media. The data was analysed using the thematic analysis approach. The study found six main ways through which social media supports information encountering. Furthermore, drawing upon knowledge creation theories, the study concluded that information encountering on social media facilitates tacit knowledge creation and sharing among individuals. The study provides new directions for further empirical investigations to examine whether information encountering on social media actually leads to tacit knowledge creation and sharing. The findings of the study may also provide opportunities for users to adopt social media effectively or gain greater value from social media use.
An Investigative Study of Pancreatic Exocrine Biomarkers, Histology, and Histomorphometry in Male Zucker Diabetic Fatty (ZDF) Rats Given Dulaglutide by Subcutaneous Injection Twice Weekly for 13 Weeks
Authors: Usborne Amy , Byrd Richard A. , Meehan James , Blackbourne Jamie L. , Sullivan John , Poitout-Belissent Florence , Prefontaine Annick , Martin Jennifer A. , Vahle John L.
Published: August 2015

Glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonist therapy has been implicated as a possible risk factor for acute pancreatitis in patients with type 2 diabetes. Dulaglutide is a long-acting GLP-1 receptor agonist in development for treatment of type 2 diabetes. The effects of dulaglutide were evaluated in male Zucker diabetic fatty (ZDF) rats to examine whether dulaglutide may induce or modulate pancreatitis. Rats were randomized to dose groups receiving twice-weekly subcutaneously administered dulaglutide 0.5, 1.5, and 5.0 mg/kg/dose (corresponding human plasma exposures following twice-weekly dosing are 3-, 8-, and 30-fold, respectively) for 13 weeks or to vehicle control. Following termination, serially trimmed sections of pancreases were stained with hematoxylin and eosin or co-stained with an epithelial marker and a marker of either proliferation or apoptosis. Efficacious reductions in glucose and hemoglobin A1c occurred at all dulaglutide doses. Lipase activity was unaffected, and there were modest increases in total and pancreatic amylase activities at all doses without individual microscopic inflammatory correlates. Microscopic dulaglutide-related pancreatic changes included increased interlobular ductal epithelium without ductal cell proliferation (≥0.5 mg/kg), increased acinar atrophy with/without inflammation (≥1.5 mg/kg), and increased incidence/severity of neutrophilic acinar pancreatic inflammation (5.0 mg/kg). In summary, dulaglutide treatment was associated with mild alterations in ductal epithelium and modest exacerbation of spontaneous lesions of the exocrine pancreas typically found in the ZDF rat model.
How stakeholder interactions can reduce space for moral considerations in decision making: A contested CCS project in the Netherlands
Authors: Cuppen Eefje , Brunsting Suzanne , Pesch Udo , Feenstra Ynke
Published: August 2015

We analyse the dynamics of a decision-making process on a contested carbon capture and storage project in The Netherlands by investigating the interactions between the involved stakeholders and how these reinforced, or were shaped by, a meta-frame. Our analysis suggests that from the start of the project, the interactions between stakeholders were shaped by, and reinforced, a goal-rational meta-frame. This frame, and the respective interactions, did not function well in aligning project proponents and the local community. For the latter group, issues were at stake that could not be addressed within the goalrational frame, such as moral considerations of procedural and distributive justice. Yet it was a very powerful frame that remained dominant and kept being reproduced throughout the process. Our analysis suggests that policy processes on projects like this should create interactions that leave open the opportunity for divergent, latent frames to become articulated. We identify three challenges for policy and planning of low-carbon technologies concerning the need for frame reflexivity in planning and decision making, the articulation of divergent stakeholder views and the design of stakeholder interactions.
A continuous process for the production of a fabric reinforced polymeric matrix
Authors: Coimbra Ricardo N , Otero Marta
Published: August 2015

A continuous method to produce monolayer lay-flat hoses is described in this work. Our first goal was to develop a new continuous method for the production of a polymeric matrix reinforced with fabric ( monolayer lay-flat hoses). Then, we faced the big challenge of achieving the same properties as the existing products obtained by the current uncontinuous method that prevails in the market. These important properties are bursting and working pressures, adhesion between polymer matrix and fabric, tensile strength and modulus, weight per metre and maximum load. Another crucial matter is the economical side. Therefore, the proposed method was evaluated in terms of production costs and tangible assets (machinery investments). It was concluded that the final product by the proposed continuous production method is highly competitive from a quality and economic point of view.
Children’s intended responses to gender-based bullying as targets and bystanders
Authors: Brinkman Britney G , Manning Lauren
Published: August 2015

This study examines gender-based bullying from the perspective of targets and bystanders. A total of 64 children (36 boys and 28 girls; 67% African American) in grades 3–5 were given hypothetical gender-based bullying situations and answered questions regarding their appraisals, intended responses, and barriers to responding. Findings indicated there were significant differences in intended responses and perceived barriers among targets and bystanders. There were also gender differences such that bystander girls reported greater distress and more confidence than bystander boys. Implications for developing anti-bullying programs that offer more effective strategies that are tailored toward targets and bystanders of gender-based bullying are discussed.
Out of Control
Authors: Finkenauer Catrin , Buyukcan-Tetik Asuman , Baumeister Roy F. , Schoemaker Kim , Bartels Meike , Vohs Kathleen D.
Published: August 2015

Family violence is common and brings tremendous costs to individuals, relationships, and society. Victims are vulnerable to negative outcomes across a host of dimensions, including cognitive performance, impulse control, emotion regulation, and physical health. Links between family violence and various problems have been established, yet the specific processes underlying these associations are poorly understood, resulting in the stunted development of effective interventions. This article addresses two key questions: How and why does family violence cause these myriad problems? The self-control strength model of family violence provides novel answers. The model integrates components of existing theories, extending them by pinpointing self-control strength as an explanatory and predictive factor, and can serve as a framework for interventions.
How Concentration Shields Against Distraction
Authors: Sörqvist Patrik , Marsh John E.
Published: August 2015

In this article, we outline our view of how concentration shields against distraction. We argue that higher levels of concentration make people less susceptible to distraction for two reasons. One reason is that the undesired processing of the background environment is reduced. For example, when people play a difficult video game, as opposed to an easy game, they are less likely to notice what people in the background are saying. The other reason is that the locus of attention becomes more steadfast. For example, when people are watching an entertaining episode of their favorite television series, as opposed to a less absorbing show, attention is less likely to be diverted away from the screen by a ringing telephone. The theoretical underpinnings of this perspective, and potential implications for applied settings, are addressed.
Code-switching in Italo-Brazilian literature from Rio Grande do Sul and São Paulo: A sociolinguistic analysis of the forms and functions of literary code-switching
Authors: Müller Katharina B
Published: August 2015

Italo-Brazilian prose texts from São Paulo and Rio Grande do Sul, written from the 1920s until today, either in Brazilian Portuguese with Italian code-switches, or in the Venetian koiné spoken by the Italian immigrants in Rio Grande do Sul, sometimes switching to Portuguese, are an early, but so far largely neglected example of literary code-switching representing the multilingual immigrants’ communities. In a sociolinguistic analysis of these texts I will argue that the conversational functions of literary code-switching, especially in reported speech, are comparable to those found in spontaneous utterances, if considered in a continuum between conceptually oral and conceptually written language ( Koch and Oesterreicher, 1985 ). On the micro-level the stylistic function of code-switching plays a more prominent role in literature than in other genres, but on the macro level this kind of code-switching can also be regarded as a response to bilingual identity. In this respect, literary code-switching is used as an approximation strategy between the two closely related contact languages that gives the minority language prestige and thus contributes to its preservation.
South Korean Salespersons’ Calling, Job Performance, and Organizational Citizenship Behavior
Authors: Park Jiyoung , Sohn Young Woo , Ha Yoo Jin
Published: August 2015

This study examined the association between salespersons’ sense of calling and their job performance and organizational citizenship behavior (OCB) and investigated the mediating role of occupational self-efficacy and the moderating role of living one’s calling on the relationships. The results indicated that salespersons’ level of calling was moderately associated with their OCB but not related to their job performance. Occupational self-efficacy fully mediated the relationship between salespersons’ sense of calling and their job performance and partially mediated the relationship between their sense of calling and OCB. Additionally, we found positive interactions between endorsing a calling and living a calling as predictors of occupational self-efficacy and OCB. The results suggest that occupational self-efficacy plays a critical role in linking callings and job performance and that the ability to live one’s calling strengthens the benefits of endorsing a calling in a sales context. The implications of these findings are discussed.
Multiwall Carbon Nanotube-Induced DNA Damage and Cytotoxicity in Male Human Peripheral Blood Lymphocytes
Authors: Kim Jin Sik , Song Kyung Seuk , Yu Il Je
Published: August 2015

Carbon nanotubes (CNTs) have been introduced recently as a novel carrier system for both small and large therapeutic molecules. Biotin-functionalized single-wall CNTs have been conjugated with the anticancer agent taxoid using a cleavable linker, and multiwall carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) conjugated with iron nanoparticles have been efficiently loaded with doxorubicin. 1 , 2 The MWCNTs are effective transporters for biological macromolecules and drugs to target cells and tissues, thereby attracting the attention of the biomedical industry. 3 – 7 Administrating MWCNTs for medical application invariably involves intravenous administration and ultimate contact with human peripheral blood lymphocytes (HPBLs), yet toxicological studies on the effect of MWCNTs on HPBLs are lacking. Accordingly, this study evaluated the cytotoxic and genotoxic effects of MWCNTs on healthy male HPBLs. Healthy male HPBLs were treated with MWCNTs at 3 different concentrations (12.5, 25, and 50 μg/mL) for 48 hours. Under these conditions, the MWCNTs induced significant cell growth retardation, DNA damage, and cytotoxicity. The MWCNT-treated HPBLs also exhibited an increased intracellular reactive oxygen species level during the experimental period, which leads to cell damage and death, proliferation inhibition, DNA damage, and an inflammatory response.