bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Targeting Phosphorylation of Y-Box–Binding Protein YBX1 by TAS0612 and Everolimus in Overcoming Antiestrogen Resistance
Authors: Shibata Tomohiro , Watari Kosuke , Kawahara Akihiko , Sudo Tomoya , Hattori Satoshi , Murakami Yuichi , Izumi Hiroto , Itou Junji , Toi Masakazu , Akiba Jun , Akagi Yoshito , Tanaka Maki , Kuwano Michihiko , Ono Mayumi
Published: December 2019

Nuclear expression of Y-box–binding protein (YBX1) is closely correlated with clinical poor outcomes and drug resistance in breast cancer. Nuclear translocation of YBX1 is facilitated by YBX1 phosphorylation at serine 102 by AKT, p70S6K, and p90RSK, and the phosphorylated YBX1 (pYBX1) promotes expression of genes related to drug resistance and cell growth. A forthcoming problem to be addressed is whether targeting the phosphorylation of YBX1 overcomes antiestrogen resistance by progressive breast cancer. Here, we found that increased expression of pYBX1 was accompanied by acquired resistance to antiestrogens, fulvestrant and tamoxifen. Forced expression of YBX1/S102E, a constitutive phosphorylated form, resulted in acquired resistance to fulvestrant. Inversely, YBX1 silencing specifically overcame antiestrogen resistance. Furthermore, treatment with everolimus, an mTORC1 inhibitor, or TAS0612, a novel multikinase inhibitor of AKT, p70S6K, and p90RSK, suppressed YBX1 phosphorylation and overcame antiestrogen resistance in vitro and in vivo. IHC analysis revealed that expression of pYBX1 and YBX1 was augmented in patients who experienced recurrence during treatment with adjuvant endocrine therapies. Furthermore, pYBX1 was highly expressed in patients with triple-negative breast cancer compared with other subtypes. TAS0612 also demonstrated antitumor effect against triple-negative breast cancer in vivo. Taken together, our findings suggest that pYBX1 represents a potential therapeutic target for treatment of antiestrogen-resistant and progressive breast cancer.
Genomic and Expression Analyses Define MUC17 and PCNX1 as Predictors of Chemotherapy Response in Breast Cancer
Authors: Al Amri Waleed S. , Allinson Lisa M. , Baxter Diana E. , Bell Sandra M. , Hanby Andrew M. , Jones Stacey J. , Shaaban Abeer M. , Stead Lucy F. , Verghese Eldo T. , Hughes Thomas A.
Published: December 2019

Poor-prognosis breast cancers are treated with cytotoxic chemotherapy, but often without any guidance from therapy predictive markers because universally accepted markers are not currently available. Treatment failure, in the form of recurrences, is relatively common. We aimed to identify chemotherapy predictive markers and resistance pathways in breast cancer. Our hypothesis was that tumor cells remaining after neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NAC) contain somatic variants causing therapy resistance, while variants present pre-NAC but lost post-NAC cause sensitivity. Whole-exome sequencing was performed on matched pre- and post-NAC cancer cells, which were isolated by laser microdissection, from 6 cancer cases, and somatic variants selected for or against by NAC were identified. Somatic variant diversity was significantly reduced after therapy (P < 0.05). MUC17 variants were identified in 3 tumors and were selected against by NAC in each case, while PCNX1 variants were identified in 2 tumors and were selected for in both cases, implicating the function of these genes in defining chemoresponse. In vitro knockdown of MUC17 or PCNX1 was associated with significantly increased or decreased chemotherapy sensitivity, respectively (P < 0.05), further supporting their roles in chemotherapy response. Expression was tested for predictive value in two independent cohorts of chemotherapy-treated breast cancers (n = 53, n = 303). Kaplan–Meier analyses revealed that low MUC17 expression was significantly associated with longer survival after chemotherapy, whereas low PCNX1 was significantly associated with reduced survival. We concluded that therapy-driven selection of somatic variants allows identification of chemotherapy response genes. With respect to MUC17 and PCNX1, therapy-driven selection acting on somatic variants, in vitro knockdown data concerning drug sensitivity, and survival analysis of expression levels in patient cohorts all define the genes as mediators of and predictive markers for chemotherapy response in breast cancer.
Development of AO-176, a Next-Generation Humanized Anti-CD47 Antibody with Novel Anticancer Properties and Negligible Red Blood Cell Binding
Authors: Puro Robyn J. , Bouchlaka Myriam N. , Hiebsch Ronald R. , Capoccia Benjamin J. , Donio Michael J. , Manning Pamela T. , Frazier William A. , Karr Robert W. , Pereira Daniel S.
Published: December 2019

Inhibitors of adaptive immune checkpoints have shown promise as cancer treatments. CD47 is an innate immune checkpoint receptor broadly expressed on normal tissues and overexpressed on many tumors. Binding of tumor CD47 to signal regulatory protein alpha (SIRPα) on macrophages and dendritic cells triggers a “don't eat me” signal that inhibits phagocytosis enabling escape of innate immune surveillance. Blocking CD47/SIRPα interaction promotes phagocytosis reducing tumor burden in numerous xenograft and syngeneic animal models. We have developed a next-generation humanized anti-CD47 antibody, AO-176, that not only blocks the CD47/SIRPα interaction to induce tumor cell phagocytosis, but also induces tumor cytotoxicity in hematologic and solid human tumor cell lines, but not normal noncancerous cells, by a cell autonomous mechanism (not ADCC). AO-176 also binds preferentially to tumor versus many normal cell types. In particular, AO-176 binds negligibly to RBCs in contrast to tumor cells, even at high concentrations up to 200 μg/mL and does not agglutinate RBCs up to 1 mg/mL in vitro. These properties are expected not only to decrease the antigen sink, but also to minimize on-target clinical adverse effects observed following treatment with other reported RBC-binding anti-CD47 antibodies. When tested in cynomolgus monkeys, AO-176 was well tolerated with no adverse effects. Finally, we show that AO-176 demonstrates dose-dependent antitumor activity in tumor xenograft models. Taken together, the unique properties and antitumor activity of our next-generation anti-CD47 antibody, AO-176, distinguishes it from other CD47/SIRPα axis targeting agents in clinical development.
Brazilian spotted fever serological investigation among equids at the Guarapiranga Dam area in the city of São Paulo, Brazil
Authors: Moraes Filho Jonas , Sousa Amanda Oliveira de , Carvalho Tania Regina Vieira de , Labruna Marcelo Bahia
Published: December 2019

The Guarapiranga Dam region, in the metropolitan area of São Paulo, has been an endemic area for Brazilian spotted fever (BSF), a tick-borne disease caused by the bacterium Rickettsia rickettsii. In this particular area, R. rickettsii is known to be transmitted to humans by Amblyomma aureolatum, a typical dog tick that is not associated with horses. In other BSF-endemic areas, R. rickettsii transmission is associated with Amblyomma sculptum, a tick species that typically infest capybaras and horses. The Guarapiranga Dam bears abundant populations of capybaras and horses; however, since nothing is known about a possible cycle of transmission of R. rickettsii by A. sculptum in this area, this study evaluated such transmission by performing a serosurvey of horses living in the Guarapiranga Dam region. A total of 206 equids living in the margins of the Guarapiranga Dam were serologically tested for antibodies reactive to five Rickettsia species, four of the spotted fever group (R. rickettsii, R. parkeri, R. amblyommatis, R. rhipicephali) and one basal group species, R. bellii. Overall, 171 (83%) equids reacted positively to at least one Rickettsia species. A total of 160 (78%), 123 (60%), 80 (39%), 72 (35%), and 71 (34%), equid sera reacted to R. bellii, R. rickettsii, R. parkeri, R. rhipicephali, and R. amblyommatis, respectively, with endpoint titers ranging from 64 to 1024 for R. bellii, and 64 to 512 for the remaining four Rickettsia species. Endpoint titers to R. bellii (median: 256) was significantly higher (P<0.05) than the endpoint titers to the other four Rickettsia species, for which the median values varied from 64 to 128. A total of 65 (32%) equid sera showed endpoint titers to R. bellii at least 4-fold higher than those to any of the other four antigens, indicating that they have been exposed to R. bellii or a very closely related species. Our results provide serological evidence that the sampled equids were not frequently exposed to R. rickettsii-infected ticks. Since horses are a highly suitable sentinel for R. rickettsii transmission by A. sculptum, we conclude that this tick species has no epidemiological role in the transmission of R. rickettsii in the BSF-endemic area of the Guarapiranga Dam in the metropolitan area of São Paulo Municipality.
Mediações no clube de leitura Leia Mulheres
Authors: Barbosa Gabriela
Published: December 2019

Este artigo discute a leitura como um lugar de mediação e o gênero como um tipo de mediador no âmbito do clube de leitura presencial Leia Mulheres, que ancorado na internet encontra propulsão para discussão. Nesse contexto, tal debate se torna cada vez mais necessário nas atuais movimentações pela desinvisibilização de determinados grupos sociais, formando um diálogo entre a circulação de significados propiciada pela leitura e a presença da mulher no cenário literário.
Políticas de conservação ambiental no Brasil e a mercadificação da natureza
Authors: Bernini Carina Inserra
Published: December 2019

O presente artigo discute a trajetória das políticas de conservação ambiental analisando tais políticas como integrantes do processo de expansão das relações capitalistas de produção. Compreendendo que a apropriação e o uso da natureza precisam ser analisados a partir do entendimento das relações sociais que caracterizam a sociedade capitalista, assumimos o conceito de produção da natureza como central em nossa análise, entendendo que a forma como os processos biofísicos se apresentam em cada lugar resulta da interferência desta sociedade. E que, ainda que a natureza possua, em certo nível, um funcionamento independente do homem, o conhecimento desse funcionamento é aplicado pela sociedade para fins definidos socialmente. A análise do estabelecimento de Unidades de Conservação no território brasileiro revela uma estreita relação entre a expansão da fronteira agrícola e o isolamento de áreas destinadas à conservação. Além disso, a gestão dessas áreas tende a inseri-las como redutos da chamada Economia Verde delimitando produtos que tem a própria natureza “natural” como matéria-prima.
Geografía, método y singularidades revisadas en lo empírico
Authors: Costa Everaldo Batista da , Scarlato Francisco Capuano
Published: December 2019

Lo que distingue al trabajo de campo en Geografía, en el seno de las ciencias humanas, es que los fenómenos geográficos, en esencia, están dotados de territorialidad o expresión paisajística. Así, el objetivo de este artículo es debatir el estatus científico de los métodos filosóficos y del trabajo de campo en Geografía, en detrimento del activo instrumentalismo, que opaca el sentido categorial de espacio. Metodológicamente, se relacionan (i) el método filosófico como punto de partida de la reflexión disciplinar, (ii) las singularidades geográficas revisadas en lo empírico y (iii) la experiencia didáctica y de investigación de los autores, a través de los trabajos de campo dirigidos en la enseñanza, en la Universidad de Brasilia y en la Universidad de San Paulo, con fundamento en la fenomenología y el materialismo dialéctico. Por medio de las geografías francesa y brasileña y de la experiencia, se valida lo empírico en la comprensión de la interacción sociedad-naturaleza, en el ejercicio de la racionalización crítica del espacio y en la revisión de las teorías y conceptos.
Hiperpicnitos (Inunditos) como análogos de reservatórios: um exemplo nos depósitos Gonduânicos Triássicos do Gráben Arroio Moirão, Rio Grande do Sul
Authors: Rodrigues Yolanda Caliman , Menegat Rualdo , Mizusaki Ana Maria Pimentel , Silva Aurélio Fagundes
Published: December 2019

Os arenitos associados a modelos episódicos de inundação, como os Inunditos provenientes de fluxos hiperpicnais em corpos de água rasa, podem ser reservatórios de hidrocarbonetos. No entanto, há poucos estudos para entender a arquitetura e heterogeneidade desses modelos, o que resulta em dificuldades para exploração e explotação desses reservatórios. O presente trabalho visa à análise de pacotes triássicos da Bacia do Paraná pertencentes à Formação Santa Maria, que ocorrem como fragmentos isolados sobre o Escudo Sul-Rio-Grandense na região do Gráben Arroio Moirão (Rio Grande do Sul). Para tanto, fez-se um estudo comparativo de modelos de inundação e como metodologia de obtenção de dados utilizou-se mapeamento sistemático, análise de heterogeneidade de fácies e estratigrafia de sequências, que incluem levantamento de perfis colunares, identificação de associações e sucessões de fácies e superfícies-chave. Secundariamente, algumas análises petrográficas foram realizadas. Foi possível delimitar os principais depósitos de arenitos, dos quais predominam geometria tabular, grãos mal selecionados e alguma matriz argilosa. Distinguiram-se cinco ciclos deposicionais granodecrescentes ascendentes, limitados na base e no topo por superfícies erosivas, que marcam heterogeneidades recorrentes. As fácies-reservatório são subarcósios, de matriz argilosa com agregados de caulinita, porosidade intergranular e shrinkage. Identificaram-se potenciais fácies-reservatório constituídas de arenitos grossos a conglomeráticos, com estratificações cruzada tangencial e plano-paralela. A integração dos dados resultou na elaboração de um modelo de variação lateral e vertical de fácies de hiperpicnitos lacustres, como um potencial modelo análogo de reservatório do tipo compartimentado. Esses resultados possibilitam prospectar outros depósitos arenosos dessa unidade estratigráfica da Bacia do Paraná, para fins de dimensionar regionalmente o análogo de reservatório.
Geologia, controle estrutural e mineralogia do escarnito mineralizado em ouro e tungstênio da Mina Bonfim-II, Província Borborema, Rio Grande do Norte, Brasil
Authors: Pereira Eduardo Henrique Rodrigues , Botelho Nilson Francisquini , Oliveira Claudinei Gouveia de , Santos Eduardo Valentin dos
Published: December 2019

A Mina Bonfim é caracterizada por camadas de mármores em contato com flogopita xistos subjacentes, ao longo do qual se desenvolveu o escarnito rico em tungstênio e ouro, disposto seguindo a orientação N10ºE/30ºSE, cisalhado e estruturado sob a forma de boudins, em baixo ângulo de caimento (12º) ao longo da direção N10ºE. A scheelita encontra-se nos boudins, associando-se à molibdenita, ambas sendo formadas sob condições sin-tectônicas dúcteis, consistindo na primeira fase de mineralização. O ouro encontra-se em fraturas de cisalhamento tardias, com orientação N70oW/75ºSW, que seccionam e deslocam o escarnito scheelitífero. As fraturas são preenchidas por prehnita (ganga), ouro e minerais de bismuto, indicando que a precipitação do ouro ocorreu na fácies prehnita-pumpelliyta, sob regime dúctil-rúptil, que corresponde à segunda fase de mineralização. O ouro é rico em prata com até 16,09%Ag, e suas formas de ocorrência são: livre na ganga, em fraturas ou em contato com bismuto, bismutinita e joseíta, constituindo a paragênese aurífera. Grãos de ouro exibem bismuto na composição, podendo chegar a 0,44%Bi. O minério está hospedado em escarnito reduzido, gerado em estágios progressivo e retrogressivo, produto do metassomatismo em mármores alterados por fluidos carreados ao longo de estruturas.
Sismoestratigrafia da seção Campaniana-Maastrichtiana da Formação Calumbi no campo de Carapitanga (Bacia Sergipe-Alagoas)
Authors: Soares Isabela Ramos , Figueiredo Felipe Torres , Hernández Germán Meneses
Published: December 2019

A Formação Calumbi tem parte de suas reservas de petróleo e gás preservada no campo de Carapitanga em rochas de idade Campaniana-Mastrichiana da Bacia de Sergipe-Alagoas, produtor de acumulação marginal da área norte da bacia. Apesar de seu importante papel na produção regional de hidrocarbonetos, as sequências deposicionais do campo têm sido pouco discutidas na academia. Com o objetivo de contribuir para os modelos de sequências deposicionais do Cretáceo Superior, analisou-se a sísmica disponível do campo sob a ótica dos conceitos de Estratigrafia de Sequências. Os resultados obtidos sugerem três sequências deposicionais de curta duração (3 – 10 Ma), com desequilíbrio entre subidas e quedas entre si, o que contrasta com as premissas dos modelos de sequências. Estas se distribuem em três cânions com até 10 km de largura, 282, 202 e 102 m de espessura, respectivamente, situadas na transição Pré-Campaniano-Campaniano, Campaniano e Mastrichiano. A primeira sequência é formada por quatro tratos de sistema, com pequeno desequilíbrio entre dois eventos transgressivos de menor duração em relação a dois eventos regressivos, que registram a sedimentação dos tratos de mar baixo e transgressivo, correspondendo aos melhores candidatos a rochas-reservatório do campo. A segunda sequência, mais jovem, preserva três eventos de regressão e um de transgressão; e a terceira sequência tem comportamento similar, porémcom maior duração de queda. O padrão de variação do nível de base é pouco harmônico e contrasta com a curva senoide adotada para predição de geometrias deposicionais em bacias de margens passivas e com os modelos interpretados ao norte da bacia, no qual foram identificadas quatro sequências. Os cinco picos de queda registrados parecem estar relacionados às flutuações
Geological mapping of intrusive rocks: a case study in the Garzón region, the Eastern Cordillera of the Colombian Andes
Authors: García-Chinchilla Daniel Alejandro , Vlach Silvio Roberto Farias
Published: December 2019

Jurassic granites (sensu lato) and related rocks are the most abundant rocks cropping out in the Eastern Cordillera of Colombia in the northern Andes. We present an attempt to map and characterize in detail the petrographic diversity of the Jurassic granites and related subvolcanic rocks emplaced in the Garzón region, southernmost the Eastern Cordillera. We also provide new geological maps for the Algeciras and Altamira Plutonic Massifs based on descriptive concepts of the petrographic facies and facies associations and detailed petrographic and mineralogical characterizations of the observed granite types. Eight plutonic and three subvolcanic petrographic facies or facies associations were mapped in the Algeciras Plutonic Massif, and another five in the Altamira Plutonic Massif. Hornblende biotite granites (syeno- and monzogranites) are the main plutonic types constituting the first massif, while leucogranites prevail in the second massif; a zoned facies distribution was mapped in the Algeciras Plutonic Massif. Felsic porphyries (dacite and rhyolite) crop out as minor irregular intrusive bodies or dikes and mafic-intermediate syn-plutonic dikes (mostly microdiorites) cross cut the main plutonic rocks in both massifs. Geological and petrographic characteristics (e.g. micrographic textures) suggest relatively shallow emplacement levels for the plutonic rocks as well as slightly high uplift and erosion rates at the north of the studied area. Local penetrative solid-state planar structures and dike orientations conform with dextral strike-slip movements along the SSW-NNE trending Algeciras Fault System in a transpressional regime associated with a major compressive and oblique convergence in Jurassic ages.
Da inconstância da fortuna. A teoria e a metodologia do restauro em contexto Europeu
Authors: Mendonça Lisandra Franco de
Published: December 2019

O restauro do patrimônio edificado na Europa ocidental evoluiu de um entendimento inicial agarrado à marca da reconstrução estilística e da conservação a qualquer custo para políticas de tutela e estratégias de gestão patrimonial que implicam um julgamento equilibrado de diversos valores e recursos. Este texto começa por explorar alguns aspetos históricos e conceptuais do restauro e o aparecimento e o desenvolvimento da tutela do patrimônio tal como é entendida hoje na Europa, percorrendo vários contributos teóricos, de forma a delinear variações significativas do suporte teórico e das metodologias de intervenção correlacionadas. Não reentra nos objetivos desta sintética “aproximação ao restauro” o  aprofundamento exaustivo da sua gênese e das práticas patrimoniais em contexto europeu – a bibliografia nesta matéria é extensa e atual –, mas apenas evoca alguns momentos determinantes na evolução da sua organização teórica e prática. O formato do texto impõe uma escolha limitada de atores e estudos referenciados, forçosamente arbitrária.
Modified Modern nos trópicos
Authors: Bonates Mariana Fialho
Published: December 2019

Este trabalho aborda os projetos das casas militares brasileiras, interpretados à luz do conceito de modified modern, utilizado nos Estados Unidos durante o segundo pós-guerra para designar uma prática da estandardização com variação na construção de residências para a classe média nos subúrbios. Esse período também foi marcado pelo estreitamento das relações internacionais e cooperações militares entre o Brasil e Estados Unidos, assim como pelo incentivo para a construção de vilas militares em ambos os países. Como essas casas foram projetadas e em que medida a cultura arquitetônica do modified modern foi incorporada na fronteira brasileira? A partir dessas questões, desenvolve-se uma trama narrativa que busca debater uma prática ainda pouco discutida no Brasil, a fim de ampliar o discurso revisionista das manifestações da arquitetura moderna e, especificamente, das suas variadas formas de apropriação. Trata-se, ainda, de uma tentativa de avançar na lacuna historiográfica de uma produção governamental pouco conhecida e destinada a um seleto grupo, mas que se mostrou dotada de especificidades dignas de nota.
First record in 129 years of the Tamil Treebrown Lethe drypetis todara Moore, 1881 (Lepidoptera: Nymphalidae: Satyrinae) from Odisha, India by fruit-baiting
Authors: Mahata Anirban , Jena Sudheer Kumar , Palita Sharat Kumar
Published: December 2019

The first record of a butterfly species, the Tamil Treebrown Lethe drypetis todara Moore, 1881 (Nymphalidae: Satyrinae) is described from Deomali Hill range of southern Odisha, in Eastern Ghats of India, collected by fruit-baiting.  This is the first record from Odisha almost 129 years after its first report from Khurda in coastal Odisha by Taylor & de Niceville in the year 1888. The ecology and sampling of the species are described in this study.
Observations on the ex situ management of the Sumatran Rhinoceros Dicerorhinus sumatrensis (Mammalia: Perissodactyla: Rhinocerotidae): present status and desiderata for conservation
Authors: Nardelli Francesco
Published: December 2019

The Sumatran Rhinoceros is approaching extinction.  A few dozen animals remain, dispersed in dwindling Indonesian rainforest with only a few years of likely survival time.  Eight rhinos belonging to two subspecies are in controlled breeding centres.  The Sumatran Rhinoceros differs markedly from the other four species of Rhinocerotidae and requires management according to specific protocols.  Several Sumatran Rhinoceros have died in zoos, owing to lack of knowledge concerning their particular dietary requirements and their high sensitivity to anthropogenic activities.  Recently more positive results, including successful births, have been achieved with the aid of scientific research, which continues to examine factors required for successful conservation and accommodation efforts.
A review of the leafhopper tribe Agalliini (Hemiptera: Cicadellidae: Megophthalminae) with a revised key to the known Pakistani genera and species
Authors: Naveed Hassan , Sohail Kamran , Islam Waqar , Yalin Zhang
Published: December 2019

The tribe Agalliini is reviewed from Pakistan with additional description and illustration of a new record Anaceratagallia pararobusta (Pruthi) 1936.  An updated checklist and keys are given to distinguish all the genera and species of the tribe Agalliini from Pakistan.
Understanding people’s perception and attitudes towards mammalian fauna using qualitative data: a case study in Barail Wildlife Sanctuary, India
Authors: Choudhury Amir Sohail , Barbhuiya Rofik Ahmed , Choudhury Parthankar
Published: December 2019

A concise interpretation of people’s perception and attitude towards wildlife helps in formulating better long-term conservation policies.  In an attempt to understand people’s perception, we considered one of the threatened and least known ecosystems of northeastern India, the Barail range, mainly focusing on the Barail Wildlife Sanctuary, the only protected area of this range, and falls in the Indo-Burma biodiversity hotspot area.  The sanctuary is known for a high diversity of mammals, mainly primates (with seven reported species), and bears (with three of the eight globally known species—a diversity not met elsewhere in the globe).  To protect its pristine wildlife wealth, it is essential that the perception of the local settlers is elucidated, and this prompted us to take up the present study. In this study, we used open- and close-ended questionnaire, which was then coded (yes/positive=1 and no/negative=0).  Each response was thoroughly examined using logistic regression and variables like socio-economic factors, knowledge of the sanctuary, wildlife and forest management were found to generate positive perception towards the sanctuary and its wildlife, and vice-versa.  Further, alternative means is suggested in terms of tourism, and the attitudes towards instigation of tourism were mostly favoured by the locals.  Besides promoting tourism, providing alternative livelihood and vocational trainings for the locals and, timely compensation for the losses caused by the animals should be long-term strategies for the conservation of the mammals of the sanctuary.  It has been increasingly recognized that involvement of locals is a prima facie requirement in the conservation of wildlife, and as such their perception is of great significance.  While the study was conducted at the Barail Wildlife Sanctuary, the results may translate in other protected areas, and may be referred to as a model strategy for other protected areas having similar scenario.
Studying Urban Climate and Air Quality in the Alps: The Innsbruck Atmospheric Observatory
Authors: Karl Thomas , Gohm Alexander , Rotach Mathias W. , Ward Helen C. , Graus Martin , Cede Alexander , Wohlfahrt Georg , Hammerle Albin , Haid Maren , Tiefengraber Martin , Lamprecht Christian , Vergeiner Johannes , Kreuter Axel , Wagner Jochen , Staudinger Michael
Published: December 2019

The Innsbruck Atmospheric Observatory (IAO) aims to investigate atmospheric chemistry, micrometeorology, and mountain meteorology in a synergistic fashion within an urban setting. A new measurement supersite has been established in order to study processes affecting the exchange of momentum, energy, trace gases, and aerosols in an Alpine urban environment. Various long-term continuous measurements are augmented by frequent focused research campaigns with state-of-the-art instrumentation, linking different classes of data and addressing significant gaps in scientific data availability for urban environments. Current activities seek to address research objectives related to the urban heat island, trace gas emissions, the influence of foehn on air quality, and the atmospheric distribution of trace gases and aerosols in a mountainous city. We present initial results from long-term operations and first highlights from two intensive operational phases, showing that 1) the exchange of greenhouse gas emissions is dominated by anthropogenic activities and is driven by location-specific venting of street canyon air; 2) foehn events significantly perturb the photostationary state indicative for an extensive and rapid airmass exchange of the valley atmosphere; 3) the temporal distribution of pollutants is often decoupled from their emissions and primarily modulated by mountain boundary layer dynamics; 4) we can detect a large number of volatile chemical products in the urban atmosphere, which can be used to fingerprint anthropogenic emission sources; and 5) the first urban carbonyl sulfide (COS) flux measurements point toward anthropogenic emission sources.
Reduction of Bias from Parameter Variance in Geophysical Data Estimation: Method and Application to Ice Water Content and Sedimentation Flux Estimated from Lidar
Authors: Bolot Maximilien , Fueglistaler Stephan
Published: December 2019

This paper addresses issues of statistical misrepresentation of the a priori parameters (henceforth called ancillary parameters) used in geophysical data estimation. Parameterizations using ancillary data are frequently needed to derive geophysical data of interest from remote measurements. Empirical fits to the ancillary data that do not preserve the distribution of such data may induce substantial bias. A semianalytical averaging approach based on Taylor expansion is presented to improve estimated cirrus ice water content and sedimentation flux for a range of volume extinction coefficients retrieved from spaceborne lidar observations by CALIOP combined with the estimated distribution of ancillary data from in situ aircraft measurements of ice particle microphysical parameters and temperature. It is shown that, given an idealized distribution of input parameters, the approach performs well against Monte Carlo benchmark predictions. Using examples with idealized distributions at the mean temperature for the tropics at 15 km, it is estimated that the commonly neglected variance observed in in situ measurements of effective diameters may produce a worst-case estimation bias spanning up to a factor of 2. For ice sedimentation flux, a similar variance in particle size distributions and extinctions produces a worst-case estimation bias of a factor of 9. The value of the bias is found to be mostly set by the correlation coefficient between extinction and ice effective diameter, which in this test ranged between all possible values. Systematic reporting of variances and covariances in the ancillary data and between data and observed quantities would allow for more accurate observational estimates.
Future Global Meteorological Drought Hot Spots: A Study Based on CORDEX Data
Authors: Spinoni Jonathan , Barbosa Paulo , Bucchignani Edoardo , Cassano John , Cavazos Tereza , Christensen Jens H. , Christensen Ole B. , Coppola Erika , Evans Jason , Geyer Beate , Giorgi Filippo , Hadjinicolaou Panos , Jacob Daniela , Katzfey Jack , Koenigk Torben , Laprise René , Lennard Christopher J. , Kurnaz M. Levent , Li Delei , Llopart Marta , McCormick Niall , Naumann Gustavo , Nikulin Grigory , Ozturk Tugba , Panitz Hans-Juergen , Porfirio da Rocha Rosmeri , Rockel Burkhardt , Solman Silvina A. , Syktus Jozef , Tangang Fredolin , Teichmann Claas , Vautard Robert , Vogt Jürgen V. , Winger Katja , Zittis George , Dosio Alessandro
Published: December 2019

Two questions motivated this study: 1) Will meteorological droughts become more frequent and severe during the twenty-first century? 2) Given the projected global temperature rise, to what extent does the inclusion of temperature (in addition to precipitation) in drought indicators play a role in future meteorological droughts? To answer, we analyzed the changes in drought frequency, severity, and historically undocumented extreme droughts over 1981–2100, using the standardized precipitation index (SPI; including precipitation only) and standardized precipitation-evapotranspiration index (SPEI; indirectly including temperature), and under two representative concentration pathways (RCP4.5 and RCP8.5). As input data, we employed 103 high-resolution (0.44°) simulations from the Coordinated Regional Climate Downscaling Experiment (CORDEX), based on a combination of 16 global circulation models (GCMs) and 20 regional circulation models (RCMs). This is the first study on global drought projections including RCMs based on such a large ensemble of RCMs. Based on precipitation only, ~15% of the global land is likely to experience more frequent and severe droughts during 2071–2100 versus 1981–2010 for both scenarios. This increase is larger (~47% under RCP4.5, ~49% under RCP8.5) when precipitation and temperature are used. Both SPI and SPEI project more frequent and severe droughts, especially under RCP8.5, over southern South America, the Mediterranean region, southern Africa, southeastern China, Japan, and southern Australia. A decrease in drought is projected for high latitudes in Northern Hemisphere and Southeast Asia. If temperature is included, drought characteristics are projected to increase over North America, Amazonia, central Europe and Asia, the Horn of Africa, India, and central Australia; if only precipitation is considered, they are found to decrease over those areas.
The Decadal Reduction of Southeastern Australian Autumn Rainfall since the Early 1990s: A Response to Sea Surface Temperature Warming in the Subtropical South Pacific
Authors: Lin ZhongDa , Li Yun , Liu Yong , Hu AiXue
Published: December 2019

Rainfall in southeastern Australia (SEA) decreased substantially in the austral autumn (March–May) of the 1990s and 2000s. The observed autumn rainfall reduction has been linked to the climate change–induced poleward shift of the subtropical dry zone across SEA and natural multidecadal variations. However, the underlying physical processes responsible for the SEA drought are still not fully understood. This study highlights the role of sea surface temperature (SST) warming in the subtropical South Pacific (SSP) in the autumn rainfall reduction in SEA since the early 1990s. The warmer SSP SST enhances rainfall to the northwest in the southern South Pacific convergence zone (SPCZ); the latter triggers a divergent overturning circulation with the subsidence branch over the eastern coast of Australia. As such, the subsidence increases the surface pressure over Australia, intensifies the subtropical ridge, and reduces the rainfall in SEA. This mechanism is further confirmed by the result of a sensitivity experiment using an atmospheric general circulation model. Moreover, this study further indicates that global warming and natural multidecadal variability contribute approximately 44% and 56%, respectively, of the SST warming in the SSP since the early 1990s.
Book review: Sriprakash Singh, Politics for New India: A Nationalistic Perspective
Authors: Vijay Devesh
Published: December 2019

Sriprakash Singh, Politics for New India: A Nationalistic Perspective. New Delhi: Rupa Publications India, 2018, 328 pp., ₹225.
Global Purchasing as Labor Regulation: The Missing Middle
Authors: Amengual Matthew , Distelhorst Greg , Tobin Danny
Published: December 2019

Do purchasing practices support or undermine the regulation of labor standards in global supply chains? This study offers the first analysis of the full range of supply chain regulatory efforts, integrating records of factory labor audits with purchase order microdata. Studying an apparel and equipment retailer with a strong reputation for addressing labor conditions in its suppliers, the authors show that the retailer persuaded factories to improve and terminated factories with poor labor compliance. However, the authors also find that purchase orders did not increase when labor standards improved. If anything, factories whose standards worsened tended to see their orders increase. Contrary to the conventional wisdom, this “missing middle” in incentives for compliance appears unrelated to any cost advantage of noncompliant factories. Instead, lack of flexibility in supplier relationships created obstacles to reallocating orders in response to compliance findings.
Numerical Estimation and Mathematical Learning Methodology in Preschoolers
Authors: Canto-López M. C. , Aguilar M. , García-Sedeño M. A. , Navarro J. I. , Aragón E. , Delgado C. , Mera C.
Published: December 2019

One of the means for representing quantities/magnitudes is the mental number line. It is still a nonsolved question as to whether the method of learning mathematics in the early years could improve this type of estimating. A total of 233 students, aged four and five years, who learned mathematics with a new method called Open Algorithm Based on Number or the more traditional Closed Based on Ciphers approach, were evaluated with a reliable estimation on the number line test. Results revealed significant differences in participants’ estimation functions based on the learning method used. Students who learned mathematics through the Open Algorithm Based on Number method used a linear representation more efficiently than those who were taught with the Closed Based on Ciphers methodology. This group exhibited a logarithmic function in their approach. We discussed whether these differences can be attributed to a recurrent practice in estimation tasks at school, characterized by the Open Algorithm Based on Number methodology.
The corruption perception index and the political economy of governing at a distance
Authors: Baumann Hannes
Published: December 2019

The corruption perception index (CPI) compiled by Transparency International (TI) ranks countries by perceived levels of corruption. It is a reformist rather than a radical form of ‘statactivism’. First, I use Rose and Miller’s analytical framework to explain how corporate concerns come to dominate the CPI: How a neoliberal rationality is translated into a programme to govern corruption and then a technology – the CPI. A comprehensive survey of sources used to compile the CPI 2001–2016 shows that the vast majority were either produced for sale to corporate clients or were based on surveys of business elites. Second, I embed the index’s production into a wider political economy: TI workers are Gramscian intellectuals who put forward an interpretation of corruption that is non-threatening to corporate capital. This Gramscian framework holds wider relevance for analyses of the politics of global benchmarking.
Predictors of Body Image Perception among African American Women
Authors: Ford Yvonne , Pickett Stephanie
Published: December 2019

Obesity is a significant health problem in the US with African American (AA) women having one of the highest prevalence of obesity. Some AA women may equate a larger BMI with a positive body image. The purpose of this cross-sectional descriptive study was to examine the relationship between demographic variables, body image perception, coping behaviors and BMI with a non-probability sample of 191 AA women, 18–40 years old. Participants completed a demographic form and Pulver’s Figure Rating Scale (PFRS). Weight and height were measure and body mass index (BMI) calculated. Significant findings show that chronological age, hypertension, cigarette smoking and BMI were positively associated with body image perception. Using regression analysis, hypertension and BMI were predictors of body image perception. The study findings indicate that chronic illness and BMI impact body image perception.
Evaluating war and peace potential of Pakistani news media: Advancing a peace journalism model
Authors: Hussain Shabir , Siraj Syed Abdul , Mahmood Tariq
Published: December 2019

This study analyzes the scholarship on the classification of war and peacemaking potential of media in the conflict-ridden milieu of Pakistan. Borrowing from peace studies and the existing journalistic practices in the country, the researchers present and empirically test a new model for evaluating conflict journalism in terms of its escalatory and de-escalatory trends. For this purpose, news stories telecasted in two leading TV channels (PTV and Geo News) relating to seven deadly conflicts were analyzed. We found support for our model—the higher the intensity of a conflict, the higher the escalatory trends in coverage. Patriotic and elite-controlled media produced more escalation as compared to conflict in which journalists were using relatively free media. Despite the dominance of escalatory coverage, we also found some traces of peace journalism in the reporting of conflicts. The study recommends that to promote peace journalism in Pakistan and elsewhere, the local context of a conflict and the journalistic environment should be studied. A mere replication of Western scholarship on peace journalism in non-Western settings would render it an impracticable ideal in real conflict scenarios.
Roles of dynamic capabilities and knowledge management strategies on organizational performance
Authors: Sun Jonghak , Song Seokwoo , Wipawayangkool Kamphol , Oh Joon Seok
Published: December 2019

The theoretical and practical impact of dynamic capabilities on organizational performance remains elusive. This study investigates the mediating role of a firm’s dynamic capabilities, measured by IT capability and environmental scanning. In addition, by proposing that knowledge management (KM) strategies play a crucial moderating role in the relationships between entrepreneurial orientation (EO), dynamic capabilities, and organizational performance, this study highlights the need for effective KM strategies to maximize organizational performance. A questionnaire was administered to Korean managers who understand and can answer overall characteristics of their organizations. Our study found that dynamic capabilities partially mediated the relationship between EO and organizational performance. In addition, our findings show that the relationship between EO and organizational performance is stronger when firms emphasize personalization KM strategies, while the firms focusing on codification KM strategies demonstrate a stronger relationship between IT capability and organizational performance.
Behavioural activation treatment for depression in individuals with neurological conditions: a systematic review
Authors: Oates Lloyd L , Moghaddam Nima , Evangelou Nikos , das Nair Roshan
Published: December 2019

Objective:

To evaluate the effectiveness of behavioural activation interventions for people with neurological conditions with comorbid depression, and explore content and adaptations.

Data sources:

PsycINFO, MEDLINE, CINAHL, AMED, and EMBASE databases were searched on the 19 November 2019. Reference lists of selected full-texts were screened by title.

Review methods:

We included peer-reviewed studies published in English that used behavioural activation for treatment of depression in adults with a neurological condition. Single-case reports, reviews, and grey literature were excluded. Methodological quality was assessed by two authors independently, and quality was appraised using Critical Appraisal Skills Programme checklists.

Results:

From 2714 citations, 10 articles were included comprising 590 participants. Behavioural activation was used to treat depression in people with dementia ( n = 4), stroke ( n = 3), epilepsy ( n = 1), Parkinson’s disease ( n = 1), and brain injury ( n = 1). Sample size ranged from 4 to 105 participants. There were seven randomized controlled studies; however, no studies compared behavioural activation to an alternative psychological therapy. The effect sizes varied between small and large in the studies where effect size could be calculated ( d  = 0.24–1.7). Methodological quality of the included studies was variable. Intervention components were identifying and engaging in pleasurable activities, psychoeducation, and problem-solving. Adaptations included delivering sessions via telephone, delivering interventions via primary caregivers, and giving psychoeducation to caregivers.

Conclusion:

The effectiveness of behavioural activation in randomized controlled trials varied from small to large ( d  = 0.24–1.7) in reducing depression. The content of behavioural activation was comparable to established treatment manuals. Adaptations appeared to support individuals to engage in therapy.

Review registration:

PROSPERO 2018, CRD42018102604.
Clinical analysis of an anchor nail combined with a titanium cable in the treatment of lower patella fractures
Authors: Dong Zhijun , Liu Fuyao , Pan Yuan , Wu Shengzhong , Luo Chunshan
Published: December 2019

Objective

This study was performed to evaluate the clinical effect of an anchor nail and titanium cable for lower patella fractures and identify an effective treatment.

Methods

Thirty-five patients with lower patella fractures were treated using anchor nail and titanium cable technology. The anchor was fixed to the main part of the patella; the lower patella was then fixed. A bone tunnel was created, and the titanium cable was fixed. The fracture was allowed to heal without tension. Postoperative radiographs were obtained at regular follow-up evaluations. The Böstman function scores were used to assess postoperative complications.

Results

All patients were followed for an average of 15 months. The fracture healing time ranged from 12 to 24 weeks. The postoperative Böstman function scores were as follows: average, 28.6 points; excellent and good scores in 28 and 7 patients, respectively (100% rate of excellent and good scores). At 6 and 12 months postoperatively, the maximum degree of active extension of the affected knee joint was comparable with that of the healthy contralateral joint.

Conclusion

The combination of an anchor nail and titanium cable for lower patella fractures is simple and clinically satisfactory, restores knee function well, and is a worthy orthopedic method.
Clinical characteristics of nasointestinal ileus tube-induced intussusception: three case reports and a literature review
Authors: Zhu Lin , Zheng Yi xiong , Chen Kai bo
Published: December 2019

Placement of a nasointestinal ileus tube or long tube for gastrointestinal decompression is a new and effective treatment for small bowel obstruction. Such tubes are associated with very few adverse effects. However, several cases of intussusception caused by a nasointestinal ileus tube have been reported. No general diagnosis or treatment guideline has been established for such a complication. We herein present three cases of intussusception caused by nasointestinal ileus tube placement along with a literature review that summarizes some important clinical characteristics of nasointestinal ileus tube-induced intussusception. A diagnosis of intussusception should be considered if severe abdominal pain and distension recur after insertion of a nasointestinal ileus tube. Computed tomography may assist making the diagnosis, especially in patients with typical features such as the “Target sign,” “Glasses sign,” or “Mickey Mouse sign.” Although nasointestinal ileus tube-induced intussusception is rare, clinicians should give more attention to the risk of this complication.
The joint prediction model of pBMI and eFBG in predicting gestational diabetes mellitus
Authors: Pan Ying , Hu Ji , Zhong Shao
Published: December 2019

Objective

To explore the predictive value of prepregnancy body mass index (pBMI) and early gestational fasting blood glucose (eFBG) in gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM).

Methods

This case–control study enrolled pregnant women at 6 to 16 weeks of gestation. The pBMI, eFBG and glycosylated haemoglobin (HbA1c) was recorded in the first trimester of pregnancy. Receiver-operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis was used to measure the efficacy of factors that predict GDM.

Results

A total of 2119 pregnant women were enrolled in this study. Of these, 386 were diagnosed with GDM and 1733 did not have GDM. The age (odds ratio [OR] 1.16; 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.13, 1.20), pBMI (OR 1.12; 95% CI 1.07, 1.17) and eFBG (OR 5.37; 95% CI 3.93, 7.34) were independent risk factors for GDM occurrence. The areas under the ROC curve of eFBG, pBMI and eFBG + pBMI were 0.68 (95% credibility interval 0.65, 0.71), 0.66 (95% credibility interval 0.63, 0.69) and 0.71 (95% credibility interval 0.69, 0.74), respectively. The area under the curve of eFBG + pBMI was significantly higher than that of eFBG or pBMI alone.

Conclusion

The combination of eFBG and pBMI had a high predictive value for GDM.