bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A PARALISAÇÃO DA ATIVIDADE ECONÔMICA COMO UM DOS EFEITOS DO DEVER FUNDAMENTAL DE PROTEÇÃO DO MEIO AMBIENTE DO TRABALHO PELO EMPREGADOR / THE SUSPENSION OF THE ECONOMIC ACTIVITY AS ONE OF THE EFFECTS OF THE FUNDAMENTAL DUTY OF PROTECTION OF THE WORK ENVIRO
Authors: Fonseca Bruno Gomes Borges da , Bezerra Leite Carlos Henrique
Published: August 2015

Esta pesquisa analisou o dever fundamental de o empregador proteger o meio ambiente do trabalho e o efeito desse reconhecimento na medida drástica de paralisação da atividade econômica, caso se ausente do local da prestação laborativa a higidez ambiental. A pesquisa utilizou como referencial teórico a crítica de Karl Marx e Friedrich Engels sobre o dualismo abstrato, artificial, antagônico e contraditório entre Estado e sociedade civil, e a introdução de mediadores entre a pretensão emancipatória dos seres humanos. Considerou-se que o direito constitucional brasileiro prescreve o dever fundamental de o empregador proteger o meio ambiente laboral, bem como, ser consequência desse dever, a promoção excepcional da paralisação da atividade econômica por ato do empregador (independentemente de ordem Estatal), caso faltem ao local de trabalho condições ambientais adequadas.
A Dynamic Semantic Account of the Temporal Interpretation of Noun Phrases
Authors: Tonhauser Judith
Published: August 2015

No abstract.
Imperfectives and Plurality
Authors: Ferreira Marcelo
Published: August 2015

No abstract.
"Even", "only", and Negative Polarity in Japanese
Authors: Nakanishi Kimiko
Published: August 2015

No abstract.
Too Many Alternatives: Density, Symmetry and Other Predicaments
Authors: Fox Danny
Published: August 2015

No abstract.
Non-deictic Tenses in Conditionals
Authors: Schulz Katrin
Published: August 2015

No abstract.
Perspectives on Concealed Questions
Authors: Roelofsen Floris , Aloni Maria
Published: August 2015

No abstract.
Alternatives as sources of semantic dependency
Authors: Falaus Anamaria
Published: August 2015

This paper focuses on the properties of the Romanian determiner 'vreun', and has two objectives. First, it seeks to provide an adequate description of its restricted distribution. Refining previous observations in the literature (Farkas 2002, 2006), I argue that the occurrence of 'vreun' in intensional contexts is sensitive to epistemic alternatives, and put forward a generalization that captures its use (‘the epistemic constraint’). Second, we aim to provide an explanation for the observed pattern, in a way that situates 'vreun' in a broader typology of dependent indefinites. The proposed account is couched in a unified, alternative-based approach to polarity-sensitivity, due to Chierchia (2006 et seq). In line with this theory, we reduce the differences between 'vreun' and other dependent indefinites to essentially two factors: (i) the types of alternatives these items activate and (ii) the way these alternatives are factored into meaning by alternative-sensitive operators. The present paper can be regarded as part of a more general research program which aims to understand the parameters of variation among dependent indefinites and to seek a principled explanation for the attested diversity.
Compositional states
Authors: Husband E. Matthew
Published: August 2015

Whether a transitive stative predicate licenses an existential interpretaiton of its subject (EIS) depends on the type of object it has. While previous theories have related this to the object's ability to function as a topic, I present evidence that the quantized/homogeneous distinction between objects better captures EIS and propose an event composition analysis of EIS for transitive stative predicates. This analysis points to the aspectual nature of EIS and also illuminates other aspectual behaviors of stage-level/individual-level states.
Directed Scale Segments
Authors: Schwarzschild Roger
Published: August 2015

If Jack is taller than Jill, there is scale in which entities are ordered by height and which has a segment running from Jack down to Jill. Call that a directed scale-segment. A comparative characterizes a directed scale segment by describing the two ends, the type of scale and optionally the length of the segment. This paper explores the possibility of isolating these descriptions in distinct expressions in the clause tied together by quantification over directed scale segments. Data from Hindi and Navajo are used to motivate this arrangement and then to probe its limits. The resulting discussion is an argument for cross linguistic diversity in the semantics of comparatives.
Ordering combination for modal comparison
Authors: Katz Graham , Portner Paul , Rubinstein Aynat
Published: August 2015

The well-known ordering semantics for modality has recently been challenged by a number of puzzles which may cast doubt on the viability of this approach. We investigate the properties of the ordering relations used in ordering semantics with a focus on how to derive appropriate orderings based on intuitively correct premises. We use these tools to propose solutions to two of the puzzles and discuss how they relate to other puzzles that have been raised in the literature, and to modal semantics more generally.
A Note on Phrasal Comparatives
Authors: Beck Sigrid , Hohaus Vera , Tiemann Sonja
Published: August 2015

This paper investigates the various comparative operators that a language might employ and provides arguments for choosing a particular one. In particular, different phrasal comparatives are contrasted. We argue that Schoenfinkelization of the operator matters and reflects different crosslinguistic possibilities.
Discourse Parallelism, Scope, and Ellipsis
Authors: Asher Nicholas , Hardt Daniel , Busquets Joan
Published: August 2015

No abstract.
Free Relatives and "Ever": Identity and Free Choice Readings
Authors: Dayal Veneeta
Published: August 2015

This paper explores three questions about the semantics of free relatives (FRs). One, do FRs have a uniform meaning? Two, related to one, what is the contribution of "ever"? And three, perhaps less discussed than the other two, what is the relation between identity and free choice (FC) readings of FRs with "ever"? It claims that FRs are always definite. "Ever" introduces a type of modality that is independent of the verbal system by enforcing universal quantification over epistemic alternatives to the world of evaluation. In so doing, it endows the FR with properties typically associated with universal quantifiers. There is no formal distinction between identity and FC readings of FRs. The crucial distinctions have to do with the interaction of uniqueness requirements typical of definites, NP-internal modality and episodic vs. non-episodic interpretations determined by tense and aspect.
Types of Predicates and the Representation of Existential Readings
Authors: Dobrovie-Sorin Carmen
Published: August 2015

No abstract.
Endothelial Cell Sensitization by Death Receptor Fractions of an Anti–Dengue Nonstructural Protein 1 Antibody Induced Plasma Leakage, Coagulopathy, and Mortality in Mice
Authors: Sun Der-Shan , Chang Ying-Chen , Lien Te-Sheng , King Chwan-Chuen , Shih Yung-Luen , Huang Hsuan-Shun , Wang Teng-Yi , Li Chen-Ru , Lee Chin-Cheng , Hsu Ping-Ning , Chang Hsin-Hou
Published: August 2015

The mechanisms leading to the life-threatening dengue hemorrhagic fever (DHF) remain elusive. DHF preferentially occurs during secondary dengue infections, suggesting that aberrant immune responses are involved in its development. We previously demonstrated that the autoantibodies elicited by dengue virus (DENV) nonstructural protein 1 (NS1; anti–NS1 Igs) induce plasma leakage and mortality in mice with warfarinized anticoagulant suppression. However, the involved pathogenic Ig fractions of anti–NS1 Igs remain unclear. In this study, the autoreactive Igs in patients with DHF and in NS1-immunized rabbits crossreacted with TNF-related apoptosis-inducing ligand receptor 1 (death receptor [DR]4). Challenges with the DENV in a subcytotoxic dose sensitized endothelial cells to apoptosis. Treatments with the autoantibodies induced proapoptotic activities and suppressed the surface expression of endothelial anticoagulant thrombomodulin. Combined treatments comprising the DENV and DR4 affinity-purified fractions of anti–NS1 IgGs (anti–NS1-DR4 Ig), but not preimmune control IgGs, in subcytotoxic doses led to apoptosis in endothelial cells. Treatments with the anti–NS1-DR4 Ig led to plasma leakage, coagulopathy, and morality in mice with warfarinized anticoagulant suppression. These results suggest that DR4-induced endothelial cell sensitization through NS1-elicited autoantibodies exacerbates anticoagulant suppression, vascular injury, and plasma leakage. Detecting and blocking anti–DR Igs in patients may be novel strategies for managing severe DENV infection.
MyD88 Signaling Regulates Steady-State Migration of Intestinal CD103+ Dendritic Cells Independently of TNF-α and the Gut Microbiota
Authors: Hägerbrand Karin , Westlund Jessica , Yrlid Ulf , Agace William , Johansson-Lindbom Bengt
Published: August 2015

Intestinal homeostasis and induction of systemic tolerance to fed Ags (i.e., oral tolerance) rely on the steady-state migration of small intestinal lamina propria dendritic cells (DCs) into draining mesenteric lymph nodes (MLN). The majority of these migratory DCs express the α integrin chain CD103, and in this study we demonstrate that the steady-state mobilization of CD103+ DCs into the MLN is in part governed by the IL-1R family/TLR signaling adaptor molecule MyD88. Similar to mice with complete MyD88 deficiency, specific deletion of MyD88 in DCs resulted in a 50–60% reduction in short-term accumulation of both CD103+CD11b+ and CD103+CD11b− DCs in the MLN. DC migration was independent of caspase-1, which is responsible for the inflammasome-dependent proteolytic activation of IL-1 cytokine family members, and was not affected by treatment with broad-spectrum antibiotics. Consistent with the latter finding, the proportion and phenotypic composition of DCs were similar in mesenteric lymph from germ-free and conventionally housed mice. Although TNF-α was required for CD103+ DC migration to the MLN after oral administration of the TLR7 agonist R848, it was not required for the steady-state migration of these cells. Similarly, TLR signaling through the adaptor molecule Toll/IL-1R domain-containing adapter inducing IFN-β and downstream production of type I IFN were not required for steady-state CD103+ DC migration. Taken together, our results demonstrate that MyD88 signaling in DCs, independently of the microbiota and TNF-α, is required for optimal steady-state migration of small intestinal lamina propria CD103+ DCs into the MLN.
Intellectual Developmental Disability Bio-Banking: Public Support from the European Union
Authors: Moedas Carlos
Published: August 2015

Supporting health research has been a long-standing commitment for the European Union (EU). Over several Framework Programmes for Research and Innovation, the EU contributed to advancing scientific knowledge on intellectual disability and addressing the unmet needs of affected people, their families and carers. Bio-banking is instrumental to such research. This article presents the various streams through which the EU has helped developments in this area and highlights opportunities for the future.
The fractured Moon: Production and saturation of porosity in the lunar highlands from impact cratering
Authors: Soderblom Jason M. , Evans Alexander J. , Johnson Brandon C. , Melosh H. Jay , Miljković Katarina , Phillips Roger J. , Andrews‐Hanna Jeffrey C. , Bierson Carver J. , Head James W. , Milbury Colleen , Neumann Gregory A. , Nimmo Francis , Smith David E. , Solomon Sean C. , Sori Michael M. , Wieczorek Mark A. , Zuber Maria T.
Published: August 2015

We have analyzed the Bouguer anomaly (BA) of ~1200 complex craters in the lunar highlands from Gravity Recovery and Interior Laboratory observations. The BA of these craters is generally negative, though positive BA values are observed, particularly for smaller craters. Crater BA values scale inversely with crater diameter, quantifying how larger impacts produce more extensive fracturing and dilatant bulking. The Bouguer anomaly of craters larger than
 km in diameter is independent of crater size, indicating that there is a limiting depth to impact‐generated porosity, presumably from pore collapse associated with either overburden pressure or viscous flow. Impact‐generated porosity of the bulk lunar crust is likely in a state of equilibrium for craters smaller than ~30 km in diameter, consistent with an ~8 km thick lunar megaregolith, whereas the gravity signature of larger craters is still preserved and provides new insight into the cratering record of even the oldest lunar surfaces.
On the variation of the ionospheric potential due to large‐scale radioactivity enhancement and solar activity
Authors: Slyunyaev Nikolay N. , Mareev Evgeny A. , Zhidkov Artem A.
Published: August 2015

Sensitivity of the global electric circuit (GEC) to variations of atmospheric conductivity and current sources is analyzed and discussed. When the undisturbed exponential conductivity profile is assumed all over the Earth, the most substantial changes in the ionospheric potential (IP) are caused by conductivity perturbations inside thunderstorms; if, in addition, conductivity reduction inside thunderstorms and nonelectrified clouds is assumed, the IP becomes less sensitive to conductivity perturbations; besides, the IP is even more sensitive to source current variations than to conductivity. Current source and voltage source descriptions of GEC generators are compared; it is shown that the IP variation may critically depend on the chosen description. As an application, the IP variation due to nuclear weapons testing is studied; it is shown that neither local nor global increase of conductivity in the stratosphere could alone explain the observed 40% IP increase in the 1960s; at the same time this increase might be accounted for by a 40% increase in the source current density or a 46% reduction of the conductivity inside thunderstorms, provided that it was not reduced initially. The IP variation due to solar activity and, in particular, due to solar modulation of galactic cosmic ray flux is also discussed and modeled, which required an adequate parameterization of the rate of atmospheric ion pair production over the solar cycle. It is estimated that the maximum IP variation on the scale of the solar cycle does not exceed 5% of the mean value, unless source current perturbations are taken into account.
Micro‐/Nanostructured Highly Crystalline Organic Semiconductor Films for Surface‐Enhanced Raman Spectroscopy Applications
Authors: Yilmaz Mehmet , Ozdemir Mehmet , Erdogan Hakan , Tamer Ugur , Sen Unal , Facchetti Antonio , Usta Hakan , Demirel Gokhan
Published: August 2015

The utilization of inorganic semiconductors for surface‐enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS) has attracted enormous interest. However, despite the technological relevance of organic semiconductors for enabling inexpensive, large‐area, and flexible devices via solution processing techniques, these π‐conjugated systems have never been investigated for SERS applications. Here for the first time, a simple and versatile approach is demonstrated for the fabrication of novel SERS platforms based on micro‐/nanostructured 2,7‐dioctyl[1]benzothieno[3,2‐b][1]benzothiophene (C8‐BTBT) thin films via an oblique‐angle vapor deposition. The morphology of C8‐BTBT thin films is manipulated by varying the deposition angle, thus achieving highly favorable 3D vertically aligned ribbon‐like micro‐/nanostructures for a 90° deposition angle. By combining C8‐BTBT semiconductor films with a nanoscopic thin Au layer, remarkable SERS responses are achieved in terms of enhancement (≈108), stability (>90 d), and reproducibility (RSD < 0.14), indicating the great promise of Au/C8‐BTBT films as SERS platforms. Our results demonstrate the first example of an organic semiconductor‐based SERS platform with excellent detection characteristics, indicating that π‐conjugated organic semiconductors have a great potential for SERS applications.
Removal of Pb2+, Cd2+, and Cu2+ from phosphoric acid solution using the chitosan‐modified natural zeolite
Authors: Kussainova M. Z. , Chernyakovа R. M. , Jussipbekov U. Z. , Pasa S. , Temel H.
Published: August 2015

Sorption ability of the chitosan‐modified natural zeolite for Pb2+, Cd2+, and Cu2+ cations was investigated. The influence of time and concentration of heavy metals on their sorption from concentrated (85% H3PO4) phosphoric acid was determined. At 20 and 40 min of sorption curves, there are a number of maxima probably due to desorption of cations from the sorbent into the acid. According to the results, sorption of the modified zeolite for lead cation is the least in the whole interval of time. In the case of equal concentrations of all cations (CPb = CCd = CCu), sorption of lead, cadmium, and copper was 94.81–95.09%, 96.55–97.50%, and 97.53–98.14%, respectively. Sorption curves in the case of equal Pb2+ and Cd2+, but higher concentrations of Cu2+, are the same for all cations. Sorption of cadmium varies from 95.48% to 97.55%. Copper and lead sorbed in a less amount, in the case of (СРb = СCd < СCu), their sorption in 10 min was 95.42% and 97.55%, respectively. As in the case of equal concentrations of all cations (CPb = CCd = CCu), the sorptions of copper, cadmium, and lead were (92.09–96.93%), (92.13–95.37%), and (91.35–94.45%), respectively, in the case of (СРb = СCu < СCd).

Physico‐chemical methods of analysis are as follows: Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy, X‐ray powder diffraction patterns, and Brunauer–Emmett–Teller have shown that natural zeolite is activated without destroying the structure and adsorbs lead, as well as cadmium and copper cations. © 2015 Curtin University of Technology and John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Interstitial Outburst of Angiogenic Factors During Skeletal Muscle Regeneration After Acute Mechanical Trauma
Authors: Ceafalan Laura Cristina , Manole Emilia , Tanase Cristiana Pistol , Codrici Elena , Mihai Simona , Gonzalez Aldebarani , Popescu Bogdan Ovidiu
Published: August 2015

Angiogenesis is a key event during tissue regeneration, but the intimate mechanisms controlling this process are still largely unclear. Therefore, the cellular and molecular interplay along normal tissue regeneration should be carefully unveiled. To this matter, we investigated by xMAP assay the dynamics of some angiogenic factors known to be involved in tissue repair, such as follistatin (FST), Placental Growth Factor‐2 (PLGF‐2), epidermal growth factor (EGF), betacellulin (BTC), and amphiregulin (AREG) using an animal model that mimics acute muscle contusion injuries. In situ immunofluorescence was used for the evaluation and tissue distribution of their cellular sources. Tissue levels of explored factors increased significantly during degeneration and inflammatory stage of regeneration, peaking first week postinjury. However, except for PLGF‐2 and EGF, their levels remained significantly elevated after the inflammatory process started to fade. Serum levels were significantly increased only after 24 h for AREG and EGF. Though, for all factors except FST, the levels in injured samples did not correlate with serum or contralateral tissue levels, excluding the systemic influence. We found significant correlations between the levels of EGF and AREG, BTC, FST and FST and AREG in injured samples. Interstitial cells expressing these factors were highlighted by in situ immunolabeling and their number correlated with measured levels dynamics. Our study provides evidence of a dynamic level variation along the regeneration process and a potential interplay between selected angiogenic factors. They are synthesized, at least partially, by cell populations residing in skeletal muscle interstitium during regeneration after acute muscle trauma. Anat Rec, 298:1864–1879, 2015. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Tuning Method for Fractional Complex Order Controller Using Standardized k‐Chart: Application to Pemfc Control
Authors: Shahiri Masoomeh , Ranjbar Noei Abolfazl , Karami Mohammad Reza , Ghaderi Reza
Published: August 2015

This manuscript presents an approach to tune parameters of fractional complex order controllers (FCOC). The design procedure uses the basic characteristics of fractional complex order dynamic for an open‐loop transfer function. In essence, the procedure satisfies restrictions, which are stated in terms of the gain and phase margins, together with satisfying an upper and lower bounds of sensitivity and complementary sensitivity functions. In the FCOC algorithm, the main part of the design procedure is to solve highly nonlinear equations and inequality form constraints. This is innovatively performed and graphically provided in so‐called standardized charts, regardless and independent of the plant. These charts will be plotted for different gains of the complex order open‐loop transfer function, that is, k.L(s). Investigating the trend of k‐chart implies that increasing k and simultaneously decreasing the value of imaginary order b, increases the closed‐loop time indices without risk of instability. The provided charts propose region of possible values of FCOC parameters for different amounts of sensitivity functions constraints. Accordingly, the designer only needs to select the proper curve and the solution area according to the target of the controller. This research also proposes a routine design procedure for FCOC especially for beginners in the literature. Optimized parameters will then be selected from the small solution area according to possible extra constraint(s). Performance of the proposed approach will be verified in an application of the PEMFC model through simulation. A comparative study of the outcome will be made using the CRONE toolbox, fractional order proportional–integral (FO‐PI) and H∞ controllers. The study confirms significance of the proposed design algorithm in the field of the FCOC.
State‐Feedback Stabilization of Stochastic Nonlinear Systems with Time‐Varying Delay and Different Orders
Authors: Wang Tiancheng , Li Wuquan
Published: August 2015

This paper studies the problem of state feedback stabilization for a class of stochastic time‐varying delay nonlinear systems which are neither necessarily feedback linearizable nor affine in the control input. Based on the backstepping design method and the adding of a power integrator technique, a state feedback controller is constructed to ensure the origin of closed‐loop system is globally asymptotically stable in probability. The main design difficulty is how to deal with the different power orders, time‐varying delay and the nonsmooth system perturbations. The efficiency of the state feedback controller is demonstrated by a simulation example.
Predictive Bayesian inference and dynamic treatment regimes
Authors: Saarela Olli , Arjas Elja , Stephens David A. , Moodie Erica E. M.
Published: August 2015

While optimal dynamic treatment regimes (DTRs) can be estimated without specification of a predictive model, a model‐based approach, combined with dynamic programming and Monte Carlo integration, enables direct probabilistic comparisons between the outcomes under the optimal DTR and alternative (dynamic or static) treatment regimes. The Bayesian predictive approach also circumvents problems related to frequentist estimators under the nonregular estimation problem. However, the model‐based approach is susceptible to misspecification, in particular of the “null‐paradox” type, which is due to the model parameters not having a direct causal interpretation in the presence of latent individual‐level characteristics. Because it is reasonable to insist on correct inferences under the null of no difference between the alternative treatment regimes, we discuss how to achieve this through a “null‐robust” reparametrization of the problem in a longitudinal setting. Since we argue that causal inference can be entirely understood as posterior predictive inference in a hypothetical population without covariate imbalances, we also discuss how controlling for confounding through inverse probability of treatment weighting can be justified and incorporated in the Bayesian setting.
Perioperative considerations in Walker–Warburg syndrome
Authors: Valk Madelous J.A. , Loer Stephan A. , Schober Patrick , Dettwiler Saskia
Published: August 2015

Key Clinical Message

Walker–Warburg syndrome is a rare congenital disorder. Several features, including muscular dystrophy, hydrocephalus, and oropharyngeal abnormalities, have important implications in the perioperative setting. We present a case of general anesthesia in an infant and discuss perioperative considerations to guide clinicians faced with the management of patients with this syndrome.
Protein Labelling with Versatile Phosphorescent Metal Complexes for Live Cell Luminescence Imaging
Authors: Connell Timothy U. , James Janine. L. , White Anthony R. , Donnelly Paul S.
Published: August 2015

To take advantage of the luminescent properties of d6 transition metal complexes to label proteins, versatile bifunctional ligands were prepared. Ligands that contain a 1,2,3‐triazole heterocycle were synthesised using CuI catalysed azide–alkyne cycloaddition “click” chemistry and were used to form phosphorescent IrIII and RuII complexes. Their emission properties were readily tuned, by changing either the metal ion or the co‐ligands. The complexes were tethered to the metalloprotein transferrin using several conjugation strategies. The IrIII/RuII–protein conjugates could be visualised in cancer cells using live cell imaging for extended periods without significant photobleaching. These versatile phosphorescent protein‐labelling agents could be widely applied to other proteins and biomolecules and are useful alternatives to conventional organic fluorophores for several applications.
Can hepatic resection provide a long‐term cure for patients with intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma?
Authors: Spolverato Gaya , Vitale Alessandro , Cucchetti Alessandro , Popescu Irinel , Marques Hugo P. , Aldrighetti Luca , Gamblin T. Clark , Maithel Shishir K. , Sandroussi Charbel , Bauer Todd W. , Shen Feng , Poultsides George A. , Marsh J. Wallis , Pawlik Timothy M.
Published: August 2015

BACKGROUND

A patient can be considered statistically cured from a specific disease when their mortality rate returns to the same level as that of the general population. In the current study, the authors sought to assess the probability of being statistically cured from intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (ICC) by hepatic resection.

METHODS

A total of 584 patients who underwent surgery with curative intent for ICC between 1990 and 2013 at 1 of 12 participating institutions were identified. A nonmixture cure model was adopted to compare mortality after hepatic resection with the mortality expected for the general population matched by sex and age.

RESULTS

The median, 1‐year, 3‐year, and 5‐year disease‐free survival was 10 months, 44%, 18%, and 11%, respectively; the corresponding overall survival was 27 months, 75%, 37%, and 22%, respectively. The probability of being cured of ICC was 9.7% (95% confidence interval, 6.1%‐13.4%). The mortality of patients undergoing surgery for ICC was higher than that of the general population until year 10, at which time patients alive without tumor recurrence can be considered cured with 99% certainty. Multivariate analysis demonstrated that cure probabilities ranged from 25.8% (time to cure, 9.8 years) in patients with a single, well‐differentiated ICC measuring ≤5 cm that was without vascular/periductal invasion and lymph nodes metastases versus <0.1% (time to cure, 12.6 years) among patients with all 6 of these risk factors. A model with which to calculate cure fraction and time to cure was developed.

CONCLUSIONS

The cure model indicated that statistical cure was possible in patients undergoing hepatic resection for ICC. The overall probability of cure was approximately 10% and varied based on several tumor‐specific factors.Cancer2015;121:3998–4006.©2015 American Cancer Society.
Phase 2 study of sunitinib in patients with metastatic mucosal or acral melanoma
Authors: Buchbinder Elizabeth I. , Sosman Jeffrey A. , Lawrence Donald P. , McDermott David F. , Ramaiya Nikhil H. , Van den Abbeele Annick D. , Linette Gerald P. , Giobbie‐Hurder Anita , Hodi F. Stephen
Published: August 2015

BACKGROUND

Patients with mucosal and acral melanomas have limited treatment options and a poor prognosis. Mutations of the KIT oncogene in these melanoma subtypes provide a potential therapeutic target.

METHODS

A multicenter phase 2 trial of sunitinib was conducted in patients with unresectable stage III or IV melanoma of a mucosal or acral primary origin. Patients were treated in 2 cohorts: cohort A received sunitinib at a dose of 50 mg daily for 4 weeks of a 6‐week cycle, and cohort B received sunitinib at a dose of 37.5 mg daily on a continuous basis. Dose reductions were permitted for treatment‐related toxicities, and tumor assessments were performed every 2 months.

RESULTS

Fifty‐two patients were enrolled: 21 in cohort A and 31 in cohort B. Four patients had confirmed partial responses, which lasted 5 to 10 months (1 with a KIT mutation). In both cohorts, the proportion of patients alive and progression‐free at 2 months was 52% (95% confidence interval, 38%‐66%); this was significantly larger than the hypothesized null of 5%. There was no significant difference in response or overall survival between the 25% of patients with a KIT mutation and those without one (response rate, 7.7% vs 9.7%; overall survival, 6.4 vs 8.6 months). The overall disease control rate was 44%, and a high rate of toxicity was associated with the treatment.

CONCLUSIONS

Sunitinib showed activity in the treatment of mucosal and acral melanoma that was not dependent on the presence of a KIT mutation. However, the medication was poorly tolerated, and there were no prolonged responses. Cancer 2015;121:4007–4015. © 2015 American Cancer Society.
Acyclic Amido‐Containing Silanechalcogenones
Authors: Chan Yuk‐Chi , Li Yongxin , Ganguly Rakesh , So Cheuk‐Wai
Published: August 2015

Invited for the cover of this issue is the group of Cheuk‐Wai So at the Nanyang Technological University, Singapore. The cover image shows the isolation of the first stable four‐coordinate silanechalcogenones comprising an acyclic amido substituent by a straightforward oxidation of the amidinato silicon(II) bis(trimethylsilyl)amide with chalcogens.
Merging of DHT‐based logical networks in MANETs
Authors: Abid Shahbaz Akhtar , Othman Mazliza , Shah Nadir , Sabir Osama , Khan Atta ur Rehman , Ali Mazhar , Shafi Jawad , Ullah Saleem
Published: August 2015

We study the challenging problem of the network partitioning and merging in context with the mismatch problem and the resilience of the logical structure in distributed hash table (DHT)‐based routing protocols for mobile ad hoc networks (MANETs). The existing DHT‐based approaches for routing in MANETs do not consider the merging of logical networks, which occurs because of limited transmission range and mobility of nodes. In this paper, we identify that the mismatch problem is aggravated when logical networks are merged, which directly depends upon the shape of the logical structure in which nodes are arranged according to their logical identifier. To address this problem, we first propose a leader‐based approach (LA) to detect and merge logical networks. In addition, we discuss the effectiveness of a three‐dimensional logical space and three‐dimensional logical structure when logical networks are merged. In three‐dimensional logical space and three‐dimensional logical structure, we take into account the physical intra‐neighbour relationship of a node and interpret that relationship in terms of logical identifiers. Simulation results show that the proposed DHT‐based protocol along with LA outperforms the existing DHT‐based routing protocol in terms routing overhead, end‐to‐end delay, path‐stretch values and packet delivery ratio. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
HTLV‐1‐associated adult T cell leukemia is highly susceptible to Navitoclax due to enhanced Bax expression
Authors: Witzens‐Harig Mathias , Giaisi Marco , Köhler Rebecca , Krammer Peter H. , Li‐Weber Min
Published: August 2015

Over‐expression of Bcl‐2, Bcl‐xL and Bcl‐w is frequently associated with cancer resistance to chemotherapy. Navitoclax (ABT‐263), an orally bio‐available small‐molecule mimetic of the Bcl‐2 homology domain 3, specifically inhibits Bcl‐2, Bcl‐xL and Bcl‐w. Despite promising results obtained from the clinical trials, the use of Navitoclax in patients is dose‐limited due to induction of death of platelets via inhibition of Bcl‐xL and subsequent thrombocytopenia. This side effect limits the use of Navitoclax in low doses and to very sensitive tumors. In this study, we show that HTLV‐1‐associated adult T‐cell leukemia/lymphoma (ATL) cells, which over‐express Bcl‐2, Bcl‐xL and Bcl‐w, show a 10‐ to 20‐fold higher sensitivity (EC50 = ∼25–50 nM) to Navitoclax compared to non‐HTLV‐1‐associated leukemic cells (EC50 = ∼1 μM). Investigation of the molecular mechanisms revealed that the HTLV‐1 oncogenic protein Tax up‐regulates expression of the pro‐apoptotic protein Bax which enhances the therapeutic efficacy of Navitoclax. In addition, we show that agents that inhibit the transcription elongation or translation initiation such as Wogonin and Roc‐A can further decrease the effective dose of Navitoclax. Our study suggests that HTLV‐1 ATL may be a good candidate disease for low dose Navitoclax therapy and probably with less risk of thrombocytopenia.
A quick eye to anger: An investigation of a differential effect of facial features in detecting angry and happy expressions
Authors: Lo L. Y. , Cheng M. Y.
Published: August 2015

Detection of angry and happy faces is generally found to be easier and faster than that of faces expressing emotions other than anger or happiness. This can be explained by the threatening account and the feature account. Few empirical studies have explored the interaction between these two accounts which are seemingly, but not necessarily, mutually exclusive. The present studies hypothesised that prominent facial features are important in facilitating the detection process of both angry and happy expressions; yet the detection of happy faces was more facilitated by the prominent features than angry faces. Results confirmed the hypotheses and indicated that participants reacted faster to the emotional expressions with prominent features (in Study 1) and the detection of happy faces was more facilitated by the prominent feature than angry faces (in Study 2). The findings are compatible with evolutionary speculation which suggests that the angry expression is an alarming signal of potential threats to survival. Compared to the angry faces, the happy faces need more salient physical features to obtain a similar level of processing efficiency.
The Effects of National Culture on Financial Statement Comparability: A Survey of Research Findings
Authors: Prescott Gregory L. , Vann Carol E.
Published: August 2015

Many of those who advocate the adoption of a set of high‐quality global financial accounting standards (International Financial Reporting Standards, or IFRSs) do so on the basis of enhanced cross‐border financial statement comparability. Indeed, the notion that financial statements would be prepared on a single set of accounting standards regardless of the country of domicile of the underlying businesses certainly has its merits. However, there is a growing body of academic research providing evidence that simply adopting IFRSs, by itself, is not sufficient to result in an enduring improvement in financial reporting quality within IFRS‐adopting countries. National culture, for instance, has the potential to affect accountants' judgments in applying financial accounting standards—regardless of those standards' origin—and to impact national institutions that further influence national accounting. Here, we highlight the findings of some of the relevant research on national culture published in accounting journals in recent years and discuss some potential implications of those findings. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
The Impact of Self‐Service Applications on Corporate Accounting and Its Customers
Authors: Binkow Phil
Published: August 2015

Automated customer self‐service represents a powerful trend in a broad range of consumer and business environments, including, increasingly, the corporate accounting department. Self‐service applications offer two compelling benefits to accounting departments: (1) substantial cost savings due primarily to reduced staffing necessary to serve external and internal customers, and (2) increased satisfaction on the part of those customers. Because of the increased demand in our society for customer self‐service, organizations that provide it may also reap reputational benefits. While some accounting departments have acquired self‐service automation as part of company‐wide enterprise resource planning (ERP) software, such systems require large expenditures, as well as buy‐in across many departments, including often resource‐strapped information technology (IT) departments. Research shows that many ERP systems also experience implementation budget and schedule overruns. Alternatively, some accounting departments are adopting more highly targeted, remotely sited online self‐service applications, which bring costs down by orders of magnitude, while reducing IT requirements and shortening implementation times. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Foreign Direct Investment, Employment and Wages in Sub‐Saharan Africa
Authors: Coniglio Nicola D. , Prota Francesco , Seric Adnan
Published: August 2015

Job creation is one of the main challenges for developing countries. The aim of this paper is to analyse the relation between foreign ownership and employment using an original firm‐level dataset that covers 19 sub‐Saharan African countries. Our results show that although foreign firms are generally larger than local ones, the employment they generate is relatively more unskilled labour intensive compared with that generated by domestic firms. We discover substantial differences between foreign investors from the north and the south, in terms of both skill intensity and wage premiums. We also find that, ceteris paribus, Chinese firms employ more workers (mostly blue‐collar workers) and pay lower wages for both skilled and unskilled workers compared with both domestic firms and other foreign investors. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Formation and elimination of pyrraline in the Maillard reaction in a saccharide–lysine model system
Authors: Liang Zhili , Li Lin , Fu Quanyi , Zhang Xia , Xu Zhenbo , Li Bing
Published: August 2015

BACKGROUND

Pyrraline, a causative factor for various kinds of disease, is also used as a food contaminant to evaluate the formation of advanced glycation end‐products (AGEs) in diet foods. In this study, model systems consisting of lysine and different saccharides were heated at different times, temperatures and initial molar ratios of saccharide to lysine under microwave heating conditions in order to investigate the formation of pyrraline.

RESULTS

Increase in initial molar ratio of saccharide to lysine could significantly promote the formation of pyrraline. Specifically, the pyrraline formation rate was influenced by the structure of saccharides involved in the reaction, and decreased in the following order: lactose > fructose > glucose > sucrose; the highest pyrraline was generated in lactose–lysine models. The maximum pyrraline was formed at 140 °C. Moreover, saccharides and lysine had different effects on the stability of pyrraline. Among the reactants, lysine was the major factor for the instability of pyrraline; a dipyrraline and a crosslink by pyrraline reacting with lysine could be formed.

CONCLUSION

Pyrraline formation by the saccharide–lysine model system was a dynamic reaction, consisting not only of the pyrraline formation, but also pyrraline elimination with some formation of crosslinks. © 2015 Society of Chemical Industry
T‐cell immunoglobulin mucin‐3 expression in bladder urothelial carcinoma: Clinicopathologic correlations and association with survival
Authors: Yang Meng , Yu Qinchao , Liu Jing , Fu Weiwei , Cao Yanwei , Yu Lun , Shao Shixiu , Wang Xinsheng , Niu Haitao , Wang Yonghua
Published: August 2015

Background

T cell immunoglobulin mucin‐3 (Tim‐3) was initially recognized as a pivotal immune checkpoint inhibitor that maintains immune homeostasis and tolerance. Recently, Tim‐3 has been demonstrated to play an important role in tumor‐associated immune suppression and aberrant Tim‐3 expression has been reported in several human malignancies. However, the role of Tim‐3 in bladder urothelial carcinoma (BUC) remains largely unknown. The present study aims to investigate Tim‐3 expression in BUC and analyze correlations with clinicopathologic outcomes and postoperative survival.

Methods

Tim‐3 protein expressions were detected in paraffin embedded sections from 100 patients with BUC by immunohistochemistry. Expressions were correlated with clinicopathologic outcomes and postoperative survival.

Results

Tim‐3 protein was over‐expressed in bladder cancer cells, tumor infiltrating lymphocytes and endothelial cells from patients with BUC. The expression levels of Tim‐3 were significantly correlated with advanced pathological grade and T stage. Moreover, another immune checkpoint molecule programmed death receptor‐1(PD‐1) was also over‐ expressed in BUC tissues and had a significant correlation with Tim‐3. Multivariate analysis showed that Tim‐3 expression, as well as PD‐1 expression was both independent predictors of disease‐free survival and overall survival in patients with BUC.

Conclusion

Tim‐3 over‐expression implies adverse clinical outcomes for BUC, which suggests it is a potential prognostic biomarker and a novel therapeutic target in BUC. J. Surg. Oncol. 2015; 112:430–435. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Miniature optical fiber current sensor based on a graphene membrane
Authors: Zheng Bi‐Cai , Yan Shao‐Cheng , Chen Jin‐Hui , Cui Guo‐Xin , Xu Fei , Lu Yan‐Qing
Published: August 2015

The unique electronic and mechanical properties, of graphene make it an ideal material for nanoelectromechanical system (NEMS) applications. Here, a miniature optical fiber current sensor based on a quasistatic graphene NEMS with a graphene membrane covering the hole on a pre‐etched fiber tip and two gold electrodes on opposite sides of the tip has been demonstrated. The sensor overcomes the shortcomings of conventional optical fiber current sensors based on thermal effects, such as relatively low sensitivity, long response time, and huge device size; it has simultaneously a high sensitivity of 2.2 × 105 nm/A2, a short response time of ∼0.25 s and a compact device size of ∼15 μm, and has found practical application. Using a smaller graphene membrane with better quality can reduce the response time to submillisecond levels with a more precise measurement system. The sensor presented in this paper may pave the way for the practical usage of optical fiber current sensors based on thermal effects.

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Active immunization therapies for Parkinson's disease and multiple system atrophy
Authors: Schneeberger Achim , Tierney Lanay , Mandler Markus
Published: August 2015

Vaccination is increasingly being investigated as a potential treatment for synucleinopathies, a group of neurodegenerative diseases including Parkinson's disease, multiple system atrophy, and dementia with Lewy bodies associated with α‐synuclein pathology. All lack a causal therapy. Development of novel, disease‐altering treatment strategies is urgently needed. Vaccination has positioned itself as a prime strategy for addressing these diseases because it is broadly applicable, requires infrequent administration, and maintains low production costs for treating a large population or as a preventive measure. Current evidence points to a causal role of misfolded α‐synuclein in the development and progression of synucleinopathies. In the past decade, significant progress in active immunization against α‐synuclein has been shown both in preclinical animal models and in early clinical development. In this review, we describe the state‐of‐the‐art in active immunization approaches to synucleinopathies, with a focus on advances in Parkinson's disease (PD) and multiple‐system atrophy (MSA). We first review preclinical animal models, highlighting their progress in translation to the clinical setting. We then discuss current clinical applications, stressing different approaches taken to address α‐synuclein pathology. Finally, we address challenges, trends, and future perspectives of current vaccination programs. © 2015 International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society
Comparing measures of overall and central obesity in relation to cardiometabolic risk factors among US Hispanic/Latino adults
Authors: Qi Qibin , Strizich Garrett , Hanna David B. , Giacinto Rebeca E. , Castañeda Sheila F. , Sotres‐Alvarez Daniela , Pirzada Amber , Llabre Maria M. , Schneiderman Neil , Avilés‐Santa Larissa M. , Kaplan Robert C.
Published: August 2015

Objective

US Hispanics/Latinos have high prevalence of obesity and related comorbidities. We compared overall and central obesity measures in associations with cardiometabolic outcomes among US Hispanics/Latinos.

Methods

Multivariable regression assessed cross‐sectional relationships of six obesity measures with cardiometabolic outcomes among 16,415 Hispanics/Latinos aged 18–74 years.

Results

BMI was moderately correlated with waist‐to‐hip ratio (WHR; women, r = 0.37; men, r = 0.58) and highly correlated with other obesity measures (r ≥ 0.87) (P < 0.0001). All measures of obesity were correlated with unfavorable levels of glycemic traits, blood pressure, and lipids, with similar r‐estimates for each obesity measure (P < 0.05). Multivariable‐adjusted prevalence ratios (PRs) for diabetes (women, 6.7 [3.9, 11.5]; men, 3.9 [2.2, 6.9]), hypertension (women, 2.4 [1.9, 3.1]; men, 2.5 [1.9, 3.4]), and dyslipidemia (women, 2.1 [1.8, 2.4]; men, 2.2 [1.9, 2.6]) were highest for individuals characterized as overweight/obese (BMI ≥ 25 kg/m2) and with abnormal WHR (women ≥0.85; men, ≥0.90), compared with those with normal BMI and WHR (P < 0.0001). Among normal‐weight individuals, abnormal WHR was associated with increased cardiometabolic condition prevalence (P < 0.05), particularly diabetes (women, PR = 4.0 [2.2, 7.1]; men, PR = 3.0 [1.6, 5.7]).

Conclusions

Obesity measures were associated with cardiometabolic risk factors to a similar degree in US Hispanics/Latinos. WHR is useful to identify individuals with normal BMI at increased cardiometabolic risk.
Grafting a lubricious coating onto photo‐crosslinked poly(trimethylene carbonate)
Authors: van Bochove Bas , Rongen Jan J. , Hannink Gerjon , van Tienen Tony G. , Buma Pieter , Grijpma Dirk W.
Published: August 2015

For biomaterial applications that involve moving parts such as artificial joints, lubricity is an essential property. Poly(trimethylene carbonate) networks are relatively hydrophobic. To create a lubricious layer, methacrylated poly(ethylene glycol) and methoxy‐poly(ethylene glycol) were grafted onto poly(trimethylene carbonate) networks by photo‐crosslinking.

After conditioning for 24 h in water, no delamination was observed, showing that the grafted hydrophilic layers were covalently attached to the poly(trimethylene carbonate) network. The lubricating properties were assessed by means of friction experiments, and the friction coefficients with relevant biomaterials were determined. It was shown that the grafting results in a significant decrease of the friction coefficients. These results show the potential of this approach to obtain lubricious materials for application in biomedical engineering. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.