bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Contemporaneous International Asthma Guidelines Present Differing Recommendations: An Analysis
Authors: Gupta Samir , Paolucci Emily , Kaplan Alan , Boulet Louis-Philippe
Published: June 2016

Background. Several international groups develop asthma guidelines. Conflicting recommendations across guidelines have been described in several disease areas and may contribute to practice variability. Accordingly, we compared the latest Canadian Thoracic Society (CTS) asthma guideline with contemporaneous international asthma guidelines to evaluate conflicting recommendations and their causes.Methods. We identified the latest CTS asthma guideline update (2012) and the following societies which also updated their guidelines in 2012: the British Thoracic Society and Scottish Intercollegiate Guidelines Network and the Global Initiative for Asthma. We compared these three guidelines on (1) key methodological factors and (2) adult pharmacotherapy recommendations.Results. Methods used and documentation provided for literature search strategy and dates, evidence synthesis, outcomes considered, evidence appraisal, and recommendation formulation varied between guidelines. Criteria used to define suboptimal asthma control varied widely between guidelines. Inhaled corticosteroid dosing recommendations diverged, as did recommendations surrounding use of budesonide/formoterol as a reliever and controller and recommendations in the subsequent step.Conclusions. There are important differences between recommendations provided in contemporaneous asthma guidelines. Causes include differences in methods used for interpreting evidence and formulating recommendations. Adopting a common set of valid and explicit methods across international societies could harmonize recommendations and facilitate guideline implementation.
Fecal Microbiota and Diet of Children with Chronic Constipation
Authors: Moraes Joyce Gomes de , Motta Maria Eugênia Farias de Almeida , Beltrão Monique Ferraz de Sá , Salviano Taciana Lima , Silva Giselia Alves Pontes da
Published: June 2016

Many factors explain dysbiosis in chronic constipation (CC), such as a low-fiber diet. The objective of this study was to compare the fecal microbiota of constipated and nonconstipated children and their intake frequencies of food.Methods. This observational study included 79 children (M/F 43/36) aged six to 36 months divided into two groups: cases (39 constipated children) and controls (40 nonconstipated children). We used a structured form to collect demographic variables, conducted anthropometric assessment, and collected food intake frequency data. The fecal microbiota of the stool samples was analyzed by real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) using the fluorophore SYBR® Green.Results. Constipated children had a smaller concentration ofLactobacillusper milligram of stool (p=0.015) than nonconstipated children, but the concentration ofBifidobacteriumper milligram of stool (p=0.323) and the intake of fruits, vegetables (p=0.563), and junk food (p=0.093) of the two groups did not differ. Constipated children consumed more dairy products (0.45±0.8;p>0.001), were more frequently delivered via caesarean section (69.2%), were weaned earlier (median: 120;60Q1–240Q3), and had a family history of constipation (71.8%).Conclusions. Children with CC have a smaller concentration ofLactobacillusin their stools and consume more dairy products.
Cytokine and Growth Factor Activation In Vivo and In Vitro after Spinal Cord Injury
Authors: Garcia Elisa , Aguilar-Cevallos Jorge , Silva-Garcia Raul , Ibarra Antonio
Published: June 2016

Spinal cord injury results in a life-disrupting series of deleterious interconnected mechanisms encompassed by the primary and secondary injury. These events are mediated by the upregulation of genes with roles in inflammation, transcription, and signaling proteins. In particular, cytokines and growth factors are signaling proteins that have important roles in the pathophysiology of SCI. The balance between the proinflammatory and anti-inflammatory effects of these molecules plays a critical role in the progression and outcome of the lesion. The excessive inflammatory Th1 and Th17 phenotypes observed after SCI tilt the scale towards a proinflammatory environment, which exacerbates the deleterious mechanisms present after the injury. These mechanisms include the disruption of the spinal cord blood barrier, edema and ion imbalance, in particular intracellular calcium and sodium concentrations, glutamate excitotoxicity, free radicals, and the inflammatory response contributing to the neurodegenerative process which is characterized by demyelination and apoptosis of neuronal tissue.
Idelalisib Impacts Cell Growth through Inhibiting Translation-Regulatory Mechanisms in Mantle Cell Lymphoma
Authors: Yang Qingshan , Chen Lisa S. , Ha Min Jin , Do Kim-Anh , Neelapu Sattva S. , Gandhi Varsha
Published: June 2016

Purpose: PI3K is a critical node in the B-cell receptor pathway, which is responsible for survival and proliferation of B-cell malignancies. Idelalisib, a PI3Kδ-isoform–specific inhibitor, has been approved to treat B-cell malignancies. Although biological activity of the drug has been evaluated, molecular mechanisms and signaling pathway disruption leading to the biological effects of idelalisib are not yet well defined. Prior laboratory reports have identified transcription and translation as the primary events for attenuation of PI3Kα isoform. We hypothesized that PI3Kδ-isoform inhibition by idelalisib should also affect gene transcription and protein translation.

Experimental Design: Using three mantle cell lymphoma cell lines and primary cells from patients, biological consequences such as apoptosis/cell-cycle analysis, as well as RNA/protein synthesis were evaluated. Proteomics analyses (RPPA and immunoblot assays) defined molecular events downstream of PI3K/AKT cassette.

Results: Idelalisib treatment resulted in inhibition of protein synthesis, which correlated with reduction in cell size and cell growth. A moderate loss of viability without any change in cell-cycle profile was observed. Idelalisib treatment inhibited AKT activation, an immediate downstream PI3K effector, and also reduced phosphorylation levels of downstream AKT/mTOR pathway proteins such as PRAS40. In addition, idelalisib treatment impeded activation of the MAPK pathway, and MEK, ERK and p90RSK phosphorylation levels were reduced. Reduction in AKT, PDK1, and MEK phosphorylation correlated with protein synthesis inhibition.

Conclusions: Collectively, these results clarify the molecular mechanisms of actions and may provide biomarkers and targets for combination with idelalisib in B-cell malignancies. Clin Cancer Res; 23(1); 181–92. ©2016 AACR.
mTOR Inhibition Mitigates Enhanced mRNA Translation Associated with the Metastatic Phenotype of Osteosarcoma Cells In Vivo
Authors: Morrow James J. , Mendoza Arnulfo , Koyen Allyson , Lizardo Michael M. , Ren Ling , Waybright Timothy J. , Hansen Ryan J. , Gustafson Daniel L. , Zhou Ming , Fan Timothy M. , Scacheri Peter C. , Khanna Chand
Published: June 2016

Purpose: To successfully metastasize, tumor cells must respond appropriately to biological stressors encountered during metastatic progression. We sought to test the hypothesis that enhanced efficiency of mRNA translation during periods of metastatic stress is required for metastatic competence of osteosarcoma and that this metastasis-specific adaptation is amenable to therapeutic intervention.

Experimental Design: We employ novel reporter and proteomic systems that enable tracking of mRNA translation efficiency and output in metastatic osteosarcoma cells as they colonize the lungs. We test the potential to target mRNA translation as an antimetastatic therapeutic strategy through pharmacokinetic studies and preclinical assessment of the prototypic mTOR inhibitor, rapamycin, across multiple models of metastasis.

Results: Metastatic osteosarcoma cells translate mRNA more efficiently than nonmetastatic cells during critical stressful periods of metastatic colonization of the lung. Rapamycin inhibits translational output during periods of metastatic stress, mitigates lung colonization, and prolongs survival. mTOR-inhibiting exposures of rapamycin are achievable in mice using treatment schedules that correspond to human doses well below the MTDs defined in human patients, and as such are very likely to be tolerated over long exposures alone and in combination with other agents.

Conclusions: Metastatic competence of osteosarcoma cells is dependent on efficient mRNA translation during stressful periods of metastatic progression, and the mTOR inhibitor, rapamycin, can mitigate this translation and inhibit metastasis in vivo. Our data suggest that mTOR pathway inhibitors should be reconsidered in the clinic using rationally designed dosing schedules and clinical metrics related to metastatic progression. Clin Cancer Res; 22(24); 6129–41. ©2016 AACR.
Cholesterol Sulfonation Enzyme, SULT2B1b, Modulates AR and Cell Growth Properties in Prostate Cancer
Authors: Vickman Renee E. , Crist Scott A. , Kerian Kevin , Eberlin Livia , Cooks R. Graham , Burcham Grant N. , Buhman Kimberly K. , Hu Chang-Deng , Mesecar Andrew D. , Cheng Liang , Ratliff Timothy L.
Published: June 2016

Cholesterol accumulates in prostate lesions and has been linked to prostate cancer incidence and progression. However, how accumulated cholesterol contributes to prostate cancer development and progression is not completely understood. Cholesterol sulfate (CS), the primary sulfonation product of cholesterol sulfotransferase (SULT2B1b), accumulates in human prostate adenocarcinoma and precancerous prostatic intraepithelial neoplasia (PIN) lesions compared with normal regions of the same tissue sample. Given the enhanced accumulation of CS in these lesions, it was hypothesized that SULT2B1b-mediated production of CS provides a growth advantage to these cells. To address this, prostate cancer cells with RNAi-mediated knockdown (KD) of SULT2B1b were used to assess the impact on cell growth and survival. SULT2B1b is expressed and functional in a variety of prostate cells, and the data demonstrate that SULT2B1b KD, in LNCaP and other androgen-responsive (VCaP and C4-2) cells, results in decreased cell growth/viability and induces cell death. SULT2B1b KD also decreases androgen receptor (AR) activity and expression at mRNA and protein levels. While AR overexpression has no impact on SULT2B1b KD-mediated cell death, the addition of exogenous androgen is able to partially rescue the growth inhibition induced by SULT2B1b KD in LNCaP cells. These results suggest that SULT2B1b positively regulates the AR either through alterations in ligand availability or by interaction with critical coregulators that influence AR activity.

Implications: These findings provide evidence that SULT2B1b is a novel regulator of AR activity and cell growth in prostate cancer and should be further investigated for therapeutic potential. Mol Cancer Res; 14(9); 776–86. ©2016 AACR.
STIM1fl/fl Ksp-Cre Mouse has Impaired Renal Water Balance
Authors: Cebotaru Liudmila , Cebotaru Valeriu , Wang Hua , Arend Lois J. , Guggino William B.
Published: June 2016

Background/AIM: STIM1 is as an essential component in store operated Ca2+ entry. However give the paucity of information on the role of STIM1 in kidney, the aim was to study the function of STIM1 in the medulla of the kidney. Methods: we crossed a Ksp-cre mouse with another mouse containing two loxP sites flanking Exon 6 of STIM1. The Ksp-cre mouse is based upon the Ksp-cadherin gene promoter which expresses cre recombinase in developing nephrons, collecting ducts (SD) and thick ascending limbs (TAL) of the loop of Henle. Results: The offspring of these mice are viable without gross morphological changes, however, we noticed that the STIM1 Ksp-cre knockout mice produced more urine compared to control. To examine this more carefully, we fed mice low (LP) and high protein (HP) diets respectively. When mice were fed HP diet STIM1 ko mice had significantly increased urinary volume and lower specific gravity compared to wt mice. In STIM1 ko mice fed HP diet urine creatinine and urea were significantly lower compared to wt mice fed HP diet, however the fractional excretion was the same. Conclusion: These data support the idea that STIM1 ko mice have impaired urinary concentrating ability when challenged with HP diet is most likely caused by impaired Ca2+-dependent signal transduction through the vasopressin receptor cascade.
Inhibition of CPU0213, a Dual Endothelin Receptor Antagonist, on Apoptosis via Nox4-Dependent ROS in HK-2 Cells
Authors: Li Qing , Li Ji , Shao Hua , Li Xiao-Xue , Yu Feng , Xu Ming
Published: June 2016

Background/Aims: Our previous studies have indicated that a novel endothelin receptor antagonist CPU0213 effectively normalized renal function in diabetic nephropathy. However, the molecular mechanisms mediating the nephroprotective role of CPU0213 remain unknown. Methods and Results: In the present study, we first detected the role of CPU0213 on apoptosis in human renal tubular epithelial cell (HK-2). It was shown that high glucose significantly increased the protein expression of Bax and decreased Bcl-2 protein in HK-2 cells, which was reversed by CPU0213. The percentage of HK-2 cells that showed Annexin V-FITC binding was markedly suppressed by CPU0213, which confirmed the inhibitory role of CPU0213 on apoptosis. Given the regulation of endothelin (ET) system to oxidative stress, we determined the role of redox signaling in the regulation of CPU0213 on apoptosis. It was demonstrated that the production of superoxide (O2-.) was substantially attenuated by CPU0213 treatment in HK-2 cells. We further found that CPU0213 dramatically inhibited expression of Nox4 protein, which gene silencing mimicked the role of CPU0213 on the apoptosis under high glucose stimulation. We finally examined the role of CPU0213 on ET-1 receptors and found that high glucose-induced protein expression of endothelin A and B receptors was dramatically inhibited by CPU0213. Conclusion: Taken together, these results suggest that this Nox4-dependenet O2- production is critical for the apoptosis of HK-2 cells in high glucose. Endothelin receptor antagonist CPU0213 has an anti-apoptosis role through Nox4-dependent O2-.production, which address the nephroprotective role of CPU0213 in diabetic nephropathy.
Alteration of RhoA Prenylation Ameliorates Cardiac and Vascular Remodeling in Spontaneously Hypertensive Rats
Authors: Yang Jian , Chen Yu-Ning , Xu Zao-Xian , Mou Yun , Zheng Liang-Rong
Published: June 2016

Background: In our previous study, farnesyl pyrophosphate synthase (FPPS) was shown to be increased in spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR) and in mice with angiotensin-II induced cardiac hypertrophy. Overexpression of FPPS induced cardiac hypertrophy and fibrosis in mice, accompanied by an increase in the synthesis of farnesyl pyrophosphate (FPP) and geranylgeranyl pyrophosphate (GGPP). In the present study, we investigated the mechanisms of reversing cardiovascular remodeling in SHR by inhibiting FPPS. Methods and Results: Six-week-old rats were given vehicle or an FPPS inhibitor (alendronate, 100 ug/kg/d) daily for twelve weeks by osmotic mini-pump. The results demonstrated that FPPS inhibition attenuated cardiac hypertrophy and fibrosis in SHR as shown by the heart weight to body weight ratio, echocardiographic parameters, and histological examination. In addition, FPPS inhibition attenuated aortic remodeling as shown by reduced media thickness, media cross-sectional area and collagen of the aorta as well as SBP, DBP, MBP. Furthermore, 12 weeks of alendronate treatment significantly decreased FPP and GGPP levels, RhoA activation and geranylgeranylation in the heart and aorta, all of which were significantly upregulated in SHR compared with normotensive Wistar-Kyoto rats. Conclusion: Taken together, these results indicate that chronic treatment with alendronate decreases the development of cardiac and aortic remodeling, by a pathway which involves inhibition of the geranylgeranylation and activation of RhoA.
MiR-27a is Essential for the Shift from Osteogenic Differentiation to Adipogenic Differentiation of Mesenchymal Stem Cells in Postmenopausal Osteoporosis
Authors: You Li , Pan Ling , Chen Lin , Gu Wensha , Chen Jinyu
Published: June 2016

Background/Aims: Osteoporosis is a progressive bone disease characterized by a decrease in bone mass and density, which results in an increased risk of fractures. Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are progenitor cells that can differentiate into osteoblasts, osteocytes and adipocytes in bone and fat formation. A reduction in the differentiation of MSCs into osteoblasts contributes to the impaired bone formation observed in osteoporosis. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) play a regulatory role in osteogenesis and MSC differentiation. MiR-27a has been reported to be down-regulated in the development of osteoporosis and during adipogenic differentiation. Methods: In this study, a miRNA microarray analysis was used to investigate expression profiles of miRNA in the serum of osteoporotic patients and healthy controls and this data was validated by quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR). MSCs isolated from human and mice with miR-27a inhibition or overexpression were induced to differentiate into osteoblasts or adipocytes. TargetScan and PicTar were used to predict the target gene of miR-27a. The mRNA or protein levels of several specific proteins in MSCs were detected using qRT-PCR or western blot analysis. Ovariectomized mice were used as in vivo model of human postmenopausal osteoporosis for bone mineral density measurement, micro-CT analysis and histomorphometric analysis. Results: Here, we analyzed the role of miR-27a in bone metabolism. Microarray analysis indicated that miR-27a expression was significantly reduced in osteoporotic patients. Analysis on MSCs derived from patients with osteoporosis indicated that osteoblastogenesis was reduced, whereas adipogenesis was increased. MSCs that had undergone osteoblast induction showed a significant increase in miR-27a expression, whereas cells that had undergone adipocyte induction showed a significant decrease in miR-27a expression, indicating that miR-27a was essential for MSC differentiation. We demonstrated that myocyte enhancer factor 2 c (Mef2c), a transcription factor, was the direct target of miR-27a using a dual luciferase assay. An inverse relationship between miR-27a expression and Mef2c expression in osteoporotic patients was shown. Silencing of miR-27a decreased bone formation, confirming the role of miR-27a in bone formation in vivo. Conclusion: In summary, miR-27a was essential for the shift of MSCs from osteogenic differentiation to adipogenic differentiation in osteoporosis by targeting Mef2c.
The Effect of the Aqueous Extract of Bidens Pilosa L. on Androgen Deficiency Dry Eye in Rats
Authors: Zhang Chuanwei , Li Kai , Yang Zichao , Wang Yuliang , Si Haipeng
Published: June 2016

Background/Aims: Bidens pilosa L. (Bp) is widely distributed in China and has been widely used as a traditional Chinese medicine. The aim of this study was to examine the effect of the extract of Bp on androgen deficiency dry eye and determine its possible mechanisms. Methods: Twenty-four rats were randomly divided into four groups: Group Con (control), Group Sal (physiological saline), Group Fin (oral finasteride), and Group Bp (oral finasteride and Bp). The dry eye model was established in group Fin and group Bp. Aqueous tear quantity was measured with phenol red-impregnated cotton threads with anesthesia. Tear film breakup time (BUT) and corneal epithelial damage were evaluated by fluorescein staining. Animals were sacrificed at 28 days, and ocular tissues (lacrimal gland and cornea) were evaluated with light microscopy; gene microarray analysis for inflammatory cytokines and Western blot were also performed. Results: Finasteride administration effectively induced dry eye in rats by 14 days after administration. Group Fin rats had significantly higher fluorescein staining scores and lower aqueous tear quantity and BUT than the group Con rats, and notable inflammatory cell infiltrates were observed in the lacrimal gland of group Fin rats. The fluorescein staining score, aqueous tear quantity and BUT significantly improved with Bp treatment in the group Bp rats, and the structures of the lacrimal gland were well maintained without significant lymphocyte infiltration. Cytokine antibody array data identified the cytokines B7-2/Cd86, IL-1β, IL-4, IL-6, IL-10, MMP-8, FasL, TNF-α and TIMP-1 as candidates for validation by Western blot. Expression levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines, including IL-1β, IL-6, and TNF-α, in group Fin were upregulated compared with group Con. Levels of anti-inflammatory cytokines, such as IL-4 and IL-10, in group Fin were also upregulated compared with those in group Con. Compared with group Fin, IL-1β, FasL, and TNF-α were significantly decreased in group Bp. Conclusion: The extract of Bp appears to be effective for the treatment of androgen deficiency dry eye in rats by improving aqueous tear quantity, maintaining tear film stability, and inhibiting the inflammation of the lacrimal gland.
PCSK9 Association With Lipoprotein(a)
Authors: Tavori Hagai , Christian Devon , Minnier Jessica , Plubell Deanna , Shapiro Michael D. , Yeang Calvin , Giunzioni Ilaria , Croyal Mikael , Duell P. Barton , Lambert Gilles , Tsimikas Sotirios , Fazio Sergio
Published: June 2016

Rationale:

Lipoprotein(a) [Lp(a)] is a highly atherogenic low-density lipoprotein–like particle characterized by the presence of apoprotein(a) [apo(a)] bound to apolipoprotein B. Proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9 (PCSK9) selectively binds low-density lipoprotein; we hypothesized that it can also be associated with Lp(a) in plasma.

Objective:

Characterize the association of PCSK9 and Lp(a) in 39 subjects with high Lp(a) levels (range 39–320 mg/dL) and in transgenic mice expressing either human apo(a) only or human Lp(a) (via coexpression of human apo(a) and human apolipoprotein B).

Methods and Results:

We show that PCSK9 is physically associated with Lp(a) in vivo using 3 different approaches: (1) analysis of Lp(a) fractions isolated by ultracentrifugation; (2) immunoprecipitation of plasma using antibodies to PCSK9 and immunodetection of apo(a); (3) ELISA quantification of Lp(a)-associated PCSK9. Plasma PCSK9 levels correlated with Lp(a) levels, but not with the number of kringle IV-2 repeats. PCSK9 did not bind to apo(a) only, and the association of PCSK9 with Lp(a) was not affected by the loss of the apo(a) region responsible for binding oxidized phospholipids. Preferential association of PCSK9 with Lp(a) versus low-density lipoprotein (1.7-fold increase) was seen in subjects with high Lp(a) and normal low-density lipoprotein. Finally, Lp(a)-associated PCSK9 levels directly correlated with plasma Lp(a) levels but not with total plasma PCSK9 levels.

Conclusions:

Our results show, for the first time, that plasma PCSK9 is found in association with Lp(a) particles in humans with high Lp(a) levels and in mice carrying human Lp(a). Lp(a)-bound PCSK9 may be pursued as a biomarker for cardiovascular risk.
Selectivity in International Criminal Law: An Assessment of the ‘Progress Narrative’
Authors: Armenian Andre Vartan
Published: June 2016

The rapid development of international criminal law over a relatively short period of time has encouraged some commentators to construct linear, ‘progress narratives’ when writing on the history of the field. Such narratives depict international criminal law as subject to gradual improvement, starting as a highly politicised, abstract collection of principles, but eventually emerging as a neatly contoured, legitimate framework. However, from its inception, international criminal law has been inseparable from the selective application (or non-application) as well as selective creation (or non-creation) of law. Selectivity has taken numerous forms over the decades, and in some instances, has proven to be useful. However, as long as selectivity continues to exist, international criminal law will remain at odds with our wider conceptions of law.
From shiln to shpiln in Max Perlman’s Songs: Linguistic and Socio-cultural Change among Ashkenazi Jews in Argentina
Authors: Skura Susana , Fiszman Lucas
Published: June 2016

This article analyzes the stylistic and linguistic resources used in three songs of musician Max Perlman, written in Argentina in the 20th century. The main focus is code mixing: Yiddish, Castidish, Spanish, and Argentine slang. A close examination of these pieces led to several findings: the use of linguistic and discursive elements like rhyme, mixing language, Jewish traditional names, and references to Jewish life in the local milieu, are facts that can be understood as a continuity of a tradition of artistic production influenced by Yiddish’s contact with other contextual languages. Perlman’s language shift and references to cultural activities emphasize moral criticism about aspects of the daily life of middle and lower class Jews in Buenos Aires in that moment of transition. The incorporation of Spanish into an immigrant’s Yiddish repertoire demonstrates multilingual language competences that were an important resource for his audience’s empowerment within and outside Yiddish theater.
Modeling Dynamic Identities and Uncertainty in Social Interactions
Authors: Schröder Tobias , Hoey Jesse , Rogers Kimberly B.
Published: June 2016

Drawing on Bayesian probability theory, we propose a generalization of affect control theory (BayesACT) that better accounts for the dynamic fluctuation of identity meanings for self and other during interactions, elucidates how people infer and adjust meanings through social experience, and shows how stable patterns of interaction can emerge from individuals’ uncertain perceptions of identities. Using simulations, we illustrate how this generalization offers a resolution to several issues of theoretical significance within sociology and social psychology by balancing cultural consensus with individual deviations from shared meanings, balancing meaning verification with the learning processes reflective of change, and accounting for noise in communicating identity. We also show how the model speaks to debates about core features of the self, which can be understood as stable and yet malleable, coherent and yet composed of multiple identities that may carry competing meanings. We discuss applications of the model in different areas of sociology, implications for understanding identity and social interaction, as well as the theoretical grounding of computational models of social behavior.
Rocco Scotellaro, la voce del silenzio
Authors: Battistini Andrea
Published: June 2016

Nel descrivere la personale vicenda esistenziale e politica, Rocco Scotellaro, in modo non diverso da un ventriloquo, dà anche voce al popolo muto da cui proviene, immerso fino allora “nel buio dell’inespressione”. Da una parte, per la sua trovata capacità di parola, se ne distacca, dall’altra, in equilibrio tra le pulsioni individuali e l’essere portavoce della comunità cui appartiene, assurge vichianamente a “universale fantastico” dei contadini del Sud e, in senso lato, l’interprete di tutte le genti di ogni Sud di ogni continente, di ogni mondo subalterno che vive la stessa condizione antropologica. “Distacco partecipe” potrebbe essere l’ossimoro che meglio riassume questa forza rappresentativa, che fa trasparire una dimensione corale e insieme qualcosa che la trascende. In ogni caso, dando voce alla “buia Lucania”, Scotellaro è riuscito a sottrarla all’isolamento, facendole trovare nella parola il senso profondo della sua esistenza.
Modeling, simulation and hardware implementation of a bond graph-maximum power point tracker for a photovoltaic panel under partially shaded conditions
Authors: Badoud Abd Essalam , Raison Bertrand , Lavado Fernando Vila Luiz , Ould Bouamama Belkacem , Khemliche Mabrouk
Published: June 2016

The electric power generated by a photovoltaic module can be greatly reduced compared with optimal production due to weather conditions and factors such as partial shade. The main defect of a conventional maximum power point tracking control algorithm is its misinterpretation of the location of the maximum power point during a sudden change in climatic conditions because of the existence of several local maxima on the power–voltage characteristic curve. This work presents a preliminary study on the modeling, simulation and implementation of a new algorithm for power output maximization of photovoltaic generators under partially shaded conditions using a bond graph approach. The idea is to use a buck-boost converter and to test experimentally the performance of the proposed algorithm on a real photovoltaic panel. We imposed ten patterns of irradiance on the photovoltaic panel, of which more than half were patterns of partial shading. The proposed controller performed excellently under all shading conditions compared with the classical direct duty cycle technique. The control part and the proposed algorithm were implemented on a microcontroller, and the efficiency of the developed algorithm was demonstrated as a function of the real position of the maximum power point through the results of a simulation performed using Symbols (SYstem Modeling by BOnd graph Language and Simulation) software. The results obtained from the simulation were compared with experimental results obtained from real measurements using a Photowatt PW1650 photovoltaic panel under the same operating conditions and climatic environment.
A coupled-contour model for effective segmentation of cotton cross-sections in wide-field microscopic images
Authors: Wang Quande , Xu Bugao
Published: June 2016

Image analysis of a fiber cross-section can provide direct measurements for cotton maturity. Effective segmentation of fiber contours in a cross-sectional image is paramount for accurate fiber geometrical measurements. In a wide-field microscopic image, the adhesion, breakage, and ambiguity (low contrast or noise) of fiber contours make the segmentation rather challenging. This paper presents a new approach for contour segmentation that takes advantage of the shape features of the triple concentric contours, called the coupled-contour model (CCM), of a cross-section, and a CCM-based algorithm developed to locate, split, merge, and refine fiber contours based on the established rules concerning contour features. For a wide-field microscopic image (12 megapixels), this CCM-based algorithm could detect >500 fiber cross-sections with a recall rate of 93.53% and a precision rate of 98.13%, and reduced the errors in maturity measurements by 50%.
An Integrated Model for E-waste Management in India Using Systems Thinking
Authors: Jayaprakash Parvathi , Pillai R. Radhakrishna
Published: June 2016

This article proposes a model for managing e-waste in India using systems thinking approach. The plot of the article begins by the idea of reducing the environmental pollution caused by e-waste in the hands of the informal sector. This can be done by formalizing the disposal stage of the electronic products. The idea can reap results when the registered e-waste agencies be a part of the supply chain activities and thereby ensures reverse logistics model of handling e-waste. Currently, the amount of e-waste generated in the country is higher than the total capacity of the registered recyclers in the country. Even then, most of the recyclers are not functioning at full capacity, which is counter intutive. The government norms are not commanding which leads this waste becoming hazardous to human health. The article uses system dynamics approach proposing one solution to reduce this menace. The causal loop diagram gives a holistic picture of the problem in hand and the stock and flow diagram validates the integrated model of e-waste management system.
Considering social enterprise involvement in the commissioning of health services in Shetland
Authors: Macaulay Bobby
Published: June 2016

Social enterprises are increasingly becoming involved in the commissioning of health services as the National Health Service in Scotland seeks more efficient and effective ways to care for an ageing population in a period of austerity. This development is of particular importance in rural areas where health services are being disproportionately affected due to funding cuts and health outcomes are suffering as a result. A geographic area of interest in terms of the inclusion of social enterprise in health strategies is Shetland. As a remote island group, different solutions to the provision of health services are required due to often inaccessible, ill-equipped and expensive statutory services. A history of available funding and ample volunteers has created a strong third sector that is able and willing to provide health services and which is increasingly adopting trading practices to ensure sustainability as non-traded income becomes scarcer. This research investigated the role currently played by social enterprises in the co-governance and co-management of health services in Shetland, what factors influence that involvement and how successful the commissioning process is seen to be. The findings shed light on the current role that social enterprises play in designing, delivering and managing health services in Shetland with implications for other rural and remote communities in Scotland.
Chronic stress exposure following photothrombotic stroke is associated with increased levels of Amyloid beta accumulation and altered oligomerisation at sites of thalamic secondary neurodegeneration in mice
Authors: Ong Lin Kooi , Zhao Zidan , Kluge Murielle , Walker Frederick R , Nilsson Michael
Published: June 2016

Exposure to severe stress following stroke is recognised to complicate the recovery process. We have identified that stress can exacerbate the severity of post-stroke secondary neurodegeneration in the thalamus. In this study, we investigated whether exposure to stress could influence the accumulation of the neurotoxic protein Amyloid-β. Using an experimental model of focal cortical ischemia in adult mice combined with exposure to chronic restraint stress, we examined changes within the contra- and ipsilateral thalamus at six weeks post-stroke using Western blotting and immunohistochemical approaches. Western blotting analysis indicated that stroke was associated with a significant enhancement of the 25 and 50 kDa oligomers within the ipsilateral hemisphere and the 20 kDa oligomer within the contralateral hemisphere. Stroked animals exposed to stress exhibited an additional increase in multiple forms of Amyloid-beta oligomers. Immunohistochemistry analysis confirmed that stroke was associated with a significant accumulation of Amyloid-beta within the thalami of both hemispheres, an effect that was exacerbated in stroke animals exposed to stress. Given that Amyloid-beta oligomers, most notably the 30–40 and 50 kDa oligomers, are recognised to correlate with accelerated cognitive decline, our results suggest that monitoring stress levels in patients recovering from stroke may merit consideration in the future.
Estimation of an image derived input function with MR-defined carotid arteries in FDG-PET human studies using a novel partial volume correction method
Authors: Sari Hasan , Erlandsson Kjell , Law Ian , Larsson Henrik BW , Ourselin Sebastien , Arridge Simon , Atkinson David , Hutton Brian F
Published: June 2016

Kinetic analysis of 18F-fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography data requires an accurate knowledge the arterial input function. The gold standard method to measure the arterial input function requires collection of arterial blood samples and is an invasive method. Measuring an image derived input function is a non-invasive alternative but is challenging due to partial volume effects caused by the limited spatial resolution of the positron emission tomography scanners. In this work, a practical image derived input function extraction method is presented, which only requires segmentation of the carotid arteries from MR images. The simulation study results showed that at least 92% of the true intensity could be recovered after the partial volume correction. Results from 19 subjects showed that the mean cerebral metabolic rate of glucose calculated using arterial samples and partial volume corrected image derived input function were 26.9 and 25.4 mg/min/100 g, respectively, for the grey matter and 7.2 and 6.7 mg/min/100 g for the white matter. No significant difference in the estimated cerebral metabolic rate of glucose values was observed between arterial samples and corrected image derived input function (p > 0.12 for grey matter and white matter). Hence, the presented image derived input function extraction method can be a practical alternative to noninvasively analyze dynamic 18F-fluorodeoxyglucose data without the need for blood sampling.
The Physician Recommendation Coding System (PhyReCS)
Authors: Scherr Karen A. , Fagerlin Angela , Williamson Lillie D. , Davis J. Kelly , Fridman Ilona , Atyeo Natalie , Ubel Peter A.
Published: June 2016

Background. Physicians’ recommendations affect patients’ treatment choices. However, most research relies on physicians’ or patients’ retrospective reports of recommendations, which offer a limited perspective and have limitations such as recall bias. Objective. To develop a reliable and valid method to measure the strength of physician recommendations using direct observation of clinical encounters. Methods. Clinical encounters ( n = 257) were recorded as part of a larger study of prostate cancer decision making. We used an iterative process to create the 5-point Physician Recommendation Coding System (PhyReCS). To determine reliability, research assistants double-coded 50 transcripts. To establish content validity, we used 1-way analyses of variance to determine whether relative treatment recommendation scores differed as a function of which treatment patients received. To establish concurrent validity, we examined whether patients’ perceived treatment recommendations matched our coded recommendations. Results. The PhyReCS was highly reliable (Krippendorf’s alpha = 0.89, 95% CI [0.86, 0.91]). The average relative treatment recommendation score for each treatment was higher for individuals who received that particular treatment. For example, the average relative surgery recommendation score was higher for individuals who received surgery versus radiation (mean difference = 0.98, SE = 0.18, P < 0.001) or active surveillance (mean difference = 1.10, SE = 0.14, P < 0.001). Patients’ perceived recommendations matched coded recommendations 81% of the time. Conclusion. The PhyReCS is a reliable and valid way to capture the strength of physician recommendations. We believe that the PhyReCS would be helpful for other researchers who wish to study physician recommendations, an important part of patient decision making.
Entrepreneurship, Identity, and the Transformation of Marketing Systems
Authors: Klein Kenji
Published: June 2016

This paper examines how entrepreneurs operating in underground markets come to see laws governing marketing systems as illegitimate and explores the role identity plays in motivating entrepreneurs to challenge existing institutions. Analysis of interviews with 27 cannabis dispensary founders showed that entrepreneurs came to reject medical cannabis prohibition as illegitimate after direct experience with both cannabis and traditional medicines convinced them the factual basis upon which prohibition rested was flawed. Perception of prohibition’s illegitimacy fostered entrepreneur identification as a member of a superior in-group constrained by an illegitimate institution. Pursuing opportunities in illegal markets then became a vehicle for entrepreneurs to enact valued identities by challenging and undermining prohibition. This analysis extends work on informal economy entrepreneurship by showing that dis-identification with formal institutions does more than enable entrepreneurs to recognize economic opportunities ignored by those working within institutional boundaries; it also opens existing marketing systems to decay by providing economic and psychological resources for dismantling the laws that govern them.
Revisiting Motion Parallax as a Source of 3-D Information
Authors: Rogers Brian
Published: June 2016

There are many similarities between binocular disparity and motion parallax as sources of information about the structure and layout of 3-D objects and surfaces. The former can be thought of as a transformation that maps one eye’s image onto the other while the latter is a transformation that maps the changes in one eye’s image over time. There are many empirical similarities in the ways we use the two sources of information but there are also significant differences. A consideration of those differences leads to the conclusion that, rather than seeing motion parallax as a close analogue of binocular stereopsis, motion parallax is better thought of as a special case of the kinetic depth effect in which the depth order of the depicted 3-D object or surface can be disambiguated by vertical perspective information.
Prognostic value of HMGB1 and oxidative stress markers in multiple trauma patients: A single-centre prospective study
Authors: Polito Francesca , Cicciu’ Marco , Aguennouz Mohammed , Cucinotta Maria , Cristani Mariateresa , Lauritano Floriana , Sindoni Alessandro , Gioffre’-Florio Maria , Fama Fausto
Published: June 2016

Serious multiple traumatic injuries may rapidly become fatal or be complicated by a life-threatening sequelae leading to a significant increase of the mortality rate. Trauma scoring systems are used to evaluate the critical status of the patient and recently many different biomarkers have been taken into account to better estimate the potential clinical outcome. The aim of the present study is to analyse the expression pattern of high-mobility group box-1 (HMGB1), oxidative stress markers and nuclear factor erythroid 2-related (Nrf2) in critically ill traumatic patients (at hospital admittance and after 6 and 24 h), in order to find out their potential role as early post-traumatic predictors markers. Forty-seven patients admitted for multiple trauma and 15 healthy participants were prospectively recruited. Eight patients (17%) died within 92 h of admission; this subgroup of patients presented the highest severity scores and their HMGB1 expression levels were significantly correlated with ISS, whereas patients with higher ISS exhibited higher levels of HMGB1 ( P <0.001). Our study suggests the role of HMGB1 as a predictive biomarker of outcome in injured patients and hypothesizes the protective role of Nrf2 in bringing down the oxidative stress and HMGB1 release; measuring HMGB1 in combination with Nrf2 might represent a potentially useful tool in the early detection of post-trauma complications.
Estimating average attributable fractions with confidence intervals for cohort and case–control studies
Authors: Ferguson John , Alvarez-Iglesias Alberto , Newell John , Hinde John , O’Donnell Martin
Published: June 2016

Chronic diseases tend to depend on a large number of risk factors, both environmental and genetic. Average attributable fractions were introduced by Eide and Gefeller as a way of partitioning overall disease burden into contributions from individual risk factors; this may be useful in deciding which risk factors to target in disease interventions. Here, we introduce new estimation methods for average attributable fractions that are appropriate for both case–control designs and prospective studies. Confidence intervals, derived using Monte Carlo simulation, are also described. Finally, we introduce a novel approximation for the sample average attributable fraction that will ensure a computationally tractable approach when the number of risk factors is large. An R package, [Formula: see text], implementing the methods described in this manuscript can be downloaded from the CRAN repository.
Effects of Distance and First-Time Visitation on Tourists’ Length of Stay
Authors: Nicolau Juan L. , Zach Florian J. , Tussyadiah Iis P.
Published: June 2016

The analysis of length of stay and its determinants remains important in tourism due to its significant implications for tourism management. Results from previous studies show conflicting effects of the two central factors of length of stay: distance and first-time visitation. Hence, taking into account the not always unambiguous effect of distance and the variety-seeking and inertial behaviors of repeat visitation, the objective of this research is to add to the extant literature further empirical evidence. Data were collected from 908 U.S. visitors to a tourism destination in the Atlantic Coast of the United States and analyzed using the truncated negative binomial models. A positive impact of both distance and first-time visitation on length of stay is found. Managerial implications are provided.
Refugee Housing Without Exception
Authors: Mah Kai Wood , Rivers Patrick Lynn
Published: June 2016

South Africa experienced a recent wave of xenophobic violence in April 2015. Those fomenting violence were mostly Black Africans with South African citizenship targeting Africans from other parts of the continent. Between these attacks, and highly publicized attacks in 2008, South Africa’s government secretly devised plans to construct “model” camps to house migrants with refugee status and those seeking refugee status. The article seeks to understand the space of exception created by government’s proposal considering South Africa’s colonial and apartheid past. This is done by firstly contextualizing the South African case, secondly, placing this South African case within existing scholarship, and thirdly, problematizing the government’s “model.” Beyond this, though, the article presents a conceptual camp design as counterproposal which highlights the power of design to negate spatial exception.
Why agonistic planning? Questioning Chantal Mouffe’s thesis of the ontological primacy of the political
Authors: Yamamoto Arata D
Published: June 2016

The thesis of the ontological primacy of antagonism, thus the political, is central to Chantal Mouffe’s call for taming antagonism into agonism, or agonistic pluralism. Within planning theory, Mouffe’s conflictual ontology that underpins this call has raised questions over the ontological assumption of the presently prominent and consensus-oriented communicative and deliberative planning approaches. This is because these approaches consider consensus formation as a normative ideal and always at least a potential outcome from open and inclusive deliberation, that is, ontological. Yet, the notion that antagonism is also an ever-present possibility for all social relations and therefore an ineradicable risk for consensus-building effort in planning practices appears to be increasingly accepted even by communicative planning theorists. In this article, I trace the origin of Mouffe’s thesis of the ontological primacy of antagonism back to both her original collaborative work with Earnest Laclau, Hegemony and Socialist Strategy, and Carl Schmitt. With Derrida and Laclau, I then argue that this Mouffean thesis does not hold: antagonism operates at the ontic level in the social and it is only but one way of discursively inscribing the experience of exclusion and the use of power. This insight supports a new, post-antagonism approach to politics and the political based on the ontology of radical negativity. Finally, I discuss how this approach can be linked with planning theory by adopting a de-ontologised notion of the political. I conclude by arguing that since agonism is not the only option for dealing with antagonism for the socially established actors, for example, planners, its implementation in planning practice can appear merely as a top-down imposition of a democratic ethos. Sometimes, depoliticisation of agonistic planning might therefore be necessary.