bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Green Innovativeness in Farm Enterprises: What Makes Farmers Think Green?
Authors: Lioutas Evagelos D. , Charatsari Chrysanthi 
Published: October 2017

AbstractThis work is based on the conjecture that multiple motivational pathways might lead to the adoption of green innovations. A sequence of two studies was designed to identify motives driving farmers to adopt green innovations. Study 1 aimed at the development of a scale assessing potential adoption motives. Study 2 – using this measure – examined which of these motives predict farmers' adoption behavior. Study 1 uncovered five factors that affect adoption decision: adaptation to the social process of innovation diffusion, environmental concern, convenience, economic incentives and the internal need to pursue change. Study 2 showed that perception of the convenience of an innovation is a significant antecedent of farmers' green innovativeness. Economic drivers, farmers' environmental concern and their need to pursue novelty are also positively associated with aspects of green innovativeness. Our results underscore the multidimensional nature of green innovativeness and generate challenging directions for future research in the field of sustainable development. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd and ERP Environment
Inhibition of yeast‐to‐filamentous growth transitions in Candida albicans by a small molecule inducer of mammalian apoptosis
Authors: Goffena Joy , Toenjes Kurt A. , Butler David K. 
Published: October 2017

AbstractThe opportunistic fungal pathogen of humans Candida albicans is able to grow in different morphological forms such as round or oval yeasts and filamentous hyphae and pseudohyphae. Morphogenesis, the ability to switch between the yeast and filamentous growth forms, is important for adapting to new microenvironments in the human host and for pathogenesis. The molecular pathways governing morphogenesis are complex and incompletely understood. Previously, we identified several small organic molecules that specifically inhibit the initiation of hyphal growth in C. albicans without affecting cell viability or budded growth. One molecule from that screen is known to induce apoptosis in mammalian cells. In this study, we have screened additional inducers of mammalian apoptosis and identified BH3I‐1, as well as several structural derivatives of BH3I‐1, that act as specific inhibitors of morphogenesis under a variety of environmental conditions. Chemical epistasis experiments suggest that BH3I‐1 acts downstream of the hypha‐specific gene regulators Rfg1, Nrg1 and Ume6.
Multidomain lifestyle intervention benefits a large elderly population at risk for cognitive decline and dementia regardless of baseline characteristics: The FINGER trial
Authors: Rosenberg Anna , Ngandu Tiia , Rusanen Minna , Antikainen Riitta , Bäckman Lars , Havulinna Satu , Hänninen Tuomo , Laatikainen Tiina , Lehtisalo Jenni , Levälahti Esko , Lindström Jaana , Paajanen Teemu , Peltonen Markku , Soininen Hilkka , Stigsdotter‐Neely Anna , Strandberg Timo , Tuomilehto Jaakko , Solomon Alina , Kivipelto Miia 
Published: October 2017

AbstractIntroductionThe 2‐year Finnish Geriatric Intervention Study to Prevent Cognitive Impairment and Disability (FINGER) multidomain lifestyle intervention trial (NCT01041989) demonstrated beneficial effects on cognition. We investigated whether sociodemographics, socioeconomic status, baseline cognition, or cardiovascular factors influenced intervention effects on cognition.MethodsThe FINGER recruited 1260 people from the general Finnish population (60–77 years, at risk for dementia). Participants were randomized 1:1 to multidomain intervention (diet, exercise, cognition, and vascular risk management) and regular health advice. Primary outcome was change in cognition (Neuropsychological Test Battery z‐score). Prespecified analyses to investigate whether participants' characteristics modified response to intervention were carried out using mixed‐model repeated‐measures analyses.ResultsSociodemographics (sex, age, and education), socioeconomic status (income), cognition (Mini–Mental State Examination), cardiovascular factors (body mass index, blood pressure, cholesterol, fasting glucose, and overall cardiovascular risk), and cardiovascular comorbidity did not modify response to intervention (P‐values for interaction > .05).ConclusionsThe FINGER intervention was beneficial regardless of participants' characteristics and can thus be implemented in a large elderly population at increased risk for dementia.
The Statutory Derivative Action in Malaysia: Comparison with an Australian Judicial Approach
Authors: CHEN Vivien 
Published: October 2017

AbstractThis article examines the operation of the Malaysian statutory derivative action through an analysis of Malaysian judicial decisions from 2008 to 2015. It considers the extent to which the statutory derivative action has achieved its underlying objective of facilitating better shareholder access to redress. The analysis focuses on applications for leave to bring derivative actions for breaches of directors’ duties, considering the manner in which the courts have interpreted and applied the criteria for granting leave and the rate of success in obtaining leave. The findings are compared with an analysis of Australian statutory derivative actions and situated in a broader comparative context. The article considers the effectiveness of the Malaysian statutory derivative action in facilitating better shareholder access to redress and canvasses possible explanations for the Malaysian approach.
FRONTIER SECURITY IN NORTH EAST AFRICA: CONFLICT AND COLONIAL DEVELOPMENT ON THE MARGINS c. 1930–60
Authors: WHITTAKER HANNAH 
Published: October 2017

AbstractThis article explores colonial development policy on the margins of British East Africa. It argues that much like current development practice in the region, increased colonial interventionism in the years after 1940 was motivated by security interests as well as environmental and economic considerations. Rural interventions were used as a mechanism to ‘rein in’ what were perceived to be subversive populations, as well as contain potential security threats. The article therefore throws new light on the nature of colonial rural development, as well as the connections between past and present development practice.
“The Idea of Rights”: Tocqueville on The Social Question
Authors: Englert Gianna 
Published: October 2017

AbstractTocqueville's writings on pauperism have gained renewed attention in the last decade. Scholars study hisMemoir on Pauperism(1835) to contextualize his thought in the nineteenth century, to question the extent of his liberalism, or to locate his policy solutions on a spectrum from private charity to state welfare. Yet Tocqueville's response to pauperism must be interpreted in light of “the social question,” or the problem of how to alleviate not only the material ills of poverty, but also the phenomenon of social exclusion that accompanied it. His discussion of the social question, I argue, illuminates his particular theory of rights and their possibilities. His thoughts on the poor laws culminate in a novel theory of the educative potential of property rights. This theory of rights prompts us to revisit his position on extending political rights and on the role of political participation in overcoming class division.
America's Machiavellian: Gouverneur Morris at the Constitutional Convention
Authors: Coby John Patrick 
Published: October 2017

AbstractWhile generally a steady ally of James Madison and the nationalists, Gouverneur Morris, delegate from Pennsylvania, worked from a different conception of republican politics. Morris's republicanism was more old than new, relying on the divided sovereignty of a mixed regime to protect the rights of citizens and minorities. This conception, it is argued here, bears the stamp of Machiavelli, especially regarding the relationship of the classes and the role of the executive. Like Machiavelli—but unlike Madison—Morris wanted to underscore society's class divisions, organizing the representatives of rich and poor into two distinct, and hostile, chambers of the legislature. And like Machiavelli, whose “civil prince” was the champion of the people, Morris's executive was to be the “guardian of the people” and the “guardian of liberty.”
CD10−/ALDH− cells are the sole cisplatin-resistant component of a novel ovarian cancer stem cell hierarchy
Authors: Ffrench Brendan , Gasch Claudia , Hokamp Karsten , Spillane Cathy , Blackshields Gordon , Mahgoub Thamir Mahmoud , Bates Mark , Kehoe Louise , Mooney Aoibhinn , Doyle Ronan , Doyle Brendan , O'Donnell Dearbhaile , Gleeson Noreen , Hennessy Bryan T , Stordal Britta , O'Riain Ciaran , Lambkin Helen , O'Toole Sharon , O'Leary John J , Gallagher Michael F 
Published: October 2017

AbstractIt is long established that tumour-initiating cancer stem cells (CSCs) possess chemoresistant properties. However, little is known of the mechanisms involved, particularly with respect to the organisation of CSCs as stem-progenitor-differentiated cell hierarchies. Here we aimed to elucidate the relationship between CSC hierarchies and chemoresistance in an ovarian cancer model. Using a single cell-based approach to CSC discovery and validation, we report a novel, four-component CSC hierarchy based around the markers cluster of differentiation 10 (CD10) and aldehyde dehydrogenase (ALDH). In a change to our understanding of CSC biology, resistance to chemotherapy drug cisplatin was found to be the sole property of CD10−/ALDH− CSCs, while all four CSC types were sensitive to chemotherapy drug paclitaxel. Cisplatin treatment quickly altered the hierarchy, resulting in a three-component hierarchy dominated by the cisplatin-resistant CD10−/ALDH− CSC. This organisation was found to be hard-wired in a long-term cisplatin-adapted model, where again CD10−/ALDH− CSCs were the sole cisplatin-resistant component, and all CSC types remained paclitaxel-sensitive. Molecular analysis indicated that cisplatin resistance is associated with inherent- and adaptive-specific drug efflux and DNA-damage repair mechanisms. Clinically, low CD10 expression was consistent with a specific set of ovarian cancer patient samples. Collectively, these data advance our understanding of the relationship between CSC hierarchies and chemoresistance, which was shown to be CSC- and drug-type specific, and facilitated by specific and synergistic inherent and adaptive mechanisms. Furthermore, our data indicate that primary stage targeting of CD10−/ALDH− CSCs in specific ovarian cancer patients in future may facilitate targeting of recurrent disease, before it ever develops.
Dual negative roles of C/EBPα in the expansion and pro-tumor functions of MDSCs
Authors: Mackert John R. , Qu Peng , Min Yongfen , Johnson Peter F. , Yang Li , Lin P. Charles 
Published: October 2017

AbstractMyeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs) are greatly expanded in cancer patients and tumor-bearing mice. They infiltrate into tumors and modulate the tumor microenvironment. In an effort to identify molecular mediators responsible for expansion and the tumor-promoting function of MDSCs, we discovered CCAAT/enhancer binding protein alpha (C/EBPα) expression was significantly reduced in MDSCs from tumor-bearing mice compared to non-tumor-bearing hosts. Tumor-conditioned medium down-regulated C/EBPα expression, suggesting tumor secreted factors inhibiting the gene expression. Consistent with the function of C/EBPα in regulating the balance between proliferation and growth arrest in hematopoietic progenitors, myeloid lineage specific deletion of C/EBPα resulted in significantly enhanced MDSC proliferation and expansion, as well as an increase of myeloid progenitors and a decrease of mature cells. In addition, deletion of C/EBPα in MDSCs enhanced the pro-angiogenic, immune suppressive and pro-tumorigenic behavior of these cells by upregulating the production of iNOS and arginase, as well as MMP-9 and VEGF. Accordingly, tumors growing in C/EBPα conditional null mice displayed greater MDSC infiltration, increased vascularization and accelerated tumor growth. Taken together, this study reveals dual negative roles of C/EBPα in the expansion as well as pro-angiogenic and immune suppressive functions in MDSCs.
Towards lead-free perovskite photovoltaics and optoelectronics by ab-initio simulations
Authors: Roknuzzaman Md , Ostrikov Kostya , Wang Hongxia , Du Aijun , Tesfamichael Tuquabo 
Published: October 2017

AbstractLead (Pb) free non-toxic perovskite solar cells have become more important in the commercialization of the photovoltaic devices. In this study the structural, electronic, optical and mechanical properties of Pb-free inorganic metal halide cubic perovskites CsBX3 (B = Sn, Ge; X = I, Br, Cl) for perovskite solar cells are simulated using first-principles Density Functional Theory (DFT). These compounds are semiconductors with direct band gap energy and mechanically stable. Results suggest that the materials have high absorption coefficient, low reflectivity and high optical conductivity with potential application in solar cells and other optoelectronic energy devices. On the basis of the optical properties, one can expect that the Germanium (Ge) would be a better replacement of Pb as Ge containing compounds have higher optical absorption and optical conductivity than that of Pb containing compounds. A combinational analysis of the electronic, optical and mechanical properties of the compounds suggests that CsGeI3 based perovskite is the best Pb-free inorganic metal halide semiconductor for the solar cell application. However, the compound with solid solution of CsGe(I0.7Br0.3)3 is found to be mechanically more ductile than CsGeI3. This study will also guide to obtain Pb-free organic perovskites for optoelectronic devices.
Synergistic acceleration of experimental tooth movement by supplementary high-frequency vibration applied with a static force in rats
Authors: Takano-Yamamoto Teruko , Sasaki Kiyo , Fatemeh Goudarzi , Fukunaga Tomohiro , Seiryu Masahiro , Daimaruya Takayoshi , Takeshita Nobuo , Kamioka Hiroshi , Adachi Taiji , Ida Hiroto , Mayama Atsushi 
Published: October 2017

AbstractSeveral recent prospective clinical trials have investigated the effect of supplementary vibration applied with fixed appliances in an attempt to accelerate tooth movement and shorten the duration of orthodontic treatment. Among them, some studies reported an increase in the rate of tooth movement, but others did not. This technique is still controversial, and the underlying cellular and molecular mechanisms remain unclear. In the present study, we developed a new vibration device for a tooth movement model in rats, and investigated the efficacy and safety of the device when used with fixed appliances. The most effective level of supplementary vibration to accelerate tooth movement stimulated by a continuous static force was 3 gf at 70 Hz for 3 minutes once a week. Furthermore, at this optimum-magnitude, high-frequency vibration could synergistically enhance osteoclastogenesis and osteoclast function via NF-κB activation, leading to alveolar bone resorption and finally, accelerated tooth movement, but only when a static force was continuously applied to the teeth. These findings contribute to a better understanding of the mechanism by which optimum-magnitude high-frequency vibration accelerates tooth movement, and may lead to novel approaches for the safe and effective treatment of malocclusion.
The electrophysiological connectome is maintained in healthy elders: a power envelope correlation MEG study
Authors: Coquelet N. , Mary A. , Peigneux P. , Goldman S. , Wens V. , De Tiège X. 
Published: October 2017

AbstractFunctional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) studies report age-related changes in resting-state functional connectivity (rsFC), suggesting altered or reorganized connectivity patterns with age. However, age-related changes in neurovascular coupling might also partially account for altered connectivity patterns. Here, we used resting-state magnetoencephalography (MEG) and a connectome approach in carefully selected healthy young adults and elders. The MEG connectome was estimated as rsFC matrices involving forty nodes from six major resting-state networks. Source-level rsFC maps were computed in relevant frequency bands using leakage-corrected envelope correlations. Group differences were statistically assessed using non-parametric permutation tests. Our results failed to evidence significant age-related differences after correction for multiple comparisons in the α and the β bands both for static and dynamic rsFC, suggesting that the electrophysiological connectome is maintained in healthy ageing. Further studies should compare the evolution of the human brain connectome as estimated using fMRI and MEG in same healthy young and elder adults, as well as in ageing conditions associated with cognitive decline. At present, our results are in agreement with the brain maintenance theory for successful aging as they suggest that preserved intrinsic functional brain integration contributes to preserved cognitive functioning in healthy elders.
Melanopsin, a Canonical Light Receptor, Mediates Thermal Activation of Clock Genes
Authors: Moraes Maria Nathália , de Assis Leonardo Vinícius Monteiro , Magalhães-Marques Keila Karoline , Poletini Maristela Oliveira , de Lima Leonardo Henrique Ribeiro Graciani , Castrucci Ana Maria de Lauro 
Published: October 2017

AbstractMelanopsin (OPN4) is a photo-pigment found in a small subset of intrinsically photosensitive ganglion cells (ipRGCs) of the mammalian retina. These cells play a role in synchronizing the central circadian pacemaker to the astronomical day by conveying information about ambient light to the hypothalamic suprachiasmatic nucleus, the site of the master clock. We evaluated the effect of a heat stimulus (39.5 °C) on clock gene (Per1 and Bmal1) expression in cultured murine Melan-a melanocytes synchronized by medium changes, and in B16-F10 melanoma cells, in the presence of the selective OPN4 antagonist AA92593, or after OPN4 knockdown by small interfering RNA (siRNA). In addition, we evaluated the effects of heat shock on the localization of melanopsin by immunocytochemistry. In both cell lines melanopsin was found in a region capping the nucleus and heat shock did not affect its location. The heat-induced increase of Per1 expression was inhibited when melanopsin was pharmacologically blocked by AA92593 as well as when its protein expression was suppressed by siRNA in both Melan-a and B16-F10 cells. These data strongly suggest that melanopsin is required for thermo-reception, acting as a thermo-opsin that ultimately feeds the local circadian clock in mouse melanocytes and melanoma cells.
High-risk follicular lymphomas harbour more somatic mutations including those in the AID-motif
Authors: Tsukamoto Taku , Nakano Masakazu , Sato Ryuichi , Adachi Hiroko , Kiyota Miki , Kawata Eri , Uoshima Nobuhiko , Yasukawa Satoru , Chinen Yoshiaki , Mizutani Shinsuke , Shimura Yuji , Kobayashi Tsutomu , Horiike Shigeo , Yanagisawa Akio , Taniwaki Masafumi , Tashiro Kei , Kuroda Junya 
Published: October 2017

AbstractWe investigated clinical and genetic characteristics of high-risk follicular lymphoma (FL), that lacked evidence of large cell transformation at diagnosis, in the rituximab era. First, we retrospectively analysed the clinical features of 100 patients with non-transformed FL that were consecutively treated with rituximab-containing therapies in a discovery cohort. The presence of either peripheral blood and/or bone involvement was associated with short progression-free survival. This was confirmed in a validation cohort of 66 FL patients. Then, whole exome sequencing was performed on randomly selected 5 high- and 9 standard-risk FL tumours. The most common mutational signature was a CG > TG substitution-enriched signature associated with spontaneous deamination of 5-methylcytosine at CpG, but mutations in WA and WRC(Y) motifs (so-called activation-induced cytidine deaminase (AID) motifs) were also enriched throughout the whole exome. We found clustered mutations in target sequences of AID in the IG and BCL2 loci. Importantly, high-risk FLs harboured more somatic mutations (mean 190 vs. 138, P = 0.04), including mutations in WA (33 vs. 22, P = 0.038), WRC (34 vs. 22, P = 0.016) and WRCY motifs (17 vs. 11, P = 0.004). These results suggest that genomic instability that allows for emergence of distinct mutations through AID activity underlies development of the high-risk FL phenotype.
Revealing the day-to-day regularity of urban congestion patterns with 3D speed maps
Authors: Lopez Clélia , Leclercq Ludovic , Krishnakumari Panchamy , Chiabaut Nicolas , van Lint Hans 
Published: October 2017

AbstractIn this paper, we investigate the day-to-day regularity of urban congestion patterns. We first partition link speed data every 10 min into 3D clusters that propose a parsimonious sketch of the congestion pulse. We then gather days with similar patterns and use consensus clustering methods to produce a unique global pattern that fits multiple days, uncovering the day-to-day regularity. We show that the network of Amsterdam over 35 days can be synthesized into only 4 consensual 3D speed maps with 9 clusters. This paves the way for a cutting-edge systematic method for travel time predictions in cities. By matching the current observation to historical consensual 3D speed maps, we design an efficient real-time method that successfully predicts 84% trips travel times with an error margin below 25%. The new concept of consensual 3D speed maps allows us to extract the essence out of large amounts of link speed observations and as a result reveals a global and previously mostly hidden picture of traffic dynamics at the whole city scale, which may be more regular and predictable than expected.
Gelatinizing oil in water and its removal via bacteria inhabiting the gels
Authors: Radwan Samir S. A. , Al-Mailem Dina M. , Kansour Mayada K. 
Published: October 2017

AbstractWhen crude oil samples were shaken (200 rpm) in seawater samples from the Arabian Gulf at 30 °C, usually oil-gels were produced spontaneously leaving the water quite clear. The gelators could probably be based on cholesteryl derivatives. Microscopic examination of the established gels revealed nanofibrellar structures similar to those described by earlier workers for artificially synthesized gelators. Communities of bacteria including prosthetic and stalked members as well as oil-degrading bacteria were recorded in such gels. Chemical analysis revealed that 88.5% of the oil entrapped by gelation was biodegraded after 40 days at 30 °C. Individual bacterial species isolated from the oil-gels biodegraded in batch cultures between 17.8 and 33.3% of the oil added at time zero in 12 days at 30 °C. Gelation is a promising approach, not only for clean, physical removal of oil spilled in aquatic habitats, as so far suggested, but also in its effective microbiological biodegradation, as the current study revealed.