Stability and Neo-Patrimonial Developmentalism in Gabon: A Comparative Analysis of Equatorial Africa

Gabon, Republic of Congo, Chad, and Central African Republic all gained independence in 1960. These four states were territoires under the shared jurisdiction of French Equatorial Africa (AEF) up to this point, but since gaining independence their experiences have been highly variable. Gabon has proceeded to record one of the most impressive development records in sub-Saharan Africa while the other three have all been far less successful. In investigating the processes behind these disparate outcomes, this thesis set out to explain: 1) In what ways have domestic circumstances and state operations in Gabon differed from those in Congo, Chad, and CAR? and 2) How have these case-specific circumstances and dynamics resulted in such significant divergence between these ostensibly similar and intimately linked countries? All four of these states have been assessed as being neo-patrimonial, but the analysis in this thesis departs from dominant perspectives on African neopatrimonialism to emphasise the variability inherent to these informal systems and the outcomes generated. Rather than viewing neo-patrimonialism as inherently deleterious for development, this thesis aligns with literatures on neo-patrimonial developmentalism in emphasising the case-specific impact from these systems. Specifically, the thesis investigates the disparate outcomes among these four states and identifies key points of differentiation through which domestic circumstances and state operations in Gabon are distinct from those in Congo, Chad, and CAR to promote security and productivity in Gabon that is absent in these latter three contexts. Neo-patrimonialism operates through mechanisms for clientelism, presidentialism, and regime corruption. The dysfunction from these systems can be counteracted by expanding formal capacities for extraction, coercion, and administration, which can enable progress toward political, economic, and social development. Such has been the case in Gabon, promoting institutional performance and development outcomes that surpass its regional counterparts and rival the most developed states in sub-Saharan Africa

Biodiversity conservation and utilisation in the Maltese Islands

The Maltese archipelago which occupies an area of c.316km2 consists of the inhabited islands of Malta, Gozo and Comino and several other uninhabited islets and rocks. In spite of their restricted area, the limited number of habitats, and the intense human pressure, the Maltese Islands support a very diverse terrestrial and freshwater biota, with some 2000 species of plants and fungi known, more than 4000 species of insects, several hundred species of other invertebrates, and more than 200 terrestrial or freshwater vertebrates; of these c.80 taxa are considered as endemic. The most characteristic terrestrial ecosystems are those represented by the Mediterranean scrubland, of which the maquis, garigue and steppe are the main types present - evergreen woodlands are all but extinct and only four relict patches occur. Minor terrestrial ecosystems include rupestral, freshwater and coastal communities including sand dunes, saline marshlands and rocky coasts. Marine communities include those characteristic of both hard and mobile substrata. Human impact is significant, and human influence is a key feature of the islands' ecology. In fact, the population density is the highest in Europe and built-up areas have increased from 5 to 16% in the past 30 years. Some 38% is agricultural land and 46% of the area is undeveloped, but even so, no wilderness areas remain in the Maltese Islands. The management practices of the islands include mainly those concerned with agriculture, animal husbandry and herding, and the use of fire, which all proved to be detrimental to the local biota, mainly through habitat destruction, the removal of competing species and the introduction of alien ones, particularly goats, rabbits and sheep. All these human activities have put great stress on the Maltese biodiversity, with a consequent impoverishment of the flora and fauna. Flora and fauna which are directly or indirectly exploited in the Maltese Islands are reviewed. Work on biodiversity carried out by national institutions, government departments, agencies and non-governmental organisations is also outlined. Legislation safeguarding biodiversity is relatively new to Malta. Prior to the Environment Protection Act [EPA] (1991), and the Development Planning Act [DPA] (1992), legislation mainly protected species due to their associated economic importance. Both the EPA and DPA have permitted the creation of protected areas. The EPA also protects some of the flora and fauna, including some 10% of the endemics. The DPA, on the other hand incorporates the Structure Plan for the Maltese Islands which is a strategic plan meant to harmonise development with conservation. On the international level, Malta is party to the Washington Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) which is implemented locally by means of regulations controlling trade in species of flora and fauna (1992). Malta is also party to the Ramsar Convention, the Berne Convention, the Barcelona Convention, the Convention on Biological Diversity, and the Law of the Sea Convention.peer-reviewe

Effects of Nitrogen and Planting Seed Size on Cotton Growth, Development, and Yield

A standardized experiment was conducted during 2009 and 2010 at 20 location-years across U.S. cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.)-producing states to compare the N use requirement of contemporary cotton cultivars based on their planting seed size. Treatments consisted of three cotton varieties with planting seed of different numbers of seed per kg and N rates of 0, 45, 90, and 134 kg ha⁻¹. Soil at each trial location was sampled and tested for nitrate presence. High levels of soil nitrate (>91 N-NO₃⁻kg ha⁻¹) were found in Arizona and western Texas, and soil nitrate in the range of 45 to 73 kg N-NO₃⁻ ha⁻¹ was found at locations in the central United States. Cotton lint yield responded to applied N at 11 of 20 locations. Considering only sites that responded to applied N, highest lint yields were achieved with 112 to 224 kg ha⁻¹of applied plus pre-plant residual soil NO₃—translating to an optimal N requirement of 23 kg ha⁻¹ per 218 kg bale of lint produced. Among the varieties tested those with medium-sized seed produced higher yields in response to N than did larger and smaller seeded varieties. Varieties with larger seed had longer and stronger fibers, higher fiber length uniformity than small seeded varieties and decreased micronaire. Seed protein and oil increased and decreased slightly in response to increasing amounts of soil nitrate plus applied N, respectively

The Vehicle, Fall 2010

Table of ContentsPoetryFill Your Mouth with BerriesAaron Whitepage 1 RelationsJamie Van Allenpage 2 ExodusMegan Marie Olsonpage 4 Single FileRashelle McNairpage 7 The Aesthetic Value of the Moon, by CandlelightKathy Deckerpage 15 FactalsGabrielle Keigherpage 16 Day 5David Jacksonpage 17 Esta LloviendoHeather Gerrishpage 19 FacebrokeDarrin Gordonpage 23 5:08 pmNikki Riechertpage 24 Train TunnelsAshton Tembypage 34 VariationsKathy Deckerpage 35 WantRashelle McNairpage 36 FriendshipScott Maypage 37 Golden LandJacob Swansonpage 38 Last Night I DreamtAshton Tembypage 39 Smallest GestureScott Maypage 44 Somebody\u27s Hut in MexicoGinamarie Lobiancopage 45 Some Things You Just Can\u27t Tap Dance AroundClint Walkerpage 53 Prose Lamparus de DiosAaron Whitepage 8 Learning CurveScott Maypage 18 RocktonKatelyn Pfaffpage 20 Fatal DistractionSolomohn Ennispage 25 Noodle NonsenseGabrielle Keigherpage 41 AntarcticaMichael Payeapage 46 Special Features James K Johnson Award Winners: God is GraciousJohn Klyczekpage 57 To My Ever Growing ChestJennifer Hindespage 74 God\u27s ScapegoatJennifer Hindespage 76 Rape (Verb, Noun)Jennifer Hindespage 78 Featured Artist: Ashton Tembypage 81 Editor\u27s Pick: The Shooter by Patrick Hallpage 87 Chapbook 2010 Author:Kim Hunter-Perkinspage 114 About the Contributorspage 118 About the Editorspage 122https://thekeep.eiu.edu/vehicle/1092/thumbnail.jp

The Vehicle, Fall 2010

Table of ContentsPoetryFill Your Mouth with BerriesAaron Whitepage 1 RelationsJamie Van Allenpage 2 ExodusMegan Marie Olsonpage 4 Single FileRashelle McNairpage 7 The Aesthetic Value of the Moon, by CandlelightKathy Deckerpage 15 FactalsGabrielle Keigherpage 16 Day 5David Jacksonpage 17 Esta LloviendoHeather Gerrishpage 19 FacebrokeDarrin Gordonpage 23 5:08 pmNikki Riechertpage 24 Train TunnelsAshton Tembypage 34 VariationsKathy Deckerpage 35 WantRashelle McNairpage 36 FriendshipScott Maypage 37 Golden LandJacob Swansonpage 38 Last Night I DreamtAshton Tembypage 39 Smallest GestureScott Maypage 44 Somebody\u27s Hut in MexicoGinamarie Lobiancopage 45 Some Things You Just Can\u27t Tap Dance AroundClint Walkerpage 53 Prose Lamparus de DiosAaron Whitepage 8 Learning CurveScott Maypage 18 RocktonKatelyn Pfaffpage 20 Fatal DistractionSolomohn Ennispage 25 Noodle NonsenseGabrielle Keigherpage 41 AntarcticaMichael Payeapage 46 Special Features James K Johnson Award Winners: God is GraciousJohn Klyczekpage 57 To My Ever Growing ChestJennifer Hindespage 74 God\u27s ScapegoatJennifer Hindespage 76 Rape (Verb, Noun)Jennifer Hindespage 78 Featured Artist: Ashton Tembypage 81 Editor\u27s Pick: The Shooter by Patrick Hallpage 87 Chapbook 2010 Author:Kim Hunter-Perkinspage 114 About the Contributorspage 118 About the Editorspage 122https://thekeep.eiu.edu/vehicle/1092/thumbnail.jp

Targeting DNA Damage Response and Replication Stress in Pancreatic Cancer

Background and aims: Continuing recalcitrance to therapy cements pancreatic cancer (PC) as the most lethal malignancy, which is set to become the second leading cause of cancer death in our society. The study aim was to investigate the association between DNA damage response (DDR), replication stress and novel therapeutic response in PC to develop a biomarker driven therapeutic strategy targeting DDR and replication stress in PC. Methods: We interrogated the transcriptome, genome, proteome and functional characteristics of 61 novel PC patient-derived cell lines to define novel therapeutic strategies targeting DDR and replication stress. Validation was done in patient derived xenografts and human PC organoids. Results: Patient-derived cell lines faithfully recapitulate the epithelial component of pancreatic tumors including previously described molecular subtypes. Biomarkers of DDR deficiency, including a novel signature of homologous recombination deficiency, co-segregates with response to platinum (P < 0.001) and PARP inhibitor therapy (P < 0.001) in vitro and in vivo. We generated a novel signature of replication stress with which predicts response to ATR (P < 0.018) and WEE1 inhibitor (P < 0.029) treatment in both cell lines and human PC organoids. Replication stress was enriched in the squamous subtype of PC (P < 0.001) but not associated with DDR deficiency. Conclusions: Replication stress and DDR deficiency are independent of each other, creating opportunities for therapy in DDR proficient PC, and post-platinum therapy

31st Annual Meeting and Associated Programs of the Society for Immunotherapy of Cancer (SITC 2016) : part two

Background The immunological escape of tumors represents one of the main ob- stacles to the treatment of malignancies. The blockade of PD-1 or CTLA-4 receptors represented a milestone in the history of immunotherapy. However, immune checkpoint inhibitors seem to be effective in specific cohorts of patients. It has been proposed that their efficacy relies on the presence of an immunological response. Thus, we hypothesized that disruption of the PD-L1/PD-1 axis would synergize with our oncolytic vaccine platform PeptiCRAd. Methods We used murine B16OVA in vivo tumor models and flow cytometry analysis to investigate the immunological background. Results First, we found that high-burden B16OVA tumors were refractory to combination immunotherapy. However, with a more aggressive schedule, tumors with a lower burden were more susceptible to the combination of PeptiCRAd and PD-L1 blockade. The therapy signifi- cantly increased the median survival of mice (Fig. 7). Interestingly, the reduced growth of contralaterally injected B16F10 cells sug- gested the presence of a long lasting immunological memory also against non-targeted antigens. Concerning the functional state of tumor infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs), we found that all the immune therapies would enhance the percentage of activated (PD-1pos TIM- 3neg) T lymphocytes and reduce the amount of exhausted (PD-1pos TIM-3pos) cells compared to placebo. As expected, we found that PeptiCRAd monotherapy could increase the number of antigen spe- cific CD8+ T cells compared to other treatments. However, only the combination with PD-L1 blockade could significantly increase the ra- tio between activated and exhausted pentamer positive cells (p= 0.0058), suggesting that by disrupting the PD-1/PD-L1 axis we could decrease the amount of dysfunctional antigen specific T cells. We ob- served that the anatomical location deeply influenced the state of CD4+ and CD8+ T lymphocytes. In fact, TIM-3 expression was in- creased by 2 fold on TILs compared to splenic and lymphoid T cells. In the CD8+ compartment, the expression of PD-1 on the surface seemed to be restricted to the tumor micro-environment, while CD4 + T cells had a high expression of PD-1 also in lymphoid organs. Interestingly, we found that the levels of PD-1 were significantly higher on CD8+ T cells than on CD4+ T cells into the tumor micro- environment (p < 0.0001). Conclusions In conclusion, we demonstrated that the efficacy of immune check- point inhibitors might be strongly enhanced by their combination with cancer vaccines. PeptiCRAd was able to increase the number of antigen-specific T cells and PD-L1 blockade prevented their exhaus- tion, resulting in long-lasting immunological memory and increased median survival

Retrospective evaluation of whole exome and genome mutation calls in 746 cancer samples

Funder: NCI U24CA211006Abstract: The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) and International Cancer Genome Consortium (ICGC) curated consensus somatic mutation calls using whole exome sequencing (WES) and whole genome sequencing (WGS), respectively. Here, as part of the ICGC/TCGA Pan-Cancer Analysis of Whole Genomes (PCAWG) Consortium, which aggregated whole genome sequencing data from 2,658 cancers across 38 tumour types, we compare WES and WGS side-by-side from 746 TCGA samples, finding that ~80% of mutations overlap in covered exonic regions. We estimate that low variant allele fraction (VAF < 15%) and clonal heterogeneity contribute up to 68% of private WGS mutations and 71% of private WES mutations. We observe that ~30% of private WGS mutations trace to mutations identified by a single variant caller in WES consensus efforts. WGS captures both ~50% more variation in exonic regions and un-observed mutations in loci with variable GC-content. Together, our analysis highlights technological divergences between two reproducible somatic variant detection efforts

Synthesis and Molecular and Extended Structures for a Diaminonaphthalene-Derived Bis(amido)stannylene

The cyclic bis(amido)tin(II) compound Sn[1,8-(iPrN)2C10H6] (2) was isolated from the reaction of Li2[1,8-(iPrN)2C10H6] (1) and SnCl2. Solid-state structural analysis of 2 showed it to be a mononuclear species with a pyramidal Sn center as part of a nonplanar metallaheterocycle. The packing diagram of 2 revealed an extended one-dimensional head-to-tail chain structure with short intermolecular Sn/arene-C interactions. Computational examination of 2 (DFT/PW91 and MP2 with 6-31G* and 6-311G** basis functions) indicated that the optimum gas-phase structure of 2, which displays a Sn center in the plane of the naphthyl backbone with a slightly twisted metallaheterocycle, is approximately 24 kcal/mol lower in energy than the X-ray structure. The solid-state geometry of 2 is attributed to the intermolecular donation of the naphthalene -electrons to a Lewis acidic Sn center, which leads to the observed supramolecular structure. The crystal structure of 1 is also reported.NRC publication: Ye