bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Bai' At-Taqsit fi Al-Fiqh Al-Islamy
Authors: Muqorobin Ahmad
Published: December 2016

Installment purchase occured and oftern widely circulated around society in this era, because society's necessity directly in good whereas the paymen transaction cannot be settled at the same time, just like buying house, motorcycle, refrigerator, etc. The buyers sometimes cannot buy those goods for cash in the concept of this transaction has a consequence that installment price is higher than the cash price, because of addition price on deferred payment. This trading product has unknown yet by the society, especially in Muslim community. Muslim community hesitates about how is the law of this trading: some people said it is prohibited because consist ofÂ ribaÂ (usury) while others said allowed (halal).Â Based on the phenomenon above, this paper will discuss on the installment purchase according to fiqh which based on Islamic Sharia clearly and truly, by explaining the propositions (dalil), condition, ethics for both buyers and sellers and also explaining the excess and the deficiencies of it. By the purpose to avoid the hesitancy and piece of the self-confidence, so we can do buying and selling transaction in accordance to the Sharia principles. This paper is literature study with normative approach to achieve the have way purposed. The writer collects the primary and secondary data source by the observation and documentation rules. Afterward, the writer analyses those data with inductive method which based on the special principles and arranged in general formulation and deductive method in order to take the conclusion which explaining by descriptive and critical analysis.Â
Studi Islam Indonesia: Bibliografi Disertasi Terpilih 1900-1979
Authors: Saputro Endy
Published: December 2016

Menulis bibliografi ibarat melukis sebuah peta keilmuan, agar seorang sarjana paham dimana novelti riset yang akan dikajinya. Entah sejak kapan tradisi ini “hilang” dari dunia akademik di Indonesia; satu hal yang pasti Mely G. Tan dalam Metode-Metode Penelitian Masyarakat (1977) masih merekam beberapa bibliografi tentang Indonesia yang masih terbit di awal tahun 70-an. Di era serba digital ini, bibliografi telah tergantikan dengan kemunculan database elektronik yang memiliki fitur “pencarian” cepat, seperti Proquest, Ebsco atau Springer. Tidak seperti dulu yang mengharuskan seorang peneliti mengumpulkan data referensi secara manual, kini dengan berbagai citation manager software yang ada (EndNote, Mendeley, Zotero, RefWorks dan lain sebagainya), seorang peneliti dapat menyimpan-dan-memanggil kembali referensi secara cepat dan otomatis. Namun, fasilitas tersebut bukannya tanpa kelemahan. Daya jangkau akses peneliti masih berperan dalam proses penjaringan data referensi. Untuk itulah, usaha ini merupakan sebuah ikhtiar menghidupkan tradisi menulis bibiografi, dengan batas-kajian pada studi Islam Indonesia.
The Social Construction of New Understanding Wali in Java
Authors: Masduki Anwar
Published: December 2016

The social construction of sainthood lies in a broad-based understanding of Sufism and mysticism in Java. It appears in the way people recognize an individual as a saint in the real life; from fulfilling the role of Islamic propagators and the exercise of magical power as an extraordinary ability to do something. Nowadays, this understanding has apparently flourished, turning into new perceptions and understandings. The case of Gus Dur could be used as an example of the modern constructions of the sainthood in Java. Although there are widespread acceptances this sainthood, but this phenomena remains controversial and debatable. Therefore, this paper focuses on the social construction of new phenomenon called the Wali Sepuluh (the ten saints), to examine the issue of Gus Dur as the tenth saint and its impact on the realities of life in Tebuireng.KeywordsSainthood, social construction, and pilgrims
The Environmental Conservation: An Ecopedagogical Approach Practiced by Pesantren Annuqayah, Madura
Authors: Fawaid Achmad
Published: December 2016

The massive use of plastic in the society indicated the highly unawareness of ecological impacts from the hazard. Pesantren as one of the important institution in Indonesia has a big role to the ground of the ecological knowledge to raise peoples environmental awareness. Pesantren Annuqayah, Madura, East Java has advocating and raising environmental awareness of the people surroundings through the activities against plastic rubbish. Ecopedagogy has been used by pesantren to raise peoples awareness. It is an ecoliteracy, in which the volunteer from the pesantren involved to literate local people about the dangerous effect of plastic rubbish and the importance of environmental conservation. For this reason, education is central point in which human be able to learn the importance of nature and their companionship with the earth. Human ecology is part of whole ecosystem in the world. By grounding ecopedagogy, pesantren Annuqayah has been implementing the Prophet Muhammads saying about environment, Alnadhofah min Aliman, into the practical level. They have successfully managed many contributive programs, such as using local materials to respect biodiversity in their areas, and managing socialization of ecological knowledge either to its students or to the communities surrounding.Keywords:Ecopedagogy, pesantren, and environmental conservation
Indonesian Islamic Studies: Selected Dissertation Bibliography 1980-1999
Authors: Saputro M. Endy
Published: December 2016

Continuing the previous edition, this bibliography presents dissertations titles produced mainly from universities in Australia, America, and Canada. Not only dissertations ones, some important theses are also displayed in this bibliography. The period 1980-1999 is a salient period in the process of Indonesian Islamic studies development. Since 1990 Minister of Religious Affairs has selectively sent Indonesian scholars finishing their master degree to McGill University. For the result, they produced theses master on Indonesian Islam. On the one hand, this theses can be used as an evidence that Indonesian scholars were able to “introduce” Indonesian Islam abroad; on the other hand, this introduction focuses on leaders thought—which is then dominated the pattern of Islamic studies in Indonesian Islamic higher education institutions. In comparison, dissertation/thesis from the universities in the United States and Australia shows notable interesting assumption that during that period the scholars whose background are Islamic studies tend to produce theological-doctrinal dissertation/thesis as well as that of leaders-thought; while scholars with social and cultural background tend to review Islam from the attending problems in society.Keywords: Islamic Studies, McGill University, Bibliography, Dissertation, Indonesia
The Influence of Technology Acceptance Model (TAM) on The Users’ Behavior of Sikesya Application in IAIN Surakarta
Authors: Wahyuni Tri
Published: December 2016

This study aims to evaluate the student acceptance of SIKESYA  (Sharia Financial System/Sikesya) application as the users by using the framework of Technology Acceptance Model (TAM) and its development. The constructs being tested in this research are perceived usefulness, perceived ease of use, experience, social influence, attitute toward behavior, behavioral intention, facilitating condition, and user behaviors. As much as 80 students has been chosen as sample which were determined using purposive sampling method. The data gathered was then analyzed using partial least square (PLS). The result showed that experience did not influence the perceived ease of use, on the other hand perceived usefulness has a positif influence toward users attitude and behavior in using Sikesya, while the perceived ease of use did not influence the users atttitude and  behavior at all, since the students would still use it as it is an application used as part of university services. The attitude and behavior did not influence the behavioral intention, whereas the social influence has a positif effect on behavioral intention, yet the behavioral intention gave positif impact to user’s behavior. On the other hand, facilitating condition has no effect toward users’ behavior. Keywords: Sharia Financial System (SIKESYA), Technology Acceptance Model (TAM), IAIN Surakarta
Learning by outward FDI: Evidence from Chinese manufacturing enterprises
Authors: Yang Yaping , Wu Zhuhong , Chen Yutian
Published: December 2016

Using firm-level data of Chinese manufacturing enterprises between 1998 and 2007, we investigate the existence and channels of ?learning by outward FDI?. Difference-in-differences estimation reveals that productivity of Chinese parent firms is significantly improved by their outward foreign direct investment and the learning effects form a ?V? shape in the following years. There is no significant difference in learning effects between state-owned enterprises and non-state-owned enterprises; neither do we find any evidence that investing in countries with advanced technology gives more learning effects. In addition, we find that learning effects mainly come from technology transfer, technology spillovers and an enlarged production scale.
Λ book and the question of unity of Aristotle’s project in metaphysics. Critique of reduction of ontology to teology
Authors: Tatalovic Nikola
Published: December 2016

The author critically examines Patzig?s and Frede?s interpretation of the
unity of Aristotle?s first philosophy. These are the two relevant
contemporary interpretation that consider the issue of unity of Aristotle?s
project in Metaphysics ?immanently?, ie. which interpretate ?general? science
of being qua being, and theology, a ?special? science of the divine, as a
single project. Although the acceptance of the fundamental tensions of
Aristotle?s project is necessary for understanding of this project in the
first place, the paper tends to show that the way in which Patzig and Frede
interpret the unity of Aristotle?s project in Metaphysics is not justified by
its very text.
Islet-Derived CD4 T Cells Targeting Proinsulin in Human Autoimmune Diabetes
Authors: Michels Aaron W. , Landry Laurie G. , McDaniel Kristen A. , Yu Liping , Campbell-Thompson Martha , Kwok William W. , Jones Kenneth L. , Gottlieb Peter A. , Kappler John W. , Tang Qizhi , Roep Bart O. , Atkinson Mark A. , Mathews Clayton E. , Nakayama Maki
Published: December 2016

Type 1 diabetes results from chronic autoimmune destruction of insulin-producing β-cells within pancreatic islets. Although insulin is a critical self-antigen in animal models of autoimmune diabetes, due to extremely limited access to pancreas samples, little is known about human antigenic targets for islet-infiltrating T cells. Here we show that proinsulin peptides are targeted by islet-infiltrating T cells from patients with type 1 diabetes. We identified hundreds of T cells from inflamed pancreatic islets of three young organ donors with type 1 diabetes with a short disease duration with high-risk HLA genes using a direct T-cell receptor (TCR) sequencing approach without long-term cell culture. Among 85 selected CD4 TCRs tested for reactivity to preproinsulin peptides presented by diabetes-susceptible HLA-DQ and HLA-DR molecules, one T cell recognized C-peptide amino acids 19–35, and two clones from separate donors responded to insulin B-chain amino acids 9–23 (B:9–23), which are known to be a critical self-antigen–driving disease progress in animal models of autoimmune diabetes. These B:9–23–specific T cells from islets responded to whole proinsulin and islets, whereas previously identified B:9–23 responsive clones from peripheral blood did not, highlighting the importance of proinsulin-specific T cells in the islet microenvironment.
Personalized Diabetes Management Using Electronic Medical Records
Authors: Bertsimas Dimitris , Kallus Nathan , Weinstein Alexander M. , Zhuo Ying Daisy
Published: December 2016

OBJECTIVE

Current clinical guidelines for managing type 2 diabetes do not differentiate based on patient-specific factors. We present a data-driven algorithm for personalized diabetes management that improves health outcomes relative to the standard of care.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

We modeled outcomes under 13 pharmacological therapies based on electronic medical records from 1999 to 2014 for 10,806 patients with type 2 diabetes from Boston Medical Center. For each patient visit, we analyzed the range of outcomes under alternative care using a k-nearest neighbor approach. The neighbors were chosen to maximize similarity on individual patient characteristics and medical history that were most predictive of health outcomes. The recommendation algorithm prescribes the regimen with best predicted outcome if the expected improvement from switching regimens exceeds a threshold. We evaluated the effect of recommendations on matched patient outcomes from unseen data.

RESULTS

Among the 48,140 patient visits in the test set, the algorithm’s recommendation mirrored the observed standard of care in 68.2% of visits. For patient visits in which the algorithmic recommendation differed from the standard of care, the mean posttreatment glycated hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) under the algorithm was lower than standard of care by 0.44 ± 0.03% (4.8 ± 0.3 mmol/mol) (P < 0.001), from 8.37% under the standard of care to 7.93% under our algorithm (68.0 to 63.2 mmol/mol).

CONCLUSIONS

A personalized approach to diabetes management yielded substantial improvements in HbA1c outcomes relative to the standard of care. Our prototyped dashboard visualizing the recommendation algorithm can be used by providers to inform diabetes care and improve outcomes.
Time of day effect on isokinetic peak torque during knee flexion and extension
Authors: Bowdle Rachel H.W. , Warren Barbara L. , Kim Jung
Published: December 2016

BACKGROUND:

The effects of circadian rhythms on aerobic exercise have been well documented, but little research has been conducted during isokinetic exercise.

OBJECTIVE:

The purpose of this study was to examine how isokinetic peak torque of the knee extensors changes throughout the day.

METHODS:

Twenty-five college-aged recreational athletes (14 females, 11 males) completed one familiarization and three experimental sessions on a Cybex NORM isokinetic dynamometer, with start times of 08:00-09:00, 13:00-14:00, and 18:00-19:00. Each session began with a five-minute warmup on a cycle ergometer and three sets of four submaximal concentric discrete knee extensions at 60, 180 and 300°/s, with knee flexion held constant at 300°/s and a one minute rest between velocity sets. This was followed by four maximal concentric discrete knee extensions with the same parameters as the warmup. Peak torque was recorded for each velocity. Data were analyzed using a two-way 3 (time) × 3 (velocity) repeated measures ANOVA (α ≤ 0.05).

RESULTS:

There were no significant differences in peak torque by time of day at any velocity among females (n= 14), males (n= 11), or the entire group (n= 25).

CONCLUSIONS:

When measuring knee extension peak torque in these college-aged subjects, time of day was not a factor.
Minimal fixation suffices for supine isokinetic knee extension: A kinetic and 3D kinematic analysis
Authors: Alt Tobias , Richert Michel , Schwarz Yannick M. , Knicker Axel J. , Strüder Heiko K.
Published: December 2016

BACKGROUND:

Isokinetic tests are used to measure muscular performance, especially strength. A proper axis alignment ensures high measuring accuracy.

OBJECTIVE:

The effects of fixation (minimal vs. maximal), contraction mode (concentric vs. eccentric) and angular velocity (30 vs. 150°/s) on the kinetics and 3D kinematics of supine knee extensions need further investigation.

METHODS:

Eighteen healthy male participants (22.1 y, 1.83 m, 76.0 kg) performed maximal unilateral contractions with minimal (hand grips only) and maximal (grips, knee, hip and trunk straps) fixation.

RESULTS:

Peak moments (+5%) and contractional work (+4%) significantly increased at minimal fixation. Maximal fixation improved sagittal axis alignment in terms of the trajectory length of the lateral femoral epicondyle (-34%) and the mean distance to trajectory centre (-19%). Both kinematic parameters showed highly significant interactions of fixation, contraction mode and angular velocity (p< 0.01). Initial axis alignment in relaxed muscular state caused an antero-cranial shift (0.8 and 2.4 cm) of the lateral femoral epicondyle as well as mean roll and yaw angle tilts of each 2.3° each.

CONCLUSIONS:

For supine isokinetic knee extensions, hand grips suffice as fixation to obtain accurate kinematic and kinetic results. If fixation is tight, the force output will decrease. To minimise misalignment, lining up should be executed when muscles are contracting isometrically.
Risk of Mortality Associated with Antipsychotic Monotherapy and Polypharmacy Among Community-Dwelling Persons with Alzheimer’s Disease
Authors: Koponen Marjaana , Taipale Heidi , Lavikainen Piia , Tanskanen Antti , Tiihonen Jari , Tolppanen Anna-Maija , Ahonen Riitta , Hartikainen Sirpa
Published: December 2016

We aimed to analyze the risk of non-cancer mortality according to duration of antipsychotic use and to compare the risk associated with polypharmacy and monotherapy among community-dwellers with Alzheimer’s disease (AD). The risk of mortality between most frequently used antipsychotic drugs was compared. Data from a nationwide register-based MEDALZ study that included all 70,718 community-dwellers newly diagnosed with AD during 2005–2011 in Finland was utilized. Death, excluding cancer as direct cause of death, was extracted from Causes of Death Register. Incident antipsychotic use was compared with time without antipsychotics with Cox proportional hazard models. Antipsychotic use was associated with an increased risk of mortality (adjusted hazard ratio [aHR] 1.61; 95% Confidence Interval [CI] 1.53–1.70). The absolute difference in mortality rate was 4.58 (95% CI 4.53–4.63) deaths per 100 person-years. The risk of mortality was increased from the first days of use and attenuated gradually but remained increased even after two years of use (aHR 1.30; 95% CI 1.16–1.46). Compared with nonuse, antipsychotic polypharmacy (aHR 2.88; 95% CI 2.38–3.49) was associated with an increased risk of mortality than monotherapy (aHR 1.57; 95% CI 1.49–1.66). Haloperidol was associated with higher risk of mortality (aHR 1.52; 95% CI 1.14–2.02) and quetiapine with lower risk (aHR 0.84; 95% CI 0.75–0.94) compared with risperidone. In conclusion, the findings support current treatment guidelines on having a high threshold for antipsychotic initiation among persons with AD. Antipsychotic polypharmacy and long-term use should be avoided and drug choice should be weighed against risk/benefit evidence.
A New Primal Scene: Derrida and the Scene of Execution
Authors: Rottenberg Elizabeth
Published: December 2016

This paper focuses on the scene of execution, on the essentially theatrical and spectacular nature of the death penalty. Reading Derrida but also Foucault, it argues that the scene in question involves not a literal seeing but a virtual or phantasmatic seeing, i.e. a specific kind of visibility that has important consequences for thinking the death penalty (and its future).
A Comparison of Singlet Oxygen Explicit Dosimetry (SOED) and Singlet Oxygen Luminescence Dosimetry (SOLD) for Photofrin-Mediated Photodynamic Therapy
Authors: Kim Michele , Penjweini Rozhin , Gemmell Nathan , Veilleux Israel , McCarthy Aongus , Buller Gerald , Hadfield Robert , Wilson Brian , Zhu Timothy
Published: December 2016

Accurate photodynamic therapy (PDT) dosimetry is critical for the use of PDT in the treatment of malignant and nonmalignant localized diseases. A singlet oxygen explicit dosimetry (SOED) model has been developed for in vivo purposes. It involves the measurement of the key components in PDT—light fluence (rate), photosensitizer concentration, and ground-state oxygen concentration ([3O2])—to calculate the amount of reacted singlet oxygen ([1O2]rx), the main cytotoxic component in type II PDT. Experiments were performed in phantoms with the photosensitizer Photofrin and in solution using phosphorescence-based singlet oxygen luminescence dosimetry (SOLD) to validate the SOED model. Oxygen concentration and photosensitizer photobleaching versus time were measured during PDT, along with direct SOLD measurements of singlet oxygen and triplet state lifetime (τΔ and τt), for various photosensitizer concentrations to determine necessary photophysical parameters. SOLD-determined cumulative [1O2]rx was compared to SOED-calculated [1O2]rx for various photosensitizer concentrations to show a clear correlation between the two methods. This illustrates that explicit dosimetry can be used when phosphorescence-based dosimetry is not feasible. Using SOED modeling, we have also shown evidence that SOLD-measured [1O2]rx using a 523 nm pulsed laser can be used to correlate to singlet oxygen generated by a 630 nm laser during a clinical malignant pleural mesothelioma (MPM) PDT protocol by using a conversion formula.
Numerical Study of Entropy Generation in Mixed MHD Convection in a Square Lid-Driven Cavity Filled with Darcy–Brinkman–Forchheimer Porous Medium
Authors: Bouabda Rahma , Bouabid Mounir , Ben Brahim Ammar , Magherbi Mourad
Published: December 2016

This investigation deals with the numerical simulation of entropy generation at mixed convection flow in a lid-driven saturated porous cavity submitted to a magnetic field. The magnetic field is applied in the direction that is normal to the cavity cross section. The governing equations, written in the Darcy–Brinkman–Forchheimer formulation, are solved using a numerical code based on the Control Volume Finite Element Method. The flow structure and heat transfer are presented in the form of streamlines, isotherms and average Nusselt number. The entropy generation was studied for various values of Darcy number (10−3 ≤ Da ≤ 1) and for a range of Hartmann number (0 ≤ Ha ≤ 102). It was found that entropy generation is affected by the variations of the considered dimensionless physical parameters. Moreover, the form drag related to the Forchheimer effect remains significant until a critical Hartmann number value.
How Can Diet Affect the Accumulation of Advanced Glycation End-Products in the Human Body?
Authors: Guilbaud Axel , Niquet-Leridon Celine , Boulanger Eric , Tessier Frederic
Published: December 2016

The accumulation of advanced glycation end products (AGEs) is associated with the complications of diabetes, kidney disease, metabolic disorders and degenerative diseases. It is recognized that the pool of glycation products found in the human body comes not only from an endogenous formation, but also from a dietary exposure to exogenous AGEs. In recent years, the development of pharmacologically-active ingredients aimed at inhibiting endogenous glycation has not been successful. Since the accumulation of AGEs in the human body appears to be progressive throughout life, an early preventive action against glycation could be effective through dietary adjustments or supplementation with purified micronutrients. The present article provides an overview of current dietary strategies tested either in vitro, in vivo or both to reduce the endogenous formation of AGEs and to limit exposure to food AGEs.
From Consultation to Application: Practical Solutions for Improving Maternal and Neonatal Outcomes for Adolescent Aboriginal Mothers at a Local Level
Authors: Reibel Tracy , Wyndow Paula , Walker Roz
Published: December 2016

Adolescent pregnancy has been typically linked to a range of adverse outcomes for mother and child. In Australia, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women have a higher proportion of adolescent births compared with other adolescent Australian women, and are at greater risk of poorer psychosocial and clinical outcomes if they are not well supported during pregnancy and beyond. Drawing on existing literature and consultations with young Aboriginal women and health professionals supporting pregnant Aboriginal women in Western Australia, this paper discusses the importance of creating models of antenatal care using a “social determinants of health” framework. Destigmatizing young parenthood and providing continuity of caregiver in culturally safe services, with culturally competent health professionals provides a means to encourage engagement with the health system and improve health outcomes for young mothers and their babies.
The Self-Regulation Model of Illness: Comparison between Zika and Dengue and Its Application to Predict Mosquito Prevention Behaviours in Malaysia, a Dengue-Endemic Country
Authors: Wong Li , Alias Haridah , Aghamohammadi Nasrin , Sam I-Ching , AbuBakar Sazaly
Published: December 2016

Perceptions about illnesses may influence self-care and preventive health behaviours. Illness perceptions of the Zika virus (ZIKV) infection were investigated under the framework of the Self-Regulation Model of Illness. Illness perception differences between ZIKV and dengue fever were also examined. Lastly, associations between illness perceptions of ZIKV with mosquito prevention practices were studied. Samples were drawn from landline telephone numbers using computer-assisted telephone interviewing in Malaysia. A total of 567 respondents completed the survey occurred over a 4-month period between February and May 2016. The median and interquartile range (IQR) for the total six dimensions of illness perceptions score was higher for dengue (23.0 (IQR 17.0–28.0)) than ZIKV (20.0 (IRQ 11.0–28.0)), p < 0.001. Respondents who planned to have children (OR 1.670, 95% CI 1.035–2.694 vs. no intention to have children) and had friends or acquaintances who died of dengue (OR 2.372, 95% CI 1.300–4.327 vs. no friends who died of dengue) were more likely to have a higher total score for six illness perceptions for ZIKV compared to dengue. Multivariate analysis indicated that the best predictors for mosquito control practices after the ZIKV outbreak was declared a Public Health Emergency of International Concern, in descending order, were causes, control, timeline, and consequences dimensions of illness perception. Understanding the context in which a person perceives ZIKV may contribute to developing interventions that influence prevention behaviours.
Integrins in the Spotlight of Cancer
Authors: Bianconi Daniela , Unseld Matthias , Prager Gerald
Published: December 2016

Integrins are heterodimeric cell surface receptors that bind to different extracellular ligands depending on their composition and regulate all processes which enable multicellular life. In cancer, integrins trigger and play key roles in all the features that were once described as the Hallmarks of Cancer. In this review, we will discuss the contribution of integrins to these hallmarks, including uncontrolled and limitless proliferation, invasion of tumor cells, promotion of tumor angiogenesis and evasion of apoptosis and resistance to growth suppressors, by highlighting the latest findings. Further on, given the paramount role of integrins in cancer, we will present novel strategies for integrin inhibition that are starting to emerge, promising a hopeful future regarding cancer treatment.
HER2 Analysis in Sporadic Thyroid Cancer of Follicular Cell Origin
Authors: Ruggeri Rosaria , Campennì Alfredo , Giuffrè Giuseppe , Giovanella Luca , Siracusa Massimiliano , Simone Angela , Branca Giovanni , Scarfì Rosa , Trimarchi Francesco , Ieni Antonio , Tuccari Giovanni
Published: December 2016

The Epidermal Growth Factor Receoptor (EGFR) family member human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2) is overexpressed in many human epithelial malignancies, representing a molecular target for specific anti-neoplastic drugs. Few data are available on HER2 status in differentiated thyroid cancer (DTC). The present study was aimed to investigate HER2 status in sporadic cancers of follicular cell origin to better clarify the role of this receptor in the stratification of thyroid cancer. By immunohistochemistry and fluorescence in-situ hybridization, HER2 expression was investigated in formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded surgical specimens from 90 DTC patients, 45 follicular (FTC) and 45 papillary (PTC) histotypes. No HER2 immunostaining was recorded in background thyroid tissue. By contrast, overall HER2 overexpression was found in 20/45 (44%) FTC and 8/45 (18%) PTC, with a significant difference between the two histotypes (p = 0.046). Five of the six patients who developed metastatic disease during a median nine-year follow-up had a HER2-positive tumor. Therefore, we suggest that HER2 expression may represent an additional aid to identify a subset of patients who are characterized by a worse prognosis and are potentially eligible for targeted therapy.
Cell Death in Chondrocytes, Osteoblasts, and Osteocytes
Authors: Komori Toshihisa
Published: December 2016

Cell death in skeletal component cells, including chondrocytes, osteoblasts, and osteocytes, plays roles in skeletal development, maintenance, and repair as well as in the pathogenesis of osteoarthritis and osteoporosis. Chondrocyte proliferation, differentiation, and apoptosis are important steps for endochondral ossification. Although the inactivation of P53 and RB is involved in the pathogenesis of osteosarcomas, the deletion of p53 and inactivation of Rb are insufficient to enhance chondrocyte proliferation, indicating the presence of multiple inhibitory mechanisms against sarcomagenesis in chondrocytes. The inflammatory processes induced by mechanical injury and chondrocyte death through the release of danger-associated molecular patterns (DAMPs) are involved in the pathogenesis of posttraumatic osteoarthritis. The overexpression of BCLXL increases bone volume with a normal structure and maintains bone during aging by inhibiting osteoblast apoptosis. p53 inhibits osteoblast proliferation and enhances osteoblast apoptosis, thereby reducing bone formation, but also exerts positive effects on osteoblast differentiation through the Akt–FoxOs pathway. Apoptotic osteocytes release ATP, which induces the receptor activator of nuclear factor κ-B ligand (Rankl) expression and osteoclastogenesis, from pannexin 1 channels. Osteocyte death ultimately results in necrosis; DAMPs are released to the bone surface and promote the production of proinflammatory cytokines, which induce Rankl expression, and osteoclastogenesis is further enhanced.
Newborn Screening for X-Linked Adrenoleukodystrophy
Authors: Moser Ann , Jones Richard , Hubbard Walter , Tortorelli Silvia , Orsini Joseph , Caggana Michele , Vogel Beth , Raymond Gerald
Published: December 2016

Early diagnosis of males with X-linked adrenoleukodystrophy (X-ALD) is essential for preventing loss of life due to adrenal insufficiency and for timely therapy of the childhood cerebral form of X-ALD with hematopoietic cell transplantation. This article describes X-ALD, the current therapies, the history of the development of the newborn screening test, the approval by the Secretary of Health and Human Services for the addition of X-ALD newborn screening to the recommended uniform panel of disorders screened as newborns (RUSP) and the successful implementation of X-ALD newborn screening in the state of New York beginning on 30 December 2013. Follow-up guidelines that have been established in New York are outlined. Based on the success of newborn screening in New York, and early results in Connecticut, where X-ALD newborn screening started in December 2015, and in California, where X-ALD newborn screening began in September 2016, we are confident and hopeful that X-ALD newborn screening will expand to include all US states and to countries that have established neonatal screening programs. The Minster of Health in the Netherlands has approved the addition of X-ALD to the newborn screening program with a start date expected in 2017. The states, such as Massachusetts, Illinois, Minnesota, New Jersey, Florida and Washington, that have legislative approval will commence screening as soon as budgetary resources, testing and follow-up procedures are in place.
Pb2+ Effects on Growth, Lipids, and Protein and DNA Profiles of the Thermophilic Bacterium Thermus Thermophilus
Authors: Nicolaus Barbara , Poli Annarita , Di Donato Paola , Romano Ida , Laezza Giusi , Gioiello Alessia , Ulgiati Sergio , Fratianni Florinda , Nazzaro Filomena , Orlando Pierangelo , Dumontet Stefano
Published: December 2016

Extremophiles are organisms able to thrive in extreme environmental conditions and some of them show the ability to survive high doses of heavy metals thanks to defensive mechanisms provided by primary and secondary metabolic products, i.e., extremolytes, lipids, and extremozymes. This is why there is a growing scientific and industrial interest in the use of thermophilic bacteria in a host of tasks, from the environmental detoxification of heavy metal to industrial activities, such as bio-machining and bio-metallurgy. In this work Thermus thermophilus was challenged against increasing Pb2+ concentrations spanning from 0 to 300 ppm in order to ascertain the sensitiveness of this bacteria to the Pb environmental pollution and to give an insight on its heavy metal resistance mechanisms. Analysis of growth parameters, enzyme activities, protein profiles, and lipid membrane modifications were carried out. In addition, genotyping analysis of bacteria grown in the presence of Pb2+, using random amplified polymorphic DNA-PCR and DNA melting evaluation, were also performed. A better knowledge of the response of thermophilic bacteria to the different pollutants, as heavy metals, is necessary for optimizing their use in remediation or decontamination processes.
The Traditional Chinese Medicine DangguiBuxue Tang Sensitizes Colorectal Cancer Cells to Chemoradiotherapy
Authors: Chen Shun-Ting , Lee Tzung-Yan , Tsai Tung-Hu , Lin Yin-Cheng , Lin Chin-Ping , Shieh Hui-Ru , Hsu Ming-Ling , Chi Chih-Wen , Lee Ming-Cheng , Chang Hen-Hong , Chen Yu-Jen
Published: December 2016

Chemotherapy is an important treatment modality for colon cancer, and concurrent chemoradiation therapy (CCRT) is the preferred treatment route for patients with stage II and III rectal cancer. We examined whether DangguiBuxue Tang (DBT), a traditional Chinese herbal extract, sensitizes colorectal cancer cells to anticancer treatments. The polysaccharide-depleted fraction of DBT (DBT-PD) contains greater amounts of astragaloside IV (312.626 µg/g) and ferulic acid (1.404 µg/g) than does the original formula. Treatment of the murine colon carcinoma cell line (CT26) with DBT-PD inhibits growth, whereas treatment with comparable amounts of purified astragaloside IV and ferulic acid showed no significant effect. Concurrent treatment with DBT-PD increases the growth inhibitory effect of 5-fluorouracil up to 4.39-fold. DBT-PD enhances the effect of radiation therapy (RT) with a sensitizer enhancement ratio (SER) of up to 1.3. It also increases the therapeutic effect of CCRT on CT26 cells. Cells treated with DBP-PD showed ultrastructural changes characteristic of autophagy, including multiple cytoplasmic vacuoles with double-layered membranes, vacuoles containing remnants of degraded organelles, marked swelling and vacuolization of mitochondria, and autolysosome-like vacuoles. We conclude that DBT-PD induces autophagy-associated cell death in CT26 cells, and may have potential as a chemotherapy or radiotherapy sensitizer in colorectal cancer treatment.
Design of Heterogeneous Hoveyda–Grubbs Second-Generation Catalyst–Lipase Conjugates
Authors: Neville Anthony , Iniesta Javier , Palomo Jose
Published: December 2016

Heterogeneous catalysts have been synthesized by the conjugation of Hoveyda–Grubbs second-generation catalyst with a lipase. The catalytic properties of the organometallic compound in solution were firstly optimized, evaluating the activity of Ru in the ring-closing metathesis of diethyldiallymalonate at 25 °C at different solvents and in the presence of different additives. The best result was found using tetrahydrofuran as a solvent. Some additives such as phenylboronic acid or polyetheneglycol slightly improved the activity of the Ru catalyst whereas others, such as pyridine or dipeptides affected it negatively. The organometallic compound immobilized on functionalized-surface materials activated with boronic acid or epoxy groups (around 50–60 µg per mg support) and showed 50% conversion at 24 h in the ring-closing metathesis. Cross-linked enzyme aggregates (CLEA’s) of the Hoveyda–Grubbs second-generation catalyst with Candida antarctica lipase (CAL-B) were prepared, although low Ru catalyst was found to be translated in low conversion. Therefore, a sol–gel preparation of the Hoveyda–Grubbs second-generation and CAL-B was performed. This catalyst exhibited good activity in the metathesis of diethyldiallymalonate in toluene and in aqueous media. Finally, a new sustainable approach was used by the conjugation lipase–Grubbs in solid phase in aqueous media. Two strategies were used: one using lipase previously covalently immobilized on an epoxy-Sepharose support (hydrophilic matrix) and then conjugated with grubbs; and in the second, the free lipase was incubated with organometallic in aqueous solution and then immobilized on epoxy-Sepharose. The different catalysts showed excellent conversion values in the ring-closing metathesis of diethyldiallymalonate in aqueous media at 25 °C.
Antimicrobial, Antioxidant, and Anticancer Activities of Biosynthesized Silver Nanoparticles Using Marine Algae Ecklonia cava
Authors: Venkatesan Jayachandran , Kim Se-Kwon , Shim Min
Published: December 2016

Green synthesis of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) has gained great interest as a simple and eco-friendly alternative to conventional chemical methods. In this study, AgNPs were synthesized by using extracts of marine algae Ecklonia cava as reducing and capping agents. The formation of AgNPs using aqueous extract of Ecklonia cava was confirmed visually by color change and their surface plasmon resonance peak at 418 nm, measured by UV-visible spectroscopy. The size, shape, and morphology of the biosynthesized AgNPs were observed by transmission electron microscopy and dynamic light scattering analysis. The biosynthesized AgNPs were nearly spherical in shape with an average size around 43 nm. Fourier transform-infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) analysis confirmed the presence of phenolic compounds in the aqueous extract of Ecklonia cava as reducing and capping agents. X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis was also carried out to demonstrate the crystalline nature of the biosynthesized AgNPs. Antimicrobial results determined by an agar well diffusion assay demonstrated a significant antibacterial activity of the AgNPs against Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus. Antioxidant results determined by 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) scavenging assay revealed an efficient antioxidant activity of the biosynthesized AgNPs. The biosynthesized AgNPs also exhibited a strong apoptotic anticancer activity against human cervical cancer cells. Our findings demonstrate that aqueous extract of Ecklonia cava is an effective reducing agent for green synthesis of AgNPs with efficient antimicrobial, antioxidant, and anticancer activities.
Wang Yi and the 95 Theses of the Chinese Reformed Church
Authors: Starr Chloë
Published: December 2016

In August 2015, a group of pastors and elders from an urban house church in Chengdu, Sichuan, posted 95 theses online. This bold move, challenging the state and the Chinese churches has created controversy in China and abroad. The theses address a series of issues on sovereignty and authority with regard to God, the church and the government. This article considers briefly the historical and theological resemblances to Luther’s act, then examines three of the most controversial aspects of the document: its analysis of church–state relations, its rejection of the “sinicization” of Christianity, and its excoriation of the state-registered church. Of these three, the article focuses on church–state relations, since perspectives on the state church and sinicization stem from the same arguments. The article shows how the thinking of this Reformed church and its senior pastor Wang Yi draws on a particular reading of the bible, church tradition, and the role of conscience, and traces these to pastor Wang Yi’s earlier writings and his reading of sixteenth- and seventeenth-century Reformed thought.
Fault Detection Using the Clustering-kNN Rule for Gas Sensor Arrays
Authors: Yang Jingli , Sun Zhen , Chen Yinsheng
Published: December 2016

The k-nearest neighbour (kNN) rule, which naturally handles the possible non-linearity of data, is introduced to solve the fault detection problem of gas sensor arrays. In traditional fault detection methods based on the kNN rule, the detection process of each new test sample involves all samples in the entire training sample set. Therefore, these methods can be computation intensive in monitoring processes with a large volume of variables and training samples and may be impossible for real-time monitoring. To address this problem, a novel clustering-kNN rule is presented. The landmark-based spectral clustering (LSC) algorithm, which has low computational complexity, is employed to divide the entire training sample set into several clusters. Further, the kNN rule is only conducted in the cluster that is nearest to the test sample; thus, the efficiency of the fault detection methods can be enhanced by reducing the number of training samples involved in the detection process of each test sample. The performance of the proposed clustering-kNN rule is fully verified in numerical simulations with both linear and non-linear models and a real gas sensor array experimental system with different kinds of faults. The results of simulations and experiments demonstrate that the clustering-kNN rule can greatly enhance both the accuracy and efficiency of fault detection methods and provide an excellent solution to reliable and real-time monitoring of gas sensor arrays.
A Height Estimation Approach for Terrain Following Flights from Monocular Vision
Authors: Campos Igor , Nascimento Erickson , Freitas Gustavo , Chaimowicz Luiz
Published: December 2016

In this paper, we present a monocular vision-based height estimation algorithm for terrain following flights. The impressive growth of Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) usage, notably in mapping applications, will soon require the creation of new technologies to enable these systems to better perceive their surroundings. Specifically, we chose to tackle the terrain following problem, as it is still unresolved for consumer available systems. Virtually every mapping aircraft carries a camera; therefore, we chose to exploit this in order to use presently available hardware to extract the height information toward performing terrain following flights. The proposed methodology consists of using optical flow to track features from videos obtained by the UAV, as well as its motion information to estimate the flying height. To determine if the height estimation is reliable, we trained a decision tree that takes the optical flow information as input and classifies whether the output is trustworthy or not. The classifier achieved accuracies of 80 % for positives and 90 % for negatives, while the height estimation algorithm presented good accuracy.
EMG Pattern Classification by Split and Merge Deep Belief Network
Authors: Shim Hyeon-min , An Hongsub , Lee Sanghyuk , Lee Eung , Min Hong-ki , Lee Sangmin
Published: December 2016

In this paper; we introduce an enhanced electromyography (EMG) pattern recognition algorithm based on a split-and-merge deep belief network (SM-DBN). Generally, it is difficult to classify the EMG features because the EMG signal has nonlinear and time-varying characteristics. Therefore, various machine-learning methods have been applied in several previously published studies. A DBN is a fast greedy learning algorithm that can identify a fairly good set of weights rapidly—even in deep networks with a large number of parameters and many hidden layers. To reduce overfitting and to enhance performance, the adopted optimization method was based on genetic algorithms (GA). As a result, the performance of the SM-DBN was 12.06% higher than conventional DBN. Additionally, SM-DBN results in a short convergence time, thereby reducing the training epoch. It is thus efficient in reducing the risk of overfitting. It is verified that the optimization was improved using GA.
ATP Release from Human Airway Epithelial Cells Exposed to Staphylococcus aureus Alpha-Toxin
Authors: Baaske Romina , Richter Mandy , Möller Nils , Ziesemer Sabine , Eiffler Ina , Müller Christian , Hildebrandt Jan-Peter
Published: December 2016

Airway epithelial cells reduce cytosolic ATP content in response to treatment with S. aureus alpha-toxin (hemolysin A, Hla). This study was undertaken to investigate whether this is due to attenuated ATP generation or to release of ATP from the cytosol and extracellular ATP degradation by ecto-enzymes. Exposure of cells to rHla did result in mitochondrial calcium uptake and a moderate decline in mitochondrial membrane potential, indicating that ATP regeneration may have been attenuated. In addition, ATP may have left the cells through transmembrane pores formed by the toxin or through endogenous release channels (e.g., pannexins) activated by cellular stress imposed on the cells by toxin exposure. Exposure of cells to an alpha-toxin mutant (H35L), which attaches to the host cell membrane but does not form transmembrane pores, did not induce ATP release from the cells. The Hla-mediated ATP-release was completely blocked by IB201, a cyclodextrin-inhibitor of the alpha-toxin pore, but was not at all affected by inhibitors of pannexin channels. These results indicate that, while exposure of cells to rHla may somewhat reduce ATP production and cellular ATP content, a portion of the remaining ATP is released to the extracellular space and degraded by ecto-enzymes. The release of ATP from the cells may occur directly through the transmembrane pores formed by alpha-toxin.
Canals vs. Streams: To What Extent Do Water Quality and Proximity Affect Real Estate Values? A Hedonic Approach Analysis
Authors: Bonetti Federico , Corsi Stefano , Orsi Luigi , De Noni Ivan
Published: December 2016

The presence of and proximity to water influences human settlement decisions, because water has been able to characterize the environment and affect human health since prehistoric times. Many scholars have studied the effects of environmental amenities on the real estate market; however, only a few of them have explored the effects of water. This study stresses the role of water with a focus on the dichotomy between artificial and natural waterways (canals vs. streams), which involves managerial and qualitative differences. A hedonic approach, based on a large web scraped and geo-referenced dataset of 10,530 observations, is used to analyze the effect of water proximity and quality on residential housing prices in the province of Milan (Italy). Our main results show a significant but conflicting impact of water proximity on real estate value: reducing the canal distance, we observe an increase in the residential housing sale price, in urban more than peri-urban environments; in contrast, reducing the stream distance, our results show decreases in property value. Moreover, a significant moderating effect of water quality on distance from streams is identifiable.