bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Running a Religious Philanthropic Enterprise
Authors: Lu Wei-Hsu
Published: December 2017

Religious philanthropy is now in a new age. In 2012, the State Bureau of Religious Affairs and other 5 state agencies published a document to encourage and regulate religious philanthropic activities. It means that the central government’s new religious policy is to cultivate religious philanthropy. However, many religious groups, since their engagement in philanthropy, have encountered a series of problems, such as the immaturity of theory, the inefficiency of resource use and search, the shortage of organizations and staff with experience, and the unclear division between serving and preaching. Even if the religious environment in Taiwan is different from that in Mainland, the success of the waste sorting and recycling program of Tzu Chi, the largest Humanistic Buddhist group in Taiwan, still brings some valuable experience to religious groups doing philanthropy in Mainland. First, Tzu Chi’s leader, Cheng Yen, was good at linking Buddha’s teachings with recognized environmental issues. Her style of speech might be learned by other religious leaders who intend to generate philanthropic discourses. Second, Tzu Chi’s waste sorting and recycling program always made use of contingent opportunities and resources outside it to develop itself. This way of expansion should be noted by religious groups that want to establish philanthropic organizations. Third, the division of labor among Tzu Chi’s leader, volunteers, and professionals and their high level of autonomy could be taken by other religious philanthropic organizations. Finally, Tzu Chi’s religious philanthropic practices prioritize public interests and set an example for the separation between serving and preaching.
On Legitimacy of WISEs
Authors: Chen Tingming , Weng Yichun
Published: December 2017

Amid the increasing diversification of social development, the services provided by the government hardly satisfy all sorts of needs. The establishment of non-profit organizations (npos) timely addresses the government’s deficiency in handling public affairs. As a result, thenpos almost turn into private enterprises and social enterprises aim to deliver public benefits, which has aroused disputes and doubts like “mission drift” and “for-profits in disguise.” This article adopts Suchman’s pragmatic, moral and cognitive legitimacy analysis to reexamine the work integration social enterprises (WISEs) which enable the disadvantaged or those with disabilities to join in the labor market after training, coaching and professional practice. Based on literature review and in-depth interview, this article makes a case study of CANYOU, an exemplary social enterprise set by persons with disabilities by leveraging advanced technologies.
Lithic Production Strategies in the Oldowan Assemblages from Sterkfontein Member 5 and Swartkrans Member 1, Gauteng Province, South Africa
Authors: Caruana Matthew V.
Published: December 2017

Sterkfontein Member 5 East (Oldowan Infill) and Swartkrans Member 1 (Lower Bank) represent the largest concentrations of Oldowan artefacts in southern Africa, and yet they vary significantly in terms of raw material use and typological frequencies. While previous research has described these differences in detail, questions remain as to the cause and implications of this variability. To increase resolution on this matter, this study implements quantitative methods to investigate lithic production strategies at these sites. Results expand upon previous findings concerning differences in raw material use and knapping methods and how these patterns relate to core reduction and flake production. Explanations for these patterns focus on a dichotomy between efficiency and expediency in lithic production, which differ from previous interpretations. As such, variability between these assemblages may relate more to mobility patterns in early hominins within this region and immediate needs for tool use.
Chironomus alchichica sp. n. (Diptera: Chironomidae) from Lake Alchichica, Mexico
Authors: ACOSTA RAÚL , PRAT NARCÍS , RIBERA CARLES , MICHAILOVA PARASKEVA , HERNÁNDEZ-FONSECA MARÍA DEL CARMEN , ALCOCER JAVIER
Published: December 2017

Morphological analysis of all developmental stages (except female), mitochondrial DNA sequences from cytochrome c oxidase subunit I (cox1) and cytological analysis of the polytene chromosomes were used to describe a new species of Chironomus found in the littoral and profundal zones of an endorheic, warm-monomictic lake in Mexico. Male imago is distinguished by the shape of superior volsella and by an antennal and bristle ratio lower than two. The pupa is characterized by the spur morphology of abdominal segment VIII. There is also a continuous row of hooklets on abdominal segment II. The larva is distinguished by a combination of antenna, mentum, mandible, and pecten epipharyngis characteristics, and abdominal ventral tubules. Molecular and cytological analysis supported the morphological differences found. The maximum likelihood tree obtained shows that Chironomus alchichica sp. n. clusters together with Chironomus decorus-group sp. 2 Butler et al. (1995) (bootstrap support = 92%), but genetic p-distances within C. alchichica sp. n. (0.004) were lower than the p-distances between other species of the decorus-group (C. decorus-group sp. 2, Chironomus bifurcatus Wülker et al., 2009 and Chironomus maturus Johannsen, 1908) confirming that it is a different species. The new species belongs to thummi cytocomplex, (decorus-group), with chromosome set- 2n = 8 and chromosome arm combinations: AB CD EF G. Karyologically, the species is closest to Chironomus riihimaekiensis Wülker (1973). This species has very compact salivary gland chromosomes with well heterochromatinized centromere regions in chromosomes AB CD G. Several fixed homozygous inversions distinguish arm A of the species from that of C. riihimaekiensis. Arm E differs from that of C. riihimaekiensis by simple fixed homozygous inversion. Some similarities in band sequences of this arm were found with species from the decorus-group as Chironomus blaylocki Wülker et al., 2009 and C. bifurcatus (decorus-group). The position of the key constrictions in chromosome G: Nucleolar organizer (NOR) and Balbiani rings (BRs) is similar to the species of decorus-group. C. alchichica sp. n. has been found in soft sediments rich in organic matter in well mineralized waters (where conductivity >10 mS cm-1) and with a high pH (≥9). The profundal zone is inhabited only during the mixing period, when dissolved oxygen is present.
Nomenclatural changes in the family Membracidae (Hemiptera, Auchenorrhyncha, Membracoidea)
Authors: DMITRIEV DMITRY A. , DEITZ LEWIS L.
Published: December 2017

Nomenclatural changes are provided for names in the family Membracidae. The following replacement names are proposed: Gargara (Gargara) discoidea nom.nov. for Gargara (Gargara) discoidalis Ananthasubramanian, 1980; Tricentrus substitutus nom.nov. for Tricentrus yunnanensis (Yuan & Li, 2002); Indicopleustes esakii nom.nov. for Indicopleustes typicus Esaki, 1932; Neoproterpia nom.nov. for Proterpia Stål, 1867; Membracis expansa Walker, 1851 status revised is reinstated as valid on taxonomic grounds. The correct original spelling is fixed for Leptocentrus florifacialis Yuan in Yuan & Chou, 2002, and seven incorrect original spellings are documented for five additional species in which a correct spelling was later adopted by one or more of the original authors. The name Micrutalis minutus Buckton, 1902 is emended to Micrutalis minuta Buckton, 1902 and Brachytalis punctulatus Ramos is emended to Brachytalis punctulata Ramos in both cases to agree with the feminine gender of Micrutalis Fowler, 1895 and Brachytalis Metcalf & Bruner, 1925.
Identification of the integrin-binding site on coagulation factor VIIa required for proangiogenic PAR2 signaling
Authors: Rothmeier Andrea S. , Liu Enbo , Chakrabarty Sagarika , Disse Jennifer , Mueller Barbara M. , Østergaard Henrik , Ruf Wolfram
Published: December 2017

Key Points

The FVIIa integrin-binding motif is required for TF-FVIIa complex formation with integrin β1 and proangiogenic signaling. The arf6 integrin recycling pathway controls TF-FVIIa signaling and cell surface availability for procoagulant activity.
Delivery of Global Cancer Care: An International Study of Medical Oncology Workload
Authors: Fundytus Adam , Sullivan Richard , Vanderpuye Verna , Seruga Bostjan , Lopes Gilberto , Hammad Nazik , Sengar Manju , Hopman Wilma M. , Brundage Michael D. , Booth Christopher M.
Published: December 2017

Background

To our knowledge, there is no literature that has described medical oncology (MO) workload in the global context. Here, we report results of an international study of global MO workload.

Methods

An online survey was distributed through a snowball method via national oncology societies to chemotherapy-prescribing physicians in 65 countries. Countries were classified into low- or low-middle–income countries (LMICs), upper-middle–income countries (UMICs), and high-income countries (HICs) on the basis of World Bank criteria. Workload was measured as the annual number of new consultations provided to patients with cancer per oncologist.

Results

A total of 1,115 physicians completed the survey: 13% (147 of 1,115) from LMICs, 17% (186 of 1,115) from UMICs, and 70% (782 of 1,115) from HICs. Eighty percent (897 of 1,115) of respondents were medical oncologists, 10% (109 of 1,115) were clinical oncologists, and 10% (109 of 1,115) were other. The median number of annual consults per oncologist was 175 (interquartile range, 75 to 275); 13% (140 of 1,103) saw ≥ 500 new patients in a year. Annual case volume in LMICs (median consults, 425; 40% of respondents seeing > 500 consults) was substantially higher than in UMICs (median consults, 175; 14% > 500) and HICs (median consults, 175; 7% > 500; P < .001). Among LMICs, UMICs, and HICs, median working days per week were 6, 5, and 5, respectively ( P < .001). The highest annual case volumes per oncologist were in Pakistan (median consults, 950; 73% > 500 consults), India (median consults, 475; 43% > 500), and Turkey (median consults, 475; 27% > 500).

Conclusion

There is substantial global variation in medical oncology case volumes and clinical workload; this is most striking among LMICs, where huge deficits exist. Additional work is needed, particularly detailed country-level mapping, to quantify activity-based global MO practice and workload to inform training needs and the design of new pathways and models of care.
Cohesin mediates Esco2-dependent transcriptional regulation in zebrafish regenerating fin model of Roberts syndrome
Authors: Banerji Rajeswari , Skibbens Robert V. , Iovine M. Kathryn
Published: December 2017

Robert syndrome (RBS) and Cornelia de Lange syndrome (CdLS) are human developmental disorders characterized by craniofacial deformities, limb malformation, and mental retardation. These birth defects are collectively termed cohesinopathies as both arise from mutations in cohesion genes. CdLS arises due to autosomal dominant mutations or haploinsufficiencies in cohesin subunits (SMC1A, SMC3 and RAD21) or cohesin auxiliary factors (NIPBL and HDAC8) that result in transcriptional dysregulation of developmental programs. RBS arises due to autosomal recessive mutations in cohesin auxiliary factor ESCO2, the gene that encodes an N-acetyltransferase which targets the SMC3 subunit of the cohesin complex. The mechanism that underlies RBS, however, remains unknown. A popular model states that RBS arises due to mitotic failure and loss of progenitor stem cells through apoptosis. Previous findings in the zebrafish regenerating fin, however, suggest that Esco2-knockdown results in transcription dysregulation, independent of apoptosis, similar to that observed in CdLS patients. Previously, we used the clinically relevant CX43 to demonstrate a transcriptional role for Esco2. CX43 is a gap junction gene conserved among all vertebrates that is required for direct cell-cell communication between adjacent cells such that cx43 mutations result in Oculodentodigital dysplasia. Here we show that morpholino-mediated knockdown of smc3 reduces cx43 expression and perturbs zebrafish bone and tissue regeneration similar to those previously reported for esco2 knockdown. Importantly, Smc3-dependent bone and tissue regeneration defects are rescued by transgenic Cx43 overexpression, providing evidence that Smc3 directly contributes to RBS-type phenotypes (i.e. skeletal defects) in the regenerating fin model. Moreover, chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP) assays reveal that Smc3 binds to a discrete region of the cx43 promoter, suggesting that Esco2 exerts transcriptional regulation of cx43 through modification of Smc3 bound to the cx43 promoter. These findings have the potential to unify RBS and CdLS as transcription-based mechanisms.
Directional vibration sensing in the leafcutter ant Atta sexdens
Authors: Hager Felix A. , Kirchner Lea , Kirchner Wolfgang H.
Published: December 2017

Leafcutter ants communicate with the substrate-borne component of the vibratory emission produced by stridulation. Stridulatory signals in the genus Atta have been described in different behavioural contexts, such as foraging, alarm signalling and collective nest building. Stridulatory vibrations are employed to recruit nestmates, which can localize the source of vibration, but there is little information about the underlying mechanisms. Our experiments reveal that time-of-arrival delays of the vibrational signals are used for tropotactic orientation in Atta sexdens. The detected time delays are in the same range as the time delays detected by termites. Chemical communication is also of great importance in foraging organization, and signals of different modalities may be combined in promoting the organization of collective foraging. Here we show that the tropotactic orientation to vibrational signals interacts with chemical communication signals.
Paracrine brassinosteroid signaling at the stem cell niche controls cellular regeneration
Authors: Lozano-Elena Fidel , Planas-Riverola Ainoa , Vilarrasa-Blasi Josep , Schwab Rebecca , Caño-Delgado Ana I.
Published: December 2017

Stem cell regeneration is crucial for both cell turnover and tissue healing in multicellular organisms. In Arabidopsis roots, a reduced group of cells known as the quiescent center (QC) act as a cell reservoir for surrounding stem cells during both normal growth and in response to external damage. Although cells of the QC have a very low mitotic activity, plant hormones such as brassinosteroids (BRs) can promote QC divisions. Here, we used a tissue-specific strategy to investigate the spatial signaling requirements of BR-mediated QC divisions. We generated stem cell niche-specific receptor knockout lines by placing an artificial microRNA against BRI1 (BRASSINOSTEROID INSENSITIVE 1) under the control of the QC-specific promoter WOX5. Additionally, QC-specific knock-in lines for BRI1 and its downstream transcription factor BES1 (BRI1-EMS-SUPPRESOR1) were also created using the WOX5 promoter. By analyzing the roots of these lines, we show that BES1-mediated signaling cell-autonomously promotes QC divisions, that BRI1 is essential for sensing nearby inputs and triggering QC divisions and that DNA damage promotes BR-dependent paracrine signaling in the stem cell niche as a prerequisite to stem cell replenishment.
Dynamic changes in the interchromosomal interaction of early histone gene loci during development of sea urchin
Authors: Matsushita Masaya , Ochiai Hiroshi , Suzuki Ken-ichi T. , Hayashi Sayaka , Yamamoto Takashi , Awazu Akinori , Sakamoto Naoaki
Published: December 2017

The nuclear positioning and chromatin dynamics of eukaryotic genes are closely related to the regulation of gene expression, but they have not been well examined during early development, which is accompanied by rapid cell cycle progression and dynamic changes in nuclear organization, such as nuclear size and chromatin constitution. In this study, we focused on the early development of the sea urchin Hemicentrotus pulcherrimus and performed three-dimensional fluorescence in situ hybridization of gene loci encoding early histones (one of the types of histone in sea urchin). There are two non-allelic early histone gene loci per sea urchin genome. We found that during the morula stage, when the early histone gene expression levels are at their maximum, interchromosomal interactions were often formed between the early histone gene loci on separate chromosomes and that the gene loci were directed to locate to more interior positions. Furthermore, these interactions were associated with the active transcription of the early histone genes. Thus, such dynamic interchromosomal interactions may contribute to the efficient synthesis of early histone mRNA during the morula stage of sea urchin development.
The EGFR odyssey – from activation to destruction in space and time
Authors: Bakker Jeroen , Spits Menno , Neefjes Jacques , Berlin Ilana
Published: December 2017

When cell surface receptors engage their cognate ligands in the extracellular space, they become competent to transmit potent signals to the inside of the cell, thereby instigating growth, differentiation, motility and many other processes. In order to control these signals, activated receptors are endocytosed and thoroughly curated by the endosomal network of intracellular vesicles and proteolytic organelles. In this Review, we follow the epidermal growth factor (EGF) receptor (EGFR) from ligand engagement, through its voyage on endosomes and, ultimately, to its destruction in the lysosome. We focus on the spatial and temporal considerations underlying the molecular decisions that govern this complex journey and discuss how additional cellular organelles – particularly the ER – play active roles in the regulation of receptor lifespan. In summarizing the functions of relevant molecules on the endosomes and the ER, we cover the order of molecular events in receptor activation, trafficking and downregulation, and provide an overview of how signaling is controlled at the interface between these organelles.
BMSCs ameliorate septic coagulopathy by suppressing inflammation in cecal ligation and puncture-induced sepsis
Authors: Xu Shunyao , Zhou Zhen , Li Hao , Liu Ziying , Pan Xiaojun , Wang Fen , Huang Yueyue , Li Xiaogang , Xiao Yunbei , Pan Jingye , Wang Cong , Li Dequan
Published: December 2017

Sepsis is an aggressive and life-threatening systemic inflammatory response with a high mortality. Inflammation and coagulation play crucial roles in the pathogenesis of sepsis in a mutually promoting manner. Unlike other single-target molecular therapies that have no obvious effects on clinical sepsis, bone marrow stromal cell (BMSC) therapy offers a broader spectrum of activities ranging from immune and inflammation suppression to tissue regeneration. In this report, we demonstrate that BMSC injection attenuates septic coagulopathy. It decreased the mortality, mitigated lung injury and reduced the surge of proinflammatory factors in mice with sepsis induced by cecal ligation and puncture (CLP). An in vitro cell model also revealed that co-culture with BMSCs reduced secretion of proinflammatory factors and injury of endothelial cells in response to lipopolysaccharide (LPS), an endotoxin of gram-negative bacteria. Together, our results demonstrate that BMSCs suppress sepsis-induced inflammation, endothelial dysfunction and defective coagulation.
Linear Rate Convergence of the Alternating Direction Method of Multipliers for Convex Composite Programming
Authors: Han Deren , Sun Defeng , Zhang Liwei
Published: December 2017

In this paper, we aim to prove the linear rate convergence of the alternating direction method of multipliers (ADMM) for solving linearly constrained convex composite optimization problems. Under a mild calmness condition, which holds automatically for convex composite piecewise linear-quadratic programming, we establish the global Q-linear rate of convergence for a general semi-proximal ADMM with the dual step-length being taken in (0, (1+51/2)/2). This semi-proximal ADMM, which covers the classic one, has the advantage to resolve the potentially nonsolvability issue of the subproblems in the classic ADMM and possesses the abilities of handling the multi-block cases efficiently. We demonstrate the usefulness of the obtained results when applied to two- and multi-block convex quadratic (semidefinite) programming.
The Value of Dynamic Pricing in Large Queueing Systems
Authors: Kim Jeunghyun , Randhawa Ramandeep S.
Published: December 2017

We study the value of dynamic pricing to maximize revenues in queueing systems with price- and delay-sensitive customers. The system queue length is visible so that upon arrival, customers decide to join the system based on the congestion and the price at that time. We analyze this problem in the asymptotic regime of large customer market size and capacity. We find that dynamic pricing performs significantly better than static pricing at mitigating the effect of uncertainty. Asymptotically, the revenue in such systems consists of a positive deterministic component and a negative stochastic component, the latter representing the impact of variability. Static pricing leads to the n1/2-scale effect of variability, i.e., the expected steady-state queue length is Kn1/2 for some K > 0, where n represents the system size. However, dynamic pricing can lower this effect of variability to the n1/3-scale. We further show that a simple policy of using only two prices can achieve most of the benefits of dynamic pricing. We also discuss how our results can apply to other dynamic control problems in queueing systems.

The e-companion is available at https://doi.org/10.1287/opre.2017.1668 .
Side effects of statins in patient with compensated hypothyroidism and SLCO1B1 *5 (c.521T>C) polymorphism
Authors: Strongin Leonid G. , Lugovaya Liya A. , Nekrasova Tatyana A. , Koroleva Tatyana V. , Tarasova Natalya I. , Novitskaya Anna B. , Ledentsova Olga V. , Vasileva Yelena S.
Published: December 2017

Цель исследования – оценить влияние компенсированного гипотиреоза и полиморфизма гена SLCO1B1*5 (c.521T>C) на клинико-лабораторные признаки поражения мышц на фоне терапии статинами.
Методы: оценка симптомов и маркеров мышечного поражения, генотипирование по аллельному варианту SLCO1B1*5 (c.521T>C) проведены у 33 пациентов с первичным гипотиреозом, получающих статины, у 31 пациента без гипотиреоза, получающих статины и у 33 пациентов с первичным гипотиреозом, не получающих статины.
Результаты: в группе пациентов с компенсированным гипотиреозом на фоне приема статинов мышечные боли регистрировались чаще, по сравнению с другими группами (45,5, 16,1 и 30,3%, соответственно, р=0,048). Только в этой группе боли ассоциировались с повышением КФК (171,0±108,12 и 110,0±43,81 Е/д, при наличии и отсутствии болей, р=0,049), ЛДГ (369,5±66,22 и 305,6±41,98 Е/д, р=0,007), титра миоглобина (90,7±109,89 и 41,1±28,56, р=0,005), повышением частоты встречаемости аллельных вариантов ТС и СС гена SLCO1B1*5 (c.521T>C),- 68,4 и 28,6%, р=0,0027.
Заключение: Пациенты с компенсированным гипотиреозом имеют повышенный риск СИМ, который возрастает при наличии аллельных вариантов ТС и СС гена SLCO1B1*5 (c.521T>C), что требует тщательного мониторинга клинико-биохимических признаков мышечного поражения в случае их выявления.
Análise dos elos produtivos e aplicação do método de análise dos modos e efeitos de falhas (FMEA) na pesca artesanal no norte do Espírito Santo, Brasil
Authors: Casotti Rafael Ferreira , Batista Bruna Campanharo , Freitas Rodrigo Randow de
Published: December 2017

Estimativas apontam que no mundo existam em torno de 39 milhões de pescadores e 156 milhões de pessoas dependendo indiretamente da pesca - processamento, transporte e comercialização do pescado. Globalmente, 90% dos pescadores estão envolvidos com a pesca de pequena escala – ou artesanal tradicional – sendo que nos países em desenvolvimento, esta proporção é maior. No decorrer dos anos a atividade pesqueira no estado do Espirito Santo tem se tornado uma das principais fontes de renda e oferta de alimentos para um grande número de famílias, principalmente para as pequenas cidades litorâneas. Entretanto, ao analisarmos o estado em que se encontra a atividade, constata-se, por exemplo, uma falta de gestão apropriada, infraestrutura precária e uso de tecnologias obsoletas. Assim, o presente estudo, realizado nas comunidades pesqueiras de Guriri e Barra Nova, todas localizadas em São Mateus, tem como objetivo a análise dos elos da cadeia produtiva bem como a aplicação da metodologia de Análise dos Modos e Efeitos de Falhas (FMEA) nos processos de insumos, produção, beneficiamento e comercialização do pescado. Os resultados mostraram que os problemas encontrados na cadeia produtiva estão ligados principalmente a falta de qualidade no processamento e a falta de incentivos do poder público.
Aplicabilidade do algoritmo de levenberg-marquardt para análise de geração de energia elétrica de um sistema fotovoltaico
Authors: Pinheiro Elisangela , Ruther Ricardo , Lovato Adalberto
Published: December 2017

Este trabalho avalia o uso de redes neurais artificiais para análise de geração de eletricidade para um sistema fotovoltaico conectado a rede. Inicialmente, são descritas as características e potencial matemático de tratamento de dados apresentados pelas redes. Em seguida, são testadas várias configurações com o objetivo de buscar a mais adequada ao caso. Foram utilizados dados de 2014 da geração de energia, de temperatura ambiente, de temperatura dos módulos da incidência de radiação solar e da hora do dia. A aplicação utilizou os algoritmos de Levenberg-Marquardt para obtenção dos parâmetros da rede e o critério do erro médio quadrado para medir o desempenho. O treinamento foi reealizado com 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30 e 60 neurônios na camada oculta. As funções de transferência foram logsigmoide e purelin. O melhor resultado foi realizado foi obtido com 25 neurônios,  com coeficiente de correlação de 0,98.
A new approach to Special Judo Fitness Test index: Relative index
Authors: Işık Özkan , Doğan İlkay , Cicioğlu Halil İbrahim , Yıldırım İrfan
Published: December 2017

Although judo and wrestling have different rules, these branches are two different Olympic sports branches, partly based on similar basic techniques. For example; the technique called "Ippon-Seoi-Nage" (one shoulder throw) in judo is mechanically the same as the technique called "Arm Throw" in wrestling. The aim of this study was to gain relative special judo fitness test (SJFT) index with a new approach to the SJFT index used in the literature. The maximum number of "arm throw" is required from wrestlers during the tests. The test consists of 3 sets. The sets are 15 sec, 30 sec, and 30 sec, respectively, and rest between the sets is 10 seconds. The heart rate of the wrestlers has recorded at the end of each set of the test and 1 minute after. The wrestlers were classified as the elite and sub-elite group and also as weight classification. Statistical analyses were performed using Mann-Whitney U test and Kruskal Wallis test. There is no statistical difference between elite and sub-elite female wrestlers according to heart rate, the number of "arm throw", SJFT index, and relative SJFT index. On the other hand, there is a statistical difference in relative SJFT index according to weight classifications. Accordingly, lightweight wrestlers have highest relative SJFT index than the other groups. As a result of this study, there was no difference in the weight categories of the wrestlers according to the SJFT index, whereas there was a difference in the weight categories of the wrestlers according to the relative SJFT index. The use of the relative SJFT index to determine the difference between the weight categories will provide more accurate results for performance evaluation.
Combined Active Humoral and Cellular Immunization Approaches for the Treatment of Synucleinopathies
Authors: Rockenstein Edward , Ostroff Gary , Dikengil Fusun , Rus Florentina , Mante Michael , Florio Jazmin , Adame Anthony , Trinh Ivy , Kim Changyoun , Overk Cassia , Masliah Eliezer , Rissman Robert A.
Published: December 2017

Dementia with Lewy bodies, Parkinson's disease, and Multiple System Atrophy are age-related neurodegenerative disorders characterized by progressive accumulation of α-synuclein (α-syn) and jointly termed synucleinopathies. Currently, no disease-modifying treatments are available for these disorders. Previous preclinical studies demonstrate that active and passive immunizations targeting α-syn partially ameliorate behavioral deficits and α-syn accumulation; however, it is unknown whether combining humoral and cellular immunization might act synergistically to reduce inflammation and improve microglial-mediated α-syn clearance. Since combined delivery of antigen plus rapamycin (RAP) in nanoparticles is known to induce antigen-specific regulatory T cells (Tregs), we adapted this approach to α-syn using the antigen-presenting cell-targeting glucan microparticle (GP) vaccine delivery system. PDGF-α-syn transgenic (tg) male and female mice were immunized with GP-alone, GP-α-syn (active humoral immunization), GP+RAP, or GP+RAP/α-syn (combined active humoral and Treg) and analyzed using neuropathological and biochemical markers. Active immunization resulted in higher serological total IgG, IgG1, and IgG2a anti-α-syn levels. Compared with mice immunized with GP-alone or GP-α-syn, mice vaccinated with GP+RAP or GP+RAP/α-syn displayed increased numbers of CD25-, FoxP3-, and CD4-positive cells in the CNS. GP-α-syn or GP+RAP/α-syn immunizations resulted in a 30–45% reduction in α-syn accumulation, neuroinflammation, and neurodegeneration. Mice immunized with GP+RAP/α-syn further rescued neurons and reduced neuroinflammation. Levels of TGF-β1 were increased with GP+RAP/α-syn immunization, while levels of TNF-α and IL-6 were reduced. We conclude that the observed effects of GP+RAP/α-syn immunization support the hypothesis that cellular immunization may enhance the effects of active immunotherapy for the treatment of synucleinopathies.

SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENTWe show that a novel vaccination modality combining an antigen-presenting cell-targeting glucan particle (GP) vaccine delivery system with encapsulated antigen (α-synuclein) + rapamycin (RAP) induced both strong anti-α-synuclein antibody titers and regulatory T cells (Tregs). This vaccine, collectively termed GP+RAP/α-syn, is capable of triggering neuroprotective Treg responses in synucleinopathy models, and the combined vaccine is more effective than the humoral or cellular immunization alone. Together, these results support the further development of this multifunctional vaccine approach for the treatment of synucleinopathies, such as Parkinson's disease, dementia with Lewy bodies, and multiple systems atrophy.
Journal Data Sharing Policies and Statistical Reporting Inconsistencies in Psychology
Authors: Nuijten Michèle B. , Borghuis Jeroen , Veldkamp Coosje L. S. , Dominguez-Alvarez Linda , van Assen Marcel A. L. M. , Wicherts Jelte M.
Published: December 2017

In this paper, we present three retrospective observational studies that investigate the relation between data sharing and statistical reporting inconsistencies. Previous research found that reluctance to share data was related to a higher prevalence of statistical errors, often in the direction of statistical significance (Wicherts, Bakker, & Molenaar, 2011). We therefore hypothesized that journal policies about data sharing and data sharing itself would reduce these inconsistencies. In Study 1, we compared the prevalence of reporting inconsistencies in two similar journals on decision making with different data sharing policies. In Study 2, we compared reporting inconsistencies in psychology articles published in PLOS journals (with a data sharing policy) and Frontiers in Psychology (without a stipulated data sharing policy). In Study 3, we looked at papers published in the journal Psychological Science to check whether papers with or without an Open Practice Badge differed in the prevalence of reporting errors. Overall, we found no relationship between data sharing and reporting inconsistencies. We did find that journal policies on data sharing seem extremely effective in promoting data sharing. We argue that open data is essential in improving the quality of psychological science, and we discuss ways to detect and reduce reporting inconsistencies in the literature.
Ofertas médicas, curanderos y la opinión pública: el Niño Fidencio en el México posrevolucionario
Authors: Agostoni Claudia
Published: December 2017

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El no del plebiscito: una respuesta a Charles Bergquist
Authors: López Ricardo
Published: December 2017

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Effect of gamma ray irradiation on chemical composition, antioxidant, antimicrobial, and insecticidal activities of Thymus pallescens essential oil
Authors: Alloun K. , Benchabane O. , Hazzit M. , Mouhouche F. , Baaliouamer A. , Chikhoune A. , Benchabane A.
Published: December 2017

The essential oils isolated by hydrodistillation from Thymus pallescens de Noé dried leaves exposed to γ-irradiation at dose levels of 0, 5, 10, 20, and 30 kGy were analyzed by gas chromatography–flame ionization detector (GC–FID) and GC–mass spectrometry (MS) and tested for their antioxidant, antimicrobial, and insecticidal activities. No qualitative change was observed in the chemical composition. Carvacrol (81.8–85.7%) was the most prominent component. Gamma-irradiation at 20 kGy affects quantitatively some components. Antioxidant activity was evaluated by four different test systems, namely, inhibition of lipid peroxidation (thiobarbituric acid reactive substance, TBARS), ferric reducing power, and scavenging of radicals DPPH• and ABTS•+. In all systems, irradiated oils at 20 and/or 30 kGy showed the most antioxidant efficiency. Overall, the antimicrobial activity conducted against seven microorganisms revealed no significant changes according to the radiation dose. Fumigation bioassays and contact method against confused flour beetle Tribolium confusum revealed that the oil irradiated at 20 kGy had highest insecticidal activity. The results showed that gamma-irradiation of T. pallescens could be not only beneficial safe decontamination perspective but also as an improvement factor of some of its properties.
The scope of survey necessary to identify water-related hazards in rural areas
Authors: Posiak Barbara
Published: December 2017

Broadly understood agricultural-arrangement works are a tool for the implementation of mul�tifunctional rural areas development. These works are defined as a set of integrated technical,
organizational and legal procedures, taking into account the natural, economic, legal and social
conditions, aimed at adapting the spatial structure of the area to the needs of its sustainable de�velopment, including new organization of agricultural production space. These may be activities
in the field of water resources management, the purpose of which is to minimize the occurrence
of extreme water-related phenomena – droughts and floods. However, it should be emphasized
that these works are multidimensional. In addition to their positive impact on water resources,
they create favourable conditions for the development of biological diversity, maintaining cul�tural landscape or limiting pollution to water. However, such activities may be properly planned
and carried out in the course of the agricultural-arrangement works only when it is possible to
identify and determine the elements that affect the circulation of water in rural space.
Analysis of the distribution and density of measurement points in terms of terrain modelling
Authors: Gradka Robert
Published: December 2017

For the implementation of direct measurements, proper understanding of the existing relation�ships and spatial variability, and at later stages, for obtaining reliable results of geostatistical
analysis, adequate planning network measurement and correct placement of, and/or the evalua�tion of the number of measurement points in the measurement network are not the only neces�sary conditions. Another key prerequisite is choosing the right model for creating a DTM, which
depends on the shape of the terrain. Correct spatial sampling should provide much information
on the spatial distribution of the studied variable in an area, at minimal cost and with minimal
effort. Faithful reproduction of the land surface that reflects any of the characteristics of the envi�ronment is not possible through DTM, due to a number of restrictions, manifesting themselves
in the form and size of the data set; due to time and economic constraints; and also because
the full complexity of the terrain’s surface cannot be measured or expressed. The present work
undertakes to analyse the density and distribution of measuring points on four areas that have
specific characteristics in common, yet they remain different in terms of surfaces, height differ�ences, as well as their complexity. After selecting the research areas, these were designed and laid
out in a grid with the shape of rectangles that were similar in structure to the GRID model. The
data were analysed using geostatistical interpolation by ordinary kriging, in order to conduct
a proper analysis of the distribution and density of the measuring points, to calculate the surface
properties of a particular point, and in order to attempt to reduce the workload and cost factor.
Swahilipod101 and WordPower Learn Swahili app
Authors: Mose Patrick O.
Published: December 2017

Learning Technology Review
Syndromic craniosynostosis: neuropsycholinguistic abilities and imaging analysis of the central nervous system
Authors: Maximino Luciana Paula , Ducati Luis Gustavo , Abramides Dagma Venturini Marques , Corrêa Camila de Castro , Garcia Patrícia Fernandes , Fernandes Adriano Yacubian
Published: December 2017

ABSTRACT Objective: To characterize patients with syndromic craniosynostosis with respect to their neuropsycholinguistic abilities and to present these findings together with the brain abnormalities. Methods: Eighteen patients with a diagnosis of syndromic craniosynostosis were studied. Eight patients had Apert syndrome and 10 had Crouzon syndrome. They were submitted to phonological evaluation, neuropsychological evaluation and magnetic resonance imaging of the brain. The phonological evaluation was done by behavioral observation of the language, the Peabody test, Token test and a school achievement test. The neuropsychological evaluation included the WISC III and WAIS tests. Results: Abnormalities in language abilities were observed and the school achievement test showed abnormalities in 66.67% of the patients. A normal intelligence quotient was observed in 39.3% of the patients, and congenital abnormalities of the central nervous system were observed in 46.4% of the patients. Conclusion: Abnormalities of language abilities were observed in the majority of patients with syndromic craniosynostosis, and low cognitive performance was also observed.
Nutritional knowledge and body mass index: A cross-sectional study
Authors: Valmórbida Julia Luzzi , Goulart Maíra Ribas , Busnello Fernanda Michielin , Pellanda Lúcia Campos
Published: December 2017

Summary Objective: To verify the knowledge about food and nutrition and its association with the nutritional status of obese patients with noncommunicable diseases (NCDs), and to identify the relationship between information sources and level of knowledge. Method: Cross-sectional study that included 263 outpatients of a cardiology referral hospital in Porto Alegre, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil. The participants filled out a questionnaire on socioeconomic data and knowledge about food and nutrition and had their nutritional status evaluated by body mass index (BMI), waist circumference (WC) and waist-hip ratio (WHR). Results: BMI showed a significant inverse association with the percentage of correct answers (p=0.002), as well as WC (p=0.000) and WHR (p<0.001). This was also true for education (p<0.001) and female gender (p=0.005) compared to males. More than 60% of patients reported using television and 23% reported using newspaper as sources of nutritional information. Conclusion: Our study revealed a significant association between BMI and the level of knowledge about foods, showing that there is need for more information on obesity-related NCDs for greater understanding by patients.
Subclinical atherogenesis in patients with mild psoriasis: A role for IL-6?
Authors: Lise Michelle Larissa Zini , Baptista Talita Siara Almeida , Petersen Laura Esteves , Bauer Moisés Evandro , Ungaretti Cláudia Almeida Lopes , Torres Elton , Harter Karen , Staub Henrique Luiz
Published: December 2017

Summary Introduction: A link of psoriasis with subclinical atherosclerosis has been postulated and cytokine network might intermediate this association. Few data are available in patients with mild psoriasis. We evaluated carotid intima-media thickness (cIMT) in drug-free psoriatic individuals and controls. In parallel, we searched for associations of cIMT with disease activity indexes and serum interleukins (IL) in psoriatic patients. Method: An experienced radiologist performed the cIMT analyses. Cytokine concentrations were assessed by flow cytometry. Disease activity was evaluated based on psoriasis area and severity index (PASI) as well as body surface area (BSA). Results: Sixty-five (65) patients and 64 controls were studied. Mean age of patients (50.9 years) did not differ from controls (p=0.362). A low PASI and BSA (< 10) prevailed (69.2% and 56.9%, respectively). Median levels of IL-12p70, TNF-α, IL-1β and IL-10 were significantly lower in cases than in controls (adjusted p<0.05), while IL-6 and IL-8 medians did not differ between groups (adjusted p>0.05). Smoking habit and diabetes mellitus predominated in cases (p=0.002). An altered cIMT (≥ 0.9 mm) was more frequent in cases than in controls (23.8% versus 8.5%, adjusted p=0.045). Mean cIMT was higher in cases with a borderline significance (p=0.057). cIMT scores did not correlate to PASI (rs=0.066; p=0.250) or BSA (rs=0.175; p=0.185), but did correlate significantly with serum IL-6 (rs=0.26; p=0.005). Conclusion: Subclinical atherosclerosis was more frequent in patients with mild psoriasis than controls. cIMT in psoriatic individuals correlated with serum IL-6, pointing to an eventual proatherogenic role of IL-6 in these patients. Newer studies should clarify the connection of atherogenesis with cytokines in psoriasis.
Vitamin B12, bone mineral density and fracture risk in adults: A systematic review
Authors: Macêdo Luciana Leal Gomes de , Carvalho Cecilia Maria Resende Gonçalves de , Cavalcanti Janaína Costa , Freitas Betania de Jesus e Silva de Almendra
Published: December 2017

Summary Objective: To consolidate information available on the effect of vitamin B12 on bone mineral density and fracture risk, with emphasis on clinical trials, observational and longitudinal data conducted in humans. Method: A systematic review of the literature of the past decade on the role of vitamin B12 in bone mineral density and fracture risk in subjects of all ages and both sexes was performed by means of a PubMed, Science Direct, Medline and SciELO database search. Articles included in this review were identified using the search terms: B12 Vitamin and Bone Mineral Density and Vitamin B12 and Risk of Fractures. Evidence quality of the included articles was evaluated by GRADE system. Results: A total of 25 original studies were identified. After reviewing the titles and abstracts of articles, only 17 articles met the inclusion criteria. The present review provides evidence that the role of vitamin B12 on bone mineral density or fracture risk should be further elucidated. Controversies are explained by heterogeneity of methodologies used for the diagnosis of vitamin B12 and also by differences among populations investigated on the studies. Conclusion: A real effect of vitamin B12 deficiency in bone health and the mechanisms associated with bone metabolism is not well established yet. It is extremely important to carry out more clarifying studies about this theme, especially with vulnerable groups such as postmenopausal and elderly women, as is well-known that they are greatly affected by deficiency of this vitamin.
CD20 role in pathophysiology of Hodgkin’s disease
Authors: Santos Marcelo Antônio Oliveira , Lima Marinus de Moraes
Published: December 2017

Summary Hodgkin’s lymphoma (HL) is a tumor comprising non-malignant and malignant B-cells. Classical HL expresses CD15+ and CD30+ antigens, and 20 to 40% of patients are CD20+. This antigen is a ligand free protein present in B lymphocyte cells and its function is not well known. Some studies suggest that expression of CD20 may play a major role in Hodgkin’s disease pathophysiology and may affect the patients’ treatment prognosis, as well as relapse and refractory response. In the past few years, development of monoclonal anti-CD20 antibodies changed drastically the treatment for non-Hodgkin lymphomas in which CD20 is expressed. HL treatment is essentially composed of radiotherapy and chemotherapy; however, monoclonal anti-CD20 antibodies applicability is not well delimitated due to lack of information about clinical outcomes with anti-CD20 monotherapy or combined drug therapy using a classic regimen, as well as about CD20 pathophysiology mechanisms in B-cells tumors. The objective of our review is to discuss CD20 function in Hodgkin’s lymphoma development, its influence on disease evolution and outcomes, as well as its effects on therapeutics and patients’ prognostic.
Regionalization of health surveillance: a performance evaluation proposal in a health region in Brazil
Authors: Albuquerque Ana Coelho de , Cesse Eduarda Ângela Pessoa , Felisberto Eronildo , Samico Isabella , Uchimura Liza Yurie Teruya , Estima Nathalie
Published: December 2017

Abstract Objectives: To evaluate the performance of the regionalization of the Vigilância em Saúde (VS) (Health Surveillance) in a region in Sao Paulo State. Methods: a quantitative cross-sectional study was carried out at the V Diretoria Regional de Saúde da Secretaria de Saúde do Estado de São Paulo (V Board of the Regional Health Secretary of São Paulo State Health Department). A structured questionnaire was developed from the three dimensions of the research (Policy, Structure and Organization). The escore médio (EM) (average score) was used as the central tendency and for each dimension and attributes, the synthetic indices were constructed. Three cutoff points for assessing the performance were assigned: values equal to or below 4.99 were considered unsatisfactory; between 5.00 and 6.99, intermediaries; and equal to or above 7.00, satisfactory. Results: The performance of the regionalization of the VS was considered satisfactory, with emphasis on the 'Policy' (EM 8.51) and 'Organization' (EM 8.18) dimensions. The ‘Structure’ obtained intermediate performance (EM 6.78). The proposed methodology demonstrated to be appropriate to evaluate the performance of the regionalization of VS, because its strengths and weaknesses were allowed to be identified. Conclusions: despite of the regionalization is an ongoing process, it is necessary for the establishment of a political project that will take up effectively as a strategy for the reorganization of the healthcare in Brazil.