bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Homodyne-like detection scheme based on photon-number-resolving detectors
Authors: Allevi Alessia , Bina Matteo , Olivares Stefano , Bondani Maria
Published: December 2017

Homodyne detection is the most effective detection scheme employed in quantum optics to characterize quantum states. It is based on mixing at a beam splitter the signal to be measured with a coherent state, called the “local oscillator,” and on evaluating the difference of the photocurrents of two photodiodes measuring the outputs of the beam splitter. If the local oscillator is much more intense than the field to be measured, the homodyne signal is proportional to the signal-field quadratures. If the local oscillator is less intense, the photodiodes can be replaced with photon-number-resolving detectors, which have a smaller dynamics but can measure the light statistics. The resulting new homodyne-like detector acquires a hybrid nature, being it capable of yielding information on both the particle-like (statistics) and wave-like (phase) properties of light signals. The scheme has been tested in the measurement of the quadratures of coherent states, bracket states and phase-averaged coherent states at different intensities of the local oscillator.
New Targets forZikaVirus Determined by Human-Viral Interactomic: A Bioinformatics Approach
Authors: Esteves Eduardo , Rosa Nuno , Correia Maria José , Arrais Joel P. , Barros Marlene
Published: December 2017

Identifying ZIKV factors interfering with human host pathways represents a major challenge in understanding ZIKV tropism and pathogenesis. The integration of proteomic, gene expression and Protein-Protein Interactions (PPIs) established between ZIKV and human host proteins predicted by the OralInt algorithm identified 1898 interactions with medium or high score (≥0.7). Targets implicated in vesicular traffic and docking were identified. New receptors involved in endocytosis pathways as ZIKV entry targets, using both clathrin-dependent (17 receptors) and independent (10 receptors) pathways, are described. New targets used by the ZIKV to undermine the host’s antiviral immune response are proposed based on predicted interactions established between the virus and host cell receptors and/or proteins with an effector or signaling role in the immune response such as IFN receptors and TLR. Complement and cytokines are proposed as extracellular potential interacting partners of the secreted form of NS1 ZIKV protein. Altogether, in this article, 18 new human targets for structural and nonstructural ZIKV proteins are proposed. These results are of great relevance for the understanding of viral pathogenesis and consequently the development of preventive (vaccines) and therapeutic targets for ZIKV infection management.
Management of Intractable Nasal Hyperreactivity by Selective Resection of Posterior Nasal Nerve Branches
Authors: Takahara Daisuke , Takeno Sachio , Hamamoto Takao , Ishino Takashi , Hirakawa Katsuhiro
Published: December 2017

The posterior nasal nerves emerge from the sphenopalatine foramen and contain sensory and autonomic nerve components. Posterior nasal neurectomy is an effective method to remove pathological neural networks surrounding the inferior turbinate that cause unregulated nasal hypersensitivity with excess secretion in patients with severe allergic rhinitis (AR). We describe the sophisticated endoscopic surgical procedure that allows feasible access to the confined area and selective resection of the nerve branches with the preservation of the sphenopalatine artery (SPA). We retrospectively analyzed the cases of 23 symptomatic severe AR patients who failed to respond to standard medical treatment and underwent surgery. There have been no major complications after surgery including nasal bleeding or transient numbness of the upper teeth. The mean total nasal symptom scores (TNSS) were decreased by 70.2% at 12 months after the procedure. Our comparison of the clinical effectiveness based on the number of severed nerve branches revealed that the improvement of the TNSS was significantly higher in patients with >2 branches. We conclude that this minimally invasive technique that preserves the SPA is clinically useful and decreases the rate of postoperative complications. This trial is registered with UMIN000029025.
Quercetin Improves Glucose and Lipid Metabolism of Diabetic Rats: Involvement of Akt Signaling and SIRT1
Authors: Peng Jing , Li Qingde , Li Keye , Zhu Li , Lin Xiaoding , Lin Xiaohong , Shen Qianhui , Li Guoping , Xie Xi
Published: December 2017

Glucose and lipid metabolism disorder in diabetes mellitus often causes damage to multiple tissues and organs. Diabetes mellitus is beneficially affected by quercetin. However, its concrete mechanisms are yet to be fully elucidated. In our study, diabetes was induced in Sprague-Dawley rats by STZ injection. The rats were randomly divided into normal control, diabetic model, low-dose quercetin treatment, high-dose quercetin treatment, and pioglitazone treatment groups. Fasting blood glucose was collected to evaluate diabetes. Immunohistochemistry and fluorometric assay were performed to explore SIRT1. Akt levels were measured through immunoprecipitation and Western blot. After 12 weeks of quercetin treatment, the biochemical parameters of glucose and lipid metabolism improved to varying degrees. Hepatic histomorphological injury was alleviated, and hepatic glycogen content was increased. The expression and activity of hepatic SIRT1 were enhanced, and Akt was activated by phosphorylation and deacetylation. These results suggested that the beneficial effects of quercetin on glucose and lipid metabolism disorder are probably associated with the upregulated activity and protein level of SIRT1 and its influence on Akt signaling pathway. Hence, quercetin shows potential for the treatment of glucose and lipid metabolism disorder in diabetes mellitus.
Detection and Characterization of Hepatitis E Virus in Goats at Slaughterhouse in Tai’an Region, China
Authors: Li Song , Liu Mingxia , Cong Jingjing , Zhou Yufa , Miao Zengmin
Published: December 2017

Background. Hepatitis E virus (HEV) is a significant pathogen of viral hepatitis and can be transmitted through fecal-oral route. Epidemiological data concerning HEV in goats, however, are relatively sparse to date. Here, the prevalence and characteristics of HEV isolated from goats at slaughterhouse were investigated in Tai’an region, China. Methods. Anti-HEV immunoglobulin G (IgG) in blood samples and HEV RNA in the liver samples were determined by using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and a nested reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR), respectively. In addition, partial nucleotide sequences of open reading frame 2 (ORF-2) of HEV isolates were analyzed. Results. Fifty goat blood samples (46.7%, 50/120) were masculine for anti-HEV IgG. HEV RNA was detected in 2 liver samples (4.0%, 2/50) and belonged to genotype 4 subtype 4 h, with high identity (91.2–93%) with cow HEV strains detected in the same province, China. Conclusions. These findings demonstrated that goats may be an important reservoir for HEV and can become a major source of HEV infection in humans via food chain.
Data-Driven Model-Free Adaptive Control of Particle Quality in Drug Development Phase of Spray Fluidized-Bed Granulation Process
Authors: Wang Zhengsong , He Dakuo , Zhu Xu , Luo Jiahuan , Liang Yu , Wang Xu
Published: December 2017

A novel data-driven model-free adaptive control (DDMFAC) approach is first proposed by combining the advantages of model-free adaptive control (MFAC) and data-driven optimal iterative learning control (DDOILC), and then its stability and convergence analysis is given to prove algorithm stability and asymptotical convergence of tracking error. Besides, the parameters of presented approach are adaptively adjusted with fuzzy logic to determine the occupied proportions of MFAC and DDOILC according to their different control performances in different control stages. Lastly, the proposed fuzzy DDMFAC (FDDMFAC) approach is applied to the control of particle quality in drug development phase of spray fluidized-bed granulation process (SFBGP), and its control effect is compared with MFAC and DDOILC and their fuzzy forms, in which the parameters of MFAC and DDOILC are adaptively adjusted with fuzzy logic. The effectiveness of the presented FDDMFAC approach is verified by a series of simulations.
Role of Transient Receptor Potential Vanilloid 1 in Electroacupuncture Analgesia on Chronic Inflammatory Pain in Mice
Authors: Yang Jun , Hsieh Ching-Liang , Lin Yi-Wen
Published: December 2017

Chronic inflammatory pain may result from peripheral tissue injury or inflammation, increasing the release of protons, histamines, adenosine triphosphate, and several proinflammatory cytokines and chemokines. Transient receptor potential vanilloid 1 (TRPV1) is known to be involved in acute to subacute neuropathic and inflammatory pain; however, its exact mechanisms in chronic inflammatory pain are not elucidated. Our results showed that EA significantly reduced chronic mechanical and thermal hyperalgesia in the chronic inflammatory pain model. Chronic mechanical and thermal hyperalgesia were also abolished in TRPV1−/− mice. TRPV1 increased in the dorsal root ganglion (DRG) and spinal cord (SC) at 3 weeks after CFA injection. The expression levels of downstream molecules such as pPKA, pPI3K, and pPKC increased, as did those of pERK, pp38, and pJNK. Transcription factors (pCREB and pNFκB) and nociceptive ion channels (Nav1.7 and Nav1.8) were involved in this process. Inflammatory mediators such as GFAP, S100B, and RAGE were also involved. The expression levels of these molecules were reduced in EA and TRPV1−/− mice but not in the sham EA group. Our data provided evidence to support the clinical use of EA for treating chronic inflammatory pain.
Determinants of Quality of Work Life among Nurses Working in Hawassa Town Public Health Facilities, South Ethiopia: A Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Kelbiso Lolemo , Belay Admasu , Woldie Mirkuzie
Published: December 2017

Background. A high quality of work life (QWL) is a crucial issue for health care facilities to have qualified, dedicated, and inspired employees. Among different specialties in health care settings, nurses have a major share among other health care providers. So, they should experience a better QWL to deliver high-quality holistic care to those who need help. Objective. To assess the level of quality of work life and its predictors among nurses working in Hawassa town public health facilities, South Ethiopia. Methods. A facility based cross-sectional study was conducted on 253 nurses of two hospitals and nine health centers. The total sample size was allocated to each facility based on the number of nurses in each facility. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire. The interitem consistency of the scale used to measure QWL had Cronbach’s alpha value of 0.86. A multinomial logistic regression model was fitted to identify significant predictors of quality of work life using SPSS version 20. Results. The study showed that 67.2% of the nurses were dissatisfied with the quality of their work life. We found that educational status, monthly income, working unit, and work environment were strong predictors of quality of work life among nurses (p<0.05). Conclusion. Significant proportions of the nurses were dissatisfied with the quality of their work life. The findings in this study and studies reported from elsewhere pinpoint that perception of nurses about the quality of their work life can be modified if health care managers are considerate of the key issues surrounding QWL.
High Prevalence of Undernutrition among Children in Gondar Town, Northwest Ethiopia: A Community-Based Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Abebe Zegeye , Zelalem Anlay Degefaye , Biadgo Belete , Kebede Asemarie , Melku Tsedalu , Enawgaw Bamlaku , Melku Mulugeta
Published: December 2017

Objective. To assess undernutrition and associated factors among children aged 6–59 months in Gondar Town, northwest Ethiopia. Methods. A community-based cross-sectional study was conducted in 2014. Multistage sampling method was used to select study participants. Structured interviewer administered questionnaire and anthropometric measurements were used. Binary logistic regression was fitted to identify associated factors. Results. The prevalences of wasting and stunting were 6.8% and 45.7%, respectively. Higher odds of wasting were observed among children whose fathers were daily laborers (AOR = 2.63), children who had eating problem (AOR = 2.96), and those who were not exclusively breast-fed for the first six months (AOR = 5.63). Similarly, higher odds of stunting were found among female children (AOR = 1.65), children who lived in households having four to six families (AOR = 2.14), and children who did not start breast-feeding within one hour of birth (AOR = 0.67). Conclusion. Childhood undernutrition was a significant problem. Child eating problem, paternal occupation, and exclusive breast-feeding were associated with wasting, whereas family size, child sex, and breast-feeding initiation time were associated with stunting. Therefore, strengthening of early initiation and exclusive breast-feeding, promoting healthcare seeking behavior, and designing social support programme for poor family are recommended to reduce undernutrition.
Low‐Level Laser Irradiation Exerts Antiaggregative Effect on Human Platelets Independently on the Nitric Oxide Metabolism and Release of Platelet Activation Markers
Authors: Rola Piotr , Doroszko Adrian , Szahidewicz-Krupska Ewa , Rola Paweł , Dobrowolski Piotr , Skomro Robert , Szymczyszyn Alicja , Mazur Grzegorz , Derkacz Arkadiusz
Published: December 2017

Aim. The goal of the study is to develop a model allowing to investigate precisely the effect of low‐level laser therapy (LLLT) on platelet aggregation and to verify the hypothesis regarding the role of the nitric oxide (NO) bioavailability and platelet activation markers in modulating platelet aggregation. Methods. A total of 41 healthy volunteers at the age of 21–45 years were investigated. At first, platelet aggregation in response to three agonists (TRAP, ADP, and collagen) was evaluated following previous exposure to different doses of laser radiation (λ = 662 nm) to assess the dose‐response effect. Subsequently, plasma levels of platelet activation markers (PF4—platelet factor‐4 and sP‐selectin) as well as the substrate for nitric oxide synthase, L‐arginine, and its competitive inhibitors (ADMA—asymmetric dimethylarginine and SDMA—symmetric dimethylarginine) were measured. Results. All doses of laser irradiation significantly reduced the aggregation. However, the most pronounced effect was observed for 19.7 J/cm2. No significant differences in the levels of platelet activation markers nor in the nitric‐oxide‐metabolic‐pathway compounds between analyzed groups were noted. Conclusions. We have demonstrated in the established in vitro experimental model that the LLLT in a reproducible manner decreases the whole blood platelet aggregation regardless of the NO bioavailability or changes in the platelet activation markers.
Clinical and Mortality Risk Factors in Bloodstream Infections with Carbapenem-Resistant Enterobacteriaceae
Authors: Li Xiaopeng , Ye Huan
Published: December 2017

Objective. To investigate the risk factors underlying the occurrence and mortality of bloodstream infections (BSIs) with carbapenem-resistant Enterobacteriaceae (CRE). Methods. Medical information was retrospectively analyzed from 148 cases of patients with Enterobacteriaceae BSIs at a medical center in China, between 2013 and 2015. Results. The 30-day mortality rate in the CRE group was 65.4%. Indwelling urethral catheterization, admission to the ICU, use of antibiotics within 30 days, and BSIs from the respiratory system were associated with CRE BSIs. Lung infection, abdominal infection, central venous catheterization, and use of hormones within 30 days were associated with mortality. Conclusion. The 30-day mortality rate of CRE BSIs was high. Lung infections, abdominal infections, central venous catheterization, and use of hormones within 30 days increased the mortality rate of Enterobacteriaceae BSIs.
Cadmium‐Induced Oxidative Stress Impairs Glycemic Control in Adolescents
Authors: Pizzino Gabriele , Irrera Natasha , Bitto Alessandra , Pallio Giovanni , Mannino Federica , Arcoraci Vincenzo , Aliquò Federica , Minutoli Letteria , De Ponte Chiara , D’andrea Paola , Squadrito Francesco , Altavilla Domenica
Published: December 2017

Experimental evidence suggests that cadmium (Cd) boosts oxidative stress that may result in toxicity on the endocrine system also in humans. The aim of this study was to investigate the glycemic control and oxidative stress markers in male adolescents with increased urinary levels of cadmium. We investigated 111 males, aged 12–14 years, living in a polluted area of Sicily and a control age‐matched population (n = 60) living 28–45 km far from the polluted site. Malondialdehyde (MDA), total antioxidant activity (TAC), metallothionein‐1A (MT‐1A) gene expression, insulin resistance by the homeostatic model assessment (HOMA‐IR), and urinary cadmium were investigated. Cd levels were significantly higher in adolescents living in the polluted area than in control age‐matched subjects. Adolescents with elevated Cd levels had a significant increase in MDA, MT‐1A, and HOMA‐IR and reduced TAC compared to the control group. A robust correlation was found between urinary cadmium and MT‐1A, HOMA‐IR, and MDA whereas an inverse correlation was identified between urinary cadmium and TAC. This study indicates that cadmium burden alters glycemic control in adolescents and suggests that oxidative stress plays a key role in cadmium‐induced insulin resistance, increasing the risk of developing metabolic disorders.
Dynamic Fracturing Behavior of Layered Rock with Different Inclination Angles in SHPB Tests
Authors: Qiu Jiadong , Li Diyuan , Li Xibing , Zhou Zilong
Published: December 2017

The fracturing behavior of layered rocks is usually influenced by bedding planes. In this paper, five groups of bedded sandstones with different bedding inclination angles θ are used to carry out impact compression tests by split Hopkinson pressure bar. A high-speed camera is used to capture the fracturing process of specimens. Based on testing results, three failure patterns are identified and classified, including (A) splitting along bedding planes; (B) sliding failure along bedding planes; (C) fracturing across bedding planes. The failure pattern (C) can be further classified into three subcategories: (C1) fracturing oblique to loading direction; (C2) fracturing parallel to loading direction; (C3) mixed fracturing across bedding planes. Meanwhile, a numerical model of layered rock and SHPB system are established by particle flow code (PFC). The numerical results show that the shear stress is the main reason for inducing the damage along bedding plane at θ = 0°~75°. Both tensile stress and shear stress on bedding planes contribute to the splitting failure along bedding planes when the inclination angle is 90°. Besides, tensile stress is the main reason that leads to the damage in rock matrixes at θ = 0°~90°.
Inflammatory Cytokine Signaling during Development of Pancreatic and Prostate Cancers
Authors: Liou Geou-Yarh
Published: December 2017

Inflammation is essential for many diseases including cancer. Activation and recruitment of immune cells during inflammation result in a cytokine- and chemokine-enriched cell environment, which affects cancer development. Since each type of cancer has its unique tumor environment, effects of cytokines from different sources such as tumor-infiltrating immune cells, stromal cells, endothelial cells, and cancer cells on cancer development can be quite complex. In this review, how immune cells contribute to tumorigenesis of pancreatic and prostate cancers through their secreted cytokines is discussed. In addition, the cytokine signaling that tumor cells of pancreatic and prostate cancers utilize to benefit their own survival is delineated.
Modeling Multilevel Supplier Selection Problem Based on Weighted-Directed Network and Its Solution
Authors: Wei Chia-Te , Zuo Hong , Jiang Chang-Bing , Li Shu-fang
Published: December 2017

With the rapid development of economy, the supplier network is becoming more and more complicated. It is important to choose the right suppliers for improving the efficiency of the supply chain, so how to choose the right ones is one of the important research directions of supply chain management. This paper studies the partner selection problem from the perspective of supplier network global optimization. Firstly, this paper discusses and forms the evaluation system to estimate the supplier from the two indicators of risk and greenness and then applies the value as the weight of the network between two nodes to build a weighted-directed supplier network; secondly, the study establishes the optimal combination model of supplier selection based on the global network perspective and solves the model by the dynamic programming-tabu search algorithm and the improved ant colony algorithm, respectively; finally, different scale simulation examples are given to testify the efficiency of the two algorithms. The results show that the ant colony algorithm is superior to the tabu search one as a whole, but the latter is slightly better than the former when network scale is small.
Presence of Initial Caries Lesions as a Risk Factor for Caries in Preschool Children: A Cohort Study
Authors: Guedes Renata S. , Piovesan Chaiana , Ardenghi Thiago M. , Emmanuelli Bruno , Braga Mariana M. , Mendes Fausto M.
Published: December 2017

The aim of this study was to evaluate the influence of initial noncavitated caries lesions on cavitated caries increment in preschool children. A 2-year cohort study was designed to include the participants of a survey on dental caries performed in 2010. Preschool children (12-59 months old) were examined for dental caries and classified as children with no caries lesions, with only initial lesions, with at least 1 moderate caries lesion, and with extensive lesions. Socioeconomic data were also collected. After 2 years, 466 children were re-examined (follow-up rate of 72.9%) only for cavitated lesions. Association between caries incidence at 2 levels of severity and caries experience and other variables was evaluated using hierarchical Poisson regression analysis. The children with moderate and extensive caries lesions at baseline presented a higher risk of presenting both outcomes than the children with no caries lesions. Nevertheless, the children with only initial lesions had a higher risk of developing at least 1 new cavitated carious lesion, but not for a more severe increment in caries. Subgroup analysis stratified by the children's age showed that the influence of the presence of initial caries lesions on cavitated caries increment was only observed in children aged 12-35 months. In conclusion, although the presence of moderate and extensive lesions at baseline is a significant predictor for cavitated caries increment after 2 years in preschool children at all ages, the presence of only initial caries lesions is also associated, but with less severe caries incidence.
Phytosphingosine Prevents the Formation of Young Salivary Biofilms in vitro
Authors: Bikker Floris J. , Hoogenkamp Michel A. , Malhaoui Amine , Nazmi Kamran , Neilands Jessica , Krom Bastiaan P.
Published: December 2017

Dental biofilms are formed in a multistep process that is initiated by the adhesion of oral bacteria to the dental hard surface. As dental biofilms are associated with oral diseases their control is necessary in order to maintain oral health. Recently, it was revealed that phytosphingosine (PHS)-treated hydroxyapatite discs showed anti-adhesive activity in a static in vitro biofilm model against Streptococcus mutans. The goal of the present study was to further unravel the anti-adhesive and anti-biofilm properties of PHS in both static and dynamic in vitro biofilm models against a full salivary inoculum. After 3 h under static conditions, bacterial adherence on PHS-treated cover glass slides was reduced by 60% compared to the untreated surface. After 6 and 24 h under static conditions, no significant differences in bacterial adherence were observed between PHS-treated and untreated cover glass slides. However, under dynamic conditions, i.e., the presence of shear forces, virtually no bacterial adherence was observed for up to 16 h on PHS-coated surfaces. Besides, PHS showed a strong bactericidal activity on salivary biofilms. Treatment of a 3- and 6-h statically grown biofilm resulted in a 99 and 94% reduction of viable cells, respectively, which was effectuated within minutes. In principle, these anti-adherence and anti-biofilm properties make PHS a promising candidate ingredient for use in oral care products aimed at oral microbial control.
Photochemotherapy and Graft-versus-Leukemia Reaction in Acute Leukemia: Tumor Immunity and Survival Are Dependent on Timing of Photochemotherapy of the Skin
Authors: Feldreich Nicolas , Ringden Olle , Emtestam Lennart
Published: December 2017

Background: Cure of acute leukemia after transplantation is mediated by the grafted cells. We investigated the graft-versus-leukemia effect (GVL) in patients with cutaneous acute graft-versus-host disease (GVHD) treated with photochemotherapy (psoralen and ultraviolet light type A). Method: Forty-seven patients with acute leukemia were followed 5,000 days after transplantation to assess survival and GVL by multivariate analysis. The primary predictor was time to treatment of cutaneous acute GVHD by photochemotherapy separated into treatment start during the first week of acute GVHD versus after the first week of acute GVHD. Results: Photochemotherapy started after the first week of acute GVHD predicted GVL with a hazard ratio (HR) of 3.94 (95% confidence interval, CI, 1.67-9.33, p = 0.0018) and survival with preserved GVL with an HR of 2.63 (95% CI 1.30-5.32, p = 0.007). The effects on GVL and survival with preserved GVL were present regardless of whether the patients were transplanted in remission or relapse (p < 0.05). Chronic GVHD came earlier in the group that started photochemotherapy after 1 week of acute GHVD, but chronic GVHD did not increase the GVL. Conclusion: The timing of photochemotherapy after cutaneous acute GVHD may direct the GVL and predict long-term leukemia-free survival.
Clinicopathological and Prognostic Features of Surgical Management in Duodenal Gastrointestinal Stromal Tumors
Authors: Shi Hong Peng , Huang Min Lu , Wang Zhen Qiang , Zheng Ya Nan , Zhu Zheng Lun , Sah Birendra Kumar , Liu Wen Tao , Yan Min , Zhu Zheng Gang , Li Chen
Published: December 2017

Background and Objectives: The rarity of duodenal gastrointestinal stromal tumors (DGIST) led to only limited data being available on their management and prognosis. We retrospectively analyzed the clinicopathological features, surgical treatments, adjuvant therapy, and prognosis of DGIST. Methods: Sixty-one patients were identified at diagnosis of primary DGIST from February 2005 to December 2015. One hundred twenty six patients with small intestinal gastrointestinal stromal tutors (GIST) were selected as control groups. Survival analyses were calculated using the Kaplan-Meier method. Results: Three- and five-year recurrence/metastasis-free survival rates of patients with DGIST were similar to those of patients with small intestinal GIST (p > 0.05 for all). Out of 61 cases with DGIST, 45 patients were treated with Limited Resection (LR). Sixteen patients were treated with Pancreaticoduodenectomy (PD). The 3- and 5-year recurrence/metastasis-free survival rates of the PD group and LR group were of no significant difference (p > 0.05 for all). Univariate analysis indicated that factors including surgical approaches, mitotic count, size, and risk grades were significantly associated with recurrence/metastasis-free survival (log-rank test, p < 0.05). Multivariate analysis demonstrated that the mitotic count was independently correlated with a worse recurrence/metastasis-free survival. Conclusions: Patients with radical resected DGIST had a favourable prognosis, which is similar to that of small intestinal GIST. Both LR and PD were optimal choices for treating DGIST.
Vanishing Pancreatic Cysts during Follow-Up: Another Step Towards De-Emphasizing Cyst Size as a Major Clinical Predictor of Malignancy
Authors: Marchegiani Giovanni , Andrianello Stefano , Perri Giampaolo , Bonamini Deborah , De Robertis Riccardo , Malleo Giuseppe , Bassi Claudio , Salvia Roberto
Published: December 2017

Introduction: In the management of pancreatic cystic neoplasms (PCN), size plays a crucial role as the expression of disease progression. While many evidences regarding the natural history of growing pancreatic cysts exist, almost no data are available regarding cysts with a reduction in size. Methods: Radiological and clinical data from patients of the dedicated pancreatic cysts outpatient clinic of the Department of General and Pancreatic Surgery, University of Verona Hospital were retrospectively reviewed. Patients diagnosed with PCNs reducing in size during follow-up were reviewed. Results: From a total of 3,146 patients, we identified 12 (0.38%) vanishing/reducing cysts without a history of pancreatitis. Most of them were presumed IPMN (66.6%). The median follow-up was 69 months and the median cyst’s size 30 mm (range 10–49). Most of the patients (75%) experienced a reduction in cyst size (median reduction of 8 mm, range 6–22) after a median time of 12 months (range 6–63), 3 patients experienced a complete disappearance of the cyst. Conclusion: Cyst size reduction during follow-up is a rare phenomenon of unknown explanation. It adds to the debate regarding the role of size as a clinical predictor whenever a definite diagnosis of a PCN cannot be reached.
Vaccination Practices in Pediatric Dialysis Patients Across Europe. A European Pediatric Dialysis Working Group and European Society for Pediatric Nephrology Dialysis Working Group Study
Authors: Bakkaloğlu Sevcan A. , Özdemir Atikel Yesim , Paglialonga Fabio , Stefanidis Constantinos J. , Askiti Varvara , Vidal Enrico , Ariceta Gema , Melek Engin , Verrina Enrico , Printza Nikoleta , Vondrak Karel , Zurowska Aleksandra , Zagozdzon Ilona , Ekim Mesiha , Özmert Elif Nursel , Dufek Stephanie , Jankauskiene Augustina , Schmitt Claus Peter , Lévai Eszter , Vande Walle Johan , Canpolat Nur , Holtta Tuula , Fischbach Michel , Klaus Guenter , Aufricht Christoph , Shroff Rukshana , Edefonti Alberto
Published: December 2017

Background: Data on the immunization practices in pediatric chronic kidney disease (CKD) patients are scarce. The purpose of this study was to evaluate current vaccination practices for children on dialysis across European pediatric nephrology centers. Methods: A total of 18 tertiary pediatric nephrology centers from 12 European countries were included in the study. The data on universal national immunization programs and immunization practices for children with chronic disease or risk were recorded from European Center for Disease Prevention and Control and the World Health Organization. The immunization practices and center protocols for monitoring antibody titers after vaccination in dialysis patients were obtained through a questionnaire. Results: All centers included in the study recommended immunization against hepatitis B virus (HBV), diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis, Hemophilus influenzae type b (Hib), poliomyelitis, measles, mumps, rubella (MMR), and streptococcus pneumonia in dialysis patients. In 16 centers, dialysis patients were vaccinated against influenza virus annually. HBV protective antibody titers were measured in 17 centers (during dialysis period in 14 centers, during pre-renal transplantation preparations in 14 centers or in both times in 11 centers). Hepatitis A virus (HAV) was reported to be followed in 13 centers, in 8 centers during dialysis period, and in 11 centers during pre-RTx preparations. MMR and varicella-zoster virus (VZV) protective antibody titers were measured during the dialysis period or before renal transplantation (RTx) in 12 and 15 centers, respectively, and in 6 centers both titers were checked both times. Conclusion: There are variations in vaccination practice across Europe. Children with CKD, those undergoing dialysis, and transplant candidates should receive age-appropriate vaccinations before RTx as well as before the transition to adult nephrology clinics and antibody levels should be monitored to evaluate the immunization status before and after RTx.
Yanis Varoufakis. O Minotauro Global: a verdadeira origem da crise financeira e o futuro da economia global
Authors: Paraná Edemilson
Published: December 2017

Resenha de Yanis Varoufakis. O Minotauro Global: a verdadeira origem da crise financeira e o futuro da economia global.
A legalização da cannabis no Canadá: os desafios políticos
Authors: Beauchesne Line
Published: December 2017

O governo liberal do Canadá, que foi eleito por maioria no dia 19 outubro de 2015, tinha em suas promessas eleitorais legalizar a cannabis. Ele manterá sua palavra. Um documento de discussão foi publicado em junho 2016 fundando o Grupo de Trabalho sobre a legalização e a regulamentação da cannabis, que apresentou o seu relatório no dia 30 de novembro de 2016. Esse relatório, explicou o governo, será uma das ferramentas para desenvolver um quadro legislativo e servirá de base para discussões com as províncias e territórios, bem como com os especialistas que irão gerenciar esse quadro regulatório. Neste artigo, nós veremos os principais desafios políticos enfrentados pelo governo nessas discussões com as províncias e territórios, e mesmo com os experts, considerando as questões postas pelos cinco aspectos da regulação neste documento de discussão. Para identificar esses desafios, além de aprender com os estudos sobre a situação no Colorado e em Washington, complementaremos a aprendizagem com os estudos atuais sobre a gestão atual das drogas legais. Em primeiro lugar são expostos os desafios relacionados à chegada desta lei, em seguida, aqueles que tocam os objetivos de saúde pública, o sistema de produção, transformação e distribuição, controle do quadro regulatório e, por fim, a questão mais específica da cannabis para fins terapêuticos. Nós veremos porque a aplicação desta lei será complexa, custosa e pode facilmente se desviar dos objetivos iniciais. Um monitoramento a curto e a longo prazo será necessário para garantir que os diferentes níveis de governo mantenham a primazia da saúde pública e considerem o uso do instrumento penal como último recurso.
Social positions and political recruitment: a study of Brazilian senators
Authors: Codato Adriano , Massimo Lucas , Costa Luiz Domingos
Published: December 2017

O artigo discute metodologias para a definição, classificação e mensuração de posições sociais de origem e sua influência para compreender processos de recrutamento da elite política. Apresentamos algumas estratégias teóricas e metodológicas para classificar a variável “ocupação prévia à carreira política” e sugerimos o uso de mais de um indicador para essa medida. Argumentamos queuma tipologia que leve em conta características tanto sociais como políticas é a melhor maneira de compreender as transformações nos padrões de recrutamento parlamentar ao longo do século xx. O primeiro modelo testado por nós classificou os senadores brasileiros eleitos entre 1918 e 2010 nas ocupações de origem convencionalmente utilizadas em estudos sobre elites políticas. O segundo modelo procurou mudar a codificação das ocupações. Concluímos com uma nova sugestão de classificação resultante de uma tipologia sensível à variação dos valores atribuídos às ocupações profissionais ao longo da história
Elites, no plural
Authors: Hey Ana Paula
Published: December 2017

Apresentação ao dossiê Elites
Pela metade: implicações do dispositivo médico-criminal da “Nova” Lei de Drogas na cidade de São Paulo
Authors: Campos Marcelo Da Silveira , Alvarez Marcos César
Published: December 2017

Este texto aborda as implicações da atual lei de drogas no Brasil, analisada como um dispositivo de poder médico-criminal. A análise está voltada, mais especificamente, para algumas implicações da lei n. 11 343 de 2006 – “Nova” Lei de Drogas – no sistema de justiça criminal na cidade de São Paulo, tendo como pano de fundo o fenômeno da intensificação do encarceramento por tráfico de drogas no país após o advento da mesma lei no ano de 2006. São apresentados dados sobre prisões por drogas no Brasil e, em seguida, utiliza-se um modelo de série temporal interrompida [interrupted time series designs] em conjunto com um modelo de regressão binária logística com dados relativos à cidade de São Paulo, para indicar como se dá a atual administração estatal das drogas e como se desenvolvem práticas no interior do sistema de justiça criminal que privilegiam a pena de prisão, mesmo depois do suposto fim desta para o usuário de drogas, com a aprovação da lei de 2006.
Conversa com Carlos Altamirano: cenas da vida intelectual argentina
Authors: Tresoldi Maria Caroline Marmerolli , Paniz Flávia Xavier Merlotti
Published: December 2017

Entrevista com Carlos Altamirano, professor emérito da Universidade Nacional de Quiles, na Argentina. Graduado em Letras no ano de 1967 pela Universidade Nacional do Nordeste, província de Corrientes, Altamirano mudou-se para Buenos Aires no final dos anos de 1960. Como os intelectuais de esquerdas estavam às margens das universidades argentinas em decorrência da ditadura militar, ele trabalhou em editoras e revistas, tendo integrado, no final dos anos de 1970, o projeto coletivo que lançou a revista Punto de Vista. O trabalho editorial desempenhado em revistas, sua atuação como professor na Universidade Nacional de Quilmes, e suas publicações na condição de pesquisador do CONICET renderam notável reconhecimento de sua contribuição à historiografia argentina. Atualmente, participa do Centro de Estudos e Investigações de História Intelectual da Universidade Nacional de Quilmes, integra o conselho diretor da revista Prismas, e juntamente com seus colegas Ricardo Piglia e Beatriz Sarlo é considerado um dos principais intelectuais argentinos de seu tempo.
O DESAFIO DO CONCEITO DE PERFORMANCE NO CAMPO DA SUSTENTABILIDADE E DO DESIGN COMPUTACIONAL
Authors: Nisenbaum Marcio , Kos Jose Ripper
Published: December 2017

Este artigo discute o conceito de performance e sua apropriação nas áreas de pesquisa relacionadas à sustentabilidade e ao design computacional, enfocando os processos projetuais dos campos da arquitetura e do urbanismo. Recentemente, termos como “design orientado pela performance” ou “arquitetura orientada pela performance”, sobretudo quando relacionados à sustentabilidade, têm figurado no vocabulário de autores e profissionais na busca por diretrizes de projeto baseadas em processos de simulação e uso sistemático de ferramentas digitais. Nesse contexto, a noção de performance tem sido compreendida principalmente como sinônimo de desempenho, alinhando-se a discursos contemporâneos de eficiência e otimização – considera-se, nessas circunstâncias, que um edifício ou um recorte urbano “performa” quando atende a determinados critérios objetivos de avaliação de sustentabilidade, reduzida a parâmetros matemáticos. Pretende-se neste artigo justamente ampliar essa visão a partir de novas interpretações teóricas, recorrendo à investigação etimológica, pesquisa histórica e revisão de literatura, com base em autores de diferentes áreas e no estudo de caso da competição acadêmica de casas solares, o Solar Decathlon. Espera-se que essa análise inicial contribua para a emergência de novas formas de entendimento do conceito de performance, relativizando a noção de “corpo” que “performa” em diferentes vieses, potencializando assim sua apropriação e utilização no campo da sustentabilidade e do design computacional.
História Cultural do Humor: balanço provisório e perspectivas de pesquisas.
Authors: Saliba Elias Thomé
Published: December 2017

O artigo sintetiza as contribuições mais recentes das diversas pesquisas na área interdisciplinar dos estudos do humor, tomando-as como pontos de partida para discutir questões metodológicas inerentes a uma história cultural do humor. Apresenta um resumo das pesquisas sobre o universo humorístico realizadas nas áreas da neurologia, das ciências cognitivas, da primatologia, dos seus esforços e limitações na definição de um campo de estudos a respeito do tema. Discute as principais teorias formais do humor, apontando redundâncias, mas também possíveis indicações heurísticas e pautas temáticas para o historiador do humor. No quadro das guinadas linguísticas e subjetivas que legaram dilemas epistemológicos para as humanidades, apresenta exemplos de publicações importantes de história cultural do humor, sugestões de fontes e, de forma geral, como este campo de estudos pode forjar novas grades de compreensão da história.
On Richard Carrier’s Doubts
Authors: Gullotta Daniel N.
Published: December 2017

The Jesus Myth theory is the view that the person known as Jesus of Nazareth had no historical existence. Throughout the centuries this view has had a few but notable adherents such as Bruno Bauer, Arthur Drews, G.A. Wells, and Robert M. Price. Recently, Richard Carrier’s work On the Historicity of Jesus (Sheffield Phoenix Press, 2014) has attempted to reexamine the question in a rigorous academic fashion. According to Carrier, within the earliest days of Christianity, Jesus was not understood as a historic-human figure, but rather as a celestial-angelic being, akin to Gabriel in Islam or to Moroni in Mormonism, and only came to be understood as a historical person later. While Carrier’s hypothesis is problematic and unpersuasive, there are several key points related to his work that this article specifically challenges and critiques.
The Temporal Dimensions in the First Year of Life
Authors: Hevia Maria Dolores de , Lee Yu-Na , Streri Arlette
Published: December 2017

Time is a multifaceted concept that is critical in our cognitive lives and can refer, among others, to the period that lapses between the initial encounter with a stimulus and its posterior recognition, as well as to the specific duration of a certain event. In the first part of this paper, we will review studies that explain the involvement of the temporal dimension in the processing of sensory information, in the form of a temporal delay that impacts the accuracy of information processing. We will review studies that investigate the time intervals required to encode, retain, and remember a stimulus across sensory modalities in preverbal infants. In the second part, we will review studies that examine preverbal infants’ ability to encode the duration and distinguish events. In particular, we will discuss recent studies that show how the ability to recognize the timing of events in infants and newborns parallels, and is related to, their ability to compute other quantitative dimensions, such as number and space.
Religion and Belief in United Kingdom Employment Law: An Introduction to the Case-Law
Authors: Cranmer Frank
Published: December 2017

The interactions between religious belief and employment law touch on a wide variety of issues, ranging from basic questions about the definitions of ‘religion’ and ‘belief’—and, indeed, of ‘employment’—to issues such as time off for religious observance, religious dress in the workplace and the extent to which an employer can impose its religious values on its workforce. This monograph looks at the major issues of religion in relation to employment law in the United Kingdom, primarily by reference to the recent case-law.
A new species of Mycomya Rondani (Diptera, Mycetophilidae, Mycomyinae) from Argentinean Patagonia
Authors: OMAD GUILLERMO , PESSACQ PABLO , ANJOS-SANTOS DANIELLE
Published: December 2017

Mycomya bowiei n. sp. is described based on male and female specimens from Argentinean Patagonia. Additionally, we provide a redescription of Mycomya bifida Freman (1951) and new records of three species of Mycomya previously unrecorded from either Chubut Province or Argentina.
Review of the genus Promalactis (Lepidoptera: Oecophoridae) Meyrick, 1908 (II). The suzukiella group, with descriptions of eight new species
Authors: WANG SHUXIA , JIA YANYAN
Published: December 2017

Fifty-five species of the genus Promalactis Meyrick, 1908 are placed in the suzukiella group based on the forewing patterns. Among them, eight species are described as new: P. foliprocessa Wang, sp. nov., P. similiclavata Wang, sp. nov., P. aliformis Wang, sp. nov., P. dorsiseparata Wang, sp. nov., P. albitriangula Wang, sp. nov., P. sichuanensis Wang, sp. nov., P. huemeri Wang, sp. nov., and P. grandacantha Wang, sp. nov.; the females of P. subclavata Du, Wang et Li, 2014 and P. undulata Wang, Du et Li, 2013 are described for the first time. Photographs of adults and genitalia of the new species are provided; a map showing the type localities of the 55 species in the suzukiella group is given. Species belonging to the suzukiella group are listed.
Re-characterization of Gymelloxes with a re-description of Gymelloxes terea from Central America (Lepidoptera: Hepialidae)
Authors: GREHAN JOHN R. , MIELKE CARLOS G. C.
Published: December 2017

The hepialid genus Gymelloxes Viette, 1952 is characterized by, and differs from all other genera, by the male genitalia and a combination of characters. G. terea is redescribed due to the brevity of the original description. The male genitalia of Gymelloxes terea (Schaus, 1892) include two features that are unique within the Hepialidae – a posteriorly angled and digitiform tergal lobe, and two shallow, peg-like processes on the posterior margin of the saccus. The male phallus also exhibits minute sclerotized spicules or spots on the apex of an otherwise membranous tube. The external genitalia of the female includes a sclerotized antevaginalis with a broad, dorsally projecting, flat central margin. The species is included within the cibyrine clade of Hepialidae by the structure of the tergosternal connection and narrow spacing between Sc and R on the hindwing. The potential systematic significance of specialized similarities shared with other cibyrine Hepialidae is discussed. A lectotype of Dalaca terea Schaus, 1892 is here designated.
The Character and Causes of Elevation-Dependent Warming in High-Resolution Simulations of Rocky Mountain Climate Change
Authors: Minder Justin R. , Letcher Theodore W. , Liu Changhai
Published: December 2017

The character and causes of elevation-dependent warming (EDW) of surface temperatures are examined in a suite of high-resolution ( km) regional climate model (RCM) simulations of climate change over the Rocky Mountains using the Weather Research and Forecasting Model. A clear EDW signal is found over the region, with warming enhanced in certain elevation bands by as much as 2°C. During some months warming maximizes at middle elevations, whereas during others it increases monotonically with elevation or is nearly independent of elevation. Simulated EDW is primarily caused by the snow albedo feedback (SAF). Warming maximizes in regions of maximum snow loss and albedo reduction. The role of the SAF is confirmed by sensitivity experiments wherein the SAF is artificially suppressed. The elevation dependence of free-tropospheric warming appears to play a secondary role in shaping EDW. No evidence is found for a contribution from elevation-dependent water vapor feedbacks. Sensitivity experiments show that EDW depends strongly on certain aspects of RCM configuration. Simulations using 4- and 12-km horizontal grid spacings show similar EDW signals, but substantial differences are found when using a grid spacing of 36 km due to the influence of terrain resolution on snow cover and the SAF. Simulations using the Noah and Noah-MP land surface models (LSMs) exhibit large differences in EDW. These are caused by differences between LSMs in their representations of midelevation snow extent and in their parameterization of subpixel fractional snow cover. These lead to albedo differences that act to modulate the simulated SAF and its effect on EDW.