bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
How to Diagnose Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease
Authors: de Alwis Nimantha M.W. , Anstee Quentin M. , Day Christopher P.
Published: August 2016

Patients with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) are asymptomatic and present with either unexplained abnormal liver blood tests or a bright liver on ultrasonography. Some patients will have normal liver blood tests raising the issue of whether patients with risk factors for NAFLD (diabetes and/or metabolic syndrome [MS]) should be screened for its presence with biomarkers, such as the fatty liver index (FLI). The diagnosis of NAFLD requires the exclusion of other causes of chronic liver disease and steatosis, especially heavy alcohol consumption and viral hepatitis particularly HCV genotype 3. Diagnostic work-up should include evaluation of family and personal history of components of the MS and assessment of liver tests, fasting blood glucose, triglycerides and HDL levels. A drug history is important due to a number being associated with steatosis. To confirm the diagnosis of NAFLD and quantify steatosis, ultrasound (US) and MRI-based techniques are available but none are in routine use outside clinical trials. Standard US is no more accurate than biomarkers such as FLI. The accurate staging of NAFLD requires liver biopsy; however, this is clearly impractical for such a prevalent disease. Accordingly, a number of imaging and blood-based biomarker tests have been evaluated. While none have proved reliable for the diagnosis of nonalcoholic steatohepatitis, several have proved accurate in diagnosing the presence of stage 3 or 4 fibrosis, including the NAFLD fibrosis score, fibrosis-4 and the enhanced liver fibrosis test. Of the imaging techniques, elastography has received the most attention and is being used in routine clinical practice. US acoustic radiation force impulse imaging, and MR-based elastography have recently been described but none are sufficiently accurate to replace liver biopsy for clinical trials as yet or are cost effective for use in routine clinical settings.
Treatment of Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease
Authors: Scherer Antonia , Dufour Jean-François
Published: August 2016

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) encompasses a spectrum of conditions from steatosis to cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma. Steatosis is a benign reversible condition, which does not need treatment. Cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma are the end stages of any chronic liver disease and do not have etiology-specific treatments. In this chapter, we will review treatment options for non-alcoholic steatohepatitis, which is the progressive form of NAFLD. Basically there are 2 strategies, the first of which is to address lifestyle and the second to use medication. The first approach is the most physiologic, the least expensive, but is also the most difficult to implement. The second approach, which should help patients who failed the first approach, is at the advanced clinical research stage.
Alcohol and Obesity: A Dangerous Association for Fatty Liver Disease
Authors: Mahli Abdo , Hellerbrand Claus
Published: August 2016

Alcoholic liver disease (ALD) and nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) are the most frequent chronic liver disorders, and their advanced forms - alcoholic steatohepatitis and nonalcoholic steatohepatitis - are the most frequent conditions leading to liver cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma worldwide. NAFLD is considered as the hepatic manifestation of the metabolic syndrome. With the pandemic rise of obesity, the incidence of NAFLD is also further increasing, and considering the life style in modern societies, there is a significant overlap of (risk factors causing) NAFLD and (alcohol consumption predisposing for) ALD at least in Western countries. Epidemiological studies propose a causative link between chronic alcohol consumption and progressive liver disease in obese individuals. Furthermore, experimental studies indicate combined pathological effects of alcohol and obesity or fatty acid levels, respectively, on hepatocellular lipid accumulation and injury as well as hepatic inflammation, fibrosis and cancerogenesis. Notably, these combined pathological effects are in part additive but partly even synergistic. And importantly, alcohol does already exhibit synergistic pathological effects with obesity at moderate doses. This indicates significant differences in the dose threshold for hepatotoxic alcohol effects in lean and obese subjects and herewith also has important implications for recommendations for ‘safe' alcohol consumption. The purpose of this brief review is to update the knowledge on the combined effects of alcohol and obesity on the development and progression of liver disease. Undoubtedly, alcohol and the metabolic syndrome appear as a dangerous mix, and there are important interactive effects of either condition with regard to crucial triggers of liver injury.
Emerging Therapies for Inflammatory Bowel Diseases
Authors: Khanna Reena , Feagan Brian G.
Published: August 2016

Background: The past decade has seen important advances in the management of chronic inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD), consisting of Crohn's disease (CD) and ulcerative colitis. The development of TNF antagonists, the recognition of interrupting lymphocyte trafficking as an effective treatment strategy, confirmation of the value of combination therapy, and the need, particularly in CD, for the treatment of high-risk patients early in the disease course are all fundamental concepts upon which the next generation of IBD treatment algorithms will be built. Emerging concepts that will continue to evolve and shape the field include an increased emphasis on personalized medicine (right drug, right dose, right time) and the development of new therapeutic classes. In this article, we review the clinical data and provide some insights into recent data regarding IBD therapies. Key Messages: In this article, we review the mechanism of action and data for novel therapies in IBD with particular focus on the evidence for agents targeting leukocyte trafficking, cytokine signaling, including interleukin-12/23 and the Janus kinase-signal transducers/activators of transcription pathway, and the emergence of antisense therapy for the treatment of IBD. Conclusions: Multiple new therapies are emerging for IBD; however, the potential positioning of these agents in treatment algorithms is difficult to predict in the absence of comparative effectiveness studies.
Any Future for Fecal Microbiota Transplantation as Treatment Strategy for Inflammatory Bowel Diseases?
Authors: Kump Patrizia , Högenauer Christoph
Published: August 2016

Fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) is a novel therapeutic procedure aiming at restoring a normal intestinal microbiota by application of fecal microorganisms from a healthy subject into the gastrointestinal tract of a patient. FMT is the most effective treatment for recurrent Clostridium difficile infections (CDI). These infections also occur in patients with inflammatory bowel diseases (IBDs), where case series demonstrated a successful treatment of CDI by FMT in 83-92% of patients. The effect of FMT on the activity of IBD has mainly been investigated in ulcerative colitis (UC) patients, including 3 randomized controlled trials. So far, 2 randomized controlled trials showed a superiority of FMT compared to placebo in inducing remission in UC, while 1 study found no significant difference to placebo. The variation in response to FMT between these studies as well as in the uncontrolled trials might be explained by many differences in the way of FMT application, patient pretreatment and patient and donor selection. The data for the use of FMT in Crohn's disease and pouchitis are sparse; currently, no conclusion can be drawn regarding the effectiveness of FMT in these indications. It needs to be noted that cases of IBD activation after FMT have been reported. So far, FMT can only be recommended to be used for the treatment of concomitant CDI in IBD in clinical practice. For treating IBD irrespective of CDI, FMT should be only used in clinical trials. Current forms of FMT, especially protocols using repeated application, are very time and personnel consuming. Future trends are the use of defined stable microbiota preparations, in particular oral preparations, which will enable better and larger controlled trails for investigating FMT in IBD.
Failed Maximal Defibrillation Threshold Testing in the Subcutaneous Implantable Cardioverter Defibrillator
Authors: Levine Joshua D. , Ellins Catherine , Winn Nancy , Kim Robert , Hsu Steve S. , Catanzaro John N.
Published: August 2016

The subcutaneous implantable cardioverter defibrillator (S-ICD) registry included very few patients with a body mass index (BMI) greater than 40. We present a case of a 40-year-old male with a BMI of 44 and ejection fraction of 25% who underwent S-ICD implantation for primary prevention of sudden cardiac death in the setting of a nonischemic cardiomyopathy. Defibrillation threshold (DFT) testing failed at high output. A posterior to anterior radiograph demonstrated migration of the components despite positioning under fluoroscopy. After repositioning, repeat DFT testing showed an inconsistent efficacy. We discuss the probabilistic nature of DFT testing, clinical factors affecting the S-ICD implant in the obese population and offer a novel insight from this specific experience.
Increased Vitreous Chemerin Levels Are Associated with Proliferative Diabetic Retinopathy
Authors: Li Jun , Hu Wen-chao , Song Hui , Lin Jing-na , Tang Xin
Published: August 2016

Purpose: To investigate chemerin in the vitreous bodies of patients with proliferative diabetic retinopathy (PDR) and determine the correlation between the levels of vitreous chemerin and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF). Methods: This study included 17 patients suffering from PDR and vitreous hemorrhage (VH) (group A), 21 patients with PDR and tractional retinal detachment (TRD) (group B) and 25 patients with idiopathic macular holes or preretinal membranes (control group). All vitreous samples were obtained through pars plana vitrectomy. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and Western blot analysis were performed to evaluate the levels of vitreous chemerin and VEGF. Results: Vitreous concentrations of chemerin were significantly higher in PDR patients with VH and TRD than those in the controls [4.82 ng/ml (3.91-6.13) vs. 5.03 ng/ml (4.01-6.15) vs. 2.53 ng/ml (1.53-5.66), p = 0.025]. The ratio of vitreous chemerin to plasma chemerin concentration significantly differed between groups A and B and the control group [4.93% (4.69-5.34) vs. 4.98% (4.63-5.19) vs. 2.58% (1.78-4.58), p < 0.001]. Western blot results indicated that the levels of vitreous chemerin protein in PDR patients significantly increased compared with those in the controls. Spearman correlation analysis further showed that vitreous chemerin levels in patients with PDR were positively correlated with vitreous VEGF levels (r = -0.542, p < 0.001). Conclusions: Increased vitreous chemerin levels are associated with the development of PDR.
The Importance of Obligate Anaerobes and the Streptococcus anginosus Group in Pulmonary Abscess: A Clone Library Analysis Using Bronchoalveolar Lavage Fluid
Authors: Mukae Hiroshi , Noguchi Shingo , Naito Keisuke , Kawanami Toshinori , Yamasaki Kei , Fukuda Kazumasa , Akata Kentaro , Fukuda Yuichi , Kido Takashi , Ishimoto Hiroshi , Sakamoto Noriho , Taniguchi Hatsumi , Yatera Kazuhiro
Published: August 2016

Background: Appropriate antibiotic use reduces the mortality of patients with lung abscess; however, 40-60% of the bacterial etiologies in these patients have remained unknown with the culture methods. Obligate anaerobes and the Streptococcus anginosus group are common pathogens in lung abscess, but a precise evaluation of these bacteria by ordinary culture methods seems to be difficult due to upper respiratory tract contamination. Objectives: The aim of this study was to assess the microbiota of lung abscess by bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) using the molecular method in comparison to culture methods. Methods: BALF samples obtained from the affected lesions and sputum samples of 59 patients with lung abscess were evaluated. The microbiota in BALF was analyzed according to the molecular method using the 16S ribosomal RNA gene. Results: Fifty-six of the 59 BALF samples were positive in polymerase chain reaction analysis. Fusobacterium spp. (23.7%) were most frequently detected, followed by the S. anginosus group (15.3%), as the predominant phylotypes. Obligate anaerobes were detected in 42.4% of the BALF specimens as the predominant phylotypes, whereas the detection rate of obligate anaerobes was 13.6% by culture methods using BALF. In addition, the detection rate among those patients in whom the phylotype of obligate anaerobes was detected in >5% of the lung microbiota according to the molecular method was 86.5% in the ‘mixed-bacterial' infection group. Conclusions: The findings by the molecular method suggest that obligate anaerobes play important roles in the pathogenesis of lung abscess and provide additional bacterial information regarding conventional culture methods.
Infra-Conus Single-Level Laminectomy for Selective Dorsal Rhizotomy: Technical Advance
Authors: Bales James , Apkon Susan , Osorio Marisa , Kinney Gregory , Robison R. Aaron , Hooper Erin , Browd Samuel
Published: August 2016

Background/Aims: Selective dorsal rhizotomy for spastic cerebral palsy is an effective and well-validated surgical approach. Multiple techniques have been described in the past including multiple laminectomies and a single-level laminectomy at the level of the conus. There is considerable technical challenge involved with a single-level laminectomy approach. Methods: We report here a modification of the single-level laminectomy that selectively analyzes each individual nerve root with electromyography to separate dorsal and ventral nerve roots through comparison of stimulus responses. Results: In 18 children with cerebral palsy who underwent this operation there was a mean improvement in the Modified Ashworth Scale of 2.0 with no reported incidence of muscle weakness, sensory loss, or neurogenic bladder. Conclusion: This approach allows for a modification of selective dorsal rhizotomy through a single-level laminectomy and tailors the selection of nerve root sectioning to the individual patient of interest while still maintaining its effectiveness.
Scaffolds and Cell-Based Tissue Engineering for Blood Vessel Therapy
Authors: Hsia Kai , Yao Chao-Ling , Chen Wei-Min , Chen Jian-Haw , Lee Hsinyu , Lu Jen-Her
Published: August 2016

The increasing morbidity of cardiovascular diseases in modern society has made it crucial to develop a small-caliber blood vessel. In the absence of appropriate autologous vascular grafts, an alternative prosthesis must be constructed for cardiovascular disease patients. The aim of this article is to describe the advances in making cell-seeded cardiovascular prostheses. It also discusses the combinations of types of scaffolds and cells, especially autologous stem cells, which are suitable for application in tissue-engineered vessels with the favorable properties of mechanical strength, antithrombogenicity, biocompliance, anti-inflammation, fatigue resistance and long-term durability. This article highlights the advancements in cellular tissue-engineered vessels in recent years.
Serum Uric Acid Exhibits Inverse Relationship with Estimated Glomerular Filtration Rate
Authors: Koratala Abhilash , Singhania Girish , Alquadan Kawther F. , Shimada Michiko , Johnson Richard J. , Ejaz A. Ahsan
Published: August 2016

Background: In this study, we investigated the relationship between serum uric acid (SUA) and renal function in a unique patient cohort wherein SUA levels fluctuate during the course of standard care. Methods: Correlation coefficients between SUA and serum creatinine (SCr) and kinetic estimated GFR (KeGFR) were retrospectively investigated in acute myeloid leukemia (AML) patients, and statistically significant and clinically relevant determinants were studied in multiple regression models. Results: One hundred and twenty-six patients were included in the analysis. Baseline SUA was associated with an increased risk for acute kidney injury (AKI; OR 1.27, 95% CI 1.1-1.5, p = 0.003) and laboratory tumor lysis syndrome (OR 1.26, 95% CI 1.1-1.5, p = 0.005). Prophylactic uric acid-lowering therapy and hydration resulted in lower SUA values from baseline in 88.1% of the patients, the lowest values were observed on post-induction day 1 (20.4% reduction). Significant linear correlations were observed between SUA and SCr (r = 0.35, p < 0.001) values with a significant inverse correlation between SUA and KeGFR on day 1 (r = -0.33, p < 0.001) that persisted through day 4. By subgroup analysis, patients with primary AML (r = -0.49, p < 0.001), baseline SUA >5.5 mg/dl (r = -0.41, p = 0.002) and baseline eGFR >60 ml/min/1.73 m2 (r = -0.51, p < 0.001) demonstrated robust relationships between SUA and KeGFR. The relationship was more robust when the groups were combined (primary AML plus baseline SUA >5.5 mg/dl plus baseline eGFR >60 ml/min/1.73 m2, r = -0.52, p < 0.001). Conclusion: The demonstration of linear relationship between SUA and SCr and inverse relationship between SUA and KeGFR reinforces the emerging translational physiological evidence regarding the role of uric acid in AKI.
Neoadjuvant and Adjuvant Chemotherapy of Cervical Cancer
Authors: Mallmann Peter , Mallmann Christoph
Published: August 2016

Neoadjuvant chemotherapy is indicated in patients who can tolerate the side effects of a chemotherapy and with preoperative presentation of one of the following clinical risk situations: bulky disease with a maximal tumor diameter of > 4 cm, suspicious lymph nodes in magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), computed tomography (CT) scan or endosonography, histopathologically confirmed lymph node metastasis, or histopathologically documented risk factors such as G3 and L1V1. A neoadjuvant chemotherapy followed by surgery should be performed with cisplatin at a dosage of > 25 mg/m2 per week and an application interval of < 14 days. The previously published data suggests an improved rate of complete resection and reduced incidences of positive lymph nodes and parametric infiltration. Accordingly, the percentage of patients in need for adjuvant radiochemotherapy after operation can be significantly reduced. Some studies demonstrated a prolongation of progression-free and overall survival. Following the previously published studies, adjuvant chemotherapy after operation or after radiochemotherapy has no significant effect on the overall survival and, following the current guidelines, should be avoided.
A classe média e a proliferação das “globochanchadas"
Authors: Ribeiro Márcio Rodrigo
Published: August 2016

O presente trabalho pretende discutir, traçando um breve panorama histórico, a importância das chamadas “globochanchadas”, ou longas-metragens realizados no gênero comédia no Brasil, e seus impactos no cinema brasileiro contemporâneo como filmes capazes de atrair milhões de espectadores de classe média para a sala do circuito exibidor comercial do País, hoje em sua maioria localizado em salas de cinema em shoppings centers das maiores cidades do Brasil.
Entre a passagem e a permanência: estética do desaparecimento em Linz – Quando Todos os Acidentes Acontecem
Authors: Silva Camila Vieira da
Published: August 2016

Este artigo busca compreender como a experiência do fracasso e da desaparição é explorada em Linz – Quando Todos os Acidentes Acontecem (2013), primeiro longa-metragem de ficção do realizador cearense Alexandre Veras. O objetivo da análise do filme é situar a relação entre passagem e permanência como elemento dramatúrgico que contribui para o pensamento em torno de uma estética do desaparecimento.
Added Sugars and Cardiovascular Disease Risk in Children: A Scientific Statement From the American Heart Association
Authors: Vos Miriam B. , Kaar Jill L. , Welsh Jean A. , Van Horn Linda V. , Feig Daniel I. , Anderson Cheryl A.M. , Patel Mahesh J. , Cruz Munos Jessica , Krebs Nancy F. , Xanthakos Stavra A. , Johnson Rachel K.
Published: August 2016

Background:

Poor lifestyle behaviors are leading causes of preventable diseases globally. Added sugars contribute to a diet that is energy dense but nutrient poor and increase risk of developing obesity, cardiovascular disease, hypertension, obesity-related cancers, and dental caries.

Methods and Results:

For this American Heart Association scientific statement, the writing group reviewed and graded the current scientific evidence for studies examining the cardiovascular health effects of added sugars on children. The available literature was subdivided into 5 broad subareas: effects on blood pressure, lipids, insulin resistance and diabetes mellitus, nonalcoholic fatty liver disease, and obesity.

Conclusions:

Associations between added sugars and increased cardiovascular disease risk factors among US children are present at levels far below current consumption levels. Strong evidence supports the association of added sugars with increased cardiovascular disease risk in children through increased energy intake, increased adiposity, and dyslipidemia. The committee found that it is reasonable to recommend that children consume ≤25 g (100 cal or ≈6 teaspoons) of added sugars per day and to avoid added sugars for children <2 years of age. Although added sugars most likely can be safely consumed in low amounts as part of a healthy diet, few children achieve such levels, making this an important public health target.
Trajectories of Cardiovascular Risk Factors and Incidence of Atrial Fibrillation Over a 25-Year Follow-Up
Authors: Norby Faye L. , Soliman Elsayed Z. , Chen Lin Y. , Bengtson Lindsay G.S. , Loehr Laura R. , Agarwal Sunil K. , Alonso Alvaro
Published: August 2016

Background:

Timing and trajectories of cardiovascular risk factor (CVRF) development in relation to atrial fibrillation (AF) have not been described previously. We assessed trajectories of CVRF and incidence of AF over 25 years in the ARIC study (Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities).

Methods:

We assessed trajectories of CVRF in 2456 individuals with incident AF and 6414 matched control subjects. Subsequently, we determined the association of CVRF trajectories with the incidence of AF among 10 559 AF-free individuals (mean age, 67 years; 52% men; 20% blacks). Risk factors were measured during 5 examinations between 1987 and 2013. Cardiovascular events, including incident AF, were ascertained continuously. We modeled the prevalence of risk factors and cardiovascular outcomes in the period before and after AF diagnosis and the corresponding index date for control subjects using generalized estimating equations. Trajectories in risk factors were identified with latent mixture modeling. The risk of incident AF by trajectory group was examined with Cox models.

Results:

The prevalence of stroke, myocardial infarction, and heart failure increased steeply during the time close to AF diagnosis. All CVRFs were elevated in AF cases compared with controls >15 years before diagnosis. We identified distinct trajectories for all the assessed CVRFs. In general, individuals with trajectories denoting long-term exposure to CVRFs had increased AF risk even after adjustment for single measurements of the CVRFs.

Conclusions:

AF patients have increased prevalence of CVRF many years before disease diagnosis. This analysis identified diverse trajectories in the prevalence of these risk factors, highlighting their different roles in AF pathogenesis.
A new species of the genus Tetratoma Fabricius (Coleoptera, Tetratomidae) from China
Authors: NIKITSKY N.B.
Published: August 2016

A new species of tetratomid beetle, Tetratoma (s. str.) yunnanensis Nikitsky sp. nov. is described from Southern China (Yunnan). Description, colour habitus photographs and an illustration of the aedeagus are provided, and the species is compared with other members of the genus. Biogeographical observations on the species and subgenera of Tetratoma are given.
Endemism and long distance dispersal in the waterfleas of Easter Island
Authors: DAMME KAY VAN
Published: August 2016

Easter Island is known for a depauperate terrestrial and aquatic biota. The discovery of new taxa is unusual, even among the island’s micro-invertebrates. A new cladoceran, Ovalona pascua sp. nov. (Crustacea: Cladocera: Anomopoda: Chydoridae), is described from freshwater environments. The chydorid, the only known extant cladoceran on the island, is the dominant aquatic invertebrate in the surface waters. Based on detailed morphological comparison, including a character similarity matrix applied across the species in the genus (12 characters/17 spp), the new taxon is proposed here as an insular endemic with affinities in the East (New World). The revision challenges the theory that invasive zooplankton species were introduced from the subantarctic islands during the 18th century. Human introduction is not the main mechanism through which cladocerans could have arrived on Easter Island. Late Pleistocene – Early Holocene fossils in Cañellas-Boltà et al. (2012) from cores in Rano Raraku Lake are identified here as Daphnia O.F. Müller, 1785 (subgenus Ctenodaphnia Dybowski & Grochowski, 1895). The establishment of Daphnia before human colonization on Easter Island provides strong proof of successful long distance dispersal by ephippia over thousands of kilometers of open sea.
An updated checklist of the Recent non-marine Ostracoda (Crustacea) of Iran, with a redescription of Eucypris mareotica (Fischer, 1855)
Authors: RASOULI HAMIDREZA , SCHARF BURKHARD , MEISCH CLAUDE , AYGEN CEM
Published: August 2016

An updated checklist of the extant non-marine Ostracoda of Iran, with 74 species in all, is presented, based on literature and new collections made in May 2011. The occurrence of 19 non-marine ostracod species recovered from 10 localities in May 21–26, 2011 is reported together with ecological data. Eucypris kerkyrensis Stephanides, 1937, Ilyocypris inermis Kaufmann, 1900, Psychrodromus fontinalis Wolf, 1920, and P. olivaceus (Brady & Norman, 1889) are new to the fauna of Iran. Eucypris mareotica (Fischer, 1855) is redescribed and its taxonomic position is discussed. It is shown that E. mareotica—synonymous with E. inflata—does not belong to the genus Eucypris sensu stricto, and even not to the subfamily Eucypridinae; as its characters do not fit any available genus, the species is therefore provisionally left in the genus Eucypris at present. Eucypris mongolica (Daday, 1909) is proposed to be considered an infraspecific variety of E. mareotica. The following new combination is here proposed: Strandesia ambigua (Ghetti, 1972) nov. comb.
Redescription of two European species of Acerentomidae (Protura) belonging to the Italian fauna
Authors: GALLI LORIS , CAPURRO MATTEO , COSTA FABIO , STADIO GABRIELE DI , SARÀ ANTONIO , ZINNI MATTEO
Published: August 2016

Acerentulus apuliacus Rusek & Stumpp, 1988 is redescribed based on new specimens collected in Apulia and Basilicata (S-Italy) and deposited in the collection of Geneva Natural History Museum. Podolinella ruseki (Nosek, 1967) new combination is redescribed, based on the holotype from Austria and additional specimens collected in Liguria, NW Italy. The new material is deposited in the collection of the Dipartimento di Scienze della Terra, dell’Ambiente e della Vita, University of Genoa.
The whale barnacle Cryptolepas rhachianecti (Cirripedia: Coronulidae), a phoront of the grey whale Eschrichtius robustus (Cetacea: Eschrichtiidae), from a sandy beach in The Netherlands
Authors: BOSSELAERS MARK , COLLARETA ALBERTO
Published: August 2016

An isolated compartment of a whale barnacle is herein described from Recent beach deposits in Zoutelande (Walcheren, The Netherlands). This specimen is identified as belonging to the extant coronulid species Cryptolepas rhachianecti, currently known as an epizoic symbiont of the grey whale Eschrichtius robustus. This find represents the first occurrence of C. rhachianecti outside the North Pacific, and the first one as a (sub)fossil. In view of the fact that E. robustus, which is currently confined to the North Pacific, is known as a subfossil from the northeastern Atlantic between late Late Pleistocene (c. 45,000 years ago) and historical (c. 1700 AD) times, we propose a similar (late Quaternary) age for the isolated compartment. The find indicates that the extinct late Quaternary northeastern Atlantic population of E. robustus was infected by Cryptolepas rhachianecti. Our find is, therefore, compatible with the hypothesis of an ancient grey whale migration route running between the subtropical/temperate waters of the northeast Atlantic (or Mediterranean Basin), and the cold waters of the Baltic Sea (or southern Arctic Ocean), through the southern North Sea. Finally, we discuss the systematic placement of the fossil barnacle species Cryptolepas murata and propose the possibility of its removal from the genus Cryptolepas pending further investigations.
Corrigendum
Authors: Young Stuart A. , Vaughan Mark A. , Kuehn Ralph E. , Winker David M.
Published: August 2016

An error in a recent analysis of the sensitivity of retrievals of Cloud–Aerosol Lidar with Orthogonal Polarization (CALIOP) particulate optical properties to errors in various input parameters is described. This error was in the specification of an intermediate variable that was used to write a general equation for the sensitivities to errors in either the renormalization (calibration) factor or in the lidar ratio used in the retrieval, or both. The result of this incorrect substitution (an additional multiplicative factor to the exponent of the particulate transmittance) was then copied to some intermediate equations; the corrected versions of which are presented here. Fortunately, however, all of the final equations for the specific cases of renormalization and lidar ratio errors are correct, as are all of the figures and approximations, because these were derived directly from equations for the specific errors and not from the equation for the general case. All of the other sections, including the uncertainty analyses and the analyses of sensitivities to low signal-to-noise ratios and errors in constrained retrievals, and the presentations of errors and uncertainties in simulated and actual data are unaffected.
Diabolical Data: A Critical Inventory of New Testament Satanology
Authors: Farrar Thomas J. , Williams Guy J.
Published: August 2016

This study counts references to Satan in the NT, by any designation. First, all candidate texts are surveyed. These include occurrences of the words σατανᾶς and διάβολος (with and without the article) and 30 other terms which potentially refer to Satan, descriptively or allegorically. Having laid ground rules for counting potential references in close proximity, candidate texts in which the referent is uncertain are analysed exegetically to decide whether they do refer to Satan. These include texts in which σατανᾶς or διάβολος occurs without the article and texts in which neither σατανᾶς nor διάβολος occurs. Through exegesis, a final count of 137 references to Satan in the NT is obtained. An alternative, probability-weighted approach estimates the number at 129.2. In either case, the total is strikingly greater than a simple summation of instances of σατανᾶς and διάβολος.
Quantifying the Reduction in Collapse Safety of Main Shock–Damaged Reinforced Concrete Frames with Infills
Authors: Burton Henry V. , Sharma Mayank
Published: August 2016

A performance-based methodology is presented to quantify the reduction in collapse safety of main shock–damaged reinforced concrete frame buildings with infills. After assessing their collapse safety in the intact state, the residual collapse capacity following main shock damage is evaluated by conducting incremental dynamic analysis to collapse using main shock–aftershock ground motion sequences. The median collapse capacity and conditional probability of collapse for the main shock–damaged building, normalized by that of the intact case are the metrics used to measure the reduction in collapse safety. Taller buildings with built-in soft and weak first stories have the highest reduction in collapse safety as a result of main shock damage. Among the engineering demand parameters recorded during the main shock analyses, story drift demands (peak transient and residual) and infill strut axial deformations have the highest correlation with the decline in collapse performance. The results of the main shock–aftershock incremental dynamic analysis to collapse are used to develop fragility functions for the limit state defined by the building being structurally unsafe to occupy.
Sugarcane Harvest Logistics in Brazil
Authors: Lamsal Kamal , Jones Philip C. , Thomas Barrett W.
Published: August 2016

Sugar mills in Brazil represent significant capital investments. To maintain appropriate returns on their investment, sugar companies seek to run the mills at capacity over the entire nine months of the sugarcane harvest season. Because the sugar content of cane degrades considerably once it is cut, maintaining inventories of cut cane is undesirable. Instead, mills want to coordinate the arrival of cut cane with production. In this paper, we present a model of the sugarcane harvest logistics problem in Brazil. We introduce a series of valid inequalities for the model, and we introduce heuristics for finding an initial feasible solution and for lifting the lower bound. Computational results demonstrate the effectiveness of the inequalities and heuristics. In addition, we explore the value of allowing trucks to serve multiple rather than single locations and demonstrate the value of allowing the harvest speed to vary.
Distribución funcional de la renta y costes laborales en Gipuzkoa: un estudio empírico para la reducción del tiempo de trabajo
Authors: Castrillón Serna Verónica , Zendoia Sainz Jose Mari , Bernat Zubiri Rey Jon
Published: August 2016

En este artículo se analiza la evolución seguida por la distribución funcional de la renta y los costes laborales unitarios de cara a justificar la viabilidad y la financiación de una reducción del tiempo de trabajo en Gipuzkoa. En el estudio de la distribución, se evalúa el efecto que la fiscalidad directa ha ejercido sobre las rentas procedentes de trabajo y las rentas de capital, de acuerdo a sus participaciones en el PIB y atendiendo al principio de equidad redistributiva. Los costes laborales unitarios se han calculado en términos reales, nominales y deflactados y se presentan los resultados desagregados en 38 sectores industriales. En el análisis se ha incluido el último ciclo expansivo de la economía (1995-2007) y los cinco primeros años de la recesión iniciada en 2008.
Propuestas de reducción del tiempo de trabajo en Gipuzkoa
Authors: Castrillón Serna Verónica , Zendoia Sainz Jose Mari , Bernat Zubiri Rey Jon
Published: August 2016

Desde el inicio de la recesión se está padeciendo un incremento sostenido del paro de larga duración y del subempleo. En este artículo se estudian políticas de reducción del tiempo de trabajo (RTT) aplicables al caso de Gipuzkoa como vía para reducir el desempleo, abordando cuestiones territoriales, socio-laborales y productivas. Analizamos diferentes propuestas en las que se ha evaluado en qué medida la RTT puede tener efectos positivos de una traslación del tiempo liberado a nuevos puestos de trabajo, así como sus efectos redistributivos en diferentes escenarios de financiación y por sectores productivos. Se ha dado especial importancia a la compensación salarial, siendo nuestra posición partidaria de una RTT sustancial y equitativa, tanto en la creación de puestos de trabajo como en su financiación.
Enpleguko Borondatezko Gizarte Aurreikuspeneko Erakundeek (BGAE) eta Enpleguko Pentsio-Funtsek Kapital Arriskuan egiten duten inbertsioa
Authors: Ahumada Carazo Rosa M.ª , Goienetxea Murgiondo Ainhoa
Published: August 2016

Este trabajo analiza la inversión en Capital Riesgo de los Fondos de Pensiones y las Entidades de Previsión Social de la modalidad de empleo. Para ello, en primer lugar se describen las características del Capital Riesgo como inversión para seguidamente indagar sobre las demandas de estas instituciones a la hora de invertir. Esto nos lleva a una serie de conclusiones que son contrastadas a través de un análisis de tipo cualitativo, basado en encuestas a los Directores de Inversiones de las principales Gestoras de Fondos de Pensiones en España y de Entidades de Previsión Social del País Vasco de la modalidad de empleo.
Factores que promocionan la falta de ética en las prácticas de producción y logística de las empresas transnacionales
Authors: Luque González Arturo , De Pablos Heredero Carmen
Published: August 2016

Este artículo tiene como objetivo fundamental recoger y exponer los factores que promocionan y hacen efectiva la producción textil internacional dentro de un marco de falta de ética y asimetría normativa. En la realidad económica que impera actualmente, se entiende necesaria la clarificación de elementos y procesos irradiadores que facilitan de manera inexorable la capilaridad e interconexión de actores que facilitan la producción textil, tanto desde ínfimos talleres en lugares recónditos hasta lugares más cercanos y conocidos como son los centros de decisión y poder. El artículo reflexiona sobre aspectos que afectan a las malas prácticas en los procesos de fabricación textil pero que a su vez no se pueden solucionar únicamente desde las escuelas de negocios o corrientes institucionalizadas. Se evidencia la posibilidad de crear valor, siendo ético —al menos según la legislación vigente— a la vez que se pueden promocionar sistemas de producción alejados de toda moral y deshumanizados, pero bendecidos por buena parte de la sociedad como así reflejan los volúmenes de ventas. El trabajo concluye con de una serie de reflexiones sobre la necesidad de desarrollar investigaciones futuras para ahondar sobremanera en el papel que han de tener las organizaciones internacionales si no cumplen su cometido, por acción u omisión, así como los tipos de acciones correctoras posibles cuando las propias empresas transnacionales gravitan alrededor de los círculos de poder.
Biblijny obraz ludzkiej społeczności jako wzorczy normatyw ładu społecznego
Authors: Zabielski Józef
Published: August 2016

Dziś często możemy obserwować różne formy zaburzeń porządku społecznego. Ludzie poszukują sposobów radzenia sobie z tym problemem. Dla chrześcijan Objawienie Boże jest wyrazem woli Bożej w tym względzie. Biblia pokazuje, że Bóg stworzył człowieka. Ludzie powinni słuchać Boga i zbudować porządek społeczny, w tym posłuszeństwa. W Starym Testamencie był porządek społeczny oparty na unii Izraela z Bogiem oraz o Dekalogu. W Nowym Testamencie Jezus Chrystus jest osobista centrum ludzkiego społeczeństwa, podczas gdy przykazanie miłości jest normatywną podstawą porządku społecznego. To powinno być uziemienie jedności między ludźmi i jedności ludzi z Bogiem. Jest to również gwarancją trwałego pokoju i stabilnego porządku społecznego.
Posługa sakramentalnej pokuty i kierownictwa duchowego w perspektywie świętości chrześcijańskiej
Authors: Pryba Andrzej
Published: August 2016

W marcu 2011 roku Kongregacja do spraw Duchowieństwa wydała dokument zatytułowany „Kapłan, minister Bożego Miłosierdzia”, która stanowi pomoc dla spowiedników i kierowników duchowych. Analiza tego dokumentu wskazuje na konieczność ponownego odkrycia sakramentu pokuty i duchowego przywództwa, przez kapłana i penitenta. To poprzez sakrament pokuty i kierownictwa duchowego, które poprzez sumienia wierzących są utworzone. Ta rzeczywistość jest też elementem nowej ewangelizacji co powinno prowadzić do osobistego spotkania z Jezusem Chrystusem i w ten sposób do wzrostu w świętości.
Prymas Wyszyński - obrońca zakonów wobec prześladowań władz Polskiej Rzeczpospolitej Ludowej
Authors: Kaczmarek Ewa
Published: August 2016

Po II Wojnie światowej rozwinął się komunistyczny system wrogo nastawiony do religii i Kościoła w Polsce. Polityka anty-Kościół realizowana przez rząd oznaczała między innymi zwalczanie zakonów w celu całkowitej eliminacji życia religijnego w Polsce. W tym celu został wykorzystany szeroki wachlarz metod administracyjnych, prawnych i ekonomicznych. Były próby pozbawienia zakonów z możliwości przeprowadzania ich charyzmatów, aby przekonać społeczeństwo o nieprzydatności życia zakonnego. Prymas Wyszyński, jako głowa Kościoła w Polsce zaangażował się w obronie zakonów przeciwko złośliwym i wrogim polityki rządu.
Ewangelizacja rodziny drogą do odnalezienia tożsamości (30 lat po Familiaris consortio)
Authors: Zielonka Iwona
Published: August 2016

Jan Paweł II w „Familiaris consortio” w punkcie 17, mówiąc o zadaniach rodziny chrześcijańskiej, wskazuje na konieczność dotarcia do "początku" aktu twórczego Boga. Dziś wydaje się, że tym, czego potrzebuje rodzina jest przede wszystkim nowa ewangelizacja. Należy to rozumieć jak odkrycie pierwotnego planu Boga wobec małżeństwa i rodziny oraz powrotu "do początku" z wiarą , jako własny sposób życia. Chodzi o wprowadzenie ludzi do osobistej osobowej relacji z Bogiem.
Sprawozdzanie z Międzynarodowej Konferecji "Rola Kościoła Katolickiego w procesie integracji europejskiej"
Authors: Pryba Andrzej
Published: August 2016

Sprawozdzanie z Międzynarodowej Konferecji "Rola Kościoła Katolickiego w procesie integracji europejskiej", Kraków 9-10 września 2011 r. Etyczny wymiar polityki
Komplementarność działań rodziny i społeczeństwa w wychowaniu
Authors: Urbaniak Andrzej
Published: August 2016

Wychowanie nie jest prostą sumą działań rodziny i instytucji społecznych. Zarówno szkoła, jak i różne organizacje społeczne (w szczególności młodzieżowe) oraz instytucje kościelne podejmujące działania wychowawcze zobowiązane są do respektowania zapisów Karty Praw Rodziny uznającej rodzinę za pierwszą i w pewnym sensie nadrzędną wspólnotę wychowującą. Właściwe efekty wychowawcze można uzyskać tylko w sytuacji spełnienia określonych reguł współpracy wszystkich podmiotów wychowujących. Warto się pochylić nad tymi regułami i poszukiwać nowych sposobów realizacji ich treści.
Lessons from abroad: Rebalancing accountability and pedagogy in the Irish social care sector through the use of effective leadership
Authors: Jones Cathy , Smey Carston Catherine
Published: August 2016

A concern is emerging in Ireland that social care managers and staff are moving too far away from the ‘care’ in social ‘care’ work. In this paper a discussion of the impact of the bureaucratic procedures and regulation within the social work and social care work sectors is presented along with an exploration of leadership approaches. It is argued that certain leadership approaches, in particular pedagogical leadership, could not only help social care managers to negotiate the complex issues they are facing but also facilitate putting the ‘care’ back into social ‘care’ work. Pedagogical leadership is globally supported across a variety of human service disciplines: it facilitates the creation of a learning culture within the workplace where social care managers facilitate conversations with their teams to encourage reflection, critical thinking and contributions to the professional wisdom required for quality service. The purpose of this article is to contribute to the dialogue within leadership practice for social care professionals. This discourse is necessary if lessons are to be learned from past experiences in this country and others about how to balance the need for care, learning and compassion with accountability.
The Z Generation
Authors: Csobanka Zsuzsa Emese
Published: August 2016

The author of this article seeks to define various circumstances that make a generation. The author points out the characteristics of new generations focusing on the so-called Z generation. As a literature teacher, she mentions personal examples to make the article alive. Her aim is to prove that it is important to take the new habits and specifics of teenagers into account in order to teach more efficiently.
Professional Development of Information Technology and Technical Education Teachers
Authors: Noga Henryk
Published: August 2016

Due to normal work duty and responsibilities, the responsibility for students’ motivation and self-development motivates teachers for continuous training and thus to expand their own competencies. It is especially important in case of teachers who graduate technical and information technology (IT). IT teachers should be familiar with the latest technology as well as innovative solutions in the field of didactics of technical subjects.

This article concerns issues related to the professional development of information technology and technical education teachers in Poland. An analysis of documents shows the stages of professional development. It also highlights the requirements necessary to fulfill on different levels of a teacher’s professional career.
MicroRNAs in large herpesvirus DNA genomes: recent advances
Authors: Sorel Océane , Dewals Benjamin G.
Published: August 2016

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are small non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs) that regulate gene expression. They alter mRNA translation through base-pair complementarity, leading to regulation of genes during both physiological and pathological processes. Viruses have evolved mechanisms to take advantage of the host cells to multiply and/or persist over the lifetime of the host.Herpesviridaeare a large family of double-stranded DNA viruses that are associated with a number of important diseases, including lymphoproliferative diseases. Herpesviruses establish lifelong latent infections through modulation of the interface between the virus and its host. A number of reports have identified miRNAs in a very large number of human and animal herpesviruses suggesting that these short non-coding transcripts could play essential roles in herpesvirus biology. This review will specifically focus on the recent advances on the functions of herpesvirus miRNAs in infection and pathogenesis.
A Survey on Job Scheduling in Big Data
Authors: Senthilkumar M. , Ilango P.
Published: August 2016

Big Data Applications with Scheduling becomes an active research area in last three years. The Hadoop framework becomes very popular and most used frameworks in a distributed data processing. Hadoop is also open source software that allows the user to effectively utilize the hardware. Various scheduling algorithms of the MapReduce model using Hadoop vary with design and behavior, and are used for handling many issues like data locality, awareness with resource, energy and time. This paper gives the outline of job scheduling, classification of the scheduler, and comparison of different existing algorithms with advantages, drawbacks, limitations. In this paper, we discussed various tools and frameworks used for monitoring and the ways to improve the performance in MapReduce. This paper helps the beginners and researchers in understanding the scheduling mechanisms used in Big Data.
A Modified LEACH Protocol for Increasing Lifetime of the Wireless Sensor Network
Authors: Ananda Kumar S. , Ilango P. , Dinesh Grover Harsh
Published: August 2016

Many studies have been proposed on clustering protocols for various applications in Wireless Sensor Network (WSN). The main objective of the clustering algorithm is to minimize the energy consumption, deployment of nodes, latency, and fault tolerance in network. In short high reliability, robustness and scalability can be achieved. Clustering techniques are mainly used to extend the lifetime of wireless sensor network. The first and foremost clustering algorithm for wireless sensor network was Low Energy Adaptive Clustering Hierarchy (LEACH). As per LEACH, some Cluster Head (CH) may have more nodes, some other may have less nodes, which affects the network performance. The proposed method MaximuM-LEACH provides a solution by load balancing the number of nodes equally by fixing the average value N, so the life time of the network is increased.