bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Selective cyclin-dependent kinase 4/6 inhibitors as anticancer drugs: Moving beyond hormone receptor-positive breast cancer
Authors: Chaudhuri Tamojit , Babu K Govind , Lakshmaiah KC , Dasappa Lokanatha , Jacob Linu Abraham , Babu MC Suresh , Rudresha AH , Lokesh KN , Rajeev LK
Published: April 2019

The cyclin D-cyclin-dependent kinase (CDK) 4/6 pathway controls the cell cycle machinery by regulating the G1-to-S-phase transition. Dysregulation of this pathway, resulting in increased cellular proliferation, is frequently observed in a variety of human cancers. Activation of cyclin D-CDK 4/6 pathway can occur through different mechanisms, including gene amplification/rearrangement, loss of negative regulatory factors, epigenetic modifications, and point mutations of different components of this pathway. Quite conspicuously, CDK 4/6 inhibitors have emerged as promising anticancer agents in various tumors in which CDK 4/6 has a pivotal role in the G1-to-S-phase cell cycle transition. The clinical use of first-generation, nonselective pan-CDK inhibitors was not progressed beyond early phase trials, due to unacceptable toxicity and lack of efficacy noted with these agents. The emergence of selective CDK 4/6 inhibitors, including ribociclib, abemaciclib, and palbociclib, has enabled us to effectively target cyclin D-CDK 4/6 pathway, at the cost of acceptable toxicity. The results of landmark phase III trials investigating palbociclib and ribociclib in advanced hormone receptor (HR)-positive breast cancer have demonstrated a substantial clinical benefit with a well-tolerated toxicity profile. Mechanisms of acquired resistance to selective CDK 4/6 inhibitors are beginning to emerge. Clearly, a detailed understanding of these resistance mechanisms is very much essential for the rational development of post-CDK 4/6 inhibitor therapeutic strategies. Extending the use of selective CDK 4/6 inhibitors beyond HR-positive breast cancer is a challenging task and will likely require identification of clinically meaningful biomarkers to predict response and the use of combination approaches to optimize CDK 4/6 targeting.
Reverse redistribution on Rb-82: Does the mechanism of stress play a role?
Authors: Martineau Patrick , Harel Francois , Pelletier-Galarneau Matthieu
Published: April 2019

We present a case of reverse redistribution in a patient imaged with Rb-82 positron-emitting tomography. The patient was imaged twice in rapid succession using pharmacological stress – once with dipyridamole and once with dobutamine. The patient demonstrated reverse redistribution after dipyridamole but not after dobutamine administration. We speculate on the relationship between the pharmacological stressing agent and the presence of reverse redistribution.
Serendipitous actinomycosis infection mimicking malignant lesion in carcinoma of unknown primary
Authors: Choudhury Sayak , Agrawal Archi , Rane Swapnil , Rangarajan V
Published: April 2019

Actinomycosis is a bacterial infection caused by Actinomyces species that are commensal in the human oral cavity, digestive tract, and genital tract. The present case highlights actinomycosis of the hypopharynx, mimicking malignancy in 18F-fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography-computed tomography.
Efficacy and safety of 177Lutetium-prostate-specific membrane antigen therapy in metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer patients: First experience in West Asia – A prospective study
Authors: Aghdam Ramin Akbarian , Amoui Mahasti , Ghodsirad Mohammadali , Khoshbakht Sepide , Mofid Bahram , Kaghazchi Fateme , Tavakoli Mehrdad , Pirayesh Elahe , Ahmadzadehfar Hojjat
Published: April 2019

Prostate-specific membrane antigen (PSMA) is a transmembrane protein that is highly expressed on the surface of prostate cancer (PC) cells, making it an excellent radiotracer for both therapeutic and diagnostic purposes. In this prospective study, we investigated the efficacy and toxicity of 177Lutetium (Lu)-PSMA in metastatic castration-resistant PC (mCRPC) patients for the establishment and approval of this therapy in Iran. Fourteen mCRPC patients (mean age 70.57 ± 7.3 years) were treated with a single dose of 177Lu-PSMA. Complete blood count, liver function tests (aspartate aminotransferase and alanine aminotransferase), alkaline phosphatase levels, renal function tests (urea and creatinine), and prostate-specific antigen (PSA) levels were obtained for the patients at baseline and every 2 weeks. A majority of the patients (11 patients, 64.2%) experienced a decline in their PSA levels; in 5 (45.4%) of these patients, the PSA levels declined > 50%.The severity of pain decreased in 8 (57.1%) patients, and performance status was improved in 5 (45.4%) patients. The treatment was well tolerated, and no severe hematological or nonhematological side effects were observed. Our findings show that 177Lu-PSMA had a high efficacy and a low toxicity in an Iranian population and is a promising treatment option for PC patients.
A unicorn in Alice in Wonderland syndrome
Authors: Landais Anne , Michelin Thibault
Published: April 2019

We report the case of a 56-year-old man presenting several episodes of body image distortions with a sensation of having a horn growing on his forehead, as a unicorn, corresponding to the Alice in Wonderland syndrome. Brain single-photon emission computed tomography with technetium-99m hexamethylpropyleneamine oxime showed hypoperfusion of the visual primary cortex, expanding to the temporo-occipital junction bilaterally but predominantly on the right side.
68Ga-DOTATATE positron emission tomography/computed tomography to detect the recurrence of phosphaturic mesenhcymal tumor-induced osteomalacia
Authors: Bhalla Manav I. , Wirtz Kennedy M. , Fair Eric S. , Bucklan Daniel J.
Published: April 2019

68Ga-DOTATATE positron emission tomography/computed tomography (PET/CT) has shown superiority over111Indium-octreotide scanning for the detection of phosphaturic mesenchymal tumors (PMTs). We report a case of tumor-induced osteomalacia resulting from PMT which, although initially clinically suspected, was not localized on octreotide scintigraphy performed several years prior. Subsequent surgical excision of a presumed benign osseous lesion a few years later revealed the diagnosis on pathology. Imaging assessment using 68Ga-DOTATATE PET/CT following recent clinical suspicion for recurrence revealed an intense tracer-avid lesion at the primary tumor site. DOTATATE imaging plays an important role in localizing tumors with high somatostatin receptor expression, such as neuroendocrine tumors (pheochromocytoma, paraganglioma, and neuroblastoma), meningioma, and mesenchymal tumors, causing oncogenic osteomalacia.
Temporal muscle uptake causing an unusual focal artifact on three-dimensional stereotactic surface projections statistical maps of (18F) fluorodeoxyglucose brain positron emission tomography in a patient with Alzheimer's disease
Authors: Thientunyakit Tanyaluck , Minoshima Satoshi
Published: April 2019

(18F) fluorodeoxyglucose brain positron emission tomography and statistical mapping analysis, such as three-dimensional stereotactic surface projections, have been used widely for the evaluation of dementia patients. We present an unusual focal artifact on the statistical maps resulting from intense temporal muscle uptake in a patient with Alzheimer's disease. Various degrees of physiologic uptake can be seen in head and neck muscles. However, it is unusual to see a focal artifact on the statistical maps due to temporal muscle uptake. This case illustrates the importance of quality control of imaging processing when atypical findings are seen on statistical maps.
Calcified peritoneal metastasis due to advanced ovarian cancer: Incidental finding in bone scan and single-photon emission computed tomography-computed tomography
Authors: Elhamady Hadeer
Published: April 2019

We present the case of a 51-year-old female complaining of persistent abdominal pain that started 5 months ago with recent bone pain. Abdomen-pelvic computed tomography (CT) showed a large pelvic mass raising the possibility of a malignant neoplasm. Bone scan was done to rule out bone metastases and showed extraskeletal abdominal tracer uptake with the single-photon emission CT/CT imaging showing the uptake to correspond to multiple calcified peritoneal deposits.
Schistosoma mansoni Infection as a Predictor of Low Aerobic Capacity in Ugandan Children
Authors: Smith Courtney , McLachlan Georgia , Al Shehri Hajri , Adriko Moses , Arinaitwe Moses , Atuhaire Aaron , Muheki Tukahebwa Edridah , LaCourse E. James , Stanton Michelle , Stothard J. Russell , Bustinduy Amaya L.
Published: April 2019

Using the 20-meter shuttle run test (20mSRT) as a morbidity metric, we assessed whether Schistosoma mansoni infection was associated with decreased aerobic capacity in Ugandan children across a range of altitudes, either at low (∼600 m) or high (∼1,000 m) altitudes. A total of 305 children were recruited from six schools within the Buliisa District, Lake Albert, Uganda. A subset (n = 96) of these had been previously assessed and treated for schistosomiasis ± malaria 2 weeks prior. Fitness scores on the 20mSRT were translated into VO2max using a standardized equation. Unadjusted and multivariable-adjusted analyses were performed using VO2max as the primary outcome. Analysis of fitness scores from 304 children, inclusive of the subset follow-up cohort, revealed a median VO2max of 45.4 mL kg−1 min−1 (interquartile range: 42.9–48.0 mL kg−1 min−1). Children residing at high altitudes demonstrated increased aerobic capacities (46.3 versus 44.8 mL kg−1 min−1, P = 0.031). The prevalence of stunting, wasting, S. mansoni egg patent infection, malaria, giardiasis, anemia, and fecal occult blood were 36.7%, 16.1%, 44.3%, 65.2%, 21.4%, 50.6%, and 41.2%, respectively. Median VO2max was elevated in those previously treated, compared with those newly recruited (46.3 versus 44 mL kg−1 min−1, P < 0.001). Multivariable-adjusted analysis revealed a strong negative association between S. mansoni egg patent infection and VO2max at low altitude (beta coefficient: −3.96, 95% CI: −6.56 to −137, P = 0.004). This is the first study to document a negative association between S. mansoni infection and aerobic capacity at low altitudes using the 20mSRT.
Elevated Human Crimean–Congo Hemorrhagic Fever Virus Seroprevalence in Khashm el Girba, Eastern Sudan
Authors: Rahden Paul , Adam Awadalkareem , Mika Angela , Jassoy Christian
Published: April 2019

Crimean–Congo hemorrhagic fever (CCHF) is a tick-borne disease that can evolve into deadly hemorrhagic fever and that is endemic in many parts of Europe, Middle East, Central Asia, and Africa. Because of several reports about CCHF outbreaks in the south of Sudan during the last years, we examined in this study if unrecognized CCHF-V infections also occurred in the eastern and central parts of the country. The study examined the seroprevalence of CCHF virus infection in 464 sera from three regions of Sudan without previous reports of CCHF infection. The total CCHF virus seroprevalence was 2.6% (12 sera). The percentage was significantly elevated (7.5%) in sera from Khashm el Girba in eastern Sudan. The population in this area should be educated about the risk of disease transmission and how to avoid the infection. Health-care providers should be informed about the disease to identify possible cases and to prevent nosocomial transmission.
Gerenciamento de resultados por meio da perda estimada de créditos em bancos brasileiros e luso-espanhóis
Authors: Martins Silva Carlos Alberto , Niyama Jorge Katsumi , Rodrigues Jomar Miranda , Costa Lourenço Isabel Maria Estima
Published: April 2019

O estudo avaliou a existência de gerenciamento de resultado nas instituições financeiras brasileiras e luso-espanholas utilizando as estimativas de perda sobre operações de crédito. As estimativas sobre as operações de crédito constituem a principal estimativa das instituições financeiras, dadas as características das instituições, o gerenciamento de resultado no sistema bancário é especialmente delicado pelos riscos que as instituições financeiras estão expostas e potenciais impactos da efetivação dos riscos de não realização dos créditos. A literatura internacional evidencia que a administração de bancos faz uso de seu poder discricionário na constituição de estimativas de perda sobre as operações de crédito com o objetivo de gerenciar resultados. Neste sentido, a pesquisa voltou-se para análise das acumulações discricionárias em amostra de instituições financeiras brasileiras e luso-espanholas no período de junho de 2009 a dezembro de 2014. Como resultado, foi possível observar que as instituições financeiras brasileiras e luso-espanholas utilizam as despesas com provisões sobre as operações de créditos para gerenciar resultados.
PON1 concentration and high-density lipoprotein characteristics as cardiovascular biomarkers
Authors: Murillo González Fátima E. , Ponce-RuÍz Néstor , Rojas-GarcÍa Aurora E. , Bernal-Hernández Yael Y. , Mackness Mike , Ponce-Gallegos Jaime , Cardoso-Saldaña Guillermo , Jorge-Galarza Esteban , Torres-Tamayo Margarita , Medina-Díaz Irma Martha
Published: April 2019

Introduction

Serum paraoxonase 1 (PON1) is now known to be related to cardiovascular diseases (CVD). The aim of this study was to determine the relationship between PON1 concentration and high-density lipoprotein (HDL) subclasses in patients with proven CVD, cardiovascular risk factors but no CVD (CRF), and in healthy controls (control group).

Material and methods

A case-control study was carried out with 69 volunteers from the Mexican Institute of Social Security, Mexico. Clinical parameters, lipid profile, PON1 concentration, PON1 activities (AREase and CMPAase), and HDL subclasses were evaluated.

Results

Patients with CVD had significantly higher glucose and lower total cholesterol than the control group had (p < 0.01). AREase activity was not different between the control (122.57 ±30.72 U/ml), CRF (115.81 ±32.81 U/ml), and CVD (109.34 ±29.60 U/ml) groups. PON1 concentration was significantly lower in CVD patients than in CRF and control patients (p < 0.001); a positive correlation was observed between AREase activity and PON1 concentration in the CVD group (Rho = 0.58; p < 0.01). Logistic regression analysis showed that the decrease in PON1 level was associated with the CVD group (RRR = 0.20; 95% CI: 0.09–0.45) but not with the CRF group (RRR = 1.29; 95% CI: 0.89–1.90). Significant differences were observed in HDL 2a and HDL 3a concentrations between the control group and CRF and CVD groups (p < 0.05), but not between the CRF and CVD groups.

Conclusions

Our data suggest that PON1 status and HDL characteristics could be early biomarkers that predict the potential for developing CVD.
Assessment of lacrimal glands in thyroid eye disease with diffusion-weighted magnetic resonance imaging
Authors: Razek Ahmed Abdel , El-Hadidy El-hadidy Mohamed , Moawad Mohamed El-Said , El-Metwaly Nader , El-hamid El-Said Amr Abd
Published: April 2019

Purpose

To assess the lacrimal glands in patients with thyroid eye disease with diffusion-weighted magnetic resonance (MR) imaging.

Material and methods

This study was carried out on 44 consecutive patients (17 males, 27 females, with mean age 36 years) with thyroid eye disease and 20 age- and sex-matched volunteers. They underwent diffusion-weighted MR imaging of the orbit. The apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) values of the lacrimal glands were calculated and correlated with the clinical activity score (CAS).

Results

The mean ADC of lacrimal glands in thyroid eye disease (1.73 × 10–3 mm2/s) was significantly higher (p = 0.001) than that of volunteers (1.52 × 10–3 mm2/s). The cutoff ADC value of lacrimal gland used for differentiation of thyroid eye disease from volunteers was 1.62 × 10–3 mm2/s with an area under the curve value of 0.95 and an accuracy of 96%. There was significant difference (p = 0.03) in the ADC of the lacrimal glands in patients with active (n = 24) and inactive (n = 20) disease. The cutoff ADC value of the lacrimal gland used to suspect active disease was 1.76 × 10–3 mm2/s with an area under the curve value of 0.80 and an accuracy of 82%. There was positive correlation between the ADC value of the lacrimal glands and CAS (r = 0.73, p = 0.001).

Conclusions

The ADC of the lacrimal glands is a non-invasive imaging parameter that can be used for diagnosis of thyroid eye disease and to predict the active form of the disease.
Success rate of adrenal venous sampling and predictors for success: a retrospective study
Authors: Chayovan Thorsang , Limumpornpetch Padiporn , Hongsakul Keerati
Published: April 2019

Purpose

To report the success rate of adrenal venous sampling (AVS) and identify the predictors for procedural success.

Material and methods

Sixty-four patients (18 men and 46 women) with a mean ± SD age of 50 ± 11.8 years (range 28-69 years) diagnosed as primary hyperaldosteronism, and who underwent AVS from January 2009 to December 2016, were retrospectively reviewed. In our institution, the initial period to perform the AVS was set from 2009 to 2013, and the post-initial period was defined as procedures performed after 2013. Successful sampling was determined when the ratio of cortisol from the adrenal vein to the level of cortisol in the inferior vena cava ≥ 5. The procedural success and subject factors between success and failure were analysed. A p value < 0.05 was considered statistically significant.

Results

The success rate of bilateral AVS was 71.9%. The success rates of right and left AVS were 76.6% and 90.6%, respectively. Male patients were more likely to succeed than female patients (adjusted odds ratio [aOR], 9.83; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.14-85.14; p = 0.009). In our institution, the procedure performed in the post-initial period also succeeded more often compared to the initial period (aOR, 5.05; 95% CI, 1.2-21.16; p = 0.017). No other factors were associated with the success rate in this study.

Conclusions

The success rate of bilateral AVS in our institution was rather high. Male gender and procedure performed in the post-initial period were significant predictive factors for a successful procedure.
Muscle strength and bone mass density in haemodialysis patients
Authors: Fiłon Tadeusz , Rogowski Łukasz , Kusztal Mariusz , Bulińska Katarzyna , Pawlaczyk Weronika , Gołębiowski Tomasz , Zembroń-Łacny Agnieszka , Klinger Marian , Woźniewski Marek , Dziubek Wioletta
Published: April 2019

Introduction

The aim of the study was to examine muscle strength and bone density in patients with end stage renal disease on maintenance haemodialysis.

Methods

The study included 76 patients: 29 women and 47 men aged 42–90 years. The time on dialysis varied from 2 months to 13 years. Bone density was assessed with the dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry method, and muscle strength of upper and lower extremities with Rikli and Jones arm curl test and the 30-second sit-to-stand test.

Results

Significant correlations between muscle strength and bone density were found. Results varied in relation to gender. A higher rate of upper extremity muscle strength loss was noted among men. A higher rate of lower extremity muscle strength loss was observed in the female group. A higher rate of bone density loss was reported among women than in men.

Conclusions

The relationship between muscle strength and bone mass density among haemodialysis patients warrants further study to clarify if physical exercise focused on muscle in those patients can improve bone mass density.
Intercomparison of O3 formation and radical chemistry in the past decade at a suburban site in Hong Kong
Authors: Liu Xufei , Lyu Xiaopu , Wang Yu , Jiang Fei , Guo Hai
Published: April 2019

Abstract. Hong Kong, as one of the densely populated metropolises in East Asia, has
been suffering from severe photochemical smog in the past decades, though
the observed nitrogen oxides (NOx) and total volatile organic compounds (TVOCs) were significantly reduced. This study, based on the observation
data in the autumns of 2007, 2013 and 2016, investigated the photochemical
ozone (O3) formation and radical chemistry during the three sampling
periods in Hong Kong with the aid of a photochemical box model incorporating
the Master Chemical Mechanism (PBM–MCM). While the simulated locally
produced O3 remained unchanged (p=0.73) from 2007 to 2013, the
observed O3 increased (p < 0.05) at a rate of 1.78 ppbv yr−1 driven
by the rise in regionally transported O3 (1.77±0.04 ppbv yr−1).
Both the observed and locally produced O3 decreased (p < 0.05)
from the VOC sampling days in 2013 to those in 2016 at a rate of
-5.31±0.07 and -5.52±0.05 ppbv yr−1, respectively.
However, a leveling-off (p=0.32) was simulated for the regionally
transported O3 during 2013–2016. The mitigation of autumn O3
pollution in this region was further confirmed by the continuous monitoring
data, which have never been reported. Benefiting from the
air pollution control measures taken in Hong Kong, the local O3
production rate decreased remarkably (p < 0.05) from 2007 to 2016,
along with the lowering of the recycling rate of the hydroxyl radical (OH).
Specifically, VOCs emitted from the source of liquefied petroleum gas (LPG)
usage and gasoline evaporation decreased in this decade at a rate of
-2.61±0.03 ppbv yr−1, leading to a reduction of the O3
production rate from 0.51±0.11 ppbv h−1 in 2007 to 0.10±0.02 ppbv h−1 in 2016. In addition, solvent usage made decreasing
contributions to both VOCs (rate =-2.29±0.03 ppbv yr−1) and
local O3 production rate (1.22±0.17 and 0.14±0.05 ppbv h−1 in 2007 and 2016, respectively) in the same period. All the rates
reported here were for the VOC sampling days in the three sampling
campaigns. It is noteworthy that meteorological changes also play important
roles in the inter-annual variations in the observed O3 and the
simulated O3 production rates. Evaluations with more data in longer
periods are therefore recommended. The analyses on the decadal changes of
the local and regional photochemistry in Hong Kong in this study may be a
reference for combating China's nationwide O3 pollution in near
future.
Cold-water corals and hydrocarbon-rich seepage in Pompeia Province (Gulf of Cádiz) – living on the edge
Authors: Rincón-Tomás Blanca , Duda Jan-Peter , Somoza Luis , González Francisco Javier , Schneider Dominik , Medialdea Teresa , Santofimia Esther , López-Pamo Enrique , Madureira Pedro , Hoppert Michael , Reitner Joachim
Published: April 2019

Abstract. Azooxanthellate cold-water corals (CWCs) have a global
distribution and have commonly been found in areas of active fluid seepage.
The relationship between the CWCs and these fluids, however, is not well
understood. This study aims to unravel the relationship between CWC
development and hydrocarbon-rich seepage in Pompeia Province (Gulf of
Cádiz, Atlantic Ocean). This region is comprised of mud volcanoes (MVs), coral
ridges and fields of coral mounds, which are all affected by the
tectonically driven seepage of hydrocarbon-rich fluids. These types of seepage, for example, focused, scattered, diffused or eruptive, is tightly controlled by a
complex system of faults and diapirs. Early diagenetic carbonates from the
currently active Al Gacel MV exhibit δ13C signatures down to
−28.77 ‰ Vienna Pee Dee Belemnite (VPDB), which indicate biologically derived methane
as the main carbon source. The same samples contain 13C-depleted lipid
biomarkers diagnostic for archaea such as crocetane (δ13C down
to −101.2 ‰ VPDB) and pentamethylicosane (PMI) (δ13C down to
−102.9 ‰ VPDB), which is evidence of microbially mediated
anaerobic oxidation of methane (AOM). This is further supported by next
generation DNA sequencing data, demonstrating the presence of AOM-related
microorganisms (ANMEs, archaea, sulfate-reducing bacteria) in the carbonate.
Embedded corals in some of the carbonates and CWC fragments exhibit less
negative δ13C values (−8.08 ‰ to −1.39 ‰ VPDB), pointing against the use of methane as the carbon source. Likewise,
the absence of DNA from methane- and sulfide-oxidizing microbes in sampled
coral does not support the idea of these organisms having a chemosynthetic lifestyle.
In light of these findings, it appears that the CWCs benefit rather indirectly
from hydrocarbon-rich seepage by using methane-derived authigenic carbonates
as a substratum for colonization. At the same time, chemosynthetic organisms
at active sites prevent coral dissolution and necrosis by feeding on the
seeping fluids (i.e., methane, sulfate, hydrogen sulfide), allowing
cold-water corals to colonize carbonates currently affected by
hydrocarbon-rich seepage.
Modal shift in North Atlantic seasonality during the last deglaciation
Authors: Brummer Geert-Jan A. , Metcalfe Brett , Feldmeijer Wouter , Prins Maarten A. , van 't Hoff Jasmijn , Ganssen Gerald M.
Published: April 2019

Abstract. Change-over from a glacial to an interglacial climate is considered as transitional between two stable modes. Palaeoceanographic reconstructions using the polar foraminifera Neogloboquadrina pachyderma highlight the retreat of the polar front during the last deglaciation in terms of both its decreasing abundance and stable oxygen isotope values (δ18O) in sediment cores. While conventional isotope analysis of pooled N. pachyderma shells show a warming trend concurrent with the retreating ice, new single shell measurements reveal that this trend is composed of two isotopically different populations that are morphologically indistinguishable. Using modern time-series as analogues for interpreting down-core data, glacial productivity in the mid North Atlantic appears limited to a single maximum in late summer, followed by the melting of drifting icebergs and winter sea ice. Despite collapsing ice sheets and global warming during the deglaciation, a second warm population of N. pachyderma appears in a bimodal seasonal succession separated by the subpolar G. bulloides. This represents a shift in the timing of the main plankton bloom from late to early summer in a deglacial intermediate mode that persisted for ca. 10,000 years until the last deglaciation ended. When seawater temperatures exceeded the threshold values, first the cold (glacial) then the warm (deglacial) population of N. pachyderma disappeared, whilst G. bulloides with a greater tolerance to higher temperatures persisted throughout the Holocene to the present day in the mid-latitude North Atlantic. Single specimen δ18O of polar N. pachyderma reveal a steeper rate of ocean warming during the last deglaciation than appears from conventional pooled δ18O average values.
Theia Snow collection: high-resolution operational snow cover maps from Sentinel-2 and Landsat-8 data
Authors: Gascoin Simon , Grizonnet Manuel , Bouchet Marine , Salgues Germain , Hagolle Olivier
Published: April 2019

Abstract. The Theia Snow
collection routinely provides high-resolution maps of the snow-covered area from Sentinel-2 and Landsat-8 observations. The collection covers
selected areas worldwide, including the main mountain regions in western
Europe (e.g. Alps, Pyrenees) and the High Atlas in Morocco. Each product of
the Theia Snow collection contains four classes: snow, no snow, cloud and no data.
We present the algorithm to generate the snow products and provide an
evaluation of the accuracy of Sentinel-2 snow products using in situ snow depth
measurements, higher-resolution snow maps and visual control. The results
suggest that the snow is accurately detected in the Theia snow collection
and that the snow detection is more accurate than the Sen2Cor outputs (ESA
level 2 product). An issue that should be addressed in a future release is
the occurrence of false snow detection in some large clouds. The snow maps
are currently produced and freely distributed on average 5 d after the image
acquisition as raster and vector files via the Theia portal
(https://doi.org/10.24400/329360/F7Q52MNK).
IAGA: a major role in understanding our magnetic planet
Authors: Mandea Mioara , Petrovský Eduard
Published: April 2019

Abstract. Throughout the International Union of Geodesy and Geophysics's (IUGG's) centennial anniversary, the International Association of Geomagnetism and Aeronomy is holding a series of activities to underline the ground-breaking facts in the area of geomagnetism and aeronomy. Over 100 years, the history of these research fields is rich, and here we present a short tour through some of the International Association of Geomagnetism and Aeronomy's (IAGA's) major achievements. Starting with the scientific landscape before IAGA, through its foundation until the present, we review the research and achievements considering its complexity and variability, from geodynamo up to the Sun and outer space. While a number of the achievements were accomplished with direct IAGA involvement, the others represent the most important benchmarks of geomagnetism and aeronomy studies. In summary, IAGA is an important and active association with a long and rich history and prospective future.
IUGG in the 21st century
Authors: Joselyn Jo Ann , Ismail-Zadeh Alik , Beer Tom , Gupta Harsh , Kono Masaru , Shamir Uri , Sideris Michael , Whaler Kathryn
Published: April 2019

Abstract. The International Union of Geodesy and Geophysics (IUGG) has vigorously
responded to a number of the natural, scientific, and technological
challenges and driving forces that have marked the 21st century thus far.
This paper reviews the actions of the Union that were precipitated by
disasters caused by natural hazard events, climatic and environmental
changes, and important scientific advances, as well as the opportunities to
support International Years and other cooperative programs. This period has
also given rise to a number of structural changes within the Union. IUGG
added an eighth association, the International Association of Cryospheric
Sciences, and inaugurated the new categories of affiliate and honorary
memberships, introduced new grants, science education, and recognition
programs, and formed new Union commissions on climatic and environmental
change, data and information, planetary sciences, and a working group on
history. Electronic communication was welcomed as a cultural norm. Overall,
the development of the scientific landscape in the 21st century and a healthy
future for the Union requires emphasis on fundamental Earth and space
sciences as well as on transdisciplinary science to resolve urgent problems
of society. IUGG will continue to evolve throughout the coming decades in
step with the changing world of science and its international organizations,
by responding to challenging problems as they arise.
IACS: past, present, and future of the International Association of Cryospheric Sciences
Authors: Allison Ian , Fierz Charles , Hock Regine , Mackintosh Andrew , Kaser Georg , Nussbaumer Samuel U.
Published: April 2019

Abstract. The International Association of Cryospheric Sciences (IACS) became the
eighth and most recent association of IUGG at the general assembly in
Perugia, Italy, in July 2007. IACS was launched in recognition of the
importance of the cryosphere within the Earth system, particularly at a time
of significant global change. It was the first new association of the union
to be formed in over 80 years and IACS celebrated its 10th anniversary only a
year before the IUGG centennial. The forbearers of IACS, however, stretch
back even further than IUGG, starting with the formation of the Commission
Internationale des Glaciers (CIG) by the International Geological Congress in
1894. Here we record the history of the transition from CIG to IACS, the
scientific objectives that drove activities and changes, and some of the key
events and individuals involved.
The global distribution of the M1 ocean tide
Authors: Woodworth Philip L.
Published: April 2019

Abstract. The worldwide distribution of the small degree-3 M1 ocean
tide is investigated using a quasi-global data set of over 800 tide gauge
records and a global tide model. M1 is confirmed to have a geographical
variation in the Atlantic consistent with the suggestion of Platzman (1984b)
and Cartwright (1975) that M1 is generated in the ocean as a consequence of
the spatial and temporal overlap of M1 in the tidal potential and one (or at
least a small number of) diurnal ocean normal mode(s). As a consequence, it is
particularly strong around the UK and on North Sea coasts (amplitudes
∼10 mm). This analysis shows that their suggestion is also
consistent to a great extent with the observed small amplitudes in the
Pacific and Indian oceans. However, there are differences at the regional
and local level which require much further study via more sophisticated
ocean tidal modelling. By contrast, what is called the M1'
tide (a combination of several degree-2 lines in the tidal potential with
frequencies close to that of M1) is shown to have a geographical
distribution consistent with expectations from other degree-2 diurnal tides,
apart from locations such as around the UK where tidal interactions
introduce complications. As far as I know, this is the first time that these
small tidal constituents have been mapped on a global basis and, in
particular, the first time that the ocean response to the degree-3 component
of the tidal potential has been investigated globally.
PSICHIKOS IR ELGESIO SUTRIKIMŲ VARTOJANT ALKOHOLĮ RYŠYS SU MĖGINIMU ŽUDYTIS AR TOKIO POELGIO GRĖSME BEI AMBULATORINIŲ PSICHIKOS SVEIKATOS PRIEŽIŪROS PASLAUGŲ NAUDOJIMUSI
Authors: Strockytė Rūta , Šepetauskienė Eglė , Adomaitienė Virginija
Published: April 2019

Alkoholio vartojimas – opi visuomenės sveikatos, ekonominė ir socialinė problema. Šiame straipsnyje siekiama atskleisti psichikos ir elgesio sutrikimų var­tojant alkoholį ryšį su mėginimu žudytis ar tokio po­elgio grėsme bei ambulatorinių psichikos sveikatos priežiūros paslaugų naudojimusi. Analizuota medici­ninė dokumentacija pacientų, kurie kreipėsi į Lietu­vos sveikatos mokslų universiteto ligoninės Kauno klinikų (LSMUL Kauno klinikos) skubios pagalbos skyrių (SPS) ir buvo konsultuoti gydytojo psichiatro. Rezultatai. Nustatyta, kad psichikos ir elgesio sutri­kimai vartojant alkoholį diagnozuoti kas septintam gydytojo psichiatro skubios pagalbos skyriuje kon­sultuotam pacientui, reikšmingai dažniau vyrams ir amžiumi reikšmingai jaunesniems nei moterys. Kas antram tiriamajam, kuriam diagnozuoti psichikos ir elgesio sutrikimai vartojant alkoholį, buvo reikalinga skubi psichiatro pagalba dėl mėginimo žudytis ar to­kio poelgio grėsmės: vyrams reikšmingai dažniau nei moterims dėl mėginimo žudytis ar tokio poel­gio grėsmės bei ūmios psichozės. Tiriamųjų amžiaus vidurkis buvo 39,91 metai, ir vyrai amžiumi buvo reikšmingai jaunesni nei moterys. Daugiau nei pusė visų tiriamųjų gyvenimo eigoje naudojosi ambulato­rinėmis psichikos sveikatos priežiūros paslaugomis ir buvo konsultuoti gydytojo psichiatro bei vartojo psichotropinius vaistus nepriklausomai nuo lyties.
An Analysis of HR Certification Value and Demand in Internet Job Announcements
Authors: Gee Mitchell R. , Hunt Tammy G. , Hunt James B.
Published: April 2019

As human resources certifications become prominent measures of occupational competency, HR professionals are increasingly curious about the value these credentials provide for individuals and organizations. This study examines connections between the demand for HR certifications and job posting sources, job type, industry, experience, and education requirements. Analyzing data from two job announcement websites, this study determines the worth of HR certifications by using demand for certifications as a signal of value. Expanding the work of Lyons et al. (2011), the present study serves as a temporal benchmark and finds nearly 20% of job announcements require or prefer a form of HR certification. Demand is positively related to experience, higher-level positions and education.
Africa: A Continent on the Edge, from Skewed Elections to Illiberal Democracies
Authors: Odusote Abiodun
Published: April 2019

The conduct of regular elections at pre-determined time is a hallmark of liberal democracy. Most African countries now conduct regular elections. However, it is generally agreed that liberal democracy is not measured only by the conduct of elections but by a consistent commitment to certain democratic and constitutional ethos. The practice of liberal democracy is a commitment to the rule of law, free, fair and credible elections, transparency and good governance among others. In Africa today, it is generally agreed that despite majority of the countries achieving democracies, bad governance, lack of development, inequalities, exacerbation of internal conflicts, and human suffering are pervasive. Scholars have argued that African countries have generally not enjoyed complete freedom despite the periodic conduct of seeming elections in many African countries. The practice of democracy in Africa has been characterized by hooliganism, banditry and citizen frustrations, leading some commentators and scholars to question the suitability of liberal democratic norms within the African space, while some other scholars advance arguments for the justification of hybrid regimes as a variant of democracy suited for the African space. This research therefore seeks to interrogate the factors exacerbating hybrid regimes in Africa, examines the suitability or otherwise of hybrid governments in Africa, the implications of hybrid regimes for constitutional development, inclusive development and further seek the reconciliation of formal democratic practices with substantive democratic practices in Africa. Enquires will be made on how democratic institutions can synergize with democratic government to deliver the dividends of democracy to the people, how democracy can impact the people and how democracy can deliver good governance and create commonwealth for the citizenry. This paper acknowledges the difficulties of seeking a uniform constitutional template that promotes liberal democracies across African states. However, this paper suggests basic constitutional democratic baseline that has the potential of meeting the fundamental aspirations of the African people.
Evaluation of direct and indirect methods for modelling the joint distribution of tree diameter and height data with the bivariate Johnson’s SBB function to forest stands
Authors: Gorgoso-Varela Jose Javier , Ogana Friday Nwabueze , Alonso Ponce Rafael
Published: April 2019

Aim of study: In this study, both the direct and indirect methods by conditional maximum likelihood (CML) and moments for fitting Johnson’s SBB were evaluated. To date, Johnson’s SBB has been fitted by either indirect (two-stage) method using well-known procedures for the marginal diameter and heights, or direct methods, where all parameters are estimated at once. Application of bivariate Johnson’s SBB for predicting height and improving volume estimation requires a suitable fitting method.Area of study: E. globulus, P. pinaster and P. radiata stands in northwest Spain.Material and methods: The data set comprised of 308, 184 and 96 permanent sample plots (PSPs) from the aforementioned species. The suitability of the method was evaluated based on height and volume prediction. Indices including coefficient of determination (R2), root mean square Error (RMSE), model efficiency (MEF), Bayesian Information Criterion (BIC) and Hannan-Quinn Criterion (HQC) were used to assess the model predictions. Significant difference between observed and predicted tree height and volumes were tested using paired sample t-test at 5% level for each plot by species.Main results: The indirect method by CML was the most suitable method for height and volume prediction in the three species. The R2 and RMSE for height prediction ranged from 0.994 – 0.820 and 1.454 – 1.676, respectively. The percentage of plot in which the observed and predicted heights were significant was 0.32%. The direct method was the least performed method especially for height prediction in E. globulus.Research highlights: The indirect (two-stage) method, especially by conditional maximum likelihood, was the most suitable method for the bivariate Johnson’s SBB distribution.Keywords: conditional maximum likelihood; moments; two-stage method; direct method; tree volume.
Stress in the Workplace: Causes, Effects & How to Cope
Authors: Khanchel Hanen
Published: April 2019

This paper studies the specific causes of burn-out as lived by tunisian employees. Firstly, we studied the effects of post-revolution context that push each other into excessive language that caricature their stress. But such conflictual situations force them to be stressed, to forget the prescriptive speech of their hierarchy, to act in the emergency with the means of the edge. Secondly, the results helped to meet the gools defined in the study, namely: to assess the behaviour of employees in the face of stress and its consequences, to identify the weakening factors and to identify the categories of populations most affected by burn-out. Finally, this study offers some ideas for thinking about burnout risk prevention.
The oldest platylepadid turtle barnacle (Cirripedia, Coronuloidea): a new species of Platylepas from the Lower Pleistocene of Italy
Authors: Collareta Alberto , Reitano Agatino , Rosso Antonietta , Sanfelippo Rossana , Bosselaers Mark , Bianucci Giovanni , Insacco Gianni
Published: April 2019

Coronuloid barnacles are epibionts of several marine vertebrates (including cetaceans and sea turtles) as well as invertebrates, and are assigned to two families of turtle barnacles (Chelonibiidae Pilsbry, 1916 and Platylepadidae Newman & Ross, 1976) and one family of whale barnacles (Coronulidae Leach, 1817). Chelonibiids and coronulids have a scanty, albeit significant fossil record extending back to the Eocene and Pliocene, respectively; in turn, the fossil record of platylepadids is limited to a single record from the Upper Pleistocene. Here we report on an isolated carinolateral compartment of Platylepas Gray, 1825, the type genus of the family, from Lower Pleistocene (Gelasian) epibathyal deposits exposed at Milazzo (Sicily, Italy). This specimen is here designated holotype of a new species, †Platylepas mediterranea sp. nov. We argue that, like most extant members of Platylepas, †P. mediterranea sp. nov. lived partially embedded in the skin of a sea turtle. This record of an extinct platylepadid – the first from the Mediterranean region and the second worldwide – pushes back the fossil record of Platylepadidae to the lowermost Quaternary, thus possibly supporting an even earlier (e.g., Neogene) timing for the origin of this family and adding a new chapter to the evolutionary history of one of the most diverse and successful lineages of epizoic crustaceans.
RESPONSABILIDADE PENAL DOS SÓCIOS E ADMINISTRADORES POR CRIMES CONTRA ORDEM TRIBUTÁRIA
Authors: Alflen Pablo Rodrigo
Published: April 2019

O artigo trata sobre a problemática da responsabilidade penal dos sócios e administradores, especificamente, por crimes contra a ordem tributária. Tem-se que a complexidade própria inerente aos crimes contra a ordem tributária, atrelada ao crescente uso da forma de sociedade empresária para a sua prática tem suscitado maiores dificuldades em relação à identificação e atribuição das respectivas modalidades de contribuição para o fato delituoso. A legislação nacional, de modo geral, fornece subsídios no tocante à delimitação do grau de contribuição em tais crimes e a respectiva modalidade de participação. Parte-se, no entanto, de que, embora a legislação forneça algumas diretrizes, estas não são suficientes e, portanto, são necessários os critérios fornecidos pela doutrina. Todavia, a partir de pesquisa baseada em método hipotético-dedutivo, é possível concluir que nem mesmo os convencionais critérios doutrinários se demonstram suficientes e, portanto, são apresentados novos critérios, que permitam auxiliar na atividade concretizadora do direito.
DA GENEALOGIA DOS MECANISMOS VINCULANTES BRASILEIROS: DOS ASSENTOS PORTUGUESES ÀS “TESES” DOS TRIBUNAIS SUPERIORES
Authors: Streck Lenio Luiz , Santos Igor Raatz dos , Morbach Gilberto
Published: April 2019

O presente ensaio visa a traçar a genealogia dos “mecanismos vinculantes” brasileiros, os quais, equivocadamente, vêm sendo comparados aos precedentes do common law. Para tanto, será realizada uma pesquisa histórica, baseada no “método” fenomenológico-hermenêutico, a fim de desvelar não somente os elementos políticos presentes na instituição dos assentos em Portugal — os quais sempre estiveram ligados a um projeto de centralização do poder político que se relacionava com o poder exclusivo de “interpretação autêntica” do soberano — mas também o vínculo genético existente entre os assentos e os mecanismos vinculantes brasileiros. Afinal, a pesquisa aponta que, no Brasil, esses mecanismos repetem o propósito de conferir às Cortes de Precedentes a possibilidade de criar “leis interpretativas” — ou seja, normas gerais e abstratas de caráter prescritivo, o que demandaria, pelo menos, uma reforma constitucional.
Computation in Causal Graphs
Authors: Atherton Juli , Ruths Derek , Vetta Adrian
Published: April 2019

The goal of this paper is to introduce some of the important concepts in causal graph theory
and examine them from combinatorial and computational perspectives.
Of fundamental importance in applications of causal models that use graphs are dependence-separators or, simply,
$d$-separators. A vertex set $Z$ is a $d$-separator for a pair of disjoint vertex sets $(X,Y)$ if
$X$ and $Y$ are independent conditioned on $Z$. For the case of a single-setpair it is known that $d$-separators
can be found efficiently by elegant network flow techniques. In this paper, we consider
$d$-separators for a collection $\{(X_1,Y_1),(X_2,Y_2),\dots,(X_k,Y_k)\}$ of setpairs.
We focus on two classes of combinatorial objects in this multiple-setpair framework: $d$-separators and
$d$-super-separators. We say that $Z$ is a $d$-separator for multiple setpairs if, for each $i$, $X_i$ and $Y_i$ are
independent conditioned on $Z$; we say that $Z$ is a $d$-super-separator if, for each $i$, there exists $Z_i\subseteq Z$, such that
$X_i$ and $Y_i$ are independent conditioned on $Z_i$.
For the latter object, we give an $O(\log^2k)$-approximation algorithm for the problem of finding a minimum
cost $d$-super-separator. The focus on approximation algorithms is necessary as we show this problem is
NP-complete. For the former object, we show it is hard to determine whether a $d$-separator exists, even
when there are just five setpairs. This problem remains hard even if each setpair consists of singleton vertices, provided the
number of setpairs is large. On the positive side, we show that if there are a fixed number of singleton setpairs
then a $d$-separator for multiple setpairs can be found in polynomial time, if one exists.
Chikungunya: time to change the paradigm of a non-fatal disease.
Authors: Freitas André R R , Gerardin Patrick
Published: April 2019

Since the initial description of the first human cases the chikungunya has been considered as a non-lethal virus. Since the emergence of the global virus in 2005, it has become increasingly common in the scientific literature to describe many cases of death, including in young people without preexisting diseases. In addition, it has been observed that in settings where, for some reason, death cases are not properly reported for epidemiological surveillance, it is possible to identify mortality due to chikungunya through the excess of deaths occurring during the period of chikungunya epidemics. Even so, international public health bodies still do not recognize in their official documents the importance of chikungunya as the cause of death. We believe it is necessary to review these positions and to increase investment in research to improve knowledge about the pathophysiology of severe forms and to review investment priorities in vaccines and other forms of chikungunya prevention.