bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Influence of a Biobased Reagent on Properties of Industrial Resin for Printing Ink Application vis-à-vis Comparison with Standard Commercial Resin
Authors: Biswas Mahuya , Pal Abhijit , Dey Munmun , Dey Ayan , Bandyopadhyay Abhijit
Published: September 2018

In our present work, we have attempted to develop a low volatile organic containing, ecofriendly resin from a natural resource maintaining the quality and desired properties for printing ink applications. Guar Gum, a natural polysaccharide was used in place of pentaerythritol in the recipe. It was used during trans-esterification reaction to synthesize rosin modified phenolic resin for printing ink. A conventional rosin modified phenolic resin, using pentaerytritol, was also synthesized for comparison. Guar Gum having multiple hydroxyl groups was able to produce resin with higher molecular weight and high solvent tolerance value which makes the ecofriendly resin as potential binder for printing ink application with excellent print quality. The modified resin was characterized using various analytical techniques to find the influence of the polysaccharide on the final properties. A detailed kinetic study was also carried out in order to justify the reaction mechanism.
How Do Young Adults Engage With Science and Research on Social Media? Some Preliminary Findings and an Agenda for Future Research
Authors: Hargittai Eszter , Füchslin Tobias , Schäfer Mike S.
Published: September 2018

While considerable research has looked at how people use the Internet for sharing and engaging with various types of content from celebrity news to politics, very little of this work has considered how non-specialists interact with science and research material on social media. This article reviews literature on public engagement with science to note that this area is ripe for research on social-media-based engagement in particular. Drawing on a survey of American young adults’ online experiences, we show that using social media for science and research is at least as likely if not more so as engagement with other topics from similarly serious to lighter domains. We also find that platform matters with young adults much more likely to engage with such content on Facebook rather than on Twitter. We end by proposing more focus on this domain in the area of science communication and work on social media.
Geographical Differences in Perceived Health Status Among Older Adults in Ghana: Do Gender and Educational Status Matter?
Authors: Abalo Emmanuel Mawuli , Mensah Charlotte Monica , Agyemang-Duah Williams , Peprah Prince , Budu Hayford Isaac , Gyasi Razak M , Donkor Philomina , Amoako Jones
Published: September 2018

Studies have constantly reported mixed evidence on the associations between rural/urban differences and self-rated health (SRH) status among older populations. More importantly, the roles of other relevant sociodemographic characteristics such as gender and educational levels in these associations are mostly overlooked. The current study examines the geographical differences in SRH of older cohorts in Kumasi Metropolis and Bosomtwe District of Ghana. Data from a Spatial Health and Healthcare Study (SHHS) were analyzed using chi-square test and ordinal logistic regression models. Although the study discovered a statistically significant difference in SRH between the rural and urban samples, the multivariate analysis found insignificant effect in SRH between urban and rural samples after adjusting for theoretically relevant covariates. However, the interactions indicated that this association significantly strengthens for rural dwellers who were highly educated. Moreover, age, average monthly income, reporting sickness in the past 90 days, and not noticing any change in health status in retrospective to 12 months were independent predictors of SRH. Effective interventions through collaborative efforts by the Ghanaian sociopolitical structure and micro-level dynamics are needed to ensure holistic improvements in health outcomes among vulnerable older persons.
Economic Expectations of Young Adults
Authors: Bandelj Nina , Lanuza Yader R.
Published: September 2018

In uncertain economic times, who are those young adults that show positive expectations about their economic future? And who are those who worry? Based on previous stratification research and extending economic sociology insights into the realm of young people’s economic expectations, we focus on the impact of family class background and a sense of current meaningful community relations on young adults’ general and job-specific economic expectations. Analysis of Panel Study of Income Dynamics (PSID) data reveals that a sense of community belonging has a robust and positive impact on economic optimism of young adults, but the role of family socioeconomic background is weaker. We conclude that imagining one’s economic future is less about realistic calculation determined by early structural conditions but more about identity work of young people who assert their moral worth in how they imagine their economic lives and manage uncertainty and well-being in ongoing social relations.
A textual research on Chos-kyi Seng-ge, the Xixia State Preceptor
Authors: Sun Bojun
Published: September 2018

Based on the colophons and relevant records in Tangut scriptures, the present paper investigates the dharma dissemination, teaching lineage and the relevant section of the Xixia bla-ma Chos-kyi seng-ge. It is pointed out that the appellations of Chos-kyi seng-ge, Yar-klongs-ba and Chos ma ge indicate one and the same figure who gave Xixia various scriptures transmitted by his preceptor Kun-dga’ snying-po (1092–1158) and Zhang Rin-po-che (1123–1194). The investigation in this paper provides valuable data for defining the relevance of the Śrīvajrayogīnisiddhi in Xixia with early Tibetan Tantrism and clarifying the appearance of Xixia Buddhism.
Proton therapy for adults with mediastinal lymphomas: the International Lymphoma Radiation Oncology Group guidelines
Authors: Dabaja Bouthaina Shbib , Hoppe Bradford S. , Plastaras John P. , Newhauser Wayne , Rosolova Katerina , Flampouri Stella , Mohan Radhe , Mikhaeel N. George , Kirova Youlia , Specht Lena , Yahalom Joachim
Published: September 2018

Among adult lymphoma survivors, radiation treatment techniques that increase the excess radiation dose to organs at risk (OARs) put patients at risk for increased side effects, especially late toxicities. Minimizing radiation to OARs in adults patients with Hodgkin and non-Hodgkin lymphomas involving the mediastinum is the deciding factor for the choice of treatment modality. Proton therapy may help to reduce the radiation dose to the OARs and reduce toxicities, especially the risks for cardiac morbidity and second cancers. Because proton therapy may have some disadvantages, identifying the patients and the circumstances that may benefit the most from proton therapy is important. We present modern guidelines to identify adult lymphoma patients who may derive the greatest benefit from proton therapy, along with an analysis of the advantages and disadvantages of proton treatment.
RNA-seq of newly diagnosed patients in the PADIMAC study leads to a bortezomib/lenalidomide decision signature
Authors: Chapman Michael A. , Sive Jonathan , Ambrose John , Roddie Claire , Counsell Nicholas , Lach Anna , Abbasian Mahnaz , Popat Rakesh , Cavenagh Jamie D. , Oakervee Heather , Streetly Matthew J. , Schey Stephen , Koh Mickey , Willis Fenella , Virchis Andres E. , Crowe Josephine , Quinn Michael F. , Cook Gordon , Crawley Charles R. , Pratt Guy , Cook Mark , Braganza Nivette , Adedayo Toyin , Smith Paul , Clifton-Hadley Laura , Owen Roger G. , Sonneveld Pieter , Keats Jonathan J. , Herrero Javier , Yong Kwee
Published: September 2018

Improving outcomes in multiple myeloma will involve not only development of new therapies but also better use of existing treatments. We performed RNA sequencing on samples from newly diagnosed patients enrolled in the phase 2 PADIMAC (Bortezomib, Adriamycin, and Dexamethasone Therapy for Previously Untreated Patients with Multiple Myeloma: Impact of Minimal Residual Disease in Patients with Deferred ASCT) study. Using synthetic annealing and the large margin nearest neighbor algorithm, we developed and trained a 7-gene signature to predict treatment outcome. We tested the signature in independent cohorts treated with bortezomib- and lenalidomide-based therapies. The signature was capable of distinguishing which patients would respond better to which regimen. In the CoMMpass data set, patients who were treated correctly according to the signature had a better progression-free survival (median, 20.1 months vs not reached; hazard ratio [HR], 0.40; confidence interval [CI], 0.23-0.72; P = .0012) and overall survival (median, 30.7 months vs not reached; HR, 0.41; CI, 0.21-0.80; P = .0049) than those who were not. Indeed, the outcome for these correctly treated patients was noninferior to that for those treated with combined bortezomib, lenalidomide, and dexamethasone, arguably the standard of care in the United States but not widely available elsewhere. The small size of the signature will facilitate clinical translation, thus enabling more targeted drug regimens to be delivered in myeloma.
An introduction to the clinical practice of theranostics in oncology
Authors: Turner J Harvey
Published: September 2018

“Those who cannot remember the past are condemned to repeat it.”

George Santayana 1905

“If men could learn from history, what lessons it might teach us! But passion and party blind our eyes, and the light which experience gives is a lantern on the stern, which shines only on the waves behind us!”

Samuel Taylor Coleridge 1835

The medical speciality of theranostic nuclear oncology has taken three-quarters of a century to move the stern light cast retrospectively by single-centre clinical reports, to the forepeak in the bow of our theranostic craft, where prospective randomised controlled multicentre clinical trials now illuminate the way forward. This recent reorientation of nuclear medicine clinical research practice to align with that of standard medical and radiation oncology protocols, reflects the paradigm shift toward individualised molecular oncology and precision medicine. Theranostics is the epitome of personalised medicine. The specific tumour biomarker is quantitatively imaged on positron emission tomography (PET)/CT or single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT)/CT. If it is clearly demonstrated that a tumoricidal radiation absorbed dose can be delivered, the theranostic beta or alpha-emitting radionuclide pair, coupled to the same targeted molecule, is then administered, to control advanced metastatic cancer in that individual patient. This prior selection of patients who may benefit from theranostic treatment is in direct contrast to the evolving oncological indirect treatments using immune-check point inhibitors, where there is an urgent need to define biomarkers which can reliably predict response, and thus avoid the high cost and toxicity of these agents in patients who are unlikely to benefit. The immune and molecular treatment approaches of oncology are a recent phenomenon and the efficacy and safety of immune-check point blockade and chimeric antigen receptor T-cell therapies are currently under evaluation in multicentre randomised controlled trials. Such objective evaluation is compromised by the inadequacy of conventional response evaluation criteria in solid tumour (RECIST) CT/MR anatomical/functional imaging to define tumour response, in both immune-oncology and theranostic nuclear oncology. This introduction to the clinical practice of theranostics explores ways in which nuclear physicians can learn from the lessons of history, and join with their medical, surgical and radiation oncology colleagues to establish a symbiotic collaboration to realise the potential of personalised molecular medicine to control advanced cancer and actually enhance quality of life whilst prolonging survival.
Laboratory validation and field usability assessment of a point-of-care test for serum bilirubin levels in neonates in a tropical setting
Authors: Thielemans Laurence , Hashmi Ahmar , Priscilla Dah Dah , Kho Paw Moo , Pimolsorntong Tekel , Ngerseng Thatsanun , Van Overmeire Bart , Proux Stephane , Nosten François , McGready Rose , Carrara Verena I. , Bancone Germana
Published: September 2018

Background: Screening and monitoring serum bilirubin (SBR) in neonates is crucial to prevent neonatal hyperbilirubinemia (NH)-associated morbidity and mortality worldwide. A lack of resources is often a barrier for measuring SBR in developing countries. Reliable, cost-effective, easy to use point-of-care (POC) SBR tests are needed. This study aimed to evaluate the technical accuracy and usability of the Bilistick System (BS), a new bilirubin POC test, in a tropical setting.

Methods: This was a mixed-methods study, including laboratory validation of the BS, direct observation of technical procedures as performed by the midwives and midwives’ assessment of the device’s easiness of use through focus group discussions (FGD) and a self-administered questionnaire. The study was conducted in a field clinic of the Shoklo Malaria Research Unit along the Thailand-Myanmar border between January and December 2017.

Results: A total of 173 samples were tested at a median age of 4 days. BS generated an error message—providing no SBR readout—in 48.6% of the tests performed. For the tests that yielded a result, the correlation coefficient (95% CI) between BS and routine laboratory bilirubinometer SBR was 0.87 (0.77-0.93). The accuracy decreased with increasing haematocrit and at higher humidity (≥75%). Direct observation of the operators using the device and analysis of the focus group discussions and questionnaires indicated that the BS was considered easy to use and required limited training.

Conclusions: This evaluation showed that the BS, in its current formulation, does not provide reliable results for measuring SBR in a tropical, low-resource setting  but has acceptable usability features.
Relating the Cation Exchange Properties of the Boom Clay (Belgium) to Mineralogy and Pore-Water Chemistry
Authors: Frederickx Lander , Honty Miroslav , de Craen Mieke , Dohrmann Reiner , Elsen Jan
Published: September 2018

The Boom Clay in northern Belgium has been studied intensively over recent decades as a potential host rock in the context of disposal of radioactive waste. One of the parameters of interest is the cation exchange capacity (CEC) as it is related to the sorption potential of radionuclides to the clay host rock. In the past, the CEC was determined using various methods on a limited number of samples, leading to significant variations. To constrain the CEC of the Boom Clay better, a sample set covering the entire stratigraphy was measured using the quick copper(II) triethylenetetramine method. Part of the sample set was also measured using the cobalt(III) hexamine method, as a quality control for the results of the former method. In addition, the exchangeable cation population of the Boom Clay was quantified systematically for the first time and these results were compared to the in situ pore-water chemistry, indicating a strong coupling between the pore-water composition and the exchangeable sites of clay minerals.
Reflection artifact identification in photoacoustic imaging using multi-wavelength excitation
Authors: Nguyen Ho Nhu Y. , Hussain Altaf , Steenbergen Wiendelt
Published: September 2018

Photoacoustic imaging has been a focus of research for clinical applications owing to its ability for deep visualization with optical absorption contrast. However, there are various technical challenges remaining for this technique to find its place in clinics. One of the challenges is the occurrence of reflection artifacts. The reflection artifacts may lead to image misinterpretation. Here we propose a new method using multiple wavelengths for identifying and removing the reflection artifacts. By imaging the sample with multiple wavelengths, the spectral response of the features in the photoacoustic image is obtained. We assume that the spectral response of the reflection artifact is better correlated with the proper image feature of its corresponding absorber than with other features in the image. Based on this, the reflection artifacts can be identified and removed. Here, we experimentally demonstrated the potential of this method for real-time identification and correction of reflection artifacts in photoacoustic images in phantoms as well as in vivo using a handheld photoacoustic imaging probe.
DIREITOS AMBIENTAIS PROCEDIMENTAIS: ACESSO À INFORMAÇÃO, À PARTICIPAÇÃO PÚBLICA NA TOMADA DE ECISÃO E ACESSO À JUSTIÇA EM MATÉRIA AMBIENTAL
Authors: Sarlet Ingo Wolfgang , Fensterseifer Tiago
Published: September 2018

O artigo versa sobre a dimensão procedimental do direito-dever fundamental ao ambiente. À luz da Teoria dos Direitos Fundamentais, são analisados os direitos ambientais procedimentais consagrados pelo Princípio 10 da Declaração do Rio sobre Meio Ambiente e Desenvolvimento (1992) e pela Convenção de Aarhus (1998): participação pública; acesso à informação ambiental; acesso à justiça. Após tal desenvolvimento, os direitos ambientais procedimentais são contextualizados no “no estado da arte” do direito constitucional e infraconstitucional brasileiro, inclusive abordando a atual jurisprudência do Superior Tribunal de Justiça e do Supremo Tribunal Federal sobre a matéria.
The Republic of Poland
Authors: Mugnier Clifford J.
Published: September 2018

The Grids & Datums column has completed an exploration of
every country on the Earth. For those who did not get to enjoy this
world tour the first time, PE&RS is reprinting prior articles from
the column. This month's article on The Republic of Poland was
originally printed in 2000 but contains updates to their coordinate
system since then
Learn the Rules like a Pro, so you can Break them like an Artist (Picasso): Linguistic Aberrancy from a Constructional Perspective
Authors: Bergs Alexander
Published: September 2018

This paper investigates linguistic creativity from a constructional perspective. Following a distinction between F-creativity (fixed creativity, like productivity) and E-creativity (extending creativity, creativity beyond rules), it discusses several possible origins for innovations in a given language: errors and mistakes, language contact, and the intentional manipulation of linguistic material in the form of snowcloning, coercion, and aberrancy. This paper shows that only one special form of aberrancy might be classified as ‘pure’ E-creativity. Rather than enforcing the dichotomy between E- and F-creativity, all the other sources of linguistic innovations seem to form a cline between these two poles.
Collo-Creativity and Blending: Recognizing Creativity Requires Lexical Storage in Constructional Slots
Authors: Herbst Thomas
Published: September 2018

This article explores to what extent linguistic creativity can be accounted for by investigating the collocational and collostructional properties of different constructions. A distinction is made between intended creativity and creativity caused by despair. It is argued that while unexpected combinations of constructions (in the sense of lexical items and syntactic constructions) are not the only type of linguistic creativity, they are of particular relevance to linguistic theory because they can only be appropriately accounted for in terms of a model that takes an integrative view of grammar and lexicon and allows for a considerable amount of lexical knowledge concerning the description of constructions.
The mediating role of mentalizing between attachment and eating disorders
Authors: Redondo Iratxe , Luyten Patrick
Published: September 2018

The objective of the study was to investigate whether mindfulness mediated the relationship between attachment and eating disorders in a sample of 323 female university students and 38 anorexic inpatients using structural equation modeling. All insecure attachment subscales were positively related to eating disorder symptoms and negatively to mindfulness. Furthermore, mindfulness scores were negatively associated with eating disorder symptoms. Mediation analyses showed that the relationship between all the insecure attachment subscales and eating disorders was partially mediated by the mindfulness effects. These results are in line with Bateman and Fonagy's (2004a, 2004b) theory that implies a mediating role of mindfulness used as a proxy for mentalizing between attachment and psychopathology. Further research is needed, however, to replicate these findings.
Mitigating Risk? Set-Shifting Ability in High Threat Sensitive Individuals Predicts Approach Behavior During Simulated Peer-Rejection
Authors: Coifman Karin G. , Halachoff Danielle J. , Nylocks K. Maria
Published: September 2018

In this investigation we explored how two dimensions underlying current models of psychopathology, threat sensitivity and executive cognitive processing, may come together to influence downstream responses to social threat. Specifically, we investigated how set-shifting ability influences responses to simulated peer-rejection in high threat sensitive individuals (n = 66) selected from a larger sample. Our findings suggest the possibility of risk-reducing benefits imparted from higher set-shifting and executive resources. In particular, we saw evidence of greater approach-related behavior, including higher intensity positive emotional expressions and a relative increase in the proportion of parasympathetic activity, with higher set-shifting. Our findings join a small but growing body of research examining how risks elevated by threat sensitivity may be mitigated by executive cognitive processing.
Clinical Correlates of Vulnerable and Grandiose Narcissism: A Personality Perspective
Authors: Kaufman Scott Barry , Weiss Brandon , Miller Joshua D. , Campbell W. Keith
Published: September 2018

There is broad consensus that there are at least two different dimensions of narcissism: vulnerable and grandiose. In this study, the authors use a new trifurcated, three-factor model of narcissism to examine relations between aspects of narcissism and an array of clinically relevant criteria related to psychopathology, the self, authenticity, and well-being. Neurotic and antagonistic aspects of narcissism emerged as the most clinically relevant dimensions of narcissism, bearing relations with outcomes relating to interpersonal guilt, insecure attachment styles, cognitive distortions, maladaptive defense mechanisms, experiential avoidance, impostor syndrome, weak sense of self, inauthenticity, low self-esteem, and reduced psychological well-being. Grandiose narcissism was not correlated with most forms of psychopathology and was even positively associated with life satisfaction. Nevertheless, a surprising link was found between grandiose narcissism and multiple indicators of inauthenticity. Implications for the appropriate conceptualization, assessment, and treatment of pathological narcissism are discussed.
Brief, But Not Prolonged, Pauses in the Firing of Midbrain Dopamine Neurons Are Sufficient to Produce a Conditioned Inhibitor
Authors: Chang Chun Yun , Gardner Matthew P.H. , Conroy Jessica C. , Whitaker Leslie R. , Schoenbaum Geoffrey
Published: September 2018

Prediction errors are critical for associative learning. In the brain, these errors are thought to be signaled, in part, by midbrain dopamine neurons. However, although there is substantial direct evidence that brief increases in the firing of these neurons can mimic positive prediction errors, there is less evidence that brief pauses mimic negative errors. Whereas pauses in the firing of midbrain dopamine neurons can substitute for missing negative prediction errors to drive extinction, it has been suggested that this effect might be attributable to changes in salience rather than the operation of this signal as a negative prediction error. Here we address this concern by showing that the same pattern of inhibition will create a cue able to meet the classic definition of a conditioned inhibitor by showing suppression of responding in a summation test and slower learning in a retardation test. Importantly, these classic criteria were designed to rule out explanations founded on attention or salience; thus the results cannot be explained in this manner. We also show that this pattern of behavior is not produced by a single, prolonged, ramped period of inhibition, suggesting that it is precisely timed, sudden change and not duration that conveys the teaching signal.

SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENTHere we show that brief pauses in the firing of midbrain dopamine neurons are sufficient to produce a cue that meets the classic criteria defining a conditioned inhibitor, or a cue that predicts the omission of a reward. These criteria were developed to distinguish actual learning from salience or attentional effects; thus these results formally show that brief pauses in the firing of dopamine neurons can serve as key teaching signals in the brain. Interestingly, this was not true for gradual prolonged pauses, suggesting it is the dynamic change in firing that serves as the teaching signal.
Modulation of Beta Bursts in the Subthalamic Nucleus Predicts Motor Performance
Authors: Torrecillos Flavie , Tinkhauser Gerd , Fischer Petra , Green Alexander L. , Aziz Tipu Z. , Foltynie Thomas , Limousin Patricia , Zrinzo Ludvic , Ashkan Keyoumars , Brown Peter , Tan Huiling
Published: September 2018

Considerable evidence suggests a role of beta-band oscillations in voluntary movements. However, most of the studies linking beta power to motor performance are based on data averaged across trials that ignore the fast dynamics of oscillatory activity and trial-to-trial variations in motor responses. Recently, emphasis has shifted from the functional implications of the mean beta power to the presence and nature of episodic bursts of beta activity. Here we test the hypothesis that beta bursts, though short in duration in more physiological state, may help explain spontaneous variations in motor behavior of human adults at the single-trial level. To this end, we recorded local field potential activity from the subthalamic nucleus of parkinsonian patients of both genders whose motor behavior had been normalized as far as possible through treatment with the dopamine prodrug, levodopa. We found that beta bursts present in a time-limited window well before movement onset in the contralateral subthalamic nucleus reduce the peak velocity of that movement and that this effect is further amplified by the amplitude of the burst. Additionally, prolonged reaction times are observed when bursts occur immediately after the GO cue. Together, these results suggest that the modulation of the timing and amplitude of beta bursts might serve to dynamically adapt motor performance. These results offer new insight in the pathology of Parkinson's disease, and suggest that beta bursts whose presence and nature are modulated by context may have a physiological role in modulating behavior.

SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENTBeta oscillations (∼13–30 Hz) have been increasingly interpreted as transient bursts rather than as rhythmically sustained oscillations (Feingold et al., 2015). Prolonged and increased probability of beta bursts in the subthalamic nucleus correlates with the severity of motor impairment in Parkinson's disease (Tinkhauser et al., 2017a, b). However, it remains unclear whether beta bursts act to modify motor performance on a trial-by-trial basis under more physiological condition. Here, we found that, according to the time window in which they fall, beta bursts reduced the velocity of the forthcoming movement or prolonged the reaction time. These results offer new insight in the pathology of Parkinson's disease and also suggest that the modulation of beta bursts might serve to dynamically adapt motor performance.
The Development of Information Website for Master Program in Vocational Education of Universitas Negeri Semarang
Authors: Kurniawan Muhammad , Syamwil Rodia , Wijaya M. Burhan Rubai
Published: September 2018

This study aims to develop a website of Master Study Programs in Vocational Education of Universitas Negeri Semarang (UNNES). This research used Research and Development methods, and website development design using the Waterfall method. The subjects of the study are students, alumni & managers of the Master Study Program at UNNES vocational education. The object of this study is the website of the UNNES Vocational Education Graduate Study Program. The sample of the research subjects was taken purposively because this research focused more on the research objectives, the website applied in this Study Program. The development of this website was tested by validators of web experts, substance experts, and user validators. The test results from the validator are as follows: (1) the test results of web experts got an average percentage of 90% or can be considered very feasible; (2) the results of testing by a substance expert got an average of 88% (very feasible); (3) the test results by the user got an average of 90% or very good. This study program information website was also tested using the blackbox method which resulted in the average website running well in suitted with the results expected. The reliability of the website was tested using loadimpact, tools for stress testing using 50 virtual users for 5 minutes, the results of which failed rate 0. This study produced a web with broadcast message feature, responsive website theme. The final results of research on website development are categorized as very feasible to be applied.
Analysis of the immune landscape of small bowel neuroendocrine tumors
Authors: Cives M , Strosberg J , Al Diffalha S , Coppola D
Published: September 2018

Immune checkpoint inhibitors have shown promising results in different cancers, and correlation between immune infiltration, expression of programmed death-ligand 1 (PD-L1) by tumor cells and response to immunotherapy has been reported. There is limited knowledge regarding the immune microenvironment of small bowel (SB) neuroendocrine tumors (NETs). This work was aimed at characterizing the immune landscape of SB NETs. Expression of PD-L1 and programmed death-1 (PD-1) was evaluated by immunohistochemistry in 102 surgically resected, primary NETs of the duodenum, jejunum and ileum. Extent and characteristics of the tumor-associated immune infiltrate were also assessed and investigated in their prognostic potential. We detected the expression of PD-L1 in ≥1 and ≥50% of tumor cells in 40/102 (39%; 95% CI, 30–49%) and 14/102 (14%; 95% CI, 8–22%) cases respectively. Intratumor host immune response was apparently absent in 35/102 cases (34%; 95% CI, 25–44%), mild to moderate in 46/102 samples (45%, 95% CI, 35–55%), intense in 21/102 tumors (21%, 95% CI, 13–30%). Expression of PD-L1 and extent of immune infiltration were significantly higher in duodenal NETs as compared with jejunal/ileal NETs. A marked peritumoral host response was organized as ectopic lymph node-like structures in 18/102 cases (18%; 95% CI, 11–26%). Neither PD-L1 expression nor the degree of immune infiltration showed any prognostic significance. Overall, the immune landscape of SB NETs is heterogeneous, with adaptive immune resistance mechanisms prevailing in duodenal NETs. Clinical trials of immune checkpoint inhibitors should take into account the immune heterogeneity of SB NETs.
TRPM3/TRPV4 regulates Ca2+-mediated RANKL/NFATc1 expression in osteoblasts
Authors: Son Aran , Kang Namju , Kang Jung Yun , Kim Ki Woo , Yang Yu-Mi , Shin Dong Min
Published: September 2018

Mechanical stress plays an important role in the regulation of bone turnover. However, the mechanism underlying hypo-osmotic stress-induced cellular response in osteoblasts remains poorly understood. In this study, we investigated the effect of hypotonic stress on the expression of bone remodeling factors, including the receptor activator of nuclear factor-kappa B ligand (RANKL) and the nuclear factor of activated T cells type c1 (NFATc1) in primary mouse osteoblasts and MC3T3-E1 cells. Hypo-osmotic stress induced significant increases in RANKL mRNA expression and intracellular Ca2+ concentration ([Ca2+]i) from the extracellular space. Hypo-osmotic stress-induced effects on [Ca2+]i and RANKL and NFATc1 protein expression were decreased by antagonists of transient receptor potential melastatin 3 (TRPM3) and vanilloid 4 (TRPV4). Agonists of TRPM3 and TRPV4 activated [Ca2+]i and RANKL and NFATc1 protein expression. Furthermore, genetic suppression of Trpm3 and Trpv4 reduced hypo-osmotic stress-induced effects in mouse osteoblasts. These results suggest that hypo-osmotic stress induces increases in [Ca2+]i through TRPM3 and TRPV4 to regulate RANKL and NFATc1 expression in mouse osteoblastic cells and that mechanical stress-activated TRP channels may play a critical role in bone remodeling.
Cryptochrome deficiency enhances transcription but reduces protein levels of pineal Aanat
Authors: Yamanaka Yujiro , Yamada Yoshiko , Honma Ken-ichi , Honma Sato
Published: September 2018

Cryptochrome (Cry)1and2are essential for circadian rhythm generation, not only in the suprachiasmatic nucleus, the site of the mammalian master circadian clock, but also in peripheral organs throughout the body. CRY is also known as a repressor of arylalkylamine-N-acetyltransferase (Aanat) transcription; therefore,Crydeficiency is expected to induce constantly high pineal melatonin content. Nevertheless, we previously found that the content was consistently low in melatonin-proficientCry1andCry2double-deficient mice (Cry1−/−/Cry2−/−) on C3H background. This study aims to clarify the mechanism underlying this discrepancy. In theCry1−/−/Cry2−/−pineal, expression levels ofAanatand clock genePer1were consistently high with no circadian fluctuation on the first day in constant darkness, demonstrating that CRY actsin vivoas a repressor of the pineal circadian clock and AANAT. In contrast, the enzyme activity and protein levels of AANAT remained low throughout the day, supporting our previous observation of continuously low melatonin. Thus, effects ofCrydeficiency on the responses of β-adrenergic receptors were examined in cultured pineal glands. Isoproterenol, a β-adrenergic stimulant, significantly increased melatonin content, although the increase was smaller inCry1−/−/Cry2−/−than in WT mice, during both the day and night. However, the increase in cAMP in response to forskolin was similar in both genotypes, indicating that CRY deficiency does not affect the pathway downstream of the β-adrenergic receptor. These results suggest that a lack of circadian adrenergic input due to CRY deficiency decreases β-receptor activity and cAMP levels, resulting in consistently low AANAT levels despite abundantAanatmRNA.
miRNA-335-5p negatively regulates granulosa cell proliferation via SGK3 in PCOS
Authors: Yao Lihua , Li Mingyang , Hu Jingwen , Wang Wangsheng , Gao Minzhi
Published: September 2018

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a major cause of infertility in women of reproductive age. However, its exact etiology remains unknown. In this study, we sequenced microRNAs (miRNAs) in human follicular fluid and identified 16 downregulated and 3 upregulated miRNAs in PCOS group compared with non-PCOS group. Among the differential expressed miRNAs, miR-335-5p was verified lower abundance in PCOS than non-PCOS group using quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction. Besides, miR-335-5p negatively correlated with antral follicle count, anti-Müllerian hormone, and total testosterone. Bioinformatics analysis identified serum/glucocorticoid regulated kinase family member 3 (SGK3) as a potential target gene of miR-335-5p. SGK3 is involved in protein kinase B-mammalian target of rapamycin kinase (AKT-mTOR) signaling pathway and cell proliferation. Western blotting and cell counting kit-8 assays demonstrated that miR-335-5p mimic reduced, while miR-335-5p inhibitor increased, SGK3 abundance, AKT-mTOR pathway and cell proliferation in human granulosa-like tumor KGN cells. Dual-luciferase reporter assays showed that miR-335-5p binds to the 3 untranslated region of SGK3 mRNA. Furthermore, miR-335-5p was decreased and SGK3 was elevated in human granulosa cells obtained from PCOS patients as compared with non-PCOS controls. These findings suggested that miR-335-5p is involved in granulosa cells proliferation via reducing SGK3 expression, which might provide a molecular target to improve dysfunctional granulosa cells in patients with PCOS.
A practical approach on radioprotection in the treatment of radioiodine for thyroid cancer
Authors: Mendes Janaína Dutra Silvestre , Kubo Ana Luiza Silva Lima , Rebelo Ana Maria De Oliveira
Published: September 2018

There are several protocols for the treatment and follow-up of differentiated thyroid cancer. All of them gather evidence on the evolution and treatment and try to establish a treatment standard. However, there are few occasions in which this issue is addressed from the standpoint of radiological protection, as the ICRP 94 and TECDOC 1608. The focus of our work is to demonstrate that simple actions in the routine of workers in the Nuclear Medicine Service interfere positively in the radiation protection of all those involved in the patient's care, also optimizing their well being during the procedure. In the current model, the patient participates in an interview with nurses, doctors and physicists, before admission, and receives written and verbal information about the treatment procedures in order to diminish his anxiety and clarify possible doubts. In all the cases under hospital care there were no instances of high exposure (above 1mSv/month or 6 mSv/year) among the staff. With the participation of all involved, there was an escalating improvement in the reduction of complications generated by the patient’s anxiety, waste decrease, providing better comfort during hospital care) and minimization of occupational hazard affecting the staff in charge of the patient’s room maintenance after hospital leave.
Bioclimatic analysis of three buildings for wet processing of coffee in Colombia
Authors: Osorio Hernandez Robinson , Ferreira Tinoco Ilda De Fatima , Correna Carlo Joyce , Osorio Saraz Jairo Alexander , Aristizábal Torres Ivan Dario
Published: September 2018

Este estudio tuvo como objetivo llevar a cabo una comparación bioclimática de instalaciones de beneficio húmedo en Colombia, con tres tipologías típicas de la zona cafetera colombiana, a través de simulación computacional, específicamente evaluando los efectos del calor y vapor generados por el secado mecánico, y el área de ventilación natural sobre la temperatura y la humedad relativa en estas instalaciones. Se observó el efecto del área de ventilación natural, a mayor área de ventilación natural, menor temperatura y humedad relativa, es decir, se observó que la tipología b se comportó mejor bioclimáticamente que la tipología a. El ambiente interno de la tipología a (tipología escalonada), tuvo un mayor riesgo biológico de proliferación de hongos y bacterias, con una temperatura promedio de 27,5 °C, y una humedad relativa interna promedio de 70,6%. En el tipo c, como su secadora mecánica sobresale del edificio, y expulsa el vapor y el calor producidos en el proceso de secado al ambiente externo, mostró las mejores condiciones bioclimáticas para el café pergamino, con una temperatura promedio de 23,5 °C y una humedad relativa interna promedio del 65,5% la mayor parte del tiempo.
Comparison of soil use in the infiltration of rainwater: pasture and forest
Authors: Lopes Edson , Carvalho Marenzi Rosemeri , Marques de Almeida Tito César
Published: September 2018

Los bosques de Itajaí/SC, Brazil han sido intensamente fragmentados en la llanura, reflejando en el predominio de asentamientos urbanos, estructuras portuarias y cultivos de arroz. Al sumarse los eventos provenientes del cambio climático a las condiciones ambientales existentes, la región se torna susceptible a las inundaciones. De esta forma, este trabajo tiene como objetivo analizar la función hídrica de los bosques de llanura en la infiltración del agua de las lluvias en Itajaí. Se utilizó el Sistema de Información Geográfica para la elaboración de un mapa de uso y ocupación del suelo y se comparó con el mapa de suelos del municipio. De estos análisis fueron seleccionadas dos áreas en la llanura en la misma clase de suelos, una con pastoreo y una cubierta por bosque. En los meses de agosto y octubre, estas áreas se muestrearon y clasificaron acorde a los siguientes criterios: granulometría, humedad, conductividad hidráulica y contenido de materia orgánica de los suelos. También en estas unidades de muestra se realizó el ensayo de velocidad de infiltración básica (VIB) mediante el método de anillos concéntricos. Se utilizó el análisis de varianza (ANOVA) para verificar el efecto entre las variables obtenidas. Los valores medios obtenidos de VIB para área de pastoreo fueron 3,45 cm h-1 y 3,60 cm h-1 para los meses de agosto y octubre, respectivamente. En el área con vegetación se obtuvieron valores medios de 19,05 cm h-1 y 8,70 cm h-1 para los meses de agosto y octubre, respectivamente. En este trabajo fue posible verificar que hay diferencias significativas en la infiltración de agua, en la parte superficial del suelo,entre las coberturas con bosque y con pastoreo, donde las condiciones edáficas son iguales. La vegetación forestal denota su papel potencial en la infiltración de agua de lluvia en la planicie de inundación del área.
Phytophagous insects in tamarind crop (Tamarindus indica L.), with emphasis on the greatest damage to the fruit, in five farms from the nearby Western of Antioquia
Authors: Mercado Mesa Mariana , Alvarez-Osorio Verónica , Muriel Ruiz Sandra Bibiana
Published: September 2018

El tamarindo es un fruto importante para los pequeños productores del occidente cercano antioqueño, en cuanto a que se ofrece en diversas presentaciones a los turistas que visitan esta región. Sin embargo, algunos problemas de calidad, relacionados con la presencia de insectos en este fruto generan dificultades para su comercialización. El objetivo de este trabajo fue determinar los insectos fitófagos de los árboles de tamarindo, con énfasis en los que causan mayor daño al fruto. En cinco fincas de Santa Fe de Antioquia y Sopetrán, se recolectaron los insectos asociados a cada órgano, de seis árboles por finca, se describió su daño y se identificaron hasta el nivel más detallado posible. Tres insectos causantes del mayor daño en el fruto tuvieron prioridad, determinándose su porcentaje de infestación (PI). Para ello, se diseñó una escala de daño y se evaluaron 30 frutos por árbol. Se encontraron once insectos fitófagos asociados al tamarindo, de los cuales cinco registros son nuevos para el tamarindo en Colombia: H. obscurus, Toxoptera aurantii, Trigona sp., Ectomyelois ceratoniae y Acromyrmex octospinosus. Cinco insectos atacan al fruto: Caryedon serratus, dos polillas Phycitinae, Sitophilus linearis e Hypothenemus obscurus. El PI promedio para C. serratus, las dos polillas Phycitinae y S. linearis fue de 19,5%, 8% y 2,5%, respectivamente. Los tres primeros afectan la pulpa y S. linearis ataca a la semilla. El daño más frecuente (43% - 52%) fue de grado 1 y los grados 4 y 5 se presentaron en menores porcentajes (0% - 4%).
Pysicochemical properties and application of edible coatings in strawberry Fragaria x Ananassa) preservation
Authors: Barrazueta Rojas Sandra Gabriela , Falconí Novillo José Francisco , Navarro Ojeda Marcelo Nelson , Oleas López Julio Mauricio , Mendoza Zurita Guillermo Xavier
Published: September 2018

La fresa es una de las frutas económicamente más importante en la sierra ecuatoriana. Las enfermedades son las principales causas de pérdidas postcosecha, generando daños en el color, la firmeza y calidad del fruto. El principal objetivo de este trabajo corresponde a la evaluación del efecto de tres recubrimientos comestibles a base de gelatina, pectina y cera de abeja, en la conservación postcosecha de la fresa variedad Oso Grande proveniente del cantón Chambo provincia de Chimborazo-Ecuador. El proceso se llevó a cabo utilizando un diseño completamente al azar con arreglo factorial: a temperatura ambiente y de refrigeración. Los frutos fueron seleccionados en función del grado de maduración, tamaño, forma, sanidad de las frutas, y color uniforme; posteriormente se separó en cuatro grupos; se lavaron, desinfectaron y finalmente se aplicó el recubrimiento comestible a base de gelatina, pectina y cera de abeja, todos ellos enriquecidos con aceite esencial de clavo de olor. Se evaluaron los cambios físico-químicos presentados a las dos temperaturas de estudio. Con los resultados obtenidos se pudo comprobar que el empleo de recubrimientos comestibles afectó estadísticamente en las características físico-químicas de la fresa; siendo el recubrimiento de gelatina el que presenta los mejores resultados, con una menor pérdida de peso 5,26%, firmeza 9,92 N, sólidos solubles 7,49%, pH 3,69, acidez 0,73% y una vida de anaquel de 5 días. El costo de producción para la obtención del recubrimiento de gelatina fue el más económico con un precio de $11,10/kg USD. Los resultados obtenidos demuestran la eficacia de los recubrimientos comestibles y la temperatura de almacenamiento en la prolongación de la vida de anaquel de la fresa.
STATUS MUTU AIR PELABUHAN PANGGULUBELO BERDASARKAN INDEKS STORET DAN INDEKS PENCEMARAN
Authors: Asuhadi Sunarwan
Published: September 2018

Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk mendapatkan gambaran tentang status mutu air laut Pelabuhan Panggulubelo. Teknik pengumpulan data dilakukan dengan pengambilan dan pengukuran kualitas sampel air laut di lokasi yang dimaksud, selain itu juga dikumpulkan hasil-hasil publikasi sebelumnya (time series) yang terkait dengan kualitas air laut di lokasi Pelabuhan Panggulubelo. Untuk menentukan status mutu air Pelabuhan Panggulubelo menggunakan analisis Indeks Storet dan Indeks Pencemaran. Hasil pengukuran kualitas perairan Pelabuhan Panggulubelo menurut Indeks Storet menunjukkan skor -14 (tercemar sedang), sedangkan nilai Indeks Pencemaran adalah 2.79 (tercemar ringan). Ini menunjukkan bahwa perairan laut Pelabuhan Panggulubelo telah mengalami cemaran ringan dan sedang, serta memiliki potensi untuk mengalami pencemaran dengan status tercemar berat bilamana tidak dilakukan upaya yang tepat untuk mengurangi berbagai sumber-sumber pencemaran di area pelabuhan.