bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Statins Synergize with Hedgehog Pathway Inhibitors for Treatment of Medulloblastoma
Authors: Gordon Renata E. , Zhang Li , Peri Suraj , Kuo Yin-Ming , Du Fang , Egleston Brian L. , Ng Jessica M. Y. , Andrews Andrew J. , Astsaturov Igor , Curran Tom , Yang Zeng-Jie 
Published: February 2018

Abstract
Purpose: The role of cholesterol biosynthesis in hedgehog pathway activity and progression of hedgehog pathway medulloblastoma (Hh-MB) were examined in vivo. Statins, commonly used cholesterol-lowering agents, were utilized to validate cholesterol biosynthesis as a therapeutic target for Hh-MB.
Experimental Design: Bioinformatic analysis was performed to evaluate the association between cholesterol biosynthesis with hedgehog group medulloblastoma in human biospecimens. Alterations in hedgehog signaling were evaluated in medulloblastoma cells after inhibition of cholesterol biosynthesis. The progression of endogenous medulloblastoma in mice was examined after genetic blockage of cholesterol biosynthesis in tumor cells. Statins alone, or in combination with vismodegib (an FDA-approved Smoothened antagonist), were utilized to inhibit medulloblastoma growth in vivo.
Results: Cholesterol biosynthesis was markedly enhanced in Hh-MB from both humans and mice. Inhibition of cholesterol biosynthesis dramatically decreased Hh pathway activity and reduced proliferation of medulloblastoma cells. Statins effectively inhibited medulloblastoma growth in vivo and functioned synergistically in combination with vismodegib.
Conclusions: Cholesterol biosynthesis is required for Smoothened activity in the hedgehog pathway, and it is indispensable for the growth of Hh-MB. Targeting cholesterol biosynthesis represents a promising strategy for treatment of Hh-MB. Clin Cancer Res; 24(6); 1375–88. ©2018 AACR.
<b><i>Mannose-Binding Lectin2</i></b> Gene Polymorphism and IgG4 in Membranous Nephropathy
Authors: Costa Denise Maria do Nascimento , Valente Lucila Maria , Vajgel Fernandes Gisele , Sandrin-Garcia Paula , da Cruz Heidi Lacerda Alves , Crovella Sergio , Cavalcante Antônio Henrique Santana , Cavalcante Maria Alina Gomes de Mattos , de Oliveira Camila Barbosa Lyra , de Vasconcelos Carolina de Andrade Jordão , Sarinho Emanuel Sávio Cavalcante 
Published: February 2018

<b><i>Background:</i></b> Idiopathic membranous nephropathy (IMN) has been linked to the lectin pathway, IgG4 and genetic susceptibility. We investigated the frequency of mannose-binding lectin2 (<i>MBL2</i>) gene polymorphisms and the serum ratio of IgG4 in patients with membranous nephropathy (MN). <b><i>Methods:</i></b> Polymorphisms in the exon 1 of the <i>MBL2</i> gene (codons 52, 54, and 57) and single base polymorphisms at positions –550 (HL) and –221 (XY) in the promoter region were evaluated in 60 patients compared to a control group (CG) of 101 blood donors. It established the frequency of polymorphisms and the serum ratio of IgG4 comparing 2 etiologies of MN: idiopathic (35 patients) and secondary to systemic lupus erythematosus (25 patients). <b><i>Results:</i></b> Patients with MN had a 2.54-fold higher probability (95% CI 1.51–4.31) of carrying the O alelle, exon 1 variant, and 11.16-fold higher probability (95% CI 4.77–28.41) of having A/O genotype when compared to CG. The frequency of polymorphisms in the promoter region was similar between the groups. Combined genotypes generally related to the defective production of MBL (YA/O, XA/O and O/O) were more frequent in patients with MN (OR 7.11; 95% CI 2.69–21.27), when compared to controls. The median of serum ratio IgG4 was 5% for idiopathic MN and 3% for lupus MN patients (<i>p</i> = 0.016). <b><i>Conclusions:</i></b> Our data suggests that <i>MBL2</i> polymorphisms may be associated with the activation of the lectin pathway by IgG4 subclass antibodies in MN.
Diakone in Rom? Das Zeugnis des Hirten des Hermas
Authors: Grundeken Mark 
Published: February 2018

Abstract
This article challenges the common opinion that the Shepherd of Hermas gives evidence for the office of deacon in the early Christian communities in Rome (Vis. 3.5.1; Sim. 9.15.4; 9.26.2). It suggests that the mention of the διάκονοι within the context of Hermas’ call to µετάνοια as “admirable” respectively “despicable” believers makes it difficult to decide whether these examples are existing or imaginary figures. Moreover, it notes that the διάκονοι, unlike the presiding presbyters (Vis. 2.2.6-7; 2.4.2-3; 3.9.7), are not associated with the ἐκκλησία in Rome and not directly addressed. The article is meant to be a prelude to new enquiries into the development of offices in the early church.
The Concept of Religion in Modern China: A Grassroots Perspective
Authors: Colijn Bram 
Published: February 2018

Abstract
Modern Chinese history offers scholars plenty of reasons to abandon the state-imposed neologism of ‘religion’. For its popularization in the late 19th century marked the start of multiple cycles of violence against ‘superstition’, its ideological twin. To the contrary, this article explores how ‘religion’ (zongjiao) is deployed by ordinary people in contemporary Southern Fujian. Through three case studies I demonstrate that ‘religion’ has become part of the ways ordinary people in contemporary Southern Fujian harmonize their conflicting ritual practices and ideas about the world. A more narrow and exclusive deployment of ‘religion’ by scholars, followed by policy makers, may augment the realms of ‘culture’ and ‘superstition’, the latter of which has in particular been subject to coercive action in China. Being aware of the nefarious consequences of deploying ‘religion’ outside the Western world since the 19th century, scholars today have a responsibility to premeditate the outcome of narrowing down the range of practices, architecture, clergy, communities, and objects currently associated with ‘religion’.
The Occurrence and Properties of Long-Lived Liquid-Bearing Clouds over the Greenland Ice Sheet and Their Relationship to the North Atlantic Oscillation
Authors: Edwards-Opperman Jonathan , Cavallo Steven , Turner David 
Published: February 2018

AbstractStratiform liquid-bearing clouds (LBCs), defined herein as either pure liquid or mixed-phase clouds, have a large impact on the surface radiation budget across the Arctic. LBCs lasting at least 6 h are observed at Summit, Greenland, year-round with a maximum in occurrence during summer. Mean cloud-base height is below 1 km for 85% of LBC cases identified, 59% have mean liquid water path (LWP) values between 10 and 40 g m−2, and most produce sporadic light ice-phase precipitation. During their occurrence, the atmosphere above the ice sheet is anomalously warm and moist, with southerly winds observed over much of the ice sheet, including at Summit. LBCs that occur when the North Atlantic Oscillation (NAO) is in the negative phase correspond to strong ridging centered over the Greenland Ice Sheet (GIS), allowing for southwesterly flow over the GIS toward Summit. During the positive phase of the NAO, the occurrence of LBCs corresponds to a cyclone located off the southeastern coast of the ice sheet, which leads to easterly-to-southeasterly flow toward Summit. Furthermore, air parcels at Summit frequently originate from below the elevation of Summit, indicating that orographic lift along the ice sheet is a factor in the occurrence of LBCs at Summit. LBCs are more frequently observed during the negative NAO, and both the LWP and precipitation rate are larger in LBCs occurring during this phase. Mean LWP in LBCs occurring during the negative NAO is 15 g m−2 larger than in LBCs occurring during the positive phase.
Downslope Windstorms of San Diego County. Part II: Physics Ensemble Analyses and Gust Forecasting
Authors: Cao Yang , Fovell Robert G. 
Published: February 2018

Abstract
The “Santa Ana” winds of Southern California represent a high-impact weather event because their dry, fast winds can significantly elevate the wildfire threat. This high-resolution numerical study of six events of moderate or greater strength employs physics parameterization and stochastic perturbation ensembles to determine the optimal model configuration for predicting winds in San Diego County, with verification performed against observations from the San Diego Gas and Electric (SDG&E) mesonet. Results demonstrate model physics can have a material effect on the strength, location, and timing of the winds, with the land surface model playing an outsized role via its specification of surface roughness lengths. Even when bias in the network-averaged sustained wind forecasts is minimized, systematic biases remain in that many stations are consistently over- or underforecasted. The argument is made that this is an “unavoidable” error that represents localized anemometer exposure issues revealed through the station gust factor. A very simple gust parameterization is proposed for the mesonet based on the discovery that the network-averaged gust factor is independent of weather conditions and results in unbiased forecasts of gusts at individual stations and the mesonet as a whole. Combined with atmospheric humidity and fuel moisture information, gust forecasts can help in the assessment of wildfire risks.
Assessment of Nonresearch Industry Payments to Otolaryngologists in 2014 and 2015
Authors: Pathak Neil , Fujiwara Rance J. T. , Mehra Saral 
Published: February 2018

ObjectiveTo characterize, describe, and compare nonresearch industry payments made to otolaryngologists in 2014 and 2015. Additionally, to describe industry payment variation within otolaryngology and among other surgical specialties.Study DesignRetrospective cross‐sectional database analysis.SettingOpen Payments Database.Subjects and MethodsNonresearch payments made to US otolaryngologists were characterized and compared by payment amount, nature of payment, sponsor, and census region between 2014 and 2015. Payments in otolaryngology were compared with those in other surgical specialties.ResultsFrom 2014 to 2015, there was an increase in the number of compensated otolaryngologists (7903 vs 7946) and in the mean payment per compensated otolaryngologist ($1096 vs $1242), as well as a decrease in the median payment per compensated otolaryngologist ($169 vs $165, P =. 274). Approximately 90% of total payments made in both years were attributed to food and beverage. Northeast census region otolaryngologists received the highest median payment in 2014 and 2015. Compared with other surgical specialists, otolaryngologists received the lowest mean payment in 2014 and 2015 and the second‐lowest and lowest median payment in 2014 and 2015, respectively.ConclusionThe increase in the mean payment and number of compensated otolaryngologists can be explained by normal annual variation, stronger industry‐otolaryngologist relationships, or improved reporting; additional years of data and improved public awareness of the Sunshine Act will facilitate determining long‐term trends. The large change in disparity between the mean and median from 2014 to 2015 suggests greater payment variation. Otolaryngologists continue to demonstrate limited industry ties when compared with other surgical specialists.
Promoting activity, independence and stability in early dementia and mild cognitive impairment (PrAISED): development of an intervention for people with mild cognitive impairment and dementia
Authors: Booth Vicky , Harwood Rowan H , Hood-Moore Victoria , Bramley Trevor , Hancox Jennie E , Robertson Kate , Hall Judith , Van Der Wardt Veronika , Logan Pip A 
Published: February 2018

This series of articles for rehabilitation in practice aims to cover a knowledge element of the rehabilitation medicine curriculum. Nevertheless, they are intended to be of interest to a multidisciplinary audience. The competency addressed in this article is an understanding of how to develop an intervention for people with mild cognitive impairment and dementia to promote their independence, stability, and physical activity. Introduction: Older adults with dementia are at a high risk of falls. Standard interventions have not been shown to be effective in this patient population potentially due to poor consideration of dementia-specific risk factors. An intervention is required that addresses the particular needs of older people with dementia in a community setting. Methods: We followed guidelines for the development of an intervention, which recommend a structured approach considering theory, evidence and practical issues. The process used 15 information sources. Data from literature reviews, clinician workshops, expert opinion meetings, patient-relative interviews, focus groups with people with dementia and clinicians, a cross-sectional survey of risk factors, a pre-post intervention study and case studies were included. Data were synthesized using triangulation to produce an intervention suitable for feasibility testing. Practical consideration of how an intervention could be delivered and implemented were considered from the outset. Results: Elements of the intervention included individually tailored, dementia-appropriate, balance, strength and dual-task exercises, functional training, and activities aimed at improving environmental access, delivered using a motivational approach to support adherence and long-term continuation of activity. We focussed on promoting safe activity rather than risk or prevention of falls. Conclusion: We used a systematic process to develop a dementia-specific intervention to promote activity and independence while reducing falls risk in older adults with mild dementia.
Testing of diagnosis criteria of tension-type headache: A multicenter clinical study
Authors: Kong Xueying , Chen Jinjin , Jiang Huahua , Li Qin , Lv Yuhua , Huang Yuanyuan , Wu Jin , Zhang Lili , Tang Mingshan , Jiang Xiaojing , Chen Lifen , Chen Min , Zhou Zhiqiang , Xiong Lianqiang , Liu Jing , Zhou Hongmei , Wang Ruodan , Xue Wei , Lu Ganzhen , Zhou Jiying 
Published: February 2018

Objective Tension-type headache is *These authors contributed equally to this work. usually manifested as head pain without associated symptoms, and the validation of diagnostic criteria presented are lacking and highly required in the International Classification of Headache Disorders. The aim of the present study was to explore the diagnosis criteria of tension-type headache in a multicenter-based sample from Chongqing, China. Methods Clinical characteristics and demographics were systematically and prospectively collected between March 2014 and December 2015 from 15 participating hospitals in Chongqing, using a semi-structured face-to-face interview. All patients were asked to complete a headache diary for at least 4 weeks. Results Out of 1832 patients with headache, 150 patients (97 female/53 male, 44.56 ± 11.9 years old) were diagnosed with tension-type headache based on the standard International Classification of Headache Disorders, 3rd edition beta version, and interestingly, 114 (76%) patients were diagnosed with tension-type headache based on the alternative criteria. One patient was excluded because only two of the four characteristics were fulfilled. Thirty-five (23.3%) patients did not meet the alternative criteria because of associated symptoms, including mild nausea (n = 6), photophobia (n = 1), and phonophobia (n = 28). All patients with TTH had mild or moderate headaches, 98.0% of patients suffered from non-pulsating headaches, 99.3% of patients said their headaches were not aggravated by routine physical activity, and 77.3% of patients had bilateral headache. Conclusions Non-pulsating headaches and headaches that are not aggravated by routine physical activity may represent core criteria for screening patients with tension-type headache. Nausea might not be an exclusion feature for diagnosis of TTH, but an important criterion for screening. Further studies are needed.
Capability Building in a Government Regulatory Firm (A)
Authors: Aggarwal-Gupta Meenakshi , Karve Shailaja 
Published: February 2018

Western State Electricity Regulatory Commission (WSERC) was a Government Regulatory Firm in India and worked in the areas of electricity and power. Its scope of work had significantly expanded after a decade of existence and the organization needed to keep pace with the changing requirements. There was a need for agile functioning in a market driven power economy in the areas of power generation, transmission and distribution. The firm needed to transition from being a regulator to being a change agent to support the reforms in the power sector. The firm was operating with a skeletal support staff and key areas of expertise had been outsourced. The case presents the challenges of operating with an outsourced model and the need to move towards self–sufficiency. The firm wanted to now rely on internal expertise instead of depending on external consultants. The change of hiring practice would also need to be supplemented by change in the style of functioning. The case ends with the chairman pondering on how best to enable this change.
An Empowerment Narrative Leadership Program for a Disadvantaged Community
Authors: Ubbink Marie J. , Strydom Herman 
Published: February 2018

Purpose: This research is providing social workers with a deeper insight into the process of empowering people from disadvantaged communities with leadership abilities by applying a narrative approach in group work and to develop members’ individual potential within their social construction of leaders and leadership. Method: This research was undertaken following the developmental and utilization model of Grinnell with a combined qualitative and quantitative research approach. The research was performed from a postmodern and social constructivist paradigm and therefore relied more on the qualitative research perspective. Results: The research includes guidelines for a group work narrative leadership program. The impact of the social constructionist approach on the group members re-authors their narratives. Conclusions: Group work by means of the narrative approach in social work is recommended because it has become evident from this study that a richer description of the lives of people can be gained.
What Matters to Patients With Cleft Lip and/or Palate
Authors: Wong Riff Karen W. Y. , Tsangaris Elena , Goodacre Timothy E. E. , Forrest Christopher R. , Lawson Jessica , Pusic Andrea L. , Klassen Anne F. 
Published: February 2018

Objective: The goal of treatment for individuals with cleft lip and/or palate (CL/P) is to improve physical, psychological, and social health. Outcomes of treatment are rarely measured from the patient’s perspective. The aim of the study was to develop a conceptual framework for a patient-reported outcome (PRO) instrument for individuals with clefts (CLEFT-Q) by developing an in-depth understanding of issues that individuals consider to be important. Design: The qualitative methodology of interpretive description was used. Setting, Participants, and Intervention: We performed 136 individual in-depth interviews with participants with clefts of any age, presenting for cleft care, across 6 countries. Parents were involved if the child was more comfortable. Interviews were audio-recorded, transcribed verbatim, and coded using constant comparison. The data were used to develop a refined conceptual framework. Results: Participants described concepts of interest in 3 top-level domains, each of which included subdomains: appearance (face, nose, nostrils, teeth, lips, jaw, cleft lip scar), health-related quality of life (psychological, social, school, speech-related distress), and facial function (speech, eating/drinking). Participants were able to describe changes over time with regard to the 3 domains. Conclusions: A conceptual framework of concepts of interest to individuals with CL/P formed the basis of the scales in the CLEFT-Q. Each subdomain represents an independently functioning scale. Understanding what matters to patients is essential in guiding PRO measurement.
Computer Simulation and Optimization of Cranial Vault Distraction
Authors: Foley Michael J. , Cottler Patrick S. , Blemker Silvia S. , Denny Arlen D. , Black Jonathan S. 
Published: February 2018

Objective: The objective of this study was to validate the proof of concept of a computer-simulated cranial distraction, demonstrating accurate shape and end volume. Design: Detailed modeling was performed on pre- and postoperative computed tomographic (CT) scans to generate accurate measurements of intracranial volume. Additionally, digital distraction simulations were performed on the preoperative scan and the resultant intracranial volume and shape were evaluated. Setting: Tertiary Children’s Hospital. Patients, Participants: Preoperative and postoperative CT images were used from 10 patients having undergone cranial distraction for cephalocranial disproportion. Interventions: None; computer simulation. Main Outcome Measure: Computer simulation feasibility of cranial vault distraction was demonstrated through creation of digital osteotomies, simulating distraction through translating skull segments, followed by simulated consolidation. Accuracy of the model was evaluated through comparing the intracranial volumes of actual and simulated distracted skulls. Results: The developed digital distraction simulation was performed on the CT images of 10 patients. Plotting the relationship between the actual and simulated postdistraction volumes for the 10 patients yielded a slope of 1.0 and a correlation coefficient of 0.99. The average actual resultant volume change from distraction was 77.0 mL, compared to a simulated volume change of 76.9 mL. Conclusions: Digital simulation of cranial distraction was demonstrated through manipulation of the CT images and confirmed by comparing the actual to simulated volume change. This process may provide objective data in designing an individual distraction plan to optimize volume expansion and resultant cranial shape as well as patient education.
Molecular Analysis of Gli3, Ihh, Rab23, and Jag1 in a Rabbit Model of Craniosynostosis
Authors: Gilbert James R. , Taylor Gwen M. , Losee Joseph E. , Mooney Mark P. , Cooper Gregory M. 
Published: February 2018

Objective: Craniosynostosis (CS) involves the premature fusion of one or more cranial sutures. The etiology of CS is complex and mutations in more than 50 distinct genes have been causally linked to the disorder. Many of the genes that have been associated with CS in humans play an essential role in tissue patterning and early craniofacial development. Among these genes are members of the Hedgehog (HH) and Notch signal transduction pathways, including the GLI family member Gli3, Indian Hedgehog ( Ihh), the RAS oncogene family member Rab23, and the Notch ligand JAGGED1 ( Jag1). We have previously described a colony of rabbits with a heritable pattern of coronal suture synostosis, although the genetic basis for synostosis within this model remains unknown. The present study was performed to determine if coding errors in Gli3, Ihh, Rab23, or Jag1 could be causally linked to craniosynostosis in this unique animal model. Design: Sequencing of cDNA templates was performed using samples obtained from wild-type and craniosynostotic rabbits. Results: Several nucleotide polymorphisms were identified in Gli3, Ihh, and Rab23, although these variants failed to segregate by phenotype. No nucleotide polymorphisms were identified in Jag1. Conclusions: These data indicate that the causal locus for heritable craniosynostosis in this rabbit model is not located within the protein coding regions of Gli3, Ihh, Rab23, or Jag1.