bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Pleiotropic Functions of the Chromodomain-Containing Protein Hat-trick During Oogenesis inDrosophila melanogaster
Authors: Singh Ankita , Dutta Debdeep , Paul Maimuna Sali , Verma Dipti , Mutsuddi Mousumi , Mukherjee Ashim 
Published: January 2018

AbstractChromatin-remodeling proteins have a profound role in the transcriptional regulation of gene expression during development. Here, we have shown that the chromodomain-containing protein Hat-trick is predominantly expressed within the oocyte nucleus, specifically within the heterochromatinized karyosome, and that a mild expression is observed in follicle cells. Colocalization of Hat-trick with Heterochromatin Protein 1 and synaptonemal complex component C(3)G along with the diffused karyosome after hat-trick downregulation shows the role of this protein in heterochromatin clustering and karyosome maintenance. Germline mosaic analysis reveals that hat-trick is required for maintaining the dorso-ventral patterning of eggs by regulating the expression of Gurken. The increased incidence of double-strand breaks (DSBs), delayed DSB repair, defects in karyosome formation, altered Vasa mobility, and, consequently, misexpression and altered localization of Gurken in hat-trick mutant egg chambers clearly suggest a putative involvement of Hat-trick in the early stages of oogenesis. In addition, based on phenotypic observations in hat-trick mutant egg chambers, we speculate a substantial role of hat-trick in cystoblast proliferation, oocyte determination, nurse cell endoreplication, germ cell positioning, cyst encapsulation, and nurse cell migration. Our results demonstrate that hat-trick has profound pleiotropic functions during oogenesis in Drosophila melanogaster.
Comparison of DNA Damage and Homocysteine Content in Blood of Thyroid Carcinoma Patients and Control Subjects in Punjab, Pakistan
Authors: Usman Muhammad , Rajoka Muhammad Ibrahim , Haque Asma , Bakhtiar Shumaila , Khan Luqman , Ibrahim Zubair , Ul Haq Farid , Fahad Shah , Adnan Ahmad Qazi 
Published: January 2018

Background: Thyroid cancers are common endocrine tumors with diverse medical and histological structures. During development/progression from normal to neoplastic cell, there is a gradual increase in the function/activity of proto-oncogenes, transcription factors and metastasis elements. The main objective of this study is to evaluate per-oxidation of lipid content, total oxidative stress, and the profile of homocysteine (and DNA damage) in the erythrocytes of thyroid carcinoma patients as compared with those of control subjects.
Methods: All risk variables and biochemical analyses were quantitatively determined using standard methods.
Results: A noteworthy increase in malondialdehyde, globulin, and DNA damage in thyroid carcinoma patients were repeatedly observed. In contrast, healthy individuals showed an increased level of HDL-C and total anti-oxidant response.
Conclusion: It is suggested that these parameters have a pivotal role in the diagnostic process of determining thyroid carcinoma patients. Oxidized products of macromolecules in the blood of such patients impart major function in causing thyroid carcinoma disease.
This issue of Earth Science Research Journal
Authors: Prieto G. Germán A. 
Published: January 2018

We at the Earth Sciences Research Journal hope all our readers have a happy and productive 2018. Our last issue of ESRJ in 2017 presents a number of papers on different topics within the Earth Sciences. In Alvarez-Ysabel et al. a 150+ year database of tropical cyclone activity is analyzed for the Dominican Republic (DR). A total of 112 events have tracks at most 300 km from the DR are studied in terms of their seasonal distribution and long-term distribution, their frequency and landfall probability. The authors also present a review of trocial cyclone activity in the region. Ogly Gahramanov uses a combination of geological and geochemical information to model the formation of hydrocarbon deposits in the South Caspian Basin, in particular for the South Caspian Depression. The authors argue that large pressures and tectonic history have a large effect on the appropriate selection of potential drilling sites. Using high-resolution aeromagnetic survey data in combination with other geological-geophysical thematic maps, XXXX.et al. take advantage of GIS tools for identifying different tectonic regimes in the Sabinas Basin, northeastern Mexico. Regions where the basin is deepest and the delineation of faults allows for the determination of block boundaries as well. He et al. use a modified direct shear test apparatus to determine shear strength parameters of unsaturated soils under various conditions. The paper proposes that the direct shear test analysis is an efficient way to analysis soil samples. Zhuo and Chen explore the improved water retention capacity of sandy soils by adding nanocarbon made from coconut shells. Different amounts and thicknesses of nanocarbon were added to the soil, increasing water content with increased nanocarbon. Loess deposits can have very large thicknesses, and for engineering purposes it is important to better understand the geotechnical response of the loess deposits. Wang et al. investigate the collapsibility of loess deposits in the Xixian New Region using compressions tests under different pressure and water content conditions. Results presented may have important application in future geotechnical studies in the region.
Serious Illness Conversations: Paving the Road with Metaphors
Authors: Hui David , Zhukovsky Donna S. , Bruera Eduardo 
Published: January 2018

Abstract

Serious illness conversations can influence the direction of care by supporting decision-making compatible with the patient's goals. Effective use of core communication techniques, such as active listening and empathic statements, allows for a deeper understanding of the patients’ goals, concerns, communication preferences, and questions. Metaphors can be used to augment end-of-life care planning. Used inappropriately, metaphors can cause misunderstandings and confusion. Applied skillfully, metaphors can personalize challenging discussions, improving patient comprehension and helping patients and their families to plan ahead. The art of communication is to use the right tool for the right person at the right time.

Implications for Practice
Discussions with patients about serious illness concerns are especially challenging for the oncologist. This article provides guidance for preparing for such conversations, including examples of the use of metaphors to personalize and improve communication.
Mutant KRAS Circulating Tumor DNA Is an Accurate Tool for Pancreatic Cancer Monitoring
Authors: Perets Ruth , Greenberg Orli , Shentzer Talia , Semenisty Valeria , Epelbaum Ron , Bick Tova , Sarji Shada , Ben-Izhak Ofer , Sabo Edmond , Hershkovitz Dov 
Published: January 2018

Abstract

Background
Many new pancreatic cancer treatment combinations have been discovered in recent years, yet the prognosis of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) remains grim. The advent of new treatments highlights the need for better monitoring tools for treatment response, to allow a timely switch between different therapeutic regimens. Circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) is a tool for cancer detection and characterization with growing clinical use. However, currently, ctDNA is not used for monitoring treatment response. The high prevalence of KRAS hotspot mutations in PDAC suggests that mutant KRAS can be an efficient ctDNA marker for PDAC monitoring.

Subjects, Materials, and Methods
Seventeen metastatic PDAC patients were recruited and serial plasma samples were collected. CtDNA was extracted from the plasma, and KRAS mutation analysis was performed using next-generation sequencing and correlated with serum CA19-9 levels, imaging, and survival.

Results
Plasma KRAS mutations were detected in 5/17 (29.4%) patients. KRAS ctDNA detection was associated with shorter survival (8 vs. 37.5 months). Our results show that, in ctDNA positive patients, ctDNA is at least comparable to CA19-9 as a marker for monitoring treatment response. Furthermore, the rate of ctDNA change was inversely correlated with survival.

Conclusion
Our results confirm that mutant KRAS ctDNA detection in metastatic PDAC patients is a poor prognostic marker. Additionally, we were able to show that mutant KRAS ctDNA analysis can be used to monitor treatment response in PDAC patients and that ctDNA dynamics is associated with survival. We suggest that ctDNA analysis in metastatic PDAC patients is a readily available tool for disease monitoring.

Implications for Practice
Avoiding futile chemotherapy in metastatic pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) patients by monitoring response to treatment is of utmost importance. A novel biomarker for monitoring treatment response in PDAC, using mutant KRAS circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA), is proposed. Results, although limited by small sample numbers, suggest that ctDNA can be an effective marker for disease monitoring and that ctDNA level over time is a better predictor of survival than the dynamics of the commonly used biomarker CA19-9. Therefore, ctDNA analysis can be a useful tool for monitoring PDAC treatment response. These results should be further validated in larger sample numbers.
Chemotherapy Toxicity Risk Score for Treatment Decisions in Older Adults with Advanced Solid Tumors
Authors: Nishijima Tomohiro F. , Deal Allison M. , Williams Grant R. , Sanoff Hanna K. , Nyrop Kirsten A. , Muss Hyman B. 
Published: January 2018

Abstract

Background
The decision whether to treat older adults with advanced cancer with standard therapy (ST) or reduced therapy (RT) is complicated by heterogeneity in aging. We assessed the potential utility of the chemotherapy toxicity risk score (CTRS) [J Clin Oncol 2011;29:3457–3465] for treatment decisions in older adults.

Materials and Methods
This was a prospective observational study of patients aged ≥65 years receiving first-line chemotherapy for advanced cancer for which combination chemotherapy is the standard of care. Patients were categorized as high risk (CTRS ≥10), for whom RT (dose-reduced combination or single-agent chemotherapy) is deemed appropriate, or nonhigh risk (CTRS &lt;10), for whom ST is deemed appropriate for toxicity. The primary objective was to estimate the agreement in chemotherapy choice (ST vs. RT) between the treating physician and the CTRS using a κ statistic.

Results
Fifty-eight patients (median age, 71 years) were enrolled. Thirty-eight patients received ST (21 had CTRS &lt;10, and 17 had CTRS ≥10), and 20 patients received RT (12 had CTRS ≥10, and 8 had CTRS &lt;10), with minimal agreement in chemotherapy choice (κ = 0.14; 95% CI, −0.10 to 0.38). Grade 3–4 toxicity and hospitalization occurred in 60% and 27% of 55 patients with follow-up data, respectively. Among patients receiving ST, patients with CTRS ≥10 had a higher incidence of toxicity (88% vs. 40%, p = .006) and hospitalization (50% vs. 15%, p = .03) than those with CTRS &lt;10.

Conclusion
Older patients with cancer with a high CTRS who receive combination chemotherapy have an exceedingly high rate of severe toxicity and hospitalization.

Implications for Practice
The potential utility of the chemotherapy toxicity risk score (CTRS) in old adults with advanced solid tumors receiving first-line chemotherapy was assessed. Little agreement was found between chemotherapy treatment decisions based on the clinical impression versus what was recommended based on the CTRS. Among patients treated with standard-dose combination chemotherapy, patients with CTRS ≥10 had a very high incidence of grade 3–4 toxicities and hospitalization, which was significantly greater than that of patients with a low CTRS (&lt;10). These findings suggest that the addition of CTRS to the clinical impression has a potential to improve treatment decisions.
Conocimiento financiero y su importancia para los usuarios de servicios comerciales y financieros para elegir la mejor opción para pagar deudas
Authors: García-Santillán Arturo , Moreno-García Elena , Silva-Montes Maritza 
Published: January 2018

El propósito del estudio se centró en conocer cuál esquema de amortización de deuda genera mayor costo financiero entre los sistemas: Francés, Alemán y Americano así como la propuesta de García-Santillán, 2014) para el contexto latino. Al final se obtiene evidencia que nos lleva a pensar que el sistema Americano es el que genera mayor costo financiero a cargo del deudor que los otros esquemas. Además el sistema de amortización de deuda alemán es el que genera el más bajo costo financiero.
Liability to Pay Retirement Benefits when Contributions were not Paid to the Retirement Fund: A Reply to Mr Nkosi
Authors: Marumoagae Motseotsile Clement 
Published: January 2018

This paper responds to the fascinating article written by Mr Thulani Nkosi relating to the devastating effects of employers failure to pay over their employees' retirement funds contributions to the relevant retirement funds. In particular, I respond to Nkosi’s main argument that retirement funds should pay withdrawal benefits notwithstanding the fact that they did not receive members’ retirement fund contributions from contributing employers. I argue that while such an approach is understandable, it is nonetheless, legally unsound and further demonstrates that it is not supported by the law as it stands today. I further argue that Nkosi's reliance on the principle of equity as advocated by Professor John Murphy when he was the Pension Funds Adjudicator to a larger extent does not pay attention to how occupational defined contribution funds operates. The basis of my argument is that defined contribution funds rely on members' contribution and it would not be sustainable for these funds to pay retirement benefits to members whose contributions they did not receive.
La riqueza de la flora colombiana
Authors: Evans Schultes Richard 
Published: January 2018

Richard Evans Schultes se nos presenta como un testigo externo y cualificado para hablar de la riqueza de la flora colombiana. En un análisis cuidadoso recorre la historia botánica de Colombia y hace énfasis sobre la escasez de estudios sistemáticos publicados hasta la primera mitad del siglo XX. Muestra con gran nitidez este período crítico en el que se fundaron Herbarios, Institutos y Revistas en favor de la institucionalización de la botánica y la Academia en Colombia, logros asociados a protagonistas como Pérez Arbeláez, Cuatrecasas, Alvarez Lleras y Dugand. También dio cuenta del desarrollo del Herbario Nacional y se preguntó por el número de especies que realmente componen la Flora de Colombia. Para Schultes, Colombia posee la flora más diversa del Neotrópico y la mayor variedad de biomas y dio sólidos argumentos al respecto. Sin descuidar a Mutis y a Triana se centró en el período floreciente que él mejor conoció, al detallar familias y géneros que habían sido estudiados por los diferentes especialistas (Compuestas, Gramíneas, Leguminosas, otras) y se refirió al incremento de especies según intervalos de años. También cotejó el trabajo de Martius y de Spruce con el de sus recientes exploraciones en la Amazonía colombiana. Acudió, asimismo, a la opinión experta de colegas como Cuatrecasas, Dugand y Standley, y con pulcritud matemática, comparó cifras de pliegos, especies, tiempos y áreas, para sustentar su propia estimación de las especies de fanerógamas que crecen en Colombia que el cifra en 50.000 taxones. Concluye su escrito al citar de nuevo a Spruce y trata de estimular la exploración y estudio de las selvas colombianas. Schultes dedica este brillante trabajo “al éxito del III Congreso Sudamericano de Botánica que tendrá lugar en Bogotá en el año 1953”, que con esmero preparaba E. Pérez Arbeláez y que fuera inexplicablemente suspendido por motivos aparentemente políticos. José Luis Fernández Alonso, Ph. D.Real Jardín Botánico - CSICMiembro Correspondiente
Colombia: un archipiélago biológico
Authors: Murillo Quinche Luis María 
Published: January 2018

Esta publicación del año 1951 consiste de dos partes: una introducción al tema por el Doctor Luis M. Murillo (p. 409-411) y un texto original del General de la República Francisco Javier Vergara y Velasco, nacido en Popayán en 1860 y fallecido en 1914 en Barranquilla. Este texto (p. 411-431) fue tomado de la Nueva Geografía de Colombia (1888).Los tres mapas de Colombia incluidos en el texto me llamaron la atención porque me hicieron recordar la publicación de Thomas van der Hammen en el Journal of Biogeography en 1974. Thomas publicó también dos mapas de Colombia simulando el Pleniglacial y el Holoceno. Los Andes se ven como islas grandes con mucha conexión entre páramos y bosques (Pleniglacial) y como islas pequeñas destacando el aislamiento entre estas islas (Holoceno). Los mapas de Thomas son clásicos también, pero hoy día ya se presentan más detalles (p.ej. con la evolución de los frailejones estudiado por Mauricio Diaz granados y Jesus Mavarez). Suzette Flantua & Henry Hooghiemstra (2017) muestraron el ‘flickering’ del sistema durante las más de 20 épocas glaciares que han pasado por las cordilleras colombianas. La dinámica de las capas de nieve y los páramos han causado esta enorme fitodiversidad de alta montaña de hoy día. la diferencia en tiempo entre los mapas de Vergara y Velasco y estos de Van der Hammen son 186 años. Curiosamente Vergara y Velasco no han discutido estos mapas en su texto. El trabajo de Murillo & Vergara y Velasco tiene un lazo interesante para la ciencia de hoy día por el concepto de ‘archipiélago biológico’ (Murillo) y los tres mapas (Vergara y Velasco).En el texto de Vergara y Velasco cado uno podría encontrar según su interés datos interesantes. Me llamó la atención como botánico ya la división de la flora en tres grupos: boreal, (neo-)tropical y austral, 91 años antes de mi estudio (Cleef 1979). Antoine Cleef, Ph. D.Miembro Correspondiente
Estructura de las esmeraldas de Muzo
Authors: Barriga Villalba Antonio María 
Published: January 2018

El estudio sobre la Estructura de las esmeraldas de Muzo es un interesante trabajo que se considera como un clásico por ser pionero en Colombia en el área de la cristalografía. En la correspondiente publicación se describe con detalle la determinación de la estructura, a saber, indexado, parámetros de la celda, el grupo espacial, número de moléculas en la celda unidad, de una esmeralda de Muzo a partir de los datos de difracción en polvo y en monocristal. El autor revela un gran conocimiento de la cristalografía por difracción de rayos X, describe con detalle la técnica y elabora de manera manual los cálculos. Los diagramas de difracción son de muy alta calidad. El valor más importante del artículo es, sin embargo, la interpretación de los resultados.Estas razones ameritan considerar que el trabajo en cristalografía fue una excelente realización para la época en Colombia, considerándose como el primer trabajo en este campo. Fernando Martínez Ortega, Docteur en ChimieMiembro CorrespondienteEdgar Páez Mozo, Ph. D., ChemistryMiembros de Número
CONTRIBUIÇÕES DE UM GRUPO DE PESQUISA NA PRODUÇÃO CIENTÍFICA EM EDUCAÇÃO INCLUSIVA NA REGIÃO AMAZÔNICA
Authors: Silva Junior Samuel Vinente , Lima da Silva Ketlen Júlia 
Published: January 2018

O artigo apresenta uma reflexão referente à produção científica em educação inclusiva referente ao grupo do Núcleo de Estudos e Pesquisas em Psicopedagogia Diferencial (NEPPD), certificado pelo Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico (CNPQ) no Diretório de Grupos de Pesquisas. O grupo localiza-se na Faculdade de Educação da Universidade Federal do Amazonas (FACED/UFAM) e vem realizando um trabalho interdisciplinar envolvendo estudantes de graduação, pós-graduação e profissionais que atuam na área da educação. Os dados apontam uma intensa produção científica na área, principalmente a partir da publicação da Política Nacional de Educação Especial na Perspectiva da Educação Inclusiva (2008) e do Decreto 7.611/2011. Na cidade de Manaus/AM, o grupo realiza um trabalho de formação continuada de docentes que atuam nas Secretarias Estadual e Municipal de Educação. Envolve também estudantes da rede pública por meio de avaliação pedagógica, psicopedagógica e psicomotora, envolvendo inúmeros instrumentos. Portanto, pode-se afirmar que as contribuições integram ações de ensino, pesquisa e extensão, fortalecendo a produção científica na região Amazônica e o estreitamento da relação entre a Universidade e a sociedade amazonense. Palavras-Chave: Pesquisa; Educação Inclusiva; Produção Científica; Extensão Universitária.
Ausentismo, presentismo y rendimiento académico en estudiantes de universidades peruanas
Authors: Chafloque Céspedes Raquel , Vara-Horna Arístides , Lopez-Odar Dennis , Santi-Huaranca Inés , Diaz-Rosillo Alberto , Asencios-Gonzalez Zaida 
Published: January 2018

<p>El objetivo de la presente investigación fue determinar el efecto del ausentismo y presentismo sobre el rendimiento académico en los estudiantes de pregrado de las Escuelas de Negocios e Ingenierías en las Universidades Peruanas. El estudio se sustenta en una encuesta de autoreporte a 8,203 estudiantes de las escuelas de negocios e ingenierías de las universidades peruanas. Se emplearon escalas para analizar el ausentismo, presentismo y rendimiento académico que mostraron adecuadas propiedades psicométricas. Los resultados evidenciaron que el presentismo tiene un mayor impacto sobre el rendimiento académico disminuido de los estudiantes (β = 0.628) en comparación al ausentismo (β = 0.101). El ausentismo tiene un mayor efecto sobre los cursos y ciclos desaprobados (β = 0.163) y el presentismo sobre la evolución del rendimiento académico (β = -0.145). Finalmente, mediante un modelo de ecuaciones estructurales se demuestra la estructura causal de la disminución del rendimiento académico a partir del ausentismo y presentismo.</p>
Can Saltwater Intrusion Accelerate Nutrient Export from Freshwater Wetland Soils? An Experimental Approach
Authors: Steinmuller Havalend E. , Chambers Lisa G. 
Published: January 2018

Core Ideas
Ammonium that accumulated in the porewater following an influx of seawater took ∼1 wk to flux into the surrounding water.
Soluble reactive P concentrations in both the porewater and surrounding water increased with salinity.
Nutrient export was influenced by wetland soil type.
Saltwater intrusion could catalyze the rapid export of nutrients from freshwater wetland soils into the coastal zone, especially in organic matter‐rich soils.
Coastal wetlands are vulnerable to saltwater intrusion, which may alter soil biogeochemical processes, lead to the export of nutrients into the coastal zone, and contribute to eutrophication. Using intact soil cores from three different freshwater wetlands and subjecting them to control (0), 5, or 15 parts per thousand (ppt) seawater treatments, we investigated how different wetland soils (bayhead swamp, cypress dome, and mineral marsh) and salinities alter the export of soil nutrients [soluble reactive P (SRP), NH4+, and dissolved organic C (DOC)], as well as microbial biomass C and greenhouse gas emissions. The highest salinity treatment increased CO2 production by 30% with no change in methane production. Porewater NH4+ concentrations averaged 8× higher than the control in the 15‐ppt treatment and 5× greater than the control in the 5‐ppt treatment, with a ∼1‐wk lag period between porewater accumulation of NH4+ and export into the surrounding water. The magnitude of NH4+ export was mediated by wetland soil type. Soluble reactive P concentrations averaged 8× and 3.5× higher in the cypress dome and bayhead swamp 15‐ppt treatments respectively than in their controls, though no effect was observed within the mineral marsh. Dissolved organic C concentrations differed by wetland soil type but were unaffected by salinity treatment. This study demonstrates that saltwater intrusion could catalyze the rapid export of nutrients from freshwater wetland soils into the coastal zone, though nutrient export varies by wetland soil type.