bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Modelo pedagógico baseado em sistemas de recomendação para escrita coletiva digital
Authors: Guizzo Michele Alda Rosso , Macedo Alexandra Lorandi , Behar Patricia Alejandra
Published: August 2020

O presente artigo destaca o desafio de pesquisar e filtrar materiais de apoio à produção acadêmica em meio ao crescente volume de dados disponibilizados de forma permanente na Internet. Além disso, discute as oportunidades da escrita coletiva digital, para a geração de textos autorais no ensino superior. Para tanto, constrói um Modelo Pedagógico baseado em um Sistema de Recomendação de textos, vídeos e imagens denominado RecETC e relaciona quatro elementos deste modelo, sendo eles: conteúdo, organização, tecnologia e metodologia. Entre os aspectos tecnológicos aplicados ao Modelo Pedagógico, o estudo utiliza um editor de texto coletivo digital, o ETC. O artigo descreve suas funcionalidades, bem como, os resultados obtidos com a aplicação do modelo em dois estudos de caso. As conclusões destacam os benefícios que os sistemas de recomendação podem proporcionar à produção textual acadêmica, na medida que, ampliam o contato dos alunos com materiais diversos e pertinentes ao tema. Apoiando, então, o cruzamento de diferentes pontos de vista na construção coletiva do texto por intermédio de uma ferramenta digital. A aplicação do Modelo Pedagógico, especialmente planejado para este fim, aponta também as fragilidades do processo, no que tange às estratégias pedagógicas para a promoção da escrita coletiva por meio de ferramentas tecnológicas. Modelo este, que está em fase de reestruturação, com vistas ao alcance de maiores patamares qualitativos nas produções textuais coletivas digitais.
Poder e resistência em práticas discursivas e sociais de mulheres indígenas da Amazônia
Authors: Câncio Raimundo Nonato de Pádua
Published: August 2020

Indivíduos falantes de línguas diferentes carregam consigo bagagens sociais, culturais, étnicas e representações de mundo e do outro muitas vezes divergentes. As relações que eles estabelecem com a sociedade envolvente são constituídas por uma rede complexa e dinâmica de regras e de convenções que ultrapassam o indivíduo e os determina com intensidade. Quando confrontados, produzem métodos e estratégias discursivas para garantir a aquisição de outra língua e a própria existência. O objetivo deste estudo é analisar como duas mulheres indígenas, Wai-wai (PA) e Apinayé (TO), expressam poder e resistência em práticas discursivas e sociais para garantir conhecimentos e a aquisição de uma segunda língua. Trata-se de um estudo com enfoque na Análise Crítica do Discurso, a partir de aproximações com as correntes teóricas Pós-Colonial e Decolonial, no que toca à crítica epistemológica. Os resultados mostram que os fatores linguísticos não podem ser compreendidos isolados dos embates sociais, uma vez que a violência, o racismo, os preconceitos e as intolerâncias contra as mulheres indígenas decorrem do grau de diferença e das relações de poder entre as culturas e línguas. Fica evidente nas suas práticas sociais e discursivas um lugar de posição de poder e resistência, mobilizados pelas necessidades de inserção social.
A educação continua no “armário”: reflexões sobre a inclusão da diversidade sexual nas políticas educacionais
Authors: Gomes José Cleudo , Zenaide Maria de Nazaré Tavares
Published: August 2020

Este trabalho tem como finalidade apresentar um panorama da inserção da temática de gênero, sexualidade e diversidade sexual com foco no segmento de Lésbicas, Gays, Bissexuais, Travestis e Transexuais (LGBT) nas políticas educacionais. Apresentamos um breve histórico de como se inseriram as questões de gênero e de orientação sexual nas políticas educacionais, nos Parâmetros Curriculares Nacionais e na Resolução CNE/CP nº 2, de 1º de julho de 2015, que define as Diretrizes Curriculares Nacionais para a formação inicial em nível superior (cursos de licenciatura, cursos de formação pedagógica para graduados e cursos de segunda licenciatura) e para a formação continuada. Para atingir esse objetivo e viabilizar o trabalho, partiu-se de um estudo bibliográfico e documental, envolvendo referenciais teóricos que abordam os temas de gênero, sexualidades e diversidade sexual, além de documentos oficiais como declarações, legislação e relatórios das Conferências Nacionais LGBT e de Educação, do Plano Nacional de Educação (PNE), do Plano Nacional de Educação em Direitos Humanos (PNEDH) e do Programa Brasil sem Homofobia. Por fim, como resultado destaca-se que ainda há uma forte resistência desses temas no âmbito da educação brasileira, mostrando os vetos, a rejeição e o retrocesso das questões vinculadas à orientação sexual e à identidade de gênero nas políticas educacionais, em especial no atual momento em que as conquistas relacionadas às questões de gênero e diversidade sexual promovidas nas últimas duas décadas estão sendo extintas.
Latest Advances in Sensor Applications in Agriculture
Authors: Kayad Ahmed , Paraforos Dimitrios S. , Marinello Francesco , Fountas Spyros
Published: August 2020

Sensor applications are impacting the everyday objects that enhance human life quality. In this special issue, the main objective was to address recent advances of sensor applications in agriculture covering a wide range of topics in this field. A total of 14 articles were published in this special issue where nine of them were research articles, two review articles and two technical notes. The main topics were soil and plant sensing, farm management and post-harvest application. Soil-sensing topics include monitoring soil moisture content, drain pipes and topsoil movement during the harrowing process while plant-sensing topics include evaluating spray drift in vineyards, thermography applications for winter wheat and tree health assessment and remote-sensing applications as well. Furthermore, farm management contributions include food systems digitalization and using archived data from plowing operations, and one article in post-harvest application in sunflower seeds.
Effect of a Multi-Carbohydrase and Phytase Complex on the Ileal and Total Tract Digestibility of Nutrients in Cannulated Growing Pigs
Authors: Yang Jia-Cheng , Wang Li , Huang Ya-Kuan , Zhang Lei , Ma Rui , Gao Si , Hu Chang-Min , Maamer Jlali , Pierre Cozannet , Preynat Aurélie , Lei Xin Gen , Sun Lv-Hui
Published: August 2020

The current study evaluated the influence of a multi-carbohydrase and phytase complex (MCPC) on the ileal and total tract digestibility of nutrients in growing pigs. A total of eight barrows (initial BW = 30.7 ± 1.1 kg) were surgically fitted with a T-cannula at the distal ileum and randomly allotted to four groups. The experiment was conducted according to a 4 × 4 Latin square design, each period lasting 10 days. Pigs were fed four experimental diets, which consisted of two basal diets (BD1, low phytate; BD2, high phytate) with or without MCPC containing at least 1800 U xylanase, 6600 U α-arabinofuranosidase, 1244 U β-glucanase, and 1000 U phytase per/kg corn–soybean meal with 15% corn distillers based diet. The high phytate diet reduced (p < 0.05) the apparent ileal digestibility (AID) of crude protein by 1.4% and the apparent total tract digestibility (ATTD) of organic matter, crude protein, and gross energy by 1.7, 2.3, and 1.9%, respectively, and tended to decrease (p = 0.10) the ATTD of Ca by 17.3%, relative to the low phytate diet. The dietary supplementation of the MCPC increased (p < 0.05) the AID of phosphorus (P) and calcium (Ca) by 34.2% and 31.1% for BD1 and 26.7% and 41.3% for BD2, respectively, and increased (p < 0.05) ATTD of crude fat, P, and Ca by 1.4%, 45.6%, and 9.6% for BD1 and 3.1%, 66.0%, and 52.7% for BD2, respectively. The MCPC supplementation did not significantly increase the AID and (or) ATTD of crude protein, organic matter, and starch. In conclusion, the dietary supplementation of the MCPC could improve the AID of P and Ca and the ATTD of crude fat, P, and Ca.
Nonlinear Vibration of Functionally Graded Graphene Nanoplatelets Polymer Nanocomposite Sandwich Beams
Authors: Nematollahi Mohammad Sadegh , Mohammadi Hossein , Dimitri Rossana , Tornabene Francesco
Published: August 2020

We provide an analytical investigation of the nonlinear vibration behavior of thick sandwich nanocomposite beams reinforced by functionally graded (FG) graphene nanoplatelet (GPL) sheets, with a power-law-based distribution throughout the thickness. We assume the total amount of the reinforcement phase to remain constant in the beam, while defining a relationship between the GPL maximum weight fraction, the power-law parameter, and the thickness of the face sheets. The shear and rotation effects are here considered using a higher-order laminated beam model. The nonlinear partial differential equations (PDEs) of motion are derived from the Von Kármán strain-displacement relationships, here solved by applying an expansion of free vibration modes. The numerical results demonstrate the key role of the amplitudes on the vibration response of GPL-reinforced sandwich beams, whose nonlinear oscillation behavior is very important in the physical science, mechanical structures and other mathematical analyses. The sensitivity of the response to the total amount of GPLs is explored herein, along with the possible effects related to the power-law parameter, the structural geometry, and the environmental conditions. The results indicate that changing the nanofiller distribution patterns with the proposed model can remarkably increase or decrease the effective stiffness of laminated composite beams.
Driver Stress State Evaluation by Means of Thermal Imaging: A Supervised Machine Learning Approach Based on ECG Signal
Authors: Cardone Daniela , Perpetuini David , Filippini Chiara , Spadolini Edoardo , Mancini Lorenza , Chiarelli Antonio Maria , Merla Arcangelo
Published: August 2020

Traffic accidents determine a large number of injuries, sometimes fatal, every year. Among other factors affecting a driver’s performance, an important role is played by stress which can decrease decision-making capabilities and situational awareness. In this perspective, it would be beneficial to develop a non-invasive driver stress monitoring system able to recognize the driver’s altered state. In this study, a contactless procedure for drivers’ stress state assessment by means of thermal infrared imaging was investigated. Thermal imaging was acquired during an experiment on a driving simulator, and thermal features of stress were investigated with comparison to a gold-standard metric (i.e., the stress index, SI) extracted from contact electrocardiography (ECG). A data-driven multivariate machine learning approach based on a non-linear support vector regression (SVR) was employed to estimate the SI through thermal features extracted from facial regions of interest (i.e., nose tip, nostrils, glabella). The predicted SI showed a good correlation with the real SI (r = 0.61, p = ~0). A two-level classification of the stress state (STRESS, SI ≥ 150, versus NO STRESS, SI < 150) was then performed based on the predicted SI. The ROC analysis showed a good classification performance with an AUC of 0.80, a sensitivity of 77%, and a specificity of 78%.
Special Issue on “Buildings and Structures under Extreme Loads”
Authors: Bedon Chiara , Stochino Flavio , Honfi Daniel
Published: August 2020

Exceptional loads on buildings and structures may have different causes, including high-strain dynamic effects due to natural hazards, man-made attacks, and accidents, as well as extreme operational conditions (severe temperature variations, humidity, etc [...]
Plant Species-Dependent Effects of Liming and Plant Residue Incorporation on Soil Bacterial Community and Activity in an Acidic Orchard Soil
Authors: Liu Xiaodi , Feng Zengwei , Zhou Yang , Zhu Honghui , Yao Qing
Published: August 2020

Both liming and plant residue incorporation are widely used practices for the amelioration of acidic soils—however, the difference in their effects is still not fully understood, especially regarding the microbial community. In this study, we took the acidic soils from a subtropical orchard as target soils, and implemented liming and plant residue incorporation with a leguminous and a gramineous cover crop as test plants. After six months of growth, soil pH, total organic carbon (TOC), dissolved organic carbon (DOC) and nutrient contents were determined, soil enzymes involving C, N, P cycling were assayed, and microbial communities were also analyzed using Polymerase Chain Reaction-Denaturing Gradient Gel Electrophoresis (PCR-DGGE). Results showed that liming was more effective in elevating soil pH, while plant residue incorporation exerted a more comprehensive influence—not only on soil pH, but also on soil enzyme activity and microbial community. PCR-DGGE analysis revealed that liming changed the microbial community structure more greatly than plant residue incorporation, while plant residue incorporation altered the microbial community composition much more than liming. The growth responses of test plants to liming and plant residue incorporation depended on plant species, indicating the necessity to select appropriate practice for a particular crop. A further, detailed investigation into the microbial community composition, and the respective functions using metagenomic approach, is also suggested.
The Impact of Drought in Plant Metabolism: How to Exploit Tolerance Mechanisms to Increase Crop Production
Authors: Kapoor Dhriti , Bhardwaj Savita , Landi Marco , Sharma Arti , Ramakrishnan Muthusamy , Sharma Anket
Published: August 2020

Plants are often exposed to unfavorable environmental conditions, for instance abiotic stresses, which dramatically alter distribution of plant species among ecological niches and limit the yields of crop species. Among these, drought stress is one of the most impacting factors which alter seriously the plant physiology, finally leading to the decline of the crop productivity. Drought stress causes in plants a set of morpho-anatomical, physiological and biochemical changes, mainly addressed to limit the loss of water by transpiration with the attempt to increase the plant water use efficiency. The stomata closure, one of the first consistent reactions observed under drought, results in a series of consequent physiological/biochemical adjustments aimed at balancing the photosynthetic process as well as at enhancing the plant defense barriers against drought-promoted stress (e.g., stimulation of antioxidant systems, accumulation of osmolytes and stimulation of aquaporin synthesis), all representing an attempt by the plant to overcome the unfavorable period of limited water availability. In view of the severe changes in water availability imposed by climate change factors and considering the increasing human population, it is therefore of outmost importance to highlight: (i) how plants react to drought; (ii) the mechanisms of tolerance exhibited by some species/cultivars; and (iii) the techniques aimed at increasing the tolerance of crop species against limited water availability. All these aspects are necessary to respond to the continuously increasing demand for food, which unfortunately parallels the loss of arable land due to changes in rainfall dynamics and prolonged period of drought provoked by climate change factors. This review summarizes the most updated findings on the impact of drought stress on plant morphological, biochemical and physiological features and highlights plant mechanisms of tolerance which could be exploited to increase the plant capability to survive under limited water availability. In addition, possible applicative strategies to help the plant in counteracting unfavorable drought periods are also discussed.
Between Heaven and Earth: Places of Worship in Egypt and Syria through the Mirror of Visual Evidence
Authors: Sarfati Rachel
Published: August 2020

In the villages Dammūh, near Fustֿׅatׅ, and Jobar, near Damascus, there were places of worship dedicated to Moses and Elijah which were part of central pilgrimage sites. This article will propose a depiction of the architecture and interiors of these places based on visual and literary sources from the Middle Ages. In addition to the realistic aspect, this article will suggest that the unique design of the reviewed illustrations expressed the prevalent belief that when the Temple was destroyed, the Shekhinah was exiled to the holy sites in Dammūh and Jobar. According to a common tradition, these places are located between heaven and earth, and he who prays in them feels like he is in the Garden of Eden.
Numerical Study of the Impact of Complex Terrain and Soil Moisture on Convective Initiation
Authors: Zan Beilei , Yu Ye , Dong Longxiang , Li Jianglin , Zhao Guo , Zhang Tong
Published: August 2020

The relative importance of topography and soil moisture on the initiation of an afternoon deep convection under weak synoptic-scale forcing was investigated using the weather research and forecasting (WRF) model with high resolution (1.33 km). The convection occurred on 29 June 2017, over the Liupan Mountains, west of the Loess Plateau. The timing and location of the convective initiation (CI) simulated by the WRF model compared well with the radar observations. It showed that the warm and humid southerly airflow under 700 hPa was divided into east and west flows due to the blockage of the Liupan Mountains. The warm and humid air on the west side was forced to climb along the slope and enhanced the humidity near the ridge. The accumulation of unstable energy in the middle and north of the ridge led to a strong vertical convergence and triggered the convection. Sensitivity experiments showed that terrain played a dominant role in triggering the convection, while the spatial heterogeneity of soil moisture played an indirect role by affecting the local circulation and the partition of surface energy.
Calligonum polygonoides L. Shrubs Provide Species-Specific Facilitation for the Understory Plants in Coastal Ecosystem
Authors: Abd-ElGawad Ahmed M. , Rashad Younes M. , Abdel-Azeem Ahmed M. , Al-Barati Sami A. , Assaeed Abdulaziz M. , Mowafy Amr M.
Published: August 2020

Plant facilitation has a pivotal role in regulating species coexistence, particularly under arid environments. The present study aimed to evaluate the facilitative effect of Calligonum polygonoides L. on its understory plants in coastal habitat. Forty Calligonum shrubs were investigated and the environmental data (soil temperature, moisture, pH, salinity, carbon and nitrogen content, and light intensity), vegetation composition, and diversity of associated species were recorded under- and outside canopies. Eight of the most frequent understory species were selected for evaluating their response to the facilitative effect of C. polygonoides. Bioactive ingredients of Calligonum roots were analyzed using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS), and mycorrhizal biodiversity in their rhizosphere soil was also assessed. The effect of Calligonum on understory plants ranged between facilitation and inhibition in an age-dependent manner. Old shrubs facilitated 18 and inhibited 18 associated species, while young shrubs facilitated 13 and inhibited 9 species. Calligonum ameliorated solar radiation and high-temperature stresses for the under canopy plants. Moreover, soil moisture was increased by 509.52% and 85.71%, while salinity was reduced by 47.62% and 23.81% under old and young shrubs, respectively. Soil contents of C and N were increased under canopy. This change in the microenvironment led to photosynthetic pigments induction in the majority of understory species. However, anthocyanin, proline contents, and antioxidant enzyme activities were reduced in plants under canopy. Thirteen mycorrhizal fungal species were identified in the rhizospheric soil of Calligonum with the predominance of Funneliformis mosseae. Thirty-one compounds were identified in Calligonum root extract in which pyrogallol and palmitic acid, which have antimicrobial and allelopathic activities, were the major components. The obtained results demonstrated that facilitation provided by Calligonum is mediated with multiple mechanisms and included a set of interrelated scenarios that took place in a species-specific manner.
Natural Polymeric Compound Based on High Thermal Stability Catechin from Green Tea
Authors: Latos-Brozio Malgorzata , Masek Anna
Published: August 2020

Catechin is a plant polyphenol with valuable antioxidant and health-promoting properties. Polymerization is one way to stabilize flavonoids and may cause changes in their specific properties. The aim of this study is to obtain a polymeric complex catechin compound with high thermal stability. As a result of polymerization, a condensed and cross-linked catechin structure was obtained, which guaranteed high thermal resistance and, moreover, the phosphorus groups added in the second step of polymerization ensured that the compound obtained had thermal stability higher than natural condensed tannins. The first step of self-polymerization of (+)-catechin may be an easy way to obtain proanthocyanidins with greater antioxidant activity. The second step of the polymerization obtained a polymeric complex catechin compound that showed better thermal stability than catechin. This compound can potentially be used as a new pro-ecological thermal stabilizer.
Mitochondrial HMG-Box Containing Proteins: From Biochemical Properties to the Roles in Human Diseases
Authors: Vozáriková Veronika , Kunová Nina , Bauer Jacob A. , Frankovský Ján , Kotrasová Veronika , Procházková Katarína , Džugasová Vladimíra , Kutejová Eva , Pevala Vladimír , Nosek Jozef , Tomáška Ľubomír
Published: August 2020

Mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) molecules are packaged into compact nucleo-protein structures called mitochondrial nucleoids (mt-nucleoids). Their compaction is mediated in part by high-mobility group (HMG)-box containing proteins (mtHMG proteins), whose additional roles include the protection of mtDNA against damage, the regulation of gene expression and the segregation of mtDNA into daughter organelles. The molecular mechanisms underlying these functions have been identified through extensive biochemical, genetic, and structural studies, particularly on yeast (Abf2) and mammalian mitochondrial transcription factor A (TFAM) mtHMG proteins. The aim of this paper is to provide a comprehensive overview of the biochemical properties of mtHMG proteins, the structural basis of their interaction with DNA, their roles in various mtDNA transactions, and the evolutionary trajectories leading to their rapid diversification. We also describe how defects in the maintenance of mtDNA in cells with dysfunctional mtHMG proteins lead to different pathologies at the cellular and organismal level.
Visual Attentional Training Improves Reading Capabilities in Children with Dyslexia: An Eye Tracker Study During a Reading Task
Authors: Caldani Simona , Gerard Christophe-Loïc , Peyre Hugo , Bucci Maria Pia
Published: August 2020

Dyslexia is a specific disorder in reading abilities. The aim of this study was to explore whether a short visual attentional training could improve reading capabilities in children with reading disorders by changing their oculomotor characteristics. Two groups (G1 and G2) of 25 children with reading disabilities and who are matched in IQ (intelligence quotient), sex, and age participated in the study. The allocation of a subject to a specific group (G1 = experimental group; G2 = control group) was generated in an unpredictable random sequence. The reading task was recorded twice for G1, i.e., before (T1) and after (T2) 10 min of visual attentional training. Training consisted of oculomotor tasks (saccades and pursuits movements) and searching tasks (three different exercises). For G2, the two reading tasks at T1 and T2 were done at an interval of 10 min instead. We found that at T1, oculomotor performances during reading were statistically similar for both groups of children with reading disabilities (G1 and G2). At T2, the group G1 only improved oculomotor capabilities significantly during reading; in particular, children read faster, and their fixation time was shortest. We conclude that short visual attentional training could improve the cortical mechanisms responsible for attention and reading capabilities. Further studies on a larger number of dyslexic children will be necessary in order to explore the effects of different training types on the visual attentional span given its important role on the orienting and focusing visuospatial attention and on the oculomotor performance in children with dyslexia.
Transcription Factors in Cancer Development and Therapy
Authors: Vishnoi Kanchan , Viswakarma Navin , Rana Ajay , Rana Basabi
Published: August 2020

Cancer is a multi-step process and requires constitutive expression/activation of transcription factors (TFs) for growth and survival. Many of the TFs reported so far are critical for carcinogenesis. These include pro-inflammatory TFs, hypoxia-inducible factors (HIFs), cell proliferation and epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT)-controlling TFs, pluripotency TFs upregulated in cancer stem-like cells, and the nuclear receptors (NRs). Some of those, including HIFs, Myc, ETS-1, and β-catenin, are multifunctional and may regulate multiple other TFs involved in various pro-oncogenic events, including proliferation, survival, metabolism, invasion, and metastasis. High expression of some TFs is also correlated with poor prognosis and chemoresistance, constituting a significant challenge in cancer treatment. Considering the pivotal role of TFs in cancer, there is an urgent need to develop strategies targeting them. Targeting TFs, in combination with other chemotherapeutics, could emerge as a better strategy to target cancer. So far, targeting NRs have shown promising results in improving survival. In this review, we provide a comprehensive overview of the TFs that play a central role in cancer progression, which could be potential therapeutic candidates for developing specific inhibitors. Here, we also discuss the efforts made to target some of those TFs, including NRs.
Evaluation of Uterine Brachytherapy as Primary Treatment Option for Elderly Patients with Medically Inoperable Endometrial Cancer—A Single-Center Experience and Review of the Literature
Authors: Arians Nathalie , Oelmann-Avendano Jan Tobias , Schmitt Daniela , Meixner Eva , Wark Antje , Hoerner-Rieber Juliane , El Shafie Rami A. , Lang Kristin , Wallwiener Markus , Debus Jürgen
Published: August 2020

We aimed to gain more evidence regarding the feasibility, toxicity, and oncological outcome of primary brachytherapy in patients with medically inoperable endometrial cancer. Thirteen patients receiving primary brachytherapy ± external beam radiotherapy (EBRT) for endometrial cancer due to medical inoperability were identified. The Kaplan–Meier method was used to estimate overall survival (OS), progression-free survival (PFS), and local failure-free survival (LFFS). Univariate outcome analyses were performed using the log-rank test. Peri-interventional complications, acute and chronic toxicities were evaluated. Additionally, we performed a Pubmed search and review of the literature of the last 10 years. Mean age at time of diagnosis was 73.9 years (60.4–87.1 years). Eleven patients were staged FIGO IA/B and one patient each with FIGO IIIA and IIIC. Kaplan–Meier-estimated 2-/5-year LFFS were 76.2%/56.4%, respectively. High grading correlated with a worse LFFS (p = 0.069). Kaplan–Meier-estimated 2-/5-year PFS were 76.9%/53.8% and 2-/5-year-OS were 76.9%/69.2%, respectively. No acute toxicities > grade II and only two late toxicities grade II/III occurred. We observed three peri-interventional complications. The available evidence suggests high rates of local control after definitive brachytherapy for inoperable endometrial cancer with a favorable toxicity profile. Definitive brachytherapy +/− EBRT should be considered as the preferred approach for this patient group.
Macrophage-Mediated Antibody Dependent Effector Function in Aggressive B-Cell Lymphoma Treatment is Enhanced by Ibrutinib via Inhibition of JAK2
Authors: Barbarino Verena , Henschke Sinika , Blakemore Stuart , Izquierdo Elena , Michalik Michael , Nickel Nadine , Möllenkotte Indra , Vorholt Daniela , Müller Linda , Brinker Reinhild , Fedorchenko Oleg , Mikhael Nelly , Seeger-Nukpezah Tamina , Hallek Michael , Pallasch Christian
Published: August 2020

Targeted inhibition of Bruton’s Tyrosine Kinase (BTK) with ibrutinib and other agents has become important treatment options in chronic lymphocytic leukemia, Waldenström’s Macroglobulinemia, Mantle cell lymphoma, and non-GCB DLBCL. Clinical trials combining small molecule inhibitors with monoclonal antibodies have been initiated at rapid pace, with the biological understanding between their synergistic interactions lagging behind. Here, we have evaluated the synergy between BTK inhibitors and monoclonal antibody therapy via macrophage mediated antibody dependent cellular phagocytosis (ADCP). Initially, we observed increased ADCP with ibrutinib, whilst second generation BTK inhibitors failed to synergistically interact with monoclonal antibody treatment. Kinase activity profiling under BTK inhibition identified significant loss of Janus Kinase 2 (JAK2) only under ibrutinib treatment. We validated this potential off-target effect via JAK inhibition in vitro as well as with CRISPR/Cas9 JAK2−/− experiments in vivo, showing increased ADCP and prolonged survival, respectively. This data supports inhibition of the JAK-STAT (Signal Transducers and Activators of Transcription) signaling pathway in B-cell malignancies in combination with monoclonal antibody therapy to increase macrophage-mediated immune responses.
The Role of Primary Tumor Resection in Colorectal Cancer Patients with Asymptomatic, Synchronous, Unresectable Metastasis: A Multicenter Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Park Eun Jung , Baek Jeong-Heum , Choi Gyu-Seog , Park Won Cheol , Yu Chang Sik , Kang Sung-Bum , Min Byung Soh , Kim Jae Hwang , Kim Hyeong Rok , Lee Bong Hwa , Oh Jae Hwan , Jeong Seung-Yong , Jung Minkyu , Ahn Joong Bae , Baik Seung Hyuk
Published: August 2020

We aimed to assess the survival benefits of primary tumor resection (PTR) followed by chemotherapy in patients with asymptomatic stage IV colorectal cancer with asymptomatic, synchronous, unresectable metastases compared to those of upfront chemotherapy alone. This was an open-label, prospective, randomized controlled trial (ClnicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT01978249). From May 2013 to April 2016, 48 patients (PTR, n = 26; upfront chemotherapy, n = 22) diagnosed with asymptomatic colorectal cancer with unresectable metastases in 12 tertiary hospitals were randomized (1:1). The primary endpoint was two-year overall survival. The secondary endpoints were primary tumor-related complications, PTR-related complications, and rate of conversion to resectable status. The two-year cancer-specific survival was significantly higher in the PTR group than in the upfront chemotherapy group (72.3% vs. 47.1%; p = 0.049). However, the two-year overall survival rate was not significantly different between the PTR and upfront chemotherapy groups (69.5% vs. 44.8%, p = 0.058). The primary tumor-related complication rate was 22.7%. The PTR-related complication rate was 19.2%, with a major complication rate of 3.8%. The rates of conversion to resectable status were 15.3% and 18.2% in the PTR and upfront chemotherapy groups. While PTR followed by chemotherapy resulted in better two-year cancer-specific survival than upfront chemotherapy, the improvement in the two-year overall survival was not significant.
Performance of 1-(3-Sulfopropyl)-3-Methylimidazolium Hydrogen Sulfate as a Catalyst for Hardwood Upgrading into Bio-Based Platform Chemicals
Authors: López Mar , Rivas Sandra , Vila Carlos , Santos Valentín , Parajó Juan Carlos
Published: August 2020

The acidic ionic liquid 1-(3-sulfopropyl)-3-methylimidazolium hydrogen sulfate ([C3SO3Hmim]HSO4) was employed as a catalyst for manufacturing polysaccharide-derived products (soluble hemicellulose-derived saccharides, furans, and/or organic acids) from Eucalyptus globulus wood. Operation was performed in aqueous media supplemented with [C3SO3Hmim]HSO4 and methyl isobutyl ketone, following two different processing schemes: one-pot reaction or the solubilization of hemicelluloses by hydrothermal processing followed by the separate manufacture of the target compounds from both hemicellulose-derived saccharides and cellulose. Depending on the operational conditions, the one-pot reaction could be directed to the formation of furfural (at molar conversions up to 92.6%), levulinic acid (at molar conversions up to 45.8%), or mixtures of furfural and levulinic acid (at molar conversions up to 81.3% and 44.8%, respectively). In comparison, after hydrothermal processing, the liquid phase (containing hemicellulose-derived saccharides) yielded furfural at molar conversions near 78%, whereas levulinic acid was produced from the cellulose-enriched, solid phase at molar conversions up to 49.5%.
The Impact of Surficial Biochar Treatment on Acute H2S Emissions during Swine Manure Agitation before Pump-Out: Proof-of-the-Concept
Authors: Chen Baitong , Koziel Jacek A. , Białowiec Andrzej , Lee Myeongseong , Ma Hantian , Li Peiyang , Meiirkhanuly Zhanibek , Brown Robert C.
Published: August 2020

Acute releases of hydrogen sulfide (H2S) are of serious concern in agriculture, especially when farmers agitate manure to empty storage pits before land application. Agitation can cause the release of dangerously high H2S concentrations, resulting in human and animal fatalities. To date, there is no proven technology to mitigate these short-term releases of toxic gas from manure. In our previous research, we have shown that biochar, a highly porous carbonaceous material, can float on manure and mitigate gaseous emissions over extended periods (days–weeks). In this research, we aim to test the hypothesis that biochar can mitigate H2S emissions over short periods (minutes–hours) during and shortly after manure agitation. The objective was to conduct proof-of-the-concept experiments simulating the treatment of agitated manure. Two biochars, highly alkaline and porous (HAP, pH 9.2) made from corn stover and red oak (RO, pH 7.5), were tested. Three scenarios (setups): Control (no biochar), 6 mm, and 12 mm thick layers of biochar were surficially-applied to the manure. Each setup experienced 3 min of manure agitation. Real-time concentrations of H2S were measured immediately before, during, and after agitation until the concentration returned to the initial state. The results were compared with those of the Control using the following three metrics: (1) the maximum (peak) flux, (2) total emission from the start of agitation until the concentration stabilized, and (3) the total emission during the 3 min of agitation. The Gompertz’s model for determination of the cumulative H2S emission kinetics was developed. Here, 12 mm HAP biochar treatment reduced the peak (1) by 42.5% (p = 0.125), reduced overall total emission (2) by 17.9% (p = 0.290), and significantly reduced the total emission during 3 min agitation (3) by 70.4%. Further, 6 mm HAP treatment reduced the peak (1) by 60.6%, and significantly reduced overall (2) and 3 min agitation’s (3) total emission by 64.4% and 66.6%, respectively. Moreover, 12 mm RO biochar treatment reduced the peak (1) by 23.6%, and significantly reduced overall (2) and 3 min total (3) emission by 39.3% and 62.4%, respectively. Finally, 6 mm RO treatment significantly reduced the peak (1) by 63%, overall total emission (2) by 84.7%, and total emission during 3 min agitation (3) by 67.4%. Biochar treatments have the potential to reduce the risk of inhalation exposure to H2S. Both 6 and 12 mm biochar treatments reduced the peak H2S concentrations below the General Industrial Peak Limit (OSHA PEL, 50 ppm). The 6 mm biochar treatments reduced the H2S concentrations below the General Industry Ceiling Limit (OSHA PEL, 20 ppm). Research scaling up to larger manure volumes and longer agitation is warranted.
Oncology Therapeutics Targeting the Metabolism of Amino Acids
Authors: Muhammad Nefertiti , Lee Hyun Min , Kim Jiyeon
Published: August 2020

Amino acid metabolism promotes cancer cell proliferation and survival by supporting building block synthesis, producing reducing agents to mitigate oxidative stress, and generating immunosuppressive metabolites for immune evasion. Malignant cells rewire amino acid metabolism to maximize their access to nutrients. Amino acid transporter expression is upregulated to acquire amino acids from the extracellular environment. Under nutrient depleted conditions, macropinocytosis can be activated where proteins from the extracellular environment are engulfed and degraded into the constituent amino acids. The demand for non-essential amino acids (NEAAs) can be met through de novo synthesis pathways. Cancer cells can alter various signaling pathways to boost amino acid usage for the generation of nucleotides, reactive oxygen species (ROS) scavenging molecules, and oncometabolites. The importance of amino acid metabolism in cancer proliferation makes it a potential target for therapeutic intervention, including via small molecules and antibodies. In this review, we will delineate the targets related to amino acid metabolism and promising therapeutic approaches.
Lysophosphatidic Acid Receptor 1- and 3-Mediated Hyperalgesia and Hypoalgesia in Diabetic Neuropathic Pain Models in Mice
Authors: Ueda Hiroshi , Neyama Hiroyuki , Matsushita Yosuke
Published: August 2020

Lysophosphatidic acid (LPA) signaling is known to play key roles in the initiation and maintenance of various chronic pain models. Here we examined whether LPA signaling is also involved in diabetes-induced abnormal pain behaviors. The high-fat diet (HFD) showing elevation of blood glucose levels and body weight caused thermal, mechanical hyperalgesia, hypersensitivity to 2000 or 250 Hz electrical-stimulation and hyposensitivity to 5 Hz stimulation to the paw in wild-type (WT) mice. These HFD-induced abnormal pain behaviors and body weight increase, but not elevated glucose levels were abolished in LPA1−/− and LPA3−/− mice. Repeated daily intrathecal (i.t.) treatments with LPA1/3 antagonist AM966 reversed these abnormal pain behaviors. Similar abnormal pain behaviors and their blockade by daily AM966 (i.t.) or twice daily Ki16425, another LPA1/3 antagonist was also observed in db/db mice which show high glucose levels and body weight. Furthermore, streptozotocin-induced similar abnormal pain behaviors, but not elevated glucose levels or body weight loss were abolished in LPA1−/− and LPA3−/− mice. These results suggest that LPA1 and LPA3 play key roles in the development of both type I and type II diabetic neuropathic pain.
Clinicopathological Characteristics of Pleomorphic High-Grade Squamous Intraepithelial Lesion of the Uterine Cervix: A Single-Institutional Series of 31 Cases
Authors: Kim Hyunjin , Choi Sangjoon , Do Sung-Im , Lee Sang Hwa , Yoon Nara , Kim Hyun-Soo
Published: August 2020

We investigated the clinicopathological characteristics of 31 cases of pleomorphic high-grade squamous intraepithelial lesions (PHSIL) of the uterine cervix. We reviewed electronic medical records and all available slides to collect clinical and pathological information. PHSILs were histologically characterized by significant nuclear enlargement, marked pleomorphism, hyperchromasia, increased mitotic activity, and frequent atypical mitoses. In the majority of cases (24/31; 77.4%), this striking nuclear atypia involved both the surface epithelium and the endocervical glands. In the remaining seven cases, pleomorphic cells were observed in the surface epithelium only. PHSILs involving both the surface epithelium and glands showed higher mitotic counts and Ki-67 labelling indices than the surface-only PHSILs. Invasive squamous cell carcinoma was present in only one case (3.2%), and none developed recurrent disease. Our observations of striking nuclear atypia in cases of HSIL did not indicate increased aggressiveness. Further investigations are required for confirmation of our data in larger cohorts.
Recent Advances in Ultrasound Diagnosis of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
Authors: Yoshii Yuichi , Zhao Chunfeng , Amadio Peter C.
Published: August 2020

With the widespread use of high-resolution ultrasonography, ultrasonic examination has been shown to be useful as a diagnostic method for carpal tunnel syndrome. The main advantages of ultrasonography are that it is simple, quick, non-invasive, and economical. Another advantage is that tissue dynamics can be observed with real-time imaging. In recent reports, it has been shown that ultrasonic examination can provide similar diagnostic accuracy as nerve conduction study in the diagnosis of carpal tunnel syndrome. It has been expected that ultrasound demand in daily medical care will continue to increase. Ultrasonography in carpal tunnel syndrome shows an enlarged median nerve in proximal carpal tunnel, thickening of the flexor retinaculum, and edema around flexor tendons in cross-sectional images. In addition, with the introduction of new technologies such as ultrasonic elastography and speckle tracking, it has become possible to quantify dynamics and material property changes of nerves, tendons, and their surrounding structures. In this review, we describe recent advancements of carpal tunnel syndrome diagnosis based on ultrasound dynamic images, and discuss its pathology.
Recommendations for Lung Ultrasound in Internal Medicine
Authors: Buda Natalia , Kosiak Wojciech , Wełnicki Marcin , Skoczylas Agnieszka , Olszewski Robert , Piotrkowski Jakub , Skoczyński Szymon , Radzikowska Elżbieta , Jassem Ewa , Grabczak Elżbieta Magdalena , Kwaśniewicz Piotr , Mathis Gebhard , Toma Tudor P.
Published: August 2020

A growing amount of evidence prompts us to update the first version of recommendations for lung ultrasound in internal medicine (POLLUS-IM) that was published in 2018. The recommendations were established in several stages, consisting of: literature review, assessment of literature data quality (with the application of QUADAS, QUADAS-2 and GRADE criteria) and expert evaluation carried out consistently with the modified Delphi method (three rounds of on-line discussions, followed by a secret ballot by the panel of experts after each completed discussion). Publications to be analyzed were selected from the following databases: Pubmed, Medline, OVID, and Embase. New reports published as of October 2019 were added to the existing POLLUS-IM database used for the original publication of 2018. Altogether, 528 publications were systematically reviewed, including 253 new reports published between September 2017 and October 2019. The new recommendations concern the following conditions and issues: pneumonia, heart failure, monitoring dialyzed patients’ hydration status, assessment of pleural effusion, pulmonary embolism and diaphragm function assessment. POLLUS-IM 2020 recommendations were established primarily for clinicians who utilize lung ultrasound in their everyday clinical work.
Do Lasers Have an Adjunctive Role in Initial Non-Surgical Periodontal Therapy? A Systematic Review
Authors: Coluzzi Donald , Anagnostaki Eugenia , Mylona Valina , Parker Steven , Lynch Edward
Published: August 2020

(1) Background: dental lasers have numerous applications for periodontal therapy which include surgical procedures of soft tissue and osseous structures, and non-surgical treatments such as pathogen reduction, removal of surface accretions, and photobiomodulation. The aim of this review was to evaluate the scientific literature to ascertain whether lasers have a beneficial role when used adjunctively in initial non-surgical periodontal therapy. (2) Methods: A PubMed search was performed specifically for randomized clinical trials where a dental laser was used adjunctively for initial periodontal therapy on human patients published from January 2010–April 2020. The first search identified 1294 eligible studies. After additional criteria and filters were applied, 20 manuscripts were included in this review. (3) Results: The chosen manuscripts reported on investigations into initial therapy for patients diagnosed with chronic periodontitis. After periodontal charting, conventional instrumentation such as hand and ultrasonic scaling was performed on all patients in the studies, and then a test group or groups of patients were treated adjunctively with a laser. That adjunctive laser group’s periodontal findings showed various degrees of improved health compared to the group treated with only conventional methods. (4) Conclusion: This systematic review found that 70% of the included studies reported significantly better outcomes in certain clinical parameters, but no improvement in others. The remaining 30% of the manuscripts reported no significant difference in any of the measurements. With consideration to correct parametry, lasers have an adjunctive role in initial non-surgical periodontal therapy.
Supply-Scalable High-Speed I/O Interfaces
Authors: Bae Woorham
Published: August 2020

Improving the energy efficiency of computer communication is becoming more and more important as the world is creating a massive amount of data, while the interface has been a bottleneck due to the finite bandwidth of electrical wires. Introducing supply voltage scalability is expected to significantly improve the energy efficiency of communication input/output (I/O) interfaces as well as make the I/Os efficiently adapt to actual utilization. However, there are many challenges to be addressed to facilitate the realization of a true sense of supply-scalable I/O. This paper reviews the motivations, background theories, design considerations, and challenges of scalable I/Os from the viewpoint of computer architecture down to the transistor level. Thereafter, a survey of the state-of-the-arts fabricated designs is discussed.
Modified U-Shaped Resonator as Decoupling Structure in MIMO Antenna
Authors: Iqbal Amjad , Altaf Ahsan , Abdullah Mujeeb , Alibakhshikenari Mohammad , Limiti Ernesto , Kim Sunghwan
Published: August 2020

This paper presents an isolation enhancement of two closely packed multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) antenna system using a modified U-shaped resonator. The modified U-shaped resonator is placed between two closely packed radiating elements resonating at 5.4 GHz with an edge to edge separation distance of 5.82 mm (λ∘/10). Through careful adjustment of parametric modelling, the isolation level of −23 dB among the densely packed elements is achieved. The coupling behaviour of the MIMO elements is analysed by accurately designing the equivalent circuit model in each step. The antenna performance is realized in the presence and absence of decoupling structure, and the results shows negligible effects on the antenna performance apart from mutual coupling. The simple assembly of the proposed modified U-shaped isolating structure makes it useful for several linked applications. The proposed decoupling structure is compact in nature, suppress the undesirable coupling generated by surface wave and nearby fields, and is easy to fabricate.