bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Cautious Optimism—The Current Role of Immunotherapy in Gastrointestinal Cancers
Authors: Mendis S. , Gill S.
Published: May 2020

Immunotherapy has been described as the “fourth pillar” of oncology treatment, in conjunction with surgery, chemotherapy, and radiotherapy. However, the role of immunotherapy in gastrointestinal tumours is still evolving. Data for checkpoint inhibition in esophagogastric, hepatocellular, colorectal, and anal squamous cell carcinomas are expanding. In phase iii trials in the second-line setting, PD-1 inhibitors have demonstrated positive results for the subset of esophageal cancers that are positive for PD-L1 at a combined positive score of 10 or more. Based on results of phase ii trials, PD-1 inhibitors were approved in North America for use in PD-L1–positive chemorefractory gastric cancers, in hepatocellular carcinoma after sorafenib exposure, and in treatment-refractory deficient mismatch repair (dmmr) or high microsatellite instability (msi-h) tumours, regardless of tissue site. Combination use of PD-1 and ctla-4 inhibitors has been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration for chemorefractory dmmr or msi-h colorectal cancer. Responses to checkpoint inhibition are durable, particularly in the dmmr or msi-h colorectal cancer cohort. As trials of combination immunotherapy, immunotherapy in combination with other systemic therapies, and immunotherapy in combination with other treatment modalities move forward in multiple tumour sites, cautious optimism is called for. The treatment landscape is continually changing, and expanded indications are likely to be just around the corner.
Chimeric Antigen Receptor T Cell Therapy Comes to Clinical Practice
Authors: Wall D.A. , Krueger J.
Published: May 2020

Adoptive cellular therapy with chimeric antigen receptor T cells (car-ts) has recently received approval from Health Canada and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration after remarkable and durable remissions were seen in children with recurrent or refractory leukemia and adults with non-Hodgkin lymphoma—responses that were so impressive that a shift in the paradigm of care has now occurred for children with acute lymphoblastic leukemia. The concept behind car-t immunotherapy is that modification of a patient’s own T cells to facilitate their localization to the cancer cell, with subsequent activation of the T cell effector mechanism and proliferation, will result in targeted killing of cancer cells. The car-ts are a novel drug in that the starting material for the manufacture of the car-t product comes from the patient, whose viable T cells are then genetically modified. Thus, collaboration is needed between the pharmaceutical companies, which must meet good manufacturing standards for each patient’s unique product, and the treating sites. For regulators and health authorities, this new class of drugs requires new paradigms for assessment and approval. Treatments with car-ts require that institutions address unique logistics requirements and management of novel toxicities. The Hospital for Sick Children has had early experience with both the licensing of clinical trials and the introduction of the first commercial product. Here, we provide an overview of basic concepts and treatment, with caveats drawn from what we have learned thus far in bringing this new therapy to the clinical front line.
How Is Best Supportive Care Provided in Clinical Trials for Patients with Advanced Cancer? A Review of Registered Protocols of Clinical Trials
Authors: Sanz Rubiales Á. , Sánchez-Gutiérrez M.E. , Flores Pérez L.A. , del Valle Rivero M.L.
Published: May 2020

Background: In 2012, 11 standards describing best supportive care (BSC) in clinical trials in advanced cancer were defined through consensus statements. The consensus included 15 key components. Our objective was to analyze whether clinical trials that involved patients with advanced cancer and that included BSC in at least 1 arm met the standards and contained the key components. Methods: We reviewed clinical trials registered in ClinicalTrials.gov, the ISRCTN (International Standard Randomised Controlled Trial Number) registry, the EU Clinical Trials Register, and the International Clinical Trials Registry Platform for 2012–2018. We selected only phase iii studies in patients with advanced cancer that included BSC in at least 1 arm. We describe the characteristics of the trials, together with the definition and components of BSC. We analyzed how the trials met the standards and adopted the key components of BSC. Results: Of 193 trials retrieved, only 64 met the inclusion criteria; 36 of those trials (56%) had no definition of BSC. Less than 7% of the trials included even 3 of the 8 BSC standards that were defined to be included in the design of trials. Furthermore, trials mentioned only 5 of the 15 key components that the consensus defined to be fundamental, with symptom management appearing in 22% of trials and the other 4 components appearing in less than 8%. Summary: Most clinical trials registered during 2012–2018 that involved patients with cancer and an arm with BSC did not define the BSC concept. Hence, the design of those trials does not meet the consensus recommendations.
Cyclophosphamide–Bortezomib–Dexamethasone Compared with Bortezomib–Dexamethasone in Transplantation-Eligible Patients with Newly Diagnosed Multiple Myeloma
Authors: Figueiredo A. , Atkins H. , Mallick R. , Kekre N. , Kew A. , McCurdy A.
Published: May 2020

Introduction: Cyclophosphamide–bortezomib–dexamethasone (CyBorD) is considered a standard induction regimen for transplant-eligible patients with newly diagnosed multiple myeloma (MM). It has not been prospectively compared with bortezomib–dexamethasone (Bor-Dex). We aimed to compare the efficacy of CyBorD and Bor-Dex induction in transplant-eligible patients. Methods: In a retrospective observational study at a single tertiary centre, all patients with transplant-eligible MM who received induction with CyBorD or Bor-Dex between March 2008 and April 2016 were enrolled. Progression-free survival (PFS), response, and stem-cell collection for a first autologous stem-cell transplantation (aHSCT) were compared. Results: Of 155 patients enrolled, 78 (50.3%) had received CyBorD, and 77 (49.7%), Bor-Dex. The patients in the Bor-Dex cohort were younger than those in the CyBorD cohort (median: 57 years vs. 62 years; p = 0.0002) and more likely to have had treatment held, reduced, or discontinued (26% vs. 14.5%, p = 0.11). The stem-cell mobilization regimen for both cohorts was predominantly cyclophosphamide and granulocyte colony–stimulating factor (GCSF). Plerixafor was used more often for the CyBorD cohort (p = 0.009), and more collection failures occurred in the CyBorD cohort (p = 0.08). In patients receiving Bor-Dex, more cells were collected (9.9 × 106 cells/kg vs. 7.7 × 106 cells/kg, p = 0.007). At day +100, a very good partial response or better was achieved in 75% of the CyBorD cohort and in 73% of the Bor-Dex cohort (p = 0.77). Median PFS was 3.2 years in the Bor-Dex cohort and 3.7 years in the CyBorD cohort (p = 0.56). Conclusions: Overall efficacy was similar in our patients receiving CyBorD and Bor-Dex. After aHSCT, no difference in depth of response or PFS was observed. Cyclophosphamide–GCSF seems to increase collection failures and hospitalizations in patients receiving CyBorD. Prospective studies are required to examine that relationship.
Germline Variants and Phenotypic Spectrum in a Canadian Cohort of Individuals with Diffuse Gastric Cancer
Authors: Aronson M. , Swallow C. , Govindarajan A. , Semotiuk K. , Cohen Z. , Kaurah P. , Velsher L. , Ambus I. , Buckley K. , Forster-Gibson C. , Meschino W.S. , Blumenthal A. , Kim R.H. , Brar S.
Published: May 2020

Background: CDH1 pathogenic variants (pvs) cause most cases of inherited diffuse gastric cancer (dgc), but have low detection rates and vary geographically. In the present study, we examined hereditary causes of dgc in patients in Ontario. Methods: CDH1 testing through single-site or multi-gene panels was conducted for patients with dgc meeting the 2015 International Gastric Cancer Linkage Consortium (igclc) criteria, or with isolated dgc at less than 50 years of age, or with a strong family history of cancer identified at the Zane Cohen Centre (zcc). All CDH1-positive patients at zcc, regardless of cancer history, were summarized. Results: In 15 of 85 patients with dgc (17.6%), a pv or likely pv was identified through CDH1 single-site (n = 43) or multi-gene panel (n = 42) testing. The detection rate was 9.4% overall (8 of 85) and 11% using igclc criteria (7 of 65). No CDH1 pvs were identified in patients with isolated dgc at less than 40 years of age, but 1 pv was identified in a patient with isolated dgc at less than 50 years of age. Multi-gene panels identified 9 pvs (21.4%), including CDH1, STK11, ATM, BRCA2, MLH1, and MSH2. Review of 81 CDH1 carriers identified 10% with dgc (median age: 48 years; range: 38–59 years); 41% were unaffected (median age: 53 years; range: 26–89 years). Observed malignancies other than dgc or lobular breast cancer (lbc) included colorectal, gynecologic, kidney or bladder, prostate, testicular, and ductal breast cancers. Lobular-breast cancer was seen only in 3 families. Conclusions: In Ontario, the detection rate of CDH1 pvs in patients with dgc was low: no pvs were identified in patients with isolated dgc at less than 40 years of age, and 1 was identified in a patient with isolated dgc at less than 50 years of age. Isolated lbc with no dgc was observed in CDH1-positive families, as were pathology-confirmed non-dgc or non-lbc malignancies, which had not previously been reported. Given a phenotype that overlaps with other hereditary conditions, multi-gene panels are recommended for all patients with dgc at less than 50 years of age and for those meeting igclc criteria.
Impact of COVID-19 on Canadian Medical Oncologists and Cancer Care: Canadian Association of Medical Oncologists Survey Report
Authors: Gill S. , Hao D. , Hirte H. , Campbell A. , Colwell B.
Published: May 2020

Background: The covid-19 pandemic has presented unprecedented professional and personal challenges for the oncology community. Under the auspices of the Canadian Association of Medical Oncologists, we conducted an online national survey to better understand the impact of the pandemic on the medical oncology community in Canada. Methods: An English-language multiple-choice survey, including questions about demographics, covid-19 risk, use of personal protective equipment (ppe), personal challenges, and chemotherapy management was distributed to Canadian medical oncologists. The survey was open from 30 March to 4 April 2020, and attracted 159 responses. Results: More than 70% of medical oncologists expressed moderate-to-extreme concern about personally contracting covid-19 and about family members or patients (or both) contracting covid-19 from them. Despite that high level of concern, considerable variability in the use of ppe in direct cancer care was reported at the time of this survey, with 33% of respondents indicating no routine ppe use at their institutions and 69% indicating uncertainty about access to adequate ppe. Of the respondents, 54% were experiencing feelings of nervousness or anxiety on most days, and 52% were having feelings of depression or hopelessness on at least some days. Concern about aging parents or family and individual wellness represented the top personal challenges identified. The management of cancer patients has been affected, with adoption of telemedicine reported by 82% of respondents, and cessation of clinical trial accrual reported by 54%. The 3 factors deemed most important for treatment decision-making were (1) cancer prognosis and anticipated benefit from treatment, (2) risk of treatment toxicity during scarce health care access, and (3) patient risk of contracting covid-19. Conclusions: This report describes the results of the first national survey assessing the impact of the covid-19 on Canadian medical oncologists and how they deliver systemic anticancer therapies. We hope that these data will provide a framework to address the challenges identified.
Prevalence of frailty and its correlation with chronic non-infectious diseases among outpatients in Moscow
Authors: Ostapenko V. S. , Runikhina N. K. , Sharashkina N. V.
Published: May 2020

The aim of this study was to research the prevalence of frailty and prefrailty and their relationship with chronic non-infectious diseases among outpatients in Moscow.

Methods.The study included 356 patients ≥65 years (mean age 74.9 ± 6.1), 80.4% (n = 286) were women. For identify frailty, the phenotype model and the deficit accumulation model were used. The chronic non-infectious diseases was detected by an anamnesis and evaluating medical records.

Results.Frailty and prefrailty according to the criteria of the phenotypic model were identified in 8.9% and 61.3% cases; according to the criteria of the deficit accumulation model – in 4.2% and 45.8% cases, resp. The average number of chronic non-infectious diseases was significantly higher in patients with frailty both  – by the phenotype model (4.0 ± 1.3 vs 2.8 ± 1.4) and by the deficit accumulation model (5.8 ± 0.9 vs 2.5 ± 1.2). Taking into account the influence of age, the risk of prefrailty according to the phenotypic model increases 2.7 times in the presence of chronic heart failure; according to the deficit accumulation model – 5.6 times in the presence of coronary heart disease, 4.2 times with in the joint diseases, 3.7 times with diabetes and 3 times with cancer.

Conclusion.А high prevalence of prefrailty among outpatients in Moscow 65 years and older, as well as a reliable relationship between frailty and prefrailty with the total number and individual chronic non-infectious diseases were revealed. It is important to take measures to prevent the development and progression of frailty among outpatients, having a potentially high prevalence of chronic non-infectious diseases.
The charge-assisted hydrogen-bonded organic framework (CAHOF) self-assembled from the conjugated acid of tetrakis(4-aminophenyl)methane and 2,6-naphthalenedisulfonate as a new class of recyclable Brønsted acid catalysts
Authors: Kuznetsova Svetlana A , Gak Alexander S , Nelyubina Yulia V , Larionov Vladimir A , Li Han , North Michael , Zhereb Vladimir P , Smol'yakov Alexander F , Dmitrienko Artem O , Medvedev Michael G , Gerasimov Igor S , Saghyan Ashot S , Belokon Yuri N
Published: May 2020

The acid–base neutralization reaction of commercially available disodium 2,6-naphthalenedisulfonate (NDS, 2 equivalents) and the tetrahydrochloride salt of tetrakis(4-aminophenyl)methane (TAPM, 1 equivalent) in water gave a novel three-dimensional charge-assisted hydrogen-bonded framework (CAHOF, F-1). The framework F-1 was characterized by X-ray diffraction, TGA, elemental analysis, and 1H NMR spectroscopy. The framework was supported by hydrogen bonds between the sulfonate anions and the ammonium cations of NDS and protonated TAPM moieties, respectively. The CAHOF material functioned as a new type of catalytically active Brønsted acid in a series of reactions, including the ring opening of epoxides by water and alcohols. A Diels–Alder reaction between cyclopentadiene and methyl vinyl ketone was also catalyzed by F-1 in heptane. Depending on the polarity of the solvent mixture, the CAHOF F-1 could function as a purely heterogeneous catalyst or partly dissociate, providing some dissolved F-1 as the real catalyst. In all cases, the catalyst could easily be recovered and recycled.
Mestras da cultura popular em Belém-PA: a importância da mulher na manutenção e divulgação da cultura popular
Authors: Lago Jorgete Maria Portal
Published: May 2020

O presente artigo tem como objetivo provocar a reflexão sobre a invisibilidade de mulheres e sua participação nas manifestações da cultura popular. Neste caso temos como recorte as atividades de Mestras que atuam na cidade de Belém-PA. Para tal reflexão, abordaremos temas sobre classe, gênero e raça fundamentados nos estudos de Scott (1989), Anzaldúa (2000), Haraway (1995), Carneiro (2011) e Curiel (2007). A partir da coleta de dados nas secretarias de cultura estadual e municipal verificamos um percentual de 55,7% de grupos liderados por mulheres nas mais diversas manifestações tais como: Quadrilhas Juninas, Pastorinhas, Pássaro Junino, Cordão de Pássaro e Bicho e Boi-bumbá. Apesar deste número significativo de mulheres na liderança de grupos, o reconhecimento de seu protagonismo ainda não tem merecido destaque, seja pelos órgãos públicos, academia e sociedade em geral. No campo de estudos da Cultura Popular no Brasil as mulheres também têm sido invisibilizadas como protagonistas. Acreditamos que este artigo contribua para uma nova perspectiva nesta área de estudo que é de (re) pensar o papel da mulher na produção, transmissão e divulgação das manifestações populares seja para sua comunidade como para a sociedade em geral.
Apontamentos sobre a relação ‘cor da pele/cidadania’ nas Constituições da Venezuela (1811) e do Brasil (1824)
Authors: Maia Iara de Oliveira
Published: May 2020

Neste artigo debatemos sobre a primeira Constituição Imperial do Brasil, outorgada em 1824, onde focamos especialmente a revogação da “mancha de sangue” contra indivíduos de cor, uma vez que passou a considerar como cidadãos brasileiros todos os homens livres nascidos no Brasil, independente da cor da pele. Também analisaremos a primeira Constituição Federal da Venezuela, promulgada em 1811, principalmente a revogação de todas as leis que impunham a degradação civil a uma parte da população livre da Venezuela, denominada de pardos, que passaram a ter direitos de cidadãos. Assim, a partir dos artigos das duas Constituições, procuramos analisá-las no que diz respeito à presença ou não da questão da cor da pele nos seus textos, e no que se refere à extensão da cidadania e dos direitos e deveres de seus cidadãos.
Learners’ Characteristics and Academic Performance: A Study of Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology Primary School, Ghana
Authors: Akrofi Olivia
Published: May 2020

The learner has a significant role to play in improving his/her academic performance. This study investigated learners’ characteristics contributing to low academic performance in primary school. The study focused on the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology Primary School in Kumasi, Ghana. Using a qualitative approach, one hundred and twenty (120) learners, sixty (60) parents and thirty-five (35) teachers were purposively sampled using questionnaires, interviews and informal discussions respectively. Responses of learners revealed that some of them felt rejected by peers, did not understand lessons taught, while some were inattentive and attention seekers who tend to disrupt the concentration of studious learners. The findings showed that lack of parental motivation and assistance negatively impact the academic work of learners. The study recommends that a guidance and counselling unit be set up in schools to assist learners develop attitudes and habits for academic achievements.
Pluto's Ultraviolet Spectrum, Surface Reflectance, and Airglow Emissions
Authors: Steffl Andrew J. , Young Leslie A. , Strobel Darrell F. , Kammer Joshua A. , Evans J. Scott , Stevens Michael H. , Schindhelm Rebecca N. , Parker Joel Wm. , Stern S. Alan , Weaver Harold A. , Olkin Catherine B. , Ennico Kimberly , Cummings Jay R. , Gladstone G. Randall , Greathouse Thomas K. , Hinson David P. , Retherford Kurt D. , Summers Michael E. , Versteeg Maarten
Published: May 2020

During the New Horizons spacecraft’s encounter with Pluto, the Alice ultraviolet spectrograph conducted a series of observations that detected emissions from both the interplanetary medium (IPM) and Pluto. In the direction of Pluto, the IPM was found to be 133.4 ± 0.6 R at Lyα, 0.24 ± 0.02 R at Lyβ, and <0.10 R at He i 584 Å. We analyzed 3900 s of data obtained shortly before closest approach to Pluto and detect airglow emissions from H i, N i, N ii, N2, and CO above the disk of Pluto. We find Pluto’s brightness at Lyα to be 29.3 ± 1.9 R, in good agreement with preencounter estimates. The detection of the N ii multiplet at 1085 Å marks the first direct detection of ions in Pluto’s atmosphere. We do not detect any emissions from noble gases and place a 3σ upper limit of 0.14 R on the brightness of the Ar i 1048 Å line. We compare preencounter model predictions and predictions from our own airglow model, based on atmospheric profiles derived from the solar occultation observed by New Horizons, to the observed brightness of Pluto’s airglow. Although completely opaque at Lyα, Pluto’s atmosphere is optically thin at wavelengths longer than 1425 Å. Consequently, a significant amount of solar far-UV light reaches the surface, where it can participate in space weathering processes. From the brightness of sunlight reflected from Pluto, we find the surface has a reflectance factor (I/F) of 17% between 1400 and 1850 Å. We also report the first detection of a C3 hydrocarbon molecule, methylacetylene, in absorption, at a column density of ∼5 × 1015 cm−2, corresponding to a column-integrated mixing ratio of 1.6 × 10−6.
Digging for Relics of the Past: The Ancient and Obscured Bulge Globular Cluster NGC 6256
Authors: Cadelano M. , Saracino S. , Dalessandro E. , Ferraro F. R. , Lanzoni B. , Massari D. , Pallanca C. , Salaris M.
Published: May 2020

We used a set of moderately deep and high-resolution optical observations obtained with the Hubble Space Telescope to investigate the properties of the stellar population in the heavily obscured bulge globular cluster (GC) NGC 6256. The analysis of the color–magnitude diagram (CMD) revealed a stellar population with an extended blue horizontal branch severely affected by differential reddening, which was corrected, taking into account color excess variations up to δE(B − V) ∼ 0.51. We implemented a Monte Carlo Markov Chain technique to perform the isochrone fitting of the observed CMD in order to derive the stellar age, the cluster distance, and the average color excess in the cluster direction. Using three different sets of isochrones we found that NGC 6256 is characterized by a very old stellar age around 13.0 Gyr, with a typical uncertainty of ∼0.5 Gyr. We also found an average color excess of E(B − V) = 1.19 and a distance from the Sun of 6.8 kpc. We then derived the cluster gravitational center and measured its absolute proper motion using the Gaia-DR2 catalog. All this was used to back-integrate the cluster orbit in a Galaxy-like potential and measure its integrals of motion. It turned out that NGC 6256 is currently in a low-eccentricity orbit entirely confined within the bulge and its integrals of motion are fully compatible with a cluster purely belonging to the Galaxy native GC population. All these pieces of evidence suggest that NGC 6256 is an extremely old relic of the past history of the Galaxy, formed during the very first stages of its assembly.
Radio Linear Polarization of GRB Afterglows: Instrumental Systematics in ALMA Observations of GRB 171205A
Authors: Laskar Tanmoy , Hull Charles L. H. , Cortes Paulo
Published: May 2020

Polarization measurements of gamma-ray burst (GRB) afterglows are a promising means of probing the structure, geometry, and magnetic composition of relativistic GRB jets. However, a precise treatment of instrumental calibration is vital for a robust physical interpretation of polarization data, requiring tests of and validations against potential instrumental systematics. We illustrate this with Atacama Large Millimeter/Sub-millimeter Array (ALMA) Band 3 (97.5 GHz) observations of GRB 171205A taken ≈5.19 days after the burst, where a detection of linear polarization was recently claimed. We describe a series of tests for evaluating the stability of polarization measurements with ALMA. Using these tests to reanalyze and evaluate the archival ALMA data, we uncover systematics in the polarization calibration at the ≈0.09% level. We derive a 3σ upper limit on the linearly polarized intensity of P < 97.2 μJy, corresponding to an upper limit on the linear fractional polarization of ΠL < 0.30%, in contrast to the previously claimed detection. Our upper limit improves upon existing constraints on the intrinsic polarization of GRB radio afterglows by a factor of 3. We discuss this measurement in the context of constraints on the jet magnetic field geometry. We present a compilation of polarization observations of GRB radio afterglows, and demonstrate that a significant improvement in sensitivity is desirable for eventually detecting signals polarized at the ≈0.1% level from typical radio afterglows.
The Koala: A Fast Blue Optical Transient with Luminous Radio Emission from a Starburst Dwarf Galaxy at z = 0.27
Authors: Ho Anna Y. Q. , Perley Daniel A. , Kulkarni S. R. , Dong Dillon Z. J. , De Kishalay , Chandra Poonam , Andreoni Igor , Bellm Eric C. , Burdge Kevin B. , Coughlin Michael , Dekany Richard , Feeney Michael , Frederiks Dmitry D. , Fremling Christoffer , Golkhou V. Zach , Graham Matthew J. , Hale David , Helou George , Horesh Assaf , Kasliwal Mansi M. , Laher Russ R. , Masci Frank J. , Miller A. A. , Porter Michael , Ridnaia Anna , Rusholme Ben , Shupe David L. , Soumagnac Maayane T. , Svinkin Dmitry S.
Published: May 2020

We present ZTF18abvkwla (the “Koala”), a fast blue optical transient discovered in the Zwicky Transient Facility (ZTF) One-Day Cadence (1DC) Survey. ZTF18abvkwla has a number of features in common with the groundbreaking transient AT 2018cow: blue colors at peak (

mag), a short rise time from half-max of under two days, a decay time to half-max of only three days, a high optical luminosity (

mag), a hot (≳40,000 K) featureless spectrum at peak light, and a luminous radio counterpart. At late times (

), the radio luminosity of ZTF18abvkwla (

at 10

, observer-frame) is most similar to that of long-duration gamma-ray bursts (GRBs). The host galaxy is a dwarf starburst galaxy (

,

) that is moderately metal-enriched (

), similar to the hosts of GRBs and superluminous supernovae. As in AT2018cow, the radio and optical emission in ZTF18abvkwla likely arise from two separate components: the radio from fast-moving ejecta (

) and the optical from shock-interaction with confined dense material (<0.07 M
⊙ in

). Compiling transients in the literature with

and

mag, we find that a significant number are engine-powered, and suggest that the high peak optical luminosity is directly related to the presence of this engine. From 18 months of the 1DC survey, we find that transients in this rise-luminosity phase space are at least two to three orders of magnitude less common than CC SNe. Finally, we discuss strategies for identifying such events with future facilities like the Large Synoptic Survey Telescope, as well as prospects for detecting accompanying X-ray and radio emission.
On the Effects of UV Photons/X-Rays on the Chemistry of the Sgr B2 Cloud
Authors: Armijos-Abendaño J. , Martín-Pintado J. , López E. , Llerena M. , Harada N. , Requena-Torres M. A. , Martín S. , Rivilla V. M. , Riquelme D. , Aldas F.
Published: May 2020

The lines of HOC+, HCO, and CO+ are considered good tracers of photon-dominated regions (PDRs) and X-ray-dominated regions. We study these tracers toward regions of the Sgr B2 cloud selected to be affected by different heating mechanisms. We find the lowest values of the column density ratios of HCO+ versus HOC+, HCO, and CO+ in dense H ii gas, where UV photons dominate the heating and chemistry of the gas. The HOC+, HCO, and CO+ abundances and the above ratios are compared with those of chemical modeling, finding that high-temperature chemistry, a cosmic-ray ionization rate of 10−16 s−1, and timescales >105.0 yr explain well the HOC+ abundances in quiescent Sgr B2 regions, while shocks are also needed to explain the highest HCO abundances derived for these regions. The CO+ is mainly formed in PDRs, since the highest CO+ abundances of ∼(6–10) × 10−10 are found in H ii regions with electron densities >540 cm−3 and CO+ emission is undetected in quiescent gas. Among the ratios, the HCO+/HCO ratio is sensitive to the electron density, as it shows different values in dense and diffuse H ii regions. We compare SiO J = 2–1 emission maps of Sgr B2 with X-ray maps from 2004 and 2012. One known spot shown on the 2012 X-ray map is likely associated with molecular gas at velocities of 15–25 km s−1. We also derive the X-ray ionization rate of ∼10−19 s−1 for Sgr B2 regions pervaded by X-rays in 2004, which is quite low to affect the chemistry of the molecular gas.
Asteroseismic Modeling of Gravity Modes in Slowly Rotating A/F Stars with Radiative Levitation
Authors: Mombarg Joey S. G. , Dotter Aaron , Van Reeth Timothy , Tkachenko Andrew , Gebruers Sarah , Aerts Conny
Published: May 2020

It has been known for several decades that transport of chemical elements is induced by the process of microscopic atomic diffusion. Yet the effect of atomic diffusion, including radiative levitation, has hardly been studied in the context of gravity-mode pulsations of core hydrogen burning stars. In this paper we study the difference in the properties of such modes for models with and without atomic diffusion. We perform asteroseismic modeling of two slowly rotating A- and F-type pulsators, KIC 11145123 (

) and KIC 9751996 (

), respectively, based on the periods of individual gravity modes. For both stars, we find models whose g-mode periods are in very good agreement with the Kepler asteroseismic data, keeping in mind that the theoretical/numerical precision of present-day stellar evolution models is typically about two orders of magnitude lower than the measurement errors. Using the Akaike Information Criterion, we have made a comparison between our best models with and without diffusion and found very strong evidence for signatures of atomic diffusion in the pulsations of KIC 11145123. In the case of KIC 9751996 the models with atomic diffusion are not able to explain the data as well as the models without it. Furthermore, we compare the observed surface abundances with those predicted by the best-fitting models. The observed abundances are inconclusive for KIC 9751996, while those of KIC 11145123 from the literature can better be explained by a model with atomic diffusion.
From Polyalthia to Polyalthiopsis (Annonaceae): transfer of species enlarges a previously monotypic genus
Authors: Xue Bine , Ding Hong-Bo , Yao Gang , Shao Yun-Yun , Fan Xiao-Jing , Tan Yun-Hong
Published: May 2020

The genus Polyalthiopsis Chaowasku (Annonaceae) was a poorly known monotypic genus from Vietnam that was recently segregated from the highly polyphyletic genus Polyalthia s.l. The sister clade relationship between Polyalthiopsis and Miliusa was not well established in previous study. The phylogenetic position of two Polyalthia spp. from China, P. chinensis S.K.Wu ex P.T.Li and P. verrucipes C.Y.Wu ex P.T.Li, remains unresolved and is shown here to be phylogenetically affiliated with Polyalthiopsis. Phylogenetic analyses of six chloroplast regions (matK, ndhF, psbA-trnH, rbcL, trnL-F and ycf1; ca.7.3 kb, 60 accessions) unambiguously placed Polyalthia chinensis and P. verrucipes in the same clade with Polyalthiopsis floribunda (PP = 1, MPBS = 97%); the entire clade is sister to Miliusa with weak to strong support (PP = 1, MPBS = 54%). Polyalthia chinensis and P. verrucipes share several diagnostic characters with Polyalthiopsis floribunda, including the raised midrib on the upper surface of the leaf in vivo, conspicuous foliar glands when dried, petiole with transverse striations when dried and axillary inflorescences. The two species differ from Polyalthiopsis floribunda in having fewer flowers per inflorescence, longer linear petals and two ovules per carpel. On the basis of the combined molecular phylogenetic and morphological data, we propose two new combinations, Polyalthiopsis chinensis (S.K.Wu ex P.T.Li) B.Xue & Y.H.Tan and Polyalthiopsis verrucipes (C.Y.Wu ex P.T.Li) B.Xue & Y.H.Tan. The protologue of Polyalthia verrucipes did not include a description of the flowers, which we provide here. An updated description for the genus Polyalthiopsis and a key to species in the genus Polyalthiopsis is also provided.
L’accès à l’information au Bénin : étude de cas
Authors: Mabillard Vincent , G. Kakpovi Bellarminus , Cottier Bertil
Published: May 2020

La transparence est aujourd’hui une priorité pour la plupart des gouvernements. Le nombre de pays qui ont adopté une loi sur l’accès aux documents administratifs est en augmentation. Les lois sur l’accès à l’information ne remplacent pas la transparence, mais elles peuvent signaler la volonté d’un gouvernement d’accroître l’ouverture. Jusqu’à présent, la plupart des études se sont intéressées aux États où de telles lois existent, notamment en Europe et en Amérique du Nord, tandis que très peu de recherches ont été menées en Afrique. La présente contribution vise à capitaliser sur les recherches antérieures pour présenter le cas du Bénin. Les questions de recherche portent sur le développement de l’accès à l’information, les obstacles à l’introduction d’une loi plus ferme dans ce pays et les attentes du gouvernement en matière de transparence. Les données sont basées sur des entretiens avec des organisations de la société civile, un fonctionnaire chargé de l’accès aux documents administratifs au Bénin et plusieurs employés de l’administration nationale. Les résultats montrent comment les différences contextuelles et institutionnelles façonnent les réformes en matière de transparence, l’importance de la question de la sensibilisation et de l’accès en général, et comment les pratiques actuelles influencent l’approche en ce qui concerne l’accès aux documents administratifs au Bénin. Remarques à l’intention des praticiens Le cas du Bénin montre comment la transparence peut être renforcée par les médias, les membres du Parlement et les organisations de la société civile. L’action combinée de ces différentes parties prenantes, également soutenue par des partenaires régionaux et internationaux, peut conduire à une transparence administrative accrue. Dans le présent article, nous mettons en avant la volonté des travailleurs du secteur public à créer une administration plus transparente, même s’ils sont encore confrontés à des problèmes de mise en œuvre majeurs, comme le manque de formation du personnel, le manque de ressources ou la diffusion et la compréhension de l’information au sein de la population.
Proliferative Status in the Aqueous Humor of Eyes With Congenital Cataract
Authors: Zhang Yinglei , Li Dan , Lu Qiang , Du Yu , Lu Yi , Zhu Xiangjia
Published: May 2020

Purpose:

To measure the concentrations of growth factors in the aqueous humor of patients with congenital cataract and to investigate the biological effects of a selected cytokine (fibroblast growth factor 4 [FGF4]) on cell proliferation, migration, and transformation.

Methods:

In the aqueous humor obtained from 55 eyes with congenital cataract and 55 eyes with age-related cataract, 40 growth factors were screened and selected cytokines were confirmed with enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays. After the addition of various concentrations of FGF4 (0, 2.5, 15, or 50 ng/mL) to the incubation medium, cellular functions were evaluated.

Results:

The concentration of FGF4 was significantly higher in the aqueous humor of patients with congenital cataract than in that of patients with age-related cataract. The human SRA01/04 lens epithelial cell line was treated with FGF4 and the cell proliferation increased significantly both dose- and time-dependently. The wound healing assay and Transwell migration assay revealed a significant increase in the migration capacity of the SRA01/04 cell line treated with 15 or 50 ng/mL of FGF4 compared with that of control cells. The intensity of immunofluorescent staining for α-smooth muscle actin increased significantly in the SRA01/04 cell line when treated with FGF4. Cytoskeletal protein (F-actin) staining showed that changes of cell morphology were induced in primary lens epithelial cells by FGF4.

Conclusions:

This study provides a comprehensive profile of growth factors in congenital cataract. FGF4 induced cellular changes, and may have utility as a biomarker to predict the formation of visual axis opacification.

[
J Pediatr Ophthalmol Strabismus
. 2020;57(3):159–168.]
Pediatric Ocular Injuries: A 3-Year Follow-up Study of Patients Presenting to a Tertiary Care Clinic in Canada
Authors: Archambault Cyril , Mekliche Assia , Isenberg Jordan , Fallaha Nicole , Hamel Patrick , Superstein Rosanne
Published: May 2020

Purpose:

To identify age groups or activities at risk for ocular injuries to provide parents, sports teams, schools, and hospitals with the appropriate tools for prevention strategies.

Methods:

A retrospective chart review was conducted of all trauma-related cases from 2013 to 2015 and data were obtained with the use of an electronic medical record. All patients younger than 18 years who presented to the ophthalmology clinic with traumatic ocular injuries were included.

Results:

A total of 409 patients met the inclusion criteria and all were included in this study. The mean age was 7.74 years. Boys were injured more frequently than girls (60.4%). Most ocular injuries occurred between the ages of 2 and 9 years (51.8%). The most common sport was soccer, followed by ball/ice hockey, which differs from previous study findings. This may highlight the increasing popularity of soccer and the risk it may entail. Injuries occurred at home in 23.2% of cases. Final visual acuity was 20/40 or better in 77% of patients.

Conclusions:

These findings are comparable to the authors' previous data and to those of the only other Canadian study done on this subject, with the exception of an increased incidence of soccer-related injuries in the current cohort, highlighting an area important to future prevention strategies.

[
J Pediatr Ophthalmol Strabismus
. 2020;57(3):185–189.]
Corneal Endothelial Damage After Neodymium:YAG Laser Iridotomy
Authors: Wu Shiu-Chen , Jeng Shyun , Huang Samuel C M , Lin Sue-Mei
Published: May 2020

* BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: This study examined the long-term effect of neodynium:YAG (Nd:YAG) laser iridotomy on the corneal endothelium.

* PATIENTS AND METHODS: A prospective study was designed. Patients with narrow and occludable angles or fellow eye of acute angle closure glaucoma attack were treated with Nd:YAG laser iridotomy. For one year, 31 eyes of 21 patients underwent complete follow-up. Corneal endothelial specular microscopy was performed before and after laser iridotomy at 1, 3, 6, and 12 months.

* RESULTS: The decrease of endothelial cell density after YAG laser iridotomy was statistically significant at 1 month (P = 0.036), 6 months (P = 0.004), and 12 months (P = 0.000), respectively. The decrease was not statistically significant at 3 months (P = 0.467). Linear regression analysis indicated no statistical correlation between the percentage change in endothelial cell density and the total energy used during the treatment (1 month: P = 0.08, 3 months: P = 0.3, 6 months: P = 0.9, 12 months: P = 0.2).

* CONCLUSION: This study demonstrated significant endothelial cell loss in the 1-year follow-up. The result suggested that Nd:YAG laser iridotomy may pose a long-term hazard to the corneal endothelium.

[Ophthalmic Surg Lasers 2000;31:411-416]
Community development: Local Immigration Partnerships in Canada and implications for Slovenia
Authors: Durnik Mitja
Published: May 2020

Canada is perceived as a strongly desired final destination for many refugees and immigrants due to its socio-economic advantages. The author assesses the Canadian praxis of the immigrant settlement from the community development standpoint, with a specific interest to present how successful Canadian immigration policy has been on the local level by using the established Local Immigration Partnerships model. On the other hand, by adopting the so-called restricted model of immigrant integration Slovenia has not developed a consistent model of integration, specifically leaving aside the potential of local areas in resolving these complex issues. The paper is confirming that due to institutionalized multilevel partnership Canada has been more successful in immigrant integration than Slovenia. In both countries, however, integration into the health system has been evidently the most acute problem. In order to obtain more relevant results, a mixed-methods research was used combining interviews and integration indexes. In the majority of integration parameters, Canada shows significantly better results than Slovenia.
Commercial services and urban space reconversion in Romania (1990–2017)
Authors: Săgeată Radu
Published: May 2020

Concentrating incomes in large cities has encouraged the development of specialist services and the opening of big commercial units. The downfall of ideological barriers east of the former Iron Curtain made global culture combine with endemic sub-cultures, influenced by the living standard. The only limitation of this process appears to be social segregation which restricts demand and creates preferential segments of users. In Romania, financial segregation is directly reflected in the commercial investment made in Bucharest and in the large cities, mostly in the centre and western part of the country. The paper analyses the correlation of financial and commercial services, as well as their location and dispersion strategies at the level of the Romanian urban system.
Application of a mass movement susceptibility model in the heterogeneous Miocene clastic successions of the Slovenj Gradec Basin, northeast Slovenia
Authors: Ivančič Kristina , Jež Jernej , Milanič Blaž , Kumelj Špela , Šmuc Andrej
Published: May 2020

In Slovenia, mass movements are not only a threat to the population, but also a major environmental and social science challenge. Lithologically heterogeneous areas have been found to be problematic, and the Miocene Slovenj Gradec basin (in northeast Slovenia) is one such area. For this area, we developed landslide and rockfall susceptibility maps based on detailed geological research combined with statistical modeling schemes. Crucial factors include lithological composition, land use, geological structural elements, slope curvature, aspect and inclination, and bed dipping. The approach taken in the development of mass movement susceptibility maps presented here is transferable to other areas defined by heterogeneous lithology. Such maps could prove useful spatial planning, forestry, environmental protection, landscape architecture, and other fields.
Immigrant integration regimes in Europe: Incorporating the Western Balkan countries
Authors: Lukić Vesna , Tomašević Aleksandar
Published: May 2020

This article discusses immigrant integration policies in Europe. We analyzed data from the 2015 Migration Integration Policy Index to identify similar immigrant integration regimes in Europe according to policy priorities related to immigrants’ socioeconomic rights. The results of a latent class analysis demonstrated that there are two immigrant integration policy regimes among the EU 28, Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Montenegro, Macedonia, and Serbia, with variation between the old EU member states since 1995 (without Greece) and Estonia versus the new EU member states since 2004 (without Estonia), Greece, and the Western Balkan countries. Based on our classification, we conclude that there is a trend of convergence in integration policy regimes in Europe, in which the effects of spatial/geographical and temporal dimensions are manifested.
La fonction sacerdotale au Mexique préhispanique (IV)
Authors: Peperstraete Sylvie
Published: May 2020

Le séminaire 2015-2016 a été consacré à la dernière partie de notre étude de la fonction sacerdotale au Mexique préhispanique. Il nous restait à analyser les mythes mésoaméricains, à la recherche d’archétypes des spécialistes rituels et de données nous éclairant sur la nature de leurs fonctions.
Histoire de la religion et de la pensée dans la Chine ancienne
Authors: Bujard Marianne
Published: May 2020

Programme de l’année 2015-2016 : Devenir immortel en Chine ancienne – sources écrites (ive siècle av. J.-C. – ive siècle apr. J.-C.)
Le corps des anges
Authors: Margel Serge
Published: May 2020

Ce séminaire fait suite à un cycle de conférences données en 2014 sur la notion de corps de chair dans le premier christianisme. Cette année la recherche a porté sur le corps spécifique des anges dans la patristique grecque et latine. Sur la base d’un corpus de textes délimité, j’ai essayé de montrer deux choses principales : d’un côté, on ne peut pas comprendre la spécificité du corps des anges sans l’inscrire dans le champ de l’angélologie chrétienne, qui assimile l’ange et l’âme, et d’un autre côté, cette assimilation constitue la réponse des premiers penseurs chrétiens aux problèmes posés par le nouveau statut de l’ange après l’événement christique de l’incarnation.
Religions et institutions dans le monde grec
Authors: Polignac François de
Published: May 2020

1. Recherches sur Poséidon : systèmes cultuels et paysages religieux ; 2. Cultes, société et institutions à Athènes : retour sur les héros des tribus clisthéniennes.
Magie, divination et histoire du corps
Authors: Dasen Véronique
Published: May 2020

Depuis une dizaine d’années, l’histoire du « corps antique » est en pleine expansion, comme le montrent le bilan historiographique récent édité par Florence Gherchanoc en 2015 ainsi que le projet de Dictionnaire du corps dans l’Antiquité dirigé par Lydie Bodiou et Véronique Mehl aux Presses universitaires de Rennes. Les quatre conférences données dans ce séminaire s’inscrivent dans ce mouvement de renouveau. Elles ont exploré les logiques à l’œuvre dans un ensemble de technai apparentées, à la croisée de pratiques médicales, rituelles et magiques, qui intègrent le corps humain dans une configuration d’influences humaines, divines et cosmiques, féminines et masculines. Leur étude fait apparaître une sémiologie genrée du corps grec et romain qui opère par métaphores. La divination corporelle, tout comme l’usage d’amulettes et la lithothérapie, révèlent l’existence d’une cartographie corporelle au cœur de la construction de l’identité sociale, politique et sexuée.
Origines du christianisme
Authors: Mimouni Simon C.
Published: May 2020

Cette année, les conférences ont été consacrées à deux programmes de recherche relativement nouveaux : (1) « Les mouvements baptistes (johannites, ébionites, elksaïtes et mandéens) dans l’Antiquité » ; (2) « Le prosélytisme dans le judaïsme et le christianisme de l’Antiquité ».
Patristique grecque et histoire des dogmes
Authors: Boulnois Marie-Odile
Published: May 2020

Les conférences du premier semestre ont porté sur la traduction et le commentaire de la fin du livre VIII du Contre Julien de Cyrille d’Alexandrie, consacré à un traité sur l’incarnation, recourant à des témoignages philosophiques et répondant à des objections supposées sur la puissance divine et la souillure de l’entrée dans un corps. Au deuxième semestre, nous avons étudié l’histoire de l’exégèse patristique de la péricope où le Christ ressuscité interdit à Marie-Madeleine de le toucher (Jn 20, 27).
Le Fragment de Muratori. Un témoin de la formation du canon du Nouveau Testament
Authors: Norelli Enrico
Published: May 2020

L’objet principal du cycle de conférences est un texte de 85 lignes, mutilé au début et à la fin, écrit en un latin barbare et conservé dans un codex en parchemin du viie ou viiie siècle, provenant de la bibliothèque du monastère de Colomban à Bobbio et conservé à la Biblioteca Ambrosiana de Milan (Ambrosianus J. 101 sup., fol. 10a-11a).
Christianisme orthodoxe
Authors: Kontouma Vassa
Published: May 2020

Dosithée II de Jérusalem fait l’objet de nos recherches depuis de nombreuses années. Derrière la vigoureuse personnalité de ce patriarche, nous avons ainsi pu déceler l’existence d’un réseau d’intellectuels, de dignitaires ecclésiastiques, mais aussi d’hommes de pouvoir, que nous avons jugé utile d’étudier en 2015-2016. Les résultats que nous présentons ici portent en premier lieu sur l’identification du « réseau de Dosithée » et la délimitation de ses principes idéologiques. Nous illustrons par la suite les synergies de quelques-uns de ses acteurs à travers deux études de cas : diffusion de la Confession de foi de Pierre Moghila ; échanges autour des questions eucharistiques.