bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Time-Frequency Domain Deconvolution based on Synchrosqueezing Generalized S Transform
Authors: Zheng Shulin , Shen Zijun
Published: May 2021

Complex geological characteristics and deepening of the mining depth are the difficulties of oil and gas exploration at this stage, so high-resolution processing of seismic data is needed to obtain more effective information. Starting from the time-frequency analysis method, we propose a time-frequency domain dynamic deconvolution based on the Synchrosqueezing generalized S transform (SSGST). Combined with spectrum simulation to estimate the wavelet amplitude spectrum, the dynamic convolution model is used to eliminate the influence of dynamic wavelet on seismic records, and the seismic signal with higher time-frequency resolution can be obtained. Through the verification of synthetic signals and actual signals, it is concluded that the time-frequency domain dynamic deconvolution based on the SSGST algorithm has a good effect in improving the resolution and vertical resolution of the thin layer of seismic data.
L’attività commerciale delle Scuole di Attività commerciale
Authors: Torquato Paola Regazoni , Araujo Fernando Oliveira de
Published: May 2021

Questo articolo cerca di confrontare le consegne promesse dalle principali Scuole di Attività commerciale con quelle attese dagli studenti, al fine di migliorare i processi amministrativi in uso agli Istituti. Si tratta di una rassegna sistematica della letteratura, accompagnata da una ricerca empirica esplorativa, che descrive lo stato dell’arte e il potenziale di innovazione in relazione ai processi di gestione delle Scuole di Attività commerciale in relazione alle aspettative del mercato. Sono stati identificati cinque attributi rilevanti per il successo delle scuole commerciali, vale a dire: l’offerta di apprendimento manageriale; flessibilità organizzativa; misura strategica delle prestazioni; impatto e risultati. si tratta di uno studio senza precedenti, a livello nazionale, volto a migliorare i processi di gestione delle Scuole di Attività commerciale di Rio de Janeiro. I risultati sono limitati al caso in esame.
A Violência Doméstica/Intrafamiliar Contra A Mulher: Caminhos Para Seu Enfrentamento
Authors: Schons Sandra , Savitski Luciana
Published: May 2021

A violência doméstica/intrafamiliar mostra-se como uma das principais formas de violência identificada e combatida atualmente. Trata-se de um problema a nível mundial, que atinge mulheres de todas as classes sociais, idades, religiões e etnias. O objetivo principal desse estudo foi refletir sobre a violência doméstica/intrafamiliar contra a mulher e as estratégias de enfrentamento à luz das discussões teóricas. O estudo apontou reflexões à cerca das variadas formas de violência bem com os instrumentos legais que visam garantir os direitos das mulheres. Além disso, vislumbra a necessidade de políticas públicas a fim de desconstruir os conceitos patriarcais que sustentam a desigualdade de gênero que muitas vezes, justificam a violência contra a mulher e então construir uma nova cultura da não violência e de valorização dos direitos humanos, necessitando, sobretudo, mudanças de comportamentos e de costumes, o que envolve a participação do Estado, da família e da sociedade de forma mais ampla.
Acupuntura em trabalhadores: revisão integrativa da literatura
Authors: Pedro Danielli Rafaeli Candido , Ribeiro Beatriz Maria dos Santos Santiago
Published: May 2021

Objetivo: analisar as evidências científicas disponíveis na literatura sobre o uso da acupuntura em trabalhadores. Método: revisão integrativa da literatura, com busca realizada em agosto de 2019 nas bases de dados Literatura Latino-Americana e do Caribe em Ciências da Saúde, na Biblioteca Virtual em Saúdee na Biblioteca Eletrônica Científica Online. Com os descritores controlados, Saúde do trabalhador; Acupuntura e Trabalhadores. Foram incluídos artigos primários, em português, disponíveis na integra e publicados entre os anos de 2009 e 2019 e foram excluídos artigos secundários. Resultados: compuseram a amostra final quatro artigos, os quais abordavam o uso da acupuntura em trabalhadores de diferenciadas amostras. A acupuntura mostrou-se  uma estratégia eficaz para melhoria das condições de saúde e qualidade de vida dos trabalhadores. Considerações finais:  a acupuntura pode ser uma aliada na promoção de saúde ou tratamento de doenças, há necessidade de maiores evidencias cientificas.
Relação custo-benefício do transplante renal frente à hemodiálise
Authors: Vallory Letícia Costa , Santos Kathleen Richelle Andrade , Januário Gabriela Da Cunha , Da Silva Monise Martins , Ribeiro Maria Inês Lemos Coelho , Silva Aline Teixeira
Published: May 2021

Esta pesquisa tem como objetivo analisar os custos relacionados ao tratamento de hemodiálise em relação ao transplante renal em um hospital no Sul de Minas Gerais. Estudo descritivo, exploratório de abordagem quantitativa. Os dados foram analisados e interpretados através da estatística descritiva simples e foram utilizados os dados do sistema Sysart e NefroData referentes aos anos de 2013 a 2018. Os principais resultados apontam que 322 indivíduos estão em tratamento dialítico. 40 usuários estão efetivamente cadastrados na lista de transplantes. O custo para o tratamento dialítico no período do estudo foi de R$ 46.618.757,51. O valor individual médio do tratamento dialítico entre os anos de 2013 a 2018 foi de R$ 27.962,26. O valor do transplante atualmente é de R$ 33.147,18. Neste contexto, o estudo mostrou que no primeiro ano o transplante possui um valor superior, porém em longo prazo este prevalece como a melhor opção e mais econômica.
Construction History and Research of the Holy Trinity Parish Church in Szigetmonostor
Authors: Gyetvainé Balogh Ágnes
Published: May 2021

The church of Szigetmonostor, together with the parish building in front, and the late chanter house next to it, is the characteristic complex of its environment. Its plan with the middle tower façade solution is a classic example of Baroque church architecture of the eighteenth century. The most valuable part of the building is the late Baroque pulpit renovated while keeping its original appearance.Szigetmonostor – earlier Monostor – a municipality in Pest County on the Szentendre Island came into the possession of the Zichy family after the Turkish rule. In the 1730s, Ferenc Zichy put the tenure in pawn to Gábor Horányi, a servant judge in Pest County, who started greater developments here by building a castle (today the parish) and a church in the 1740s. The tower was built in front of the main façade a few years after the completion of the nave. The Vienna Court Chamber acquired the manor from the Zichy family in 1766 after a long lawsuit, also redeeming Monostor from the Horányi family. In 1774, the master masons Mihály János Hamon and Jakab Gföller were commissioned to survey the buildings of the manor, which came into the possession of the Crown from the Zichys. Their survey plans illustrate the church with the small teaching house and church garden next to it. During the 19th and 20th centuries, the church underwent several renewals and renovations and minor alterations that could be tracked with the help of records and Canonica Visitatios.
Tendencias recientes en los cultivos de exportación y la producción ganadera en la provincia de Buenos Aires. Una mirada desde sus regiones productivas
Authors: Bona Leandro
Published: May 2021

La provincia de Buenos Aires es el epicentro de la producción agropecuaria en Argentina, a juzgar por su participación en la producción de los principales cultivos de exportación y ganado bovino. Dentro de su territorio, su geografía es diversa y cuenta con regiones de muy distinta especialización, donde históricamente han prevalecido actividades agrícolas, ganaderas o de rotación. El propósito de este estudio es examinar el impacto de las políticas recientes (particularmente en los últimos 10 años) sobre la producción de los principales cultivos y ganado en la provincia, así como sobre la concentración y las exportaciones a nivel agregado. Para ello, se discriminan las regiones bonaerenses, se observan los principales resultados productivos a la luz de los cambios producidos recientemente y se examina el desempeño exportador y de las escalas de propiedad gracias a los resultados preliminares del Censo Nacional Agropecuario 2018.
De la digitalización bancaria a la inclusión financiera: un estudio exploratorio desde las microfinanzas
Authors: Delgado-García Katiuska , Loor-Colamarco Ignacio
Published: May 2021

Este estudio analiza la relación entre la digitalización de instituciones y la inclusión financieras en el contexto de los microcréditos en Manta, Ecuador. Por medio de la plataforma Zoom, la recolección de datos utilizó grupos focales y entrevistas a profundidad con operadores de microcréditos y expertos en digitalización financiera respectivamente. La investigación explora y describe una gama de obstáculos y oportunidades para producir inclusión financiera a través de la digitalización. Entre los hallazgos se identifica que, el surgimiento de la pandemia por COVID-19 aceleró significativamente la digitalización de las instituciones financieras, incluyendo el segmento de microcréditos. Se analiza, también, el papel que juegan las empresas Fintech en la inclusión financiera, a través del desarrollo de aplicaciones que permiten a los bancos acercarse a comunidades financieramente excluidas y promover transacciones en estos segmentos. Finalmente, se concluye que, para promover inclusión financiera a través de la digitalización en el sector rural, se requiere, primero, bancarizar a estas comunidades de manera presencial.
Dor pélvica crônica e suas repercussões em mulheres assistidas na Atenção Primária
Authors: Xavier Ilis Maria Lucas , Loyola Cristina Maria Douat , Oliveira Rosane Mara Pontes de , Saidel Maria Giovana Borges , Silva Flor de Maria Araujo Mendonça , Pachêco Marcos Antonio Barbosa
Published: May 2021

A dor pélvica crônica é um processo doloroso que interfere nas atividades diárias da mulher, necessitando de intervenções clínicas ou cirúrgicas. O objetivo deste estudo é apresentar as repercussões da dor pélvica crônica em mulheres assistidas na atenção primária. Trata-se de um estudo transversal e quantitativo, conduzido com mulheres assistidas em três unidades da atenção primária e em um ambulatório especializado localizados em São Luís, Maranhão, Brasil, no período de maio a outubro de 2018. Utilizou-se um questionário estruturado. Dos resultados, destacam-se as seguintes prevalências sobre o perfil das mulheres: idade de 18 a 23 anos (18%), ensino médio completo (46%), desempregadas (43,3%), com hipertensão arterial e diabetes (23%), com duração da dor por dias (60%), escala de dor de 7 a 10 (73%), influência negativa da dor nos relacionamentos familiares (63%), com insônia (59%), ansiedade (78%) e depressão (32%). Constatou-se uma predominância de mulheres jovens, com escolaridade média, desempregadas, com padrão de eliminações intestinais disfuncional, com dores persistentes e intensas e dispareunia. A dor pélvica crônica causou prejuízos na vida social, na qualidade de vida e na saúde psicológica das participantes, o que indica a necessidade de intervenções multidisciplinares em saúde.
Relapse of clinical symptoms of COVID-19 or probable reinfection in a laboratory professional: a case report from Northeast Brazil
Authors: Lima Kledoaldo , Silva Alexsandro Pedro da , Diniz Madi Veiga , Lira Aline Cavalcante de , Nascimento Arione Vieira do , Silva Wagner Roberto Cirilo da , Karolina Vanderlei Macedo Ana
Published: May 2021

Healthcare professionals constitute one of the groups that are most vulnerable to severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). Herein, we report the case of a non-overweight and non-smoking 42-year-old woman with thrombophilia due to methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR) gene mutation, hereditary renal cysts, and no history of diabetes or arterial hypertension, who presented the first symptoms between 10 and 17 August 2020, with a SARS-CoV-2-positive naso-oropharyngeal swab by qualitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). However, the result for SARS-CoV-2 immunoglobulin G (IgG) was non-reactive 41 days after (21 September 2020) the onset of symptoms. Nevertheless, on 7 October 2020 (57 days after the first symptoms), the patient presented new symptoms suggestive of COVID-19, with another SARS-CoV-2-positive RT-PCR result, and on 21 October 2020, SARS-CoV-2 immunoglobulin G was positive. Considering this, we interrogated the results to determine whether the case was reinfection or reactivation. This outcome highlights the importance of surveillance over relapses or reinfections.
Qualidade de vida dos estudantes da área da saúde que utilizam metodologia ativa de ensino-aprendizagem
Authors: Araújo Damião da Conceição , Almeida Carla Passos , Santana Luciana Rodrigues Prata , Mota Sabrina Barreto , Santos Allan Dantas dos , Lima Shirley Veronica Melo Almeida , Araújo Karina Conceição Gomes Machado de , Alves José Antônio Barreto , Vaez Andreia Centenaro
Published: May 2021

Objetivo: Avaliar a qualidade de vida dos estudantes de ciências da saúde que utilizam metodologia ativa de ensino-aprendizagem. Metodologia: Estudo observacional do tipo transversal, realizado em uma Universidade Pública situada na região centro-sul do estado de Sergipe. A amostra foi não probabilística por conveniência, constituída por 141 estudantes dos cursos de enfermagem, farmácia, fisioterapia, fonoaudiologia, medicina, nutrição, odontologia e terapia ocupacional. Foi aplicado um instrumento de caracterização e o World Health Organization’s Quality of Life- Bref.  A coleta de dados foi realizada por formulário online enviado para o e-mail de todos os estudantes. Os dados foram armazenados e analisados pelo BioEstat versão 5.0 e GraphPad Prism versão 7.0 Resultados: Os estudantes de ciências da saúde apresentaram escores abaixo da média da qualidade de vida geral e dos domínios físico, psicológico, relações sociais e meio ambiente no primeiro, terceiro e quinto ciclo da graduação. Foi evidenciado que quanto maior o tempo de estudo autodirigido maior a alteração na qualidade de vida, sobretudo, no domínio psicológico. Conclusão: O uso das metodologias ativas altera a qualidade de vida dos estuantes de ciências da saúde em escores variados e dependendo do ciclo da graduação.
Perfil do atendimento de urgência e emergência em uma base do noroeste do Paraná
Authors: Derenzo Neide , Miranda Daiany Joice Cuba de , Silva Samuel Luciano Pereira da , Neves Igor Fernando , Mendonça Renata Rodrigues , Salvador Drielly Lima Valle Folha , Christinelli Heloá Costa Borim , Stevanato Kely Paviani
Published: May 2021

Objetivo: Analisar o perfil epidemiológico das ocorrências de uma base descentralizada do SAMU 192 em um município do Noroeste do Paraná. Metodologia: O presente estudo é retrospectivo, analítico, de abordagem quantitativa. Para tal, foram utilizadas as fichas de atendimentos realizados entre janeiro a março de 2019. Foram coletados dados referentes às características sociodemográficas das vítimas e os tipos de atendimentos de urgência e emergência realizados pelos profissionais. O Presente estudo foi submetido e aprovado pelo Comitê de Ética em Pesquisa da Universidade Estadual do Paraná, respeitando os preceitos éticos da Resolução 466/2012 e 510/2016 do Conselho Nacional de Saúde, sob protocolo de aprovação nº 3.313.124 Resultados: Observou que das 941 fichas de atendimentos analisadas 653 (69,4%) por causas clínicas, 196 (20,8%) por traumas, 62 (6,6%) ocorrências psiquiátricas e 30 (3,2%) causas gineco-obstétricas. Evidenciou diferença estatística significativa na comparação entre os sexos, em relação à natureza da ocorrência e o tipo de ambulância disponibilizada para o atendimento. Além disso, os homens atendidos pelo SAMU, apresentaram 1,5 vezes mais chances de demandar de atendimento de uma USA. Conclusões: A análise mostrou a necessidade da elaboração de ações intersetoriais de promoção e prevenção a saúde relacionado a informação sobre os sinais e sintomas característicos de urgência e emergência.
INVESTIGATION OF SEXUAL LIFE QUALITY AND RELATED FACTORS IN THE POSTPARTUM PERIOD
Authors: DAĞ TÜZMEN Hafize , EGE Emel
Published: May 2021

This research is a descriptive study to examine sexual quality of life and associated factors during the postpartum period. The sample of the study consisted of 390 postpartum women who admitted to the Pediatric Polyclinics of a Faculty of Medicine in Konya and met the inclusion criteria. A questionnaire form prepared by the researchers and the Sexual Quality of Life Scale (SQOL-F) Female form were used to collect the data. Kruskal Wallis test, Mann Whitney U test, regression analysis were used to evaluate the data. The mean score of women SLQO-F was found as 85.23± 18.43 and was found to be above the average. In this study, age of the woman, education level, education level of the spouse, employment status, duration of marriage, amount of income, number of pregnancies, breastfeeding status, planning of the last pregnancy, type of delivery and the frequency of sexual intercourse were determined to have an effect on SQL-F score (p <0.05). The postpartum period negatively affects the quality of sexual life. Health professionals may be advised to plan counseling services for all women before, during and after pregnancy to maintain and improve the quality of sexual life.
Stall margin improvement in a low-speed axial compressor rotor using a blockage-optimised single circumferential casing groove
Authors: Mustaffa Ahmad Fikri , Kanjirakkad Vasudevan
Published: May 2021

The stall margin of tip-critical axial compressors can be improved by using circumferential casing grooves. From previous studies, in the literature, the stall margin improvement due to the casing grooves can be attributed to the reduction of the near casing blockage. The pressure rise across the compressor as the compressor is throttled intensifies the tip leakage flow. This results in a stronger tip leakage vortex that is thought to be the main source of the blockage. In this paper, the near casing blockage due to the tip region aerodynamics in a low-speed axial compressor rotor is numerically studied and quantified using a mass flow-based blockage parameter. The peak blockage location at the last stable operating point for a rotor with smooth casing is found to be at about 10% of the tip chord aft of the tip leading edge. Based on this information, an optimised single casing groove design that minimises the peak blockage is found using a surrogate-based optimisation approach. The implementation of the optimised groove is shown to produce a stall margin improvement of about 5%.
Editorial
Authors: Sbardelotto Denise Kloeckner , Alves Alvaro Marcel Palomo
Published: May 2021

A Revista Contradição publica seu terceiro número, iniciando o ano de 2021 reafirmando seu compromisso com a divulgação ampla e aberta da pesquisa científica. Isso se faz mais do que necessário em um contexto em que assistimos atônitos constantes ataques à ciência e à pesquisa científica no Brasil, em um status tão alarmante que podemos até mesmo falar em retrocesso e obscurantismo sem precedentes. Este cenário nos rodeia justamente em um período de necessárias respostas científicas para garantir nossa sobrevivência, diante dos efeitos catastróficos da pandemia causada pelo Coronavírus. O Brasil, pela ausência de uma política de saúde organizada e responsável, atingiu a marca de mais de 3.800 mortes diárias e um total de mais de 384 mil mortes desde o início da pandemia. Neste número, foram publicados artigos que debatem temáticas diversas das ciências humanas e sociais. Destacamos duas contribuições da área educacional, que discutem “A formação dos conceitos científicos e o processo de ensino-aprendizagem nos anos iniciais do ensino fundamental” e “A interação entre professor e aluno na Educação Infantil: reflexo do desenvolvimento da aprendizagem e socialização da criança”, ambas de referencial teórico-metodológico da Psicologia Histórico-Cultural. Na sequência e completando esta edição, apresentamos três trabalhos da área de saúde mental e proteção social, em que os autores discutem “A potencialidade dos encontros com a rede de proteção social na Justiça Juvenil Restaurativa”, “O psicólogo nas políticas públicas a partir da correlação entre a clínica ampliada e a redução de danos” e “O amor romântico no epicentro da violência doméstica contra a mulher no contexto da cultura da agressão”. Neste contexto de pandemia e obscurantismo, não temos muitos motivos a serem comemorados. No entanto, a história nos mostra que, em momentos históricos mais críticos, maiores são as forças de resistência. A Revista Contradição se coloca neste movimento de resistência, sendo a partir de 2021 indexada em bases de dados nacionais e internacionais. Boa leitura!
Hydrogel Scaffolds to Deliver Cell Therapies for Wound Healing
Authors: Sivaraj Dharshan , Chen Kellen , Chattopadhyay Arhana , Henn Dominic , Wu Wanling , Noishiki Chikage , Magbual Noah J. , Mittal Smiti , Mermin-Bunnell Alana M. , Bonham Clark A. , Trotsyuk Artem A. , Barrera Janos A. , Padmanabhan Jagannath , Januszyk Michael , Gurtner Geoffrey C.
Published: May 2021

Cutaneous wounds are a growing global health burden as a result of an aging population coupled with increasing incidence of diabetes, obesity, and cancer. Cell-based approaches have been used to treat wounds due to their secretory, immunomodulatory, and regenerative effects, and recent studies have highlighted that delivery of stem cells may provide the most benefits. Delivering these cells to wounds with direct injection has been associated with low viability, transient retention, and overall poor efficacy. The use of bioactive scaffolds provides a promising method to improve cell therapy delivery. Specifically, hydrogels provide a physiologic microenvironment for transplanted cells, including mechanical support and protection from native immune cells, and cell–hydrogel interactions may be tailored based on specific tissue properties. In this review, we describe the current and future directions of various cell therapies and usage of hydrogels to deliver these cells for wound healing applications.
Fault Detection in Modular Offshore Platform Connections Using Extended Kalman Filter
Authors: Tockner Andreas , Blümel Bernhard , Ellermann Katrin
Published: May 2021

Within the Space@Sea project, funded by the Horizon 2020 program, a concept for a floating island was developed. The main idea is to create space in the offshore environment, which can be used to harvest renewable energy, grow food or build a maritime transport and logistic hub. The island is designed as an assembly of platforms, which are connected by ropes and fenders. These connection elements are considered critical, as they have to carry extreme loads in the severe offshore environment. At the same time, any failure in the connecting elements might put the entire platform structure at risk. This paper presents a feasibility study for the fault detection in the connection elements using Extended Kalman filters. For various test cases, typical parameters of the connecting elements are estimated from motion data of the structure. Thus, the technique reveals changes in the connections. For various test cases, it is shown that fault detection is possible. Not only a failure of a single connecting rope but also multiple faults in the system can be detected.
Recent Advances in Chemical Biology of Mitochondria Targeting
Authors: Wang Haiwei , Fang Bin , Peng Bo , Wang Limin , Xue Yufei , Bai Hua , Lu Shenci , Voelcker Nicolas H. , Li Lin , Fu Li , Huang Wei
Published: May 2021

Mitochondria are vital subcellular organelles that generate most cellular chemical energy, regulate cell metabolism and maintain cell function. Mitochondrial dysfunction is directly linked to numerous diseases including neurodegenerative disorders, diabetes, thyroid squamous disease, cancer and septicemia. Thus, the design of specific mitochondria-targeting molecules and the realization of real-time acquisition of mitochondrial activity are powerful tools in the study and treatment of mitochondria dysfunction in related diseases. Recent advances in mitochondria-targeting agents have led to several important mitochondria chemical probes that offer the opportunity for selective targeting molecules, novel biological applications and therapeutic strategies. This review details the structural and physiological functional characteristics of mitochondria, and comprehensively summarizes and classifies mitochondria-targeting agents. In addition, their pros and cons and their related chemical biological applications are discussed. Finally, the potential biomedical applications of these agents are briefly prospected.
Thermo-Rheological Properties of the Ethiopian Lithosphere and Evidence for Transient Fluid Induced Lower Crustal Seismicity Beneath the Ethiopian Rift
Authors: Muluneh Ameha A. , Keir Derek , Corti Giacomo
Published: May 2021

Lower crustal earthquakes at plate boundaries and intraplate settings occur at depth where deformation is normally expected to occur in a ductile manner. Here we use the available earthquake catalogs and compute theoretical predictions for a range of conditions for the occurrence of lower crustal earthquakes beneath the Main Ethiopian Rift (MER) and adjacent north-western (NW) plateau. Yield strength envelops are constructed using information on geothermal gradient, strain rate, and composition constrained by geophysical observations. Our models suggest that away from the MER beneath the NW plateau the depth distribution of earthquakes in the lower crust is best explained by strong mafic lower crustal rheology and hydrostatic fluid pore pressure conditions. In the same region the effective elastic thickness is similar to seismogenic thickness showing that the lower crust has long-term strength and hence can physically support brittle deformation. On the contrary, in the central MER the seismogenic thickness is much larger than the effective elastic layer thickness implying that the lower crust has no long-term strength. Here our models show that both hydrostatic and near-lithostatic fluid pore pressures fail to explain the observed seismicity and instead a combination of near-lithostatic pore fluid pressure and transient high strain rate due to the movement of fluids provide a plausible mechanism for the occurrence of seismicity in the lower crust. Our interpretations are supported by occurrence of swarms of deep earthquakes beneath the MER, as opposed to more continuous background deep seismicity away from the rift. Using time-depth progression of earthquakes, we estimate permeability values of 5.9 × 10−15m2and 1.8 × 10−14m2at lower crustal depth. The range of permeability implies that seismicity can be induced by pore-pressure diffusion, likely from fluids sourced from the mantle that reactivate preexisting faults in the lower crust. Our thermo-rheological models explain the first order differences in lower crustal earthquakes both directly beneath and outboard of the rift valley.
Risk-Based Warning Decision Making of Cascade Breaching of the Tangjiashan Landslide Dam and Two Smaller Downstream Landslide Dams
Authors: Zhu Yan , Peng Ming , Cai Shuo , Zhang Limin
Published: May 2021

Mega earthquakes or serious rainfall storms often cause crowded landslides in mountainous areas. A large part of these landslides are very likely blocking rivers and forming landslide dams in series along rivers. The risks of cascading failure of landslide dams are significantly different from that of a single dam. This paper presented the work on risk-based warning decision making on cascading breaching of the 2008 Tangjiashan landslide dam and two small downstream landslide dams in a series along Tongkou River. The optimal decision was made by achieving minimal expected total loss. Cascade breaching of a series of landslide dams is more likely to produce a multi-peak flood. When the coming of the breaching flood from the upstream dam perfectly overlaps with the dam breaching flood of the downstream dam, a higher overlapped peak flood would occur. When overlapped peak flood occurs, the flood risk would be larger and evacuation warning needs to be issued earlier to avoid serious life loss and flood damages. When multi-peak flood occurs, people may be misled by the warning of the previous peak flood and suddenly attacked by the peak flood thereafter, incurring catastrophic loss. Systematical decision making needs to be conducted to sufficiently concern the risk caused by each peak of the breaching flood. The dam failure probabilityPflinearly influences the expected life loss and flood damage but does not influence the evacuation cost. The expected total loss significantly decreases withPfwhen the warning time was insufficient. However, it would not change much withPfwhen warning time is sufficient.
Altered White Matter Microstructures in Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus: A Coordinate‐Based Meta‐Analysis of Diffusion Tensor Imaging Studies
Authors: Zhou Cong , Li Jie , Dong Man , Ping Liangliang , Lin Hao , Wang Yuxin , Wang Shuting , Gao Shuo , Yu Ge , Cheng Yuqi , Xu Xiufeng
Published: May 2021

Objective

Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is often accompanied by cognitive decline and depressive symptoms. Numerous diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) studies revealed microstructural white matter (WM) abnormalities in T2DM but the findings were inconsistent. The present study aimed to conduct a coordinate‐based meta‐analysis (CBMA) to identify statistical consensus of DTI studies in T2DM.

Methods

We performed a systematic search on relevant studies that reported fractional anisotropy (FA) differences between T2DM patients and healthy controls (HC). The anisotropic effect size seed‐based d mapping (AES-SDM) approach was used to explore WM alterations in T2DM. A meta‐regression was then used to analyze potential influences of sample characteristics on regional FA changes.

Results

A total of eight studies that comprised 245 patients and 200 HC, along with 52 coordinates were extracted. The meta‐analysis identified FA reductions in three clusters including the left inferior network, the corpus callosum (CC), and the left olfactory cortex. Besides, FA in the CC was negatively correlated with body mass index (BMI) in the patients group.

Conclusions

T2DM could lead to subtle WM microstructural alterations, which might be associated with cognitive deficits or emotional distress symptoms. This provides a better understanding of the pathophysiology of neurodegeneration and complications in T2DM.

Systematic Review Registration

Registered at PROSPERO (http://www.crd.york.ac.uk/PROSPERO), registration number: CRD42020218737.
How Does Industrial Structure Upgrading Affect the Global Greenhouse Effect? Evidence From RCEP and Non-RCEP Countries
Authors: Dong Jiajia , Dou Yue , Jiang Qingzhe , Zhao Jun
Published: May 2021

This study empirically investigates the impact of industrial structure upgrading on global carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions by employing a balanced dataset of 73 countries over the period 1990–2019. After conducting a series of empirical tests, we used the fixed effect (FE) and random effect (RE) methods to estimate the econometric model, and divided the full sample data into two subsamples, i.e., Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) countries and non-RCEP countries, for heterogeneous analysis. This study also examines the mediating role of technological innovation in the relationship between industrial structure upgrading and global CO2 emissions. The main findings indicate that: (1) both industrial structure upgrading and technological innovation show significant negative impacts on CO2 emissions in the global panel, the RCEP countries, and the non-RCEP countries; (2) industrial structure upgrading not only affects CO2 emissions directly, but also has an indirect impact on global CO2 emissions by promoting technological innovation; and (3) the environmental Kuznets curve (EKC) hypothesis is verified in this study; in other words, both economic growth and CO2 emissions exhibit a significant inverted U-shaped relationship in the global panel, the RCEP countries, and the non-RCEP countries. Finally, we highlighted some important policy implications with respect to promoting industrial structure upgrading and mitigating the greenhouse effect.
Case Report: Convalescent Plasma Achieves SARS-CoV-2 Viral Clearance in a Patient With Persistently High Viral Replication Over 8 Weeks Due to Severe Combined Immunodeficiency (SCID) and Graft Failure
Authors: Keitel Verena , Bode Johannes Georg , Feldt Torsten , Walker Andreas , Müller Lisa , Kunstein Anselm , Klindt Caroline , Killer Alexander , Senff Tina , Timm Jörg , Ostermann Philipp , Damagnez Maximilian , Lübke Nadine , Adams Ortwin , Schaal Heiner , Antoch Gerald , Neubert Jennifer , Albrecht Philipp , Meuth Sven , Elben Saskia , Mohring Annemarie , Fischer Johannes C. , Bölke Edwin , Hoenig Manfred , Schulz Ansgar S. , Luedde Tom , Jensen Björn
Published: May 2021

We describe the unique disease course and cure of SARS-CoV-2 infection in a patient with SCID and graft failure. In absence of a humoral immune response, viral clearance was only achieved after transfusion of convalescent plasma. This observation underscores the necessity of the humoral immune response for SARS-CoV-2 clearance.
Advanced Flow Cytometry Assays for Immune Monitoring of CAR-T Cell Applications
Authors: Blache Ulrich , Weiss Ronald , Boldt Andreas , Kapinsky Michael , Blaudszun André-René , Quaiser Andrea , Pohl Annabelle , Miloud Tewfik , Burgaud Mégane , Vucinic Vladan , Platzbecker Uwe , Sack Ulrich , Fricke Stephan , Koehl Ulrike
Published: May 2021

Adoptive immunotherapy using chimeric antigen receptor (CAR)-T cells has achieved successful remissions in refractory B-cell leukemia and B-cell lymphomas. In order to estimate both success and severe side effects of CAR-T cell therapies, longitudinal monitoring of the patient’s immune system including CAR-T cells is desirable to accompany clinical staging. To conduct research on the fate and immunological impact of infused CAR-T cells, we established standardized 13-colour/15-parameter flow cytometry assays that are suitable to characterize immune cell subpopulations in the peripheral blood during CAR-T cell treatment. The respective staining technology is based on pre-formulated dry antibody panels in a uniform format. Additionally, further antibodies of choice can be added to address specific clinical or research questions. We designed panels for the anti-CD19 CAR-T therapy and, as a proof of concept, we assessed a healthy individual and three B-cell lymphoma patients treated with anti-CD19 CAR-T cells. We analyzed the presence of anti-CD19 CAR-T cells as well as residual CD19+ B cells, the activation status of the T-cell compartment, the expression of co-stimulatory signaling molecules and cytotoxic agents such as perforin and granzyme B. In summary, this work introduces standardized and modular flow cytometry assays for CAR-T cell clinical research, which could also be adapted in the future as quality controls during the CAR-T cell manufacturing process.
HLA-DR-Positive NK Cells Expand in Response to Mycobacterium Tuberculosis Antigens and Mediate Mycobacteria-Induced T Cell Activation
Authors: Kust Sofya A. , Streltsova Maria A. , Panteleev Alexander V. , Karpina Natalya L. , Lyadova Irina V. , Sapozhnikov Alexander M. , Kovalenko Elena I.
Published: May 2021

NK cells play an important role in the control of tuberculosis infection: they are not only able to kill the infected cells, but also control the activity of macrophages and development of the adaptive immune response. Still, there is little information on the role of specific NK cell subsets in this network. In this study, we focused on the mycobacteria-driven responses of the NK cells expressing HLA-DR – a type of MHC class II. We have revealed that this subset is increased in the peripheral blood of patients with primary diagnosed tuberculosis, and expands in response toin vitrostimulation with ultrasonically destroyedMycobacterium tuberculosiscells (sonicate). The expanded HLA-DR+NK cells had less differentiated phenotype, higher proliferative activity and increased expression of NKp30 and NKp46 receptors. HLA-DR+CD56dimNK cells showed higher IFNγ production and degranulation level than the respective HLA-DR−NK cells in response to both 24 h and 7 day stimulation with sonicate, while HLA-DR+CD56brightNK cells mostly demonstarted similar high responsiveness to the same stimulating conditions as their HLA-DR−CD56brightcounterparts. After preliminary incubation with destroyed mycobacteria, cytokine-activated HLA-DR-expressing NK cells were able to mediate mycobacteria-induced and HLA-DR-dependent cytokine production in autologous CD4+T cells. Thus, functionally active HLA-DR+cells seem to be one of the NK cell subsets providing an important link to the adaptive immunity.
Expansion of C1Q Genes in Zhikong Scallop and Their Expression Profiling After Exposure to the Toxic Dinoflagellates
Authors: Xu Kexin , Wang Yinghui , Lian Shanshan , Hu Naina , Chen Xiaomei , Dai Xiaoting , Zhang Lingling , Wang Shi , Hu Jingjie , Hu Xiaoli , Bao Zhenmin
Published: May 2021

C1Q (Complement 1Q) is an important recognition molecule in the immunological complement system, which could also be putatively involved in the stress responses induced by endotoxins or exotoxins, potentially through detoxification processes. Marine bivalves are well adapted to highly complex aquatic environments with various stressors. As filter feeders, they have to cope with highly potent microalgae-derived neurotoxins, such as paralytic shellfish toxin (PSTs). Zhikong scallops, Chlamys farreri, are commercially important bivalve with the remarkable ability to accumulate PSTs. Exploring the C1Qs related to PST accumulation in C. farreri could benefit our understanding of the adaptations of bivalve species. In the present study, we systematically analyzed C1Q genes in C. farreri. In total, 97 CfC1Q genes mainly from the expanded C1Q-B subfamily were identified, from which the C1QL, C1QTNF, and C1QDC1 members in C. farreri were revealed to be under positive selection. Spatiotemporal expression analysis revealed that most CfC1QLs and CfC1QDC1s were highly expressed during the post-umbo stage and in hepatopancreas, while most CfC1QTNF members were highly expressed after the creeping larva stage and in mantle. The hepatopancreas and kidney in C. farreri are two toxin-rich organs with the highest concentrations of PSTs, acting as major “centers” for toxin accumulation and transformation, respectively. Therefore, after feeding the scallops with PST-producing dinoflagellates Alexandrium minutum and Alexandrium catenella, we determined the expression patterns of CfC1Qs in these two organs. In kidney, more than 85% of CfC1QLs and CfC1QDC1s showed drastic up-regulation with both diets. However, among these members with significant induction, a different response manner was detected after feeding with A. minutum and A. catenella, respectively as acute and chronic response patterns. In comparison, far fewer CfC1Qs showing significant up-regulation in hepatopancreas with both toxic diets and only mild regulation pattern could be found. This organ-, toxin-, and time-dependent genetic regulation of CfC1Qs may contribute to the virulence difference on account of the tissue-specific or dinoflagellate-specific different toxin analogs composition, implying the possible involvement of CfC1Qs in PST transport and homeostasis. Our findings imply the functional diversity of scallop C1Q genes in coping with PST accumulation, which might be developed as potential molecular indicators for monitoring toxin accumulation in edible mollusks or provide insight into the lineage-specific adaptation of scallops for dealing with microalgal toxin challenges.
WDR45 Mutation Impairs the Autophagic Degradation of Transferrin Receptor and Promotes Ferroptosis
Authors: Xiong Qiuhong , Li Xin , Li Wenjing , Chen Guangxin , Xiao Han , Li Ping , Wu Changxin
Published: May 2021

WDR45 is an autophagy-related protein that involves in the formation of autophagosome. Mutations in WDR45 lead to the impairment of autophagy which is associated with the human β-propeller protein-associated neurodegeneration (BPAN). However, the relationship between autophagy and brain iron accumulation in patients with BPAN remains unclear. Here, we demonstrated that transferrin receptor (TfRC) which is critical for the iron import of cells was degraded via autophagy. TfRC was accumulated after the inhibition of autophagy by treatment with autophagic inhibitor chloroquine or knockdown of ATG2A. The intracellular iron content was increased in cells overexpressing TfRC or mutant WDR45, however, ferritin H (FTH) chain was decreased. Increased TfRC and simultaneously decreased FTH consequently resulted in an elevated level of ferrous iron (Fe2+) which further promoted cell ferroptosis, demonstrated by the increased lipid peroxidation and reactive oxygen species (ROS) and the decreased glutathione peroxidase 4 (GPX4) and cell viability. Taken together, these findings provide a piece of important evidence that WDR45 deficiency impairs autophagic degradation of TfRC, therefore leading to iron accumulation, and the elevated iron promotes ferroptosis which may contribute to the progression of BPAN.
Improvements in Upper Extremity Function Following Intensive Training Are Independent of Corticospinal Tract Organization in Children With Unilateral Spastic Cerebral Palsy: A Clinical Randomized Trial
Authors: Friel Kathleen M. , Ferre Claudio L. , Brandao Marina , Kuo Hsing-Ching , Chin Karen , Hung Ya-Ching , Robert Maxime T. , Flamand Veronique H. , Smorenburg Ana , Bleyenheuft Yannick , Carmel Jason B. , Campos Talita , Gordon Andrew M.
Published: May 2021

Background/Objectives: Intensive training of the more affected upper extremity (UE) has been shown to be effective for children with unilateral spastic cerebral palsy (USCP). Two types of UE training have been particularly successful: Constraint-Induced Movement Therapy (CIMT) and Bimanual training. Reorganization of the corticospinal tract (CST) early during development often occurs in USCP. Prior studies have suggested that children with an ipsilateral CST controlling the affected UE may improve less following CIMT than children with a contralateral CST. We tested the hypothesis that improvements in UE function after intensive training depend on CST laterality.

Study Participants and Setting: Eighty-two children with USCP, age 5 years 10 months to 17 years, University laboratory setting.

Materials/Methods: Single-pulse transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) was used to determine each child's CST connectivity pattern. Children were stratified by age, sex, baseline hand function and CST connectivity pattern, and randomized to receive either CIMT or Bimanual training, each of which were provided in a day-camp setting (90 h). Hand function was tested before, immediately and 6 months after the intervention with the Jebsen-Taylor Test of Hand Function, the Assisting Hand Assessment, the Box and Block Test, and ABILHAND-Kids. The Canadian Occupational Performance Measure was used to track goal achievement and the Pediatric Evaluation of Disability Inventory was used to assess functioning in daily living activities at home.

Results: In contrast to our hypothesis, participants had statistically similar improvements for both CIMT and Bimanual training for all measures independent of their CST connectivity pattern (contralateral, ipsilateral, or bilateral) (p < 0.05 in all cases).

Conclusions/Significance: The efficacy of CIMT and Bimanual training is independent of CST connectivity pattern. Children with an ipsilateral CST, previously thought to be maladaptive, have the capacity to improve as well as children with a contralateral or bilateral CST following intensive CIMT or Bimanual training.

Clinical Trial Registration:www.ClinicalTrials.gov, identifier NCT02918890.
The Influence of the Type of Background Noise on Perceptual Learning of Speech in Noise
Authors: Zhang Liping , Schlaghecken Friederike , Harte James , Roberts Katherine L.
Published: May 2021

Objectives

Auditory perceptual learning studies tend to focus on the nature of the target stimuli. However, features of the background noise can also have a significant impact on the amount of benefit that participants obtain from training. This study explores whether perceptual learning of speech in background babble noise generalizes to other, real-life environmental background noises (car and rain), and if the benefits are sustained over time.

Design

Normal-hearing native English speakers were randomly assigned to a training (n = 12) or control group (n = 12). Both groups completed a pre- and post-test session in which they identified Bamford-Kowal-Bench (BKB) target words in babble, car, or rain noise. The training group completed speech-in-babble noise training on three consecutive days between the pre- and post-tests. A follow up session was conducted between 8 and 18 weeks after the post-test session (training group: n = 9; control group: n = 7).

Results

Participants who received training had significantly higher post-test word identification accuracy than control participants for all three types of noise, although benefits were greatest for the babble noise condition and weaker for the car- and rain-noise conditions. Both training and control groups maintained their pre- to post-test improvement over a period of several weeks for speech in babble noise, but returned to pre-test accuracy for speech in car and rain noise.

Conclusion

The findings show that training benefits can show some generalization from speech-in-babble noise to speech in other types of environmental noise. Both groups sustained their learning over a period of several weeks for speech-in-babble noise. As the control group received equal exposure to all three noise types, the sustained learning with babble noise, but not other noises, implies that a structural feature of babble noise was conducive to the sustained improvement. These findings emphasize the importance of considering the background noise as well as the target stimuli in auditory perceptual learning studies.
Radiomics Nomograms Based on Multi-Parametric MRI for Preoperative Differential Diagnosis of Malignant and Benign Sinonasal Tumors: A Two-Centre Study
Authors: Bi Shu-cheng , Zhang Han , Wang He-xiang , Ge Ya-qiong , Zhang Peng , Wang Zhen-chang , Hao Da-peng
Published: May 2021

Objectives

To investigate the efficacy of multi-parametric MRI-based radiomics nomograms for preoperative distinction between benign and malignant sinonasal tumors.

Methods

Data of 244 patients with sinonasal tumor (training set, n=192; test set, n=52) who had undergone pre-contrast MRI, and 101 patients who underwent post-contrast MRI (training set, n=74; test set, n=27) were retrospectively analyzed. Independent predictors of malignancy were identified and their performance were evaluated. Seven radiomics signatures (RSs) using maximum relevance minimum redundancy (mRMR), and the least absolute shrinkage selection operator (LASSO) algorithm were established. The radiomics nomograms, comprising the clinical model and the RS algorithms were built: one based on pre-contrast MRI (RNWOC); the other based on pre-contrast and post-contrast MRI (RNWC). The performances of the models were evaluated with area under the curve (AUC), calibration, and decision curve analysis (DCA) respectively.

Results

The efficacy of the clinical model (AUC=0.81) of RNWC was higher than that of the model (AUC=0.76) of RNWOC in the test set. There was no significant difference in the AUC of radiomic algorithms in the test set. The RS-T1T2 (AUC=0.74) and RS-T1T2T1C (RSWC, AUC=0.81) achieved a good distinction efficacy in the test set. The RNWC and the RNWOC showed excellent distinction (AUC=0.89 and 0.82 respectively) in the test set. The DCA of the nomograms showed better clinical usefulness than the clinical models and radiomics signatures.

Conclusions

The radiomics nomograms combining the clinical model and RS can be accurately, safely and efficiently used to distinguish between benign and malignant sinonasal tumors.