bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Development and validation of a survival model for lung adenocarcinoma based on autophagy-associated genes
Authors: Wang Xiaofei , Yao Shuang , Xiao Zengtuan , Gong Jialin , Liu Zuo , Han Baoai , Zhang Zhenfa
Published: April 2020

Background

Given that abnormal autophagy is involved in the pathogenesis of cancers, we sought to explore the potential value of autophagy-associated genes in lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD).

Methods

RNA sequencing and clinical data on tumour and normal samples were acquired from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) database and randomly assigned to training and testing groups. Differentially expressed autophagy-associated genes (AAGs) were screened. Within the training group, Cox regression and Lasso regression analyses were conducted to screen five prognostic AAGs, which were used to develop a model. Kaplan–Meier (KM) and receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves were plotted to determine the performance of the model in both groups. Immunohistochemistry was used to demonstrate the differential expression of AAGs in tumour and normal tissues at the protein level. Gene Ontology (GO) functional annotation and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway enrichment analyses were utilized to further elucidate the roles of AAGs in LUAD.

Results

The data from the TCGA database included 497 tumour and 54 normal samples, within which 30 differentially expressed AAGs were screened. Using Cox regression and Lasso regression analyses for the training group, 5 prognostic AAGs were identified and the prognostic model was constructed. Patients with low risk had better overall survival (OS) in the training group (3-year OS, 73.0% vs 48.0%; 5-year OS, 45.0% vs 33.8%; P = 1.305E−04) and in the testing group (3-year OS, 66.8% vs 41.2%; 5-year OS, 31.7% vs 25.8%; P = 1.027E−03). The areas under the ROC curves (AUC) were significant for both the training and testing groups (3-year AUC, 0.810 vs 0.894; 5-year AUC, 0.792 vs 0.749).

Conclusions

We developed a survival model for LUAD and validated the performance of the model, which may provide superior outcomes for the patients.
Transcriptomic profiling of microglia and astrocytes throughout aging
Authors: Pan Jie , Ma Nana , Yu Bo , Zhang Wei , Wan Jun
Published: April 2020

Background

Activation of microglia and astrocytes, a prominent hallmark of both aging and Alzheimer’s disease (AD), has been suggested to contribute to aging and AD progression, but the underlying cellular and molecular mechanisms are largely unknown.

Methods

We performed RNA-seq analyses on microglia and astrocytes freshly isolated from wild-type and APP-PS1 (AD) mouse brains at five time points to elucidate their age-related gene-expression profiles.

Results

Our results showed that from 4 months onward, a set of age-related genes in microglia and astrocytes exhibited consistent upregulation or downregulation (termed “age-up”/“age-down” genes) relative to their expression at the young-adult stage (2 months). And most age-up genes were more highly expressed in AD mice at the same time points. Bioinformatic analyses revealed that the age-up genes in microglia were associated with the inflammatory response, whereas these genes in astrocytes included widely recognized AD risk genes, genes associated with synaptic transmission or elimination, and peptidase-inhibitor genes.

Conclusions

Overall, our RNA-seq data provide a valuable resource for future investigations into the roles of microglia and astrocytes in aging- and amyloid-β-induced AD pathologies.
The outcome for surgical fixation of distal radial fractures in patients with idiopathic Parkinson’s disease: a cohort study
Authors: Chou Te-Feng Arthur , Chang Chun Yao , Huang Chun-Ching , Chang Ming-Chau , Chen Wei-Ming , Huang Tung-Fu
Published: April 2020

Introduction

Idiopathic Parkinson’s disease (PD) is a progressive neurologic disorder causing postural instability and unsteady gait. These patients are at increased risk for fractures and have inferior outcomes after treatment. Several studies have evaluated the incidence and outcome of PD patients after hip fractures. However, there are limited studies assessing the outcome of upper extremity fractures in these patients. In this study, we evaluated the outcome of PD patients that received surgical intervention for distal radial fractures (DRF). We hypothesize that these patients have an inferior outcome after surgery in comparison with non-PD patients.

Methods

Between May 2005 and May 2017, we retrospectively reviewed all of the patients with DRF and subsequently underwent open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF) at a level 1 trauma center. All of the surgeries were performed by fellowship-trained orthopedic surgeons. The inclusion criteria include patients with a definitive diagnosis of PD, non-pathological DRF, and a minimum follow-up of 1 year or up until the time of treatment failure was noted. Each PD patient was matched for age and gender to 3 non-PD patients. The primary objective was to determine the failure rate after surgical fixation for DRF. The secondary outcomes include time to treatment failure, reoperation rate, readmission rate, length of hospital stay, and postoperative complications.

Results

A total of 88 patients were included in this study (23 PD, 65 non-PD patients). All underwent ORIF and received standard postoperative follow-ups. The overall treatment failure rate in PD was 39.1% vs. 4.6% in the non-PD group (p < 0.05). The time to treatment failure were 9.11 ± 3.86 weeks and 14.67 ± 5.8 weeks for PD and non-PD, respectively (p < 0.05). PD patients had a significantly higher rate of failure when k-wires and ESF were used (p < 0.05%), while loss of reduction was the most common mode of failure in PD (44.4%). The length of hospital stay for PD was 5.3 ± 4.69 days compared with 3.78 ± 0.96 days for non-PD (p = 0.01). There were 3 PD patients readmitted within 30 days after surgery, and 1 patient had pneumonia after the surgery.

Conclusion

This study revealed that patients with PD have a high treatment failure rate despite surgical intervention for DRF. PD patients had a longer hospital stay and had a shorter time to treatment failure. In treating PD patients complicated with DRF, the surgeon must take into consideration the complex disease course of PD and the associated comorbidities such as osteoporosis, frail status, and frequent falls. Rehabilitation and disposition plans should be discussed in advance and longer hospital stays should be expected.

Level of evidenceLevel IV, retrospective cohort study
The usefulness of C-reactive protein as a biomarker in predicting neonatal sepsis in a sub-Saharan African region
Authors: Bunduki Gabriel Kambale , Adu-Sarkodie Yaw
Published: April 2020

Objective

The early diagnosis of neonatal sepsis remains a challenge for physicians. The initiation or/and discontinuation of the empirical antibiotic therapy at neonates with sepsis is a dilemma due to the lack of definitive diagnosis and the fear of misdiagnosing a case with its serious outcomes, which can follow up. Therefore, this study aimed to assess the usefulness of C-reactive protein (CRP) as an inflammatory biomarker in the prediction of the neonatal sepsis diagnosis in Butembo, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, in sub-Saharan Africa. Blood culture and quantitative CRP measurements were performed for each neonate. Receiver operating characteristics (ROC) analyses were done in the assessment of CRP accuracy in diagnosing neonatal sepsis.

Results

Of the 228 neonates screened for sepsis, 69 (30.3%) had a positive blood culture. Of the 228 neonates with suspected sepsis, 94 (41.2%) had a positive CRP. Among the 69 cases with positive blood culture, CRP identified 66 cases. The sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative predictive values of CRP were 95.7%, 82.4%, 70.2%, and 97.8%, respectively. The area under the curve (AUC) for the CRP ROC analysis was 0.948. CRP showed its usefulness in the diagnosis of neonatal sepsis.
Automated gene data integration with Databio
Authors: Reid Robert W. , Ferrier Jacob W. , Jay Jeremy J.
Published: April 2020

Objective

Although sequencing and other high-throughput data production technologies are increasingly affordable, data analysis and interpretation remains a significant factor in the cost of -omics studies. Despite the broad acceptance of findable, accessible, interoperable, and reusable (FAIR) data principles which focus on data discoverability and annotation, data integration remains a significant bottleneck in linking prior work in order to better understand novel research. Relevant and timely information discovery is difficult for increasingly multi-disciplinary projects when scientists cannot easily keep up with work across multiple fields. Computational tools are necessary to accurately describe data contents, and empower linkage to existing resources without prior knowledge of the various database resources.

Results

We developed the Databio tool, accessible at https://datab.io/, to automate data parsing, identifier detection, and streamline common tasks to provide a point-and-click approach to data manipulation and integration in life sciences research and translational medicine. Databio uses fast real-time data structures and a data warehouse of 137 million identifiers, with automated heuristics to describe data provenance without highly specialized knowledge or bioinformatics training.
Activated phosphoinositide 3-kinase delta syndrome 1 and 2 (APDS 1 and APDS 2): similarities and differences based on clinical presentation in two boys
Authors: Ewertowska Marlena , Grześk Elżbieta , Urbańczyk Anna , Dąbrowska Anna , Bąbol-Pokora Katarzyna , Łęcka Monika , Kołtan Sylwia
Published: April 2020

Background

Activated PI3K delta syndrome (APDS) belongs to the heterogeneous group of primary immunodeficiency disorders (PIDs). Progress in next-generation sequencing (NGS) enabled identification of gain-of-function mutations in phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K) genes. Depending on the type of causative mutation, APDS is classified into two types: APDS 1 and APDS 2. To date, less than 100 cases of APDS have been reported. Clinical symptoms of APDS result from impaired immune regulation and are clinically manifested by recurrent infections, allergies, lymphoproliferation and autoimmunity. They show similarity to other PIDs. Therefore, many patients were diagnosed incorrectly. The availability of genetic testing has allowed establishing the correct diagnosis in increasing number of patients suffering from APDS.

Case presentations

The first male patient presented in infancy with recurrent infections. Subsequently he was found to suffer from hepatosplenomegaly, early portal hypertension, massive lymphoproliferation and hypogammaglobulinemia. The common E1021K mutation in the PI3KCD gene was identified. The patient underwent successful hematopoietic stem cell transplantation with resolution of most symptoms. The second patient suffered from persistent growth retardation since early life, facial dysmorphism and recurrent respiratory infections from early childhood. He was found to have systemic lympho-proliferation, panhypoglobulinemia and impaired antibody responses to vaccines. The introduction of NGS in Poland enabled rapid identification of a mutation in the PI3KR1 gene. Growth hormone administration seemed to have worsened the lymphoproliferation.

Conclusions

Patients with suspected common variable immunodeficiency (CVID) and additional symptoms, such as allergy, facial dysmorphia, short stature, enhanced lymphoproliferation and lack of adequate response to human immunoglobulin replacement therapy, should be considered for NGS-based genetic testing. It may substantially shorten the time needed to establish the correct diagnosis, direct appropriate treatment and avoid potentially harmful therapies. To date, few cases of APDS have been described. It is important to report each of them to establish clinical indices and laboratory biomarkers of APDS 1 and APDS 2, to develop the standards of care in these conditions.
The existence of solutions for nonlinear fractional boundary value problem and its Lyapunov-type inequality involving conformable variable-order derivative
Authors: Wang Jie , Zhang Shuqin
Published: April 2020

We consider a nonlinear fractional boundary value problem involving conformable variable-order derivative with Dirichlet conditions. We prove the existence of solutions to the considered problem by using the upper and lower solutions’ method with Schauder’s fixed-point theorem. In addition, under some assumptions on the nonlinear term, a new Lyapunov-type inequality is given for the corresponding boundary value problem. The obtained inequality provides a necessary condition for the existence of nontrivial solutions to the considered problem and a method to prove uniqueness for the nonhomogeneous boundary value problem. These new results are illustrated through examples.
Letter to the editor regarding the article ‘EFSA’s toxicological assessment of aspartame: was it even-handedly trying to identify possible unreliable positives and unreliable negatives?’
Authors: Kass George E. N. , Lodi Federica
Published: April 2020

This letter is in response to a recent paper by Millstone and Dawson (2019) in which the authors criticise the re-evaluation of the high intensity sweetener aspartame in 2013 by the former EFSA’s Panel on Food Additives and Nutrient Sources added to Food, on the grounds that EFSA did not follow its own procedures for its risk assessment. Moreover, the authors claim that the appraisal of the available studies was asymmetrically more alert to putative false positives than to possible false negatives. In this letter it is shown that the methodology for collection and selection of the scientific information used as a basis for the aspartame risk assessment, and the inclusion/exclusion criteria applied were defined a priori and documented in the published opinion. Furthermore, the Panel applied a Weight-of-Evidence approach combined with an analysis of the biological relevance of the appraised and validated evidence for its analysis, integration and interpretation, followed by an uncertainty analysis. Finally, an analysis of the distribution of negative versus positive outcome of the studies in the context of reliability showed that the claim of bias in the scientific risk assessment of aspartame is not substantiated.
Renal artery stenosis presenting as preeclampsia
Authors: Omar Michael Brandon , Kogler William , Maharaj Satish , Aung Win
Published: April 2020

Background

Renal artery stenosis is a notorious cause of secondary hypertension which classically presents as chronic refractory hypertension, recurrent flash pulmonary edema or renal insufficiency after initiation of an angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitor. Rarely, there have been reported cases of pregnant patients presenting with new onset or superimposed preeclampsia secondary to renovascular hypertension. In this subset of patients, renovascular hypertension carries significantly higher risks including obstetric, fetal and medical emergencies and death. Prompt treatment is required. However, the teratogenic risks of radiological investigations and antihypertensive medications limit diagnostic and management options thus posing quite a dilemma.

Case presentation

A 38-year-old female, at 33 weeks of gestation, was hospitalized for preeclampsia with severe features. A viable neonate had been expeditiously delivered yet the patient’s post-partum blood pressures remained severely elevated despite multi-class anti-hypertensive therapy. Renal artery dopplers revealed greater than 60% stenosis of the proximal left renal artery and at least 60% stenosis of the right renal artery. Renal angiography showed 50% stenosis of the left proximal renal artery for which balloon angioplasty and stenting was performed. The right renal artery demonstrated less than 50% stenosis with an insignificant hemodynamic gradient, thus was not stented. Following revascularization, the patient’s blood pressure improved within 48 h, on dual oral antihypertensive therapy.

Conclusions

Preeclampsia that is refractory to multi-drug antihypertensive therapy should raise suspicion for renal artery stenosis. Suspected patients can be screened safely with Doppler ultrasonography which can be then followed by angiography. Even if renal artery stenosis does not seem severe, early renal revascularization may be considered in patients with severe preeclampsia who do not respond to antihypertensive management.
Workplace-related stress among oncologists: Egyptian single-centered observational study
Authors: Soltan M. R. , Al-Hassanin S. A. , Soliman S. S. , Gohar S. F.
Published: April 2020

Background

The oncologists are facing more challenges than ever before in their work with cancer patients. The aim of the study is to assess the level of work-related stress among oncology clinicians and to compare it with non-oncologists. Thirty oncologists working at clinical oncology department at Menoufia University hospitals, Egypt, were compared to an equal number of non-oncologists matched for the same gender and work duration. After consent, all the participants were interviewed using a structured questionnaire to collect background information and the workplace stress scale (WSS) was used to ascertain their stress level.

Results

The percentage distribution of different grades of WSS among the two groups did not show any significant difference (P = 0.84). Gender had no significant association to the mean score of WSS (P > 0.05). All the juniors (residents) in this study with work duration ≤ 3 years had significantly higher levels of WSS than seniors (> 3 years), P < 0.001. Among oncologists or non-oncologists, juniors showed significantly higher levels of WSS than seniors (P = 0.003 and < 0.001 respectively). However, junior oncologists had no significant difference than junior non-oncologists and seniors in both groups did not show any significant difference regarding the mean score of WSS.

Conclusion

All the workers within the two groups had experienced work-related stress. However, there was no statistically significant difference among them regarding the different grades of work place stress scale.
A compact conductor-backed CPW-based dual bandpass filter for satellite S-band and C-band
Authors: Oudaya Coumar S. , Tamilselvan S.
Published: April 2020

An efficient and compact dual bandpass filter having single narrow rejection band between S-band and C-band using CPW arrangement is proposed. The half wavelength square resonator is used in ground surface to eliminate certain frequency bands. The transmission zero of rejection band is restricted by modifying the dimension of the resonator. The CPW-based DB-BPF is simulated and tested with its equivalent prototype. This work emphasizes DB-BPF with square resonator coupling constructed on CPW process. An innovative integration of circular resonator incorporated with inter-digital line coupling in the top surface of the substrate and square resonator at the bottom surface of the substrate produces wide band and narrow stop band, respectively. The DB-BPF has remarkable bandwidth from 2 to 3.8 GHz and 4.3 to 7.8 GHz as S-band and C-band, respectively. Hence, the overall bandwidth of the filter is 5.3 GHz (1.8 GHz and 3.5 GHz). The filter performances are evaluated and analyzed through the factors like S-parameters, Q-factor and group delay. The overall dimension of DB-BPF is achieved to be (39 × 4.5 × 1.6) mm3, which is very much compact in dimension. The filter characteristics show the return loss of − 35.2 dB and insertion loss of − 1.2 dB which are validated by measured results.
A combinatorial code of transcription factors specifies subtypes of visual motion-sensing neurons in Drosophila
Authors: Hoermann Nikolai , Schilling Tabea , Haji Ali Aicha , Serbe Etienne , Mayer Christian , Borst Alexander , Pujol-Martí Jesús
Published: April 2020

Direction-selective T4/T5 neurons exist in four subtypes, each tuned to visual motion along one of the four cardinal directions. Along with their directional tuning, neurons of each T4/T5 subtype orient their dendrites and project their axons in a subtype-specific manner. Directional tuning, thus, appears strictly linked to morphology in T4/T5 neurons. How the four T4/T5 subtypes acquire their distinct morphologies during development remains largely unknown. Here, we investigated when and how the dendrites of the four T4/T5 subtypes acquire their specific orientations, and profiled the transcriptomes of all T4/T5 neurons during this process. This revealed a simple and stable combinatorial code of transcription factors defining the four T4/T5 subtypes during their development. Changing the combination of transcription factors of specific T4/T5 subtypes resulted in predictable and complete conversions of subtype-specific properties, i.e. dendrite orientation and matching axon projection pattern. Therefore, a combinatorial code of transcription factors coordinates the development of dendrite and axon morphologies to generate anatomical specializations differentiating subtypes of T4/T5 motion-sensing neurons.
The control of metabolic traits by octopamine and tyramine in invertebrates
Authors: Roeder Thomas
Published: April 2020

Octopamine (OA) and tyramine (TA) are closely related biogenic monoamines that act as signalling compounds in invertebrates, where they fulfil the roles played by adrenaline and noradrenaline in vertebrates. Just like adrenaline and noradrenaline, OA and TA are extremely pleiotropic substances that regulate a wide variety of processes, including metabolic pathways. However, the role of OA and TA in metabolism has been largely neglected. The principal aim of this Review is to discuss the roles of OA and TA in the control of metabolic processes in invertebrate species. OA and TA regulate essential aspects of invertebrate energy homeostasis by having substantial effects on both energy uptake and energy expenditure. These two monoamines regulate several different factors, such as metabolic rate, physical activity, feeding rate or food choice that have a considerable influence on effective energy intake and all the principal contributors to energy consumption. Thereby, OA and TA regulate both metabolic rate and physical activity. These effects should not be seen as isolated actions of these neuroactive compounds but as part of a comprehensive regulatory system that allows the organism to switch from one physiological state to another.
Effectiveness of pre-operative anaemia screening and increased Tranexamic acid dose on outcomes following unilateral primary, elective total hip or knee replacement: a statistical analysis plan for an interrupted time series and regression discontinuity study
Authors: Scrimshire Ashley B. , Fairhurst Caroline , McDaid Catriona , Torgerson David J.
Published: April 2020

Perioperative blood transfusion is associated with poorer postoperative outcomes following hip and knee replacement surgery. Evidence for the effectiveness of some measures aimed at reducing blood transfusions in this setting are limited and often rely on weak pre-post study designs. Quasi-experimental study designs such as interrupted time series (ITS) and regression discontinuity design (RDD) address many of the weaknesses of the pre-post study design. In addition, a priori publication of statistical analysis plans for such studies increases their transparency and likely validity, as readers are able to distinguish between pre-planned and exploratory analyses. As such, this article, written prospective of any analysis, provides the statistical analysis plan for an ITS and RDD study based on a data set of 20,772 primary elective hip and knee replacement patients in a single English NHS Trust. The primary aim is to evaluate the impact of a preoperative anaemia optimisation service on perioperative blood transfusion (within 7 days of surgery) using both ITS and RDD methods. A secondary aim is to evaluate the impact of a policy of increased tranexamic acid dose given at the time of surgery, using ITS methods.
Liderança organizacional: uma revisão integrativa brasileira
Authors: Silva Caio Pedrinho da , Paschoalotto Marco Antonio Catussi , Endo Gustavo Yuho
Published: April 2020

O presente artigo analisou de forma integrativa e sistêmica os trabalhos de liderança publicados em periódicos nacionais de 2010 a 2018 por meio da plataforma CAPES, onde foram filtrados os estudos de liderança com strings de busca e critérios de restrição em 3 etapas, gerando uma amostra final de 29 artigos. Os resultados apontaram que os assuntos mais abordados dentro da temática são a respeito dos estilos de liderança, com foco na transformacional e transacional; e temas como coaching e liderança feminina apresentaram poucos artigos. Ao final, esse estudo demonstrou uma agenda de pesquisa a ser seguida.
Technology cleaning houses and apartments
Authors: Shitov Viktor
Published: April 2020

The textbook describes the types and content of the work of cleaning and maintaining order of premises, care of furniture, care of household items and everyday life, technology and modern means of cleaning, household chemicals, equipment for cleaning of premises. In detail we considered six practical work and independent work in studying the discipline of MDK.01.02 "Technology of homemaking".
Can be used in the development of the discipline "Technology of homemaking" module PM.01 "Management of housekeeping" for specialty 43.02.08 "home Services and utilities".
For students of institutions of secondary professional education.
The superelements. Modeling of oil fields development
Authors: Mazo Aleksandr , Potashev Konstantin
Published: April 2020

This monograph presents the basics of super-element modeling method of two-phase fluid flows occurring during the development of oil reservoir. The simulation is performed in two stages to reduce the spatial and temporal scales of the studied processes. In the first stage of modeling of development of oil deposits built long-term (for decades) the model of the global dynamics of the flooding on the super-element computational grid with a step equal to the average distance between wells (200-500 m). Local filtration flow, caused by the action of geological and technical methods of stimulation, are modeled in the second stage using a special mathematical models using computational grids with high resolution detail for the space of from 0.1 to 10 m and time — from 102 to 105 C.
The results of application of the presented models to the solution of practical tasks of development of oil reservoir. Special attention is paid to the issue of value transfer in filtration-capacitive properties of the reservoir, with a detailed grid of the geological model on the larger grid reservoir models.
Designed for professionals in the field of mathematical and numerical modeling of fluid flows occurring during the development of oil fields and using traditional commercial software packages, as well as developing their own software. May be of interest to undergraduate and graduate students studying in areas such as "Mechanics and mathematical modeling", "Applied mathematics", "Oil and gas".
IONOSPHERIC DISTURBANCES OVER EASTERN SIBERIA DURING APRIL 12–15, 2016 GEOMAGNETIC STORMS
Authors: Rubtsov Aleksandr , Maletckii Boris , Danilchuk Ekaterina , Smotrova Ekaterina , Shelkov Aleksei , Yasyukevich Anna
Published: April 2020

We present the results of the complex study of ionospheric parameter variations during two geomagnetic storms, which occurred on April 12–15, 2016. The study is based on data from a set of radiophysical and optical instruments. Both the storms with no sudden commencement were generated by high-speed streams from a coronal hole. Despite the minor intensity of the storms (Dst ≥ –55 and –59 nT), we have revealed a distinct ionospheric response to these disturbances. A negative response of electron density and F2-layer critical frequency was observed during the main phase of both the storms. The amplitude of the negative response was higher for the second storm. The period of negative electron density deviations was accompanied by an increase in the peak height, as well as by the downward plasma drift in the evening and night hours, which is not typical of quiet conditions. We have also recorded sharp peaks in the AATR (Along Arc TEC Rate) index and in total electron content noise spikes on average 2–2.5 times. This indicates an intensification of small-scale ionospheric disturbances caused by disturbed geomagnetic conditions and high substorm activity.
EFFECT OF THE SUN ON EARTHʼS SEISMICITY
Authors: Guglielmi Anatol , Klain Boris
Published: April 2020

For the experimental study of the relationship between earthquakes and solar activity, we introduce the idea of the statistical sum Z of earthquake ensemble. A number of numerical parameters of seismicity (average planetary magnitude, entropy, fluctuations of magnitude) are expressed through Z. A severe restriction is, however, imposed on the magnitude during the formation of the ensemble. We propose an alternative method. It does not have this specific restriction, although it allows us to calculate only one numerical parameter, namely the global daily magnitude Mg. Over the 20-year period from 1980 to 1999, 7300 values of Mg have been calculated. The comparison between the Mg values and Wolf numbers W made it possible to determine the effect of the Sun on earthquakes at a statistically significant level.
Breeding the ‘difficult mare’
Authors: Barker Kayleigh
Published: April 2020

Horses are known to be relatively fertile when compared with other species, which perhaps adds to a veterinary surgeon's frustration when faced with a ‘difficult mare’ or one with less than ideal fertility. The reasons a mare may be classed as difficult with regard to breeding are diverse, and this article aims to discuss some of the most common problems encountered. A systematic approach, coupled with appropriate diagnostics and treatment, will increase the likelihood of achieving pregnancy in the majority of mares, or at the very least enable us to feel we have taken all reasonable steps to achieve a pregnancy, even when we are not successful.
Failure of passive transfer in foals
Authors: Mackenzie Catriona
Published: April 2020

Foals are born with a naive immune system, and rely upon the ingestion and absorption of immunoglobulins from the dam's colostrum to obtain passive immunity. Failure of passive transfer (FPT) is the most common immunodeficiency disorder in the horse and is associated with an increased risk of infectious disease and mortality. Routine screening is recommended, to allow early detection and treatment. Management of failure of passive transfer is dependent on the age of the foal at the time of diagnosis, but primarily involves intravenous plasma administration or the administration of colostrum (orally or via nasogastric intubation). Given the association between IgG concentration and clinical outcome, early detection and management of FPT are important in reducing morbidity and mortality in neonatal foals.
Electrical Characterization of V2O5/POMA Deposited by the Casting Technique
Authors: Diniz M.O. , Cestarolli D.T. , Bianchi R.F. , Guerra E.M.
Published: April 2020

Conductive polymer derivatives, such as poly-o-methoxyaniline (POMA), have been broadly used in different applications because they present characteristics similar to those of polyaniline. POMA can intercalate into a V2O5 matrix to improve its structural and electrical properties, and thin films of V2O5/POMA can be deposited by different techniques to extend their technological applications after intercalation reactions. Then, V2O5/POMA hybrid material was deposited by casting technique and characterizated for, further, to be ued as component in amperometric ammonia gas sensor. Our results show the influence of the deposition technique on electrical properties. Indeed, the values of parameters such as resistance, interface effects and conductivity slightly change according to the deposition technique being used.
Rank of Linear and Quadratic Combinations of Matrices
Authors: Johnson Ch. R. , Pena J. M. , Szulc T.
Published: April 2020

In this paper, the rank of some combinations of matrices is analysed. In particular, the rank of all matrices on the line joining two rank $1$ matrices is characterized, and the rank of convex combinations of two matrices and quadratic combinations of three matrices is studied. Presented results concern the problem of robustness of rank under certain kinds of perturbations of a matrix.
Selective non-operative management for penetrating abdominal injury in a Dutch trauma centre
Authors: Waes OJF Van , Lieshout EMM Van , Silfhout DJ Van , Halm JA , Wijffels MME , Vledder MG Van , Graaff HP De , Verhofstad MHJ
Published: April 2020

Introduction

Selective non-operative management (SNOM) for penetrating abdominal injury (PAI) is accepted in trauma centres in South Africa and the US. Owing to the low incidence of gunshot wounds (GSWs) in Western Europe, few are inclined to practise SNOM for such injuries although it is considered for stab wounds (SWs). This study evaluated the outcome of patients admitted to a Dutch level 1 trauma centre with PAI.

Methods

A retrospective study was undertaken of all PAI patients treated over 15 years. In order to prevent bias, patients admitted six months prior to and six months following implementation of a treatment algorithm were excluded. Data concerning type of injury, injury severity score and treatment were compared.

Results

A total of 393 patients were included in the study: 278 (71%) with SWs and 115 (29%) with GSWs. Of the 178 SW patients in the SNOM group, 111 were treated before and 59 after introduction of the protocol. The SNOM success rates were 90% and 88% respectively (p=0.794). There were 43 patients with GSWs in the SNOM cohort. Of these, 32 were treated before and 11 after implementation of the algorithm, with respective success rates of 94% and 100% (p=0.304). The protocol did not bring about any significant change in the rate of non-therapeutic laparotomies for SWs or GSWs. However, the rate of admission for observation for SWs increased from 83% to 100% (p<0.001). There was a decrease in ultrasonography for SWs (from 84% to 32%, p<0.001) as well as for GSWs (from 87% to 43%, p<0.001). X-ray was also used less for GSWs after the protocol was introduced (44% vs 11%, p=0.001).

Conclusions

SNOM for PAI resulting from either SWs or GSWs can be safely practised in Western European trauma centres. Results are comparable with those in trauma centres that treat high volumes of PAI cases.
A giant ganglioneuroma accompanied with scoliosis
Authors: Zhang Q , Li F , Liu D , Zhao S
Published: April 2020

Ganglioneuroma is a rare benign neoplasm. Patients with ganglioneuroma show no symptoms. We describe a rare case of giant ganglioneuroma with scoliosis in a 35-year-old woman, who presented to our hospital for haemoptysis. We combined with neurosurgeons to remove the tumour successfully. After 16 months of follow-up, there is no evidence of tumour recurrence.
The treatment of MRONJ with recombinant human parathyroid hormone (teriparatide)
Authors: Ally Kabir , Gebauer Dieter
Published: April 2020

This review summarises the most contemporary literature available on the use of TPTD for the treatment of MRONJ.
Finite-depth and vari-focal head-mounted displays based on geometrical lightguides
Authors: Xu Miaomiao , Hua Hong
Published: April 2020

Existing waveguides and lightguides in optical see-through augmented reality (AR) displays usually guide collimated light, which results in a fixed image depth at optical infinity. In this paper, we explore the feasibility of integrating a lightguide with a varifocal optics engine to provide correct focus cues and solve the vergence-accommodation conflict in lightguide-based AR displays. The image performance and the cause of artifacts in a lightguide-based AR display with a varifocal optics engine are systematically analyzed. A non-sequential ray tracing method was developed to simulate the retinal image and quantify the effects of image focal depth on the image performance and artifacts for a vari-focal display engine of different depths. A prototype with varying image depths from 0 to 3 diopters was built and the experimental results validate the proposed system. A digital correction method is also proposed to correct the primary image artifact caused by the physical structure of the lightguide.
YVO4 cascaded Raman laser for five-visible-wavelength switchable emission
Authors: Duan Yanmin , Sun Yinglu , Zhu Haiyong , Mao Tingwei , Zhang Li , Chen Xiang
Published: April 2020

We report switchable emission of visible light at five wavelengths generated in a

YVO
4

cascaded Raman cavity driven by an acousto-optic

Q

-switched Nd:YAP laser at 1080 nm. The second-harmonic generation and sum-frequency generation of the fundamental, first-Stokes, and second-Stokes waves were realized based on the angle-tuned BBO crystal. The phase-match angle tuning span of a BBO crystal is only approximately 2.3° to allow the frequency mixing to produce five visible wavelengths on demand. At an absorbed pump power of 5.96 W and a pulse repetition frequency of 10 kHz, average output powers of 800, 340, 460, 190, and 326 mW were obtained for 539.9, 567.2, 597.4, 631.0, and 668.5 nm lasers, respectively. The results show that the cascaded Raman laser system with an angle-tuned BBO crystal can provide a convenient and efficient method to achieve wavelength-switchable visible emission for multi-wavelength laser applications.
Color moiré of a high dynamic range dual-panel LCD
Authors: Jin Liangliang , Yang Zezhou , Liu Hao , Ma Ruoyu , Zhou Hao , Sun Haiwei , Chen Ming
Published: April 2020

A mathematical formula is derived for calculating the fringe period of color moirés appearing at a high dynamic range dual-panel liquid crystal display TV module. It indicates that the fringe period is related to the pixel pattern, the rotational angle, the viewing distance, the medium and the distance between dual panels. The formula is derived in the case of air medium, but has verified to be valid in the case of glass medium for most of the actual situation. In the formula, k indicating the relation between dual panel patterns is introduced. The rule of k value has been derived and listed, making the formula work well for any two pixel pattern. The experiment and simulation have verified the validity of the mathematical formula.
Resenha de Chaisemartin, N.; Theodorescu, D. Le théâtre d’Aphrodisias : les structures scéniques. Aphrodisias 8 (2017)
Authors: Silva Duarte Adriane Da
Published: April 2020

Resenha de Chaisemartin, N.; Theodorescu, D. Le théâtre d’Aphrodisias : les structures scéniques. Aphrodisias 8 (2017)
Plato’s Theory of the Arts in the Gorgias and in the Republic
Authors: Schmid Walter Thomas
Published: April 2020

This paper examines Socrates’ theory of the arts in the Gorgias and in the Republic. It shows how that theory changes, as the discussion takes focus first in relation to moderation, then to justice, where it is tied to the idea of a techne of rule, to notions of virtuous work and civic health, and to five levels of ‘art’ represented in the cave. It argues that both Socrates’ vision of a scientific and benevolent political art and Thrasymachus’ sophistic theory of tyrannical rule are undercut in the dialogue, the former by doubts concerning the epistemic closure it seems based on, the latter by the tyrant’s character, which impels him toward self-destructive government.
Institutional Ownership, Newly Appointed CEO, and Dividend Initiation
Authors: Setiawan Rahmat , Pradana Erry Wisudawan
Published: April 2020

The purpose of this study is to examine the effect of institutional ownership on dividend initiation with newly appointed CEO holding a role as a moderating variable in non-financial companies listed on the Indonesia Stock Exchange. This research used a logistic regression model and Moderated Regression Analysis (MRA). The data were obtained from the public company's Financial Report and Annual Report published in the 2012-2017 period. Dividend initiation is the dependent variable measured using dummy variable, and institutional ownership is the independent variable proxied by the percentage of shares held by institutional investors. Newly appointed CEO is the moderating variable. The result shows that institutional ownership has a significant positive effect on dividend initiation and the newly appointed CEO strengthens the positive effect of institutional ownership on dividend initiation. It is advisable that the companies should improve their corporate governanceâ€™s quality by increasing the degree on institutional ownership.
Understanding Tax Amnesty and Tax Compliance in Indonesia: an Institutional Approach
Authors: Hermawan Marko S , Abigail Pamela , Martowidodjo Yanthi Hutagaol , Tohang Valentina
Published: April 2020

This study was motivated by one of President Joko Widodoâ€™s projects, which is to build better infrastructure in Indonesia. Tax amnesty is used as a way of receiving undeclared assets expecting that Indonesia revenues will increase. This study focuses on the perception of both tax consultants and taxpayers. The interview was conducted to explore the points of interest as it was being developed. The analysis was done using institutional theory, analysis and discussion on their behavior towards tax amnesty are given based on the result of the research. This research uses interpretivism perspective to examine the meaning created by a human that differentiate human from physical phenomena. The data were collected from secondary data, archival data and complemented with semi-structured interviews. The finding suggests three themes associated with institutionalization of taxpayer compliance, namely rules and regulation, political economy, and social powers. These themes generate pressures on coercive isomorphism, as well as normative isomorphism. The result suggests establishing synergy and a dialectical process between the tax authorities and the taxpayer in conducting coaching, monitoring and fair enforcing of law to support taxpayer compliance.
The Rift of Éire
Authors: Foster John Bellamy , Clark Brett
Published: April 2020

Karl Marx's (and Frederick Engels's) analysis of nineteenth-century Irish history revealed what is referred to as "the rift of Éire" in the colonial period. Indeed, it is in relation to the analysis of the systematic disruption of the Irish environment that Marx's ecological inquiries can be seen as taking on a concrete and developed form, encompassing the ecological as well as economic robbery that characterized the Irish colonial regime.
Die systematische Evaluation medizinischer Interventionen am Beispiel Erythropoetin bei Tumoranämie
Authors: Wild C.
Published: April 2020

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NATO Advanced Research Workshop on Knowledge, Technology Transfer and Forecasting organized by IATAFI and IKU
Authors: Redaktion TATuP
Published: April 2020

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Per Maus-Klick durch das TA-Netzwerk
Authors: Rohr M.
Published: April 2020

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Główne przyczyny akceptacji przemocy niepaństwowych ugrupowań zbrojnych we współczesnym Afganistanie
Authors: Jureńczyk Łukasz
Published: April 2020

Celem artykułu jest analiza głównych przyczyn akceptacji przemocy niepaństwowych ugrupowań zbrojnych we współczesnym Afganistanie. Problem badawczy ujęty został w pytaniu, jakie są główne przyczyny akceptacji przez część społeczeństwa afgańskiego prowadzenia działań zbrojnych przez podmioty niepaństwowe? Chodzi głównie o radykalne grupy islamistyczne, watażków i ich nielegalne milicje, ale także o organizacje terrorystyczne i przestępcze. Wśród głównych przyczyn autor wskazuje ingerencję mocarstw, okupację i działania wojsk koalicyjnych; konflikt kulturowy i godzenie w wartości kulturowe; korupcję i niekompetencję władz; konflikty wewnętrzne oraz narkobiznes. Mają one charakter zarówno historyczny, polityczny, kulturowy, społeczny i ekonomiczny, a w ich tle znajdują się przesłanki natury psychologicznej. Ponadto są złożone i wzajemnie ze sobą powiązane. Spajają je wspólne elementy, takie jak odmienne postrzeganie tych samych zjawisk przez strony konfliktu, rozbieżny światopogląd i system wartości oraz kolizyjne lub sprzeczne cele i interesy. W ramach postkolonialnego nurtu podejścia do bezpieczeństwa szczególne znaczenie odgrywają historyczne i współczesne stosunki z mocarstwami. Przemoc zbrojna każdego roku pochłania w Afganistanie tysiące ofiar. Przyczyny tej przemocy, natura konfliktu i specyfika walczących stron powodują, że w najbliższym czasie nie należy się spodziewać zmniejszenia poziomu przemocy zbrojnej w Afganistanie. Społeczność międzynarodowa nie może odwrócić się od Afganistanu, ponieważ to doprowadziłoby do jeszcze poważniejszej destabilizacji kraju i w konsekwencji odzyskania władzy przez talibów.
Polityczne uwarunkowania wschodnioazjatyckiego modelu rozwoju: ustrój, instytucje i warunki zewnętrzne
Authors: Bolesta Andrzej
Published: April 2020

Artykuł analizuje polityczne uwarunkowania wschodnioazjatyckiego modelu rozwoju, skupiając się na ustroju politycznym, instytucjach oraz warunkach zewnętrznych. Model ów odpowiada za spektakularne osiągnięcia rozwojowe niektórych państw Azji Wschodniej i opiera się na koncepcji państwa rozwojowego, którego głównym celem jest nadrabianie zaległości rozwojowych wobec państw wysoko rozwiniętych. Analiza ma za zadanie odpowiedzenie na pytanie dotyczące preferowanego typu ustroju politycznego dla realizacji celów państwa rozwojowego, określenie kluczowych dla jego funkcjonowania instytucji oraz opisanie specyficznych zewnętrznych warunków politycznych.

W toku analizy stwierdzono, iż koncepcję można wprowadzić zarówno w państwach o ustroju demokratycznym, jak i autorytarnym. Państwo autorytarne może posiadać lepsze środowisko polityczne dla celów państwa rozwojowego, niemniej jednak sam system polityczny ma znaczenie drugorzędne. Kluczowe są natomiast odpowiednie i dobrze funkcjonujące instytucje, takie jak prawa własności i umiejętność korygowania nieprawidłowości w funkcjonowaniu rynku. Państwo rozwojowe jest państwem silnym, zdolnym do zmobilizowania społeczeństwa i sektora biznesowego na rzecz celów rozwojowych. Jego pozycja jest częściowo wynikiem uwarunkowań zewnętrznych. Historyczne państwa rozwojowe powstały w okresie zimnej wojny, a sytuacja międzynarodowa ułatwiała mobilizację społeczeństwa i zapewniała wsparcie polityczne i gospodarcze Stanów Zjednoczonych.
European Union consumer policy on product safety in years 2002–2014
Authors: Malczyńska-Biały Mira
Published: April 2020

The article aims to analyse consumer policy in the field of product safety in the European Union after 2002. In particular the considerations focus on the legislative and standardization activities of the Union in the area of product safety. The article synthesised selected acts of European Union law in the field of product safety. In particular, the basic objectives of consumer policy after 2002 were presented in the context of product safety. It also pointed to the essence of the standardization process of the product safety standards in the European Union. It was pointed out that the RAPEX and RASFF systems contribute to consumer safety. The final part of the article contains considerations on the legitimacy and real impact of the standardization process in the field of product safety.