bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Sex-dependent effect of perinatal hypoxia on cardiac tolerance to oxygen deprivation in adults
Authors: Ostadal B. , Ostadalova I. , Szarszoi O. , Netuka I. , Olejnickova V. , Hlavackova M.
Published: July 2020

Epidemiological studies have demonstrated a relationship between the adverse influence of perinatal development and increased risk of ischemic heart disease in adults. From negative factors to which the fetus is subjected, the most important is hypoxia. The fetus may experience hypoxic stress under different conditions, including pregnancy at high altitude, pregnancy with anemia, placental insufficiency, and heart, lung, and kidney disease. One of the most common insults during the early stages of postnatal development is hypoxemia due to congenital cyanotic heart defects. Experimental studies have demonstrated a link between early hypoxia and increased risk of ischemia/reperfusion injury (I/R) in adults. Furthermore, it has been observed that late myocardial effects of chronic hypoxia, experienced in early life, may be sex-dependent. Unlike in males, perinatal hypoxia significantly increased cardiac tolerance to acute I/R injury in adult females, expressed as decreased infarct size and lower incidence of ischemic arrhythmias. It was suggested that early hypoxia may result in sex-dependent programming of specific genes in the offspring with the consequence of increased cardiac susceptibility to I/R injury in adult males. These results would have important clinical implications, since cardiac sensitivity to oxygen deprivation in adult patients may be significantly influenced by perinatal hypoxia in a sex-dependent manner.
Usability Studies of an Egocentric Vision-Based Robotic Wheelchair
Authors: Kutbi Mohammed , Du Xiaoxue , Chang Yizhe , Sun Bo , Agadakos Nikolaos , Li Haoxiang , Hua Gang , Mordohai Philippos
Published: July 2020

Motivated by the need to improve the quality of life for the elderly and disabled individuals who rely on wheelchairs for mobility, and who may have limited or no hand functionality at all, we propose an egocentric computer vision based co-robot wheelchair to enhance their mobility without hand usage. The robot is built using a commercially available powered wheelchair modified to be controlled by head motion. Head motion is measured by tracking an egocentric camera mounted on the user’s head and faces outward. Compared with previous approaches to hands-free mobility, our system provides a more natural human robot interface because it enables the user to control the speed and direction of motion in a continuous fashion, as opposed to providing a small number of discrete commands. This article presents three usability studies, which were conducted on 37 subjects. The first two usability studies focus on comparing the proposed control method with existing solutions while the third study was conducted to assess the effectiveness of training subjects to operate the wheelchair over several sessions. A limitation of our studies is that they have been conducted with healthy participants. Our findings, however, pave the way for further studies with subjects with disabilities.
Computational Methods for Analysis of Large-Scale CRISPR Screens
Authors: Lin Xueqiu , Chemparathy Augustine , La Russa Marie , Daley Timothy , Qi Lei S.
Published: July 2020

Large-scale CRISPR-Cas pooled screens have shown great promise to investigate functional links between genotype and phenotype at the genome-wide scale. In addition to technological advancement, there is a need to develop computational methods to analyze the large datasets obtained from high-throughput CRISPR screens. Many computational methods have been developed to identify reliable gene hits from various screens. In this review, we provide an overview of the technology development of CRISPR screening platforms, with a focus on recent advances in computational methods to identify and model gene effects using CRISPR screen datasets. We also discuss existing challenges and opportunities for future computational methods development.
Morphology Dependent Conductivity and Photoconductivity of Ionic Porphyrin Crystalline Assemblies
Authors: Borders Bryan C. , Hipps K. W. , Mazur Ursula
Published: July 2020

The influence of morphology on the photoconductive properties of binary ionic porphyrin assemblies is examined. Micro-to millimeter sized crystalline rods and complex hyperbranched structures, or sheaves, were grown in a controlled manner by combining stoichiometric amounts of meso-tetra(4-aminophenyl)porphyrin, H2[H2TAPP]2+, and meso-tetra(4-sulfonatophenyl)porphyrin, [H4TSPP]2−, metal-free ionic tectons. The H2TAPP:H4TSPP structures were characterized by X-ray diffraction, microscopic methods, optical spectroscopy, conductivity and photoconductivity measurements. The two different H2TAPP:H4TSPP morphologies (rods and sheaves) exhibit similar molecular organization and crystal structure but possess different optoelectronic properties. The rods and sheaves exhibit weak dark conductivity and become more conducting upon illumination into the tetrapyroles Soret and Q bands. The primary charge carriers in these solids upon photoexcitation are electrons and the charge recombination mechanism follows monomolecular kinetics. The sheaves also display some persistent photoconductivity, as well as a long “grow in” period of the photoconductivity upon initial illumination. Both of these actions may be attributed to the presence of defects in the sheaves that form during their growth. The measured photoresponse of the H2TAPP:H4TSPP sheaves is higher than that of the rods. This work provides evidence that optoelectronic properties of organic semiconductors can be effectively tuned by controlling their molecular organization and growth morphology.
Mechanism of Follicular Helper T Cell Differentiation Regulated by Transcription Factors
Authors: Ji Long-Shan , Sun Xue-Hua , Zhang Xin , Zhou Zhen-Hua , Yu Zhuo , Zhu Xiao-Jun , Huang Ling-Ying , Fang Miao , Gao Ya-Ting , Li Man , Gao Yue-Qiu
Published: July 2020

Helping B cells and antibody responses is a major function of CD4+T helper cells. Follicular helper T (Tfh) cells are identified as a subset of CD4+T helper cells, which is specialized in helping B cells in the germinal center reaction. Tfh cells express high levels of CXCR5, PD-1, IL-21, and other characteristic markers. Accumulating evidence has demonstrated that the dysregulation of Tfh cells is involved in infectious, inflammatory, and autoimmune diseases, including lymphocytic choriomeningitis virus (LCMV) infection, inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), rheumatoid arthritis (RA), IgG4-related disease (IgG4-RD), Sjögren syndrome (SS), and type 1 diabetes (T1D). Activation of subset-specific transcription factors is the essential step for Tfh cell differentiation. The differentiation of Tfh cells is regulated by a complicated network of transcription factors, including positive factors (Bcl6, ATF-3, Batf, IRF4, c-Maf, and so on) and negative factors (Blimp-1, STAT5, IRF8, Bach2, and so on). The current knowledge underlying the molecular mechanisms of Tfh cell differentiation at the transcriptional level is summarized in this paper, which will provide many perspectives to explore the pathogenesis and treatment of the relevant immune diseases.
Relationship between SP142 PD-L1 Expression and 18F-FDG Uptake in Non-Small-Cell Lung Cancer
Authors: Zhao Long , Liu Jinjun , Shi Jingyun , Wang Huoqiang
Published: July 2020

Objectives. Immune checkpoint blockers constitute the first-line treatment for advanced non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) with ≥50% PD-L1 expression. In NSCLC, PD-L1 positivity is correlated with high 18F-fluorodeoxyglucose (18F-FDG) uptake. However, these studies only included patients undergoing surgical resection, almost all in their early stages. Moreover, differences in 18F-FDG uptake between NSCLC with high (≥50%) and low (49%) PD-L1 expression remain unknown. We aimed to investigate the association between metabolic parameter 18F-FDG uptake and PD-L1 expression status in NSCLC patients. Methods. From February 2017 to June 2018, 428 consecutive NSCLC patients who underwent 18F-FDG positron emission tomography/computed tomography (PET/CT) and SP142 PD-L1 expression analysis were retrospectively assessed. The association between clinicopathological characteristics and PD-L1 expression was examined. Results. The frequency of PD-L1-positive tumors was 38.1% (163/428), 28.5% (91/319), and 64.2% (61/95) for NSCLC, adenocarcinoma (ADC), and squamous cell carcinoma (SCC), respectively. Maximal standard uptake (SUVmax) was significantly higher in PD-L1-positive than in PD-L1-negative NSCLC (p<0.0001), ADC (p<0.0001), and SCC (p=0.006). SUVmax was significantly higher in NSCLC (p=0.001) and ADC (p=0.003) with high rather than low PD-L1 expression. The receiver operating characteristic curve yielded area under the curve values of 0.726 (95% CI, 0.679–0.774, p<0.0001), 0.694 (95% CI, 0.634–0.755, p<0.0001), and 0.625 (95% CI, 0.513–0.738, p=0.044) for NSCLC, ADC, and SCC, respectively. Conclusion. 18F-FDG tumor uptake is strongly, positively correlated with PD-L1 expression in NSCLC and significantly differs between high and low PD-L1-expressing individuals.
Letrozole and the Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shaofu Zhuyu Decoction, Reduce Endometriotic Disease Progression in Rats: A Potential Role for Gut Microbiota
Authors: Cao Ying , Jiang Chunhua , Jia Yongsen , Xu Dingjie , Yu Yanyan
Published: July 2020

We previously showed that the Chinese herbal medicine, Shaofu Zhuyu decoction (SFZYD), shrank the size of endometriotic lesions in rats with endometriosis. We therefore conducted the present study to investigate the effects of letrozole and SFZYD on gut microbiota in endometriotic rats. Rats were divided into four groups: a blank group, model group, letrozole group, and SFZY group. Ectopic lesion size and COX‐2 expression in the endometrium and endometriotic lesions were compared, and the community of gut microbiota was detected using 16S rRNA gene sequencing. Both letrozole and SFZYD reduced the size of ectopic lesions as well as lowered the expression of COX‐2, thus reducing the inflammatory response. Compared with the blank group, the α‐diversity of gut microbiota in endometriotic rats decreased, the Firmicutes/Bacteroidetes ratio increased, and the abundance of Ruminococcaceae was reduced. The α‐diversity of gut microbiota in the letrozole group was similar to that in the model group, but the Firmicutes/Bacteroidetes ratio was diminished. The α‐diversity in the SFZY group was similar to that in the blank group, the Firmicutes/Bacteroidetes ratio was attenuated, and the abundance of Ruminococcaceae was elevated compared with the model group. These results indicated that the therapeutic mechanisms of both letrozole and SFZYD were related to the restoration of gut microbiota.
Clinical Outcome of Carotid Body Paraganglioma Management: A Review of 10-Year Experience
Authors: Fathalla Ahmed Elsayed , Elalfy Mohammad Ahmad
Published: July 2020

Background. Carotid body paragangliomas are rare neoplasms usually benign, however sometimes presenting as highly aggressive tumors. Surgery is the main line of treatment. Purpose. To study and describe clinical presentations, surgical approaches, postoperative complications, and treatment outcomes. Materials and Methods. A single-institution retrospective analysis of 19 cases with carotid body paragangliomas who were candidates for surgery from January 2009 through January 2019 with a mean follow-up period of 58.8 months. Results. The mean age was 46 years with the female predominance of 63%. The mean size of the tumor was 4.3 cm. All cases were presented with a painless pulsating neck lump located anteriorly at the level of the hyoid bone. Neck US was done in all cases as a primary screening investigation. CT scanning was the second main investigation performed in 17 cases (89.5%) revealing tumors attached to the carotid artery at its bifurcation. Urinary catecholamine metabolites were measured in all cases to rule out familial functioning types. 5 cases (26.3%) were malignant. All cases were surgically approached through transcervical transverse incision. 11, 5, and 3 cases were classified as Shamblin’s type II, III, and I, respectively. All tumors were R0 resected with nodal neck dissection conducted in the malignant group. Major complications occurred in 4 cases (21%) during tumor dissection from the adventitia of carotid bifurcation. ECA ligation was performed in one case (5.3%). 2 patients (10.5%) suffered XII nerve paralysis. Carotid artery blowout occurred in one patient (5.3%) and was immediately controlled. No operative mortality occurred. All patients were free of disease during the follow-up period. 4 malignant cases (21%) suffered a systemic relapse to bone and lung metastasis justifying adjuvant chemotherapy, radiotherapy, or both. Conclusions. Surgery is the treatment of choice for carotid body paragangliomas. Complete R0 resection should be justified especially in case of malignancy. Adjuvant chemotherapy or radiotherapy is an option for patients with primary malignancy or relapse.
Two Strategies to Improve the Differential Evolution Algorithm for Optimizing Design of Truss Structures
Authors: Kao Ching-Yun , Hung Shih-Lin , Setiawan Budy
Published: July 2020

The performance of differential evolution (DE) mostly depends on mutation operator. Inappropriate configurations of mutation strategies and control parameters can cause stagnation due to over exploration or premature convergence due to over exploitation. Balancing exploration and exploitation is crucial for an effective DE algorithm. This work presents an enhanced DE (EDE) for truss design that utilizes two new strategies, namely, integrated mutation and adaptive mutation factor strategies, to obtain a good balance between the exploration and exploitation of DE. Three mutation strategies (DE/rand/1, DE/best/2, and DE/rand-to-best/1) are combined in the integrated mutation strategy to increase the diversity of random search and avoid premature convergence to a local minimum. The adaptive mutation factor strategy systematically adapts the mutation factor from a large value to a small value to avoid premature convergence in the early searching period and to increase convergence to the global optimum solution in the later searching period. The outstanding performance of the proposed EDE is demonstrated through optimization of five truss structures.
Effects of Temperature and Water on Mechanical Properties, Energy Dissipation, and Microstructure of Argillaceous Sandstone under Static and Dynamic Loads
Authors: Zhang Rongrong , Ma Dongdong , Su Qingqing , Huang Kun
Published: July 2020

RMT-150B rock mechanics and split Hopkinson pressure bar (SHPB) devices were adopted to investigate the physical and mechanical properties, energy dissipation, and failure modes of argillaceous sandstone after different high temperatures under air-dried and saturation states. In addition, SEM and EDS tests were conducted to investigate its microstructure characteristics. Results showed that both the P-wave velocity and density of argillaceous sandstone specimen decreased with the increase of high temperature, while its porosity increased. Compared with static stress-strain curves, there was no obvious compaction stage for dynamic stress-strain curves, and the decrease rate of dynamic curves after peak strain was obviously slow compared with static curves. Both the static and dynamic strengths of argillaceous sandstone specimens decreased with increasing temperature, and the critical temperature point for the strength of argillaceous sandstone was 400°C. At the same temperature, the specific energy absorption under air-dried state was generally smaller compared with that under saturated state. Both the strain rate and temperature showed significant effect on the failure mode. After 100∼1000°C heat treatment, the granular crystals of the clastic structure gradually became larger, and both the number and average size of the original pores decreased, resulting in the deterioration of mechanical properties of argillaceous sandstone specimen.
Nonlinear Parametric Dynamics of Bidirectional Functionally Graded Beams
Authors: Lu Yixin , Chen Xiaochao
Published: July 2020

In this paper, the parametric dynamics of bidirectional functionally graded (BDFG) beams subjected to a time-dependent axial force are studied. The material properties of beam which vary along both thickness and axial directions follow the power law, and four different distribution patterns are considered. The coupled nonlinear partial differential equations describing the longitudinal-transverse displacements and the shear deformation are derived using Hamilton’s principle based on Timoshenko beam theory. The Galerkin scheme is employed to discrete the continuous model resulting in a multiple degree-of-freedom system, namely, the reduced order model. The nonlinear parametric response of the beam is obtained by solving the discrete system numerically, and the frequency- and force-response curves are constructed by tracing the period motion using the pseudoarclength continuation technique. Numerical results are presented to examine the effects of system parameters, e.g., gradient parameters, magnitude and frequency of external excitation, and damping coefficients. Cyclic-fold bifurcation and branch points of the period motion are spotted in parametric resonance of the BDFG beam. Results show that the asymmetrical material distribution in thickness direction of beam leads to the asymmetry of dynamic responses. Moreover, the gradient of material in axial direction has more significant effect on the dynamic features of BDFG beam than that in the thickness direction.
Study on Coordination and Optimization of Contract Farming Supply Chain Based on Uncertain Conditions
Authors: Liu Xinquan , Shen Xiaojing , You Ming
Published: July 2020

As the transaction subject of contract farming, agricultural products are featured with a long production cycle and a short sales cycle, just like other perishable commodities. In the process of executing a contract, both the company and the farmer are running the risk of great uncertainty. This paper studies the coordination of agricultural supply chain in terms of the uncertainty of agricultural output and market demand. First of all, the random output volatility factor and the market demand volatility factor as two random variables are used to represent the uncertainty of the agricultural output and market demand, and revenue functions are set up, respectively, for the company and the farmer with the objective of maximizing expected returns. The theoretical derivation of these revenue functions proves that there is an optimal targeted yield in a centralized decision-making supply chain system and a single optimal solution that maximizes farmers’ revenue can be obtained in a decentralized one, but the centralized decision-making supply chain is superior to the decentralized and uncoordinated counterpart for overall benefit. Secondly, a revenue-sharing-plus-margin contract mechanism is proposed to coordinate income distribution between the two parties of the supply chain through the revenue-sharing coefficient and margin. Thirdly, calculation examples are given and solved by MATLAB based on the assumption that both the agricultural output volatility factor and the market demand volatility factor are uniformly distributed, and the theory and result are then verified consistently. Finally, the numerical analysis of the coordination mechanism of the revenue-sharing coefficient and the margin on both sides of the supply chain provides an optimal value range so that Pareto improvement on the company’s and the farmers’ income can be achieved.
ACT-SVM: Prediction of Protein-Protein Interactions Based on Support Vector Basis Model
Authors: Ma Wenzheng , Cao Yi , Bao Wenzheng , Yang Bin , Chen Yuehui
Published: July 2020

The interactions between proteins play important roles in several organisms, and such issue can be involved in almost all activities in the cell. The research of protein-protein interactions (PPIs) can make a huge contribution to the prevention and treatment of diseases. Currently, many prediction methods based on machine learning have been proposed to predict PPIs. In this article, we propose a novel method ACT-SVM that can effectively predict PPIs. The ACT-SVM model maps protein sequences to digital features, performs feature extraction twice on the protein sequence to obtain vector A and descriptor CT, and combines them into a vector. Then, the feature vectors of the protein pair are merged as the input of the support vector machine (SVM) classifier. We utilize nonredundant H. pylori and human dataset to verify the prediction performance of our method. Finally, the proposed method has a prediction accuracy of 0.727897 for H. pylori data and a prediction accuracy of 0.838799 for human dataset. The results demonstrate that this method can be called a stable and reliable prediction model of PPIs.
Simultaneous Determination of Multiple Active Components from Bushen Pills and Application in a Pharmacokinetic Study in Rats
Authors: Li Houli , Wang Benjie , Yuan Guiyan , Liu Xiaoyan , Huang Jing , Xiong Lilong , Zhang Di , Feng Weiyi , Guo Ruichen
Published: July 2020

Bushen Pills (BSPs), as a traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), is widely used in clinic to enrich Yang, nourish Yin, stem essence, and strengthen kidneys. Two chromatographic methods, liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS) and liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS), were applied to analyze the multiple active components of BSPs in dosage form for quality evaluation and in rat plasma for pharmacokinetics study, respectively. Three active constituents of BSPs, including paeoniflorin (PF), berberine hydrochloride (BBR), and schizandrin (SCH), were simultaneously determined by the established LC-MS method with electrospray ionization (ESI) in positive selected ion monitoring (SIM) mode at m/z 503.1, 336.0, and 455.2. The contents of PF, BBR, and SCH were (6.112 ± 0.166) mg/g, (335.1 ± 14.95) μg/g, and (5.867 ± 0.136) μg/g in BSPs. On this basis, PF and BBR were selected as targeted analytes for the pharmacokinetic study of BSPs in rats. Memantine hydrochloride was used as an internal standard (IS), and the plasma samples were processed by liquid-liquid extraction with ethyl acetate. All the analytes were separated on a C18 reversed phase column, eluted with a mobile phase consisting of acetonitrile-formic acid (0.01%) (25 : 75, v/v), and detected by ESI in the selected ion mode with multiple reaction monitoring (MRM). The target fragment ions were m/z 525.3 ⟶ 449.5 for PF, 336.2 ⟶ 320.2 for BBR, and 180.1 ⟶ 163.1 for IS. The linear ranges of PF and BBR were 5–500 ng/mL and 0.1–20 ng/mL with good linearity (r2 > 0.99). No obvious matrix effect was observed, and acceptable accuracy, precision, recovery, and stability were obtained. The proposed method has been successfully applied to the pharmacokinetic study of BSPs in rats after a single dose.
Monte Carlo Computation of Dose-Volume Histograms in Structures at Risk of an Eye Irradiated with Heterogeneous Ruthenium-106 Plaques
Authors: Zaragoza Francisco J. , Eichmann Marion , Flühs Dirk , Timmermann Beate , Brualla Lorenzo
Published: July 2020

Background/Aims:The aim of this work is to compare Monte Carlo simulated absorbed dose distributions obtained from 106Ru eye plaques, whose heterogeneous emitter distribution is known, with the common homogeneous approximation. The effect of these heterogeneities on segmented structures at risk is analyzed using an anthropomorphic phantom. Methods:The generic CCA and CCB, with a homogeneous emitter map, and the specific CCA1364 and CCB1256 106Ru eye plaques are modeled with the Monte Carlo code PENELOPE. To compare the effect of the heterogeneities in the segmented volumes, cumulative dose-volume histograms are calculated for different rotations of the aforementioned plaques. Results:For the cornea, the CCA with the equatorial placement yields the lowest absorbed dose rate while for the CCA1364 in the same placement the absorbed dose rate is 33% higher. The CCB1256 with the hot spot oriented towards the cornea yields the maximum dose rate per unit of activity while it is 44% lower for the CCB. Conclusions:Dose calculations based on a homogeneous distribution of the emitter substance yield the lowest absorbed dose in the analyzed structures for all plaque placements. Treatment planning based on such calculations may result in an overdose of the structures at risk.
Sinonasal Angioleiomyoma: A Rare Entity
Authors: Arora Rubeena , Mahindru Shubh , Kathuria  Komal
Published: July 2020

The present case of angioleiomyoma of the nasal cavity in a 59-year-old male is unique, being the first case from North India and also because of its unique area of origin. The patient was referred to the Ear, Nose and Throat Outpatient Department with a diagnosis of an asymptomatic nasal mass. Biopsy done on the mass in another hospital reported angiofibroma. Excision was done after all relevant investigations. Histopathology revealed diagnosis of angioleiomyoma. Immunohistochemistry revealed desmin, SMA, and H-caldesmon positivity, consistent with the diagnosis of angioleiomyoma. Our case report thus highlights the im­portance of including this diagnosis in the differential diagnoses of nasal masses.
Preoperative Platelet to Lymphocyte Ratio as a Prognostic Factor for Resectable Pancreatic Cancer: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Riauka Romualdas , Ignatavicius Povilas , Barauskas Giedrius
Published: July 2020

Introduction: Various inflammatory markers have been investigated for a prognostic role in patients with resectable pancreatic cancer. However, the value of preoperative platelet to lymphocyte ratio (PLR) remains controversial. We performed a systematic review and meta-analysis of PLR as a preoperative prognostic factor for resectable pancreatic cancer. Material and Methods: Systematic literature search was conducted for studies assessing PLR influence as a preoperative prognostic factor in resectable pancreatic cancer patients. Random-effects model was applied for pooling hazard ratios and 95% confidence intervals related to overall survival (OS) and disease-free survival (DFS). Results: Fourteen articles with 2,743 patients were included in the study. According to the analysis, high PLR had no correlation with decreased OS. Due to high heterogeneity among studies, subgroup analysis was performed. Better OS was associated with low PLR in Asian patients, patients with mixed type of operation performed, and patients with preoperative PLR ≤150. Low PLR was associated with significantly better DFS. Conclusions: PLR is a predictive factor of better DFS in patients with resectable pancreatic cancer. However, available evidence does not support PLR as a reliable prognostic factor for OS.
Pathogenesis and Therapy of Primary Cutaneous T-Cell Lymphoma: Collegium Internationale Allergologicum (CIA) Update 2020
Authors: Bobrowicz Malgorzata , Fassnacht Christina , Ignatova Desislava , Chang Yun-Tsan , Dimitriou Florentia , Guenova Emmanuella
Published: July 2020

Cutaneous T-cell lymphoma (CTCL) is a heterogeneous disease group of unknown etiology with a complex immunological background. As CTCL arises from T cells that have a vital role in the antitumor response, their therapy is largely aimed at reversing the immunological mechanisms leading to or manifesting during this malignancy. Early disease stages can be controlled with skin-directed therapy in most CTCL cases. Still, advanced CTCL has a dismal prognosis and warrants systemic therapy. Despite considerable progress in understanding the pathophysiology of the disease and the numerous systemic treatment options available, long-term remission rates with conventional treatments alone are still low. Allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation is currently the only curative option for advanced CTCL, including mycosis fungoides and Sézary syndrome. The aims of this review is to summarize the recent findings on the immunology of this heterogeneous disease and to present the advances in its clinical management.
Evaluación de un programa de educación ambiental desde la voz del alumnado
Authors: Prosser-Bravo Gabriel , Salazar-Sepúlveda María Soledad , Pérez-Tello Sonia , Pérez-Lienqueo Marcela , Prosser-González Carlos
Published: July 2020

Los niños, niñas y adolescentes no participan activamente de los sistemas, proyectos y políticas ambientales que se implementan, lo que supone una vulneración de derechos y un erreur fatale para la retroalimentación de estas intervenciones. La presente investigación describe los resultados de una evaluación cualitativa realizada a un programa de educación ambiental local, mediante asambleas infantiles en las que participaron 150 escolares de entre 6 y 14 años. Estos y estas fueron capaces de detectar ciertas dificultades y activos del programa, algunos vacíos y buenas prácticas presentes en la escuela, así como también mencionaron una serie de problemáticas socioambientales tanto locales como globales. Se concluye que estas personas son totalmente válidas para participar en la evaluación de programas sociales; así mismo, la necesidad de incluir sus opiniones en la mejora de los proyectos ambientales.
Explorando el sistema de protección de la niñez en Honduras
Authors: Suazo Martha Lorena , Cruz Kevin Alberto , Parada Henry
Published: July 2020

Se exploran las prácticas institucionales que facilitan u obstaculizan la protección de derechos de niños, niñas y adolescentes en el sistema de protección de la niñez en Honduras a través de sus diferentes etapas. Desde un diseño de Etnografía Institucional, se realizaron entrevistas a catorce trabajadores de instituciones que trabajan con niñez, y a tres residentes en un domicilio de protección. Como resultado, se identificaron múltiples instancias de denuncia, y una estrecha comunicación entre las mismas. Sin embargo, existe carencia de recursos en el sistema, y prejuicios contra adolescentes de la comunidad LGTBIQ; así como prácticas alimentadas por una concepción tradicional de la niñez. El sistema no solamente parece incumplir con algunos principios de la Convención, sino que se encuentra desbordado por precarias condiciones del contexto nacional.
O julgamento de adolescentes varejistas do tráfico de drogas no Brasil: uma análise de processos judiciais
Authors: Barreto Rodrigues Luzania , Pontes Fraga Paulo Cesar
Published: July 2020

O objetivo do artigo é analisar os processos judiciais relativos ao ato infracional de tráfico de drogas, em Petrolina-PE (2011-2014), com base na revisão analítica das instituições e leis historicamente voltadas para a menoridade, segundo a Theory of Sentencing. Apreciouse o conteúdo social das variáveis legais e extralegais, analisando o efeito cumulativo dos determinantes das sentenças. As decisões judiciais mais encontradas foram extinção processual e absolvição. Medidas socioeducativas de advertência, liberdade e semiliberdade são mais recorrentes que a internação. No entanto, há disparidades das sentenças em casos análogos e imputação de penas análogas em casos díspares. Conclui-se que o sistema penal é produtor e reprodutor de desigualdades sociais e a punição é percebida e utilizada como técnica de controle e transformação de adolescentes pobres apreendidos com pequenas quantidades de drogas.
Construcciones de juventud y trayectorias militantes católicas contemporáneas en parroquias del Gran Buenos Aires
Authors: Fernández Natalia Soledad
Published: July 2020

El artículo analiza las construcciones de juventud presentes en la Acción Católica Argentina y sus vínculos con trayectorias de jóvenes militantes insertos en parroquias del Gran Buenos Aires. Para el abordaje metodológico cualitativo se utilizan los siguientes materiales de campo, producidos entre 2016 y 2018: entrevistas en profundidad realizadas a jóvenes católicos, registros de observación participante en parroquias y eventos nacionales de Acción Católica Argentina y análisis de documentos institucionales. Dentro de la Acción Católica Argentina, se identifican tensiones entre las definiciones de juventud producidas por la institución y las trayectorias juveniles. Los jóvenes experimentan modos de «ser» y de «vivir» la juventud distintos a los propuestos por la Acción Católica Argentina, acordes con los cambios sociales y culturales que se produjeron en Argentina en las últimas décadas.
Temas y motivaciones de niñas, niños y adolescentes al crear humor gráfico
Authors: Bugallo Lucía , Pedrazzini Ana , Zinkgräf Constanza , Scheuer Nora
Published: July 2020

El humor gráfico es un medio que niños, niñas y adolescentes encuentran atractivo para dar cuenta de vivencias personales y presentar su perspectiva ante un tema que los convoca. Son escasos los estudios que han abordado de forma articulada aspectos pragmáticos motivacionales y temáticos en el humor gráfico de adolescentes. Con este propósito, realizamos un análisis multidimensional de 151 textos multimodales realizados por niños, niñas y adolescentes de 10 a 19 años en nueve talleres implementados en contextos de educación formal e informal en Argentina. A partir de análisis multivariados identificamos diferencias etarias y de formato (viñeta única o tira) según la motivación y los temas de los textos.
Healthcare telemonitoring and business dynamics: challenges and opportunities for SUS
Authors: Paula Antonio da Cruz , Maldonado José Manuel Santos de Varge , Gadelha Carlos Augusto Grabois
Published: July 2020

OBJECTIVE: To point out challenges and opportunities for the Brazilian Unified Health System (SUS) with the use of telemonitoring to face the increasing costs of non-communicable chronic diseases, based on its general panorama in Brazil, business dynamics and reapplication of data from American studies. METHODS: Quali-quantitative approach with exploratory research. The field work focused on the analysis of the national market from private companies, since no experiences or studies related to this theme were identified in the SUS. To analyze the panorama and market dynamics, we investigated the offer of this technology based on the products and services available and their demand by reference hospitals the ten largest private health plan companies. To support the central discussion, we analyzed the reduction of costs with hospital admissions by the SUS due to chronic non-communicable diseases sensitive to telemonitoring (HCDST), using data from Datasus and some American studies from the MEDLINE/PubMed database. RESULTS: Although in the embryonic phase, business agents search for new business opportunities, whereas public initiatives for the use of telemonitoring in collective health seem inexistent. The reapplication of U.S. data would reduce spending on HCDST and provide benefits, such as the reduction in emergency room care, acute hospitalizations, readmissions and home care time, among others, which point to even greater economic gains. CONCLUSIONS: The development of a major project to reduce HCDST using this technology has the potential to advance in a comprehensive network of primary care, contribute to a greater dynamism of the national productive and innovative base and induce innovations along the chain of this emerging industry.
Parallel Neural Multiprocessing with Gamma Frequency Latencies
Authors: Zhang Ruohan , Ballard Dana H.
Published: July 2020

The Poisson variability in cortical neural responses has been typically modeled using spike averaging techniques, such as trial averaging and rate coding, since such methods can produce reliable correlates of behavior. However, mechanisms that rely on counting spikes could be slow and inefficient and thus might not be useful in the brain for computations at timescales in the 10 millisecond range. This issue has motivated a search for alternative spike codes that take advantage of spike timing and has resulted in many studies that use synchronized neural networks for communication. Here we focus on recent studies that suggest that the gamma frequency may provide a reference that allows local spike phase representations that could result in much faster information transmission. We have developed a unified model (gamma spike multiplexing) that takes advantage of a single cycle of a cell's somatic gamma frequency to modulate the generation of its action potentials. An important consequence of this coding mechanism is that it allows multiple independent neural processes to run in parallel, thereby greatly increasing the processing capability of the cortex. System-level simulations and preliminary analysis of mouse cortical cell data are presented as support for the proposed theoretical model.
Clarification of morphological distinction between Artemisia sichuanensis var. sichuanensis (Asteraceae, Anthemideae) and A. sichuanensis var. tomentosa, with reduction of A. erlangshanensis to the synonymy of the latter variety

Authors: GUO XIN-QIANG , WANG LONG , YANG QIN-ER
Published: July 2020

Based on observations on both herbarium specimens (including type material) and living plants in the wild, we demonstrate that Artemisia sichuanensis var. sichuanensis (Asteraceae, Anthemideae) differs from A. sichuanensis var. tomentosa only by the leaves abaxially sparsely pubescent (vs. densely gray arachnoid tomentose). In addition, A. erlangshanensis is found to be identical with A. sichuanensis var. tomentosa, and is thus synonymized herein.
Two new species of Leptarma (Decapoda, Brachyura, Sesarmidae) from the Western Indian Ocean with notes on their phylogeny
Authors: SHAHDADI ADNAN , SCHUBART CHRISTOPH D.
Published: July 2020

Two new species of Leptarma, L. dispersum n. sp. and L. reunionense n. sp. are described from Europa Island and Réunion Island, respectively. Genetically, based on the mitochondrial COX1 gene, both species are markedly divergent from other congeneric species. Phylogenetically, L. dispersum n. sp. shows close relationship with L. lenzii (De Man, 1895) while L. reunionense n. sp. clusters with L. aurifrons (Li, Ng & Shih, 2019) and the species pair L. moluccense (De Man, 1892) and L. paucitorum (Rahayu & Ng, 2009). Morphologically, the new species differ most significantly from congeners by the relative length of the ambulatory legs and the shapes of the first gonopods and carapace. After the description of these two new species, the number of species comprised in the genus Leptarma is raised to 20, four of them being distributed in and off East Africa.
The White Mob, (In) Equality Before the Law, and Racial Common Sense: A Critical Race Reading of the Negro Question in “Reflections on Little Rock”
Authors: LeSure Ainsley
Published: July 2020

This article argues that Hannah Arendt’s controversial essay “Reflections on Little Rock,” when situated within her analysis of Jewish assimilation, has an astute insight: racial integration and the decrease of the racial gaps in material inequality, without taking seriously the political project of building a world in common, only intensify racism in racist polities. This occurs because attempts to extend formal equality to the racially dominated give rise to the rule of racial common sense, a result of a clash between the political structures of equality and the racial inequality practiced in quotidian interracial exchanges occurring in civil society. Though Arendt’s work on racism echoes criticisms of racial integration leveled by racial realist and pessimistic accounts of the Civil Rights struggle, her work points to a more expansive practice of “the political” that calls for the institutional (re)design of formal politics as an important strategy against racism.
Exploratory Factor Analysis of Young’s Internet Addiction Test Among Professionals from India: An Online Survey
Authors: Spoorthy Mamidipalli Sai , Singh Lokesh Kumar , Tikka Sai Krishna , Hara Suchandra Hari
Published: July 2020

Background:

Internet use has spread across the world due to easy accessibility and affordability. However, it has been creating many problems at several levels. So, there is a need to identify the suitability of psychometric properties and the factor structure of the widely used Internet Addiction Test (IAT) in the Indian settings. Our objective was to perform an exploratory factor analysis on the IAT and to test the reliability of the scale.

Methods:

It was a cross-sectional study that included various professional groups. We used an online questionnaire that included sociodemographic details and Young’s IAT. Exploratory factor analysis was used to identify the factor structure of Young’s IAT in the Indian setup.

Results:

The mean age of the sample (N = 1,782) was 27.7 years (SD = 8.74) with a predominantly male population 1040 (58.4%). In total, 1.0% (17) of the sample had significant problems with internet usage, whereas 13% (232) were in the range of frequent/occasional problems, and the mean score on IAT was 32 (SD = 16.42). Exploratory factor analysis revealed two factors that explained 49% of the variance (Kaiser–Meyer–Olkin measure of sampling adequacy: 0.95, Bartlett’s test of sphericity: P = 0.000). They were “mood and relationship issues” and “duration and productivity.” Cronbach’s α was 0.92, which indicates a high level of internal consistency.

Conclusion:

In Indian settings, IAT can be understood based on the two-factor structure. The scale has excellent reliability. Further studies are needed to replicate these results, by using confirmatory factor analysis and validity testing.
Piecemeal crosslinguistic influence and multilingualism
Authors: Morales-Front Alfonso , Sanz Cristina
Published: July 2020

Saussure proposed the division language/parole and argued that language can be studied as a formal system. Fifty years later Chomsky declared competence the core interest of linguistics. Although for years Generative second language acquisition (GenSLA) has adopted this view, a number of recent publications poke holes into the competence bubble. Westergaard’s article is among those that pushes the boundaries of Generative Grammar (GG). In our commentary, we propose that Westergaard’s Micro-cue Model (McM) and the Linguistic Proximity Model (LPM) may actually be closer to a Usage-Based Approach (UbA) to language development than to the original spirit of GG, and that Westergaard’s sound, evidence-based proposals face some drag by being presented under the aegis of GG. Specifically, the assumption that all learning derives from general cognitive processes—hence, no essential difference between L1, L2, and Ln; the use of cues that are emergent and acquired piecemeal, and the idea that language development proceeds from the specific to the general, are all hallmarks of the UbA. We believe Westergaard’s contribution is important and timely and should encourage a better appreciation of the work being done in other domains as well as an understanding of how the different approaches complement each other.
Aortic stenosis in patients with kidney failure: Is there an advantage for a PD-first policy?
Authors: Candellier Alexandre , Hénaut Lucie , Morelle Johann , Choukroun Gabriel , Jadoul Michel , Brazier Michel , Goffin Éric
Published: July 2020

Aortic stenosis (AS) is the most common valvular disease. It is twice as prevalent in patients with kidney failure as compared to the general population. In addition, AS progresses at a faster rate and is associated with a higher risk of death and poorer quality of life in patients on dialysis. Chronic kidney disease–mineral and bone disorder (CKD-MBD), inflammation, and hemodynamic disturbances contribute to the pathophysiology and progression of AS. Whether the type of dialysis modality, that is, hemodialysis (HD) versus peritoneal dialysis (PD), has a differential impact on the development and progression of AS in patients with kidney failure remains debated. Recent data indicate that the prevalence of valvular calcifications might be lower and the development of AS delayed in PD patients, as compared to those treated with HD. This could be accounted for by several mechanisms including reduced valvular shear stress, better preservation of residual kidney function (with better removal of protein-bound uremic toxins and CKD-MBD profile), and lower levels of systemic inflammation. Given the high morbidity and mortality rates related to interventional procedures in the population with kidney failure, surgical and transcatheter aortic valve replacement should be considered in selected patients with severe AS. Strategies slowing down the progression of aortic valve remodeling should remain the cornerstone in the management of individuals with kidney failure and mild to moderate AS. This review explores the potential benefits of PD in patients with kidney failure and AS and provides some clues to help clinicians in the decision-making process when options for kidney replacement therapy are considered in patients with AS.
Information literacy education in primary schools: A case study
Authors: Ben Amram Sigal , Aharony Noa , Bar Ilan Judit
Published: July 2020

This study focuses on teachers’ perspectives concerning information literacy teaching in two primary schools in Israel—one school that joined the national information and communications technology program and a second school that did not. The researchers used a qualitative research method during the 2015 academic year. Eighteen teachers were interviewed. The findings suggest that participation in the national information and communications technology program did not lead to the integration of information literacy in the school’s curriculum. A significant gap was discovered in both schools between the teachers’ perceptions—who understood the importance of teaching information literacy and its actual implementation.
Effects of functional intercalation and surface modification on the flame retardant performance of EVA/LDHs composites
Authors: Li Long , Qian Yi , Han Haoyue , Qiao Peng , Zhang Haiming
Published: July 2020

Mg/Al/Fe ternary layered double hydroxides (LDHs) were synthesized by a coprecipitation method using activated Bayer red mud as raw materials. Then, the prepared LDHs were intercalated with sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS) and modified with (3-aminopropyl)triethoxysilane (KH550) at the surface. All samples were characterized by X-ray diffraction, thermogravimetric analysis, scanning electron microscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectrometry, and contact angle measurement. As flame-retardant filler, the KH550-modified composites showed better compatibility in comparison with both the original LDH and LDH-SDS. The composite ELDH-SDS-KH (ethylene-vinyl acetate/LDHs composites) showed not only a significant reduction in heat release rate, smoke production rate, and total heat release during combustion, but high thermal stability and less production of aliphatic hydrocarbons and carboxylic acid were also observed in comparison with other composites. Moreover, when the added amount of LDH is 50 wt%, the tensile strength value of ELDH-SDS-KH was 9.8 MPa, and the elongation at break value was 427%, which is significantly improved compared with ELDH (with the tensile strength value of 6.3 MPa and the elongation at break value 38%).