bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Equal access to education for students with disabilities in Russia: concept, problems, and a variety of solutions
Authors: Ilina Svetlana , Zarin Alicja , Kantor Vitaliy
Published: April 2020

The beginning of the 21st century is the period of updating and designing the modern educational system in Russia. A new regulatory and legal framework has been created for the functioning of a unified education system (law regarding education, federal educational standards and exemplary educational programs). It ensures equal access to education in different settings at all levels of education (primary, basic secondary) for every child with a disability, taking into account their capabilities and educational needs. In the article, the authors present conceptual foundations and problems related to the educational integration of students with disabilities in Russia
Factors of peripheralisation and activation of cross-border regions of Ukraine — an attempt of a typological approach
Authors: Korop Bohdana , Miszczuk Andrzej
Published: April 2020

The aim of the research described in the article is to develop a typology of cross-border regions of Ukraine based on the identification and synthetic analysis of the peripheralisation factors and the activation of their development, using a point bonitation method. The research covered border regions of Ukraine and seven neighbouring countries forming administrative units at the NUTS 2 level, located along the land border. The data of the State Statistics Service of Ukraine, Statistics Poland, the National Statistical Committee of the Republic of Belarus, the Hungarian Central Statistical Office, the National Institute of Statistics of Romania, the National Bureau of Statistics of the Republic of Moldova and the Federal State Statistics Service of Russian Federation for the years 2013—2015 (depending on the country) were used. Geopolitical, institutional and socio-economic determinants as well as the possibilities of activation of the Ukrainian border regions with neighbouring countries through the implementation of joint strategic documents and the availability of external financial resources were evaluated.
The final effect of the conducted research is a synthetic multi-feature typology of the cross-border regions of Ukraine, showing the possibilities for the development of effective cross-border cooperation. In the remaining Ukrainian borderlands, the situation is better in the case of cooperation with the EU countries, and worse in the case of the post-Soviet countries.
Quantile-Quantile plot for the generalised gamma distribution
Authors: Sulewski Piotr
Published: April 2020

The aim of the paper is to propose a new method of creating a Q-Q plot using the density function of order statistics as well as to compare it with the classical methods.The most popular distributions for statisticians are those flexible ones which have easily estimated parameters. In the pre-computer era Quantile-Quantile plot (Q-Q plot) can be constructed only for distributions of reversible cumulative distribution functions (CDF) such as the exponential distribution and the Weibull distribution. The CDF of generalised gamma distribution (GGD) is not only analytically irreversible, but also has no analytical form. However, at present, owing to advanced computer technology, this problem can be solved. The CDF of GGD can be inverted by using different computing environment, i.e. Microsoft Excel, Mathcad, R language.
Perception and preservation of national heritage in historically conditioned regions
Authors: Łysoń Piotr , Radkowski Stanisław , Kraśniewska Wacława
Published: April 2020

The aim of the article is to present an author’s proposal to distinguish regions based on the analysis of historical borders (from the last 400 years, mainly the borders crossing Poland in the 19th and the 20th century) and to verify the hypothesis that those historical borders diversify our country in the sphere of perception and preservation of national heritage and in relation to the analysed social indicators.
The study contains statistical data on the perception and preservation of national heritage generalised for the elaborated historically conditioned regions from the cyclic, multidimensional Social Cohesion Survey conducted by Statistics Poland in 2015. In addition, data on monuments of the National Heritage Board of Poland and population data based on National Official Register of the Territorial Division of the Country (TERYT) were also taken into account.
The largest differences in relation to the country’s average values of the analysed indicators occurred in the western and northern territories of Poland, the Śląskie voivodship area in Poland before the World War II, as well as Galicia and the eastern part of Russian partition within the present borders of Poland — east of the Vistula, Narew and Pisa rivers.
Universities as Promoters of Intergenerational Learning: A Case Study on Public Consultation
Authors: Dzimińska Malgorzata
Published: April 2020

Universities are challenged by the growing proportion of older people in the global population. This is forcing academic institutions to reconsider how they should respond to an ageing population with regard to their teaching methodology, research, and community engagement. Intergenerational learning is one of the strategies applied by universities to promote knowledge development by involving younger and older generations in the process so that they can purposefully learn together and learn from each other. Public consultation is an engagement promoting solutions that can offer an opportunity for experiential learning taking place among representatives of the various generational. The article analyzes a case study of public consultation as organized by the University of Łódź as part of the European CONCISE project. The presented case study is an example of how the application of the public consultation method might promote intergenerational learning.
Bridging Critical Constructivism and Postphenomenology at Techno-Anthropology
Authors: Børsen Tom ,   Philosophy Documentation Center
Published: April 2020

Both postphenomenology and critical constructivism are central paradigms used as philosophies and theoretical resources at the Master’s program in Techno-Anthropology at Aalborg University. In the fall of 2018 a didactical experiment was set up as Techno-Anthropology Master’s students were introduced to postphenomenology and critical constructivism and asked to compare these two theoretical positions. This comparative assignment and following class discussions between students, a guest lecturer and teachers is the point of departure for this paper. First, the paper introduces Techno-Anthropology with a special focus on the roles of postphenomenology and critical constructivism in the Master’s program. The next part of the paper zooms in on how these two philosophical positions were presented to the students. The third part analyzes students’ comparisons of postphenomenology and critical constructivism. On that basis, the author identifies similarities and differences between the two positions and discusses how the two positions can complement each other in a unified Techno-Anthropological research strategy.
New species of Sericini from Sri Lanka (Coleoptera, Scarabaeidae)
Authors: Ranasinghe Sasanka , Eberle Jonas , Benjamin Sresh P. , Ahrens Dirk
Published: April 2020

In a recent project, extensive fieldwork was carried out in several parts of Sri Lanka to investigate scarab biodiversity. Here we present the first results of this survey and describe four new Sericini species: Selaserica athukoralai sp. nov., Neoserica dharmapriyai sp. nov., Maladera cervicornis sp. nov., M. galdaththana sp. nov. Further, new locality records for 20 already known species are given. The genitalia and the habitus of all new species are illustrated and photos of the habitats of the new species are given.
Centrilobular Fibrosis in Fibrotic (Chronic) Hypersensitivity Pneumonitis, Usual Interstitial Pneumonia, and Connective Tissue Disease–Associated Interstitial Lung Disease
Authors: Churg Andrew
Published: April 2020

Context.—

Various pulmonary diseases can produce centrilobular (peribronchiolar) fibrosis, which may be isolated or associated with other patterns of more diffuse fibrosis. The major forms of interstitial lung disease in which centrilobular fibrosis is found are fibrotic (chronic) hypersensitivity pneumonitis, connective tissue disease–associated interstitial lung disease, and (a disputed issue) usual interstitial pneumonia/idiopathic interstitial fibrosis.

Objective.—

To review recent literature that addresses separation of these entities.

Data Sources.—

Data comprised recent publications.

Conclusions.—

In a specially constructed multidisciplinary discussion exercise, it was found that peribronchiolar metaplasia affecting more than half the bronchioles or more than 2 foci of peribronchiolar metaplasia per square centimeter of biopsy area was strongly associated with a confident diagnosis of fibrotic hypersensitivity pneumonitis. Giant cells or granulomas were only found in cases with a greater than 50% diagnostic confidence in hypersensitivity pneumonitis. Conversely, greater numbers of fibroblast foci per square centimeter and increasing measured amounts of subpleural fibrosis favored a diagnosis of usual interstitial pneumonia. Recent data also suggest that centrilobular fibrosis can be found in usual interstitial pneumonia, although the presence of centrilobular fibrosis statistically favors an alternate diagnosis. Connective tissue disease is a major confounder because many patterns are very similar to fibrotic hypersensitivity pneumonitis or usual interstitial pneumonia. Genetic abnormalities, such as the MUC5B minor allele overlap, in these conditions and at this point cannot be used for discrimination. Thus, the separation of fibrotic hypersensitivity pneumonitis and usual interstitial pneumonia remains a difficult problem. Accurate biopsy diagnosis of all of these diseases requires correlation with imaging and clinical findings, and is crucial for treatment.
Bilateral asymmetry in the mass and size of otolith of two cichlid species collected from Lake Ahémé and Porto-Novo Lagoon (Bénin, West Africa)
Authors: Jawad Laith , Gnohossou Pierre , Tossou Ayoko Géraldine
Published: April 2020

Asimetría bilateral en la masa y el tamaño de otolitos de dos especies de cíclidos capturados en el lago Ahémé y la laguna de Porto Novo (Benín, África Occidental)
Se estudia la asimetría de la masa del otolito sacular en dos especies de peces cíclidos Sarotherodon melanotheron y Coptodon guineensis recolectadas del lago Ahémé y la laguna Porto-Novo, Benín, África occidental. La longitud y el ancho de los otolitos de especímenes adultos de ambas especies se usaron para calcular la asimetría fluctuante en estos dos caracteres. Los resultados muestran que el nivel de asimetría del ancho del otolito es el más importante. La posible causa de la asimetría en estas especies se ha discutido en relación con diferentes contaminantes en el área. Nuestros datos no muestran diferencias significativas, aunque varios estudios demostraron una asimetría más alta en individuos más grandes (de más edad).

Saccular otolith mass asymmetry is studied in two cichlid fish species Sarotherodon melanotheron and Coptodon guineensis collected from Lake Ahémé and Porto-Novo Lagoon, Bénin, West Africa. The length and width of otoliths from adult specimens of both species were used to calculate the fluctuating asymmetry in these two characters. The results show that the level of asymmetry of the otolith width is the most important. The possible cause of the asymmetry in these species has been discussed in relation to different pollutants in the area. Our data show no significant difference, although several studies proved a higher asymmetry in larger (older) individuals.
Byproducts from cassava industry: alternative substrates for cyclodextrin glycosyltransferase production by alkalophilic Bacillus trypoxylicola SM–02
Authors: Peixoto Carine Mascena , Coelho Sheila Lorena de Araújo , Cazetta Marcia Luciana
Published: April 2020

Bioproductos de la industria de la yuca: sustratos alternativos para la producción de ciclodextrina glucosiltransferasa por alcalófilo Bacillus trypoxylicola SM-02
En el presente trabajo estudiamos el uso licor de maíz fermentado (LMF), harina de cáscara de yuca (HCY) y aguas residuales de yuca para la producción de ciclodextina glicosiltransferasa (CGTase) por un nuevo aislado alcalófilo de Bacillus trypoxylicola SM-02 en fermentación sumergida. Los experimentos se realizaron por Diseño Central Compuesto Rotativo 22 totalizando 11 ensayos. La mayor actividad enzimática de 352.53 U/mL se obtuvo con 1.5 g de HCY y 0.6 g de LMF. La temperatura y el pH óptimos fueron 55 ºC y pH 8.0, respectivamente. CGTase mostró una actividad relativa superior al 50% durante 120 min. a la temperatura óptima. Solo el CaCl2 mostró actividad positiva para CGTasa. Los resultados apuntaron a un buen potencial de B. trypoxylicola SM-02 para la producción de CGTasa usando substratos residuales.

In the present work was studied the use of cassava peel flour (CPF), corn steep liquor (CSL), and cassava wastewater as substrates to produce cyclodextrin glycosyltransferase (CGTase) from a new alkalophilic isolate of Bacillus trypoxylicola SM-02 by submerged fermentation. The experiments were performed as a Central Composite Design 22, totalizing 11 assays. An enzymatic activity of 352.53 U/mL was obtained using 1.5 g of CPF and 0.6 g of CSL. The optimum temperature and pH of CGTase was 55 °C and 8.0, respectively. The CGTase depicted a relative activity of more than 50% for 120 min at the optimum temperature. The only salt that positively influenced the CGTase activity was CaCl2. The results are indicative of a potential role of B. trypoxylicola SM-02 in the production of CGTase using residual substrates.
Hacia una nueva lógica del populismo: de la ruptura de las instituciones a la institucionalidad rupturista
Authors: Cadahia María Luciana , Coronel Valeria Adriana , Guanche Julio , Stoessel Soledad
Published: April 2020

En este artículo estudiaremos el vínculo entre las instituciones y el populismo mediante una experiencia concreta: la Asignación Universal por Hijo en la Argentina. Para ello, vamos a dividir el artículo en tres partes. Primero, desarrollaremos un tipo de abordaje metodológico específico: el procedimiento coyuntural recogido por Mouffe para pensar el actual momento populista. Segundo, explicitaremos el debate teórico alrededor del vínculo entre instituciones y populismo y las dificultades que existen para pensar esta relación. Tercero, partiremos del caso concreto de la AUH, con objeto de mostrar sus tres momentos constitutivos: el surgimiento de la demanda popular,  su apropiación y tramitación por parte del gobierno y la transformación de la demanda en un derecho. Finalmente, señalaremos, a partir del caso estudiado, cómo la conflictividad rupturista de la institucionalidad populista puede ayudarnos a pensar, transnacionalmente, una lógica alternativa al neoliberalismo.This article aims to study the relationship between institutional policies and populism analyzing the Universal Assignment for Child (AUH) in Argentina. To achieve this objective we will divide the paper in three sections. Firstly, we will think the populist moment in this particular setting as a method of interpretation. Secondly, we will follow the theoretical debates about institutions and populism explaining the difficulty to think this relationship. Third, from the concrete case of AUH, in order to show the constitutive moments: the emergence of popular demand, its appropriation and processing by the government and the transformation of demand into a right. Finally, we will show how the rupturist conflict of populist institutionalism helps us conceive a transnational alternative to global neoliberalism.
Más allá de enfoques utópicos y distópicos sobre innovación democrática. Beyond Utopian and Dystopian approaches to democratic innovation
Authors: Zaremberg Gisela , Welp Yanina
Published: April 2020

This paper discusses the myths regarding both the conceptualization and the expected effects that are implicitly or explicitly presented in analyses of the so-called ‘democratic innovations’, that is, the new institutions that aim to increase public participation beyond regular elections. It is argued that these myths, together with the (fictitious) confrontation between direct and indirect politics, have generated false oppositions and reductionisms that mask the debate and limit empirical approximations to democratic innovation. A research agenda based on the concept of ‘participatory ecologies’ is suggested as a way to gain an understanding of the mechanisms of participation in a systematic way.Este artículo analiza los mitos que se han construido, tanto en un plano conceptual como de efectos esperados, en torno a las denominadas innovaciones democráticas, entendidas como instituciones destinadas a incrementar la participación ciudadana más allá de las elecciones. Argumentamos que tanto estos mitos como la (ficticia) confrontación entre política directa e indirecta ha generado falsas oposiciones y reduccionismos que enmascaran el debate y limitan el estudio empírico de la innovación democrática. Una agenda de investigación basada en el concepto de ecologías participativas se sugiere para el entendimiento de los mecanismos de participación en forma sistemática.
Críticas inmanentes al pensamiento de Jürgen Habermas: la teoría de la lucha por el reconocimiento y la ética de la razón cordial
Authors: Ortega César
Published: April 2020

El presente artículo trata de presentar los modelos teóricos de Axel Honneth y Adela Cortina —teoría de la lucha por el reconocimiento y ética de la razón cordial, respectivamente— como una respuesta crítica a algunas deficiencias localizadas en la teoría de la acción comunicativa y la ética del discurso habermasiana. Tras exponer los elementos más importantes de los modelos de Habermas, sistematizaré algunos de los problemas fundamentales que se derivan de ellos. En segundo lugar, reconstruiré el significado de la teoría de la lucha por el reconocimiento en el sentido de una superación de la dicotómica separación habermasiana entre sistema y mundo de la vida; para realizar, en tercer lugar, una exposición de la ética de la razón cordial entendida como correctivo tanto al excesivo procedimentalismo de la ética discursiva, como a la negativa habermasiana a incluir también la coordinación comunicativa de las acciones en ámbitos considerados sistémicos.This paper attempts to present the conceptual frameworks proposed by Axel Honneth and Adela Cortina —theory of the struggle for recognition and ethics of cordial reason, respectively— as a critical response to certain deficiencies of Habermas´s theory of communicative action and discourse ethics. Firstly the key elements of Habermas´s theory of communicative action and discourse ethics will be presented, as well as some of its main problems. Secondly the meaning of Honneth´s theory of the struggle for recognition will be reconstructed as an overcoming of one of this problem, namely the Habermasian strict distinction between system and lifeworld. Thirdly the sense of Cortina´s ethics of cordial reason will be presented as a corrective to Habermas´s proceduralism, as well as to the exclusion of communicative rationality from systemic spheres.
First results of multidisciplinary investigations for the hydrogeological conceptual modelling of loess deposits in eastern Croatia
Authors: Pola Marco , Pavičić Ivica , Rubinić Vedran , Kosović Ivan , Galović Lidija , Borović Staša , Wacha Lara , Urumović Kosta
Published: April 2020

Loess is a widespread continental aeolian sediment. Groundwater generally represents the most important source of potable water in loess areas, where loess is the aquitard overlying the aquifer system. This work investigates loess deposits of eastern Croatia that overlie a sandy aquifer exploited for potable and agricultural purposes. The genesis of the deposit and the depositional and post-depositional processes affecting its structure were reviewed in this work and integrated with the estimated hydrogeological properties of the material to propose a preliminary hydrogeological conceptual model of the loess-sand system. The results of published granulometric analyses were used to calculate the effective porosity and the hydraulic conductivity of the material employing an analytical approach. The eastern Croatian loess is a silty deposit originated during Middle-Upper Pleistocene glacial periods. The sediments produced by glacial grinding were transported and deposited by the Danube fluvial system and subsequently remobilised by wind forming the loess. During the interglacial periods, the pedogenesis of the deposit occurred, with bioturbations and discontinuities by living organisms at the micro- and macro-scale. The deposition of a new loess layer compacted and consolidated the previously deposited loess leading to the development of a sub-vertical pore structure and sub-vertical cracks at the micro- and macro-scale, respectively. The calculations from the grain size distributions point to the low effective porosity (5-12%) and hydraulic conductivity (~10-9 m/s) of both loess and pedocomplexes supporting their aquitard behaviour. The infiltration of surficial waters and their flow toward the underlying sandy aquifer is locally enhanced by the post-depositional discontinuities that constitute preferential flow paths within the loess aquitard. These results highlight the need of detailed hydrogeological investigations in loess deposits to address the impact of post-depositional processes on their hydrogeological behaviour and the upscaling of their hydrogeological properties for proposing specific groundwater protection strategies in loess areas.
Metodologia para o desenvolvimento de competências secretariais no contexto da gestão universitária
Authors: Moreira Katia Denise , Rodrigues Luci Mari Aparecida , Dalmau Marcos Baptista Lopez , Costa Alexandre Marino
Published: April 2020

A transformação da carreira secretarial está associada, entre outros elementos, ao aperfeiçoamento de competências, que passaram de um status notadamente técnico, para outro mais complexo, o estratégico, fato que possibilitou a inserção do profissional secretário em ambientes diversos das organizações, entre eles o das Instituições de Ensino Superior Públicas Federais. No tocante à atuação do secretário nesse ambiente, verifica-se a singularidade das atividades a serem realizadas e, nesse sentido, a necessidade de competências secretariais específicas para a gestão universitária. Diante disso, este estudo tem como objetivo propor uma metodologia para o desenvolvimento de competências secretariais no contexto da gestão universitária. Naquilo que se refere à metodologia, o método utilizado foi o hipotético-dedutivo, complementado pela natureza aplicada. Quanto aos objetivos é descritivo e em relação a estratégia fez-se uso da pesquisa bibliográfica, documental e da pesquisa-ação. Os resultados, após aplicada a metodologia proposta, apontaram que o desenvolvimento de competências secretariais se deu por meio da aprendizagem colaborativa/coaprendizagem, associada a um curso de capacitação ofertado na modalidade a distância, por meio de plataforma online. Verificou-se ao final do curso que o compartilhamento de conhecimento e experiências promoveu, além do desenvolvimento de competências, a construção de concepções provindas da cooperação e do trabalho em equipe, fato que significa que, ao final, alcançou-se a efetividade daquilo que se buscava.
Particle therapy in Europe
Authors: Grau Cai , Durante Marco , Georg Dietmar , Langendijk Johannes A. , Weber Damien C.
Published: March 2020

Particle therapy using protons or heavier ions is currently the most advanced form of radiotherapy and offers new opportunities for improving cancer care and research. Ions deposit the dose with a sharp maximum – the Bragg peak – and normal tissue receives a much lower dose than what is delivered by X‐ray therapy. Particle therapy has also biological advantages due to the high linear energy transfer of the charged particles around the Bragg peak. The introduction of particle therapy has been slow in Europe, but within the last decade, more than 20 clinical facilities have opened and facilitated access to this frontline therapy. In this review article, the basic concepts of particle therapy are reviewed along with a presentation of the current clinical indications, the European clinical research, and the established networks.
Evaluation of factors associated with en bloc colonic underwater endoscopic mucosal resection
Authors: Chen Chien‐An , Ho Chung‐Han , Hsieh Ping‐Hsin
Published: March 2020

Underwater endoscopic mucosal resection (UEMR) is a relatively simple and safe method for resecting sessile colorectal polyps without a submucosal injection. Only around 1000 UEMRs have been reported in a few studies, and none of the previous studies directly evaluated the factors associated with a successful en bloc resection. We retrospectively evaluated the factors associated with a successful en bloc resection using UEMR from 160 patients between August 2015 and November 2017. Of 173 polyps removed with UEMR, 141 polyps (81.5%) were removed en bloc. Univariable analysis showed that polyp size ≥20 mm (OR: 0.047, 95% CI: 0.014‐0.162, P < .001), prior treatment (OR: 0.297, 95% CI: 0.135‐0.655, P = .003), and polyp morphology (flat vs sessile) (OR: 0.111, 95% CI: 0.025‐0.482, P = .003) were the significant factors for en bloc resection. Multivariate analysis showed that polyp size ≥20 mm (OR: 0.053, 95% CI: 0.015‐0.194, P < .001), prior treatment (OR: 0.313, 95% CI: 0.118‐0.832, P = .020), and polyp morphology (flat vs sessile) (OR: 0.095, 95% CI: 0.019‐0.469, P = .004) were still significant. The rate of adverse events was 3.5% (n = 6) and included delayed hemorrhages (n = 2, 1.2%), muscle defects requiring endoscopic clipping (n = 3, 1.7%), and delayed perforations (n = 1, 0.6%). Polyp size < 20 mm, without prior treatment, and sessile polyp morphology were significantly associated with en bloc UEMR.
The effect of the standard length of the first prescription on the adherence to sublingual immunotherapy for patients with allergic rhinitis
Authors: Jin Mao , Zhang Lei , Zhou Guojin , Zhang Shoude , Li Xuan , Hu Sunhong
Published: March 2020

Background

Poor adherence to sublingual immunotherapy (SLIT) has become a major cause of unsatisfactory clinical efficacy for patients with allergic rhinitis (AR). This study was designed to identify the effect of different first prescription lengths on the adherence to SLIT.

Methods

The clinical data of 306 patients with AR who started SLIT between January 2017 and June 2018 were retrospectively reviewed. Patients were divided into 3 groups according to the length of their first prescription (group A: less than 3 months, group B: 3 to 6 months, group C: more than 6 months). The numbers of adherent or nonadherent patients in each group and the main reasons of nonadherence were analyzed.

Results

Groups A, B, and C included 102, 161, and 43 patients, respectively. The average lengths of the first prescription for group A, B, and C were 62.52 ± 17.63, 102.21 ± 9.22, and 189.07 ± 17.97 days. There were significance differences among the 3 groups (p < 0.05). There were 42 (41.18%), 112 (69.57%), and 37 (86.05%) adherent patients in group A, B, and C. There were 60 (58.82%), 49 (30.43%), and 6 (13.95%) nonadherent patients in group A, B, and C. There were significant differences in the proportions of adherent and nonadherent patients among the 3 groups (p < 0.05). The following reasons were cited for nonadherence to SLIT: the long course of SLIT; inconvenience of getting the prescription; ineffectiveness; side effects; and other reasons.

Conclusion

Under certain conditions, 6 months is recommended as the standard length for the first prescription, which can significantly improve adherence to SLIT in patients with AR.
Re‐analysis of the “engraved” Diprotodon tooth from Spring Creek, Victoria, Australia
Authors: LANGLEY MICHELLE C.
Published: March 2020

Despite at least 20,000 years of coexistence – and the ubiquity of bone technology across the Australian continent – direct evidence for the use of megafaunal materials (skin, bone, teeth, etc.) remains as elusive as evidence for these creatures having been hunted. Amongst the slim evidence for human–megafauna interaction currently available, one of the most often cited cases is the “engraved” incisor from the giant wombat‐like Diprotodon optatum recovered from Spring Creek located in Eastern Maar country in south‐eastern Australia. Despite comments in the literature that the marks observed on this tooth are unlikely to have been made by lithic tools (as originally proposed), this item has never been re‐analysed in order to resolve the question: Which actor made these marks? Here, the results of a new analysis of this specimen are presented. Through microscopic examination of each mark alongside zooarchaeological and ecological data, it is demonstrated that the incisions were indeed not made by human hands, but instead by a small (2–5 kg) mammal, most likely a scavenging spotted‐tailed quoll (Dasyurus maculatus).
Repair and Reconstruction of Telomeric and Subtelomeric Regions and Genesis of New Telomeres: Implications for Chromosome Evolution
Authors: Kim Chuna , Sung Sanghyun , Kim Jun , Lee Junho
Published: April 2020

DNA damage repair within telomeres are suppressed to maintain the integrity of linear chromosomes, but the accidental activation of repairs can lead to genome instability. This review develops the concept that mechanisms to repair DNA damage in telomeres contribute to genetic variability and karyotype evolution, rather than catastrophe. Spontaneous breaks in telomeres can be repaired by telomerase, but in some cases DNA repair pathways are activated, and can cause chromosomal rearrangements or fusions. The resultant changes can also affect subtelomeric regions that are adjacent to telomeres. Subtelomeres are actively involved in such chromosomal changes, and are therefore the most variable regions in the genome. The case of Caenorhabditis elegans in the context of changes of subtelomeric structures revealed by long‐read sequencing is also discussed. Theoretical and methodological issues covered in this review will help to explore the mechanism of chromosome evolution by reconstruction of chromosomal ends in nature.
Pretreatments for enhancing clarification efficiency of depth filtration during production of monoclonal antibody therapeutics
Authors: Hadpe Sandeep R. , Mohite Vipin , Alva Solomon , Rathore Anurag S.
Published: March 2020

High cell density, high product titer mammalian cell culture is the new paradigm for production of recombinant proteins. While the typical motivation is to get a high product titer, additional undesirable outcomes often include an increase in percentage solids in the cell culture fluid (cellular debris and sub‐micron colloids), thereby offering new challenges to downstream processing. This article focuses on scouting and comparison of different approaches used for clarification of cell culture fluid. The approaches include centrifugation followed by depth filtration, direct depth filtration without centrifugation and feed pretreatment with use of specially designed density gradient filtration to improve efficiency of clarification and removal of process contaminants from feed stream. The work also evaluates impact of three different pretreatment approaches, namely pH adjustment to acidic condition, metal cation (calcium phosphate) flocculation, and polycationic polymer flocculation (using polymer‐I and polymer‐II). The results obtained indicate that the use of pretreatment significantly improves the clarification efficiency of depth filtration. Pretreatment options like polycationic polymer‐I based flocculation resulted in a >5 fold reduction in filter area requirement as well as >6 fold reduction in HCDNA while retaining acceptable recovery of the IgG (>98%). Thus, pretreatment offers a significant reduction in the depth filtration footprint (~5–6 fold decrease in filter area requirement). However, one must take into consideration the process development time required, capital cost, consumable cost, cost of the pretreatment chemical, cost of testing to demonstrate clearance of treatment agent, ease of scale‐ability, and process robustness when finalizing the optimal clarification approach.
Italian Society of Interventional Cardiology (GISE) position paper for Cath lab‐specific preparedness recommendations for healthcare providers in case of suspected, probable or confirmed cases of COVID‐19
Authors: Tarantini Giuseppe , Fraccaro Chiara , Chieffo Alaide , Marchese Alfredo , Tarantino Fabio Felice , Rigattieri Stefano , Limbruno Ugo , Mauro Ciro , La Manna Alessio , Castiglioni Battistina , Longoni Matteo , Berti Sergio , Greco Francesco , Musumeci Giuseppe , Esposito Giovanni ,   GISE
Published: March 2020

COVID‐19 pandemic raised the issue to guarantee the proper level of care to patients with acute cardiovascular diseases and concomitant suspected or confirmed COVID‐19 and, in the meantime safety and protection of healthcare providers. The aim of this position paper is to provide standards to healthcare facilities and healthcare providers on infection prevention and control measures during the management of suspected and confirmed cases of 2019‐nCoV infection accessing in cath‐lab. The document represents the view of the Italian Society of Interventional Cardiology (GISE), and it is based on recommendations from the main World and European Health Organizations (WHO, and ECDC) as well as from the Italian Society of Anesthesia, Analgesia, Resuscitation and Intensive Care (SIAARTI).
Sustainable Synthesis and Polycondensation of Levoglucosenone‐Cyrene‐Based Bicyclic Diol Monomer: Access to Renewable Polyesters
Authors: Diot‐Néant Florian , Mouterde Louis , Fadlallah Sami , Miller Stephen A. , Allais Florent
Published: April 2020

The already‐reported, low‐yielding, and non‐sustainable Et3N‐mediated homocoupling of levoglucosenone (LGO) into the corresponding LGO‐CyreneTM diketone has been revisited and greened‐up. The use of methanol as both a renewable solvent and catalyst and K2CO3 as a safe inorganic base improved the reaction significantly with regards to yield, purification, and green aspects. LGO‐CyreneTM was then subjected to a one‐pot, H2O2‐mediated Baeyer–Villiger oxidation/rearrangement followed by an acidic hydrolysis to produce a new sterically hindered bicyclic monomer, 2H‐HBO‐HBO. This diol was further polymerized in bulk with diacyl chlorides to access new promising renewable polyesters that exhibit glass transition temperatures (Tg) from −1 to 81 °C and a good thermostability with a temperature at which 50 % of the mass is lost (Td50 %) of 349–406 °C.
Fulminant type 1 diabetes: A comprehensive review of an autoimmune condition
Authors: Luo Shuoming , Ma Xiaoxi , Li Xia , Xie Zhiguo , Zhou Zhiguang
Published: March 2020

Fulminant type 1 diabetes (FT1D) is a subset of type 1 diabetes characterized by extremely rapid pancreatic β‐cell destruction with aggressive progression of hyperglycaemia and ketoacidosis. It was initially classified as idiopathic type 1 diabetes due to the absence of autoimmune markers. However, subsequent studies provide evidences supporting the involvement of autoimmunity in rapid β‐cell loss in FT1D pathogenesis, which are crucial for FT1D being an autoimmune disease. This article highlights the role of immunological aspects in FT1D according to the autoimmune‐associated genetic background, viral infection, innate immunity, adaptive immunity, and pancreas histology.
Community science validates climate suitability projections from ecological niche modeling
Authors: Saunders Sarah P. , Michel Nicole L. , Bateman Brooke L. , Wilsey Chad B. , Dale Kathy , LeBaron Geoffrey S. , Langham Gary M.
Published: March 2020

Climate change poses an intensifying threat to many bird species and projections of future climate suitability provide insight into how species may shift their distributions in response. Climate suitability is characterized using ecological niche models (ENMs), which correlate species occurrence data with current environmental covariates and project future distributions using the modeled relationships together with climate predictions. Despite their widespread adoption, ENMs rely on several assumptions that are rarely validated in situ and can be highly sensitive to modeling decisions, precluding their reliability in conservation decision‐making. Using data from a novel, large‐scale community science program, we developed dynamic occupancy models to validate near‐term climate suitability projections for bluebirds and nuthatches in summer and winter. We estimated occupancy, colonization, and extinction dynamics across species’ ranges in the United States in relation to projected climate suitability in the 2020s, and used a Gibbs variable selection approach to quantify evidence of species–climate relationships. We also included a Bird Conservation Region strata‐level random effect to examine among‐strata variation in occupancy that may be attributable to land‐use and ecoregional differences. Across species and seasons, we found strong evidence that initial occupancy and colonization were positively related to 2020 climate suitability, illustrating an independent validation of projections from ENMs across a large geographic area. Random strata effects revealed that occupancy probabilities were generally higher than average in core areas and lower than average in peripheral areas of species’ ranges, and served as a first step in identifying spatial patterns of occupancy from these community science data. Our findings lend much‐needed support to the use of ENM projections for addressing questions about potential climate‐induced changes in species’ occupancy dynamics. More broadly, our work highlights the value of community scientist observations for ground‐truthing projections from statistical models and for refining our understanding of the processes shaping species’ distributions under a changing climate.
Temporal and energetic drivers of seed resource use by Clark's nutcracker, keystone seed disperser of coniferous forests
Authors: Williams Tyler J. , Tomback Diana F. , Grevstad Nels , Broms Kristin
Published: March 2020

Clark's nutcracker (Nucifraga columbiana) functions as a keystone seed disperser and ecological mobile link for many western conifers. The bird is the primary seed disperser for limber pine (Pinus flexilis), which is an important seed resource for the bird. In the Southern Rocky Mountains, annual variation in limber pine cone production and growing threats, such as exotic disease, require that nutcrackers rely on additional conifer seed resources. We investigated the utilization of limber pine, ponderosa pine (Pinus ponderosa), and Douglas‐fir (Pseudotsuga menziesii) as seed resources by nutcrackers to determine how temporal variation in seed production and maturation drives nutcracker seed resource and habitat use decisions. Working in Rocky Mountain National Park (RMNP) during three field seasons, we examined (1) cone production in limber pine, ponderosa pine, and Douglas‐fir, and seed energy availability across theRMNPlandscape; (2) timing and likelihood of nutcracker seed harvest and caching behavior for each conifer species; and (3) predictors of nutcracker visitation to the different forest stand types. Each year starting in mid‐ to late August, nutcrackers foraged on limber pine seeds. In 2014 and 2015, nutcrackers transitioned from limber pine to harvesting ponderosa pine seeds. In 2016, a year of low ponderosa pine cone production but exceptionally high Douglas‐fir cone production, they transitioned from limber pine to Douglas‐fir seeds. Cone density was a significant predictor of nutcracker counts in every negative binomial regression model in which it was used. However, the best overall model, which included interaction effects, indicated that stand type, year, and month were better predictors. We interpret these three predictors as reflecting temporal variation in patterns of cone production and maturation among the three conifers but also in habitat use by nutcrackers. In all three years of study, limber pine alone did not provide sufficient energy resources for foraging and caching, and nutcrackers used an additional conifer seed resource. With potential future limber pine losses, these other seed resources may be essential to sustain a nutcracker population. We suggest that Douglas‐fir and especially ponderosa pine will serve as increasingly important food resources as limber pine declines across the montane West.
Establishment rate of regional provenances mirrors relative share and germination rate in a climate change experiment
Authors: Madaj Anna‐Maria , Michalski Stefan G. , Durka Walter
Published: March 2020

Climate change and land‐use changes are among the major threats to biodiversity as they alter global and local environmental conditions in unprecedented dimensions. Therefore, the investigation of the ability of species and communities to cope with rapidly changing environments as well as the comprehensive understanding of possible evolutionary adaptation processes is urgently needed for their sustainable management and the maintenance of associated ecosystem processes. Here, seminatural grasslands receive special attention, because they are among the most species‐rich ecosystems in Central Europe, which are threatened by global change and land‐use intensification already since the beginning of the twentieth century. Hence, understanding their potential to respond to rapidly changing environments is important for future management. Here, the Global Change Experimental Facility (GCEF) is an opportunity to investigate the role of microevolution in response to climate change. Two of the land‐use regimes in the GCEF are seminatural, extensively used species‐rich meadow and pasture grasslands established by sowing common, native, and regionally typical grassland species in 2014. In view of ecological restoration, for each species a seed mixture of up to seven source populations was sown aiming to establish high levels of intraspecific variation from the regional gene pool. Here, we present the first evaluation of genetic and trait variation of source populations and of their establishment in the GCEF two years after sowing for six grassland species. Using AFLP markers, we assessed genetic variation of source populations and tested whether the source gene pools have established in the experiment. Additionally, we investigated phenotypic variation of source populations and performed PST‐FST comparisons to test whether trait differentiation is adaptive. Our study revealed that genetic and phenotypic differentiation of source populations is widespread in the grassland species studied, even on small geographic scales. The GCEF populations are highly diverse due to the mixture of the different, often genetically and phenotypically differentiated source populations. They represent a genetically diverse source for both selection among existing and evolution of new genotypes. Thus, the GCEF can be used as experiment to study evolutionary processes in response to the climate change and land‐use scenarios.
TIM‐3 and CEACAM1 do not interact incisand intrans
Authors: De Sousa Linhares Annika , Kellner Florian , Jutz Sabrina , Zlabinger Gerhard J. , Gabius Hans‐Joachim , Huppa Johannes B. , Leitner Judith , Steinberger Peter
Published: March 2020

TIM‐3 has been considered as a target in cancer immunotherapy. In T cells, inhibitory as well as activating functions have been ascribed to this molecule. Its role may therefore depend on the state of T cells and on the presence of interaction partners capable to perform functional pairing. Carcinoembryonic antigen‐related cell adhesion molecule (CEACAM1) has been proposed to bind TIM‐3 and to regulate its function. Using a T cell reporter platform we confirmed CEACAM1‐mediated inhibition, but CEACAM1 did not functionally engage TIM‐3. TIM‐3 and CEACAM1 coexpression was limited to a small subset of activated T cells. Moreover, results obtained in extensive binding studies were not in support of an interaction between TIM‐3 and CEACAM1. Cytoplasmic sequences derived from TIM‐3 induced inhibitory signaling in our human T cell reporter system.

Our results indicate that TIM‐3 functions are independent of CEACAM1 and that this receptor has the capability to promote inhibitory signaling pathways in human T cells.
Malaria exposure drives both cognate and bystander human B cells to adopt an atypical phenotype
Authors: Aye Racheal , Sutton Henry J. , Nduati Eunice W. , Kai Oscar , Mwacharo Jedida , Musyoki Jennifer , Otieno Edward , Wambua Juliana , Bejon Philip , Cockburn Ian A. , Ndungu Francis M.
Published: March 2020

Atypical memory B cells (aMBCs) are found in elevated numbers in individuals exposed to malaria. A key question is whether malaria induces aMBCs as a result of exposure to Ag, or non‐Ag‐specific mechanisms. We identified Plasmodium and bystander tetanus toxoid (TT) specific B cells in individuals from areas of previous and persistent exposure to malaria using tetramers. Malaria‐specific B cells were more likely to be aMBCs than TT‐specific B cells. However, TT‐specific B cells from individuals with continuous exposure to malaria were more likely to be aMBCs than TT‐specific B cells in individuals from areas where transmission has ceased. Finally, sequences of BCRs specific for a blood stage malaria‐Ag were more highly mutated than sequences from TT‐specific BCRs and under strong negative selection, indicative of ongoing antigenic pressure. Our data suggest both persistent Ag exposure and the inflammatory environment shape the B‐cell response to malaria and bystander Ags.
Psychological and pain profiles in persons with patellofemoral pain as the primary symptom
Authors: Maclachlan Liam R. , Collins Natalie J. , Hodges Paul W. , Vicenzino Bill
Published: March 2020

Background

Patellofemoral pain (PFP) is defined biomechanically, but is characterized by features that fit poorly within nociceptive pain. Mechanisms associated with central sensitization may explain why, for some, symptoms appear nociplastic. This study compares psychological and somatosensory characteristics between those with persistent PFP and controls.

Methods

A total of 150 adults with PFP were compared to 61 controls. All participants completed a survey evaluating participant characteristics, PFP‐related constructs and psychological factors: anxiety, depression, pain catastrophizing, kinesiophobia, pain self‐efficacy. Participants also attended a session of somatosensory testing, which included knee and elbow thermal and mechanical detection and pain thresholds, conditioned pain modulation (CPM), and temporal summation of pain (TSP). Differences were evaluated using analysis of covariance (sex as covariate). Multivariate backward stepwise linear regression examined how psychological and somatosensory variables relate to PFP (knee injury and osteoarthritis outcome score‐patellofemoral [KOOS‐PF]).

Results

The PFP group had multimodal reduced pain thresholds at the knee and elbow (standardized mean difference [SMD], p: 0.86–1.2, <.001), reduced mechanical detection at the elbow (0.43, .01) and higher TSP (0.41, .01). CPM was not different. Psychological features demonstrated small effects (0.47–0.59, 0.01–0.04). The PFP group had a 55% (95% CI: 0.47–0.62) risk of kinesiophobia and an 11% (0.06–0.15) reduced pain self‐efficacy risk. Kinesiophobia, knee pressure pain threshold, pain self‐efficacy and pain catastrophizing explained 40% of KOOS‐PF variance (p = <.001).

Conclusions

Widespread hyperalgesia and evidence of symptom amplification may reflect nociplastic pain. Clinicians should be aware that kinesiophobia and the nociplastic pain may characterize the condition.

Significance

(a) Individuals with PFP have widespread reduced pain thresholds to pressure and thermal stimuli. (b) Mechanically induced pain is likely amplified in those with PFP. (c) Pain‐related fear is highly prevalent and helps explain PFP‐related disability.