bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Pemanfaatan Media Audio Visual Dalam Pembelajaran Seni Musik Tingkat Dasar
Authors: Fitra Muhtasyam Marijo Muhammad Okta Dwi Sastra , Mari'i Mari'i
Published: April 2022

Banyak cara yang telah dilakukan dalam mengajarkan kesenian musik tingkat dasar pada peserta didik, mulai dari penjelasan teori-teori yang meliputi pengenalan nama-nama alat musik, cara memegang alat musik sampai kepada cara memainkan alat musik yang benar. Namun saat pelaksanaan kegiatan praktiknya banyak peserta didik yang merasa tidak percaya diri dalam memulai bermain alat musik dan membuat pembelajaran menjadi tidak efektif. Hal tersebut dapat disebabkan oleh (1) ketidakpahaman mereka tentang ritme yang membuat mereka tidak nyaman ketika diharuskan bermain dengan memperhatikan tempo; (2) kurangnya pengenalan tentang harmoni yang membuat kelas menjadi gaduh saat pembelajaran musik berlangsung; (3) tidak adanya media pembelajaran yang baru dalam mendukung pembelajaran pengenalan ritme dan harmoni. Permasalahan tersebut menuntut peran dari pendidik untuk memanfaatkan media audio visual seperti laptop, LCD, dan speaker aktif dalam proses pembelajannya. Pendidik dituntut mampu mengoprasikan ketiganya secara bersamaan guna membantu dalam memperkenalkan sekaligus mempraktikan ritme dan harmoni kepada peserta didik. Dengan media yang baru, peserta didik dapat lebih aktif dan lebih tertib dalam kelas. Pembelajaran musik dalam kelas akan dirasa sangat megasyikkan serta memberikan kesan yang sangat baik untuk peserta didik. Dengan begitu, tujuan dalam pembelajaran seni musik tingkat dasar khususnya pada permasalahan ritme dan harmoni akan tercapai.
Influence of previous experience and socioeconomic characteristics on willingness to pay for physiotherapy in Poland
Authors: Proniewicz Justyna
Published: April 2022

The healthcare system in many countries is characterised by the co-existence of public and private medical services. Patients’ decisions regarding the purchase of private health services are made taking into account the trade-off between the price of a treatment and its quality and the waiting time. The aim of this study is to find out which factors impact the willingness to pay for health insurance or the willingness to pay for medical treatment. The study demonstrates that besides socio-demographic characteristics, some negative experiences (e.g. unavailable treatments, long waiting times, long journeys involved) and the experience of already having paid for treatments impact the willingness to pay. The results suggest that negative experiences are likely to cause a change in patients’ habits.
The minimal-time growth problem and ‘very strong’ turnpike theorem
Authors: Panek Emil
Published: April 2022

This paper refers to the author's previous work, in which the ‘weak’ turnpike theorem in the stationary Gale economy was proved. This theorem states that each optimal growth process {y*(t)}t*1t=0 that leads the economy in the shortest possible time t*1 from the (initial) state of y0 to the set of target/postulated states Y1 almost always runs in the neighbourhood of the production turnpike, where the economy remains in a specific dynamic equilibrium (peak growth equilibrium). This paper presents a proof of the ‘very strong’ turnpike theorem in the stationary Gale economy, which states that if the optimal process (the solution to the minimaltime growth problem) reaches a turnpike in a certain period of time tˇ < t*1 - 1, then it stays on it everywhere else, except for, at most, final period t*1. The obtained result confirms the wellknown Samuelson hypothesis about the specific turnpike stability of optimal growth paths in multiproduct/multisectoral von Neumann-Leontief-Gale-type models, also in the case where the growth criterion is not the (normally assumed) utility of production but the time needed by the economy to achieve the postulated target level or volume of production.
Real flat prices on the secondary market in selected cities in Poland
Authors: Kokot Sebastian
Published: April 2022

The paper presents the shaping of average flat prices on the secondary market in selected cities in Poland in the years 2006–2020. In this period, the subsequent phases of price shaping were: price increase, correction, stabilisation and another increase. The aim of the research discussed in this paper is to assess the differences between housing prices made real on the basis of the following indices: inflation, salary growth, and increasing creditworthiness. The study also focuses on the assessment of the consequences of the above-mentioned differences for the shaping of the housing market. The analysis was performed on the basis of public data from Statistics Poland and the National Bank of Poland. The research demonstrates that despite nominal increases in flat prices, they are available relatively easily. This is thanks to increasing average salaries and buyers’ creditworthiness, and the fact the market is able to accept housing prices adjusted by the creditworthiness indicator at a record-high level.
The impact of Fascial Distortion Model on shoulder girdle dysfunction
Authors: Rogala Adrian , Molik Bartosz , Brzuszkiewicz-Kuźmicka Grażyna , Truszczyńska-Baszak Aleksandra
Published: April 2022

Introduction: Shoulder girdle as highly specialized set of structures is particularly susceptible to overloading and injuries. In current literature USG and MRI results shows poor correlation with the function, which lead to some problems in correct diagnosis. The structure contributing to this issue might be fascia. One of the methods examination and treatment is very poorly known Fascial Distortion Model. The aim of our research was to assess the impact of the Fascial Distortion Model on shoulder girdle dysfunction.

Materials and methods: The subject of research were 78 patients with shoulder dysfunction. Experimental group of 50 patients underwent six 30-minutes FDM treatments, performed every second day. The control group of 28 patients were subjected standard physiotherapy. Measurement of mobility and pain was done by: functional tests, DASH questionnaire, modified CONSTANT scale and VAS scale.

Results: The experimental group obtained better results than control group. This was due to less pain (M = 0.56, SD = 1.03) vs (M = 6.71, SD = 1.88) and a greater limb function (M = 3.46, SD = 7.80) vs (M = 42.72, SD = 16.52). Participants treated with FDM improved in ROM, DASH score and VAS at the significance level (p = .000).

Conclusions: 1. Fascial distortions may contribute to dysfunction of the shoulder complex. 2. Connective tissue problems can limit the range of movement 3. Fascia disorders may contribute pain.
Performance of forage cactus submitted to different levels of irrigation and organic fertilization in the semi-arid region of Paraiba
Authors: Silva José Luiz Carneiro da , Batista Mateus Costa , Santos João Paulo de Oliveira , Cartaxo Paulo Henrique de Almeida , Araújo José Rayan Eraldo Souza , Silva João Henrique Barbosa da , Pereira Daniel Duarte
Published: April 2022

The forage cactus represents one of the main sources of fodder for livestock in the semi-arid region. However, although it is cultivated on a large scale in several regions, there are still few studies addressing issues of improved management, especially about irrigation and fertilization of recently used varieties, such as those resistant to false carmine cochineal. Thus, this research aimed to evaluate the effect of different levels of irrigation and sources of organic fertilizer on the productive performance of forage cactus variety Mexican Elephant’s Ear (Opuntia stricta). The experiment was set up at Fazenda Riachão, municipality of Boa Vista, Paraíba. Two types of manure (bovine and caprine) and the control were used, associated with the absence of irrigation and five different depths, which varied from 1.5 to 5.5 L of water per week per plant. A 3x6 factorial design with five repetitions was used in a randomized block design. The depths of water applied promoted a significant increase in the variables analyzed. The goat manure was the most effective in obtaining better values of the number of cladodes per plant and productivity.
Root and shoot development of corn seedlings as affected by rhizobacteria
Authors: Cruz Dennis Ricardo Cabral , Nascente Adriano Stephan , Silva Mariana Aguiar , Barroso Neto Juracy
Published: April 2022

Multifunctional microorganisms are beneficial microorganisms able of promoting plant growth through direct and indirect mechanisms. Because of this, has enormous potential for use when aiming a sustainable agriculture. The objective of this work was to determine the effect of seed inoculation with multifunctional microorganisms on the initial development of corn seedlings. The experiment was carried out under controlled conditions in a completely randomized design, with seven treatments and six replications. Treatments consisted of microbiolization of corn seeds with the rhizobacteria: 1. Burkholderia cepacea (BRM 32111), 2. Serratia marcenses (BRM 32113), 3. Serratia sp. (BRM 32114), 4. Bacillus sp. (BRM 63573), 5. Azospirillum brasilense (Ab-V5), 6. Azospirillum sp. (BRM 63574) and 7. control treatment (no microorganisms). For each experimental unit, 500 mL plastic pots filled with soil and two corn seeds were used. After 14 days the seedlings were removed from the pots, set aside from the ground and photographed with a digital camera. The images presented were analyzed by WinRHIZO 2012 software to determine: total root length, root diameter, total root surface area and root volume. After this, roots and shoots of the seedlings were dried and weighed. Corn seedlings treated with the multifunctional microorganisms Bacillus sp. (BRM 63573), Serratia sp. (BRM32114) and Azospirillum sp. (BRM 63574) presented increased in the root and shoots biomass compared to untreated seeds. The microorganism Azospirillum sp. (BRM 63574) was the one that provided the highest values in the parameters of total root length, root diameter, root volume, root dry mass, shoot dry mass and total dry mass compared to the control treatment. The use of multifunctional microorganisms is a promising alternative to provide greater development of corn seedlings.
Seed germination of Astronium urundeuva (M. Allemão) Engl. and Anadenanthera colubrina (Vell.) Brenan in different substrates
Authors: Nascimento Augusto Vinicius de Souza , Mendonça Ane Marcela das Chagas , Campos Joedna Alves , Santana Marlucia Cruz de , Santos Paulo Augusto Almeida
Published: April 2022

The present study evaluated the effect of different substrates on the germination and initial development of Astronium urundeuva and Anadenanthera colubrina. The substrates were: washed sand, vegetable soil, and vermiculite for A. urundeuva experiment; washed sand and vermiculite for A. colubrina experiment. The following variables were analyzed: percentage of emergence, emergence speed index, average emergence time, average emergence speed, synchronization index, first emergency count, and the relative frequency of emergence. For initial development, shoot and root length, number of leaves, and shoot, root and total dry mass were evaluated. The highest percentages of emergence for A. urundeuva (52%) and for A. colubrina (50.5%) were observed in vermiculite substrate. The use of vermiculite as substrate favored germination and initial development of A. urundeuva and A. colubrina.
Soil acidity and soy phytometry under application of limestone and agricultural gypsum
Authors: Yakuwa Tiago Kesajiro Moraes , Galvão Jessivaldo Rodrigues , Yakuwa Joberta Cardoso Pastana , Pinheiro Daniel Pereira , Viana Rafael Gomes , Araújo Dênmora Gomes de , Oliveira Leonardo de Almeida , Silva Deivison Rodrigues da
Published: April 2022

The soybean is one of the main agricultural crops in Brazil, because the use of its grains is an important source of protein and vegetable oil. One of the main limiting factors for obtaining high yields in soybean in tropical soils is related to the need to correct soil acidity. The objective of this study was to evaluate the growth of (Glycine max (L.) Merrill) and the variation of soil pH values under the application of limestone and agricultural gypsum. The experimental design was completely randomized, distributed in a 4x4 factorial scheme. The treatments consisted of doses of 0, 1.5, 3.0 and 4.5 t ha-1 of only limestone, only gypsum and the combination of limestone and gypsum, repeated four times, totaling 64 experimental units. The soil pH was evaluated at 30, 45, 60, 75 days before sowing. The growth variables were: number of pods, shoot dry mass, root dry mass, root length and shoot/root ratio. The variables pH 75 days, root length and shoot/root ratio were significantly influenced by the treatments, alone or in interaction. For pH 30, pH 45 and pH 60 days, number of pods and shoot dry mass, there were isolated effects of treatments for gypsum and limestone. In root dry mass, the effect of the treatment was verified only with the use of limestone. As a conclusion, the application of limestone and gypsum reduces the soil acidity, obtaining higher pH values from the doses of 3000 kg ha-1, with the combination of limestone and gypsum. The use of gypsum consortium with limestone promotes significant results in the growth of soybean plants.
Temperature Dependence of Electrical Resistivity of (III, Mn)V Diluted Magnetic Semiconductors
Authors: Tasisa Jira Edosa
Published: April 2022

In this work, a theory of temperature dependence of electrical resistivity is developed, with a particular emphasis on dilute magnetic semiconductors (DMSs). The approach is based on the equation of motion of the Ruderman-Kittel-Kasuya-Yosida (RKKY) exchange interaction and considers both spin and charge disorder. The formalism is applied to the specific case of Ga1−xMnxAs.Using the RKKY exchange interaction, the relaxation time τand the exchange interaction J are calculated. Then using spin-dependent relaxation time, electrical resistivity of the material is calculated. The electrical resistivity of Mn-doped III—V DMS is decreased with increasing temperature and magnetic impurity concentration.
Panobinostat, a Pan-HDAC Inhibitor, Substantially Decreases the Quiescent Population of Leukemic Cells either in Monoculture or in Co-culture with Bone Marrow Stromal Cells.
Authors: Amiri Vahid , Mohammadi Mohammad Hossein , Rafiee Mohammad , Mirzaeian Amin , Allahbakhshian Farsani Mehdi
Published: April 2022

Background: It is increasingly evident that interactions between leukemic cells and their niches can have profound effects on clinical outcomes and have been contributed to the failure in treatment and drug shortage in the eradication of minimal residual disease, at least in part, through moving the cells from proliferative state to quiescent state. Objectives: We, therefore, investigated the effects of different bone marrow stromal cells (BMSCs) on the induction of quiescence and tested the advantage of pan-HDAC inhibitor panobinostat in the induction of apoptosis and targeting the quiescence cells of APL-derived (NB4) and CML-derived (K562) cell lines. Methods: We firstly evaluated the effect of BMSCs including mesenchymal stem cell (MSC), osteoblast, and macrophage on the induction of NB4 and K562 cells quiescence in co-culture models. Next, the alterations in mRNA expression of quiescence-related genes and leukemia-driver oncogenes were evaluated in different models. Finally, the anti-leukemic effects of panobinostat were evaluated, using MTT assay and evaluation of apoptosis and G0 population. Results: Upon 10 days of co-culture with stromal cells, we found that leukemic cells significantly accumulated in the G0 phase. The co-cultured cells also depictured an overall overexpression of most quiescence promoter genes. The oncogenes were underexpressed in the majority of co-cultured models. The results also showed that although panobinostat could induce apoptosis in co-cultured cells, its effect on the reduction of the G0 population was more striking. Conclusions: These data propose that leukemia cells' quiescence state induced by stromal cells is reversible by HDAC inhibition and panobinostat could be a potentiate drug for eradication of treatment-resistance quiescence leukemic cells.
Dodatečné poskytnutí vysvětlení
Authors: Špačková Michala
Published: April 2022

Dodatečné poskytnutí vysvětlení je v českém právu stále relativní novinkou, jejíž aplikace s sebou přináší řadu otázek. Ty se týkají v prvé řadě předpokladů uplatnění této výjimky ze zásady poskytnutí vysvětlení akcionáři na valné hromadě. Zvláštní pozornost je nutné věnovat zejména otázce rozsahu povinnosti členů představenstva připravit se na otázky akcionářů. Neméně významná je i problematika prostředků ochrany práva na vysvětlení, zejména podání návrhu na vyslovení usnesení valné hromady za neplatné z důvodu rozporu se zákonem. Odlišně je přitom nutné posuzovat ochranu akcionáře v situaci nedůvodného (až) dodatečného poskytnutí vysvětlení ve srovnání s následným neposkytnutím odpovědi dříve přislíbené na valné hromadě představenstvem společnosti. Cílem příspěvku je nastínit možná výkladová východiska zmíněných problémů, a to i s využitím poznatků německého práva, jako hlavního inspiračního zdroje tuzemské úpravy práva na vysvětlení.
Humans Discriminate Individual Zebra Finches by their Song
Authors: Schalz Sabrina , Dickins Thomas E.
Published: April 2022

Comparative experiments have greatly advanced the field of biolinguistics in the 21st century, but so far very little research has focused on human perception of non-human animal vocalizations. Studies with zebra finch (Taeniopygia guttata) songs found that humans cannot perceive the full range of acoustic cues that zebra finches hear in their songs, although it remained unclear how much individual information is lost. Individual heterospecific discrimination by humans has only been shown with rhesus monkey (Macaca mulatta) voices. The present study examined whether human adults could discriminate two individual zebra finches by their songs, using a forced- choice Same-Different Paradigm. Results showed that adults can discriminate two individual zebra finches with high accuracy and without prior training. Discrimination mostly relied on differences in pitch contour, but discrimination was still possible with lower accuracy when pitch contour was removed. Future studies should expand these findings with more diverse non-human animal vocalizations.
Notas sobre o conceito de representatividade
Authors: Dess Conrado
Published: April 2022

Olhando para o recente movimento que tem lutado por representatividade nas artes nos últimos anos, o artigo propõe algumas reflexões acerca das implicações éticas, estéticas, políticas e sociais que atravessam a representação de grupos sociais minoritários no teatro contemporâneo. A partir da construção de uma compreensão do conceito de representatividade dentro do campo das artes cênicas e de uma análise de alguns dos seus modos de operação dentro e fora da cena, objetiva-se, também, apresentar e levantar propostas de enfrentamento para artistas que desejam criar sob uma perspectiva representativa, plural e emancipatória.
Odisseia dos sentidos: um espetáculo de luz e fogo
Authors: Macedo Cristina Alves de , Gallo Fabio Dall
Published: April 2022

Neste artigo, argumenta-se sobre o processo que levou à montagem do Odisseia dos sentidos, um espetáculo de circo que estreou em 2011 e foi remontado três vezes para, enfim, constituir um grande show de malabarismo de luz e fogo. A análise descritiva expõe o ponto de vista de dois artistas sobre um processo de criação em circo, que focalizou a técnica da manipulação de objetos. No início, a obra se destacou por seu caráter principalmente performático, mas posteriormente foi recebendo novas nuances estéticas, num processo de construção e direção coletiva que consolidou uma dramaturgia que afluiu não apenas o olhar dos artistas, mas também do público que assistiu as apresentações em diferentes cidades da Bahia, no Brasil e na Europa.
NCCN Guidelines® Insights: Hodgkin Lymphoma, Version 2.2022
Authors: Hoppe Richard T. , Advani Ranjana H. , Ai Weiyun Z. , Ambinder Richard F. , Armand Philippe , Bello Celeste M. , Benitez Cecil M. , Chen Weina , Dabaja Bouthaina , Daly Megan E. , Gordon Leo I. , Hansen Neil , Herrera Alex F. , Hochberg Ephraim P. , Johnston Patrick B. , Kaminski Mark S. , Kelsey Christopher R. , Kenkre Vaishalee P. , Khan Nadia , Lynch Ryan C. , Maddocks Kami , McConathy Jonathan , Metzger Monika , Morgan David , Mulroney Carolyn , Pullarkat Sheeja T. , Rabinovitch Rachel , Rosenspire Karen C. , Seropian Stuart , Tao Randa , Torka Pallawi , Winter Jane N. , Yahalom Joachim , Yang Joanna C. , Burns Jennifer L. , Campbell Mallory , Sundar Hema
Published: April 2022

Hodgkin lymphoma (HL) is an uncommon malignancy of B-cell origin. Classical HL (cHL) and nodular lymphocyte–predominant HL are the 2 main types of HL. The cure rates for HL have increased so markedly with the advent of modern treatment options that overriding treatment considerations often relate to long-term toxicity. These NCCN Guidelines Insights discuss the recent updates to the NCCN Guidelines for HL focusing on (1) radiation therapy dose constraints in the management of patients with HL, and (2) the management of advanced-stage and relapsed or refractory cHL.
Immune Checkpoint Inhibitor Use in Solid Organ Transplant Recipients: A Systematic Review
Authors: Portuguese Andrew J. , Tykodi Scott S. , Blosser Christopher D. , Gooley Ted A. , Thompson John A. , Hall Evan T.
Published: April 2022

Chronic immunosuppression in solid organ transplant recipients (SOTRs) leads to an increased risk of a wide variety of cancers. Immune checkpoint inhibitor (ICI) therapy is indicated for many of these; however, the risks and benefits of ICI use in the SOTR population have not been well characterized. We performed a systematic literature review identifying 119 reported cases of ICI use among SOTRs. Treatments used included PD-1 inhibition (75.6%), CTLA-4 inhibition (12.6%), PD-L1 inhibition (1.7%), and combination and/or sequential ICI therapy (10.1%). The most common cancers included cutaneous melanoma (35.3%), hepatocellular carcinoma (22.7%), and cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (18.5%). The overall objective response rate (ORR) was 34.5%, with a median duration of response of 8.0 months. Ongoing response was seen in 21.0%. Cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma had significantly better ORR compared with other cancer types (68.2% vs 26.8%; odds ratio [OR], 5.85; P =.0006). Factors associated with improved ORR included increasing time from transplant to ICI (OR, 1.09; P =.008) and preemptive reduction in intensity of the graft maintenance immunosuppressive regimen (50.0% vs 18.5%; OR, 4.40; P =.0088). Rejection occurred in 41.2%, graft failure in 23.5%, and immune-related adverse events in 18.5%. Factors significantly associated with allograft rejection included allograft PD-L1 positivity (100% vs 0%; P<.0001) and absence of tacrolimus in the immunosuppressive regimen (48.7% vs 25.6%; OR, 0.36; P =.019). The most common cause of death was progressive malignancy (64.0%), followed by graft failure (24.0%). Our analysis provides current benchmark data to help inform management of SOTRs with advanced cancers that are reflected by our patient cohort. Biomarker development, more robust datasets, and prospective study of concomitant immunosuppression management may help refine decision-making in this complex scenario in the future. Close coordination of care between the medical oncologist and transplant specialist is encouraged to help optimize treatment outcomes.
The Role of Tissue Biopsy in the Management of Immune Checkpoint Inhibitor Toxicity
Authors: Fecher Leslie A. , Bishu Shrinivas , Fontana Robert J. , Hayek Salim S. , Schneider Bryan J.
Published: April 2022

Immune checkpoint inhibitors have revolutionized the treatment of cancer and are now omnipresent. However, immune-related adverse events can present with varying phenotypes and timing, which can pose diagnostic and therapeutic challenges for the treating oncologist as well as subspecialty consultants. Biopsies of affected organs may provide insight into biologic mechanisms as well as potentially guide management in certain circumstances.
Applied and Computational Mathematics Division :
Authors: Boisvert Ronald F
Published: April 2022

This report summarizes recent technical work of the Applied and Computational Sciences Division of the Information Technology Laboratory at the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST). Part I (Overview) provides a high-level overview of the Division's activities, including highlights of technical accomplishments during the previous year. Part II (Features) provides further details on projects of particular note this year. This is followed in Part III (Project Summaries) by brief synopses of all technical projects active during the past year. Part IV (Activity Data) provides listings of publications, technical talks, and other professional activities in which Division staff members have participated. The reporting period covered by this document is October 2020 through December 2021.
Characteristics of nuclear power plant fires involving electrical enclosures
Authors: Leventon Isaac T , McGrattan Kevin B , Davis Rick D , Hamburger Kenneth , Melly Nicholas
Published: April 2022

PRIMARY AUDIENCE Fire protection and fire probabilistic risk assessment engineers conducting or reviewing fire modeling that supports fire probabilistic risk assessments related to characteristics (e.g., ignition, fire growth, and peak heat release rate) of electrical enclosure fires in nuclear power plants. KEY RESEARCH QUESTION What are the characteristics (e.g., common causes, ignition mechanisms, detection type) of electrical enclosure fires; what impact does fire cause type have on the severity, duration, and damage type of electrical enclosure fires; and how does this vary for fires in electrical enclosures versus all fires in nuclear power plants? can this information be used to inform testing, fire modeling, and risk assessment of electrical enclosure fires?
Econometrics at Scale: Spark up Big Data in Economics
Authors: Bluhm Benjamin , Cutura Jannic Alexander
Published: April 2022

This paper provides an overview of how to use “big data” for social science research (with an emphasis on economics and finance). We investigate the performance and ease of use of different Spark applications running on a distributed file system to enable the handling and analysis of data sets which were previously not usable due to their size. More specifically, we explain how to use Spark to (i) explore big data sets which exceed retail grade computers memory size and (ii) run typical statistical/econometric tasks including cross sectional, panel data and time series regression models which are prohibitively expensive to evaluate on stand-alone machines. By bridging the gap between the abstract concept of Spark and ready-to-use examples which can easily be altered to suite the researchers need, we provide economists and social scientists more generally with the theory and practice to handle the ever growing datasets available. The ease of reproducing the examples in this paper makes this guide a useful reference for researchers with a limited background in data handling and distributed computing.
Continuous Metric Learning For Transferable Speech Emotion Recognition and Embedding Across Low-resource Languages
Authors: Das Sneha , Lund Nicklas Leander , Lønfeldt Nicole Nadine , Pagsberg Anne Katrine , Clemmensen Line H.
Published: April 2022

Speech emotion recognition (SER) refers to the technique of inferring the emotional state of an individual from speech signals. SERs continue to garner interest due to their wide applicability. While the domain is mainly founded on signal processing, machine learning and deep learning methods, generalizing over languages continues to remain a challenge. To improve performance over languages, in this paper we propose a denoising autoencoder with semi-supervision using a continuous metric loss. The novelty of this work lies in our proposal for continuous metric learning, which is among the first proposals on the topic to the best of our knowledge. Furthermore, we contribute labels corresponding to the dimensional model, that were used to evaluate the quality of embedding (the labels will be made available by the time of the publication). We show that the proposed method consistently outperforms the baseline method in terms of the classification accuracy and correlation with respect to the dimensional variables.
Análisis comparativo de la actividad antimicrobiana de secreciones y excreciones larvales de Calliphora vicina y Sarconesiopsis magellanica (Diptera: Calliphoridae)
Authors: Novoa-Palomares Francy , Salas-Díaz Laura , Pérez-Téllez Cindy , Pinillos-Medina Ingred , Torres-García Orlando , Bello Felio J.
Published: April 2022

Introducción. La creciente resistencia bacteriana a los antibióticos representa una amenaza mundial de salud pública. Las excreciones y secreciones larvarias derivadas de moscas necrófagas de la familia Calliphoridae podrían configurar una fuente promisoria para contrarrestar sus efectos.Objetivo. Comparar la actividad antimicrobiana de las excreciones y secreciones larvarias nativas, y de las mayores y menores de 10 kDa de Calliphora vicina y Sarconesiopsis magellanica (Diptera: Calliphoridae).Materiales y métodos. El bioensayo se hizo a partir de la técnica de turbidimetría y en el caso de las excreciones y secreciones menores de 10 kDa se determinó la concentración inhibitoria mínima (CIM).Resultados. Las excreciones y secreciones nativas y las menores de 10 kDa de C. vicina y S. magellanica, evidenciaron una potente actividad antibacteriana contra tres cepas de Staphylococcus aureus y cuatro bacterias Gram negativas, siendo las menores de 10 kDa más efectivas que las nativas en las dos especies de moscas evaluadas. Además, las menores de 10 kDa presentaron la misma efectividad, aunque en las pruebas de CIM se observó que las de S. magellanica fueron más potentes en todas las bacterias evaluadas, excepto contra la cepa de S. aureus ATCC 25923. Las mayores de 10 kDa no inhibieron el crecimiento bacteriano.Conclusión. Los resultados validaron, en general, que estas sustancias son fuente importante para el aislamiento y la caracterización de agentes antimicrobianos.
Evaluación de la efectividad de la prueba rápida OptiMAL-IT™ para el seguimiento de pacientes con diagnóstico de malaria en la Amazonía peruana
Authors: Arróspide Nancy , Sanabria Hernán , Araujo-Banchon William J.
Published: April 2022

Introducción. En Perú, la microscopía óptica con gota gruesa continúa utilizándose en el seguimiento de los pacientes con malaria o paludismo. Esta prueba es sencilla, pero requiere de equipamiento microscópico y personal idóneo que realice la lectura de las muestras. Los estudios sugieren que la prueba rápida OptiMAL-IT™ es una opción para dicho seguimiento.Objetivo. Evaluar la efectividad de OptiMAL-IT™ como test de seguimiento en pacientes con malaria en áreas endémicas del Perú.Materiales y métodos. Se hizo un estudio observacional, transversal y analítico de pruebas diagnósticas en pacientes con malaria. Se seleccionó a todos los pacientes que cumplían con los criterios de inclusión, procedentes de diferentes establecimientos de salud de los departamentos peruanos de San Martín y Loreto. El diagnóstico se hizo mediante microscopía óptica con gota gruesa y la prueba rápida de diagnóstico inmunocromatográfico OptiMAL-IT™ en los días 2, 3, 7 y 14 para Plasmodium vivax y hasta el día 21 de seguimiento para Plasmodium falciparum. Se calculó el porcentaje de los correctamente clasificados y los valores predictivos, y se compararon los resultados de la selva occidental y la selva oriental mediante ji al cuadrado o prueba exacta de Fisher. Resultados. Se registraron 262 pacientes de San Martín y 302 de Loreto. Los porcentajes correctamente clasificados y el valor predictivo negativo fueron superiores a 92,0 y 93,0 %, respectivamente, a partir del tercer día de seguimiento; no se encontraron diferencias estadísticas en los resultados obtenidos en la Amazonía occidental y los de la oriental. Conclusiones. La prueba OptiMAL-IT™ sería efectiva como test de seguimiento en los pacientes con diagnóstico de malaria en áreas endémicas del Perú.
Prevalencia de malaria gestacional en Ecuador
Authors: Bracho Ángela , Guerrero María Leonela , Molina Gema , Rivero Zulbey , Arteaga Miguel
Published: April 2022

Introducción. La malaria gestacional, definida como la presencia de Plasmodium spp. en sangre periférica materna o el hallazgo del parásito en la placenta, es considerada un importante problema de salud pública en las regiones tropicales y subtropicales.Objetivo. Determinar la frecuencia de casos de malaria gestacional diagnosticados en Ecuador entre 2015 y 2018.Materiales y métodos. Se hizo un estudio descriptivo, retrospectivo y transversal. Resultados. Se determinaron 46 casos de malaria gestacional en el período evaluado, 25 por Plasmodium falciparum y 21 por Plasmodium vivax, siendo el 2018 el año con más casos. En cuanto a las variables de edad y trimestre de gestación, prevalecieron en el grupo de 20 a 29 años (46 %) y en el segundo trimestre (37 %). Solo se observó una diferencia significativa entre los casos por año y la especie parasitaria.Conclusión. La malaria gestacional en Ecuador ha aumentado en los últimos cinco años, por lo que es importante informar a las mujeres en estado de gravidez sobre las medidas preventivas para evitar el contagio con el parásito, dadas las graves consecuencias que conlleva para ellas y sus hijos.
Role of Sonography and Sonoelastography in Characterisation of Cervical Lymphadenopathy with Pathological Association: A Cohort Study
Authors: Kaushik Sumit , Sharma Madhu , Sharma Lal Bahadur , Malhotra Ankur , Arora Deepti , Jain Anshul
Published: April 2022

Introduction: Identification of the nature of lymph nodes is one of the most important parameters for diagnosis in any oncological setting. The lymph nodes help in staging and this directly affects the prognostic outcome and treatment decision. Ultrasound is the preferred imaging method for distinguishing between benign and malignant superficial lymph nodes given ease of availability and its low cost. However, there is no reliable and definitive sonographic criterion in ultrasound to categorise lymph nodes as benign or malignant. Aim: To evaluate the role of sonography and sonoelastography in characterisation of cervical lymphadenopathy and to associate the imaging findings with cytopathology. Materials and Methods: This was a cohort study, conducted over a period of one year in Teerthankar Mahaveer Medical College and Research Centre, Moradabad, Uttar Pradesh, India, constituting a total of 60 patients with enlarged cervical lymph nodes and evaluated on B-mode ultrasound and elastography in this study. The ultrasonography was performed using either Acuson S3000 ultrasound system (Siemens Medical Solutions, Mountain View, CA) with a 4 to 9 MHz linear transducer for conventional sonography and Acoustic Radiation Force Impulse (ARFI) imaging. Results of radiological findings were tabulated, evaluated and collated with pathological findings. Results: ARFI imaging displayed a sensitivity and specificity of 80% and 97.5% respectively with a Positive Predictive Value (PPV) and Negative Predictive Value (NPV) of 94.1% and 90.7% respectively in distinguishing malignant from benign cervical lymphadenopathy with the diagnostic accuracy being 91.67%. Using Area Under the Receiver Operating Characteristic (ROC) Curve (AUC) of 0.925, a cut-off value for shear wave velocity of 2.98 m/s was obtained. Conclusion: ARFI is a novel technique which can be used to characterise the nature of cervical lymph nodes. Present study demonstrated high diagnostic accuracy (91.67%) in comparison with histopathological findings, ARFI elastography may help in distinction of benign from malignant nodes in adjunct to the grey scale.
Identification of Effective Model for Prediction of Ovarian Malignancy Risk using Models like Risk of Malignancy Index, Logistic Regression, International Ovarian Tumour Analysis- Simple Rules
Authors: Ramya SR
Published: April 2022

Introduction: Ovarian tumour is not a single entity it is a spectrum of neoplasm involving variety of histological tissues. Use of mathematical formula as malignancy index which is based on logistic model, menopausal status, serum levels of Cancer Antigen 125 (CA-125) and ultrasound findings in a score system is not so popular which can be a useful predictor for diagnosing and monitoring the progression of ovarian malignancy. Aim: To determine the effectiveness of the three models i.e., Risk of Malignancy Index (RMI-1,2,3 and 4), Logistic Regression 2 (LR-2), International Ovarian Tumour Analysis (IOTA) - simple rules in predicting ovarian malignancy. Materials and Methods: This prospective cohort observational study was conducted in Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology at Saveetha Medical College and Hospital, Tamil Nadu, India, from June 2017 to July 2018. The study included a total of 70 female subjects with ovarian mass. Information obtained by investigations, ultrasound was used to predict the risk of malignancy by using the three models {Risk of Malignancy Index (RMI-1,2,3 and 4), Logistic Regression 2 (LR-2), International Ovarian Tumour Analysis (IOTA)- simple rules}. CA-125 level was considered as primary outcome variable. Study group histopathology impression (malignant Vs benign) was considered as primary explanatory variable. The result from the above models was compared with the postoperative histopathological report. The sensitivity and specificity of each model was also identified. Results: Majority of the study participants 49 (70%) were in premenopausal status and only 21 (30%) were in menopausal status. The mean CA-125 level was 108.82±233.13 in the study population (95% CI: 53.23-164.41). Among the 70 study subjects, 53 (75.70%) patients were RMI-1 benign and only 17 (24.30%) were RMI-1 malignant. Majority of the study participants 42 (60%) were IOTA impression benign and only 28 (40%) were IOTA malignant. The difference in the proportion of IOTA-simple rules between histopathology impression was statistically significant (p-value <0.001). The sensitivity of IOTA-simple rules in predicting malignant histopathology was 92%, Specificity was 90.48%, diagnostic accuracy was 91.04%. Conclusion: For early risk stratification of adnexal masses, IOTAsimple rules can be used as a screening tool due to its high sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, negative predictive value and diagnostic accuracy.
Properties of ω conotoxin MVIIC receptors associated with α1A calcium channel subunits in rat brain
Authors: Martin-Moutot Nicole , Leveque Christian , Sato Kazuki , Kato Rika , Takahashi Masami , Seagar Michael
Published: July 2002

Solubilized 125I‐ω conotoxin MVIIC receptors from rat cerebellum were immunoprecipitated by antibodies directed against the calcium channel α1A subunit. Anti‐αIA antibodies recognized a 240‐220, 180 and 160 kDa proteins in immunoblots of cerebellar membranes. Disuccinimidyl suberate cross‐linked 125I‐ω conotoxin MVIIC to an α2δ‐like 200‐180 kDa subunit, which migrated at 150‐140 kDa after disulfide reduction. These observations are consistent with a heteromeric structure in which high affinity ω conotoxin MVIIC binding sites formed by α1A subunits are located in close proximity to peripheral α2 subunits.
Identification of a vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) antagonist, sFlt‐1, from a human hematopoietic cell line NALM‐16
Authors: Inoue Toshiya , Kibata Keiko , Suzuki Motoyuki , Nakamura Shuji , Motoda Ryuichi , Orita Kunzo
Published: July 2002

An antagonistic activity against vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) was identified in the culture supernatants of certain human hematopoietic cell lines and the antagonistic protein was purified from NALM‐16 (B cell) culture supernatant. Amino acid sequencing of the N‐terminus and Western blot analysis confirmed that the antagonist was identical to a soluble truncated form of Flt‐1 (sFlt‐1). Seventeen of 52 leukemia and lymphoma cell lines investigated expressed sFlt‐1 mRNA, and 16 of the sFlt‐1 expressing cells also expressed VEGF and membrane‐bound Flt‐1 (mFlt‐1). This report is the first showing that sFlt‐1 can be produced by malignant hematopoietic cells, suggesting that the production of VEGF antagonist by hematopoietic cells may play some role in the regulation of VEGF activity in normal and malignant hematopoietic cell proliferation.
The sorcin–annexin VII calcium‐dependent interaction requires the sorcin N‐terminal domain
Authors: Verzili Daniela , Zamparelli Carlotta , Mattei Benedetta , Noegel Angelika A. , Chiancone Emilia
Published: July 2002

Surface plasmon resonance experiments show that at neutral pH the stability of the complex between sorcin and annexin VII (synexin) increases dramatically between 3 and 6 μM calcium; at the latter cation concentration the K
D value is 0.63 μM. In turn, the lack of complex formation between the sorcin Ca2+ binding domain (33–198) and synexin maps the annexin binding site to the N‐terminal region of the sorcin polypeptide chain. Annexin VII likewise employs the N‐terminal domain, more specifically the first 31 amino acids, to interact with sorcin [Brownawell, A.M. and Creutz, C.E. (1997) J. Biol. Chem. 272, 22182–22190]. The interaction may involve similar structural motifs in the two proteins, namely GGYY and GYGG in sorcin and GYPP in synexin.
Cd(II), Pb(II) and Zn(II) ions regulate expression of the metal‐transporting P‐type ATPase ZntA in Escherichia coli
Authors: Binet Marie R.B , Poole Robert K
Published: July 2002

ZntA is a cation‐translocating ATPase which exports from Escherichia coli Cd(II) and Pb(II), as well as Zn(II). The metal‐dependent ATP hydrolysis activity of purified ZntA was recently characterised and showed a specificity for Cd(II), Pb(II) and Zn(II). zntA expression has been reported to be up‐regulated primarily by Zn(II), mediated by the regulatory protein ZntR, belonging to the MerR transcriptional regulator family. In contrast to previous claims, we now show, using a Φ(zntA‐lacZ) monolysogen, that Cd(II) is the most effective inducer of zntA, which is also induced significantly by Pb(II). The Cd(II)‐ and Pb(II)‐dependent transcriptional up‐regulation of zntA is also mediated by ZntR.
Composition of the λ plasmid heritable replicationcomplex
Authors: POTRYKUS Katarzyna , BARAŃSKA Sylwia , WĘGRZYN Alicja , WĘGRZYN Grzegorz
Published: July 2002

Previous studies indicated during replication of plasmids derived from bacteriophage λ (the so-called λ plasmids), that, once assembled, replication complex can be inherited by one of the two daughter plasmid copies after each replication round, and may function in subsequent replication rounds. It seems that similar processes occur during replication of other DNA molecules, including chromosomes of the yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae. However, apart from some suggestions based on genetic experiments, composition of the λ heritable replication complex remains unknown. In amino acid-starved Escherichia coli relA mutants, replication of λ plasmid DNA is carried out exclusively by the heritable replication complex as assembly of new complexes is impaired due to inhibition of protein synthesis. Here, using a procedure based on in vivo cross-linking, cell lysis, immunoprecipitation with specific sera, de-cross-linking and PCR analysis, we demonstrate that the λ heritable replication complex consists of O, P, DnaB and, perhaps surprisingly, DnaK proteins.
Assembling amyloid fibrils from designed structures containing a significant amyloid β-peptide fragment
Authors: TJERNBERG Lars O. , TJERNBERG Agneta , BARK Niklas , SHI Yuan , RUZSICSKA Bela P. , BU Zimei , THYBERG Johan , CALLAWAY David J.E.
Published: July 2002

The amyloid plaque, consisting of amyloid β-peptide (Aβ) fibrils surrounded by dystrophic neurites, is an invariable feature of Alzheimer's disease. The determination of the molecular structure of Aβ fibrils is a significant goal that may lead to the structure-based design of effective therapeutics for Alzheimer's disease. Technical challenges have thus far rendered this goal impossible. In the present study, we develop an alternative methodology. Rather than determining the structure directly, we design conformationally constrained peptides and demonstrate that only certain ‘bricks’ can aggregate into fibrils morphologically identical to Aβ fibrils. The designed peptides include variants of a decapeptide fragment of Aβ, previously shown to be one of the smallest peptides that (1) includes a pentapeptide sequence necessary for Aβ—Aβ binding and aggregation and (2) can form fibrils indistinguishable from those formed by full-length Aβ. The secondary structure of these bricks is monitored by CD spectroscopy, and electron microscopy is used to study the morphology of the aggregates formed. We then made various residue deletions and substitutions to determine which structural features are essential for fibril formation. From the constraints, statistical analysis of side-chain pair correlations in β-sheets and experimental data, we deduce a detailed model of the peptide strand alignment in fibrils formed by these bricks. Our results show that the constrained decapeptide dimers rapidly form an intramolecular, antiparallel β-sheet and polymerize into amyloid fibrils at low concentrations. We suggest that the formation of an exposed β-sheet (e.g. an Aβ dimer formed by interaction in the decapeptide region) could be a rate-limiting step in fibril formation. A theoretical framework that explains the results is presented in parallel with the data.
Fatal cerebral air embolism as a complication of transbronchoscopic lung biopsy: A case report
Authors: Shetty Prashant G , Fatterpekar Girish M , Manohar Shroff , Sujit Vaidya , Varsha Joshi , Zarir Udwadia
Published: July 2002

A rare complication of transbronchoscopic lung biopsy, namely a cerebral air embolism, is presented. The course of events following the embolic episode in the form of a fall in blood pressure, bradycardia and convulsions is documented, as is the presence of an air emboli on the CT scan of the brain with subsequent resorption of the emboli on the follow‐up scan. The salient features of the case are the rarity of the complication and the excellent temporal depiction of imaging findings on CT scan demonstrated as resorption of air emboli and subsequent watershed territory infarcts.
A comparison of the Neuropen against standard quantitative sensory‐threshold measures for assessing peripheral nerve function
Authors: A. N. Paisley , C. A. Abbott , C. H. M. Van Schie , A. J. M. Boulton
Published: July 2002

Aims To investigate the efficacy of the Neuropen, a new clinical device that assesses both pain and pressure perception, to evaluate peripheral nerve function in diabetic patients compared with standard clinical testing methods.

Methods Peripheral nerve function was assessed in 124 diabetic patients attending a multidisciplinary diabetes clinic, using (i) the modified Neuropathy Disability Score (NDS), derived from assessment of vibration, pinprick (pain), temperature sensation plus ankle reflexes, and (ii) vibration perception threshold (VPT) measured at the hallux. Patients were stratified into various neuropathic groups according to their NDS score. In addition, nerve function was assessed using the Neuropen, a device combining a 10‐g monofilament and a weighted NeurotipTM. Inability to feel sensation on either or both feet for each test of the Neuropen (i.e. the monofilament or the NeurotipTM) was defined as an abnormal response.

Results The sensitivity of the Neuropen to detect neuropathy compared with the NDS (score ≥ 6/10) was high using either an abnormal monofilament response (87.8%), an abnormal NeurotipTM response (91.8%) or a combination of the two (82.0%). Neuropen specificity improved, however, when the combination of abnormal monofilament and abnormal NeurotipTM responses was used (68%), rather than the individual tests (57% and 41%, respectively).

Conclusions The Neuropen is a sensitive device for assessing nerve function and may provide an inexpensive alternative screening method to identify patients with moderate to severe neuropathy.

Diabet. Med. 19, 400–405 (2002)