bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Identification of topographic features influencing aerosol observations at high altitude stations
Authors: Collaud Coen Martine , Andrews Elisabeth , Aliaga Diego , Andrade Marcos , Angelov Hristo , Bukowiecki Nicolas , Ealo Marina , Fialho Paulo , Flentje Harald , Hallar A. Gannet , Hooda Rakesh , Kalapov Ivo , Krejci Radovan , Lin Neng-Huei , Marinoni Angela , Ming Jing , Nguyen Nhat Anh , Pandolfi Marco , Pont Véronique , Ries Ludwig , Rodríguez Sergio , Schauer Gerhard , Sellegri Karine , Sharma Sangeeta , Sun Junying , Tunved Peter , Velasquez Patricio , Ruffieux Dominique
Published: August 2018

Abstract. High altitude stations are often emphasized as free tropospheric
measuring sites but they remain influenced by atmospheric boundary layer
(ABL) air masses due to convective transport processes. The local and
meso-scale topographical features around the station are involved in the
convective boundary layer development and in the formation of thermally
induced winds leading to ABL air lifting. The station altitude alone is not
a sufficient parameter to characterize the ABL influence. In this study, a
topography analysis is performed allowing calculation of a newly defined
index called ABL-TopoIndex. The ABL-TopoIndex is constructed in order to
correlate with the ABL influence at the high altitude stations and long-term
aerosol time series are used to assess its validity. Topography data from
the global digital elevation model GTopo30 were used to calculate five
parameters for 43 high and 3 middle altitude stations situated on five
continents. The geometric mean of these five parameters determines a topography
based index called ABL-TopoIndex, which can be used to rank the high altitude
stations as a function of the ABL influence. To construct the ABL-TopoIndex,
we rely on the criteria that the ABL influence will be low if the station is
one of the highest points in the mountainous massif, if there is a large
altitude difference between the station and the valleys or high plains, if
the slopes around the station are steep, and finally if the inverse drainage
basin potentially reflecting the source area for thermally lifted pollutants
to reach the site is small. All stations on volcanic islands exhibit a low
ABL-TopoIndex, whereas stations in the Himalayas and the Tibetan Plateau have
high ABL-TopoIndex values. Spearman's rank correlation between aerosol
optical properties and number concentration from 28 stations and the
ABL-TopoIndex, the altitude and the latitude are used to validate this
topographical approach. Statistically significant (SS) correlations are
found between the 5th and 50th percentiles of all aerosol parameters and the
ABL-TopoIndex, whereas no SS correlation is found with the station
altitude. The diurnal cycles of aerosol parameters seem to be best explained
by the station latitude although a SS correlation is found between the
amplitude of the diurnal cycles of the absorption coefficient and the
ABL-TopoIndex.
Tropospheric sources and sinks of gas-phase acids in the Colorado Front Range
Authors: Mattila James M. , Brophy Patrick , Kirkland Jeffrey , Hall Samuel , Ullmann Kirk , Fischer Emily V. , Brown Steve , McDuffie Erin , Tevlin Alex , Farmer Delphine K.
Published: August 2018

Abstract. We measured organic and inorganic gas-phase acids in the
Front Range of Colorado to better understand their tropospheric sources and
sinks using a high-resolution time-of-flight chemical ionization mass
spectrometer. Measurements were conducted from 4 to 13 August 2014 at the
Boulder Atmospheric Observatory during the Front Range Air Pollution and
Photochemistry Éxperiment. Diurnal increases in mixing ratios are
consistent with photochemical sources of HNO3, HNCO, formic, propionic,
butyric, valeric, and pyruvic acid. Vertical profiles taken on the 300 m
tower demonstrate net surface-level emissions of alkanoic acids, but net
surface deposition of HNO3 and pyruvic acid. The surface-level alkanoic
acid source persists through both day and night, and is thus not solely
photochemical. Reactions between O3 and organic surfaces may contribute
to the surface-level alkanoic acid source. Nearby traffic emissions and
agricultural activity are a primary source of propionic, butyric, and
valeric acids, and likely contribute photochemical precursors to HNO3
and HNCO. The combined diel and vertical profiles of the alkanoic acids and
HNCO are inconsistent with dry deposition and photochemical losses being the
only sinks, suggesting additional loss mechanisms.
Variation in total electron content with sunspot number during the ascending and maximum phases of solar cycle 24 at Birnin Kebbi
Authors: Ogwala Aghogho , Somoye Emmanuel Olufemi , Ogunmodimu Olugbenga , Adeniji-Adele Rasaq Adewemimo , Onori Eugene Oghenakpobo , Oyedokun Oluwole , Iheonu Ernest
Published: August 2018

Abstract. Satellite radio signals are affected by the presence of electrons in the earth’s upper atmosphere (ionosphere). The more electrons in the path of the satellite radio signals, the more the impact on the accuracy of satellite navigation systems such as the Global Positioning System (GPS)/ Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) and GLONASS. These electrons introduce several meters of error in position calculation. Total Electron Content (TEC) is used to monitor possible space weather impacts on satellite to ground communication and satellite navigation. TEC is modified in the ionosphere by changing solar Extreme Ultra-Violet (EUV) radiation, geomagnetic storms, and the atmospheric waves that propagate up from the lower atmosphere. Therefore, TEC depends on local time, latitude, longitude, season, geomagnetic conditions, solar cycle activity, and condition of the troposphere. A dual frequency GPS receiver located at an equatorial station, Birnin-Kebbi in Northern Nigeria (geographic location: 12.64° N; 4.22° E), has been used to investigate variation of TEC during the period of 2011 to 2014. We investigate the diurnal, seasonal and solar cycle dependence of GPS-TEC. The result shows that TEC increases from a minimum at 0400 local time (LT) to maximum daytime peak between 1300–1600 LT and then decreases to a minimum value after sunset for all the years. Slight post-noon peaks in the daytime maximum and post-sunset decrease and enhancement is observed in some months. We observed that TEC were higher in the equinoxes than the solstices only in 2012. Where as in 2011, September equinox and December solstice recorded higher magnitude followed by March equinox and lowest in June solstice. In 2013, December solstice magnitude was highest, followed by the equinoxes and lowest in June solstice. In 2014, March equinox and December solstice magnitude were higher than September equinox and June solstice magnitude. June solstice consistently recorded the lowest values for all the years.
The Potential of Integrating Landscape, Geochemical and Economical Indices to Analyze Watershed Ecological Environment
Authors: Yu Huan , Kong Bo , He Zheng-Wei , Wang Guangxing , Wang Qing
Published: August 2018

Abstract. A river watershed is a complicated ecosystem, and its spatial structure and temporal dynamics are driven by various natural factors such as soil properties and topographic features, human activities, and their interactions. Thus, characterizing the river watershed ecosystem and monitoring its dynamics is very challenging. In this study, we explored the characteristics of the ecosystem and environment of Yalong River watershed in Ganzi Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture, Sichuan Province of China by analyzing and modeling the relationships among economic indices, heavy metal elements and landscape metrics. Landsat 8 data were used to generate a land cover classification map and to derive landscape pattern indices. Governmental finance statistics yearbook data were referred to provide economic indices. Moreover, a total of 9 water samples were collected from the upstream to the downstream to obtain the values of heavy metal concentrations in the water body. Then, both correlation and regression analyses were applied to analyze and model the relationships among these indices. The results of this study showed that 1) The ecological status and process of this river watershed could be explained by analyzing the relationships among the economic indices, heavy metal elements and landscape pattern indices selected based on correlation analysis; 2) Compared with the economic indices, the accumulated economic indices were more significantly correlated with most of the heavy metal elements and should be applied for the integrated assessment of the watershed ecological environment; 3) Landscape pattern indices SHDI and IJI had strong correlations with the important economic indices Population and Population Density and could be used for the integrated assessment of the watershed characteristics; 4) Compared with land cover area, land cover area ratios were more sensitive to the variation of the economic indices. The dominated land cover types Forest and Grassland had strong relationships with the economic indices; and 5) Cu and Zn had significant correlations with the landscape pattern indices. This study implied that analyzing and modeling the relationships among the economic indices, heavy metal elements and landscape pattern indices can provide a powerful tool for characterizing the ecosystem of the river watershed and useful guidelines for the watershed management and sustainable development.
Influence of measurement errors on the results of the Brutsaert–Nieber analysis of flow recession curves
Authors: Kurnatowski Jacek
Published: August 2018

Abstract. The classic analysis of river flow recession hydrographs Q(t) developed by Brutsaert and Nieber (1977) leads to the graphical representation of the relation ln(−dQ/dt) = ln[f(Q)] in a form of scattered points cloud. The paper presents the analysis of measurement errors of river flow values as one of possible factors generating this dispersion. The relevant numerical experiment shows the high similarity between the set of points obtained as a classic analysis result and the experiment output. It has been proved that constant time steps between consecutive flow measurements subject to random errors generate a systematic error of the analysis results and should be replaced by intervals of variable duration, resulting from the condition of constant stage/depth decrements.
Estimating the effect of rainfall on the surface temperature of a
tropical lake
Authors: Rooney Gabriel Gerard , van Lipzig Nicole , Thiery Wim
Published: August 2018

Abstract. We make use of a unique high-quality, long-term observational dataset on a tropical lake to assess the effect of rainfall on lake surface temperature. The lake in question is Lake Kivu, one of the African Great Lakes, and was selected for its remarkably uniform climate and availability of multi-year, over-lake meteorological observations. Rain may have a cooling effect on the lake surface by lowering the near-surface air temperature, by the direct rain heat flux into the lake, by mixing the lake surface layer through the flux of kinetic energy, and by convective mixing of the lake surface layer. The potential importance of the rainfall effect is discussed in terms of both heat flux and kinetic-energy flux. To estimate the rainfall effect on the mean diurnal cycle of lake surface temperature, the data are binned into categories of daily rainfall amount. They are further filtered based on comparable values of daily mean net radiation, which reduces the influence of radiative-flux differences. Our results indicate that days with heavy rainfall may experience a reduction in lake surface temperature of approximately 0.3 K by the end of the day compared to days with light-to-moderate rainfall. Overall this study highlights a new potential control on lake surface temperature, and suggests that further efforts are needed to quantify this effect in other regions and to include this process in atmospheric models.
Analizando la diversidad beta en ensambles de líquenes en un gradiente vertical sobre cinco especies de forófitos en la pluvisilva montana de la Gran Piedra, Cuba
Authors: Rosabal Dania , Burgaz Ana Rosa , Reyes Orlando J.
Published: August 2018

El trabajo tiene como objetivo caracterizar el componente de la diversidad beta (reemplazo, riqueza de especies o anidamiento) que determina las disimilitudes entre los ensambles de líquenes en un gradiente vertical de altura, desde la base del árbol hasta las ramas superiores, en cinco especies de forófitos en la pluvisilva montana de la Gran Piedra. Las especies de árboles muestreadas fueron Myrcia fenzliana, Coccoloba wrightii, Clusia tetrastigma, Dendropanax arboreus y Brunellia comocladifolia. Las disimilitudes entre los ensambles de líquenes producto del reemplazo de especies, las diferencias en riqueza o anidamiento de especies fueron calculados según las propuestas de Baselga (2010, 2012) y Carvalho et al. (2012). El anidamiento se determinó a través de los coeficientes NODF (Almeida-Neto et al. 2008) y Nestedness (Ulrich 2006). Las disimilitudes entre los ensambles de líquenes se hallan determinadas por el reemplazo de especies. Entre las zonas I y II, la disimilitud entre los ensambles de líquenes se atribuye a las diferencias en riqueza de especies, además se presentó un patrón de anidamiento del ensamble de líquenes de la zona I respecto al de la zona II.
Aportaciones a la flora de Galicia. XII
Authors: García-Martínez Xosé Ramón , Pino-Pérez Rubén , Gómez-Vigide Fermín , Baladrón-González Juan , Pino-Pérez Juan José , Silva-Pando Francisco Javier
Published: August 2018

Se mencionan 31 plantas de diverso interés para la flora de Galicia, otras zonas de la Península Ibérica y Europa. Se incluye 1 novedad para España (Cistus populifolius subsp. populifolius × laurifolius), 5 novedades regionales (Limonium sinuatum, Onobrychis viciifolia, Verbascum pulverulentum × simplex, Carex divulsa subsp. leersii, Scirpus sylvaticus), 13 novedades provinciales (Minuartia hybrida subsp. vaillantiana, Cistus populifolius × salvifolius, Sinapis alba subsp. mairei, Sedum dendroideum, Euphorbia lathyrus, Buglossoides arvensis, Mentha spicata, Centaurea langei subsp. langei, Tragopogon castellanus, T. dubius, Aira cupaniana, Allium oleraceum, Bromus rubens, Fritillaria lusitanica) y diversas plantas de interés ecológico, corológico o taxonómico, incluyendo varias novedades para la flora de la Sierra de Ancares (Lugo-León). Se confirma la presencia de Verbascum boerhavii. También, a la luz de la información obtenida, eliminamos del catálogo de la flora vascular de Galicia Verbascum rotundifolium subsp. haenseleri.
"Furcraea parmentieri" (Roezl ex Ortgies) García-Mend.: una nueva agavácea naturalizada para la Península Ibérica
Authors: González-Martínez X. Ignacio
Published: August 2018

Furcraea parmentieri (Roezl ex Ortgies) García-Mend. es una especie exótica originaria de méxico, cultivada ocasionalmente en jardines como planta ornamental en zonas de clima cálido o suave. En esta nota presentamos información sobre su naturalización en el litoral norte de las Rías Baixas (Galicia, NO ibérico), hecho que constituye novedad para la Península Ibérica.
Polen de Zingiberales de humedales rioplatenses y selvas subtropicales del NE de la Argentina
Authors: Pasarelli Lilian Mónica , Dedominici Ana Clara , Rolleri Cristina Hilda
Published: August 2018

Se presenta un estudio, efectuado con microscopía de luz y electrónica de barrido, de la morfología del polen de representantes nativos, naturalizados y cultivados de Zingiberales, que crecen en humedales rioplatenses y selvas subtropicales del NE de la Argentina. Las especies analizadas son Canna glauca y C. índica (Cannaceae), Heliconia psittacorum, H. brasiliensis y H. rostrata (Heliconiaceae), Thalia geniculata y Maranta leuconeura (Marantaceae), Musa acuminata × balbisiana y M. × paradisiaca (Musaceae), Strelitzia nicolai y S. reginae (Strelitziaceae), Alpinia zerumbet, Hedychium coronarium y H. gardnerianum (Zingiberaceae). Se encontraron granos esferoidales, oblados, apolares y heteropolares, inaberturados, con exinas delgadas e intinas gruesas con dos capas. Los tipos de ornamentación hallados son: equinados, típicos o micro-equinados, de Cannaceae, Heliconiaceae y algunas Zingiberaceae, muriformes, típicos o micro-muriformes (rugados, rugulados, areolados) y lisos, presentes en Musaceae, Strelitziaceae y Zingiberaceae. El polen de Thalia geniculata, los granos rugados de Musaceae y los areolados de Strelitziaceae se describen por primera vez, y se analizan rasgos, como las hebras de elastina y el polenkit, que aportan caracteres actualizados para el conocimiento de los taxones seleccionados, poco difundidos desde el punto de vista palinológico.
El lexicón como origen del carácter dinámico de los sistemas de escritura
Authors: Pérez-Rodríguez José Henrique
Published: August 2018

En el marco de la lingüística actual parece ya posible contemplar el lenguaje escrito como un sistema dinámico adaptativo que se configuraría a partir del uso en el lexicón mental de los usuarios; si bien en el devenir evolutivo de la expresión escrita, dada la mayor vinculación de esta a los contextos formales, parecen cobrar especial protagonismo la planificación de la variación y la selección artificial. En la propuesta de modelización teórica que desarrollamos estas últimas acciones se podrían vincular funcionalmente al uso lingüístico por medio de actitudes lingüísticas inherentes generadas en los procesos de lectoescritura, de modo que no anularían el carácter adaptativo del sistema. Diversas motivaciones funcionales, dependientes en último término del contexto sociocultural y ambiental, incidirían de formas diversas en la configuración del lexicón, y este reaccionaría adaptándose a las alteraciones mediante movimientos espontáneos de acercamiento y alejamiento de las unidades lingüísticas implicadas. Estos desplazamientos, a su vez, se fundamentarían en último término en ocho posibles movimientos y contramovimientos básicos de extensión y retracción gráfica que se describen en este trabajo y que permiten alterar la arquitectura relacional del sistema en lo que concierne a las expresiones gráficas correspondientes. La adaptación, en todo caso, se vería modulada por la sedimentación alcanzada por el tipo de funcionamiento más característico de cada escritura en su ámbito de uso social, en desarrollos que cabe interpretar como procesos de construcción de nicho.
Introducción: la atenuación en los discursos digitales en español
Authors: Helfrich Uta , Pano Alamán Ana
Published: August 2018

Este artículo ofrece una panorámica de los estudios sobre la mitigación en los discursos digitales. Frente al amplio número de estudios existentes sobre la atenuación en discursos orales y escritos en español, hay que constatar que los análisis sobre esta categoría pragmática en discursos digitales son todavía incipientes. Si bien el creciente número de estudios dedicados a explorar la cortesía en español en interacciones mediadas por ordenador y, en particular, en las redes sociales, señalan la importancia que tienen los atenuantes como estrategias de cortesía, su tratamiento en este tipo de discursos no ha sido sistemático. Este número monográfico tiene como objetivo contribuir a ampliar la investigación sobre la atenuación en los discursos mediados por ordenador por medio de enfoques e instrumentos del análisis del español en la red que empiezan a consolidarse. Desde esta perspectiva, los artículos recogidos en el monográfico consideran las características técnicas del medio digital y de la situación comunicativa como posibles parámetros explicativos de la atenuación en estos entornos y abordan también distintas plataformas, como son TripAdvisor o Whatsapp, y mecanismos de atenuación, como son los diminutivos o el se impersonal. Ofrecen asimismo frecuencias de formas y funciones de la atenuación en los géneros digitales analizados para determinar si las características propias del medio influyen o no en la aparición de procedimientos diversos de atenuación.
Actos de habla y atenuación 2.0: TripAdvisor
Authors: Hernández Toribio María Isabel , Mariottini Laura
Published: August 2018

Este trabajo, que se enmarca en la perspectiva de estudios de pragmática del turismo digital, se centra en el análisis de las estrategias de atenuación y, concretamente, de los actos expresivos del elogio, el agradecimiento y las disculpas, utilizados como movimientos de apoyo de otros actos de habla principales. Para ello, hemos analizado un corpus de 200 opiniones de viajeros sobre hoteles. En la colección de los datos, se han tenido en cuenta las variables “excelente”, “muy bueno”, “normal”, “malo” y “pésimo” propias de la página, porque, como hemos demostrado en un trabajo previo (Hernández Toribio y Mariottini 2016), estas calificaciones tienen consecuencias en la cortesía, determinando la selección y el grado de las estrategias de atenuación. Los resultados muestran que, en los intercambios de TripAdvisor, a diferencia de lo que sucede en las interacciones cotidianas, el elogio, el agradecimiento y las disculpas son actos con un mayor grado de ritualización, cuyo incumplimiento puede dañar las imágenes de los usuarios. Por lo tanto, es una especie de cortesía normativa impuesta, entre otros factores por el género discursivo, que, tanto en las opiniones de los viajeros como en las respuestas de los representantes de los establecimientos hosteleros, desempeña un papel estratégico (Albelda Marco y Barros García 2013). Y esto ocurre cuando se producen, respectivamente, críticas o quejas y desacuerdos con las críticas.
Opinión y atenuación en los comentarios de la prensa digital española
Authors: Pano Alamán Ana
Published: August 2018

El objetivo de este artículo es ampliar los análisis sobre la manifestación de la atenuación en los comentarios publicados por los lectores en la prensa digital española. En concreto, se presentan los resultados de un estudio cuantitativo y cualitativo de las formas de atenuación utilizadas en los actos asertivos presentes en un corpus de comentarios de contenido político publicados en El País. El análisis intenta determinar las principales formas lingüísticas de atenuación que suelen adoptarse en este género de discurso digital e identificar sus funciones, teniendo en cuenta también los posibles efectos de su uso en la imagen social de los interlocutores. Los resultados muestran que en este contexto predominan los atenuantes con función de autoprotección, que permiten evitar o reducir el compromiso del hablante con lo dicho.
Organización retórica del género Informe de Estabilidad Financiera: un contraste entre el informe del Banco Central de Chile y del Banco Federal Alemán
Authors: González Riquelme Cristina , Burdiles Fernández Gina
Published: August 2018

Estudiar la organización retórica de los géneros discursivos ha permitido conocer los patrones de regularidad que subyacen al modo en que se organiza el conocimiento de un género y cómo va configurándose para la consecución de sus propósitos comunicativos. El objetivo del presente estudio es describir la organización retórica del género Informe de Estabilidad Financiera (IEF) en español y en alemán, a partir de un corpus proveniente del Banco Central de Chile y del Banco Federal Alemán. Para llevar a cabo la identificación de la estructura retórico-funcional, se adoptó la propuesta de identificación de movidas de Swales (1990, 2004). Los resultados indican que la organización retórica del género IEF está compuesta por tres macromovidas: Presentación, Revisión de la estabilidad financiera y Respaldo bibliográfico. Asimismo, se observó que en ambas lenguas esta organización difiere, puesto que en español existe una cuarta macromovida, Orientaciones para la lectura. Por otro lado, en alemán, la macromovida tres, Respaldo bibliográfico, se encuentra inserta en la macromovida dos, Revisión de la estabilidad financiera. En ambas lenguas, la macromovida Revisión de la estabilidad financiera es la más relevante para la consecución del propósito comunicativo del género que es guiar la estabilidad financiera de un país.
Language strategies used by tourism degree students for learning German as a third language
Authors: Santana-Quintana M. Cristina
Published: August 2018

This study examines the perceptions of Tourism major students of strategies for learning German as their L3. Using questionnaires adopted from the Oxford (1990) Strategy Inventory of Language Learning (SILL), this research aims to answer the following questions: (1) What are the most and the least frequently used language learning strategies (LLSs) among learners of German as a third language? (2) Is it possible to identify differences between the strategies employed if the language is studied for a specific purpose (LSP) in the Tourism Degree Programme? If so, (3) which strategy is best adapted to this specific group? The results of this study show that (1) according to the analysis of the data from the SILL questionnaire, the students were medium user of strategies in learning German as their L3, and that metacognitive strategies (mean =3.55) were the most frequently used, while affective strategies (mean= 3.06) were the least frequently used. (2) The best LLS to choose will depend on the students’ needs, and German in the Tourism Bachelor focuses on communicative competence and interaction to facilitate more flexible, and above all more experimental, learner behaviour. (3) Social strategies are the ones that have been identified as the best for this specific group, because these LLSs help to improve students’ oral communication skills.
La actualidad de la hermenéutica. Entrevista a Jean Grondin y Ramón Rodríguez
Authors: Pérez Irigoyen Iñigo , Sánchez Testas Antón , Jou García María
Published: August 2018

De manera paradójica, la actualidad de la hermenéutica debe buscarse en su diálogo con la tradición filosófica. Diálogo que daría comienzo, en primer lugar, con su recepción de Husserl, la cual no se puede entender tanto como una traición al proyecto fenomenológico cuanto como un llevarlo hasta sus últimas consecuencias. En segundo lugar, la vuelta sobre el proyecto moderno (no concebida como destrucción sino como intento de comprensión) conduciría a un dialógo con Kant y a la discusión de la posición de un sujeto trascendental como condición de la objetividad. Es precisamente esta idea de diálogo la que define la hermenéutica como una apertura a lo otro en tanto que otro y no como un ejercicio de asimilación. Finalmente, si esta apertura al otro no cristaliza en un proyecto ético definido es, justamente, porque trata de pensar el fundamento de lo ético.
Fulminant Hepatitis in a Patient with Hepatocellular Carcinoma Related to Nonalcoholic Steatohepatitis Treated with Sorafenib
Authors: Brandi Giovanni , De Lorenzo Stefania , Di Girolamo Stefania , Bellentani Stefano , Saccoccio Gioconda , Biasco Guido
Published: August 2018

We describe a case of acute liver failure in a patient with advanced hepatocellular carcinoma related to nonalcoholic steatohepatitis during sorafenib treatment. A 74-year-old man with diabetes mellitus and hypertension was diagnosed with hepatocellular carcinoma associated with fatty liver. Three weeks after sorafenib therapy, at Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group performance status 3, he developed jaundice, general weakness, flapping tremor, nausea, and anorexia. Sorafenib was stopped: laboratory tests showed a relevant elevation of transaminases suggesting diagnosis of acute hepatitis. During hospital admission, the patient died of liver failure. Sorafenib is the first successful target therapy effective for advanced hepatocellular carcinoma. The most common adverse events are fatigue, hand-foot skin reaction, skin rash/desquamation, diarrhea, and hypertension, whereas liver dysfunction is uncommon. To our knowledge, this is the first patient reported in the literature with hepatocellular carcinoma related to nonalcoholic steatohepatitis who died of rapid worsening of liver function during sorafenib treatment.
Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia-associated Refractory Immune Thrombocytopenia Successfully Treated with Eltrombopag
Authors: Chang Hung , Shin Lee-Yung
Published: August 2018

Chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) may be associated with immune thrombocytopenia (ITP). The standard treatment for CLL-associated ITP is steroids. For refractory cases, various treatment strategies such as rituximab, splenectomy, and thrombopoietic mimetics are available. We report a patient with CLL who developed recurrent ITP and life-threatening pulmonary hemorrhage. Platelet counts remained extremely low despite massive platelet transfusion and treatment including steroids, immunoglobulin, and single-dose rituximab infusion. The bleeding stopped and platelet counts were increased to normal range 13 days after treatment with eltrombopag 25 mg per day. Our experience suggests that eltrombopag is an effective treatment option in CLL-associated, refractory ITP, especially during major bleeding, which requires relatively rapid improvement of thrombocytopenia.
GRP137 promotes cell proliferation and metastasis through regulation of the PI3K/AKT pathway in human ovarian cancer
Authors: Zhang Li-qian , Yang Su-qing , Qu Xiang-dong , Chen Xian-jun , Lu Hong-sheng , Wang Ying
Published: August 2018

Purpose:

Ovarian cancer is one of the leading causes of death for women worldwide. The present study aims to investigate the role of G protein-coupled receptor 137 (GPR137) in the biological activities of ovarian cancer cells.

Methods:

(QUERY: Please supply Methods for Abstract)

Results:

G protein-coupled receptor 137 was highly expressed in clinical ovarian cancer tissues and exhibited the highest protein levels in SKOV3 cells and OVCAR3 cells. Knockdown of GPR137 caused significant decreases in cell proliferative rates and colony formation abilities in SKOV3 cells and OVCAR3 cells and also inhibited the in vivo tumorigenesis in a xenograft model. It was observed that knockdown of GPR137 inhibited cell motility by up to 40% in SKOV3 cells and approximately 65% in OVCAR3 cells in wound-healing assay. Cell migration abilities were consistently inhibited by 68.2% in SKOV3 cells and 59.3% in OVCAR3 cells, whereas cell invasion abilities were inhibited by 64.0% and 74.2% in SKOV3 and OVCAR3 cells, respectively, after knockdown of GPR137. When GPR137 was depleted, epithelial markers were increased, while mesenchymal markers decreased.

Conclusions:

Our data suggest that GPR137 plays pro-oncogenic roles in ovarian cancer via regulation of the PI3K/AKT pathway. These observations might pave new insights into therapeutic strategies against human ovarian cancer.
Multicenter prospective study of angiogenesis polymorphism validation in HCC patients treated with sorafenib. An INNOVATE study protocol
Authors: Gardini Andrea Casadei , Faloppi Luca , Aprile Giuseppe , Brunetti Oronzo , Caparello Chiara , Corbelli Jody , Chessa Luchino , Bruno Daniele , Ercolani Giorgio , Leonetti Alessandro , Stefano Giorgio de , Farella Nunzia , Foschi Francesco Giuseppe , Lanzi Arianna , Dadduzio Vincenzo , Marisi Giorgia , Masi Gianluca , Negri Francesca V. , Pagan Flavia , Santini Daniele , Scarpi Emanuela , Silletta Marianna , Silvestris Nicola , Tamburini Emiliano , Tassinari Davide , Vivaldi Caterina , Gentilucci Umberto Vespasiani , Zagonel Vittorina , Calvetti Lorenzo , Cascinu Stefano , Frassineti Giovanni Luca , Scartozzi Mario
Published: August 2018

Introduction:

Although sorafenib is the upfront standard of care for advanced hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), molecular predictors of efficacy have not been identified yet. In the ALICE-1 study, rs2010963 of VEGF-A and VEGF-C proved to be independent predictive factors for progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS) in multivariate analysis. The ALICE-1 study results were confirmed in the ALICE-2 study, in which VEGF and VEGFR SNPs were analyzed. In the ePHAS study we analyzed the SNPs of eNOS. In univariate analysis, patients homozygous for an eNOS haplotype (HT1: T-4b at eNOS-786/eNOS VNTR) had significantly shorter median PFS and OS than those with other haplotypes. These data were confirmed in the validation set.

Methods:

This nonpharmacological, interventional, prospective multicenter study aims to determine whether eNOS, HIF-1, VEGF, Ang2 and VEGFR polymorphisms play a role in predicting the objective response rate, PFS, and OS of advanced HCC patients treated with sorafenib. The study will involve 160 advanced HCC patients with Child-Pugh class A disease. The primary aim is to validate the prognostic or predictive roles of eNOS, Ang2, HIF-1, VEGF and VEGFR polymorphisms in relation to the clinical outcome (PFS) of HCC patients treated with sorafenib.

Conclusions:

Overall, our data may suggest that polymorphism analysis of the VEGF, VEGFR-2, HIF and eNOS genes can identify HCC patients who are more likely to benefit from sorafenib.
Implementation of Medical Assistance in Dying: An evaluation of clinician knowledge and perceptions at a large urban multi-site rehabilitation centre in Toronto
Authors: Hogg Stephanie , Nippak Pria , Spalding Karen
Published: August 2018

Objective: Evaluate clinician knowledge and perceptions to ensure the newly implemented Medical Assistance in Dying (MAID) policies and guidelines are understood correctly to help facilitate the best possible experience for patients and their families.Methods: One hundred and twenty-five clinicians completed a survey, developed for this study, to determine their perceptions and knowledge base related to MAID.Results: The average grade on the knowledge-based portion of the survey was 69%. On average, respondents displayed a good understanding (84%) of the legislated eligibility criteria while room for improvement was noted for facility specific policy questions (65%) and general principle questions (71%). Analysis of perception-based questions indicated most respondents were in support of MAID, however, they expressed mixed feelings towards the ease of having MAID related conversations. Respondents expressed mixed opinions in relation to whether the facility was providing adequate training to staff. Sixty-four percent of respondents expressed interest in receiving further training relating to MAID.Conclusions: Education for healthcare providers to ensure they understand the relevant hospital policy and guidelines is critical to improve compliance with the implementation of MAID. It is important to continue to understand and support the perceptions of clinicians to ensure that MAID is administered correctly and as effectively as possible.
A Brief Background on Cannabis: From Plant to Medical Indications
Authors: Klumpers Linda E , Thacker David L
Published: August 2018

Cannabis has been used as a medicinal plant for thousands of years. As a result of centuries of breeding and selection, there are now over 700 varieties of cannabis that contain hundreds of compounds, including cannabinoids and terpenes. Cannabinoids are fatty compounds that are the main biological active constituents of cannabis. Terpenes are volatile compounds that occur in many plants and have distinct odors. Cannabinoids exert their effect on the body by binding to receptors, specifically cannabinoid receptors types 1 and 2. These receptors, together with endogenous cannabinoids and the systems for synthesis, transport, and degradation, are called the Endocannabinoid System. The two most prevalent and commonly known cannabinoids in the cannabis plant are delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol. The speed, strength, and type of effects of cannabis vary based on the route of administration. THC is rapidly distributed through the body to fatty tissues like the brain and is metabolized by the cytochrome P450 system to 11-hydroxy-THC, which is also psychoactive. Cannabis and cannabinoids have been indicated for several medical conditions. There is evidence of efficacy in the symptomatic treatment of nausea and vomiting, pain, insomnia, post-traumatic stress disorder, anxiety, loss of appetite, Tourette’s syndrome, and epilepsy. Cannabis has also been associated with treatment for glaucoma, Huntington’s Disease, Parkinson’s Disease, and dystonia, but there is not good evidence to support its efficacy. Side effects of cannabis include psychosis and anxiety, which can be severe. Here, we provided a summary of the history of cannabis, its pharmacology, and its medical uses.
Fibrolamellar Carcinoma: A Concise Review
Authors: Lin Chun-Chieh , Yang Hui-Min
Published: August 2018

Fibrolamellar carcinoma is a rare primary hepatocellular malignancy arising in noncirrhotic livers of young individuals. Patients commonly present with a large solitary liver mass and nonspecific symptoms. Characteristic histologic features include large polygonal cells with oncocytic cytoplasm and prominent nucleoli separated into trabeculae and cords by dense parallel bands of collagen. Important differential diagnoses include classical hepatocellular carcinoma and intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma, which may be distinguished by a judicious panel of immunohistochemical studies, including cytokeratin 7, CD68, and hepatocyte paraffin 1 (HepPar-1). In addition, fibrolamellar carcinomas are characterized by activation of protein kinase A. Prognosis of fibrolamellar carcinoma is similar to classical hepatocellular carcinoma occurring in the absence of liver cirrhosis and is strongly correlated with tumor resectability. Other treatment options include liver transplant, chemotherapy, and hepatic artery embolization. In this article, we review the clinical features, gross and microscopic pathology, molecular genetics, differential diagnosis, treatment, and prognosis of this rare and interesting tumor.
Resolving Interobserver Discrepancies in Lung Cancer Diagnoses by Spectral Histopathology
Authors: Akalin Ali , Ergin Ayşegül , Remiszewski Stanley , Mu Xinying , Raz Dan , Diem Max
Published: August 2018

This paper reports the results of a collaborative lung cancer study between City of Hope Cancer Center (Duarte, California) and CIRECA, LLC (Cambridge, Massachusetts), comprising 328 samples from 249 patients, that used an optical technique known as spectral histopathology (SHP) for tissue classification. Because SHP is based on a physical measurement, it renders diagnoses on a more objective and reproducible basis than methods based on assessing cell morphology and tissue architecture. This report demonstrates that SHP provides distinction of adenocarcinomas from squamous cell carcinomas of the lung with an accuracy comparable to that of immunohistochemistry and highly reliable classification of adenosquamous carcinoma. Furthermore, this report shows that SHP can be used to resolve interobserver differences in lung pathology. Spectral histopathology is based on the detection of changes in biochemical composition, rather than morphologic features, and is therefore more akin to methods such as matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry imaging. Both matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry and SHP imaging modalities demonstrate that changes in tissue morphologic features observed in classical pathology are accompanied by, and may be correlated to, changes in the biochemical composition at the cellular level. Thus, these imaging methods provide novel insight into biochemical changes due to disease.
Inclusão de pessoas com deficiência no mercado de trabalho: avanços e desafios observados no município de Teresópolis, Rio de Janeiro, Brasil
Authors: Villela Josely Nunes , Fabbri Ana Cristina Roballo , Domingos Maria de Lurdes Costa , Quelhas Osvaldo Luiz Gonçalves
Published: August 2018

A inclusão de pessoas com deficiência é estratégica na perspectiva socioeconômica e na gestão da diversidade, temas tratados no presente estudo, cujo objetivo é analisar como o programa de inclusão está sendo administrado e reconhecido em empresas de Teresópolis, município do Rio de Janeiro. A pesquisa, de abordagem qualitativa e enfoque exploratório, trabalha com uma amostra de diferentes segmentos e portes, a partir de 100 empregados. O roteiro de entrevista foi referenciado por um modelo conceitual composto por práticas indicadas como relevantes pela literatura e a coleta de dados envolveu entrevistas in loco com gestores e dirigentes. Os resultados revelaram que uma parcela significativa da amostra não absorve o contingente de pessoas com deficiência na proporção devida nem realiza acompanhamento contínuo do programa, o que inclui ausência de um trabalho anterior de preparação para o acolhimento. Como aspectos positivos, uma fração expressiva de empresas pratica isonomia e atesta que os colaboradores com deficiência estão plenamente adaptados. No conjunto das informações foi possível observar contradições típicas da cultura de transição.
Educação e trabalho: formação profissional para jovens com deficiência intelectual na escola especial
Authors: Trentin Valéria Becher , Raitz Tânia Regina
Published: August 2018

O trabalho é elemento central no processo de transição para a vida adulta do jovem com deficiência intelectual. No entanto para que estes jovens ofereçam qualidade no desempenho de uma função, faz-se necessária uma formação profissional adequada. Neste sentido, o presente artigo teve como objetivo analisar as contribuições da formação profissional ofertada pela escola especial para a inclusão do jovem com deficiência intelectual (DI) no mercado de trabalho. De abordagem qualitativa se utilizou como instrumento de coleta de dados a entrevista semiestruturada e, como sujeitos, 4 (quatro) profissionais que atuam em oficinas de formação profissional em uma Escola Especial, situada no Estado de Santa Catarina. Mediante os resultados concluiu-se que há necessidade de novos estudos, em especial no que diz respeito à formação profissional para jovens com DI, na relação que se estabelece entre educação e trabalho. Igualmente, são necessários estudos que discutam práticas a serem desenvolvidas na formação profissional, dadas as mudanças no mundo do trabalho e no mundo desses jovens que almejam tanto estar inseridos numa sociedade inclusiva.
A lógica medicalizante nas políticas públicas de educação
Authors: Silva Kelly Cristina Dos Santos , Angelucci Carla Biancha
Published: August 2018

São inúmeros os avanços das políticas educacionais brasileiras, entretanto, é possível observar a permanência da lógica medicalizante no ideário educacional e no espaço escolar, ao serem reduzidas questões de ordem social, econômica, política e educacional para o campo biomédico. O presente trabalho buscou compreender indícios dessa lógica medicalizante na política brasileira de Educação Especial a partir da Política Nacional de Educação Especial na perspectiva da Educação Inclusiva (2008), do Plano Nacional de Educação (2010) e do documento final da Conferência Nacional da Educação (2014), utilizando, para tanto, o paradigma indiciário de Ginzburg (1989). Os resultados revelam a existência de importantes discussões e a criação de estratégias de superação do preconceito contra grupos historicamente marginalizados, inclusive no concernente ao público-alvo da Educação Especial. Contudo, observa-se que a permanência da lógica medicalizante nos documentos analisados, dá-se, sobretudo, em relação às terminologias emprestadas do campo da Saúde, sendo inadequadas para definir aspetos relativos ao processo de escolarização. Assim, perpetua-se o deslocamento de questões de ordem política e institucional para aspectos individuais, medicalizando alunas/alunos, inclusive as/os que frequentam a Educação Especial. Entende-se como necessária a reconfiguração das relações entre os campos da Saúde e da Educação, permitindo a construção de práticas coletivas que possam discutir as problemáticas escolares a partir do diálogo e não da sobredeterminação da Saúde pela Educação. Isso implica, também, esforço da Educação para produzir formas de compreender as/os estudantes e seus processos ensino-aprendizagem fora do eixo patologia/normalidade, afirmando radicalmente a diversidade humana como princípio, meio e fim do trabalho educativo.
Inclusão escolar: concepções de psicólogos escolares e educacionais
Authors: Fonseca Thaisa Da Silva , Freitas Camila Siqueira Cronemberger , Negreiros Fauston
Published: August 2018

Esse estudo teve como objetivo investigar a concepção de psicólogos escolares e educacionais sobre a inclusão escolar. Tratou-se de um estudo de campo, qualitativo, descritivo, que teve como participantes dez psicólogos escolares e educacionais que atuavam na Educação Básica em escolas da rede privada de ensino. O instrumento de coleta de dados utilizado foi um roteiro de entrevista semiestruturada, analisado pelo método da análise de conteúdo. Mediante a análise, obtiveram-se cinco categorias: inclusão escolar como relevante e desafiadora; inclusão escolar como obrigatoriedade legal; promoção da inclusão escolar; escola como espaço de aprendizagem e/ou socialização; e benefícios da inclusão escolar. Os resultados apontaram que os psicólogos escolares e educacionais concebem a inclusão escolar como um processo relevante, desafiador e benéfico para os envolvidos. Os desafios abrangeram aspectos relacionados principalmente à necessidade de suporte físico, humano e governamental para a efetivação da inclusão escolar. Os benefícios direcionaram-se para todos os alunos e para os profissionais que atuam no ambiente escolar.
Educação especial e educação de jovens e adultos: uma interface em construção?
Authors: Cabral Rosângela Martins , Bianchini Luciane Guimarães Batistella , Gonçalves Taisa Grasiela Gomes Liduenha
Published: August 2018

A Educação Especial (EE) e a Educação de Jovens e Adultos (EJA) apresentam semelhanças históricas de negação ao direito educacional e, recentemente, essas duas áreas têm se deparado com encontros e desafios. A partir  dessa ideia questionamos: como vem sendo construída a EJA para os alunos da EE?  Por meio de uma pesquisa qualitativa e quantitativa com análise bibliométrica, o presente estudo objetivou verificar se a produção acadêmica brasileira tem discutido essa temática. Também buscou identificar a percepção do processo de escolarização na EJA Especial por dois alunos com deficiência intelectual e física, estudantes de uma escola estadual paranaense, através de uma entrevista semiestruturada. Os resultados revelaram como pouco expressivo o número de trabalhos sobre o tema,  que totalizaram quatorze, no período de 2010 a 2016. Com relação às percepções dos alunos sobre sua trajetória escolar, eles destacaram que a visão orgânica e assistencialista, seja da família ou da escola, prevalece sobre suas reais possibilidades. Concluiu-se que a interface entre EE e EJA continua apresentando reflexões sobre a efetividade das políticas,  das interações sociais e das práticas inclusivas.