bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Pharmacological and Therapeutic Approaches in the Treatment of Epilepsy
Authors: Ghosh Shampa , Sinha Jitendra Kumar , Khan Tarab , Devaraju Kuramkote Shivanna , Singh Prabhakar , Vaibhav Kumar , Gaur Pankaj
Published: April 2021

Epilepsy affects around 50 million people across the globe and is the third most common chronic brain disorder. It is a non-communicable disease of the brain that affects people of all ages. It is accompanied by depression, anxiety, and substantially increased morbidity and mortality. A large number of third-generation anti-epileptic drugs are available, but they have multiple side-effects causing a decline in the quality of life. The inheritance and etiology of epilepsy are complex with multiple underlying genetic and epigenetic mechanisms. Different neurotransmitters play intricate functions to maintain the normal physiology of various neurons. If there is any dysregulation of neurotransmission due to aberrant transmitter levels or their receptor biology, it can result in seizures. In this review, we have discussed the roles played by various neurotransmitters and their receptors in the pathophysiology of epilepsy. Drug-resistant epilepsy (DRE) has remained one of the forefront areas of epilepsy research for a long time. Understanding the mechanisms underlying DRE is of utmost importance because of its high incidence rate among epilepsy patients and increased risks of psychosocial problems and premature death. Here we have enumerated various hypotheses of DRE. Further, we have discussed different non-conventional therapeutic strategies, including combination therapy and non-drug treatment. The recent studies supporting the modern approaches for the treatment of epilepsy have been deliberated with particular reference to the mTOR pathway, breakdown of the blood-brain barrier, and inflammatory pathways.
Main Hydrogen Production Processes: An Overview
Authors: Martino Marco , Ruocco Concetta , Meloni Eugenio , Pullumbi Pluton , Palma Vincenzo
Published: April 2021

Due to its characteristics, hydrogen is considered the energy carrier of the future. Its use as a fuel generates reduced pollution, as if burned it almost exclusively produces water vapor. Hydrogen can be produced from numerous sources, both of fossil and renewable origin, and with as many production processes, which can use renewable or non-renewable energy sources. To achieve carbon neutrality, the sources must necessarily be renewable, and the production processes themselves must use renewable energy sources. In this review article the main characteristics of the most used hydrogen production methods are summarized, mainly focusing on renewable feedstocks, furthermore a series of relevant articles published in the last year, are reviewed. The production methods are grouped according to the type of energy they use; and at the end of each section the strengths and limitations of the processes are highlighted. The conclusions compare the main characteristics of the production processes studied and contextualize their possible use.
Sustained Surface ICAM-1 Expression and Transient PDGF-B Production by Phorbol Myristate Acetate-Activated THP-1 Cells Harboring Blau Syndrome-Associated NOD2 Mutations
Authors: Nishiyama Mizuho , Li Hong-jin , Okafuji Ikuo , Fujisawa Akihiko , Ehara Mizue , Kambe Naotomo , Furukawa Fukumi , Kanazawa Nobuo
Published: April 2021

Objectives: Blau syndrome is a distinct class of autoinflammatory syndrome presenting with early-onset systemic granulomatosis. Blau syndrome-causing NOD2 mutations located in the central nucleotide-oligomerization domain induce ligand-independent basal NF-κB activation in an in vitro reporter assay. However, the precise role of this signaling on granuloma formation has not yet been clarified. Methods: Blau syndrome-causing NOD2 mutations were introduced into human monocytic THP-1 cells, and their morphological and molecular changes from parental cells were analyzed. Identified molecules with altered expression were examined in the patient’s lesional skin by immunostaining. Results: Although the production of proinflammatory cytokines was not altered without stimulation, mutant NOD2-expressing THP-1 cells attached persistently to the culture plate after stimulation with phorbol myristate acetate. Sustained surface ICAM-1 expression was observed in association with this phenomenon, but neither persistent ICAM-1 mRNA expression nor impaired ADAM17 mRNA expression was revealed. However, the transient induction of PDGF-B mRNA expression was specifically observed in stimulated THP-1 derivatives. In the granulomatous skin lesion of a Blau syndrome patient, ICAM-1 and PDGF-B were positively immunostained in NOD2-expressing giant cells. Conclusions: Sustained surface ICAM-1 expression and transient PDGF-B production by newly differentiating macrophages harboring mutant NOD2 might play a role in granuloma formation in Blau syndrome.
Determination of a New Coastal ENSO Oceanic Index for Northern Peru
Authors: Gonzales Edgard , Ingol Eusebio
Published: April 2021

In 2017, extreme rainfall events occurred in the northern portion of Peru, causing nearly 100,000 victims, according to the National Emergency Operations Center (COEN). This climatic event was attributed to the occurrence of the El Niño Southern Oscillation (ENSO). Therefore, the main objective of this study was to determine and differentiate between the occurrence of canonical ENSO, with a new type of ENSO called “El Niño Costero” (Coastal El Niño). The polynomial equation method was used to analyze the data from the different types of existing ocean indices to determine the occurrence of ENSO. It was observed that the anomalies of sea surface temperature (SST) 2.5 °C (January 2016) generated the “Modoki El Niño” and that the anomaly of SST −0.3 °C (January 2017) generated the “Modoki La Niña”; this sequential generation generated El Niño Costero. This new knowledge about the sui generis origin of El Niño Costero, based on the observations of this analysis, will allow us to identify and obtain important information regarding the occurrence of this event. A new oceanic index called the Pacific Regional Equatorial Index (PREI) was proposed to follow the periodic evolution and forecast with greater precision a new catastrophic event related to the occurrence of El Niño Costero and to implement prevention programs.
Accelerating Neural Network Inference on FPGA-Based Platforms—A Survey
Authors: Wu Ran , Guo Xinmin , Du Jian , Li Junbao
Published: April 2021

The breakthrough of deep learning has started a technological revolution in various areas such as object identification, image/video recognition and semantic segmentation. Neural network, which is one of representative applications of deep learning, has been widely used and developed many efficient models. However, the edge implementation of neural network inference is restricted because of conflicts between the high computation and storage complexity and resource-limited hardware platforms in applications scenarios. In this paper, we research neural networks which are involved in the acceleration on FPGA-based platforms. The architecture of networks and characteristics of FPGA are analyzed, compared and summarized, as well as their influence on acceleration tasks. Based on the analysis, we generalize the acceleration strategies into five aspects—computing complexity, computing parallelism, data reuse, pruning and quantization. Then previous works on neural network acceleration are introduced following these topics. We summarize how to design a technical route for practical applications based on these strategies. Challenges in the path are discussed to provide guidance for future work.
Switching Action of a Bistable Fluidic Amplifier for Ultrasonic Testing
Authors: Schweitzer Thorge , Hörmann Marla , Bühling Benjamin , Bobusch Bernhard
Published: April 2021

Air-coupled ultrasonic testing is widely used in the industry for the non-destructive testing of compound materials. It provides a fast and efficient way to inspect large concrete civil infrastructures for damage that might lead to catastrophic failure. Due to the large penetration depths required for concrete structures, the use of traditional piezoelectric transducer requires high power electric systems. In this study, a novel fluidic transducer based on a bistable fluidic amplifier is investigated. Previous experiments have shown that the switching action of the device produces a high-power broadband ultrasonic signal. This study will provide further insight into the switching behaviour of the fluidic switch. Therefore, parametric CFD simulations based on compressible supersonic RANS simulations were performed, varying the inlet pressure and velocity profiles for the control flow. Switching times are analyzed with different methods, and it was found that these are mostly independent of the slope of the velocity profile at the control port. Furthermore, it was found that an inversely proportional relationship exists between flow velocity in the throat and the switching time. The results agree with the theoretical background established by experimental studies that can be found in the literature.
Effects of Pokémon GO on Physical Activity and Psychological and Social Outcomes: A Systematic Review
Authors: Lee Jung Eun , Zeng Nan , Oh Yoonsin , Lee Daehyoung , Gao Zan
Published: April 2021

Augmented reality (AR) mobile game, Pokémon GO, leverages gamification and location tracking technology to encourage players to walk in different places to catch Pokémon characters in real-world settings. The systematic review sought to explore the impact Pokémon GO has on players’ physical activity (PA), and psychological and social outcomes. Six research databases (PubMed, SPORTDiscus, PsycInfo, Web of Science, Science Direct, and Scopus) were used. Study inclusion criteria were: (1) quantitative research published in English; (2) examined the relationships between or impact of Pokémon GO on PA, psychological, and/or social outcomes; and (3) included participants played or exposed to Pokémon GO. Thirty-six studies were included with a total sample of 38,724 participants. Players had significantly greater PA than non-players in terms of daily steps and number of days spent in moderate PA. Pokémon GO game also improved players’ social interactions and their mood/affects. Selective attention and concentration improved in adolescents and memory improved in young adults after playing the game. Findings suggest playing Pokémon GO could promote meaningful improvements in walking behavior, as well as psychological and social well-being. More multidimensional research with randomized controlled trial design is needed to identify factors that influence adoption and sustainability of Pokémon GO playing.
Artificial Intelligence and Its Impact on Urological Diseases and Management: A Comprehensive Review of the Literature
Authors: Hameed B. M. Zeeshan , S. Dhavileswarapu Aiswarya V. L. , Raza Syed Zahid , Karimi Hadis , Khanuja Harneet Singh , Shetty Dasharathraj K. , Ibrahim Sufyan , Shah Milap J. , Naik Nithesh , Paul Rahul , Rai Bhavan Prasad , Somani Bhaskar K.
Published: April 2021

Recent advances in artificial intelligence (AI) have certainly had a significant impact on the healthcare industry. In urology, AI has been widely adopted to deal with numerous disorders, irrespective of their severity, extending from conditions such as benign prostate hyperplasia to critical illnesses such as urothelial and prostate cancer. In this article, we aim to discuss how algorithms and techniques of artificial intelligence are equipped in the field of urology to detect, treat, and estimate the outcomes of urological diseases. Furthermore, we explain the advantages that come from using AI over any existing traditional methods.
Multiscale Modelling and Analysis for Design and Development of a High-Precision Aerostatic Bearing Slideway and Its Digital Twin
Authors: Gou Ning , Cheng Kai , Huo Dehong
Published: April 2021

Aerostatic bearing slideways have been increasingly applied in the precision engineering industry and other high-tech sectors over the last two decades or so, due to their considerable advantages over mechanical slideways in terms of high motion accuracy, high speeds, low friction, and environment-friendly operations. However, new challenges in air bearings design and analysis have been occurring and often imposed along the journeys. An industrial-feasible approach for the design and development of aerostatic bearing slideways as standard engineering products is essential and much needed particularly for addressing their rapid demands in diverse precision engineering sectors, and better applications and services in a continuous sustainable manner. This paper presents the multiscale modelling and analysis-based approach for design and development of the aerostatic bearing slideways and its digital twin. The multiscale modelling and analysis and the associated simulation development can be the kernel of the digital twin, which cover the mechanical design, direct drive and control, dynamics tuning of the slideway, and their entire mechatronic system integration. Using this approach and implementation, the performance of an aerostatic bearing slideway can be predicted and assessed in the process. The implementation perspectives for the sideway digital twin are presented and discussed in steps. The digital simulations and digital twin system can be fundamentally important for continuously improving the design and development of aerostatic bearing slideways, and their applications and services in the context of industry 4.0 and beyond.
Mechanism Design and Experiment of a Bionic Turtle Dredging Robot
Authors: Wang Tao , Wang Zhuo , Zhang Bo
Published: April 2021

In order to clean underwater silt in artificially constructed rivers, lakes, and fish ponds, for which no suitable tool exists, a tool has been developed that imitates the structure and movement of the tortoise’s legs, and designs a four-legged dredging robot that can adapt to the complex underwater environment. The article uses the transformation matrix to analyze the kinematics of the dredging robot, determines the movement sequence of the outriggers according to the principle of stability, and analyzes the movement characteristics of the three gait modes. Then, we combined the control function of the foot trajectory with the experimental prototype based on the bionic tortoise mechanism to carry out a walking experiment. During the experiment, the motion stability is good. Additionally, the changes in the position, the posture of the outriggers, and the body prove that the movement stability of the dredging robot using coordinated gait, mixed gait, and intermittent gait has increased sequentially.
On the Cumulants of the First Passage Time of the Inhomogeneous Geometric Brownian Motion
Authors: Di Nardo Elvira , D’Onofrio Giuseppe
Published: April 2021

We consider the problem of the first passage time T of an inhomogeneous geometric Brownian motion through a constant threshold, for which only limited results are available in the literature. In the case of a strong positive drift, we get an approximation of the cumulants of T of any order using the algebra of formal power series applied to an asymptotic expansion of its Laplace transform. The interest in the cumulants is due to their connection with moments and the accounting of some statistical properties of the density of T like skewness and kurtosis. Some case studies coming from neuronal modeling with reversal potential and mean reversion models of financial markets show the goodness of the approximation of the first moment of T. However hints on the evaluation of higher order moments are also given, together with considerations on the numerical performance of the method.
Measure of Similarity between GMMs by Embedding of the Parameter Space That Preserves KL Divergence
Authors: Popović Branislav , Cepova Lenka , Cep Robert , Janev Marko , Krstanović Lidija
Published: April 2021

In this work, we deliver a novel measure of similarity between Gaussian mixture models (GMMs) by neighborhood preserving embedding (NPE) of the parameter space, that projects components of GMMs, which by our assumption lie close to lower dimensional manifold. By doing so, we obtain a transformation from the original high-dimensional parameter space, into a much lower-dimensional resulting parameter space. Therefore, resolving the distance between two GMMs is reduced to (taking the account of the corresponding weights) calculating the distance between sets of lower-dimensional Euclidean vectors. Much better trade-off between the recognition accuracy and the computational complexity is achieved in comparison to measures utilizing distances between Gaussian components evaluated in the original parameter space. The proposed measure is much more efficient in machine learning tasks that operate on large data sets, as in such tasks, the required number of overall Gaussian components is always large. Artificial, as well as real-world experiments are conducted, showing much better trade-off between recognition accuracy and computational complexity of the proposed measure, in comparison to all baseline measures of similarity between GMMs tested in this paper.
Design Optimization of 3-DOF Redundant Planar Parallel Kinematic Mechanism Based Finishing Cut Stage for Improving Surface Roughness of FDM 3D Printed Sculptures
Authors: Lee Minbok , Jeong Hyungjin , Lee Donghun
Published: April 2021

This paper describes the optimal design of a 3-DOF redundant planar parallel kinematic mechanism (PKM) based finishing cut stage to improve the surface roughness of FDM 3D printed sculptures. First, to obtain task-optimized and singularity minimum workspace of the redundant PKM, a weighted grid map based design optimization was applied for a task-optimized workspace without considering the redundancy. For the singularity minimum workspace, the isotropy and manipulability of the end effector of the PKM were carefully modeled under the previously obtained redundancy for optimality. It was confirmed that the workspace size increased by 81.4%, and the internal singularity significantly decreased. To estimate the maximum rated torque and torsional stiffness of all active joints and prevent an undesired end effector displacement of more than 200 μμm, a kinematic stiffness model composed of active and passive kinematic stiffness was derived from the virtual work theorem, and the displacement characteristic at the end effector was examined by applying the reaction force for the PLA surface finishing as an external force acting at the end effector. It was confirmed that the displacement of the end effector of a 1-DOF redundant PKM was not only less than 200 μμm but also decreased from 40.9% to 67.4% compared to a nonredundant actuation.
On Fibonacci Numbers of Order r Which Are Expressible as Sum of Consecutive Factorial Numbers
Authors: Trojovská  Eva , Trojovský Pavel
Published: April 2021

Let (tn(r))n≥0 be the sequence of the generalized Fibonacci number of order r, which is defined by the recurrence tn(r)=tn−1(r)+⋯+tn−r(r) for n≥r, with initial values t0(r)=0 and ti(r)=1, for all 1≤i≤r. In 2002, Grossman and Luca searched for terms of the sequence (tn(2))n, which are expressible as a sum of factorials. In this paper, we continue this program by proving that, for any ℓ≥1, there exists an effectively computable constant C=C(ℓ)>0 (only depending on ℓ), such that, if (m,n,r) is a solution of tm(r)=n!+(n+1)!+⋯+(n+ℓ)!, with r even, then max{m,n,r}<C. As an application, we solve the previous equation for all 1≤ℓ≤5.
Piroxicam Loading onto Mesoporous Silicas by Supercritical CO2 Impregnation
Authors: Gallo Marta , Serpella Luca , Leone Federica , Manna Luigi , Banchero Mauro , Ronchetti Silvia , Onida Barbara
Published: April 2021

Piroxicam (PRX) is a commonly prescribed nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug. Its efficacy, however, is partially limited by its low water solubility. In recent years, different studies have tackled this problem and have suggested delivering PRX through solid dispersions. All these strategies, however, involve the use of potentially harmful solvents for the loading procedure. Since piroxicam is soluble in supercritical CO2 (scCO2), the present study aims, for the first time, to adsorb PRX onto mesoporous silica using scCO2, which is known to be a safer and greener technique compared to the organic solvent-based ones. For comparison, PRX is also loaded by adsorption from solution and incipient wetness impregnation using ethanol as solvent. Two different commercial mesoporous silicas are used (SBA-15 and Grace Syloid® XDP), which differ in porosity order and surface silanol population. Physico-chemical analyses show that the most promising results are obtained through scCO2, which yields the amorphization of PRX, whereas some crystallization occurs in the case of adsorption from solution and IWI. The highest loading of PRX by scCO2 is obtained in SBA-15 (15 wt.%), where molecule distribution appears homogeneous, with very limited pore blocking.
Effects of MEH-PPV Molecular Ordering in the Emitting Layer on the Luminescence Efficiency of Organic Light-Emitting Diodes
Authors: Lee Seok Je , Li Jun , Lee Seung Il , Moon Chang-Bum , Kim Woo Young , Cao Jin , Jhun Chul Gyu
Published: April 2021

We investigated the effects of molecular ordering on the electro-optical characteristics of organic light-emitting diodes (OLEDs) with an emission layer (EML) of poly[2-methoxy-5-(2-ethylhexyloxy)-1,4-phenylenevinylene] (MEH-PPV). The EML was fabricated by a solution process which can make molecules ordered. The performance of the OLED devices with the molecular ordering method was compared to that obtained through fabrication by a conventional spin coating method. The turn-on voltage and the luminance of the conventional OLEDs were 5 V and 34.75 cd/m2, whereas those of the proposed OLEDs were 4.5 V and 120.3 cd/m2, respectively. The underlying mechanism of the higher efficiency with ordered molecules was observed by analyzing the properties of the EML layer using AFM, SE, XRD, and an LCR meter. We confirmed that the electrical properties of the organic thin film can be improved by controlling the molecular ordering of the EML, which plays an important role in the electrical characteristics of the OLED.
Multifunctional Magneto-Plasmonic Fe3O4/Au Nanocomposites: Approaching Magnetophoretically-Enhanced Photothermal Therapy
Authors: Mukha Iuliia , Chepurna Oksana , Vityuk Nadiia , Khodko Alina , Storozhuk Liudmyla , Dzhagan Volodymyr , Zahn Dietrich R.T. , Ntziachristos Vasilis , Chmyrov Andriy , Ohulchanskyy Tymish Y.
Published: April 2021

Magneto-plasmonic nanocomposites can possess properties inherent to both individual components (iron oxide and gold nanoparticles) and are reported to demonstrate high potential in targeted drug delivery and therapy. Herein, we report on Fe3O4/Au magneto-plasmonic nanocomposites (MPNC) synthesized with the use of amino acid tryptophan via chemical and photochemical reduction of Au ions in the presence of nanosized magnetite. The magnetic field (MF) induced aggregation was accompanied by an increase in the absorption in the near-infrared (NIR) spectral region, which was demonstrated to provide an enhanced photothermal (PT) effect under NIR laser irradiation (at 808 nm). A possibility for therapeutic application of the MPNC was illustrated using cancer cells in vitro. Cultured HeLa cells were treated by MPNC in the presence of MF and without it, following laser irradiation and imaging using confocal laser scanning microscopy. After scanning laser irradiation of the MPNC/MF treated cells, a formation and rise of photothermally-induced microbubbles on the cell surfaces was observed, leading to a damage of the cell membrane and cell destruction. We conclude that the synthesized magneto-plasmonic Fe3O4/Au nanosystems exhibit magnetic field-induced reversible aggregation accompanied by an increase in NIR absorption, allowing for an opportunity to magnetophoretically control and locally enhance a NIR light-induced thermal effect, which holds high promise for the application in photothermal therapy.
Assessment of Metals Concentrations in Soils of Abu Dhabi Emirate Using Pollution Indices and Multivariate Statistics
Authors: Nazzal Yousef , Bărbulescu Alina , Howari Fares , Al-Taani Ahmed A. , Iqbal Jibran , Xavier Cijo M. , Sharma Manish , Dumitriu Cristian Ștefan
Published: April 2021

The aim of this study was twofold. Firstly, we performed a land capability class determination of the agricultural soils from the Abu Dhabi Emirate, the United Arab Emirates, based on the concentrations of 17 chemical elements determined in the soil samples collected from 84 locations. Secondly, we assess the soil pollution with different metals, using several pollution indices. The results of Principal Component Analysis (PCA) shows that four principal components (PCs) are responsible for describing the total metals concentrations’ variance, the highest contribution on PC1 being that of Mn, and Cr, on PC2 that of Fe, on PC3 that of Cu, and on PC4 that of Al. After determining the optimal number of clusters, we classified the sites into three clusters, while the studied metals were grouped function on their concentrations. Then, we used five indices to assess the pollution level of the soil at the study sites and in the clusters. The geo—accumulation index (Igeo) indicates uncontamination/moderately contamination with Cu in cluster 1, uncontaminated/moderately contaminate soils with Cd, Cu, and Ni in cluster 2, and uncontaminated/moderately contaminated soil with Cu and moderately contaminated with Pb, Zn, and Ni in cluster 3. By comparison, the enrichment factors overestimate the pollution of the studied sites. The pollution load index (PLI) indicates a baseline level of pollution at 14 sites and the deterioration of the soil quality at four sites. The Nemerow pollution index provides similar results as PLI.
Análisis del liderazgo organizacional en el sector hotelero. Caso de estudio Hotel Las Cabañas, municipio Los Guayos, estado Carabobo
Authors: Baptista Carmelina , Pérez Mayibel , Prince Gilberto
Published: April 2021

La presente investigación tiene como objetivo analizar el liderazgo organizacional del Hotel Las Cabañas, ubicado en el municipio los Guayos del Estado Carabobo. Metodológicamente fue una investigación cuantitativa, diseño de Campo, la población estuvo conformada por empleados del Hotel, la muestra fue el 100% de la población. Para recolectar la información se usó la entrevista oral estructurada, que permitió la recopilación de los datos concretos y directos de un tópico de opinión estadístico. Mediante el uso de cuestionario o entrevistas, de 24 ítems, según la escala tipo Likert, La validez se realizó a través de juicio de expertos y la confiabilidad por medio del Coeficiente de Alfa Cronbach. Los resultados obtenidos permiten conocer que existen grandes debilidades en el ámbito organizacional que imposibilitan una correcta toma de decisión, creando un ambiente hostil, que repercute directamente en servicio que presta el hotel. Por lo tanto se debe atender con prontitud.
A Queer and Foreign State
Authors: Savage Maxine
Published: April 2021

Since the year 2000, twenty Icelandic films have been produced which could be aptly grouped as LGBTQ+ or queer Icelandic cinema. This “queer turn” in Icelandic cinema emerges as the nation makes strides in advancing LGBTQ+ rights and as its demographics markedly shift, first-generation immigrants now comprising 12.6 per cent of the population. These changes have not occurred in a vacuum, and the films discussed in this article complicate the boundary between native and foreign, Icelandic and non-Icelandic, alongside their centering of queer characters and stories. In addition to narrative focus on coming-out and sexuality, many of the films within “Icelandic queer cinema” thematize race and ethnicity, often through the inclusion of foreign characters living and traveling in Iceland.This collection of films is thus well suited to exploring the interlocking national and sexual regulations which produce the Icelandic nation state. This article explores conceptions of the Icelandic nation state in two films that span Icelandic cinema’s “queer turn,” Baltasar Kormákur’s 101 Reykjavík (2000) and Ísold Uggadóttir’s Andið eðlilega (And Breathe Normally, 2018). In tracing representations of racialized otherness within these films and taking theoretical cues from critical race theory and queer of color critique, this article considers the ways in which race and ethnicity co-constitute categories of sex, gender, and sexual orientation. Ultimately, this article poses “Icelandic queer cinema” as a key site for the contemporary negotiation of the meaning of national and sexual belonging in Iceland.
Voice-Under
Authors: Bergsmark Ester Martin
Published: April 2021

In this essay I introduce the term voice-under, a tool I use to explore and better understand the queer potential of film. My creative practice revolves around finding ways to depict a queer reality. If the superimposed voice narrating the story is the voice-over, then what I am exploring is the voice-under: a voice of other, parallel truths. I listen to the dump and the trauma, the rubbish and chewing gum, my friends and my little toe. I listen to the warm fear. What might a film look like that depicts trauma and injuries without holding on to them? What will we hear, if we stop listening to the loudest voice? Could it make visible to us small, crawling feelings, glimpses of another world? Instead of voice being used to stand for something essentialist, I see voice as a productive concept that looks at relations and its touches. Voice-under is a term developing through my ongoing doctoral research, in the dialogue that appears between writing and workshops with actors who are co-writers and other collaborators. In this essay I try to show what a voice-under can be, by examining the process of making my “hybrid film” She Male Snails, titled Pojktanten in Swedish (2012). Further, I offer examples from my feature film Nånting måste gå sönder (Something Must Break, 2014) as well as from works by other queer film makers and trans artists like Wu Tsang, Sonja Nilsson, and Marcelo Caetanos.
“Y volver, volver, volver”: Reescritura picaresca y mundos posibles en Para morir iguales de Rafael Reig
Authors: Bacigalupe Echevarría Rodrigo
Published: April 2021

Contraviniendo el mito del pícaro estudiado por Claudio Guillén, el narrador asturiano Rafael Reig reafirma su propuesta literaria rindiendo tributo a los géneros populares, particularmente a la picaresca, a través de su novela Para morir iguales (2018). En esta, el camino recorrido por el protagonista suscribe varios de los elementos esenciales del género clásico de los Siglos de Oro, pero, a través de un movimiento paradójico propio de la posmodernidad, niega y reescribe otros, destacándose como móvil narrativo un regreso imposible a la infancia, entendida como única vía de redención del héroe. Se llevará a cabo de este modo una picaresca que tiene como punto de partida la última etapa del franquismo, una infancia de penurias en la Sagrada Familia y la orfandad por muerte y prisión de los padres del personaje principal a causa de una acción guerrillera. No obstante, los recuerdos de su primera juventud parecen dar luz de esperanza a una de las épocas más oscuras de la España contemporánea. Nos encontramos ante un nuevo pícaro, uno que procura el retorno a esa infancia de miseria, por considerarla la única etapa verdadera de su vida, su único mundo posible (a la vez que utópico), en términos de Lubomír Doležel.
El motivo del rey viejo en el Persiles de Miguel de Cervantes. Algunas observaciones a partir de Maximino y otros poderosos sustituidos
Authors: Parodi Alicia
Published: April 2021

Maximino aparece en las últimas páginas de la novela ante la basílica de San Pablo Extramuros. Ocupa poco espacio. Quizás por eso casi no ha recibido atención por parte de la crítica. Sin embargo, compone la figura del “rey” en su momento más difícil, el traspaso del poder.

Apoyado en el magnífico estudio de Kantorowicz, especialmente en las analogías político-teológicas del rex-sacerdos con el Corpus Christi-Corpus mysticum, mi trabajo hilvana reyes bíblicos e históricos, citados o evocados por la novela, hasta llegar a la concepción de realeza propuesta en las primeras páginas.

Así, desde el final hasta el principio, la imagen de Maximino toma “cuerpo” hasta convertirse en figura alegórica. San Pablo está en la raíz poética y teológica de esta historia centrada en el artificio.
Los “requiebros amorosos” en tres Novelas ejemplares de Cervantes
Authors: Vijarra René Aldo
Published: April 2021

Cervantes en el Prólogo a sus Novelas ejemplares construye una imagen de sí mismo y sostiene con orgullo que es el primer novelista. Quizás lo más inquietante de sus palabras es el ofrecimiento de un “sabroso y honesto fruto”, que se podría tomar de cada relato o de todos juntos. En este espacio nos proponemos como fruto de la lectura “los requiebros amorosos”, en tres de las Ejemplares. El amor, en tanto emoción socializada, circula en una red de relaciones entre los sujetos modelizando cuerpos, prácticas corporales y afectos. La pluma cervantina parió una serie de disputas amorosas que ponen en escena cuerpos femeninos heridos por el maltrato, el engaño y el sometimiento al poder masculino.
Presentación
Authors: Domínguez Nora
Published: April 2021

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¿Hedonistas o revolucionarios? Política homosexual radical e izquierda trotskista en Argentina y Brasil (1967-1983)
Authors: Insausti Santiago Joaquín
Published: April 2021

El fracaso que el Frente de Liberación Homosexual argentino experimenta en sus intentos de aliarse con la izquierda partidaria en los setenta contrasta con la rápida y sinérgica articulación con el trotskismo que el movimiento homosexual logra en Brasil.  Este trabajo analizará las políticas de alianzas del Frente argentino y de la Facción Homosexual de Convergencia Socialista brasilera estudiando su interrelación con las políticas de género y sexualidad que desarrolló la izquierda, las diferentes etapas por las que atravesaban los aparatos represivos en cada país, las conexiones transnacionales entre organizaciones y los momentos de la izquierda a nivel global. Se analizará en particular el rol del trotskismo, el cual ofreció mayores oportunidades coyunturales de alianza con los homosexuales que otras corrientes del movimiento obrero. La investigación se basará en el análisis de un corpus documental diverso, que incluye fuentes personales de algunos de los activistas y entrevistas personales en profundidad.
Maternidades en cautiverio. Experiencias de maternidad, embarazo y parto en centros clandestinos de detención durante la última dictadura militar argentina
Authors: Álvarez Victoria , Laino Sanchis Fabricio
Published: April 2021

Durante la última dictadura militar en la Argentina (1976-1983) las mujeres representaron alrededor del 30% del total de las víctimas del accionar represivo del Estado. Estas detenidas sufrieron un repertorio diverso y específico de violencia por su condición de género. En los centros clandestinos de detención, muchas mujeres que fueron secuestradas embarazadas o junto con sus hijos/as pequeños/as, se vieron sometidas a formas diferenciales de vigilancia, control y violencia sobre sus cuerpos. Gran parte de las mujeres embarazadas que dieron a luz en cautiverio se encuentran desaparecidas y sus hijos/as fueron apropiados/as por personal de las fuerzas armadas y de seguridad. En el presente trabajo nos proponemos reflexionar sobre las experiencias de maternidad en los centros clandestinos de detención durante la última dictadura militar argentina desde una perspectiva de género. Indagaremos en las concepciones sobre la familia, la maternidad y el rol social de las mujeres que subyacían al accionar de los perpetradores de la violencia sobre las detenidas. A partir de testimonios de mujeres sobrevivientes, reconstruiremos las modalidades y dispositivos represivos específicos aplicados a las detenidas embarazadas. Por último, analizaremos los sentidos que en sus memorias asignan las sobrevivientes a sus experiencias de maternidad en cautiverio.
Enfermedad, narrativa y política de la mirada. Acerca de las puestas fotográficas de Jo Spence y Gabriela Liffschitz
Authors: Passerino Leila Martina
Published: April 2021

A partir de las producciones fotográficas de la argentina Gabriela Liffschitz y de la inglesa Jo Spence sobre sus propias experiencias por el tránsito del cáncer de mama, analizamos los devenires y ponemos en discusión lo que puede concebirse como figuraciones divergentes a partir de la puesta de cuerpos mastectomizados. En particular, analizamos los contrapuntos que inauguran ambas autoras acerca de cómo ser vistas, una política de la mirada que produce y subjetiva. La mastectomía, como tecnología médica transformadora de cuerpos, interpela los límites de lo humano en términos de normalidad/aceptación social permitiéndonos advertir el carácter político que atraviesan estas puestas. El artículo enfatiza la relación entre arte y medicina como dispositivos por excelencia para promover ciertas visualidades y corporalidades deseables. Simultáneamente, recorre las tensiones a partir de las cuales estas obras se posicionan y trazan de manera divergente narrativas de la enfermedad. Mientras que la obra de Spence puede interpretarse a partir de figuraciones de lo monstruoso, la puesta de Liffschitz cuestiona y —en ese movimiento— visibiliza la discusión en torno a ciertas modalidades de expresión.
Filtering blebs structure and function evaluation using optical coherence tomography
Authors: Paulaviciute-Baikstiene Daiva , Vaiciuliene Renata , Januleviciene Ingrida
Published: April 2021

Purpose: To assess the ability of a noncontact optical coherence tomography to evaluate the morphological features of filtering blebs one year after glaucoma surgery.Design: Prospective study.Methods: Eighteen patients (18 eyes) with diagnosed primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG) assigned for trabeculectomy were included in the 12-month study carried out in the Eye clinic of the Lithuanian University of Health Sciences. All participants underwent trabeculectomy with 5-fluorouracil (5-FU). Bleb function was considered to be successful if the intraocular pressure (IOP) was ≤ 18 mmHg without glaucoma medications and a limited success if: 18 < IOP ≤ 21 mmHg with or without glaucoma medications at 12 months after surgery. The filtering blebs were imaged by anterior segment optical coherence tomography (AS-OCT) to evaluate the bleb wall reflectivity and measured bleb structures 12 months after trabeculectomy. Level of significance: p < 0.05 was considered significant.Results: The mean preoperative IOP was 25.7 (6.5) mmHg and the mean number of topical glaucoma medications was 3.0 (1.2). After surgery the mean IOP was 13.8 (3.4) mmHg and glaucoma medication was 0.3 (1.0) (Wilcoxon test, p < 0.001). Analyzing bleb morphology and bleb function it was found that with uniform wall reflectivity 0 out of 3 eyes (0%) had successful bleb function and with multiform wall reflectivity 14 out of 15 eyes (93.3%) had successful bleb function 12 months after surgery (p = 0.005).We found positive correlation between IOP changes and bleb wall thickness, height of internal fluid-filled cavity (bleb height) and total bleb height (r = 0.875, 0.897, 0.939, p < 0.001).Conclusion: AS-OCT is a useful device to assess the structure of the filtering bleb. Larger internal fluid-filled cavity, total bleb height, bigger bleb wall thickness and multiform bleb wall reflectivity were found to be good indicators of bleb function.
Mathematical modeling of aqueous humor flow and intraocular pressure under uncertainty: towards individualized glaucoma management
Authors: Szopos Marcela , Cassani Simone , Guidoboni Giovanna , Prud'homme Christophe , Sacco Riccardo , Siesky Brent , Harris Alon
Published: April 2021

Purpose: The aim of the proposed analysis is to provide both a qualitative description and a quantitative assessment of how variations in aqueous humor (AH) flow parameters influence intraocular pressure (IOP) and the outcome of IOP-lowering medications.Methods: We developed a mathematical model that describes the steady-state value of IOP as the result of the balance between AH production and drainage. We performed stochastic simulations to assess the influence of different factors on the IOP distribution in ocular normotensive and ocular hypertensive subjects and on the IOP reduction following medications.Results: The distribution of the relative frequency of a given IOP value for ocular normotensive subjects fits a right-skewed Gaussian curve with a frequency peak of 25% at 15.13 mmHg and a skewness of 0.2, in very good agreement with the results from a population-based study on approximately 12,000 individuals. The model also shows that the outcomes of IOP-lowering treatments depend on the levels of pre-treatment IOP and blood pressure. The model predicts mean IOP reductions of 2.55 mmHg and 4.31 mmHg when the pre-treatment IOP mean values are 15.13 mmHg and 20.12 mmHg, respectively; these predictions are in qualitative and quantitative agreement with clinical findings.Conclusion: These findings may help identify patient-specific factors that influence the efficacy of IOP-lowering medications and aid the development of novel, effective, and individualized therapeutic approaches to glaucoma management.
Integrated electrophysiological evaluation in early normal-tension glaucoma
Authors: Messenio Dario , Marano Giuseppe , Biganzoli Elia
Published: April 2021

Purpose: To evaluate the variations of intraocular pressure (IOP), morphometric optic nerve head characteristic, perimetric indices and electrophysiological parameters (pattern electroretinogram and visual evoked potentials) before and after topical IOP lowering in patients with early normal-tension glaucoma.Methods: we evaluated 38 eyes of 20 patients with IOP < 21 mmHg, initial glaucomatous optic neuropathy (valued with HRT: retinal nerve fiber layer thickness (RNFL) and linear cup/disk ratio (linear C/D ratio)), minimal visual field defects (Octopus 101: G2 program), best correct visual acuity more than 15/20 and pathological electrophysiological parameters (valued with pattern electroretinogram (PERG) and visual evoked potentials (VEPs)), free of systemic or other ocular diseases. All parameters were evaluated at the beginning of the study (T0) and after 12 months of therapy (T12). A randomized normal control group (27 eyes of 14 subjects) with apparent larger disc cupping underwent all exams at initial of study (T0) and after 12 months (T12).Results: Among electrophysiological parameters, at the beginning of the study NTG P100 VEPs latency is slightly increased and P100 amplitude is reduced compared to normal subjects. There are not significant variations after 12 months. P50 PERG latency in NTG is quite similar respect normal and do not modify after therapy. P50N95 complex PERG amplitude in NTG is reduced compared to normal subjects and slightly increases after 12 months (1.8 vs 1.5 ; 2.4 vs 1.9 micronvolts, with different checkboard spatial frequency). Cortical retinal time (CRT) is slightly delayed in NTG and does not modify. Among visual field indices, MD and CLV is slightly higher in NTG and do not significantly modify after therapy. Among morphometric optic nerve head characteristics, linear C/D and RNFL thickness are quite similar in NTG and do not modify. IOP is quite similar between NTG and control group and modifies in NTG after therapy.Conclusion: In a viewpoint of an integrated diagnostic, electrophysiological tests (VEPs and PERG) could provide a more sensitive measure of retinal ganglion cell integrity and help to distinguish between early normal-pressure glaucoma patients with no or minimal visual field alterations and normal subjects with apparent larger disc cupping.
Electrophysiological evaluation in normal-tension glaucoma suspects: a pilot study
Authors: Messenio Dario , Marano Giuseppe , Biganzoli Elia
Published: April 2021

Purpose: To evaluate the variations of intraocular pressure (IOP), morphometric papillary characteristics, perimetric indices and electrophysiological parameters (Pattern electroretinogram and visual evoked potentials) before and after topic hypotonization therapy in patients with suspect normal tension glaucoma.Methods: we evaluated 38 eyes of 20 patients with intraocular pressure < 21 mmHg (measured with Goldman applanation tonometry), initial glaucomatous optic neuropathy (valued with HRT: retinal fiber layer (RNFL) and/or linear cup/disk (linear C/D), minimal visual defects (Octopus 101: G2 program), visual acuity more than 15/20 with best correction and pathological electrophysiological parameters (valued with pattern electroretinogram and visual evoked potentials), free of systemic or other ocular diseases. All parameters were evaluated at the beginning of the study (T0) and after 12 months from the beginning of the therapy (T12). A randomized normal control group (27 eyes of 14 subjects) with apparent larger disc cupping underwent all exams at initial of study and after 12 months. Results:At T0, P100 Latency VEPs in LTG was slightly increased either at 15’ (12,9 msec) and 30’ (8,9 msec). At T0, P100 Amplitude VEPs in LTG group were reduced compared to normal subjects, with average differences of: -6.4 µV (95% C.I.: (-9.8, -3.0) µV) for 15'; and: -5.4 µV (95% C.I.: ( -8.9, -2.0) µV) for 30’. P50N95 complex amplitude PERG was reduced at T0 in LTG, with average differences: -0.9 (95% C.I.: ( -1.4, -0.4) µV), -0.8 (-1.3, -0.3) µV) for 15’ and 30’, respectively; than it improved after therapy, with average differences between T12 and T0 of 0.3 µV (95% C.I.: (0.1, 0.6) µV) and 0.5 µV (95% C.I.: ( 0.2, 0.8) µV). So IOP decreased at T12 in LTG group, with an average difference between T12 and T0 of -5.2 mmHg (95% C.I.: (-5.9, -4.4). mmHg). Finally, CRT was slight delayed in LTG group at T0. Conclusion: In a viewpoint of an integrated diagnostic, electrophysiological tests (VEPs and PERG) could provide a more sensitive measure of retinal ganglion cell integrity and help to distinguish between suspect normal-pressure glaucoma patients before perimetric alterations are evident and normal subjects with apparent larger disc cupping.