bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Constructing phylogenetic relationship based on the independent selection law of genome sequences
Authors: Li Xiaolong , Li Hong , Yang Zhenhua , Zhang Zefeng
Published: April 2021

Background: Exploring the composition and evolution regularity of genome sequences and constructing phylogenetic relationship by alignment-free method in genome level are high-profile topics. Our previous researches discovered the CG and TA independent selection laws existed in genome sequences by analysis on the spectral features of 8-mer subsets of 920 eukaryote and prokaryote genomes. We found that the evolution state of genomes is determined by the intensity of the two independent selections and the degree of the mutual inhibition between them. Results: In this study, the two independent selection patterns of 22 primate and 28 insect genome sequences were analyzed further. The two complete 8-mer motif sets containing CG or TA dinucleotide and their feature of relative frequency are proposed. We found that the two 8-mer sets and their feature are related directly to sequence evolution of genomes. According to the relative frequency of two 8-mer sets, phylogenetic trees were constructed respectively for the given primate and insect genomes. Through analysis and comparison, we found that our phylogenetic trees are more consistent with the known conclusions. Conclusions: The two kinds of phylogenetic relationships constructed by CG 8-mer set and TA 8-mer set are similar in insect genomes, but the phylogenetic relationship constructed by CG 8-mer set reflect the evolution state of genomes in current age and phylogenetic relationship constructed by TA 8-mer set reflect the evolution state of genomes in a slight earlier period. We thought it is the result that the TA independent selection is repressed by the CG independent selection in the process of genome evolution. Our study provides a theoretical approach to construct more objective evolution relationships in genome level.
Retinal Nerve Fiber Layer Analysis in Children with Migraine with and without Aura using Optical Coherence Tomography: A Case-Control Study
Authors: Rego-Lorca Daniela , Burgos-Blasco Barbara , Gines-Gallego Cristina , Carrasco-Lopez-Brea Mario , de Santos-Moreno Maria Teresa , Santos-Bueso Enrique
Published: April 2021

The authors have requested that this preprint be removed from Research Square.
Design and Analysis of 1.28 Terabit/s DWDM Transmission System for Free Space Optical Communication
Authors: Elsayed Ebrahim E.
Published: April 2021

In this paper, the implementation of a dense wavelength division multiplexing (DWDM) 32 × 40 Gbps (1.28 Tera bit/s) for the free-space optical (FSO) communication system is investigated. Analysis is performed for return-to-zero (RZ) and non-return-to-zero (NRZ) line codes for 1 km free space optic length. Motivation to the current analysis is to compare RZ and NRZ lines codes in the DWDM-FSO communication system and it is found that the NRZ line code is better than RZ code. A 1.28 Tb/ps wavelength division multiplexed communication system for free space optic channel workplace has been discovered in which 32 channel each of 40 Gbps data streams are combined using wavelength division multiplexed. The study includes the attenuation caused by atmospheric effect and beam divergence. Bit-error rate (BER), quality factor (Q), and eye diagram are indicator of performance evaluation. By comparing one can get a promising system to the high capacity access network with more bandwidth, cost effective and good flexibility.
Perception and Associated Factors for the Implementation of Telemedicine During COVID-19 Pandemic Among Health Professionals Working at the Government Health Facility in Resource Limiting Setting, Ethiopia, 2021: A Cross-section study.
Authors: Assaye Bayou Tilahun , Manaye Tewabe , Regasa Zegeye , Hayiley Gizaw , Biruk Kirubel , Mesert Maru , Alamneh Bekalu Endalew
Published: April 2021

Background: The novel coronavirus(COVID-19) pandemic has been dramatically affecting healthcare organizations across the world. Accessing modern health care is still limited in developing countries due to different factors. Within physical distancing, telemedicine has become the preferred communication channel between health professions and patients. Therefore, this study was aimed to assess Perception and Associated factors for the implementation of telemedicine during the COVID-19 Pandemic among Health Professionals Working at Governmental health facility in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, 2021.Methods: -Institutional-based cross-sectional study design was conducted among 845 study participants. A structured interview administrative questionnaire using ODK(open data kit) was used. A pre-test was done on 5% of the total sample size. The quality of data was assured by checking its completeness and consistency. Descriptive statistics Bivariable and multivariable logistic regression were fitted. Variables having P-value less than 0.25 during bi-variable logistics regression were entered into multivariable logistic regression. Adjusted odds ratio (AOR) with 95% confidence level (CL) were used to declare association between dependent and the outcome variable. Model fitness and multicollinearity was checked using by using Hosmer-Lemeshow AND Variable inflation factors(VIF) respectively.Result:- Over all 60.9% (95% CI: [57.5, 64.4]) of health professionals had a good perception towards telemedicine with response rate of 737( 87.2%). Health professionals who had IT supporting staff (AOR:7.13, 95% CI: 4.264-13.201), health professionals ’ being certified concerning with ICT (AOR:4.42, 95%CI: 2.69-7.524), frequency of using social media platforms (AOR=3.263, 95% CI: 1.621-6.561) were variables significantly associated with the perception of telemedicine among health professionals for control and prevention of COVID-19.Conclusion:- More than half of respondents had a good perception of telemedicine. being trained with ICT, accessibility of computers,s and Having IT support staff in their health facility were significantly associated with the level of telemedicine perception in the era of the COVID-19 pandemic. Therefore, the Ministry of health recommended to encourage the health professions and the stakeholders to collaborate on promotion of safe and evidence-based use of telemedicine during the current COVID-19 pandemic and future outbreaks.
Reclaimed desert habitats favor entomopathogenic nematode and microarthropod abundance compared to ancient farmlands in the Nile Basin
Authors: Dritsoulas Alexandros , El-Borai Fahiem E. , Shehata Ibrahim E. , Hammam Mostafa M. , El-Ashry Ramadan M. , Mohamed Moawad M. , Abd-Elgawad Mahfouz M. , Duncan Larry W.
Published: April 2021

Characterizing entomopathogenic nematode (EPN) biogeography with a goal of augmentation and conservation biological control requires fine-scale taxonomic resolution, because closely related EPN species can exhibit divergent phenotypes for key properties such as habitat adaptation and insect host specificity. Consequently, we employed high throughput genome sequencing (HTS) to identify and compare EPNs and natural enemies of EPNs in 58 citrus orchards in 2 ecoregions in Egypt (El Beheira and Al Qalyubia governorates). We designed improved primers targeting the ITS2 rDNA to discriminate EPN species and used pre-reported primers targeting D2-D3 region for soil microarthropods. Five EPN species (Heterorhabditis bacteriophora, H. indica, H. taysearae, Steinernema glaseri, and S. scapterisci) and one steinernematid not represented in Genbank databases were detected. This is the first report of S. scapterisci and possibly the unknown (perhaps undescribed) species in Egypt. Only heterorhabditid species, dominated by H. indica, were detected in the reclaimed, sandy desert soils of El Beheira governorate. In the fine textured, ancient farming lands of the Nile delta all six species were detected, but at lower frequency and abundance. Microarthropod family richness (P = 0.01) and abundance (P = 0.001) was higher in the reclaimed lands than in the Nile Delta. Soil clay content, pH and elevation explained significant variation in the mite community structure. Population density of H. indica, the only EPN found consistently and at high abundance in El-Beheira, was inversely related to abundance of species in the nematophagous mite family Rhodacaridae.
Low rank compression in the numerical solution of the nonequilibrium Dyson equation
Authors: Kaye Jason , Golez Denis
Published: April 2021

We propose a method to improve the computational and memory efficiency of numerical solvers for the nonequilibrium Dyson equation in the Keldysh formalism. It is based on the empirical observation that the nonequilibrium Green's functions and self energies arising in many problems of physical interest, discretized as matrices, have low rank off-diagonal blocks, and can therefore be compressed using a hierarchical low rank data structure. We describe an efficient algorithm to build this compressed representation on the fly during the course of time stepping, and use the representation to reduce the
cost of computing history integrals, which is the main computational
bottleneck. For systems with the hierarchical low rank property, our
method reduces the computational complexity of solving the
nonequilibrium Dyson equation from cubic to near quadratic, and the
memory complexity from quadratic to near linear. We demonstrate the full
solver for the Falicov-Kimball model exposed to a rapid ramp and
Floquet driving of system parameters, and are able to
increase feasible propagation times substantially. We present examples with
262 144 time steps, which would require approximately five months
of computing time and 2.2 TB of memory using the direct time stepping method,
but can be completed in just over a day on a laptop with
less than 4 GB of memory using our method.
We also confirm the hierarchical low
rank property for the driven Hubbard model in the weak coupling regime
within the GW approximation, and in the strong coupling regime
within dynamical mean-field theory.
Clinical characteristics and outcomes of pregnancy after invasive prenatal
testing in women with multiple pregnancy
Authors: O.V. Pribushenya
Published: April 2021

Retrospective assessment of the obstetric and gynecological history, gravidity, parity and complications
of the current pregnancy in women who underwent amniocentesis (AC) and chorionic villus sampling (CVS)
are presented. The features of invasive prenatal procedures (IPP), as well as the outcomes of pregnancy and
childbirth were studied. The frequency of spontaneous abortion (SA) after AC was 2.90 ± 2.05%, during CVS —
2.80 ± 2.82%, in the comparison group (GC) (1.10 ± 1.07%, p > 0.017). There were no statistically significant
differences in invasive prenatal diagnostics in the 1st and 2nd trimesters in multiple and single pregnancies. AC
and CVS do not affect the average delivery time (CVS — 37.0 (34.0–38.0) weeks, AC — 36.0 (34.0–38.0) weeks,
GS — 36.0 (34.0–37.0) weeks, p > 0.017), weight of newborns (CVH — 2440.0 (1960.0–2845.0) g, AC — 2600.0
(1850.0–2760.0) g, GS — 2325.0 (1800.0–2740.0) g, p > 0.017). IPP do not increase the preterm birth rate at
23–36 weeks' gestation (CVH — 41.40 ± 9.15%, AC — 51.60 ± 6.36%, GS — 54.40 ± 5.19%, p > 0.017) and
does not increase perinatal mortality.
SARS-CoV-2, Inflammatory Apoptosis, and Cytokine Storm Syndrome
Authors: Hu Chien-An A. , Murphy Isabella , Klimaj Stefan , Reece Jennifer , Chand Hitendra S.
Published: April 2021

SARS-CoV-2 (Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2), a novel and currently intensively studied beta coronavirus, is the causing agent of COVID-19 (Coronavirus Disease 2019), a highly contagious and devastating disease that has killed more than 2 million human beings since December 2019. Building on what has already been understood from studying SARS-CoV, a closely related single-strand RNA virus that set off SARS in 2002 and 2003, researchers began to learn how SARS-CoV-2 operates its vicious effects on the host cells. In essence, COVID-19 patients display hyperinflammatory and dysregulated cell death phenotypes that give a spectrum of symptoms ranging from mild to moderate upper-respiratory tract illnesses. However, SARS-CoV-2 can elicit serious pathologies, such as acute respiratory distress syndrome, sepsis-like multi-organ failure and even death, depending on the individual and their pre-existing condition(s). As viruses cannot reproduce independently, they hijack the machinery within the host cells and enslave them for the purpose of propagation. SARS-CoV-2 RNA genome harbors the genes that produce the protein products for manipulating host cell, viral replication, and repeating the vicious viral cycle. For counteracting the viral invasion, human cells have developed layers of defense mechanisms, such as restriction factors, Regulated Cell Death (RCD) pathways, interferon production, inflammatory response, and innate and adaptive immunity that are used to recognize and thwart viral infection. Unfortunately, some coronavirus encoded proteins are capable of attacking the host anti-viral system to achieve parasitic advantages. We reviewed the proteins of SARS-CoV and SARS-CoV-2 that possess manipulating effects on the host cell and cause tissue damage, immune cascade, cytokine production and release. We also discuss the means to restore the homeostatic balance between inflammatory response and RCD pathways and the potential targeted interventions that can be used to treat and/or prevent COVID-19.
Roots of friendship: Uzbek literature and literary criticism in German literature during 1960-1970 years
Authors: Imyaminova Shukhratkhon , Yakubov Sadirjan
Published: April 2021

Formation and development of literary and cultural contacts, contributed to the domestic and international situation, growing interest in national literatures; acquaintance of the German reader with the life and work of outstanding Uzbek writers and poets, evidence of the sincere sympathy of German scientists, strengthening of international literary relations, assessment of international recognition; Khamza is a talented and multifaceted personality, a well-reasoned assessment of the creativity of Uzbek writers; oppression of the poorest strata of the population, literary theoretical work, fundamental work of German scientists; significant stage, unbiased presentation, horizons of coexistence and development of literatures in the world literary space.
The youth rationality of working in the tourism in Derawan Island, Berau Regency, East Borneo, Indonesia
Authors: Hidayah Ahmad , Singh Balraj
Published: April 2021

This article aims to analyze the rational choice of working and owning a business in the tourism sector for youth on Derawan Island, Berau Regency, East Borneo. This article uses James S. Coleman's theory of rational choice as a tool to analyze the phenomenon under study. The study uses a qualitative research method (descriptive approach) with youth research on Derawan Island in triangulating analysis process. They work or own a business in the tourism sector. The technique of selecting informants in this study was purposive sampling and snowball sampling. Data obtained through in-depth interviews and observation techniques. The results are that young people on Derawan Island choose to work and have a business in the tourism sector because of several rational reasons: 1.) seeing the potential of the region; 2.) According to their passion; 3.) Having an income. The same or even more significant than those who work in the formal sector; and 4.) have more free time.
The Effects of Log-in Behaviors and Web Reviews on Patient Consultation in Online Health Communities: Longitudinal Study
Authors: Chen Qin , Jin Jiahua , Zhang Tingting , Yan Xiangbin
Published: April 2021

Background

With the rapid development of information technology and web-based communities, a growing number of patients choose to consult physicians in online health communities (OHCs) for information and treatment. Although extant research has primarily discussed factors that influence the consulting choices of OHC patients, there is still a lack of research on the effects of log-in behaviors and web reviews on patient consultation.

Objective

This study aims to explore the impact of physicians’ log-in behavior and web reviews on patient consultation.

Methods

We conducted a longitudinal study to examine the effects of physicians’ log-in behaviors and web reviews on patient consultation by analyzing short-panel data from 911 physicians over five periods in a Chinese OHC.

Results

The results showed that the physician’s log-in behavior had a positive effect on patient consultation. The maximum number of days with no log-ins for a physician should be 20. The two web signals (log-in behavior and web reviews) had no complementary relationship. Moreover, the offline signal (ie, offline status) has different moderating effects on the two web signals, positively moderating the relationship between web reviews and patient consultation.

Conclusions

Our study contributes to the eHealth literature and advances the understanding of physicians’ web-based behaviors. This study also provides practical implications, showing that physicians’ log-in behavior alone can affect patient consultation rather than complementing web reviews.
The Association of Delayed Care With Depression Among US Middle-Aged and Older Adults During the COVID-19 Pandemic: Cross-sectional Analysis (Preprint)
Authors: Luo Yan
Published: April 2021

BACKGROUND

During the COVID-19 pandemic, the depression level among US adults has significantly increased. Age disparity in depression during the pandemic has been reported in recent studies. Delay or avoidance of medical care is one of the collateral damages associated with the COVID-19 pandemic, and it can lead to increased morbidity and mortality.

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to assess the prevalence of depression and delayed care among US middle-aged adults and older adults during the pandemic, as well as investigate the association of delayed care with depression among those 2 age groups.

METHODS

This cross-sectional study used data from the 2020 Health and Retirement Study (HRS) COVID-19 Project (Early, Version 1.0). Univariate analyses, bivariate analyses, and binary logistic regression were applied. US adults older than 46 years were included. Depression was measured by the Composite International Diagnostic Interview-Short Form (CIDI-SF). Delayed care was measured by the following 4 items: delayed surgery, delayed seeing a doctor, delayed dental care, and other delayed care.

RESULTS

A total of 3246 participants were identified. More than half of the participants were older than 65 years (n=1890, 58.2%), and 274 (8.8%) participants had depression during the pandemic. Delayed dental care was positively associated with depression among both middle-aged adults (OR 2.05, 95% CI 1.04-4.03; P=.04) and older adults (OR 3.08, 95% CI 1.07-8.87; P=.04). Delayed surgery was positively associated with depression among older adults (OR 3.69, 95% CI 1.06-12.90; P=.04). Self-reported pain was positively related to depression among both age groups. Middle-aged adults who reported higher education levels (some college or above) or worse self-reported health had a higher likelihood of having depression. While perceived more loneliness was positively associated with depression among older adults, financial difficulty was positively associated with depression among middle-aged adults.

CONCLUSIONS

This study found that depression was prevalent among middle-aged and older adults during the pandemic. The study highlighted the collateral damage of the COVID-19 pandemic by identifying the association of delayed surgery and dental care with depression during the pandemic. Although surgery and dental care cannot be delivered by telehealth, telehealth services can still be provided to address patients’ concerns on delayed surgery and dental care. Moreover, the implementation of telemental health services is needed to address mental health symptoms among US middle-aged and older adults during the pandemic. Future research that uses more comprehensive measurements for delayed care is needed to decipher the path through which delayed care is associated with depression.
Psychometric Properties of Identity Style Inventory-5 Indonesian Version: Factor Structure, Reliability, and Criterion Validity
Authors: Muttaqin Darmawan
Published: April 2021

This research evaluated the psychometric properties of the Identity Style Inventory-5 (ISI-5) Indonesian version using 763 adolescents aged 18-21 years. The evaluation process was carried out by examining the factor structure, reliability, and criterion validity using confirmatory factor analysis, composite reliability, and by correlating with other measuring instruments. The analysis results indicated that the ISI-5 version's factor structure with three factors of identity style and one identity commitment is fit with the data and has good internal consistency. The correlation between this version and other measuring instruments proves that it has fairly good criterion validity. The results showed that the ISI-5 Indonesian version is a valid and reliable instrument for measuring Indonesian adolescents' identity style and commitment.
THE PORTRAYAL OF A KOREAN ADOPTEE’S EXPERIENCE IN NICOLE CHUNG’S ALL YOU CAN EVER KNOW: A MEMOIR OF ADOPTION
Authors: Maziyya Rizqia Nuur
Published: April 2021

Transnational adoption has become one of the factors of transnational migration to Western countries, including America. Transnational adoption can be viewed from at least two perspectives, South Korea as the origin country and America as the targeted country. From the birth country, transnational adoption becomes a way to help the children from poverty, have a better future, and contribute to the birth country when they return. From the adoption-targeted country, this adoption is a humanitarian way to save the children from poverty, primitive way of life, and God’s blessing. One of the countries which regularly “send” the children to Western countries is South Korea. The children become Korean adoptees and mostly living in white American neighborhoods. Living with white Americans has shaped the Korean adoptees’ behavior and way of thinking same as Americans. Korean adoptees face various problems, starting from adjusting themselves in new environment, finding their cultural roots and identity, and struggling to find their biological parents. This study employed Phinnes’ ethnic identity development to make sense of the experience of a Korean adoptee called Nicole Chung in her memoir, All You Can Ever Know: A Memoir of Adoption. Through the discussion, it can be understood how transnational adoption programs become national agenda and big business field since it is not expensive to have children from other countries. There is also an assumption that the children will have better and happier life when they are taken to America and other western countries. However, throughout their life as adopted children in America, the children also find difficulties, especially in finding their identity.
Device-independent quantum key distribution with asymmetric CHSH inequalities
Authors: Woodhead Erik , Acín Antonio , Pironio Stefano
Published: April 2021

The simplest device-independent quantum key distribution protocol is based on the Clauser-Horne-Shimony-Holt (CHSH) Bell inequality and allows two users, Alice and Bob, to generate a secret key if they observe sufficiently strong correlations. There is, however, a mismatch between the protocol, in which only one of Alice's measurements is used to generate the key, and the CHSH expression, which is symmetric with respect to Alice's two measurements. We therefore investigate the impact of using an extended family of Bell expressions where we give different weights to Alice's measurements. Using this family of asymmetric Bell expressions improves the robustness of the key distribution protocol for certain experimentally-relevant correlations. As an example, the tolerable error rate improves from 7.15% to about 7.42% for the depolarising channel. Adding random noise to Alice's key before the postprocessing pushes the threshold further to more than 8.34%. The main technical result of our work is a tight bound on the von Neumann entropy of one of Alice's measurement outcomes conditioned on a quantum eavesdropper for the family of asymmetric CHSH expressions we consider and allowing for an arbitrary amount of noise preprocessing.
Perilaku Siswa dalam Proses Pembelajaran PAI di SMP Islam Darul Ulum Banda Aceh dan SMP Insyafuddin Banda Aceh
Authors: Walidain Birrul
Published: April 2021

Student behaviors are the nature of actions possessed by students which are influenced by customs, attitudes, emotions, values, ethics, power, persuasion, and genetics. Student behaviors are grouped into reasonable behaviors, acceptable behaviors, strange behaviors, and deviant behaviors. However, what has been portrayed today in both international and local media is that there are many deviations in the student behaviors especially at the junior high school level. Therefore, the present study aimed to investigate the types of student behaviors in the learning process at school, the procedures in developing the student behaviors within the Islamic religious education learning process, and the obstacles in developing the student behaviors within the Islamic religious education learning process. The study took place at two public junior high schools, SMP Islam Darul Ulum Banda Aceh and SMP Inshafuddin Banda Aceh. The study used a descriptive method with a qualitative approach. The results of the study showed that the types of student behaviors in the learning process varied greatly. There were students who were passive and those who were active. In terms of the porcedures, is done by analyzing the needs of students. Further, the obstacles in developing the student behaviors included the lack of attention from the parents/guardians regarding changes in the student behaviors and the lack of communication between the teachers, the parents/guardians, and the Islamic education teachers.
Apresentação: O Direito em Perspectiva Empírica: Práticas, Saberes e Moralidades
Authors: Baptista Bárbara Gomes Lupetti , Silva Fernanda Duarte Lopes Lucas da , Amorim Maria Stella Faria de , Lima Michel Lobo Toledo , Lima Roberto Kant de
Published: April 2021

Neste Dossiê estão reunidos artigos com ênfase na pesquisa de campo e com argumentação crítica e reflexiva sobre o sistema jurídico brasileiro contemporâneo, destacando suas contradições, dilemas, especificidades e sensibilidade jurídica, isto é, seu “senso de justiça”, principalmente quando se contrastam as doutrinas, leis e tipos ideais do dever ser jurídico com suas práticas judiciais e judiciárias. O Dossiê insere-se como um produto da articulação entre as universidades de várias regiões do país – a Universidade Federal Fluminense, a Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, a Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, a Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Norte, a Universidade Federal de São Carlos, a Universidade Estadual de Campinas, a Universidade de Brasília e a Universidade de São Paulo – e em redes entre pesquisadores que se desenvolvem no Brasil, algumas delas instituídas e articuladas em torno das pesquisas sobre o campo do Direito, como é o caso dos grupos: Grupo de Pesquisa sobre Violência e Administração de Conflitos, da Universidade Federal de São Carlos; Cidadania, Administração de Conflitos e Justiça, da Universidade de Brasília; Laboratório de Estudos de Política e Criminologia, da Universidade Estadual de Campinas; Núcleo de Estudos da Violência, da Universidade de São Paulo; Núcleo de Antropologia do Direito, da Universidade de São Paulo; Núcleo de Pesquisa em Processos Institucionais de Administração de Conflitos, da Universidade Veiga de Almeida; Núcleo de Estudos sobre Direito, Cidadania, Processo e Discurso, da Universidade Estácio de Sá, vinculados ao Instituto de Estudos Comparados em Administração de Conflitos (INCT-InEAC); e outras agremiações. Os trabalhos aqui reunidos são resultados desses e de tantos outros empenhos institucionais. Eles reúnem qualidades empíricas, metodológicas e conceituais que merecem a atenção do leitor interessado na temática, concentrando-se em explicitar e problematizar o distanciamento verificado entre a cultura especializada dos operadores jurídicos e a cultura cívica dos cidadãos que recebem a prestação jurisdicional nos tribunais, as prescrições legais e doutrinárias e as práticas dos operadores do sistema de justiça. Outra dimensão apontada pelos artigos aqui publicados, diz respeito às práticas judiciárias e às moralidades que orientam e interferem no poder de agência dos atores do sistema de justiça.
Proarrhythmic Effect of RF ablation on the Right Ventricular Moderator Band
Authors: Willner Jonathan , Makker Parth , John Roy
Published: April 2021

The right ventricular moderator band (MB) is increasingly being
recognized as a source for PVCs and PVC-mediated ventricular
fibrillation. Monomorphic PVCs, non-sustained monomorphic VT and
ventricular fibrillation are all documented arrhythmias originating from
the MB. The benign PVCs usually have a coupling interval in excess of
400 msec. When PVCs trigger VF, coupling intervals are typically short,
less than 300 msec. We report here a case of long-standing frequent
monomorphic PVCs with a coupling interval of > 400 msec
from the right ventricular distal conduction system embedded in the
moderator band that progressed to non-sustained ventricular tachycardia.
Following suppression of the arrhythmia with RF ablation, the arrhythmia
recurred with PVCs at a shorter coupling interval (<300 msec),
with frequent repetitive non-sustained polymorphic VT and triggering of
sustained ventricular fibrillation. The use of a cryoballoon to ablate
over the course of the moderator band resulted in complete and durable
suppression of ventricular arrhythmias.
RASBURICASE INDUCED METHEMOGLOBINEMIA: A SYSTEMATIC REVIEW OF DESCRIPTIVE STUDIES
Authors: Vidhyashree BH , Zuber Mohammed , Taj Shifa , Venkatraman Rajesh , Kumar BP Sathish , Jabeen Nihala
Published: April 2021

Abstract Purpose: There are an increased number of reports being
published on rasburicase-induced methemoglobinemia recently. We aimed to
identify and critically evaluate all the descriptive studies that
described the rasburicase-induced methemoglobinemia, its treatment
approach, and their outcomes. Methodology: PubMed and grey literature
databases were searched from inception to January 2021 using search
terms “rasburicase” and “methemoglobinemia” without any language and
date restriction. A bibliographic search was also done to find
additional studies. Only descriptive studies on Rasburicase-induced
methemoglobinemia were included for our review. Two contributors worked
independently on study selection, data abstraction, and quality
assessment, and any disagreements were resolved by consensus or
discussion with a third reviewer. Result: A total of 22 reports
including 25 patients (21 male, 3 female patients, and 1 study did not
specify the gender of the patient) aged from 6 to 75 years were included
in the review. Immediate withdrawal of the drug and administering
methylene blue, ascorbic acid, blood transfusion, and supportive oxygen
therapy are the cornerstone in the management of rasburicase-induced
methemoglobinemia. Conclusion: Rasburicase administration should be
followed by careful monitoring of patients for any severe complication
and treat it as early as possible appropriately. In a patient who
presents with rasburicase-induced haemolysis or methemoglobinemia, it is
often important to expect a diagnosis of G6PD deficiency unless
otherwise confirmed and to avoid administering methylene blue, even
though the patient is from a low-risk ethnicity for G6PDD. PROSPERO
Registration number: CRD42021234132
Establishment of a new valid animal model for the evaluation of hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC) in pediatric rhabdomyosarcoma
Authors: Wagner Benedikt , Adamus Anna , Sönnecken Dörthe , Vahdad Reza , Jank Paul , Denkert Carsten , Mahnken Andreas , Seitz Guido
Published: April 2021

Background: Cytoreductive surgery in combination with hyperthermic
intraperitoneal chemotherapy has been established as a novel treatment
approach for peritoneal sarcomatosis. Despite promising clinical
reports, there is still a lack of knowledge regarding optimal drug usage
and local effects. Therefore, we intended to establish a murine animal
model for further evaluation. Procedure: Alveolar rhabdomyosarcoma cells
were xenotransplanted into NOD/LtSz-scid IL2Rγnullmice (n=100). The mice
received a continuous intraperitoneal lavage with isotonic saline
solution as control- or with cisplatin (30 or 60 mg/m2) as treatment
group for 60 minutes at 37 or 42 °C (6 subgroups, each n=16). Tumor
spread was documented by an adapted peritoneal cancer index and MRI
(n=4). Tumor and tissue samples, harvested at the end of the perfusion,
were evaluated regarding morphology, proliferation and apoptosis (H&E-,
Ki-67-, Cleaved Caspase 3-staining, TUNEL-assay). Results: Extensive
peritoneal sarcomatosis in over 91% of the cases was observed. HIPEC
was feasible without acute side effects. Ki-67 staining revealed
concentration- or temperature-dependent effects of cisplatin-based HIPEC
on the tumors. While Cleaved Caspase-3 showed only sporadic apoptotic
effects. TUNEL-assay detected concentration- or temperature-dependent
apoptotic effects at the outer tumor surface. MRI scans confirmed the
observed tumor dissemination. Conclusion: This is the first animal model
for evaluation of HIPEC in pediatric RMS in mice. Cisplatin-based HIPEC
had early effects on the proliferation whereas circumscribed apoptotic
effects could be detected at the tumor surface. This model allows
further insights on the possible efficiency of HIPEC in RMS. Further
studies using other drug combinations and treatment will follow.
Influence of Traffic and Road Surface Materials on Elastic Behavior of Layered Pavements
Authors: ROLDAN-OLİDEN Pablo , CALVO-JURADO Carmen
Published: April 2021

In this paper the overall elastic properties of different layered road pavements have been presented. Using micromechanical theory and the Voigt/Reuss and Hashin-Shtrikman bounds, all the elastic moduli that characterize the stiffness of the composite medium are determined. Following the Spanish Highway Administration classification of the pavement sections, this work presents in detail the effective elastic behavior of any of the cases covered by this document from their composition and the type of traffic. Although numerous experimental and laboratory works have been developed to study the mechanisms that govern different types of pavements, there are few works where they are explicitly determined. That is why the main novelty of this work consists in presenting analytical methods capable of quantifying the performance of the pavement based on the materials that compose it and the traffic loads to which it is subjected. The proposed scheme is implemented in some scenarios by showing the dependence of the different elastic modulus on the volume fraction of the different materials that made the layered composite pavement.
FOUNDATIONS FOR PROTECTION OF CREDITORS DURING REORGANISATION OF COMPANIES
Authors: KUZNETSOV A.A.
Published: April 2021

The need for special protection of creditors during reorganisation requires a justification, which has never been specifically analysed in Russian law. The purpose of the study was to determine to what extent such protection should be provided. The article, based on the comparative legal method, reveals the grounds for such protection in the European сountries and compares it with domestic regulation. The study concludes that creditors should be protected only if there is damage from reorganisation.
МОДЕЛЬ СОСТАВНЫХ КВАРКОВ И ЛЕПТОНОВ СЛЕДУЕТ ИЗ ПРИНЦИПА ФУНДАМЕНТАЛЬНОСТИ ЧАСТИЦ
Authors: Чуриков Виктор
Published: April 2021

Рассматриваются аргументы в пользу того, что кварки и лептоны составные частицы. Вводится принцип фундаментальности частиц, из которого однозначно следует, что кварки и лептоны являются составными. Более того, получается, что частицами, из которых состоят кварки и лептоны, должны быть ритоны – разновидность ришонов.
Strategies for the
Prevention of Complications in Brain Glioma Surgery
Authors: Rotim Krešimir , Splavski Bruno , Vrban Filip , Rotim Ante
Published: April 2021

Introduction: Brain glioma is the most common and
lethal primary malignant intracranial tumor. Nonetheless, gross tumor resection
remains the most successful treatment modality, which may prolong progression free
survival of these patients. However, excessive surgery brings a danger of neurological,
regional and systemic complications, which may be diminished/ avoided by better
pre- and intra-operative care and by modern neurosurgical techniques.

Aim: To analyze the incidence and type
of peri- and post-operative complications in surgical brain glioma patients.
Computing the results, advice on complication prevention was made.

Methods: A single institution series of
brain glioma patients operated on during a two-year period was analyzed. The
incidence, type and time of complications were observed, as well as the patients’ gender and age, and the extent of tumor resection
complications, dichotomized as peri- and post-operative variables, were correlated
with investigated parameters to find out their possible association.

Results: Transitory neurological deficit was
the most common peri-operative complication. Seizures, meningitis, and
permanent neurological deficit were commonly recorded among post operative
complications.

Conclusion: Patients’
gender and age, and the extent of tumor resection were not influential to the development
of brain glioma complications. Aggressive surgery requires the avoidance of complications
by cautious patient selection, multidisciplinary preoperative planning, and
scrupulous neurosurgical technique augmented by up-to-date armamentarium.
Risk Factors and Post-Operative Predictors for Recurrent Lumbar Disc Herniation
Authors: Paracino Riccardo , Mancini Fabrizio , Lattanzi Simona , Dobran Mauro
Published: April 2021

The purpose of this study is to identify some risk factors and post-operative predictors for recurrent lumbar disc hernia (rLDH) during a long-term follow-up in patients treated with microdiscectomy.

Aim of the paper: This study analyzes some risk factors and postoperative predictors for recurrent lumbar disc hernia (rLDH) during a long-term follow-up in patients treated with microdiscectomy.

Material and methods. We analyzed retrospectively a consecutive series of patients who underwent lumbar spinal microdiscectomy for lumbar disc herniation (LDH) from January 2013 to June 2018 at our Institute. The rate of rLDH during long-term follow-up was analyzed and correlated with baseline and post-operative data.
Results. A total of 263 patients were included with a median follow-up time of 24 months (from 13 to 43 months). Most of the patients had rLDH within the first 36 months after surgery. At multivariate analysis, recurrence of LDH was associated with higher pre-operative body mass index (BMI) and higher post-operative Oswentry disability index (ODI) with statistical significance.

Conclusions. Baseline BMI and post-surgery ODI could predict rLDH after surgery during a long-term follow-up.
Raspodjela ostataka pesticida
između kore i pulpe naranče
Authors: Hrnjkaš Ljubica , Racz Aleksandar
Published: April 2021

Cilj rada bio je dokazati transfer
ostataka pesticida s kore na pulpu ako se dokaže njihova prisutnost na kori naranče. U tu svrhu u radu je analizirano
48 uzoraka naranči iz uvoza i domaćeg porijekla u kojima su analize bile
usmjerene na detekciju 88 aktivnih tvari. Rezultati su pokazali da su bile
potvrđene četiri aktivne tvari: imazalil,
klorpirifos, tiabendazol i bifentrin, pri čemu je transfer aktivnih tvari dokazan na 11 uzoraka te
se kretao u rasponu od 20 % do 30 %.
The Aboriginal Experience in Kingston, Ontario
Authors: Moon Martha
Published: April 2021

For my undergraduate thesis, I have conducted in-depth/ethnographic interviews with several Aboriginal people who live in Kingston, Ontario. My goal is to listen to and learn from their experiences. There is emphasis on the role of certain places within Kingston, as well as comparing Kingston to other places where the participants have lived. The interviews are open-ended in order to allow participants to determine which parts of their experience are most important to share.
1. Economic Impacts of Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy in Canada and Europe And The Effect of Compensation Programs
Authors: Burnett Kate
Published: April 2021

Before the first domestic case of bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE) was identified in May 2003, Canada was the world’s third largest exporter of cattle behind the United States (U.S.) and Australia. After the BSE disclosure, the U.S. and 40 other countries imposed an immediate ban on imported Canadian beef and cattle products. The interdependence of the Canadian beef industry with that of the U.S. prior to the outbreak of BSE was a critical factor in Canada’s market vulnerability and the resulting economic impact. As the re-opening of the U.S. border was prolonged, beef producers adopted a variety of strategies to deal with the loss of income including refinancing existing loans and selling land or other assets. However these measures taken by individual farmers were not sufficient in completely supplementing their loss of income, thus creating a need for government funding and support. Little research has been done to assess the impact of government subsidies as a tool to offset the economic losses incurred by BSE. The analysis of the impacts of BSE and the resulting subsidies is extended to Britain, France, Germany and the European Union to see if government subsidies had a similar impact as compared to Canada. Analysis of existing literature shows the economic impacts to be heavily impacted by the structure of the beef industry and the subsidies to be impacted by consumption levels. The result of the subsidies is unclear; however due to lack of recent information the full analysis of the result of subsidy programs is difficult to determine.
4. Racism and Domestic Violence
Authors: Nemec Angela
Published: April 2021

The purpose of the study is to investigate domestic violence within the framework of ‘race’. Specifically, its purpose is to raise awareness of the negative impact of racism in relation to violence. It will illustrate that the relationship between ‘race’ and violence is a spurious one – differences in rates of domestic violence are not due to the biological factor of ‘race’ but rather due to various social factors which impact particular racialized groups at different rates. The poster will show that racial stereotypes and other forms of racism hinder solving the problem of domestic violence by blaming racial factors instead of social structural ones.
6. Examining the Interconnection of Attention and Working Memory
Authors: Charbonneau Catherine
Published: April 2021

The current study consists of two experiments aiming to examine the relationship between visual attention and working memory. The first experiment examines whether the contents of working memory influence the allocation of visual attention. While past studies have shown mixed results, we are attempting to control for external factors which may have affected these findings. The second experiment examines whether perceptual processing of an item can affect the contents of working memory, effectively seeking to examine whether the relationship examined in the first experiment works in the opposite directions. Results are forthcoming.
7. Measuring the Rate of Mercury Loss in Amphipod Gut and Tissues after Exposure to Contaminated Sediments
Authors: Martin Jonathan
Published: April 2021

Mercury (Hg) contamination of the St. Lawrence River along the Cornwall waterfront is the result of over a century of industrial inputs. Yellow perch (Perca flavescens) are contaminated above the consumption guidelines deemed safe by Health Canada in one of three contaminated depositional zones. Amphipods are crustaceans that play an important role in aquatic food webs, and a recent study of the diet of yellow perch showed that amphipods were the primary food source of yellow perch in these zones and that amphipods showed similar patterns of Hg contamination. However, not all Hg taken up by amphipods is bioavailable. That is, not all Hg is incorporated into the tissues and available for uptake by yellow perch. To determine if Hg analyses of amphipods are biased by Hg present in their gut contents, the rate of Hg loss was measured from the gut and tissues. Amphipods were collected in the field using artificial substrates. A sample was frozen immediately upon retrieval, and the remaining amphipods were kept in a sieve in a basin of filtered river water. Amphipods were then sampled over 16 days to compare Hg concentrations in gut contents and tissues before and after they were removed from the Hg source in the field. The data were used to estimate the portion of Hg bioavailable to yellow perch. This enables us to more accurately estimate the extent of Hg contamination that is moving through the Cornwall food web, leading to elevated concentrations in top trophic fish species.
TrueLife – Evolving the Game of Life
Authors: Fenwick Kent
Published: April 2021

John Conway’s Game of Life, published in Scientific American in 1970 is an attempt to model the behavior  of life using a 2D cellular automaton. Although a breakthrough discovery for cellular automata and  emergence theory, the game is restricted and incomplete due to its static, simplified rules. We will show that the game does not model life accurately and propose an alternative: TrueLife. TrueLife is a non­  deterministic, non­local, evolving Game of Life variant that we believe is more complete than Life for  several key reasons. TrueLife is unique since at each generation a rule is chosen randomly from a list and  applied to the current state. This allows the game to be inherently non­deterministic since it is impossible to know which rule is being applied at a given iteration. TrueLife will also be a learning simulation where rules that produce better results will be applied more frequently. Another unique aspect of TrueLife is the motivation behind the rules. The original Life rules are Darwinian and selfish acting only on local inputs that lead to local outputs. TrueLife’s rules will be non­local and act globally across the entire grid. TrueLife’s rules were formalized by drawing on much broader areas of science such as ecology, psychology and quantum theory. We are currently in the process of finding a model system to which  TrueLife would be best suited.