bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effects of Er3+/Yb3+ Doping Concentration on the Crystal Structure and Luminescence Properties of Gd1.985Lu0.015O2S Up-Conversion Phosphors
Authors: Li Xueqi , Lu Liping , Sun Haiying , Zhang Xiyan , Bai Zhaohui , Mi Xiaoyun
Published: April 2021

A series of Er3+ and Yb3+ co doped Gd1.985Lu0.015O2S phosphors were prepared by the high-temperature solid state method. The crystal structure and luminescence characteristics of a series of samples were analyzed by X-ray diffraction (XRD), up-conversion luminescence spectra and decay curves. Under the excitation of 980 nm laser, the sample exhibited two green and one red emission, which belonged to the transitions of Er3+ ion 2H11/22 → 4I15/2,4S3/2 → 4I15/2 and 4F9/2 → 4I15/2, respectively. In addition, the energy transfer process between Er3+ and Yb3+ ions is described according to the energy level diagram. When the concentration of Er3+ and Yb3+ is too high, the concentration quenching effect occurs, which increases the reverse energy transfer from Er3+ to Yb3+ and reduces the luminescent brightness. A series of decay curves show that the strain fluorescence lifetimes at 548 nm and 670 nm decrease with the increase of Er3+ and Yb3+ concentration, which is due to the increase of Er3+ cross relaxation process and the back energy transfer process between the two ions. Subsequently, the introduction of Lu3+ ions was found to be beneficial to improve the temperature stability of the material by temperature dependent spectroscopy (300K–500K). This work provides useful ideas for the development of infrared detection materials with better temperature stability.
In silico investigation of the viroporin E as a vaccine target against SARS-CoV-2
Authors: Rouka Erasmia , Gourgoulianis Konstantinos I. , Zarogiannis Sotirios G.
Published: April 2021

Viroporins, integral viral membrane ion channel proteins, interact with host-cell proteins deregulating physiological processes and activating inflammasomes. Severity of COVID-19 might be associated with hyperinflammation, thus we aimed at the complete immunoinformatic analysis of the SARS-CoV-2 viroporin E, P0DTC4. We also identified the human proteins interacting with P0DTC4 and the enriched molecular functions of the corresponding genes. The complete sequence of P0DTC4 in FASTA format was processed in 10 databases relative to secondary and tertiary protein structure analyses and prediction of optimal vaccine epitopes. Three more databases were accessed for the retrieval and the molecular functional characterization of the P0DTC4 human interactors. The immunoinformatics analysis resulted in the identification of 4 discontinuous B-cell epitopes along with 1 linear B-cell epitope and 11 T-cell epitopes which were found to be antigenic, immunogenic, nonallergen, nontoxin, and unable to induce autoimmunity thus fulfilling prerequisites for vaccine design. The functional enrichment analysis showed that the predicted host interactors of P0DTC4 target the cellular acetylation network. Two of the identified host-cell proteins – BRD2 and BRD4 – have been shown to be promising targets for antiviral therapy. Thus, our findings have implications for COVID-19 therapy and indicate that viroporin E could serve as a promising vaccine target against SARS-CoV-2. Validation experiments are required to complement these in silico results.
Research and Verification of Key Techniques in the Simulation of Space Extremely Rapid Decompression in Millisecond
Authors: Wang Junwei , Zhang Lei , Li Guohua , Liu Ran , Ning Juan , Han Xiao , He Xin
Published: April 2021

The research of rapid decompression with its effect assessment and protection technology is the problem that must be faced by the future exploration projects such as near space exploration, deep space exploration, and long-term lunar or Mars base. A new reusable quick opening mechanism which can be opened in millisecond is designed to meet the testing requirement of ground simulator for extremely rapid decompression, and the testing results show that the quick opening mechanism can be opened within 0.1 s. The mathematical formulation is also developed, and the comparisons with the results from the literature demonstrate its validity. The CFD simulation and the verification system are established for the airflow in the rapid decompression process under different opening degrees. The simulation results show that the effect of the opening on the decompression process is very obvious and the decompression time corresponding to 50%, 75%, and 100% opening is 479.1 ms, 320.7 ms, and 290.1 ms, respectively. The testing results also show a consistent trend which is 583 ms, 450 ms, and 384 ms, respectively, to reach the equilibrium state.
Choroidal Thickness and Volume Modifications Induced by Aerobic Exercise in Healthy Young Adults
Authors: Insa-Sánchez Gema , Fuentes-Broto Lorena , Cobos Alberto , Orduna Hospital Elvira , Segura Francisco , Sanchez-Cano Ana , Perdices Lorena , Pinilla Isabel
Published: April 2021

Introduction: Our aim was to evaluate the changes in choroidal thickness (CT) and volume (CV) following aerobic physical exercise in healthy young adults. Methods: This study included 72 eyes from healthy volunteers between 22 and 37 years old. Using the International Physical Activity Questionnaire, total physical activity was computed. Measurements using an autorefractometer, ocular biometry, and spectral-domain optical coherence tomography using the Enhanced Depth Imaging protocol were taken. OCT was performed as a baseline measurement and after performing 10 min of dynamic physical exercise (3 and 10 min post-exercise). The choroidal layer was manually segmented, and the CT and CV in different areas from the Early Treatment Diabetic Retinopathy Study grid were obtained. Results: In healthy adults, at 3 min post-exercise, CT was higher in the subfoveal, the 3-mm nasal, and the 6-mm superior areas. Between 3 and 10 min post-exercise, the CT was reduced in all areas, and in some areas, the values were even smaller than the baseline measurements. The CV values showed changes after exercise similar to those of thickness. The total CV recovery after exercise was related to sex and physical activity level. Conclusion: Individuals with higher physical activity habits had greater CV at rest than those with lower physical activity levels. During exercise, healthy young people adjust CT and CV. At 3 min post-exercise, CT and CV increase. Women and individuals with greater physical activity levels reduce their total CV more than others during recovery.
Two Similar Cases of a Misdiagnosed Anterior Communicating Aneurysm Rupture
Authors: Hanuska Jaromir , Klener Jan
Published: April 2021

The misdiagnosis of a ruptured aneurysm directly endangers patient’s life and health due to the high risk of rebleeding and its sequelae. In this paper, we present two uncommon cases of anterior communicating artery aneurysm rupture with a relatively small intracerebral bleeding, seemingly without a diffuse subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH), and a relatively mild clinical presentation. In these cases, the initial diagnosis failed, leading to missed aneurysmal ruptures. The atypical or mild clinical presentation, and the absence of SAH on computed tomography (CT) and/or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan or absent blood in the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) are all factors which could lead to a false or delayed diagnosis. Meticulous evaluation of patient’s symptoms, CT, MRI scans, and CSF findings are mandatory. The possibility of a small blood clot without a diffuse SAH must be considered.
Molecular Characterization of Tigecycline Non-Susceptibility among Extensively Drug-Resistant Acinetobacter baumannii Isolates of Clinical Origin
Authors: Haeili Mehri , Abdollahi Ali , Ahmadi Amin , Khoshbayan Amin
Published: April 2021

Introduction: Tigecycline (TGC) is one of the last-resort therapeutic agents for treating infections caused by extensively drug resistant Acinetobacter baumannii isolates. Although resistance to TGC is not common, non-susceptible A. baumannii (NSAB) isolates have been described. In the current study, we aimed to assess the molecular mechanisms mediating TGC non-susceptibility in 5 clinical isolates of A. baumannii with reduced susceptibility to TGC. Methods: Susceptibility of isolates to TGC as well as various classes of antibiotics was evaluated by broth dilution and disk diffusion methods, respectively. The presence of tetX and tetX1 genes was investigated by PCR. The nucleotide sequences of adeR and adeS genes were assessed by PCR amplicon sequencing. To evaluate the association between reduced susceptibility to TGC and upregulation of AdeABC efflux pump, transcriptional level of adeB gene was quantified by RT-qPCR analysis. Results: All 5 TGC-NSAB isolates had a TGC MIC of ≥4 mg/L and were resistant to all antimicrobials tested by disk diffusion method except for minocycline and doxycycline for which a susceptibility rate of 40% and 20% was observed, respectively. The tetX/X1 genes were not detected in any isolates. All TGC non-susceptible isolates harbored genetic alterations in the adeRS operon, including AdeS G186V, N268H, and D60N and AdeR A136V and V120I substitutions among, which G186V and D60N were predicted by PROVEAN tool analysis as inactivating alterations. Reduced TGC susceptibility was associated with upregulation of AdeABC efflux pump in all TGC non-susceptible isolates. Conclusion: It can be concluded from our results that reduced susceptibility to TGC in the studied isolates was mainly mediated by genetic alterations in the AdeRS system, which resulted in overexpression of AdeABC efflux pump. Emergence of TGC non-susceptibility among isolates that had not been previously exposed to TGC is an issue of great concern.
Temporal Variation in Staphylococcus aureus Protein A Genotypes from Nose and Skin in Atopic Dermatitis Patients
Authors: van Mierlo Minke M.F. , Pasmans Suzanne G.M.A. , Totté Joan E.E. , de Wit Jill , Herpers Bjorn L. , Vos Margreet C. , Klaassen Corné H.W. , Pardo Luba M.
Published: April 2021

Background: Staphylococcus aureus colonization is associated with disease severity in patients with atopic dermatitis (AD). Objective: To investigate temporal variation in S. aureus protein A gene (spa)-types isolated from the nose and lesional skin and the correlation of spa-types with disease severity. Results: This study included 96 adult AD patients who were assessed at baseline (T0) and after a strict 2-week follow-up period (T1) in which treatment was standardized with a topical corticosteroid. Fifty-five different spa-types were detected in the nose and skin cultures. Seventy-three patients were colonized with S. aureus in the nasal cavity at both time points (persistent carriership), 59 of whom (81%) had identical spa-types over time. For skin samples, 42 (75%) of the 56 persistent skin carriers had identical spa-types over time. The same spa-type was carried in the nose and skin in 79 and 77% of the patients at T0 and T1, respectively. More severe disease was not associated with specific spa-types or with temporal variation in spa-type. Conclusion: S. aureus strains in AD are highly heterogeneous between patients. The majority of patients carry the same spa-type in the nose and skin without temporal variation, suggesting clonal colonization within individual patients. No predominant spa-type or temporal variation is associated with increased disease severity.
Imaging Biomarkers and Their Impact on Therapeutic Decision-Making in the Management of Neovascular Age-Related Macular Degeneration
Authors: Wong David T. , Berger Alan R. , Bourgault Serge , Chen John , Colleaux Kevin , Cruess Alan F. , Dookeran Ravi I. , Gauthier Danny , Hurley Bernard , Kapusta Michael A. , Kertes Peter J. , Qian Cynthia X. , Samad Arif , Sheidow Thomas , Whelan James H.
Published: April 2021

These recommendations, produced by a group of Canadian retina experts, have been developed to assist both retina specialists and general ophthalmologists in the management of vision-threatening neovascular age-related macular degeneration (nAMD). The recommendations are based on published evidence as well as collective experience and expertise in routine clinical practice. We provide an update on practice principles for optimal patient care, focusing on identified imaging biomarkers, in particular retinal fluid, as well as current and emerging therapeutic approaches. Algorithms for delivering high-quality care and improving long-term patient outcomes are provided, with an emphasis on timely and appropriate treatment to preserve and maintain vision. In the context of nAMD, increasing macular fluid or leakage on fluorescein angiography (FA) may indicate disease activity regardless of its location. Early elimination of intraretinal fluid (IRF) is of particular relevance as it is a prognostic indicator of worse visual outcomes. Robust referral pathways for second opinion and peer-to-peer consultations must be in place for cases not responding to intravitreal anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (anti-VEGF) therapy.
Screening a Prognosis-Related Target Gene in Patients with HER-2-Positive Breast Cancer by Bioinformatics Analysis
Authors: Wang Song , Deng Jian , Gao Xudong , Lv Hongying , Quan Yi
Published: April 2021

Objective: The objective of the present study was to determine a target gene and explore the molecular mechanisms involved in the pathogenesis of HER-2-positive breast cancer. Methods: Three RNA expression profiles obtained from the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) and the Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) were used to identify differentially expressed genes (DEGs) using the R software. A protein-protein interaction network was then constructed, and hub genes were determined. Subsequently, the relationship between clinical parameters and hub genes was examined to screen for target genes. Next, DNA methylation and genomic alterations of the target gene were evaluated. To further explore potential molecular mechanisms, a functional enrichment analysis of genes coexpressed with the target gene was performed. Results: The differential expression analysis revealed 217 DEGs in HER-2-positive breast cancer samples compared to normal breast tissues. RRM2 was the only hub gene closely associated with lymphatic metastasis and the patients’ prognosis. Additionally, RRM2 was found to be consistently amplified and negatively associated with the level of methylation. Functional enrichment analysis showed that the coexpressed genes were mainly involved in cell cycle regulation. Conclusions: RRM2 was identified as a target gene associated with the initiation, progression, and prognosis of HER-2-positive breast cancer, which may be considered as a new biomarker and therapeutic target.
A new species of Microcancilla from the southwestern Atlantic and notes on Microcancilla brasiliensis comb. nov. (Gastropoda, Cancellariidae)
Authors: Souza Leonardo Santos de , Pimenta Alexandre Dias , Miyaji Cintia
Published: April 2021

Microcancilla phoenix sp. nov., collected from the Southeast and South coast of Brazil represents the southernmost record of the genus in the Atlantic Ocean. The new species differs from the other congeners of the Atlantic mainly by the presence of microscopic pustules covering the whole shell and by dimensions of the protoconch. “Axelella brasiliensis” Verhecken, 1991, known from the Northeast to South coast of Brazil, is transferred to Microcancilla based on a similar sculpture of microscopic pustules on the protoconch and on other features of the teleoconch discussed in the present study.
Mammal diversity among vertical strata and the evaluation of a survey technique in a central Amazonian forest
Authors: Arévalo-Sandi Alexander Roldán , Gonçalves André Luis Sousa , Onizawa Kota , Yabe Tsuneaki , Spironello Wilson Roberto
Published: April 2021

Mammal groups have a vast variety of habitats, which include aquatic, aerial, arboreal, and terrestrial. For terrestrial habitats, camera traps are used as a common technique to record mammals and other vertebrates and have been recently utilized to observe arboreal animals as well. Here, we compare the difference in mammal diversity between floor and canopy strata and evaluate the use of camera trapping in a lowland forest in central Amazon. We installed nine paired camera traps, one in the canopy stratum and other in the floor stratum, in the Alto Cuieiras Biological Reserve (Brazilian Amazon). With a sampling effort of 720 camera-days, we recorded 30 mammal species: nine in canopy strata, 14 in floor strata, and seven in scansorial strata (sharing both strata). On the forest floor, the species with the greatest abundance was Myoprocta acouchy; in the canopy, Isothrix paguros had the greatest abundance; and among the scansorial species, Proechymis sp. was the most abundant. Our results show the differences in mammal diversity between floor and canopy strata; canopy strata contained more small and frugivorous mammals. Although we obtained a relatively low sampling effort with the camera-trap method compared with other studies utilizing different techniques, our results were especially similar to those of previous studies that worked with canopy and floor strata. Thus, camera trap can be very effective for recording short periods of time, and this method is less physically exhaustive and expensive for researchers to study vertical strata.
First characterization of a taxonomically well‑resolved trophic network composed by host plants and gall midges (Diptera: Cecidomyiidae) in the Neotropical region
Authors: Araújo Walter Santos de , Maia Valéria Cid
Published: April 2021

In the present study we described the structure of a trophic network composed by gall-midge species (Diptera: Cecidomyiidae) and their host plants in the Restinga of Barra de Maricá (Maricá, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil). Species data were retrieved from literature and different topological descriptors (links per species, connectance, and modularity of interactions) were used. All gall-midge species were monophages, with connectance of 2.8% of the 2,016 possible interactions. The network of host plants and gall midges had low number of links per species and high modularity, which indicates high specificity and specialization of plant-galling interactions in the area. This is the first characterization of a trophic network with good taxonomic resolution for the Neotropical gall midges.
A new species of the wasp genus Trypoxylon from southern Brazil, with notes on the systematics of Pisoxylon (Hymenoptera, Crabronidae)
Authors: Muniz David Barros , Melo Gabriel Augusto Rodrigues de
Published: April 2021

A new species of Trypoxylon is described from females and males collected in trap-nests and Malaise traps disposed in sites of Atlantic forest in southern Brazil (Paraná and São Paulo states). Trypoxylon basirufum sp. nov. is structurally very similar to Pisoxylon roosevelti Antropov, differing in details of the color pattern, clypeal apex, male antenna and propleura. In an ongoing molecular phylogenetic study of the genus Trypoxylon, T. basirufum sp. nov. did not group with Pisoxylon amenkei Antropov, a species very close morphologically to P. xanthosoma Menke, the type species of Pisoxylon. Based on these results, the scope of the Neotropical wasp genus Pisoxylon Menke is changed to include only the type species and P. amenkei, and consequently Pisoxylon roosevelti is transferred to Trypoxylon s. str.
Behavior notes and prey spectrum of three species of the bee-hunting wasp Trachypus Klug (Hymenoptera: Apoidea)
Authors: Pereira Felipe Walter , Gonçalves Rodrigo Barbosa
Published: April 2021

Trachypus Klug is a Neotropical genus of crabronid wasps comprising 31 ground-nesting species. Its species can be solitary or communal, and two diet ranges are known: they can forage on several bee subfamilies and wasps; or can be specialists on stingless bees. Natural history observations are scarce nowadays but are essential to contextualize ecological and evolutionary studies. Here we report new records and give biological notes for Trachypus elongatus (Fabricius, 1804), Trachypus taschenbergi Rubio-Espina, 1975, and Trachypus varius (Taschenberg, 1875). Observations and samplings were carried out twice a month, during one year in the city of Curitiba, southern Brazil. Besides field observations, circular statistics were used to analyze seasonality. All species nest in sloped soil and are solitary. Trachypus elongatus and T. taschenbergi were active during most of the year with marked seasonality in the late spring and early summer. Both species were observed hunting only stingless bees, with T. elongatus specialized on Trigona spinipes (Fabricius, 1793), and T. taschenbergi specialized on Paratrigona subnuda Moure, 1947 drones. Trachypus varius was observed only in January and one female was recorded foraging on a Paratrigona subnuda worker. Our observations provide additional data for understanding the biology of bee-hunting wasps, and this is the first study to bring information for T. taschenbergi and T. varius. Our data corroborate that some species of the genus Trachypus are specialized on stingless bees.
A new species of Pelidnota MacLeay (Coleoptera, Scarabaeidae, Rutelinae, Rutelini) from Southeast Brazil
Authors: Ferreira André da Silva , Vaz-de-Mello Fernando Zagury , Bravo Freddy
Published: April 2021

Pelidnota MacLeay, 1819 is one of the most diverse genus in Rutelina (Rutelini) and, even after broad and recent revisions, fieldwork has revealed a diversity of species yet to be known to science. Here, we describe Pelidnota silveiranetoi sp. nov. with illustrations and a map for the type locality, as well as its inclusion in a previously published identification key for the Pelidnota species. The new species is diagnosable by its color pattern (body with metallic green reflections, except on the elytra, which lack black spots), mouthpart features (galea bearing three teeth and the anterior part of the labium with an excavated surface, straight proximal margin, and the posterior part with a rounded lateral margin), and parameres (concave distal margin gradually acute and slightly divergent at the apex; straight lateral margin that is slightly sinuous at the middle; slightly corrugated proximal margin).
Triplocania Roesler (Psocodea: ‘Psocoptera’: Ptiloneuridae): review of the internal classification, new species, and new records for the state of Bahia, Brazil
Authors: Moura-Lima Daniel , Silva-Neto Alberto Moreira da , Bravo Freddy , García-Aldrete Alfonso Neri
Published: April 2021

Four species of Triplocania collected in the Brazilian state of Bahia, are described and illustrated, based on male specimens, namely: T. annyae sp. nov., T. diamantina sp. nov., T. lauzie sp. nov. and T. miltoni sp. nov. They differ from the other species in the genus, in which the males are known by hypandrium and phallosome structures. New records of T. capixaba Silva-Neto, García Aldrete & Rafael, 2016 and T. manueli Silva-Neto, García Aldrete & Rafael, 2016 for the state of Bahia are presented. In addition, an update on the Triplocania internal classification is proposed.
Da Fórmula Porchat: conflito das filosofias, vontade de incredulidade, decidibilidade
Authors: Lessa Renato
Published: April 2021

A Fórmula Porchat — ou seja, a intuição de um conflito das filosofias de caráter indecidível – possui papel tanto propedêutico quanto compulsório para um tratamento não dogmático da história dos sistemas filosóficos. Ao mesmo tempo em que reconhece tal papel, o presente artigo pretende indicar o caráter problemático da correspondência entre “conflito das filosofias” e “indecidibilidade filosófica”. Para tal, sustenta que o sentimento de indecidibilidade filosófica tem como referência impensada uma nostalgia da decidibilidade. O artigo sugere, ainda, o abandono do tema da indecidibilidade, como um falso problema filosófico, e sustenta a necessidade de considerar os efeitos da prática filosófica sobre a configuração da vida comum e de tomar tais efeitos como formas de decidibilidade. Para tal é necessário considerar a atividade filosófica como inscrita no campo maior da manufatura da experiência humana.
Crença, descrença, conversão
Authors: Marcondes Danilo
Published: April 2021

Embora a noção de crença e sua relação com a ação sejam bastante discutidas na literatura sobre o ceticismo, a descrença e as mudanças de crenças são pouco examinadas, apesar de bastante relevantes para a análise das crenças. Em que condições mudamos de crenças, abandonamos crenças anteriores e adotamos novas crenças? Examinaremos dois exemplos significativos e muito influentes na tradição que podem nos esclarecer quanto a isso: Agostinho e Martinho Lutero.
Porchat sobre o argumento da loucura
Authors: Guimarães Lívia
Published: April 2021

Este ensaio se divide em duas partes. Na primeira, retorno, brevemente, aoprogresso da filosofia de Porchat, apontando algumas de suas descobertas notáveis, em artigos reunidos no “Rumo ao ceticismo”, coletânea de 2007, com publicações de 1969 a 2005. Meu primeiro objetivo é contextualizar “O argumento da loucura”, artigo que encerra a coletânea, na obra do filósofo. Na segunda parte, que se inicia com uma revisão de “O argumento da loucura”, proponho uma análise em que o argumento de Porchat se traduz em argumentos céticos, anticartesianos, anti ultrarracionalismos, comparando-se, por exemplo, aos de Hume, mas em que o texto se apresenta também como um procedimento, prática, terapêutica, contemporânea e original. Nessa interpretação, ele se aproxima simpaticamente das filosofias nas quais Porchat reconhece um fascínio pelo que ele denomina “absoluto”, acompanha-as pelas tribulações que lhes são sintomáticas, e as conduz à resolução cética. Inevitáveis são as perguntas: o que pode significar esse “absoluto”? como se conduz o procedimento terapêutico? A que resultado cético porchatiano ele leva? Aqui pode, em minha hipótese, encontrar no argumento da loucura antes um modo ou tropo do ceticismo, que vem resgatar práticas filosóficas inclinadas ao sem sentido de “espaços transmundanos”, trazendo-as de volta à rica variedade das experiências mundanas, que se constituem em verdadeiras filosofias, para Porchat.
Por que é impossível se ser cético nos dias atuais. Uma breve refutação do Neopirronismo
Authors: Pereira Roberto Horácio Sá
Published: April 2021

Duas questões fundamentais do pirronismo serão abordadas, a primeira é de natureza histórica: seria tal Neopirronismo congruente com o espírito e a letra do Pirronismo original? Nesse particular a resposta não poderia ser mais afirmativa. Distinguindo-se tanto chamada leitura dita “Urbana” quanto da leitura dita “Rústica,” não há como negar originalidade à leitura Neopirrônica. Ora, mas uma vez que Neopirronismo se assume como projeto filosófico próprio, ele enfrenta uma segunda questão premente: ele se sustentaria pelas suas próprias pernas? A tentativa de apresentar uma resposta negativa no artigo encontra inspiração em três grandes fontes, são elas: Kant, Wittgenstein e Kripke/Putnam.
Porchat, a diaphonía e o torvelinho do fenômeno no neopirronismo
Authors: Bensusan Hilan
Published: April 2021

Neste texto examino algumas consequências da afirmação de Porchat de que o fenômeno no neopirronismo não precisa ser precisamente definido. Ao deixar o fenômeno variar ao sabor das circunstâncias, a abordagem de Porchat então parece deixar um dos elementos da dupla articulação que forma a epokhé neopirronista — a aceitação do fenômeno sem que ele comande crenças e que forma um par com a suspensão do juízo acerca do que não é fenômeno — imerso em imprecisões e, com isso, a posição neopirronista vulnerável. Argumento que esta vulnerabilidade é uma de suas virtudes pois apresenta um ceticismo situado, dependente de circunstâncias variáveis e que combate sistematicamente a ideia de que uma tese que imunize a variabilidade do fenômeno pode ser concebida e eventualmente formulada. Para tanto detenho-me na ideia de que o fenômeno é antes de tudo uma manifestação circunstanciada das coisas e é precisamente a ele, em um irremediável torvelinho, que o neopirronismo é enfaticamente leal.
Aristóteles e a necessidade do conhecimento científico
Authors: Angioni Lucas
Published: April 2021

O artigo discute o sentido exato da tese segundo a qual o objeto do conhecimento científico é necessário. A tese é expressa por Aristóteles nos Segundos Analíticos, em sua definição de conhecimento científico. Pela interpretação tradicional, essa definição opera com dois requisitos paralelos e independentes entre si, o da causalidade e o da necessidade. Contra essa interpretação, procuro mostrar, pelo exame de várias passagens que aludem à definição de conhecimento científico, que o requisito da necessidade especifica com mais exatidão o da causalidade, pois o que não pode ser de outro modo é a relação explanatória entre o explanandum e a causa pela qual ele é o que é.
Ainda é preciso ser neopirrônico
Authors: Silva Filho Waldomiro J.
Published: April 2021

Este artigo trata de duas questões: por que o modo como o neopirrônico conduz a sua atividade filosófica seria mais virtuoso do que o faz o seu colega não-pirrônico, dogmático? E por que o resultado que ele alcança seria mais valioso? Posto isso, minha resposta à primeira pergunta é que o modo como o neopirrônico investiga é mais virtuoso porque procura evitar deliberadamente os vícios da precipitação, arrogância e fechamento mental. Em relação à segunda pergunta, sugiro que o resultado da investigação do neopirrônico, qualquer que seja (mesmo que não seja a verdade) é mais valioso por causa do modo como ele conduz sua investigação.
Ataraxía e investigação em Sexto Empírico
Authors: Eva Luiz Antonio Alves
Published: April 2021

Neste artigo examino a noção de ataraxía tal como presente no ceticismo pirrônico de Sexto Empírico. Meu propósito é mostrar que, a despeito de conservar aspectos que parecem estar a ela associados desde a filosofia de Pirro, o sentido da noção de ataraxía muda substancialmente e passa a possuir, ao menos nas Hipotiposes, um aspecto fundamental de ordem “intelectual” associado à supressão de um tipo específico de perturbação filosófica. Pretendo igualmente mostrar que tal peculiaridade permitiria compreender como ele se relacionaria de modo coerente com a noção de investigação cética pirrônica e, para tanto, como ele se associa com a noção de “terapia filosófica” e de “epokhé sobre todas as coisas” que se fazem presentes na obra de Sexto.
Discurso em resenha 2
Authors: Pimenta Pedro Paulo , Galé Pedro
Published: April 2021

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Avoiding the Coming Tsunami of Common, Chronic Disease
Authors: Califf Robert M.
Published: April 2021

During the past year, clinicians and the public have been focused on the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic and its associated societal and economic effects. However, once the acute phase of this crisis has passed, we will face an enormous wave of death and disability as a result of common chronic diseases (CCDs), with cardiometabolic diseases at the crest (Figure). A tsunami results when an earthquake on the ocean floor creates huge waves that can wreak devastation far distant from the original upheaval, especially when warnings are ignored. Similarly, underlying global and national demographic and risk factor profiles have for some time presaged an overwhelming burden of CCDs. However, although the pandemic has created additional impetus that unless heeded will amplify the consequences of this burden, the rapid adaptations and innovations in care and research prompted by the urgent response to it may also offer us the means to stem this flood.
Troponin, A Predictor of Mortality in Methadone Exposure: An Observational Prospective Study
Authors: Sheibani Mehdi , Mirfallah Nassiri Akram Alsadat , Abedtash Amirhossein , McDonald Rebecca , Zamani Nasim , Hassanian‐Moghaddam Hossein
Published: April 2021

Background

Methadone poisoning/overdose is a global public health problem. We aimed to determine whether methadone poisoning increased cardiac troponin and whether high‐sensitivity cardiac troponin I (hs‐cTnI) levels predicted the need for intensive care unit admission, intubation, and mortality.

Methods and Results

This observational, prospective single‐center study was done at Loghman‐Hakim Hospital (Tehran, Iran) from June 2018 until February 2019. Patients aged >14 years admitted with a diagnosis of methadone exposure were included. Patients were excluded if they had coexisting conditions associated with elevated hs‐cTnI levels. An ECG and hs‐cTnI levels were obtained on emergency department presentation. Patients were followed up on their need for intubation, intensive care unit admission, and in‐hospital mortality. Of 245 included patients (186 [75.9%] men; median age, 33 years), most referred to loss of consciousness (210 cases, 89%). Nineteen (7.7%) patients had hs‐cTnI levels of >0.1 ng/mL (positive), and 41 (16.7%) had borderline levels of 0.019 to 0.1 ng/mL. Twenty‐three (9.3%) cases were admitted to the intensive care unit, 21 (8.5%) needed intubation, and 5 (2%) died during hospitalization. An hs‐cTnI cutoff value of 0.019 ng/mL independently predicted mortality. For optimal concomitant sensitivity and specificity, receiver operating characteristic curve analysis was conducted and showed that hs‐cTnI had an independent significant association with mortality, with a cutoff value of 0.0365 ng/mL (odds ratio, 38.1; 95% CI, 2.3–641.9;
P
<0.001).

Conclusions

Methadone exposure/toxicity is a newly identified cause of elevated hs‐cTnI. Values >0.019 ng/mL, and particularly >0.0365 ng/mL, of hs‐cTnI predicted mortality in our sample. Future studies should measure troponin levels in methadone maintenance treatment clients to assess the risk of myocardial injury from long‐term exposure.
Hospitalization for Heart Failure Among Patients With Diabetes Mellitus and Reduced Kidney Function Treated With Metformin Versus Sulfonylureas: A Retrospective Cohort Study
Authors: Richardson Tadarro L. , Hackstadt Amber J. , Hung Adriana M. , Greevy Robert A. , Grijalva Carlos G. , Griffin Marie R. , Elasy Tom A. , Roumie Christianne L.
Published: April 2021

Background

Metformin and sulfonylurea are commonly prescribed oral medications for type 2 diabetes mellitus. The association of metformin and sulfonylureas on heart failure outcomes in patients with reduced estimated glomerular filtration rate remains poorly understood.

Methods and Results

This retrospective cohort combined data from National Veterans Health Administration, Medicare, Medicaid, and the National Death Index. New users of metformin or sulfonylurea who reached an estimated glomerular filtration rate of 60 mL/min per 1.73 m
2
or serum creatinine of 1.5 mg/dL and continued metformin or sulfonylurea were included. The primary outcome was hospitalization for heart failure. Echocardiogram reports were obtained to determine each patient's ejection fraction (EF) (reduced EF <40%; midrange EF 40%–49%; ≥50%). The primary analysis estimated the cause‐specific hazard ratios for metformin versus sulfonylurea and estimated the cumulative incidence functions for heart failure hospitalization and competing events. The weighted cohort included 24 685 metformin users and 24 805 sulfonylurea users with reduced kidney function (median age 70 years, estimated glomerular filtration rate 55.8 mL/min per 1.73 m
2
). The prevalence of underlying heart failure (12.1%) and cardiovascular disease (31.7%) was similar between groups. There were 16.9 (95% CI, 15.8–18.1) versus 20.7 (95% CI, 19.5–22.0) heart failure hospitalizations per 1000 person‐years for metformin and sulfonylurea users, respectively, yielding a cause‐specific hazard of 0.85 (95% CI, 0.78–0.93). Among heart failure hospitalizations, 44.5% did not have echocardiogram information available; 29.3% were categorized as reduced EF, 8.9% as midrange EF, and 17.2% as preserved EF. Heart failure hospitalization with reduced EF (hazard ratio, 0.79; 95% CI, 0.67–0.93) and unknown EF (hazard ratio, 0.84; 95% CI 0.74–96) were significantly lower in metformin versus sulfonylurea users.

Conclusions

Among patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus who developed worsening kidney function, persistent metformin compared with sulfonylurea use was associated with reduced heart failure hospitalization.
Factors Associated With PCSK9 Inhibitor Initiation Among US Veterans
Authors: Derington Catherine G. , Colantonio Lisandro D. , Herrick Jennifer S. , Cook James , King Jordan B. , Rosenson Robert S. , Poudel Bharat , Monda Keri L. , Navar Ann Marie , Mues Katherine E. , Stevens Vanessa W. , Nelson Richard E. , Vanneman Megan E. , Muntner Paul , Bress Adam P.
Published: April 2021

Background

Few adults at high risk for atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease events use a PCSK9i (proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9 inhibitor).

Methods and Results

Using data from the US Veterans Health Administration, we identified veterans who initiated a PCSK9i between January 2018 and December 2019, matched 1:4 to veterans who did not initiate this medication over this time period (case‐cohort study). Two cohorts of veterans were analyzed: (1) atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease, with a most recent low‐density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL‐C) ≥70 mg/dL; and (2) severe hypercholesterolemia (ie, familial hypercholesterolemia or any prior LDL‐C ≥190 mg/dL, with most recent LDL‐C ≥100 mg/dL). Conditional logistic regression was used to analyze factors associated with PCSK9i initiation, adjusting for all factors, simultaneously. There were 2394 initiators and 9576 noninitiators in the atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease cohort (median LDL‐C, 141 and 96 mg/dL, respectively;
P
<0.001). Factors associated with a higher likelihood of PCSK9i initiation included age 65 to <75 versus <65 years, highest versus lowest quartile of median area‐level income, familial hypercholesterolemia, former statin use, and current ezetimibe use. PCSK9i initiation was lower among veterans of a race/ethnicity other than non‐Hispanic White. There were 245 initiators and 980 noninitiators in the severe hypercholesterolemia cohort (median LDL‐C, 183 and 151 mg/dL, respectively;
P
<0.001). Age ≥75 versus <65 years, history of chronic kidney disease, former statin use, and current ezetimibe use were associated with a higher likelihood of PCSK9i initiation.

Conclusions

Several patient‐level factors, including age, sex, and race/ethnicity, were significantly associated with PCSK9i initiation, suggesting an unmet treatment need in several patient groups.
The Jewish Contribution to Civilization Discourse: An Egyptian-Jewish Appropriation in the 1940s
Authors: Admiraal Lucia
Published: April 2021

The idea of the Jewish contribution to civilization is generally understood as a Western counter-discourse that, often expressed in response to anti-Semitism, aims to change attitudes towards Jews. My examination of the appropriation of this idea by the Egyptian-Jewish writer Alfred Yallouz in the early 1940s proposes that he embedded it in his national and regional politics of Jewish cultural reform. Here, it served the aim of promoting Jewish belonging to Arab society by addressing historical Jewish contributions to Arab culture, and connecting these to Arab-Jewish relations in the present.
Zur Übersetzungstechnik in den ‘Wachtendonckschen psalmen’
Authors: Quak Arend
Published: April 2021

The Old Dutch ‘Wachtendonck Psalms’ [10th C.] survive in fragmentary transcripts from the 16th and 17th centuries. The now-lost original manuscript contained an interlinear gloss that shows different levels of ability in translating the Latin text of the Psalms. Sometimes, the translation displays a good knowledge of Latin and at other times serious flaws can be observed. On the basis of this, this article suggests that there was more than one person involved in translating the Latin text.
Exeter Book Riddle 6, Lines 7–8
Authors: Afros Elena
Published: April 2021

One of the very few ‘rules’ that operate (almost) without exceptions in Old English prose and poetry is that in se-relatives, se is preceded by the preposition that governs it. In the entire Old English corpus, Mitchell (1985: §2244) finds only one counterexample in the Exeter Book Riddle 6, lines 7–8. In this relative clause, the preposition on governing the demonstrative þa that functions as both antecedent and relative is postposed. The present article suggests grouping the preposition on (7b) with the adverb feorran ‘far’ (8a) that immediately follows it and analysing the main verb of the relative clause as transitive. As a result, the relative clause follows the ‘rule’: the preposition on is no longer postposed, and the pronoun þa, which functions as a direct object in the principal and relative clauses, is assigned accusative by the main verbs of both clauses.
Runic alu and laukaz on Objects of the Germanic Migration Period
Authors: Sayers William
Published: April 2021

The identification of characters in some prophylactic runic inscriptions as representative not of their names or as loan words from other magic traditions but as abbreviations based on initial sounds of other early Germanic words not previously adduced in the interpretive context resolves problems associated with the signification and encoding practice of such Migration Age forms as alu, laukaz, and the stand-alone uses of the L- and N-runes.
Freshwater chrysophycean stomatocysts from Monte Lauro (Buccheri, Sicily, Italy)

Authors: PANG WANTING , VAN DE VIJVER BART
Published: April 2021

During a survey of the chrysophycean stomatocyst flora in some small pools on top of the Monte Lauro, the culminating point of the Hyblean Mountains in southwestern Sicily (Italy), a total of 38 morphotypes, including 11 new, has been observed. Thirty-two morphotypes are described herein based on scanning electron microscopy observations with an additional six morphotypes, only observed by light microscopy. These records improve our knowledge on the cyst flora in the Mediterranean region.
Reconsideration of the taxonomic status of Bulbophyllum obtusangulum (Orchidaceae) from southern China
Authors: LI LIN , HU AI-QUN , WU QIU-PING , WU KUN-LIN , FANG LIN , ZENG SONG-JUN
Published: April 2021

Bulbophyllum obtusangulum Z.H. Tsi has long been treated as a synonymy of B. lepidum (Blume) J.J. Sm., which is broadly distributed in Southeast Asia. In this paper, based on a re-evaluation of morphological characters and critical study of herbarium specimens and protologue, B. obtusangulum is proposed as a heterotypic synonym of B. tseanum (S.Y. Hu & Barretto) Z.H. Tsi, which was previously regarded as endemic to Hong Kong.
Diderma aglomerospora (Didymiaceae, Physarales, Myxomycetes), a new species from Brazil
Authors: BARBOSA DAVID ÍTALLO , MELO TIAGO ESPÓSITO O. , BREYNER FÁBIO ANDRÉ , CAVALCANTI LAISE DE HOLANDA
Published: April 2021

Diderma aglomerospora is here proposed as a new species based on morphological analyses. The new species resembles D. badhamioides by possessing clustered spores but differs from it by the absence  of a columella and narrower filaments of the capillitium. The type material was developed in moist chamber assembled with bark of live trees from a restinga forest environment in the Guadalupe Environmental Protection Area, Pernambuco, Northeast Brazil. Sporocarps are described and illustrated, and comments on characteristics of the microhabitat are provided.
New records of Hedychium hookeri (Zingiberaceae) from China and Myanmar
Authors: BAI LIN , HU XIU , HE JIANGHAI , TIAN ZHONGCHENG
Published: April 2021

Hedychium hookeri is newly recorded from China and Myanmar. A full description of the species, a colour plate showing diagnostic features of the species as well as some relevant taxonomic and nomenclatural notes and a detailed comparison of H. hookeri and its close relatives are provided. A lectoptype is designated for H. hookeri.
A new species of Typhlodromus (Anthoseius) De Leon and redescription of T. (A.) montanus Chant & Yoshida-Shaul from Russia
Authors: DÖKER ISMAIL , KHAUSTOV VLADIMIR A. , JOHARCHI OMID
Published: April 2021

Typhlodromus (Anthoseius) tetraporus sp. nov., collected on grasses in Crimea, is proposed as a new species for science. The new species can be separated from all known species of Typhlodromus (Anthoseius) by the combination of following characters; peritreme extending almost to level of setae j1, four pairs of solenostomes on dorsal shield, two pairs of setae on sternal shield, a sclerotised v-shaped plate posterior to sternal shield, four pairs of pre-anal setae, a pair of small rounded pre-anal solenostomes, differentiated and larger atrium of spermatheca and eight setae on genu II. In addition, T. (A.) montanus Chant & Yoshida-Shaul (Acari: Phytoseiidae), a species only known based on its original description from Canada is reported for the first time in Russia. The new record is redescribed and illustrated based on female specimens collected from Prunus padus L. (Rosaceae) where it was associated with eriophyid mites in Pereval Seminskiy, Altai Republic. This species may be an important predator as a potential biological control agent of eriophyid mites.
Brexit’s Impact on Japan’s Trade with Europe
Authors: Suzuki Noriko
Published: April 2021

In the context of globalization, the Japanese government emphasizes the importance of reinforcing the free trade system. Due to European Union’s (EU) reluctance, the free trade agreement (FTA) negotiations between Japan and the EU took 4 years to conclude. However, Brexit prompted the conclusion of Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA) with the EU as to maintain the economic interests of both sides after the British exit from the EU. The UK wants to maintain economic relations with Japan and to become a ‘Global Britain’ in the post-Brexit era. This article analyses both Japan–EU and Japan–UK FTAs. The core of the article looks at the impact of Brexit on Japan’s access to the European single market through a review of Japanese sectors and large corporations, particularly the automobile industry.
A variational approach to determination of maximum throw-able workspace of robotic manipulators in optimal ball pitching motion
Authors: Asgari Mohsen , Nikoobin Amin
Published: April 2021

This study is aimed at finding the entire points that a manipulator can launch an object onto by an optimal motion. These points are called throw-able workspace, which are located outside the reachable workspace of the robot. From an optimization point of view, some throwing parameters can be found to decrease motion cost. In this paper, by using this concept, the best combination of throwing and trajectory planning is attempted. The proposed method consists of two basic ideas: first, defining the optimal throwing problem as the optimal control problem (OCP) and solving it using the indirect solution approach based on the fundamental lemma of calculus of variations. To achieve the best release angle and speed, the throwing equation of motion is applied as a moving-end boundary condition (BC). Second, based on the obtained optimal throwing, an algorithm is presented to calculate the maximum throw-able workspace. The simulation results demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed framework for both single link and spatial two-degree-of-freedom throwing robots.
Fixed-time consensus of first-order multi-agent systems over signed directed graphs
Authors: Li Zhentao , Wang Zhengxin , Feng Yuanzhen
Published: April 2021

This paper studies the fixed-time consensus problems of first-order multi-agent systems over signed directed graphs. Fixed-time consensus protocols are designed for first-order multi-agent systems without/with disturbances and first-order nonlinear multi-agent systems with disturbances, respectively. With proposed protocols, it is proved that multi-agent systems with strongly connected topologies will achieve consensus in a fixed time if the control parameters satisfy certain conditions. Finally, simulation examples are provided to verify the effectiveness of the theoretical results.