bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
China and the South China Sea Conflict: A Case for Confucian Strategic Culture?
Authors: ŠIMALČÍK MATEJ
Published: April 2020

Chinese actions in the South China Sea are often viewed as proof of an assertive China, despite the Chinese claims that their Confucian values make China a peaceful power. This paper analyzes the South China Sea conflict through a prism of strategic culture theory and examines both the Chinese narrative on the conflict as well as the actual Chinese behavior in the area. Confucian norms and values provide a powerful rhetoric device utilized by the Chinese policymakers to legitimize the Chinese behavior to the domestic and to some extent also foreign audiences. However, the actual Chinese behavior rarely exhibits strong influences of Confucianism, suggesting that in actual behavior China acts in accord with realist predictions.
Spatial and temporal influence of Pacific subduction on South China: geochemical migration of Cretaceous mafic–intermediate rocks
Authors: Gan Chengshi , Wang Yuejun , Barry Tiffany L. , Zhang Yuzhi , Qian Xin
Published: April 2020

The Cretaceous igneous rocks in the South China Block (SCB) were associated with the slab subduction and roll-back of the Pacific Plate. Thus, they provide excellent opportunities to examine the spatial–temporal geochemical migration of magmatism in the retreating subduction margins. The Cretaceous mafic–intermediate igneous rocks from the southeastern SCB were aged between 142 and 71 Ma, and can geochemically be subdivided into three groups: Group A (126–129 Ma and 83–93 Ma), Group B (126–142 Ma and 71–108 Ma) and Group C (116–142 Ma and 70–110 Ma). Group A and B were mainly distributed in the SCB interior and derived from asthenosphere and asthenosphere–lithosphere interaction sources, respectively. Group C occurred to the east of the Ganjiang Fault and originated from slab–lithosphere interaction. From the coastal provinces to the interior, these mafic–intermediate igneous rocks show increasing incompatible element ratios and Nd isotopic compositions, reflective of a westerly decreasing involvement of slab-derived components. They show two similar age-pulses at
c
. 125 Ma and
c
. 90 Ma as well as the Cretaceous A-type granites, indicating two episodes of subduction retreat of the Pacific slab during the Cretaceous. This spatial–temporal pattern of the Cretaceous mafic–intermediate igneous rocks suggests that the Cretaceous slab metasomatism of Pacific subduction retreat was limited to the east of the Ganjiang Fault.

Supplementary material:
Tables of geochemical data and additional figures are available at
https://doi.org/10.6084/m9.figshare.c.4938576
The Properties of Generalized Collision Branching Processes
Authors: Wang Juan , Cai Chunhao
Published: April 2020

We consider basic properties regarding uniqueness, extinction, and explosivity for the Generalized Collision Branching Processes (GCBP). Firstly, we investigate some important properties of the generating functions for GCB q-matrix in detail. Then for any given GCB q-matrix, we prove that there always exists exactly one GCBP. Next, we devote to the study of extinction behavior and hitting times. Some elegant and important results regarding extinction probabilities, the mean extinction times, and the conditional mean extinction times are presented. Moreover, the explosivity is also investigated and an explicit expression for mean explosion time is established.
The Therapeutic Effects of Goreisan, a Traditional Japanese Herbal Medicine, on Lower‐Limb Lymphedema after Lymphadenectomy in Gynecologic Malignancies: A Case Series Study
Authors: Yoshikawa Nobuhisa , Kajiyama Hiroaki , Otsuka Naoki , Tamauchi Satoshi , Ikeda Yoshiki , Nishino Kimihiro , Niimi Kaoru , Suzuki Shiro , Utsumi Fumi , Shibata Kiyosumi , Kikkawa Fumitaka
Published: April 2020

Background. Lower‐limb lymphedema (LLL) is a chronic and progressive complication of gynecologic cancer treatment, including pelvic lymphadenectomy. This study aims to investigate the therapeutic effect of goreisan, a traditional Japanese medicine, which has been used for hydrostatic modulation on patients with LLL. Methods. Patients diagnosed with LLL in our hospital in 2018 were included and principally treated with complex decongestive therapy (CDT), including elastic clothing and lymph drainage. The patients who received a combination therapy of CDT and goreisan (CDT‐G group) were prescribed goreisan extract granules, with a dose of 7.5 g per os daily in three doses. Patients who were not prescribed goreisan received CDT alone (CDT group). The severity of lymphedema was evaluated by the estimated limb volume calculated by limb circumferences and the ratio of extracellular water (ECW) to total body water (TBW). Results. Nineteen women with LLL after pelvic lymphadenectomy were included in the study. The number of patients in the CDT and CDT‐G groups was 8 and 11, respectively. There were no statistically significant differences between the CDT and CDT‐G groups in terms of patient characteristics and severity of LLL before treatment. Reduction in ECW/TBW in the CDT‐G group (in the whole body and the affected lower limb) after the intervention was significantly more remarkable than that in the CDT group. Conclusions. Goreisan‐based Japanese herbal therapy may be effective in patients with LLL after retroperitoneal lymphadenectomy.
An Efficient and Cost-Effective Power Scheduling in Zero-Emission Ferry Ships
Authors: Letafat Armin , Rafiei Mehdi , Ardeshiri Masoud , Sheikh Morteza , Banaei Mohsen , Boudjadar Jalil , Khooban Mohammad Hassan
Published: April 2020

Today’s remarkable challenge of maritime transportation industry is the detrimental contamination generation from fossil fuels. To tackle such a challenge and reduce the contribution into air pollution, different power solutions have been considered; among others, hybrid energy-based solutions are powering many ferry boats. This paper introduces an energy management strategy (EMS) for a hybrid energy system (HES) of a ferry boat with the goal to optimize the performance and reduce the operation cost. HES considered for the ferry boat consists of different devices such as proton exchange membrane fuel cell (PEMFC), LI-ION battery bank, and cold ironing (CI). PEMFC systems are appropriate to employ as they are not polluting. The battery bank compensates for the abrupt variations of the load as the fuel cell has a slow dynamic against sudden changes of the load. Also, CI systems can improve the reduction of the expenses of energy management, during hours where the ferry boat is located at the harbor. To study the performance, cost and the pollution contribution CO2, NOX, SOX of the proposed hybrid energy management strategy (HEMS), we compare it against three various types of HEM from the state-of-the-art and also available rule-based methods in the literature. The analysis results show a high applicability of the proposed HES. All results in this paper have been obtained in the MATLAB software environment.
Dynamical Analysis of Dual Product Information Diffusion considering Preference in Complex Networks
Authors: Huo Liang’an , Xie Xiaoxiao
Published: April 2020

With the development of science and technology, products are being updated more and more quickly. Therefore, the diffusion of product information can make people better choose products. It is very meaningful to study the competition and diffusion of multiple product information. In this paper, the dual product information diffusion model with preference was proposed based on the mean-field equation in complex networks. The dynamic of the model was analyzed by the analysis of Markov chains. According to the Monte Carlo simulation mechanism, the critical threshold of product information was obtained. The accuracy of the theory and model results is verified by computer simulation, and the scenarios in which the two products information are mutually promoted and mutually suppressed are simulated.
Both Low and High Postprocedural hsCRP Associate with Increased Risk of Death in Acute Coronary Syndrome Patients Treated by Percutaneous Coronary Intervention
Authors: Chen Runzhen , Liu Chen , Zhou Peng , Tan Yu , Sheng Zhaoxue , Li Jiannan , Zhou Jinying , Chen Yi , Song Li , Zhao Hanjun , Yan Hongbing
Published: April 2020

Background. Inflammation poses dual effects after myocardial infarction, but robust evidence shows that high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hsCRP), as an inflammatory marker, is constantly associated with worse outcomes. This study is aimed at investigating the probable nonlinear association between postprocedural hsCRP and mortality in patients with acute coronary syndromes (ACS) treated by percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). Methods. A total of 3940 consecutive ACS patients treated by PCI with postprocedural hsCRP measurements were retrospectively recruited. Patients were stratified into 5 groups according to quintiles of hsCRP. Cox regression with adjustments for multiple covariates was used for outcome analysis. Restricted cubic spline (RCS) analysis was used to allow possible nonlinear associations. The primary outcome was all-cause death. Results. During a median follow-up of 727 days, mortality occurred in 207 (5.3%) patients. Adjusted hazard ratio (HR) was higher in the lowest (<2.26 mg/L, HR: 1.90, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.08-3.33; P=0.025), second highest (10.16-12.56 mg/L, HR: 1.86, 95% CI: 1.09-3.16; P=0.023), and highest quintiles (≥12.56 mg/L, HR: 2.02, 95% CI: 1.21-3.36; P=0.007) of postprocedural hsCRP, compared to the second lowest quintile (2.26-4.85 mg/L). RCS analysis depicted a J-shaped association between postprocedural hsCRP and mortality (P for nonlinearity=0.004). Similar association was observed between hsCRP and cardiac death (P for nonlinearity=0.014), but not for noncardiac mortality (P for nonlinearity=0.228). Conclusions. Both low and high postprocedural hsCRP were associated with higher risk of death in ACS patients treated by PCI.
The Outcome of Ex Vivo TIL Expansion Is Highly Influenced by Spatial Heterogeneity of the Tumor T-Cell Repertoire and Differences in Intrinsic In Vitro Growth Capacity between T-Cell Clones
Authors: Poschke Isabel C. , Hassel Jessica C. , Rodriguez-Ehrenfried Aaron , Lindner Katharina A.M. , Heras-Murillo Ignacio , Appel Lena M. , Lehmann Johanna , Lövgren Tanja , Wickström Stina L. , Lauenstein Claudia , Roth Jasmin , König Anna-Katharina , Haanen John B.A.G. , van den Berg Joost , Kiessling Rolf , Bergmann Frank , Flossdorf Michael , Strobel Oliver , Offringa Rienk
Published: April 2020

Purpose:

During our efforts to develop tumor-infiltrating lymphocyte (TIL) therapy to counter the devastating recurrence rate in patients with primary resectable pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDA), we found that PDA TILs can readily be expanded in vitro and that the majority of resulting TIL cultures show reactivity against the autologous tumor. However, the fraction of tumor-reactive T cells is low. We investigated to which extent this was related to the in vitro expansion.

Experimental Design:

We compared the clonal composition of TIL preparations before and after in vitro expansion using T-cell receptor (TCR) deep sequencing. Our findings for PDA were benchmarked to experiments with melanoma TILs.

Results:

We found that the TIL TCR repertoire changes dramatically during in vitro expansion, leading to loss of tumor- dominant T-cell clones and overgrowth by newly emerging T-cell clones that are barely detectable in the tumor. These changes are primarily driven by differences in the intrinsic in vitro expansion capacity of T-cell clones. Single-cell experiments showed an association between poor proliferative capacity and expression of markers related to antigen experience and dysfunction. Furthermore, we found that spatial heterogeneity of the TIL repertoire resulted in TCR repertoires that are greatly divergent between TIL cultures derived from distant tumor samples of the same patient.

Conclusions:

Culture-induced changes in clonal composition are likely to affect tumor reactivity of TIL preparations. TCR deep sequencing provides important insights into the factors that govern the outcome of in vitro TIL expansion and thereby a path toward optimization of the production of TIL preparations with high therapeutic efficacy.

See related commentary by Lozano-Rabella and Gros, p. 4177
Phase II Study of Ensituximab, a Novel Chimeric Monoclonal Antibody, in Adults with Unresectable, Metastatic Colorectal Cancer
Authors: Kim Richard D. , Azad Nilofer S. , Morse Michael A. , Poplin Elizabeth , Mahipal Amit , Tan Benjamin , Mavroukakis Sharon A. , Fantini Massimo , Tsang Kwong Y. , Zaki Anjum , Torrealba Jose , Arlen Philip M. , Beg Muhammad S.
Published: April 2020

Purpose:

Patients with metastatic colorectal cancer refractory to chemotherapy have limited treatment options. Ensituximab (NEO-102) is a novel chimeric mAb targeting a variant of MUC5AC with specificity to colorectal cancer.

Patients and Methods:

Single-arm, phase II trial assessed the efficacy and safety of ensituximab in patients with advanced, refractory cancer who expressed MUC5AC antigen in tumor tissue. Ensituximab was administered intravenously every 2 weeks with 3 mg/kg as recommended phase II dose (RP2D). A minimum sample size of 43 patients was required on the basis of the assumption that ensituximab would improve median overall survival (OS) by 7 months using a one-sided significance level of 10% and 80% power. Written informed consent was obtained from all patients.

Results:

Sixty-three patients with advanced, refractory colorectal cancer were enrolled and 53 subjects were treated in phase II arm. Median age was 58 years and 46% of the patients were female. Among 57 evaluable patients, median OS was 6.8 months. No responses were observed, and stable disease was achieved in 21% of the patients. The most common treatment-related adverse events (AE) at RP2D included fatigue (38%), anemia (30%), nausea (15%), vomiting (11%), increased bilirubin (9%), constipation (8%), decreased appetite (6%), and diarrhea (6%). Serious AEs at least possibly related to ensituximab occurred in 4 patients and included anemia, nausea, increased bilirubin, and hypoxia. No patients discontinued treatment due to drug-related AEs.

Conclusions:

Ensituximab was well tolerated and demonstrated modest antitumor activity in patients with heavily pretreated refractory colorectal cancer.
Políticas afirmativas regulatórias para a educação hospitalar
Authors: Bruscato Andrea Cristiane Maraschin
Published: April 2020

O presente trabalho assume como proposta discutir o direito à educação em ambientes hospitalares, tanto no Brasil como na Argentina. Mediante uma pesquisa comparativa entre as políticas afirmativas e regulatórias, constatou-se que o principal encontro entre educação e saúde se dá através da proteção das crianças, jovens e adolescentes ao seu desenvolvimento e aos processos cognitivos e afetivos de construção de seu aprendizado, prescritos em leis de caráter nacional. Porém, enquanto o Brasil inscreve a Classe Hospitalar dentro da modalidade da Educação Especial, na Argentina esta é reconhecida como modalidade própria (Educação Hospitalar e Domiciliar), com fins e objetivos específicos.
Historiografia, zapatismo e movimentos sociais
Authors: Guerra Rodrigo
Published: April 2020

O presente artigo tem como objetivo realizar uma análise acerca da evolução dos estudos dos movimentos sociais, desde uma perspectiva clássica, pautada nos modelos estruturalistas, até o Tempo Presente com os chamados Novos Movimentos Sociais. Para tanto, utilizamos como objeto de pesquisa o movimento zapatista e buscamos mapear como tal movimento vem sendo debatido na academia brasileira e, de mesmo modo, como reflete esta evolução nas perspectivas dos estudos dos novos movimentos sociais e sua integração com o mundo, no intuito da construção de novas realidades possíveis. Por fim, propomos a relevância em se buscar novas perspectivas teórico-metodológicas sobre este campo de estudos.
As teorias da integração regional
Authors: Silva Armstrong Pereira da
Published: April 2020

Este texto é uma resenha do livro “Las teorías de la Integración regional: más allá del eurocentrismo” escrito por Briceño Ruiz e publicado em 2018 pelo “Centro de Pensamiento Global”. O livro representa  o coroamento da evolução das ideias desse autor, em que ele não só valoriza as práxis e as teorias do Sul Global, como também expressa a sua crítica às interpretações e aplicações acríticas da teoria europeia no entendimento de outras iniciativas de integração regional nos levando a crer que esta obra represente um ponto de interseção entre a disciplina de Regionalismo Internacional e o movimento vanguardista decolonial que também questiona o eurocentrismo a partir da Geopolítica do Conhecimento e Colonização do Saber.
A verbalização do antidemocrático
Authors: Carvalho Icaro
Published: April 2020

Este trabalho almeja analisar dois períodos da história brasileira partindo do ponto de vista de presos políticos, até análise psicanalítica do trauma deixado pela violência, como pode ser visualizado nos escritos em questão. Através de suas narrativas autobiográficas, Eneida e Mário Lago discorrem sobre seus anos no cárcere em dois diferentes momentos antidemocráticos da história brasileira: as eras Vargas e Militar. Enquanto Eneida compila suas memórias no cárcere em crônicas no livro Aruanda, Mário Lago narra no livro Reminiscências do sol quadrado a sua prisão política. Ambos textos retratam e refletem sobre as condições da cultura e da sociedade em períodos ditatoriais, sendo a análise comparativa entre os dois e entre o contexto político-social o principal objetivo deste trabalho.
Indústria cultural, ditadura e outras mumunhas mais
Authors: Tomaz Matheus Araujo
Published: April 2020

O presente artigo busca analisar como as questões ligadas ao desenvolvimento das forças produtivas em “Baby” (1968) de Caetano Veloso e “Roda Viva” (1967) de Chico Buarque foram formalizadas.  Para isso, foram utilizados os escritos de Adorno e Horkheimer sobre a indústria cultural e de Roberto Schwarz sobre seus desdobramentos no Brasil como ponto de partida.
Memórias entre o claro e obscuro
Authors: Enabe Cláudia Ayumi
Published: April 2020

O presente artigo empreende uma leitura analítico-interpretativa do romance Lavoura arcaica (1975), de Raduan Nassar. Neste estudo, são investigadas, nas diversas temporalidades constitutivas da narração, uma relevante matriz imagética para a formação de sentidos do romance: o jogo de luz e sombras. Os sermões do pai pretendem-se uma apologia aos valores representados pelas imagens “luminosas”, sendo as “trevas” aquilo que deve ser expurgado, excluído, do sistema familiar. Enquanto o patriarca prega uma acentuada dicotomia entre “luzes” e “sombras”, André, o narrador-protagonista, busca por sua vez subverter a concepção dualista do patriarca por meio do estabelecimento de uma relação dialética entre “claridade” e “trevas”.
Ficção à queima roupa
Authors: Almeida Marcos Vinícius Lima de
Published: April 2020

O esforço desta reflexão se orienta no sentido de pensar como O Marechal de costas, de José Luiz Passos (2016), problematiza e atualiza a velha forma do romance histórico. O que levaria necessariamente a uma segunda reflexão, mais arriscada: como a literatura opera em momentos de tensão político-social exacerbada, e quais são as possíveis respostas literárias aos embates da hora histórica. A partir da premissa de que todas as formas literárias são essencialmente históricas, a hipótese central desse trabalho entende que o romance histórico sempre operou como uma espécie de sismógrafo, que capta os abalos da época. A novidade do romance de Passos (2016) está em intensificar tal procedimento, ao fazer uma espécie de ficção à queima-roupa, assumindo como histórico o elemento contemporâneo.
Epidemiology and Outcomes of Acute Decompensated Heart Failure in Children
Authors: Lasa Javier J. , Gaies Michael , Bush Lauren , Zhang Wenying , Banerjee Mousumi , Alten Jeffrey A. , Butts Ryan J. , Cabrera Antonio G. , Checchia Paul A. , Elhoff Justin , Lorts Angela , Rossano Joseph W. , Schumacher Kurt , Shekerdemian Lara S. , Price Jack F. ,   for the Pediatric Cardiac Critical Care Consortium (PC)
Published: April 2020

Background:

Acute decompensated heart failure (ADHF) is a highly morbid condition among adults. Little is known about outcomes in children with ADHF. We analyzed the Pediatric Cardiac Critical Care Consortium registry to determine the epidemiology, contemporary treatments, and predictors of mortality in critically ill children with ADHF.

Methods:

Cardiac intensive care unit (CICU) patients ≤18 years of age meeting Pediatric Cardiac Critical Care Consortium criteria for ADHF were included. ADHF was defined as systolic or diastolic dysfunction requiring continuous vasoactive or diuretic infusion, respiratory support, or mechanical circulatory support. Demographics, diagnosis, therapies, complications, and mortality are described for the cohort. Predictors of CICU mortality were identified using logistic regression.

Results:

Among 26 294 consecutive admissions (23 centers), 1494 (6%) met criteria for analysis. Median age was 0.93 years (interquartile range, 0.1–9.3 years). Patients with congenital heart disease (CHD) comprised 57% of the cohort. Common therapies included the following: vasoactive infusions (88%), central venous catheters (86%), mechanical ventilation (59%), and high flow nasal cannula (46%). Common complications were arrhythmias (19%), cardiac arrest (10%), sepsis (7%), and acute renal failure requiring dialysis (3%). Median length of CICU stay was 7.9 days (interquartile range, 3–18 days) and the CICU readmission rate was 22%. Overall, CICU mortality was 15% although higher for patients with CHD versus non-CHD (19% versus 11%;
P
<0.001). Independent risk factors associated with CICU mortality included age <30 days, CHD, vasoactive infusions, ventricular tachycardia, mechanical ventilation, sepsis, pulmonary hypertension, extracorporeal membrane oxygenation, and cardiac arrest.

Conclusions:

ADHF in children is characterized by comorbidities, high mortality rates, and frequent readmission, especially among patients with CHD. Opportunities exist to determine best practices around appropriate use of mechanical support, cardiac arrest prevention, and optimal heart transplantation candidacy to improve outcomes for these patients.
Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement Programs: Clinical Outcomes and Developments
Authors: Kumar Vinayak , Sandhu Gurpreet S. , Harper Charles M. , Ting Henry H. , Rihal Charanjit S.
Published: April 2020

Transcatheter aortic valve replacement is a relatively recent revolutionary treatment that has now become a standard procedure for treating severe aortic stenosis. In this article, the authors review the clinical history of transcatheter aortic valve replacement, summarize the major clinical trials, and describe the evolution of the technique over time. In doing so, the authors hope to provide a clear and concise review of the history and clinical evidence behind transcatheter aortic valve replacement.
Between Old and New in Yemenite Midrashic Literature
Authors: Schlossberg Eliezer
Published: April 2020

The Midrashim mentioned and described briefly in this article—R. Avraham ben Shlomo’s commentary on the early and later prophets, the Midrash Shoʿel U-Meshiv, and the anonymous Midrash on the Torah written at the beginning of the sixteenth century—represent the transitional stage between the classic and the later Yemenite Midrash. The former are written in a mixture of Hebrew and Arabic, based on rabbinic writings and on the teachings of great medieval scholars such as R. Saadia Gaon and Maimonides, while the latter are written almost solely in Hebrew and based mainly on esoteric, symbolic, allegorical, and kabbalistic elements. Those written in the intermediate period between the old and the new combine all these characteristics.
Networked Church
Authors: Roberts Richard John
Published: April 2020

This article explores some of the recent deliberations concerning the nature of networked church. According to earlier sociological theory, the usual trajectory for newly formed churches (and religious movements) is that they become denominations, particularly in the context of the transition to second-generation leadership. Recent history suggests that this is not an inevitable trajectory, as many churches founded in the middle of the twentieth century continue to exist in the form of networks. Theological and sociological factors are relevant to the question of whether these churches will eventually become denominations. This article summarizes different attempts to understand the nature of networks and suggests that it is possible to conceptualize a continuum from loose networks to highly centralized ecclesial bodies. This continuum indicates possible transitions from one type of structure to another, but such transitions are not inevitable, and network structures may prove to be enduring.
Albert B. Norton and the Mukti Revival
Authors: Danielson Robert A.
Published: April 2020

Albert Benjamin Norton (1847–1923) is an obscure but important figure in the history of Pentecostalism in India. As a Holiness faith missionary who arrived in India at the calling of Bishop William Taylor, Norton worked in Central India before returning to the United States. He and his wife returned to India at the request of Pandita Ramabai to help build the Mukti Mission and later the accompanying Dhond home for boys. It was Norton who first introduced the speaking of tongues at the Mukti Mission in The Apostolic Faith in 1907, and he remained a friend of Ramabai’s throughout her life. Norton moved from the holiness position to Pentecostalism but maintained his position as an independent faith-based missionary throughout his ministry. This article demonstrates Norton’s connections to the Holiness Movement through Taylor and the first Free Methodist missionaries and argues for his influence on Ramabai as a partner in mission.
Let’s (Not) (Dis)Agree to Disagree!? Some Thoughts on the ‘Dispute’ Requirement in International Adjudication
Authors: Kulick Andreas
Published: April 2020

International courts and tribunals only enjoy jurisdiction to settle a ‘dispute’. ‘Dispute’ requires disagreement. However, what if the parties disagree over whether there actually exists such disagreement? What if, before the International Court of Justice, the respondent argues that there is no ‘dispute’ because it declined to react to the applicant’s contentions? In other words, can a disputing party avoid a dispute by playing dead? On the other hand, where does one draw the line in order to prevent the applicant from seizing an international court or tribunal where there is in fact no real disagreement between the parties? This article critically assesses the Court’s case law on the ‘dispute’ requirement and argues for a fragmented approach to ‘dispute’ in international adjudication that carefully defines this jurisdictional requirement along the lines of the judicial function of the respective international judicial dispute settlement forum.
Revision of Piola Marinoni, 1974 (Coleoptera, Cerambycidae, Lamiinae, Phacellini)
Authors: Nascimento Francisco E. de L. , Botero Juan Pablo , Santos-Silva Antonio
Published: April 2020

The genus Piola is revised; the original description is translated and updated; the known species are redescribed (except P. unicolor); a new species, Piola wappesi
sp. nov., is described from Bolivia; P. schiffi is registered for the first time for Peru; an updated key and photos of the type material of the species are provided.
4. Anthropology as Cosmic Diplomacy
Authors: Kohn Eduardo
Published: April 2020

Drawing on his ethnographic research among indigenous communities in Ecuador, Eduardo Kohn considers the political and ethical implications of thinking with forests. It is a diplomatic undertaking that seeks to integrate multiple ways of understanding the cosmos, and it is an ontological undertaking that rethinks the very nature of existence by recognizing the psychedelic (“mind-manifesting”) dynamics inherent in all life.
13. Imaginal Ecology
Authors: Williams Brooke
Published: April 2020

This piece is a series of reflections on the conference that gave rise to the present volume, including the author’s own presentation, which involved an exercise for engaging with ecology through the imagination. Participants are guided through an imaginal encounter with ancestors, the different kinds of gifts they might bring, and the paths those gifts can be taken.
lncRNA MALAT1 Inhibits Osteogenic Differentiation of Bone Marrow Mesenchymal Stem Cells by Down-Regulating WNT5A
Authors: Li Xiaoliang , Xia Guofeng , Xin Hongmei , Tao Chunsheng , Lai Weiwei , Sun Peifeng
Published: April 2020

ncRNA involves in osteogenic differentiation of bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs). WNT5A participates in the growth and development of osteogenic differentiation. This study aims to investigate whether lncRNA MALAT1 regulates BMSCs osteogenesis through WNT5A. qRT-PCR was done
to detect the lncRNA MALAT1 level and osteogenic markers in osteoporosis patients and control groups. The above markers and WNT5A protein levels were detected by Western blot. The degree of osteogenic differentiation was detected by ALP activity assay and ALP staining. The differentiation
ability of BMSCs after lncRNA MALAT1 overexpression was detected by ARS staining. The binding site of lncRNA MALAT1 to WNT5A was determined by dual luciferase reporter assay. lncRNA MALAT1 expression was higher in patients with osteoporosis, and decreased significantly with increased osteogenic
induction. Overexpression of lncRNA MALAT1 in BMSCS reduced WNT5A level, while interference with lncRNA MALAT1 increased WNT5A levels. In cells with overexpression of lncRNA MALAT1, transfection of si-WNT5A can significantly downregulate the RUNX2, OSX, ALP, OCN, OPN, and COL1A1, thereby inhibiting
osteogenic differentiation, interfering with the regulation of WNT signaling pathway and regulating BMSCs osteogenic differentiation. lncRNA MALAT1 and WNT5A can regulate BMSCs osteogenesis, thus accelerating the progression of osteoporosis.
Effect of Silencing Information Regulator on Rat Cerebral Venous Thrombosis Through Regulating Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor
Authors: Liu Yan-Qing , Zhao Yang , Wu Yi-Jun , Liu Bo-Feng , Zhang Hui-Ping , Ma Ning , Dong Xiao-Hui
Published: April 2020

Cerebral venous thrombosis (CVST) can cause severe dysfunction and even death. Silencing information regulator (SIRT1) involves in neurodegenerative diseases. However, whether SIRT1 participates in CVST is unclear. SD rats were divided into 3 groups, control group; CVST group and SIRT1
group (transfected with AAV-SIRT1 plasmid) followed by analysis of brain tissue SIRT1 and VEGF expression by Real time PCR, neurological deficit scores and brain tissue water content. Brain vascular endothelial cells (bVECs) were cultured and divided into NC group, SIRT1 group and si-SIRT1
group followed by analysis of cell proliferation by MTT assay, Caspase 3 activity, SIRT1 expression by Real time PCR and Western blot and VEGF expression and secretion by Real time PCR and ELISA. SIRT1 expression was decreased and VEGF expression was increased, along with increased score of
neurological deficit and water content of brain tissue in CVST rats. Transfection of AAV-SIRT1 plasmid up-regulated SIRT1 expression in CVST rats, inhibited VEGF expression, improved neurological deficit score and brain tissue water content (P < 0.05). Overexpression of SIRT1 in
bVECs significantly decreased cell proliferation, elevated Caspase 3 activity, and decreased VEGF expression and secretion, compared to NC group (P < 0.05). Knockdown of SIRT1 expression in bVECs reversed the above changes (P < 0.05). SIRT1 expression is decreased in CVST
rats and up-regulation of SIRT1 can inhibit VEGF expression and improve neurological function. SIRT1 can inhibit the proliferation of bVECs and regulate cerebral venous thrombosis by regulating VEGF.
MiR-203 Affects Proliferation, Apoptosis and Cisplatin Resistance of Gastric Cancer Cells Through DJ-1-PTEN-PI3K/AKT Pathway
Authors: Zhu Liangrun , Zhang Nan , Shao Xia , Dong Ning Zhang Lili , Song Liya
Published: April 2020

DJ-1 negatively regulates phosphatase and tensin homolog gene (PTEN). Abnormal miR-203 expression is associated with gastric cancer. Bioinformatics analysis showed a targeting relationship between miR-203 and DJ-1 3′-UTR. Our study evaluated the role of miR-203 gastric cancer
cell proliferation, apoptosis, and cisplatin (DDP) resistance. The CDDP-resistant cell line SGC7901/CDDP was established and divided into miR-NC group and miR-203 mimic group followed by detecting DJ-1, PTEN and p-AKT expression, and cell apoptosis and proliferation by flow cytometry. There
was a targeted relationship between miR-203 and DJ-1 mRNA. miR-203 expression in SGC7901/CDDP cells was significantly reduced compared with SGC7901 cells with elevated DJ-1 mRNA and protein level. Compared with miR-NC group, DJ-1 and p-AKT in SGC7901/CDDP cells was significantly downregulated
in miR-203 mimic transfection group, while PTEN expression was significantly increased, cell apoptosis was increased, and proliferation and CDDP resistance were reduced. Decreased miR-203 and increased DJ-1 level is associated with gastric cancer drug resistance. Elevated miR-203 can downregulate
DJ-1, affect the activity of PTEN-PI3K/AKT pathway, inhibit gastric cancer cell proliferation, promote cell apoptosis, and enhance the drug sensitivity to CDDP.
Adriamycin Loaded and Folic Acid Coated Zn-MOF for Tumor-Targeted Chemotherapy of Cervical Cancer
Authors: Sun Jing , Long Xiang-E , Li Rong , Hu Chao-Feng , Ge Xiao-Hong
Published: April 2020

The drug delivery systems (DDSs) introduced in recent years have been wide recognized to greatly evaluate the efficacy of drugs. With the aim to increase drug targeting to tumors as well as decrease the side effect of both drug and drug carriers, this study has developed a hybrid DDS
by incorporation zinc based metal-organic framework (Zn-MOF) and folic acid (FA). Moreover, adriamycin (Adr) as a model anticancer drug was loaded into the FA/Zn-MOF nanoparticle. The as-prepared FA/ZnMOF/Adr was expected to serve as a tumor targeting DDS that capable of effectively delivering
Adr to cervical tumors. Characterization revealed that FA/Zn-MOF/Adr was nanosized spherical particles with high stability and biocompatibility. Most importantly, the FA/Zn-MOF/Adr could realize positive targeting to FA overexpressed HeLa cells through folate receptor (FR). Therefore, FA/Zn-MOF/Adr
resulted enhanced in vitro and in vivo anticancer benefits than than free Adr or FA unmodified Zn-MOF/Adr.
Automated Detection of Respiratory Movements for Image Quality Assurance
Authors: Tanabe Yoshinori , Ishida Takayuki
Published: April 2020

In this study, we aimed to develop a rapid quantification technique that can circumvent radiodiagnostic errors that occur during respiratory movements in chest imaging. We also intended to use this technique to improve data interpretation, diagnosis, and image quality assurance. Chest
X-ray imaging was performed in a total of 45 patients between 2006 and 2011 at a general hospital. During imaging, the respiratory movements of the patients were visually evaluated by radiologists and radiological technicians. The radiographic images were retrospectively analyzed. A statistical
analysis was conducted using equal-variance Student’s t-test. A significantly distinct pattern in the frequency domain was observed in the power spectra of radiographs of patients without and with respiratory movements. Similarly, 3D power spectrum images showed a decreased power
intensity and a wider base region in images of patients with different disease states that reflected different patterns. These results suggest that the proposed method can easily detect respiratory movements; hence, it may be used for image quality assurance and improving data interpretation
and diagnosis.
Segmentation Neural Network Incorporating Scale-Space in the Application of Cardiac MRI
Authors: Kim Hyo-Hun , Hong Byung-Woo
Published: April 2020

In this work, we present an image segmentation algorithm based on the convolutional neural network framework where the scale space theory is incorporated in the course of training procedure. The construction of data augmentation is designed to apply the scale space to the training data
in order to effectively deal with the variability of regions of interest in geometry and appearance such as shape and contrast. The proposed data augmentation algorithm via scale space is aimed to improve invariant features with respect to both geometry and appearance by taking into consideration
of their diffusion process. We develop a segmentation algorithm based on the convolutional neural network framework where the network architecture consists of encoding and decoding substructures in combination with the data augmentation scheme via the scale space induced by the heat equation.
The quantitative analysis using the cardiac MRI dataset indicates that the proposed algorithm achieves better accuracy in the delineation of the left ventricles, which demonstrates the potential of the algorithm in the application of the whole heart segmentation as a compute-aided diagnosis
system for the cardiac diseases.
A Study of Missing Data Processing Method Based on Long Short Term Memory Neural Network for Electronic Health Record
Authors: Chen Xuanchi , Zheng Xiangwei , Yang Yang
Published: April 2020

Data-driven healthcare is considered as a promising technology of health care reform and Electronic Health Record (EHR) is an important vehicle. However, EHR are characterized by high dimensionality, temporality, sparsity and so on and it is hard for traditional deep learning algorithms
to directly use sparse EHR data. In this paper, we first select the medical information mart for intensive care (MIMIC-III) database to detect the test data after patient admission within 48 hours. Then we use Long Short Term Memory Neural Network (LSTM) to learn the characteristic change
model of existing data and apply the learned model to generate the missing values. Finally, the performance of the missing data processing method is verified by the prediction results of the classification model on patient mortality. Experimental results demonstrate that LSTM is an effective
method for filling in missing data and the filled data based on LSTM is superior to the data filled by Linear Regression (L), K Nearest Neighbor (KNN) and Forward Padding (F) in predicting patient death outcomes.
Elastographic Measurement of Strain Ratio in Finger Tendons of Weight Lifters and Non-Weight Lifters
Authors: Alqahtani Mahdi , Mirza Eraj Humayun , Almutrafi Abdulmajeed , Aldawsari Alwaleed , Javed Ravish
Published: April 2020

This study aimed to determine the difference in stiffness and thickness of finger tendons between individuals who performed weight lifting (trained subjects) and those who did not perform weightlifting (untrained subjects) as well as provide real-time diagnosis of tendon stiffness.
The study was divided into two groups according to their physical activity level. Individuals who performed training for their upper body for a minimum of 30 minutes, 5 days a week for at least 6 months were categorized as trained individuals, whereas those who did not train were categorized
as untrained individuals. Tendon strain ratio and thickness of the index and middle fingers and body mass index (BMI) of trained and untrained adult males were measured. A total of 20 healthy individuals were enrolled for the study. Untrained individuals tended to have higher strain ratios
than trained individuals. Tendon thickness between the groups was slightly different. Increased BMI was found in untrained individuals. Trained individuals had stiffer finger tendons than untrained individuals. Different activities, sedentary lifestyles or lifting weight can substantially
affect the properties and size of the tendon, which can lead to strengthening or weakening of the finger tendon.
Efficient L1/2 Regularization-Based Reconstruction for Photoacoustic Imaging Using Adaptively Iterative Thresholding Algorithm
Authors: Liu Xueyan , Kong Xu , Qiao Lishan , Zhao Jianli
Published: April 2020

Sparse sampling photoacoustic imaging (PAI) is a significant research topic. Accurate and efficient reconstruction methods play important roles in the wide application of PAI in preclinical research. Compressed sensing has large potential in efficiently reconstructing high quality PAI
images with sparse sampling signal. We presented our study on a L1/2 regularization operator based adaptive iterative thresholding method for sparse view PAI in this article, which can use few measurements to exactly reconstruct the PAI image. The effectiveness of the proposed algorithm
was verified by simulation analysis using Matlab. And the proposed algorithm was compared with two state-of-the-art L1 norm and TV norm based algorithms for signal recovery and image reconstruction. The SNR of the reconstructed image calculated by the introduced method was better than the
other two methods tested in this research. The algorithm presented in this paper not only provides higher quality image with sparse view data, but also is robust to noise and over estimation of sparsity value.
Diagnostic Value of Color Doppler Ultrasonography in Detecting Calcifications in Thyroid Nodules for Benign and Malignant Nodules
Authors: Liu Xia , Chang Defeng , Xie Dan
Published: April 2020

Objective: To investigate the diagnostic value of color Doppler ultrasonography in detecting calcifications in thyroid nodules for benign and malignant thyroid nodules. Methods: This study selects 108 patients with thyroid nodules who underwent color Doppler ultrasonography
at designated hospitals from June 2013 to June 2018 as study subjects, retrospectively analyzes their general patient data, preoperative color Doppler ultrasound data and postoperative pathological diagnosis results, and discusses the diagnostic value of calcification rate, calcification type
and calcification characteristics for benign and malignant thyroid nodules. Results: The results show that preoperative color Doppler ultrasonography found 112 thyroid nodules in 108 patients, including 72 benign nodules and 40 malignant nodules; pathological analysis confirmed 124
thyroid nodules, including 78 benign nodules and 46 malignant nodules; the diagnostic coincidence rate of color Doppler ultrasound is 90.32% (112/124), the misdiagnosis rate is 9.68% (12/124), the specificity is 86.94%, and the sensitivity is 81.27%; in these 112 thyroid nodules, 89 nodules
were calcified accounting for 79.46%; in 72 benign nodules, 13 nodules were calcified accounting for 18.06%; in 40 malignant nodules, 17 were calcified accounting for 42.50%; the calcification of malignant nodules was significantly higher than that of benign nodules; in 72 benign nodules,
6 cases is coarse calcification accounting for 8.33%, 3 cases is cyclic calcification accounting for 4.16%, and cyclic and coarse calcification are only 23.46% sensitive to thyroid cancer; in 40 malignant nodules, 3 cases is coarse calcification accounting for 7.5%, and 2 cases is cyclic calcification
accounting for 5.00%. Conclusions: According to the analysis, the calcification in thyroid nodules has relatively high sensitivity and specificity for the diagnosis of benign and malignant nodules and it can be used as a specific index for screening thyroid cancer.
Multi-Source Transfer Learning Based on Inductive Knowledge-Leveraged for Medical Datasets
Authors: Zhang Jingxiang , Wu Weijie , Shao Yanqing
Published: April 2020

Transfer learning changes the limitation of the same probability distribution among domains. There are many innovative ideas of those models which are fully used the information and the knowledge from different domains. Additional knowledge by transferring learning is beneficial to
improve the learning ability in target tasks. However, most multiple source domain transfer learning algorithms are developed for the specified model. The existing transfer TGHRR algorithm is suitable to one source only. Given this problem, a new multiple source transfer learning algorithm
integrated with the TGHRR and the inductive knowledge of multiple domains (MS-TGHRR in brevity) is proposed. Furthermore, MS-TGHRR algorithm has been evaluated by experiments on medical datasets for classification task. Extensive experiments demonstrate the classification accuracies trained
by the newly designed MS-TGHRR algorithm over the existing multiple source transfer learning algorithms.
Comparing the Relative Glomerular Filtration Rate with the Relative Renal Function Calculated by 99mTc-DMSA Static Scintigraphy
Authors: Hu Wei , Pu Xiaojia , Shao Kejing , Wang Fei , Zhu Bao
Published: April 2020

Objective: To compare whether there is a statistical difference between the relative glomerular filtration rate (RGFR) obtained from renal dynamic imaging using 99mTc-DTPA and the relative renal function (RRF) obtained from renal static imaging using 99mTc-DMSA
for children with urinary tract infection. Methods: We retrospectively analyzed 52 children with urinary tract infections, [31 females and 21 males, age: 3~168 months]. All patients underwent renal dynamic imaging with 99mTc-DTPA and renal static imaging with 99mTc-DMSA
within one week period. RGFRs and RRFs were calculated for left and right kidneys. Wilcoxon Rank Sum Test is used for comparing the RGFR and RRF. Results: For 99mTc-DTPA renal dynamic imaging, the median and interquartile ranges of RGFRs are 52.55 (49.50, 57.98) for left
kidneys and 47.45 (42.02, 50.50) for right kidneys. For 99mTc-DMSA renal static imaging, the values of RRFs are 52.20 (47.92, 57.31) for left kidneys and 47.80 (42.69, 52.08) for right kidneys. The RGFRs were statistically different from the RRFs in the groups of patients (Z
=—2.377, P = 0.017). Conclusion: There exists statically difference between the relative glomerular filtration rate (RGFR) measured by renal dynamic imaging using 99mTc-DTPA and the relative renal function (RRF) measured by the renal static imaging using 99mTc-DMSA
for the children with urinary tract infections.