bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Chemokine signaling and MAPK/ERK pathway for advanced prostate cancer treatment response.
Authors: Numan Yazan , Zhao Jonathan , Tang Song , Zhang Youbin , Zhang Qiang , Jovanovic Borko , VanderWeele David James , Morgans Alicia K. , Cristofanilli Massimo , Yu Jindan , Hussain Maha H. A.
Published: February 2020

TPS275

Background: Androgen deprivation therapy (ADT) is the backbone of therapy for metastatic hormone sensitive prostate cancer (mHSPC). Despite a high response rate, the majority of patients progress to metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer (mCRPC). Both disease settings are heterogeneous with variable responses to treatment. While prostate specific antigen is an important biomarker for prognosis and disease monitoring, it has limitations. Biomarkers predictive of disease response and progression are critically needed. Circulating tumor cells (CTCs) are shed from tumors and are found in blood during advanced stages of disease. Serial characterization of CTCs serves as a real-time ‘liquid biopsy’ for molecular profiling of PC. Recent reports suggest that phenotypic & genomic heterogeneity in CTCs and cell-free DNA (cfDNA) is associated with response to AR-targeted therapy highlighting the importance of CTC as a predictive biomarker. In addition, there is a high concordance between mutations in CTCs’ DNA and CRPC tissue through whole cell exome sequencing. We showed that atypical chemokine receptor CXCR7 is up-regulated following AR-targeted therapies, activating MAPK/ERK signaling and resulting in treatment resistance (Li et al., Cancer Res. 2019). To examine the potential of CXCR7/MAPK/ERK signaling in predicting treatment response, we propose to evaluate MAPK/ERK gene signature, pERK and AR level in CRPC or mHSPC patients receiving systemic therapy. Methods: Men with new CRPC or mHSPC are eligible prior to initiating new therapy for the respective disease setting of ADT + AR targeted therapy or chemotherapy. For CRPC arm, we will collect samples at baseline, 3, 6 months & at time of progression. For mHSPC arm, samples are collected at baseline, after 7 months & at progression. We will enroll 120 patients. Collected samples are subjected to identification, isolation, and enumeration of CTCs. Our primary molecular testing will include AR and pERK staining. CfDNA exome and methylome analysis will be performed to evaluate genomic heterogeneity and epigenomic alterations. We will explore pairwise association among biomarkers of interest, stratified by subgroups, using measures of association.
An exploratory study of 89Zr-DFO-Atezolizumab ImmunoPET/CT in patients with locally advanced or metastatic renal cell carcinoma.
Authors: Bowman I. Alex , Dakanali Marianna , Mulgaonkar Aditi , Hammers Hans J. , Sun Xiankai , Oz Orhan K. , Brugarolas James
Published: February 2020

TPS759

Background: Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) have changed the treatment landscape for renal cell carcinoma (RCC). Despite this, responses to single-agent anti-PD-1 occur in only 25% of patients. Biomarkers such as PD-L1 expression and tumor infiltrating lymphocyte density may predict response, but require invasive biopsies that fail to fully interrogate the complex tumor microenvironment throughout the patient. Efforts are underway to identify who will benefit from ICIs. Among these are the use of radiolabeled antibodies against PD-L1. We propose to combine the specificity of anti-PD-L1 antibodies with the sensitivity, resolution, and quantification offered by positron emission tomography to develop immunoPET (iPET). iPET will allow real-time monitoring of tumor and its microenvironment in-vivo, and may correlate with response and toxicity with ICIs. Methods: The anti-PD-L1 antibody Atezolizumab is conjugated to Zirconium-89 via desferrioxamine (DFO). 89Zr-DFO-Atezolizumab will be administered to two cohorts of approximately 20 patients. Cohort 1 have localized RCC prior to undergoing surgery, and cohort 2 have metastatic RCC prior to treatment with an ICI. The main exclusion criteria are existing use of an ICI or comorbidities that would preclude treatment with an ICI. All subjects will receive an IV injection of 89Zr-DFO-Atezolizumab followed 7 days (+/- 1 day) by a PET/CT scan. Subjects in cohort 2 will receive treatment with ICI per clinician discretion. Subjects will receive a repeat scan if disease recurrence is documented (cohort 1) or should progression or toxicity occur after treatment with an ICI (cohort 2). Biopsy of disease recurrence (cohort 1) will be standard, and encouraged for sites of disease progression on ICI (cohort 2). Co-primary endpoints are an exploratory analysis of 89Zr-DFO-Atezolizumab uptake on PET/CT with PD-L1 expression assessed by IHC in patients undergoing surgery (cohort 1) and to evaluate uptake across metastatic sites and explore the relationship with response or toxicity with ICI therapy (cohort 2). An investigational new drug approval has been granted for 89Zr-DFO-Atezolizumab (IND 143266) and accrual commenced 1 October 2019. Clinical trial information: NCT04006522.
Microscopìc Study of the Response of Nuclear Matter
Authors: Mavrommatis E. , Clark J. W.
Published: February 2020

The correlated random-phase approximation (CRPAj), which provides a description of the linear response and elementary excitations of nuclear matter, is summarized. The density-density response functions of symmetrical nuclear matter and pure neutron matter are calculated using a local version of CRPA1 (LCRPA) based on the v2 model nucleon-nucleon interaction. Although simple, the calculation establishes some significant qualitative trends. It constitutes a prelude to calculations of response functions of realistic nucleon matter both with CRPA1 and with theories that go beyond it.
Advocate cultivation of academic ethics: why is it necessary?
Authors: Janket Sok-Ja , Meurman Jukka , Diamandis Eleftherios P.
Published: February 2020

We teach and practice ethical behavior with all clinical and research activities. Notably, we are well educated to treat the subjects participating in research studies with high ethical standards. However, the ethics of interacting with colleagues, or with junior faculty members, are neither well defined nor taught. Dealing with junior faculty has parallels to dealing with vulnerable research subjects such as children, mentally or physically challenged groups, prison inmates or army recruits. Like any other vulnerable population, lower-ranking faculty members are often at the mercy of department chairs or other higher-ranked faculty members. Herein we present some potentially unethical or unfair examples related to academic research. Our goal is to educate the academic community of conceptual paths and to prevent similar untoward occurrences from happening in the future. Unethical behaviors related to sexual misconduct have already been described elsewhere and are not included in this manuscript.
Intellectual Capital of the Country: Trends and Development Factors in the Conditions of Digitalization of the Economy
Authors: Mahmudova Muhabbat
Published: February 2020

The article presents a study of the current state and development of key elements of intellectual capital in the Russian economy. Assessment of intellectual capital based on analysis of system indicators, including usage of information and communication technologies in organizations, structure of ICT specialists. According to the results of the analysis, the author concludes that the existing level of intellectual capital development in the country does not fully realize its potential. The author proposes a mechanism to improve the efficiency of the development and use of intellectual capital, including regulatory tools and involving active state participation.
The efficacy of music as a non-pharmacological intervention in the endoscopy setting: a literature review
Authors: Ware Dale , Habron John
Published: February 2020

Background:

Music has been demonstrated to have therapeutic effects for relaxation and pain management in various healthcare settings. However, this practice has not been adopted in the UK in the endoscopy environment. Music as an intervention could potentially lower pain thresholds, promote anxiolysis, reduce sedation and enhance the patient experience.

Aims:

The study aimed to identify, analyse and discuss existing knowledge on the topic of music medicine as an intervention in the endoscopy setting and to expose gaps in previous research and form recommendations for future research.

Methods:

Iterative searching of electronic databases, hand searches and grey literature searches were employed, following inclusion/exclusion criteria to identify relevant studies. Studies were then thematically analysed and themes identified.

Findings:

The search identified 11 relevant studies, with emergent themes of anxiety, patient satisfaction, sedation/analgesia, choice of music and procedure times.

Conclusions:

This literature review showed that music is a safe therapeutic intervention. It has the potential to act as an anxiolytic, reducing amounts of sedation or even replacing sedation in some cases. Patient satisfaction and experience can be enhanced, reducing DNA rates and encouraging greater uptake of repeat procedures.
Spinal sagittal alignment and head control in patients with cerebral palsy
Authors: Ilharreborde Brice , de Saint Etienne Adrien , Presedo Ana , Simon Anne-Laure
Published: February 2020

Purpose

Spinal sagittal alignment restoration has been associated with improved functional outcomes and with reduced complications rates. Several limitations exist for radiological analysis in cerebral palsy (CP) patients. The goal of this study was to summarize the existing literature and report the important considerations to evaluate in a CP patient undergoing spinal surgery.

Methods

A retrospective radiological analysis was performed, including non-ambulant CP children with progressive scoliosis. Full-spine sitting radiographs performed pre-and postoperatively were required to measure spino-pelvic sagittal parameters.

Result

A total of 23 non-ambulating CP patients were included, mean age 16.0 years (standard error of the mean 0.5). Two distinct groups of patients were identified. Group 1 (61%) were patients with less trunk control (lumbar lordosis (LL) < 50°), retroverted and vertical pelvis (mean sacral slope (SS) 11.4° and pelvic tilt (PT) 38.1°) and anterior imbalance (mean sagittal vertical axis (SVA) 5.9 cm) and Group 2 (39%) were patients with better trunk control (LL > 60°, anteverted and horizontal pelvis (mean SS 49.3°, PT 9.7°) and posterior imbalance (mean SVA 5.8 cm). Postoperative measures showed significant impact of surgery with a PT reduction of 19° (p = 0.007), a mean SS increase of 15° (p = 0.04) and a LL gained of 10° (p = 0.2).

Conclusion

Sagittal spino-pelvic alignment in non-ambulating CP patients remains difficult to assess. The current literature is poor but our radiological study was able to define two distinct groups among Gross Motor Function Classification System (GMFCS) level V patients, based on the quality of their trunk control. All possible factors that may influence head and trunk posture should be systematically considered and optimized.

Level of evidence

Level IV
The simultaneous removal of reactive and disperse dyes by Electrocoagulation Process with a bipolar connection of combined Iron and Aluminum electrodes: Experimental design and Kinetic studies
Authors: Sqalli Noufissa , Essadki Abdelhafid , Elqars Essedik , Elqars Essedik
Published: February 2020

This study concerns the ability of electrocoagulation process to remove simultaneously disperse and reactive dyes by using combined iron and aluminum electrodes in bipolar mode. A statistical experiment design (Response Surface Methodology: RSM) was adopted to model the process and to optimize the parameters influencing the removal efficiency of the dyes.  The mathematical model is established, using a rotatable central composite design uniform to study the empirical relationships between two responses (Removal efficiency, energy consumption) and five factors: initial pH, current density, the concentration of supporting electrolyte, time and stirring speed. This treatment, therefore, led to a removal efficiency that can reach more than 95% with low consumption energy of 9 kWh/Kg of removed dye. Kinetic, isotherm adsorption and thermodynamic studies were undertaken with the optimized parameters. Electrocoagulation mechanism was modeled using adsorption kinetics and isotherm models, it is sited were on the insoluble iron and aluminum flocs. This study shows that the Freundlich model fit the adsorption isotherm, the kinetic of the electrocoagulation is better presented by the pseudo- second-order kinetic, the adsorption is endothermic and spontaneous for both dyes. Analysis of the sludge allowed quantifying the role of each electrode in removing dyes.
Fixed physical length spoof surface plasmon polariton delay lines for a 2-bit phase shifter
Authors: Unutmaz Muhammed Abdullah , Unlu Mehmet
Published: February 2020

A novel and promising candidate for the main building block of the 2-bit, 360° phase shifters, namely, the fixed physical length, spoof surface plasmon polariton (sSPP) delay lines, is presented. An analytical approach is used for the calculation of the electrical lengths of the sSPP delay lines for what we believe is the first time. The delay lines use the idea of changing the corrugation depths of the sSPP waveguides (WGs), which allows us to obtain different electrical lengths without changing the physical length of the WG. The special design of the coplanar WG to sSPP WG transitions maintains the mode conversion under different phase states and minimizes the insertion and return losses for all phase states. The measurement results of the fabricated delay lines for four different phase states show good agreement with the simulations, having average and maximum phase errors of 1.7% and 3.6% with respect to the ideal phase states, 0.5% and 1.2% with respect to the simulations, and average and maximum insertion losses of

−

0

.

26

and

−

0

.

43

d
B

at 7.15 GHz, respectively. The proposed designs, to the best of our knowledge, are the first instances of the sSPP delay lines for low-loss, high-accuracy, compact phase shifters with real-life design constraints.
Probing optical mode hybridization in an integrated graphene nano-optomechanical system
Authors: Dash Aneesh , Selvaraja S. K. , Naik A. K.
Published: February 2020

We propose a scheme for sensitive local monitoring of mode hybridization in vertically asymmetric waveguides with a nano-optomechanical probe based on graphene. Extracting local information about mode hybridization is challenging using intensity measurements at the output or scanning optical probes over the waveguide. Transferring the information about the guided field profiles into the mechanical mode of graphene (with ultra-low-force sensitivity) using the optical gradient force allows for sensitive probing of the mode hybridization. In our proposed scheme, we estimate that a 100% change in the TE fraction of the fundamental quasi-TM waveguide mode would cause a change in the vibration amplitude of graphene on the order of 1000 pm. The limit of detection of the TE fraction is approximately 0.001. The change in the TE fraction due to index perturbations in the core and cladding can also be used for index sensing with responsivity on the order of 1000 pm change in vibration amplitude per refractive index unit and a limit of detection of

2
×

10

−
4

refractive index units. This work provides novel methods for applications in optomechanical modulation and sensing.
Uplink wavefront corrector system: from paper to reality
Authors: Martínez Rey N. , Rodríguez Ramos L. F. , Sodnik Z.
Published: February 2020

The Uplink Wavefront Corrector System (UWCS) is a pathfinder instrument to demonstrate the uplink correction by Adaptive Optics techniques; this novel application can be directly usable in two fields: Free-Space Optical Communications and the generation of Laser Guide Stars. A Rayleigh LGS is propagated to the sky while the atmospheric wavefront aberrations are measured by a Shack-Hartmann WFS with 12 x 12 sub-apertures using a Natural Guide Star as a reference. The laser upwards propagation path is then pre-compensated by a 97-actuator deformable mirror. A scoring camera is attached to the finder telescope, next to the main aperture, in order to show the overall result, which is assessed in terms of beam power concentration. Present paper described the design process of the UWCS and its integration and testing in the Optical Ground Station telescope, at Teide Observatory (Spain).
Enhancing hologram memory via deposition of plasmonic nanocubes on orderly mesoporous titania
Authors: Li Xin , Fu Shencheng , Wang Xinnong , Li Ning , Wu Jiarui , Liu Hongfang , Zhang Xintong , Liu Yichun
Published: February 2020

Hologram is regarded as a key platform for large-volume data storage and information encryption. Diversity of plasmonic nanostructures makes it being a kind of vibrant hologram memory media. However, recording of amplitude, phase and polarization of light is restricted by difficulty to obtain anisotropic morphology of metal particles. Photocatalysis approach allows wide size distribution of Ag plasmonic nanoparticles after a long growth time on titania but suffers from the disadvantage that the shape of plasmonic nanostructures is mostly isotropic, which weakens optical vector sensitivity and information stability. Herein, Ag nanocubes exhibiting high polarization response ability are deposited on orderly mesoporous titania via UV photocatalysis. Recording efficiency of hologram by orthogonally linearly polarized lights is enhanced and the memorized information can be resistant to UV-erasure, both benefiting from the distal resonance of Ag nanocubes. This work delivers a guideline for long-term data storage and high-efficiency display devices.
Nonlinear THz radiation investigated by quantum simulations
Authors: Liu Jing-Xue , Xu Yan , Jia Guang-Rui , Jiao Zhao-Yong , Bian Xue-Bin
Published: February 2020

Terahertz (THz) waves can be generated by the nonlinear interaction between ultrashort laser pulses and air. The semiclassical photocurrent model is widely used. It is simple, but neglects the quantum effects. Some theoretical works are based on solving the time-dependent Schrödinger equation. However, it meets the difficulty of prohibitively large boxes in long-time evolution. Here we adopted the wave-function splitting algorithm to fully contain the information of photoelectrons. The contributions of the excited states and interference effects in electron wavepackets to THz radiation are studied numerically. We also theoretically investigated the THz generation from nitrogen molecules in a biased electric field. It is found that the THz yield enhancement as a function of the static field strength in experiments can be reproduced well by our method. In addition, the restriction of wavelength and phase difference in the two-color laser fields is less strict in the presence of the static field.
Gifts of welcome: Precarity, intimacy and the gift in Die Farbe des Ozeans (Peren, 2011) and Welcome (Lioret, 2009)
Authors: Stehle Maria , Weber Beverly
Published: February 2020

This article examines the role of Europe as gift in Lioret's Welcome (2009) and Peren's Die Farbe des Ozeans (2011) by focusing on gestures of welcome extended by white European characters to undocumented migrants. In both films, these gestures include gifts, in the form of money, shelter or skills taught, that play an important narrative role, but subordinate refugee characters' lives and stories to the emotional needs of white European 'givers'. In this way gifts of welcome become violent acts that reinforce European assumptions about European political and epistemological superiority, and paper over the existence of colonial and racist violence that continues to produce precarious lives.
Atmospheric Pressure Plasma Generation System Based on Pulsed Volume Discharge for the Biological Decontamination of a Surface
Authors: Ponomarev A. V. , Spyrina A. V. , Mamontov Y. I. , Volkhina V. N. , Zakirov T. V. , Ioshchenko E. S.
Published: February 2020

The research introduces a system for pulsed volume discharges ignition at atmospheric pressure within gaps reaching 125 mm. The corona discharge is used for the volume discharge initiation. A damping oscillations pulse generator is used as a high-voltage power supply. The pulse repetition rate reaches 1 kHz, while the rate of damping high-frequency harmonic oscillations can reach megahertz units. The volume discharge electric and spectral characteristics were analyzed. The study revealed that O2+ emission spectrum dominates in the UV region. The potential of using pulsed volume discharge for cleaning biological surfaces was demonstrated in the research. The survival rate for E. coli under the influence of 15 seconds long pulsed volume discharge has decreased by 30 times.
Inertial Effects on Tearing Instability
Authors: Silveira F. E. M.
Published: February 2020

In this work, we explore inertial effects, due to charged species in a resistive plasma, on the tearing instability. The standard theory of tearing modes assumes a long wavelength limit. At shorter wave lengths, inertial effects can become important and the current density flowing in the fluid can acquire a finite relaxation time. The introduction of such a correction into the problem leads to an extension of the standard dispersion relation. In the long wave length limit, we recover the standard scaling of the growth rate γ with the plasma resistivity η, namely γ ≈ η3/5. However, in the short wavelength limit, we find that the scaling of γ with the relevant plasma parameters changes significantly due to the influence of inertia. Notwithstanding, the dependence of γ on the relaxation time of the current density is not determined. In order to achieve such a description, we propose to further rediscuss the problem in the framework of the boundary layer technique.
MEGA
Authors: Whang Joyce Jiyoung , Du Rundong , Jung Sangwon , Lee Geon , Drake Barry , Liu Qingqing , Kang Seonggoo , Park Haesun
Published: February 2020

Complex relationships among entities can be modeled very effectively using hypergraphs. Hypergraphs model real-world data by allowing a hyperedge to include two or more entities. Clustering of hypergraphs enables us to group the similar entities together. While most existing algorithms solely consider the connection structure of a hypergraph to solve the clustering problem, we can boost the clustering performance by considering various features associated with the entities as well as auxiliary relationships among the entities. Also, we can further improve the clustering performance if some of the labels are known and we incorporate them into a clustering model. In this paper, we propose a semi-supervised clustering framework for hypergraphs that is able to easily incorporate not only multiple relationships among the entities but also multiple attributes and content of the entities from diverse sources. Furthermore, by showing the close relationship between the hypergraph normalized cut and the weighted kernel K-Means, we also develop an efficient multilevel hypergraph clustering method which provides a good initialization with our semi-supervised multi-view clustering algorithm. Experimental results show that our algorithm is effective in detecting the ground-truth clusters and significantly outperforms other state-of-the-art methods.
Falling in love with robots: a phenomenological study of experiencing technological alterities
Authors: Viik Tõnu
Published: February 2020

Is it possible for human beings to establish romantic relationships with robots? What kind of otherness, or alterity, will be construed in the process of falling in love with a robot? Can a robotic companion mean more than being a tool for house-work, a caretaker, an aid of self-gratification, or a sex-doll? Phenomenological analysis of love experience suggests that romantic feelings necessarily include experiencing the alterity of the partner as an affective subjectivity that freely, willingly, and passionately commits to its partner. The romantic commitment is expected to stem from the sentient inner selves of the lovers, which is one of the features that robots are lacking. Thus the artificial alterity might disengage our romantic aspirations, and, as argued by many, will make them morally inferior to intraspecies love affairs. The current analysis will restrain from ethical considerations, however, and will focus on whether robots can in principle elicit human feelings of love.
Zum Begriff der Sprachbewusstheit in der Schreibforschung und -didaktik
Authors: Akbulut Muhammed , Schmölzer-Eibinger Sabine , Ebner Christopher
Published: February 2020

The goal of text-procedure-oriented writing instruction models is to foster metalinguistic awareness, but they lack a sound theoretical foundation for the concept of metalinguistic awareness. In response to this, this paper discusses theories from the field of metalinguistic awareness research, which are then used to develop a text-procedure-orientated writing instruction model. Using a mixed methods approach which combines inferential statistics, corpus analysis and the in-depth analysis of individual cases, the writing instruction model was evaluated, and the texts produced by the students were analyzed in conjunction with their collaborative writing dialogues (since these document the genesis of the texts) to examine the relationship between metalinguistic awareness and academic writing competence.
Bewertungen sprachlichen Handelns und good practice in der Angewandten Gesprächsforschung
Authors: Brünner Gisela , Pick Ina
Published: February 2020

The article focuses on methodological issues of practice-oriented discourse research and suggests several methodological approaches to assess conversational practice. It makes an argument for the relevance of assessing conversational practice and for why aspects of good practice should be included more systematically in the analyses by way of considering objectives in the examined practice domains. We provide examples of different institutional fields (mostly doctor-patient and lawyer-client interaction) and discuss how actual communicative practices can be assessed with methods of discourse analysis. We thus aim to expand the methodological spectrum of conversation research by including matters of immediate social interest and aspects that are relevant for practitioners.
Positionierungen in argumentativen Gesprächen und Briefen der Schule
Authors: Grundler Elke , Rezat Sara , Schmölzer-Eibinger Sabine
Published: February 2020

The current research in the field of argumentation in school contexts predominantly focuses on the development of oral and written argumentation skills and interventions to improve students’ argumentative skills, while comparative studies of argumentative practices in different modes, particularly the linguistic features of oral versus written argumentative practices, are still rare. To close this gap, our study investigates argumentative oral and written practices of students in secondary school to answer the question whether the mode has an influence on the use of specific procedures and linguistic features. We examined how students express their stance on a controversial issue linguistically (Positionierung) by analyzing a small corpus of argumentative discussions and letters by 12th grade students. The results of the study show that while students use similar procedures and linguistic features in both modes, they are more varied and multifaceted in discussions, i. e. oral communication, than in letters, i. e. written communication.
Sprachnormbezogene Akkommodation in der Hochschullehre
Authors: Vergeiner Philip C.
Published: February 2020

This paper examines the relationship between accommodation processes and social norms in varietal choice within tertiary education in Austria. The investigation consists of (a) a content analysis of metalinguistic statements in semi-structured interviews and (b) a variable rule analysis of actual language variation in university lectures.

The findings show that there are norms prescribing that listeners must have at least be able to comprehend a particular variety, whereas accommodation to actual language use does not appear to be required to the same extent. However, the norms depend strongly on group membership: while there is a norm prescribing the use of the standard variety in the presence of speakers of German as a foreign language, there is no such norm for Austrians vis-à-vis people from Germany, although speakers from both groups may lack the ability to understand the respective nonstandard varieties. This difference can be explained by the sociocultural context and differing language attitudes.
Twenty Years of SynGAP Research: From Synapses to Cognition
Authors: Gamache Timothy R. , Araki Yoichi , Huganir Richard L.
Published: February 2020

SynGAP is a potent regulator of biochemical signaling in neurons and plays critical roles in neuronal function. It was first identified in 1998, and has since been extensively characterized as a mediator of synaptic plasticity. Because of its involvement in synaptic plasticity, SynGAP has emerged as a critical protein for normal cognitive function. In recent years, mutations in theSYNGAP1gene have been shown to cause intellectual disability in humans and have been linked to other neurodevelopmental disorders, such as autism spectrum disorders and schizophrenia. While the structure and biochemical function of SynGAP have been well characterized, a unified understanding of the various roles of SynGAP at the synapse and its contributions to neuronal function remains to be achieved. In this review, we summarize and discuss the current understanding of the multifactorial role of SynGAP in regulating neuronal function gathered over the last two decades.
BlobToolKit – Interactive Quality Assessment of Genome Assemblies
Authors: Challis Richard , Richards Edward , Rajan Jeena , Cochrane Guy , Blaxter Mark
Published: February 2020

Reconstruction of target genomes from sequence data produced by instruments that are agnostic as to the species-of-origin may be confounded by contaminant DNA. Whether introduced during sample processing or through co-extraction alongside the target DNA, if insufficient care is taken during the assembly process, the final assembled genome may be a mixture of data from several species. Such assemblies can confound sequence-based biological inference and, when deposited in public databases, may be included in downstream analyses by users unaware of underlying problems. We present BlobToolKit, a software suite to aid researchers in identifying and isolating non-target data in draft and publicly available genome assemblies. BlobToolKit can be used to process assembly, read and analysis files for fully reproducible interactive exploration in the browser-based Viewer. BlobToolKit can be used during assembly to filter non-target DNA, helping researchers produce assemblies with high biological credibility. We have been running an automated BlobToolKit pipeline on eukaryotic assemblies publicly available in the International Nucleotide Sequence Data Collaboration and are making the results available through a public instance of the Viewer at https://blobtoolkit.genomehubs.org/view. We aim to complete analysis of all publicly available genomes and then maintain currency with the flow of new genomes. We have worked to embed these views into the presentation of genome assemblies at the European Nucleotide Archive, providing an indication of assembly quality alongside the public record with links out to allow full exploration in the Viewer.
The Temporal Dynamics of Background Selection in Nonequilibrium Populations
Authors: Torres Raul , Stetter Markus G , Hernandez Ryan D , Ross-Ibarra Jeffrey
Published: February 2020

Neutral genetic diversity across the genome is determined by the complex interplay of mutation, demographic history, and natural selection. While the direct action of natural selection is limited to functional loci across the genome, its impact can have effects on nearby neutral loci due to genetic linkage. These effects of selection at linked sites, referred to as genetic hitchhiking and background selection (BGS), are pervasive across natural populations. However, only recently has there been a focus on the joint consequences of demography and selection at linked sites, and some empirical studies have come to apparently contradictory conclusions as to their combined effects. To understand the relationship between demography and selection at linked sites, we conducted an extensive forward simulation study of BGS under a range of demographic models. We found that the relative levels of diversity in BGS and neutral regions vary over time and that the initial dynamics after a population size change are often in the opposite direction of the long-term expected trajectory. Our detailed observations of the temporal dynamics of neutral diversity in the context of selection at linked sites in nonequilibrium populations provide new intuition about why patterns of diversity under BGS vary through time in natural populations and help reconcile previously contradictory observations. Most notably, our results highlight that classical models of BGS are poorly suited for predicting diversity in nonequilibrium populations.
Ad-hoc-Publizitätspflicht einer Muttergesellschaft bei konzerndimensionalen Sachverhalten
Authors: Kumpan Christoph , Misterek Robin
Published: February 2020

Das Bekanntwerden von Manipulationen bei Dieselfahrzeugen durch Volkswagen hat nicht nur den Absatzmarkt für Automobile, sondern auch den Kapitalmarkt erschüttert. Mehrere Gerichte beschäftigen sich seither mit der Frage, ob das Anlegerpublikum früher über die Rechtsverstöße und Ermittlungen hätte unterrichtet werden müssen. Das LG Stuttgart hatte dabei zu klären, ob auch die Dachgesellschaft von VW – die Porsche SE – zur Abgabe einer Ad-hoc-Meldung verpflichtet war. Wann eine börsennotierte Muttergesellschaft in der Sphäre einer konzernangehörigen Tochtergesellschaft entstandene Insiderinformationen veröffentlichen muss, war bisher in der Rechtswissenschaft hoch umstritten. Das Gericht hatte deshalb die Möglichkeit, über den Einzelfall hinaus Maßstäbe für die Publizitätspraxis von Konzernen zu setzen und Rechtssicherheit zu schaffen.
The ferns and lycophytes of Reserva Natural Guaricica, Antonina, Paraná, Brazil
Authors: Matos Fernando B. , Bohn Amabily , Labiak Paulo H.
Published: February 2020

We found 204 species of pteridophytes in Reserva Natural Guaricica, a private natural heritage reserve (RPPN) in Antonina, Paraná, Brazil. With approximately 8,600 ha and elevations ranging from sea level to 600 m, RPPN Guaricica has more species of pteridophytes than any other area in Paraná. Ferns are represented by 194 species in 82 genera and 26 families, whereas lycophytes comprise 10 species in four genera and two families. The RPPN is the type locality of two recently described species: Hypolepis acantha Schwartsb. and Oleandra australis Schwartsb. & J.Prado. It is also the only place of occurrence of Didymoglossum angustifrons Fée, Diplazium riedelianum (Bong. ex Kuhn) C.Chr., Pteris ensiformis Burm.f., P. tripartita Sw., Saccoloma elegans Kaulf., and Steiropteris polypodioides (Raddi) Salino & T.E.Almeida in Paraná. Pteris ensiformis and Saccoloma brasiliense (C.Presl) Mett. are new state records. Additional species are expected to occur in the area, in view of their known geographical ranges.
A difícil adesão dos pacientes hipertensos ao tratamento: Revisão de literatura
Authors: Santos Carvalho Silas , Rodrigues de Oliveira Bruno
Published: February 2020

Objetivo: Identificar, com base na literatura, os fatores causais que levam os pacientes hipertensos à não adesão ao tratamento. Métodos: Trata-se de um estudo bibliográfico com caráter exploratório e abordagem qualitativa. O material selecionado para análise foi constituído por 07 artigos publicados entre os anos de 2010 a 2017, disponíveis online nas bases de dados SciELO e LILACS. Resultados: Dentre as questões que dificultam a adesão ao tratamento do hipertenso, destacam-se as relacionadas especialmente aos efeitos das drogas e ao custo da medicação. Quanto ao tratamento não farmacológico, observa-se frequentemente a falta de constância e persistência do paciente. Conclusão: É imprescindível identificar as dificuldades relacionadas ao tratamento da hipertensão com vistas a uma melhor adesão dos pacientes hipertensos, bem como, dos que possuem doenças crônicas associadas, reforçando a necessidade de se informar e discutir as condições observadas pelos membros da equipe de saúde.
Asymptotic state boundaries and peak states in barodesy for clay
Authors: Medicus G.
Published: February 2020

With constant stretching of soil, the memory is gradually swept out and the so-called asymptotic states are reached: asymptotic states are proportional stress paths as well as particular curves in the void ratio against the mean stress plane. The so-called asymptotic state boundary surface (ASBS) serves as a graphical representation for asymptotic states. In contrast to asymptotic states, peak states of drained triaxial tests are states with vanishing stiffness. In this paper, an explicit formulation of the ASBS and peak state envelope of barodesy are introduced. Different clay types are compared with barodesy as well as with predictions by hypoplasticity. The peak states of the experiments confirm the results obtained with barodesy and hypoplasticity. It is shown that different to elastoplastic models, the ASBS does not include peak states in barodesy and hypoplasticity. In addition to standard axisymmetric simulations, investigations are also carried out in the deviatoric plane with the focus on plane strain failure.
P2X7R as an independent prognostic indicator in gastric cancer
Authors: Calik Ilknur , Calik Muhammet , Sarikaya Burcu , Ozercan Ibrahim Hanifi , Arslan Ramazan , Artas Gokhan , Dagli Adile Ferda
Published: February 2020

Gastric cancer is one of the foremost causes of cancer related death around the world. The P2X7 receptor (P2X7R), a member of the P2X receptor subfamily of P2 receptors, is a unique molecule that has been shown to affect tumor growth and progression as well as various inflammatory processes, including proliferation of T lymphocytes, release of cytokines, and production of free oxygen radicals. P2X7R has been established as a prognostic parameter in some cancers and, recently, it has been investigated in the development of new targeted therapies. In the present study, we aimed to investigate the prognostic value of P2X7R expression in GC. The expression profile of P2X7R was evaluated immunohistochemically in 156 paraffin-embedded human gastric cancer specimens. P2X7R expression was higher in patients with lymph node metastasis than in those without (p < 0.001). P2X7R overexpression was closely related with tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes [TILs] (p = 0.001), vascular invasion (p = 0.006), depth of invasion (p < 0.001), distant metastasis (p < 0.001), and advanced TNM stage (p < 0.001). Moreover, univariate (HR 3.98; 95% CI 1.89–11.82; p < 0.001) and multivariate (HR 2.24; 95% CI 3.53–12.50; p < 0.001) Cox regression analysis showed that upregulated P2X7R expression clearly correlated with worsened overall survival. In summary, our data revealed that P2X7R may serve as a reliable prognostic parameter and promising therapeutic target for gastric cancer.
3.7% Paraformaldehyde solution v2
Authors: of Medical Biotechnology Institute
Published: February 2020

Protocol for preparing a 3.7% Paraformaldehyde (PFA) solution. 3.7% PFA solution can be used to fix tissues.
Preliminary Speech Rate Normative Data in Adult Jordanian Speakers
Authors: Damhoureyeh Mohammad A. , Darawsheh Wesam B. , Qa’dan Wa’el N. , Natour Yaser S.
Published: February 2020

Studies conducted to establish normative data on speech rate; including speaking and articulation rate, for the Jordanian Arabic dialect are scarce. Aim: to establish preliminary normative data on speaking and articulation rate for the adult male and female Jordanian Arabic speakers. Methodology: The sample of the study comprised 51 participants (23 males and 28 females), age (18-25 yrs, mean 20.82 yrs ±1.52).  Spontaneous speech and reading samples were collected from participants. Results: Means of articulation rates during the tasks of spontaneous speech and reading passage were (140.07 w/m, 161.83 w/m, respectively), while the means of speaking rates during the tasks of spontaneous speech and reading passage were (124.51w/m, 141.36w/m, respectively). The ANOVA showed no significant differences (p=0.237) attributed to the effect gender on the articulation or the speaking rates in both tasks of spontaneous speech and reading passage. Pearson-r test showed moderate-strong positive correlations between articulation and speaking rates during both the reading passage and the spontaneous speech tasks (p<0.01, r = 0.416; p <0.001, r = 0.962, respectively). Conclusion: this study can be of a clinical significance in the evaluation and treatment of fluency, articulation and motor speech disorders.
Reading Tasks Analysis and Students’ Perception: An Approach to Task-based Language Teaching
Authors: Sukma Doris , Rozimela Yenni , Ratmanida Ratmanida
Published: February 2020

In task-based language teaching, task is classroom activity which emphasizes target language use and focuses on meaning. In teaching reading, the role of task is pivotal. It helps to provide context for students to read as reading activity in real-world. The concept of task is, however, complex in which it has some types and criteria. Different task may result in different effectiveness to teach reading. This study is aimed at exploring the use of different tasks to teach reading and seeking for students’ perception about the use of those tasks. The data were obtained from a study involving 36 students of one of senior high schools in Padang. There were five different tasks designed based on task-like criteria. At the end of every meeting, the students were given a reading test to check their comprehension quality toward the text. A task perception questionnaire was then deployed to the students in order to find out their view toward the tasks. The data were analyzed and discussed descriptively. The result of analysis indicates that, in general, the five different tasks help the students to comprehend the text. However, based on the average score of reading test, drawing task appeared to be the most effective task due to some important reasons. The result of questionnaire also confirmed that, in all aspects, drawing task is positively viewed by most of the students.
Bronze Myths Formation. Krasnoyarsk Period of Dashi Namdakov’s Creative Path
Authors: Moskalyuk Marina V.
Published: February 2020

The studies of Dashi Namdakov’s phenomenon being numerous, most of them do not concern the period of the sculptor’s professional development in Krasnoyarsk State Institute of Arts. This article analyzes how compositional, plastic, and figurative techniques associated with the Russian academic school and integrated with deep Buryat traditions formed the basis of Dashi’s artistic language in the course of his professional training. It traces the formation of the unique creative environment of the master’s ideological worldview. Dashi highly appreciates the professional skills he got at the institute, emphasizes the role of such masters as academicians Lev Nikolaevich Golovnitsky (1929-1994) and Yuri Pavlovich Ishkhanov (1929-2009) and young sculptors Azat Mambetovich Bayarlin (born in 1952, Kazakhstan) and Eduard Innokent’evich Pakhomov (1951-2015, Yakutia)
Similarity in the Far Swirling Momentumless TurbulentWake
Authors: Shmidt Alexey V.
Published: February 2020

A self–similar solution to one model of the far momentumless swirling turbulent wake is proposed in the paper
Por uma geografia das comunidades tradicionais: metodologias participativas para a compreensão dos etnosolos na Colônia Z-29, Jaramataia-Alagoas
Authors: Pereira Jackson Belo , Oliveira Matteus Freitas de , Farias José Lucas Nunes de
Published: February 2020

RESUMO: Este artigo tem como proposta discutir a importância do uso de metodologias participativas em pesquisas relacionadas a comunidades tradicionais. O Brasil possui inúmeras expressões culturais, e, por isso mesmo, comunidades indígenas, quilombolas, camponesas, pesqueiras, entre outras, mantêm relações socioespaciais singulares em seus territórios. A ciência tradicional hegemônica invisibilizou, por muito tempo, questões de pesquisa por meio de metodologias frias e escritas parciais que não alcançavam o território identitário dessas comunidades. Parte-se aqui da experiência de pesquisas realizadas na Colônia Z-29, no Povoado São Pedro, em Jaramataia, Alagoas, para compreender como saberes e fazeres ancestralizados são acionados para classificar, por meio de chaves de identificação, diferentes tipos de solos e seus usos. A partir da participação observante, foram realizadas rodas de conversa que foram potencializadas com o uso da técnica da mística, buscando conhecer as cosmologias pesqueiras com relação aos solos registradas em diário de campo do método geoetnográfico. Destaca-se que a abordagem etnopedológica não serviu apenas para classificar os solos partindo dos saberes tradicionais, mas refletiu a identidade, a coletividade e a ancestralidade de um povo que precisa de uma outra escrita acadêmica tão potente quanto suas oralidades.

PALAVRAS-CHAVE: Saberes e fazeres, Chaves de identificação, Participação observante, Geoetnografia, Rodas de conversa.
Agroecologia e horta escolar como ferramentas de educação ambiental e produção de alimentos naturais
Authors: Silva Lucas Francisco da , Barros Rubens Pessoa de , Pinheiro Rodrigo Almeida , Silva Jecilãine Efigênia da , Cabral Maria Jéssica dos Santos , Lima Jéssika Silva de
Published: February 2020

RESUMO: A escola que adota a educação ambiental como instrumento de sensibilização deve orientar o aluno a buscar valores que conduzam a uma rotina harmoniosa com o ambiente em que está inserido. E, neste sentido, a horta escolar pode agir como um campo de ensino e aprendizagem dentro da escola, podendo ser acessado em muitos momentos pelos discentes e docentes da instituição que aderiram à técnica como uma ferramenta de ensino. Diante do que foi exposto, objetivou-se com esse trabalho utilizar técnicas agroecológicas associadas à educação ambiental para a construção de uma horta escolar na Escola Municipal Deputado José Lúcio de Melo. A ação foi desenvolvida no período de janeiro a março de 2019. Para a construção da horta, realizou-se o manejo do solo, adubação e posteriormente a semeadura de sementes e mudas nos canteiros. Diante da implantação da horta escolar, percebeu-se que se opondo ao modelo convencional, as técnicas agroecológicas têm um potencial para a produção de alimentos orgânicos, assim garantindo a manutenção e preservação do meio ambiente. O processo torna-se fundamental para o ensino e aprendizagem dos alunos, podendo ser constatado de acordo com as  respostas obtidas do questionário sobre as experiências durante o processo de construção e acompanhamento da horta até o período de colheita. Por tanto, conclui-se que as técnicas agroecológicas associadas às práticas de ensino em educação ambiental foram fundamentais para o processo de implantação da horta escolar.

PALAVRAS-CHAVE: Orgânicos; Produção; Sustentabilidade.