bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Temporal Relationship Between Night-Time Gastroesophageal Reflux Events and Arousals From Sleep
Authors: Shepherd Kelly , Ockelford James , Ganasan Vijeyadezmi , Holloway Richard , Hillman David , Eastwood Peter
Published: April 2020

INTRODUCTION:

Night-time gastroesophageal reflux (nGER) symptoms are commonly associated with interrupted sleep. Most studies attempting to understand the relationship between sleep, arousal, and nGER events have been performed so using accelerometry; however, this technology is limited in its ability to precisely determine the temporal association between sleep and reflux events. We aimed to examine the temporal relationships between nGER events and arousal/awakening from sleep using high resolution, in-laboratory polysomnography (PSG).

METHODS:

Individuals between 18 and 70 years who had undergone a gastroscopy within 12 months underwent simultaneous 24-hour pH/impedance monitoring and in-laboratory PSG. The temporal relationship between each nGER event and sleep/arousals/awakenings was determined for each participant. Analyses were limited to the sleep period (between “lights out” and time of final waking).

RESULTS:

Analyses were conducted on the data from 25 individuals, 64% of whom had nGER episodes (5 ± 5 events per person, range 1–18) and 64% of whom had obstructive sleep apnea (OSA, mean apnea–hypopnea index 20 ± 11 events/hr, range 6–44). There were no differences in PSG-determined sleep duration, sleep efficiency, sleep architecture, arousals/awakenings, or sleep apnea severity between those with nGER and those without. Most nGER events (82%) occurred during a PSG epoch that had been classified as wake. Arousals/awakenings preceded almost all events (73/76), whereas fewer had an arousal/awakening after the event (15/76).

DISCUSSION:

As opposed to what is typically assumed, nGER does not seem to cause arousal from sleep, but rather arousal from sleep predisposes to nGER.
Os corpos infantis nas instituições de acolhimento
Authors: Paulo Loro Alexandre
Published: April 2020

En este artículo tenemos como propósito reflexionar sobre las corporalidades de los niños que viven sus infancias en el “Serviço de Acolhimento de Crianças e Adolescentes” en Chapecó-SC-Brasil. La metodología consistió en proposiciones (juegos) organizadas en pequeños grupos, llevada a cabo una vez a la semana, pensadas desde la perspectiva de los propios niños (0 a 6 años). Las acciones han valorado la corporalidad de los niños en su singularidad, experimentadas por otra temporalidad, diferente de los adultos, que tienden a crear modos de subjetivación atravesados por dispositivos para mantener el orden establecido que, a veces, fluctúa entre la resistencia y las normas. Las corporalidades pueden evidenciar exclusión, factor que requiere acciones humanizadoras en relación a los niños que se encuentran en situación de vulnerabilidad social. Las evidencias han demostrado que esos espacios requieren otras lecturas e interpretaciones de los cuerpos infantiles, a veces invisibles, dóciles y/o transgresores.
La guerra en el cuerpo. Experiencia de niñas y adolescentes de la Montaña de Guerrero en un internado de religiosas en México
Authors: Ramírez Velázquez Josefina
Published: April 2020

En el Estado de Guerrero, la pobreza y la falta de oportunidades configuran la vida cotidiana de la población. Para poder continuar sus estudios, muchas niñas de este estado se trasladaron a un internado de religiosas en otro Estado, y donde en 2007, surgió un brote epidémico de histeria colectiva o trastorno psicogénico. Basada en las narrativas de algunas niñas afectadas de la región de la Montaña de Guerrero, discuto en este artículo que, en la búsqueda de formación educativa, las niñas y adolescentes libran una guerra en el cuerpo que alude a la imbricación de la opresión de género y de etnia, con el uso y control de los cuerpos en encierro.
Principles of Intrinsic Motor Cortex Connectivity in Primates
Authors: Card Nicholas S. , Gharbawie Omar A.
Published: April 2020

The forelimb representation in motor cortex (M1) is an important model system in contemporary neuroscience. Efforts to understand the organization of the M1 forelimb representation in monkeys have focused on inputs and outputs. In contrast, intrinsic M1 connections remain mostly unexplored, which is surprising given that intra-areal connections universally outnumber extrinsic connections. To address this knowledge gap, we first mapped the M1 forelimb representation with intracortical microstimulation (ICMS) in male squirrel monkeys. Next, we determined the connectivity of individual M1 sites with ICMS + intrinsic signal optical imaging (ISOI). Every stimulation site activated a distinctive pattern of patches (∼0.25 to 1.0 mm radius) that we quantified in relation to the motor map. Arm sites activated patches that were mostly in arm zones. Hand sites followed the same principle, but to a lesser extent. The results collectively indicate that preferential connectivity between functionally matched patches is a prominent organizational principle in M1. Connectivity patterns for a given site were conserved across a range of current amplitudes, train durations, pulse frequencies, and microelectrode depths. In addition, we found close correspondence in somatosensory cortex between connectivity that we revealed with ICMS+ISOI and connections known from tracers. ICMS+ISOI is therefore an effective tool for mapping cortical connectivity and is particularly advantageous for sampling large numbers of sites. This feature was instrumental in revealing the spatial specificity of intrinsic M1 connections, which appear to be woven into the somatotopic organization of the forelimb representation. Such a framework invokes the modular organization well-established for sensory cortical areas.

SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENTIntrinsic connections are fundamental to the operations of any cortical area. Surprisingly little is known about the organization of intrinsic connections in motor cortex (M1). We addressed this knowledge gap using intracortical microstimulation (ICMS) concurrently with intrinsic signal optical imaging (ISOI). Quantifying the activation patterns from dozens of M1 sites allowed us to uncover a fundamental principle of M1 organization: M1 patches are preferentially connected with functionally matched patches. Relationship between intrinsic connections and neurophysiological map is well-established for sensory cortical areas, but our study is the first to extend this framework to M1. Microstimulation+imaging opened a unique possibility for investigating the connectivity of dozens of tightly spaced M1 sites, which was the linchpin for uncovering organizational principles.
Experience-Dependent Coding of Time-Dependent Frequency Trajectories by Off Responses in Secondary Auditory Cortex
Authors: Chong Kelly K. , Anandakumar Dakshitha B. , Dunlap Alex G. , Kacsoh Dorottya B. , Liu Robert C.
Published: April 2020

Time-dependent frequency trajectories are an inherent feature of many behaviorally relevant sounds, such as species-specific vocalizations. Dynamic frequency trajectories, even in short sounds, often convey meaningful information, which may be used to differentiate sound categories. However, it is not clear what and where neural responses in the auditory cortical pathway are critical for conveying information about behaviorally relevant frequency trajectories, and how these responses change with experience. Here, we uncover tuning to subtle variations in frequency trajectories in auditory cortex of female mice. We found that auditory cortical responses could be modulated by variations in a pure tone trajectory as small as 1/24th of an octave, comparable to what has been reported in primates. In particular, late spiking after the end of a sound stimulus was more often sensitive to the sound's subtle frequency variation compared with spiking during the sound. Such “Off” responses in the adult A2, but not those in core auditory cortex, were plastic in a way that may enhance the representation of a newly acquired, behaviorally relevant sound category. We illustrate this with the maternal mouse paradigm for natural vocalization learning. By using an ethologically inspired paradigm to drive auditory responses in higher-order neurons, our results demonstrate that mouse auditory cortex can track fine frequency changes, which allows A2 Off responses in particular to better respond to pitch trajectories that distinguish behaviorally relevant, natural sound categories.

SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENTA whistle's pitch conveys meaning to its listener, as when dogs learn that distinct pitch trajectories whistled by their owner differentiate specific commands. Many species use pitch trajectories in their own vocalizations to distinguish sound categories, such as in human languages, such as Mandarin. How and where auditory neural activity encodes these pitch trajectories as their meaning is learned but not well understood, especially for short-duration sounds. We studied this in mice, where infants use ultrasonic whistles to communicate to adults. We found that late neural firing after a sound ends can be tuned to how the pitch changes in time, and that this response in a secondary auditory cortical field changes with experience to acquire a pitch change's meaning.
Frequency-Dependent Block of Excitatory Neurotransmission by Isoflurane via Dual Presynaptic Mechanisms
Authors: Wang Han-Ying , Eguchi Kohgaku , Yamashita Takayuki , Takahashi Tomoyuki
Published: April 2020

Volatile anesthetics are widely used for surgery, but neuronal mechanisms of anesthesia remain unidentified. At the calyx of Held in brainstem slices from rats of either sex, isoflurane at clinical doses attenuated EPSCs by decreasing the release probability and the number of readily releasable vesicles. In presynaptic recordings of Ca2+currents and exocytic capacitance changes, isoflurane attenuated exocytosis by inhibiting Ca2+currents evoked by a short presynaptic depolarization, whereas it inhibited exocytosis evoked by a prolonged depolarization via directly blocking exocytic machinery downstream of Ca2+influx. Since the length of presynaptic depolarization can simulate the frequency of synaptic inputs, isoflurane anesthesia is likely mediated by distinct dual mechanisms, depending on input frequencies. In simultaneous presynaptic and postsynaptic action potential recordings, isoflurane impaired the fidelity of repetitive spike transmission, more strongly at higher frequencies. Furthermore, in the cerebrum of adult mice, isoflurane inhibited monosynaptic corticocortical spike transmission, preferentially at a higher frequency. We conclude that dual presynaptic mechanisms operate for the anesthetic action of isoflurane, of which direct inhibition of exocytic machinery plays a low-pass filtering role in spike transmission at central excitatory synapses.

SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENTSynaptic mechanisms of general anesthesia remain unidentified. In rat brainstem slices, isoflurane inhibits excitatory transmitter release by blocking presynaptic Ca2+channels and exocytic machinery, with the latter mechanism predominating in its inhibitory effect on high-frequency transmission. Both in slice andin vivo, isoflurane preferentially inhibits spike transmission induced by high-frequency presynaptic inputs. This low-pass filtering action of isoflurane likely plays a significant role in general anesthesia.
Ethno-Stem Project-Based Learning: Its Impact to Critical and Creative Thinking Skills
Authors: Sumarni W. , Kadarwati S.
Published: April 2020

Guiding students how to think critically and creatively is a crucial part of the educational process in order to meet the required skills to face the 21st century. In addition, attention to the local culture especially that is closely related to the scientific concepts needs to be strongly emphasized. Due to those two aspects i.e. creative and critical thinking as well as attention to local culture, the ethno-STEM project-based learning for high school students has been implemented and its impact to students’ critical and creative thinking skills has been investigated. This study involved 230 students from seven high schools in Central Java Indonesia. The data collection was carried out through a set of instruments to reveal the students’ critical and creative thinking skills. The instruments were declared as valid based on the experts’ judgment and showed an Alpha Cronbach score of 0.79 prior to use. The results showed that the ethno-STEM project-based learning was able to improve the average critical and creative thinking skills of students in all indicators varying from low to medium categories. The improvement of students' critical thinking skills was observed by the achievement of the N-gain score, i.e. 52 students (22.6%) achieved a high category, 102 students (44.4%) achieved a medium category, and 76 students (33.0%) achieved a low category. Moreover, an increase in the creative thinking skills was also observed, indicated by the N-gain score, i.e. 63 students (27.4%) were at a high category, 109 students (47.4%) were at a medium category, and 58 students (25.2%) were at a low category. In conclusion, the ethno-STEM project-based learning showed a significant effect on the improvement of students' critical and creative thinking skills.
A Simple Approach to Teach Newton’s Third Law
Authors: Mansyur J. , Kaharu S. N. , Holdsworth J.
Published: April 2020

The results of previous researches indicated that there were problems with the mental model and students’ conceptual understanding of the action-reaction law (Newton’s third law, NTL). This research aimed to reveal the effect of a simple approach in teaching NTL. The research was conducted in the first-year of pre-service physics teachers at the Physics Education Department of Tadulako University. Research designs for three consecutive years were (1) one-group, pre-test, and post-test design, (2) a static group comparison (pre-test for the experimental group), and (3) a quasi-experimental. The approach used was an interactive demonstration that consisted of five phases, i.e: eliciting an intuitive argument, demonstrating a continuous force: pulling, demonstrating a continuous force: pushing, demonstrating impulsive force: collisions, and refining the concept with Elby’s pair. Data were collected using a multiple-choice test developed in previous research. The results of the data analyses showed that the approach could improve students’ understanding of the action-reaction law, supporting conceptual change by exhibiting N-gain in the moderate and high categories. The instructional design can be considered for implementation in learning in high schools, lecture on pre-service physics teachers and basic physics lecture, in general..
Can Einstein’s Theory of General Relativity be Taught to Indonesian High School Students?
Authors: Dua Y. S. , Blair D. G. , Kaur T. , Choudhary R. K.
Published: April 2020

The detections of gravitational waves, which culminated in the 2017 physics Noble Prize award have again confirmed the triumph of the theory of general relativity. This theory, together with quantum mechanics, forms the backbones of our modern understanding of the world and significantly contributes to modern technologies we are using today. Despite the importance of these theories, they are still rarely part of high school physics curricula worldwide, including the Indonesian physics curriculum, due to assumptions that these theories are too difficult for students to grasp. However, there has been a growing interest to bring these theories to younger students and general public and there is growing evidence that appropriate teaching can result in measurable learning. The purpose of this research was to explore the impact of activity-based learning using models and analogies on high school students’ conceptual understanding of general relativity related concepts. It was conducted in one class of 31 students who participated in a three-week period program. Testing of their conceptual understanding used identical pre/post-tests. The results indicated a strong and statistically significant improvement in students’ conceptual understanding with a large effect size. Interestingly, the results showed that the change in conceptual understanding to physics of girls was higher than boys.
Phytoremediation Potential of Cordyline Fruticosa for Lead Contaminated Soil
Authors: Herlina L. , Widianarko B. , Sunoko H. R.
Published: April 2020

Phytoremediation is a practical, environmentally-friendly, low-cost technological solution used to clean various types of pollution, including metals, pesticide residues, and oils from contaminated soil and water. In this study, Cordyline fruticosa was planted in the lead-contaminated soil. Each pot was given 250 mg/kg and 375 mg/kg of lead. The parameters observed included biomass (mg), lead content in the root, stem, and leaf, bioaccumulation factor, translocation factor, metal tolerance index, and amount of metal extraction, which were analyzed after 30, 60, and 90 days. The results revealed that root, stem and leaf biomass (g) were significantly different from control (T0). The lead contents were root<stem <leaf, while the translocation factor value was more than one, except for lead exposure 375 mg/kg (T2) in the second month and 250 mg/kg lead (T1) in the third month. The bioaccumulation factor for all treatments was less than one, and the metal tolerance index ranged from 90.87% - 93.07%. Besides, the amount of root metal extraction was smaller than the shoot. In sum, C. fruticosa is potential phytoremediation.
A Protamine Knockdown Mimics the Function ofSdinDrosophila melanogaster
Authors: Gingell Luke F , McLean Janna R
Published: April 2020

Segregation Distorter (SD) is an autosomal meiotic drive system found worldwide in natural populations of Drosophila melanogaster. This gene complex induces the preferential and nearly exclusive transmission of the SD chromosome in SD/SD+ males. This selfish propagation occurs through the interplay of the Sd locus, its enhancers and the Rsps locus during spermatid development. The key distorter locus, Sd, encodes a truncated but enzymatically active RanGAP (RanGTPase-activating protein), a key nuclear transport factor in the Ran signaling pathway. When encoded by Sd, RanGAP is mislocalized to the nucleus interior, which then traps Ran inside the nucleus and disrupts nuclear import. As a result of this aberrant nuclear transport, a process known as the histone-to-protamine transition that is required for proper spermatid condensation fails to occur in SD/SD+ males. In this process, sperm-specific protamine proteins enter the spermatid nucleus and replace the formerly chromatin-complexed histones. Previously, we have shown that mutations affecting nuclear import and export can enhance distortion in an SD background, thus verifying that a defect in nuclear transport is responsible for the unequal transmission of chromosomes. Herein, we show that specifically reducing protamines induces distortion in an SD background, verifying that protamines are transported via the RanGAP/GEF pathway and indicating that E(SD) plays a significant and unique role in the process of distortion.
Staphylinids (Coleoptera, Staphylinidae) of Ukrainian metropolises
Authors: Puchkov A. V. , Brygadyrenko V. V. , Faly L. I. , Komaromi N. A.
Published: April 2020

During hundreds of years, in large cities man has been forming a specific urban environment with original species composition of insect communities, including the most diverse group of predatory beetles – Staphylinidae family. Kyiv, Kharkiv, Dnipro are the three most populated cities of Ukraine. In the urban cenoses of these cities, over 140 species from 66 genera of Staphylinidae have been recorded. The total of 69 species (43 genera) were recorded in Kyiv, 67 (39 genera) in Dnipro and 66 (37 genera) in Kharkiv. Among them, , eight species in the catalogue of Palearctic staphylinds had not been previously recorded for Ukraine: Arpedium quadrum Grav., Atheta laticeps Thomson, Medon apicalis Kraatz, Ocalea rivularis Müll., Philonthus salinus Kiesenwetter, Quedius invreae Gridelli, Tasgius pedator Grav. and Xantholinus gallicus Coiffait. By number, common species accounted for 29 in Dnipro, 21 in Kyiv and 19 in Kharkiv. In all the metropolises, two species (Staphylinus caesareus Cederhjelm and Drusilla canaliculata (F.)) were identified as eudominants. Dominants and subdominants comprised 18–25 species. Almost two thirds of the fauna of staphylinids of the cities was classified as rare species. The lowest faunistic similarity was seen between the staphylinids of the urban cenoses of Dnipro and those in Kyiv and Kharkiv (15.3% and 17.5%), similarity was higher for Staphylinidae of Kyiv and Kharkiv (36.0%). Similarity by common species of staphylinids for Kyiv and Kharkiv equaled 73.9%, 28.2% for Dnipro and Kyiv and 37.1% for Dnipro and Kharkiv. The article offers a review of species diversity, number and ecological structure (biotopic confinedness, hygrothermal preference) of typical species of staphylinids in different urban cenoses of Kharkiv. Differences in qualitative-quantitative and ecological structures of staphylinids are related to the diversity of the conditions in a particular urban cenoses. The commonest representatives of the family in the metropolises were polytopic mesophilous carnivorous species.
Two methods for calculating the stress-strain state of shape memory alloy constructions taking into account tension-compression asymmetry
Authors: Stolbova O S , Tikhomirova K A
Published: April 2020

Two methods for calculating the phase-structural deformations of shape memory alloy (SMA) structures under complex stress conditions are considered. They both are based on the one-dimensional phenomenological model, which is built upon the relationship between the direct transformation and martensitic inelasticity diagrams, which makes it possible to uniformly describe strains in the phase and structural transformations, since both of the strain components are associated with the formation of oriented martensite. The ability of the model to describe a number of basic macromechanical effects caused by martensitic transformations in SMA was shown in our previous work. After the generalization to the case of a complex stress state it can successfully be used for solving certain engineering problems. The generalization of the model can be accomplished in two ways. The first method involves the construction of three-dimensional constitutive relations, proceeding from the previously developed one-dimensional relations and some simplifying hypotheses, and the numerical implementation of these relations by the finite element method. The second is the structural method, applicable to structures, in which the stress-strain state is described by one kinematic and one force parameter. This method suggests the use of structural diagrams of direct transformation and martensitic inelasticity, which are similar to the corresponding material diagrams, but establish the dependence of the phase-structural component of the kinematic parameter on the force parameter (not the dependence of phase-structural strains on the stress). Although the structural method is associated with the necessity to experimentally determine the structural diagrams, it has the advantage of significantly reducing the computational costs. Additionally, the article presents a comparison of two methods for describing the tension-compression asymmetry, and also develops a method taking finite deformations into account.
Structural parameter identification of a bolted connection embedded with a piezoelectric interface
Authors: Huynh Thanh-Canh
Published: April 2020

As the impedance-based technique has been commonly accepted as an innovative structural health monitoring tool, structural identification of a piezoelectric-driven system is of significant interest for damage identification and quantification. This study presents a predictive modelling strategy, which combines finite element (FE) method and a model-updating approach, for estimating the structural parameters of a piezoelectric interface-bolted connection system. Firstly, the basic operating principles of the piezoelectric-based smart interface are introduced. Secondly, a bolted connection is selected as a host structure to conduct real impedance measurement via the smart interface. Thirdly, a numerical FE model corresponding to the experimental model is established by using a FE program, COMSOL Multiphysics. A sensitivity-based model updating algorithm is adopted to fine-tune the FE model. Finally, structural parameters of the FE model are determined as the numerical impedance signatures match with the measured one at the same high-frequency frequency band with identical patterns. This study is expected to open an alternative approach for determining unknown structural parameters of the piezoelectric-driven system in practice.
Tissue equivalent transplantation in the treatment of certain skin injuries
Authors: Fominykh E. M. , Mitrofanov V. N. , Zhivtsov O. P. , Struchkov A. A. , Zubritskiy V. F. , Lebedeva Yu. N. , Vorotelyak E. A. , Sukhanov Yu. V.
Published: April 2020

Chronic ulcers are a common and socially significant problem worldwide. Autodermoplasty is the gold standard treatment for chronic ulcers. However, it is not always possible to perform this surgical procedure for a rather large group of patients, due to some reasons, which include high risk of autodermotransplant rejection, lack of donor material, and patient’s unwillingness to undergo surgery with an often unpredictable result. A potential solution to the problem is to use skin equivalents from allogeneic donor material. The use of allogeneic (donor) human cells makes it possible to fill the deficit of the patient’s donor resources and close wound without causing additional injury to the patient. This paper provides an overview of the application of foreign and domestic biomedical cell products in clinical trials and real clinical practice. We draw conclusions on the efficiency of the considered biomedical cell products in the treatment of chronic ulcers, evaluate the conducted research, and make recommendations on the most efficient use of allogeneic dermatotropic biomedical cell products.
Transplantation technologies for treatment of carbohydrate metabolism disorders
Authors: Zagainov V. Е. , Meleshina A. V. , Korneva К. G. , Vasenin S. А. , Zagaynova E. V.
Published: April 2020

The review includes results of retrospective and prospective clinical studies (foreign and national) and guidelines on the use of transplantation technologies for treatment of type 1 diabetes and pancreatogenic diabetes in chronic pancreatitis and pancreatic conditions. Modern data on prevalence of diabetes and modern insulin delivery methods are presented. Results of transplantation of pancreas and islets of Langerhans in primary insulin-dependent conditions are considered. Analysis of the technology for isolation and autotransplantation of islets after pancreatectomy in chronic pancreatitis and benign tumor diseases are given.
FATORES ASSOCIADOS AO COMPORTAMENTO DA POPULAÇÃO DURANTE O ISOLAMENTO SOCIAL NA PANDEMIA DE COVID-19
Authors: Bezerra Anselmo , Silva Carlos Eduardo Menezes da , Soares Fernando , Silva José Alexandre Menezes da
Published: April 2020

O artigo apresenta resultados da pesquisa de opinião realizada no Brasil sobre a percepção do isolamento social durante a pandemia de COVID-19. O questionário foi elaborado no Google Forms, disseminado por redes sociais, com questões sobre o perfil socioeconômico e fatores associados ao isolamento. Obteve-se uma amostra com 16.440 respondentes. Os dados foram analisados no software Stata 13. O convívio social foi o aspecto mais afetado entre pessoas com maior escolaridade e renda 45,8%, para pessoas de baixas renda e escolaridade, problemas financeiros provocam maior impacto 35%. Os que praticam atividade física revelaram menores níveis de estresse 13%, bem como uma maior normalidade no sono 50,3%. Pessoas que referiram residir em piores condições de habitabilidade, informaram disposição a permanecer menos tempo isoladas 73,9%. Dentre as pessoas que não estão isoladas (10,7% do total), 75,8% acredita que o isolamento social reduzirá o número de vítimas da COVID-19. Concluímos, que a percepção das pessoas quanto ao isolamento social como medida de mitigação da pandemia, varia conforme a renda, escolaridade, idade e sexo, porém a maior parte acredita que se trata da medida de controle mais indicada e estão dispostas a esperar o tempo que for necessário para contribuir com o enfrentamento à COVID-19.
Antitumor Activity of Larotrectinib in Esophageal Carcinoma withNTRKGene Amplification
Authors: Hempel Dirk , Wieland Thomas , Solfrank Beate , Grossmann Vera , Steinhard Johanna , Frick Andrea , Hempel Louisa , Eberl Thomas , Gaumann Andreas
Published: April 2020

Background

Increasing knowledge about the genomic changes underpinning cancer development and growth has led to a rapidly expanding number of individualized therapies that specifically target these changes in a patient's tumor. Here we present a case report of a patient with metastatic esophageal carcinoma whose tumor harbored NTRK1 gene amplification and who received targeted systemic therapy with larotrectinib. At initial diagnosis, the patient presented with tumor obstruction of the middle esophagus, simultaneous liver and lung metastases, UICC IV and WHO performance status 3.

Materials and Methods

The solid tumor genomic profiling test FoundationOne CDx (F1CDx) was used to detect clinically relevant genomic alterations that, in turn, might identify a targeted therapeutic approach if suggested by the findings. The patient was then treated with larotrectinib and had subsequent follow-up biopsies.

Results

Simultaneous biopsies of the primary tumor and liver lesions identified a metastatic squamous cell esophageal carcinoma. Comprehensive genomic profiling obtained from liver metastases identified numerous genomic alterations including amplification of NTRK1. Owing to the reduced performance status of the patient, chemotherapy could not be applied and was denied. Although larotrectinib is only approved for the treatment of cancers with NTRK gene fusions, treatment was started and led to a shrinkage of the primary tumor as well as the liver and lung metastases within 6 weeks according to RECIST criteria accompanied by tumor marker decrease. The NTRK1 gene amplification was below the limit of detection in a subsequent liver biopsy.

Conclusion

The use of comprehensive genomic profiling, specifically F1CDx, enabled the selection of a targeted therapy that led to a rapid reduction of the tumor and its metastases according to RECIST criteria. This case suggests that larotrectinib is not only effective in NTRK fusions but may be efficacious in cases with gene amplification.

Key Points

Advances in precision medicine have revolutionized the treatment of cancer and have allowed oncologists to perform more individualized therapy. This case shows that larotrectinib could also be effective in cases of NTRK amplification of cancer. Today, there is only limited knowledge about NTRK alterations in squamous epithelial carcinoma of the esophagus. Longitudinal tumor sequencing during the course of the disease may allow for the detection of a molecular genetic cause once the tumor progresses. Additional actionable gene alterations may then be identified, which may provide the rationale for a therapy switch.
Sistema robótico autónomo para la exploración y construcción de mapas en entornos estructurados
Authors: Acosta-Amaya Gustavo Alonso , Acosta-Gil Andrés Felipe , Jimenez Builes Jovani Alberto
Published: April 2020

Objetivo: Construir un sistema robótico para la exploración y el mapeo de entornos interiores de trabajo con una arquitectura y una metodología de diseño propia.  Metodología: Se definió una arquitectura y un diseño en la parte de hardware y en la parte lógica. En la parte lógica, se utilizó una representación del entorno basada en celdas de ocupación y una arquitectura de control fundada en comportamientos que fue implementada a través de un control fuzzy. Resultados: Se probó la plataforma robótica en escenarios estructurados como pasillos y salones. Su efectividad se comprobó mediante mapas construidos en un aplicativo desarrollado en Matlab. Conclusiones: Se demostró la capacidad de la plataforma robótica para construir mapas de su entorno de forma explícita, que, aun cuando pueden resultar más demandantes en lo computacional, permite una representación precisa y comprensible.
Identificación de perfiles característicos de las Tecnologías de la Información y Comunicación en empresas del sector manufacturero en Colombia mediante análisis de conglomerado y discriminante
Authors: De la Hoz Granadillo Efraín , Morelos Gómez José , Cardona Arbeláez Diego
Published: April 2020

Objetivo: Estructurar un método para analizar la adopción y uso de las Tecnologías de la Información y la Comunicación-TIC en 7542 empresas del sector manufacturero de Colombia.  Metodología: Para esta investigación se aplicaron las técnicas análisis multivariado de conglomerado y discriminante, y se tomaron los resultados de la encuesta anual manufacturera del Departamento Administrativo Nacional de Estadística de Colombia correspondiente al año 2017. Se aplicó un análisis de conglomerados para la identificación de perfiles característicos en la adopción y uso de las TIC, seguidamente se evaluó la capacidad de las variables analizadas para clasificar correctamente las empresas manufactureras en los perfiles identificados. Resultados: Los resultados muestran que el modelo clasifica correctamente en un 94,4% los perfiles TIC del sector manufacturero analizado. Conclusiones: La aplicación del método permitió contrastar la capacidad discriminante de las variables para identificar perfiles característicos significativamente homogéneos intra-grupos y heterogéneos extra-grupos.
Intracardiac perfusion with fixative for anatomical studies v1
Authors: R Keast Janet , B Osborne Peregrine , Wiedmann Nicole
Published: April 2020

This protocol is suitable for preserving tissues for anatomical studies of organs, ganglia, spinal cord or brain in adult rats. The protocol is performed under anesthesia and should incorporate all local requirements for standards of animal experimentation.
Cystometry in awake rats v1
Authors: R Keast Janet , B Osborne Peregrine , Wiedmann Nicole
Published: April 2020

This protocol is used for bladder cannulation and cystometry in an experimental adult male or female rat. The surgery is performed under anesthesia and should incorporate all local requirements for standards of animal experimentation, including methods of anesthesia, surgical environment, and post-operative monitoring and care.
Drug Liquid Imaging v1
Authors: Barlow Ida , Mcdermott-Rouse Adam
Published: April 2020

For imaging drug-treated young adult C. elegans in liquids using the Multiworm tracker. Worms are synchronised by picking L4s, and then theyoung adults are exposed to drugs for 4 hours prior to imaging for 15 mins in a liquid droplet on a coverslip mounted on a 3.5cm plate.
The validation of threshold decision ruls and calculator for APhiG algoritm for clarification of prostate cancer staging before treatment
Authors: Sergeeva N. S. , Skachkova T. E. , Marshutina N. V. , Nushko K. M. , Shevchuk I. M. , Nazirov M. R. , Alekseev B. Ya. , Pirogov S. A. , Yurkov E. F. , Gitis V. G. , Kaprin A. D.
Published: April 2020

Background. We have previously described an algorithm APhiG (Age of patients, Prostate health index and Gleason score), for staging of prostate cancer before treatment. The algorithm was developed by logistic regression on a training dataset and validated on a validation dataset (VD). Objective. Validation of threshold decision rules and a program for APhiG calculation on the VD.

Materials and methods. ROC curve analysis on VD (83 cases).

Results and conclusion. It was shown that sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative predictive value, diagnostic accuracy threshold decision rules and area under the curve (AUC) for APhiG in the VD (n = 83) not significantly different from those indicators in the training dataset (n = 337), which was the basis for the algorithm APhiG development.
Model of cultural research in the paradigm of theory of systems
Authors:   The National Academy of Culture and Arts, Herchanivska P. E.
Published: April 2020

The article is devoted to the development of culturological studies methodological model of the socio-cultural phenomenon based on the theory of systems principles. The analysisis based on a conceptual paradigm: Sociocultural object is a system consisting of separate parts, interconnected by certain relationships; the system is in continuous development and interaction with the external environment. The algorithm of system analysis contains: understanding the basic purpose and functions of the system; the choice of most optimal variant for partitioning system on components (subsystem, elements); introducing of the hierarchy of parts in the structure of the system; detection оf function of each subsystem and linkages between them; definition of the system connections with the environment (or other systems); study of the nature of the variability of the system, of its ability to development and adaptation to the environment. The classification of the sociocultural systems depends on the selected criteria, for example: on the nature of the items, their origin, the variability of propertie, the degree of difficulty, the attitude to the environment, etc. The article reveals the features of system analysis in cultural studies, as well as the potential of the theory of systems in the field of culturology for solving theoretical and practical problems. In the view of the synergetic model, the algorithm of the process of self-organization of the sociocultural system and the mechanisms governing this process are analyzed. The article shows that the self-organization of a sociocultural system is a nonlinear process that is a sequence of phase transitions from an equilibrium state through a nonequilibrium phase and dissipation to bifurcation and relaxation of the system. The process of intercultural interaction is considered through the prism of system analysis. The article shows that the openness of the socio-cultural system is a necessary and indispensable condition for intercultural interaction.
Decadence-literature: the imagery specificity
Authors:   Taras Shevchenko National University of Kyiv, Kyiv, Ukraine, Nosenok B. E.
Published: April 2020

This article is devoted to the imagery problem of the decadence-literature (as a general phenomenon that periodically repeats itself) and of the literature of the decadency (as an oeuvre of crisis developments in art of the late 19th and early 20th century). The decadence-literatureis a manifestation of the irreducibility. It is proposed to analyze the imagery based on the context of the modernist interpretation of the image / icon. Before the image was considered together with its mimetic foundation – as an imitation of the external world. But here the image is freed from its mimetism, and it turns into a kind of "immediate ontology" (it is the Gaston Bachelard’s term). The classical structure of the image (plot, storyline, composition) ceases to play a leading role, and gives way to a writing. The decadence-literature image lets visual elements into literature. Therefore,there is a displacement from the ontology of the image to the image as an ontology in the research of imagery. It is also important to use the methodology proposed by Georges Didi-Huberman and Paul Virilio: the combination of the hermeneutic approach in the philosophy of image with elements of psychoanalysis, and the method of dromology, which is the connection of special aspects of the physics, mathematics and philosophy. The methodology of the School of Sociology of Imagination is also appropriate. The image of the decadence-literature is marked by symbolism, imaginism (it isalso known the same direction in literature – with the same name). There is also the "genres-werewolves" when a work is called, for example, poetry in prose. A personality of the writer-author plays a great role here: the decadence-literature is saturated with a psychology and a biography that is turned insideout. It is the expression of the world of unforgiven, restless personalities, which is explained by the principle of creation from an absence, emptiness, depressive and melancholic states (nostalgia, fatigue, sweet melancholy). It's interesting that decadent moods contribute to creation here. Distinctive features of the authors of decadence-literature: soreness, tenderness, hypersensitivity, a difficult life path and an unstable world. The imagery that is generated by creativity of these individuals is marked by a special attitude to time and space, it is also directed to the past in an attempt to find a lost paradise - that existed before the crash.
Heuristic potential of the dialogue (on the material of the cultural creation project U. Eco and J.-C. Carrière "Do not hope to get rid of books!")
Authors: Onishchenko E. I. ,   Kyiv National I. K. Karpenko-Kary Theatre, Cinema and Television University
Published: April 2020

The article analyzes the culture-creative project by J.-C. Carrière and U. Eco "Do not hope to get rid of books!" The aim is to study the heuristic potential of the dialogue and to reveal the specifics of the creative process based on it. The methodology of the study includes the use of an interdisciplinary approach that relies on the achievements of cultural studies, aesthetic theory by both Ukrainain and foreign authors. Theoretical and practical parity personified by U. Eko and J.-C. Carrière leads to organic and almost imperceptible, the transition of the interlocutors from one topic to another, prompting the reader to reflect on certain "cultural issues", which, at times, are more than paradoxical. The scientific novelty lays in the disclosure of the specifics of a book as a cultural phenomenon, accentuating significantly. The potential of dialogue for understanding the dynamics and specifics of the creative process, the emotional state of the artist, the stimulilation of his creativity, the phenomenon of fantasy. The theoretical possibilities discovered in the process of analysis of this phenomenon stimulated exploration of the specificity of the transition from the language of the figurative types of art and architecture to the language of literature, mainly "fitting" the extrasis in the field of semiotic issues. This, in turn, led to the speculation regarding the reproduction of one type of art by means of another, thus revealing new aspects in the study of synthesis and sinews. Observations that are expressed in the pages of the "Do not Expect to Get Rid of Books!" dialogs not only expand, but also, to a large extent, change the angle of the analysis of the extrasis. The interpretation, which formally conflicts with the authentic principle, actually plays an important cultural role. It is on this correlation of the authentic and interpretative and emphasizes U. Eko's attention, considering it as the determining factor of the extrasis. The practical importance of the dialogue "Do not expect to get rid of books!", except for the cultural worth, has a powerful stimulating start, and its analysis is able to activate theoretical research, expanding, and sometimes - updating the range of modern Ukrainian humanitaristics.
Effect of Integrated Farmyard Manure and NP Fertilizers Use on Hybrid Maize Yield and Soil Properties in Western Ethiopia
Authors: Gemechu Bekele
Published: April 2020

A study was carried out to assess the effect of integrated Farmyard Manure (FYM) and inorganic NP fertilizers use on yield and soil properties in Bako-Tibe district of Oromia, western Ethiopia.  Five treatments  (i.e., 110 kg N ha-1 + 46 kg P2O5 ha-1 (T1), 12 ton FYM ha-1 (T2) , 55 kg N ha-1 + 23 kg P2O5 ha-1 + 6 ton FYM ha-1(T3),  27.5kg N ha-1  + 11.5 kg P2O5 ha-1 + 6 ton FYM ha-1(T4) and the control (T5)) were used in a Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) with five replications using  five farmers’ fields. Yield and yield related parameters were analyzed using SAS statistical software version 9.0. Economic analysis was performed to compare treatments advantages.  The treatment with half the recommended NP (55 kg N ha-1 + 23 kg P2O5 ha-1 + 6 ton FYM ha-1) showed superior plant growth performance as compared to other treatments. Pure use of inorganic NP resulted in high Na, K, Ca and P composition of grain while pure FYM use resulted in high content of Mg and Ca composition. The level of P in grain decreased with the increasing of FYM.  Soil fertility parameters considered showed no significance difference (P: 0.05) among the treatments. The mean difference values indicated that use of pure inorganic fertilizer increased soil PH, exchangeable Na, and available S. Use of pure farmyard manure resulted in an increase in the soil exchangeable Na, K, Mg, total Nitrogen, and available K and S. The use of half of the recommended inorganic fertilizer and FYM can enhance soil fertility in addition to yield improvement.
The Impact of Hospital Supplier Integration on Hospital Performance in Pakistan
Authors: Ali Asad , Siddiqui Danish Ahmed
Published: April 2020

The aim of this research is to analyze the Supplier Integration on performance of Hospitals within Pakistan. Four factors of supplier integration are identified as Logistics Integration (LI), Information Technology (IT), Cost Reduction (CR) and Information Sharing (IS) which have been analyzed using Smart PLS. Sample of 299 workers of hospitals is obtained using structured questionnaire comprising of 21 questions where the responses were measured on Likert Scale. Data was studied using SEM (Structural Equation Modelling). It was concluded that information sharing, information technology and cost reduction have significant impact on hospital performance while logistics integration has less significant impact on the hospital performance in Pakistan. The scope of this research is to conclude the factors involved in enhancing the performance of Hospitals by bringing about supplier integration.
Laser-induced Forward Transfer Hydrogel Printing: A Defined Route for Highly Controlled Process
Authors: Yusupov Vladimir , Churbanov Semyon , Churbanova Ekaterina , Bardakova Ksenia , Antoshin Artem , Evlashin Stanislav , Timashev Peter , Minaev Nikita
Published: April 2020

Laser-induced forward transfer is a versatile, non-contact, and nozzle-free printing technique which has demonstrated high potential for different printing applications with high resolution. In this article, three most widely used hydrogels in bioprinting (2% hyaluronic acid sodium salt, 1% methylcellulose, and 1% sodium alginate) were used to study laser printing processes. For this purpose, the authors applied a laser system based on a pulsed infrared laser (1064 nm wavelength, 8 ns pulse duration, 1 – 5 J/ cm2  laser fluence, and 30 μm laser spot size). A high-speed shooting showed that the increase in fluence caused a sequential change in the transfer regimes: No transfer regime, optimal jetting regime with a single droplet transfer, high speed regime, turbulent regime, and plume regime. It was demonstrated that in the optimal jetting regime, which led to printing with single droplets, the size and volume of droplets transferred to the acceptor slide increased almost linearly with the increase of laser fluence. It was also shown that the maintenance of a stable temperature (±2°C) allowed for neglecting the temperature-induced viscosity change of hydrogels. It was determined that under room conditions (20°C, humidity 50%), the hydrogel layer, due to drying processes, decreased with a speed of about 8 μm/min, which could lead to a temporal variation of the transfer process parameters. The authors developed a practical algorithm that allowed quick configuration of the laser printing process on an applied experimental setup. The configuration is provided by the change of the easily tunable parameters: Laser pulse energy, laser spot size, the distance between the donor ribbon and acceptor plate, as well as the thickness of the hydrogel layer on the donor ribbon slide.