bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Social Issues in Wind Power Projects in India
Authors: Ota Anil , Singh Manish
Published: October 2019

In the quest to increase dependence on non-conventional energy sources, India over the past few years has laid additional emphasis on the renewable sector. Within the renewable sector, wind power has emerged as the single-largest energy contributor in the country. The sector has been appreciated for having limited adverse implications on local communities, environment and ecology. However, off late, studies on individual projects and analysis of available sectoral data reveal that there are critical environmental and social (E&S) issues that the wind power sector needs to address. The present article, based on the review of available literature (articles/case studies, newspaper clippings, books and E&S Impact Assessment reports), has identified the key social issues affecting the sector. Based on discussions with renewable energy specialists and an assessment of available mitigation measures, recommendations have been proposed to address the identified areas of concern. It is believed that addressing the social issues of concern in the present article will contribute towards promoting socially responsible and long-term generation of renewable power in consonance with the renewable and wind power policies of India.
The Determinants of Corporate Debt Maturity for NSE-Listed Corporates
Authors: Kalsie Anjala , Nagpal Aishwarya
Published: October 2019

The maturity structure of corporate debt is one of the significant financing choices that a firm must make simultaneously while deciding how to finance its operational and investment decisions. Even though the capital structure is one of the scrutinized topics of interest in the area of corporate finance literature, there are scarce studies investigating corporate debt maturity—even less so in the context of emerging markets. The choice of a suitable debt maturity structure is extremely relevant for firms as it can enable them to avoid mismatch by aligning assets in line with liabilities, address agency related problems, sidestep the ill effects of cost of capital and signal about the firms’ earning quality and value. The study investigates the firm-specific and macroeconomic determinants that are significant for a debt maturity structure of Indian corporate firms. A sample of 29 non-financial firms listed on the National Stock Exchange during the period 2008–2016 was taken to test the hypothesis. Employing fixed effects panel data analysis, the study provides an empirical evidence that firm size, liquidity, asset maturity and base rate have significant effects on debt maturity choice in the Indian context, whereas tax effects, growth rate, firm quality and wholesale price index are not significantly related to the debt maturity structure.

JEL Classification: C23, G20, G32
Politics of Intellectual Property Rights (IPRs) in Medicine: The Dichotomies
Authors: Ranjan Rajiv
Published: October 2019

From a public policy perspective, how publicly funded medical research gets privatized by the award of patents is a critical issue. It leads to a loss of welfare for the poor people throughout the world and more so in the developing world. This raises issues related to health care provisioning and financing—namely public versus private intervention debate—accessibility and affordability issues, lack of medical researcher’s attention to the diseases pertaining to the poor only, geopolitical issues between the developed world and the developing world with regards to TRIPS among a host of other issues. In this article, it is shown how power and politics operate along dimensions of poor–rich, developed–developing world, public–private–NGOs and international agencies to keep the idea of IPRs as a critical instrument for health innovation alive.
Party Switching in Israel: Understanding the Split of the Labor Party in 2011
Authors: Nikolenyi Csaba
Published: October 2019

In January 2011, former Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Barak issued a surprising announcement to take four other members of his Labor Party’s Knesset faction with himself to set up a new political party, Haatzmaut (Independence). The conditions under which this split took place illustrate the ways in which the Israeli anti-defection law, passed in the 12th Knesset, incentivizes the behavior of elected legislators who seek to exit from the party that they were elected to represent. This article shows that the anti-defection law cannot keep a legislative party together that suffers from weak internal cohesion. In fact, by imposing numerical criterion (1/3) on prospective party switchers, the anti-defection law prolongs internal disunity, thereby further weakening an already low level of cohesion.
Connecting Mentoring to the Classroom: Lessons for Teachers of Female Undergraduates
Authors: Blewitt Joan M. , Shane Jordana M. Y.
Published: October 2019

This article provides pedagogical activities to help develop students into “model mentees.” Being a competent mentee is especially significant for young women who aspire to executive-level management positions. The authors conducted a qualitative study of 14 executive-level women and gained insights into how mentoring relationships affected these women’s careers. For the past four semesters, the findings have been used to enhance the content of two business courses, and they were also used to improve the preparation of students who participated in a career-oriented business forum. Further research should be conducted to establish best practices for designing and integrating into business school curricula not just opportunities for students to connect with mentors but also the idea of being a model mentee, which is especially important for female undergraduates.
Oxygen devices and delivery systems
Authors: Hardavella Georgia , Karampinis Ioannis , Frille Armin , Sreter Katherina , Rousalova Ilona
Published: October 2019

Oxygen use has extended from inpatient to outpatient settings for patients with chronic pulmonary diseases and complications of hypoxaemia. This article presents an overview of oxygen devices (oxygen concentrators, compressed gas cylinders and liquid oxygen) and delivery systems (high- and low-flow). The indications, advantages and disadvantages of each device and delivery system are presented, aiming to offer updated knowledge to the multidisciplinary team members managing patients with respiratory failure, and therefore allowing appropriate selection of devices and delivery systems that are tailored to the needs of each patient.
Establishment and application of a CRISPR–Cas12a assisted genome-editing system in Zymomonas mobilis
Authors: Shen Wei , Zhang Jun , Geng Binan , Qiu Mengyue , Hu Mimi , Yang Qing , Bao Weiwei , Xiao Yubei , Zheng Yanli , Peng Wenfang , Zhang Guimin , Ma Lixin , Yang Shihui
Published: October 2019

Background

Efficient and convenient genome-editing toolkits can expedite genomic research and strain improvement for desirable phenotypes. Zymomonas mobilis is a highly efficient ethanol-producing bacterium with a small genome size and desirable industrial characteristics, which makes it a promising chassis for biorefinery and synthetic biology studies. While classical techniques for genetic manipulation are available for Z. mobilis, efficient genetic engineering toolkits enabling rapidly systematic and high-throughput genome editing in Z. mobilis are still lacking.

Results

Using Cas12a (Cpf1) from Francisella novicida, a recombinant strain with inducible cas12a expression for genome editing was constructed in Z. mobilis ZM4, which can be used to mediate RNA-guided DNA cleavage at targeted genomic loci. gRNAs were then designed targeting the replicons of native plasmids of ZM4 with about 100% curing efficiency for three native plasmids. In addition, CRISPR–Cas12a recombineering was used to promote gene deletion and insertion in one step efficiently and precisely with efficiency up to 90%. Combined with single-stranded DNA (ssDNA), CRISPR–Cas12a system was also applied to introduce minor nucleotide modification precisely into the genome with high fidelity. Furthermore, the CRISPR–Cas12a system was employed to introduce a heterologous lactate dehydrogenase into Z. mobilis with a recombinant lactate-producing strain constructed.

Conclusions

This study applied CRISPR–Cas12a in Z. mobilis and established a genome editing tool for efficient and convenient genome engineering in Z. mobilis including plasmid curing, gene deletion and insertion, as well as nucleotide substitution, which can also be employed for metabolic engineering to help divert the carbon flux from ethanol production to other products such as lactate demonstrated in this work. The CRISPR–Cas12a system established in this study thus provides a versatile and powerful genome-editing tool in Z. mobilis for functional genomic research, strain improvement, as well as synthetic microbial chassis development for economic biochemical production.
Triple artemisinin-containing combination anti-malarial treatments should be implemented now to delay the emergence of resistance
Authors: White Nicholas J.
Published: October 2019

Resistance threatens all our currently available anti-malarial drugs. Triple artemisinin-containing combination anti-malarial treatments (TACTs) combine an artemisinin derivative with two slowly eliminated partner drugs. TACTs are undergoing large-scale trials. If they prove safe, well-tolerated and efficacious then they should be deployed. This is in order to protect and extend the useful therapeutic life of the current generation of anti-malarial drugs, which are so essential for malaria control and elimination.
On single-step HSS iterative method with circulant preconditioner for fractional diffusion equations
Authors: Zhu Mu-Zheng , Zhang Guo-Feng , Qi Ya-E
Published: October 2019

By exploiting Toeplitz-like structure and non-Hermitian dense property of the discrete coefficient matrix, a new double-layer iterative method called SHSS-PCG method is employed to solve the linear systems originating from the implicit finite difference discretization of fractional diffusion equations (FDEs). The method is a combination of the single-step Hermitian and skew-Hermitian splitting (SHSS) method with the preconditioned conjugate gradient (PCG) method. Further, the new circulant preconditioners are proposed to improve the efficiency of SHSS-PCG method, and the computation cost is further reduced via using the fast Fourier transform (FFT). Theoretical analysis shows that the SHSS-PCG iterative method with circulant preconditioners is convergent. Numerical experiments are given to show that our SHSS-PCG method with circulant preconditioners preforms very well, and the proposed circulant preconditioners are very efficient in accelerating the convergence rate.
Testimony at court: a randomised controlled trial investigating the art and science of persuading witnesses and victims to attend trial
Authors: Monnington-Taylor Evie , Bowers Kate , Streeter Hurle Pippa , Ward Liz , Ruda Simon , Sweeney Martin , Murray Alex , Whitehouse Jo
Published: October 2019

The presence of civilian witnesses and victims in court is central to the effective operation of the criminal justice system. However, there is evidence of significant non-attendance which can result in ineffective and cracked trials. To address this, West Midlands Police Witness Care Unit and the Behavioural Insights Team designed an intervention using behavioural insight principles consisting of (1) a new conversation guide for Witness Care Officers (WCOs); (2) a redesigned ‘Warning Letter’ confirming details of the proceedings; and (3) a new reminder call and SMS. The impact of the new approach was evaluated through a randomised controlled trial in which 36 WCOs were randomly assigned to either “business as usual” (control) or treatment. The evaluation used an intention-to-treat design with implementation guided and encouraged at several points. Subgroup analysis was undertaken to explore whether differential effects were seen for domestic violence cases or between those that were victims and witnesses. Results indicated that the treatment approach was directionally positive in all cases, but that the increase in attendance was not statistically significant. This is in line with findings of other similar research in this area.
Identification of Actionable Fusions as an Anti-EGFR Resistance Mechanism Using a Circulating Tumor DNA Assay
Authors: Clifton Katherine , Rich Thereasa A. , Parseghian Christine , Raymond Victoria M. , Dasari Arvind , Pereira Allan Andresson Lima , Willis Jason , Loree Jonathan M. , Bauer Todd M. , Chae Young Kwang , Sherrill Gary , Fanta Paul , Grothey Axel , Hendifar Andrew , Henry David , Mahadevan Daruka , Nezami Mohammad Amin , Tan Benjamin , Wainberg Zev A. , Lanman Richard , Kopetz Scott , Morris Van
Published: October 2019

PURPOSE

Gene fusions are established oncogenic drivers and emerging therapeutic targets in advanced colorectal cancer. This study aimed to detail the frequencies and clinicopathological features of gene fusions in colorectal cancer using a circulating tumor DNA assay.

METHODS

Circulating tumor DNA samples in patients with advanced colorectal cancer were analyzed at 4,581 unique time points using a validated plasma-based multigene assay that includes assessment of fusions in FGFR2, FGFR3, RET, ALK, NTRK1, and ROS1. Associations between fusions and clinicopathological features were measured using Fisher’s exact test. Relative frequencies of genomic alterations were compared between fusion-present and fusion-absent cases using an unpaired t test.

RESULTS

Forty-four unique fusions were identified in 40 (1.1%) of the 3,808 patients with circulating tumor DNA detected: RET (n = 6; 36% of all fusions detected), FGFR3 (n = 2; 27%), ALK (n = 10, 23%), NTRK1 (n = 3; 7%), ROS1 (n = 2; 5%), and FGFR2 (n = 1; 2%). Relative to nonfusion variants detected, fusions were more likely to be subclonal (odds ratio, 8.2; 95% CI, 2.94 to 23.00; P < .001). Mutations associated with a previously reported anti–epidermal growth factor receptor (anti-EGFR) therapy resistance signature (subclonal RAS and EGFR mutations) were found with fusions in FGFR3 (10 of 12 patients), RET (nine of 16 patients), and ALK (seven of 10 patients). For the 27 patients with available clinical histories, 21 (78%) had EGFR monoclonal antibody treatment before fusion detection.

CONCLUSION

Diverse and potentially actionable fusions can be detected using a circulating tumor DNA assay in patients with advanced colorectal cancer. Distribution of coexisting subclonal mutations in EGFR, KRAS, and NRAS in a subset of the patients with fusion-present colorectal cancer suggests that these fusions may arise as a novel mechanism of resistance to anti-EGFR therapies in patients with metastatic colorectal cancer.
Targeted knockout of GABA receptor gamma 2 subunit provokes transient light-induced reflex seizures in zebrafish larvae
Authors: Liao Meijiang , Kundap Uday , Rosch Richard E. , Burrows Dominic R. W. , Meyer Martin P. , Bencheikh Bouchra Ouled Amar , Cossette Patrick , Samarut Éric
Published: October 2019

Epilepsy is the most common primary neurological disorder characterized by the chronic tendency of a patient to experience epileptic seizures, which are abnormal body movements or cognitive states that result from excessive, hypersynchronous brain activity. Epilepsy has been found to have numerous etiologies and whilst about two thirds of epilepsies were classically considered idiopathic, a majority of those is now believed to be of genetic origin. Mutations in genes involved in GABA-mediated inhibitory neurotransmission have been associated with a broad range of epilepsy syndromes. Mutations in the GABA-A receptor gamma 2 subunit gene (GABRG2), for example, have been associated with absence epilepsy and febrile seizures in humans. Several rodent models of GABRG2 loss-of-function depict clinical features of the disease, however, alternative genetic models more amenable for the study of ictogenesis and for high-throughput screening purposes are still needed. In this context, we generated a gabrg2 knock-out zebrafish model (R23X) that displayed light/dark-induced reflex seizures. Through high-resolution in vivo calcium imaging of the brain, we showed that this phenotype is associated with widespread increases in neuronal activity that can be effectively alleviated by the anti-epileptic drug valproic acid. Moreover these seizures only occur at the larval stages but disappear after one week of age. Interestingly, our whole transcriptome analysis showed that gabrg2-KO does not alter the expression of genes in the larval brain. As a result, gabrg2-/- zebrafish is a novel in vivo genetic model of early epilepsies that opens new doors to investigate ictogenesis and for further drug-screening assays.
A gene-edited mouse model of limb-girdle muscular dystrophy 2C for testing exon skipping
Authors: Demonbreun Alexis R. , Wyatt Eugene J. , Fallon Katherine S. , Oosterbaan Claire C. , Page Patrick G. , Hadhazy Michele , Quattrocelli Mattia , Barefield David Y. , McNally Elizabeth M.
Published: October 2019

Limb-girdle muscular dystrophy type 2C is caused by autosomal recessive mutations in the γ-sarcoglycan (SGCG) gene. The most common SGCG mutation is a single nucleotide deletion from a stretch of five thymine residues in SGCG exon 6 (521ΔT). This founder mutation disrupts the transcript reading frame, abolishing protein expression. An antisense oligonucleotide exon-skipping method to reframe the human 521ΔT transcript requires skipping four exons to generate a functional, internally truncated protein. In vivo evaluation of this multi-exon skipping, antisense-mediated therapy requires a genetically appropriate mouse model. The human and mouse γ-sarcoglycan genes are highly homologous in sequence and gene structure, including the exon 6 region harboring the founder mutation. Herein, we describe a new mouse model of this form of limb-girdle muscular dystrophy generated using CRISPR/Cas9-mediated gene editing to introduce a single thymine deletion in murine exon 6, recreating the 521ΔT point mutation in Sgcg. These mice express the 521ΔT transcript, lack γ-sarcoglycan protein and exhibit a severe dystrophic phenotype. Phenotypic characterization demonstrated reduced muscle mass, increased sarcolemmal leak and fragility, and decreased muscle function, consistent with the human pathological findings. Furthermore, we showed that intramuscular administration of a murine-specific multiple exon-directed antisense oligonucleotide cocktail effectively corrected the 521ΔT reading frame. These data demonstrate a molecularly and pathologically suitable model for in vivo testing of a multi-exon skipping strategy to advance preclinical development of this genetic correction approach.
The Current State of Artificial Intelligence in Medical Imaging and Nuclear Medicine
Authors: Lee Louise I T , Kanthasamy Senthooran , Ayyalaraju Radha S , Ganatra Rakesh
Published: October 2019

The last decade has seen a huge surge in interest surrounding artificial intelligence (AI). AI has been around since the 1950s, although technological limitations in the early days meant performance was initially inferior compared to humans. 1 With rapid progression of algorithm design, growth of vast digital datasets and development of powerful computing power, AI now has the capability to outperform humans. Consequently, the integration of AI into the modern world is skyrocketing.

This review article will give an overview of the use of AI in the modern world and discuss current and potential uses in healthcare, with a particular focus on its applications and likely impact in medical imaging. We will discuss the consequences and challenges of AI integration into healthcare.
Extending the Base-of-the-Pyramid Concept
Authors: Joncourt Simon , Gebauer Heiko , Reynoso Javier , Cabrera Karla , Valdes Ana , Greve Katharina
Published: October 2019

The base-of-the-pyramid (BoP) concept plays a prominent role among the market-based perspectives for poverty alleviation. Previous literature reviews discuss the evolution of the BoP concept as a research domain, but several major research streams that approach the phenomenon from distinct angles have been overlooked. To address these shortcomings, the authors expand these reviews and formulate recommendations for theoretical and empirical advances by considering emerging research domains, including corporate social responsibility, inclusive business, microfinance, nonprofit expansion, social entrepreneurship, and subsistence marketplaces. In revising the BoP business model idea, the authors develop a framework that highlights key dimensions for management research in BoP markets, including business ecosystems, financial viability, innovativeness, resource scarcity, role of the poor and scalability.
Reticular Lichen planus in young female: Rare case study
Authors: Sachdev Rohan , Garg Kriti , Mukherjee Sekhar
Published: October 2019

Lichen planus is a chronic autoimmune disorder of mucosa and skin, mainly females in their forty to sixty years and rare in young age group. Etiology is still unknown; certain triggering factors include mental stress, medicines and systemic disorders. Oral Lichen planus is a painful disorder; mainly involve the buccal mucosa of the oral cavity. The reticular pattern is most common while atrophic and erosive type of oral lichen planus are less common. Here we present a rare case of a reticular lichen planus involving the right buccal mucosa and tongue of 18 years old female patient without any cutaneous lesions.
A participação de Octavio Corrêa na Revolta dos 18 do Forte de Copacabana
Authors: Stringuetti Lucas Mateus Vieira de Godoy
Published: October 2019

Resenha de: LICKS, Afonso. Octavio, o civil entre os 18 do Forte de Copacabana. Porto Alegre: Quattro Projetos, 2016. 144 p.
Poética da escavação: figurações da memória em Laura Alcoba
Authors: Da Cunha Moura Dayane Campos , Carrizo Silvina Liliana
Published: October 2019

Este artigo propõe uma reflexão sobre a questão da memória e sua narratividade a partir da [re]criação de uma voz calcada na experiência da clandestinidade sob o olhar infantil. Trata-se de analisar o retorno à vivência do trauma, do exílio e do silenciamento que, mais de trinta anos após o Golpe Cívico-Militar argentino, encontra via de expressão na língua francesa, idioma de acolhida de Laura Alcoba. A autora, exilada na França desde o final da década de setenta, filha de militantes do grupo Montoneros, evoca, nos livros aqui analisados, tanto os meses precedentes a 1976, quanto sua descoberta a um só tempo apaixonada e angustiada do francês, o exílio, as perdas e a forte ligação com o pai, sua travessia nas línguas e narrativas.
Revista Maracanan: 20 anos
Authors: Ferreira Tania M. T. Bessone da C.
Published: October 2019

Apresentação da Edição Especial de 20 anos da Revista Maracanan, periódico científico editado pelos professores do Programa de Pós-graduação em História da Universidade do Estado do Rio de Janeiro. Seu primeiro número foi impresso em 1999; a partir de 2014, passou para o formato eletrônico; e, a partir de 2019, ganhou publicação quadrimestral, com edições em janeiro, maio e setembro. O presente caderno traz o dossiê "As vidas abertas da América Latina: escritas (auto)biográficas", com colaborações de pesquisadores de diversas instituições do Brasil e do exterior.
O gênero excepcional. Apontamentos sobre a recepção de narrativas de escravos nos EUA
Authors: Silva Felipe Vale da
Published: October 2019

O artigo trata de uma história dupla de resistência: primeiramente, das narrativas de escravos como instrumento de luta contra o sistema escravagista dos EUA e, do outro lado do espectro, da resistência oferecida pelo establishment literário posterior, que negou lugar ao gênero no cânone. Analisaremos três argumentos acerca da recepção desse primeiro momento da prosa afro-americana no século XX. Tal exercício nos permite constatar como muitos de seus elementos estruturais foram compreendidos progressivamente, conforme abordagens interdisciplinares se acumularam e formaram uma comunidade de leitores apta a apreciá-las como um gênero singular daquele país. Para cada argumento desfavorável à apreciação das narrativas de escravo será contrastado um exemplo literário excepcional: em primeiro lugar isolaremos os tratamentos literários do New Criticism ao de F. O. Matthiessen com uma análise da retórica da obra de Frederick Douglass; em um segundo momento, o argumento de John Sekora contra a forma híbrida das narrativas de escravo será contrastado com as narrativas de Venture Smith, James Williams e William Grimes.
Entrevista com Marcelo Maluf
Authors: Carreira Shirley De Souza Gomes , Maluf Marcelo
Published: October 2019

Entrevista com o escritor Marcelo Maluf para o número 38 da revista Soletras.
A expressão escrita como tentativa de assimilação e representação de uma nova cultura nos romances Nove noites, de Bernardo Carvalho e O enteado, de Juan José Saer
Authors: Dos Santos Kelly Viana , Cyntrão Sylvia Helena
Published: October 2019

A busca de elucidação sobre acontecimentos ligados ao choque cultural vivido por quem decidiu deixar seu ambiente familiar e se aventurar em nova cultura totalmente desconhecida, torna-se objeto de investigação nos romances Nove noites (2002), do brasileiro Bernardo Carvalho e O Enteado (1983), do argentino Juan Jose Saer. Seja por meio da investigação jornalística (Carvalho) ou por meio da restauração de dados da memória (Saer), a expressão escrita se destaca como elemento de arrefecimento do choque cultural vivido, bem como de articulação de uma forma mais adequada de assimilação e de representação de uma nova cultura. Em ambos os casos, o decorrer do tempo e a distância espacial entre os acontecimentos e aqueles que se dispõem a narrá-los se demonstra como fator complicador. Em Bernardo Carvalho, há  reivindicação da expressão escrita como fonte de dados para a investigação dos acontecimentos e como auxílio à representação do personagem. Já no romance de Saer, a expressão escrita é ausente no momento dos acontecimentos, porém se faz necessária para completar a sua assimilação, no decorrer do tempo. Essas e outras questões serão analisadas mais detidamente neste estudo comparado, à luz dos conceitos de identidade narrativa e da tríplice mimese de Paul Ricoeur.
Bombaim: cidade máxima - ética da autoconstrução na era urbana
Authors: Cruz Tarso Do Amaral de Souza
Published: October 2019

O presente texto tem por objetivo explorar alguns dos pontos centrais da obra Bombaim: cidade máxima, do escritor indiano Suketu Mehta, a fim de explicitar como Mehta, por meio de sua exploração da cidade de Bombaim e dos personagens ‘extremos’ que nela vivem, confecciona uma nova identidade para a cidade que trazia na memória e, a reboque, reconfigura o entendimento sobre sua própria identidade de escritor/artista imigrante. Uma das características mais emblemáticas de Bombaim: cidade máxima é precisamente a imbricação promovida por Mehta entre a narrativa que constrói a respeito da cidade de Bombaim e sua própria história pessoal. Ou seja, Bombaim: cidade máxima tem uma natureza híbrida que mescla aspectos autobiográficos com descrições sobre a cidade, em uma narrativa simbiótica na qual as representações da cidade e as do próprio Mehta são mutuamente influentes e interpenetráveis. Sendo assim, na obra de Mehta, a cidade se mostra configurada como o local por excelência para a investigação intelectual e, devido ao caráter marcadamente autobiográfico da narrativa de Mehta, o local por excelência, também, para a autoinvestigação.
Late presentation of spinal cord compression in hereditary multiple exostosis: Case reports and review of the literature
Authors: Gigi R. , Kurian B. T. , Cole A. , Fernandes J. A.
Published: October 2019

Introduction

Osteochondromas are usually found in the long bones of patients with hereditary multiple exostoses (HME). The spine is reported to be involved in over 50% of cases, but few of these patients are symptomatic as the result of an existing spinal exostosis.

Methods

We reviewed the current literature in order to find the right approach to patients with HME-complicated spinal exostosis and describe three paediatric patients that were diagnosed late with spinal cord compression due to cervical exostosis.

Results

Our three cases were all late presentations with neurology and unfortunately had minimal improvement of neurology after the lesion was surgically removed. There is general agreement that late presentation of spinal cord injury due to osteochondromas involving the cervical spine may cause severe and irreversible neurological sequelae. Our literature review revealed that there are no clear-cut guidelines to develop more comprehensive screening measures for these patients.

Conclusions

A high index of suspicion is the most important factor for correct diagnosis and appropriate management. Physicians who treat HME should bear in mind that thorough history taking and a neurological examination at follow up are essential for these patients. Clearer guidelines for the development of more comprehensive screening programmes are essential.

Level of evidence

IV
Comparison of Moseley and Rotterdam straight-line graphs in predicting leg lengths and leg-length discrepancy at maturity
Authors: Shahrestani S. , Makarov M. R. , Jo C.-H. , Birch J. G.
Published: October 2019

Purpose

One method of predicting leg-length discrepancy at maturity is the Moseley straight-line graph. Beumer et al developed an alternative graph, using a more modern Dutch population. The purpose of this study was to compare the prediction accuracy of these two graphs in a cohort of patients treated at our institution using epiphysiodesis.

Methods

We identified 76 patients treated using epiphysiodesis for leg-length discrepancy who were followed to maturity and had adequate preoperative radiographic assessment for straight-line graph construction. We compared predicted long leg length (after epiphysiodesis), short leg length, and residual leg-length discrepancy to actual outcome for both methods, using both chronological and skeletal ages.

Results

Both methods were more accurate using skeletal age rather than chronological age. The Rotterdam graph showed modest improved accuracy compared to the Moseley graph in developmental aetiologies and in Hispanic patients. Using a difference of one centimetre in prediction error as clinically relevant (long leg [after epiphysiodesis], short leg, and leg-length discrepancy in each of the 76 patients, 228 predictions), we found comparable predictions in 171, more accurate prediction using the Rotterdam in 32, and using the Moseley in 25 predictions.

Conclusions

Straight-line graphs provide a generally more accurate prediction of leg lengths at maturity by virtue of multiple preoperative evaluations. The Rotterdam straight-line graph was equal to or superior to the Moseley graph in most patients in this cohort. Use of skeletal age resulted in more accurate predictions than chronological age. Clinicians should remain familiar with the concept and use of the straight-line graph.

Level of evidence

III, case-control study.
Hacked: Defining the 2016 Presidential Election in the Liberal Media
Authors: Justice Jacob W. , Bricker Brett J.
Published: October 2019

Despite consensus that Russia’s interference in the 2016 election did not extend to actual hacking of voting technology, Russian efforts to intervene on behalf of the Trump campaign have been defined as “hacking” by elements of the liberal media. This definition is broadly accepted in liberal circles, and there is now a widespread misperception that Russia tampered with voting technology to alter the outcome of the election. In this essay, we trace the emergence of this definition of Russia’s role in the 2016 election and explain the factors that led to its acceptance, arguing that the debate over Russia’s “hacking” illustrates that definitional arguments may operate differently than scholars have previously conceived. Traditional studies of definition emphasize the role of political leaders in crafting salient definitions, adopting a top-down approach. We argue that definitions also emerge from the bottom up, moving from media sources toward institutional centers of power. Our findings both illustrate the dangers of efforts to define Russia’s influence campaign as “hacking” and extend previous scholarship on definitional argument.
Insulin loading and some hormonal metabolic parameters in patients with the hypothalamic syndrome
Authors: Sokolov Ye. I. , Zayev A. P. , Khovanskaya T. P. , Zhizhina S. A. , Petrin S. V. , Razin A. S. , Filonov V. K.
Published: October 2019

Thirty-two men aged 18 to 28 with the hypothalamic syndrome and 64 age-matched healthy men were examined. Insulin test was carried out in 3 steps: before and 30 and 120 min after intravenous infusion of 0.15 U insulin per kg b.w. At all stages of insulin test, spirography parameters reflected the status of hypermetabolism connected with increased energy consumption and with a lesser efficacy of oxygen utilization. Measurements of hormones: ACTH, STH, and hydrocortisone in the blood and of adrenaline, noradrenaline, dopamine, and DOPA in the urine indicated a reduced regulatory function of the hypothalamo-pituitary-adrenal and sympathoadrenal systems in patients with the hypothalamic syndrome. Time course of IRI, glucose, pyruvate, and lactate levels in the blood plasma of patients with the hypothalamic syndrome was indicative of reduced insulin and glucose tolerance and of impaired utilization of glucose as an energy substrate.
Insulin resistance and impaired fat tolerance in men with coronary heart disease and ideal body weight
Authors: Dvoryashina I. V. , Starkova N. T. , Antonov A. B. , Monogarova Yu. Yu.
Published: October 2019

Hormonal and metabolic disorders underlie the development of coronary heart disease (CHD). Insulin resistance, hyperinsulinemia, dyslipdemia and frequently obesity play a particular role in the pathogenesis of this disease. The purpose of this study was to characterize the basic parameters of the metabolic insulin resistance syndrome in males with CHD and an ideal body weight. A hundred and fifty-eight males were examined. They were divided into 3 groups: 1) patients with CHD and an ideal body weight; 2) those with CHD and obesity; and 3) males without CHD and obesity (a control group). The patients underwent athropometric studies; computed tomography was performed to determine the volume of abdominal fatty tissue; the blood levels of glucose, insulin, and lipids were measured. Dietary food load tests were used to study the functional activity of the lipid-transport system. Group 1 patients were found to have the major signs of the metabolic insulin-resistance syndrome: basal and stimulated hyperinsulinemia, dyslipidemia, the increased volume of visceral fatty tissue, and impaired fat tolerance.
Features of paroxysmal disorders and epilepsy
in patients with organic hyperinsulinism
Authors: Rudakova I. G.
Published: October 2019

The rate of misdiagnosis of epilepsy was analyzed in 87 patients with organic hyperinsulinism (OH), which indicated that 83% of them were diagnosed as having epilepsy and had been receiving ineffective therapy with anticonvulsants (ACs) for 1 to 8years. The deteriorated course of OH was found with the use of the therapeutic doses of basic ACs. There was an extremely rare combination of epilepsy and OH (a single case has been described).
Familial adrenoleukodystrophy
Authors: Chumak S. A. , Pesochina E. A. , Ozerova L. S. , Pechersky В. V.
Published: October 2019

The article is devoted to the description of adrenoleukodystrophy - a hereditary disease with X - linked recessive type of inheritance, belonging to the group of peroxisomal diseases and manifested mainly by the defeat of the white matter of the nervous system and the adrenal cortex.
Autoimmune thyroid diseases and pregnancy
Authors: Fadeyev V. K. , Lesnikova S. V.
Published: October 2019

The article devoted to the autoimmune thyroid diseases and pregnancy
Secondary hyperparathyroidism in patients with end-stage chronic renal failure
Authors: Smorshchok V. N. , Kuznetsov N. S. , Rozhinskaya L. Ya. , Beltsevich D. G.
Published: October 2019

The article devoted to the secondary hyperparathyroidism in patients with end-stage chronic renal failure
Desarrollo de plataforma para implementación de robots colaborativos
Authors: Moctezuma Gutiérrez Sebastián Gael , Cruz Pazarán Arturo , Galicia Mejía Rubén , Oliva Moreno Luz Noé
Published: October 2019

Los robots colaborativos son de interés en variadas áreas de control, especialmente en la manipulación, desarrollo y precisión de tareas programadas; parte de su funcionalidad radica, entonces, en la plataforma de comunicación entre ellos. En este artículo de investigación se presenta el desarrollo de una plataforma para la comunicación entre robots colaborativos empleando dispositivos lógicos programables CPLD (Complex Programmable Logic Device), sensores ultrasónicos y sensores infrarrojos con la finalidad de que realicen múltiples tareas. Según la forma en que sean programadas, estas plataformas robóticas pueden apoyarlas empresas a enfrentar dificultades tales como los altos costos derivados de otras plataformas robóticas convencionales; asimismo, pueden orientarse a facilitar tareas cotidianas —como la transportación de objetos o el apoyo en labores domésticas—que se pueden automatizar de manera eficaz.
Dispositivo háptico vibrotáctil inalámbrico para asistencia de actividades motoras
Authors: Torres Castillo Jonathan Roberto , Pérez Lomelí Juan Salvador , Camargo Casallas Esperanza , Padilla Castañeda Miguel Ángel
Published: October 2019

El presente artículo describe la investigación que condujo al desarrollo de un dispositivo háptico inalámbrico, capaz de generar estímulos mecánicos vibrotáctiles en diferentes puntos de la piel—y a frecuencias deseadas—por medio de dieciséis actuadores contenidos en un brazalete portátil diseñado para cualquier extremidad del cuerpo humano. Este prototipo permite tener control sobre cada actuador usado como punto de estimulación, accionado de forma independiente por medio de comandos transmitidos inalámbricamente hacia un sistema de control autónomo recargable dispuesto en el brazalete. Se realizaron pruebas de usabilidad, con respecto a la percepción táctil, que comprobaron el correcto funcionamiento del dispositivo. En perspectiva, el desarrollo, luego de una variedad de pruebas de validación con una amplia muestra de pacientes con y sin neuropatías, tiene como fin la creación de una base de datos para ser usada como valores consigna frente a estos pacientes—esperando que el sistema se use también en pacientes con déficit de movimiento— y empleando la percepción táctil como estimulante psicomotor en la ejecución de actividades motoras.
Prototipo DAS basado en FPGA de 12 canales para monitoreo geodinámico
Authors: Enríquez Wilson , Nazate Paola , Marcillo Omar
Published: October 2019

La directriz del presente proyecto crear un sistema de adquisición y grabación de señales sísmicas que sea compacto, confiable y flexible para adaptarse a las necesidades de trabajar en estaciones de monitoreo volcánico y sísmico. Para alcanzar el objetivo se empleó el FPGA Spartan-6 LX45 como base del sistema embebido de adquisición continua de datos a velocidad configurable hasta 50 Ksps. Además el prototipo cuenta con comunicación vía Ethernet, 12 canales de ADC de 24 bits expandible hasta 24 canales, almacenamiento de datos en memoria USB, interfaz amigable, indicador de información en LCD y sincronización de tiempo UTC mediante GPS externo. Como resultado del presente proyecto se obtuvo un dispositivo electrónico embebido para aplicaciones sísmicas como: monitoreo, refracción o reflexión y aplicaciones para estudios vulcanológicos con antenas de sensores, que además es compatible con softwares de visualización y gestión de datos sísmicos
Adaptive video transmission over software defined networks
Authors: Sanabria Navarro Fran Wilson , Bustos Juan Gabriel , Castellanos Hernández Wilder Eduardo
Published: October 2019

This paper presents the results of a study on the evaluation of adaptive transmission of video streams using the DASH technique on Software Defined Networks. There are also presented in this document, the description of the tools required for the implementation of the evaluation, as well as a description of the methodology used for the development of the experiments. In addition, the results of an adaptive transmission of a video by using DASH are presented. This transmission was carried out over a software defined network emulated on MININET. The results show that DASH technique easily allows to implement video streaming services that can adapt the quality of the transmission according to the resources available in the network.
Control of diversity in genetic algorithms using multimodal strategies
Authors: Hernández Martínez Henry Alberto , Luengas Contreras Lely Adriana
Published: October 2019

An optimization process is a kind of process that systematically comes up with solutions that are better than a previous solution used before. Optimization algorithms are used to find solutions which are optimal or near-optimal with respect to some goals, to evaluate design tradeoffs, to assess control systems, to find patterns in data, and to find the optimum values (local or global) of mathematical functions. A genetic algorithm is one of the optimization techniques. In this way, a heuristic search that is inspired by Charles Darwin’s theory of natural evolution. This algorithm reflects the process of natural selection where the fittest individuals are selected for reproduction in order to produce offspring of the next generation which are population algorithms that emulate behavior similar to Darwinian natural selection. Taking into account these issues, this article shows the performance of a genetic algorithm designed, which allows to find several minimums within a function from the control of population diversity. To perform the tests, the algorithm with four different functions was used, with the particularity of having several minima with the same value. Proposed strategy was compared with a conventional genetic algorithm, the result was the conventional one can only find some of the minimums of the function and sometimes only one, while the proposal finds most of the minimums
Design of a nursing call system: an alternative
Authors: Calvo Salcedo Andrés Felipe , Henao Baena Carlos Alberto , Castillo González Andrés
Published: October 2019

In this article, it is proposed a prototype oriented to nurse-call, which allows to create and inform the request of emergency care of a patient to the public, by means of embedded devices like the Raspberry Pi and a Display Touchscreen LCD. The emergency call is carried out by means of a network of switches that activate a channel, then this signal is conditioned and processed to be transmitted by means of a serial bus RS-485, then the received message is decoded and shown on an LCD screen, finally the request information is stored in a database. Some experiments were conducted to evaluate the energy consumption, the rate of data loss, the scope, as well as tests to validate the scalability of the prototype. The results show that the proposal presents an increase in the demand of electric energy, mainly due to the characteristics of the technology used, however, the results show that the designed system allows to quantify the dynamic in the time of the nurse-call and is compatible with other similar systems.
Forensic analysis with hacking tools on android devices
Authors: Arévalo Ortega Yamir Alexander , Corredor Vargas Sonia Rocio , Higuera Castro Gustavo Adolfo
Published: October 2019

Currently, the use of mobile terminals is becoming a necessity for a high number of people around the world which has driven the development of devices with Android operating system; In addition to this, the same indiscriminate access to resources of internet and weak local and international regulations on the use, they have become vulnerable to attacks on the network - injection of malware, ransomware-, among many others. Therefore, this article reviews the hacking tools for the forensic investigation of mobile terminals, proposing from the documentary research a forensic information acquisition model to determine tangible and significant evidences as a probative material.
Modelling of the carotid artery
Authors: Espinosa Medina Ricardo Alonso , Fuentes Muñoz Hermes Darío
Published: October 2019

This study presents a modelling for the carotid artery that allows to analyze the theoretical behavior of pressure, flow and arterial volume in it, from the variation of both physical and physiological characteristics, such as: the thickness and length of the vessel blood, the viscosity and density of blood; determinants in the study of the normal functionality of the artery. The model of the arterial vessel –an adaptation of the Windkessel model of three elements, reported by Westerhof and Stergiopulos–, consists of an electrical circuit composed of passive RLC elements. The arterial segment was analyzed by mathematical and computational tools, relating Poiseuille's laws and electric laws. The pressure, flow and volume curves were obtained when changes occurred in the measurable characteristics of the carotid artery, in order to facilitate the medical interpretation of possible pathologies related to these changes.
Development of remote laboratories oriented to virtual environment
Authors: Espejo Mojica Oscar Gabriel
Published: October 2019

This article shows the process of designing a system of workbenches for laboratory practices oriented to virtual environments by using remote instrumentation techniques.. The process was linked to a Research process in an Instrumentation Research Seeder in the Corporación Universitaria Minuto de Dios, Colombian University. The document also presents the design process from the concept generation and Embodiment Design to the construction of a Basic Electronics Functional Prototype, including a remote access, and a trainer. One of the most important conclusion of the project points to the fact that the Remote Laboratories system is a very powerful didactic tool, not only in Virtual Education Processes, but also it will be used in a lot of academic environments.
Bayesian methods for classification inappropriate web pages
Authors: Rodríguez R Jorge E. , Ortiz Pimiento Jenny Paola
Published: October 2019

The incursion of the Internet has created new forms of information and communication, but it can also carry great dangers, when its use is related to inappropriate content, such as, access to harmful contents and the rise of new kinds of crimes.   In this situation, automatic filtering systems identify improper Internet content. This paper describes the use of an algorithm, to automatically filter out inappropriate Web pages. To accomplish this (automatic filtering) task implementation method TAN (Tree Augmented Naive Bayes) is plasma. Data mining algorithms and computational learning for the extraction process, representation and classification of web pages are implemented.