bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Maize root and shoot litter quality controls short-term CO2 and N2O emissions and bacterial community structure of arable soil
Authors: Rummel Pauline Sophie , Pfeiffer Birgit , Pausch Johanna , Well Reinhard , Schneider Dominik , Dittert Klaus
Published: February 2020

Abstract. Chemical composition of root and shoot litter controls
decomposition and, subsequently, C availability for biological nitrogen
transformation processes in soils. While aboveground plant residues have
been proven to increase N2O emissions, studies on root litter effects
are scarce. This study aimed (1) to evaluate how fresh maize root litter
affects N2O emissions compared to fresh maize shoot litter, (2) to
assess whether N2O emissions are related to the interaction of C and N
mineralization from soil and litter, and (3) to analyze changes in soil
microbial community structures related to litter input and N2O
emissions. To obtain root and shoot litter, maize plants (Zea mays L.) were cultivated with two
N fertilizer levels in a greenhouse and harvested. A two-factorial 22 d
laboratory incubation experiment was set up with soil from both N levels
(N1, N2) and three litter addition treatments (control, root, root + shoot).
We measured CO2 and N2O fluxes, analyzed soil mineral N and water-extractable organic C (WEOC) concentrations, and determined quality
parameters of maize litter. Bacterial community structures were analyzed
using 16S rRNA gene sequencing. Maize litter quality controlled NO3- and WEOC availability and
decomposition-related CO2 emissions. Emissions induced by maize root
litter remained low, while high bioavailability of maize shoot litter
strongly increased CO2 and N2O emissions when both root and shoot
litter were added. We identified a strong positive correlation between
cumulative CO2 and N2O emissions, supporting our hypothesis that
litter quality affects denitrification by creating plant-litter-associated
anaerobic microsites. The interdependency of C and N availability was
validated by analyses of regression. Moreover, there was a strong positive
interaction between soil NO3- and WEOC concentration resulting in
much higher N2O emissions, when both NO3- and WEOC were
available. A significant correlation was observed between total CO2 and
N2O emissions, the soil bacterial community composition, and the litter
level, showing a clear separation of root + shoot samples of all remaining
samples. Bacterial diversity decreased with higher N level and higher input
of easily available C. Altogether, changes in bacterial community structure
reflected degradability of maize litter with easily degradable C from maize
shoot litter favoring fast-growing C-cycling and N-reducing bacteria of the
phyla Actinobacteria, Chloroflexi, Firmicutes, and Proteobacteria. In conclusion, litter quality is a major driver of N2O
and CO2 emissions from crop residues, especially when soil mineral N is
limited.
Spatially asynchronous changes in strength and stability of terrestrial net ecosystem productivity
Authors: Cui Erqian , Bian Chenyu , Luo Yiqi , Niu Shuli , Wang Yingping , Xia Jianyang
Published: February 2020

Abstract. Multiple lines of evidence have demonstrated the persistence of global land carbon (C) sink during the past several decades. However, both annual net ecosystem productivity (NEP) and its inter-annual variation (IAVNEP) keep varying over space. Thus, identifying local indicators for the spatially varying NEP and IAVNEP is critical for locating the major and sustainable C sinks on the land. Here, based on a machine-learning-derived database, we first showed that the variations of NEP and IAVNEP are spatially asynchronous. Then, based on daily NEP observations from eddy covariance sites, we found robust logarithmic correlation between annual NEP and ratio of total CO2 exchanges during net uptake (U) and release (R) periods (i.e., U/R). The cross-site variation of mean annual NEP can be linearly indicated by ln(U/R), while the spatial distribution of IAVNEP was well indicated by the slope (i.e., β) of the demonstrated logarithmic correlation. Among biomes, for example, forests and croplands had the largest U/R ratio (1.06 ± 0.83) and β (473 ± 112 g C m−2 yr−1), indicating the highest NEP and IAVNEP in forests and croplands, respectively. We further showed that the spatial variations of NEP and IAVNEP were both underestimated by the machine-learning-based and process-based global models. Overall, this study underscores the asynchronously changes in the strength and stability of land C sinks over space, and provides two simple local indicators for their intricate spatial variations. These indicators could be helpful for locating the persistent terrestrial C sinks and provides valuable constraints for improving the simulation of land-atmospheric C exchanges.
TephraKam: geochemical database of glass compositions in tephra and welded tuffs from the Kamchatka volcanic arc (northwestern Pacific)
Authors: Portnyagin Maxim V. , Ponomareva Vera V. , Zelenin Egor A. , Bazanova Lilia I. , Pevzner Maria M. , Plechova Anastasia A. , Rogozin Aleksei N. , Garbe-Schönberg Dieter
Published: February 2020

Abstract. Tephra layers produced by volcanic eruptions are widely
used for correlation and dating of various deposits and landforms, for
synchronization of disparate paleoenvironmental archives, and for
reconstruction of magma origin. Here we present our original database
TephraKam, which includes chemical compositions of volcanic glass in tephra
and welded tuffs from the Kamchatka volcanic arc. The database contains 7049
single-shard major element analyses obtained by electron microprobe and 738
trace element analyses obtained by laser ablation inductively coupled plasma
mass spectrometry on 487 samples collected in close proximity to their volcanic
sources in all volcanic zones in Kamchatka. The samples characterize about
300 explosive eruptions, which occurred in Kamchatka from the Miocene up to
recent times. Precise or estimated ages for all samples are based on
published 39Ar∕40Ar dates of rocks and 14C dates of host
sediments, statistical age modeling and geologic relationships with dated
units. All data in TephraKam are supported by information about source
volcanoes and analytical details. Using the data, we present an overview of
geochemical variations in Kamchatka volcanic glasses and discuss applications
of these data for precise identification of tephra layers, their source
volcanoes, and temporal and spatial geochemical variations in pyroclastic rocks
in Kamchatka. The data files described in this paper are available on
ResearchGate at https://doi.org/10.13140/RG.2.2.23627.13606 (Portnyagin et
al., 2019).
Compilation of pollen productivity estimates and a taxonomically harmonised PPE dataset from Northern Hemisphere extratropics
Authors: Wieczorek Mareike , Herzschuh Ulrike
Published: February 2020

Abstract. Abstract Pollen productivity estimates (PPEs) are fractionate values of relative pollen productivity, often in relation to Poaceae, that allow vegetation cover to be estimated from pollen counts. PPEs are especially used in the European and Chinese scientific community, with a few studies in North America. Here we present a comprehensive compilation of available PPE studies and their results arising from 40 publications with 49 sites and 99 taxa. This compilation allows scientists to identify the best PPE for their own studies and to identify data-gaps in need of further PPE analyses. We also present a taxonomically harmonised, unified PPE dataset, which we generated from the available studies. Studies which did not have Poaceae as reference taxon were not included unless they included taxa which would otherwise drop out of the dataset. The unified dataset is based on 30 publications and 34 sites, and gives the mean PPE per taxon excluding outliers as well as fall speeds, which are necessary to reconstruct vegetation cover from pollen counts and PPE values. It contains 58 PPEs and 57 fall speeds, with 54 taxa having values for both. This dataset can be applied to broad scale or long-term pollen-vegetation analyses. Data are available at https://doi.pangaea.de/10.1594/PANGAEA.908862 (Wieczorek and Herzschuh, 2019).
Using isotopes to understand evaporation, moisture stress and re-wetting in catchment forest and grassland soils of the summer drought of 2018
Authors: Kleine Lukas , Tetzlaff Doerthe , Smith Aaron , Wang Hailong , Soulsby Chris
Published: February 2020

Abstract. In drought sensitive lowland catchments, ecohydrological feedbacks to climatic anomalies can give valuable insights into ecosystem functioning in the context of alarming climate change projections. However, the dynamic influences of vegetation on spatio-temporal processes in water cycling in the critical zone of catchments are not yet fully understood. We used stable isotopes to investigate the impacts of the 2018 drought on dominant soil-vegetation units of the mixed land-use Demnitzer Mill Creek (DMC, NE Germany) catchment (66 km²). The isotope sampling was carried out in conjunction with hydroclimatic, soil, groundwater, and vegetation monitoring. Drying soils, falling groundwater levels, cessation of stream flow and reduced crop yields demonstrated the failure of catchment water storage to support blue and green water fluxes. We further conducted monthly bulk soil water isotope sampling to assess the spatio-temporal dynamics of water soil storage under forest and grassland vegetation. Forest soils were drier than the grassland mainly due to higher interception and transpiration losses. However, the forest soils also had more freely draining shallow layers, and were dominated by rapid young (age  2 months), though the lack of deep percolation produced water ages ~ 1 year under forest. We found the displacement of any drought signal within the soil profile limited to the isotopic signatures and no displacement or memory effect in d-excess over the monthly time step, indicating rapid mixing of new rainfall. Our findings suggest that contrasting soil-vegetation assemblages communities have distinct impacts on ecohydrological partitioning and water ages in the sub surface. Such insights will be invaluable for developing sustainable land management strategies appropriate to water availability and build resilience to climate change.
Rainfall Estimates on a Gridded Network (REGEN) – a global land-based gridded dataset of daily precipitation from 1950 to 2016
Authors: Contractor Steefan , Donat Markus G. , Alexander Lisa V. , Ziese Markus , Meyer-Christoffer Anja , Schneider Udo , Rustemeier Elke , Becker Andreas , Durre Imke , Vose Russell S.
Published: February 2020

Abstract. We present a new global land-based daily precipitation dataset from 1950 using an interpolated network of in situ data called Rainfall Estimates on a Gridded Network – REGEN. We merged multiple archives of in situ data including two of the largest archives, the Global Historical Climatology Network – Daily (GHCN-Daily) hosted by National Centres of Environmental Information (NCEI), USA, and one hosted by the Global Precipitation Climatology Centre (GPCC) operated by Deutscher Wetterdienst (DWD). This resulted in an unprecedented station density compared to existing datasets. The station time series were quality-controlled using strict criteria and flagged values were removed. Remaining values were interpolated to create area-average estimates of daily precipitation for global land areas on a 1∘ × 1∘ latitude–longitude resolution. Besides the daily precipitation amounts, fields of standard deviation, kriging error and number of stations are also provided. We also provide a quality mask based on these uncertainty measures. For those interested in a dataset with lower station network variability we also provide a related dataset based on a network of long-term stations which interpolates stations with a record length of at least 40 years. The REGEN datasets are expected to contribute to the advancement of hydrological science and practice by facilitating studies aiming to understand changes and variability in several aspects of daily precipitation distributions, extremes and measures of hydrological intensity. Here we document the development of the dataset and guidelines for best practices for users with regards to the two datasets.
Impacts of non-ideality and the thermodynamic pressure work term pΔv on the surface energy balance
Authors: Massman William J.
Published: February 2020

Abstract. Present-day eddy-covariance-based methods for measuring the energy and mass exchange between the earth's surface and the atmosphere often do not
close the surface energy balance. Frequently the turbulent energy fluxes (sum of sensible and latent heat) underestimate the available energy (net
incoming radiation minus the soil conductive heat flux) by 10 % to 20 % or more. Over the last 3 or 4 decades several reasons for this
underestimation have been proposed, but nothing completely definitive has been found. This study examines the contribution of two rarely discussed
aspects of atmospheric thermodynamics to this underestimation: the non-ideality of atmospheric gases and the significance the water vapor flux has
for the sensible heat flux, an issue related to the pressure work term pΔv. The results were not unexpected; i.e., these effects are too
small to account for all of the imbalance between the sum of the turbulent fluxes and the available energy. Together they may contribute 1 %–3 % of
the difference (or 10 % to 15 % of the percentage imbalance).
Quantifying seasonal cornice dynamics using a terrestrial laser scanner in Svalbard, Norway
Authors: Hancock Holt , Eckerstorfer Markus , Prokop Alexander , Hendrikx Jordy
Published: February 2020

Abstract. Snow cornices develop along mountain ridges, edges of plateaus, and marked inflections in topography throughout regions with seasonal and permanent snow cover. Despite the recognized hazard posed by cornices in mountainous locations, limited modern research on cornice dynamics exists and accurately forecasting cornice failure continues to be problematic. Cornice failures and associated cornice fall avalanches comprise a majority of observed avalanche activity and endanger human life and infrastructure annually near Longyearbyen in central Svalbard, Norway. In this work, we monitored the seasonal development of the cornices along the plateaus near Longyearbyen with a terrestrial laser scanner (TLS) during the 2016–2017 and 2017–2018 winter seasons. The spatial resolution at which
we acquired snow surface data with TLS enabled us to observe and quantify
changes to the cornice systems in detail not previously achieved. We focused primarily on the evolution and failure of the lower cornice surfaces where accessibility has precluded previous research. We measured cornice accretion rates in excess of 10 mm h−1 during several accretion events coinciding with winter storms. We observed five cornice fall avalanche events following periods of cornice accretion and one event following a warm period with midwinter rain. The results of our investigation provide quantitative reinforcement to existing conceptual models of cornice dynamics and illustrate cornice response to specific meteorological events. Our results demonstrate the utility of TLS for monitoring cornice processes and as a viable method for quantitative cornice studies in this and other locations where cornices are of scientific or operational interest.
What do we know about how the terrestrial multicellular soil fauna reacts to microplastic?
Authors: Büks Frederick , van Schaik Nicolette Loes , Kaupenjohann Martin
Published: February 2020

Abstract. The ubiquitous accumulation of microplastic (MP) particles across all global ecosystems comes along with the uptake into soil food webs. In this review, we analyzed studies on passive translocation, active ingestion, bioaccumulation and adverse effects within the phylogenetic tree of multicellular soil faunal life. The representativity of these studies for natural soil ecosystems was assessed using data on the type of plastic, shape, composition, concentration and time of exposure. Available studies cover a wide range of soil organisms, with emphasis on earthworms, nematodes, springtails, beetles and lugworms, each focused on well known model organisms. Most of the studies applied MP concentrations similar to amounts in slightly to very heavily polluted soils. In many cases, however, polystyrene microspheres have been used, a combination of plastic type and shape, that is easily available, but does not represent the main plastic input into soil ecosystems. In turn, MP fibres are strongly underrepresented compared to their high abundance within contaminated soils. Further properties of plastic such as aging, coating and additives were insufficiently documented. Despite these limitations, there is a recurring pattern of active intake followed by a population shift within the gut microbiome and adverse effects on motility, growth, metabolism, reproduction and mortality in various combinations, especially at high concentrations and small particle sizes. For the improvement of future studies, we identified problems of past experiments and give recommendations that take into account the type, shape, grade of aging, specific concentrations of MP fractions and long-term incubation in natural and contaminated soils.
Idealised simulations of cyclones with robust symmetrically unstable sting jets
Authors: Volonté Ambrogio , Clark Peter A. , Gray Suzanne L.
Published: February 2020

Abstract. Idealised simulations of Shapiro–Keyser cyclones developing a sting jet (SJ) are presented. Thanks to an improved and accurate implementation of thermal wind balance in the initial state, it was possible to use more realistic environments than in previous idealised studies. As a consequence, this study provides further insight into SJ evolution and dynamics and explores SJ robustness to different environmental conditions, assessed via a wide range of sensitivity experiments. The control simulation contains a cyclone that fits the Shapiro–Keyser conceptual model and develops a SJ whose dynamics are associated with the evolution of mesoscale instabilities along the airstream, including symmetric instability (SI). The SJ undergoes a strong descent while leaving the cloud-head banded tip and markedly accelerating towards the frontal-fracture region, revealed as an area of buckling of the already-sloped moist isentropes.
Dry instabilities, generated by vorticity tilting via slantwise frontal motions in the cloud head, exist in similar proportions to moist instabilities at the start of the SJ descent and are then released along the SJ. The observed evolution supports the role of SI in the airstream’s dynamics proposed in a conceptual model outlined in a previous study. Sensitivity experiments illustrate that the SJ is a robust feature of intense Shapiro–Keyser cyclones, highlighting a range of different environmental conditions in which SI contributes to the evolution of this airstream, conditional on the model having adequate resolution.
The results reveal that several environmental factors can modulate the strength of the SJ. However, a positive relationship between the strength of the SJ, both in terms of peak speed and amount of descent, and the amount of instability occurring along it can still be identified. In summary, the idealised simulations presented in this study show the robustness of SJ occurrence in intense Shapiro–Keyser cyclones and support and clarify the role of dry instabilities in SJ dynamics.
How to improve the state of the art in metocean measurement datasets
Authors: Quaeghebeur Erik , Zaaijer Michiel B.
Published: February 2020

Abstract. We present an analysis of three datasets of 10 min metocean measurement statistics and our resulting recommendations to both producers and users of
such datasets. Many of our recommendations are more generally of interest to all numerical measurement data producers. The datasets analyzed
originate from offshore meteorological masts installed to support offshore wind farm planning and design: the Dutch OWEZ and MMIJ and the German
FINO1. Our analysis shows that such datasets contain issues that users should look out for and whose prevalence can be reduced by producers. We
also present expressions to derive uncertainty and bias values for the statistics from information typically available about sample uncertainty. We
also observe that the format in which the data are disseminated is sub-optimal from the users' perspective and discuss how producers can create more
immediately useful dataset files. Effectively, we advocate using an established binary format (HDF5 or netCDF4) instead of the typical text-based
one (comma-separated values), as this allows for the inclusion of relevant metadata and the creation of significantly smaller directly accessible
dataset files. Next to informing producers of the advantages of these formats, we also provide concrete pointers to their effective use. Our
conclusion is that datasets such as the ones we analyzed can be improved substantially in usefulness and convenience with limited effort.
'La Bella y la Bestia' y el movimiento LGTB en Disney: empoderamiento y activismo en YouTube
Authors: Vizcaíno Verdú Arantxa , Contreras Pulido Paloma , Guzmán Franco María Dolores
Published: February 2020

Esta investigación se adentra en la discusión desplegada en YouTube a raíz de la inclusión de personajes y escenas relativas al colectivo LGTB en la última adaptación del largometraje La Bella y la Bestia (2017) de Bill Condon. El acontecimiento parte de un amplio estudio de representaciones heteronormativas y de la ruptura del sometimiento femenino en Disney, dando lugar a un análisis esencialmente exploratorio. De acuerdo con la revisión literaria, aplicamos una metodología cualitativa mediante análisis de contenidos enfocada a movimientos sociales en red con el objetivo de profundizar en el discurso sobre la diversidad sexual. Seleccionamos cinco vídeos orientados a tales cuestiones, acotando una muestra de doscientos cincuenta comentarios cuyos resultados se derivan en la interpretación del mensaje-discurso de los usuarios en materia de afecto y consumo cultural infantil. El estudio concluye una prevalencia del partidarismo LGTB y un debate ofensivo, discriminatorio y dogmático por parte de sus detractores.
Con faldas y a lo Wilder. Impacto y superación del Código Hays en 'Some Like It Hot' (1959), de Billy Wilder
Authors: Martín Sanz Álvaro
Published: February 2020

El objetivo del presente artículo es explorar cómo las normas dictadas por el conocido como Código Hays delimitan y guían los mecanismos narrativos y el modo de representación de Some Like It Hot (1959). Así mismo, se plantea un estudio de la utilización de la comedia y de sus recursos propios como método empleado por Billy Wilder en dicho filme para, siendo fiel tanto al espíritu inicial de la obra como a la narrativa de la misma, imponer su voz autoral de cara a superar las prohibiciones impuestas por la censura. Y es que el guion de la obra se adapta constantemente para sortear el famoso código en lo respecto a tres temas con importante presencia en la película: el travestismo de los personajes masculinos, la sensualidad del personaje interpretado por Marilyn Monroe y el erotismo latente de algunas escenas, y la violencia presente de otras secuencias.
Estimating blue crab (Callinectes sapidus) larval release sites in the Gulf of Mexico using an oceanographic particle-tracking model
Authors: Giltz Sarah M , Grey Erin K , Gyory Joanna , Ko Dong S , Nero Redwood W , Taylor Caz M
Published: February 2020

Small, widely-dispersing, pelagic larvae are difficult to monitor through direct observation, but biophysical models can provide greater understanding of dispersal patterns. Here, we used a technique of reversing time in a biophysical model to estimate larval release sites of the blue
crab, Callinectes sapidus, in the northern Gulf of Mexico by backtracking from known locations of postlarval settlement. We modeled surface ocean movement in reverse time from four settlement sites (Grand Isle, Louisiana; Ocean Springs, Mississippi; Dauphin Island, Alabama; and Pensacola,
Florida). In the Gulf of Mexico, blue crab fisheries are managed at the state level. We found on average 73% of the larvae were traced back to larval release sites in the same state as settlement. Barrier island release sites accounted for 11% of settlement at Grand Isle and 17% at Dauphin
Island. Less than 0.1% of larvae that settled in Grand Isle were tracked back to a known blue crab spawning area located to the south west, Ship Shoal. The distance traveled by larvae was highest in Pensacola and Grand Isle. The coefficient of variation of distance traveled was highest in
Dauphin Island. The average distance traveled to each settlement location ranged from 31 to 124 km. Distance traveled explained 24% of empirical settlement numbers (F1,89 = 28.82, P < 0.001;R2 = 0.24). Settlement success was higher at release sites
predicted by this study than at randomly generated sites suggesting female selection of larval release sites.
A Learning Trajectory Study on How the Concept of Variable Is Constructed by Students
Authors: Gürbüz Mustafa Çağrı , Ozdemir M. Emin
Published: February 2020

The aim of this study was to examine 6th-grade students’ mathematical abstraction processes related to the concept of variable by using the teaching experiment method and to reveal their learning trajectories in the context of the RBC+C model. A teaching experiment was administered to a class of 29 middle school students for 3 weeks. Observations, interviews, and the Diagnostic Algebra Test were used as data collection instruments to reveal the students’ abstraction processes and determine their learning trajectories. Qualitative data were analyzed through content analysis, and qualitative data were analyzed through paired-samples t-test. The learning trajectories showed that only the students with good performance exhibited the “construction” action when using “variables as changing quantities,” but the “building-with” action when using the other types of variables. Mediocre students, however, needed teacher support to perform the building-with action in the process of abstraction of variables. The students’ written tips such as drawing arrows or deleting the variable show that it helps to learn how to replace a variable with a known value. This study shows that the development of thought on variables is embedded in the progression of the concept of variable as a changing quantity. Similar studies can be conducted for the use of variables in equations and for the understanding and interpretation of variables when solving equations.
Requirements for the Article to Requirements for the Article to be Published
Authors: Aušra Simanavičienė , Grušas Vytautas
Published: February 2020

Requirements for the Article to be Published
Luxury Consumption: Literature Review
Authors: Bilge Hümeyra Aslım
Published: February 2020

As the demand for luxury increases and luxury goods become more available, the concept of luxury has become an important research area for academic and business communities. The perceptions of people towards luxury and their expectations from the luxury goods/services might vary greatly. The features like brand image, reliability and quality constitute the positive perceptions regarding luxury. On the other hand, there are also certain features like excessive price and extremeness that can be associated with negative perceptions. The features of luxury can also be used to differentiate luxury goods from nonluxury ones. The perceptions of people towards luxury can also drive the luxury consumption process. As in all consumption activities, people also acquire some financial, rational, and emotional values because of the luxury consumption. The purpose of this study is to examine the concept of luxury consumption, address the perceptions and attitudes of people towards luxury, and provide an overview of the luxury consumption. In this study, the literature has been reviewed for the studies on the same subject to make a compilation.
Factors Affecting Parental Involvement in Education: The Analysis of Literature
Authors: Jafarov Javid
Published: February 2020

This study examines the factors affecting parental involvement by evaluating and analysing
literature about parental involvement in education. It also answers the questions: a) What
does parental involvement mean? and 2) Why is parental involvement important? In this
article more than five hundreds literatures related to the factors affecting parental
involvement were evaluated and analysed. The result of the analysis of literature showed
that there are many factors influencing parental involvement or the level of parental
involvement and these factors can be parent related, school related or student related.
Prognostic impact of EGFR and KRAS mutations in lung cancer survival during pre-tki era: the real scenario at a cancer public center of reference in Brazil
Authors: Almeida Thais Abreu , Nardin Jeanine Marie , Jurgensen Amanda , Takahashi Janaina , Jung Juliana , Losso Graziele , Casali-da-Rocha José C.
Published: February 2020

Objective: To evaluate the genetic tests is fundamental for the adequate treatment of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) with tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKI). Given that access to this evaluation is still limited for those who depend on the Brazilian Public Health System, it seems important to provide regulatory agencies with epidemiological and prognostic information to guide future health policies and guidelines in Brazil. This work aims to characterize EGFR and KRAS mutations in NSCLC and associating them with patients demographic and tumor clinical-pathologic features. Methods: From 2004 to 2017, 237 metastatic NSCLC patients treated at Erasto Gäertner Cancer Hospital were included in this study. Electronic medical records were retrospectively reviewed and the mutational status EGFR and KRAS were defined. Results: We detected EGFR mutation in 20 samples (15.7%), and KRAS mutation in 26 samples (21.5%). The majority of EGFR mutations was detected within the exon 19 (n=9, 45.0%), and for KRAS G12V (n=8, 30.8%) and G12C (n=8, 30.8%) were the hotspots. The median overall survival was 11 months. We did not detect any statistical differences in survival rates between mutated and wild-type tumors neither for EGFR (p=0.898) nor for KRAS (p=0.458). Only two patients had access to TKI and were considered outliers with the best survival rates. Conclusion: We described important information about NSCLC biological behavior in a population treated in a reference public cancer center in South Brazil. Studies like this highlight the magnitude that TKI treatment could have in the overall survival of patients with NSCLC after being introduced into the SUS. Future studies that address the economic impact of this issue are also needed. Here we also make a comparison of our results with other regions of Brazil that have different genetic backgrounds to evaluate the impact of targeted therapies.
Induction chemotherapy with cisplatin plus weekly paclitaxel followed by chemoradiotherapy for locally advanced squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck
Authors: Silva Sargeele , Grochot Rafael , Weschenfelder Debora Cristina , Pescador Cláudio , Gotardo Catherine , Gnatta Diego , Reiriz André , Brollo Janaina
Published: February 2020

The paclitaxel-cisplatin is a non-infusional alternative for induction chemotherapy (IC) for LASCCHN based on phase-II trials. Here, we describe our institutional experience with this combination in Southern Brazil. Methods: Thirty-three consecutive patients with unresectable LASCCHN were selected between April/2012 and June/2014. They received weekly paclitaxel 80mg/m2 on days 1, 8, 15 and cisplatin 75mg/m2 on day 1 for three cycles followed by chemoradiotherapy (CRT) with cisplatin at standard dose. Overall response, toxicity, progression free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS) were evaluated. Results: The median follow-up was 25.5 months. Median age was 58.6 years and 96% had PS 1. Most patients presented with bulky disease at stages IVA and IVB (60.6% and 21.2%, respectively). Concerning primary site of tumor, 33.3% were oropharingeal tumors, 27.3% larynx tumors and 33.3% oral cavity tumors. The majority of patients had both smoking and alcohol abuse records. Twenty-eight patients (84.8%) at the time of diagnosis had a BMI <25. Twenty-seven patients (81.8%) completed the planned treatment and three patients (9%) underwent exclusive radiotherapy after IC. All patients were evaluated for response; 75.7% presented complete response and 21.2% presented partial response. Severe toxicity (grades 3-5) for asthenia, neutropenia, anemia and thrombocytopenia were observed in 6.1%, 9.1%, 6.1% and 3% of patients, respectively. One treatment-related death was associated with febrile neutropenia. The 2- and 3-year PFS rates were 63.3% and 68.4%, respectively; 2- and 3-year OS rates were 62.3.5% and 50.6%. Conclusions: Our results corroborate previous observations that IC (paclitaxel-cisplatin) is a well-tolerated and highly active regimen for the treatment of patients with LASSHNC, being associated with acceptable toxicity, good locoregional control and survival rates. This may be a good treatment option for patients in developing countries.
Narrative Review about Importance of Nutrition on Survivors and in the Prevention of Cancer
Authors: Lopes Giovanna Guimarães , Oliveira Renan Gianotto , Piovacari Silvia Maria Fraga , Leung Maria do Carmo Azevedo , Toledo Diogo Oliveira , Barrere Ana Paula Noronha
Published: February 2020

Cancer is the second leading cause of death in Brazil. This study aimed to review the nutrition role in prevention and post-treatment of cancer as a health promoter. Regarding prevention, when analyzing lifestyle (obesity and physical activity), there was a positive correlation between body mass index and body fat with incidence in several types of cancer; physical activity shown an inverse correlation. Ethanol consumption, frying, red meat and processed meats eaten carefully or even avoided. Differently, the consumption of fruits and vegetables should be stimulated. Bioactive compounds are shown with well elucidated actions, and also as a healthy eating habit. In relation to survivors, the healthy lifestyle is capable of ensuring a better quality of life for this population, as well as preventing them from new diseases. This review highlights the importance of adequate lifestyle and eating habits, stimulates public health policy and more scientific research in this field.
Barriers to participation in clinical trials: cross-sectional study on perceptions of oncology patient advocacy group webpage in Brazil
Authors: Julian Guilherme Silva , Bueno Christiane , Martins Renata Eiras , de-Barros Luciana Holz Camargo
Published: February 2020

Introduction: Clinical trials (CT) represent an important alternative treatment for oncologic patients. Also, CTs represent an essential step to development of improved therapeutic strategies. However, little is known on Brazilian perception regarding CT. The aim of this survey was to describe the overall perception of CT in Brazilian participants of oncology patient advocacy group. Design and setting: Cross-sectional survey conducted online through patient advocacy group website. Methods: From April 2012 to October 2014, 254 respondents answered an internet-based survey related to knowledge on CT from an independent nonprofit oncology patient advocacy group. Results: Overall, about 85% of respondents stated they would participate in an oncology trial. Of all respondents, 99.9% believe that CTs can contribute positively to advancement of cancer treatment by increasing the scientific knowledge, improving the treatment, finding a cure, providing a new treatment option, or improving the quality of life. Also, 96% affirmed they have already had some information on CT, being internet the most used form of communication (69%), followed by physicians orientation (8%), magazines and newspaper (8%), and hospital handout material (7%). In addition, only 18 respondents reported previously participation in CTs (6.9%), and approximately 10% answered they knew someone that participated in a CT (e.g. friend or other). Conclusions: This survey demonstrated that respondents associate CT as an option in cancer treatment; however, only a small number of respondents have participated in a CT previously. The data indicate the lack of available information as the current major barrier to CT participation in Brazil.
Prognostic Factors Associated with the Efficacy of Hepatic Transarterial Embolization in Patients with Neuroendocrine Tumors
Authors: Nuñez Jose Eduardo , Zurstrassen Charles , Barros Milton , Uema Deise , Lopez Rossana , Riechelmann Rachel
Published: February 2020

Introduction: To evaluate the safety and efficacy of hepatic transarterial embolization (TAE) or transarterial chemoembolization (TACE) in patients with irresectable liver metastases from neuroendocrine tumors (NETs) treated at two Brazilian cancer centers. Methods: Retrospective multicenter analysis of patients (pts) with histological diagnosis of neuroendocrine tumor of any origin with unresectable and measurable hepatic metastases who underwent at least one procedure of TAE or TACE. Endpoints: Hepatic progression free survival (HPFS), overall survival (OS), tumor response and toxicity assessment. Results: Thirty-six pts were evaluated. Primary tumors were as follow: midgut 20 pts, pancreas 7 pts, others 9 pts. Most of patients had grade (G) 1-2 tumors (93.3%). In patients with functioning NETs, clinically significant symptomatic control was 41.7%. Concerning type of embolization (TAE vs TACE), there were no significant differences in the proportion of patients achieving reduction of at least 50% of 5HIAA (45.5% vs 50%) and radiological disease control rate (91.3% vs 92.3%), respectively. In a median follow up of 40.8 months (m), median HPFS was 38.9m, and mean OS was 98m (median not reached). No significant differences were found in HPFS or OS by type of embolization procedure. Pancreatic primary tumor and G3 tumor by WHO classification were associated with significantly shorter HPFS. Tumor G3 was also associated with shorter OS. Adverse events of any grade were: abdominal pain (13.8%), fever (5.5%), and 2 pts developed biloma. Conclusion: Our study is the first in our region reporting results of TAE/TACE in patients with irresectable liver metastases from NETs. We observed that pts with pancreatic or G3 NET derive less benefit from these procedures. In pts with G1-2 NETs, both techniques offer similar results.
Overview and different perspectives on possible treatments related to NUT carcinoma: a systematic review
Authors: Lopes Antonia Nayra Gomes , Furtado Martinho Hermeson de Matos , Silva Karen Giselly Paulo , Sousa Lindvaldo de Oliveira , Aguiar Andrezza Vasconcelos do Vale , Silveira Giovanni Ciarlini
Published: February 2020

NUT carcinoma (midline testicular carcinoma nuclear protein) is a relatively new, rare, aggressive and underdiagnosed entity. Its sites of involvement are medial structures of the head and neck and mediastinum, but other sites may be affected, and even in so-called common structures, the clinical course may impress. The objective of this systematic review was to describe the pathophysiological characteristics of NUT carcinoma and to analyze the types of treatments employed and their efficacy. Throughout the text, treatment - chemotherapy-related forms have been discussed that have led to the complete remission of tumors in some cases, such as the treatment regimen: alternating cycles of vincristine / doxorubicin / ifosfamide and cisplatin / doxorubicin / ifosfamide combined with focal radiotherapy (Scandinavian protocol for inoperable Ewings sarcoma). Other possible future therapies are discussed, in addition to the role of alpha- fetoprotein as a prognostic factor.
Empathy and the liberal-conservative political divide in the U.S.
Authors: Morris Stephen G.
Published: February 2020

When future historians look back upon the current political climate in the U.S., it is likely that they will view the severe state of political polarization between liberals and conservatives as being one of its defining characteristics. While some have suggested that a difference in general levels of empathy among liberals and conservatives could be playing a role in shaping their differing political attitudes, psychologist Paul Bloom has forcefully argued against any such difference in his book “Against Empathy”. In this commentary I set out to counter Bloom’s claim that there is no significant relationship between the capacity to experience empathy and political ideology. To this end, I discuss how a growing collection of empirical research indicates that an individual’s propensity to experience empathy correlates with one’s general political attitudes (including party affiliation) as well as with which specific policy positions one takes. More specifically, this research suggests that a strong connection exists between empathy and liberal political views. In light of this research, I suggest that empathy can help account for the differences in political attitudes among liberals and conservatives in the U.S. and may even help explain why such attitudes have become increasingly polarized. The analysis provided in this essay aims to further our understanding of how personality traits can be used to predict voter attitudes in the U.S. and beyond.
Cognitive polyphasia in a global south populist democracy: Mapping social representations of Duterte’s regime in the Philippines
Authors: Uyheng Joshua , Montiel Cristina Jayme
Published: February 2020

Prevailing scholarship on populism focuses on explaining polarized patterns of support and opposition for populist regimes. This paper extends this conceptualization to account for the fragmented politics of Global South democracies. Invoking the concept of cognitive polyphasia, we map the Filipino public’s social representations of Duterte’s populist regime in the Philippines. Utilizing a mixed methods approach, we uncover a representational field organized by the two dimensions of political alignment (support vs. opposition) and political frame (individual vs. system). Diversely embedded in this polyphasic field, supporters of the regime may construct Duterte’s individual leadership in terms of paternalistic patriotism, or the broader government as a morally-bankrupt yet progressive technocracy. Opposition to the regime may frame the president as an oppressive tyrant, or his administration as a historical continuation of entrenched state violence. Our findings contribute to extant populism debates by describing unique representational processes of differentiation and annexation in unequal populist publics. We reflect on implications for democratic engagement in the Philippines and the broader Global South.
Patočka's Critique of Husserl: The Possibility of A-Subjective Phenomenology
Authors: Vidal Gabriel
Published: February 2020

Edmund Husserl created phenomenology with the attempt of founding a new philosophical departure detached from past mistakes, specifically, the rigid split between things as they appear to us and the thing-in-itself. As such, it rejects both realism and idealism. With this in mind, Husserl posits that we ought to describe things only as they appear, without posing any predetermined thesis regarding the nature of the world. This gesture came to be known as epoché, which led to the development of the phenomenological reduction to intentional consciousness. And yet, in this latter gesture, Jan Patočka seem to have found a psychologistic and subjectivistic degradation of phenomenology, where the appearance of things happens only inside and within a consciousness. Under this approach, he critiques Husserl’s phenomenology of perception, correcting it, and proposing instead a phenomenology equally committed to the epoché but void of reduction, so that things have an autonomous appearance indicative of a horizon of world instead of an act of subject.
Entre théories et pratiques : la nature, sujet de droit dans la constitution équatorienne, considérations critiques sur une vieille antienne
Authors: Belaidi Rabah
Published: February 2020

La question de l’octroi de la personnalité juridique à la nature est une idée qui traverse les fondements du droit de l’environnement depuis plus de quarante ans. Le thème connaît un regain d’intérêt au sein de la doctrine juridique de divers systèmes de droits et présente une acuité particulière au vu des expériences en cours de réalisation en Amérique du Sud. Une traduction juridique a été donnée par la Constitution équatorienne de 2008 qui a érigé la nature comme un sujet de droit à part entière, annonçant ainsi une grande « première ». La présente contribution analyse les évolutions juridiques ainsi que les conceptions théoriques qui sous-tendent ces changements constitutionnels. Sans prétendre à une évaluation du droit et des décisions de justice postérieures à l’entrée en vigueur de la constitution, cet article entend faire l’apport de critiques sur l’octroi de la qualité de sujet à la nature. Insérée dans un contexte théorique syncrétique mêlant références à des notions mythiques amérindiennes, systèmes contemporains de résolution des conflits et conceptions post-modernes de l’interprétation constitutionnelle, l’attribution de la personnalité juridique à la nature est indissociable du nouveau constitutionnalisme latino-américain. Il apparaît que, loin de pouvoir illustrer une révolution du ou dans le droit, la Constitution équatorienne et l’application qui en est faite par les tribunaux ne démontrent pas disposer d’un degré de protection supérieur aux systèmes dits « classiques ». Le pouvoir politique à l’origine de la création de la Constitution montre également les limites des conceptions supposément nouvelles face à des configurations de logique d’économie globalisée et d’intérêts à préserver.
La lutte contre la cybercriminalité à l’échelle de l’Union : analyse de l’évolution juridique d’un phénomène à la confluence de plusieurs agendas institutionnels
Authors: Berthelet Pierre
Published: February 2020

La lutte contre la cybercriminalité à l’échelle de l’Union européenne naît du constat que, face à un phénomène d’ampleur transnationale, ses États membres ne peuvent agir de manière isolée. Une action spécifique se structure dès lors progressivement. S’il était davantage question de « criminalité informatique », le terme de cybercriminalité va peu à peu s’imposer, au fur et à mesure que l’action de l’Union se singularise. La lutte contre ce phénomène tend à se trouver à la convergence d’agendas institutionnels qui favorisent une dynamique intégrative puissante : le marché numérique européen, l’espace pénal européen, la cybersécurité et la sécurité intérieure, notamment.
L’Union européenne face au défi de l’anthropocène : du droit du développement durable aux droits de la Nature ?
Authors: Clerc Olivier
Published: February 2020

Au commencement de la construction européenne, le droit des communautés européennes apparaissait largement anthropocentré. La protection de l’environnement ne figurait en effet pas dans les traités qui étaient essentiellement tournés vers l’objectif d’assurer les libertés de circulation et, au-delà, de la réalisation d’un marché intérieur. Depuis, face à l’anthropocène, les fondements éthiques du législateur de l’Union européenne ont évolué en ce qu’il retranscrit, aujourd’hui, en droit, des considérations propres à une éthique pathocentrée, en protégeant le « bien-être animal », voire écocentrée en luttant contre la disparition des espèces et de leurs habitats menacés. Force est toutefois de constater que, tant les règlementations européennes que la jurisprudence qui en est issue, continuent à largement sacrifier les intérêts des entités naturelles au profit des intérêts humains lorsque, immanquablement, se produisent des conflits d’intérêts. Le droit de l’Union européenne est ainsi encore très éloigné des avancées réalisées dans de nombreuses régions du monde, notamment dans certains États d’Amérique latine, dans lesquelles une refondation écocentrée du droit de l’environnement semble être en cours de réalisation. La nature n’y est en effet plus considérée comme un objet de droit, mais a été érigée, quelquefois dans des textes de valeur constitutionnelle, en sujet de droit.