bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Comparison of Visual Outcomes between Panretinal Photocoagulation and Panretinal Photocoagulation Plus Intravitreal Bevacizumab in Proliferative Diabetic Retinopathy Patients Treated at Northen Zonal Hospital
Authors: Darabe Filemon , Makupa William 
Published: July 2020

Introduction: Diabetic retinopathy is one of the rigorous microvascular complications of diabetes mellitus is the significant cause of visual impairment and consequently blindness affecting about 36% of the diabetic population. Diabetic macular edema (DME) and proliferative diabetic retinopathy (PDR) are two prime manifestations of DR that are responsible for visual morbidity. The basis of the treatment in PDR is Laser photocoagulation as accomplished by Diabetic retinopathy treatment study (DRS) and early treatment diabetic retinopathy study (ETDRS) for the last two decades. The dawn of intravitreal anti-VEGF agents has revolutionized the management of diabetic eye disease for more than the last decade. The aim of the study is to compare the visual outcomes of diabetic retinopathy patients between pan-retinal photocoagulation and pan-retinal photocoagulation plus intravitreal Bevacizumab.
Methodology: A hospital-based cross-section study using medical record information for all DR patients treated by PRP and IVB at the KCMC eye. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 20.
Results: A number of 204 patients were included in the study. The mean age was 59.26 (SD=9.6) years; 75.4% were male. Most of the patients 71.1% are from Arusha and Kilimanjaro. Among all, 51% had PRP alone and the duration of Diabetes was 5-10 years in the majority. The mean VA for PRP alone was 0.89 (SD=0.89) before treatment while it was 1 (SD=0.99) in PRP plus Bevacizumab. At 3 months after treatment VA for PRP alone was 0.947 (SD=0.93) and 0.96 (SD=1.01) for PRP plus Bevacizumab. The mean difference was not statistically significant. VA improved by 49% and it deteriorated by 27.7%. The majority had early proliferated DR 49.7%, 42.8% high risk proliferated DR and advanced proliferated DR was 7.5%. The complications were found in 5.6% and they included: vitreous hemorrhage (4.6%) and retinal detachment (1%) in PRP plus Bevacizumab and none in PRP alone.
Conclusion: With respect to this study there is no significant difference in visual outcome for PRP alone and PRP plus injection Bevacizumab, though PRP plus Bevacizumab in treatment of DR had better visual outcome over PRP alone. PRP plus injection Bevacizumab is associated with a higher and early rate of regression of active NVs than PRP alone in patients with PDR. Further studies will be needed to determine whether IVB plus PRP is a satisfactory treatment for the prevention of vision-threatening complications such as vitreous hemorrhage and tractional retinal detachment.
A morte, os mortos, o julgamento e a salvação no Egito Antigo
Authors: Leal Tito Barros , Lima Francisco Wellington Rodrigues 
Published: July 2020

Difícil apontar outra civilização dentre os povos da Antiguidade com tamanho interesse pelos mistérios da morte como a egípcia. Ali foi desenvolvida uma tradição peculiar e imemorial acerca da morte e do morrer. O Livro dos Mortos, conjunto de textos anônimos de intenso valor para os antigos egípcios, organizado em 1842 pelo egiptólogo alemão Karl Richard Lepsius, destinava-se não só aos mortos, mas também aos iniciados nos rituais religiosos e nos conhecimentos da morte, bem como aos desejosos de saber como iniciar-se em tais ofícios. O objetivo do nosso trabalho é compreender a questão da morte, dos rituais e/ou celebrações em torno do morto no Antigo Egito, tendo como principal fonte o Livro dos Mortos, a fim de identificar de que forma as concepções sobre a morte e os rituais de celebração ao morto podem ser considerados elementos essenciais para a busca de harmonia entre aqueles que ficavam e os que partiam em sua viagem rumo ao Além-túmulo; uma viagem vista como cheia de perigos e obstáculos e que, exatamente por este motivo, precisaria ser bem conduzida.
“Los fantasmas no inquietan nunca a las cosas muertas”: Entre el Terror y el desaliento en Colombia
Authors: Uribe María Victoria 
Published: July 2020

En este texto exploro dos temas cruciales respecto a la violencia en Colombia. El primero de ellos es el papel que han desempeñado algunos agentes estatales que tendrían que representar la ley y el orden y que, contrariando su naturaleza, se han valido de la violencia para aniquilar a quienes perciben como peligrosos, produciendo un efecto de contagio entre individuos y sectores sociales propensos a la violencia. El otro es la presencia soterrada de una extrema derecha que desde mediados del siglo XX se ha valido de la violencia para desincentivar cualquier posibilidad de cambio que amenace al sistema o ponga en peligro sus privilegios económicos y políticos. Se trata de una presencia fantasmal que se manifiesta a través de amenazas anónimas y que realiza, sin fórmula de juicio, asesinatos selectivos de líderes sociales, intelectuales de izquierda, integrantes de partidos políticos progresistas y combatientes desmovilizados. Con el objeto de analizar ambos fenómenos, examinaré tres momentos históricos, centrándome en La Violencia bipartidista de las décadas de 1950 y 60, en las prácticas de los paramilitares y en el reciente acuerdo de paz entre las FARC y el gobierno Santos. Teniendo en cuenta los contextos anteriores me propongo señalar algunas de las dificultades y peligros que entraña esa presencia fantasmal para la reinserción de los excombatientes de las FARC.
Fatigue in patients with hereditary neuropathy with liability to pressure palsies
Authors: Fritz Nora E. , Chen Yongsheng , Waters Lauren , Saba Sadaf , Hackett Melody , Mada Flicia C. , Li Jun 
Published: July 2020

AbstractObjectiveHereditary Neuropathy with Liability to Pressure Palsies (HNPP) is caused by a heterozygous deletion of peripheral myelin protein‐22 (PMP22) gene resulting in focal sensorimotor deficits. Our lab has identified a disruption of myelin junctions in excessively permeable myelin that impairs action potential propagation. This mechanism is expected to cause fatigue in patients with HNPP. Therefore, the objective was to characterize fatigue in patients with HNPP and determine the relationship of fatigue to nerve pathology, disability, and quality of life.MethodsNine females with HNPP participated in a single visit that included genotyping, nerve conduction studies, neurological exam, quantitative magnetic resonance imaging, and a physical therapy exam incorporating upper and lower extremity function and survey measures of fatigue. This visit was followed by 2 weeks of ecological momentary assessment (wrist‐worn device) that captured fatigue ratings five times per day.ResultsParticipants demonstrated mild neurological impairment (CMTNS: 5.7 ± 2.8), yet reported high fatigue levels (average fatigue intensity over 2 weeks: 5.9 out of 10). Higher fatigue levels were associated with poorer quality of life and more pain. Higher fatigue was associated with significantly greater distal nerve proton density changes on peripheral nerve MRI, which is in line with hyper‐permeable myelin in HNPP.InterpretationFatigue is common and severe among patients with HNPP whose disabilities are minimal by conventional outcome measures. Therapeutic interventions targeting fatigue have the potential to improve quality of life and may serve as a robust outcome measure to show longitudinal changes for patients with HNPP.
Synthesis of Dibenzofurans Derivatives via Benzannulation of 2‐Nitrobenzofurans and Alkylidene Malononitriles
Authors: Cao Dongdong , Chen Dingben , Chen Gang , Mo Hanjie , Xia Zhijun , Li Kai‐bin , Yang Jianguo 
Published: July 2020

AbstractAlthough various methods for the preparation of dibenzofurans are available, an efficient, general synthesis of dibenzofurans from benzofurans remains an unsolved problem. Herein, we provide the first benzannulation of readily prepared 2‐nitrobenzofurans with alkylidene malononitriles. This methodology enables facile assembly of a wide variety of highly functionalized dibenzofurans in moderate to excellent yields under metal‐free conditions. Gram‐scale synthesis and further elaborations of the product were succesfully performed, demonstrating synthetic utility of this method.
Water‐Promoted Heterogeneous Asymmetric Hydrogenation of Quinolines over Ordered Macroporous Poly(ionic liquid) Catalyst
Authors: Tao Lin , Ren Yiqi , Li Chunzhi , Li He , Liu Jiali , Yang Qihua 
Published: July 2020

AbstractThe development of air stable solid chiral catalysts for asymmetric hydrogenation is very attractive for the large‐scale production of chiral compounds. Herein, we reported the synthesis of an ordered macroporous poly(ionic liquid) catalyst integrated with VDPEN‐RuOTf as air stable chiral catalyst for asymmetric hydrogenation of quinoline derivatives. Under ambient conditions, the solid catalyst afforded 97% conversion with 90% ee in the asymmetric hydrogenation of 2‐methylquinoline in water. It was found that the activity and enantioselectivity of poly(ionic liquid) catalyst decreases with surface hydrophobicity increasing, suggesting the important role of surface hydrophilicity in obtaining high activity and enantioselectivity in water. Control experiment suggests that water promotes the anti‐air stability of the poly(ionic liquid) catalyst. The combination of poly(ionic liquid) catalyst and water may provide a new approach for designing heterogeneous chiral catalyst with anti‐air stability.
Veno‐venous extracorporeal membrane oxygenation and prone ventilation for therapeutic management of COVID‐19
Authors: Kasai Takehiko , Bunya Naofumi , Wada Kenshiro , Kakizaki Ryuichiro , Mizuno Hirotoshi , Inoue Hiroyuki , Uemura Shuji , Takahashi Satoshi , Narimatsu Eichi , Takeda Shinhiro ,   Japan ECMOnet for COVID‐19
Published: July 2020

BackgroundThe efficacy and safety of the combined use of veno‐venous extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) and prone ventilation are currently not known for coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19).Case presentationWe report two cases in which the combination of veno‐venous ECMO and prone ventilation for severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS‐CoV‐2) pneumonia were successfully carried out. Both patients had developed severe respiratory failure due to SARS‐CoV‐2 pneumonia, thus requiring veno‐venous ECMO. Prone ventilation was also administered safely.ConclusionOxygenation and lung compliance gradually improved during prone ventilation, and both patients were successfully extubated. For patients with severe SARS‐CoV‐2 pneumonia who require veno‐venous ECMO, the use of prone ventilation could be beneficial, and should be considered.
Tailoring new bisphenol a ethoxylated shape memory polyurethanes
Authors: Laza José Manuel , Veloso Antonio , Vilas José Luis 
Published: July 2020

AbstractShape memory polyurethanes (SMPUs) have generated great attention because of their unique properties. These properties are result of a particular molecular structure consisting of flexible molecular chains with low glass transition temperatures alternating with hard urethane segments. In this field, bisphenol A (BA) has been used for a long time as chain extender due to the good properties of the obtained SPMU materials. Nevertheless, the high toxicity of this compound has caused a high decrease on its use. For this reason, it has been selected a lower toxicity compound, bisphenol A ethoxylate (BAE). In this work, it is described a new SMPUs based on BAE and the influence of the hard segment on the thermo‐mechanical properties and shape memory capacity. For that, both the proportion of the components and the diisocyanate employed (2,4‐toluene diisocyanate (TDI), 4,4′‐methylene bis(phenylisocyanate) (MDI) or a TDI/MDI mixture) have been modified. Then, depending on the molecular architecture achieved, the polyurethanes present different properties, which were studied by different techniques, such as thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and dynamic‐mechanical thermal analysis (DMTA). It has been observed that glass transition temperature (Tg) increases as the hard phase content in the PU samples increases. In addition, Tg‐MDI > Tg‐MDI‐TDI > Tg‐TDI, so it is possible to control the Tg of the material, that is, shape memory transition temperature varying the diisocyanate. Finally, the shape memory capacity of the PUs was evaluated by thermo‐mechanical analysis (TMA). All the synthesized PUs have shown good shape memory effect with fixation ratios up to 80% and recovery ratios close to 100%.
Facile modification of aliphatic polyketone‐based thin‐film composite membrane for three‐dimensional and comprehensive antifouling in active‐layer‐facing‐draw‐solution mode
Authors: Sun Yuchen , Lin Yuqing , Wang Shengyao , Yang Zhe , Zhang Lei , Matsuyama Hideto 
Published: July 2020

AbstractThe application of “active‐layer‐facing‐draw‐solution” (AL‐DS) mode, which allows a considerably high water flux in forward osmosis (FO) processes, is hindered by severe fouling occurring within the porous support of the FO membranes. We designed a series of “three‐dimensionally” antifouling FO membranes by an extremely convenient and scalable approach, by using in situ reduced aliphatic polyketone (PK) membranes (rPK) and the silver‐nanoparticles‐immobilized rPK‐Ag membranes as the substrates for thin‐film composite (TFC) FO membrane preparation. This modification imparted enhanced hydrophilicity compared with the original PK‐TFC membrane, without affecting the morphology and transport properties. Benefiting from the three‐dimensional antifouling structure, the modified TFC membranes (i.e., rPK‐TFC and rPK‐Ag‐TFC membranes) demonstrated excellent and comprehensive fouling resistance towards a variety of organic foulants, as well as biofouling resistance towards Escherichia coli. These results provide useful insights into the fabrication of antifouling FO membranes for water purification purposes and pressure retarded osmosis (PRO) process.
Improvement of mechanical properties of polylactide by equal channel multiple angular extrusion
Authors: Vozniak Iurii , Beloshenko Victor , Savchenko Bogdan , Voznyak Andrej 
Published: July 2020

AbstractThe combination of high strength and toughness is always the goal of high‐performance polymer materials for industrial use. This study addresses the potentialities of a solid state equal‐channel multiple‐angular extrusion (ECMAE) in production of polylactide (PLA) with simultaneous improvement in toughness, strength, and thermal stability. Chain extender Joncryl was used to form PLA with different chain length and morphology (linear or branched PLA). It is demonstrated that simple shear deformation implemented in ECMAE results in formation of an orientation order, an increase in the degree of crystallinity, and the creation of α crystals with an increased degree of perfection. The value of the effects achieved depends on the type of PLA morphology. The best result is observed in the case of linear PLA. ECMAE‐modified linear PLA possess the better combination of strength, modulus, and ductility than the branched one. Compared with neat linear PLA, ECMAE‐modified linear PLA shows 12%, 26%, 217%, and 40% increase in tensile strength, Young's modulus, strain at break and impact strength, respectively. Additionally, the storage modulus shows an improved thermal stability of ECMAE‐modified PLA.
Instance segmentation for the fine detection of crop and weed plants by precision agricultural robots
Authors: Champ Julien , Mora‐Fallas Adan , Goëau Hervé , Mata‐Montero Erick , Bonnet Pierre , Joly Alexis 
Published: July 2020

PremiseWeed removal in agriculture is typically achieved using herbicides. The use of autonomous robots to reduce weeds is a promising alternative solution, although their implementation requires the precise detection and identification of crops and weeds to allow an efficient action.MethodsWe trained and evaluated an instance segmentation convolutional neural network aimed at segmenting and identifying each plant specimen visible in images produced by agricultural robots. The resulting data set comprised field images on which the outlines of 2489 specimens from two crop species and four weed species were manually drawn. We adjusted the hyperparameters of a mask region‐based convolutional neural network (R‐CNN) to this specific task and evaluated the resulting trained model.ResultsThe probability of detection using the model was quite good but varied significantly depending on the species and size of the plants. In practice, between 10% and 60% of weeds could be removed without too high of a risk of confusion with crop plants. Furthermore, we show that the segmentation of each plant enabled the determination of precise action points such as the barycenter of the plant surface.DiscussionInstance segmentation opens many possibilities for optimized weed removal actions. Weed electrification, for instance, could benefit from the targeted adjustment of the voltage, frequency, and location of the electrode to the plant. The results of this work will enable the evaluation of this type of weeding approach in the coming months.
Inorganic Benzene Valence Isomers
Authors: Ota Kei , Kinjo Rei 
Published: July 2020

AbstractIt has been computationally proposed that there are more than 200 possible isomeric structures for the C6H6 molecule, among which benzene (CH)6 represents the most thermodynamically stable molecule and its chemistry has been extensively developed. Three benzene valence isomers (CR)6, namely, prismane, Dewar benzene, and benzvalene, have also been synthesized to date. Incorporation of heteroatoms in the skeletal frameworks allows access to inorganic analogues of benzene and its valence isomers, which have attracted considerable attention due to their peculiar structural and electronic features. Experimentally, more than 30 examples of inorganic benzene and its valence isomers have been developed and characterized so far. In this contribution, their synthesis and characterization, as well as their stability and chemical properties, are discussed.
Determining rotational and macroturbulent velocities of cool magnetic giant stars
Authors: Georgiev Stefan , Lèbre Agnès , Josselin Eric , Konstantinova‐Antova Renada , Morin Julien 
Published: July 2020

AbstractAn original method of estimating the projected rotational velocity, vsini, and the macroturbulent velocity, vmac, of evolved M giant stars is presented. It is based on the use of spectrum synthesis and multiline analysis tools. The goal is to fit the mean line profile of observations with that of synthetic spectra. The method is applied to the red giant star RZ Ari, and the results vsini = 6.0 ± 0.5 km s−1 and vmac = 2.0 ± 1.0 km s−1 are obtained.
Speculating on the Roles of Nuclear Speckles: How RNA‐Protein Nuclear Assemblies Affect Gene Expression
Authors: Hasenson Sarah E. , Shav‐Tal Yaron 
Published: July 2020

AbstractNuclear speckles are eukaryotic nuclear bodies enriched in splicing factors. Their exact purpose has been a matter of debate. The different proposed roles of nuclear speckles are reviewed and an additional layer of function is put forward, suggesting that by accumulating splicing factors within them, nuclear speckles can buffer the nucleoplasmic levels of splicing factors available for splicing and thereby modulate splicing rates. These findings build on the already established model that nuclear speckles function as a storage/recycling site for splicing factors. Many studies have demonstrated proximity between nuclear speckles and sites of active transcription, suggesting that this juxtaposition can enhance the rates of gene expression. It is found that nuclear speckle disassembly increases splicing factor availability in the nucleoplasm, leading to an increase in splicing rates and faster release of nascent transcripts from the gene after transcription. Altogether, this era in which genomic and imaging approaches are applied to study nuclear organization has expanded the outlook on the possible roles of nuclear speckles.
The impact of seating arrangement and therapy task on therapeutic alliance formation
Authors: Rickard Eóin , Hevey David , Wilson Charlotte 
Published: July 2020

AbstractPsychotherapists utilise several different seating arrangements in session, including face to face, side by side and the couch. This research investigated seating arrangement's impact on participants' ratings and perceptions of therapeutic alliance formation. A mixed‐methods design was used. Study I was a randomised experiment (N = 60 university students) comparing face to face and side by side seating arrangements, two history‐taking tasks (talking or questionnaires) and gender, in an analogue initial therapy session. Therapeutic alliance was assessed using the helping alliance questionnaire‐II. Study II used qualitative interviews to explore the experiences of five clients who had previously attended psychotherapy. Participants in the face to face questionnaires condition had significantly lower alliance ratings than face to face talking (p = .002) or side by side questionnaires (p = .039) conditions, regardless of gender. Those in the face to face talking condition were significantly likelier to attend a second session (p = .046) compared to the other three conditions. Participants identified eye contact, proxemics, power dynamics and development of therapeutic alliance over time as important factors regarding seating arrangement. Sitting face to face was more conducive for developing a good therapeutic alliance when using conversational history‐taking, while sitting side by side was more effective when completing questionnaires. Practitioners should consider the effects of using different seating arrangements and history‐taking approaches prior to working with clients.
Spinal cord compression by extramedullary hematopoiesis in beta‐thalassemia major
Authors: Ben Ammar Lobna , Ferjani Hanene , Maatallah Kaouther , Bouallegue Sonia , Riahi Hend , Kaffel Dhia , Hamdi Wafa 
Published: July 2020

AbstractExtramedullary hematopoiesis is a normal compensatory reaction that can affect the epidural space, leading to spinal cord compression syndrome. MRI is the imaging method of choice for diagnosis and monitoring. Treatment is still controversial.
Enantioselective Synthesis of 2‐Substituted Indoles Bearing Trifluoromethyl Moiety by the Friedel‐Crafts Alkylation Reaction of 4,7‐Dihydroindole with N−H Trifluoromethyl Ketimines
Authors: Uchikura Tatsuhiro , Suzuki Riku , Suda Yusuke , Akiyama Takahiko 
Published: July 2020

AbstractThe Friedel‐Crafts alkylation reaction of 4,7‐dihydroindole with N‐unprotected trifluoromethyl ketimines by means of chiral phosphoric acid and the subsequent oxidation with DDQ afforded chiral 2‐indolylmethylamines bearing a trifluoromethyl moiety in good to high yields with excellent enantioselectivities under one‐pot conditions. The adduct was transformed without loss of enantioselectivity and the absolute stereochemistry was determined by X‐ray crystallographic analysis.