bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Enlarged extracellular vesicles are a negative prognostic factor in patients undergoing TACE for primary or secondary liver cancer–a case series
Authors: Schöler David , Castoldi Mirco , Jördens Markus S. , Schulze-Hagen Max , Kuhl Christiane , Keitel Verena , Luedde Tom , Roderburg Christoph , Loosen Sven H.
Published: August 2021

Background

Transarterial chemoembolization (TACE) has evolved as a standard treatment option in patients with intermediate stage, unresectable HCC [Barcelona Clinic Liver Cancer (BCLC) stage B] as well as in patients with liver metastases, when surgery or systemic therapy is considered not appropriate. Concentration and sizes of extracellular vesicles (EVs) recently emerged as novel diagnostic and prognostic biomarkers in patients with liver cancer, but no data on its prognostic relevance in the context of TACE exists. Here, we evaluate pre-interventional EVs as a potential biomarker in patients undergoing TACE for primary and secondary hepatic malignancies.

Methods

Vesicle size distribution and concentration were measured by nanoparticle tracking analysis (NTA) in patient sera before and after TACE in 38 patients.

Results

Extracellular vesicle size distribution measured before TACE is of prognostic significance with respect to overall survival in patients after TACE. Overall survival is significantly reduced when initial vesicle size (X50) is in the upper quartile (>145.65nm). Median overall survival in patients in the upper quartile was only 314 days, compared to 799 days in patients with vesicle size in the first to third quartile (<145.65nm; p = 0.007). Vesicle size was also shown to be a significant prognostic marker for overall survival in Cox regression analysis [HR 1.089, 95% CI: 1.021–1.162, p = 0.010]. In addition, a significant correlation was observed between initial EVs concentration/BMI (rS = 0.358, p = 0.029), X50/IL-8-concentration (rS = 0.409, p = 0.011) and X50/CRP-concentration (rS = 0.404, p = 0.016). In contrast, with regard to immediate tumor response after TACE, EVs concentration and size did not differ.

Sizes (but not concentrations) of EVs represent a novel prognostic marker in patients receiving TACE for primary and secondary hepatic malignancies since patients with enlarged EVs display a significantly impaired prognosis after TACE.
Factors impacting resilience as a result of exposure to COVID-19: The ecological resilience model
Authors: Panzeri Anna , Bertamini Marco , Butter Sarah , Levita Liat , Gibson-Miller Jilly , Vidotto Giulio , Bentall Richard P. , Bennett Kate Mary
Published: August 2021

Despite the severe psychological impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, some individuals do not develop high levels of psychological distress and can be termed resilient. Using the ecological resilience model, we examined factors promoting or hindering resilience in the COVID-19 pandemic. Of the 1034 participants (49.9±16.2 years; females 51.2%) from Italian general population, 70% displayed resilient outcomes and 30% reported moderate-severe anxiety and/or depression. A binary regression model revealed that factors promoting resilience were mostly psychological (e.g., trait resilience, conscientiousness) together with social distancing. Conversely, factors hindering resilience included COVID-19-anxiety, COVID-19-related PTSD symptoms, intolerance of uncertainty, loneliness, living with children, higher education, and living in regions where the virus was starting to spread. In conclusion, the ecological resilience model in the COVID-19 pandemic explained 64% of the variance and identified factors promoting or hindering resilient outcomes. Critically, these findings can inform psychological interventions supporting individuals by strengthening factors associated with resilience.
Genomics-guided identification of potential modulators of SARS-CoV-2 entry proteases, TMPRSS2 and Cathepsins B/L
Authors: Prasad Kartikay , AlOmar Suliman Yousef , Almuqri Eman Abdullah , Rudayni Hassan Ahmed , Kumar Vijay
Published: August 2021

SARS-CoV-2 requires serine protease, transmembrane serine protease 2 (TMPRSS2), and cysteine proteases, cathepsins B, L (CTSB/L) for entry into host cells. These host proteases activate the spike protein and enable SARS-CoV-2 entry. We herein performed genomic-guided gene set enrichment analysis (GSEA) to identify upstream regulatory elements altering the expression of TMPRSS2 and CTSB/L. Further, medicinal compounds were identified based on their effects on gene expression signatures of the modulators of TMPRSS2 and CTSB/L genes. Using this strategy, estradiol and retinoic acid have been identified as putative SARS-CoV-2 alleviation agents. Next, we analyzed drug-gene and gene-gene interaction networks using 809 human targets of SARS-CoV-2 proteins. The network results indicate that estradiol interacts with 370 (45%) and retinoic acid interacts with 251 (31%) human proteins. Interestingly, a combination of estradiol and retinoic acid interacts with 461 (56%) of human proteins, indicating the therapeutic benefits of drug combination therapy. Finally, molecular docking analysis suggests that both the drugs bind to TMPRSS2 and CTSL with the nanomolar to low micromolar affinity. The results suggest that these drugs can simultaneously target both the entry pathways of SARS-CoV-2 and thus can be considered as a potential treatment option for COVID-19.
Food insecurity, drug resistance and non-disclosure are associated with virologic non-suppression among HIV pregnant women on antiretroviral treatment
Authors: Chohan Bhavna H. , Ronen Keshet , Khasimwa Brian , Matemo Daniel , Osborn Lusi , Unger Jennifer A. , Drake Alison L. , Beck Ingrid A. , Frenkel Lisa M. , Kinuthia John , John-Stewart Grace
Published: August 2021

We determined social and behavioral factors associated with virologic non-suppression among pregnant women receiving Option B+ antiretroviral treatment (ART). Baseline data was used from women in Mobile WAChX trial from 6 public maternal child health (MCH) clinics in Kenya. Virologic non-suppression was defined as HIV viral load (VL) ≥1000 copies/ml. Antiretroviral resistance testing was performed using oligonucleotide ligation (OLA) assay. ART adherence information, motivation and behavioral skills were assessed using Lifewindows IMB tool, depression using PHQ-9, and food insecurity with the Household Food Insecurity Access Scale. Correlates of virologic non-suppression were assessed using Poisson regression. Among 470 pregnant women on ART ≥4 months, 57 (12.1%) had virologic non-suppression, of whom 65% had HIV drug resistance mutations. In univariate analyses, risk of virologic non-suppression was associated with moderate-to-severe food insecurity (RR 1.80 [95% CI 1.06–3.05]), and varied significantly by clinic site (range 2%-22%, p <0.001). In contrast, disclosure (RR 0.36 [95% CI 0.17–0.78]) and having higher adherence skills (RR 0.70 [95% CI 0.58–0.85]) were associated with lower risk of virologic non-suppression. In multivariate analysis adjusting for clinic site, disclosure, depression symptoms, adherence behavior skills and food insecurity, disclosure and food insecurity remained associated with virologic non-suppression. Age, side-effects, social support, physical or emotional abuse, and distance were not associated with virologic non-suppression. Prevalence of virologic non-suppression among pregnant women on ART was appreciable and associated with food insecurity, disclosure and frequent drug resistance. HIV VL and resistance monitoring, and tailored counseling addressing food security and disclosure, may improve virologic suppression in pregnancy.
Diagnosis of Clostridioides difficile infection by analysis of volatile organic compounds in breath, plasma, and stool: A cross-sectional proof-of-concept study
Authors: John Teny M. , Shrestha Nabin K. , Procop Gary W. , Grove David , Leal Sixto M. , Jacob Ceena N. , Butler Robert , Dweik Raed
Published: August 2021

Clostridioides difficile infection (CDI) is an important infectious cause of antibiotic-associated diarrhea, with significant morbidity and mortality. Current diagnostic algorithms are based on identifying toxin by enzyme immunoassay (EIA) and toxin gene by real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) in patients with diarrhea. EIA’s sensitivity is poor, and PCR, although highly sensitive and specific, cannot differentiate infection from colonization. An ideal test that incorporates microbial factors, host factors, and host-microbe interaction might characterize true infection, and assess prognosis and recurrence. The study of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) has the potential to be an ideal diagnostic test. The presence of VOCs accounts for the characteristic odor of stool in CDI but their presence in breath and plasma has not been studied yet. A cross-sectional proof-of-concept study analyzing VOCs using selected ion flow tube mass spectrometry (SIFT-MS) was done on breath, stool, and plasma of patients with clinical features and positive PCR for CDI (cases) and compared with patients with clinical features but a negative PCR (control). Our results showed that VOC patterns in breath, stool, and plasma, had good accuracy [area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (ROC) 93%, 86%, and 91%, respectively] for identifying patients with CDI.
Global identification and mapping of socio-ecological production landscapes with the Satoyama Index
Authors: Natori Yoji , Hino Akihiko
Published: August 2021

Production landscapes play an important role in conserving biodiversity outside protected areas. Socio-ecological production landscapes (SEPL) are places where people use for primary production that conserve biodiversity. Such places can be found around the world, but a lack of geographic information on SEPL has resulted in their potential for conservation being neglected in policies and programs. We tested the global applicability of the Satoyama Index for identifying SEPL in multi-use cultural landscapes using global land use/cover data and two datasets of known SEPL. We found that the Satoyama Index, which was developed with a focus on biodiversity and tested in Japan, could be used globally to identify landscapes resulting from complex interactions between people and nature with statistical significance. This makes SEPL more relevant in the global conservation discourse. As the Satoyama Index mapping revealed that approximately 80% of SEPL occur outside recognized conservation priorities, such as protected areas and key biodiversity areas, identifying SEPL under the scheme of other area-based conservation measures (OECM) may bring more conservation attention to SEPL. Based on the issues identified in the SEPL mapping, we discuss ways that could improve the Satoyama Index mapping at global scale with the longitudinal temporal dimension and at more local scale with spatial and thematic resolution.
Plastome variation and phylogeny of Taxillus (Loranthaceae)
Authors: Su Huei-Jiun , Liang Shu-ling , Nickrent Daniel L.
Published: August 2021

Several molecular phylogenetic studies of the mistletoe family Loranthaceae have been published such that now the general pattern of relationships among the genera and their biogeographic histories are understood. Less is known about species relationships in the larger (> 10 species) genera. This study examines the taxonomically difficult genus Taxillus composed of 35–40 Asian species. The goal was to explore the genetic diversity present in Taxillus plastomes, locate genetically variable hotspots, and test these for their utility as potential DNA barcodes. Using genome skimming, complete plastomes, as well as nuclear and mitochondrial rDNA sequences, were newly generated for eight species. The plastome sequences were used in conjunction with seven publicly available Taxillus sequences and three sequences of Scurrula, a close generic relative. The Taxillus plastomes ranged from 121 to 123 kbp and encoded 90–93 plastid genes. In addition to all of the NADH dehydrogenase complex genes, four ribosomal genes, infA and four intron-containing tRNA genes were lost or pseudogenized in all of the Taxillus and Scurrula plastomes. The topologies of the plastome, mitochondrial rDNA and nuclear rDNA trees were generally congruent, though with discordance at the position of T. chinensis. Several variable regions in the plastomes were identified that have sufficient numbers of parsimony informative sites as to recover the major clades seen in the complete plastome tree. Instead of generating complete plastome sequences, our study showed that accD alone or the concatenation of accD and rbcL can be used in future studies to facilitate identification of Taxillus samples and to generate a molecular phylogeny with robust sampling within the genus.
The relationship between lower limb maximal and explosive strength and change of direction ability: Comparison of basketball and tennis players, and long-distance runners
Authors: Kozinc Žiga , Smajla Darjan , Šarabon Nejc
Published: August 2021

Change-of-direction (CoD) ability is an important determinant of athletic performance. Muscle strength is among the most important determinants of CoD ability. However, previous studies investigating the relationship between CoD ability and muscle strength focused mostly on flexor and extensor muscle groups, or used multi-joint exercises, such as jumps, squats or mid-thigh pull. The purpose of the present study was to investigate the relationship between CoD ability and strength of ankle, knee, hip and trunk maximal and explosive strength. The participants (n = 327), consisting of male and female basketball players, tennis players and long-distance runners completed isometric strength assessments and CoD testing (90° and 180° turn tests). The times of both CoD tests were associated with muscle strength (peak torques and the rate of torque development variables), with correlation coefficients being mostly weak to moderate (r = 0.2–0.6). Strength variables explained 33%, 62% and 48% of the variance in the 90° turn task, and 42%, 36% and 59% of the variance in the 180° turn task, in basketball players, long-distance runners and tennis players, respectively. Hip and trunk muscle strength variables were the most prevalent in the regression models, especially hip adduction and abduction strength. Our results suggest that the strength of several lower limb muscles, in particular of the hip abductors and adductors, and trunk muscles, but also hip rotators, extensors and flexors, as well as knee and ankle flexors and extensors should be considered when aiming to improve CoD performance.
One-year outcome and survival analysis of deferred ventricular septal repair in cardiogenic shock supported with mechanical circulatory support
Authors: Malik Jahanzeb , Younus Faizan , Malik Asmara , Farooq Muhammad Umar , Kamal Ahmed , Shoaib Muhammad , Naeem Hesham , Rana Ghazanfar , Rana Abdul Sattar , Usman Muhammad , Khalil Shahid
Published: August 2021

Background and objective

The effectiveness of deferred surgical repair of ventricular septal rupture (VSR) post-myocardial infarction (MI) with cardiogenic shock remains limited to case reports. Our study aimed to investigate the outcomes and survival analysis following mechanical circulatory support (MCS) in patients after VSR who develop cardiogenic shock.

Methods

We analyzed 27 patients with post-MI VSR and cardiogenic shock who received deferred surgical repair while stabilized on MCS between January 2018 and March 2020. After normality test adjustments, continuous variables were expressed as mean ± standard deviation (SD). These were compared using the Mann-Whitney U test and Student’s t-test. Categorical variables were compared using chi-square or Fisher’s exact test. To identify predictors of operative mortality, univariate analysis of clinical characteristics and interventions followed by logistic regression was carried out. P-value of < 0.05 was considered significant.

Results

All patients had preoperative MCS. Emergency repair was avoided in all the patients. The mean age of the participants was 64.96 with the majority being males (74.1%). On average, the mean time from MI to VSR repair was 18.85 days. Delayed revascularization was associated with increased mortality (OR 17.500, 95% CI 2.365–129.506, P = 0.005). Other factors associated with increased mortality were ejection fraction (EF), three-vessel disease, Killip class, early surgery, and prolonged use of inotropes. The operative mortality was 11% with an overall mortality of 33.3%. The one-year survival rate was 66.7%.

Conclusion

The use of MCS in adjunct to a deferred surgical approach shows an improved survival outcome of patients with VSR complicated by cardiogenic shock. Further investigations are required regarding the optimal time for MCS and surgical repair.
Modelagem da favorabilidade à recarga das águas subterrâneas pelo paradigma da lógica difusa
Authors: Manzione Rodrigo Lilla , Silva Cesar de Oliveira Ferreira , Paes Claudiane Otília
Published: August 2021

As informações geográficas são imprecisas, o que significa que os limites entre fenômenos diferentes são confusos ou há heterogeneidade dentro de uma classe, devido a diferenças entre feições geológicas, pedológicas, geomorfológicas, vegetais e assim por diante. Métodos baseados em inteligência artificial (IA) fornecem soluções sensíveis à natureza imprecisa (fuzzy) do mundo real baseados em regras definidas por especialistas. A natureza incerta dos processos que controlam a recarga das águas subterrâneas em bacias hidrográficas permite que esses métodos possam ser aplicados na gestão das águas subterrâneas, auxiliando no planejamento e na tomada de decisão quanto ao uso da água e proteção de áreas vulneráveis. O objetivo deste trabalho foi definir áreas favoráveis para recarga das águas subterrâneas a partir de variáveis relacionadas amostradas próximas a poços de monitoramento em uma bacia hidrográfica em área de afloramento do Sistema Aquífero Guarani (SAG). Para isso, utilizou-se da lógica fuzzy para definir um sistema de inferência capaz de extrapolar espacialmente os dados amostrados pontualmente para toda a bacia hidrográfica, resultando em um mapa de favorabilidade à recarga baseado em variáveis relacionadas à textura e manejo do solo, feições de terreno e vegetação. O mapa síntese auxilia tanto o planejamento quanto a tomada de decisão do uso da terra considerando os processos hidrológicos em suas interfaces de superfície e subsuperfície. A partir dos resultados alcançados, estende-se a discussão sobre a importância das escolhas éticas nos processos de tomada de decisão em hidrogeologia relacionadas ao uso de métodos baseados em IA
The use of traffic data from automatic monitoring systems to obtain day-to-day time series of vehicle traffic volumes and origin-destination flows in urban networks
Authors: Barroso Joana Maia Fernandes , Oliveira João Lucas Albuquerque , de Oliveira Neto Francisco Moraes
Published: August 2021

The understanding of travel pattern dynamics in the urban environment is essential for the transportation systems planning and operation. Recently, the increasing availability of massive traffic data from traffic monitoring systems, including automatic number plate recognition systems (TMS-ANPR), can allow an understanding of the day-to-day variability of traffic flows in large urban network systems. However, to enhance the data quality for analysis, it is essential to carry out a previous data treatment. This work presents a method for treatment of TMS-ANPR data. The main product of this data treatment are the day-to-day time series of traffic volumes and OD flows for different periods of a typical day, allowing the analysis of the multiday dynamic of travel behavior and of the model assumptions stated in the literature about such dynamic behavior. The proposed method, which can be applied to any type of TMS-ANPR, was applied to generate time series data from the TMS-ANPR of Fortaleza city, contributing to identify suspicious and atypical data, to define representative patterns of vehicular traffic and to estimate series of OD flows.
The closure of the Vardar ocean (the western domain of the northern Neotethys) from early Middle Jurassic to Paleocene time, based on surface geology of eastern Pelagonia and the Vardar zone, biostratigraphy, and seismic-tomographic images of the mantle below the Central Hellenides
Authors: Scherreiks Rudolph , Boudagher-Fadel Marcelle
Published: August 2021

Seismic tomographic images of the mantle below the Hellenides indicate that the Vardar ocean probably had a composite width of over 3000 kilometres. From surface geology we know that this ocean was initially located between two passive margins: Pelagonian Adria in the west and Serbo-Macedonian-Eurasia in the east. Pelagonia was covered by a carbonate platform that accumulated, during Late Triassic to Early Cretaceous time, where highly diversified carbonate sedimentary environments evolved and reacted to the adjacent, converging Vardar ocean plate. We conceive that on the east side of the Vardar ocean, a Cretaceous carbonate platform evolved from Aptian to Maastrichtian time in the forearc basin of the Vardar supra-subduction volcanic arc complex.

The closure of the Vardar ocean occurred in one episode of ophiolite obduction and in two episodes of intra-oceanic subduction.
Association of SNP g.232 G>T Calpain Gene with Growth and Live Meat Quality Prediction using Ultrasound Images in Bali Cattle
Authors: Dairoh Dairoh , Jakaria Jakaria , Ulum Mokhamad Fakhrul , Ishak Andi Baso Lompengeng , Sumantri Cece
Published: August 2021

Bali cattle (Bos javanicus) are native Indonesian cattle, domesticated from banteng (Bibos banteng). Genes that have an important role in meat quality are calcium-activated neutral protease genes, known as calpains (CAPN). The objective of this study was to evaluate the polymophisms of calpain gene SNP g.232 G>T by PCR-RFLP technique and its influence on growth trait and meat quality of Bali cattle detected by ultrasound imaging of longissimus dorsi thickness (LDT), back fat thickness (BFT), marbling score (MS), and intramuscular fat percentage (PIMF). The polymorphisms of CAPN1 gene were analyzed by PCR-RFLP using BglII restriction enzyme (n=52 cattle). The ultrasound images of longissimus dorsi muscle were carried out transversally and longitudinal between 12th -13th thoracic vertebrae then analyzed by Image-J NIH software. Result showed that  SNP g.232 G>T of CAPN1 gene was polymorphic in Bali cattle. SNP g.232 G>T of CAPN1 gene in Bali cattle has higher diversity which was showed of 0.48 heterozygosity value and was in Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium. The polymorphisms of SNP g.232 G>T was associated significantly (P<0.05) with bodyweight at 730 days, marbling score (MS), and intramuscular fat percentage (PIMF). It suggests that the CAPN1 gene in Bali cattle is a candidate for Marker Assisted Selection (MAS), which influences body weight at 730 days, marbling score, and percentage of intramuscular fat.
Improving the quality of breast ultrasound examination performed by inexperienced ultrasound doctors with synchronous tele-ultrasound: a prospective, parallel controlled trial
Authors: Sun Yi-Kang , Li Xiao-Long , Wang Qiao , Zhou Bo-Yang , Zhu An-Qi , Qin Chuan , Guo Le-Hang , Xu Hui-Xiong
Published: August 2021

Purpose: This prospective study explored the value of synchronous tele-ultrasound (US) to aid doctors inexperienced in US with breast US examinations.Methods: In total, 99 patients were enrolled. Two trainee doctors who were inexperienced in US (trainee A [TA] and trainee B [TB]) and one doctor who was an expert in US completed the US examinations sequentially. TA completed the US examinations independently, while TB was instructed by the expert using synchronous tele-US. Subsequently, the expert performed on-site US examinations in person. Separately, they selected the most clinically significant nodule as the target nodule. Consistency with the expert and image quality were compared between TA and TB to evaluate tele-US. Furthermore, TB and the patients evaluated tele-US through questionnaires.Results: TB demonstrated higher consistency with the expert in terms of target nodule selection than TA (93.3% vs. 63.3%, P<0.001). TB achieved good inter-observer agreement (ICC, >0.75) with the expert on five US features (5/9, 55.6%), while TA only did so for one (1/9, 11.1%) (P=0.046). TB’s image quality was higher than TA’s in gray value, time gain compensation, depth, color Doppler adjustment, and the visibility of key information (P=0.018, P<0.001, P<0.001, P=0.033, and P=0.006, respectively). The comprehensive assessment score was higher for TB than for TA (3.96±0.82 vs. 3.09±0.87, P<0.001). Tele-US was helpful in 69.7% of US examinations and had a training effect in 68.0%. Furthermore, 63.6% of patients accepted tele-US and 60.6% were willing to pay.Conclusion: Tele-US can help doctors inexperienced in US to perform breast US examinations.
An Analysis of Al-Qur’an Language as a Mediator for Politicization of Religion in Indonesia
Authors: Makinuddin Mohammad
Published: August 2021

This study is conducted to comprehend the politicization of religion typology based on the use of Al-Qur’an language on the narrative of the politic in Indonesia. The politicization of religion is a widespread phenomenon among Indonesian people. Some political events in Indonesia cannot be separated from religious symbols, for example, conveying Al-Qur’an theorems to spread political agendas. Al-Qur’an, its communicative language characteristics, is frequently used as a mediator to spread particular narratives for power. This study uses a qualitative approach by gathering contents or narratives related to Al-Qur’an verses for a political power struggle in Indonesia. This study uses the linguistic method to see how the discourses of Al-Qur’an as a language of religion become a tool to build a social identity related to politics. The result of this study shows that Al-Qur’an can be a mediator in the spread of political narratives. Besides, the characteristics of the Al-Qur’an language, which tend to have communicative feel, can potentially be used as a political communication tool. This study has a contribution toward the development of politicization of religion typology through the Al-Qur’an language. Al-Qur’an and its user have a connection with various discourses and debates in particular contexts. Therefore, to comprehend an interpretation, it is essential to see the context and society's need when analysing a text.
Monitoring the M-protein of multiple myeloma patients treated with a combination of monoclonal antibodies: the laboratory solution to eliminate interference
Authors: Noori Somayya , Verkleij Christie P. M. , Zajec Marina , Langerhorst Pieter , Bosman Patricia W. C. , de Rijke Yolanda B. , Zweegman Sonja , VanDuijn Martijn , Luider Theo , van de Donk Niels W. C. J. , Jacobs Joannes F. M.
Published: August 2021

Objectives

The therapeutic monoclonal antibody (t-mAb) daratumumab, used to treat multiple myeloma (MM) patients, interferes with routine, electrophoretic based M-protein diagnostics. Electrophoretic response assessment becomes increasingly difficult when multiple t-mAbs are combined for use in a single patient. This is the first study to address the analytical challenges of M-protein monitoring when multiple t-mAbs are combined.

Methods

In this proof-of-principle study we evaluate two different methods to monitor M-protein responses in three MM patients, who receive both daratumumab and nivolumab. The double hydrashift assay aims to resolve t-mAb interference on immunofixation. The MS-MRD (mass spectrometry minimal residual disease) assay measures clonotypic peptides to quantitate both M-protein and t-mAb concentrations.

Results

After exposure to daratumumab and nivolumab, both t-mAbs become visible on immunofixation electrophoresis (IFE) as two IgG-kappa bands that migrate close to each other at the cathodal end of the γ-region. In case the M-protein co-migrates with these t-mAbs, the observed interference was completely abolished with the double IFE hydrashift assay. In all three patients the MS-MRD assay was also able to distinguish the M-protein from the t-mAbs. Additional advantage of the MS-MRD assay is that this multiplex assay is more sensitive and allows quantitative M-protein-, daratumumab- and nivolumab-monitoring.

Conclusions

Daratumumab and nivolumab interfere with electrophoretic M-protein diagnostics. However, the M-protein can be distinguished from both t-mAbs by use of a double hydrashift assay. The MS-MRD assay provides an alternative method that allows sensitive and simultaneous quantitative monitoring of both the M-protein and t-mAbs.
Comparison of corrosion behavior of 2205 and 2507 duplex stainless steel in simulated flue gas condensate of a waste incineration power plant
Authors: Ge Fang , Wang Xiaojie , Meng Xinjing , Huang Xin , Zhang Yi , Song Yanfang , Ge Honghua , Zhao Yuzeng
Published: August 2021

The corrosion behavior of duplex stainless steel 2205 DSS and 2507 DSS in simulated flue gas condensate of a waste incineration power plant at 180 °C was compared by micro-area electrochemical testing, surface and weight loss analysis. The results showed that the corrosion resistance of the two stainless steels decreased with the increase of Cl− concentration. After 48 h of corrosion, when the Cl− concentration was not less than 6 g·L−1, active sites where current density increased suddenly appeared on the surface of 2205 DSS, accompanied by the obvious increase of surface roughness and the weight loss. The lowest Cl− concentration that caused the appearance of active sites on the surface of 2507 DSS was 20 g·L−1, with less surface corrosion products and lower degree of general corrosion.
On a Chomskyan postulation in conceptual metaphor theory
Authors: Jiang Yicun
Published: August 2021

This paper is an attempt to make a comparison between Lakoff and Johnson’s conceptual metaphor theory and Chomsky’s transformational generative grammar, and to demonstrate a Chomskyan postulation in the former. Although Lakoff and Johnson regard Chomsky’s linguistics as a modern representative of traditional Western philosophies of language that tend to highlight the a priori assumptions rather than empirical findings, the cognitive theory of metaphor contains a Chomskyan metaphysical assumption as its most important notion, i.e. the assumption of conceptual metaphors. Thus, what the present paper wants to argue with ample evidence is that Lakoff and Johnson’s conceptual metaphor theory resembles Chomsky’s logic and that their notion of conceptual metaphors is very much a Chomskyan postulation. What the present study tries to further demonstrate is that the abovementioned two theories actually have many points in common, which also implies that Lakoff and Johnson have failed to avoid the paradigm that they believe is conflicting with their own.
Constructing online tourist destination images: a visual discourse analysis of the official Beijing Tourism website
Authors: Qi Wenjin , Sorokina Nadezda
Published: August 2021

Having the right image as a tourist destination brings immense benefits for a city’s international recognition in an increasingly competitive tourist industry. Official tourism websites as effective platforms to project a destination image online are able to provide substantial information about the tourist destination and attract a wider potential for inbound tourists from a global market. However, a lack of sufficient research has been noted regarding the integration of tourism studies and the study of website discourse, particularly visual discourse. This study, drawing on the theory of metafunctions in semiotics, conducts a visual discourse analysis by examining the three metafunctional meanings of visual images extracted from the official Beijing Tourism website. The results of both quantitative and qualitative analyses showed that the investigated website constructs an online city destination image through a multiplicity of tourist resources. The study concludes by outlining the practical benefits for tourism website designers and implications for future research.
The social semiotic context of the fashion show
Authors: Günay V. Doğan
Published: August 2021

A fashion show is a form of social activity which is worth examining on several counts, including in terms of the preparation of garments, the space in which they are presented, and the way of presenting them. In this study, the fashion show is evaluated within the boundaries of social semiotics, which is widely accepted as a subfield of semiotics. Single garments are not presented in the show. Instead, a collection of garments created by a fashion designer in the context of a particular theme and style is presented. The collection made by the designer also forms the discourse of the designer. There are fashion models who present the collection of garments in front of clients. Although the models are on the podium, they are, in fact, in the position of the voice of the fashion designer. It is the models who present the elements of discourse on the podium to the recipients. Accordingly, this paper first scrutinizes the theory of social semiotics. In this context, the place of the subject, object, and the discourse are examined. Then the obtained data is used for the analysis of situations in the show.
Improvement of wound healing by the development of ECM-inspired biomaterial coatings and controlled protein release
Authors: Spiller Sabrina , Clauder Franziska , Bellmann-Sickert Kathrin , Beck-Sickinger Annette G.
Published: August 2021

Implant design has evolved from biochemically inert substrates, minimizing cell and protein interaction, towards sophisticated bioactive substrates, modulating the host response and supporting the regeneration of the injured tissue. Important aspects to consider are the control of cell adhesion, the discrimination of bacteria and non-local cells from the desired tissue cell type, and the stimulation of implant integration and wound healing. Here, the extracellular matrix acts as a role model providing us with inspiration for sophisticated designs. Within this scope, small bioactive peptides have proven to be miscellaneously deployable for the mediation of surface, cell and matrix interactions. Combinations of adhesion ligands, proteoglycans, and modulatory proteins should guide multiple aspects of the regeneration process and cooperativity between the different extracellular matrix components, which bears the chance to maximize the therapeutic efficiency and simultaneously lower the doses. Hence, efforts to include multiple of these factors in biomaterial design are well worth. In the following, multifunctional implant coatings based on bioactive peptides are reviewed and concepts to implement strong surface anchoring for stable cell adhesion and a dynamic delivery of modulator proteins are discussed.
The strategy developed for high conversion and the multiplicity problems of biochemical reaction in a real CSTR with Cholette’s model
Authors: Yang Chane-Yuan , Tsai Ding-Chi , Chien Yu-Shu
Published: August 2021

In this paper we used the examples for four kinetic schemes under substrate and product inhibition of a biochemical reaction occurring in a real CSTR with Cholette’s model to demonstrate the strategy for high conversion and the multiplicity problem. In addition, it is found that the non-ideal mixing indeed influences the necessary and sufficient conditions for input multiplicity and output multiplicity. Meanwhile, for each of four kinetic schemes under substrate and product inhibition of a biochemical reaction, the input multiplicity regions are found inside the output multiplicity regions. This fact reveals that when deriving an operating strategy to obtain a high conversion and to avoid the control problem, only the output multiplicity is needed to consider even in the CSTR with the input and output multiplicity occurring simultaneously.
Access and reach of linguistic repertoires in periods of change: a theoretical approach to sociolinguistic inequalities
Authors: Weirich Anna-Christine
Published: August 2021

The two notions of scope and access connect an understanding of societal multilingualism in a socio-economic context (linguistic relations) with the analysis of individual multilingualism (linguistic repertoires and linguistic practice). These notions produce a theoretical framework for discussing sociolinguistic inequalities that links the macro-level of social relations with the micro perspective of specific individuals and practices. Linguistic relations are dynamic and can undergo abrupt changes that urge multilingual speakers to restructure their linguistic repertoires to adapt to altered linguistic relations. With the help of the concepts of access and scope, we can describe which social functions specific linguistic resources have (scope) and how speakers are positioned to acquire these resources (access). This describes the relation of speakers to their linguistic resources as currently (un)available (scope) and potentially (un)learnable (access), depending on the social context in which they are practiced. Using these notions as a theoretical framework, this text discusses two scenarios of change connected to mobility and immobility illustrated with examples from research in the Republic of Moldova. The first case is one of ruptured sociolinguistic relations because of drastic changes in a state’s language policies with which immobile speakers are confronted. A highly qualified Moldovan labor migrant in Italy serves as an example of mobility.
Phraseological complexity and low- and intermediate-level L2 learners’ writing quality
Authors: Jiang Jingyang , Bi Peng , Xie Nana , Liu Haitao
Published: August 2021

This study explores the extent to which phraseological complexity measures can predict second-language (L2) writing quality of low- and intermediate-level learners, especially in comparison with the more traditional syntactic and lexical complexity measures. To measure phraseological complexity, we evaluated phraseological diversity and phraseological sophistication by focusing on two commonly-used phraseological units (adjective-noun and verb-direct-object combinations). Our findings show that phraseological, syntactic, and lexical complexity measures can respectively explain 36.0, 34.4, and 56.5% of variance in writing scores. Although lexical complexity measures are responsible for more variance in writing scores, all three complexity dimensions contribute to the predictive power of writing scores, as evinced by the combined model explaining 63.4% of variance. Most phraseological complexity measures were loaded onto individual factors by the factor analysis, suggesting that phraseological complexity is an independent dimension of L2 complexity.
Optimizing pediatric histrelin implantation to improve success rates in clinic without sedation
Authors: Krishna Vikram , Lee Steven L. , DeUgarte Daniel A.
Published: August 2021

Objectives

The purpose of this study was to review our success rate performing the histrelin implant procedure in clinic without sedation.

Methods

A retrospective study was performed for histrelin implant procedures done at our institution from 2008 to 2020. Wilcoxon rank-sum test or Fisher’s exact test was utilized to identify significant differences (p<0.05).

Results

A total of 73 patients underwent 184 histrelin implant procedures from 2008 to 2020. In the past few years, there has been a decrease in procedures for precocious puberty and an increase for gender dysphoria. The majority of procedures were performed in clinic without sedation (82%). The only risk factor associated with requiring sedation was younger age (median 9 vs. 10 years; p<0.003). Complications (i.e. implant fracture or need for counter-incision) were noted in 10 of the procedures (5%). The only risk factor identified for a procedural complication during implant removal/replacement was interval time from insertion (21 vs. 13 months; p<0.01). The only documented wound problem reported was dermatitis in 1 patient (no suture granuloma, dehiscence, or implant extravasation).

Conclusions

Procedural refinements and distraction therapy have enabled us to perform the majority of procedures in clinic without sedation. In our experience, procedural difficulty and complications appear to increase with prolonged implant duration. Histrelin implantation is increasingly being performed for gender dysphoria.
“Unlocking Legal Gridlock in High-Income Countries: How Excessive Litigation Hampers Growth and Harms Democracy”
Authors: Rasquin Christian
Published: August 2021

The paper focuses on rules of standing in the context of environmental law. With the implementation of the Convention on Access to Information, Public Participation in Decision-making, and Access to Justice in Environmental Matters (Aarhus Convention) in European law, interest groups have become major players in the enforcement of environmental regulations. Although such interest groups can help to reduce enforcement deficits, their involvements create the risk of regulatory gridlock, with excessive litigation lengthening approval processes which can discourage investment in public and private infrastructure. The paper discusses the implementation of the Aarhus Convention in Germany, highlights ways to overcome administrative gridlock and facilitate effective approval procedures. If implemented, these strategies will enable Germany’s economy to remain competitive, supporting the maintenance of the country’s high standard of living and strong welfare state.
A pilot study on the home range and movement patterns of the Andean Fox Lycalopex culpaeus (Molina, 1782) in Cotopaxi National Park, Ecuador
Authors: Castellanos Armando , Castellanos Francisco X. , Kays Roland , Brito Jorge
Published: August 2021

This study reports movement patterns and home range estimates of an Andean fox (Lycalopex culpaeus) in Cotopaxi National Park in Ecuador, representing the first GPS-tagging of the species. The GPS functioned well during the 197-day tracking period. Home range sizes ranged between 4.9 and 8.1 km2, depending on the estimation method. Movement speeds averaged 0.17 km/h at day versus 0.87 km/h at night, and distance traveled averaged 0.23 km at day versus 0.89 km at night. These preliminary results highlight the importance of collecting unbiased, high-quality data which enables an enhanced understanding on mammal behavior and human/animal interaction.
Mitigation of heat treatment distortion of AA 7075 aluminum alloy by deep cryogenic processing using the Navy C-ring test
Authors: Sonar Tushar , Balasubramanian Visvalingam , Malarvizhi Sudersanan
Published: August 2021

Heat treatment is a promising approach to advance the mechanical properties of AA 7075 aluminum alloy for aerospace structural applications. Quenching is commonly performed after solutionizing of AA 7075 aluminum alloy to impart supersaturated solid solution condition. It involves rapid cooling of the previously solutionized part to room temperature with water as a quenching medium. It leads to severe distortion of the structural part and deteriorates its surface integrity due to the high thermal residual stresses. This paper reports the distortion behavior of heat-treated AA 7075 aluminum alloy by implementing the standard Navy C-ring test. For precise measurements, the coordinate measuring machine (CMM) was used. Deep cryogenic treatment (DCT) was executed after conventional heat treatment (CHT) to reduce the tensile residual stresses and mitigate the distortion potential of AA 7075 aluminum alloy. Results showed significant improvement in surface finish and hardness of deep cryogenically treated AA 7075 aluminum alloy. It is attributed to the precipitation of fine spherical second phase particles distributed uniformly in the matrix. The distortion potential of heat-treated AA 7075 aluminum alloy is minimized by 30.7 % by deep cryogenic processing. It is correlated to the counterbalancing of tensile residual stresses in the heat treated part by compressive residual stresses ensued by deep cryogenic quenching.
A fractional study of generalized Oldroyd-B fluid with ramped conditions via local & non-local kernels
Authors: Saeed Syed Tauseef , Riaz Muhammad Bilal , Baleanu Dumitru
Published: August 2021

Convective flow is a self-sustained flow with the effect of the temperature gradient. The density is nonuniform due to the variation of temperature. The effect of the magnetic flux plays a major role in convective flow. The process of heat transfer is accompanied by mass transfer process; for instance condensation, evaporation and chemical process. Due to the applications of the heat and mass transfer combined effects in different field, the main aim of this paper is to do comprehensive analysis of heat and mass transfer of MHD unsteady Oldroyd-B fluid in the presence of ramped conditions. The new governing equations of MHD Oldroyd-B fluid have been fractionalized by means of singular and non-singular differentiable operators. In order to have an accurate physical significance of imposed conditions on the geometry of Oldroyd-B fluid, the ramped temperature, concentration and velocity are considered. The fractional solutions of temperature, concentration and velocity have been investigated by means of integral transform and inversion algorithm. The influence of physical parameters and flow is analyzed graphically via computational software (MATHCAD-15). The velocity profile decreases by increasing the Prandtl number. The existence of a Prandtl number may reflect the control of the thickness and enlargement of the thermal effect. The classical calculus is assumed as the instant rate of change of the output when the input level changes. Therefore it is not able to include the previous state of the system called the memory effect. Due to this reason, we applied the modern definition of fractional derivatives. Obtained generalized results are very important due to their vast applications in the field of engineering and applied sciences.
Die Theorie mehrseitiger Marktplätze in der US-amerikanischen und deutschen Zusammenschlusskontrolle: Eine empirische Untersuchung für den Mediensektor
Authors: Kuchinke Björn A.
Published: August 2021

Das Ziel des vorliegenden Beitrags ist die Untersuchung der praktischen Relevanz der aktuellen medientheoretischen Erkenntnisse (insbesondere der Theorie zweiseitiger Märkte (TMT)) in der Zusammenschlussprüfung der US-amerikanischen und deutschen Kartellbehörden. In die Analyse wurden alle im Untersuchungszeitraum von 1999 bis Juli 2016 angemeldeten und dem Mediensektor zurechenbaren Zusammenschlussfällen der FTC und der ATD einbezogen. Analog wurden alle anmeldungspflichtigen Zusammenschlussvorhaben aus den Jahren 1999 bis 2014 in Deutschland untersucht. Zusammenfassend zeigt sich für die Marktabgrenzung und die Prognose der Gefahr der Monopolisierung, dass bisher eine unzulängliche Einbindung der TMT in das Prüfverfahren der Kartellbehörden nachzuweisen ist. Während FTC und DoJ bisher weitgehend auf den Einbezug verzichtet haben, erfolgt dieser in Deutschland bisher wenig systematisch. In 83,33 % der seit 2008 geprüften Fälle wurden die Besonderheiten von Medienmärkten in Deutschland demgemäß gar nicht oder nur sporadisch gewürdigt. Hierdurch kann es aus theoretischer Sicht zu Fehlentscheidungen kommen. Insbesondere besteht die Gefahr der Überschätzung der negativen Wohlfahrtswirkungen bei zeitgleicher Unterschätzung möglicher Effizienzgewinne.
Was ist „Wohlfahrt“ aus verhaltensökonomischer Sicht?
Authors: Schubert Christian
Published: August 2021

Dieser Artikel gibt einen kurzen Einblick in die aktuelle Debatte, wie ökonomische „Wohlfahrt“ zu denken ist, wenn man nicht mehr davon ausgehen kann, dass individuelle Präferenzen vollständig, stabil und konsistent sind. Konkret geht es um Robert Sugdens Vorschlag, ein Opportunity-Kriterium an die Stelle des traditionellen wohlfahrtsökonomischen Fokus auf die Befriedigung gegebener Präferenzen zu setzen. Mit unvollständigen und inkonsistenten Präferenzen erscheint jener Fokus nicht mehr überzeugend. Sugden schlägt vor, die Maximierung der individuellen Chancen anzustreben, jedwede Präferenz zu befriedigen, die ein Individuum in künftigen Perioden potentiell ausprägen könnte. Einige Einwände gegen diesen Ansatz werden diskutiert.