bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Cone beam computed tomography for detecting residual stones in percutaneous nephrolithotomy, a randomized controlled trial (CAPTURE) protocol
Authors: Kingma R. A. , de Jong I. J. , Greuter M. J. W. , Roemeling S.
Published: November 2021

Introduction

Percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL) is the standard surgical treatment method for large kidney stones. Its aim is to achieve a stone-free status, since any residual fragments (RFs) after PCNL are likely to cause additional morbidity or stone growth. Enhancing intraoperative detectability of RFs could lead to increased stone-free rates and decreased re-intervention rates. Cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) has recently been introduced in urology as a feasible method for intraoperatively imaging RFs. The aim of this trial is to determine the added value of CBCT in percutaneous nephrolithotomy, by measuring differences in stone-related morbidity for patients with procedures in which a CBCT is used versus patients with procedures without the use of CBCT.

Methods

The CAPTURE trial is an investigator-initiated single-center, randomized controlled trial (RCT) in adult patients who have an indication for percutaneous nephrolithotomy. A contemporary percutaneous nephrolithotomy is performed. Once the surgeon is convinced of a stone-free status by means of fluoroscopy and nephroscopy, randomization allocates patients to either the study group in whom an intraoperative CBCT scan is performed or to the control group in whom no intraoperative CBCT scan is performed. The main endpoint is the stone-free status as assessed four weeks postoperatively by low-dose non-contrast abdominal CT, as a standard follow-up procedure. Secondary endpoints include the number of PCNL procedures required and the number of stone-related events (SREs) registered. The total study population will consist of 320 patients that undergo PCNL and are eligible for randomization for an intraoperative CBCT scan.

Discussion

We deem a randomized controlled trial to be the most effective and reliable method to assess the efficacy of CBCT in PCNL. Though some bias may occur due to the impossibility of blinding the urologist at randomization, we estimate that the pragmatic nature of the study, standardized circumstances, and follow-up methods with pre-defined outcome measures will result in a high level of evidence.

Trial registration

Netherlands Trial Register (NTR) NL8168, ABR NL70728.042.19. Registered on 15 October 2019. Prospectively registered.
Efficient iterative methods for finding simultaneously all the multiple roots of polynomial equation
Authors: Shams Mudassir , Rafiq Naila , Kausar Nasreen , Agarwal Praveen , Park Choonkil , Momani Shaher
Published: November 2021

Two new iterative methods for the simultaneous determination of all multiple as well as distinct roots of nonlinear polynomial equation are established, using two suitable corrections to achieve a very high computational efficiency as compared to the existing methods in the literature. Convergence analysis shows that the orders of convergence of the newly constructed simultaneous methods are 10 and 12. At the end, numerical test examples are given to check the efficiency and numerical performance of these simultaneous methods.
Long-term evaluation of factors affecting removal torque of microimplants
Authors: Kim Ho-Jin , Park Hyo-Sang
Published: November 2021

Background

The current study aimed to evaluate factors affecting the long-term stability of microimplants using removal torque and the correlation between removal torque and clinical variables.

Materials and methods

This research evaluated 703 microimplants placed in 354 patients (mean age: 30.4 ± 12.1 years). The removal torque was evaluated according to various clinical variables including sex, age, placement site, microimplant size, and placement method (self-drilling versus pre-drilling). Pearson correlation and stepwise multiple linear regression analyses were performed to investigate different variables and their association with removal torque.

Results

The mean removal torque was significantly higher in the mandible (4.46 N cm) than in the maxilla (3.73 N cm). The values in the posterior teeth/retromolar areas were significantly higher than those in the anterior teeth area. There were no significant difference in terms of sex. Teenagers had a lower removal torque than older adults in the mandible, but not in the maxilla. Microimplants with a greater length and diameter, except for those with a greater diameter in the maxilla, was associated with a higher removal torque. Regardless of placement torque, the removal torque convergently reached approximately 4 N cm in both placement methods. The removal torque was significantly correlated with screw length in the self-drilling group and with diameter in the pre-drilling group.

Conclusions

Removal torque was related with placement site, age, placement method, and length and diameter of microimplants.
Crustal deformation detection capability of the GNSS-A seafloor geodetic observation array (SGO-A), provided by Japan Coast Guard
Authors: Yokota Yusuke , Ishikawa Tadashi , Watanabe Shun-ichi , Nakamura Yuto
Published: November 2021

The GNSS-A technique is an observation method that can detect seafloor crustal deformations with centimeter-level positioning accuracy. The GNSS-A seafloor geodetic observation array operated by the Japan Coast Guard (SGO-A) has been constructed near the Japanese Islands along the Nankai Trough and the Japan Trench. This observation array has detected several earthquakes’ displacements and episodic slow crustal deformation. To compare the detection results of SGO-A with other observation networks and expand the SGO-A coverage area, it is necessary to correctly understand its detection capability. In this paper, numerical simulations and statistical verifications were used to assess the capabilities of the present GNSS-A system using a manned vessel (observation frequency: 4–6 times/year, positioning accuracy: standard deviation = 1.5 cm) to detect (1) secular deformation only, (2) a transient slip event only and (3) secular deformation and a transient event together. We verified these results with appropriate thresholds and found the following features: When it is known that there is no transient event, the 95% confidence level (CL) for the estimation of secular crustal deformation rate with 4-year observation is about 0.5–0.8 cm/year; when the deformation rate is known, a signal of about 3.0 cm can be detected by observations of about 4 times before and after the transient event. When the deformation rate and the transient event are detected together, to keep the false positive low (about 0.05), the false negative becomes high (about 0.7–0.2 for detecting a signal of 4.5–6.0 cm). The determined rate and event variations are approximately 1.8 cm/year (95%CL) and 1.5 cm (standard deviation), respectively. We also examined the detection capability for higher observation frequency and positioning accuracy, to examine how the detection capability improves by technological advancements in the future. Additionally, we calculated the spatial range of event detectability using the determined values of detection sensitivity. Obtained results show that each seafloor site can detect a slip event of < 1.0 m scale within about 30 km radius, and approximately one-third of the subseafloor slip event over 100 km from land along the Nankai Trough can only be detected by SGO-A.
A case of Epstein Barr virus-associated primary squamous cell carcinoma of stomach
Authors: Katsura Yuki , Okabayashi Takehiro , Ozaki Kazuhiro , Shibuya Yuichi , Iwata Jun
Published: November 2021

Background

Primary squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) of stomach is extremely rare. The pathogenesis of SCC of stomach remains unclear. There is only one report that Epstein Barr virus (EBV) infection may be involved in the pathogenesis of SCC arising in the stomach ever before. Here, we report a case of Epstein Barr virus infection-associated primary SCC of stomach in a 70-year-old woman. She was presented to the referring hospital with hematemesis. Initial endoscopy revealed a bleeding gastric ulcer in the upper part of gastric corpus and the coagulation therapy was followed. After a 3-month follow-up, endoscopy revealed a submucosal tumor-like protrusion instead of an ulcer. Computed tomography revealed a mass in the upper part of stomach and swollen lymph nodes along with the lesser curvature and para-aortic lymph node. Biopsy could not confirm the definitive diagnosis. We performed total gastrectomy with para-aortic lymph node sampling. Histological analysis revealed squamous cell carcinoma with EBV infection with lymph node metastases. Tumor cells were positive for EBV-encoded small RNA (EBER) by in situ hybridization. The postoperative course was uneventful and the patient was discharged on day 11 after the operation. CapeOX was started as adjuvant chemotherapy, and the patient remains alive without recurrence 7 months after surgery.

Conclusion

This is the first case report of EBV infection-associated primary SCC of the stomach diagnosed by in situ hybridization of EBER. EBV infection may be related to the pathogenesis of primary SCC. Further evidence and studies are required to establish optimal strategy for this rare disease.
Laparoscopic and endoscopic cooperative surgery for advanced gastric cancer as palliative surgery in elderly patients: a case report
Authors: Washio Marie , Hiki Naoki , Hosoda Kei , Niihara Masahiro , Chuman Motohiro , Sakuraya Mikiko , Wada Takuya , Harada Hiroki , Sato Takeo , Tanaka Kiyoshi , Naitoh Takeshi , Kumamoto Yusuke , Sangai Takafumi , Tanabe Satoshi , Yamashita Keishi
Published: November 2021

Background

The number of elderly patients with gastric cancer is increasing, with the very elderly often refusing radical gastrectomy with lymph node dissection. Such a patient presented to us and we proposed a palliative surgery involving gastric local resection using laparoscopy endoscopy cooperative surgery (LECS).

Case presentation

An 89-year-old woman presented to our hospital with progressing anemia. She had an aortic arch replacement for aortic dissection 6 months previously and was taking antithrombotic drugs for atrial fibrillation. She was diagnosed with advanced gastric cancer, and we presented a radical resection treatment plan involving distal gastrectomy with lymph node dissection. However, she strongly refused undergoing radical gastric cancer resection. We believed that at least local control of the tumor could be effective in preventing future bleeding or stenosis due to tumor progression. Therefore, we proposed a local gastrectomy with LECS as an optional treatment, and she agreed to this treatment. The surgery was performed with minimal blood loss, and no postoperative complications were observed. Histopathological examination revealed a 45 × 31-mm, Type 2, poorly differentiated adenocarcinoma (pT4a, ly0, v1a), and the resected margin was negative. The patient was alive 2 years after surgery without apparent recurrence or other illness. In addition, her weight was maintained, together with her daily activity.

Conclusion

Local resection of gastric cancer with LECS might be an option for the palliative treatment of patients who refuse radical resection of gastric cancer.
Robotic-based ACTive somatoSENSory (Act.Sens) retraining on upper limb functions with chronic stroke survivors: study protocol for a pilot randomised controlled trial
Authors: Sidarta Ananda , Lim Yu Chin , Kuah Christopher Wee Keong , Loh Yong Joo , Ang Wei Tech
Published: November 2021

Background

Prior studies have established that senses of the limb position in space (proprioception and kinaesthesia) are important for motor control and learning. Although nearly one-half of stroke patients have impairment in the ability to sense their movements, somatosensory retraining focusing on proprioception and kinaesthesia is often overlooked. Interventions that simultaneously target motor and somatosensory components are thought to be useful for relearning somatosensory functions while increasing mobility of the affected limb. For over a decade, robotic technology has been incorporated in stroke rehabilitation for more controlled therapy intensity, duration, and frequency. This pilot randomised controlled trial introduces a compact robotic-based upper-limb reaching task that retrains proprioception and kinaesthesia concurrently.

Methods

Thirty first-ever chronic stroke survivors (> 6-month post-stroke) will be randomly assigned to either a treatment or a control group. Over a 5-week period, the treatment group will receive 15 training sessions for about an hour per session. Robot-generated haptic guidance will be provided along the movement path as somatosensory cues while moving. Audio-visual feedback will appear following every successful movement as a reward. For the same duration, the control group will complete similar robotic training but without the vision occluded and robot-generated cues. Baseline, post-day 1, and post-day 30 assessments will be performed, where the last two sessions will be conducted after the last training session. Robotic-based performance indices and clinical assessments of upper limb functions after stroke will be used to acquire primary and secondary outcome measures respectively. This work will provide insights into the feasibility of such robot-assisted training clinically.

Discussion

The current work presents a study protocol to retrain upper-limb somatosensory and motor functions using robot-based rehabilitation for community-dwelling stroke survivors. The training promotes active use of the affected arm while at the same time enhances somatosensory input through augmented feedback. The outcomes of this study will provide preliminary data and help inform the clinicians on the feasibility and practicality of the proposed exercise.

Trial registration

ClinicalTrials.govNCT04490655. Registered 29 July 2020.
A competitive ligand-binding assay for the detection of neutralizing antibodies against dostarlimab (TSR-042)
Authors: Zhang Xiaolong Tom , Chen Hong , Shao Weiping , Lin Zhongping John , Melhem Murad , Lu Sharon
Published: November 2021

Dostarlimab is a humanized anti–PD-1 monoclonal antibody. Dostarlimab (JEMPERLI; TSR-042) was recently approved in the USA and in the EU. The presence of neutralizing antibodies (NAbs) is a cause for concern because they block the therapeutic function of the antibody and reduce drug efficacy. Therefore, programs developing therapeutic biologics need to develop and validate assays that adequately assess the presence of NAbs in the serum of patients treated with biologic therapies. Presented here is the development and validation of a competitive ligand-binding assay that specifically detects anti-dostarlimab NAbs in human serum. Precision, sensitivity, hook effect, selectivity, assay robustness, stabilities, and system suitability were evaluated. In addition, drug tolerance of the assay with the implementation of a drug removal process was investigated. The cut point factor for the detection of NAbs in human serum at a 1% false-positive rate was determined. The assay’s precision, sensitivity, hook effect, selectivity, robustness, and drug interference were tested and found to be acceptable. With system suitability and stability established, this assay has been used to evaluate NAbs to guide the development of dostarlimab.

Trial registration: Clinicaltrials.gov, NCT02715284. Registered 9 March 2016
Neurogenic pulmonary edema in subarachnoid hemorrhage: relevant clinical concepts
Authors: Lozada-Martínez Ivan David , Rodríguez-Gutiérrez María Manuela , Ospina-Rios Jenny , Ortega-Sierra Michael Gregorio , González-Herazo Mauro Antonio , Ortiz-Roncallo Lina Marcela , Martínez-Imbett Rafael , Llamas-Nieves Andrés Elías , Janjua Tariq , Moscote-Salazar Luis Rafael
Published: November 2021

Background

Subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) continues to be a condition that carries high rates of morbidity, mortality, and disability around the world. One of its complications is neurogenic pulmonary edema (NPE), which is mainly caused by sympathetic hyperactivity. Due to the complexity of the pathophysiological process and the unspecificity of the clinical presentation, it is little known by general practitioners, medical students and other health care workers not directly related to the neurological part, making the management of this chaotic condition difficult. This review aims to present recent evidence on clinical concepts relevant to the identification and management of NPE secondary to SAH.

Main body of the abstract

NPE is defined as a syndrome of acute onset following significant central nervous system (CNS) injury. Its etiology has been proposed to stem from the release of catecholamines that produce cardiopulmonary dysfunction, with this syndrome being associated with spinal cord injury, cerebrovascular disorders, traumatic brain injury, status epilepticus, and meningitis. NPE has long been considered a rare event; but it may occur more frequently, mainly in patients with SAH. There are two clinical presentations of NPE: the early form develops in the first hours/minutes after injury, while the late form presents 12–24 h after neurological injury. Clinical manifestations consist of non-specific signs of respiratory distress: dyspnea, tachypnea, hypoxia, pink expectoration, crackles on auscultation, which usually resolve within 24–48 h in 50% of patients. Unfortunately, there are no tools to make the specific diagnosis, so the diagnosis is by exclusion. The therapeutic approach consists of two interventions: treatment of the underlying neurological injury to reduce intracranial pressure and control sympathetic hyperactivity related to the lung injury, and supportive treatment for pulmonary edema.

Short conclusion

SAH is a severe condition that represents a risk to the life of the affected patient due to the possible complications that may develop. NPE is one of these complications, which due to the common manifestation of a respiratory syndrome, does not allow early and accurate diagnosis, being a diagnosis of exclusion. Therefore, in any case of CNS lesion with pulmonary involvement, NPE should be suspected immediately.
Viral suppressors from members of the family Closteroviridae combating antiviral RNA silencing: a tale of a sophisticated arms race in host-pathogen interactions
Authors: Hussain Muhammad Dilshad , Farooq Tahir , Chen Xi , Tariqjaveed Muhammad , Jiang Tong , Liu Sijia , Zhou Tao
Published: November 2021

RNA silencing is an evolutionarily homology-based gene inactivation mechanism and plays critical roles in plant immune responses to acute or chronic virus infections, which often pose serious threats to agricultural productions. Plant antiviral immunity is triggered by virus-derived small interfering RNAs (vsiRNAs) and functions to suppress virus further replication via a sequence-specific degradation manner. Through plant-virus arms races, many viruses have evolved specific protein(s), known as viral suppressors of RNA silencing (VSRs), to combat plant antiviral responses. Numerous reports have shown that VSRs can efficiently curb plant antiviral defense response via interaction with specific component(s) involved in the plant RNA silencing machinery. Members in the family Closteroviridae (closterovirids) are also known to encode VSRs to ensure their infections in plants. In this review, we will focus on the plant antiviral RNA silencing strategies, and the most recent developments on the multifunctional VSRs encoded by closterovirids. Additionally, we will highlight the molecular characters of phylogenetically-associated closterovirids, the interactions of these viruses with their host plants and transmission vectors, and epidemiology.
Community interventions for people with complex emotional needs that meet the criteria for personality disorder diagnoses: systematic review of economic evaluations and expert commentary
Authors: Botham Joe , Clark Amy , Steare Thomas , Stuart Ruth , Oram Sian , Lloyd-Evans Brynmor , Jeynes Tamar , Broeckelmann Eva , Crawford Mike , Johnson Sonia , Simpson Alan , McCrone Paul
Published: November 2021

Background

Diagnoses of personality disorder are prevalent among people using community secondary mental health services. Identifying cost-effective community-based interventions is important when working with finite resources.

Aims

To assess the cost-effectiveness of primary or secondary care community-based interventions for people with complex emotional needs who meet criteria for a diagnosis of personality disorder to inform healthcare policy-making.

Method

Systematic review (PROSPERO: CRD42020134068) of databases. We included economic evaluations of interventions for adults with complex emotional needs associated with a diagnosis of personality disorder in community mental health settings published before 18 September 2019. Study quality was assessed using the CHEERS statement.

Results

Eighteen studies were included. The studies mainly evaluated psychotherapeutic interventions. Studies were also identified that evaluated altering the setting in which care was delivered and joint crisis plans. No strong economic evidence to support a single intervention or model of community-based care was identified.

Conclusions

Robust economic evidence to support a single intervention or model of community-based care for people with complex emotional needs is lacking. The strongest evidence was for dialectical behaviour therapy, with all three identified studies indicating that it is likely to be cost-effective in community settings compared with treatment as usual. More robust evidence is required on the cost-effectiveness of community-based interventions on which decision makers can confidently base guidelines or allocate resources. The evidence should be based on consistent measures of costs and outcomes with sufficient sample sizes to demonstrate impacts on these.
Investigating default mode network connectivity disruption in children of mothers with depression
Authors: Zeev-Wolf Maor , Dor-Ziderman Yair , Pratt Maayan , Goldstein Abraham , Feldman Ruth
Published: November 2021

Background

Exposure to maternal major depressive disorder (MDD) bears long-term negative consequences for children's well-being; to date, no research has examined how exposure at different stages of development differentially affects brain functioning.

Aims

Utilising a unique cohort followed from birth to preadolescence, we examined the effects of early versus later maternal MDD on default mode network (DMN) connectivity.

Method

Maternal depression was assessed at birth and ages 6 months, 9 months, 6 years and 10 years, to form three groups: children of mothers with consistent depression from birth to 6 years of age, which resolved by 10 years of age; children of mothers without depression; and children of mothers who were diagnosed with MDD in late childhood. In preadolescence, we used magnetoencephalography and focused on theta rhythms, which characterise the developing brain.

Results

Maternal MDD was associated with disrupted DMN connectivity in an exposure-specific manner. Early maternal MDD decreased child connectivity, presenting a profile typical of early trauma or chronic adversity. In contrast, later maternal MDD was linked with tighter connectivity, a pattern characteristic of adult depression. Aberrant DMN connectivity was predicted by intrusive mothering in infancy and lower mother–child reciprocity and child empathy in late childhood, highlighting the role of deficient caregiving and compromised socio-emotional competencies in DMN dysfunction.

Conclusions

The findings pinpoint the distinct effects of early versus later maternal MDD on the DMN, a core network sustaining self-related processes. Results emphasise that research on the influence of early adversity on the developing brain should consider the developmental stage in which the adversity occured.
Optimal dose of aripiprazole for augmentation therapy of antidepressant-refractory depression: preliminary findings based on a systematic review and dose–effect meta-analysis
Authors: Furukawa Yuki , Hamza Tasnim , Cipriani Andrea , Furukawa Toshi A. , Salanti Georgia , Ostinelli Edoardo G.
Published: November 2021

Background

Aripiprazole augmentation is proven effective for antidepressant-refractory depression, but its licensed dose range is wide and optimal dosage remains unclear.

Aims

To find the optimal dosage of aripiprazole augmentation.

Method

Multiple electronic databases were searched (from inception to 16 February 2021) to identify all assessor-masked randomised controlled trials evaluating aripiprazole augmentation therapy in adults (≥18 years old, both genders) with major depressive disorder showing inadequate response to at least one antidepressant treatment. A random-effects, one-stage dose–effect meta-analysis with restricted cubic splines was conducted. Outcomes were efficacy (treatment response: ≥50% reduction in depression severity), tolerability (drop-out due to adverse effects) and acceptability (drop-out for any reason) after 8 weeks of treatment (range 4–12 weeks).

Results

Ten studies met the inclusion criteria. All were individually randomised, placebo-controlled, multi-centre, parallel studies including 2625 participants in total. The maximum target dose–efficacy curve showed an increase up to doses between 2 mg (odds ratio OR = 1.46, 95% CI 1.15–1.85) and 5 mg (OR = 1.93, 95% CI 1.33–2.81), and then a non-increasing trend through the higher licensed doses up to 20 mg (OR = 1.90, 95% CI 1.52–2.37). Tolerability showed a similar trend with greater uncertainty. Acceptability showed no significant difference through the examined dose range. Certainty of evidence was low to moderate.

Conclusions

Low-dose aripiprazole as augmentation treatment might achieve the optimal balance between efficacy, tolerability and acceptability in the acute treatment of antidepressant-refractory depression. However, the small number of included studies and the overall moderate to high risk of bias seriously compromise the reliability of the results. Further research is required to investigate the benefits of low versus high dose.
Research Note: School Reopenings During the COVID-19 Pandemic and Implications for Gender and Racial Equity
Authors: Landivar Liana Christin , Ruppanner Leah , Rouse Lloyd , Scarborough William J. , Collins Caitlyn
Published: November 2021

In the fall of 2020, school districts across the country reopened under a variety of instructional modes. Some districts returned to in-person instruction and some operated remotely. Others reopened under hybrid models, wherein students alternated times, days, or weeks of in-person instruction. To capture this variation, we developed the Elementary School Operating Status (ESOS) database. ESOS provides data on elementary school districts' primary operating status in the first grading period of the 2020–2021 school year, covering 24 million students in more than 9,000 school districts in all states. In this research note, we introduce these data and offer two analytical examples. We show that school districts with greater representation of Black and Hispanic students were less likely to offer in-person instruction than were districts with greater representation of White students. These racial disparities remained after accounting for geographic locale and COVID-19 prevalence. We also show that the number of in-person elementary school instruction days was associated with mothers' labor force participation relative to fathers and to women without children—that is, the fewer days of instruction, the less likely that mothers were employed. ESOS is a critical data source for evaluating the mid- and long-term implications for students who experienced reduced in-person learning and for mothers who exited employment in the absence of in-person instruction and care.
Black Trans Feminism
Authors: Bey Marquis
Published: November 2021

In Black Trans Feminism Marquis Bey offers a meditation on blackness and gender nonnormativity in ways that recalibrate traditional understandings of each. Theorizing black trans feminism from the vantages of abolition and gender radicality, Bey articulates blackness as a mutiny against racializing categorizations; transness as a nonpredetermined, wayward, and deregulated movement that works toward gender’s destruction; and black feminism as an epistemological method to fracture hegemonic modes of racialized gender. In readings of the essays, interviews, and poems of Alexis Pauline Gumbs, jayy dodd, Venus Di’Khadija Selenite, and Dane Figueroa Edidi, Bey turns black trans feminism away from a politics of gendered embodiment and toward a conception of it as a politics grounded in fugitivity and the subversion of power. Together, blackness and transness actualize themselves as on the run from gender. In this way, Bey presents black trans feminism as a mode of enacting the wholesale dismantling of the world we have been given.
Insulin-stimulated adipocytes secrete lactate to promote endothelial fatty acid uptake and transport
Authors: Ibrahim Ayon , Neinast Michael D. , Li Kristina , Noji Michael , Kim Boa , Bornstein Marc R. , Mohammed Raffiu , Wellen Kathryn E. , Arany Zoltan
Published: November 2021

Insulin stimulates adipose tissue to extract fatty acids from circulation and sequester them inside adipose cells. How fatty acids are transported across the capillary endothelial barrier, and how this process is regulated, remains unclear. We modeled the relationship of adipocytes and endothelial cells in vitro to test the role of insulin in fatty acid transport. Treatment of endothelial cells with insulin did not affect endothelial fatty acid uptake, but endothelial cells took up more fatty acids when exposed to medium conditioned by adipocytes treated with insulin. Manipulations of this conditioned medium indicated that the secreted factor is a small, hydrophilic, non-proteinaceous metabolite. Factor activity was correlated with lactate concentration, and inhibition of lactate production in adipocytes abolished the activity. Finally, lactate alone was sufficient to increase endothelial uptake of both free fatty acids and lipids liberated from chylomicrons, and to promote transendothelial transport, at physiologically relevant concentrations. Taken together, these data suggest that insulin drives adipocytes to secrete lactate, which then acts in a paracrine fashion to promote fatty acid uptake and transport across the neighboring endothelial barrier.
Energy Conversion and Storage in Fuel Cells and Super-Capacitors from Chemical Modifications of Carbon Allotropes: State-of-Art and Prospect
Authors: Islam Md Saidul , Shudo Yuta , Hayami Shinya
Published: November 2021

Despite being generated from the same element and having some of the properties commonly shared, each type of carbon allotrope possessing divergent shape confers unique and distinguishable physicochemical properties, thereby making them attractive for a wide range of potential applications. Moreover, research progress has allowed for further tailoring the properties in a controlled way to design more fascinating and aesthetically pleasing architectures with outstanding materials properties. In fact, some chemically modified carbon allotropes and their products have shown significant promise to solve a number of major issues in polymer exchange membrane fuel cells (PEMFCs) and supercapacitors (SCs) such as efficient low Pt loaded oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) catalysts, carbon allotrope-based proton conductors for PEMFC electrolyte, carbon monoxide (CO) tolerant anode catalysts for PEMFC, and carbon allotropes-based SC electrodes. The tremendous progress made in carbon-based materials facilitates those technologies more realistically towards large-scale implementation in terms of increasing the stack power density and reducing cost. In this view, this review will provide a thorough insight for researchers into the use of carbon allotropes and relevant products for PEMFCs and SCs.
Overscreening Induced by Ionic Adsorption at the Ionic Liquid/Electrode Interface Detected Using Neutron Reflectometry with a Rational Material Design
Authors: Nishi Naoya , Uchiyashiki Junya , Oda Tatsuro , Hino Masahiro , Yamada Norifumi L
Published: November 2021

Neutron reflectometry (NR) has been utilized to study the electric double layer (EDL) of ionic liquids (ILs), however, further improvement of the sensitivity toward interfacial structure would be desirable. We recently proposed two ways to improve the NR sensitivity toward the EDL structure at the IL/electrode interface (J. Phys. Chem. C, 123 (2019) 9223). First, as the electrode, a thin film of metal (Nb) was used with the scattering length density (SLD) and thickness controlled to sensitively analyze the potential dependent EDL structure. Second, the IL cation and anion were chosen so that they have large size and large SLD difference, both of which also increase the sensitivity. In the present study, we have further explored this rational material design for the sensitivity enhancement, by changing the film metal from Nb to Bi whose SLD is closer to those for two bulk materials: Si and the IL used, trihexyltetradecylphosphonium bis(nonafluorobutanesulfonyl)amide. We successfully observed not only the first ionic layer in the EDL but also the overlayers, revealing that the IL cation is specifically adsorbed on the electrode and that the cation-rich first layer induces overscreening in the overlayers up to the third ionic layer.
СОВРЕМЕННОЕ СОСТОЯНИЕ РЫНКА НЕДВИЖИМОСТИ РОССИИ В УСЛОВИЯХ ЦИФРОВОЙ ЭКОНОМИКИ
Authors: Makarova Ekaterina E. , Syshchikova Elena N. , Proskurina Zinaida B.
Published: November 2021

В статье представлены результаты исследования современного состояния рынка недвижимости, а также раскрыты принципы развития рынка риэлторских услуг. Рассмотрены основные проблемы сотрудничества риэлторов и застройщиков, а также определены перспективные способы продажи недвижимости в условиях цифровой экономики.

Цель работы: Оптимизировать состояние рынка недвижимости в России и г. Москве. Рассмотрение перспективных направлений цифровизации на современном рынке недвижимости.

Метод исследования. В процессе исследования проблемы использовались аналитические и статистические методы анализа.

Результаты. В условиях современного состояния рынка недвижимости и развития рынка риэлторских услуг внедрение VR-технологий приведет к полной трансформации риэлторской деятельности, кратно повысив эффективность бизнеса за счет снижения материальных и временных издержек.

Область применения результатов. Полученные результаты исследования могут быть использованы и применены риэлтерскими агентствами, агентствами недвижимости, девелоперами и заинтересованными экономическими субъектами на рынке недвижимого имущества.

Современное состояние рынка недвижимости России сформировано благодаря переходу к частной собственности мелких и крупных собственников недвижимости в результате приватизации. Огромную роль при этом играют общественные и профессиональные организации, а также риэлторы, деятельность которых связана с формированием единой базы рынка недвижимого имущества в России, а также оказанием помощи при различного рода сделках с недвижимым имуществом.

Агенты по недвижимости формируют базу с помощью, которой осуществляют большинство сделок с недвижимостью в Российской Федерации.
SCIENTIFIC BASIS OF CREATION AND OPERATION OF INTERNATIONAL TRANSPORT CORRIDORS IN RUSSIA
Authors: Titova Svetlana S. , Makurina Varvara M. , Karpova Arina I. , Smol’yaninov Artem V.
Published: November 2021

International transport corridors play a leading role in the formation of an integrated global market for transport services. The purpose of this work is to study the state of international transport corridors (hereinafter - MTK) on the territory of the Russian Federation. The concept and specifics of transport contracts are considered. In this paper, the basics of the creation and functioning of international transport corridors on the territory of Russia are touched upon. The relevance is due to the globalization of the world economy, which requires new approaches to ensuring interstate economic and cultural ties. At the same time, the leading role is assigned to the emerging system of international transport corridors (MTK). A detailed analysis of regulatory and legal sources in the field of state control of logistics activities, in particular Agreements on international transport corridors, is made. Attention is paid to the prospects for the creation and operation of the MTK on the territory of the Russian Federation. The review shows the relevance of the creation and operation of international transport corridors on the territory of the Russian Federation, without which in the long term it will not be possible to ensure the necessary level of competitiveness for regional transport corridors.
COMPUTER AIDED SCHEMATIC DESIGN: HOW TO MANAGE LARGE DATA IN THE EARLY STAGES OF URBAN DESIGN PROJECTS
Authors: Plotnikova Tiana A.
Published: November 2021

The study was designed to research and analyse the existing methods used in the industry and propose alternative solutions that would meet the growing project demand. One of the major findings of this paper shows that 65% of interviewed architects and urban designers reported a lack of data accuracy in their concept design solutions, as well as dissatisfaction with the segregated concept design process. Having identified key inefficiencies in pre-design and the schematic design stages of urban design, the study develops a multiplatform web application - a space planning tool that is capable of assisting with data informed design decisions in the early stages of large-scale urban design projects. The alternative solution allows for the execution of concept stage prototyping through UI cell modification by integrating data and generating spatial solutions based on the adjacency requirements.

Purpose: the purpose of this study is to understand, improve and eliminate inefficiencies in the early stages of the urban design process.

Methodology: this study will first review existing inefficiencies of the architecture and urban design industry using 2 researched methods: non-participant observations and surveys. Non-participant observations were continuous and were carried out for a period of 9 months. The group that was studied involved 17 people that worked on the early-stage design stage of large-scale architecture and urban design projects. In addition to that, a survey was carried out to examine the identified inefficiencies further and to confirm the hypothesis. The survey involved 370 industry professionals from over 15 countries. Based on the developed understanding of project delivery inefficiencies, a classification will be developed to categorize the existing software. Finally, this study will conduct a series of experiments to develop a technical solution to meet current industry demands.

Results: identification of key pre-design and the schematic design inefficiencies, development of a multiplatform web application.

Practical implications: the application is being tested and used in the industry of architecture, urban and spatial design, it has the potential to save companies time and financial resources.
Dynamika krajobrazu poniemieckich wsi w Polsce centralnej. Eksperyment kartograficzny
Authors: Latocha Sebastian
Published: November 2021

Celem artykułu jest przedstawienie heurystycznej wartości zastosowania aplikacji Google Earth Pro w etnohistorycznych badaniach dynamiki krajobrazu. Autor zaprojektował eksperyment kartograficzny, który śledzi zmiany krajobrazowe, lokalizując na współczesnej fotografii satelitarnej obiekty, które odnoszą się do przeszłości. Obrazy anachroniczne składają się z dwóch warstw: historycznej mapy i zdjęcia satelitarnego z dokładnie tego samego miejsca. Metodą tą autor zbadał dynamikę poniemieckiego krajobrazu wiejskiego w centralnej Polsce.
Miasto bez schematu. Plany komunikacji miejskiej i rozwój Warszawy
Authors: Pessel Włodzimierz
Published: November 2021

W Warszawie brakuje jednej generalnej mapy środków transportu publicznego o łatwo rozpoznawalnej formie graficznej. Prezentujący podejście kulturoznawcze i historyczno-kulturowe artykuł służy przyjrzeniu się współczesnym substytutom takiego schematu, jak również zawiera analizę dwóch dwudziestowiecznych przypadków publicznego wykorzystania planów miasta jako map sieci komunikacji zbiorczej. Ponieważ, jak dowodzi autor, są to praktyki chwalenia się sukcesami w modernizacji stolicy, a zarazem ukrywające mankamenty i kompleksy (zwłaszcza brak kilku linii metra), ich analiza tworzy pretekst do refleksji nad przestrzennym i infrastrukturalnym rozwojem miasta, m.in. w kontekście dziedzictwa modernizmu i zapoznanej krytyki transportu spalinowego w Karcie Ateńskiej.
Verwaltung per Brief. Die Korrespondenz des Utrechter Landkomturs mit seinen Angestellten, 1753‒1845
Authors: De Bruin Renger Evert
Published: November 2021

Administration by mail: The correspondence of the Utrecht land commander with his staff, 1753‒1845
 
The correspondence between the land commanders of the Teutonic Order’s Bailiwick of Utrecht and their staff, the stewards and clerks, provides a detailed insight into the institution’s functioning between 1753 and 1845. The Bailiwick was administered from the Teutonic House in Utrecht by a resident steward who mostly communicated with his superior in writing, as the latter lived at a considerable distance and came to Utrecht at most once a year. A relationship of trust was essential for the proper functioning of this arrangement. In the first decades after the start of a reorganisation in 1753, this was certainly the case, but the lack of this relationship of trust led to major problems later on.
The analysis of the correspondence paints a picture of the management of dispersed large estates in the pre-industrial era, before major advancements in both transportation and communication. The case study is also important for the knowledge of the Military Orders after the Reformation and during the Age of Revolution, when these institutions were seriously threatened. Additionally, the Bailiwick of Utrecht did not escape abolition by Napoleon, but this was reversed in 1815. The increasingly hostile correspondence between the land commander and the steward about the liquidation procedures in 1812‒1813 provides insight into the survival mechanism of the Bailiwick of Utrecht. The research presented in this article is part of a larger study of the Bailiwick of Utrecht between 1640 and the middle of the twentieth century.
PRIMACY OF THE APOSTLE PETER IN THE GOSPEL OF MATTHEW 16,18-19
Authors: Głowacki Paweł
Published: November 2021

The paper discusses the problem of the proper interpretation of the Petrine text from the Gospel of Matthew 16,18-19. It is based on the mainly protestant but also orthodox and catholic commentaries to these verses. Jesus Christ bestowed on the apostle Peter the unique and supreme authority in the Kingdom of God. He changed his name from Simon to Peter to show him and others that this apostle received new dignity and mission, which is to be the rock for the future community of believers. What is more, Jesus also entrusted to Peter the “Keys of the Kingdom” in the same way like in the Old Testament king of the house of David appointed his own prime mister, royal steward by giving to him the “Key of the House of David”. Therefore Peter occupies the same office with the same supreme authority  under the new jewish king, Jesus Christ. Due to this fact it also means that this office is transferred from one prime minister to another. Furthermore, to Peter was given the power of “binding and loosing” with the special protection of God called infallibility. For these reasons, the Catholic interpretation which does not ignore the jewish context and the Old Testament allusions to this passage is truly shedding the new light on the proper interpretation of this Matthew’s fragment and the role of the Apostle Peter.
WOKÓŁ KANONIZACJI ŚWIĘTEGO ROCHA
Authors: Ossowski Zdzisław
Published: November 2021

Problem kanonizacji świętego Rocha sięga swoimi początkami wieków średnich. Szczególnie odnotować należy problem braku bulli kanonizacyjnej informującej Kościół Powszechny o dokonanej przez papieża kanonizacji. Ta, w przeciągu wieków, w swojej formie przybierała różnego rodzaju rozwiązania; różniła się zasadniczo kanonizacja wieków średnich od kanonizacji nowożytnej. Wielu papieży wypowiadało się na ten temat szukając optymalnego rozwiązania. Z jednej strony sprostania zapotrzebowaniom wiernych, z drugiej ujednolicenia procedur doprowadzających do wymaganego celu. Taki zamiar osiągnięto za sprawą wielu papieży wypowiadających się w różnego rodzaju dokumentach Stolicy Apostolskiej, które zostały w niniejszym artykule chociaż częściowo uwzględnione. Przedstawienie procedur doprowadzających do aktu kanonizacji, począwszy od wieku X po wiek XVI, zajmowało wysiłki kilkunastu papieży. To o nich wspominamy szczególnie w kontekście nieistniejącej dziś bulli kanonizacyjnej świętego Rocha. Poszukiwania okoliczności jej powstania i ogłoszenia przedstawiamy w kontekście materiałów źródłowych; już nie tylko bulli papieskich, ale istniejących najstarszych hagiografii świętego, począwszy od Vita sancti Rochi Francesca Dieda, księgi Anonima niemieckiego, Acta Breviora, aż po La vie et légénde de Monseigneur saint Roch Jehana Phelipota. Pojawiające się w nich punkty wspólne życiorysu świętego Rocha, ale i różnice, pozwalają na przeprowadzenie analizy odpowiadającej na pytanie, czy kanonizacja świętego Rocha dokonała się podczas Soboru w Konstancji (1414–1418), czy też w innych okolicznościach. Ponadto przedstawione zostały w niniejszym opracowaniu argumenty pośrednie, które w odróżnieniu od historycznych jednoznacznie, od czasów śmierci świętego, przyczyniały się do powstania jego kultu. Są to argumenty liturgiczne, o powszechnej dla Kościoła rozpiętości, jak i argumenty artystyczne, dokumentujące święte życie patrona od zarazy dżumy. W wielu miejscach, dzięki obrazom i rzeźbom, silna wiara w szybkim czasie stała się elementem propagującym kult świętego nie tylko w Europie. Artykuł kończy hipoteza ukierunkowana na trop odnalezienia – zdaniem autora – zaginionej bulli, która rozwiązałaby powstałe i narastające wokół świętego Rocha wątpliwości.
DLACZEGO WŚRÓD ŚWIĘTYCH USTRONI BŁ. DOROTY Z MĄTÓW BRAK CYSTERSKIEJ OLIWY I PELPLINA?
Authors: Parcheniak Małgorzata
Published: November 2021

Przedmiotem artykułu jest próba interpretacji faktu pielgrzymiej nieobecności bł. Doroty              z Mątów (1347-1394) w stosunkowo bliskich topograficznie dwóch ośrodkach duchowości cysterskiej w Oliwie i Pelplinie. Bł. Dorota z Mątów w celu odnowienia ducha codziennie nawiedzała „święte ustronia” w Gdańsku, a okresowo również „święte ustronia” w miejscowościach, do których pielgrzymowała. W historii teologii duchowości udokumentowano sekwencję, odbytych przez nią pielgrzymek do odległych sanktuariów średniowiecznej Europy, w tym m.in. do: Koszalina, Piaseczna, Akwizgranu, Finsterwalde (Einsiedeln), Rzymu i Kwidzyna. Analiza powołanych źródeł wykazała, że bł. Dorota z Mątów nigdy nie podjęła pielgrzymki do dwóch ośrodków duchowości cysterskiej w Oliwie i w Pelplinie pomimo stosunkowo niewielkiej odległości od miejsca jej zamieszkania w tzw. okresie gdańskim (1363-1391) jej życia. Fakt ten zaskakuje i rodzi pytanie o przyczyny takiej decyzji. Artykuł ten stanowi próbę odpowiedzi na pytanie, które zostało postawione w tytule opracowania, na podstawie zanalizowanych źródeł cysterskich i dorotańskich. Niemniej, zagadnienie pozostaje nadal otwarte.