bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Mestres d’obra, mestres de cases e imaginaires: La semántica de la construcción a finales de la Edad Media en el contexto lingüístico catalán
Authors: LÓPEZ LORENTE Víctor Daniel
Published: February 2021

A través de este artículo se pretende analizar la semántica de la arquitectura a finales de la Edad Media, partiendo de ejemplos fundamentalmente de los ámbitos catalán y valenciano. En primer lugar, se someten a examen términos que con frecuencia son usados como sinónimos, como mestre d’obres, mestre de cases, e imaginaire, y otros menos habituales como los de arquitecto y aparejador, que esclarecen una realidad edilicia compleja. El análisis de la documentación permite ahondar en la versatilidad de los constructores medievales, comprender el prestigio que alcanzaron determinados artífices, y las relaciones que establecieron con otros oficios cercanos.

This paper analyses architecture semantics at the end of the Middle Ages, starting mainly with Catalonian and Valencian examples. First of all, we examine terms such as mestre d’obres, mestre de cases, and imaginaire, which are often used as synonyms. On the other hand, the study of many other less common ones, such as architect and builder, can help us to clarify a rather complex building reality. The analysis of the documents allows us to strengthen our understanding of the versatility of the medieval master builders, the prestige that some of them acquired, and the relationships that they established with other related professions.
Anatomía de un préstamo para la Guerra de Granada: dinámicas cooperativas y negociación en torno a la compra de Maqueda por Gutierre de Cárdenas y el empréstito de Alonso Carrillo de Acuña (1483-1491)
Authors: ORTEGO RICO Pablo , GARCÍA FERNÁNDEZ Manuel
Published: February 2021

La compra de la villa de Maqueda por Gutierre de Cárdenas, contador mayor de los Reyes Católicos, en 1483 a Alonso Carrillo de Acuña, guarda mayor, estuvo relacionada hasta 1491 con la prolija negociación de un importante préstamo regio de dieciséis millones de maravedís para la Guerra de Granada. El análisis de la documentación conservada al respecto nos descubre el complicado proceso de financiación, ejecución, amortización y cancelación del mismo con sus intermediarios financieros, así como las medidas tendentes a maximizar sus posibles beneficios. Así mismo el estudio comparado de las fuentes hacendísticas relacionadas con el préstamo de Carrillo a la Corona nos proporciona información sobre la deuda pública en la hacienda regia castellana del siglo XV.

The purchase of the town of Maqueda in 1483 by Gutierre de Cárdenas, chief accountant of the Catholic Monarchs, from Alonso Carrillo de Acuña, senior guard, was related, until 1491, to the prolix negotiation of an important royal loan of sixteen million maravedís for the War of Granada.  The analysis of the documentation preserved on this subject reveals the complicated process of financing, execution, repayment and cancellation of the loan with its financial intermediaries, as well as the measures to maximize its possible benefits. Likewise, the comparative study of the tax sources related to Carrillo's loan to the Crown provides us information about the public debt in the 15th century Castilian royal estate.
retorno a la obediencia de Juan I: la reinstauración de las décimas pontificias (1387-1393)
Authors: TELLO HERNÁNDEZ Esther
Published: February 2021

En 1387, el papa aviñonense Clemente VII promulgó tres décimas pontificias en la Corona de Aragón que debían servir para sufragar los gastos que ocasionaban las revueltas en Cerdeña. Parte de la colecta se destinó al rey aragonés Juan I que acaba de acceder al trono tras la muerte de su padre. Se desmarcaba así de su predecesor, quien se había incautado durante nueve años de las rentas de la Cámara Apostólica. En este artículo se estudia el retorno a la obediencia de Juan I y la reinstauración progresiva del aparato fiscal y financiero pontificio en la Corona de Aragón a través de la recaudación y gestión del tributo de la décima papal.

Pope Clement VII of Avignon promulgated in 1387 three papal tithes in the Crown of Aragon in order to support the expenses caused by the riots in Sardinia. Part of the takings were destined to the Aragonese King John I, who had just acceded to the throne. With this action, King John I dissociated himself from the previous king – his father, who had appropriated the income of the Apostolic Chamber for nine years. This article studies the return of John I to the obedience, the progressive reestablishment of the pontifical fiscal system and the financial structure in the Crown of Aragon through the collection and management of the tribute taken by the papal tithes.
Economia, sociedade e paisagens da Capitania de Ilhéus
Authors: Dias Marcelo Henrique
Published: February 2021

Trata-se de um estudo nos moldes da História Agrária das diferentes freguesias que integravam o território da capitania e comarca de Ilhéus no período colonial. Abrange, assim, uma gama de temas que compõe o universo da produção rural e dos mecanismos de acesso aos bens necessários para tal fim, como a terra, os recursos florestais e a mão de obra. O leitor encontrará descrições e análises das estruturas agrárias, da população e das paisagens, contando com tabelas, gravuras e mapas que auxiliam na compreensão da formação do território e das opções produtivas correspondentes.
Assessing the effects of time-dependent restrictions and control actions to flatten the curve of COVID-19 in Kazakhstan
Authors: Do Ton Duc , Gui Meei Mei , Ng Kok Yew
Published: February 2021

This article presents the assessment of time-dependent national-level restrictions and control actions and their effects in fighting the COVID-19 pandemic. By analysing the transmission dynamics during the first wave of COVID-19 in the country, the effectiveness of the various levels of control actions taken to flatten the curve can be better quantified and understood. This in turn can help the relevant authorities to better plan for and control the subsequent waves of the pandemic. To achieve this, a deterministic population model for the pandemic is firstly developed to take into consideration the time-dependent characteristics of the model parameters, especially on the ever-evolving value of the reproduction number, which is one of the critical measures used to describe the transmission dynamics of this pandemic. The reproduction number alongside other key parameters of the model can then be estimated by fitting the model to real-world data using numerical optimisation techniques or by inducing ad-hoc control actions as recorded in the news platforms. In this article, the model is verified using a case study based on the data from the first wave of COVID-19 in the Republic of Kazakhstan. The model is fitted to provide estimates for two settings in simulations; time-invariant and time-varying (with bounded constraints) parameters. Finally, some forecasts are made using four scenarios with time-dependent control measures so as to determine which would reflect on the actual situations better.
Aerosol Black Carbon Measurement at High Altitude Western Ghats Location of Ooty, Tami Nadu
Authors: Kowsalya M. , Sebastian S. Paul , Jayabalakrishnan R. M.
Published: February 2021

The aerosol Black Carbon (BC) are particles formed from the incomplete combustion of fossil fuel and biomass combustion which was collected from high altitude location in Western Ghats, Ooty, Tamil Nadu using Aethalometer Instrument (model AE-31 of Magee Scientific, USA) during 2017. The monthly averaged BC concentration shows highest value of 1.88 ± 0.44 µg m-3 during April with the annual mean of 0.83 ± 0.20 µg m-3. The diurnal variation shows higher seasonality especially in winter and summer with highest peak in 17:00 to 22:00 hr. The aerosol optical depth derived from MERRA 2 model showed annual mean of 0.29 and it is in line with BC concentration. The results showed that the concentrations are varying within a day, month and season depends on the local meteorological conditions.
Sensitivity of Soil Water in Community Atmosphere Model (CAM3) for Indian Summer Monsoon (ISM)
Authors: Das Sukanta Kumar
Published: February 2021

The study has been attempted to investigate the relationship between the soil-water and the Indian summer monsoon (ISM) rainfall through the simulation of a global climate model named Community Atmosphere Model (CAM3). Two sets of simulation have been done during monsoon season for the years 2009 to 2012 using the pre-monsoon (May) and the previous winter season (December of previous year) state of soil-water as the model initial conditions. The control simulation and four sensitivity cases assuming 25% and 50% dryer and wetter soil-water respectively have been considered for all the aforesaid four years and for both the set of experiments. It has been observed that the impact of upper level soil-water persist for 15 to 20 days of simulation during the summer monsoon; the middle and lower layer soil state persist for a longer period of time due to its slow-varying nature with time. The daily surface temperature shows strong coupling with the upper layer of soil-water. When taken into comparison with the wet soil conditions, the dry soil state in most of the circumstances causes less rainfall.  The Pearson correlation coefficient (PCC) and partial correlation technique have been implied to demonstrate the relationship between the daily soil-water columns, subsequent 30-days accumulated rainfall and past 21-days accumulated rainfall. Strong negative correlation has been reported between the soil-water and subsequent 30-days accumulated (All-India Rainfall) AIR for different simulation cases with dry soil conditions; however, the relation weakened and turned positive over some parts of the region for the simulations with wet soil conditions.
Effect of Livelihood Interactions on Farmers' Adaptive Capacity to Climate Change: Insight from Medenine Governorate, Southeast Tunisia
Authors: Aribi Fatma , Sghaier Mongi
Published: February 2021

The Sustainable Livelihood Approach (SLA) assumes that all capitals are complementary and that more capital assets would lead to greater adaptive capacity. However, the SLA neglects the interactions and transformations between different livelihood capitals. This paper suggests a methodological approach to understand how different capitals may be structured, transformed, and used to improve the farm households’ adaptive capacity to climatic stresses. Data for this study were gathered by means of a questionnaire survey during 2018 from 100 farm households representing the main farming systems of Medenine governorate, Southeast of Tunisia. The analyses were carried out using three tools following a stepwise approach. First, to understand the interactions that exist between the different capitals, a Principal Component Analysis (PCA) was carried out. Then, the adaptive capacity was calculated using the PCA results. Finally, using the Pearson's correlation index, the impact of livelihood assets on adaptive capacity was tested. The results demonstrated that households are trying to compensate for the lack of certain assets through interactions with others in order to improve their adaptive capacity. Moreover, human, natural and financial capital seem to better influence the adaptive capacity of farmers, while the impacts of physical and social capital are relatively less important. These results have improved our comprehension of the livelihood capital purpose for strengthening the existing approaches that enhance the adaptive capacity. Finally, this study has demonstrated that exploring the interactions between livelihood capitals is a first concern, which should be incorporated into adaptive capacity planning and policy development.
Effects of Climate Change and Variability in Africa: A Review of Concepts and Evidence
Authors: Wiston Modise
Published: February 2021

Global climate has been changing for many thousands of years and will continue to do so in the future.  While it is acknowledged that the entire climate change has always been happening even before the start of anthropogenic activities, this is perhaps the most serious problem that the civilized world is facing today. Key important phrases such as ‘climate change’ and ‘global warming’ now form part of our lives and rarely a day goes without being mentioned. There is a serious concern for the state of climate because of the strong consensus that climate change has implications on rainfall, temperature, agriculture and food security and human life styles, although climate change projections are quite diverse and vary widely across the globe. While industrialization has always been viewed as the key to wealth and better living (technological innovations, economic and social transformations of the human society), it has also been acknowledged that it affects the environment and ultimately contributes to climate change. This paper presents a review of the state of climate change and variability in Africa. We describe some common aspects on the African climate system and discuss related factors triggering its dynamics, aiming to determine social and demographic sectors vulnerable to climate change and whether there is evidence of critical thresholds beyond which climate drastically changes. With projected high temperature rise than the rest of the world, increase in the occurrence of droughts, floods and other natural disasters, Africa’s economy, its people and ecosystems are vulnerable to climate change. Immediate changes also impact on global energy budget, water resources, air quality and consequently influence changes in human lifestyles and philosophies, habitat quality and distribution of wildlife and other natural resources.
Perspectives of Return Sustainability in Rural Areas of Podrinje
Authors: Ramić Edin , Salkić Besim , Imširović Emir , Salkić Ahmed , Salkić Ensar
Published: February 2021

The return of refugees and internally displaced persons is an activity in which all individuals are provided with the opportunity to return voluntarily, safely and with dignity to their homes that they had to leave during the conflict. Even after more than a decade, the problem of refugees and internally displaced persons is generally very topical [1]. Even eighteen years after the war, there are still many problems related to IDPs. It’s not just the return process that’s problematic. Displaced persons face various challenges related to access to employment, public services, education and infrastructure [2]. In Bosnia and Herzegovina (hereinafter BiH), during the 1992-1995 war, 2.2 million people were forced to flee their homes [3]. Upon return, returnees should seek restitution or compensation and should receive strong reintegration and rehabilitation support to build a livelihood and contribute to long-term economic and political development. Safe and voluntary return includes a guarantee of return choices and security for those who choose to return. The aim of the study was to examine the views of returnees on the problems in society faced by the population / returnees in three different time periods, in 1992, after return and today, to improve the conditions for sustainable return. Unemployment is ranked in the top three as the most significant problem of the population returning to their homes. The justice system, the problem of minorities, public funding, security, the slow EU accession process and climate change are not considered by returnees as significant problems for sustainable return.
Molecular Evaluation of COVID-19 in Pandemic Era
Authors: Kumari Diksha , Prasad Bishun Deo , Dwivedi Padmanabh , Sahni Sangita
Published: February 2021

COVID-19 (SARS-CoV-2) has recently emerged as an ongoing pandemic disease or probably syndemic and became the latest threat to global health. The main route of transmission of virus droplet start with respiratory problems coughing, sneezing, fever during infection period, which may end up with death, if not treated. Many emerging epidemiological factors have made COVID-19 as global alarming disease. To control the outbreak of COVID-19, a critical management along with quarantine measure is applicable, which requires early detection of infection. The early detection of COVID-19 infection is playing a vital role in controlling of progression of illness and limiting viral spread within the population. Therefore, reliable, highly specific and sensitive diagnosis techniques are necessary for its early detection.  Among several detection techniques, qRT-PCR is the rapidly employed, sensitive and widely accepted technique. In present review, different molecular techniques with emphasis on qRT-PCR for early diagnosis of emerging COVID-19 will be discussed.
The Outcome of Infants with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia Treated with Interfant-99 Protocol
Authors: Bahoush Gholamreza , Salajegheh Pourya
Published: February 2021

Objective: The Outcome of Infants with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia Treated with Interfant-99 Protocol

Materials and Methods: In this retrospective analytical study, all newly diagnosed infants with ALL who were treated with Interfant-99 protocol from 2004 to 2014 in Ali-Asghar Children's Hospital in Tehran were included. Demographic data including age at diagnosis, sex, initial WBC, Hb and platelet count, flow cytometric diagnosis, cytogenetic findings, follow-up duration, and their outcome was extracted from patients' medical records. All the above data were analyzed by SPSS 23 software.

Results: 11 infants with ALL (5 girls and 6 boys) were included in the study. Mean and median age at diagnosis of all enrolled patients were 7.20 (std. deviation = 1.78; range = 3.57-9.37) and 7.90 months, respectively. 5 of the 11 patients had t (4; 11) and all of them were Pro-B ALL. The mean initial WBC in patients with this translocation was significantly higher than the others (193400 vs. 49166), and this difference was statistically significant (P = 0.004) despite the small number of patients under study. None of the patients had CNS involvement or mediastinal mass at diagnosis. Three patients relapsed, two of whom had isolated CNS relapse. Finally, one of them recovered completely as chemotherapy continued, another suffered a bone marrow relapse and eventually died, and a third suffered a bone marrow relapse and died about 10 months after relapse. The median follow-up of all patients was 53.83-mo. The estimated 5-yr overall survival of patients was 68.60% ± 15.10, and their Estimated 5-yr event-free survival was 21.20%±45.70. Infection was the most common complication during treatment that was manageable.

Conclusion: The Interfant-99 protocol appeared to improve the outcome of infants with ALL even with t (4; 11), with manageable complications. However, its implementation in developing countries has problems due to the small number of rooms suitable for heavy chemotherapy, and the dose of drugs that should be modified. It is worth noting that proving this requires a comprehensive prospective study with an appropriate sample size.
Treatment of Grade 3 Fatty Liver by the Principles of Persian Medicine: A Case Report
Authors: Niknafs Alireza , Latifi Seied Amirhossein , Salehi Mehdi
Published: February 2021

Introduction: Nowadays, societies have witnessed a rapid increase of Fatty Liver, which is one of the most common liver diseases worldwide, due to some changes in lifestyle and the increased obesity and metabolic syndrome.

Case presentation: in this study, the patient under research was a 41-year-old woman who was diagnosed with grade 3 fatty liver caused by the absence of a healthy diet and lifestyle. She was successfully treated using the methods of Traditional Iranian Medicine.

Discussion: Classical medicine is not able to develop a certain treatment for this disease yet. Therefore, this article has mainly concentrated on the therapeutic effects of medicinal herbs on the liver.

Conclusion: Delays in the diagnosis and treatment of fatty livermay lead to irreversibility or liver Cirrhosis, which cannot be treated using any method, but by liver transplants. However, the principles of PM (Persian Medicine) can be useful as useful in the prevention and treatment of this disease.
Genetic Arguments for the Prevention of Severe Forms of COVID-19 through Moderate-Intensity Exercise
Authors: Hagiu Bogdan-Alexandru
Published: February 2021

Many severe forms of COVID-19 have genetic causes, with variants providing information and thus supporting the hypothesis that moderate-intensity exercise would have a prophylactic role. In the case of genetic abnormalities related to the induction and amplification of type I interferons, in addition to curative administration of interferon, moderate intensity exercise could be used prophylactically. The same exercises inhibit the p38 MAPK pathway, being evaluated by clinical trials the drug inhibition of that pathway. In high physically active subjects, intermediate CCR2 monocyte decreased in response to moderate intensity exercise, and Cenicriviroc, an antagonist of the chemokine CCR5/CCR2b receptor, has been proposed for therapy. Exercise prevents the increased expression of Tyk2, and for COVID-19 therapy, corresponding to the defect of this gene, kinase inhibitors or Baricitinib have been proposed. The critical analysis of the data presented in the paper shows that for the prophylaxis of severe forms of COVID-19, moderate intensity exercises could be used.
Utilization and Effectiveness of ICT as Agricultural Information Delivery System in Thakurgao, Bangladesh
Authors: Haque Md. Enamul , Hoque Muhammad Ziaul
Published: February 2021

The study was conducted in Thakurgaon sadar Upazila to determine farmers’ perception of the extent and factors of ICTs effectiveness in transferring farming information. A total of 250 people who were already been taken services from different ICT center was selected as sample respondents following a random sampling technique. Primary data were collected using a predesigned interview schedule. Findings revealed that 57.2% of the respondents contacted with Union Digital Center while 38.8% contacted with government own ICT center AICC (Agricultural Information and Communication Center) for their farming-related information. Majority (79.2%) of the respondents opined that they have utilized ICTs moderately to highly whereas three-fourth of the respondents found ICTs moderately to extremely effective in transferring farming technology. Uninterrupted electricity supply, high speed of internet, providing regular training on ICTs, skilled staff and technicians for ICTs and provision for repairing ICT tools are being perceived as significant factors of ICTs effectiveness. Near future, ICT may offer a great opportunity to facilitate the flow of information and technology service delivery to the rural people of Bangladesh.
A Virtual Platform to Determine the Tensile Properties of Engineered Cementitious Composite
Authors: Suryanto Benny , Suryanto Joshua Kiyoshi
Published: February 2021

The four-point flexural test is now making headway as an alternative laboratory investigative technique for determining the tensile properties of Engineered Cementitious Composite (ECC) to the more traditional, direct/uniaxial tensile test. As the fundamental mechanics of ECC specimens tested in four-point flexure are well understood, it is possible to develop a simple relationship between flexural test results and the tensile properties of this cement composite. This paper extends this development and aims to provide accessible and quick calculation of the tensile properties of ECC via a virtual test environment. To this end, attention is directed towards the test configurations developed earlier at Heriot-Watt University, the University of Michigan, and Sepuluh Nopember Institute of Technology. In this paper, the technical background employed in creating the virtual environment and the computer implementation using the JavaScript programming language are presented. The prototype virtual environment is freely available via the Internet at https://ecc-calculator.netlify.app/.
An Innovation Value Chain in Project Based Companies: A Study of Indonesian Contractors
Authors: Setiawan Harijanto , Raharjo Ferianto , Han Ay Lie
Published: February 2021

Innovation is one of the key success factors of contractors to achieve sustainable business. However, studies about innovation cannot be generalized to all business sectors. Therefore, special study about innovation that focuses on contractors in Indonesia is needed. The study is aimed to explore the process of innovation development in contractors, based on innovation value chain (IVC) approach. The qualitative analysis on the data that is collected from in depth interview with top managers of big contractors in Indonesia is carried out. This study found that innovations are generated mainly by project teams because they are involved directly in the project activities. The next phase is to test the idea of innovation in the selected projects in order to assess whether the innovation works well or not. Finally, the selected innovations will be set as a company standard and will be implemented in the subsequent projects.
Tapas Acupressure Technique (TAT) for Reducing Stress and Increasing Self-Esteem: A Self-Study
Authors:   Yorkville University, New Brunswick, Canada, Marie Steel Josette
Published: February 2021

Abstract: While there is a great deal of research into various Energy Psychology (EP) methods, the subjective experience of the client has not yet been investigated. In this self-study, the Tapas Acupressure Technique (TAT) Protocol for Stressful Events was used for 10 sessions over a period of 3 weeks to explore whether TAT would be an effective tool for managing stress and increasing feelings of self-worth. The Sorensen Self-Esteem Test was used as a baseline self-esteem pre and post test to measure self-worth and positive and negative emotional states. A list of 10 free association words was collected before and after each treatment session and at the end of the treatment period. Quantitative analysis showed an increase in overall sense of self-worth and an increase in positive states. Negative and positive states varied throughout the treatment period while self-worth increased, suggesting that TAT enabled increased emotional self-regulation when dealing with stressful situations. Scores on the Sorensen Self-Esteem Test improved by 28% on follow-up. A qualitative analysis of the free association words suggests an increase in feelings of balance and calm and a decrease in negative self-image. Keywords: TAT, Tapas Acupressure Technique, energy psychology, protocol for stressful events, self-esteem, Sorensen Self-Esteem Test, stress management, stress reduction
The Effects of Access Bars on Anxiety and Depression: A Pilot Study
Authors: Hope Terrie
Published: February 2021

Abstract Anxiety and depression are highly prevalent disorders that result in human suffering. The consequences to the individual include increased health care utilization, disability, and decreased income; depression, at its current prevalence, impacts global economic output as well. Access Bars, a noninvasive energy therapy technique, was evaluated for its effects on anxiety and depression using both subjective self-report and objective brain-scanning measures. Methods: Participants, N = 7, aged 25–68, were assessed as having mild to severe anxiety and/or depression. The assessment methods were standardized self-report measures: Beck Anxiety Inventory (BAI), Beck Depression Inventory–II (BDI II), State Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI), and the Maryland State and Trait Depression (MTSD) scale. Electroencephalogram (EEG) data were acquired for objective analysis of brain function via QEEG and sLORETA. Evaluations were performed prior to one 90-minute Access Bars session and immediately following the session. All participants tested positive for trait anxiety on pretest. Results: Lower scores were reported in all self-report measures post session. BAI mean scores dropped from 23.3 to 3.6 (–84.7%), p = 0.004. BDI II mean scores were reduced from 22.3 to 3.9 (–82.7%), p = 0.02. STAI-S (State) means dropped from 38.9 to 25.9 (–33.5%), p = 0.027. MTSD-S (State) means were reduced from 23.6 to 4.7 (–80%), p = 0.015. Brain maps derived from QEEG results showed notable changes in frequency bands from 6 Hz (theta) to 21 Hz (beta). These frequency bands in pretest results showed extreme values of –3 to –1 standard deviations (SD) below the norm and changed toward normal in posttest results. QEEG FFT (Fast Fourier Transform) Z Score coherence paired t-tests demonstrated an improvement in QEEG coherence, p < 0.05. Conclusion: Treatment with Access Bars was associated with a significant decrease in the severity of symptoms of anxiety and depression and an increase in EEG coherence. These results suggest that Access Bars may be useful as a treatment for anxiety and depression.
Repression of the stress granule protein G3BP2 inhibits immune checkpoint molecule PD‐L1
Authors: Zhang Yanhong , Yue Changli , Krichevsky Anna M. , Garkavtsev Igor
Published: February 2021

Mounting evidence suggests that cancer stemness and immunosuppression are related, but the underlying mechanisms behind these are not clear. We previously reported that the stress granule‐associated protein G3BP2 is involved in the regulation of tumor‐initiating (stem) cells. In this study, we show that this protein also upregulates the immune checkpoint molecule PD‐L1 under conditions of stress in breast and glioblastoma cancer cells, revealing a previously unknown connection between stemness programs, stress responses, and immune checkpoint control. We also identified a significant correlation between G3BP2 and PD‐L1 co‐expression in tumor tissues from cancer patients. To assess the targetability of G3BP2, we employed a small molecule (C108) that binds G3BP2 and interferes with the stress response. Tumors treated with C108 had increased CD8 T‐cell proliferation and infiltration. Moreover, treatment of breast tumor‐bearing mice with C108 resulted in a significant survival benefit and long‐term cures. Cancer cells treated with C108 or cancer cells with genetically repressed G3BP2 had decreased PD‐L1 expression due to enhanced mRNA degradation. Our study provides a compelling mechanism linking stress granule formation and immune checkpoint program of cancer, suggesting this link may provide new opportunities for improving anticancer immunotherapy.
Dosimetric evaluation of synthetic CT image generated using a neural network for MR‐only brain radiotherapy
Authors: Tang Bin , Wu Fan , Fu Yuchuan , Wang Xianliang , Wang Pei , Orlandini Lucia Clara , Li Jie , Hou Qing
Published: February 2021

Purpose and background

The magnetic resonance (MR)‐only radiotherapy workflow is urged by the increasing use of MR image for the identification and delineation of tumors, while a fast generation of synthetic computer tomography (sCT) image from MR image for dose calculation remains one of the key challenges to the workflow. This study aimed to develop a neural network to generate the sCT in brain site and evaluate the dosimetry accuracy.

Materials and methods

A generative adversarial network (GAN) was developed to translate T1‐weighted MRI to sCT. First, the "U‐net" shaped encoder‐decoder network with some image translation‐specific modifications was trained to generate sCT, then the discriminator network was adversarially trained to distinguish between synthetic and real CT images. We enrolled 37 brain cancer patients acquiring both CT and MRI for treatment position simulation. Twenty‐seven pairs of 2D T1‐weighted MR images and rigidly registered CT image were used to train the GAN model, and the remaining 10 pairs were used to evaluate the model performance through the metric of mean absolute error. Furthermore, the clinical Volume Modulated Arc Therapy plan was calculated on both sCT and real CT, followed by gamma analysis and comparison of dose‐volume histogram.

Results

On average, only 15 s were needed to generate one sCT from one T1‐weighted MRI. The mean absolute error between synthetic and real CT was 60.52 ± 13.32 Housefield Unit over 5‐fold cross validation. For dose distribution on sCT and CT, the average pass rates of gamma analysis using the 3%/3 mm and 2%/2 mm criteria were 99.76% and 97.25% over testing patients, respectively. For parameters of dose‐volume histogram for both target and organs at risk, no significant differences were found between both plans.

Conclusion

The GAN model can generate synthetic CT from one single MRI sequence within seconds, and a state‐of‐art accuracy of CT number and dosimetry was achieved.
The prevalence of lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender health education and training in emergency medicine residency programs: Where are we now?
Authors: Moll Joel , Vennard David , Noto Rachel , Moran Timothy , Krieger Paul , Moreno‐Walton Lisa , Heron Sheryl L.
Published: February 2021

Background

Despite identified inequities and disparities in lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, and questioning (LGBTQ+) health, past studies have shown little or no education at the medical school or residency level for emergency physicians. With increased focus on health inequities and disparities, we sought to reexamine the status of sexual and gender minority health education in U.S. emergency medicine (EM) residencies.

Objectives

Our primary objective was to determine how many EM residencies offer education on LGBTQ+ health. Secondary objectives included the number of actual versus preferred hours of LGBTQ+ training, identification of barriers to providing education, and correlation of education with program demographics. Finally, we compared our current data with past results of our 2013 study.

Methods

The initial survey that sought to examine LGBTQ+ training in 2013 was used and sent in 2020 via email to EM programs accredited by the American Council for Graduate Medical Education who had at least one full class of residents in 2019. Reminder emails and a reminder post on the Council of Residency Directors in Emergency Medicine listserv were used to increase participation.

Results

A total of 229 programs were eligible, with a 49.3% response rate (113/229). The majority (75%) offered education content on LGBTQ+ health, for a median (IQR) of 2 (1–3) hours and a range of 0 to 22 hours. Respondents preferred more hours of education than offered (median desired hours = 4, IQR = 2–5 hours; p < 0.001). The largest barrier identified was lack of time in curriculum (63%). The majority of programs had known LGBTQ+ faculty and residents. Inclusion and amount of education hours positively correlated with presence of LGBTQ+ faculty or residents; university‐ and county‐based programs were more likely to deliver education content than private groups (p = 0.03). Awareness of known LGBTQ+ residents but not faculty differed by region, but there was no significant difference in actual or preferred content by region.

Conclusion

The majority of respondents offer education in sexual and gender minority health, although there remains a gap between actual and preferred hours. This is a notable increase from 26% of responding programs providing education in 2013. Several barriers still exist, and the content, impact, and completeness of education remain areas for further study.
Pervaporation via silicon‐based membranes: Correlation and prediction of performance in pervaporation and gas permeation
Authors: Moriyama Norihiro , Kawano Yuta , Wang Qing , Inoue Ryota , Guo Meng , Yokoji Makoto , Nagasawa Hiroki , Kanezashi Masakoto , Tsuru Toshinori
Published: February 2021

Pervaporation (PV) is a membrane technology that holds great promise for industrial applications. To better understand the PV mechanism, PV dehydrations of various types of organic solvents (methanol, ethanol, iso‐propanol, tert‐butanol, and acetone) were performed on five types of organosilica and two types of silicon carbide‐based membranes, all with different pore sizes. Water permeance was dependent on the types of organic aqueous solutions, which suggested that organic solvents penetrated the pores and hindered the permeation of water. In addition, water permeance of various types of membranes in PV was well correlated with hydrogen permeance in single‐gas permeation. Furthermore, a clear correlation was obtained between the permeance ratio in PV and that in single‐gas permeation, which was confirmed via the modified‐gas translation model. These correlations make it possible to use single‐gas permeation properties to predict PV performance.
Coronenes, Benzocoronenes and Beyond: Modern Aspects of Their Syntheses, Properties, and Applications
Authors: Kumar Sushil , Tao Yu‐Tai
Published: February 2021

In recent years, a variety of new designs of coronene‐based polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) with diverse functions have emerged to serve as complementary materials in organic chemistry and materials chemistry. In the present review, we highlight the modern aspects of syntheses related to or different from the strategies used in the early era of coronene research. Systematic extension and expansion of coronene backbones to wide categories of angular PAHs are covered. The substitution and extension of coronene architectures, by incorporating functional groups and by fusing small and large conjugated units, advatangeously enrich their photophysical, electrochemical, self‐assembling, and other properties, of which are discussed to demostrate their impact in materials chemistry. While the highly symmetric coronenes, tribenzocoronenes and hexabenzocoronenes conceived wide potential in charge‐transporting, electroluminescent, sensing, and other applications, other related derivatives such as dibenzo, tetrabenzo and pentabenzocoronenes also displayed their potentials as exemplified by their use as charge‐conduction channel in transistor application.
Discontinuity g‐modes of hybrid stars: Effect of sequential phase transitions
Authors: Rodríguez Maria Camila , Ranea‐Sandoval Ignacio F. , Mariani Mauro , Malfatti Germán , Guilera Octavio Miguel
Published: February 2021

The detection of event GW170817 and its electromagnetic counterpart started the era of multi‐messenger astronomy with gravitational waves. The observational constraints from this event and the estimation of mass and radius of PSR J0030 + 0451 is being used to get insights related to the nature of matter inside these compact objects. In this work, we construct hybrid equations of state using modern parametrizations of the relativistic mean field model for the outer core and a generalization of the Constant Speed of Sound parametrization that allow to study sharp sequential phase transitions in the inner core. Moreover, we study non‐radial perturbations of these stellar configurations using the relativistic Cowling approximation. We focus our attention on the g‐modes that arise due to the sharp phase transitions and show that, due to the second phase transition, a new g‐mode appears, g2‐mode, with frequencies smaller that ∼0.5 kHz.
Reverse‐phase chiral high‐performance liquid chromatography for separation of a diastereomer in alalevonadifloxacin: A novel antibacterial agent
Authors: Ahirrao Vinod , Rane Vipul , Patil Kiran , More Kiran , Jadhav Rajiv , Yeole Ravindra
Published: February 2021

Alalevonadifloxacin (ALA) is a novel antibacterial drug, recently launched in India to treat infections caused by Gram‐positive bacteria. In present work, a chiral high‐performance liquid chromatographic method was developed and validated for the quantification of a diastereomeric impurity (DI) in ALA. The separation was achieved on Pirkle type (R,R) Whelk‐O1 chiral stationary phase, using ammonium formate buffer and acetonitrile in gradient fashion at a flow rate of 1.5 ml/min. The method was extensively validated for the quantification of DI in ALA. The detector response for DI was linear over the concentration range of 0.24–4.78 μg/ml. Limit of quantitation and limit of detection for DI were 0.24 and 0.07 μg/ml respectively. The mean recovery of the DI was 103.47 ± 5.14%. The impact of column temperature on the chiral separation was evaluated. The method was employed for controlling diastereomeric impurity in the batches of ALA used in preclinical studies.
Low hemoglobin predicts high‐platelet reactivity and major cardiovascular ischemic events at long‐term follow‐up among ACS patients receiving dual antiplatelet therapy with ticagrelor
Authors: Verdoia Monica , Rolla Roberta , Pergolini Patrizia , Gioscia Rocco , Nardin Matteo , Negro Federica , Viglione Filippo , Suryapranata Harry , Kedhi Elvin , De Luca Giuseppe ,   Novara Atherosclerosis Study Group (NAS)
Published: February 2021

Background

Reduced levels of hemoglobin (Hb) represent an established marker of impaired outcomes and increased cardiovascular risk in patients with coronary artery disease, challenging the management of dual antiplatelet therapy (DAPT). However, while anemia has emerged as an independent predictor of suboptimal platelet inhibition in patients receiving clopidogrel, no study has so far evaluated the impact of Hb levels on high‐on treatment platelet reactivity (HRPR) with ticagrelor and their prognostic consequences, that were the aim of the present study.

Methods

Patients on DAPT with ASA + Ticagrelor (90 mg/twice a day) after percutaneous coronary revascularization for ACS were scheduled for platelet function assessment 30–90 days post‐discharge. Aggregation tests were performed by multiple electrode aggregometry. Suboptimal platelet inhibition (HRPR‐high residual platelet reactivity was defined if above the lower limit of normality (417 AU*min). The primary study endpoint was defined as the occurrence of major cardiovascular events (a composite of cardiovascular death, recurrent acute coronary syndrome [MI], target vessel revascularization) at longest available follow‐up.

Results

We included 397 patients that were divided according to tertiles values of Hb (< 12.7, 12–7–14.09, ≥14.1 g/dl). Patients with lower Hb were older and displayed a more severe cardiovascular risk profile. Mean levels of platelet reactivity were enhanced in patients with lower Hb after stimulation with TRAP peptide (TRAP test, p = .03) and ADP (p = .02). Elevated platelet reactivity (HRPR) on Ticagrelor was more frequent among patients with reduced Hb (16.4% vs. 12% vs. 5.4%, p = .005, adjusted OR [95%CI] = 1.71[0.996;3.01], p = .056). At a mean follow‐up of 820.9 ± 553.4 days, 21.4% of the patients experienced the primary composite endpoint, with a higher rate of events in patients with lower Hb (27.6% vs. 22.6% vs. 13.5%, p = .006, adjusted HR [95%CI] = 1.51[1.12; 2.03], p = .006), mainly driven by a higher rate of recurrent ACS. After correction for baseline differences lower Hb tertiles but not HRPR emerged as independent predictor of MACE (adjusted HR [95%CI] = 0.98[0.50; 1.92], p = .95).

Conclusions

In the present study, we demonstrated that among patients on DAPT with ASA and ticagrelor after PCI for ACS, lower Hb levels are independently associated with a higher rate of HRPR and an increased rate of major ischemic events, and especially for recurrent ACS, although with no impact on survival. Neutral prognostic effect of HRPR was observed across Hb tertiles.
Lessons for and from COVID‐19 for investors and their advisors
Authors: Lamdin Douglas J.
Published: February 2021

COVID‐19 was a shock to financial markets. On March 23, 2020 the S&P 500 index had fallen by over 31% from its closing value on the first trading day of the year and the NASDAQ index fell nearly 25%. Volatility increased. The CBOE VIX Index and trading volume spiked in March and remained elevated. But by mid‐November, the S&P 500 index was above its beginning of the year value by 10% and the NASDAQ index was 30% above. During large market declines, history tells us that investors can be rewarded if they buy, while withstanding the urge to sell. Surveys of investors, as well as those who provide investment advice, suggest that these history lessons were known and those who followed them, were well‐served. However, the COVID‐19 pandemic reinforces these lessons for investors and their advisors when encountering the next large market decline.
Target Extension‐Activated DNA Walker on Nanoparticles for Digital Counting‐Based Analysis of MicroRNA†
Authors: Feng Qinya , Zhai Yuqing , Ren Wei , Liu Chenghui
Published: February 2021

Main observation and conclusion

MicroRNAs (miRNAs), especially exosomal miRNAs, are promising noninvasive biomarkers in early‐stage cancer diagnosis and disease treatment monitoring. However, their precise and sensitive quantification remains challenging due to their small size and low abundance. Herein, we have developed a nanoparticle‐confined DNA walker strategy for the specific detection of miRNA. In the existence of the target miRNA, the on‐particle DNA walking reaction will be initiated, providing a fluorescence‐positive nanoparticle. Otherwise, the nanoparticle would be fluorescence‐negative. Utilizing the total internal reflection fluorescent microscope (TIRFM) to digitally count the fluorescence‐positive nanoparticles, the proposed method possesses a detection limit of 0.2 pmol/L miRNA and can accurately distinguish the single‐base mismatched target. This design combines the merits of the DNA walker for signal amplification and the TIRFM for highly sensitive detection, paving a new way for the digital counting‐based analysis of exosomal miRNAs.
Ligand‐Sensitised LaF3:Eu3+ and SrF2:Eu3+ Nanoparticles and in Vitro Haemocompatiblity Studies
Authors: Adusumalli Venkata N. K. B. , Mrówczyńska Lucyna , Kwiatek Dorota , Piosik Łukasz , Lesicki Andrzej , Lis Stefan
Published: February 2021

Luminescent Ln3+‐doped nanoparticles (NPs) functionalised with the desired organic ligand molecules for haemocompatibility studies were obtained in a one‐pot synthesis. Chelated aromatic organic ligands such as isophthalic acid, terephthalic acid, ibuprofen, aspirin, 1,2,4,5‐benzenetetracarboxylic acid, 2,6‐pyridine dicarboxylic acid and adenosine were applied for surface functionalisation. The modification of the nanoparticles is based on the donor–acceptor character of the ligand–nanoparticle system, which is an alternative to covalent functionalisation by peptide bonding as presented in our recent report. The aromatic groups of selected ligands absorb UV light and transfer their excited‐state energy to the dopant Eu3+ ions in LaF3 and SrF2 NPs. Herein, we discuss the structural and spectroscopic characterisation of the NPs and the results of haemocompatibility studies. Flow cytometry analysis of the nanoparticles’ membrane‐binding is also presented.
Addressing Environmental Challenges of Porphyrin Mixtures Obtained from Statistical Syntheses
Authors: Hölzel Helen , Muth Maximilian , Lungerich Dominik , Jux Norbert
Published: February 2021

Syntheses of complex molecular mixtures on the preparative scale are often challenging steps for chemists, which go hand in hand with expensive purification steps. Herein, the preparation and isolation of unsymmetrically substituted porphyrins, obtained from statistical reactions between two benzaldehydes, were investigated. Therefore, a semi‐automated modular process was developed to lower the consumable costs, save time, and reduce waste production. We utilized a monomode microwave reactor equipped with an autosampler, and a medium pressure liquid chromatography (MPLC) flash purification device, equipped with a UV/Vis detector and a re‐usable glass column packed with SiO2. With this method, it was possible to synthesize and purify several statistical porphyrin mixtures, while simultaneously reducing the environmental factor (E‐factor) significantly, compared to conventionally performed porphyrin syntheses. Our approach shows that a sustainable investigation of academically relevant low‐symmetrical porphyrins can be carried out feasibly, without sacrificing invested time.