bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Acquired Resistance to EZH2 Inhibitor GSK343 Promotes the Differentiation of Human DLBCL Cell Lines toward an ABC-Like Phenotype
Authors: Preston Samuel E.J. , Emond Audrey , Pettersson Filippa , Dupéré-Richer Daphné , Abraham Madelyn Jean , Riva Alberto , Kinal Mena , Rys Ryan N. , Johnson Nathalie A. , Mann Koren K. , del Rincón Sonia V. , Licht Jonathan D. , Miller Wilson H.
Published: January 2022

Diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) accounts for 40% of non-Hodgkin lymphoma, and 30% to 40% of patients will succumb to relapsed/refractory disease (rrDLBCL). Patients with rrDLBCL generally have low long-term survival rates due to a lack of efficient salvage therapies. Small-molecule inhibitors targeting the histone methyltransferase EZH2 represent an emerging group of novel therapeutics that show promising clinical efficacy in patients with rrDLBCL. The mechanisms that control acquired resistance to this class of targeted therapies, however, remain poorly understood. Here, we develop a model of resistance to the EZH2 inhibitor (EZH2i) GSK343 and use RNA-seq data and in vitro investigation to show that GCB (germinal center B-cell)-DLBCL cell lines with acquired drug resistance differentiate toward an ABC (activated B-cell)-DLBCL phenotype. We further observe that the development of resistance to GSK343 is sufficient to induce cross-resistance to other EZH2i. Notably, we identify the immune receptor SLAMF7 as upregulated in EZH2i-resistant cells, using chromatin immunoprecipitation profiling to uncover the changes in chromatin landscape remodeling that permit this altered gene expression. Collectively, our data reveal a previously unreported response to the development of EZH2i resistance in DLBCL, while providing strong rationale for pursuing investigation of dual-targeting of EZH2 and SLAMF7 in rrDLBCL.
HER2 Mediates PSMA/mGluR1-Driven Resistance to the DS-7423 Dual PI3K/mTOR Inhibitor in PTEN Wild-type Prostate Cancer Models
Authors: Gómez Valentí , Galazi Myria , Weitsman Gregory , Monypenny James , Al-Salemee Fahad , Barber Paul R. , Ng Kenrick , Beatson Richard , Szokol Bálint , Orfi László , Mullen Greg , Vanhaesebroeck Bart , Chowdhury Simon , Leung Hing Y. , Ng Tony
Published: January 2022

Prostate cancer remains a major cause of male mortality. Genetic alteration of the PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway is one of the key events in tumor development and progression in prostate cancer, with inactivation of the PTEN tumor suppressor being very common in this cancer type. Extensive evaluation has been performed on the therapeutic potential of PI3K/AKT/mTOR inhibitors and the resistance mechanisms arising in patients with PTEN-mutant background. However, in patients with a PTEN wild-type phenotype, PI3K/AKT/mTOR inhibitors have not demonstrated efficacy, and this remains an area of clinical unmet need. In this study, we have investigated the response of PTEN wild-type prostate cancer cell lines to the dual PI3K/mTOR inhibitor DS-7423 alone or in combination with HER2 inhibitors or mGluR1 inhibitors. Upon treatment with the dual PI3K/mTOR inhibitor DS-7423, PTEN wild-type prostate cancer CWR22/22RV1 cells upregulate expression of the proteins PSMA, mGluR1, and the tyrosine kinase receptor HER2, while PTEN-mutant LNCaP cells upregulate androgen receptor and HER3. PSMA, mGluR1, and HER2 exert control over one another in a positive feedback loop that allows cells to overcome treatment with DS-7423. Concomitant targeting of PI3K/mTOR with either HER2 or mGluR1 inhibitors results in decreased cell survival and tumor growth in xenograft studies. Our results suggest a novel therapeutic possibility for patients with PTEN wild-type PI3K/AKT-mutant prostate cancer based in the combination of PI3K/mTOR blockade with HER2 or mGluR1 inhibitors.
Management of Symptomatic Gallstone Disease during COVID-19 Lockdown in a High-Resource Setting: Is There a Need for Treatment Alterations?
Authors: Strohaeker Jens , Sabrow Julia , Yurttas Can , Königsrainer Alfred , Ladurner Ruth , Hoenes Felix
Published: January 2022

Introduction: Cholecystectomy (CCE) is the treatment of choice of symptomatic gallstones. Due to the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic, operating room (OR) capacities have been reduced. The goal of this study was to evaluate the duration of symptoms of patients presenting with gallstone disease during a lockdown, the surgical management, and the severity grade of their disease. Materials and Methods: A cohort study of 353 CCEs performed at a university hospital over two 10-week periods during 2 pandemic lockdowns in Germany compared to corresponding periods in 2018 and 2019. Results: During the lockdowns, 101 CCEs were performed compared to 252 in the prior years. The number of elective CCEs was reduced to save OR capacities (p < 0.001), and the most common indication for CCE was acute cholecystitis. The median time to CCE after symptom onset was 3 days in both groups for acute cholecystitis. The severity of cholecystitis was comparable (p = 0.760). The time to CCE after choledocholithiasis was shorter during the lockdowns (median of 4 days vs. 9 days; p = 0.006). Conclusions: The incidence and severity of acute cholecystitis during the lockdowns were comparable to the prior years. Acute care surgery was provided at the expense of elective procedures, and there was no need for treatment alterations.
Changes in Ganglion Cell Layer Thickness after Treatment with the 0.2 µg/day Fluocinolone Acetonide Implant in Vitrectomized and Nonvitrectomized Eyes with Diabetic Macular Edema
Authors: Pessoa Bernardete , Castro Catarina , Ferreira André , Leite João , Heitor João , Menéres Pedro , Figueira João , Meireles Angelina , Beirão João Melo
Published: January 2022

Introduction: The objective of this study is to compare changes in ganglion cell layer (GCL) between vitrectomized and nonvitrectomized eyes with diabetic macular edema (DME) over a 2-year period following treatment with 0.2 µg/day fluocinolone acetonide (FAc) implant. Methods: Eighteen vitrectomized (group 1) and 8 nonvitrectomized (group 2) eyes were included in this cohort study. Changes in central macula GCL thickness were measured using the Spectralis spectral domain-optical coherence tomography at baseline and 6, 12, and 24 months of follow-up. Other parameters analyzed included best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA), central foveal thickness (CFT), and intraocular pressure (IOP). Results: Treatment with the FAc implant led to small reductions in mean global GCL thickness versus baseline and contrasts with the control group that was stable or slightly increased versus baseline. FAc therapy also led to improvements in mean BCVA and CFT that were observed at Month 6 and maintained to Month 24. For vitrectomized and nonvitrectomized eyes, no differences were observed between mean global GCL, BCVA, and CFT values during follow-up. Linear correlations revealed that in all groups mean BCVA at Month 24 positively correlated with mean GCL thickness at baseline and at Month 24. IOP remained stable throughout the 24 months. Conclusion: There was no evident retinal neurodegeneration in the 2-year period following treatment with FAc in both groups. GCL thickness may be a useful biomarker for assessing safety and effectiveness in patients with DME.
Dark Green Leafy Vegetable Intake, MTHFR Genotype, and Risk of Cutaneous Squamous Cell Carcinoma
Authors: Hughes Maria Celia B. , Antonsson Annika , Rodriguez-Acevedo Astrid J. , Liyanage Upekha E. , Green Adele C. , van der Pols Jolieke C.
Published: January 2022

Background: Evidence suggests that consumption of dark green leafy vegetables may influence the decrease in the risk of cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (SCC). Dark green leafy vegetables contain folate as a main component among other nutrients; thus, we hypothesised that their possible observed protective effect on SCC, observed in previous studies, would be more evident in persons with specific genotypes related to folate metabolism. Methods: Genotyping of methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR) gene variants rs1801133 (C677T) and rs1801131 (A1298C) was carried out for 1,128 participants in an Australian community-based longitudinal study of skin cancer. Dietary intakes were assessed through repeated Food Frequency Questionnaires (1992–1996), and all incident skin cancers were recorded in 1992–2007 and histologically confirmed. We assessed associations between intake of dark green leafy vegetables and SCC development in strata defined by genotype, by calculating relative risks (RRs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) using generalised linear models with negative binomial distribution and person-years of follow-up as offset. Results: High versus low intake of dark green leafy vegetables was associated with a lower risk of SCC tumours in carriers of the C677T variant allele (RR = 0.42, 95% CI = 0.23–0.75), and within wild-type A1298C homozygotes (RR = 0.43, 95% CI = 0.22–0.85). Conclusion: The protective effect of dark green leafy vegetables on cutaneous SCC may be genotype-dependent. Folate metabolism-related gene polymorphisms should be considered when assessing the relation of green leafy vegetables to cancer risk.
Determination of Afatinib in Human Plasma by 2-Dimensional Liquid Chromatography
Authors: Wang Yanhong , Liang Keke , Shi Jing , Duan Cunxian , Li Hui , Chen Haisheng
Published: January 2022

Introduction: A simple, sensitive, rapid, and practical 2-dimensional liquid chromatography (2D-LC) method was developed and validated for the quantification of a 500-μL afatinib sample extracted from human plasma. Methods: The plasma samples were pretreated with acetonitrile for protein precipitation. The mobile phase consisted of a first-dimensional mobile phase (acetonitrile, methanol, and 25 mmol/L ammonium phosphate in a ratio of 25:25:50, V/V/V) and a second-dimensional mobile phase (acetonitrile and 10 mmol/L ammonium phosphate in a ratio of 25:75, V/V). The average recovery of the plasma samples was stable and reproducible (98.56%–100.02%). Results: The analyte was sufficiently stable for handling and analysis. The calibration curve was linear, ranging from 10.93 to 277.25 ng/mL with regression equation y = 804.60 x – 4,169.87 (R2 = 0.999). The relative standard deviations for accuracy and precision studies were within ±2.30% and <3.41%, respectively (intra- and interday). Finally, the validated method was successfully employed to determine the drug levels in plasma from the patients treated with afatinib. In clinical assessment, the patients with gastric cancer were orally administered with 30 or 40 mg per day of afatinib, which resulted in large plasma concentrations, ranging from 5.52 to 45.16 ng/mL. Conclusion: The results indicated that this method was useful for the therapeutic drug monitoring of afatinib and suitable for the assessment of the risks and benefits of chemotherapy in patients with non-small cell lung cancer.
Growth Differentiation Factor-15 and Syndecan-1 Are Potential Biomarkers of Cardiac and Renal Involvement in Classical Fabry Disease under Enzyme Replacement Therapy
Authors: Gregório Paulo C. , Biagini Gilson , Cunha Regiane S. da , Budag Júlia , Martins Ana Maria , Rivas Lara Valiño , Schiefer Elberth M. , Sánchez-Niño Maria Dolores , Ortiz Alberto , Stinghen Andréa E. M. , Barreto Fellype C.
Published: January 2022

Background and Aims: Inflammation and endothelial damage play a pivotal role in Fabry disease (FD) manifestations. In daily clinical practice, FD is mainly monitored by traditional biomarkers of target organ injury, such as serum creatinine and proteinuria, which provide no information about inflammation and endothelial damage. Materials and Methods: We investigated the serum levels of 3-nitrotyrosine (3-NT), an oxidative stress biomarker, and of growth differentiation factor-15 (GDF-15) and syndecan-1 in classical FD patients on enzyme replacement therapy (ERT) for at least 6 months and their relationship with Fabry-related cardiac and renal manifestations. Results: Fifty-two classical FD patients (37 females) on ERT for 62.0 ± 27.5 months were included in the study. The main clinical manifestations included nephropathy (67.3%) and cardiomyopathy (21.1%). Serum levels of 3-NT, syndecan-1, and GDF-15 were 33.3 (4.8–111.1) nmol/mL, 55.7 (38.8–74.9) ng/mL, and 541.8 (392.2–784.4) pg/mL, respectively. There was a direct correlation between interventricular septal thickness and serum GDF-15 (r = 0.59; p < 0.001) and syndecan-1 (r = 0.30, p = 0.04). Among kidney parameters, there was a significant correlation between estimated glomerular filtration rate and GDF-15 (r = −0.61; p < 0.001), as well as between 24 h proteinuria and syndecan-1 (r = 0.28; p = 0.04). Serum GDF-15 levels were significantly higher in patients with cardiomyopathy (p = 0.03) as well in those with both nephropathy and cardiomyopathy (p = 0.02) than in patients without these comorbidities. Serum GDF-15 levels were also significantly higher in patients who started ERT at an older age (≥40 years). In multivariate analysis, syndecan-1, 3-NT, GDF-15, time on ERT, and arterial pressure differentiated Fabry patients with both cardiac and renal involvement from those without these manifestations. Conclusions: GDF-15 and syndecan-1 were associated with parameters of cardiac and renal involvement in classic FD patients on ERT. Their potential association with residual risk and disease outcomes should be investigated.
Impaired Degradation of Neutrophil Extracellular Traps: A Possible Severity Factor of Elderly Male COVID-19 Patients
Authors: de Buhr Nicole , Parplys Ann Christin , Schroeder Maria , Henneck Timo , Schaumburg Berfin , Stanelle-Bertram Stephanie , Jarczak Dominik , Nierhaus Axel , Hiller Jens , Peine Sven , Kluge Stefan , Klingel Karin , Gabriel Gülsah , von Köckritz-Blickwede Maren
Published: January 2022

Neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs) have been described as a potential trigger of severe COVID-19. NETs are known as extracellular DNA fibers released by neutrophils in response to infection. If the host is unable to balance efficient clearance of NETs by dornases (DNases), detrimental consequences occur. Elevated levels of NETs in COVID-19 patients are associated with higher risk of morbid thrombotic complications. Here, we studied the level of NET markers and DNase activity in a cohort of COVID-19 patients compared to healthy controls. Our data confirmed an increased level of NET markers in the plasma of COVID-19 patients, with a higher level in male compared to female patients. At the same time, there was an increased DNase activity detectable in COVID-19 patients compared to healthy controls. Importantly, there was a negative correlation of DNase activity with the age of male patients. The antimicrobial peptide LL-37, which is known to stabilize NETs against DNase degradation, is embedded in NETs upon severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2-infection. The LL-37 plasma level correlates with the NET-marker level in male COVID-19 patients, indicating a potential role of LL-37 in the risk of NET-associated thrombosis in male COVID-19 patients by stabilizing NETs against DNase degradation. In conclusion, our data identify two potential risk factors of elderly male patients which may lead to inefficient NET degradation and a subsequently higher risk of NET-associated thrombosis during COVID-19: reduced DNase activity and an increased LL-37 level.
Sestrins’ Expression in the Liver Is Not Altered by Short-Term Calorie Restriction in Young and Old Rats
Authors: Wrońska Agata , Zubrzycki Adrian , Kmieć Zbigniew
Published: January 2022

Introduction: Short-term calorie restriction (SCR) may have a positive impact on health. We hypothesized that sestrins, a family of stress-inducible proteins (Sesn1, Sesn2, Sesn3) are involved in the response to SCR in the liver. Methods: Young-adult (4-month) and old (24-month) male Wistar rats were either fed ad libitum (control groups) or received 60% of food intake on a daily basis for 30 days (SCR groups). In blood sera, biochemical parameters and fibroblast growth factor 21 (FGF21) concentration were measured (ELISA). Liver samples were collected for analyses of genes’ expression (real-time PCR) and protein levels (Western blotting). Results: SCR caused improvements in blood glucose and lipids and parameters of liver function but did not affect the serum FGF21 concentration. SCR caused changes typically associated with calorie restriction in the gene expression of fatty acid synthase (fasn), ATP-citrate lyase (acly), and sirtuin 1 (sirt1). In the liver of young SCR rats, protein level of Sesn2 tended to increase, while Sesn3 tended to decrease, accompanied by reduced sesn3 expression. In old SCR rats, reduced sesn1 expression was reflected by decreasing trend for Sesn1 content. Activation of AMP-activated protein kinase (phospho-Thr172) and protein content of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma coactivator 1-alpha were not affected by SCR. Conclusion: Sestrins’ hepatic expression is only minimally affected by SCR in young and old rats. We propose that sestrins may not be a major effector of mild SCR in the liver of young or old rats.
Adjunctive Treatment with Interferon Alpha 2b in Conjunctival Melanoma
Authors: Huerva Valentín , Cid-Bertomeu Pau , Espinet Ramón , Canto Luisa M.
Published: January 2022

Purpose: The aim of the study was to demonstrate the clinical outcomes after resection of conjunctival melanoma (CM) followed by topical interferon (IFN) alpha 2b after a long follow-up. Methods: Two consecutive CM patients were treated using tumor excision followed by topical IFN alpha 2b (1,000,000 UI/mL) four times a day for 12 weeks. The second case presented positivity due to the presence of tumor cells in the lower margin of the resection. TNM staging was T1c, N0b, M0, and T1b in the first case and T1b, N0b, M0 in the second case. Follow-up was 72 and 71 months, respectively. Results: No side effects were observable after the administration of topical IFN alpha 2b. After extensive evaluation and imaging with computed tomography, no regrowth or distant metastasis was noticed during the follow-up period in both cases. Conclusions: IFN alpha 2b could be used as a co-adjuvant treatment after CM resection, in an attempt to reduce the possibility of recurrences.
Quantitative Mass Spectrometry Normalization in Urine Biomarker Analysis in Nephrotic Syndrome
Authors: Cummins Timothy D. , Powell David W. , Wilkey Daniel W. , Brady Makayla P. , Benz Fredrick W. , Barati Michelle T. , Caster Dawn J. , Klein Jon B. , Merchant Michael L.
Published: January 2022

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) affects 30 million adults, costs ∼$79 billion dollars (2016) in Medicare expenditures, and is the ninth leading cause of death in the USA. The disease is silent or undiagnosed in almost half of people with severely reduced kidney function. The urine provides an ideal biofluid that is accessible to high-sensitivity mass spectrometry-based proteomic interrogation and is an indicator of renal homeostasis. While the accurate and precise diagnosis and better disease management of CKD can be aided using urine biomarkers, their discovery in excessive protein or nephrotic urine samples can present challenges. In this work, we present a mass spectrometry-based method utilizing multiplex tandem mass tag (TMT) quantification and improved protein quantification using reporter ion normalization to urinary creatinine to analyze urinary proteins from patients with a form of nephrotic syndrome (focal segmental glomerulosclerosis [FSGS]). A comparative analysis was performed for urine from patients in remission (RM) versus active disease (DX) flare. Two-dimensional LC-MS/MS TMT quantitative analysis identified over 1,058 urine proteins and 580 proteins with 2 peptides or greater and quantifiable. Normalization of TMT abundance values to creatinine per ml of urine concentrated reduced variability in 2D-TMT-LC-MS/MS experiments. Univariate and multivariate analyses showed that 27 proteins were significantly increased in a proteinuric DX flare. Hierarchical heatmap clustering showed that SERPINA1 and ORM1 were increased >1.5-fold in active DX versus RM urine samples. ELISA validation of SERPINA1 and ORM1 abundance agreed with our quantitative TMT proteomics analysis. These findings provide support for the utility of this method for identification of novel diagnostic markers of CKD and identify SERPINA1 and ORM1 as promising candidate diagnostic markers for FSGS.
Distinct Mechanisms of IgM Antibody-Mediated Acquired von Willebrand Syndrome and Successful Treatment with Recombinant von Willebrand Factor in One Patient
Authors: Höpting Matthias , Budde Ulrich , Tiede Andreas , Grube Matthias , Hahn Joachim , Herr Wolfgang , Heimerl Susanne , Hart Christina
Published: January 2022

Acquired von Willebrand Syndrome (AVWS) is a rare coagulation disorder which can be associated with IgM paraproteinaemia. Recently, recombinant von Willebrand factor (rVWF) has become available for the treatment of bleedings in patients with inherited von Willebrand disease, but experience in patients with AVWS is limited. We report on 2 patients with AVWS with underlying IgM paraproteinaemia with distinct underlying pathomechanisms. In 1 patient, the paraprotein built unspecific complexes with von Willebrand factor (VWF). In the other patient, we were able to detect an IgM antibody against VWF. Bleeding in this patient was successfully treated with rVWF. To our knowledge, this is the first report about the successful use of rVWF in a patient with AVWS with the detection of a VWF-specific antibody.
Soluções baseadas na natureza: conceituação, aplicabilidade e complexidade no contexto latino-americano, casos do Brasil e Peru
Authors: Marques Taícia Helena Negrin , Rizzi Daniela , Ferraz Victor , Herzog Cecilia Polacow
Published: January 2022

O presente artigo se desenvolve a partir da sugestão de perguntas-chave sobre as Soluções baseadas na Natureza (SbN) e sua aplicabilidade no contexto latino-americano. Faz uma revisão bibliográfica e uma investigação temporal do termo com o objetivo de apresentar como as SbN vêm sendo conceitualizadas globalmente, refletindo sobre como vêm sendo compreendidas e aplicadas na América Latina. Ao apresentar dois estudos de caso, um no Brasil e outro no Peru, o artigo não apenas delineia uma reflexão sobre as SbN no contexto latino-americano, mas evidencia lacunas, lições aprendidas e sugere passos futuros que poderão contribuir com o desenvolvimento conceitual, o planejamento, a implementação e escalamento das SbN na região.
Sex‐Specific Temporal Trends in Hypertensive Crisis Hospitalizations in the United States
Authors: Ebinger Joseph E. , Liu Yunxian , Driver Matthew , Ji Hongwei , Bairey Merz C. Noel , Rader Florian , Albert Christine M. , Cheng Susan
Published: January 2022

Background

Despite recent improvements in hypertension control overall, the extent to which these trends apply to the most extreme forms of elevated blood pressure—hypertensive crises requiring hospitalization—in both women and men at risk remains unknown.

Methods and Results

Using data from the National Inpatient Sample, we estimated sex‐pooled and sex‐specific temporal trends in hypertensive crisis hospitalization and case fatality rates over serial time periods: years 2002 to 2006, 2007 to 2011, and 2012 to 2014. Over the entire study period (years 2002–2014), there were an estimated 918 392±9331 hypertensive crisis hospitalizations and 4377±157 in‐hospital deaths. Hypertensive crisis represented 0.23%±0.002% of all hospitalizations during the entire study period: 0.24%±0.002% for men and 0.22%±0.002% for women. In multivariable analyses adjusting for age, race or ethnicity, and cardiovascular conditions, the odds of experiencing a hospitalization primarily for hypertensive crisis increased annually for both men (odds ratio [OR], 1.083 per year; 95% CI, 1.08–1.09) and women (OR, 1.07 per year, 95% CI, 1.07–1.08) with a higher rate of increase observed in men compared with women (
P
<0.001). The multivariable‐adjusted odds of death during hypertensive crisis hospitalization decreased annually and similarly for men (OR, 0.89 per year; 95% CI, 0.86–0.92) and for women (0.92 per year; 95% CI, 0.90–0.94).

Conclusions

Hypertensive crisis hospitalizations have steadily increased, slightly more among men than women, along with an observed increase in the burden of cardiovascular conditions. These trends, observed despite contemporaneous improvements in hypertension prevention and control nationwide, warrant further investigations to identify contributing factors that could be amenable to targeted interventions.
Latent functional connectivity underlying multiple brain states
Authors: McCormick Ethan M. , Arnemann Katelyn L. , Ito Takuya , Hanson Stephen José , Cole Michael W.
Published: January 2022

Functional connectivity (FC) studies have predominantly focused on resting state, where ongoing dynamics are thought to reflect the brain’s intrinsic network architecture, which is thought to be broadly relevant because it persists across brain states (i.e., is state-general). However, it is unknown whether resting state is the optimal state for measuring intrinsic FC. We propose that latent FC, reflecting shared connectivity patterns across many brain states, better captures state-general intrinsic FC relative to measures derived from resting state alone. We estimated latent FC independently for each connection using leave-one-task-out factor analysis in seven highly distinct task states (24 conditions) and resting state using fMRI data from the Human Connectome Project. Compared with resting-state connectivity, latent FC improves generalization to held-out brain states, better explaining patterns of connectivity and task-evoked activation. We also found that latent connectivity improved prediction of behavior outside the scanner, indexed by the general intelligence factor (g). Our results suggest that FC patterns shared across many brain states, rather than just resting state, better reflect state-general connectivity. This affirms the notion of “intrinsic” brain network architecture as a set of connectivity properties persistent across brain states, providing an updated conceptual and mathematical framework of intrinsic connectivity as a latent factor.
Taxonomizing Non-at-Issue Contents
Authors: Sander Thorsten
Published: January 2022

The author argues that there is no such thing as a unique and general taxonomy of non-at-issue contents. Accordingly, we ought to shun large categories such as “conventional implicature” (Grice), “F-implicature” (Horn), “CI” (Potts), “Class B” (Tonhauser, Beaver, Roberts & Simons) or the like. As an alternative, we may, first, describe the “semantic profile” of linguistic devices as accurately as possible. Second, we may explicitly tailor our categories to particular theoretical purposes.
Establishing Market and Monopoly Power in Tech Platform Antitrust Cases
Authors: Steinbaum Marshall
Published: January 2022

In June 2021, a federal judge dismissed the Federal Trade Commission’s first monopolization complaint against Facebook on the grounds that it did not plead sufficient facts to establish that Facebook possesses monopoly power in online social networking. The ruling highlights two contentious aspects of antitrust jurisprudence: the legal necessity of establishing a defendant’s monopoly power as part of Sherman Act liability for unilateral conduct, and of establishing market power as part of liability for some forms of multi-lateral conduct, as well as the few mechanisms available to plaintiffs in both public and private enforcement to accomplish that, especially following Ohio v. American Express. This article makes two related claims: that direct evidence of market power is plentiful and should be understood as such by courts, and that exactly the direct evidence of market power that courts should consider also establishes that relevant markets on each side of tech platforms are small when properly defined, whatever defendants may say.
Optofluidic Platform for Rapid On-Chip Analysis of Total Phosphorus in Surface Water Using Absorption Spectrometry
Authors: Zhao Kun , Li Chang , Wan Liang , Luo Fangzhou , Cheng Zhiliang , Duan Jinge , Wang Ning
Published: January 2022

Optofluidic devices are of high interest for online monitoring and analyzing biochemical targets in water by integrating the complex on-chip pretreatment of target analytes and spectral analysis. Compared with the traditional bulk equipment, versatile optical detection and biochemical analysis are more easily integrated on an optofluidic chip, which promotes the development of on-chip real-time rapid detection and monitoring. Here, we report an optofluidic platform for online monitoring total phosphorous in water by absorption spectrometry, which naturally combines the merits of both the photo-Fenton effect and microfluidics to realize the rapid on-chip digestion of phosphate at room temperature and normal pressure. The functional cells for chromogenic reaction and optical absorption detection are, respectively, fabricated on the platform to analyze the content of total phosphorus in surface water. In the experiment, the on-chip digestion time of phosphate is dramatically declined to 8.6 sec, and thus, the detection time is greatly shortened to a few minutes. The detection range of total phosphorus is demonstrated as 0.005–1.00 mg L−1, which satisfies the detection requirements of most environmental water samples. Its availability for measuring the total phosphorous in real water samples is also verified. Predictably, this platform is adapted to on-chip analysis of many other biochemical targets in water.
Suicide risk and suicide risk factors among immigrants in Italy: A bi-center matched sample study
Authors: Berardelli Isabella , Tarsitani Lorenzo , Sarubbi Salvatore , Pinucci Irene , Rogante Elena , Cifrodelli Mariarosaria , Erbuto Denise , Lester David , Innamorati Marco , Pompili Maurizio
Published: January 2022

Italy has the third-largest immigrant population of European Union countries, but only a few research papers have examined suicide risk in immigrant psychiatric patients in Italy. The main aim of this paper was to compare suicidal ideation and suicide attempts in a sample of 304 psychiatric patients. We included 152 immigrant patients matched with 152 Italian patients admitted to the same wards during the same time period by age, gender, and diagnosis. We also investigated sociodemographic and clinical characteristics of the two samples including psychiatric diagnosis, age of illness onset, duration of illness, previous hospitalizations, length of hospitalization, previous suicide attempts, and substance and alcohol abuse. There were no differences between immigrant and Italian patients in either suicidal ideation (previous or current) or suicide attempts (previous or current). Immigrant patients were more likely to have a shorter duration of illness than the Italian patients and Italian patients were more likely to report substance abuse than were immigrant patients. Despite similar suicide rates between immigrants and Italian psychiatric inpatients, appropriate assessment of suicide risk in these patients is essential in implementing therapeutic suicide prevention strategies.
Optimum formulation design of natural fiber-reinforced composites (NFRC) for automotive applications
Authors: Zerin Nagma , Quinlan Patrick , Simon Leonardo
Published: January 2022

Natural fiber-reinforced composites (NFRC) are cheaper and more eco-friendly alternatives compared to synthetic composites for automotive applications. As there is limited understanding about the balance of different physical properties in NFRC, optimizing these properties is an important consideration for a more widespread application of NFRC. The goal of this research was to statistically develop an optimum formulation for oat-hull-reinforced polypropylene composite. Mechanical properties of the composites were first experimentally measured. Then, the mixture design experiment approach was utilized to generate response models for different properties, and diagnostic tools were utilized to validate the models. In addition to optimizing the desired material properties, the overall cost of the composite was minimized, which adds novelty to the work.
MDP Salts: A New Bonding Strategy for Zirconia
Authors: Koko M. , Takagaki T. , Abd El-Sattar N.E.A. , Tagami J. , Abdou A.
Published: January 2022

Durable resin-ceramic adhesion may influence the clinical success of ceramic restorations, which has been one of the challenging issues in dentistry. The present study assessed the bond strength and chemical interaction of 10-methacryloxydecyl dihydrogen phosphate (MDP), MDP+silane, and MDP-salt primers to alumina-blasted zirconia ceramic by tensile bond strength test, surface elemental composition with x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy analysis, contact angle measurement, surface morphology with scanning electron microscopy, and surface topography with 3-dimensional confocal laser scanning microscope analyses. MDP-salt showed the highest tensile bond strength before and after thermocycling when compared with MDP and MDP+silane ( P < 0.05). The measured contact angle values differed significantly ( P < 0.001) in the order of MDP-salt > control (no chemical pretreatment) > MDP+silane > MDP. There was no difference in surface roughness ( P = 0.317) and surface topography among all tested groups. Zirconia treated with MDP-salt showed phosphorus peaks in addition to zirconia and alumina peaks. MDP-salt has zirconia priming properties, which improves bonding performance to resin cement.
Practical Applications for Designing Soccer’ Training Tasks From Multivariate Data Analysis: A Systematic Review Emphasizing Tactical Training
Authors: Rico-González Markel , Pino-Ortega José , Praça Gibson Moreira , Clemente Filipe Manuel
Published: January 2022

Novel viewpoints have led to an understanding that good soccer performers are capable of continuous decision-making and performing excellent motor skills in a well-conditioned mental state. Our aims in this review were to (a) summarize the effects of different conditions and constraints on a soccer player’s response and (b) identify potential training designs for varied soccer tasks from a multivariate perspective, emphasizing tactical training. We performed a systematic literature review according to PRISMA guidelines and identified multiple different player constraints, including model strategies for play, drills designed for varied conditions, and training regimens for the dimensions of the physical demands soccer players will face. The use of match-sized training spaces may improve physical fitness and collective tactical behavior, while smaller spaces may contribute to improving tactical behavior from micro-structures (e.g., 1 vs. 1). Pre-session exercises that accelerate the appearance of fatigue during training may help delay the onset of match fatigue and boost players’ creativity. Pitch modifications (dimensions or boundary modifications), modification of game principles (defending strategies or team formations), and altering the number of players involved or coach instructions may contribute to different player improvements. Differential learning, as a non-linear pedagogy, may induce improvements in all dimensions, but especially in creative thinking.
Exploring Working Memory, Self-Criticism, and Rumination as Factors Related to Self-Harm
Authors: Carpenter Rachel K. , Alloway Tracy Packiam
Published: January 2022

The prevalence of self-harm and the relative emotional influences are well understood, but certain cognitive factors such as working memory, rumination, and self-criticism are not fully explored. The aim of the current study is to examine specific aspects of cognition to explore their influence on self-harming behaviors. Participants included 101 undergraduates from a British University. Factors were measured using the Center for Epidemiological Studies Depression Scale, the Depressive Experiences Questionnaire, Ruminative Response Scale, and the Automated Working Memory Assessment. Findings indicated a greater incidence of self-harming behaviors among those who demonstrated higher depressive symptoms, but depression scores were not significantly related to self-harm. Additionally, a binary logistic regression indicated that self-criticism was associated with the presence of self-harming behavior, and a Classification and Regression Trees found that the single strongest predictor of self-harming behavior was a belief that love needs to be continually earned from others. Incorporating treatments that reduce self-criticism, such as improving self-compassion with Compassionate Mind Training, may address underlying mechanisms that trigger self-harm behavior.
Early Maladaptive Schemas and the Accuracy of Facial Emotion Recognition: A Preliminary Investigation
Authors: Panić Damjana , Mitrović Milica , Ćirović Nikola
Published: January 2022

Different developmental experiences related to deep-rooted beliefs about oneself and others may significantly affect individual social emotional competencies, such as the accuracy of facial emotion recognition and detection. This study presents a preliminary examination of the relationship between early maladaptive schemas (EMSs) and the accuracy of recognizing facial expressions showing basic emotions, neutral faces, and discrimination between neutral and emotional faces. The sample consisted of 138 psychology students ( M = 20.33; SD = 1.33, 27 of the respondents were male). Japanese and Caucasian facial expressions of emotion and neutral faces and JACNeuF ( Matsumoto & Ekman, 1988 ) were used as stimulus material for assessing the facial emotion recognition of seven basic emotions (anger, contempt, disgust, fear, sadness, happiness, and surprise) and neutral faces. The Young Schema Questionnaire-Short Form 3 (YSQ-S3; Young, 2005 ) was administered as a measure of EMSs. The findings demonstrate that all schema domains affect the accuracy of recognizing facial expressions showing negative emotions (anger, contempt, disgust, fear, and sadness). The Dependence/Incompetence and Entitlement/Grandiosity schemas were significant predictors for detecting neutral faces and discriminating between faces with and without emotion, while the Abandonment/Instability schema additionally proved significant for recognizing neutral faces. Limitations and suggestions for future elaboration are acknowledged.
Experiences in Work Relationships: A Measure of Attachment Strategies at Work
Authors: Seitl Martin , Charvát Miroslav , Střelec Jan , Seitlová Klára , Kafetsios Konstantinos
Published: January 2022

Much of the burgeoning research on adult attachment in organizational settings has utilized assessment methods developed for personal or social relationships contexts. Here, we propose and test a novel framework for assessing attachment orientations in the workplace, the Experiences in Work Relationships—Individual (EWR-I), based on a conceptualization of the regulatory functions of attachment dynamics. Using data from two samples comprising early career starters and employees in the Czech Republic ( N = 588 and N = 633) analyses confirmed the bifactorial structure of the new scale corresponding to “interpersonal hyperactivation” (involving emotional instability, negative emotionality, and lack of appreciation in work relationships) and a second factor termed “interpersonal deactivation” (involving distancing from others and relationships at work, mistrust and inhibition of positive emotionality). Evidence of convergent and discriminant validity against general relational assessments of adult attachment, and predictive and construct validity against measures of workplace personality, organizational citizenship behavior and counterproductive work behavior further documented the nature and utility of the new scale. We argue that interpersonal hyperactivation and deactivation represent two distinct and measurable key components of attachment behavior dynamics at work.
Betwixt and Between Justice and Inaction: Full-Service Community School Principals and Community Equity Literacy
Authors: Provinzano Kathleen , Mayger Linda K.
Published: January 2022

Little research has focused on the extent to which community school principals approach family engagement efforts, specifically from an equity-centered perspective. This study examined how community school principals’ leadership practices exhibited tenets of Community Equity Literacy. Results from interviews with 13 administrators and 19 coordinators from three states highlighted the importance of equity, but participants’ conceptions were often embedded in school-centric paradigms that exhibited surface-level understandings of family and community strengths. Dispositions and skills principals need to forge relationships with families that extend beyond service provisions to create equitable community-centric partnerships inclusive of a broad group of constituents are discussed.
Is philanthropy related to life satisfaction? Cross-country evidence
Authors: Salahodjaev Raufhon , Isaeva Arletta , Abdullayev Diyorjon
Published: January 2022

The goal of this study is to investigate the relationship between philanthropy and life satisfaction, using data from 142 countries. The results show that philanthropy rates are significantly and positively associated with subjective wellbeing. A one standard deviation increase in philanthropy rates is associated with slightly less than half-standard deviation rises in life satisfaction. This association remains significant even after the introduction of a rich set of socio-economic controls.
Professionals’ Perspectives on Service Delivery: The Impact of COVID-19 on Early Childhood Special Education Providers
Authors: Gomez Douglas , Kunze Megan , Glenn Elizabeth , Todis Bonnie , Kelley Kandyce , Karns Christina M. , Glang Ann , McIntyre Laura Lee
Published: January 2022

Early childhood special education (ECSE) professionals were forced to drastically change their methods of providing services as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. In this qualitative study, we conducted interviews to understand how the COVID-19 pandemic has impacted ECSE professionals both personally and professionally. ECSE professionals described challenges as well as unexpected positive outcomes associated with continuing to work in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic. Professionals also explained the importance of increasing parent interaction through coaching interventions while engaging in remote service delivery. The findings conclude with professionals’ discussions of how the field may be impacted by the pandemic in the future. Results were discussed in the context of service provision and implications for supporting professionals who work with young children with disabilities.
Locally active globally stable dynamical systems: Theory, learning, and experiments
Authors: Figueroa Nadia , Billard Aude
Published: January 2022

State-dependent dynamical systems (DSs) offer adaptivity, reactivity, and robustness to perturbations in motion planning and physical human–robot interaction tasks. Learning DS-based motion plans from non-linear reference trajectories is an active research area in robotics. Most approaches focus on learning DSs that can (i) accurately mimic the demonstrated motion, while (ii) ensuring convergence to the target, i.e., they are globally asymptotically (or exponentially) stable. When subject to perturbations, a compliant robot guided with a DS will continue following the next integral curves of the DS towards the target. If the task requires the robot to track a specific reference trajectory, this approach will fail. To alleviate this shortcoming, we propose the locally active globally stable DS (LAGS-DS), a novel DS formulation that provides both global convergence and stiffness-like symmetric attraction behaviors around a reference trajectory in regions of the state space where trajectory tracking is important. This allows for a unified approach towards motion and impedance encoding in a single DS-based motion model, i.e., stiffness is embedded in the DS. To learn LAGS-DS from demonstrations we propose a learning strategy based on Bayesian non-parametric Gaussian mixture models, Gaussian processes, and a sequence of constrained optimization problems that ensure estimation of stable DS parameters via Lyapunov theory. We experimentally validated LAGS-DS on writing tasks with a KUKA LWR 4+ arm and on navigation and co-manipulation tasks with iCub humanoid robots.
Resource geography III: Rentier natures and the renewal of class struggle
Authors: Huber Matthew T
Published: January 2022

There is renewed attention to the importance of rent to understanding capitalist resource geographies. In this report, I ground these discussions in Marx’s theory of “ground rent” and specifically the role of the landlord class as owners of natural forces demanding a “share” of the social surplus (as distinct from the capitalist and working classes). I review emergent literature about three key kinds of rentiers—private landowners, landlord states, and capitalist resource rentiers. I suggest the category of capitalist resource rentier confounds a Marxist class analysis centered on capitalists as the owners of the means of production.
The Economic Case Against Time Travel: Using Science Fiction Ideas to Emphasize Economic Processes in the Classroom
Authors: Swinton John R.
Published: January 2022

I describe a though experiment in which students can consider the importance of the profit motive, the passage of time, and the dissemination of information in various markets by imagining that time travel is possible. The thought experiment allows students to conclude that because the economic conditions that would result from time travel do not exist outside of the theoretical market models, certain types of time travel cannot exist. But, more importantly, it provides a tool to help students think more deeply about the assumptions of the economic models presented.

JEL Classifications: A1, A2, D8, I20
Spillover Effects of Restrictive Immigration Policy on Latinx Citizens: Raising or Lowering Earnings?
Authors: Browne Irene , Kronberg Anne-Kathrin , McDonnell Jenny
Published: January 2022

This paper investigates the question of whether and how restrictive immigration policies affect the earnings of Latinxs who are not the target of these policies—that is, Latinx citizens. Focusing on policies at the state (E-Verify) and county (287(g)) level, we investigate possible spillover on Latinx citizen earnings from 2006 through 2016. We use multiple sources of data, merging policy and census data with two national probability samples of Latinx citizens. Our results show that E-Verify and 287(g) affect earnings similarly. Laws leave wage-employed workers unaffected and instead exclusively shape the earnings of self-employed respondents. Among self-employed, policy effects depend on the type of county respondents live in. Once laws like 287(g) or E-Verify go into effect, Latinx self-employed see dramatic earnings losses when living outside of ethnic enclaves, while seeing earnings gains when living within predominantly-Latinx counties.
Evaluation of the Computer-Based Orthographic Processing Assessment: An Application of Cognitive Diagnostic Modeling
Authors: Chen Yi-Jui I. , Chen Yi-Hsin , Anthony Jason L. , Erazo Noé A.
Published: January 2022

The Computer-based Orthographic Processing Assessment (COPA) is a newly developed assessment to measure orthographic processing skills, including rapid perception, access, differentiation, correction, and arrangement. In this study, cognitive diagnostic models were used to test if the dimensionality of the COPA conforms to theoretical expectation, evaluate individual items’ quality, and examine the validity and the learning sequence of each skill. Results showed that the COPA captures five distinctive operating attributes, but some items could be revised to increase their item quality. Correlations with external variables confirmed that performances on the COPA are more strongly related to literacy outcomes than to oral language outcomes but that the COPA also demonstrates discriminant validity relative to even proximal measures of word reading and spelling. The mastery probabilities and best-fitting hierarchical model indicate that four of the five attributes follow a learning progression that is consistent with information processing theory and that was assumed by developers of the COPA.