bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Inhibitory Effects of Pinostilbene on Adipogenesis in 3T3-L1 Adipocytes: A Study of Possible Mechanisms
Authors: Chung You Chul , Hyun Chang-Gu
Published: December 2021

Resveratrol is a phytoalexin with multiple bioactive properties, including antioxidative, neuroprotective, cardioprotective, and anticancer effects. However, resveratrol exhibits structural instability in response to UV irradiation, alkaline pH, and oxygen exposure. Thus, resveratrol derivatives have attracted considerable research interest. In this study, we aimed to evaluate the anti-adipogenic effects of pinostilbene hydrate (PH), a methylated resveratrol derivative, in 3T3-L1 cells. We also evaluated the mechanisms underlying the effects of PH on adipogenesis in 3T3-L1 adipocytes. Oil Red O staining, lipid accumulation assay, and triglyceride (TG) content assay revealed that PH significantly inhibited lipid and TG accumulation without cytotoxicity. In addition, we determined that PH decreased the expression of adipogenesis-related transcription factors, such as PPARγ, C/EBPα, SREBP-1c, and FABP4, and the phosphorylation of MAPK and protein kinase B (AKT). Moreover, PH attenuated the expression of CREB and C/EBPβ, while increasing the phosphorylation of AMPK and ACC, and decreasing the expression of fatty acid synthase and FABP4. Based on these results, we suggest that PH suppresses adipogenesis in 3T3-L1 cells via the activation of the AMPK signaling pathway and the inhibition of the MAPK and AKT insulin-dependent signaling pathways.
Cross-Device Augmented Reality Annotations Method for Asynchronous Collaboration in Unprepared Environments
Authors: García-Pereira Inma , Casanova-Salas Pablo , Gimeno Jesús , Morillo Pedro , Reiners Dirk
Published: December 2021

Augmented Reality (AR) annotations are a powerful way of communication when collaborators cannot be present at the same time in a given environment. However, this situation presents several challenges, for example: how to record the AR annotations for later consumption, how to align virtual and real world in unprepared environments or how to offer the annotations to users with different AR devices. In this paper we present a cross-device AR annotation method that allows users to create and display annotations asynchronously in environments without the need for prior preparation (AR markers, point cloud capture, etc.). This is achieved through an easy user-assisted calibration process and a data model that allows any type of annotation to be stored on any device. The experimental study carried out with 40 participants has verified our two hypotheses: we are able to visualize AR annotations in indoor environments without prior preparation regardless of the device used and the overall usability of the system is satisfactory.
Application of Digital Image Correlation in Structural Health Monitoring of Bridge Infrastructures: A Review
Authors: Mousa Mohammed Abbas , Yussof Mustafasanie M. , Udi Ufuoma Joseph , Nazri Fadzli Mohamed , Kamarudin Mohd Khairul , Parke Gerard A. R. , Assi Lateef N. , Ghahari Seyed Ali
Published: December 2021

A vision-based approach has been employed in Structural Health Monitoring (SHM) of bridge infrastructure. The approach has many advantages: non-contact, non-destructive, long-distance, high precision, immunity from electromagnetic interference, and multiple-target monitoring. This review aims to summarise the vision- and Digital Image Correlation (DIC)-based SHM methods for bridge infrastructure because of their strategic significance and security concerns. Four different bridge types were studied: concrete, suspension, masonry, and steel bridge. DIC applications in SHM have recently garnered attention in aiding to assess the bridges’ structural response mechanisms under loading. Different non-destructive diagnostics methods for SHM in civil infrastructure have been used; however, vision-based techniques like DIC were only developed over the last two decades, intending to facilitate damage detection in bridge systems with prompt and accurate data for efficient and sustainable operation of the bridge structure throughout its service life. Research works reviewed in this article demonstrated the DIC capability to detect damage such as cracks, spalling, and structural parameters such as deformation, strains, vibration, deflection, and rotation. In addition, the reviewed works indicated that the DIC as an efficient and reliable technique could provide sustainable monitoring solutions for different bridge infrastructures.
Advancing Resilience of Critical Health Infrastructures to Cascading Impacts of Water Supply Outages—Insights from a Systematic Literature Review
Authors: Sänger Nathalie , Heinzel Christine , Sandholz Simone
Published: December 2021

The current understanding of critical health infrastructure resilience is still dominated by a technical perspective. Reality however is different, as past events including the COVID-19 pandemic have revealed: emergency situations are only rarely exclusively technical in nature. Instead they are a product of prior circumstances, often linked to natural hazards, technical mishaps, and insufficient social and organizational preparedness structures. However, experiences and lessons learned from past events are still largely overlooked and have not sufficiently found their way into conceptual understandings of critical health infrastructure resilience. This paper addresses this gap by challenging the one-sided and technically oriented understanding of resilience in the context of critical health infrastructure. Based on a systematic literature review, it assesses real-world cases of water supply failures in healthcare facilities, a serious threat largely overlooked in research and policy. The results underscore the need for targeted organizational strategies to deal with cascading impacts. The overall findings show that addressing technical aspects alone is not sufficient to increase the overall resilience of healthcare facilities. Broadening the dominant resilience understanding is hence an important foundation for healthcare infrastructures to improve risk management and emergency preparedness strategies to increase their resilience towards future disruptions.
Ultrastructure of the Sensilla on the Antennae and Mouthparts of Bean Weevils, Megabruchidius dorsalis (Coleoptera: Bruchinae)
Authors: Chen Siyu , Li You , Xu Fangling , Yang Maofa , Wang Xiurong , Wu Chengxu
Published: December 2021

Megabruchidius dorsalis (Fåhraeus, 1839) (Coleoptera: Bruchinae) is an important pest that damages the seeds of Gleditsia L. (Fabaceae: Caesalpinioideae). This beetle searches for host plants with its sensory system. To further explore the mechanisms of host location and to understand the ultrastructure of M. dorsalis, we examined the morphology and distribution of its sensilla on the antennae and mouthparts of male and female adults, using scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Both male and female antennae are serrated and can be divided into scape, pedicel, and flagellum. There were seven types and eight subtypes of antennal sensilla, including Bőhm bristles (BB), two subtypes of sensilla trichoid (ST1, ST2), two subtypes of sensilla chaetica (SC1, SC2), four subtypes of sensilla basiconic (SB1, SB2, SB3, SB4), sensilla cavity (SCa), sensilla auricillica (SA), and sensilla gemmiformium (SG). Five types of maxillary and labial palp sensilla in the mouthparts were observed: sensilla chaetica (SC), sensilla trichoidea (ST), sensilla styloconica (SSt), sensilla coeloconica (SCo), and sensilla digitiform (SD). No sexual dimorphism in sensilla type was observed, but there were variations between males and females in the numbers and distribution along the antennae. There were more SA in males than in females, while the number of ST sensilla in the maxillary palps were lower in males than in females. ST1 were most abundant in both sexes. We discussed potential function related to structure via comparisons with previous investigations of bruchids and other insects. Our results provide a theoretical basis for further studies on sensory physiological function, using semiochemicals as effective biological controls of M. dorsalis.
DBSCAN and GIE, Two Density-Based “Grid-Free” Methods for Finding Areas of Endemism: A Case Study of Flea Beetles (Coleoptera, Chrysomelidae) in the Afrotropical Region
Authors: Biondi Maurizio , D’Alessandro Paola , De Simone Walter , Iannella Mattia
Published: December 2021

Areas of endemism (AoEs) are a central area of research in biogeography. Different methods have been proposed for their identification in the literature. In this paper, a “grid-free” method based on the “Density-based spatial clustering of applications with noise” (DBSCAN) is here used for the first time to locate areas of endemism for species belonging to the beetle tribe Chrysomelidae, Galerucinae, Alticini in the Afrotropical Region. The DBSCAN is compared with the “Geographic Interpolation of Endemism” (GIE), another “grid-free” method based on a kernel density approach. DBSCAN and GIE both return largely overlapping results, detecting the same geographical locations for the AoEs, but with different delimitations, surfaces, and number of detected sinendemisms. The consensus maps obtained by GIE are in general less clearly delimited than the maps obtained by DBSCAN, but nevertheless allow us to evaluate the core of the AoEs more precisely, representing of the percentage levels of the overlap of the centroids. DBSCAN, on the other hand, appears to be faster and more sensitive in identifying the AoEs. To facilitate implementing the delimitation of the AoEs through the procedure proposed by us, a new tool named “CLUENDA” (specifically developed is in GIS environment) is also made available.
Can Estivation Preferences Be Used to Develop Novel Management Tools against Invasive Mediterranean Snails?
Authors: Hanache Priscillia , Thomann Thierry , Caron Valerie , Desurmont Gaylord A.
Published: December 2021

Terrestrial snails that live in hot and dry climates have developed strategies to cope with high summer temperatures. Several species estivate during the warmest months of the years by resting on vertical supports, typically in groups. Understanding how snails choose their estivation sites and aggregate may lead to the development of new management tools in areas where these snails are invasive. Here, we investigated the preferences of four snail species for vertical supports varying in widths and heights under laboratory and field conditions, and tested whether the presence of conspecifics or snails of other species affected these preferences. The results show that the snails strongly preferred wider supports in laboratory dual-choice tests, and one species (Theba pisana) showed a consistent preference for taller supports as well. These results were confirmed in the field, where more snails were found on wider and taller supports 24 h after being placed in test quadrats. The percentage of snails found in groups on a support was strongly density-dependent. The presence of conspecifics or their mucus did not affect the choices of the snails, nor did the presence of snails of other species or their mucus. Taken together, these results could lead to the development of attractive supports that could be used to mass-capture snails in the field.
Fungal Communities Vectored by Ips sexdentatus in Declining Pinus sylvestris in Ukraine: Focus on Occurrence and Pathogenicity of Ophiostomatoid Species
Authors: Davydenko Kateryna , Vasaitis Rimvydas , Elfstrand Malin , Baturkin Denys , Meshkova Valentyna , Menkis Audrius
Published: December 2021

Drought-induced stress and attacks by bark beetle Ips sexdentatus currently result in a massive dieback of Pinus sylvestris in eastern Ukraine. Limited and fragmented knowledge is available on fungi vectored by the beetle and their roles in tree dieback. The aim was to investigate the fungal community vectored by I. sexdentatus and to test the pathogenicity of potentially aggressive species to P. sylvestris. Analysis of the fungal community was accomplished by combining different methods using insect, plant, and fungal material. The material consisted of 576 beetles and 96 infested wood samples collected from six sample plots within a 300 km radius in eastern Ukraine and subjected to fungal isolations and (beetles only) direct sequencing of ITS rDNA. Pathogenicity tests were undertaken by artificially inoculating three-to-four-year-old pine saplings with fungi. For the vector test, pine logs were exposed to pre-inoculated beetles. In all, 56 fungal taxa were detected, 8 exclusively by isolation, and 13 exclusively by direct sequencing. Those included nine ophiostomatoids, five of which are newly reported as I. sexdentatus associates. Two ophiostomatoid fungi, which exhibited the highest pathogenicity, causing 100% dieback and mortality, represented genera Graphium and Leptographium. Exposure of logs to beetles resulted in ophiostomatoid infections. In conclusion, the study revealed numerous I. sexdentatus-vectored fungi, several of which include aggressive tree pathogens.
First Evaluation of Field Evolved Resistance to Commonly Used Insecticides in House Fly Populations from Saudi Arabian Dairy Farms
Authors: Hafez Abdulwahab M.
Published: December 2021

The house fly, Musca domestica L. (Diptera: Muscidae), is one of the major vectors of several pathogens that affect humans and animals. We evaluated the toxicity of eight insecticides commonly used for house fly control using five field populations collected from dairies in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Among the five tested pyrethroids, non to moderate resistance was found in adults of both sexes compared to a susceptible strain. Resistance ratios ranged from 0.5- to 7-fold for alpha-cypermethrin, 2- to 21-fold for deltamethrin, 4- to 19-fold for bifenthrin, 1- to 9-fold for cyfluthrin, and 1- to 8-fold for cypermethrin. Among the three tested organophosphates, low to moderate resistance was found among adult flies compared to the susceptible strain, and the resistance ratios ranged from 4- to 27-fold for fenitrothion, 2- to 14-fold for chlorpyrifos, and 3- to 12-fold for malathion. The median lethal times for the tested insecticides were 3–33 h for alpha-cypermethrin, 3–24 h for deltamethrin, 5–59 h for bifenthrin, 1–7 h for cypermethrin, 0.3–7 h for cyfluthrin, 6–36 h for fenitrothion, 2–21 h for chlorpyrifos, and 3–34 h for malathion. This study presents baseline data pertaining to registered public health insecticides, and the results will assist future studies monitoring insecticide resistance, and the planning of effective integrated vector management programs.
Genetic Modifying Factors of Cystic Fibrosis Phenotype: A Challenge for Modern Medicine
Authors: Butnariu Lăcrămioara Ionela , Țarcă Elena , Cojocaru Elena , Rusu Cristina , Moisă Ștefana Maria , Leon Constantin Maria-Magdalena , Gorduza Eusebiu Vlad , Trandafir Laura Mihaela
Published: December 2021

Cystic fibrosis (CF) is a monogenic autosomal recessive disease caused by cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) gene mutations. CF is characterized by a high phenotypic variability present even in patients with the same genotype. This is due to the intervention of modifier genes that interact with both the CFTR gene and environmental factors. The purpose of this review is to highlight the role of non-CFTR genetic factors (modifier genes) that contribute to phenotypic variability in CF. We analyzed literature data starting with candidate gene studies and continuing with extensive studies, such as genome-wide association studies (GWAS) and whole exome sequencing (WES). The results of both types of studies revealed that the number of modifier genes in CF patients is impressive. Their identification offers a new perspective on the pathophysiological mechanisms of the disease, paving the way for the understanding of other genetic disorders. In conclusion, in the future, genetic analysis, such as GWAS and WES, should be performed routinely. A challenge for future research is to integrate their results in the process of developing new classes of drugs, with a goal to improve the prognosis, increase life expectancy, and enhance quality of life among CF patients.
Anti-SARS-CoV-2 S-RBD IgG Antibody Responses after COVID-19 mRNA Vaccine in the Chronic Disorder of Consciousness: A Pilot Study
Authors: Pugliese Maria Elena , Battaglia Riccardo , Cerasa Antonio , Raso Maria Girolama , Coschignano Francesco , Pagliuso Angela , Bruschetta Roberta , Pugliese Giovanni , Scola Paolo , Tonin Paolo
Published: December 2021

Objective: In the last year, a large amount of research has investigated the anti-spike protein receptor-binding domain (S-RBD) antibody responses in patients at high risk of developing severe acute respiratory syndrome because of COVID-19 infection. However, no data are available on the chronic disorder of consciousness (DOC). Methods: Here, we evaluated anti-S-RBD IgG levels after vaccination in chronic DOC patients compared with demographically matched healthy controls (HC) by indirect chemiluminescence immunoassay. All individuals completed a two-dose-cycle vaccination with Pfizer mRNA vaccine (BNT162b2), and antibody responses were evaluated at 30 and 180 days after the administration of the second dose of vaccination. Results: We compared 32 DOC patients with 34 demographically matched healthy controls. Both DOC and HC groups showed a similar antibody response at 30 days, whereas at follow-up (180 days) DOC patients were characterized by lower S-RBD IgG levels with respect to controls. Additional multiple regression analyses including demographical and clinical comorbidities as predictors revealed that age was the only factor associated with the decrease in S-RBD IgG levels at follow-up (180 days). Elderly individuals of both groups were characterized by a reduction in the antibody responses with respect to younger individuals. Conclusions: Our results show an efficacy seroconversion in DOC patients in the first period after vaccination, which significantly declines over time with respect to healthy controls.
The Q and A—The MIVI Q Catheters for Aspiration Thrombectomy—Initial Experience from London
Authors: Makalanda Levansri , Lansley Joseph , Wong Ken , Spooner Oliver , Bhogal Pervinder
Published: December 2021

Background: Aspiration thrombectomy is a widely accepted treatment option for large vessel occlusion (LVO). The MIVI aspiration system has a novel design to maximize the lumen size. We present the results of our initial experience with this innovative aspiration thrombectomy system. Materials and Methods: Retrospectively, we reviewed our database to find all cases of LVO treated with the MIVI Q system (February 2019 and July 2020). In addition, we recorded the baseline demographics, NIHSS, ASPECT, mTICI scores, procedural time, complications, and 90 day mRS. Results: Herein, we identified 25 patients with an average age of 65.3 ± 19.3 years (range 19–89), majority of whom were female (n = 14, 56%). The average NIHSS was 16.9 ± 6.7 (range 6–30), and the average CT ASPECT was 7.9 ± 1.4 (range 5–10). The most common clot location was the M1 segment of the MCA (n = 16, 64%). Four of the patients had tandem lesions (16%). The average clot length was 21.7 ± 31 mm (range 2–130 mm). Of the 23 cases where the Q catheter reached the proximal clot face, mTICI ≥ 2b was achieved on the first pass in 11 cases (44%), and at the end of the ‘Q aspiration’ only the procedures with 16 patients achieved mTICI ≥ 2b recanalization (64%). Stent-retrievers were used in 13 cases (52%). At the end of the procedure, 24 patients (96%) achieved mTICI ≥ 2b with 18 patients (72%) achieving mTICI ≥ 2c. The average number of passes with the Q catheter, including when it was used for SOLUMBRA, was 2.1 ± 2.2 (range 1–10). The mean procedure time was 69 ± 32 mins (range 7–116 mins). No complications were associated with the MIVI Q. Conclusions: The MIVI aspiration system is a novel technology with regards to aspiration mechanical thrombectomy. The system is easy to use with early results comparable to other large-bore catheter systems. However, further studies are needed.
An Assessment of the Level of COVID-19 Anxiety among Pregnant Women in Poland: A Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Janik Kinga , Cwalina Urszula , Iwanowicz-Palus Grażyna , Cybulski Mateusz
Published: December 2021

Introduction: The COVID-19 pandemic has caused general anxiety worldwide. Pregnant women are at a much higher risk of developing the infection due to multiple changes that occur in the body during this period. The consequences of the disease can be dramatic not only for the expectant mothers, but also for their unborn children. SARS-CoV-2 infection is generally known to cause serious concerns about future health and life. The data on the severity of COVID-19 pandemic-related anxiety in pregnant women are insufficient. The aim of the study was to assess the level of COVID-19-related anxiety among pregnant women in Poland. Materials and Methods: The study included 173 pregnant women who volunteered for the research. The research was conducted by means of an online diagnostic survey containing an original questionnaire and the following standardized tools: State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI), Short Health Anxiety Inventory (SHAI), and General Anxiety Disorder-7 (GAD-7). Results: Women hospitalised during pregnancy differed statistically significantly in terms of STAI-X1 scores. Primiparas obtained statistically significantly higher SHAI scores than multiparas. Women with higher education had higher SHAI scores. In the GAD-7 scale, 13.3% of respondents obtained a score suggesting a suspected generalised anxiety disorder. Conclusions: Pregnant women are concerned about both developing COVID-19 and the consequences of infection for themselves and their unborn children. The study demonstrated anxiety of varying severity (depending on the tool used). Hospital stay during pregnancy is an additional stressor in expectant women. Further studies are needed to assess the level of COVID-19-related anxiety to assess this phenomenon in Poland in more detail.
Internet-Delivered Acceptance and Commitment Therapy Added to Multimodal Pain Rehabilitation: A Cluster Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Bendelin Nina , Gerdle Björn , Blom Marie , Södermark Martin , Andersson Gerhard
Published: December 2021

Internet-delivered interventions hold the possibility to make pain rehabilitation more accessible and adaptable by providing qualified individualized psychological care to chronic pain patients in their homes. Acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT) has shown promising results on psychological functioning and pain acceptance. Internet-delivered ACT (IACT) added to multimodal pain rehabilitation program (MMRP) in primary care has, so far, not shown better results than MMRP alone. The aim of this cluster randomized controlled study was to investigate the effects of adding IACT during and after MMRP in specialist care on psychological outcomes. In total, 122 patients who enrolled in a specialist pain clinic were cluster randomized groupwise to either MMRP (n = 12 groups) or to MMRP with added IACT (n = 12 groups). The IACT addition included 6 weeks of treatment during MMRP and 11 weeks of aftercare following MMRP. Online and paper-and-pencil self-report measures of pain acceptance, psychological inflexibility, self-efficacy, and psychosocial consequences of pain, were collected at four occasions: prior to and post MMRP, post aftercare intervention and at 1 year follow-up. Dropout was extensive with 25% dropping out at post treatment, an additional 35% at post aftercare, and 29% at 1 year follow-up. Medium treatment between-group effects were found on pain acceptance in favor of the group who received IACT added to MMRP, at post treatment and at post aftercare. Large effects were seen on psychological inflexibility and self-efficacy at post aftercare. A medium effect size was seen on affective distress at post aftercare. Moreover, a medium effect on self-efficacy was found at 1 year follow-up. The results indicate that IACT added during MMRP may enhance the treatment effects on pain-related psychological outcomes. Results also suggest that IACT as aftercare may strengthen the long-term effect of MMRP. However, adding a second pain treatment, IACT, to an already extensive pain treatment, MMRP, could be perceived as too comprehensive and might hence influence completion negatively. Further research on adverse events and negative effects could be helpful to improve adherence. Next step of implementation trials could focus on adding IACT before MMRP to improve psychological functioning and after MMRP to prolong its effect.
Evidence of Coastal Changes in the West Coast of Naxos Island, Cyclades, Greece
Authors: Evelpidou Niki , Petropoulos Alexandros , Karkani Anna , Saitis Giannis
Published: December 2021

Coastal lagoons and dunes are of great ecological importance, not only for providing habitats for rare flora and fauna, but also for protecting coastal areas from rising sea levels and storms, etc. Even though these features are unique for sustainable development and are extremely important to the natural environment and economy, they are one of the most vulnerable and threatened ecosystems due to their small size. The western coasts of Naxos (central Aegean Sea) represent an example of such phenomena, with various wetlands bordered by low-lying sand dunes. The aim of our study is to assess the vulnerability and pressures of the western coasts of Naxos Isl. by taking into consideration both natural and anthropogenic factors. We used a variety of approaches for the environmental and geomorphological study of the coastal zone to achieve this goal, including: (a) study of aerial photography from 1960 until today, (b) systematic seasonal aerial monitoring by drone, since 2015, (c) use of DGPS for the mapping of the coastal zone and for obtaining detailed topographic sections, and (d) dune mapping. Our findings reveal the vulnerability of the western coasts of Naxos due to sea level rise, tectonic subsidence, and a variety of anthropogenic pressures, such as uncontrolled parking, vegetation uprooting, sand extractions, and heavy touristic traffic. Therefore, the protection of the sand dunes, their restoration where they have been eroded, the definition of a zone of control, and restriction of human activities must be a key priority.
Distinct Clinical and Laboratory Patterns of Pneumocystis jirovecii Pneumonia in Renal Transplant Recipients
Authors: Meyer Andreas M. J. , Sidler Daniel , Hirzel Cédric , Furrer Hansjakob , Ebner Lukas , Peters Alan A. , Christe Andreas , Huynh-Do Uyen , Walti Laura N. , Arampatzis Spyridon
Published: December 2021

Late post-transplant Pneumocystis jirovecii pneumonia (PcP) has been reported in many renal transplant recipients (RTRs) centers using universal prophylaxis. Specific features of PcP compared to other respiratory infections in the same population are not well reported. We analyzed clinical, laboratory, administrative and radiological data of all confirmed PcP cases between January 2009 and December 2014. To identify factors specifically associated with PcP, we compared clinical and laboratory data of RTRs with non-PcP. Over the study period, 36 cases of PcP were identified. Respiratory distress was more frequent in PcP compared to non-PcP (tachypnea: 59%, 20/34 vs. 25%, 13/53, p = 0.0014; dyspnea: 70%, 23/33 vs. 44%, 24/55, p = 0.0181). In contrast, fever was less frequent in PcP compared to non-PcP pneumonia (35%, 11/31 vs. 76%, 42/55, p = 0.0002). In both cohorts, total lymphocyte count and serum sodium decreased, whereas lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) increased at diagnosis. Serum calcium increased in PcP and decreased in non-PcP. In most PcP cases (58%, 21/36), no formal indication for restart of PcP prophylaxis could be identified. Potential transmission encounters, suggestive of interhuman transmission, were found in 14/36, 39% of patients. Interhuman transmission seems to contribute importantly to PcP among RTRs. Hypercalcemia, but not elevated LDH, was associated with PcP when compared to non-PcP.
Adjuvant Whole Breast Radiotherapy Improve Survival in Women with Heart Failure with Reduced Ejection Fraction Receiving Breast-Conserving Surgery
Authors: Zhang Jiaqiang , Sum Shao-Yin , Hsu Jeng-Guan , Chiang Ming-Feng , Lee Tian-Shyug , Wu Szu-Yuan
Published: December 2021

Background: to date, no data on the effect of adjuvant whole breast radiotherapy (WBRT) on oncologic outcomes, such as all-cause death, locoregional recurrence (LRR), and distant metastasis (DM), are available in women with left-side breast invasive ductal carcinoma (IDC) and heart failure with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF). Patients and Methods: we included 294 women with left-breast IDC at clinical stages IA–IIIC and HFrEF receiving breast-conserving surgery (BCS) followed by adjuvant WBRT or non-adjuvant WBRT. We categorized them into two groups based on their adjuvant WBRT status and compared their overall survival (OS), LRR, and DM outcomes. We calculated the propensity score and applied inverse probability of treatment weighting (IPTW) to create a pseudo-study cohort. Furthermore, we performed a multivariate analysis of the propensity score–weighted population to obtain hazard ratios (HRs). Results: in the IPTW-adjusted model, adjuvant WBRT (adjusted HR [aHR]: 0.60; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.44–0.94) was a significant independent prognostic factor for all-cause death (p = 0.0424), and the aHR (95% CI) of LRR and DM for adjuvant WBRT was 0.33 (0.24–0.71; p = 0.0017) and 0.37 (0.22–0.63; p = 0.0004), respectively, compared with the non-adjuvant WBRT group. Conclusion: Adjuvant WBRT was associated with a decrease in all-cause death, LRR, and DM in women with left IDC and HFrEF compared with non-adjuvant WBRT.
ICT Adoption and Stock Market Development in Africa: An Application of the Panel ARDL Bounds Testing Procedure
Authors: Igwilo Jerry Ikechukwu , Sibindi Athenia Bongani
Published: December 2021

The nexus between Information Communication Technology (ICT) and stock market development has been predominantly based on studies of the developed markets and high-income economies of the world. The objective of this study was to examine the causal relationship between ICT adoption and stock market development in Africa. The study examined a panel of 11 African stock exchanges for the period 2008–2017 and employed the panel ARDL bounds testing procedure to test for cointegration and examine the causal relationship between ICT adoption and stock market development. The dependent variable employed was the stock market development index (FINDEX), while the independent variable was the ICT adoption index (ICTDEX), and the financial freedom index (FFI) was employed as a control variable. Firstly, the results of the study documented that the variables are cointegrated in the long term. Secondly, the results of the study documented a bi-directional causal relationship (complementarity) between ICT adoption and stock market development. In essence, ICT adoption and stock market development reinforce each other. Thirdly, the study established a causal relationship running from financial freedom to stock market development. This lends credence to the notion that financial market deregulation promotes stock market development. Lastly, a positive causal relationship that ran from financial freedom to stock market development was documented. This study contributes to the body of knowledge in the sense that it is the first study to examine the phenomenon of the ICT–stock market development nexus by employing a panel study. Hitherto, studies were mainly country-specific in nature. The findings of the research imply that policymakers should be more resolute when formulating ICT policies, as ICT adoption can drive stock market development and vice versa for better economic growth. Policymakers should embrace policies that support the deregulation of stock markets as this will lead to the development of the latter.
Assessment of the Competitiveness of Islamic Fintech Implementation: A Composite Indicator for Cross-Country Analysis
Authors: Glavina Sofya , Aidrus Irina , Trusova Anna
Published: December 2021

Islamic fintech is growing fast, especially in the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OOIC) member countries. In recent years, it has become one of the driving forces for the Islamic financial industry. Though the pandemic negatively affected global financial business, including conventional and Islamic segments, Islamic fintech has continued its steady development. i-Fintech increases access to Islamic financial services and financial inclusion in general to provide ESG-rich investment opportunities. The rise of Islamic fintech can help countries become financial hubs and promote sustainable development goals. This paper is aimed at designing an original composite indicator of the competitiveness of Islamic fintech adoption in order to perform a comprehensive assessment of the competitive advantages that are being used across various countries. The research methodology includes data for 65 countries where Islamic fintech companies are represented. We analysed 31 variables describing the development of Islamic financial technologies in each country and combined them into five categories included in the composite indicator. Key factors that determine the development of Islamic financial technologies in different countries around the globe are singled out. The economies with the highest scores are analysed to define their strengths and weaknesses. The practices of the leading countries that address identified vulnerabilities are described.
Doping Sanctions in Sport: Knowledge and Perception of (Legal) Consequences of Doping—An Explorative Study in Austria
Authors: Blank Cornelia , Flatscher-Thöni Magdalena , Gatterer Katharina , Happ Elisabeth , Schobersberger Wolfgang , Stühlinger Verena
Published: December 2021

Anti-doping rule violations (ADRVs) can lead to sports-related and legal sanctions, thus, being knowledgeable is important. Research into this knowledge and how athletes and their support personnel (ASP) perceive the control mechanisms and the appropriateness of (legal) sanctions is still scarce. This explorative study aimed to examine the knowledge and perception of existing (legal) sanctions in Austria, by distributing a questionnaire to Austrian athletes and ASP covering the topics of knowledge related to legal and sports-related consequences associated with a specific ADRV presented in a case study, their trust and satisfaction with specific agencies (based on the European Social Survey (ESS)) and perceived efficiency and effectiveness of the doping control system. Data were analyzed descriptively. All respondents (N = 59) agreed on a ban from sport to be appropriate. Knowledge about legal consequences and the trust in the judiciary and the sport governing bodies was moderate (6.82 out of 10). Perceived appropriate consequences were on average higher than the likely sanctions to be faced. Future prevention should include trust building measures in the institutions and the control system, improvement in terms of access to law and education for the target group and critical reflection on the existence of social norms. Furthermore, the implementation of risk management aspects should be part of future approaches.
Occupation of Cultivated Land for Urban–Rural Expansion in China: Evidence from National Land Survey 1996–2006
Authors: Miao Yangbing , Liu Jiajie , Wang Raymond Yu
Published: December 2021

Construction land expansion often occurs on cultivated land in developing countries during rapid urbanization and industrialization. Understanding its characteristics and driving mechanisms is of great significance for land-use policy and sustainable development. This paper depicted the spatio-temporal patterns of China’s urban–rural expansion and its occupation of cultivated land based on national land survey data from 1996 to 2006. It further explored the influencing mechanism of cultivated land occupation for urban–rural construction land. The results showed that the establishment and expansion of various economic development zones contribute to more than half of the occupation of cultivated land while the expansion of cities and towns is relatively slower, and their sources of construction land are more diverse. The empirical results showed that (1) economic growth and investment play key roles in shaping the spatio-temporal patterns of the occupation of cultivated land for urban–rural construction land, and (2) the mechanisms of cultivated land occupation in different stages of regional development are different. In particular, the establishment of national economic development zones is conducive to the intensive use of construction land and the protection of cultivated land in inland regions, whereas provincial economic development zones have led to a waste of land resources in coastal regions. Based on the results, this study suggested that the policies to the intensive use of land resources and cultivated land protection required regional disparities.
The Role of Prosody and Morphology in the Mapping of Information Structure onto Syntax
Authors: Colantoni Laura , Sánchez Liliana
Published: December 2021

The mapping of information structure onto morphology or intonation varies greatly crosslinguistically. Agglutinative languages, like Inuktitut or Quechua, have a rich morphological layer onto which discourse-level features are mapped but a limited use of intonation. Instead, English or Spanish lack grammaticalized morphemes that convey discourse-level information but use intonation to a relatively large extent. We propose that the difference found in these two pairs of languages follows from a division of labor across language modules, such that two extreme values of the continuum of possible interactions across modules are available as well as combinations of morphological and intonational markers. At one extreme, in languages such as Inuktitut and Quechua, a rich set of morphemes with scope over constituents convey sentence-level and discourse-level distinctions, making the alignment of intonational patterns and information structure apparently redundant. At the other extreme, as in English and to some extent Spanish, a series of consistent alignments of PF and syntactic structure are required to distinguish sentence types and to determine the information value of a constituent. This results in a complementary distribution of morphology and intonation in these languages. In contact situations, overlap between patterns of module interaction are attested. Evidence from Quechua–Spanish and Inuktitut–English bilinguals supports a bidirectionality of crosslinguistic influence; intonational patterns emerge in non-intonational languages to distinguish sentence types, whereas morphemes or discourse particles emerge in intonational languages to mark discourse-level features.
Korean Learners’ Acquisition and Use of Variable First-Person Subject Forms in Spanish
Authors: Long Avizia Y.
Published: December 2021

Within the scope of research that lies at the intersection of sociolinguistics and second language acquisition, there is a growing body of empirical work on learners’ acquisition of variable subject expression in Spanish. This research has been instrumental for demonstrating that second language (L2) learners acquire linguistic and social constraints on subject form use. The present study extends research on variable Spanish subject expression to an understudied learner population: native Korean-speaking learners. Interview data were examined for the range and frequency of first-person subject forms produced by Korean-speaking learners at four instructional levels as well as linguistic and individual (extralinguistic) predictors of subject use. Results showed that learners at each level produced primarily null subjects, and verb number, verb-form regularity, verb semantics, and use of Spanish outside of class significantly predicted use of an overt personal pronoun over null subjects.
Modeling Heritage Language Phonetics and Phonology: Toward an Integrated Multilingual Sound System
Authors: Natvig David
Published: December 2021

Although heritage language phonology is often argued to be fairly stable, heritage language speakers often sound noticeably different from both monolinguals and second-language learners. In order to model these types of asymmetries, I propose a theoretical framework—an integrated multilingual sound system—based on modular representations of an integrated set of phonological contrasts. An examination of general findings in laryngeal (voicing, aspiration, etc.) phonetics and phonology for heritage languages shows that procedures for pronouncing phonemes are variable and plastic, even if abstract may representations remain stable. Furthermore, an integrated multilingual sound system predicts that use of one language may require a subset of the available representations, which illuminates the mechanisms that underlie phonological transfer, attrition, and acquisition.
Anticancer Effects of Midazolam on Lung and Breast Cancers by Inhibiting Cell Proliferation and Epithelial-Mesenchymal Transition
Authors: Lu Hsin-Ling , Wu King-Chuen , Chen Char-Wen , Weng Hung-Kai , Huang Bu-Miin , Lin Ting-Yu , Liu Ming-Hsin , So Edmund-Cheung , Lin Ruey-Mo , Wang Yang-Kao
Published: December 2021

Despite improvements in cancer treatments resulting in higher survival rates, the proliferation and metastasis of tumors still raise new questions in cancer therapy. Therefore, new drugs and strategies are still needed. Midazolam (MDZ) is a common sedative drug acting through the γ-aminobutyric acid receptor in the central nervous system and also binds to the peripheral benzodiazepine receptor (PBR) in peripheral tissues. Previous studies have shown that MDZ inhibits cancer cell proliferation but increases cancer cell apoptosis through different mechanisms. In this study, we investigated the possible anticancer mechanisms of MDZ on different cancer cell types. MDZ inhibited transforming growth factor β (TGF-β)-induced cancer cell proliferation of both A549 and MCF-7 cells. MDZ also inhibited TGF-β-induced cell migration, invasion, epithelial-mesenchymal-transition, and Smad phosphorylation in both cancer cell lines. Inhibition of PBR by PK11195 rescued the MDZ-inhibited cell proliferation, suggesting that MDZ worked through PBR to inhibit TGF-β pathway. Furthermore, MDZ inhibited proliferation, migration, invasion and levels of mesenchymal proteins in MDA-MD-231 triple-negative breast cancer cells. Together, MDZ inhibits cancer cell proliferation both in epithelial and mesenchymal types and EMT, indicating an important role for MDZ as a candidate to treat lung and breast cancers.
Intelligent Generation Method of Innovative Structures Based on Topology Optimization and Deep Learning
Authors: Wang Yingqi , Du Wenfeng , Wang Hui , Zhao Yannan
Published: December 2021

Computer-aided design has been widely used in structural calculation and analysis, but there are still challenges in generating innovative structures intelligently. Aiming at this issue, a new method was proposed to realize the intelligent generation of innovative structures based on topology optimization and deep learning. Firstly, a large number of structural models obtained from topology optimization under different optimization parameters were extracted to produce the training set images, and the training set labels were defined as the corresponding load cases. Then, the boundary equilibrium generative adversarial networks (BEGAN) deep learning algorithm was applied to generate numerous innovative structures. Finally, the generated structures were evaluated by a series of evaluation indexes, including innovation, aesthetics, machinability, and mechanical performance. Combined with two engineering cases, the application process of the above method is described here in detail. Furthermore, the 3D reconstruction and additive manufacturing techniques were applied to manufacture the structural models. The research results showed that the proposed approach of structural generation based on topology optimization and deep learning is feasible, and can not only generate innovative structures but also optimize the material consumption and mechanical performance further.
Intrinsic Point Defects in Silica for Fiber Optics Applications
Authors: Lo Piccolo Giuseppe Mattia , Cannas Marco , Agnello Simonpietro
Published: December 2021

Due to its unique properties, amorphous silicon dioxide (a-SiO2) or silica is a key material in many technological fields, such as high-power laser systems, telecommunications, and fiber optics. In recent years, major efforts have been made in the development of highly transparent glasses, able to resist ionizing and non-ionizing radiation. However the widespread application of many silica-based technologies, particularly silica optical fibers, is still limited by the radiation-induced formation of point defects, which decrease their durability and transmission efficiency. Although this aspect has been widely investigated, the optical properties of certain defects and the correlation between their formation dynamics and the structure of the pristine glass remains an open issue. For this reason, it is of paramount importance to gain a deeper understanding of the structure–reactivity relationship in a-SiO2 for the prediction of the optical properties of a glass based on its manufacturing parameters, and the realization of more efficient devices. To this end, we here report on the state of the most important intrinsic point defects in pure silica, with a particular emphasis on their main spectroscopic features, their atomic structure, and the effects of their presence on the transmission properties of optical fibers.
Fabrication of Piezoelectric Electrospun Termite Nest-like 3D Scaffolds for Tissue Engineering
Authors: Muenwacha Thanapon , Weeranantanapan Oratai , Chudapongse Nuannoi , Diaz Sanchez Francisco Javier , Maensiri Santi , Radacsi Norbert , Nuansing Wiwat
Published: December 2021

A high piezoelectric coefficient polymer and biomaterial for bone tissue engineering— poly(vinylidene fluoride-co-hexafluoropropylene) (PVDF-HFP)—has been successfully fabricated into 3D scaffolds using the wet electrospinning method. Three-dimensional (3D) scaffolds have significant advantages for tissue engineering applications. Electrospinning is an advanced method and can fabricate 3D scaffolds. However, it has some limitations and is difficult to fabricate nanofibers into 3D shapes because of the low controllability of porosity and internal pore shape. The PVDF-HFP powders were dissolved in a mixture of acetone and dimethylformamide with a ratio of 1:1 at various concentrations of 10, 13, 15, 17, and 20 wt%. However, only the solutions at 15 and 17 wt% with optimized electrospinning parameters can be fabricated into biomimetic 3D shapes. The produced PVDF-HFP 3D scaffolds are in the cm size range and mimic the structure of the natural nests of termites of the genus Apicotermes. In addition, the 3D nanofiber-based structure can also generate more electrical signals than the conventional 2D ones, as the third dimension provides more compression. The cell interaction with the 3D nanofibers scaffold was investigated. The in vitro results demonstrated that the NIH 3T3 cells could attach and migrate in the 3D structures. While conventional electrospinning yields 2D (flat) structures, our bio-inspired electrospun termite nest-like 3D scaffolds are better suited for tissue engineering applications since they can potentially mimic native tissues as they have biomimetic structure, piezoelectric, and biological properties.