bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
lncRNA MALAT1/miR-143 axis is a potential biomarker for in-stent restenosis and is involved in the multiplication of vascular smooth muscle cells
Authors: Cao Chen , Zhen Wei , Yu Haibin , Zhang Li , Liu Yiling 
Published: December 2021

Abstract
The purpose of this study is to observe the potential value and underlying mechanism of the metastasis-associated lung adenocarcinoma transcript 1 (MALAT1)/miR-143 axis in ISR. A total of 150 participants were enrolled, including 100 patients (observation group) with coronary heart disease who underwent stent implantation in the Department of Cardiology of our hospital between January 2018 and January 2020, and 50 healthy people (control group) concurrently underwent a physical examination. Serum MALAT1 and miR-143 levels were detected by quantitative reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR). Tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α; 10 ng/mL) induced human vascular smooth muscle cells (HVSMCs). MALAT1 increased while miR-143 decreased in the observation group versus the control group (P < 0.001). The non-restenosis group had significantly elevated MALAT1 expression while decreased miR-143 expression than the restenosis group (P < 0.001). The areas under the curves of the expression of MALAT1 and miR-143 in predicting restenosis were 0.917 and 0.881, respectively. Following si-MALAT1 transfection, HVSMC multiplication and invasiveness decreased significantly (P < 0.05). miR-143-inhibitor was observed to upregulate the luciferase activity of MALAT1-WT (P < 0.05). MALAT1 is highly expressed in patients with ISR while miR-143 is decreased, and the MALAT1/miR-143 axis is a potential pathway to modulate the multiplication and invasiveness of HVSMCs.
Increased Trust in the Finnish UBI Experiment – Is the Secret Universalism or Less Bureaucracy?
Authors: de Andrade Luiz Henrique Alonso , Ylikännö Minna , Kangas Olli 
Published: December 2021

Abstract
Bureaucratic selectivity mechanisms are the true colours of welfare states, stigmatising benefit recipients while hampering their trust in institutions and society at large. Universal policies such as the Universal Basic Income (UBI) could protect recipients’ trust by circumventing selectivity paraphernalia. By analysing regressions on the Finnish UBI experiment’s survey data, we assess the links from policy selectivity to trust in the benefit-providing institution and generalised trust through the pathway of reduced bureaucratic experience. More specifically, we analyse whether receipt of UBI leads to greater trust directly or while accompanied by an actual or perceived reduction in bureaucracy. According to our results, UBI is accompanied by greater trust, while selectivity does not necessarily lead to less trust or perception of less bureaucracy. However, in our analysis, policy selectivity did not directly correlate to recipients’ reported bureaucratic experiences, and their relationship with trust proved tricky: selectivity did not risk recipients’ trust in the policy-implementing institution, but generalised trust in other people was lowered. Thus, selective benefit recipients might be prone to self-inflicted stigma, hampering their trust in other people, regardless of actual bureaucratic experiences or trust in the welfare system.
A fuzzy sensitivity analysis approach to estimate brain effective connectivity and its application to epileptic seizure detection
Authors: Moharamzadeh Nader , Motie Nasrabadi Ali 
Published: December 2021

Abstract
The brain is considered to be the most complicated organ in human body. Inferring and quantification of effective (causal) connectivity among regions of the brain is an important step in characterization of its complicated functions. The proposed method is comprised of modeling multivariate time series with Adaptive Neurofuzzy Inference System (ANFIS) and carrying out a sensitivity analysis using Fuzzy network parameters as a new approach to introduce a connectivity measure for detecting causal interactions between interactive input time series. The results of simulations indicate that this method is successful in detecting causal connectivity. After validating the performance of the proposed method on synthetic linear and nonlinear interconnected time series, it is applied to epileptic intracranial Electroencephalography (EEG) signals. The result of applying the proposed method on Freiburg epileptic intracranial EEG data recorded during seizure shows that the proposed method is capable of discriminating between the seizure and non-seizure states of the brain.
Influence of potato variety on polyphenol profile composition and glycoalcaloid contents of potato juice
Authors: Kowalczewski Przemysław Łukasz , Zembrzuska Joanna , Drożdżyńska Agnieszka , Smarzyński Krzysztof , Radzikowska Dominika , Kieliszek Marek , Jeżowski Paweł , Sawinska Zuzanna 
Published: December 2021

Abstract
The results of studies published in recent years indicate the broad biological activity of potato juice (PJ), which is a byproduct of the starch production process. Among the most frequently described activities are anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and cytotoxic effects. Nevertheless, this waste juice is produced by the processing of many varieties of potatoes with different proportions, which does not allow to conclude on the biological activity of individual varieties. This article is a report on the antioxidant activity of PJ from seven selected potato varieties, their profile of polyphenolic compounds, and the content of glycoalkaloids (GAs). The use of similar cultivation conditions allowed to eliminate the influence of environmental factors on the content of the analyzed compounds. The influence of PJ on the growth of probiotic, commensal, and pathogenic bacteria was also assessed. It was shown that the varieties significantly influenced the differences in antioxidant activity as well as the content of GAs, but despite the observed differences, none of them showed antimicrobial activity. Therefore, it can be concluded that an appropriately selected variety will make it possible to obtain PJ that will be characterized by high antioxidant activity and, at the same time, will be safe from the toxicological point of view.
Are the upper bounds for new SARS-CoV-2 infections in Germany useful?
Authors: Bock Wolfgang , Jayathunga Yashika , Götz Thomas , Rockenfeller Robert 
Published: December 2021

Abstract
At the end of 2019, an outbreak of a new coronavirus, called SARS–CoV–2, was reported in China and later in other parts of the world. First infection reported in Germany by the end of January 2020 and on March 16th, 2020 the federal government announced a partial lockdown in order to mitigate the spread. Since the dynamics of new infections started to slow down, German states started to relax the confinement measures as to May 6th, 2020. As a fall back option, a limit of 50 new infections per 100,000 inhabitants within seven days was introduced for each district in Germany. If a district exceeds this limit, measures to control the spread of the virus should be taken. Based on a multi–patch SEAIRD–type model, we will simulate the effect of choosing a specific upper limit for new infections. We investigate, whether the politically motivated bound is low enough to detect new outbreaks at an early stage. Subsequently, we introduce an optimal control problem to tackle the multi–criteria problem of finding a bound for new infections that is low enough to avoid new outbreaks, which might lead to an overload of the health care system, but is large enough to curb the expected economic losses.
Development, characterization, and in vitro evaluation of adhesive fibrous mat for mucosal propranolol delivery
Authors: Pérez-González Graciela Lizeth , Cornejo-Bravo José Manuel , Vera-Graciano Ricardo , Adan-López Eduardo Sinaí , Villarreal-Gómez Luis Jesús 
Published: December 2021

Abstract
This research focuses on the synthesis and adhesive properties of mucoadhesive mats, prepared with poly(vinylic alcohol) as a base polymer for the oromucosal release of propranolol (PRO) by the electrospinning technique. The nanofibers mats were evaluated by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy, thermogravimetric analysis, and differential scanning calorimetry; in vitro drug entrapment efficiency, degradation time, and adhesion studies were performed. SEM images of the electrospun mats show the correct formation of fibers with a variable diameter and porosity. Thermal studies indicate excellent thermal stability of the scaffolds, The fibrous mats loaded with 10% of the drug exhibit the best thermal stability with decomposition after 450°C. In vitro studies indicate a drug content of 88% loaded in the mats. In the cytotoxicity test, loaded mat presents cell proliferations of 97% and 88% for drug concentrations of 10% an 15%, respectively. To conclude, the formed electrospun adhesive mats exhibited excellent thermal stability, adhesive properties, and drug entrapment efficiency, promising features for a successful drug topical release system on mucosal tissue in the oral cavity.
Dimensional stability and decay resistance of clay treated, furfurylated, and clay-reinforced furfurylated poplar wood
Authors: Zhang Liangliang , Wang Wang , Chen Jinyu , Cao Jinzhen 
Published: December 2021

Abstract
Plantation-grown poplar (Populus cathayana) is regarded as a source of low-quality wood, with poor dimensional stability and low decay resistance. In this study, poplar wood was impregnated with sodium montmorillonite (Na-MMT) or organo-montmorillonite (O-MMT), furfuryl alcohol (FA, at concentrations of 15%, 30% and 50%), separately or in their combinations to prepare clay treated, furfurylated, and clay-reinforced furfurylated wood, respectively. The two-step method by introducing Na-MMT first and then FA and organic modifier was feasible to achieve a reasonable penetration. These components could entirely enter the wood cell lumen or partly enter the wood cell wall, and thus initiate a series of reactions. Compared with Na-MMT reinforced furfurylated wood (M-F), the O-MMT reinforced furfurylated wood (O-F) exhibited better dimensional stability (ASE up to 71%) and decay resistance (3.2% mass loss). Moreover, O-MMT played a predominant role in decay resistance of O-MMT reinforced furfurylated wood. Even at low O-MMT loadings, the modified wood had a significant inhibitory effect on the white-rot decay fungus Trametes versicolor. Based on an overall evaluation, O-MMT reinforced furfurylated wood seemed to provide an optimal choice for both moist or wet conditions.
Mapping the biotic degradation hazard of wood in Europe – biophysical background, engineering applications, and climate change-induced prospects
Authors: van Niekerk Philip B. , Marais Brendan N. , Brischke Christian , Borges Luisa M.S. , Kutnik Magdalena , Niklewski Jonas , Ansard David , Humar Miha , Cragg Simon M. , Militz Holger 
Published: December 2021

AbstractConstruction using timber has seen a resurgence in light of global climate mitigation policies. Wood is a renewable resource, and engineered wood products are proving to be competitive against concrete and steel while having several advantages. However, while the renewable nature of wood in construction is a beneficial property for climate mitigation policies, the process of biodegradation introduces a challenge for service life planning. A review of hazard mapping is presented while developing contemporary hazard maps, occurrence maps and projected hazard maps for 2050 using representative concentration pathways (RCP) 2.6 and 8.5. The risk of timber decay is expected to increase in most of Europe as the temperatures rise, with a decrease expected in dryer regions. Termites are likely to experience a range expansion as more areas become suitable, while human activity and an increase in extreme weather events like floods are expected to facilitate dispersion. Marine borer species already present a risk in most European coastal regions; however, the effect of changes in water temperatures are likely to shift the boundaries for individual borer species. Overall, warmer climates are expected to increase the metabolic activity of all of these organisms leading to a general reduction in service life.
Photocatalytic degradation of acetaminophen in water via ultraviolet light and titanium dioxide thin films part II: chemical and kinetic aspects
Authors: Rawal Sunil , Buer Sabrina H. , Sanders J. Robby , Arce Pedro E. 
Published: December 2021

Abstract
Among the large family of emergent pharmaceutical contaminants, we find acetaminophen (ACE) that critically needs to be removed from wastewater. Advanced Oxidation Process (AOP) have proven effective in the degradation of large molecular contaminants from water. To the best of our knowledge this is the first study reported on the degradation of ACE based on immobilized TiO2 thin films. In an effort to increase the understanding of the efficiency of the degradation process, an in-depth investigation of the effects of the structure, i.e., coating layers and the amount of surface, i.e., number of coated slides used, is needed. Transparent, anatase-form TiO2 thin films were prepared via the sol-gel method (Rawal, S., S. Buer, J. R. Sanders, and P. E. Arce. 2021. “Photocatalytic Degradation of Acetaminophen from Water Solutions Via Thin Films. Part I: Synthesis and Characterization of TiO2 Thin Films.” International Journal of Reactor Engineering [Accepted]) and deposited onto glass microscope slides using a novel spraying technique, with coatings ranging from one to 10 layers. This contribution summarizes the effect of several key factors including initial concentration of the ACE, the number of coating layers (6, 8, and 10) on the glass slides and the number (4 and 6) of slides on the degradation levels for three selected media, e.g., acid, neutral and base. Comparisons studies, supported by statistical analysis between two different sets (4 and 6) of slides with discussion of potential physical-chemical reasons behind the behaviors are reported. Finally, global, first order kinetic rate constants are also reported for the different conditions used in the investigation. Although further research would be needed, in general the results are promising for the potential degradation of ACE in continuous flow systems by using immobilized TiO2 on surfaces as thin films.
Characteristics of carbide slag slurry flow in a bubble column carbonation reactor
Authors: Zheng Peng , Zhou Genfu , Li Weiling , Zhao Chuanwen , Huang Pu , Hua Junye , Sun Jian , Guo Yafei 
Published: December 2021

Abstract
The direct aqueous mineral carbonation of carbide slag was investigated. The flow characteristics of carbide slag-CO2-water reaction system in a bubble column were studied, which included the bubble Sauter mean diameter, gas holdup, bubble residence time, and the gas-liquid interfacial area. Bubble flow behaviors in the reactor were characterized by analyzing the bed pressure signals. The effects of the gas velocity (U

g
) and liquid to solid ratio (L/S ratio) were discussed and analyzed. The results showed that the larger bubbles were easy to form at the larger L/S ratio, which indicated that the bubble coalescence was promoted. The gas holdup was larger when increasing U

g
or reducing the L/S ratio. The better gas-liquid interfacial areas were found in a wide range of L/S ratio at U

g
= 0.082 m/s. The optimum conditions were found at U

g
= 0.082 m/s and L/S ratio = 15–30 mL/g for the better gas-liquid interfacial area and the higher carbide slag conversion. The work provided the theoretical basis for the direct aqueous carbonation of the carbide slag and the operation condition optimization.
Maximum Work Rate Extractable from Energy Fluxes
Authors: Badescu Viorel 
Published: December 2021

Abstract
A general formalism is developed to evaluate the amount of work extractable from energy fluxes. It covers nonequilibrium cases when the concept of exergy is not relevant. The rate of work deficiency, which has been previously introduced as the total loss of exergy, is defined here as the total loss of work, which would have resulted if all the work were lost to the environment. New performance indicators are proposed. First, the work content factor gives the proportion of extractable work in a given amount of energy. Second, the work deficiency factor is a measure of the potential of improvement for the operation of energy conversion systems. Previous results reported in literature are particular cases of the general results obtained here. The formalism is used to evaluate the work rate extractable from the solar energy flux. Results are shown in cases where solar radiation interacts with materials without energy bandgap (metals) and with energy bandgaps (semiconductors), respectively.
Fast forward evolution in real time: the rapid spread of SARS-CoV-2 variant of concern lineage B.1.1.7 in Saxony-Anhalt over a period of 5 months
Authors: Glaß Markus , Misiak Danny , Misiak Claudia , Müller Simon , Rausch Alexander , Angermann Katharina , Hoyer Mariann , Zabel Ramona , Kehlen Astrid , Möbius Beate , Weickert Jessica , Hüttelmaier Stefan , Karrasch Matthias 
Published: December 2021

Abstract

Objectives
Random mutations and recombinations are the main sources for the genetic diversity in SARS-CoV-2, with mutations in the SARS-CoV-2 spike (S) receptor binding motif (RBM) representing a high potential for the emergence of new putative variants under investigation (VUI) or variants of concern (VOC). It is of importance, to measure the different circulating SARS-CoV-2 lineages in order to establish a regional SARS-CoV-2 surveillance program. We established whole genome sequencing (WGS) of circulating SARS-CoV-2 lineages in order to establish a regional SARS-CoV-2 surveillance program.

Methods
We established a surveillance program for circulating SARS-CoV-2 lineages by performing whole genome sequencing (WGS) in SARS-CoV-2 isolates. Specimens were collected over a period of 5 months from three different sites. Specimens were collected from both patients suffering from COVID-19 and from outpatients without any clinical signs or symptoms; both in a tertiary university hospital, and two private laboratories within an urban area of eastern part Germany.

Results
Viral WGS from the 364 respiratory specimens with positive SARS-CoV-2 RT-PCR comprised 16 different SARS-CoV-2 lineages. The majority of the obtained sequences (252/364=69%) was assigned to the variant of concern (VOC) Alpha (B.1.1.7). This variant first appeared in February in our samples and quickly became the dominant virus variant. All SNP PCR results could be verified using WGS. Other VOCs found in our cohort were Beta (B.1.351, n=2) and Delta (B.1.617.2, n=1).

Conclusions
Lineage analysis revealed 16 different virus variants among 364 respiratory samples analyzed by WGS. The number of distinct lineages dramatically decreased over time in leaving only few variants, in particular, the VOC Alpha or B.1.1.7. By closer inspection of point mutations, we found several distinct mutations of the viral spike protein that were reported to increase affinity or enable immune escape. Within a study period of only 5 months, SARS-CoV-2 lineage B.1.1.7 became the dominant lineage in our study population. This study emphasizes the benefit of SARS-CoV-2 testing by WGS. The increasing use of WGS to sequence the entire SARS-CoV-2 genome will reveal additional VUIs and VOCs with the potential to evade the immune system and, thus, will be a promising tool for data mining of relevant information for epidemiological studies. SARS-CoV-2 lineage monitoring using WGS is an important surveillance tool for early detection of upcoming new lineages of concern.
A quantitative investigation of the ellipsis of English relativizers
Authors: Liu Jinlu , Liu Haitao 
Published: December 2021

AbstractObject-extracted relative clauses (ORCs) can occur in English either with a lexical complementizer or with no complementizer. This paper seeks to investigate constraints on when the complementizer is lexicalized in ORCs, within the theoretical framework of dependency grammar. In an analysis of one hundred ORCs, we find that: (a) the mean dependency distance (MDD) of lexicalized ORCs is longer significantly than that of non-lexicalized ORCs; (b) there is no significant difference in mean hierarchical distance (MHD) for lexicalized versus non-lexicalized ORCs; and (c) hierarchical number (HN) influences mean hierarchical distance significantly, and when HN is 1, the MHD of lexicalized ORCs is significantly longer than that of non-lexicalized ORCs. However, there are no significant difference when HN is 2–5, indicating that HN = 1 may be a key point in the ellipsis of relativizers.
Means Paternalism and the Problem of Indeterminacy
Authors: Brännmark Johan 
Published: December 2021

Abstract
Many contemporary defenders of paternalist interventions favor a version of paternalism focused on how people often choose the wrong means given their own ends. This idea is typically justified by empirical results in psychology and behavioral economics. To the extent that paternalist interventions can then target the promotion of goals that can be said to be our own, such interventions are prima facie less problematic. One version of this argument starts from the idea that it is meaningful to ascribe to us preferences that we would have if were fully rational, informed and in control over our actions. It is argued here, however, that the very body of empirical results that means paternalists typically rely on also undermines this idea as a robust enough notion. A more modest approach to paternalist interventions, on which such policies are understood as enmeshed with welfare-state policies promoting certain primary goods, is then proposed instead.
Development of mucoadhesive thiomeric chitosan nanoparticles for the targeted ocular delivery of vancomycin against Staphylococcus aureus resistant strains
Authors: Jahan Faryal , Zaman Shahiq uz , Akhtar Sohail , Arshad Rabia , Ibrahim Ibrahim Muhammad , Shahnaz Gul , Rahdar Abbas , Pandey Sadanand 
Published: December 2021

Abstract
This study aims to formulate mucoadhesive vancomycin loaded thiolated chitosan (TCS) nanoparticles. These nanoparticles are mucoadhesive and enhance the retention of the drug at the ocular site. For this purpose, TCS loaded vancomycin nanoparticles were prepared by the ion-gelation method and were characterized for their size, shape, polydispersity index, mucoadhesion, cellular uptake and anti-inflammatory activity. The average size of the synthesized nanoparticles was found to be 288 nm with positive zeta potential. Moreover, 85% vancomycin was successfully encapsulated in TCS nanoparticles by using this method. A 2-fold increase in mucoadhesion was found as compared to non-thiolated vancomycin formulation (p < 0.05). Zone of inhibition of vancomycin loaded TCS was also significantly improved compared to non-thiolated chitosan nanoparticles and vancomycin alone. In-vivo anti-inflammatory evaluation via histopathology resulted in ocular healing. Based on the results, it is inferred that TCS nanoparticles are a promising drug delivery carrier system for ocular delivery of vancomycin.
Fleabag’s Pedagogy of the Gimmick
Authors: Jaarsma Ada S. 
Published: December 2021

Abstract
As a work of art, the show Fleabag prompts differing kinds of judgements by critics. But as a project that reflects life in capitalist society, its gimmickry models the existentially fraught dynamics of despair. Informed by Sianne Ngai’s Theory of the Gimmick, this article explores three sets of gimmicks in relation to despair, where each holds differing pedagogical stakes for viewers: being alone; being a bad feminist; being smitten with a priest. Gimmickry, as a technique within the show, puts viewers on the hook for judging gimmicks as wonders or tricks. Gimmickry as an object of criticism, in turn, brings into view the political and existential significance of Fleabag for viewers.