bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Multiparametric MRI for assessment of early response to neoadjuvant sunitinib in renal cell carcinoma
Authors: Ursprung Stephan , Priest Andrew N. , Zaccagna Fulvio , Qian Wendi , Machin Andrea , Stewart Grant D. , Warren Anne Y. , Eisen Timothy , Welsh Sarah J. , Gallagher Ferdia A. , Barrett Tristan 
Published: October 2021

Purpose
To detect early response to sunitinib treatment in metastatic clear cell renal cancer (mRCC) using multiparametric MRI.

Method
Participants with mRCC undergoing pre-surgical sunitinib therapy in the prospective NeoSun clinical trial (EudraCtNo: 2005-004502-82) were imaged before starting treatment, and after 12 days of sunitinib therapy using morphological MRI sequences, advanced diffusion-weighted imaging, measurements of R2* (related to hypoxia) and dynamic contrast-enhanced imaging. Following nephrectomy, participants continued treatment and were followed-up with contrast-enhanced CT. Changes in imaging parameters before and after sunitinib were assessed with the non-parametric Wilcoxon signed-rank test and the log-rank test was used to assess effects on survival.

Results
12 participants fulfilled the inclusion criteria. After 12 days, the solid and necrotic tumor volumes decreased by 28% and 17%, respectively (p = 0.04). However, tumor-volume reduction did not correlate with progression-free or overall survival (PFS/OS). Sunitinib therapy resulted in a reduction in median solid tumor diffusivity D from 1298x10-6 to 1200x10-6mm2/s (p = 0.03); a larger decrease was associated with a better RECIST response (p = 0.02) and longer PFS (p = 0.03) on the log-rank test. An increase in R2* from 19 to 28s-1 (p = 0.001) was observed, paralleled by a decrease in Ktrans from 0.415 to 0.305min-1 (p = 0.01) and a decrease in perfusion fraction from 0.34 to 0.19 (p<0.001).

Conclusions
Physiological imaging confirmed efficacy of the anti-angiogenic agent 12 days after initiating therapy and demonstrated response to treatment. The change in diffusivity shortly after starting pre-surgical sunitinib correlated to PFS in mRCC undergoing nephrectomy, however, no parameter predicted OS.

Trial registration
EudraCtNo: 2005-004502-82.
In vitro larvicidal activity of ivermectin and povidone-iodine against Oestrus ovis
Authors: Ricci Giuseppe D’Amico , Garippa Giovanni , Cortese Stefano , Serra Rita , Boscia Francesco , Dore Stefano , Pinna Antonio 
Published: October 2021

PurposeTo assess thein vitrolarvicidal activity of ivermectin and povidone-iodine (PVP-I) againstOestrus ovis, the most frequent cause of external ophthalmomyiasis.MethodsL1O.ovislarvae were collected from the nasal boots of sheep slaughtered in local abattoirs and transferred onto Petri dishes containing mucosal tissue (25 larvae/dish). The larvicidal activity of the following formulations was tested: 1% ivermectin suspension in balanced sterile saline solution (BSSS), 1% ivermectin solution in propylene glycol, propylene glycol, 0.6% PVP-I in hyaluronic acid vehicle (IODIM®), and combination of ivermectin 1% solution and 0.6% PVP-I. One mL of each formulation was added to different Petri dishes containing the larvae. The time needed to kill the larvae was recorded.Results893 larvae were tested. The median time needed to kill the larvae was 46, 44, 11, 6, and 10 minutes for Iodim®, ivermectin 1% suspension, propylene glycol, ivermectin 1% solution, and a combination of ivermectin 1% solution with 0.6% PVP-I, respectively. Kaplan-Meyer analysis disclosed that the survival curves were significantly lower in samples treated with ivermectin 1% solution, ivermectin 1% solution + 0.6% PVP-I, and propylene glycol than in samples receiving other treatments or BSSS.ConclusionIn thisin vitrostudy, ivermectin 1% solution in propylene glycol, ivermectin 1% solution + 0.6% PVP-I, and propylene glycol alone showed a good, relatively rapid larvicidal activity againstO.ovislarvae. Further experimental and clinical studies are necessary to establish whether, or not, these formulations may be considered as potential candidates for the topical treatment for external ophthalmomyiasis caused byO.ovis.
Plutonium in Manhattan Project workers: Using autopsy data to evaluate organ content and dose estimates based on urine bioassay with implications for radiation epidemiology
Authors: Šefl Martin , Zhou Joey Y. , Avtandilashvili Maia , McComish Stacey L. , Tolmachev Sergei Y. 
Published: October 2021

Purpose
Radiation dose estimates in epidemiology typically rely on intake predictions based on urine bioassay measurements. The purpose of this article is to compare the conventional dosimetric estimates for radiation epidemiology with the estimates based on additional post-mortem tissue radiochemical analysis results.

Methods
The comparison was performed on a unique group of 11 former Manhattan Project nuclear workers, who worked with plutonium in the 1940s, and voluntarily donated their bodies to the United States Transuranium and Uranium Registries.

Results
Post-mortem organ activities were predicted using different sets of urine data and compared to measured activities. Use of urinalysis data collected during the exposure periods overestimated the systemic (liver+skeleton) deposition of 239Pu by 155±134%, while the average bias from using post-exposure urinalyses was –4±50%. Committed effective doses estimated using early urine data differed from the best estimate by, on average, 196±193%; inclusion of follow-up urine measurements in analyses decreased the mean bias to 0.6±36.3%. Cumulative absorbed doses for the liver, red marrow, bone surface, and brain were calculated for the actual commitment period.

Conclusion
On average, post-exposure urine bioassay results were in good agreement with post-mortem tissue analyses and were more reliable than results of urine bioassays collected during the exposure.
Heavy khat (Catha edulis) chewing and dyslipidemia as modifiable hypertensive risk factors among patients in Southwest, Ethiopia: Unmatched case-control study
Authors: Gebremedhin Meron Hadis , Lake Eyasu Alem , Gebrekirstos Lielt Gebreselassie 
Published: October 2021

BackgroundThe burden of hypertension is more devastating in low-and middle-income countries, including sub-Saharan Africa than in high-income countries. Among the modifiable risk factors, dyslipidemia and khat chewing were expanding at an alarming rate in Ethiopia but were still underestimated. Thus, this study aimed to assess heavy khat (Catha edulis) chewing and dyslipidemia as modifiable hypertensive risk factors among patients in the southwest, Ethiopia.MethodsA facility-based case-control study was conducted among 136 cases and 270 controls from May 15 to July 30, 2017. A consecutive sampling technique was used in this study. Epi data version 3.1.1 and SPSS version 21 were used for data entry and analysis. Descriptive statistics and bivariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were performed. Both crude and adjusted odds ratios and 95% confidence intervals were reported.ResultsThe majority of the cases had a total cholesterol to high-density lipoprotein ratio of >5 (72.1%). The odds of hypertension increased among participants who had attended no formal education [AOR = 2.25, 95% CI: (1.05–4.82)], history of alcohol consumption [AOR = 5.93,95% CI:(3.11–11.30)], moderate khat chewing [AOR = 3.68, 95% CI:(1.69,8.01)], heavy khat chewing [AOR = 18.18, 95% CI: (3.56–92.89)], mild intensity physical activity [AOR = 3.01, 95% CI: (1.66–5.47)], type of oil used for food preparation [AOR = 2.81, 95% CI: (1.49–5.28)], and dyslipidemia [AOR = 6.68, 95% CI: (2.93–15.23)].ConclusionThe study showed that modifiable risk factors were the major factors associated with the development of hypertension. The findings of this study highlighted that health education is needed to focus on physical exercise, quitting excess alcohol consumption, quitting khat chewing by giving special emphasis to those who had no formal education. In addition, consideration should be given to a healthy diet free of cholesterol and unhealthy behavior.
An attempt to relieve oppression through the difficult paths of translation between Catalan and Spanish: The case of Avel·lí Artís-Gener
Authors: Galera Francesc 
Published: October 2021

In the uneasy context of the Francoist regime, some authors tried to alleviate the difficult cultural situation through creation and translation. This is the case of Avel·lí Artís-Gener, commonly known as Tísner, a Catalan writer who was exiled to Mexico for more than twenty years. Translation from Spanish into Catalan played a major role in Tísner’s efforts to keep Catalan culture alive, and this article presents the major translation initiatives in this language combination throughout the twentieth century in order to provide enough context to give Artís-Gener’s endeavours their real weight.
In Mexico, he wrote his most famous novel, Paraules d’Opoton el Vell (‘Words of Opoton the elder’), which describes the imagined ‘discovery’ of Europe by the Aztecs and creates a bond between the fate of the Nahuatl and the Catalan people under the yoke of Spanish imperialism. In 1992 Artís-Gener decided that the novel had to be retranslated into Spanish and undertook that task himself. In addition, Tísner translated major Latin American authors from Spanish into Catalan, an experience that gave him the chance to regain control of the language imposed by the Francoist regime and use it as a form of relief from the political oppression.
Often Overlooked Diagnosis: Median Arcuate Ligament Syndrome as a Mimicker of Crohn's Disease
Authors: Becker Erica , Mohammed Turab , Wysocki John 
Published: October 2021

ABSTRACT
Median arcuate ligament syndrome occurs when the celiac artery and/or the celiac plexus nerves is compressed by the median arcuate ligament during expiration causing a variety of gastrointestinal symptoms. Here, we present a case of median arcuate ligament syndrome in a persistently symptomatic 35-year-old man that presented as a mimicker of Crohn's disease. Symptomatology, computed tomography angiography, and abdominal ultrasound Doppler were consistent with celiac artery compression syndrome. After surgical decompression of the ligament and removal of the celiac ganglion, he reported a definitive relief of abdominal pain and resolution of symptoms.
Gastrointestinal Dysmotility Is a Significant Feature in 2 Siblings With a Novel Inositol 1,4,5-Triphosphate Receptor 1 (ITPR1) Missense Variant
Authors: Butler Tjaden Naomi E. , Chiou Eric H. , Pillai Nishitha R. , Schady Deborah A. , Chumpitazi Bruno P. 
Published: October 2021

ABSTRACT
We present 2 siblings with a novel type 1 inositol 1,4,5-triphosphate receptor (ITPR1) missense variant who exhibit gastrointestinal dysmotility (chronic constipation and gastroparesis). ITPR1 is expressed in the cerebellum and interstitial cells of Cajal. Periodic release of calcium by ITPR1 initiates pacemaker currents, resulting in smooth muscle contraction. ITPR1 mutations are known to be associated with neurologic syndromes, and these variants have not previously been associated with significant gastrointestinal manifestations in humans. Using whole-genome sequencing, in silico prediction software, biopsy samples, and manometry, the identified novel ITPR1 variant is likely pathogenic and may have neurogastroenterology implications.
Stress Redistribution Near a Crack in Maraging Steel using Composite Patch
Authors: Bhadra Manash Kumar , Gopalan Vinod 
Published: October 2021

The presence of a crack significantly reduces the load bearing capacity of a structure made of fracture prone material. The conventional process of repairing a defect is gouging and filling the gouged location by rewelding. It is not only time consuming but also constrained by the number of repairs that can be done as material properties degrade with each round of rewelding. In an attempt to overcome the limitation of the conventional repair process, repairing a defect using composite patch is proposed. The study is carried out on Maraging steel (M250) and the defect considered is a crack. Stress intensity factor (SIF), being an important parameter in fracture-based design, it is evaluated in Abaqus. Extended finite element method is used to model the crack. SIF is used to predict the failure load of a surface cracked tension specimen and the same is compared with the values reported in literature. Composite patch is modelled using woven ply properties. A separate layer of adhesive is also modelled to predict the properties adhesive properties. Failure analysis of each component namely, the Maraging steel plate, the composite patch and the adhesive is carried. It was observed that the addition of a composite patch completely nullifies the presence of a crack. The patch with thickness 1mm and woven ply properties is having minimal damage initiation and likely to survive. The adhesive properties required is also obtained from the finite element analysis. Thus, it was observed that a composite patch with woven ply properties and thickness 1mm is able to completely nullify the effect of a crack when bonded with a suitable adhesive as predicted by the analysis.
Stress effect & scale effect on shear properties of double saw-tooth rock joint surface
Authors: Luo Zhanyou , Jiang Mingyao , Mo Linfei , Zou Baoping , Huang Man 
Published: October 2021

Abstract
The shear properties of rock joint control the stability of rock and have an important impact on natural disasters such as landslides and debris flow. In order to study the stress effect and scale effect of shear properties of double saw-tooth rock joint, cement mortar is selected as similar material, a series of mix ratio tests are carried out, and the best mix ratio is obtained. Using rock joint integrated mold and joint panel produced by 3D printing technology, several groups of double saw-tooth joint specimens with different saw-tooth heights, saw-tooth widths, and saw-tooth spacings are made. Under multiple levels of normal stress, direct shear tests of different scale specimens are carried out by self-developed multifunctional rock-soil contact damage test system. Results show that the shear failure modes of double saw-tooth rock joint include couple effect of overriding and cutting off, and cutting off effect, which are mainly controlled by the rock joint morphology and normal stress. Peak shear strength increases with the increase of saw-tooth width and spacing, but the change with saw-tooth height is not obvious. Peak shear strength and peak friction angle of the double saw-tooth rock joint have significant characteristics of stress effect and scale effect.
A General Error Estimate For Parabolic Variational Inequalities
Authors: Alnashri Yahya 
Published: October 2021

Abstract
The gradient discretisation method (GDM) is a generic framework designed recently, as a discretisation in spatial space, to partial differential equations.
This paper aims to use the GDM to establish a first general error estimate for numerical approximations of parabolic obstacle problems.
This gives the convergence rates of several well-known conforming and non-conforming numerical methods.
Numerical experiments based on the hybrid finite volume method are provided to verify the theoretical results.
The degradable time evaluation of degradable polymer film in agriculture based on polyethylene film experiments
Authors: Yang Ning , Feng Liangshan , Li Kaiyu , Feng Chen , Sun Zhanxiang , Liu Jialei 
Published: October 2021

Abstract
Popularly, the application of biodegradable polymer film can resolve polyethylene (PE) film residual “white pollution” but it is unclear when the degradable film begins to degrade in different regions. To solve these issues, a total of 32 papers on the subject of the relative film coverage durability (RFCD) on positive covering effect from papers published before July 2019 were selected and analyzed by meta-analysis. The results showed that the tobacco relative yield (RY), relative profit (RP), and relative fine and medium (RFM) ratio improved by 11.2%, 12.9%, and 12%, respectively, under fully covered compared with the uncovered tobacco in the whole growth period. The RY0.33<RFCD<0.66 and RP0.33<RFCD<0.66 of removed PE treatments significantly improved by 4.3% and 4.0%, respectively, compared with the fully covered treatments. The RFM did not show significance with the fully covered treatments. The RY0.33<RFCD<0.66 was the highest in the low altitude (less than 1,000 m) region; however, the RY under the fully covered treatments was the greatest in the high altitude (more than 1,000 m) region. Random effect analysis showed that the model between RFCD and RY was RY = 1 + 0.275 × (1 − RFCD) – 0.357 × (1 − RFCD)2, and the RYmax(1.053) was reached with RFCD = 0.62 (removed PE after covering for 80 days) in the high-altitude region. In the low altitude region, RFM = 1 + 0.205 × (1 − RFCD) − 0.246 × (1 − RFCD)2, and the RFMmax(1.043) was obtained under the treatments with RFCD = 0.58 (removed PE after covering for 75 days). The findings determined the optimum film (PE) covering period of tobacco and provided a crucial theoretical basis for the degradable polymer film material design, synthesis, and manufacturing in different regions.
Transcultural Competence Model: An Inclusive Path for Communication and Interaction
Authors: Jurkova Sinela 
Published: October 2021

AbstractThe impact of transnational migration and globalization on human society, along with emerging multiple identities, calls for reconceptualization of the meaning of cultural competence and a shift toward transcultural competence—a mode of being and learning in which humans communicate and interact among cultures in a very diverse and dynamic environment. Embracing transculturalism perspective calls for integration of new concepts and approaches in communication and education that promote active participation, adaptation, and interaction. To this end, this essay examines the holistic model for developing transcultural competence that involves inquiry, framing, and positionality that challenge our taken-for-granted frames of references and expand our worldviews. The study also explores how educators and learners develop cognitive, emotional, and social qualities, engaging in dialog and critical reflection that informs our actions as the catalyst for positive social change and transformation. Implementing this holistic perspective toward transcultural education can create an inclusive environment for communicating, interacting, and learning without opposing cultural, national, and ethnic binaries.
Zwitterionic imidazolium salt: an effective green organocatalyst in synthetic chemistry
Authors: Ghosh Sumit , Ghosh Debashis , Hajra Alakananda 
Published: October 2021

Abstract
An environmentally benign, stable yet efficient organocatalyst is highly desirable from the viewpoint of green chemistry and catalysis. Imidazole-based zwitterionic-type molten salts are a new type of organocatalysts with high catalytic application in various organic transformations with added advantage of room temperature ionic liquid (RTIL) property. Most importantly, these ionic-liquid catalysts are easily recyclable and subsequently reusable for multiple times without loss of significant catalytic efficiency. It has also been evident that C2–H of the imidazole has a vital role in catalyzing the reaction via electrophilic activation. Moreover, by changing the cations and/or anions, the properties of ILs can be tuned in many ways. In this article, the role of imidazolium zwitterionic molten salts as an organocatalyst for selective organic transformations including syn-selective aza-Henry reaction, Erlenmeyer reaction, synthesis of different heterocycles and their functionalization and regioselective ring-opening reactions has been elaborated chronically which will definitely be helping to the readers to explore this new class of organocatalyst for further applications.
[Msim]CuCl3: as an efficient catalyst for the preparation of 5-amino-1H-pyrazole-4-carbonitriles by anomeric based oxidation
Authors: Khazaei Ardeshir , Moosavi-Zare Ahmad Reza , Goudarzi Hadis , Tavasoli Mahsa 
Published: October 2021

Abstract
3-Methyl-1-sulfonic acid imidazolium trichlorido copper (II) {[Msim]CuCl3} was prepared and used as a new catalyst for the preparation of 5-amino-1H-pyrazole-4-carbonitriles. In this reaction, the pyrazole ring was formed by an anomeric and vinylogous anomeric effect in the structure of the product.
Inorganic-organic hybrid materials based on the intercalation of radical cations: 2-(4-N-methylpyridinium)-4,4,5,5-tetramethyl-4,5-dihydro-1H-imidazol-1-oxyl-3-N-oxide in fluoromica clay
Authors: Klabunde Sina , Doerenkamp Carsten , de Oliveira Marcos , Zeng Zhaoyang , Eckert Hellmut 
Published: October 2021

Abstract
A systematic structural study on the intercalation of the radical cation 2-(4-N-methylpyridinium)-4,4,5,5-tetramethyl-4,5-dihydro-1H-imidazol-1-oxyl-3-N-oxide (p-MPYNN) into a synthetic fluoromica clay named Somasif® ME 100, Na2x
Mg3.0−x
Si4O10(F
y
OH1−y
)2 (x = 0.33, y = 0.98), has been carried out. The guest–host interactions in these intercalation compounds have been characterized by X-ray powder diffraction and solid-state NMR of the constituent nuclei (23Na, 19F, 27Al and 29Si) of the Somasif lattice. The intercalation process can be quantitatively monitored using 23Na MAS-NMR. As a function of radical ion loading, different kinds of stacking arrangements can be realized, which modify the intermolecular interactions between the electron spins of the guest species, as probed by electron spin resonance (EPR) and 1H solid state nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR). The results are discussed in relation to previous literature data on similar systems.
Harmonic Chains
Authors: Laws-Nicola T. J. , Ferguson Brent 
Published: October 2021

Omega Quintet (Idea Factory International, 2014), a role-playing video game released for the Sony PlayStation 4, centers around the concept of weaponizing musical entities and apparatuses to combat threats in a dystopian universe. Omega Quintet weaponizes music literally, supernaturally, and economically, both inside and outside of the game narrative. In this article, we interpret these types of weaponization as an extended allegory for consumption. On one level, the surface narrative denotes sound as a murder tool, on another level the player enables violent consumption of these tools, and yet another level reveals the weaponization of agency within a gendered labor market.
The story of Omega Quintet is set in a dystopian Japan overrun by monsters known as the BEEP. Protagonist Takt and his childhood friend, Otoha, join an organization that develops special idols known as Verse Maidens to fight the BEEP. Surviving members of humanity provide the fan base for the Verse Maidens. The Verse Maidens depend on fan support to fuel their powers. Battles in Omega Quintet feature an assortment of musical weaponization. Examples include Sound Weapons as the main conduit for physical attacks, Verse Maidens’ unique songs to play during extended attack sequences known as Live Mode, and special joint attacks known as Harmonic Chains. The battles take the commodification of idols to such an extreme that they are simultaneously consumed and used as weapons. Presented as a duality of fragility and strength, beauty and brutality, art and war, the Verse Maidens are consumed in a complex system of cultural and narrative implications.