bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Optimization of a human milk–directed quantitative sIgA ELISA method substantiated by mass spectrometry
Authors: Dingess Kelly A. , van Dam Pauline , Zhu Jing , Mank Marko , Knipping Karen , Heck Albert J.R. , Stahl Bernd 
Published: June 2021

AbstractImmunoglobulins are the primary protective products in human milk and are responsible for transferring maternal pathogen memory to the infant, providing protection by binding to recognized pathogens and inhibiting virulence. To better understand potentially protective/anti-infective compounds in human milk, the establishment of human milk–tailored analytical approaches is crucial, as most contemporary analytical methods have been optimized for plasma or serum. One of the most prominent immunoglobulins in human milk is secretory immunoglobulin A (sIgA), which may be relevant for the protection of breastfed infants from harmful pathogens. Advanced sIgA detection methods can help monitor the immune status and development of the mother-infant dyad. We therefore developed an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) sIgA method for the quantitative analysis of IgA plus secretory component (SC), validated with sIgA standards and substantiated by mass spectrometry (MS)–based proteomics. A very strong correlation was observed between the MS-detected IgA1 and the human milk–specific sIgA ELISA (r = 0.82). Overall, the MS data indicate that the developed human milk sIgA ELISA does not differentiate between sIgA1 and sIgA2 and is, therefore, a reflection of total sIgA. Furthermore, our MS data and the human milk–derived sIgA ELISA data are better correlated than data derived from a standard serum IgA ELISA kit (relative to MS IgA1 r = 0.82 and r = 0.42, respectively). We therefore propose our human milk–specific sIgA ELISA as an ideal quantitative indicator of total sIgA with advantages over current serum IgA ELISA kits.
Remote proctoring for high-risk coronary interventions with mechanical circulatory support during COVID-19 pandemic and beyond
Authors: Woitek Felix J. , Haussig Stephan , Mierke Johannes , Linke Axel , Mangner Norman 
Published: June 2021

AbstractRemote proctoring by advanced digital technologies may help to overcome pandemic, geographic, and resource-related constraints for mentoring and educating interventional cardiology skills. We present a case series of patients undergoing high-risk percutaneous coronary intervention (HR-PCI) with mechanical circulatory support (MCS) guided by remote proctoring to gain insights into a streaming technology platform with regard to video/audio quality, visibility of all structural and imaging details, and delay in transmission. According to our experience, remote proctoring appears to be a reliable, quick, and resource-conserving way to disseminate, educate and improve MCS-supported HR-PCI with implications far beyond the COVID-19 pandemic.
A computational framework for modeling cell–matrix interactions in soft biological tissues
Authors: Eichinger Jonas F. , Grill Maximilian J. , Kermani Iman Davoodi , Aydin Roland C. , Wall Wolfgang A. , Humphrey Jay D. , Cyron Christian J. 
Published: June 2021

AbstractLiving soft tissues appear to promote the development and maintenance of a preferred mechanical state within a defined tolerance around a so-called set point. This phenomenon is often referred to as mechanical homeostasis. In contradiction to the prominent role of mechanical homeostasis in various (patho)physiological processes, its underlying micromechanical mechanisms acting on the level of individual cells and fibers remain poorly understood, especially how these mechanisms on the microscale lead to what we macroscopically call mechanical homeostasis. Here, we present a novel computational framework based on the finite element method that is constructed bottom up, that is, it models key mechanobiological mechanisms such as actin cytoskeleton contraction and molecular clutch behavior of individual cells interacting with a reconstructed three-dimensional extracellular fiber matrix. The framework reproduces many experimental observations regarding mechanical homeostasis on short time scales (hours), in which the deposition and degradation of extracellular matrix can largely be neglected. This model can serve as a systematic tool for futurein silicostudies of the origin of the numerous still unexplained experimental observations about mechanical homeostasis.
Corynebacterium rouxii, a recently described member of the C. diphtheriae group isolated from three dogs with ulcerative skin lesions
Authors: Schlez Karen , Eisenberg Tobias , Rau Jörg , Dubielzig Sabine , Kornmayer Matthias , Wolf Georg , Berger Anja , Dangel Alexandra , Hoffmann Christiane , Ewers Christa , Sing Andreas 
Published: June 2021

AbstractCorynebacterium (C.) diphtheriae is one of the two etiological pathogens for human diphtheria with significant morbidity and mortality. Recently, members of its biovar Belfanti have been described as two novel species, C. belfantii and C. rouxii. The most important virulence factor and also the premise to cause diphtheria is the isolate’s capacity to encode and express the diphtheria toxin (DT). In contrast to C. ulcerans, which represents a potentially zoonotic pathogen, C. diphtheriae (incl. the novel deduced species) has almost exclusively been found to comprise a human pathogen. We here report three rare cases of C. rouxii isolation from dogs suffering from disseminated poly-bacterial exsudative to purulent dermatitis and a traumatic labial defect, respectively. The isolates were identified as C. diphtheriae based on commercial biochemistry and matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionisation–time of flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF MS) analysis. However, recently described specific spectral peaks were highly similar to spectra of C. rouxii, which was confirmed by whole genome sequencing. Further investigations of the dog isolates for the presence of DT by tox gene qPCR revealed negative results. The findings from this study point out that skin infections in companion animals can be colonized by uncommon and so believed human specific pathogens, thereby resembling the clinical signs of cutaneous diphtheria.
Nonlocal vibration and buckling of two-dimensional layered quasicrystal nanoplates embedded in an elastic medium
Authors: Sun Tuoya , Guo Junhong , Pan E. 
Published: June 2021

AbstractA mathematical model for nonlocal vibration and buckling of embedded two-dimensional (2D) decagonal quasicrystal (QC) layered nanoplates is proposed. The Pasternak-type foundation is used to simulate the interaction between the nanoplates and the elastic medium. The exact solutions of the nonlocal vibration frequency and buckling critical load of the 2D decagonal QC layered nanoplates are obtained by solving the eigensystem and using the propagator matrix method. The present three-dimensional (3D) exact solution can predict correctly the nature frequencies and critical loads of the nanoplates as compared with previous thin-plate and medium-thick-plate theories. Numerical examples are provided to display the effects of the quasiperiodic direction, length-to-width ratio, thickness of the nanoplates, nonlocal parameter, stacking sequence, and medium elasticity on the vibration frequency and critical buckling load of the 2D decagonal QC nanoplates. The results show that the effects of the quasiperiodic direction on the vibration frequency and critical buckling load depend on the length-to-width ratio of the nanoplates. The thickness of the nanoplate and the elasticity of the surrounding medium can be adjusted for optimal frequency and critical buckling load of the nanoplate. This feature is useful since the frequency and critical buckling load of the 2D decagonal QCs as coating materials of plate structures can now be tuned as one desire.
Contemporary problems and challenges of sustainable distribution of perishable cargoes: Case study of Polish cold port stores
Authors: Filina-Dawidowicz Ludmiła , Wiktorowska-Jasik Anna 
Published: June 2021

AbstractNowadays, a lot of attention is given to the issues of sustainable development of transport. Transport and logistics companies, including those involved in distribution of perishable goods, undertake different activities in order to reduce negative impact of transport on the environment. The purpose of the article is to determine the principles of sustainable distribution of perishable goods and to examine the current state and plans of its principles application in business practice on the cold port stores example. Contemporary problems of sustainable distribution of perishable cargo have been identified. Marketing research was used to identify the main directions of activities undertaken by port cold stores in the field of sustainable distribution of food perishable goods. The case study of port cold stores located in Poland was considered. According to the examined cold stores, economic and organizational factors are the most important among the factors set. The challenges faced by cold port stores in their efforts to comply with the principles of sustainable distribution were recognized. Moreover, research indicates that port cold stores are aware of their role in the sustainable distribution of perishable cargoes and strive to improve its conditions. As the result of the research, the areas of possible improvements in the functioning of cold stores have been specified. The article presents a new perspective on the problems of perishable cargo sustainable distribution as a link of supply chain.
Skeptical Arguments and Deep Disagreement
Authors: Melchior Guido 
Published: June 2021

AbstractThis paper provides a reinterpretation of some of the most influential skeptical arguments, Agrippa’s trilemma, meta-regress arguments, and Cartesian external world skepticism. These skeptical arguments are reasonably regarded as unsound arguments about the extent of our knowledge. However, reinterpretations of these arguments tell us something significant about the preconditions and limits of persuasive argumentation. These results contribute to the ongoing debates about the nature and resolvability of deep disagreement. The variety of skeptical arguments shows that we must distinguish different types of deep disagreement. Moreover, the reinterpretation of skeptical arguments elucidates that deep disagreement cannot be resolved via argumentation.
PTCH2 is not a strong candidate gene for gorlin syndrome predisposition
Authors: Smith Miriam J. , Evans D. Gareth 
Published: June 2021

AbstractA number of case/family reports have proposed PTCH2 as a putative Gorlin Syndrome (GS) gene, but evidence to support this is lacking. We assessed our cohort of 21 PTCH1/SUFU negative GS families for PTCH2 variants and assessed current evidence from reported cases/families and population data. In our PTCH1/SUFU variant negative GS cohort (25% of total), no pathogenic or likely pathogenic PTCH2 variants were identified. In addition, none of the previously published PTCH2 variants in GS families/cases could be considered pathogenic or likely pathogenic using current guidelines. The absence of clear pathogenic variants in GS families and the high frequency of Loss-of-function (LoF) variants in the general population, including the presence of homozygous LoF variants without a clinical phenotype, mean that it is untenable that PTCH2 is a GS gene. PTCH2 should not be included in panels for genetic diagnosis of GS.
A Sensitivity Analysis of the Anisotropy of Hydraulic Conductivity to the Seepage, Deformation and Stability of Anti-dipping Layered Rock Slopes: A Case Study of the Pulang Area in Southwestern China
Authors: Zhang Guangkeng , Lu Guangyin , Xia Chengzhi , Wu Lianrong , Xu Zongming , Bai Ying , Li Jialu 
Published: June 2021

AbstractIn this paper, in order to study the influence of anisotropy ratios and anisotropy directions on the seepage, deformations and stability of the anti-dipping layered rock slopes, Geo-studio software was used in this study for the numerical analysis of carbonaceous slate slopes on the unsaturated seepage, fluid–solid coupling, and stability theory in Pulang area. The results showed that the maximum surface water content of the layered rock slopes gradually decreased with increases of the water conductivity anisotropy ratio and decreases in the anisotropy angle of the anti-dipping layered rock slopes. In addition, the rainfall infiltration depths in the middle sections of the slopes were observed to be the most affected by the anisotropy ratio and dip angles of the rock formations. Meanwhile, the bottom sections of slopes were the least affected by the anisotropy ratio and the dip angles of the rock formations. In regard to the anti-dipping rock slopes, it was found that the anisotropy ratio and rock layer dip angles should be considered in the deformation and stability analyses. When the seepage of an anti-dipping layered slope was considered to be isotropic, the safety factors often were overestimated. As the anisotropy ratio decreases and the anti-dipping angles of the layered planes increases, the safety factors of the slopes will gradually decrease. This study provided a feasible scheme for evaluating the seepage, deformations and stability of the anti-dipping layered rock slopes in southwest China’s Pulang area.
Perceived impacts of climate variability and change: an exploration of farmers’ adaptation strategies in Zimbabwe’s intensive farming region
Authors: Mavhura Emmanuel , Manyangadze Tawanda , Aryal Komal Raj 
Published: June 2021

AbstractClimate variability and change (CVC) affect many economic sectors including agriculture. In order to alleviate the negative impact of CVC on food production, farmers must adopt a range of strategies. However, the strategies will be less effective if farmers’ perceptions on CVC are not considered. This study therefore, examined the perceptions of commercial farmers on CVC and their adaptation strategies to the perceived impacts. It used a cross-sectional survey involving 365 farmers in the intensive farming region of Zimbabwe. Results showed that farmers’ perceptions on increasing temperatures and decreasing rainfall amounts were cognate with climate data from the meteorological office. The findings also demonstrated that farmers were well aware of the CVC impacts on their livelihoods. These include increases in the frequency and severity of drought, and a shortening of the length of the rainy season. However, the most significant changes were observed among the natural and economic capitals including soil salinization, reduction in grazing pastures, fodder and crop yields in addition to increases in food prices. In response to the perceived impacts of local CVC, the farmers were adopting crop and land use management strategies that include planting rotation, cultivating short-season varieties and drought tolerant crops, crop and farm diversification, intensified irrigation, agroforestry, soil moisture conservation and mixed farming. The study concludes that farmers are active observers of local CVC. Therefore, they should modify their agricultural calendar and diversify their farming systems so as to better meet current and future risks from CVC.
Hydrogels in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis: drug delivery systems and artificial matrices for dynamic in vitro models
Authors: Oliveira Isabel Maria , Fernandes Diogo Castro , Cengiz Ibrahim Fatih , Reis Rui Luís , Oliveira Joaquim Miguel 
Published: June 2021

AbstractRheumatoid arthritis (RA) is an autoimmune and chronic inflammatory disorder that mostly affects the synovial joints and can promote both cartilage and bone tissue destruction. Several conservative treatments are available to relieve pain and control the inflammation; however, traditional drugs administration are not fully effective and present severe undesired side effects. Hydrogels are a very attractive platform as a drug delivery system to guarantee these handicaps are reduced, and the therapeutic effect from the drugs is maximized. Furthermore, hydrogels can mimic the physiological microenvironment and have the mechanical behavior needed for use as cartilage in vitro model. The testing of these advanced delivery systems is still bound to animal disease models that have shown low predictability. Alternatively, hydrogel-based human dynamic in vitro systems can be used to model diseases, bypassing some of the animal testing problems. RA dynamic disease models are still in an embryonary stage since advances regarding healthy and inflamed cartilage models are currently giving the first steps regarding complexity increase. Herein, recent studies using hydrogels in the treatment of RA, featuring different hydrogel formulations are discussed. Besides, their use as artificial extracellular matrices in dynamic in vitro articular cartilage is also reviewed.
Biomolecular solid-state NMR spectroscopy at 1200 MHz: the gain in resolution
Authors: Callon Morgane , Malär Alexander A. , Pfister Sara , Římal Václav , Weber Marco E. , Wiegand Thomas , Zehnder Johannes , Chávez Matías , Cadalbert Riccardo , Deb Rajdeep , Däpp Alexander , Fogeron Marie-Laure , Hunkeler Andreas , Lecoq Lauriane , Torosyan Anahit , Zyla Dawid , Glockshuber Rudolf , Jonas Stefanie , Nassal Michael , Ernst Matthias , Böckmann Anja , Meier Beat H. 
Published: June 2021

AbstractProgress in NMR in general and in biomolecular applications in particular is driven by increasing magnetic-field strengths leading to improved resolution and sensitivity of the NMR spectra. Recently, persistent superconducting magnets at a magnetic field strength (magnetic induction) of 28.2 T corresponding to 1200 MHz proton resonance frequency became commercially available. We present here a collection of high-field NMR spectra of a variety of proteins, including molecular machines, membrane proteins, viral capsids, fibrils and large molecular assemblies. We show this large panel in order to provide an overview over a range of representative systems under study, rather than a single best performing model system. We discuss both carbon-13 and proton-detected experiments, and show that in 13C spectra substantially higher numbers of peaks can be resolved compared to 850 MHz while for 1H spectra the most impressive increase in resolution is observed for aliphatic side-chain resonances.
Evaluating Mechanisms: Mapping Weekly Dynamics between Experiential Avoidance and SAD Symptoms
Authors: Sarfan Laurel D. , Magee Joshua C. , Clerkin Elise M. 
Published: June 2021

AbstractWidely-used, empirically-supported treatments focus on reducing experiential avoidance (EA) as a mechanism of social anxiety disorder (SAD) symptom change. However, little is known about how EA and SAD symptoms bidirectionally interrelate from session to session, or throughout the course of an intervention—a gap that raises significant theoretical and clinical questions about the mechanistic role of EA. Participants (N = 78) with elevated EA and SAD symptoms completed a 3-session pilot intervention (Approach-Avoidance Task training plus psychoeducation) designed to target EA. Bivariate latent change score modeling was then used to map the bidirectional, temporal interrelationships between EA and SAD symptoms from session to session. Analyses accounted for the overall trajectory of change in both variables (i.e., EA and SAD) and both variables’ preceding measurement. Findings suggested that changes in SAD symptoms preceded and predicted changes in EA from session to session. Contrary to hypotheses, this effect was not bidirectional, as changes in EA did not precede and predict changes in SAD symptoms from session to session. The use of a relatively small analogue sample limit the external validity of the present findings. Nevertheless, these novel findings advance our understanding of the dynamic interrelationships between EA and SAD symptoms throughout treatment. Moreover, given that many leading treatments target EA, this study highlights a need for future work to continue evaluating whether EA is indeed a mechanism of SAD symptom change.
Evolution of Concentration Under Lattice Spin-Flip Dynamics
Authors: Chazottes Jean-René , Collet Pierre , Redig Frank 
Published: June 2021

AbstractWe consider spin-flip dynamics of Ising lattice spin systems and study the time evolution of concentration inequalities. For “weakly interacting” dynamics we show that the Gaussian concentration bound is conserved in the course of time and it is satisfied by the unique stationary Gibbs measure. Next we show that, for a general class of translation-invariant spin-flip dynamics, it is impossible to evolve in finite time from a low-temperature Gibbs state towards a measure satisfying the Gaussian concentration bound. Finally, we consider the time evolution of the weaker uniform variance bound, and show that this bound is conserved under a general class of spin-flip dynamics.
Shades of hope: Marcel’s notion of hope in end-of-life care
Authors: Szabat Marta , Knox Jeanette Bresson Ladegaard 
Published: June 2021

AbstractThis article examines the compatibility and relevance of Gabriel Marcel’s phenomenology of hope in interdisciplinary research on the role of hope in end-of-life (EOL) care. Our analysis is divided into three thematic topics which examine the various shades of hope observed in Marcel’s phenomenology of hope and in the collection of 20 EOL studies on hope as experienced by adult palliative care (PC) patients, health care professionals (HCP) and parents of terminally ill children. The three topics defining the shades of hope are: the meaning of hope in its dynamic aspects, the dialectics of hope and despair, and the transcendent facets of hope. We analyse how Marcel’s understanding of hope is reflected in EOL studies, and how this perception can enrich the philosophy of PC and significantly deepen and broaden HCPs’ understanding of hope. Our findings prove that despite terminological differences between Marcelian phenomenology and the concepts of hope in the 20 EOL studies, hope emerges as a resourceful movement towards being. Implementing Marcelian hope within communication in EOL care could help in HCPs’ interpersonal approach to patients as his concept harbors a holistic perception of the existential situation of a person. Equally, introducing Marcel’s phenomenology of hope into the clinical encounter could play a beneficial role in improving the ability of patients to adapt to the difficult conditions of their disease and PC treatment.
Potential integration of Chinese and European emissions trading market: welfare distribution analysis
Authors: Li Ru , Perdana Sigit , Vielle Marc 
Published: June 2021

AbstractCentral to the aims of the Paris Agreement, an integrated carbon market could potentially be a practical bottom-up option for effective and efficient mitigation. This paper quantifies the welfare effects of integration of Emission Trading Scheme (ETS) between the European Union (EU) and China. Using the European version of the computable general equilibrium model GEMINI-E3, our assessment reveals that integrating trading markets benefits both regions through the decrease welfare costs from abatements. China’s welfare improves through net gain of selling the allowance, while the EU experiences lower deadweight loss. This effect is stronger to some notable countries in the EU, with high energy-intensive industries such as Poland and the Czech Republic. While a few others, such as Netherlands and Ireland, face higher welfare costs from negative trade gain. Limiting the trade quotas to 40% captures most of the EU welfare gain coming from CO2 trading. Further analysis at the sectoral level reveals that market integration significantly minimizes the loss of competitiveness of European energy-intensive industries and reduces international leakage. Our finding thus confirms the potential of the emissions trading market as an effective instrument to facilitate multilateral coordination in global mitigation.