bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Modes of assay interference and the effectiveness of serum pretreatment approaches in detection of anti-HLA antibodies
Authors: Abraha Joseph , Rao Ping , Morris Gerald P 
Published: December 2022

AimsSeveral modes of assay interference common to immunoassays affect solid-phase single-antigen bead-based immunoassays (SAB) used to detect antibodies against human leucocyte antigens (HLA). Best practice recommendations include methods to address assay interference, though the clinical impact and optimal approaches are undefined. We sought to evaluate assay interference in HLA SAB to identify an efficient approach for avoiding erroneous results.MethodsRetrospective analysis of 14 059 patient samples tested for anti-HLA antibodies was performed. This included 4685 samples tested prior to implementation of serum pretreatment with EDTA and 4982 samples tested with routine EDTA treatment using the same testing algorithm. An algorithm for efficiently identifying and processing samples with suspected interference was evaluated in a separate cohort of 4392 EDTA-treated samples.ResultsEDTA serum pretreatment reduced assay interference, but did not eliminate all modes of interference. A protocol for identification and testing of samples with suspected interference facilitated efficient detection of interference while reducing the amount of additional testing required.ConclusionsOur data indicate that a single-method approach is insufficient to address all sources of interference in HLA SAB. A multimodal approach with a proactive screening is a more effective way to minimise risk of erroneous results.
Simplified stroke imaging selection modality for endovascular thrombectomy in the extended time window: systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Dong Zimei , Deng Shan , Zhang Jian , Chen Shijian , Ye Ziming , Zhang Limei , Hu Ruiting , Zhong Cai , Liu Xiuying , Qin Chao 
Published: December 2022

BackgroundThe impact of imaging selection modality on clinical outcomes of endovascular thrombectomy (EVT) in the 6–24-hour time window remains undetermined. We compared the clinical outcomes of a simplified stroke imaging selection modality using non-contrast computed tomography (NCCT)±CT angiography (CTA) with using advanced CT perfusion (CTP).MethodsPubMed, Embase, Web of Science, and Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials were searched from inception to 1 May 2022 to compare NCCT±CTA and CTP for patient selection for EVT in late-presenting stroke with large vessel occlusions (LVO). The primary outcome was the proportion of patients achieving functional independence (modified Rankin Scale score 0–2) within 180 days. The secondary outcomes included mortality within 90 days, successful recanalization, and any intracranial hemorrhage.ResultsA total of 3419 patients in six articles were included in this meta-analysis. There was no significant difference between NCCT±CTA (no-CTP) and CTP in functional independence either in overall or subgroup analysis. However, the mortality in the no-CTP group was higher than in the CTP group. Furthermore, within the DAWN/DEFUSE 3-like subgroup, there were no significant differences in mortality, successful recanalization, and any intracranial hemorrhage between the two groups.ConclusionThere was no significant difference between the simplified NCCT±CTA modality and the advanced CTP modality. The use of NCCT±CTA may represent a reasonable option for selecting patients for EVT in the extended time window, especially in the absence of CTP and acute phase MRI capabilities.
Association between early treatment of multiple sclerosis and patient-reported outcomes: a nationwide observational cohort study
Authors: He Anna , Spelman Tim , Manouchehrinia Ali , Ciccarelli Olga , Hillert Jan , McKay Kyla 
Published: December 2022

BackgroundTiming of disease-modifying therapy affects clinical disability in multiple sclerosis, but it is not known whether patient reported outcomes are also affected. This study investigates the relationship between treatment timing and patient-reported symptoms and health-related quality of life.MethodsThis was a nationwide observational cohort study of adults with relapsing multiple sclerosis, with disease onset between 2001 and 2016, and commenced on disease-modifying treatment within 4 years from disease onset. Patients commencing treatment within 0–2 years were compared with patients commencing treatment at 2–4 years. Indication bias was mitigated by propensity matching. Outcomes were patient-reported symptoms and health-related quality of life as measured by the Multiple Sclerosis Impact Scale (MSIS-29) and EuroQol-5 Dimensions-3 Level (EQ-5D). The follow-up period was 4–10 years from disease onset.ResultsThere were 2648 patients (69% female, median age 32.8) eligible for matching. Mean follow-up time was 3.7 years. Based on 780 matched patients, each year of treatment delay was associated with a worse MSIS physical score by 2.75 points (95% CI 1.29 to 4.20), and worse MSIS psychological score by 2.02 points (95% CI 0.03 to 3.78), in the adjusted models.Among 690 matched patients, earlier treatment start was not associated with EQ-5D score during the follow-up.ConclusionsEarlier commencement of disease-modifying treatment was associated with better patient-reported physical symptoms when measured using a disease-specific metric; however, general quality of life was not affected. This indicates that other factors may inform patients’ overall quality of life.
Signatures of excited monopolium
Authors: Fanchiotti Huner , Canal Carlos A. García , Traini Marco , Vento Vicente 
Published: December 2022

AbstractWe study electromagnetic properties of particles with magnetic moment and no charge using their behavior when traversing coils and solenoids. These particles via the Faraday-Lenz law create a current whose energy we calculate. We analyze both the case of very long lived, almost stable, particles and those with a finite lifetime. We use this development to study the behavior of monopolium a monopole-antimonopole bound state in its excited states.
A note on “On the classification of Landsberg spherically symmetric Finsler metrics”
Authors: Elgendi S. G. 
Published: December 2022

In this paper, we prove that all spherically symmetric Landsberg surfaces are Berwaldian. We modify the classification of spherically symmetric Finsler metrics, done by the author in [S. G. Elgendi, On the classification of Landsberg spherically symmetric Finsler metrics, Int. J. Geom. Methods Mod. Phys. 18 (2021)], of Berwald type of dimension [Formula: see text]. Precisely, we show that all Berwald spherically symmetric metrics of dimension [Formula: see text] are Riemannian or given by a certain formula. As a simple class of Berwaldian metrics, we prove that all spherically symmetric metrics in which the function [Formula: see text] is homogeneous of degree [Formula: see text] in [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text] are Berwaldian.
Clinical Features Associated with Outcomes and Biomarker Analysis of Dabrafenib plus Trametinib Treatment in Patients with BRAF-Mutant Melanoma Brain Metastases
Authors: Wilmott James S. , Tawbi Hussein , Engh Johnathan A. , Amankulor Nduka M. , Shivalingam Brindha , Banerjee Hiya , Vergara Ismael A. , Lee Hansol , Johansson Peter A. , Ferguson Peter M. , Saiag Philippe , Robert Caroline , Grob Jean-Jacques , Butterfield Lisa H. , Scolyer Richard A. , Kirkwood John M. , Long Georgina V. , Davies Michael A. 
Published: December 2022

Abstract

Purpose:
This study aimed to identify baseline clinical features associated with the outcomes of patients enrolled in the COMBI-MB phase II study of dabrafenib and trametinib treatment in patients with V600 BRAF-mutant metastatic melanoma with melanoma brain metastases (MBM). Exploratory biomarker analysis was also conducted as part of the synergistic COMBI-BRV trial (BRV116521), to identify molecular and immunologic changes associated with dabrafenib in MBMs and extracranial metastases (ECM).

Patients and Methods:
Post hoc analysis was performed for baseline features of patients (n = 125) enrolled in COMBI-MB. Analyses were performed to identify baseline clinical features associated with intracranial response rate (ICRR), progression-free survival (PFS), and overall survival (OS).

Exploratory biomarker analysis was performed on biospecimen collected in the COMBI-BRV trial in which patients with BRAF-mutant, resectable MBM were treated with dabrafenib for 10 to 14 days prior to craniotomy. Accessible ECM were resected or biopsied at the time of craniotomy. Biospecimens underwent molecular and immunologic profiling for comparative analyses.

Results:
In COMBI-MB baseline treatment with corticosteroids was independently associated with lower ICRR [39% vs. 63%; OR, 0.323; 95 % confidence interval (CI), 0.105–0.996; P = 0.049] and shorter PFS (HR, 1.93; 95% CI, 1.06–3.51; P = 0.031). Additional significant associations identified in the multivariate analysis were improved PFS in patients with a BRAFV600E genotype (HR, 0.565; 95% CI, 0.321–0.996; P = 0.048) and improved OS in patients with Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group 0 (HR, 0.44; 95% CI, 0.25–0.78; P = 0.005).

Conclusions:
Corticosteroid treatment was associated with reduced ICRR and PFS in COMBI-MB, similar to results with immunotherapy for MBMs. Baseline corticosteroid treatment is a key factor to consider in MBM patient management and clinical trial design/interpretation.
Preoperative Neutrophil-to-Lymphocyte Ratio and a New Inflammatory Biomarkers Prognostic Index for Primary Retroperitoneal Sarcomas: Retrospective Monocentric Study
Authors: Fiore Marco , Ljevar Silva , Pasquali Sandro , Morelli Daniele , Callegaro Dario , Sanfilippo Roberta , Barisella Marta , Sangalli Claudia , Miceli Rosalba , Gronchi Alessandro 
Published: December 2022

Abstract

Purpose:
Inflammatory biomarkers and neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) are associated with prognosis in several tumors. Data on sarcomas are limited, and insufficient on retroperitoneal sarcoma (RPS).

Experimental Design:
Patients with primary RPS operated between 2002 and 2016 were included. Hemoglobin, monocytes, NLR, platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio (PLR) were retrieved and analyzed both individually and combined into a prognostic index (IBPI). Correlation with clinicopathologic variables was studied, as well as postoperative morbidity according to NLR and IBPI risk categories. The association between overall survival (OS) and biomarkers and, in addition, the 7-year Sarculator-predicted OS probability (pOS) was analyzed using univariable and multivariable Cox models.

Results:
423/463 patients had complete data. The median follow-up was 84 months. The median NLR was 3.3 (IQR, 2.4–4.7), with significant variation across histologies. NLR was the only biomarker that independently predicted OS (HR, 1.2; 95% CI, 1.03–1.40; P = 0.02). The IBPI showed good discrimination for subgroups at different OS (log-rank test P &lt; 0.0001). The Cox model for pOS alone showed a 7-year index of prediction accuracy of 26.9, which increased to 29.5 when IBPI was added to pOS as a complementary prognostic tool. IBPI was also associated with the risk of serious infectious postoperative complications (P = 0.0094; noninfectious complications, P = 0.6463).

Conclusions:
NLR was an independent prognostic factor for OS in RPS. When combined into a prognostic index with hemoglobin, monocytes, and PLR, it serves as a readily available prognostic tool addressing tumor-related inflammation and helps in classifying RPS risk in addition to the Sarculator nomogram.
Characterization of Novel Derivatives of MBQ-167, an Inhibitor of the GTP-binding Proteins Rac/Cdc42
Authors: Medina Julia I. , Cruz-Collazo Ailed , Maldonado Maria del Mar , Matos Gascot Tatiana , Borrero-Garcia Luis D. , Cooke Mariana , Kazanietz Marcelo G. , Hernandez O'Farril Eliud , Vlaar Cornelis P. , Dharmawardhane Suranganie 
Published: December 2022

Rac and Cdc42, are homologous GTPases that regulate cell migration, invasion, and cell-cycle progression; thus, representing key targets for metastasis therapy. We previously reported on the efficacy of MBQ-167, which blocks both Rac1 and Cdc42 in breast cancer cells and mouse models of metastasis. To identify compounds with increased activity, a panel of MBQ-167 derivatives was synthesized, maintaining its 9-ethyl-3-(1H-1,2,3-triazol-1-yl)-9H-carbazole core. Similar to MBQ-167, MBQ-168 and EHop-097 inhibit activation of Rac and Rac1B splice variant and breast cancer cell viability, and induce apoptosis. MBQ-167 and MBQ-168 inhibit Rac and Cdc42 by interfering with guanine nucleotide binding, and MBQ-168 is a more effective inhibitor of P21-activated kinase (1–3) activation. EHop-097 acts via a different mechanism by inhibiting the interaction of the guanine nucleotide exchange factor Vav with Rac. MBQ-168 and EHop-097 inhibit metastatic breast cancer cell migration, and MBQ-168 promotes loss of cancer cell polarity to result in disorganization of the actin cytoskeleton and detachment from the substratum. In lung cancer cells, MBQ-168 is more effective than MBQ-167 or EHop-097 at reducing ruffle formation in response to EGF. Comparable with MBQ-167, MBQ-168 significantly inhibits HER2-positive tumor growth and metastasis to lung, liver, and spleen. Both MBQ-167 and MBQ-168 inhibit the cytochrome P450 (CYP) enzymes 3A4, 2C9, and 2C19. However, MBQ-168 is approximately 10× less potent than MBQ-167 at inhibiting CYP3A4, thus demonstrating its utility in relevant combination therapies. In conclusion, the MBQ-167 derivatives MBQ-168 and EHop-097 are additional promising antimetastatic cancer compounds with similar and distinct mechanisms.Significance:Targeting the related GTPases Rac and Cdc42 that regulate cancer metastasis is a viable strategy to impede metastasis of solid cancers. Herein, we describe new Rac and Cdc42 inhibitors with unique mechanisms and varying potency in different cancer cell lines. The MBQ-167 derivatives MBQ-168 and EHop-097 show promise as potential antimetastatic cancer agents.
Borrowed Gestures: The Body as an Extension of the Musical Instrument
Authors: Cavdir Doga , Wang Ge 
Published: December 2022

AbstractThis article presents design and performance practices for movement-based digital musical instruments. We develop the notion of borrowed gestures, which is a gesture-first approach that composes a gestural vocabulary of nonmusical body movements combined with nuanced instrumental gestures. These practices explore new affordances for physical interaction by transferring the expressive qualities and communicative aspects of body movements; these body movements and their qualities are borrowed from nonmusical domains. By merging musical and nonmusical domains through movement interaction, borrowed gestures offer shared performance spaces and cross-disciplinary practices.Our approach centers on use of the body and the design with body movement when developing digital musical instruments. The performer's body becomes an intermediate medium, physically connecting and uniting the performer and the instrument. This approach creates new ways of conceptualizing and designing movement-based musical interaction: (1) offering a design framework that transforms a broader range of expressive gestures (including nonmusical gestures) into sonic and musical interactions, and (2) creating a new dynamic between performer and instrument that reframes nonmusical gestures—such as dance movements or sign language gestures—into musical contexts. We aesthetically evaluate our design framework and performance practices based on three case studies: Bodyharp, Armtop, and Felt Sound. As part of this evaluation, we also present a set of design principles as a way of thinking about designing movement-based digital musical instruments.
Contested Sovereignty of Ambazonia and its Right to Self Determination
Authors: Olomojobi Yinka 
Published: December 2022

Abstract
The concept of sovereignty and the right to self-determination is deeply rooted in international law. This paper examines the historical background of the Ambazonia community’s quest for sovereignty based on the right to self-determination. The article examines Southern Cameroon’s historical trajectory and origins of the Ambazonia movement. This paper sheds light on the dynamics of the Anglophone (Ambazonia) crises, and the response from La République du Cameroun (Cameroon government). The paper underscores that although international law firmly opposes the right of secession, as it leads to dissecting the polity in existing states. It is however argued that the people of Ambazonia have a right to quest for self-determination due to oppression and human rights infringements by La République du Cameroun.
The clamour of the Ambazonia movement for sovereignty is based on the entitlement to political independence, and grievance due to the lack of economic and social development of Southern Cameroon. This quest which has ushered violent acts by the state actors to suppress Ambazonia’s identity and cultural heritage. The finding of the study reveals that Southern Cameroon’s contest for sovereignty and right to self-determination is legal under international law and therefore needs the comity of states to intervene to deescalate the violent acts by La République du Cameroun. The article also examines the international community’s role in the conflict. Particularly, it focuses on the part Nigeria played in the crises and the construction of the friendly relationship between both countries. Further the article proffers recommendations peaceful solutions.
Dominant Discourse in Indigenous Consultations
Authors: Pimenova Oxana 
Published: December 2022

Abstract
In Canada, consulting with Indigenous communities over recourse projects, the Crown sometimes avoids critical engagement with them, holding to the same arguments and counterarguments through regulatory and hearing stages. Such hollow moves, produced under the Crown’s rules, become embedded in the dominant argumentative discourse and pass unnoticed. To detect them, I apply Argument Continuities (ac s) – a new category of argumentative discourse analysis. ac s are a set of the same arguments and counterarguments repeatedly produced/reproduced by the dominant arguer through an adversarial reasoning process to dismiss opposing arguments. ac s have a specific life cycle – a chain of reasoning dynamics developing in a path-dependent fashion and increasing the cost of adopting a certain argument/counterargument over time. I test ac s in two institutionally diverse cases of Indigenous consultations and argue for the contingency of ac s upon the rules of consultations in reasoning exchanges. Determining the evidence availability and allocating the burdens of proof in consultations, rules make it more or less likely for a dominant arguer to rebut opposing arguments with acs.
Subversive or Not? Analysing the Findom in Heterosexual Intimate Relationships
Authors: Chen Yi-Wen Rhiannon 
Published: December 2022

Abstract
This research analyses the significance of an invention introduced in Taiwan—the ‘findom’ (finger condom)—by focusing on heterosexual couples in terms of heteronormativity, gender norms, and power dynamics. The data are obtained from advertising texts and interviews with seven participants who discuss their use of the findom in relationships. The study argues that heteronormative scripts are reinforced when advertisements suggest that the findom will increase erotic pleasure. Heteronormativity is revealed in the interviews, indicating that heterosexual hegemony regulates sexual behaviour and autonomy through gendered roles. Regulatory heterosexuality is dominant, as six of the interviewees used the findom in conventional sexuality. However, the findom enables the subversion of heterosexual regulatory norms and the rearticulation of gender dynamics via unconventional sexual practices. The findings suggest it is possible to consider the findom a challenge to normative heterosexuality and that the materiality of sexuality can be reversed through its use.
Observing the Diurnal Cycle of Coastal Rainfall over Western Puerto Rico in Collaboration with University of Puerto Rico Students
Authors: Rios-Berrios Rosimar , Sakaeda Naoko , Jimenez-González Héctor J. , Nieves-Jimenez Angelie , Zayas Yidiana , Martin Elinor , Wu Shun-Nan , Homeyer Cameron R. , Rodríguez Ernesto 
Published: December 2022

Abstract
The diurnal cycle of coastal rainfall over western Puerto Rico was studied with high-frequency radiosondes launched by undergraduate students at the University of Puerto Rico at Mayagüez (UPRM). Thirty radiosondes were launched during a 3-week period as part of NASA’s Convective Processes Experiment—Aerosols and Winds (CPEX-AW) field project. The objective of the radiosonde launches over Puerto Rico was to understand the evolution of coastal convective systems that are often challenging to predict. Four different events were sampled: 1) a short-lived rainfall event during a Saharan air dust outbreak, 2) a 2-day period of limited rainfall activity under northeasterly wind conditions, 3) a 2-day period of heavy rainfall over land, and 4) a 2-day period of long-lived rainfall events that initiated over land and propagated offshore during the evening hours. The radiosondes captured the sea-breeze onset during the midmorning hours, an erosion of lower-tropospheric inversions, and substantial differences in column humidity between the four events. All radiosondes were launched by volunteer undergraduate students who were able to participate in person, while the coordination was done virtually with lead scientists located in Puerto Rico, Oklahoma, and Saint Croix. Overall, this initiative highlighted the importance of student–scientist collaboration in collecting critical observations to better understand complex atmospheric processes.
Performance of an Improved TKE-Based Eddy-Diffusivity Mass-Flux (EDMF) PBL Scheme in 2021 Hurricane Forecasts from the Hurricane Analysis and Forecast System
Authors: Chen Xiaomin , Hazelton Andrew , Marks Frank D. , Alaka Ghassan J. , Zhang Chunxi 
Published: December 2022

Abstract
Continuous development and evaluation of planetary boundary layer (PBL) parameterizations in hurricane conditions are crucial for improving tropical cyclone (TC) forecasts. A turbulence kinetic energy (TKE)-based eddy-diffusivity mass-flux (EDMF-TKE) PBL scheme, implemented in NOAA’s Hurricane Analysis and Forecast System (HAFS), was recently improved in hurricane conditions using large-eddy simulations. This study evaluates the performance of HAFS TC forecasts with the original (experiment HAFA) and modified EDMF-TKE (experiment HAFY) based on a large sample of cases during the 2021 North Atlantic hurricane season. Results indicate that intensity and structure forecast skill was better overall in HAFY than in HAFA, including during rapid intensification. Composite analyses demonstrate that HAFY produces shallower and stronger boundary layer inflow, especially within 1–3 times the radius of maximum wind (RMW). Stronger inflow and more moisture in the boundary layer contribute to stronger moisture convergence near the RMW. These boundary layer characteristics are consistent with stronger, deeper, and more compact TC vortices in HAFY than in HAFA. Nevertheless, track skill in HAFY is slightly reduced, which is in part attributable to the cross-track error from a few early cycles of Hurricane Henri that exhibited ∼400 n mi (1 n mi = 1.852 km) track error at longer lead times. Sensitivity experiments based on HAFY demonstrate that turning off cumulus schemes notably reduces the track errors of Henri while turning off the deep cumulus scheme reduces the intensity errors. This finding hints at the necessity of unifying the mass fluxes in PBL and cumulus schemes in future model physics development.