bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Financial Accountability Mechanisms In Local Governments In Uganda: A Case of Kabale District Local Government
Authors: Eton Marus , Arinaitwe Perpetua , MosesAgaba  , Turyehabwa Abanis , Ogwel Bernard Patrick , Mwosi Fabian 
Published: July 2020

Abstract
The paper presents financial accountability mechanisms in local governments, with reference to Kabale district local government. A cross-sectional research design, which used both quantitative and qualitative approaches to collect and analyze data, was adopted. Both simple random and purposive sampling techniques were used to select 117 respondents from 174 subjects. Questionnaires and personal interviews were used to collect data from respondents. Frequencies and percentages were used to analyze quantitative data while direct quotes from interviews conducted among key informants formed the basis for qualitative analysis. Quantitative analysis was aided by software for document analysis (SPSS V 20.0). In descending order of perception, service delivery was found to be the most commonly used financial accountability mechanism, followed by financial reporting, expenditure control and budget. The paper therefore, concluded that service delivery is the most used mechanism of financial accountability, though the district’s local budget seemed unclear on reflecting the priorities of the local people. This paper recommended that the local government should ensure that the district’s budget demonstrates community preference; salaries and wages should be paid in accordance with the district’s approved budget; expenditures on development should always be as per the approved budget, and the mode of financial reporting, particularly on liabilities should be standardized. Due to the scope of this paper, which could not quantitatively relate financial accountability and service delivery, there is need for a comprehensive study on the effect of financial accountability and service delivery in Kabale district local government
Proposal for an Implementation Framework for Digital Health Technology in the Intensive Care Unit: A Qualitative Study
Authors: Mosch* Lina , Poncette* Akira-Sebastian , Spies Claudia , Weber-Carstens Steffen , Schieler Monique , Krampe Henning , Balzer Felix 
Published: July 2020

Abstract
BackgroundIntensive care is lagging with digital transformation. It is essential to provide evidence and guidelines for integrating digital health technologies into the intensive care unit (ICU).We evaluated the implementation of a remote patient monitoring platform and derived an implementation framework proposal for digital health technology in an ICU.MethodsWe conducted this study from May 2018 to March 2020 during the implementation of a tablet-computer based remote patient monitoring system. The system was installed in the ICU of a large German university hospital as a supplementary monitoring device. Following a hybrid qualitative approach with inductive and deductive elements, we used the Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research and the Expert Recommendations for Implementing Change to analyze the transcripts of seven semi-structured interviews with ICU clinical stakeholders and quantifiable questionnaire data. Results of the qualitative analysis, together with the findings from informal meetings, field observations, and previous explorations, provided the basis for the derivation of the proposed framework. Results Inductive analysis of the interview transcripts revealed an insufficient implementation process because of a lack of staff engagement and little perceived benefits from the novel solution. The ICU was not considered the most suitable for remote patient monitoring, as the staff’s presence and monitoring coverage were high. We propose an implementation framework for digital technologies, including strategies to apply before and during implementation, targeting the implementation setting by involving all stakeholders, assessing the intervention’s adaptability, facilitating the implementation process, and maintaining a vital feedback culture. Setting up a unit responsible for implementation, taking into account the guidance of an implementation advisor, and building on existing institutional capacities could improve the institutional context of implementation projects.Conclusions The ICU provides an exceptional setting for the introduction of digital health technology because it is a high-tech environment involving multiple professions and high-stress levels. Before implementation, the need for innovation and the ICU’s readiness to change should be assessed. During implementation, a clinical team should ensure transparent communication and continuous feedback. The establishment of an implementation unit is recommended to promote a sustainable implementation culture and to benefit from existing networks.Trial registrationClinicalTrials.gov NCT03514173; https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT03514173
Study on the coupling effect of controllable parameters on the dynamic characteristics of vehicle shift process throughout full life cycle of clutch
Authors: Wang Dongyang , Hu Minghui , Qin Datong 
Published: July 2020

Abstract
In this study, coupling effect of controllable parameters on the dynamic characteristics of vehicle shift process throughout full life cycle of wet clutch was studied. Firstly, an improved dynamic model of driveline was established with consideration of friction characteristics of clutch, time-varying mesh stiffness of gears, and torque-coupling effect. Then, dynamic characteristics of driveline during shift process were analyzed, and the model was validated with an experiment. Based on the model, the effect of frictional characteristics of clutch on the dynamic characteristics of driveline were analyzed, and to reduce the adverse effects caused by the degradation of frictional characteristics on the dynamic characteristics of driveline, a control strategy was proposed, which control the rising rate of on-coming clutch pressure and the maximum pressure coordinately. the influence of these two controllable parameters on the dynamic characteristics of driveline during shift process throughout the whole life of wet clutch life was analyzed. The results showed that side effect caused by the degradation of clutch frictional characteristics on the driveline during shift process can be attenuated by controlling the rising rate of on-coming clutch pressure and the maximum pressure coordinately.
Lactoferrin Suppresses LPS-Induced Expression of HMGB1, microRNA 155, 146, and TLR4/MyD88/NF-кB Pathway in RAW264.7 Cells
Authors: Nemati Maryam , Karimi Mohammad-Ali , Amiri Maryam , Nejabati Hamid Reza , Maroufi Nazila Fathi , Faridvand Yousef , Nouri Mohammad 
Published: July 2020

Abstract
Background: This current study evaluated the underlying mechanisms of LF against the inflammatory miRNAs, HMGB1 expression and TLR4-MyD88-NF-кB pathway in LPS-activated murine RAW264.7 cells. Methods: MTT assay was used to assess cell viability and the cell culture levels of the cytokines (TNF-α, IL-6) were evaluated by Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The expression of miRNAs was quantified by using qPCR and expression of HMGB1, TLR4, MyD88, and phosphorylated NF-κB (P-p65) were determined with Western blot and qPCR, respectively. Results: The results indicated that LF downregulates IL-6 and TNF-α expression. LF exhibited the degradation of P-p65 and reduced the production of HMGB1, TLR4, and MyD88 in LPS-induced inflammatory response. Importantly, in parallel with the suppression of cytokines and HMGB1-TLR4-MyD88-NF-кB pathway, LF could induce a decrease in inflammatory selected miRNAs, miR-155 and miR-146a expression. Conclusions: Altogether, these findings provide LF as a prominent anti-inflammatory agent could modulate HMGB1, microRNA-155, microRNA-146 and TLR4/MyD88/NF-кB pathway.
A Novel Sequential Treatment of Palbociclib Enhances the Effect of Cisplatin in RB-Proficient Triple-Negative Breast Cancer
Authors: Huang Yajing , Wu Hao , Li Xingrui 
Published: July 2020

Abstract
Background: Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) is a highly aggressive malignancy lack of sensitivity to chemo-, endocrine and targeted therapy. CDK4/6 inhibitors, combined with endocrine therapy, have been proven to be effective in postmenopausal women with HR-positive, HER2-negative advanced or metastatic breast cancer. So we investigated that whether CDK4/6 inhibitor palbociclib (PD) could enhance effects of cisplatin (CDDP) on TNBC.Methods: The effects of different drug regimens of PD and CDDP on MDA-MB-231 and RB-knockdown MDA-MB-231 (sh-MDA-MB-231) cells was assessed in vitro and vivo. Immunoblotting illustrated cyclin D1/RB/E2F axis signaling pathway.Results: PD induced G1 phase cell cycle arrest in MDA-MB-231 cell line. However, neither concomitant treatment with PD and CDDP nor immediately sequential treatment with CDDP before or after PD had an influence on cell apoptosis of MDA-MB-231 cells. We further investigated the effect of PD or CDDP withdrawal on the sequential treatment and found that PD used for 48h and then withdrawn for 48h followed by CDDP could significantly increase apoptosis, inhibit cell proliferation, cloning formation and mitotic progression of MDA-MB-231 cells, while in other regimens PD and CDDP represented additive or antagonistic response. PD preferential use synchronized tumor cell cycle which could increase DNA damage by CDDP as measured by γH2AX. These findings above were negative in sh-MDA-MB-231 cells, which indicated that PD enhances the sensitivity of TNBC cells to CDDP in a RB dependent manner. In vivo, this combination treatment inhibited tumor growth and Ki-67 expression compared with single drug treatments in MDA-MB-231 xenograft models. Western blotting analysis presented that PD enhanced sensitivity to CDDP through CDK4/6-cyclin D-RB-E2F pathway. Conclusions: This study indicates that the anti-tumor effect of PD-CDDP functions through CDK4/6-cyclin D1-RB-E2F pathway and the synchronization of cell cycle. PD-CDDP Our study provides a novel and potentially effective treatment for TNBC patients.
Viral Clearance After Early Corticosteroid Treatment In Patients With Moderate Or Severe Covid-19
Authors: Spagnuolo Vincenzo , Guffanti Monica , Galli Laura , Poli Andrea , Querini Patrizia Rovere , Ripa Marco , Clementi Massimo , Scarpellini Paolo , Lazzarin Adriano , Tresoldi Moreno , Dagna Lorenzo , Zangrillo Alberto , Ciceri Fabio , Castagna Antonella 
Published: July 2020

Abstract
The aim of this study was to evaluate the impact of early treatment with corticosteroids on SARS-CoV-2 clearance in hospitalized COVID-19 patients.Retrospective analysis on patients admitted to the San Raffaele Hospital (Milan, Italy) with moderate/severe COVID-19 and availability of at least two nasopharyngeal swabs.The primary outcome was the time to nasopharyngeal swab negativization.A multivariable Cox model was fitted to determine factors associated with nasopharyngeal swab negativization.Of 280 patients included, 59 (21.1%) patients were treated with steroids.Differences observed between steroid users and non-users included the proportion of patients with a baseline PaO2/FiO2 ≤200 mmHg (45.8% vs 34.4% in steroids and non-steroids users, respectively; p=0.023) or ≤100 mmHg (16.9% vs 12.7%; p=0.027), and length of hospitalization (20 vs 14 days; p<0.001).Time to negativization of nasopharyngeal swabs was similar in steroid and non-steroid users (p=0.985).According to multivariate analysis, SARS-CoV-2 clearance was associated with age ≤70 years, a shorter duration of symptoms at admission, a baseline PaO2/FiO2 >200 mmHg, and a lymphocyte count at admission >1.0*109/L. SARS-CoV-2 clearance was not associated with corticosteroid use.Our study shows that delayed SARS-CoV-2 clearance in moderate/severe COVID-19 is associated with older age and a more severe disease, but not with early use of corticosteroids
Evaluation of candidate models for the 13th generation International Geomagnetic Reference Field
Authors: Alken Patrick , Thebault Erwan , Beggan Ciaran , Aubert Julien , Baerenzung Julien , Brown William J. , Califf S. , Chulliat Arnaud , Cox G.A. , Finlay Christopher C. , Fournier Alexandre , Gillet Nicolas , Hammer Magnus D. , Holschneider Matthias , Hulot Gauthier , Korte Monika , Lesur Vincent , Livermore Philippe W. , Lowes Frank J. , Macmillan Susan , Nair Manoj , Olsen Nils , Ropp G. , Rother Martin , Schnepf Neesha , Stolle Claudia , Toh Hiroaki , Vervelidou Fotini , Vigneron Pierre , Wardinski Ingo 
Published: July 2020

Abstract
In December 2019, the 13th revision of the International Geomagnetic Reference Field (IGRF) was released by
the International Association of Geomagnetism and Aeronomy (IAGA) Division V Working Group V-MOD.
This revision comprises two new spherical harmonic main eld models for epochs 2015.0 (DGRF-2015) and
2020.0 (IGRF-2020) and a model of the predicted secular variation for the interval 2020.0 to 2025.0
(SV-2020-2025). The models were produced from candidates submitted by fteen international teams. These
teams were led by the British Geological Survey (UK), China Earthquake Administration (China), Universidad
Complutense de Madrid (Spain), University of Colorado Boulder (USA), Technical University of Denmark
(Denmark), GFZ German Research Centre for Geosciences (Germany), Institut de physique du globe de Paris
(France), Institut des Sciences de la Terre (France), Pushkov Institute of Terrestrial Magnetism, Ionosphere
and Radio Wave Propagation (Russia), Kyoto University (Japan), University of Leeds (UK), Max Planck
Institute for Solar System Research (Germany), NASA Goddard Space Flight Center (USA), University of
Potsdam (Germany), and Universite de Strasbourg (France). The candidate models were evaluated individually
and compared to all other candidates as well to the mean, median and a robust Huber-weighted model of all
candidates. These analyses were used to identify, for example, the variation between the Gauss coecients or
the geographical regions where the candidate models strongly di ered. The majority of candidates were
suciently close that the di erences can be explained primarily by individual modeling methodologies and data
selection strategies. None of the candidates were so di erent to warrant their exclusion from the nal IGRF-13.
The IAGA V-MOD task force thus voted for two approaches: the median of the Gauss coecients of the
candidates for the DGRF-2015 and IGRF-2020 models and the robust Huber-weighted model for the predictive
SV-2020-2025. In this paper, we document the evaluation of the candidate models and provide details of the
approach used to derive the nal IGRF-13 products.
Efficient Deep Learning Model for COVID-19 Detection in large CT images datasets: A cross-dataset analysis
Authors: Silva Pedro , Luz Eduardo , Silva Guilherme , Moreira Gladston , Silva Rodrigo , Lucio Diego , Menottu David 
Published: July 2020

Abstract
Early detection and diagnosis are critical factors to control the COVID-19 spreading. A number of deep learning-based methodologies have been recently proposed for COVID-19 screening in CT scans as a tool to automate and help with the diagnosis. To achieve these goals, in this work, we propose a slice voting-based approach extending the EfficientNet Family of deep artificial neural networks.We also design a specific data augmentation process and transfer learning for such task.Moreover, a cross-dataset study is performed into the two largest datasets to date. The proposed method presents comparable results to the state-of-the-art methods and the highest accuracy to date on both datasets (accuracy of 87.60\% for the COVID-CT dataset and accuracy of 98.99% for the SARS-CoV-2 CT-scan dataset). The cross-dataset analysis showed that the generalization power of deep learning models is far from acceptable for the task since accuracy drops from 87.68% to 56.16% on the best evaluation scenario.These results highlighted that the methods that aim at COVID-19 detection in CT-images have to improve significantly to be considered as a clinical option and larger and more diverse datasets are needed to evaluate the methods in a realistic scenario.
Increased Adiponectin Levels are Associated with Higher Radiographic Scores in the Knee Joint, but not in the Hand Joint: The Dong-gu Study
Authors: Xu Haimuzi , Kang Ji-Hyoun , Choi Sung-Eun , Park Dong-Jin , Kweon Sun-Seog , Lee Young-Hoon , Kim Hye-Yeon , Lee Jung-Kil , Shin Min-Ho , Lee Shin-Seok 
Published: July 2020

Abstract
Background: Several studies have evaluated the association between the serum adiponectin level and knee and hand osteoarthritis (OA); mixed results have been reported. We investigated the relationship between OA and the serum adiponectin level according to the radiographic features of knee and hand OA.Methods: A total of 2,402 subjects was recruited from the Dong-gu Study. Baseline characteristics were collected via a questionnaire, and X-rays of knee and hand joints were scored using a semi-quantitative grading system. The relationship between the serum adiponectin level and radiographic severity was evaluated by linear regression analysis.Results: Subjects in the higher serum adiponectin level tertiles were older and had a lower body mass index (BMI) than those in the lower tertiles. Regarding knee joint scores, the serum adiponectin level was positively associated with the total score (P < 0.001), osteophyte score (P = 0.003), and joint space narrowing (JSN) score (P < 0.001) after adjustment for age, gender, BMI, smoking, alcohol consumption, education, and physical activity. In terms of hand joint scores, no association was found between the serum adiponectin level and the total score, osteophyte score, JSN score, subchondral cyst score, sclerosis score, erosion score, or malalignment score after the above-mentioned adjustments.Conclusion: An increased serum adiponectin level was associated with a higher radiographic score in the knee joint, but not in the hand joint, suggesting the involvement of different pathophysiologic mechanisms in the development of OA between those joints.
Denosumab Alleviates Intervertebral Disc Degeneration Adjacent to a Lumbar Fusion by Inhibiting Endplate Osteochondral Remodeling and Vertebral Osteoporosis in Ovariectomized Rats
Authors: Sun Qi , Tian Fa-Ming , Liu Fang , Fang Jia-Kang , Hu Yun-Peng , Lian Qiang-Qiang , Zhou Zhuang , Zhang Liu 
Published: July 2020

Abstract
Background: Although adjacent segmental intervertebral disc degeneration (ASDD) is one of the most common complications after lumbar fusion, its exact mechanism remains unclear. As an antibody to RANKL, denosumab (Dmab) effectively reduces bone resorption and stimulates bone formation, which can increase bone mineral density (BMD) and improve osteoporosis. However, it has not been confirmed whether Dmab has a reversing or retarding effect on ASDD. Methods: Three-month-old female Sprague-Dawley rats that underwent L4–L5 posterolateral lumbar fusion (PLF) with spinous-process wire fixation four weeks after OVX surgery were given Dmab four weeks after PLF surgery (OVX+PLF+Dmab group). In addition, the following control groups were defined: Sham, OVX, PLF, and OVX+PLF (n=12 each).Then, manual palpation and X-ray were used to evaluate the state of lumbar fusion. The bone microstructure in the lumbar vertebra and endplate as well as the disc height index (DHI) of the L5/6 were evaluated by microcomputed tomography (μCT). The characteristic alterations of ASDD were identified via Safranin-O green staining staining. Osteoclasts were detected using tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase (TRAP) staining and the biomechanical properties of vertebra were evaluated. Aggrecan (Agg), metalloproteinase-13 (MMP-13), a disintegrin and metalloproteinase with thrombospondin motifs 4 (ADAMTS-4) expression in the intervertebral disc were detected by immunohistochemistry and real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) analysis.Results: Manual palpation showed clear evidence of the fused segment’s immobility. Compared to the OVX+PLF group, more new bone formation was observed by X-ray examination in the OVX+PLF+Dmab group. Dmab significantly alleviated ASDD by retaining disc height index (DHI), decreasing porosity of endplate, and increasing the biomechanical properties and BMD of vertebra. TRAP staining results showed a significantly decreased number after Dmab treatment, especially in subchondral bone and cartilaginous endplate. Moreover, the results of protein and mRNA expression in intervertebral disc (IVD) showed that Dmab not only inhibited matrix degradation by decreasing MMP-13 and ADAMTS-4 but also promoted matrix synthesis by increasing Agg. Conclusions: These results suggest that Dmab may be a novel therapeutic target for the treatment of ASDD.
The Memory Effect on Fractional Calculus: An Application in the Spread of Covid-19
Authors: de Barros Laécio Carvalho , Lopes Michele Martins , Simões Francielle Santo Pedro , Esmi Estevão , Santos José Paulo Carvalho dos , Sánchez Daniel Eduardo 
Published: July 2020

Abstract
Fractional calculus has been widely used in mathematical modeling of evolutionary systems with memory effect on dynamics. The main interest of this work is, through a statistical approach, to attest how the hysteresis phenomenon, which describes the memory effect present in biological systems, can be treated by fractional calculus, and to analyze the contribution of the historical values of a function in the evaluation of fractional operators according their order. In order to illustrate the efficiency of this non-integer order calculus, we consider the SIR (Susceptible-Infected-Recovered) compartmental model which is widely used in epidemiology. We employ SIR models to model the dynamics, with and without memory, of the spread of Covid-19 in some countries.
A false alarm of COVID-19 pneumonia in lung cancer: a case report of anti-PD-1 related pneumonitis and literature review
Authors: Dai Ying , Dai Ying , Liu Sha , Liu Sha , Zhao Zhiyan , Zhao Zhiyan , Li Xiaqiu , Li Xiaqiu , Zhang Yiruo , Zhang Yiruo , Liu Pingping , Liu Pingping , Du Yingying , Du Yingying 
Published: July 2020

Abstract
Background: The fatal toxicity of anti-PD-1/PD-L1 agents is pneumonitis. The diagnosis consists of the history of immunotherapy, clinical symptoms and presentation of computed tomography (CT) imaging. The typical CT findings include ground-glass opacities. Based on the similar radiographic feature with 2019 Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) pneumonia, clinicians are cautious to evaluate diagnosis especially in COVID-19 epidemic areas. Case presentation: Herein we report a 67-year-old male patient with advanced non-small cell lung cancer developed pneumonitis post Sintilimab injection. The dyspnea appeared at the 15th day of close contact with his son who returned from Wuhan, but not accompanied with fever. The chest CT indicated peripherally subpleural lattice opacities at the inferior right lung lobe and bilateral thoracic infusion. The real-time reverse-transcription polymerase-chain-reaction (RT-PCR) from double swab samples within 72 hours remained negative. The patient was thereafter treated with prednisolone and antibiotics for over two weeks. Thereafter the chest CT demonstrated the former lesion almost absorbed, in line with prominently falling CRP level. The anti-PD-1 related pneumonitis with bacterial infection was diagnosed finally based on the clinical evidence and good response to the prednisolone and antibiotics. Conclusion: Both ani-PD-1 related pneumonitis and COVID-19 pneumonia harbor the common clinical symptom and the varied features of CT imaging. Differential diagnosis was based on the epidemiological and immunotherapy histories, RT-PCR tests. The response to glucocorticoid can indirectly help the diagnosis.