bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Promoting healthy ageing through light volleyball intervention in Hong Kong: study protocol for a randomised controlled trial
Authors: Leung Ka Man , Chung Pak-Kwong , Chan Aileen W. K. , Ransdell Lynda , Siu Parco Ming Fai , Sun Ping , Yang Jinjin , Chen Tie Cheng 
Published: January 2020

Abstract
Background
Our pilot study has demonstrated improvements in health outcomes through participation in a new sport, light volleyball (LVB), among older adults. In response to the promising results of the LVB pilot study and the priority of allocating resources to the prevention of age-related fitness degradation by the Hong Kong (HKG) government, the present study aims to investigate the effectiveness of a LVB intervention on physical and psychological health attributes among older adults at a larger scale in HKG.

Methods/design
This study will apply both quantitative and qualitative methods with a large sample (approximately 315 participants). We will adopt a randomized controlled trial (RCT) design to further evaluate the effectiveness of a LVB intervention on health outcomes against a comparison group, Tai Chi (TC), and a control group (C). Older adults will be eligible to join the intervention if they are (a) aged 65 years and above; (b) living in the community independently; (c) absent of diagnosed cognitive impairment; (d) not regular participants in a structured PA program for two years preceding the study; and (e) able to achieve a passing score on the Timed-up-and-go test (TUG) and Abbreviated Mental Test (AMT).
About 315 participants will be randomly assigned into 3 groups in 1:1:1 ratio. LVB group participants will receive 16-week LVB program; TC group will utilize a simplified 24-form Yang Style TC, and C group participants will be instructed to maintain their normal daily activity and join regular non-exercise social gatherings. Measurements will be collected before and after the intervention, and 6 months and 12 months after completion of the intervention.

Discussion
This intervention, if effective, will enhance older adult’s physical and psychological health, and provide the data and evidence to support policymaking in relation to future PA promotion for older adults.

Trial registration number
ChiCTR1900026657.
Expressing a Z-disk nebulin fragment in nebulin-deficient mouse muscle: effects on muscle structure and function
Authors: Li Frank , Kolb Justin , Crudele Julie , Tonino Paola , Hourani Zaynab , Smith John E. , Chamberlain Jeffrey S. , Granzier Henk 
Published: January 2020

Abstract
Background
Nebulin is a critical thin filament-binding protein that spans from the Z-disk of the skeletal muscle sarcomere to near the pointed end of the thin filament. Its massive size and actin-binding property allows it to provide the thin filaments with structural and regulatory support. When this protein is lost, nemaline myopathy occurs. Nemaline myopathy causes severe muscle weakness as well as structural defects on a sarcomeric level. There is no known cure for this disease.

Methods
We studied whether sarcomeric structure and function can be improved by introducing nebulin’s Z-disk region into a nebulin-deficient mouse model (Neb cKO) through adeno-associated viral (AAV) vector therapy. Following this treatment, the structural and functional characteristics of both vehicle-treated and AAV-treated Neb cKO and control muscles were studied.

Results
Intramuscular injection of this AAV construct resulted in a successful expression of the Z-disk fragment within the target muscles. This expression was significantly higher in Neb cKO mice than control mice. Analysis of protein expression revealed that the nebulin fragment was localized exclusively to the Z-disks and that Neb cKO expressed the nebulin fragment at levels comparable to the level of full-length nebulin in control mice. Additionally, the Z-disk fragment displaced full-length nebulin in control mice, resulting in nemaline rod body formation and a worsening of muscle function. Neb cKO mice experienced a slight functional benefit from the AAV treatment, with a small increase in force and fatigue resistance. Disease progression was also slowed as indicated by improved muscle structure and myosin isoform expression.

Conclusions
This study reveals that nebulin fragments are well-received by nebulin-deficient mouse muscles and that limited functional benefits are achievable.
Transition of microbial community structures after development of membrane fouling in membrane bioreactors (MBRs)
Authors: Sato Yuya , Zhao Yan-Jie , Hori Tomoyuki , Aoyagi Tomo , Inaba Tomohiro , Aizawa Hidenobu , Ogata Atsushi , Habe Hiroshi 
Published: January 2020

AbstractAlthough membrane fouling is a major issue when operating membrane bioreactors (MBRs), information regarding MBR performance and the sludge microbiome after the development of fouling remains limited. For the present study, two MBRs were operated for approximately 1 month under conditions of membrane fouling to investigate the effects of highly stressed environments on the sludge microbiome. After the development of fouling, a Collimonas-related operational taxonomic unit (OTU) was highly dominant in both reactors (relative abundances were ⁓ 63%) and this predomination caused a precipitous decline in the diversity indices of the sludge microbiomes. Because the excessive predomination by limited numbers of OTUs can lead to reductions in the adaptability to environmental changes, monitoring microbial diversity may be a valuable indicator for maintaining the robustness of a sludge microbiome. While, the decrease in the abundance of the Collimonas-related OTU resulted in the predomination of distinct microorganisms in each of the reactors despite being operated under the same conditions; this finding indicates existence of strong pressure to perturb the microbiomes. Detailed analyses suggested that the availability of terminal electron acceptors and competitive interactions between microbes via the secretion of extracellular proteins appeared to differentiate the structures of the respective microbial communities. During the extracellular proteins were secreted in the sludge, considerable portion of microbes were dead and large amounts of biomolecules seemed to be released; resultantly facilitated the predomination of fermentative anaerobes in one reactor as they use organic substances but not inorganic terminal electron acceptors to generate ATP under anaerobic conditions.
An exponential spline approximation for fractional Bagley–Torvik equation
Authors: Emadifar Homan , Jalilian Reza 
Published: January 2020

AbstractIn this paper, we approximate the solution of fractional Bagley–Torvik equation by using the exponential spline function and the shifted Grünwald difference operator. The proposed methods reduce to the system of algebraic equations. The convergence analysis of the methods has been discussed. The numerical examples are presented to illustrate the applications of the methods and to compare the computed results with the other methods.
Designing a solar and wind hybrid system for small-scale irrigation: a case study for Kalangala district in Uganda
Authors: Ssenyimba Shaffic , Kiggundu Nicholas , Banadda Noble 
Published: January 2020

AbstractBackgroundDynamics in rainfall patterns are posing a threat to crop production in Uganda. Irrigation can be used to ensure constant production; however, the motorized powered irrigation methods are quite costly to run in addition to being environmentally unsustainable. There is thus need for alternative irrigation methods. Renewable energy sources which are readily available can be used to power irrigation systems. This study hence sought to design an appropriate wind-solar hybrid system for irrigating 1 acre of banana plantation in Kalangala district, Uganda.MethodsUsing metrological data, mean wind speed and monthly solar irradiance of global radiation horizontal for the district were analysed. A wind-solar hybrid system was optimally designed for a standalone drip irrigation system of 450 banana plants on 1-acre land with water requirement of 33.73 m3 d−1. The wind turbine was simulated to analyse for static pressure, cut plane flow behaviour, turbulence intensity and stress distribution exposed at 20 m s−1wind speed. A cost analysis was done to estimate the total project investment, maintenance and operational cost, annual project gross income, net income stream and the annual net real rate of returns.Results and conclusionsThe simulation results showed that the system could effectively operate at speeds of 20 m s−1without deformation. The net present value of income stream for the first 5 years atr = 5% was 12,935,468 UGX with a net real rate of return of 3.5% per year. The study will, therefore, be a useful guideline in making investment decisions in hybrids irrigation systems.
Neglected tropical diseases: an effective global response to local poverty-related disease priorities
Authors: Engels Dirk , Zhou Xiao-Nong 
Published: January 2020

Abstract
Background
Neglected tropical diseases (NTDs) have long been overlooked in the global health agenda. They are intimately related to poverty, cause important local burdens of disease, but individually do not represent global priorities. Yet, NTDs were estimated to affect close to 2 billion people at the turn of the millennium, with a collective burden equivalent to HIV/AIDS, tuberculosis, or malaria. A global response was therefore warranted.

Main text
The World Health Organization (WHO) conceived an innovative strategy in the early 2000s to combat NTDs as a group of diseases, based on a combination of five public health interventions. Access to essential NTD medicines has hugely improved thanks to strong public-private partnership involving the pharmaceutical sector. The combination of a WHO NTD roadmap with clear targets to be achieved by 2020 and game-changing partner commitments endorsed in the London Declaration on Neglected Tropical Diseases, have led to unprecedented progress in the implementation of large-scale preventive treatment, case management and care of NTDs. The coming decade will see as challenges the mainstreaming of these NTD interventions into Universal Health Coverage and the coordination with other sectors to get to the roots of poverty and scale up transmission-breaking interventions. Chinese expertise with the elimination of multiple NTDs, together with poverty reduction and intersectoral action piloted by municipalities and local governments, can serve as a model for the latter. The international community will also need to keep a specific focus on NTDs in order to further steer this global response, manage the scaling up and sustainment of NTD interventions globally, and develop novel products and implementation strategies for NTDs that are still lagging behind.

Conclusions
The year 2020 will be crucial for the future of the global response to NTDs. Progress against the 2020 roadmap targets will be assessed, a new 2021–2030 NTD roadmap will be launched, and the London Declaration commitments will need to be renewed. It is hoped that during the coming decade the global response will be able to further build on today’s successes, align with the new global health and development frameworks, but also keep focused attention on NTDs and mobilize enough resources to see the effort effectively through to 2030.
Bone microarchitectural analysis using ultra-high-resolution CT in tiger vertebra and human tibia
Authors: Inai Ryota , Nakahara Ryuichi , Morimitsu Yusuke , Akagi Noriaki , Marukawa Youhei , Matsushita Toshi , Tanaka Takashi , Tada Akihiro , Hiraki Takao , Nasu Yoshihisa , Nishida Keiichiro , Ozaki Toshifumi , Kanazawa Susumu 
Published: January 2020

Abstract
Background
To reveal trends in bone microarchitectural parameters with increasing spatial resolution on ultra-high-resolution computed tomography (UHRCT) in vivo and to compare its performance with that of conventional-resolution CT (CRCT) and micro-CT ex vivo.

Methods
We retrospectively assessed 5 tiger vertebrae ex vivo and 16 human tibiae in vivo. Seven-pattern and four-pattern resolution imaging were performed on tiger vertebra using CRCT, UHRCT, and micro-CT, and on human tibiae using UHRCT. We measured six microarchitectural parameters: volumetric bone mineral density (vBMD), trabecular bone volume fraction (bone volume/total volume, BV/TV), trabecular thickness (Tb.Th), trabecular number (Tb.N), trabecular separation (Tb.Sp), and connectivity density (ConnD). Comparisons between different imaging resolutions were performed using Tukey or Dunnett T3 test.

Results
The vBMD, BV/TV, Tb.N, and ConnD parameters showed an increasing trend, while Tb.Sp showed a decreasing trend both ex vivo and in vivo. Ex vivo, UHRCT at the two highest resolutions (1024- and 2048-matrix imaging with 0.25-mm slice thickness) and CRCT showed significant differences (p ≤ 0.047) in vBMD (51.4 mg/cm3 and 63.5 mg/cm3versus 20.8 mg/cm3), BV/TV (26.5% and 29.5% versus 13.8 %), Tb.N (1.3 l/mm and 1.48 l/mm versus 0.47 l/mm), and ConnD (0.52 l/mm3 and 0.74 l/mm3versus 0.02 l/mm3, respectively). In vivo, the 512- and 1024-matrix imaging with 0.25-mm slice thickness showed significant differences in Tb.N (0.38 l/mm versus 0.67 l/mm, respectively) and ConnD (0.06 l/mm3versus 0.22 l/mm3, respectively).

Conclusions
We observed characteristic trends in microarchitectural parameters and demonstrated the potential utility of applying UHRCT for microarchitectural analysis.
Artificial intelligence in bone age assessment: accuracy and efficiency of a novel fully automated algorithm compared to the Greulich-Pyle method
Authors: Booz Christian , Yel Ibrahim , Wichmann Julian L. , Boettger Sabine , Al Kamali Ahmed , Albrecht Moritz H. , Martin Simon S. , Lenga Lukas , Huizinga Nicole A. , D’Angelo Tommaso , Cavallaro Marco , Vogl Thomas J. , Bodelle Boris 
Published: January 2020

Abstract
Background
Bone age (BA) assessment performed by artificial intelligence (AI) is of growing interest due to improved accuracy, precision and time efficiency in daily routine. The aim of this study was to investigate the accuracy and efficiency of a novel AI software version for automated BA assessment in comparison to the Greulich-Pyle method.

Methods
Radiographs of 514 patients were analysed in this retrospective study. Total BA was assessed independently by three blinded radiologists applying the GP method and by the AI software. Overall and gender-specific BA assessment results, as well as reading times of both approaches, were compared, while the reference BA was defined by two blinded experienced paediatric radiologists in consensus by application of the Greulich-Pyle method.

Results
Mean absolute deviation (MAD) and root mean square deviation (RSMD) were significantly lower between AI-derived BA and reference BA (MAD 0.34 years, RSMD 0.38 years) than between reader-calculated BA and reference BA (MAD 0.79 years, RSMD 0.89 years; p < 0.001). The correlation between AI-derived BA and reference BA (r = 0.99) was significantly higher than between reader-calculated BA and reference BA (r = 0.90; p < 0.001). No statistical difference was found in reader agreement and correlation analyses regarding gender (p = 0.241). Mean reading times were reduced by 87% using the AI system.

Conclusions
A novel AI software enabled highly accurate automated BA assessment. It may improve efficiency in clinical routine by reducing reading times without compromising the accuracy compared with the Greulich-Pyle method.
Autoimmune encephalitis in children and adolescents
Authors: Bien C. G. , Bien C. I. 
Published: January 2020

Abstract
Background
Autoimmune encephalitides with neural and glial antibodies have become an attractive field in neurology because the antibodies are syndrome-specific, explain the pathogenesis, indicate the likelihood of an underlying tumor, and often predict a good response to immunotherapy. The relevance and the management of antibody-associated encephalitides in the pediatric age group are to be discussed.

Main body
Subacutely evolving, complex neuropsychiatric conditions that are otherwise unexplained should raise the suspicion of autoimmune encephalitis. Determination of autoantibodies is the key diagnostic step. It is recommended to study cerebrospinal fluid and serum in parallel to yield highest diagnostic sensitivity and specificity. The most frequently found antibodies are those against the N-methyl-D-asparate receptor, an antigen on the neural cell surface. The second most frequent antibody is directed against glutamic acid decarboxylase 65 kDa, an intracellular protein, often found in chronic conditions with questionable inflammatory activity. Immunotherapy is the mainstay of treatment in autoimmune encephalitides. Steroids, apheresis and intravenous immunoglobulin are first-line interventions. Rituximab or cyclophosphamide are given as second-line treatments. Patients with surface antibodies usually respond well to immunotherapy whereas cases with antibodies against intracellular antigens most often do not.

Conclusion
With few exceptions, the experience in adult patients with autoimmune encephalitides can be applied to patients in the pediatric age range.
Coding Time
Authors: Goldberg David Theo 
Published: January 2020

Abstract
This article analyzes the various ways algorithmic logic structures, streamlines, and delimits the conception of time and memory; orders the logics of social arrangement; and delimits the political. The author considers the ways in which algorithms extend racial discrimination, rendering it less visible, less discernible, and so more difficult to address. He briefly formulates a notion of crypto-value embedded within algorithmic self-conception and elaborates an algorithmic ontology. The latter is distinguished from the contemporary understanding of the post-human. The essay concludes with a reflection on a politics of street encounter as a counter to prevailing algorithmic constraints on the political. “Coding time” accordingly concerns the coding of time, the conception of time embedded in coding, the sociality and value that coding produces, and the implications for being and being human that the time of coding is manifesting.
Stateless Memory
Authors: Hirsch Marianne 
Published: January 2020

AbstractResponding to current conditions of statelessness by way of Hannah Arendt's mid- twentieth century reflections, this article proposes the aesthetic encounter as a practice of alternative, counter-national community and belonging. Artistic works exploring the vulnerabilities and the vicissitudes of statelessness by Mirta Kupferminc and Wangechi Mutu inspire a definition of stateless memory as a suspension or hiatus in time and space. Stateless memory, the article suggests, can mobilize the memory of painful pasts in a different time frame than the progression toward preordained futures that often seem inevitable in the space-time of the nation-state and the catastrophes it causes and suffers.
Population-based palliative care planning in Ireland: how many people will live and die with serious illness to 2046?
Authors: May Peter , Johnston Bridget M. , Normand Charles , Higginson Irene J. , Kenny Rose Anne , Ryan Karen 
Published: January 2020

Background: All countries face growing demand for palliative care services. Projections of need are essential to plan care in an era of demographic change. We aim to estimate palliative care needs in the Republic of Ireland from 2016 to 2046. Methods: Static modelling of secondary data. First, we estimate the numbers of people who will die from a disease associated with palliative care need. We combine government statistics on cause of death (2007-2015) and projected mortality (2016-2046). Second, we combine these statistics with survey data to estimate numbers of people aged 50+ living and dying with diseases associated with palliative care need. Third, we use these projections and survey data to estimate disability burden, pain prevalence and health care utilisation among people aged 50+ living and dying with serious medical illness. Results: In 2016, the number of people dying annually from a disease indicating palliative care need was estimated as 22,806, and the number of people not in the last year of life aged 50+ with a relevant diagnosis was estimated as 290,185. Equivalent estimates for 2046 are up to 40,355 and 548,105, increases of 84% and 89% respectively. These groups account disproportionately for disability burden, pain prevalence and health care use among older people, meaning that population health burdens and health care use will increase significantly in the next three decades. Conclusion: The global population is ageing, although significant differences in intensity of ageing can be seen between countries. Prevalence of palliative care need will nearly double over 30 years, reflecting Ireland’s relatively young population. Older people living with a serious disease outnumber those in the last year of life by approximately 12:1, necessitating implementation of integrated palliative care across the disease trajectory. Urgent steps on funding, workforce development and service provision are required to address these challenges.
Do outro lado do silêncio: fotografias e vídeos sobre o cotidiano hiperconectado
Authors: Donaduzzi Carlos Alberto 
Published: January 2020

Este trabalho expõe um estudo crítico em torno de um ensaio visual composto por fotografias e vídeos que pretendem apresentar um pensamento sobre as relações das pessoas de hoje com a tecnologia e as redes sociais. Partindo de referências de pinturas de Edward Hopper, as imagens dessa série buscam trazer aos olhos e dar visão ao vazio e ao silêncio da vida contemporânea através de encenações com personagens envoltos em atmosferas coabitadas pelo real e o virtual.
Comentário ao De caelo I, lição 6, de Tomás de Aquino
Authors: Monteiro Matheus Henrique Gomes 
Published: January 2020

Tradução para o português de Expositio in libros De caelo et mundo I, l.6, onde Tomás de Aquino comenta um trecho do De caelo I, 3, sobre a ausência de geração e corrupção nos corpos celestes. No comentário, ele discute algumas objeções de João Filopono de Alexandria, filósofo do século VI, que defendia a possibilidade de os corpos celestes serem gerados e corromperem-se, bem como examina as respostas a essas objeções oferecidas por Simplício e por Averróis.
A recusa da razão como fundamento da moral na filosofia de Schopenhauer
Authors: Santos Alves José Clerison 
Published: January 2020

Neste artigo, mostraremos que, na filosofia de Schopenhauer, não é possível fundamentar a moral a partir da faculdade de razão. Pois a razão, em seu sistema, possui apenas uma função lógica, em outras palavras, ela não tem nada a ver com a moralidade. Nesta medida, apresentaremos a crítica de Schopenhauer ao formalismo da moral kantiana. O filósofo recusa a distinção kantiana entre razão prática e razão teórica, pois, na sua visão, a razão não é uma faculdade do incondicionado, ou seja, ela não pode emitir leis puras para conduzir as ações humanas. Na concepção de Schopenhauer, o imperativo categórico não tem poder para fundamentar a moral, pois este, no seu entender, se apoia em meros conceitos abstratos e vazios de conteúdo. À diferença de Kant, o filósofo sustenta que a moral precisa ter uma base empírica.