bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Doppler‐Derived Renal Venous Stasis Index in the Prognosis of Right Heart Failure
Authors: Husain‐Syed Faeq , Birk Horst‐Walter , Ronco Claudio , Schörmann Tanja , Tello Khodr , Richter Manuel J. , Wilhelm Jochen , Sommer Natascha , Steyerberg Ewout , Bauer Pascal , Walmrath Hans‐Dieter , Seeger Werner , McCullough Peter A. , Gall Henning , Ghofrani H. Ardeschir 
Published: October 2019

Background
Persistent congestion with deteriorating renal function is an important cause of adverse outcomes in heart failure. We aimed to characterize new approaches to evaluate renal congestion using Doppler ultrasonography.

Methods and Results

We enrolled 205 patients with suspected or prediagnosed pulmonary hypertension (
PH
) undergoing right heart catheterization. Patients underwent renal Doppler ultrasonography and assessment of invasive cardiopulmonary hemodynamics, echocardiography, renal function, intra‐abdominal pressure, and neurohormones and hydration status. Four spectral Doppler intrarenal venous flow patterns and a novel renal venous stasis index (
RVSI
) were defined. We evaluated
PH
‐related morbidity using the Cox proportional hazards model for the composite end point of
PH
progression (hospitalization for worsening
PH
, lung transplantation, or
PH
‐specific therapy escalation) and all‐cause mortality for 1‐year after discharge. The prognostic utility of
RVSI
and intrarenal venous flow patterns was compared using receiver operating characteristic curves.
RVSI
increased in a graded fashion across increasing severity of intrarenal venous flow patterns (
P
<0.0001) and was significantly associated with right heart and renal function, intra‐abdominal pressure, and neurohormonal and hydration status. During follow‐up, the morbidity/mortality end point occurred in 91 patients and was independently predicted by
RVSI
(
RVSI
in the third tertile versus referent: hazard ratio: 4.72 [95% CI, 2.10–10.59;
P
<0.0001]). Receiver operating characteristic curves suggested superiority of
RVSI
to individual intrarenal venous flow patterns in predicting outcome (areas under the curve: 0.789 and 0.761, respectively;
P
=0.038).

Conclusions

We propose
RVSI
as a conceptually new and integrative Doppler index of renal congestion.
RVSI
provides additional prognostic information to stratify
PH
for the propensity to develop right heart failure.

Clinical Trial Registration

URL
:
https://www.clinicaltrials.gov/
. Unique identifier:
NCT
03039959.
Making Space for Politics: the Gift of Public Theology in the Work of John Webster
Authors: Brash Richard 
Published: October 2019

Abstract
The theologian John Webster (d. 2016) is sometimes criticized for having little to say about politics. This article seeks to demonstrate how Webster furnishes a set of conceptual resources that provide the theological and anthropological bases for a Christian public theology, as well as the rationale for the sort of moral reasoning that will give involvement in politics its appropriate shape and content. Webster understands humanity theologically, as creatures of God. The consequence of this position means we must appreciate the (protological and eschatological) givenness of our situation, rejecting the possibility of secular space, and accepting our teleologically-oriented vocation. Webster’s theological anthropology constitutes an indirect challenge, and a clear—and ultimately more compelling—alternative to the political liberalism proposed by John Rawls.
Conquering Megalomania and Despair: a Niebuhrian Response to the Politico-Economic Impasse
Authors: Ossewaarde-Lowtoo Roshnee 
Published: October 2019

Abstract
The works of Reinhold Niebuhr contain invaluable examples of how Christian resources can be fruitfully exploited to address urgent economic and political issues. The ideas of sin and continuous redemption, which arguably belong to the core of the Christian faith, are creatively translated by Niebuhr, so that they can be included in public debates and interdisciplinary dialogues. In this article, his conception of sin as the perversion of the will-to-live into the will-to-power is endorsed. Its counterforce, it is argued, is human love infused with divine love. Love is, therefore, not a simple possibility, which can be applied to our economic and political problems. Instead, it is the impossible possibility, the ultimate and critical perspective from which prevailing forms of justice and philanthropy are judged. Through the public theology of Niebuhr, the ideal of love becomes a universally valid alternative to the rationalist and naturalist approaches to human morality.
Multisensory Analysis of Consumer–Product Interaction During Ceramic Tile Shopping Experiences
Authors: Artacho Miguel Ángel , Alcántara Enrique , Martínez Natividad 
Published: October 2019

Abstract
The need to design products that engage several senses has being increasingly recognised by design and marketing professionals. Many works analyse the impact of sensory stimuli on the hedonic, cognitive, and emotional responses of consumers, as well as on their satisfaction and intention to purchase. However, there is much less information about the utilitarian dimension related to a sensory non-reflective analysis of the tangible elements of the experience, the sequential role played by different senses, and their relative importance. This work analyses the sensorial dimension of consumer interactions in shops. Consumers were filmed in two ceramic tile shops and their behaviour was analysed according to a previously validated checklist. Sequence of actions, their frequency of occurrence, and the duration of inspections were recorded, and consumers were classified according to their sensory exploration strategies. Results show that inspection patterns are intentional but shifting throughout the interaction. Considering the whole sequence, vision is the dominant sense followed by touch. However, sensory dominance varies throughout the sequence. The dominance differences appear between all senses and within the senses of vision, touch and audition. Cluster analysis classified consumers into two groups, those who were more interactive and those who were visual and passive evaluators. These results are very important for understanding consumer interaction patterns, which senses are involved (including their importance and hierarchy), and which sensory properties of tiles are evaluated during the shopping experience. Moreover, this information is crucial for setting design guidelines to improve sensory interactions and bridge sensory demands with product features.
China’s Military and the Belt and Road Initiative: a View from the Outside
Authors: Andresen Joshua 
Published: October 2019

Abstract
China’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) is the largest investment in global infrastructure of all time, easily outpacing the United States’ Marshall Plan following World War II. Despite the BRI’s aspirations, it has been called into question from an increasing range of perspectives. This article focuses on security questions raised from the American perspective. By placing the BRI in historical and global perspective, I will critically evaluate the questions raised by American observers in order to separate the concerns we should take seriously from those that are overblown. The Belt and Road initiative and accompanying military buildup have been heralded as a fundamental change in the global order. Whether that is the case, of course, remains to be seen. What is certain, however, is that the balance of regional economic and military power is undergoing a dramatic change.
India’s Approach to China’s Belt and Road Initiative—Opportunities and Concerns
Authors: Sharma Mala 
Published: October 2019

Abstract
China’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) as a geoeconomic vision and geopolitical strategy is closely watched and scrutinised by Indian economists, diplomats, and strategists. Perspectives on India’s approach to the BRI can broadly be classified into three—the optimist, the sceptic and the cautionary. Whereas, economists generally appear optimistic, there is a sense of uneasiness within India’s strategic community that the BRI represents much more than China’s ambition to emerge as an economic leader in the region. This article argues that India’s approach to the BRI has largely been pragmatic, cautious and complex. Accordingly, India has taken an atomistic approach to the various components of the BRI depending on its security and economic needs, which explains why on the one hand India has become increasingly receptive of the Bangladesh-China-India-Myanmar Economic Corridor (BCIM EC) and on the other continues to publicly oppose the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC).
The Changing Perspectives of Chinese Law: Socialist Rule of Law, Emerging Case Law and the Belt and Road Initiative
Authors: Xu Lu 
Published: October 2019

Abstract
This article identifies and clarifies some of the miscommunication between Chinese and English in the discussion of rule of law or rule by law. “Rule by law” is not a concept readily understandable by a Chinese audience because there is no acceptable translation or equivalent in Chinese. At the same time, the historical and contextual significance of the different denotations of “rule of law” in Chinese is often overlooked in an English-speaking environment. Meanwhile, the abstraction in critical examination of Chinese law often masks significant changes taking place in China’s construction of a “socialist rule of law with Chinese characteristics”, such as the emergence of a system of case law. The different components and aspects of such a system, ranging from the guidance cases system published by the Supreme People’s Court, to the largest database of judicial decisions in the world, and the newly established China International Commercial Court under the Belt and Road Initiative could fundamentally alter and structure, nature and principles of Chinese law as we know it.
Women and the Second World War
Authors: Dawson Sandra Trudgen 
Published: October 2019

The Second World War in Europe continues to captivate the attention of scholars and the general public even as the generation that lived through and fought in the war passes. The military and political histories of the war reveal the contribution of the men who fought as well as the men who led. Less attention has been directed to the experiences of women during the conflict who also served alongside the men in the military as nurses or auxiliaries, or as wives of spies. The articles in this special issue illustrate some of the hidden roles and choices women made during the conflict despite additional hurdles created by racism, and gender expectations.
Factors influencing orthodontic treatment outcome in South East Wales and implications for service commissioning
Authors: Quach Stacey , Popat Hashmat , Karki Anup , Playle Rebecca , Richmond Stephen 
Published: October 2019

Aim: To determine factors that may influence the outcome of orthodontic treatment undertaken in General Dental Services/Personal Dental Services in South East Wales. Design and setting: A retrospective study of a requested 20 consecutively treated cases (for the year 2014–2015) provided by 26 performers in South East Wales. Method: Performer and patient information was obtained by use of a questionnaire and FP17OW forms, respectively. A calibrated investigator recorded the Index of Orthodontic Treatment Need (IOTN), Peer Assessment Rating (PAR) and the Index of Complexity, Outcome and Need (ICON) on start- and end-study models for each case. Descriptive and regression analyses were undertaken to identify any predictive factors of a good treatment outcome. Results: Two respondents completed < 20 cases, so all of their cases were assessed. A total of 495 cases were assessed. The overall achieved mean end-PAR score of 5 is collectively a good occlusal outcome. Predictive factors of a good quality of occlusal outcome (end-PAR score being ⩽ 5) were: dual arch treatment; use of functional with fixed appliances; treatment undertaken in non-corporate practices; and treatment undertaken by registered specialists ( P < 0.001). Predictive factors for occlusal improvement (change in PAR score) were: IOTN aesthetic component (AC); IOTN dental health component (DHC) (1–3 or 4–5); and number of arches treated and malocclusion type ( P < 0.001). Conclusions: Dual arch fixed appliances undertaken by orthodontic specialists in non-corporate environments produced the highest quality orthodontic outcomes. Those who have the highest need for treatment according to IOTN DHC and AC benefit most in terms of improvement achieved in PAR score.
Increased expression of kynurenine aminotransferases mRNA in lymphocytes of patients with inflammatory bowel disease
Authors: Dudzińska Ewa , Szymona Kinga , Kloc Renata , Gil-Kulik Paulina , Kocki Tomasz , Świstowska Małgorzata , Bogucki Jacek , Kocki Janusz , Urbanska Ewa M. 
Published: October 2019

Background: Complex interaction of genetic defects with environmental factors seems to play a substantial role in the pathogenesis of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Accumulating data implicate a potential role of disturbed tryptophan metabolism in IBD. Kynurenic acid (KYNA), a derivative of tryptophan (TRP) along the kynurenine (KYN) pathway, displays cytoprotective and immunomodulating properties, whereas 3-OH-KYN is a cytotoxic compound, generating free radicals. Methods: The expression of lymphocytic mRNA encoding enzymes synthesizing KYNA (KAT I–III) and serum levels of TRP and its metabolites were evaluated in 55 patients with IBD, during remission or relapse [27 patients with ulcerative colitis (UC) and 28 patients with Crohn’s disease (CD)] and in 50 control individuals. Results: The increased expression of KAT1 and KAT3 mRNA characterized the entire cohorts of patients with UC and CD, as well as relapse–remission subsets. Expression of KAT2 mRNA was enhanced in patients with UC and in patients with CD in remission. In the entire cohorts of UC or CD, TRP levels were lower, whereas KYN, KYNA and 3-OH-KYN were not altered. When analysed in subsets of patients with UC and CD (active phase–remission), KYNA level was significantly lower during remission than relapse, yet not versus control. Functionally, in the whole groups of patients with UC or CD, the TRP/KYN ratio has been lower than control, whereas KYN/KYNA and KYNA/3-OH-KYN ratios were not altered. The ratio KYN/3-OH-KYN increased approximately two-fold among all patients with CD; furthermore, patients with CD with relapse, manifested a significantly higher KYNA/3-OH-KYN ratio than patients in remission. Conclusion: The presented data indicate that IBD is associated with an enhanced expression of genes encoding KYNA biosynthetic enzymes in lymphocytes; however, additional mechanisms appear to influence KYNA levels. Higher metabolic conversion of serum TRP in IBD seems to be followed by the functional shift of KYN pathway towards the arm producing KYNA during exacerbation. We propose that KYNA, possibly via interaction with aryl hydrocarbon receptor or G-protein-coupled orphan receptor 35, may serve as a counter-regulatory mechanism, decreasing cytotoxicity and inflammation in IBD. Further longitudinal studies evaluating the individual dynamics of TRP and KYN pathway in patients with IBD, as well as the nature of precise mechanisms regulating KYNA synthesis, should be helpful in better understanding the processes underlying the observed changes.
Influence of pulsive pressure waves on liquid penetration into wood in semi-opened container
Authors: Tanaka Soichi , Seki Masako , Miki Tsunehisa , Umemura Kenji , Kanayama Kozo 
Published: October 2019

Abstract
The purpose of this paper was to confirm the influence of pulsive pressure waves on the liquid penetration into wood in the semi-opened container. Wood block sample was irradiated by the pulsive pressure waves in the semi-opened container filled with water used as a liquid. The irradiation was also performed in the closed container for the comparison. The water penetration into the sample was promoted by the pressure-wave irradiation. There was little difference in the degree of the penetration between the closed and the semi-opened containers. It was presumed from the measured hydraulic pressure that the pressure-wave energy irradiated on the sample in the closed container was higher than that in the semi-opened container. It was also presumed that the cavitation generation was promoted in the semi-opened container. This indicates that the cavitation as well as the pressure waves themselves affected the liquid penetration into wood. The compressive deformation of the sample irradiated in the semi-opened container was slightly smaller than that in the closed container. This indicates that the pulsive pressure-wave irradiation in the semi-opened container promoted the liquid penetration into wood with less compressive deformation.
Evaluation of the performance of register data as indicators for dairy herds with high lameness prevalence
Authors: Otten Nina Dam , Toft Nils , Thomsen Peter Thorup , Houe Hans 
Published: October 2019

AbstractBackgroundThe modern dairy industry routinely generates data on production and disease. Therefore, the use of these cheap and at times even “free” data to predict a given state of welfare in a cost-effective manner is evaluated in the present study. Such register data could potentially be used in the identification of herds at risk of having animal welfare problems. The present study evaluated the diagnostic performance of four routinely registered indicators for identifying herds with high lameness prevalence among 40 Danish dairy herds. Indicators were extracted as within-herd annual means for a one-year period for cow mortality, bulk milk somatic cell count, proportion of lean cows at slaughter and the standard deviation (SD) of age at first calving. The target condition “high lameness prevalence” was defined as a within-herd prevalence of lame cows of  ≥ 16% (third quartile). Diagnostic performance was evaluated by constructing and analysing Receiver Operating Characteristic curves and their area under the curve (AUC) for single indicators and indicator combinations. Sensitivity (Se) and specificity (Sp) of the indicators were assessed at the optimal cut-off based on data and compared to a set of predefined cut-off levels (national annual means or 90-percentile).ResultsCow mortality had the highest AUC (0.76), while adding the three other indicators to the model did not yield significant increase in AUC. Cow mortality and SD of age at first calving had highest Se (100%, 95% confidence interval (CI): 72–100%), while highest Sp was found for the proportion of lean cows at slaughter (83%, 95% CI: 66–93%). The highest differential positive rate (DPR = 0.53) optimizing both Se and Sp was found for cow mortality. Optimal cut-off points were lower than the presently used pre-defined cut-offs.ConclusionsThe selected register-based indicators proved to be able to identify herds with high lameness prevalences. Optimized cut-offs improved the predictive ability and should therefore be preferred in official control schemes.
Assessment of cervical cancer services and cervical cancer related knowledge of health service providers in public health facilities in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
Authors: Getahun Firdawek , Addissie Adamu , Negash Shiferaw , Gebremichael Gebrekiros 
Published: October 2019

Abstract

Objective
To assess cervical cancer services and knowledge of health service providers in public health facilities.

Result
Two of the three hospitals had cervical cancer screening services. One-third of the hospital had cervical cancer diagnosis service punch biopsy and cervical cancer treatment. Majority, 289 (93.5%) of study participants said cervical cancer was a preventable disease. Having multiple sexual partners 257 (83.2%) and post coital bleeding 251 (81.2%), were the most mentioned risk factor and clinical manifestation of cervical cancer respectively. Majority of the participants were aware of the correct time to start screening 291 (70.5%), and only 95 (25.9%) knew the screening intervals. Overall, 165 (53.4%) of health providers scored below the mean knowledge level score. Females had better knowledge about cervical cancer than males (X2 = 8.4, P = 0.003).
Codon harmonization reduces amino acid misincorporation in bacterially expressed P. falciparum proteins and improves their immunogenicity
Authors: Punde Neeraja , Kooken Jennifer , Leary Dagmar , Legler Patricia M. , Angov Evelina 
Published: October 2019

Abstract
Codon usage frequency influences protein structure and function. The frequency with which codons are used potentially impacts primary, secondary and tertiary protein structure. Poor expression, loss of function, insolubility, or truncation can result from species-specific differences in codon usage. “Codon harmonization” more closely aligns native codon usage frequencies with those of the expression host particularly within putative inter-domain segments where slower rates of translation may play a role in protein folding. Heterologous expression of Plasmodium falciparum genes in Escherichia coli has been a challenge due to their AT-rich codon bias and the highly repetitive DNA sequences. Here, codon harmonization was applied to the malarial antigen, CelTOS (Cell-traversal protein for ookinetes and sporozoites). CelTOS is a highly conserved P. falciparum protein involved in cellular traversal through mosquito and vertebrate host cells. It reversibly refolds after thermal denaturation making it a desirable malarial vaccine candidate. Protein expressed in E. coli from a codon harmonized sequence of P. falciparum CelTOS (CH-PfCelTOS) was compared with protein expressed from the native codon sequence (N-PfCelTOS) to assess the impact of codon usage on protein expression levels, solubility, yield, stability, structural integrity, recognition with CelTOS-specific mAbs and immunogenicity in mice. While the translated proteins were expected to be identical, the translated products produced from the codon-harmonized sequence differed in helical content and showed a smaller distribution of polypeptides in mass spectra indicating lower heterogeneity of the codon harmonized version and fewer amino acid misincorporations. Substitutions of hydrophobic-to-hydrophobic amino acid were observed more commonly than any other. CH-PfCelTOS induced significantly higher antibody levels compared with N-PfCelTOS; however, no significant differences in either IFN-γ or IL-4 cellular responses were detected between the two antigens.
FLOWERING HTH1 is involved in CONSTANS-mediated flowering regulation in Arabidopsis
Authors: Sim Soon Ae , Woo Su Gyeong , Hwang Dae Yeon , Kim Jin-Hong , Lee Seung Sik , Lim Chae Oh , Hong Jong Chan , Song Young Hun 
Published: October 2019

AbstractFlowering at the right time is essential for maximum reproductive fitness. InArabidopsis thaliana, the CONSTANS (CO) protein facilitates the transition from the vegetative phase to the reproductive phase under long-day conditions. The formation of heterodimeric complexes between CO and DNA binding domain-containing transcription factors is important for the induction of day length-dependent flowering. Here, we report a myb-like helix turn helix (HTH) transcriptional regulator family protein as a new modulator of floral transition, which we have named FLOWERING HTH1 (FHTH1). We isolated FHTH1 as a CO-interacting protein by a yeast two-hybrid screen using anArabidopsistranscription factor library. Our analysis showed that FHTH1 presented in the nucleus and the FHTH1-CO complex was formed in the same subcellular location. We also observed the expression of aFHTH1:GUSconstruct in the leaf vasculature, where CO exists. Transgenic plants overexpressing FHTH1 fused with the plant-specific repression domain SRDX showed a delayed flowering phenotype in long days, resembling the phenotype of thecomutant. Our results suggest that FHTH1 may contribute to CO-mediated photoperiodic flowering regulation.