bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Tools and Methods for Performance Evaluation of RDBMS Applications
Authors: Rumpler Béatrice , Polo Mario , Razafimandimby Benjamin 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
The goal of our research is to predict performance of applications using ORACLE RDBMS and then to propose tools to optimize performance.
The performance we are interesting in, is the performance as perceived by users. We then specially study user’s transactions response time.
Our method is based on measurement, and the first step was to measure performance on existing applications using ORACLE RDBMS. We have developed several software tools:
- user simulator
- application generator
- workload application generator
- measurement tools to measure user transactions response time and system activity during a transaction execution.
The second step consisted in data collection and data analysis of measures. The data analysis, based on statistic methods, has permitted to extract the most influent factors and to understand how they can enhance applications performance (Rumpler and Polo, 1993).
We are now able to present the most part of these results.
The last step will consist in building the rules of an expert system for configuration and tuning assistance of ORACLE RDBMS applications. We also analyse the impact of operating system (UNIX) parameters on performance, and these information will complete our expert system possibilities.
The present paper will describe precisely this research with tools developed, methods used, and results.
A Practical Methodology to Automate Routine and Data Intensive Design Activities
Authors: Rangan Ravi M. , Maddux Kenneth , Duwe William 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
Many engineering enterprises are involved in routine design operations. Routine design, in such cases, is concerned with varying the size and/or configuration of the chosen system using established solution principles, i.e. no new solution principles are introduced. However, in most engineering environments that deliver custom products to customers, the processes followed in ensuring that these routine designs are viable, are dependent on complex interactions within the organization. For example, customer delivery requirements may dictate material selection based on timely availability and scheduling logistics, manufacturability, adherence to codes and standards and test procedures, in addition to technical design issues such as stress and fit calculations.
This paper explores a practical and generic approach to help understand the design process, and then to subsequently prioritize the appropriate automation potential from a business standpoint. Using a structured methodology that equally emphasizes business process modeling, design process modeling, information modeling and final process implementation, the engineering enterprise is able to identify a technical focus area and an associated implementation plan. Upon identifying the technical focus, structured methodologies are again applied to develop and implement the design automation function.
We illustrate this methodology using, as an example, a production-level automation capability that was developed within the framework of routine design operations at TDW, a designer and manufacturer of pipeline fittings, a company that services the major oil, gas and utilities companies. The complete program was carried out over a two year period and the company has successfully reduced the tedious manual design process of complex pressure vessel systems to a streamlined automated process that has resulted in vast improvements in time to market, product quality and consistency, and significantly shorter design cycle times.
This automated system was developed on the UNIX platform, and integrates TDW proprietary algorithms and rules with SDRC’s I-DEAS (SDRC, 1994), a geometric modeling system, ORACLE (ORACLE, 1992), a database management system, and KES (KES, 1988), a commercial expert system shell.
Twelve-month outcomes of ranibizumab versus aflibercept for macular oedema in branch retinal vein occlusion: data from the FRB! registry
Authors: Hunt Adrian R , Nguyen Vuong , Creuzot-Garcher Catherine P , Alforja Socorro , Gabrielle Pierre-Henry , Zarranz-Ventura Javier , Guillemin Martin , Fraser-Bell Samantha , Casaroli Marano Ricardo P , Arnold Jennifer , McAllister Ian L , O'Toole Louise , Gillies Mark C , Barthelmes Daniel , Mehta Hemal 
Published: March 2021

Background/AimsTo compare the efficacy of ranibizumab (0.5 mg) with aflibercept (2 mg) in the treatment of cystoid macular oedema due to branch retinal vein occlusion (BRVO) over 12 months.MethodsA multicentre, international, database observational study recruited 322 eyes initiating therapy in real-world practice over 5 years. The main outcome measure was mean change in EDTRS letter scores of visual acuity (VA). Secondary outcomes included anatomic outcomes, percentage of eyes with VA >6/12 (70 letters), number of injections and visits, time to first inactivity, switching or non-completion.ResultsGeneralised mixed effect models demonstrated that mean (95% CI) adjusted 12-month VA changes for ranibizumab and aflibercept were similar (+10.8 (8.2 to 13.4) vs +10.9 (8.3 to 13.5) letters, respectively, p=0.59). The mean adjusted change in central subfield thickness (CST) was greater for aflibercept than ranibizumab (−170 (−153 to –187) µm vs −147 (−130 to –164) µm, respectively, p=0.001). The overall median (Q1, Q3) of 7 (4, 8) injections and 9 (7, 11) visits was similar between treatment groups. First grading of inactivity occurred sooner with aflibercept (p=0.01). Switching was more common from ranibizumab (37 eyes, 23%) than from aflibercept (17 eyes, 11%; p=0.002).ConclusionVisual outcomes at 12 months in this direct comparison of ranibizumab and aflibercept for BRVO in real-world practice were generally good and similar for the 2 drugs, despite a greater effect of aflibercept on CST and time to first grading of inactivity.
Treatment approach and survival from glioblastoma: results from a population-based retrospective cohort study from Western Norway
Authors: Bjorland Line Sagerup , Fluge Oystein , Gilje Bjornar , Mahesparan Rupavathana , Farbu Elisabeth 
Published: March 2021

ObjectivesTo evaluate treatment and survival from glioblastoma in a real-world setting.Design and settingsA population-based retrospective cohort study from Western Norway.Participants363 patients aged 18 years or older diagnosed with glioblastoma between 1 January 2007 and 31 December 2014.Primary and secondary outcome measuresOverall survival and survival rates determined by Kaplan-Meier method, groups compared by log-rank test. Associations between clinical characteristics and treatment approach assessed by logistic regression. Associations between treatment approach and outcome analysed by Cox regression.ResultsMedian overall survival was 10.2 months (95% CI 9.1 to 11.3). Resection was performed in 221 patients (60.9%), and was inversely associated with age over 70 years, higher comorbidity burden, deep-seated tumour localisation and multifocality. Median survival was 13.7 months (95% CI 12.1 to 15.4) in patients undergoing tumour resection, 8.3 months (95% CI 6.6 to 9.9) in patients undergoing biopsy and 4.5 months (95% CI 4.0 to 5.1) in patients where no surgical intervention was performed. Chemoradiotherapy according to the Stupp protocol was given to 157 patients (43%). Age over 70 years, higher comorbidity burden and cognitive impairment were associated with less intensive chemoradiotherapy. Median survival was 16.3 months (95% CI 14.1 to 18.5), 7.9 months (95% CI 6.7 to 9.0) and 2.0 months (95% CI 0.9 to 3.2) in patients treated according to the Stupp protocol, with less intensive chemoradiotherapy and with best supportive care, respectively. Surgical resection (HR 0.61 (95% CI 0.47 to 0.79)) and chemoradiotherapy according to the Stupp protocol (HR 0.09 (95% CI 0.06 to 0.15)) were strongly associated with favourable overall survival, when adjusted for clinical variables.ConclusionsIn a real-world setting, less than half of the patients received full-course chemoradiotherapy, with a median survival comparable to results from clinical trials. Survival was considerably worse in patients receiving less intensive treatment. Our results point out a substantial risk of undertreating glioblastoma, especially in elderly patients.
Long-term serological, virological and histological responses to RNA inhibition by ARC-520 in Chinese chronic hepatitis B patients on entecavir treatment
Authors: Yuen Man-Fung , Wong Danny Ka-Ho , Schluep Thomas , Lai Ching-Lung , Ferrari Carlo , Locarnini Stephen , Lo Regina Cheuk-Lam , Gish Robert G , Hamilton James , Wooddell Christine I , Mak Lung Yi , Given Bruce D 
Published: March 2021

ObjectiveWe examined the serological, virological (in serum and liver) and histological profiles in chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) patients during and after completion of multiple dose (MD) ARC-520.DesignThe present phase 1b study was a multidose, open-label extension cohort of patients that had received single dose ARC-520 in our previous study. Eight patients received 4–9 4 weekly doses of MD ARC-520 and entecavir. Liver biopsies were performed in six patients. Intrahepatic and serum HBV DNA, HBV RNA and viral antigens were measured.ResultsAll patients had 28.9–30.4 months of follow-up after the last MD. All three hepatitis B e antigen (HBeAg)-positive patients had profound reductions in hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg), HBeAg, hepatitis B core-related antigen and HBV RNA with two undergoing HBeAg seroconversion. One further achieved HBsAg seroconversion (anti-HBs level of 25.1 IU/L) and the remaining two had HBsAg reductions of −1.7 and −3.5 log IU/mL >30 months after MD. Among the five HBeAg-negative patients, four had modest HBsAg reduction >29 months after completion of MD and one achieved HBsAg seroconversion (anti-HBs level of 152.5 IU/L) and was negative for liver HBsAg staining. Entecavir was successfully stopped in this patient 12 months after HBsAg seroconversion. Temporally related alanine aminotransferase elevations preceded by HBsAg reductions were observed in three patients suggesting immune activation. HBcAg staining was negative in all six biopsied patients. Two patients with <10% HBsAg positive staining of hepatocytes had correspondingly low serum HBsAg levels of 1.5 and 11.5 IU/mL.ConclusionsMD ARC-520 therapy achieved sustained and profound reductions of viral antigens and HBV RNA. HBsAg seroclearance was achievable.Trial registration numberNCT02065336.
Role of extracellular vesicles in chronic lung disease
Authors: Trappe Anne , Donnelly Seamas C , McNally Paul , Coppinger Judith A 
Published: March 2021

To explore the role of extracellular vesicles (EVs) in chronic lung diseases.EVs are emerging as mediators of intercellular communication and possible diagnostic markers of disease. EVs harbour cargo molecules including RNA, lipids and proteins that they transfer to recipient cells. EVs are intercellular communicators within the lung microenvironment. Due to their disease-specific cargoes, EVs have the promise to be all-in-one complex multimodal biomarkers. EVs also have potential as drug carriers in chronic lung disease.Descriptive discussion of key studies of EVs as contributors to disease pathology, as biomarkers and as potential therapies with a focus on chronic obstructive pulmonary disorder (COPD), cystic fibrosis (CF), asthma, idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis and lung cancer.We provide a broad overview of the roles of EV in chronic respiratory disease. Recent advances in profiling EVs have shown their potential as biomarker candidates. Further studies have provided insight into their disease pathology, particularly in inflammatory processes across a spectrum of lung diseases. EVs are on the horizon as new modes of drug delivery and as therapies themselves in cell-based therapeutics.EVs are relatively untapped sources of information in the clinic that can help further detail the full translational nature of chronic lung disorders.
Hammerfest Basin Composite Tectono-Sedimentary Element, Barents Sea
Authors: Henriksen Erik , Kvamme Leif , Rydningen Tom Arne 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
The Hammerfest Basin is an east–west-trending graben located between the Loppa High and the Finnmark Platform in the southern part of the Norwegian Barents Sea. Mainly siliciclastic strata of Carboniferous–Cenozoic age cover the Caledonian basement and have a total estimated thickness of 5–8 km. The basin evolved through several tectonic phases: Carboniferous rifting, Late Jurassic rifting, opening of the Atlantic Ocean, Oligocene reorganization of plate movements and post-glacial isostatic rebound. An east–west-trending dome in the centre of the basin developed during the main extensional tectonic event in the Late Jurassic. Horst structures represent the main hydrocarbon traps. Erosional channels on the flanks of the basin represent entry points for Lower Cretaceous sands. For the rest of the Cretaceous and Cenozoic intervals, no significant reservoir sands are expected.
The first exploration well in the Barents Sea in 1980 was located in the Hammerfest Basin and by 2019 a total of 45 wells had been drilled in the basin, with 34 classified as exploration wells. The result is 18 oil and gas discoveries, which gives a discovery rate of 53%. Two fields are now in production: the Snøhvit gas-condensate fields and the Goliat oilfield.

A total of 340 Msm
3
(2140 Mbbl) recoverable oil equivalents have been discovered. For the middle Jurassic play, the yet-to-find potential may be around 50 Msm
3
, distributed in several small structures in the basin. Following the oil discovery in the Middle Triassic interval in the Goliat structure, and because several of the previously drilled structures only penetrated the Jurassic and the uppermost Triassic section, considerable exploration potential may exist in the deeper Triassic interval in structures with the best reservoir facies. Stratigraphic traps of Cretaceous age may have a moderate petroleum potential, with excellent reservoirs encountered along the flank of the basin. Exploration potential may also exist in Upper Permian sandstones along the southern and eastern flanks of the basin. However, in large parts of the basin, the remaining potential is in the deep structures and, hence, is gas prone.
Abstract P21: Saliva as a testing specimen with or without pooling for SARS-CoV-2 detection by multiplex RT-PCR test
Authors: Sun Qing , Li Jonathan , Ren Hui , Pastor Larry , Loginova Yulia , Wong Joseph , Zhang Zhao , Zhang Aiguo , Lu Chuanyi Mark , Sha Michael 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
Objectives Sensitive and high throughput molecular testing availability is essential during the COVID-19 pandemic. The vast majority of the SARS-CoV-2 molecular assays use nasopharyngeal or oropharyngeal swab specimens collected from suspected individuals. However, collecting these specimens has apparent drawbacks, including discomfort to patients and exposure risk to healthcare workers. Methods We developed and validated of QuantiVirus™ SARS-CoV-2 multiplex test using saliva as the testing specimens with pooling. Results The analytical sensitivity (LOD) was confirmed to be 100-200 copies/mL. For clinical evaluation, 85 known positive and 90 knowns negative NPS specimens were showed a positive predictive agreement of 100% and a negative predictive agreement of 98.9%. Twenty paired NPS and saliva samples were tested and showed overall 80% concordance rate without significant difference between NPS and saliva specimens by Wilcoxon signed-rank test (p=0.13). On a large scale of saliva-based population screening, the positive test rate was 1.79% among 389 saliva specimens. Furthermore, saliva sample pooling up to 6 samples for SARS-CoV-2 detection is feasible with sensitivity of 94.8% and specificity of 100%. Conclusions These results demonstrated that the clinical performance of saliva-based testing is comparable to that of NPS-based testing, and that pooling of saliva specimens for SARS-CoV-2 detection is feasible.
Citation Format: Qing Sun, Jonathan Li, Hui Ren, Larry Pastor, Yulia Loginova, Joseph Wong, Zhao Zhang, Aiguo Zhang, Chuanyi Mark Lu, Michael Sha. Saliva as a testing specimen with or without pooling for SARS-CoV-2 detection by multiplex RT-PCR test [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the AACR Virtual Meeting: COVID-19 and Cancer; 2021 Feb 3-5. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Clin Cancer Res 2021;27(6_Suppl):Abstract nr P21.
Abstract P27: Effect of paclitaxel in gefitinib-resistant non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) treatment during the COVID-19 pandemic
Authors: Mohiuddin Md , Kasahara Kazuo 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
Background: For cancer patients' treatment, coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) poses a great challenge. COVID-19 presents as a severe respiratory infection in aging individuals, including patients with lung cancer. COVID-19 may be linked to the progression of aggressive lung cancer. Conversely, chemotherapy's side effects, such as chemotherapy resistance, acceleration of cellular senescence, could worsen COVID-19. Considering the above-mentioned facts, our present work was aimed to investigate the role of paclitaxel (a chemotherapy drug) in cell proliferation, apoptosis, and cellular senescence of gefitinib-resistant NSCLC cells (PC9-MET) and reveal the underlying mechanisms. Methods: PC9-MET cells were treated with paclitaxel for 72 h and then evaluated by cell viability assay, DAPI staining, Giemsa staining, apoptosis assay, ROS assay, SA-β-Gal staining, TUNEL assay and western blotting. Results: Our results revealed that paclitaxel significantly reduced the viability of PC9-MET cells and induced morphological signs of apoptosis. The apoptotic effects of paclitaxel were observed by increased levels of cleaved caspase-3, cleaved caspase-9 and cleaved PARP. Additionally, paclitaxel increased ROS production, leading to DNA damage. Importantly, paclitaxel eliminated cellular senescence, which was observed by SA-β-Gal staining. Conclusion: In light of these findings, paclitaxel could be a promising anticancer drug and could offer a new therapeutic strategy for gefitinib-resistant non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Citation Format: Md Mohiuddin, Kazuo Kasahara. Effect of paclitaxel in gefitinib-resistant non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) treatment during the COVID-19 pandemic [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the AACR Virtual Meeting: COVID-19 and Cancer; 2021 Feb 3-5. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Clin Cancer Res 2021;27(6_Suppl):Abstract nr P27.
Abstract P32: Inequalities in the decline and recovery of pathological cancer diagnoses during the first six months of the COVID-19 pandemic: A population-based study
Authors: Hamilton Ashleigh C. , Donnelly David W. , Loughrey Maurice B. , Turkington Richard C. , Fox Colin , Fitzpatrick Deirdre , O'Neill Ciaran E. , Gavin Anna T. , Coleman Helen G. 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
Introduction: The aim of this study was to evaluate the impact of COVID-19 on pathological diagnoses of cancer in Northern Ireland, and assess potential inequalities across subgroups of the population. Methods: Data from the four Northern Ireland pathology labs were used to assess trends in pathological cancer diagnoses from 1st March to 12th September 2020 overall and by cancer site, gender and age. These trends were compared to the same timeframe from 2017-2019. Results: Between 1st March and 12th September 2020 there was a 23% reduction in cancer diagnoses compared to the same time period in the preceding three years. Although some recovery occurred in August and September 2020, this revealed inequalities across certain patient groups. Pathological diagnoses of lung, prostate and gynaecological malignancies remained well below pre-pandemic levels. Males and younger/middle-aged adults, particularly the 50-59 year old patient group, also lagged behind other population demographic groups in terms of returning to expected numbers of pathological cancer diagnoses. Conclusions: There is a critical need to protect cancer diagnostic services in the ongoing pandemic to facilitate timely investigation of potential cancer cases. Targeted public health campaigns may be needed to reduce emerging inequalities in cancer diagnoses as the COVID-19 pandemic continues.
Citation Format: Ashleigh C. Hamilton, David W. Donnelly, Maurice B. Loughrey, Richard C. Turkington, Colin Fox, Deirdre Fitzpatrick, Ciaran E. O'Neill, Anna T. Gavin, Helen G. Coleman. Inequalities in the decline and recovery of pathological cancer diagnoses during the first six months of the COVID-19 pandemic: A population-based study [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the AACR Virtual Meeting: COVID-19 and Cancer; 2021 Feb 3-5. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Clin Cancer Res 2021;27(6_Suppl):Abstract nr P32.
Obesity and Outcomes Following Cardiogenic Shock Requiring Acute Mechanical Circulatory Support
Authors: Sreenivasan Jayakumar , Khan Muhammad Shahzeb , Sharedalal Parija , Hooda Urvashi , Fudim Marat , Demmer Ryan T. , Yuzefpolskaya Melana , Ahmad Hasan , Khan Sadiya S. , Lanier Gregg M. , Colombo Paolo C. , Rich Jonathan D. 
Published: March 2021

Background:
The association of obesity on outcomes in patients with cardiogenic shock requiring acute mechanical circulatory support has not been thoroughly investigated.

Methods:

We evaluated the National Readmission Database for adults with either acute myocardial infarction or heart failure complicated by cardiogenic shock requiring acute mechanical circulatory support between January 2016 and November 2017. Exposure was assessed using
International Classification of Diseases
,
Tenth Revision
codes for the degree of obesity with the reference being body mass index (BMI) of 20.0 to 29.9 group. Multiple logistic regression and Cox regression analysis were used to analyze in-hospital mortality and 30-day readmission, respectively.

Results:

The survey-weighted sample included a total of 35 555 hospitalizations with a mean age of 65.4±0.2 years and 29.8% females. Obesity was associated with higher in-hospital mortality (no obesity, 26.4% [BMI, 20.0–29.9] versus class I obesity, 25.0% [BMI, 30.0–34.9] versus class II obesity, 28.7% [BMI, 35.0–39.9] versus class III obesity, 34.9% [BMI, ≥40];
P
<0.001). On stratified analysis, compared with a nonobese phenotype, younger adults (age <60) with class II and class III obesity (odds ratio, 1.9 [95% CI, 1.1–3.5],
P
=0.02; odds ratio, 2.1 [95% CI, 1.2–3.7],
P
=0.01) and older adults (age ≥60) with class III obesity (odds ratio, 1.7 [95% CI, 1.2–2.4],
P
=0.005) had higher mortality. There was no association between the degree of obesity and 30-day readmission.

Conclusions:
Among adults with acute myocardial infarction or acute heart failure resulting in cardiogenic shock requiring acute mechanical circulatory support, younger adults with class II and class III obesity and older patients with class III obesity have a higher risk of in-hospital mortality compared with nonobese patients.