bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
“Clarity-makers”. On the scholarly language of the Lviv-Warsaw School from the perspective of the idea of plain language (reconnaissance)
Authors: Będkowski Marcin 
Published: May 2021

The article aims to present the tradition of the ‘clarity-makers’, i.e. members of the Lvov-Warsaw School, its methodological postulates and scientific style. In the first part, the author presents Kazimierz Twardowski as a teacher and refers to the problem of style clarity and ambiguity. In the second part, the author reconstructs the characteristics of the language and style of the School presented by Maria Rzeuska and confronts it with the recipes for the intelligibility of expressions formulated by Walery Pisarek. In the third part, the author presents the results of the textual analysis carried out to illustrate how the postulates of clarity and justification were reflected in the style of writings of selected LWS representatives. The preliminary results confirm that the representatives’ declared desire to clearly express their thoughts manifests in their texts. The presented results also seem to indicate the need to revise various quantitative observations on the scientific style based on larger samples.
Comparison of Nordic walking and Conventional Aerobic training on Ambulatory endurance, Quality of life and Psychological status in Post Covid-19 patients: A Research protocol
Authors: Bhakaney Pallavi , Vishnuvardhan G. D. , Yadav Vaishnavi 
Published: May 2021

Abstract
Background – Covid-19 has spread worldwide, including India. Cough, fever and difficulty in breathing are identified symptoms. After discharge, majority of Covid-19 survivors have reduced diffusion capability and poor perceived physical and mental health, resulting in need of rehabilitation which helps regaining normal lung function. Researches on Nordic walking in Post Covid-19 patients are limited. The study aims at comparing the effect of Nordic walking and Aerobic training program on ambulatory endurance, Quality of life and psychological function in Post Covid-19 patients.Methods – 70 Post Covid-19 patients will be recruited for the study, which will be uniformly divided into two groups. Following the baseline assessment, Group A will receive aerobic training and Group B will receive Nordic walking program for 4 weeks. Ambulatory endurance, quality of life and psychological function will be assessed. Discussion – The purpose of this study is to examine the effect of Nordic walking in Post Covid-19 patients.
Extracellular Volume-Guided Late Gadolinium Enhancement Analysis for Non-Ischemic Cardiomyopathy: The Women’s Interagency HIV Study.
Authors: Kato Yoko , Kizer Jorge R. , Ostovaneh Mohammad R. , Lazar Jason , Peng Qi , Geest Rob van der , Lima Joao A.C. , Venkatesh Bharath Ambale 
Published: May 2021

Abstract
BACKGROUND: Quantification of non-ischemic myocardial scar remains a challenge due to the patchy diffuse nature of fibrosis. Extracellular volume (ECV) to guide late gadolinium enhancement (LGE) analysis may achieve a robust scar assessment.METHODS: Three cohorts of 80 non-ischemic-training, 20 non-ischemic-validation, and 10 ischemic-validation were prospectively enrolled and underwent 3.0 Tesla cardiac MRI. An ECV cutoff to differentiate LGE scar from non-scar was identified in the training cohort from the receiver-operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis, by comparing the ECV value against the visually-determined presence/absence of the LGE scar at the highest signal intensity (SI) area of the mid-left ventricle (LV) LGE. Based on the ECV cutoff, an LGE semi-automatic threshold of n-times of standard-deviation (n-SD) above the remote-myocardium SI was optimized in the individual cases ensuring correspondence between LGE and ECV images. The inter-method agreement of scar amount in comparison with manual (for non-ischemic) or full-width half-maximum (FWHM, for ischemic) was assessed. Intra- and inter-observer reproducibility were investigated in a randomly chosen subset of 40 non-ischemic and 10 ischemic cases. RESULTS: The non-ischemic groups were all female with the HIV positive rate of 73.8% (training) and 80% (validation). The ischemic group was all male with reduced LV function. An ECV cutoff of 31.5% achieved optimum performance (sensitivity: 90%, specificity:86.7% in training; sensitivity: 100%, specificity: 81.8% in validation dataset). The identified n-SD threshold varied widely (range 3SD to 18SD), and was independent of scar amount (β= -0.01, p=0.92). In the non-ischemic cohorts, results suggested that the manual LGE assessment overestimated scar (%) in comparison to ECV-guided analysis (training: 4.5 [3.2 – 6.4] vs. 0.92 [0.1 – 2.1]; validation: 2.5 [1.2 – 3.7] vs. 0.2 [0 – 1.6]; P<0.01 for both). Intra- and inter-observer analyses of global scar (%) showed higher reproducibility in ECV-guided than manual analysis with CCC=0.94 and 0.78 vs. CCC=0.86 and 0.73, respectively (P<0.01 for all). In ischemic validation, the ECV-guided LGE analysis showed a comparable scar amount and reproducibility with the FWHM. CONCLUSIONS: ECV-guided LGE analysis is a robust scar quantification method for a non-ischemic cohort. Trial-Registration: ClinicalTrials.gov; NCT00000797, retrospectively-registered 2 November 1999; NCT02501811, registered 15 July 2015.
An individual randomised efficacy trial of autologous blood products, leukocyte and platelet-rich fibrin (L-PRF), to promote ulcer healing in leprosy in Nepal: the TABLE trial protocol
Authors: Napit Indra B , Shrestha Dilip , Bishop Jon , Choudhury Sopna , Dulal Santosh , Gill Paramjit Singh , Gkini Eleni , Gwyther Holly E , Hagge Deanna A , Neupane Karuna , Sartori Jo , Slinn Gemma , Watson Samuel L , Lilford Richard 
Published: May 2021

Abstract
BackgroundLeprosy is curable with multidrug therapy and treatment in the early stages can prevent disability. However, local nerve damage can lead to injury and consequently recurring and disfiguring ulcers. The aim of this study is to evaluate the treatment of leprosy ulcers using an autologous blood product; leukocyte and platelet-rich fibrin (L-PRF) to promote healing.MethodsThis is a single centre study in the Anandaban Hospital, The Leprosy Mission Nepal, Kathmandu, Nepal. Consenting patients (n = 130) will be individually randomised in a single-blinded, controlled trial. Participants will be 18 years of age or older, admitted to hospital with a clean, dry and infection free chronic plantar foot ulcer between 2 and 20 cm2 in size. If the ulcer is infected, it will be treated before enrolment into the study. The intervention involves the application of leukocyte and platelet-rich fibrin (L-PRF) matrix on the ulcer beds during twice-weekly dressing changes. Controls receive usual care in the form of saline dressings only during their twice-weekly dressing changes. Primary outcomes are rate of healing assessed using standardised photographs by observers blind to allocated treatment, and time to complete re-epithelialization. Follow up is at six months from randomisation.DiscussionThis research will provide valuable information on the clinical and cost-effectiveness of L-PRF in the treatment of leprosy ulcers. An additional benefit is the evaluation of the effects of treatment on quality of life for people living with leprosy ulcers. The results will improve our understanding of the scalability of this treatment across low-income countries for ulcer healing in leprosy and potentially other conditions such as diabetic ulcers.Trial registrationISRCTN14933421. Date of trial registration: 16 June 2020
Retinal Nerve Fiber Layer, Ganglion Cell Complex and Choroidal Thickness Evaluation in Patients with Obstructive Sleep Apnea Syndrome
Authors: Eren Ela , Ilhan Nilufer , Genc Sebahat 
Published: May 2021

Abstract
Purpose To evaluate the association of Obstructive Sleep Apnea Syndrome (OSAS) with Retinal Nerve Fiber Layer (RNFL), Ganglion Cell Complex (GCC) and choroidal tissue thickness (CCT). Methods: This cross-sectional study included 50 patients with OSAS and 50 controls between July 2014-January 2015). OSAS severity was classified by using the apnea-hypopnea index (AHI). RNFL thickness, GCC thickness and CCT analyses were performed by optic coherence tomography (OCT). Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS for Windows version 21 software. Results: The mean intraocular pressure (IOP) of the patients with OSAS 16.1±1.37, the cup/disc (C/D) ratio was 0.45±0.17 and vertical C/D ratio was 0.43±0.16. The control group mean IOP was 15.2±1.03, the C/D ratio was 0.36±0.20 and vertical C/D ratio was 0.34±0.19. These are all important measurements in glaucome and statisticallay significant (p=0.00, 0.022, 0.012). Althought the differences between the mean values of all quadrants RNFL thickness were similarly lower in OSAS group, this significance was not statistically different. Similarly the average GCC, minimum GCC and subfoveal CCT values between groups were not significant (p=0.79, 0.53, 0.9).Conclusion: In summary we found that peripapillary RNFL, GCC, CCT did not change with OSAS patients or the severity of OSAS. Further more we found that IOP, C/D ratio and vertical C/D ratio of patients were all significantly higher than control group. However multicenter longterm cohort studies are still needed to assess the definite changes of RNFL thickness, GCC and CCT in OSAS patients.
Physical Climate Risk and Foreign Direct Investment: Is China Different?
Authors: Li Xia , Gallagher Kevin 
Published: May 2021

Abstract
This study deploys newly available data to examine the exposure of multinational companies’ overseas investments to physical climate risk. Globally, we find that foreign investment in the agriculture and mining sectors is most associated with physical risk. We also examine China, as it is fast becoming one of the largest centers of both inward and outward foreign investment across the globe. We find that foreign facilities located in China are associated with higher hurricanes and typhoon risk than their domestic counterparts in China. For Chinese firms operating abroad, we find that China’s overseas facilities are associated with higher water stress, floods, and hurricanes & typhoon risks across host countries, compared with non-Chinese companies. Within host countries, however, climate risks of Chinese facilities are comparable to that of non-Chinese facilities.
Pyrotinib In The Treatment of Women With Advanced HER2- Positive Breast Cancer: A Multicenter, Prospective, Real-World Study
Authors: Zhang Lili , Wu Xiaohong , Zhou Jun , Zhu Mingzhen , Yu Hao , Zhang Yusong , Zhao Yutian , Han Zhengxiang , Guo Yujiang , Guan Xiaoqing , Wang Xufen , Xu Hong , Sun Li , Zhang Jiaxin , Zhuang Min , Xie Li , Yu Shiyou , Chen Ping , Feng Jifeng 
Published: May 2021

Abstract
Background: HER2-positive breast cancer was aggressive, resulting in a poorer prognosis. This multicenter study analyzed the real-world data of women treated with pyrotinib-based therapy, aiming to describe their characteristics, treatment regimens, and to investigate the clinical outcomes.Patients and Methods: A total of 141 patients with HER2-positive breast cancer were enrolled from February 2019 to April 2020. Last follow-up time was February 2021. All patients were treated with pyrotinib-based therapy in 21-day cycles. The primary endpoint was progression-free survival (PFS).Results: The median PFS (mPFS) for pyrotinib-based therapy was 12.0 months (95% CI 8.1-17.8) in all patients. Among the 44 patients with liver metastases, mPFS was 8.7 months (95%CI 6.3-15.4), compared to 12.3 months (95%CI 8.8-23.3) for the 97 patients without liver metastases (P=0.172). In addition, patients receiving pyrotinib-based therapy as their >2 lines treatment had a numerically lower mPFS than those receiving pyrotinib-based therapy as their ≤2 lines treatment (8.4 vs. 15.1 months, P=0.107). The mPFS was 12.2 months (95%CI 7.9-18.8) in patients with previous exposure to trastuzumab and 11.8 months (95%CI 6.8-22.9) in patients without previous exposure to trastuzumab (P=0.732). Moreover, mPFS in patients receiving regimens with and without capecitabine were 15.1 months (95%CI 10.0-18.8) and 8.4 months (95%CI 6.7-22.9), respectively (P=0.070). Furthermore, in patients with brain metastases, estimated 6-month PFS rate was 70.0%, and rate at 12 months was 60.0%. Seventy patients with measurable lesions were evaluable for response. The ORR was 38.57% and DCR was 85.71%. Most common adverse event was diarrhea (85.04%).Conclusion: Pyrotinib-based therapy showed promising efficacy in patients with HER2-positive breast cancer and was well tolerated, especially in patients treated with pyrotinib as ≤2 lines treatment and receiving regimens with capecitabine. The results of the real-world study further confirmed the intriguing efficacy of pyrotinib.
Macroscale robust superlubricity on metallic NbB2
Authors: Wang Jia , Liu Chang , Miao Kaifei , Zhang Kan , Zheng Weitao , Chen Changfeng 
Published: May 2021

Abstract
Robust superlubricity (RSL), defined by concurrent superlow friction and wear, holds great promise for reducing material and energy loss in vast industrial and technological operations. Despite recent advances, challenges remain in finding materials that exhibit RSL on macro length and time scales and possess vigorous electrical conduction ability. Here we report the discovery of RSL on hydrated NbB2 films that exhibit vanishingly small coefficient of friction (0.001-0.006) and superlow wear rate (~10-22 m3/Nm) on large length scales reaching millimeter range and prolonged time scales lasting through extensive loading durations. Moreover, the measured low resistivity (~10-6 Wm) of the synthesized NbB2 film indicates ample capability for electrical conduction, extending macroscale RSL to hitherto largely untapped metallic materials. We elucidate pertinent microscopic mechanisms by deciphering the intricate load-driven chemical reactions that generate and sustain the observed superlubricating state and assessing the strong stress responses under diverse strains that produce the superior durability.
Assessment and Correction of Stress in Preterm Infants and Their Mothers
Authors: Sarapuk Iryna , Pavlyshyn Halyna 
Published: May 2021

Abstract
The objective was to study the peculiarities of hormonal stress in preterm infants in the NICU and their mothers, and to investigate how skin-to-skin contact influences it. The study included 60 preterm infants with GA˂32 weeks who were treated in NICU and their mothers. The overall design was a baseline-response design. Saliva was collected before (baseline) and after skin-to-skin contact to measure cortisol by enzyme immunoassay method. Infant baseline salivary cortisol level was 0.587 [0.239; 1,714] µg/dL. It was significantly higher in neonates who had invasive ventilation (1.00 [0.38; 2.44]) µg/dL compared to non-ventilated infants (0.335 [0.156; 1.236]) µg/dL, p = 0.022; and positively correlated with the Apgar score at 1st and 5th minutes (r=-0.36; p = 0.011 and r=-0.34; p = 0.017) and duration of ventilation (r = 0.70; p = 0.0000). Maternal baseline salivary cortisol level was 0.212 [0.123; 0.378]µg/dL. There was significant decreasing of salivary cortisol after Kangaroo mother care with skin-to-skin contact in infants (0.162 [0.111; 0.231]) µg/dL, p˂0.001 and mothers (0.096 [0.077; 0.156]) µg/dL, p˂0.001. Conclusion: Preterm infants in the NICU and their mothers experience stress confirmed by the increased baseline cortisol levels. Kangaroo mother care with skin-to-skin contact reduces the stress and normalizes salivary cortisol levels in both infant and mother in the NICU.
Restorative Effects of (-)-Epicatechin in a Rat Model of Gulf War Illness Muscle Atrophy and Fatigue
Authors: Ramirez-Sanchez Israel , Navarrrete Viridiana , Garate-Carrillo Alejandra , Lara-Hernandez Modesto , Espinosa-Raya Judith , Moreno-Ulloa Aldo , Gomez-Diaz Benjamin , Cedeño-Garcidueñas Ana Lilia , Ceballos Guillermo , Villarreal Francisco 
Published: May 2021

Abstract
We examined in a rat model of Gulf War illness (GWI), the potential of (-)-epicatechin (Epi) to reverse skeletal muscle (SkM) atrophy and dysfunction, decrease mediators of inflammation and normalize metabolic perturbations. Male Wistar rats (n = 15) were provided orally with pyridostigmine bromide (PB) 1.3 mg/kg/day, permethrin (PM) 0.13 mg/kg/day (skin), DEET 40 mg/kg/day (skin) and were physically restrained for 5 min/day for 3 weeks. A one-week period ensued to fully develop the GWI-like profile followed by 2 weeks of either Epi treatment at 1 mg/kg/day by gavage (n = 8) or water (n = 7) for controls. A normal, control group (n = 15) was given vehicles and not restrained. At 6 weeks, animals were subjected to treadmill and limb strength testing followed by euthanasia. SkM and blood sampling was used for histological, biochemical and plasma pro-inflammatory cytokine and metabolomics assessments. GWI animals developed an intoxication profile characterized SkM atrophy and loss of function accompanied by increases in modulators of muscle atrophy, degradation markers and plasma pro-inflammatory cytokine levels. Treatment of GWI animals with Epi yielded either a significant partial or full normalization of the above stated indicators relative to normal controls. Plasma metabolomics revealed that metabolites linked to inflammation and SkM waste pathways were dysregulated in the GWI group whereas Epi, attenuated such changes. In conclusion, in a rat model of GWI, Epi reverses detrimental changes in SkM structure including modulators of atrophy, inflammation and select plasma metabolites yielding improved function.
Design and Modeling of Series-Parallel Compliant Device for Reliable Assembly Under Position/Angle Deviation
Authors: Xu Du , Lu XinJiang 
Published: May 2021

Abstract
Automatic assembly using manipulator has attracted increasing attention due to low cost and high quality of assembly. As the manipulator is entirely rigid, it often causes assembly failure and even damages the manipulator when there is a position or angle deviation. A series-parallel compliant device is developed here to realize the reliable assembly under the position or the angle deviation and does not produce a significant contact force. Its core idea is that when the contact force exceeds a specific value, this device becomes compliant and can move in a particular direction. It guarantees that this assembly allows a relatively significant misalignment and produces a small force, protecting parts and manipulators. This device has two compliant components, and these two components are connected using a rigid block. Each compliant component consists of the rigid frame, the four elastic limbs with a similar ‘n’ shape, and the square block. Due to using the elastic material, each elastic limb is equivalent to a compliant hinge (or spring), making this designed device equal to a series-parallel compliant structure. In this way, this device becomes compliant and can move in a particular direction when the contact force exceeds a specific value. On this basis, the desired compliance of the device is realized in various directions depending on the compliant device, and an optimization method is designed to achieve the parameters of this device based on the kinematic model and the stiffness analysis. Experiments under different working conditions are carried out and demonstrate the reliable assembling performance of this designed device even if there exists the position deviation or the angle deviation.
Framework for enhancing the estimation of model parameters for data with a high level of uncertainty
Authors: Libotte Gustavo B , Anjos Lucas , Almeida Regina , Malta Sandra , Silva Renato 
Published: May 2021

Abstract
Reliable data is essential to obtain adequate simulations for forecasting the dynamics of epidemics. In this context, several political, economic, and social factors may cause inconsistencies in the reported data, which reflect the capacity for realistic simulations and predictions. In the case of COVID-19, for example, such uncertainties are mainly motivated by large-scale underreporting of cases due to reduced testing capacity in some locations. In order to mitigate the effects of noise in the data used to estimate parameters of models, we propose strategies capable of improving the ability to predict the spread of the diseases. Using a compartmental model in a COVID-19 study case, we show that the regularization of data by means of Gaussian Process Regression can reduce the variability of successive forecasts, improving predictive ability. We also present the advantages of adopting parameters of compartmental models that vary over time, in detriment to the usual approach with constant values.
Automated Segmentation of Articular Disc of the Temporomandibular Joint in Magnetic Resonance Images Using Deep Learning: A Proof-of-Concept Study
Authors: Ito Shota , Mine Yuichi , Yoshimi Yuki , Takeda Saori , Tanaka Akari , Onishi Azusa , Peng Tzu-Yu , Nakamoto Takashi , Nagasaki Toshikazu , Kakimoto Naoya , Murayama Takeshi , Tanimoto Kotaro 
Published: May 2021

Abstract
Temporomandibular disorders are typically accompanied by a number of clinical manifestations that involve pain and dysfunction of the masticatory muscles and temporomandibular joint. The most important subgroup of articular abnormalities in patients with temporomandibular disorders includes patients with different forms of articular disc displacement and deformation. Here, we propose a fully automated articular disc detection and segmentation system to support the diagnosis of temporomandibular disorder on magnetic resonance imaging. This system uses deep learning-based semantic segmentation approaches. Two hundred and seventeen magnetic resonance images obtained from patients with normal or displaced articular discs were used to evaluate three deep learning-based semantic segmentation approaches: our proposed encoder-decoder CNN named 3DiscNet (Detection for Displaced articular DISC using convolutional neural NETwork), U-Net, and SegNet-Basic. Of the three algorithms, 3DiscNet and SegNet-Basic showed comparably good metrics (Dice coefficient, sensitivity, and PPV). This study provides a proof-of-concept for a fully automated segmentation methodology of the articular disc on MR images with deep learning, and obtained promising initial results indicating that it could potentially be used in clinical practice for the assessment of temporomandibular disorders.
Production, Purification, and Characterization of Extracellular Alkaline Protease From Bacillus Firmus Var. Arosia NCIB 10557
Authors: Dias Michele Francisca , Silva Zilpa Silva das Graças da , de Santana Juliana Silva , Pinheiro Irapuan Oliveira , SANTOS ANA CÉLIA OLIVEIRA DOS 
Published: May 2021

Abstract
The most important alkaline proteases from the commercial standpoint are produced by bacteria of the genus Bacillus and used mainly in the formulation of detergents. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the production, partial purification, and characteristics of alkaline protease obtained by Bacillus firmus var. arosia NCIB 10557 in fed-batch fermentation with constant feeding profile and carbon source restriction. Firstly, it was carried out on batch fermentation and after 6.5 h of fermentation, glucose became limiting, and then the fed-batch was started with a flow rate of 0.0802 mL/min. Maximum activity (998.1 U/mL) was reached after 10.5 h of fed-batch, with a subsequent 60.91 % drop in activity after two hours. The purification steps resulted in a 1.65-fold increase in the value of the specific activity. The protease showed optimum activity at 37°C and pH 9 and residual activity above 80 % at pH 11 and 12. Residual activity was greater than 70 % at temperatures ranging from 30 to 70 °C and 90 % of this activity was maintained for 30 minutes at 70 °C until the occurrence of complete inactivation. Enzyme activity was estimated using SDS. The organic solvents Triton X-100, Tween-20, EDTA and β-mercaptoethanol and the ions Zn2+, Fe2+, Cu2+ and Ni2+ partially inhibited the activity of the protease. Ca2+, Mn2+ and Mg2+ had no stimulating action on the enzyme.