bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Improving predictive asthma algorithms with modelled environment data for Scotland: an observational cohort study protocol
Authors: Soyiri Ireneous N , Sheikh Aziz , Reis Stefan , Kavanagh Kimberly , Vieno Massimo , Clemens Tom , Carnell Edward J , Pan Jiafeng , King Abby , Beck Rachel C , Ward Hester J T , Dibben Chris , Robertson Chris , Simpson Colin R 
Published: May 2018

IntroductionAsthma has a considerable, but potentially, avoidable burden on many populations globally. Scotland has some of the poorest health outcomes from asthma. Although ambient pollution, weather changes and sociodemographic factors have been associated with asthma attacks, it remains unclear whether modelled environment data and geospatial information can improve population-based asthma predictive algorithms. We aim to create the afferent loop of a national learning health system for asthma in Scotland. We will investigate the associations between ambient pollution, meteorological, geospatial and sociodemographic factors and asthma attacks.Methods and AnalysisWe will develop and implement a secured data governance and linkage framework to incorporate primary care health data, modelled environment data, geospatial population and sociodemographic data. Data from 75 recruited primary care practices (n=500 000 patients) in Scotland will be used. Modelled environment data on key air pollutants at a horizontal resolution of 5 km×5 km at hourly time steps will be generated using the EMEP4UK atmospheric chemistry transport modelling system for the datazones of the primary care practices’ populations. Scottish population census and education databases will be incorporated into the linkage framework for analysis. We will then undertake a longitudinal retrospective observational analysis. Asthma outcomes include asthma hospitalisations and oral steroid prescriptions. Using a nested case–control study design, associations between all covariates will be measured using conditional logistic regression to account for the matched design and to identify suitable predictors and potential candidate algorithms for an asthma learning health system in Scotland.Findings from this study will contribute to the development of predictive algorithms for asthma outcomes and be used to form the basis for our learning health system prototype.Ethics and disseminationThe study received National Health Service Research Ethics Committee approval (16/SS/0130) and also obtained permissions via the Public Benefit and Privacy Panel for Health and Social Care in Scotland to access, collate and use the following data sets: population and housing census for Scotland; Scottish education data via the Scottish Exchange of Data and primary care data from general practice Data Custodians. Analytic code will be made available in the open source GitHub website. The results of this study will be published in international peer reviewed journals.
Preparation and Drug Release Study of Novel Nanopharmaceuticals with Polysorbate 80 Surface Adsorption
Authors: Tao Xiaojun , Li Yu , Hu Qian , Zhu Li , Huang Zixuan , Yi Jiajin , Yang Xiaoping , Hu Jianzhuo , Feng Xing 
Published: May 2018

Most free drugs that cross the blood–brain barrier are characterized by high liposolubility, but they often have limited clinical applications because of poor dissolution and poor bioavailability. In this study, we prepared donepezil drug-loaded nanoparticles (DZP) with cholesterol-modified pullulan (CHP) as the nanocarrier (DZP-CHP) and surface modified the drug-loaded nanoparticles to improve the water solubility of donepezil while enhancing its targeting and sustained release. We determined the drug loading and encapsulation efficiency of DZP-CHP nanoparticles at different feed ratios. The mean ± SD drug loading and entrapment efficiency were high: 13.52 ± 2.03 and 86.54 ± 1.31. On dynamic light-scattering measurement, mean ± SD particle size was 260.7 ± 1.76 nm, polydispersity index 0.123 ± 0.004, and zeta potential −5.75 ± 0.64 mV. DZP-CHP nanoparticles prepared with the optimal feed ratio (DZP : CHP = 1 : 5) were coated with polysorbate 80, and the adsorption process was determined by isothermal titration calorimetry. We found good affinity between polysorbate 80 and DZP-CHP, with mean ± SD coverage 2.7 ± 0.372. The mean ± SD drug loading and entrapment efficiency of polysorbate 80-emulsified DZP-CHP nanoparticles were 8.25 ± 1.80 and 91.28 ± 4.57, respectively, and the proportion of drug released by 72 h was 42.71%. Compared to DZP-CHP alone, PS-DZP-CHP can enhance the release of donepezil.
Cultural Presence in Virtual Archaeology: An Exploratory Analysis of Factors
Authors: Pujol-Tost Laia 
Published: May 2018

Abstract
Shared between Human-Computer Interaction and Cultural Heritage, the concept of Cultural Presence may provide an encompassing theoretical and methodological framework for Virtual Archaeology. The factors underlying presence have been extensively investigated, by means of both particular analyses as well as general statistical approaches. Yet, Cultural Presence has mostly been defined theoretically, and there are no global empirical examinations of it. The goal of this study is to verify the validity of the concept and to understand its underlying factors in the field of Virtual Archaeology. To that end we established an operational definition of Cultural Presence, we built a virtual reconstruction of an archaeological site based on it, and we evaluated the environment by means of self-reports and exploratory factor analysis. The general conclusion is that the concept of Cultural Presence is sound and composed of three main factors (cultural representation and engagement, social presence, and communicational aspects of technology); yet, it is not universal, but influenced by purpose and demographic variables.
Virtual Valcamonica: Collaborative Exploration of Prehistoric Petroglyphs and Their Surrounding Environment in Multi-User Virtual Reality
Authors: Kulik Alexander , Kunert André , Beck Stephan , Matthes Carl-Feofan , Schollmeyer Andre , Kreskowski Adrian , Fröhlich Bernd , Cobb Sue , D’Cruz Mirabelle 
Published: May 2018

Abstract
In this article, we present a novel, multi-user, virtual reality environment for the interactive, collaborative 3D analysis of large 3D scans and the technical advancements that were necessary to build it: a multi-view rendering system for large 3D point clouds, a suitable display infrastructure, and a suite of collaborative 3D interaction techniques. The cultural heritage site of Valcamonica in Italy with its large collection of prehistoric rock-art served as an exemplary use case for evaluation. The results show that our output-sensitive level-of-detail rendering system is capable of visualizing a 3D dataset with an aggregate size of more than 14 billion points at interactive frame rates. The system design in this exemplar application results from close exchange with a small group of potential users: archaeologists with expertise in rockart. The system allows them to explore the prehistoric art and its spatial context with highly realistic appearance. A set of dedicated interaction techniques was developed to facilitate collaborative visual analysis. A multi-display workspace supports the immediate comparison of geographically distributed artifacts. An expert review of the final demonstrator confirmed the potential for added value in rock-art research and the usability of our collaborative interaction techniques.
Kilo Hōkū—Experiencing Hawaiian, Non-Instrument Open Ocean Navigation through Virtual Reality
Authors: Karjala Patrick , Lodes Dean , Noe Kari , Sikkink Anna , Leigh Jason 
Published: May 2018

Abstract
In this article, we present our development of a virtual reality simulation of sailing on the Hōkūle‘a, a Polynesian double-hulled sailing canoe built in Hawai‘i in 1974, which completed its worldwide journey in 2017. The construction and sailing of this vessel is of significant importance to the Hawaiian cultural renaissance of the 1970s and 1980s; of particular relevance is Hawaiian wayfinding, the cultural practice of navigating across the open ocean to a destination without the use of maps or modern navigation instruments. By developing the simulation, we aimed to assist in the cultural preservation of the star navigation portion of Hawaiian wayfinding techniques, and to help to educate future generations of non-instrument navigators. The first implementation of Kilo Hōkū as a cultural heritage project in virtual reality was to test its viability as a tool for Modern Hawaiian wayfinders to use in classroom instruction, and its realism as an accurate reproduction of the Hōkūle‘a’s sailing experience. The reaction to the simulation from current practicing Modern Hawaiian wayfinders was positive, and indicates that further study is warranted in testing the efficacy of the simulation for teaching Hawaiian wayfinding to future navigators, as well as preserving and spreading knowledge of Hōkūle‘a and of Modern Hawaiian wayfinding beyond Hawai‘i.
Detection of Anthropogenic Influence on Fixed Threshold Indices of Extreme Temperature
Authors: Yin Hong , Sun Ying 
Published: May 2018

AbstractThreshold indices of extreme temperature are defined based on temperature values that fall above or below fixed thresholds and thus have important implications for agriculture, engineering, and human health. Here, we focus on four extreme temperature fixed threshold indices and their detection and attribution at the global and continental scales, as well as within China. These indices include the number of days with daily minimum temperatures below 0°C [frost days (FD)] and above 20°C [tropical nights (TR)] and the number of days with daily maximum temperatures below 0°C [ice days (ID)] and above 25°C [summer days (SU)]. We employ an optimal fingerprinting method to compare the spatial and temporal changes in these fixed threshold indices assessed from observations and simulations performed with multiple models. We find that an anthropogenic signal can be robustly detected in these fixed threshold indices at scales of over the globe, most of the continents, and China. A natural signal cannot be identified in the changes in most of the indices, thus indicating the dominant role of anthropogenic forcing in producing these changes. In North and South America, the models show poor performance in reproducing the fixed threshold indices related to daily maximum temperature. The changes in summer days are not clearly related to their responses to external forcing over these two continents. This study provides a useful complement to other detection studies and sheds light on the importance of anthropogenic forcing in determining most of the fixed threshold indices at the global scale and over most of the continents, compared with internal variability.
A Laboratory Study of Iceberg Side Melting in Vertically Sheared Flows
Authors: FitzMaurice A. , Cenedese C. , Straneo F. 
Published: May 2018

AbstractAn earlier study indicates that the side melting of icebergs subject to vertically homogeneous horizontal velocities is controlled by two distinct regimes, which depend on the melt plume behavior and produce a nonlinear dependence of side melt rate on velocity. Here, we extend this study to consider ice blocks melting in a two-layer vertically sheared flow in a laboratory setting. It is found that the use of the vertically averaged flow speed in current melt parameterizations gives an underestimate of the submarine side melt rate, in part because of the nonlinearity of the dependence of the side melt rate on flow speed but also because vertical shear in the horizontal velocity profile fundamentally changes the flow splitting around the ice block and consequently the velocity felt by the ice surface. An observational record of 90 icebergs in a Greenland fjord suggests that this effect could produce an average underestimate of iceberg side melt rates of 21%.
A Multivariate Empirical Orthogonal Function Method to Construct Nitrate Maps in the Southern Ocean
Authors: Liang Yu-Chiao , Mazloff Matthew R. , Rosso Isabella , Fang Shih-Wei , Yu Jin-Yi 
Published: May 2018

AbstractThe ability to construct nitrate maps in the Southern Ocean (SO) from sparse observations is important for marine biogeochemistry research, as it offers a geographical estimate of biological productivity. The goal of this study is to infer the skill of constructed SO nitrate maps using varying data sampling strategies. The mapping method uses multivariate empirical orthogonal functions (MEOFs) constructed from nitrate, salinity, and potential temperature (N-S-T) fields from a biogeochemical general circulation model simulation Synthetic N-S-T datasets are created by sampling modeled N-S-T fields in specific regions, determined either by random selection or by selecting regions over a certain threshold of nitrate temporal variances. The first 500 MEOF modes, determined by their capability to reconstruct the original N-S-T fields, are projected onto these synthetic N-S-T data to construct time-varying nitrate maps. Normalized root-mean-square errors (NRMSEs) are calculated between the constructed nitrate maps and the original modeled fields for different sampling strategies. The sampling strategy according to nitrate variances is shown to yield maps with lower NRMSEs than mapping adopting random sampling. A k-means cluster method that considers the N-S-T combined variances to identify key regions to insert data is most effective in reducing the mapping errors. These findings are further quantified by a series of mapping error analyses that also address the significance of data sampling density. The results provide a sampling framework to prioritize the deployment of biogeochemical Argo floats for constructing nitrate maps.
Procalcitonin and C-reactive protein as markers of infection in systemic lupus erythematosus: the controversy continues
Authors: El-serougy E , Zayed H S , Ibrahim N M , Maged L A 
Published: May 2018

Objective The objective of this paper is to investigate the utility of serum procalcitonin (PCT) and C-reactive protein (CRP) as markers of infection in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) patients. Patients and methods Sixty-nine SLE patients with symptoms and signs of infection proved by culture and/or a favorable response to antibiotics and 69 SLE patients without infection were included. Serum PCT and plasma high-sensitivity CRP were assessed by an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Results SLE patients with infection had a significantly higher level of CRP than those without infection ((median (IQR) 104.5 (25.5–100.9) and 10.3 (5.4–23.1) mg/l, respectively), p<0.001). Conclusion Serum PCT could not differentiate SLE patients with or without bacterial infection in this study, while the utility of CRP as a marker of infection has been confirmed.
Early Lupus Project: one-year follow-up of an Italian cohort of patients with systemic lupus erythematosus of recent onset
Authors: Sebastiani G D , Prevete I , Iuliano A , Piga M , Iannone F , Coladonato L , Govoni M , Bortoluzzi A , Mosca M , Tani C , Doria A , Iaccarino L , Tincani A , Fredi M , Conti F , Spinelli F R , Galeazzi M , Bellisai F , Zanetti A , Carrara G , Scirè C A , Mathieu A 
Published: May 2018

Objective To describe the clinical and serological features of a prospectively followed cohort of early diagnosed systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) patients during a one-year follow-up period. Methods SLE patients with disease duration less than 12 months were consecutively enrolled in a multicentre, prospective study. At study entry and then every 6 months, a large panel of data was recorded. Results Of 260 patients enrolled, 185 had at least 12 months of follow-up; of these, 84.3% were female, 92.4% were Caucasians. Mean diagnostic delay was about 20 months; higher values of European Consensus Lupus Activity Measurement (ECLAM) and of organs/systems involved were both associated with shorter diagnostic delay. Clinical and serological parameters improved after study entry. However, patients' quality of life deteriorated and cardiovascular risk factors significantly increased. About one-third of patients with active disease at study entry went into remission (ECLAM = 0). Negative predictors for remission were: oral ulcers, arthritis, low C4, anti-SSB (Ro) antibodies and therapy with mycophenolate. There was a widespread use of glucocorticoids both at baseline and during follow-up. Conclusion Clinical symptoms and serological parameters improve during the first period after diagnosis. However, patients’ quality of life deteriorates. The widespread use of glucocorticoids is probably the reason for the early significant increase of some cardiovascular risk factors.
Quantification of tantalum sedimentation rates in liquid embolic agents
Authors: Mason JR , Dodge C , Benndorf G 
Published: May 2018

Background Endovascular treatment (EVT) of brain arteriovenous malformations has evolved from cyanoacrylate derivatives such as N-butyl cyanoacrylate, an adhesive glue, to ethylene vinyl copolymer-based liquid embolics such as Onyx® and SQUID® dissolved in dimethyl sulfoxide. Although these agents offer several advantages, their rapidly decreasing radiopacity, as a result of the sedimentation of tantalum powder, compromises visual control during EVT. This study aims to quantify and compare tantalum sedimentation rates of several liquid embolic agents, and determine their effects on radiopacity. Methods The rate of sedimentation of liquid embolics Onyx 18®, SQUID 12®, and SQUID 18® was measured after preparation by single x-ray exposures for a period of 30 minutes. The signal-to-noise ratios (SNRs) of the suspension of each liquid embolic was calculated at various time points as tantalum settled out of the suspension. Precipitating Hydrophobic Injectable Liquid (PHIL®) was imaged as a control. Results Onyx 18® demonstrated the fastest sedimentation rate of the liquid embolics analyzed and demonstrated a threefold faster drop in SNR compared to SQUID 18® over 30 minutes. Onyx 18® demonstrated a one and a half times faster drop in SNR compared to SQUID 12®. Although PHIL 25® maintained constant SNR over the same time, it was lower at baseline immediately after preparation compared to tantalum-based liquids. Conclusion Caution during long injections using tantalum-based agents is advised. Onyx 18® has a significantly faster drop in radiopacity compared to SQUID 12® and SQUID 18®. Covalently bonded iodine-based embolics like PHIL® demonstrate constant radiopacity over time.
Intrinsic apoptosis circumvents the functional decline of circulating platelets but does not cause the storage lesion
Authors: Pleines Irina , Lebois Marion , Gangatirkar Pradnya , Au Amanda E. , Lane Rachael M. , Henley Katya J. , Kauppi Maria , Corbin Jason , Cannon Ping , Bernardini Jonathan , Alwis Imala , Jarman Kate E. , Ellis Sarah , Metcalf Donald , Jackson Shaun P. , Schoenwaelder Simone M. , Kile Benjamin T. , Josefsson Emma C. 
Published: May 2018

Key PointsBAK/BAX depletion in murine platelets reveals that intrinsic apoptosis is not required for the development of the platelet storage lesion. Restriction of platelet life span by intrinsic apoptosis is pivotal to maintain a functional, hemostatically reactive platelet population.
TLR-activated repression of Fe-S cluster biogenesis drives a metabolic shift and alters histone and tubulin acetylation
Authors: Tong Wing-Hang , Maio Nunziata , Zhang De-Liang , Palmieri Erika M. , Ollivierre Hayden , Ghosh Manik C. , McVicar Daniel W. , Rouault Tracey A. 
Published: May 2018

Key PointsTLR activation suppresses expression of Fe-S cluster biogenesis factors NFS1, ISCU, HSC20, FXN, ISD11, GLRX5, CIAO1, FAM96A, and FAM96B. Restriction of Fe-S cluster biogenesis not only impairs oxidative metabolism but also modulates histone and tubulin acetylation profiles.
The radical market-oriented policies of the Alternative for Germany (AfD) and support from non-beneficiary groups – discrepancies between the party’s policies and its supporters
Authors: Kim Juho 
Published: May 2018

AbstractThis paper examines the strong support for Alternative für Deutschland (AfD) from lower socio-economic groups like blue collar workers and the unemployed in Germany, who would be most economically weakened by the radical market-oriented policies of this party. The AfD has achieved remarkable electoral successes within a short period of time, with the main basis of the support it receives coming from the above-mentioned demographic groups. These are not the dominant segment or the majority of all the supporters of the AfD, but they provide a considerable proportion of the party’s votes and are the groups which display the highest approval ratings for the AfD. Their support is quite surprising, given the fact that the economic, labor, welfare and tax policies of the party are very market-oriented. In this light, this paper focuses on the major factions (the economic liberal and the national conservative) and main agenda items (opposition to the euro and antipathy to immigration and refugees) of the AfD, and demonstrates the discrepancies between the party’s policy goals and the circumstances and needs of the core groups which support the party. The two internal party factions prioritize different agendas, though they are both fundamentally opposed to the existing euro system and the influx of immigrants and refugees to Germany. The party’s radical market-oriented policies were devised under the influence of the eurosceptic economic liberalism which played a leading role in the party’s foundation and in its initial phase. However, even in the early period when it drew most attention as an anti-euro party, the AfD owed its electoral successes to its anti-immigration and anti-refugee stance rather than to its anti-euro position. The former issues were more emphasized by the national conservatives within the party after they won the ideological struggle with the economic liberals. The anti-immigrant and anti-refugee policies first appealed to blue collar workers and the unemployed. In addition, their support was mobilized effectively by the election strategy of the AfD, which campaigned mainly on an anti-immigration and anti-refugee platform, and obscured or de-emphasized the radical market-oriented policies of the party.
Metabolic recoding of epigenetics in cancer
Authors: Wang Yi‐Ping , Lei Qun‐Ying 
Published: May 2018

AbstractDysregulation of metabolism allows tumor cells to generate needed building blocks as well as to modulate epigenetic marks to support cancer initiation and progression. Cancer‐induced metabolic changes alter the epigenetic landscape, especially modifications on histones and DNA, thereby promoting malignant transformation, adaptation to inadequate nutrition, and metastasis. Recent advances in cancer metabolism shed light on how aberrations in metabolites and metabolic enzymes modify epigenetic programs. The metabolism‐induced recoding of epigenetics in cancer depends strongly on nutrient availability for tumor cells. In this review, we focus on metabolic remodeling of epigenetics in cancer and examine potential mechanisms by which cancer cells integrate nutritional inputs into epigenetic modification.