bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Application of a static magnetic field as a complementary aid to healing in an in vitro wound model
Authors: Ebrahimdamavandi Sajedeh , Mobasheri Hamid 
Published: January 2019

Objective: Static magnetic field (SMF) has long been used as a therapeutic means, though its effects on the activity of cells and the mechanism(s) involved remain unknown. The purpose of this study is to determine the effect of a moderate-intensity SMF on the activity, growth and migration of mouse embryonic fibroblast (NIH 3T3), aiming to mimic wound healing and to study it in real time. Method: A cell-free area (a scratch with a 200–500µm width) was formed in NIH 3T3 cultured cells and used as a wound model. The effects of a SMF (10, 50, 80 and 100mT) on the survival rate (MTT assay), integrity of cell membranes (lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) assay), the morphology of the cell (circularity, number and length of filopodia), cell orientation, and migration (speed, direction, rate) were studied as a function of the incubation time in a time-lapse manner. Results: The exposure of cells to SMF at all intensities had no cytotoxic effect, as revealed by the MTT assay. The integrity of the membranes of the SMF-treated cells studied by the LDH assay test showed no effects. The structure of the membrane at the leading edge of the cells changed and showed several filopodia extended parallel to the field direction. The exposure to the SMF elongated the cells and decreased their circularity at SMF 10mT. The migration of the cells from one edge of the gap towards the other was affected by the applied SMF. The maximum and minimum effects were monitored at 80mT and 10mT, respectively. Analysis of cell migration revealed an average directness of 0.73, 0.66, 0.78, 0.78 and 0.69 under SMF 10, 50, 80, 100mT and control, respectively. Conclusion: The morphological and functional changes of the cells in the presence of SMF revealed particular effects on the membrane and cytoskeleton. Cells were affected by physicochemical changes caused by the applied SMF, though the extent of the incurred effects was not a linear function of the field intensity. This low cost, non-invasive approach can be used as a magneto-manipulative means to tailor a practical, independent or complementary means of manipulating the activities of cells and tissues for clinical purposes.
Iterative codesign and testing of a novel dressing glove for epidermolysis bullosa
Authors: Graham Tanya , Sooriah Sangeeta , Giampieri Silvia , Box Rachel , Grocott Patricia 
Published: January 2019

Objective: Recessive dystrophic epidermolysis bullosa (RDEB) is a rare genetic skin disorder which requires intensive hand therapy to delay fusion of the digits. Existing dressings do not conform to the complex structure of the hand and are applied in patches held with additional bandages, leading to an occlusive environment. The aim was to co-design with patients a dressing glove based on their user experiences and needs. Method: Qualitative interviews and focus groups with children and adults with RDEB, and their carers, were conducted. Iterative feedback of design cues, bench and surrogate testing of materials and prototype refinement were achieved through collaborative codesign with patients, carers, clinicians and manufacturers. Results: Thematic analysis generated eight user needs and corresponding design cues, addressing issues of absorbency, adherence, comfort, adaptability, ease of application and removal, breathability, protection, and hand hygiene. A prototype was selected for proof of concept testing. Conclusion: This novel dressing glove design met the patient's requirements for a dressing, which conformed to the hand structure and sat in the web spaces to keep fingers separated. Proof of concept testing has since been undertaken with patients to determine performance, value for money and whether further developments are required.
Orçamento Público como Mecanismo de Planejamento para a Gestão
Authors: Almeida Hellen Martins de , Costa Antonia Vadelucia 
Published: January 2019

O orçamento é composto por um sistema de planejamento integrado que contém leis orçamentárias de caráter preventivo e autorizativo, contendo a previsão de receitas e fixação de despesas. Para tanto, o presente estudo teve como finalidade demonstrar a importância do Orçamento Público como ferramenta de planejamento visando a execução do mesmo, trazendo bons resultados à Administração Pública. Para atingir a essa finalidade, apresenta-se uma breve evolução histórica do orçamento durante os anos, os principais conceitos, características, tipificações, princípios e leis a ele incorporados tendo como resultado a necessidade de uma melhor programação e aplicação dos recursos públicos. Também foi abordada a importância de promover o equilíbrio nas receitas e despesas, colocando em destaque o planejamento, o controle e a clareza nas atividades do Setor Público, visto que esses serviços são executados buscando satisfazer as prioridades e as demandas da coletividade. A Metodologia utilizada para o desenvolvimento do estudo é de caráter bibliográfico, uma vez que utilizou-se de obras já publicadas sobre o assunto.
European promises: policy options of Eastern partnership policy
Authors: Martinaitis Žilvinas 
Published: January 2019

AbstractThe article seeks to assess policy options of the Eastern Partnership Policy in stimulating long-term change in the partner countries. It argues that the policy has limited power to directly promote consolidation of democratic and market economy institutions or implementation of sectoral reforms. This is due to the embeddedness and mutual reinforcement of existing institutions in the partner countries. Instead, the Eastern Partnership Policy can create new dynamics of change by altering the outcomes of day-to-day interactions of a large number of individuals and organisations. In this regard, removal of barriers to travel, trade and participation in the EU programmes is an overdue (albeit too small) step in the right direction.
Measurements in the Early Stage Software Start-ups: A Multiple Case Study in a Nascent Ecosystem
Authors: Kamulegeya Grace , Mugwanya Raymond , Hebig Regina 
Published: January 2019

Abstract

Context: Software measurement is crucial to stay competitive and deliver quality software products.

Problem: While much research has been done on measurement in large companies in developed countries, there is limited research on measurement in start-ups. So far there are no studies on whether these results apply to nascent ecosystems, such as those in East Africa.

Goal: The aim of this study is to understand the use and perceived benefits of measurement in software start-ups in East Africa.

Method: We performed a multi-case study on 19 software start-ups in hubs in Uganda and Kenya, through conducting semi-structured interviews. We transcribed and analyzed them using the content analysis technique.

Results: We identified that start-ups are using a number of business and product-oriented metrics. Furthermore, we found no evidence on the use of design-oriented metrics. Nonetheless, start-ups have considerable expectations on the benefits of measuring. Finally, metrics found in this study partially differ from metrics used in start-ups in developed countries.

Conclusion: There is a need to create a more inclusive characterization for measurement as early start-ups in East Africa cannot yet be represented with known models.
Polyaniline enfolded hybrid carbon array substrate electrode for high performance supercapacitors
Authors: Bhardwaj Preetam , Kaushik Shivani , Gairola Preeti , Gairola S.P. 
Published: January 2019

Abstract
Composites with thin layers of polyaniline (PANI) draped on the surface of a hybrid carbon (HC) array or assemblage were prepared by the oxidative polymerization route. The carbon array substrate is a consistent network architecture of carbon nanotubes and graphene, with the benefit of elevated conductivity and surface area of the carbon components. The exceptional improved electrochemical performances of PANI enfolded HC array electrodes are due to the synergistic effect of the pseudocapacitance of PANI and the electric double layer capacitance of the carbon array. The supercapacitive characteristics of composite materials were inspected by using cyclic voltammetry, the galvanostatic charge-discharge test and electrochemical impedance analysis. The 025PANI-HC composite sample revealed a maximum specific capacitance of 1397.82 F g−1 at a scan rate of 5 mV s−1 and 1430 F g−1 at 1 A g−1 from galvanostatic charge-discharge data, respectively, in 1 m H2SO4. The composites exhibited a much larger specific capacitance value than pristine PANI. Also, the 025PANI-HC electrode had an unwavering operation and its specific capacitance retention was 89%, even after 5000 charge-discharge cycles at 1 A g−1.
Sorption behavior of Co-radionuclides from radioactive waste solution on graphene enhanced by immobilized sugarcane and carboxy methyl cellulose
Authors: Sharaf El-Deen Sahar E. A. , Sharaf El-Deen Gehan E. , Jamil Tarek S. 
Published: January 2019

Abstract
Novel graphene-sugarcane bagasse-carboxy methyl cellulose (GSCCMC) nanocomposite have been synthesized via freeze-drying technique after preparation of graphene from natural graphite by modified Hummer method and evaluated as adsorbent for sorption of 60Co(II)-radionuclides from radioactive waste solution and real wastewater samples using a series of batch adsorption experiments and compared with graphene. The synthesized (GSCCMC) nanocomposite was characterized using Fourier transformer infrared (FT-IR), Transmission electron microscope (TEM), Thermal analysis, Elemental analysis, Specific Surface area (SBET) and X-ray diffraction (XRD), which confirmed the successful formation of graphene-sugarcane bagasse-carboxy methyl cellulose (GSCCMC) nanocomposite. Different parameters affecting the removal process including pH, contact time and metal ion concentration were investigated. Isotherm and kinetic models were studied. Adsorption kinetics described well by pseudo-second-order. The Langmuir model provides a better fitting than the Freundlich and Temkin models and the maximum adsorption capacity from Langmuir model were found to be 0.4186 and 0.2424 mol/g for (GSCCMC) nanocomposite and graphene (G), respectively. From Dubinin–Radushkevich (D–R) isotherm model, the sorption energy (E)-values of graphene (G) and (GSCCMC) are 10.16 and 10.564 kJ/mol, respectively and this mean the adsorption of 60Co(II)-radionuclides can be explained by chemisorption process, which is characteristic of ion exchange. Desorption of 60Co(II)-radionuclides from loaded (GSCCMC) nanocomposite was studied using different eluents (0.1 M HCl, 0.1 M NaOH and H2O). The data illustrated that 0.1 M HCl solution showed maximum desorption percent (D%) than other eluents. The economic viability of the adsorption process for the removal of 60Co(II) from wastewater samples was studied. The result indicated that the cost for preparation of (GSCCMC) nanocomposite is lower than for (GSCCMC) nanocomposite that prepared from purchase the graphene powder. Therefore, the synthesized (GSCCMC) nanocomposite was used as regenerated material for sorption of 60Co(II)-radionuclides from aqueous solutions and can be used for many times as a cost-effective and environmental friendly material in wastewater treatment.
Evaluation of Concrete Filled Steel Tube Column Confined with FRP
Authors: Pachideh Ghasem , Gholhaki Majid 
Published: January 2019

Abstract
The main objective of this study was to assess the concrete-filled steel tube column confined with fiber-reinforced polymers (FRP) experimentally and numerically, where it can be used as a composite concrete column with high resistance and ductility. One of the weaknesses of reinforced concrete structures is the corrosion of steel reinforcement in concrete. This weakness can be resolved using FRP I-shaped composite structural sections instead of reinforcing steel bars in concrete. The composite profile was surrounded by the cylindrical concrete column and glass FRP (GFRP). A GFRP cylinder as a template acts in its place. In addition, it can provide a passive confinement for the composite column. Therefore, three columns have been tested in the experimental program under monotonic axial compressive loading. Furthermore, they have been numerically analyzed by means of a finite element method, employing ANSYS software (Ansys, Inc., Canonsburg, Pennsylvania). The ultimate capacity of each tested composite column has been compared to the theoretical capacity of the proposed numerical model. The results demonstrated that there was good compatibility and agreement between the experimental specimens and numerical analysis.
Fire Water Monitor Trajectories Based on Turbulence Breakup Model
Authors: Zhang Minghui , Liu Xintian , Wang Xiaolan , Wang Yansong , Liang Wei 
Published: January 2019

Abstract
Fire remains one of the most pervasive threats to public safety and social development in real life. Fire water monitors have been used as tools for ending the fire all the time. The impact point accuracy of the water jet and the accurate prediction of the water jet trajectory have a significant effect on the efficiency of fire extinction. The quadratic drag model is selected on the basis of the analysis of the mechanical model of fluidic control volume considering the change of the cross-sectional area caused by the velocity and breakup of the water jet. The change of diameter and area of the droplet are also discussed, based on the theory of liquid jet breakup, to build a dynamic breakup model of air resistance and broken jet. The water jet simulations are performed on two different scales by researching several main performance parameters, such as discharge angle and initial velocity, which can affect the jet trajectory of fire water monitor. The influences of various parameters on the jet trajectory are summarized through the simulations of two kinds of water jet experimental data, and an accurate prediction of the jet trajectory of fire water monitor is realized.
Evaluation of Superpave Moisture Susceptibility Considering Uncertainty
Authors: Easa Said M. 
Published: January 2019

Abstract
The existing Superpave method of evaluating moisture susceptibility is deterministic, relying only on the mean values. This technical note presents a new method for evaluating moisture susceptibility considering uncertainty. The method considers the uncertainties of the four measured properties (thickness and maximum load) of conditioned and unconditioned specimens in formulating the uncertainty of the tensile strength ratio (TSR). The probability distribution of TSR is established based on a normality assumption that is verified using Monte Carlo simulation. A simple formula is developed for checking whether the TSR criterion is satisfied, given a specified confidence level. Another formula that incorporates the uncertainty of the TSR criterion is also presented. The proposed method directly considers the uncertainties of the actual test variables and as such takes the current indirect National Cooperative Highway Research Program method of interlaboratory precision estimates one step further.
Pyk2 Signaling through Graf1 and RhoA GTPase Is Required for Amyloid-β Oligomer-Triggered Synapse Loss
Authors: Lee Suho , Salazar Santiago V. , Cox Timothy O. , Strittmatter Stephen M. 
Published: January 2019

The intracellular tyrosine kinase Pyk2 (PTK2B) is related to focal adhesion kinase and localizes to postsynaptic sites in brain. Pyk2 genetic variation contributes to late onset Alzheimer's disease (AD) risk. We recently observed that Pyk2 is required for synapse loss and for learning deficits in a transgenic mouse model of AD. Here, we explore the cellular and biochemical basis for the action of Pyk2 tyrosine kinase in amyloid-β oligomer (Aβo)-induced dendritic spine loss. Overexpression of Pyk2 reduces dendritic spine density of hippocampal neurons by a kinase-dependent mechanism. Biochemical isolation of Pyk2-interacting proteins from brain identifies Graf1c, a RhoA GTPase-activating protein inhibited by Pyk2. Aβo-induced reductions in dendritic spine motility and chronic spine loss require both Pyk2 kinase and RhoA activation. Thus, Pyk2 functions at postsynaptic sites to modulate F-actin control by RhoA and regulate synapse maintenance of relevance to AD risk.SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENTGenetic variation at the Pyk2 locus is a risk for Alzheimer's disease. We have observed that Pyk2 is required for AD transgenic synapse loss and memory dysfunction. However, the cellular and biochemical basis for Pyk2 function related to AD is not defined. Here, we show that brain Pyk2 interacts with the RhoGAP protein Graf1 to alter dendritic spine stability via RhoA GTPase. Amyloid-β oligomer-induced dendritic spine loss requires the Pyk2/Graf1 pathway.
Brain Metastases and Place of Antiangiogenic Therapies in Alveolar Soft Part Sarcoma: A Retrospective Analysis of the French Sarcoma Group
Authors: Malouf Gabriel G. , Beinse Guillaume , Adam Julien , Mir Olivier , Chamseddine Ali N. , Terrier Philippe , Honore Charles , Spano Jean-Philippe , Italiano Antoine , Kurtz Jean-Emmanuel , Coindre Jean-Michel , Blay Jean-Yves , Le Cesne Axel 
Published: January 2019

Abstract

Background
Alveolar soft part sarcoma (ASPS) is a rare sarcoma characterized by a slow evolution, brain metastasis (BM), and resistance to doxorubicin. Antiangiogenic therapies (AAT) have shown clinical activity, but little is known about the optimal therapeutic strategy, specifically considering BM.

Subjects, Materials, and Methods
We performed a retrospective analysis of all patients with ASPS treated in three referral centers of the French Sarcoma Group. We aimed to describe factors associated with overall survival (OS) and the impact of BM on outcome of patients treated by AAT.

Results
We identified 75 patients between 1971 and 2012 (median age = 23, range: 5–96 years). Median follow-up was 74 months. Patients with localized (n = 44, 59%) and metastatic (n = 31, 41%) diseases had a 10-year OS of 69% and 25%, respectively. Only surgical incomplete resection was associated with shorter OS in localized disease (hazard ratio [HR] = 5.2, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.2–22.4, p = .02). Fifty-two (69%) patients developed lung metastasis (LM; baseline: n = 31, [41%]; de novo: n = 21, [28%]). Thirteen patients developed BM, all occurring after LM. Tumor size ≥5 cm was associated with poorer BM-free survival (HR = 8.4, 95% CI 2.1–33.9, p = .002). Median OS post-BM was 17 months (95% CI 15 to not assessable). Overall, 12 patients were treated with AAT (sunitinib n = 10): 5 patients had BM and achieved poor outcomes compared with patients without, with median progression-free-survivals of 2 versus 11 months, respectively.

Conclusion
Baseline larger tumors were associated with increased risk of brain metastasis in patients with ASPS. Patients with BM seem to have little benefit from AAT, suggesting the need to develop antineoplastic agents with high central nervous system penetrance in this setting.
Morphofunctional Peculiarities of Platelet Rich Plasma and Its Application in Ophthalmology
Authors: Fedoseeva E. V. , Chentsova E. V. , Borovkova N. V. , Alekseeva I. B. , Romanova I. Yu. 
Published: January 2019

This article is dedicated to the realistic, present-day problem in treating patients with a damaged cornea. It contains a general summary of the practical experience of treatments in various spheres of medicine and in ophthalmology in particular, concerning the new developing method of restoring tissue with the aid of platelet rich plasma. This is a branch of regenerative medicine. In ophthalmology an effective method has long been sought for treating patients with a damaged cornea. It is well-known that platelet rich plasma contains a high quantity of elements which contribute to growth: thrombocyte, transformation, insulin-like, epidermal etc. And although the mechanism of the parts their role has not been sufficiently studied, the positive results of the PRP use in various fields of surgical medicine and in particular in the treatment of burns and ulcers of the tissue, speak of the key role being played in the growth factor and the process of tissue restoration. Despite the fact that this method has not been fully studied by ophthalmologists, it is of great interest to practising doctors, considering its potential value due to it being therapeutically effective and both simple and economic to produce. Our aim here is to give a short overview of the literature which contains descriptions of the morphological qualities of thrombocytes, to note and describe the characteristics of PRP and its role in the regeneration of tissue, to make special note of the history of the discovery of the growth factor in medico-biological science and to analyze the publications which give details of the PRP use.
The Personalized Approach to the Chronic Central Serous Chorioretinopathy Treatment Based on the Navigated Micropulse Laser Technology
Authors: Volodin P. L. , Doga A. V. , Ivanova E. V. , Pismenskaya V. A. , Kukharskaya Iu. I. , Khrisanfova E. S. 
Published: January 2019

The Purpose— to develop the technology and to evaluate the clinical results of personalized laser treatment of patients with chronic central serous chorioretinopathy (CSC) in a micropulse mode with individual selection of energy parameters on the navigation system Navilas 577s.Patients and Methods. 19 patients (22 eyes) with CSC after micropulse laser treatment were analyzed. The initial best corrected visual acuity (BCVA) was 0.4 to 1.0. According to OCT, the height of the detachment of the neurosensory retina varied from 83 to 259 microns. Retinal sensitivity of the central zone was from 20.2 to 29.7 dB. Before laser treatment were individually selected the optimal energy parameters for each patient. The treatment was performed on a Navilas 577s laser system. The follow-up were 1 and 3 months.Results. 1 month after treatment the positive dynamics of functional and anatomical results in all patients was observed. Mean BCVA increased in the group to 0.81 ± 0.04. The central retinal sensitivity raised on average in the group up to 25.7 ± 0.6 dB. After 3 months, mean BCVA was 0.96 ± 0.02. Mean central retinal sensitivity increased to 26.4 ± 0.57 dB. The study revealed a high correlation between visual acuity and the central retinal thickness (0.72) and medium correlation between foveal retinal sensitivity and central retinal thickness in fovea (0.60), respectively. The correlation among visual acuity, retinal sensitivity and the symptom’s duration of the disease is negative medium (-0.63) and significant (-0.72), respectively.Conclusions. The developed personalized technology of laser treatment of chronic central serous chorioretinopathy with a micropulse mode with an individual selection of energy parameters on the Navilas 577s navigation system showed high clinical efficiency and safety. It has been established that in the course of the longstanding duration of the disease irreversible changes in the chorioretinal complex structure occured, thinning of the foveal photoreceptors layer leading to a decrease in the central retinal sensitivity and visual acuity, which substantiate the necessity for early and maximally functional-saving treatment.