bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
LncRNA MEG3 Inhibits the Degradation of the Extracellular Matrix of Chondrocytes in Osteoarthritis via Targeting miR-93/TGFBR2 Axis
Authors: Chen Kang , Zhu Hao , Zheng Min-Qian , Dong Qi-Rong 
Published: June 2019

Background As a degenerative joint disease, osteoarthritis (OA) is characterized by articular cartilage degradation. Long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) act critical roles in the regulation of OA development, including affecting the proliferation, apoptosis, extracellular matrix (ECM) degradation, and inflammatory response of chondrocytes. The current study’s aim was to investigate the regulatory function and the underlying molecular mechanism of lncRNA MEG3 in ECM degradation of chondrocytes in OA. Methods In the current study, chondrocytes were induced by interleukin-1β (IL-1β) to simulate OA condition, and further assessed cell viability, lncRNA MEG3 and miR-93 expression levels. Overexpression or knockdown of lncRNA MEG3 in chondrocytes treated with IL-1β were performed to investigate the function of MEG3 in regulating cell proliferation, apoptosis and ECM degradation using EdU assay, flow cytometry, quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR), and Western blot. The interaction between MEG3 and miR-93 was assessed using qRT-PCR. Furthermore, overexpression of miR-93 was performed as recovery experiment to explore the functional mechanism of MEG3. Results MEG3 was significantly downregulated in chondrocytes treated with IL-1β, whereas miR-93 was upregulated concomitantly. Overexpression of MEG3 induced the proliferation, suppressed the apoptosis, and relieved the degradation of ECM in IL-1β-induced chondrocytes. By contrast, knockdown of MEG3 suppressed the proliferation, promoted the apoptosis, and aggravated ECM degradation in IL-1β induced chondrocytes. In addition, MEG3 was found to relieve the inhibitive expression of TGFBR2 as a competitive endogenous RNA (ceRNA) of miR-93, and then activated transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) signaling pathway, regulated chondrocytes ECM degradation in IL-1β induced chondrocytes subsequently. Conclusion LncRNA MEG3 targeted miR-93/TGFBR2 axis, regulated the proliferation, apoptosis and ECM degradation of chondrocytes in OA.
Comparison of surgeon-performed ultrasound-guided fine needle aspiration cytology with histopathological diagnosis of thyroid nodules
Authors: Jat Muhammad Ayoob 
Published: June 2019

Objective: To assess the Solitary thyroid nodules by surgeon-performed ultrasound-guided FNAC and evaluate with the histopathological findings.
Methods: This study includes 100 Consecutive patients of a solitary thyroid nodule which were presented to the Outpatients Department of Surgery during the period of two years from September 2016 to August 2018. Exclusion criteria were patients with extra-thyroid swelling, diffuse goiter and multinodular goiter. All patients with a solitary thyroid nodule underwent Surgeon –performed ultrasound-guided FNAC in the department of Radiology. After thyroid surgery, thyroid specimens were sent for histopathology and evaluate with FNAC findings.
Results: The study included hundred patients with solitary thyroid nodule, 75(75%) female and 25 (25%) male with a ratio of F 3:1M. The age of the patients ranged from 15-75 years with a mean age of 35 years. The result of 100 cases of Surgeon –performed Ultrasound –guide FNAC of a solitary thyroid nodule were inconclusive in 10 cases (10%), Non-neoplastic in 60 cases (60%) and Neoplastic lesions in 30 cases (30%). After evaluation of findings from FNAC and histopathology, four cases with benign FNAC (adenomatous/colloid Goiter) turnout as neoplastic (papillary carcinoma) on histopathology and six cases with neoplastic FNAC (papillary carcinoma), just two cases turnout as benign (nodular colloid goiter with cystic degeneration) on histopathology. In present study Surgeon – performed Us FNAC has found to be 87.5% sensitive, 95.3% specific and 92.0% diagnostic accuracy.
Conclusion: Surgeon – performed Ultrasound-guided FNAC is a safe, simple and accurate technique in the diagnosis of solitary thyroid nodule.
doi: https://doi.org/10.12669/pjms.35.4.537
How to cite this:Jat MA. Comparison of surgeon-performed ultrasound-guided fine needle aspiration cytology with histopathological diagnosis of thyroid nodules. Pak J Med Sci. 2019;35(4):1003-1007. doi: https://doi.org/10.12669/pjms.35.4.537
This is an Open Access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0), which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.
Single versus double burr-hole drainage for chronic subdural hematoma: A study of relevant prognostic factors conducted in Pakistan
Authors: Khan Habib Ullah , Atif Khaula , Teimori Boghsani Gholamheidar 
Published: June 2019

Objective: To compare the efficacy of single versus double burr-hole for drainage of chronic subdural hematoma, keeping in consideration pertinent demographic, pre and postoperative associations.
Methods: A prospective cohort study carried out in Combined Military Hospital, Multan, (December 2016-August 2018), on adults with diagnosed chronic subdural hematoma (CSDH); being segregated by randomized control trial, non-probability purposive sampling into Group-A and Group-B (who underwent single and double burr-holes for CSDH-drainage respectively). Utilizing SPSS-21, data expressed as frequencies/percentages and mean± standard deviation (SD) and cross-tabulated; p-value <0.05 was taken as significant.
Results: Age and GCS scores were 62±13.694 (range 38-94) and 11.00±3.350 (range 3-15) respectively, males being 40(66.7). Post-operative fatality was Nil, while 8(13.3%) and 14(23.3%) had post-operative seizures and recurrence of hematoma respectively. There was no significant association between type of burr-hole and hospital stay (p 0-884), seizures (p 0.448) or recurrence (p 0.542). Hospital stay (p<0.000) and seizures (p-0.005) were inversely proportional to GCS scores on presentation. Recurrence rates were not affected by age (p-0 .175) or gender (p-0 .281).
Conclusion: There was no significant difference between outcomes of single and double burr-hole surgeries; the former must be preferred because of lesser iatrogenic trauma. GCS-score on presentation was validated as a negative association to anticipate post-operative outcomes.
doi: https://doi.org/10.12669/pjms.35.4.543
How to cite this:Khan HU, Atif K, Boghsani GT. Single versus double burr-hole drainage for chronic subdural hematoma: A study of relevant prognostic factors conducted in Pakistan. Pak J Med Sci. 2019;35(4):963-968. doi: https://doi.org/10.12669/pjms.35.4.543
This is an Open Access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0), which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.
Response to Individualism in Robinson Crusoe
Authors: Mohammad Ahmed A. , Karim Hawara N. , Azeez Rebin A. 
Published: June 2019

In this explorative study, the response to individualism in Robinson Crusoe as a character in the novel written by Daniel Defoe is scrutinized. Over 40 participants in English Language Department took role while they were studying the novel in their full academic year. In conformity with data collection, pre-test and post-test were administered on the students using individualism inventory. Their opinions in both tests were analyzed using quantitative measures. The focus of the study is to determine if students get any lessons of life from the novel namely, Crusoe's lonely life on the island, and how they are going to apply it in their own real lives on the one hand. On the other, whether or not their attitudes get affected by the individual and solitude life Crusoe experienced. That is, their psychological status and self-awareness about their individual life and community as collective. The findings confirm that students of English department on Faculty of Education were psychologically changed and have more appreciation of collective which is the community and their self-awareness as individuals. This suggests that novels provide not only knowledge chiefly related to language proficiency, but also psychological, social, and intellectual in the long run.
جوانكاریی وشه‌یی له‌ شیعره‌كانی سامی عه‌وداڵدا
Authors: Fattah Rzgar U. 
Published: June 2019

ئه‌م لێكۆڵینه‌وه‌ به‌ناونیشانی (جوانكاری وشه‌یی له‌ شیعره‌كانی سامی عه‌وداڵ) دا، ده‌رفه‌تێكی بایه‌خداره‌ بۆ پتر ئاشنا بوون به‌چەمك و پێناسەی (جوانكاری) و، زیاتر پێشاندان و به‌رجه‌سته‌كردنی ئاسۆو پایه‌كانی جوانكاری و كاریگه‌ری و ڕۆڵی ئه‌م بابه‌ته‌ له‌ شیعره‌كانی شاعیردا، كەتا ئه‌مڕۆ به‌پێی پێویست ئاوڕی لێ نه‌دراوه‌ته‌وه‌. بێگومان هۆكارەكانی هەڵبژاردنی ئەوبابەتە زۆرن ، بەڵام به‌ شێوه‌یه‌كی ڕاسته‌وخۆ بۆ پێگه‌و گرینگی جوانكاری لە داهێنانی شیعرییدا لەلایەك تواناو ڕۆڵی شاعیر لە لایەكی دیكه‌وه ده‌گه‌رێته‌وه‌. توێژینەوەكە لە پێشەكی و دوو بەشی سەرەكی پێكهاتووە. بەشی یەكەم بەشێوەیەكی گشتی تێورییەو لەسێ تەوەرە پێكهاتووە .تەوەرەی یەكەم ،بریتیە لە چەمك وپێناسەی جوانكاری. لێڕه‌دا به‌ پشت به‌ستن به‌ به‌ڵگه‌ی زانستی و بیرو بۆچونی نوسه‌ران و ڕه‌خنه‌گران ، چه‌مك و پێناسه‌ی جوانكارییمان ده‌رخستووه‌. ته‌وەرەی دووەم بۆ مێژوو وسه‌رهه‌ڵدانی جوانكاری لەشیعردا تەرخانكراوە، له‌ته‌وه‌ره‌ی سێیه‌میشدا جۆرو مه‌به‌سته‌كانی جوانكارییمان پێشانداوه‌. بە ڵام بەشی دووەم تایبەتە بەجۆرەكانی جوانكاری و بەهاو و ڕەنگدانەوەی لە شیعرەكانی سامی عه‌وداڵدا . كە له‌ سی ته‌وه‌ر پێكهاتووە . لە تەوەرەی یەكەمداهونه‌ره‌كانی جوانكاری (ڕه‌گه‌زدۆزی و هێنانه‌وه‌ و سه‌روادار) مان لە شیعرەكانی شاعیردا،به‌شێوازیكی زانستی خستۆتەڕوو. لەتەوەرەی دووەم دا، بایەخ و كاریگەری هونه‌ره‌كانی (كه‌رتكردن و گێڕانه‌وه‌ و پاتكردنه‌وه‌) مان شرۆڤه‌ كردووه‌. لەتەوەرەی سێیەمیشدا كاریگه‌ری و ڕه‌نگدانه‌وه‌ی هونه‌ره‌كانی جوانكاری (بوونی پێویسته‌ و تێكهه‌ڵكێش و دووسه‌روا) مان له‌ شیعره‌كانی شاعیردا به‌وردی ڕوون كردوونه‌ته‌وه‌. لەكۆتایدا ئەنجامی توێژینەوەكەو لیستی سەرچاوەكان و پوختەی توێژینەوەكەمان به‌ هه‌ردوو زمانی عه‌ربی و ئینگلیزی خستۆته‌ ڕوو.
النبيّ والرسول في فكر إخوان الصفا وخلان الوفا
Authors: Karim Abdullah M. 
Published: June 2019

النبي والرسول في فكر إخوان الصفا وخلان الوفاء دراسة كلامية ـــ، بيّنت فيه أفكار ومعتقدات إخوان الصفا من خلال رسائلهم الإثنتين وخمسين المنسوبة إليهم، فقمت بدراسة أفكارهم وحللتها تحليلاً علمياً بدون تعصب، ويتكون بحثي من مقدمة ومبحثين، والمقدمة فيها بيان لهذه الجماعة والتعرف بهم، ولرسائلهم، وإختلاف الناس في الطعن بهم، وفي المدح لهم، حيث العالم الإسلامي كان يعيش في فوضى وإضطراب وقت نشأتهم وتكوينهم، وذكرت أقوال العلماء في أسماء من كتب هذه الرسائل من جماعة إخوان الصفا، ثمّ ذكرت أقوالهم في معنى النبي والرسول من خلال رسائلهم، وكلا المعنيين واحد عندهم، فهما: أي النبي والرسول لفظان مختلفان لفظاً متحدان معناً، وبيّنت أيضاً آرائهم في صفات الأنبياء عليهم الصلاة السلام، الصفات الخَلقية، والصفات الخُلقية، والنبوة عندهم غير منتهية، بل هي مستمرّة ودائمة. معتقد إخوان الصفا في الأنبياء عليهم الصلاة والسلام، حيث بينت فيه أنّ الأنبياء عندهم غير محصورين في عدد، ولا يؤمنون بأن الوحي ينزل عليهم، بل كلّ إنسان صالح وفيلسوف فهو نبي عندهم، لأنّهم لا يؤمنون بالملائكة، ولا بالوحي ولا بالجنّ والشياطين، بل لا يؤمون باليوم الآخر، ثمّ ذكرت في المطلب الثاني بياناً للعقيدة الصحيحة التي جاء بها الأنبياء عليهم الصلاة والسلام، حتى يكون ردّاً على شبهاتهم، وبياناً لما يوافق القرآن والسنة النبويّة
Fabrication of textured substrates for dye-sensitized solar cells using polydimethylsiloxane nanoimprint lithography
Authors: Yang Na , Oka Chiemi , Hata Seiichi , Sakurai Junpei 
Published: June 2019

Abstract
We proposed a fabrication of nanoimprinted textures on a front glass/transparent conductive oxide interface for dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs). These textures were fabricated through polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) nanoimprint lithography on organosilsesquioxane solution. The texture structures were estimated via optical simulation. Master molds were anodic aluminum oxide templates with nano-texture (N-Tx) and micro-nano double texture (D-Tx). Meanwhile, replicate molds used a hard PDMS. Fluorine-doped tin oxide and titanium dioxide were deposited on textured glass substrates to generate electrodes for DSSCs. Unlike the DSSCs without texture, textured DSSCs realized 11.4% (N-Tx) and 10% (D-Tx) improvement in conversion efficiency.
Monitoring and coordination for essentiality of money
Authors: Awaya Yu , Fukai Hiroki 
Published: June 2019

Abstract
For money to be essential, environments have been considered in which there is imperfect monitoring of past actions and in which it is difficult to coordinate among economic agents. This paper provides an environment in which there is no monitoring of past actions while coordination is difficult. In this environment, we show that the first best allocation is achieved without money, and hence, money is not essential. The implication is that, for money to be essential, no monitoring is not enough but coordination must also be free.
On the evolution of solutions of Burgers equation on the positive quarter-plane
Authors: Hanaç Esen 
Published: June 2019

Abstract
In this paper we investigate an initial-boundary value problem for the Burgers equation on the positive quarter-plane;

v

t

+
v

v

x

-

v

x
x

=
0
,

x
>
0
,

t
>
0
,

v

(

x
,
0

)

=

u

+

,

x
>
0
,

v

(

0
,
t

)

=

u

b

,

t
>
0
,

$\matrix{ {{v_t} + v{v_x} - {v_{xx}} = 0,\,\,\,x > 0,\,\,\,t > 0,} \cr {v\left( {x,0} \right) = {u_ + },\,\,\,x > 0,} \cr {v\left( {0,t} \right) = {u_b},\,\,t > 0,} \cr }$

where x and t represent distance and time, respectively, and u
+ is an initial condition, ub is a boundary condition which are constants (u
+ ≠ ub). Analytic solution of above problem is solved depending on parameters (u
+ and ub) then compared with numerical solutions to show there is a good agreement with each solutions.
New copulas based on general partitions-of-unity (part III) — the continuous case
Authors: Pfeifer Dietmar , Mändle Andreas , Ragulina Olena , Girschig Côme 
Published: June 2019

Abstract
In this paper we discuss a natural extension of infinite discrete partition-of-unity copulas which were recently introduced in the literature to continuous partition of copulas with possible applications in risk management and other fields. We present a general simple algorithm to generate such copulas on the basis of the empirical copula from high-dimensional data sets. In particular, our constructions also allow for an implementation of positive tail dependence which sometimes is a desirable property of copula modelling, in particular for internal models under Solvency II.
Primary adrenal insufficiency in the United States: diagnostic error and patient satisfaction with treatment
Authors: Regan Elizabeth A. , Vaidya Anand , Margulies Paul L. , Make Barry J. , Lowe Katherine E. , Crapo James D. 
Published: June 2019

Abstract

Background
The objective of the study was to assess the diagnostic process, access to care and treatment adequacy for primary adrenal insufficiency (PAI) patients from a US-based online registry.

Methods
The National Adrenal Diseases Foundation (NADF) patient registry from 2015 to 2016 was used for a cross-sectional assessment of PAI patients. Five hundred and forty-one adults met the study inclusion criteria (US residents, age >20, self-reported physician diagnosis of PAI and replacement dosing for cortisol). Issues in diagnosis, comorbid conditions, symptoms, with demographic and socioeconomic characteristics were determined. Disease management assessment included medication dose, patient satisfaction with function, and education. Factors associated with adrenal crisis were noted.

Results
The cohort was predominantly female (83%), non-Hispanic White (97%), and well-educated (94% > high school education). A majority (57%) of patients reported difficulty with initial diagnosis, while 27% felt that their current steroid replacement was not adequate. Comorbid thyroid disease and other autoimmune conditions were common among PAI patients in the registry. More than three-quarters (78%) of patients used hydrocortisone for glucocorticoid replacement with a mean dose of 24.4 (standard deviation [SD]: 8.7) mg. Mean dose of hydrocortisone has declined over time following current treatment recommendations.

Conclusions
Timely, accurate diagnosis remains a problem for patients with primary adrenal insufficiency in an affluent, well-educated US cohort. Episodes of adrenal crisis are common and replacement steroid treatment is not always effective for patient function. Comprehensive information about outcomes of care for PAI in the US remains limited and the establishment of a research-specific registry to foster future research may be desirable. Patient registry data is a valuable source of information on diagnostic error and outcomes of care in rare diseases.
Treatment of European beech with a new wood fire retardant agent based on in situ deposition of calcium oxalate
Authors: Franke Tom , Volkmer Thomas 
Published: June 2019

Abstract
European beech (Fagus sylvatica L.) was impregnated in a two-step process with aqueous solutions of potassium oxalate and calcium chloride successively. These compounds are intended to react in situ to the water-insoluble salt calcium oxalate and the reaction by-product potassium chloride. In order to assess the treatability, the solid uptake after the first impregnation and after the treatment was examined. The fixation of the precipitated salts was measured in leaching tests according to the European standard EN 84. The reaction to fire of mineralized beech was tested following the standard ISO 11925-2. A weight percentage gain of appr. 35% indicates a sucessful treatment of the beech with the mineralization agents. The weight percentage gain after leaching indicates a sufficient fixation of calcium oxalate in the wood. Furthermore, results from flammability tests indicate improved fire resistance due to the mineralization.
Neuronal microtubules and proteins linked to Parkinson’s disease: a relevant interaction?
Authors: Calogero Alessandra M. , Mazzetti Samanta , Pezzoli Gianni , Cappelletti Graziella 
Published: June 2019

Abstract
Neuronal microtubules are key determinants of cell morphology, differentiation, migration and polarity, and contribute to intracellular trafficking along axons and dendrites. Microtubules are strictly regulated and alterations in their dynamics can lead to catastrophic effects in the neuron. Indeed, the importance of the microtubule cytoskeleton in many human diseases is emerging. Remarkably, a growing body of evidence indicates that microtubule defects could be linked to Parkinson’s disease pathogenesis. Only a few of the causes of the progressive neuronal loss underlying this disorder have been identified. They include gene mutations and toxin exposure, but the trigger leading to neurodegeneration is still unknown. In this scenario, the evidence showing that mutated proteins in Parkinson’s disease are involved in the regulation of the microtubule cytoskeleton is intriguing. Here, we focus on α-Synuclein, Parkin and Leucine-rich repeat kinase 2 (LRRK2), the three main proteins linked to the familial forms of the disease. The aim is to dissect their interaction with tubulin and microtubules in both physiological and pathological conditions, in which these proteins are overexpressed, mutated or absent. We highlight the relevance of such an interaction and suggest that these proteins could trigger neurodegeneration via defective regulation of the microtubule cytoskeleton.
The Fourier-finite-element method for Poisson’s equation in three-dimensional axisymmetric domains with edges: Computing the edge flux intensity functions
Authors: Nkemzi Boniface , Jung Michael 
Published: June 2019

AbstractIn [Nkemzi and Jung, 2013] explicit extraction formulas for the computation of the edge flux intensity functions for the Laplacian at axisymmetric edges are presented. The present paper proposes a new adaptation for the Fourier-finite-element method for efficient numerical treatment of boundary value problems for the Poisson equation in axisymmetric domains Ω̂ ⊂ ℝ3 with edges. The novelty of the method is the use of the explicit extraction formulas for the edge flux intensity functions to define a postprocessing procedure of the finite element solutions of the reduced boundary value problems on the two-dimensional meridian of Ω̂. A priori error estimates show that the postprocessing finite element strategy exhibits optimal rate of convergence on regular meshes. Numerical experiments that validate the theoretical results are presented.
Geodesic equations and their numerical solution in Cartesian coordinates on a triaxial ellipsoid
Authors: Panou G. , Korakitis R. 
Published: June 2019

Abstract
In this work, the geodesic equations and their numerical solution in Cartesian coordinates on an oblate spheroid, presented by Panou and Korakitis (2017), are generalized on a triaxial ellipsoid. A new exact analytical method and a new numerical method of converting Cartesian to ellipsoidal coordinates of a point on a triaxial ellipsoid are presented. An extensive test set for the coordinate conversion is used, in order to evaluate the performance of the two methods. The direct geodesic problem on a triaxial ellipsoid is described as an initial value problem and is solved numerically in Cartesian coordinates. The solution provides the Cartesian coordinates and the angle between the line of constant λ and the geodesic, at any point along the geodesic. Also, the Liouville constant is computed at any point along the geodesic, allowing to check the precision of the method. An extensive data set of geodesics is used, in order to demonstrate the validity of the numerical method for the geodesic problem. We conclude that a complete, stable and precise solution of the problem is accomplished.
Political Governance, Law, and Economic Development
Authors: Lee Yong-Shik 
Published: June 2019

Abstract
Political stability is an important precondition for economic development. While political stability cannot be created by laws alone, an effective legal framework for political governance, such as a constitution, can facilitate political stability. Political stability is not synonymous with democracy; while civil liberty is often considered a key ingredient for prosperity, it has been historically observed that promotion of democracy, while an important value, does not necessarily lead to economic development. Successful economic developments in the East Asian countries, such as South Korea, Singapore, and Taiwan from the 60s to the 80s and in contemporary China show the importance of political stability in achieving economic progress albeit with certain democratic deficits. The system of political governance that creates political stability may differ from one place to another, depending upon political needs, cultural priorities, historical contexts, and popular aspirations. This paper considers these elements and also examines, based on local conditions and priorities, the kind of political leadership that has brought political stability and economic development, the question of democracy, and the legal frameworks conducive to sustaining political stability.