bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The development of an end-to-end service solution to support lupus patients and improve their experience in clinical trials
Authors: Allen Jodie , Child Abbey , Mertens Sarah 
Published: November 2018

Objective To develop an end-to-end clinical trial service to improve patient experience during trials, reduce the burden of participating in a trial, and increase trial retention. Methods A literature search and stakeholder interviews were used to identify current challenges and unmet needs of systemic lupus erythematosus patients and other systemic lupus erythematosus clinical trial stakeholders. The results from the literature search and interviews were used to create a five-phase map describing the current clinical trial experience of all stakeholders. A set of proposed solutions were developed to address the identified unmet needs and challenges. These solutions were presented to trial-experienced patients and study site personnel; any feedback obtained was used to further refine the solutions. Results Four site personnel and seven patients from three different systemic lupus erythematosus clinical trial sites were interviewed between September 2015 and December 2015. Key unmet needs and challenges were identified at each stage of the clinical trials. At the screening stage, some patients incorrectly thought they were successfully enrolled into the clinical trial. During enrollment, some patients found it difficult to keep fully informed about the trial and were unable to explain the trial process to loved ones. During the trial, patients struggled to prepare for study visits, felt overwhelmed by the trial process, and wanted someone to talk to for support. Clinical trial site personnel reported current key challenges as: delivering trial information clearly and consistently to patients, setting patient expectations, retaining enrolled patients, and providing non-clinical patient support. To address the needs of patients and site personnel, an end-to-end support service was designed, consisting of nine solutions: My Best Choice, My Eligibility, My Lupus Trial Kit, My Lupus Trial Coach, My Appointment Guide, My Clinic Compass, Our Gratitude, Building a Different Network, and My Next Chapter. Conclusion The solutions proposed in this qualitative study may help improve the systemic lupus erythematosus clinical trial experience for patients, potentially helping to increase trial recruitment and retention. The solutions proposed here would also promote positive patient-trial personnel relationships, which may help site personnel identify patients at risk of early withdrawal, while ensuring that the time and resources of site personnel are used efficiently.
SphK1/S1P mediates TGF‐β1‐induced proliferation of pulmonary artery smooth muscle cells and its potential mechanisms
Authors: Wang Jian , Feng Wei , Li Fangwei , Shi Wenhua , Zhai Cui , Li Shaojun , Zhu Yanting , Yan Xin , Wang Qingting , Liu Lu , Xie Xinming , Li Manxiang 
Published: November 2018

The upregulation of Sphingosine kinase 1 (SphK1) expression and accompanied sphingosine‐1‐phosphate (S1P) production have been reported to contribute to the proliferation of pulmonary artery smooth muscle cells (PASMC) and pulmonary arterial remodeling. However, the molecular mechanisms of SphK1/S1P upregulation in PASMC and the specific mechanisms of how SphK1/S1P pathway promotes PASMC proliferation remain largely unclear. This study aims to address these issues. Here, we demonstrated that TGF‐β1 significantly upregulated SphK1 expression and S1P production by promoting the phosphorylation of Smad2/3 in PASMC. Further study indicated that SphK1/S1P pathway mediated TGF‐β1‐induced Notch3 activation in PASMC. In addition, we showed that TGF‐β1 significantly induced proliferation of PASMC, while pre‐inhibition of Smad2/3 phosphorylation with SB431542 or silencing SphK1 using small interfering RNA in advance, or pre‐blocking Notch3 pathway with N‐[N‐(3,5‐difluorophenacetyl)‐L‐alanyl]‐S‐phenylglycine t‐butyl ester (DAPT), attenuated TGF‐β1‐induced PASMC proliferation. Taken together, our study indicates that Smad2/3/SphK1/S1P/Notch3 pathway mediates TGF‐β1‐induced PASMC proliferation and suggests this pathway as a potential therapeutic target in the prevention and treatment of pulmonary hypertension.
An evaluation of techniques for dose calculation on cone beam computed tomography
Authors: Giacometti Valentina , King Raymond B. , Agnew Christina E. , Irvine Denise M. , Jain Suneil , Hounsell Alan R. , McGarry Conor K. 
Published: November 2018

Objective:
To assess the accuracy and efficiency of four different techniques, thus determining the optimum method for recalculating dose on cone beam CT (CBCT) images acquired during radiotherapy treatments.

Methods:
Four established techniques were investigated and their accuracy assessed via dose calculations: (1) applying a standard planning CT (pCT) calibration curve, (2) applying a CBCT site-specific calibration curve, (3) performing a density override and (4) using deformable registration. Each technique was applied to 15 patients receiving volumetric modulated arc therapy to one of three treatment sites, head and neck, lung and prostate. Differences between pCT and CBCT recalculations were determined with dose volume histogram metrics and 2.0%/0.1 mm gamma analysis using the pCT dose distribution as a reference.

Results:
Dose volume histogram analysis indicated that all techniques yielded differences from expected results between 0.0 and 2.3% for both target volumes and organs at risk. With volumetric gamma analysis, the dose recalculation on deformed images yielded the highest pass-rates. The median pass-rate ranges at 50% threshold were 99.6–99.9%, 94.6–96.0%, and 94.8.0-96.0% for prostate, head and neck and lung patients, respectively.

Conclusion:
Deformable registration, HU override and site-specific calibration curves were all identified as dosimetrically accurate and efficient methods for dose calculation on CBCT images.

Advances in knowledge:
With the increasing adoption of CBCT, this study provides clinical radiotherapy departments with invaluable information regarding the comparison of dose reconstruction methods, enabling a more accurate representation of a patient’s treatment. It can also integrate studies in which CBCT is used in image-guided radiation therapy and for adaptive radiotherapy planning processes.
Prediction of recombinant Mycobacterium tuberculosis α-crystallin oligomer chaperone activity using polynomial graphs
Authors: Krishnan Gautam , Roy Utpal 
Published: November 2018

Background: Mycobacterial α-crystallin (Acr) is a chaperone that prevents misfolding of proteins when Mycobacterium tuberculosis is found in a latent form in the host tissue. Methods: Using insulin as a model substrate and utilizing polynomial graphs, we attempted to predict molecular-level interactions that are a function of the oligomeric state of the recombinant protein. The chaperone activity of the recombinant oligomeric Acr was measured at 60°C with Acr samples obtained before gel filtration chromatography and compared with a gel-filtered sample. Results: The polynomial graphs constructed showed improved molecular coverage of the insulin B chain by the oligomer. The 2nd order coefficient is the one that changes with the oligomeric ratio of Acr and improves chaperone activity. Polynomial analysis suggested that it could be a useful parameter to predict chaperone activity for potential in vitro batches of M. tuberculosis Acr based on the dynamic nature of the association and disassociation of oligomers. Conclusions: The results showed that coverage of insulin B chain improved with higher ratio of 9-mer as compared to lower ratios. This was shown by both simulation plots and actual assay data. The polynomial graphs showed increase in the 2nd order coefficient, thus suggesting the important role of oligomerisation in improved molecular coverage of insulin B chain.
Antiasthmatic effect of Curcuma aeruginosa extract on isolated organ of the trachea
Authors: Paramita Swandari , Moerad Emil Bachtiar , Ismail Sjarif , Marliana Eva 
Published: November 2018

Background:Asthma is a major health problem worldwide. Antiasthma drugs have side effects and can be expensive. It is important to develop antiasthma drugs from medicinal plants that have fewer side effects and are cheaper. One of the medicinal plants used for antiasthma treatment comes fromCurcuma aeruginosa(Zingiberaceaefamily). The aim of the research is to examine spasmolytic activity of ethanol extract ofC. aeruginosaon isolated guinea pig tracheas to determine the antiasthma effects.Methods:The spasmolytic activity ofC. aeruginosaextracts was tested in separated organs of guinea pig trachea. Guinea pig was sacrificed and its trachea rings were suspended in L-shaped wire loops in organ baths containing the Krebs solution aerated with carbogen. Isometric contractions of tracheal rings were measured by the transducer coupled to the amplifier. The trachea rings were exposed to DMSO as negative control, aminophylline as positive control andC. aeruginosaextracts. The single concentration-relaxation curve was obtained in every preparation.Results:The result showed that the decrease of the spasmolytic activity in the guinea pig tracheal tone due toC. aeruginosaextract was significantly better (p=0.022) when compared to the negative control. Meanwhile, the EC50value of aminophylline (0.019 ± 0.05) was not significantly different (p=0.454) withC. aeruginosa(0.024 ± 0.05).Conclusion:It could be concluded thatC. aeruginosaextracts have the potency to be further developed as a new natural source of the antiasthma agents.
Comparison of patterns of dressing for two generations within a local context
Authors: DeLong Marilyn R. , Bang Haeun , Gibson Laureen 
Published: November 2018

Abstract
This research explores the dressing patterns of two generations of women with similar educational levels, and both located in the upper Midwest, USA. Based upon a review of the theories about dressing, the expectation was that differences in patterns of dressing would arise between the two groups that differed in age and generational cohort group. This is significant in today’s milieu in which sustainable best practices from fast to slow fashion are encouraged and differences in generational groups could change the approach to intervention. The total sample of 115 females included two groups, the first numbered 55 with an average age of 73 years and the second numbered 60 with an average age of 20 years. Participants responded to a survey focused on the contemporary American woman. The two groups were asked the same questions about how they desired to appear, how they strategized about their wardrobe and putting together of ensembles, and their shopping patterns. Analysis included a comparison of responses of each group. There were a few differences in patterns of dressing based upon age and generational cohort group, but the number of similarities pointed to other influences such as the similar location of the two groups.
Let’s not play: Interpassivity as resistance in ‘Let’s Play’ videos
Authors: Gekker Alex 
Published: November 2018

Abstract
This article examines contemporary practices of ‘idling’ (playing ‘idle games’) and ‘let’s playing’ (watching ‘Let’s Play’ [LP] videos of performed gameplay) as forms of power and resistance in the attention economy. Through the prism of interpassivity, a theory developed by Robert Pfaller and Slavoj Žižek, it establishes idling as relegating certain enjoyment from gameplay to the machine, while reproducing the anxieties associated with digital work as a whole. LPs, on the other hand, position the viewer as a critical analyst rather than a hands-on player. This vicarious experience of delegating play to others can allow avoidance and disengagement, which in turn may allow for a critical examination of the system as whole. As I will argue in this article, such interpassive practices can thus be seen as forms of resistance enabling users to step outside the controlling mechanism of digital media and the associated cybernetic feedback loops.
Sequential Adaptation in Mammalian CHO-K1 Cells Producing Human Erythropoietin
Authors: Wisnuwardhani Popi Hadi , Septisetyani Endah Puji , Santoso Adi 
Published: November 2018

The production of recombinant proteins for clinical applications using mammalian cell technology has become a prevalent system because of its capacity in assembling functional proteins. One of the main problems with CHO-K1 cells is that this cell has to grow in the presence of serum. However, the presence of serum will complicate the downstream step for protein production. Thus, protein produced in media without serum, theoretically, would be easier to purify. Technically, this type of cell can be produced by growing the CHO-K1 cells in serum-free media by using adaptation method in suspension condition. This research showed that through sequential adaptation using conditioned media, the CHO-K1 cell line that produces the human erythropoietin gene (hEPO) was able to grow in suspension culture using serum-free media. Based on Western blot analysis, it showed that the protein (hEPO) was able to be expressed in suspension culture with molecular mass of about 47 kDa.
Median nerve decompression in carpal tunnel syndrome: short- and long-term results
Authors: Gilveg A. S. , Parfenov V. A. , Evzikov G. Yu. 
Published: November 2018

Objective: to investigate the short- and long-term results of surgical median nerve decompression via classical and minimally invasive approaches in patients with carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS), as well as factors that influence surgical outcomes. Patients and methods. The investigation enrolled 70 patients (13 men and 57 women) aged 36 to 84 years (mean age, 62±10.8 years) who had undergone median nerve decompression. Surgery was performed in the classical way in 35 patients (Group 1) and via a minimally invasive access in the remaining 35 patients (Group 2). The efficiency of treatment was evaluated using the Boston Carpal Tunnel Questionnaire (BCTQ) and a visual analog scale for pain before and 1, 3, 6, and 12 months after surgery, as well as from patient satisfaction with surgical outcomes. Results. No complications of surgical treatment were detected. There was a marked reduction in pain and other neuropathic disorders just 1 month after surgery and a substantial hand functional improvement following 6 months. After 12 months, in Group 1, the mean BCTQ Symptom Severity Scale and Functional Deficit Scale scores decreased from 2.76 to 1.15 (p≤0.01) and from 2.72 to 1.24 (p≤0.01), respectively; in Group 2, these dropped from 2.86 to 1.14 (p≤0.01) and from 2.95 to 1.24 (p≤0.01), respectively. Complete recovery from sensory problems occurred in 24 (69%) patients in Group 1 and in 25 (71%) patients in Group 2; their partial recovery was observed in 11 (31%) and 10 (29%) patients in these groups, respectively. One 1 month following decompression, the patients in Group 1 had more severe pain syndrome than those in Group 2; these differences became statistically insignificant after 6 months. The patients were found to be highly satisfied with surgical treatment. Permanent numbness, subjective weakness, thenar muscle atrophy, stage III CTS, and diabetes mellitus (DM) were predictors for less pronounced improvement in BCTQ scores after surgical treatment (p<0.05). The paper describes a clinical case that achieved full postoperative occupational and home rehabilitation. Conclusion. The patients with CTS were observed to have a marked reduction in pain and other neuropathic disorders just one month after surgical decompression and a substantial hand functional improvement following 6 months. The benefit from a minimally invasive access is less severe pain syndrome at 1 month after surgery. The predictors of less successful results of surgery are age (the older the patient is, the greater likelihood of having a worse result), permanent numbness, subjective hand weakness, thenar muscle atrophy, DM, and stage III CTS.
Semiosphere and Solitary World
Authors: Duan Lian 
Published: November 2018

Abstract
Literati landscape painting was the mainstream of Chinese art in the Yuan dynasty; its keynote is the idea of yi, literally, escaping for freedom, which is represented by the notion of reclusiveness at the conceptual level and the notion of spontaneity at the formal level. Based on an analytical interpretation of the development of Yuan literati landscape painting at the two levels, this essay intends to make a point that, under the Mongol rule, reclusiveness and spontaneity became the artistic pursuit of Chinese artists in the period from late 13th to late 14th century. Employing Yuri Lotman’s theory of “semiosphere” in this study, I argue that the blueprint for the solitary world is designed by the early Yuan literati artist Zhao Mengfu, and this world is constructed by the later Yuan literati artists Huang Gongwang and Ni Zan, among others. I further describe the structure of this world as having two levels and three concentric circles, with reclusiveness as the signified central idea and spontaneous brushwork as its signifier. I then conclude that the interaction of the reclusive idea and spontaneous style semioticizes the structure, and completes the construction of the unique artistic world of Yuan literati landscape painting.
Effects of a Competitive Soccer Match on Jump Performance and Interlimb Asymmetries in Elite Academy Soccer Players
Authors: Bromley Tom , Turner Anthony , Read Paul , Lake Jason , Maloney Sean , Chavda Shyam , Bishop Chris 
Published: November 2018

Abstract
Bromley, T, Turner, A, Read, P, Lake, J, Maloney, S, Chavda, S, and Bishop, C. Effects of a competitive soccer match on jump performance and interlimb asymmetries in elite academy soccer players. J Strength Cond Res 35(6): 1707–1714, 2021—The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of a competitive soccer match on jump performance and interlimb asymmetries over incremental time points during a 72-hour period. Fourteen elite adolescent players from a professional English category 3 academy performed single-leg countermovement jumps pre, post, 24-, 48-, and 72-hour post-match on a single force platform. Eccentric impulse, concentric impulse, peak propulsive force, jump height, peak landing force, and landing impulse were monitored throughout. Interlimb asymmetries were also calculated for each metric as the percentage difference between limbs. Significant negative changes (p < 0.05) in jump performance were noted for all metrics at all time points, with the exception of jump height. Interlimb asymmetries were metric-dependent and showed very large increases, specifically post-match, with a trend to reduce back toward baseline values at the 48-hour time point for propulsive-based metrics. Asymmetries for landing metrics did not peak until the 24-hour time point and again reduced toward baseline at 48-hour time point. This study highlights the importance of monitoring distinct jump metrics, as jump height alone was not sensitive enough to show significant changes in jump performance. However, interlimb asymmetries were sensitive to fatigue with very large increases post-match. More frequent monitoring of asymmetries could enable practitioners to determine whether existing imbalances are also associated with reductions in physical performance or increased injury risk.
Effects of Small-Sided Game Variation on Changes in Hamstring Strength
Authors: Madison Glenn , Patterson Stephen David , Read Paul , Howe Louis , Waldron Mark 
Published: November 2018

Abstract
Madison, G, Patterson, SD, Read, P, Howe, L, and Waldron, M. Effects of small-sided game variation on changes in hamstring strength. J Strength Cond Res 33(3): 839–845, 2019—Small-sided games (SSGs) are commonly used by soccer practitioners to condition players. This form of exercise can result in fatigue, potentially exposing the muscle to injury risk. The purpose of this study was to determine the effects of SSG variations on hamstring torque in semiprofessional soccer players. In a counterbalanced cross-over design, 10 male semiprofessional soccer players took part in both small relative area (3 vs. 3; 300 m2) and large relative area (4 vs. 4; 1000 m2) SSGs. The games comprised 6 × 4-minute bouts, with 90-second recovery. Both movement and heart rate responses were monitored by global positioning systems (GPS) and hamstring isometric torque was measured pre-training and post-training using a NordBord. There were differences (p < 0.05) between the small and large relative area games for peak hamstring force decrement (5.78 N and −13.62 N, respectively) and mean hamstring force decrement at 90° (11.11 N and −4.78 N, respectively). The number of accelerations was related to (r = 0.46, p = 0.039) reduced hamstring peak torque at 90°. In conclusion, larger relative area SSGs elicited the greatest internal and external loads, resulting in decrements in hamstring force. The number of accelerations performed in the session increases the likelihood of hamstring fatigue and can be controlled with the relative pitch area.
Modified Bidirectional Dc-dc Boost Converter Fed Three-Phase Four-Wire PV-DVR
Authors: Kanagaraj N. , Ramasamy M. , Rezk Hegazy , Manesh T. 
Published: November 2018

Abstract
In this article, a photovoltaic (PV)-integrated bidirectional two-winding coupled inductor–based dc-dc converter-fed three-phase four-wire (3P4W) photovoltaic dynamic voltage restorer (PV-DVR) is proposed. The PV interconnected DVR, connected with the power distribution network, effectively compensates the long-term voltage sag, voltage swell, and interruptions. The conventional PV-DVRs designed with the cascaded connection of dc-dc converters offer high boosting gain with increased losses and cost. The proposed PV-DVR based on two-winding coupled inductor–based bidirectional dc-dc converter is designed to provide high boosting gain with increased efficiency and reduced components. The performance of the proposed scheme is validated by simulation using MATLAB/SIMULINK (MathWorks, Natick, MA) and experimentally under different operating conditions. The results show the effectiveness of the proposed topology in mitigating the long-term voltage sag, voltage swell, and interruptions.
Capital structure and religion. Some international evidence
Authors: Dragotă Ingrid-Mihaela , Dragotă Victor , Curmei-Semenescu Andreea , Pele Daniel Traian 
Published: November 2018

In the recent years, an increasing number of papers deepened cross-disciplinary studies, examining how different cultural values influence financial variables. The main objective of our paper is to test if the dominant world religions (Buddhist, Christian, Hindu, Islamic, and Judaic), and, moreover, some Christian denominations (Catholicism, Protestantism and Eastern Orthodox Christianity) are related to some patterns in capital structure. Our paper considers distinctly the category of countries in which Agnostics, Atheists and non-religious people are predominant.
The results are promising. Companies located in the states with predominance of Islamic religion have a lower leverage, while the ones from predominantly Catholic, Eastern Orthodox, Hindu and Judaic countries, as well as those in mainly Agnostic, Atheist and non-religious ones, are indebted more than those from mainly Protestant countries. The debt maturity seems to be correlated to the dominant religions or denominations, with companies in the predominantly Eastern Orthodox, Buddhist and Agnostic, Atheist and non-religious countries relying more on short term debt, and those in the majority Catholic, Judaic and Hindu countries on long term debt.