bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Long-Term Testosterone Supplementation in Older Men Attenuates Age-Related Decline in Aerobic Capacity
Authors: Traustadóttir Tinna , Harman S Mitchell , Tsitouras Panayiotis , Pencina Karol M , Li Zhuoying , Travison Thomas G , Eder Richard , Miciek Renee , McKinnon Jennifer , Woodbury Erin , Basaria Shehzad , Bhasin Shalender , Storer Thomas W 
Published: May 2018

Abstract

Context
Testosterone increases skeletal muscle mass and strength, but long-term effects of testosterone supplementation on aerobic capacity, or peak oxygen uptake (V̇O2peak), in healthy older men with low testosterone have not been evaluated.

Objective
To determine the effects of testosterone supplementation on V̇O2peak during incremental cycle ergometry.

Design
A double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled, parallel-group trial (Testosterone’s Effects on Atherosclerosis Progression in Aging Men).

Setting
Exercise physiology laboratory.

Participants
Healthy men aged ≥ 60 years with total testosterone levels of 100 to 400 ng/dL (3.5 to 13.9 nmol/L) or free testosterone levels < 50 pg/mL (174 pmol/L).

Interventions
Randomization to 1% transdermal testosterone gel adjusted to achieve serum levels of 500 to 950 ng/dL or placebo applied daily for 3 years.

Main Outcome Measures
Change in V̇O2peak.

Results
Mean (±SD) baseline V̇O2peak was 24.2 ± 5.2 and 23.6 ± 5.6 mL/kg/min for testosterone and placebo, respectively. V̇O2peak did not change in men treated with testosterone but fell significantly in men receiving placebo (average 3-year decrease, 0.88 mL/kg/min; 95% CI, −1.39 to 0.38 mL/kg/min; P = 0.035); the difference in change in V̇O2peak between groups was significant (average 3-year difference, 0.91 mL/kg/min; 95% CI, 0.010 to 0.122 mL/kg/min; P = 0.008). The 1-g/dL mean increase in hemoglobin (P < 0.001) was significantly associated with changes in V̇O2peak in testosterone-treated men.

Conclusion
The mean 3-year change in V̇O2peak was significantly smaller in men treated with testosterone than in men receiving placebo and was associated with increases in hemoglobin. The difference in V̇O2peak change between groups may indicate attenuation of its expected age-related decline; the clinical meaningfulness of the modest treatment effect remains to be determined.
Effectiveness of model-based clustering in analyzing Plasmodium falciparum RNA-seq time-course data
Authors: Oyelade Jelili , Isewon Itunuoluwa , Olaniyan Damilare , Rotimi Solomon O , Soyemi Jumoke 
Published: May 2018

Background: The genomics and microarray technology played tremendous roles in the amount of biologically useful information on gene expression of thousands of genes to be simultaneously observed. This required various computational methods of analyzing these amounts of data in order to discover information about gene function and regulatory mechanisms. Methods: In this research, we investigated the usefulness of hidden markov models (HMM) as a method of clustering Plasmodium falciparum genes that show similar expression patterns. The Baum-Welch algorithm was used to train the dataset to determine the maximum likelihood estimate of the Model parameters. Cluster validation was conducted by performing a likelihood ratio test. Results: The fitted HMM was able to identify 3 clusters from the dataset and sixteen functional enrichment in the cluster set were found. This method efficiently clustered the genes based on their expression pattern while identifying erythrocyte membrane protein 1 as a prominent and diverse protein in P. falciparum. Conclusion: The ability of HMM to identify 3 clusters with sixteen functional enrichment from the 2000 genes makes this a useful method in functional cluster analysis for P. falciparum
Phenotype profiling of white-nose syndrome pathogen Pseudogymnoascus destructans and closely-related Pseudogymnoascus pannorum reveals metabolic differences underlying fungal lifestyles
Authors: Chaturvedi Vishnu , DeFiglio Holland , Chaturvedi Sudha 
Published: May 2018

Background: Pseudogymnoascus destructans, a psychrophile, causes bat white-nose syndrome (WNS). Pseudogymnoascus pannorum, a closely related fungus, causes human and canine diseases rarely. Both pathogens were reported from the same mines and caves in the United States, but only P. destructans caused WNS. Earlier genome comparisons revealed that P. pannorum contained more deduced proteins with ascribed enzymatic functions than P. destructans. Methods: We performed metabolic profiling with Biolog PM microarray plates to confirm in silico gene predictions. Results: P. pannorum utilized 78 of 190 carbon sources (41%), and 41 of 91 nitrogen sources (43%) tested. P. destructans used 23 carbon compounds (12%) and 23 nitrogen compounds (24%). P. destructans exhibited more robust growth on the phosphorous sources and nutrient supplements (83% and 15%, respectively) compared to P. pannorum (27% and 1%, respectively.). P. pannorum exhibited higher tolerance to osmolytes, pH extremes, and a variety of chemical compounds than P. destructans. Conclusions: An abundance of carbohydrate degradation pathways combined with robust stress tolerance provided clues for the soil distribution of P. pannorum. The limited metabolic profile of P. destructans validated in silico predictions of far fewer proteins and enzymes. P. destructans ability to catabolize diverse phosphorous and nutrient supplements might be critical in the colonization and invasion of bat tissues. The present study of 1,047 different metabolic activities provides a framework for future gene-function investigations of the unique biology of the psychrophilic fungi.
Conic Programming Reformulations of Two-Stage Distributionally Robust Linear Programs over Wasserstein Balls
Authors: Hanasusanto Grani A. , Kuhn Daniel 
Published: May 2018

Adaptive robust optimization problems are usually solved approximately by restricting the adaptive decisions to simple parametric decision rules. However, the corresponding approximation error can be substantial. In this paper we show that two-stage robust and distributionally robust linear programs can often be reformulated exactly as conic programs that scale polynomially with the problem dimensions. Specifically, when the ambiguity set constitutes a 2-Wasserstein ball centered at a discrete distribution, the distributionally robust linear program is equivalent to a copositive program (if the problem has complete recourse) or can be approximated arbitrarily closely by a sequence of copositive programs (if the problem has sufficiently expensive recourse). These results directly extend to the classical robust setting and motivate strong tractable approximations of two-stage problems based on semidefinite approximations of the copositive cone. We also demonstrate that the two-stage distributionally robust optimization problem is equivalent to a tractable linear program when the ambiguity set constitutes a 1-Wasserstein ball centered at a discrete distribution and there are no support constraints. The online appendix is available at https://doi.org/10.1287/opre.2017.1698 .
A service evaluation to examine the experience of patients attending wound healing outpatient clinics in South Wales
Authors: Corrin India 
Published: May 2018

Chronic wounds are becoming increasingly prevalent in the UK, with a significant proportion of patients being treated in the community. Given the pressures on out-patient services for individuals with wounds, the provision of nurse-led community clinics is increasing. Evaluation of wound services is essential to develop an awareness of where improvements can be made - particularly, although not exclusively, related to nurse-led clinics compared to doctor-led services. This article describes the development of a patient satisfaction questionnaire to compare the patient experience in two wound clinics located within in South East Wales using a cross sectional survey approach. 117 patients attended these clinics over a 4-week period, and 58 completed the questionnaire. The data showed that most patients in these clinics were over 65 (n=34, 58.6%), with the majority being treated for leg ulcers (n=41, 70.7%). Overall, the feedback was very positive for both clinics, with the majority of patients reporting a high level of satisfaction for both a doctor-led clinic (n=21) and a nurse-led clinic (n=22). However, while the numbers involved in the study were too small to determine any statistical significance and the results only present a snapshot of the situation, it is still clear that patient satisfaction rates between a nurse-led and a doctor-led service are comparable.
Gum arabic based composite edible coating on green chillies
Authors: Valiathan Sreejit , Athmaselvi K.A. 
Published: May 2018

AbstractGreen chillies were coated with a composite edible coating composed of gum arabic (5%), glycerol (1%), thyme oil (0.5%) and tween 80 (0.05%) to preserve the freshness and quality of green chillies and thus reduce the cost of preservation. In the present work, the chillies were coated with the composite edible coating using the dipping method with three dipping times (1, 3 and 5 min). The physicochemical parameters of the coated and control chillies stored at room temperature (28±2ºC) were evaluated at regular intervals of storage. There was a significant difference (p≤0.05) in the physicochemical properties between the control chillies and coated chillies with 1, 3 and 5 min dipping times. The coated green chillies showed significantly (p≤0.05) lower weight loss, phenolic acid production, capsaicin production and significantly (p≤0.05) higher retention of ascorbic acid, total chlorophyll content, colour, firmness and better organoleptic properties. The composite edible coating of gum arabic and thyme oil with 3 min dipping was effective in preserving the desirable physico-chemical and organoleptic properties of the green chillies up to 12 days, compared to the uncoated chillies that had a shelf life of 6 days at room temperature.
Forecasting daily meteorological time series using ARIMA and regression models
Authors: Murat Małgorzata , Malinowska Iwona , Gos Magdalena , Krzyszczak Jaromir 
Published: May 2018

Abstract
The daily air temperature and precipitation time series recorded between January 1, 1980 and December 31, 2010 in four European sites (Jokioinen, Dikopshof, Lleida and Lublin) from different climatic zones were modeled and forecasted. In our forecasting we used the methods of the Box-Jenkins and Holt- Winters seasonal auto regressive integrated moving-average, the autoregressive integrated moving-average with external regressors in the form of Fourier terms and the time series regression, including trend and seasonality components methodology with R software. It was demonstrated that obtained models are able to capture the dynamics of the time series data and to produce sensible forecasts.
A New Precast Concrete Deck System for Accelerated Bridge Construction
Authors: Morcous George , Hatami Afshin , Jaber Fouad 
Published: May 2018

Abstract
Full-depth precast concrete (PC) deck systems have several advantages over cast-in-place concrete decks in bridge construction, such as improved product quality, reduced construction labor and duration, and less dependence on weather and site conditions. This article presents he development of a new full-depth PC deck system that overcomes the drawbacks of existing systems, which include large numbers of joints and openings that need to be field cast, a requirement for tight tolerances in panel production and erection, a need for an overlay, and a complexity of post-tensioning and grouting operations. The developed deck system consists of full-depth, full-width PC deck panels that are 12 ft (3.66 m) long to minimize the number of transverse joints that need to be field cast. Panels have covered shear pockets at 4-ft (1.22 m) spacing over each girder line. These pockets are designed to minimize the number of shear connectors and deck surface penetrations to eliminate deck overlay. Deck panels are prestressed in both directions: pre-tensioned in the transverse direction and post-tensioned in the longitudinal direction using a new approach that is ductless and easy to install. These unique features are expected to enhance deck constructability, durability, and economy. The article presents the deck system design, construction sequence, and laboratory investigations conducted prior to its implementation in the construction of the Kearney East Bypass bridge in the State of Nebraska, USA.
Generalization of Gough and Pollard Criterion for the Finite Fatigue Life Regime in Proportional Loading Conditions
Authors: Pejkowski Łukasz , Skibicki Dariusz , Kurek Marta 
Published: May 2018

Abstract
In this article, it was shown that for high cycle multiaxial fatigue life prediction, models based only on material parameters in the form of fatigue limits of component loadings should not be used. This is because stress to number of cycles to failure curves of component loadings may be highly nonparallel. The article presents a method of fatigue life prediction including out-of-parallelism of fatigue. In this method, material parameters in the form of fatigue limits were substituted with the α function based on the Basquin equations for tension-compression (or bending) and torsion. The proposal of a new model can be considered as a generalization of the Gough and Pollard criterion. Validation performed using experimental data for ten different materials allowed for fatigue life prediction for multiaxial proportional loading conditions with satisfactory accuracy.
Immune Checkpoint Inhibitor-Associated Myocarditis
Authors: Ganatra Sarju , Neilan Tomas G. 
Published: May 2018

Abstract

Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) are approved for a wide range of malignancies. They work by priming the immune system response to cancer and have changed the landscape of available cancer treatments. As anticipated, modulation of the regulatory controls in the immune system with ICIs results in diverse immune-related adverse events, targeting any organ or gland. These toxicities are rarely fatal and generally regress after treatment discontinuation and/or prescription of corticosteroids. Recently, several cases of ICI-related cardiotoxicity have been reported with complications ranging from cardiogenic shock to sudden death. The true incidence of ICI-associated myocarditis is likely underestimated, due to a combination of factors including the lack of specificity in the clinical presentation, the potential of overlap with other cardiovascular and general medical illnesses, the challenges in the diagnosis, and a general lack of awareness of this condition. Currently, there are no clear guidelines for surveillance, diagnosis, or management of this entity. There are multiple unresolved issues including, but not limited to, identifying those at risk of this uncommon toxicity, elucidating the pathophysiology, determining if and what type of surveillance is appropriate, optimal work-up of suspected patients, and methods for resolution of myocarditis. Here we describe a clinical vignette and discuss the salient features and management strategies of ICI-associated myocarditis.

Key Points
The incidence of immune checkpoint inhibitor (ICI)-associated myocarditis is unclear and has been reported to range from 0.06% to 1% of patients prescribed an ICI. Myocarditis may be difficult to diagnose. The risk factors for ICI-associated myocarditis are not well understood but may include underlying autoimmune disease and diabetes mellitus. The prevalence of myocarditis has been reported to be higher with combination immune therapies. Myocarditis with ICI's typically occurs early, with an elevated troponin, may present with an normal left ventricular ejection fraction and may have a fulminant course. The optimal management of myocarditis associated with ICI's is unclear but most cases are treated with high-dose steroids.
Barriers Faced in Effective Training Transfer: A Research on Foreign Students
Authors: AYDOĞAN Enver , KHALFAN Khalid Mutasim 
Published: May 2018

Abstract&nbsp;

Training is one of
the frequently used strategy for introducing change, developing human capital
and improving organizational performances. However, the concern over training
initiatives has been and still is the transfer and use of training content to
the work environment as substantiated by literature from disciplines such as
psychology, education and management. The training transfer (TT) environment
where training is to be used is considered one of the most important
determinant of TT as it either facilitate TT or inhibits it. Therefore, the
trainee’s positive perception of the TT climate has the potential to positively
facilitate their transfer of training content to the work environment and vice
versa. The purpose of this research study was to investigate the trainees’
perception of the factors at the TT environment that facilitated or inhibited
(barriers faced) the transfer of Turkish language learnt from Gazi TÖMER to the
relevant environment. In the process, establishing the support that was
received from the various Human Resource actors at the TT environment in
enhancing the general TT outcomes. This was done with the believe that, the
experience gained from this study would be used in bettering TT initiatives in
underdeveloped African countries where training projects for poverty
alleviation and sensitization of communities on development related concerns
have in most cases failed to bear fruits partly due to TT environmental issues.
In a semi-structured interview process, a total of forty former Gazi TÖMER
foreign students who undertook a Turkish language proficiency training between
the year 2014 and 2015 were individually interviewed. The findings suggested
that, the trainees positively perceived the TT environment leading to the
transfer of Turkish language mainly as a result of the support provided by the
various Human Resource actors at the TT environment. Basing on the aims of the
TÖMER training, there was a reported low transfer of academic Turkish mainly
due to training design problem, trainees’ characteristics and language transfer
requiring time to fully be transferred to the environment.
ARTE E CONTRASSEXUALIDADE: a performance sadomasoquista sob as interpelações queer e (pós) feminista
Authors: Gadelha José Juliano Barbosa 
Published: May 2018

<p>O artigo discorre sobre os sadismo e masoquismo típicos das culturas BDSM (<em>Bondage</em>, Disciplina/Dominação, Submissão/Sadismo, Masoquismo) praticado como <em>performance art</em> em espaços que vão além dos territórios de arte (museus, galerias etc). O autor tem por interpeladores epistemológicos a Teoria <em>Queer</em>, os <em>Performance Studies</em> e algumas vertentes do (Pós)Feminismo, buscando compreender como os atuais agenciamentos entre arte e contrassexualidade nos desempenhos de alguns agentes <em>performers,</em> brasileiros e norte-americanos, fabricam uma arte <em>queer</em>.</p><p>Palavras-chave: Arte, <em>Performance</em>, Sadomasoquismo.</p><p> </p>
Evaluation of plasma catestatin levels in patient with coronary slow flow
Authors: TOPAL Dursun , BOYRAZ Bedrettin , AKGÜMÜŞ Alkame , PEKER Tezcan , YILMAZ Mustafa , VATANSEVER AĞCA Fahriye , KANAT Selçuk , AYDIN Ömür , ASLAN Burhan 
Published: May 2018

﻿Objectives: Coronary slow flow (CSF) is characterized by delayed opasification of the
coronary arteries in the absence of obstructive coronary disease. Catestatin
has several cardiovasculer actions, in addition to diminihed sympato-adrenal
flow. The study was to investigated associations between CSF and plasma
catestatin levels. Method:. This study included 45
CSF patients (37 male, mean age 48 ± 9.5 years) and 30 control individuals (24
male, mean age 48.4 ± 9 years). Coronary
flow was quantified according to the TIMI (Thrombolysis in Myocardial Infarction)
frame count method for coronary arteries. Serum
catestatin levels taken from blood samples were measured by ELISA method. These parameters were compared between the groups. Results: When
compared with to the control group the serum catestatin levels
was found higher in the CSF group. In addition to this, mean platelet volume
was also significantly higher in patients with
coronary slow flow. Conclusions: Our study revealed that catestatin levels are increased in
patients with CSF. Coronary slow flow
that increased catecholaminergic sympathetic system activities seem to be among
the reasons of endothelial dysfunction.
Advancements in Annular-Pressure-Buildup Mitigation for Thunder Horse Wells
Authors: Miller Richard A. , Coy Alejandro , Frank Gustavo , Dondale Aaron 
Published: May 2018

SummaryA wide variety of annular-pressure-buildup (APB) -mitigation techniques has been deployed in the past 2 decades. In the early 2000s, BP focused efforts on the development and implementation of rupture disks, nitrified foam spacers, syntactic-foam modules, and vacuum-insulated tubing (VIT). Initiatives to simplify operations while maintaining well integrity have led to innovative techniques that expand the APB-mitigation toolkit.BP's Gulf of Mexico (GOM) Thunder Horse drilling team recently pursued three APB-mitigation techniques. One method is to fully cement the annulus, thereby removing the fluid that is subject to thermal expansion in a trapped annulus. A second method uses a qualified port collar to equalize pressure across a casing string. The third method focuses on better acquisition and use of mud pressure/volume/temperature (PVT) data for a more precise prediction of the APB-design loads.These methods and techniques have led to the removal of syntactic foam from some wells in the Thunder Horse field. The design change reduces installation time and operational complexity during well construction and abandonment.This paper provides a description and technical details concerning the planning and job execution for the fully cemented annulus and the use of port collars for pressure equalization. It also discusses the motivation behind acquiring PVT data specific to a particular mud system, and provides interpretation of laboratory data. The work may be useful for other operators as they plan and execute wells subject to the potential for APB.