bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Mathematical modeling of intracrine androgen metabolism in prostate cancer: Methodological aspects
Authors: Cook Sarah F. , Fiandalo Michael V. , Watt David S. , Wu Yue , Mohler James L. , Bies Robert R. 
Published: June 2018

BackgroundProgression of castration‐recurrent/resistant prostate cancer (CRPC) relies in part on dihydrotestosterone derived from intratumoral androgen metabolism. Mathematical modeling provides a valuable tool for studies of androgen metabolism in CRPC. This modeling approach integrates existing knowledge about complex biologic systems and provides a means of interrogating the effects of various interventions. We sought to model a single reaction in the androgen biosynthesis network, namely the oxidation of androsterone (AND) to androstanedione (5α‐dione) by four 3α‐oxidoreductase enzymes, as an initial effort to establish the feasibility of our modeling approach.MethodsModels were constructed for two cell culture systems, a non‐prostate cancer cell line (CV‐1) and a prostate cancer cell line (LAPC‐4), using the SimBiology app (version 5.3) in MATLAB (version 8.6). The models included components for substrate (AND), product (5α‐dione), each of the four enzymes, and each of the four enzyme‐substrate complexes. Each enzymatic reaction consisted of a reversible enzyme‐substrate binding step and an irreversible catalysis step. Rates of change for each component were described using ordinary differential equations.ResultsMathematical models were developed with model parameter values derived from literature sources or from existing experimental data, which included gene expression measurements and substrate and product concentrations determined using liquid chromatography‐tandem mass spectrometry. The models for both cell lines adequately described substrate and product concentrations observed after 12 h treatment with AND.ConclusionsThis modeling approach represents an adaptable, extensible and mechanistic framework that reflects androgen metabolism. The models can be expanded systematically to describe the complex androgen metabolic pathways important for study of novel therapies for CRPC.
Neurotensin, substance P, and insulin enhance cell migration
Authors: Mouritzen Michelle V. , Abourayale Sali , Ejaz Rooshanie , Ardon Christine B. , Carvalho Eugenia , Dalgaard Louise T. , Roursgaard Martin , Jenssen Håvard 
Published: June 2018

Neurotensin, substance P, and insulin have been demonstrated to improve wound healing in vivo. However, the mechanism behind their effect is still not fully understood. This study investigates the effects leading to enhanced scratch closure by these peptides in vitro. The skin keratinocyte cell line, HaCaT, was used to test scratch closure effects of the peptides and alterations of cytokine levels. HUVEC cells were used to test the angiogenic effect of the peptides. Furthermore, clinical isolates of Staphylococcus lugdunensis were used to examine the potential antimicrobial activity of each peptide. Our results demonstrate that neurotensin, substance P, and insulin had significant migratory effects in scratch assays were neurotensin had the lowest effect. Furthermore, we investigated use of the peptides in combination. When substance P was used in combination with neurotensin, the cell migratory capacity was decreased, and the peptides showed a negative correlation (r = −0.298, P < .001). Neurotensin and insulin significantly increased levels of monocyte chemoattractant protein‐1 (P < .001) secreted from white blood cells, whereas substance P showed a tendency. Interestingly, neurotensin increased the level of monocyte chemoattractant protein‐1 significantly compared to substance P (P < .01). Additionally, the peptides decreased TNFα mRNA levels (P < .001) in HaCaT cells, whereas only neurotensin and insulin decreased IL‐8 mRNA (P < .001) but had no significant effect on IL‐6 mRNA levels. Surprisingly, substance P increased IL‐6 mRNA 9‐fold (P < .001). Furthermore, we demonstrate that the peptides increased angiogenesis in the HUVEC cells (P < .001). Finally, S. lugdunensis isolates were not susceptible to the peptides. We demonstrate that the peptides worked differently on HaCaT cells, but substance P acted differently than neurotensin on cytokine levels expression as well as on migration of HaCaT cells. On the contrary, neurotensin and insulin worked similarly. All of these aspects are crucial for proper wound healing, and the results suggest multiple mechanisms for wound‐healing properties of these peptides.
Activity of preparations from Spilanthes oleracea, propolis, Nigella sativa, and black garlic on different microorganisms involved in oral diseases and on total human salivary bacteria: A pilot study
Authors: Vlachojannis Christian , Chrubasik‐Hausmann Sigrun , Hellwig Elmar , Vach Kirstin , Al‐Ahmad Ali 
Published: June 2018

Due to continuous rise in antibiotic resistance, there is a need for alternative treatment options to reduce the levels of oral pathogens for the maintenance of oral as well as overall health. The aim of this study was to evaluate the in vitro antibacterial potential of tinctures of Spilanthes oleracea and propolis, Nigella seed oil, and an ethanolic extract of black garlic on microorganisms involved in oral diseases. Both the minimum inhibitory concentration assay and the minimum bactericidal/fungicidal concentration assay were used in this study. Inhibition effects against total human salivary bacteria were also determined. Our results show that all of the preparations tested had potent antimicrobial activities. When measured 10 min after exposure, even low concentrations of the propolis tincture were found to have killed more than 99% of salivary bacteria, whereas Spilanthes tincture and black garlic extract killed more than 90% and Nigella seed oil more than 60% of the pathogens. This suggests that all preparations are promising candidates for the use in oral health care products and that all have the potential to control biofilm associated infections.
First Evidence of Electrode Reconstruction in Mesoporous NiO After Operation as Photocathode of Dye‐Sensitized Solar Cells
Authors: Bonomo Matteo , Sheehan Stephen , Dowling Denis P. , Gontrani Lorenzo , Dini Danilo 
Published: June 2018

AbstractFor the first time it is shown that the NiO films operating as photocathodes in dye‐sensitized solar cells (DSCs), alter their X‐ray diffraction (XRD) pattern upon occurrence of the photoelectrochemical reaction of reduction. In particular, it has been observed that mesoporous NiO sensitized with Fast Green (FG) presents splitting and broadening of its characteristic XRD peaks after device operation in p‐type DSC (p‐DSC) and tandem DSC (t‐DSC). The nature of the changes in the diffraction pattern of NiO does not vary with the magnitude of the current passing through the p‐DSC and the t‐DSC with NiO photocathodes. Such a combination of facts would indicate that the photoelectrochemical process of holes photoinjection mediated by the sensitizer is responsible of the structural variations in NiO photocathode. At a microscopic level, we attributed such modifications to the reconstruction of the NiO electrode following the realization of the dye‐mediated process of electron transfer with lattice deformation possibly due to the inclusion of the chemisorbed sensitizer in the oxide structure. This observation opens up a completely new direction of research in the field of DSC and analogous devices as far as the analysis and the understanding of the interactions dye/semiconductor in the common operative conditions of a DSC are concerned.
SnO2: A Wonderful Electron Transport Layer for Perovskite Solar Cells
Authors: Jiang Qi , Zhang Xingwang , You Jingbi 
Published: June 2018

AbstractThe highest power conversion efficiency of perovskite solar cells is beyond 22%. Charge transport layers are found to be critical for device performance and stability. A traditional electron transport layer (ETL), such as TiO2, is not very efficient for charge extraction at the interface, especially in planar structure. In addition, the devices using TiO2 suffer from serious degradation under ultraviolet illumination. SnO2 owns a better band alignment with the perovskite absorption layer and high electron mobility, which is helpful for electron extraction. In this Review, recent progresses in efficient and stable perovskite solar cells using SnO2 as ETL are summarized.
Experimental study on the seismic behavior of a shear wall with concrete‐filled steel tubular frames and a corrugated steel plate
Authors: Wang Yaohong , Gao Zeyu , Han Qing , Feng Lei , Su Hao , Zhao Nannan 
Published: June 2018

SummaryShear walls and core tubes in shear walls constitute the core anti‐earthquake vertical systems of high‐rise buildings. This paper proposes a new type of composite shear wall with concrete‐filled steel tubular frames and corrugated steel plates. The seismic behavior of the new shear wall is studied using a cyclic loading test and damage analysis. The failure mode, load‐carrying capacity, ductility, stiffness degradation, hysteresis behavior, and energy dissipating capacity exhibited in the test are studied. The test results show that when the proposed wall is broken, the tension side of concrete‐filled steel tubes is torn. The concrete at the bottom of the wall is detached and peels off along the through cracks. The energy dissipation capacity of concrete walls is more fully utilized. The proposed wall exhibits excellent deformability, energy dissipation capacity, and the stiffness degradation was slower than that of other walls. The use of corrugated steel plate significantly improved the seismic performance while simultaneously increasing the ductility and reducing the damage. In addition, this paper modified the energy dissipation factor in the Park & Ang model based on the situation of the specimen and experiment. It can be used to evaluate the damage degree of this new type of shear wall.
Experimental and numerical study on vibration control effects of a compound mass damper
Authors: Lu Zheng , Liao Yuan , Zhou Ying 
Published: June 2018

SummaryA compound mass damper (CMD) was put forwarded based on the joint vibration control effects of tuned liquid damper and colliding particles. A series of shaking table tests were designed in order to investigate the dynamic response of a single degree of freedom bent frame structure with or without the damper (CMD, tuned mass damper, and tuned liquid damper) under three different kinds of earthquake waves. It is shown that the vibration reduction performance of CMD is generally better than the traditional dampers no matter from peak response attenuation rate or root mean square response attenuation rate. The vibration reduction effect of traditional dampers is susceptible to the characteristics of earthquake waves, whereas CMD is effective in a broader frequency bands. Also, the vibration reduction effect of CMD is not sensitive to the amplitude of earthquake waves, which means the system has good robustness. In addition, CMD has the advantage of fast start‐up. The numerical simulation results of the CMD are obtained through certain simplifications, and are in good agreement with the experimental results, which further verifies the damping effect of the proposed damper and provides a simplified method for its engineering design.
A Holistic Decision Support Environment for Web Accessibility
Authors: Mohamad Yehya , Velasco Carlos A. , Kaklanis Nikolaos , Tzovaras Dimitrios , Paternò Fabio 
Published: June 2018

Abstract
This paper presents the architecture of a decision support environment for large-scale assessment of compliance against web accessibility recommendations and legislations. The proposed decision support environment aims at integrating, extending and further enhancing existing web accessibility solutions making them customizable to the needs of different stakeholders, transferable to different sectors in web and mobile environments, in order to minimize costs and development time by also increasing scalability and improving their accessibility and usability.
An Evaluation of the Displaying Method on the Braille Learning System for the Sighted: For Understanding of the Mirror Image Relation
Authors: Hoshino Yuko , Motoki Akihiro 
Published: June 2018

Abstract
The present work evaluates the effectiveness of adding blank cells to the 3DCG display of braille characters in the braille learning system for sighted learners to understand the mirror image relation between the written and read characters. The results of tests indicate the effect of the addition of blank cells to the 3DCG display in advancing the understanding of the mirror image relation.
Gamification in Inclusive eLearning
Authors: Patzer Yasmin , Russler Nick , Pinkwart Niels 
Published: June 2018

AbstractThe usage of gamification elements in learning contexts is getting more and more attention, as it can help increase learners’ motivation. Nevertheless accessibility and inclusion are seldom considered yet. In this paper an inclusive gamification concept for an eLearning course is presented. The main target group are people with poor basic education in hospitality industry. The developed gamification concept has been tested in a first small pilot study.
Correlating Navigation Barriers on Web 2.0 with Accessibility Guidelines
Authors: Pereira Letícia Seixas , Archambault Dominique 
Published: June 2018

AbstractThe constant emergence of new resources and interaction possibilities brought by web 2.0 brings a constant urge of keeping in track how those new elements can affect the interaction of people with disabilities and how far current re-search has managed to address existing problems. This paper presents the results of an empirical study designed to gather navigation barriers affecting blind people when interacting with some widely used web widgets – such as Popup windows, Auto Suggest Lists, etc. The aim is to correlate those barriers with WCAG 2.0 and ARIA guidelines. From this point of view, it is possible to determine which barriers are being covered by current guide-lines and which ones are still on the wild. As conducting users’ evaluations are really costly, the more barriers can be eliminated beforehand, the more useful those sessions can be.
A Public Barrier Tracker to Support the Web Accessibility Directive
Authors: Alarcon Diane , Andreasson Kim , Mucha Justyna , Nietzio Annika , Sawicka Agata , Snaprud Mikael 
Published: June 2018

AbstractIn this paper we propose the Public Barrier Tracker (PBT) – a comprehensive solution that supports both filing and handling of user feedback on web accessibility. We give an overview of some existing approaches for gathering user feedback on accessibility barriers and outline the PBT functionality. The PBT can also offer further support for the implementation of the WAD: The collected data could be useful for monitoring and reporting as well as the enforcement mechanism.
Levumi: A Web-Based Curriculum-Based Measurement to Monitor Learning Progress in Inclusive Classrooms
Authors: Jungjohann Jana , DeVries Jeffrey M. , Gebhardt Markus , Mühling Andreas 
Published: June 2018

AbstractOur paper introduces and assesses the Levumi platform’s web-based assessment of reading fluency. One challenges of inclusive education is meeting the needs of the learners with special education needs (SEN). Children with SEN and other risk factors face an increased risk of failing in schools and manifesting academic and social problems over the time. Web-based curriculum-based measurement (CBM) can provide an effective tool to track progress of learners and limit such risks. In particular, it can ease the challenges of test administration in inclusive classrooms through automation and providing multiple difficulty levels without the need of different paper-forms. Furthermore, Levumi can help educators track children and thus provide support for learners. Levumi takes advantage of the strengths of web-based CBM to assess reading fluency in primary school students. We confirmed the reading fluency test’s test-retest reliability (n = 334), its ability to measure learning over time in individual learners with SEN (n = 8, across 14 MPs), and its applicability to learners with SEN (n = 300, including n = 46 with SEN). We evaluate Levumi’s overall usefulness in assessing different types of learners, and discuss its contributions to CBM research.
How to Use Plain and Easy-to-Read Language for a Positive User Experience on Websites
Authors: Vollenwyder Beat , Schneider Andrea , Krueger Eva , Brühlmann Florian , Opwis Klaus , Mekler Elisa D. 
Published: June 2018

AbstractPlain Language and Easy-to-Read Language are two approaches to reduce language complexity, which are also applied in the context of Web Accessibility. While Easy-to-Read Language was specifically designed to meet the needs of people with cognitive and learning disabilities, benefits for users with a variety of abilities have been reported. However, studies have also found unintended side-effects on non-disabled users, such as reduced text liking and intention to revisit a website compared to variants in conventional language. The present study addresses this issue by testing two approaches combining conventional with Easy-to-Read Language against a Plain Language variant, as well as a control group in conventional language. In an online study, 308 non-disabled participants read three texts presented in one of the four language variants. Measurements of performance indicators as well as subjective responses show that Easy-to-Read language may be implemented without unintended side-effects.
Localization Scheme of Assistive Tools for Print-Disabled People to Access STEM Contents
Authors: Yamaguchi Katsuhito , Suzuki Masakazu 
Published: June 2018

AbstractTo facilitate the spread of accessible e-books, especially books in STEM much more in developing countries, an efficient/systematic scheme to localize producing/reading tools should be established. Here, multilingual support in our tool to produce accessible STEM contents and problems in localizing it are discussed. Our new localization scheme and the localization for Vietnamese as a model case are shown.
First Do No Harm: Predicting Surgical Morbidity During Humanitarian Medical Missions
Authors: Berger Jonathan H. , Jiang Zhengran , O’Reilly Eamon B. , Christman Matthew S. 
Published: June 2018

AbstractBackgroundDespite good intentions, humanitarian surgical missions are unavoidably linked to some degree of complication. We hypothesized that the American College of Surgeons Surgical Risk Calculator (ACS‐SRC) could estimate the risk of complications of procedures performed during the US Navy’s Pacific Partnership 2015 (PP15) mission.MethodsPatient information and surgical details recorded during PP15 were entered into the ACS‐SRC. Risks of complications for each procedure were calculated. Receiver operating characteristics and Brier scores were calculated to compare the predicted outcomes to the observed complications.ResultsOf the 174 unique procedures performed during PP15 (representing 465 patients), 99 were found in the ACS‐SRC (representing 256 patients). Risk calculations for PP15 were: 1.5% risk (IQR 0.9, 2.4) of “serious” complications and 2.0% risk (IQR 1.3, 2.8) of “any” complication. ACS‐SRC specific risks were calculated as follows: pneumonia 0.1%, cardiac 0.0%, surgical site infection (SSI) 0.6%, urinary tract infection 0.2%, venous thromboembolism 0.1%, renal failure 0.0%, OR return 0.9%, and death 0.0%. The only specific ACS‐SRC complication observed was “OR return” (0.35%) and SSI (0.35%). The observed PP15 rates for “serious” or “any” complications (ACS‐SRC definition) were 0.70% (2/285) each. Receiver operating characteristics for ACS‐SRC for predicting “serious” or “any” complication were 0.743 (p = 0.118) and 0.654 (p = 0.227), respectively.ConclusionsAlthough the ACS‐SRC over‐predicted risk compared to observed outcomes, it may offer a good starting point for humanitarian surgery risk calculation. Observed outcomes may be limited by loss‐to‐follow‐up bias. Emphasis should be placed on establishing patient follow‐up as part of humanitarian surgical mission planning and execution.
Application of Lean principles and software solutions for maintenance records in continuing airworthiness management organisations
Authors: Shakir H. M. , Iqbal B. 
Published: June 2018

ABSTRACTThis paper discusses how the processes of Continuing Airworthiness Management Organisations can be made more efficient by applying Lean principles and digital solutions, to obtain costs savings and improved compliance standards. Lean management is the process of eliminating waste by maximising value through balancing workloads and cutting out inefficient processes. Though Lean was initially applied to manufacturing production lines, an opportunity exists to apply the principles of Lean in airworthiness management. One such aspect of airworthiness management is the processing of records which is an essential part of safety and compliance. Software solutions designed with Lean philosophy and focus on airworthiness management processes can provide benefits in managing the flow of records and extracting actionable information from them for cost reduction and improving safety. Further value can be extracted by applying additional software solutions that will lay a strong foundation for machine learning and predictive analytics – taking aircraft maintenance from a reactive model towards a proactive model.
An exploratory study of Clinical and Translational Science Award community-engaged research training programs
Authors: Ziegahn Linda , Nevarez Lucinda , Hurd Thelma , Evans Jill , Joosten Yvonne , Dumbauld Jill , Eder Milton “Mickey” 
Published: June 2018

BackgroundThe Clinical and Translational Science Award (CTSA) institutions are increasing development of training programs in community-engaged research (CEnR) to support translational science.MethodsThis study sampled posters at CTSA national meetings to identify CEnR training approaches, topics, and outcomes.ResultsQualitative analysis of 30 posters revealed training topics and outcomes focused primarily on CEnR capacity building, overcoming barriers, systems change, and sustainability.ConclusionFurther research should focus on development and results of CTSA CEnR training program metrics.