bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Serum periostin levels in adults of Chinese descent: an observational study
Authors: Tan Evan , Varughese Rachel , Semprini Ruth , Montgomery Barney , Holweg Cecile , Olsson Julie , Caswell-Smith Rachel , Fingleton James , Weatherall Mark , Beasley Richard , Braithwaite Irene 
Published: December 2018

Abstract
Background
Periostin has been shown to be a marker of Type 2 airway inflammation, associated with airway eosinophilia. It has a potential role in identifying asthmatics who may be responsive to treatment with monoclonal antibody therapy directed against Type 2 cytokines, such as interleukin (IL)-13, IL-4 receptor subunit-α and immunoglobulin E. The clinical utility of periostin measurements depends on better understanding of factors that may affect serum periostin levels, such as race. We aimed to identify the ranges of serum periostin in Chinese adults both with and without asthma, and compare them with those previously identified in Caucasian adults.

Methods
A two-centred cross-sectional study, recruiting 188 Chinese adults, aged 18 to 75 years. 120 participants had no history of asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. 68 participants had a doctor’s diagnosis of asthma and were on current treatment. Univariate comparisons of periostin by dichotomous variables were made using t-tests with logarithmic transformation as the distribution of periostin was skewed.

Results
In the Chinese non-asthma group, periostin levels were sex-, but not age-dependent, with females having higher periostin levels. The individual predicted (90% CI) reference range for periostin in females was 61.1 ng/ml (41.6 to 89.8) ng/ml and in males was 53.2 ng/ml (36.1 to 78.3) ng/ml. There was no difference in median serum periostin levels between Chinese non-asthmatics and Chinese asthmatics, 57.0 versus 56.8 ng/ml, difference (95% CI) 0.1 (− 4.2 to 4.2) ng/ml, P = 0.94. The median serum periostin levels were higher in Chinese non-asthmatics than Caucasian non-asthmatics, 57.0 versus 49.7 ng/ml, difference (95% CI) 8.2 (5.8–10.6) ng/ml, P < 0.001.

Conclusions
Serum periostin does not discriminate between asthmatics and non-asthmatics and is therefore not a good biomarker to diagnose asthma. Serum periostin levels were higher in the Chinese compared to the Caucasian non-asthma group, and also sex dependent in the Chinese participants. There was no difference in serum periostin levels between Chinese non-asthma and asthma groups. This suggests that ethnicity should be considered in the interpretation of periostin levels in asthma patients and sex is an additional consideration in Chinese patients.
Trial registration This trial was prospectively registered with Australian New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry (ACTRN12614000122651)
Repercussão dos acordos de leniência e de colaboração premiada celebrados pelo Ministério Público Federal sobre as competências do Tribunal de Contas da União
Authors: Alves Francisco Sérgio Maia 
Published: December 2018

Repercussion of the agreements of leniency and award-winning collaboration concluded by the Federal Public Ministry on the competences of the Federal Court of Accounts (TCU — Brazil) O presente trabalho visa analisar a repercussão dos acordos de leniência e de colaboração premiada celebrados pelo Ministério Público Federal no âmbito da esfera de persecução criminal sobre o exercício das competências constitucionais e legais do Tribunal de Contas da União. O artigo busca ainda verificar se o TCU pode dispor sobre a configuração de um débito e identificar quais os requisitos que devem ser atendidos para que o colaborador na instância criminal também aufira benefícios perante a jurisdição de contas. Para tanto, serão examinados o marco jurídico pertinente ao instituto da colaboração premiada e à atividade de controle externo, os termos de colaboração premiada e os acordos de leniência celebrados pelo Ministério Público Federal tornados públicos no âmbito da Operação Lava Jato, a doutrina especializada e as decisões judiciais e de controle externo acerca desses instrumentos processuais. This paper aims to analyze the repercussion of leniency agreements and award-winning collaboration concluded by the Federal Public Ministry in the scope of criminal prosecution on the exercise of the constitutional and legal powers of the Federal Court of Accounts (TCU - Brazil). The paper also seeks to verify if the TCU can dispose on the configuration of a debt and to identify the requirements that must be fulfilled in order the employee in the criminal instance also gains benefits by the jurisdiction of accounts. To this end, will be examined the legal framework pertinent to the Institute for Privileged Collaboration and the external control activity, the terms of award-winning collaboration and the leniency agreements signed by the Federal Public Prosecutor made public under the Lava Jato Operation, the specialized doctrine and the Judicial decisions and external control over these procedural instruments.
Atividade apreciativa da administração pública: uma nova visão sobre a discricionariedade administrativa
Authors: Saddy André 
Published: December 2018

Appreciative activity of public administration: a new vision about public discretion O trabalho intitulado Atividade apreciativa da administração pública: uma nova visão sobre a discricionariedade administrativa busca demonstrar a existência de quatro, e não apenas três, formas de subjetividade ou autonomia pública. Além da liberdade de conformação ou configuração, a discricionariedade administrativa em sentido técnico-jurídico e a margem de livre apreciação dos conceitos jurídicos indeterminados, existe, também, o que se pretende chamar de apreciatividade administrativa. O trabalho expressa que a teoria das distintas margens de liberdade/autonomia/volição administrativa não aborda de maneira correta a existência de todas as condutas administrativas, ou seja, deixa de tratar da subjetividade ou da autonomia pública administrativa habilitada por fontes não voluntárias do direito, derivada do conteúdo do direito, dos defeitos do sistema jurídico e do exercício da função, reportando-se normalmente a ações não deônticas, realizadas por agentes públicos que atuam em contato direto com o cidadão, com algum caráter imediato ou urgente, e que são realizadas de maneira rotineira, regular e cotidiana. A proposta, portanto, é teorizar a apreciatividade administrativa. The work entitled Appreciative activity of Public Administration: a new vision about public discretion seeks to demonstrate the existence of four, and not just three forms of subjectivity or public autonomy. In addition to the freedom of conformation or configuration, administrative discretion in technical legal sense and the margin of free appreciativity of indeterminate legal concepts, there is also what you want to call administrative appreciativity. The work expresses the theory of the different margins of freedom / autonomy / administrative volition does not address properly the existence of all administrative conduct, that is, fails to deal with subjectivity or public administrative autonomy enabled by non-voluntary sources of law, derived from the content of law, the shortcomings of the legal system and the role of exercise, reporting often to non deontic actions held by public agents who work in direct contact with citizens, with some immediate or urgent, and they’ve done routine, regular, everyday way. The proposal is therefore theorize administrative appreciativity.
Management of ‘surplus suffering’ in relapsing remitting multiple sclerosis to improve patient quality of life
Authors: Burke Therese , Vucic Steve , Patching Joanna 
Published: December 2018

Background:A study exploring the lived experience of relapsing remitting multiple sclerosis (RRMS) identified the potential for ‘surplus suffering’ in this group of patients. This article explores the concept of surplus suffering and the role nurses can play in identifying and managing it.Methods:Qualitative inquiry, using a form of focused ethnography called life history, explored the experiences of 13 people living with RRMS. Semi-structured interviews were analysed using thematic analysis to reveal key themes from the data.Findings:A total of eight key themes explained the journey of living with RRMS. This article explores one particular theme, surplus suffering, as it is novel to the area of multiple sclerosis and neurology, and may severely impact upon quality of life. Surplus suffering is suffering over and above suffering caused by the disease itself, and may be inflicted by healthcare professionals, friends, family and community.Conclusion:Awareness by MS and neurology nurses of the potential for surplus suffering, and subsequent management, may enhance clinical nursing care and quality of life for people living with this chronic neurological disease.
Gender and Student Participation
Authors: Leraas Bethany C. , Kippen Nicole R. , Larson Susan J. 
Published: December 2018

Active class participation has been associated with student engagement and can be an important aspect of a successful learning experience in college classrooms. Several factors influence student participation including classroom dynamics (such as classroom connectedness, instructor-student rapport) and individual characteristics (such as biological sex and psychological gender). With respect to individual characteristics, previous research has evaluated sex differences in participation and has yielded inconsistent findings. The present study investigated the relationship between psychological gender and student participation both in- and out-of-class. Classroom connectedness and professor-student rapport were assessed as possible moderating factors. Results indicated that masculinity and androgyny were associated with more in-class participation while femininity and androgyny were associated with student professor interaction outside of class. While both classroom connectedness and instructor-student rapport were correlated with student participation, there was no evidence of them moderating the relationship between gender and participation. Professor gender type was not associated with student participation. Implications for college classrooms and higher education are discussed.
Discovery Learning: Development of a Unique Active Learning Environment for Introductory Chemistry
Authors: Ott Laura E , Carpenter Tara S. , Hamilton Diana S , LaCourse William R. 
Published: December 2018

It is well established that active learning results in greater gains in student conceptual knowledge and retention compared to traditional modes of learning. However, active learning can be very difficult to implement in a large-enrollment course due to various course and institutional barriers. Herein, we describe the development and implementation of Discovery Learning, a novel active learning discussion/recitation for a large enrollment general chemistry course. Drawing on the very successful cooperative learning pedagogies Process-Oriented Guided Inquiry Learning (POGIL) and Student-Centered Active Learning Environment with Upside-down Pedagogies (SCALE_UP), Discovery Learning involves students working in self-managed teams on inquiry problems in a unique learning environment, the Chemistry Discovery Center. In this case study, we will describe the design and implementation of Discovery Learning and report data on its successes, which include increased student performance and retention.
Analytical and clinical performance evaluation of two POC tests for therapeutic drug monitoring of infliximab
Authors: Van den Bossche Dorien , De Smet Dieter , Debrabandere Johan , Vanpoucke Hilde 
Published: December 2018

Abstract

Background
Infliximab (IFX) is an effective therapy in patients with inflammatory bowel disease. Serum IFX trough concentrations correlate well with clinical, biological and endoscopic outcomes. Therefore, therapeutic drug monitoring (TDM) of infliximab is useful for dose optimization and prevention of secondary treatment failure. In the present study, analytical and clinical performance of two point-of-care (POC) tests, RIDA®QUICK IFX Monitoring assay (R-biopharm) and Quantum Blue® Infliximab assay (Bühlmann), have been evaluated and compared to our established enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) (apDia IFX ELISA).

Methods
Analytical performance was assessed according to the CLSI EP5-A2 protocol using the manufacturer’s kit controls and different serial dilution series. Method comparison with our established ELISA was done using a wide range of consecutive patient samples (n=180). Clinical concordance was evaluated by categorization based on well-known therapeutic cut-off points (3–7 μg/mL).

Results
The analytical performance of both POC tests was inferior to the established ELISA, but acceptable based on the manufacturer’s quality claims. Eight-point serial dilution confirmed the analytical performance data in the low-level measuring range. Eleven-point serial dilution demonstrated linearity for both POC tests over the studied concentration range. Method comparison with the ELISA showed significant negative proportional bias for the RIDA®QUICK IFX Monitoring assay. However, good correlation and clinical concordance were shown. Quantum Blue® Infliximab assay showed a significant positive proportional and a negative systematic bias in comparison with the ELISA, resulting in overestimation of IFX levels with impact on clinical concordance data.

Conclusions
Both POC tests have their own specific benefits and drawbacks but are suitable for therapeutic drug monitoring of IFX. However, long-term monitoring of IFX trough levels requires measurement of IFX concentrations with the same assay.
Sensitization of an austenitic stainless steel due to the occurrence of δ-ferrite
Authors: Arganis-Juárez Carlos R. , Vázquez Audi , Garza-Montes-de-Oca Nelson F. , Colás Rafael 
Published: December 2018

Abstract
A series of analyses were conducted on samples of an austenitic type 304 stainless steel that exhibited a high degree of sensitization (DOS) after being subjected to a solution annealing treatment at 1050°C. The DOS was detected by electrochemical potentiokinetic tests. Examination by scanning electron microscopy of etched samples revealed the presence of δ-ferrite within the austenitic matrix, and of the segregation of chromium and nickel in either phase; images obtained by atomic force microscopy revealed localized attack at the austenite/δ-ferrite interface. It was found that the DOS and the ferrite number of the steel were reduced as the material was held at the solution temperature for longer times. Aging at 650°C showed precipitation of chromium carbides at grain boundaries and at the austenite/δ-ferrite interface; this treatment increased the DOS.
Sample transportation – an overview
Authors: Nybo Mads , Cadamuro Janne , Cornes Michael P. , Gómez Rioja Rubén , Grankvist Kjell 
Published: December 2018

Abstract
Transportation of blood samples is a major part of the preanalytical pathway and can be crucial in delaying laboratory results to the clinicians. A variety of aspects however makes sample transportation a complex, challenging and often overlooked task that needs thorough planning and dedicated resources. The purpose of this review is to outline the options available for this task and to emphasize the preanalytical aspects that need consideration in this process, e.g. performance specifications for sample transportation as stated in ISO standards 15189 and 20658, quality control of automated transportation systems, monitoring of sample integrity parameters and temperature surveillance in general and for external samplers in particular. All these are tasks that the laboratory must assure on a daily basis in terms of continuous quality control, and simultaneously the laboratory must remain alert to alterations in clinical demands (sample frequency, turn-around-times) and new regulations within this area (e.g. the recent General Data Protection Regulation from the EU).
Identification of risk investment using the risk matrix on railway facilities
Authors: Kowalski Jan , Polonski Mieczyslaw 
Published: December 2018

Abstract
The implementation of construction projects is fraught with many hazards that are difficult to determine at the stage of the tender procedure. Usually, the identification of these hazards rests with the contractors. In many cases this diagnosis is not used due to the lack of access to reliable data and easy-to-use computer programs supporting the risk analysis process.
In order to facilitate the analysis and risk assessment on Polish railway investments, the authors present a proposal for the assessment of potential hazards that may occur during the implementation of these investments with the use of their point assessment. The proposed method is an original attempt to apply a point assessment of risk factors, whose final result is ready investment risk assessment matrices at the design and execution stage of constructionworks. The basis for the development of matrices was questionnaire surveys involving a large group of experts with extensive professional experience. In addition, the project manager can set the partial weights of hazards separately for time and cost hazards depending on the assessment of the planned project. In order to quickly calculate the weights of individual risk factors for any defined time and cost of partial weights, the authors developed the proposed matrices in the form of a calculation sheet. The matrices can be used to assess potential hazards to future infrastructure investments.
Prediction of physical and mechanical properties of thermally modified wood based on color change evaluated by means of “group method of data handling” (GMDH) neural network
Authors: Nasir Vahid , Nourian Sepideh , Avramidis Stavros , Cool Julie 
Published: December 2018

AbstractThe effect of thermal modification (TM) on the color of western hemlock wood and its physical and mechanical properties were investigated. The focus of this study was the prediction of material properties of thermally modified wood based on the color change via the “group method of data handling (GMDH)” neural network (NN). The NN was trained by color parameters for predicting the equilibrium moisture content (EMC), density, porosity, water absorption (WA), swelling coefficient, dynamic modulus of elasticity (MOEdyn) and hardness. The color parameters showed a significant correlation with temperature and are well correlated with the heat treatment (HT) intensity. Color parameters combined with the GMDH-type NN successfully predicted the physical properties of the material. The best correlation was achieved with the swelling coefficient, EMC and WA. All these properties were significantly influenced by HT. The color parameters did not seem suitable for predicting the wood hardness and MOEdyn. The GMDH NN shows a higher model accuracy than the multivariate linear and partial least squares (PLS) regression models.
Deformation Behavior and Processing Map during Isothermal Hot Compression of 49MnVS3 Non-Quenched and Tempered Steel
Authors: Wang Qingjuan , Shi Jiamin , Cai Jun , Feng Yaoyao 
Published: December 2018

Abstract
The deformation behavior of 49MnVS3 non-quenched and tempered steel was studied using isothermal compression tests at the temperature range of 750–1000  °C and the strain rate range of 0.1–50 s−1 on a Gleeble-3500 thermal mechanical simulator. The results indicated that the flow stress increases significantly with decreasing temperature and increasing strain rate. Under the whole deformation conditions, the dependence of flow stress on deformation temperature and strain rate was analyzed by hyperbolic sine equation. Besides, the hot deformation activation energy and stress exponent were calculated to be 323.56 kJ/mol and 6.99, respectively. In addition, the processing map based on dynamic material model was established, and the optimum processing condition of the 49MnVS3 non-quenched and tempered steel can be determined to be at the temperature range of 809–850 °C and strain rate of 36.6 s−1–50 s−1.
MDA-19 suppresses progression of melanoma via inhibiting the PI3K/Akt pathway
Authors: Dang Ningning , Meng Xianguang , Ma Shanshan , Zhang Qian , Sun XiYa , Wei Jingjing , Huang Shuhong 
Published: December 2018

Abstract

Objective
To investigate the effect of MDA-19 on progression of melanoma, and explore the relevant mechanism.

Methods
The melanoma cell lines, M14 and UACC257, were treated with different concentrations of MDA-19, then CCK8, clone formation assay, Transwell and flow cytometry assays were performed to examine cell proliferation, migration, invasion and apoptosis, respectively. The expression of apoptosis-related proteins (Bcl-2, Bax and caspase 3 P17), EMT and signaling pathway-related proteins were also detected by Western blot.

Results
MDA-19 inhibited melanoma cells in a dose-dependent manner. Compared to the NC group, MDA-19 significantly inhibited cell growth capacity, migration and invasion of M14 and UACC257 cells, and accelerated cell apoptosis in a mitochondrial pathway through regulating Bcl-2/Bax and Caspase 3 in M14 and UACC257 cells. Moreover, MDA-19 was observed to up-regulate the expression of E-cad and down-regulate the expression of N-cad, Vimentin and Slug in melanoma cells in vitro. Furthermore, MDA-19 could inhibit the PI3K/Akt pathway by blocking Akt phosphorylation (p-Akt) and downstream proteins, P70 and Cyclin D1 in M14 and UACC257 cells.

Conclusion
Our data demonstrate that MDA-19 could inhibit progression of melanoma by suppressing the PI3K/Akt pathway, suggesting that MDA-19 is a potential anti-cancer agent for therapy of melanoma.
Efforts to improve Japanese women’s status in STEM fields
Authors: Souma Yoshie 
Published: December 2018

Abstract
I discovered novel copper and silver carbonyl catalysts while at the National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology. The energy saving synthesis of tert-carboxylic acids was developed using the carbonylation reaction of olefins or alcohols using these novel copper or silver carbonyl catalysts under atmospheric pressure and at room temperature. After retiring from the institute, I was involved in efforts to improve women’s status in natural science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. I worked for the gender equality committee of the Chemical Society of Japan and the Japan Inter-Society Liaison Association Committee for Promoting Equal Participation of Men and Women in Science and Engineering, which sent recommendations to the government on how to realize a society with gender equality. The government accepted our recommendations, and the numerical target for female researchers was written into the 3rd Science and Technology Basic Plan in 2006. Based on the plan, the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology started programs to aid universities in increasing the percentage of female researchers from 2006.
Surface modification of polymeric flat sheet membranes by adding oligomeric fluoroalcohol
Authors: Kundu Neha , Lee Hyung Keun , Deshwal Bal Raj 
Published: December 2018

Abstract
The present study attempted to modify the surface of polymeric membranes by mixing 2-(perfluoroalkyl)ethanol with polyethersulfone to improve the hydrophobicity of the membrane. The characteristics of the surface-modified membrane were examined by using the contact angle, liquid entry pressure (LEPw), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy spectra, and scanning electron microscopy measurements. The modified membrane was tested for SO2 absorption. The surface contact angle and LEPw values increased by the addition of fluoroalcohol. The fluorine/carbon atomic ratio decreased with increasing evaporation period. The modified membrane was utilized for the absorption of SO2 from the simulated flue gas in alkaline medium (0.5 m NaOH solution). The SO2 removal efficiency slightly decreased probably due to the transformation of the finger-like structure into a sponge-like structure, and the increase in the membrane resistance. The SO2 absorption rate also increased as the gas flow rate increased.