bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Cannabinoid Use in Patients With Gastroparesis and Related Disorders: Prevalence and Benefit
Authors: Jehangir Asad , Parkman Henry P. 
Published: March 2019

OBJECTIVES:
Gastroparesis (Gp) can be a challenging disorder to manage due to the paucity of treatment options. We do not know how frequently patients with Gp symptoms resort to cannabinoids to address their symptoms. This study (i) determines the prevalence of cannabinoid use in patients with Gp symptoms, (ii) describes the patients with Gp symptoms using cannabinoids, and (iii) assesses the patients' perceived benefit of cannabinoids for Gp symptoms.

METHODS:
Consecutive outpatients with symptoms suggestive of Gp seen on follow-up at our academic center from June 2018 to September 2018 filled out questionnaires on their symptoms and the current treatments.

RESULTS:
Of 197 patients, nearly half (n = 92, 46.7%) reported current (35.5%) or past (11.2%) use of cannabinoids, including tetrahydrocannabinol (n = 63), dronabinol (n = 36), and/or cannabidiol (n = 16). Of these, most perceived improvement in Gp symptoms from cannabinoids (93.5% with tetrahydrocannabinol, 81.3% with cannabidiol, and 47.2% with dronabinol). Cannabinoids were used most commonly via smoking (n = 46). Patients taking cannabinoids were younger (41.0 ± 15.4 vs 48.0 ± 15.9 years; P < 0.01) and had a higher Gastroparesis Cardinal Symptom Index total score (3.4 ± 1.0 vs 2.8 ± 1.3; P < 0.01) compared with patients with no history of cannabinoid use.

CONCLUSIONS:
A third of patients with Gp symptoms actively use cannabinoids for their chronic symptoms. Most of these patients perceive improvement in their symptoms with cannabinoids. Patients taking cannabinoids were younger and more symptomatic than those not taking cannabinoids. Further studies on the efficacy and safety of cannabinoids in Gp will be useful.
Over-Utilization of Repeat Upper Endoscopy in Patients with Non-dysplastic Barrett's Esophagus: A Quality Registry Study
Authors: Wani Sachin , Williams J. Lucas , Komanduri Srinadh , Muthusamy V. Raman , Shaheen Nicholas J. 
Published: March 2019

INTRODUCTION:
Guidelines recommend that patients with non-dysplastic Barrett's esophagus (NDBE) undergo surveillance endoscopy every 3–5 years. Using a national registry, we assessed compliance to recommended surveillance intervals in patients with NDBE and identified factors associated with compliance.

METHODS:
We analyzed data from the GI Quality Improvement Consortium registry. Data abstracted include procedure indication, demographics, endoscopy/pathology results, and recommendations for future endoscopy. Patients with an indication of Barrett's esophagus (BE) screening or surveillance, or an endoscopic finding of BE, with non-dysplastic intestinal metaplasia on pathological examination, were included. Compliance was defined as a recommendation to undergo subsequent endoscopy between 3 and 5 years. Multivariate logistic regression was conducted to assess variables associated with compliance.

Results:
Of 786,712 endoscopies assessed, 58,709 (7.5%) endoscopies in 53,541 patients met inclusion criteria (mean age 61.3 years, 60.4% men, 90.2% white, mean BE length was 2.3 cm). Most cases were performed by Gastroenterologists (92.3%) with propofol (78.7%). A total of 29,978 procedures (55.8%) resulted in pathology-confirmed BE. Among procedures with NDBE (n = 25,945), 29.9% were noncompliant with the 3-year threshold; most (26.9%) recommended surveillance at 1- to 2-year intervals. Patient factors such as extremes of age, black race, geographic region, type of sedation, and increasing BE length were associated with noncompliance.

DISCUSSION:
Approximately 30% of patients with NDBE are recommended to undergo surveillance endoscopy too soon. Patient factors associated with inappropriate utilization include extremes of age, black race, and increasing BE length. Compliance with appropriate endoscopic follow-up as a quality measure in BE is poor.
Impact of Obesity on Disease Activity and Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System (PROMIS) in Inflammatory Bowel Diseases
Authors: Jain Animesh , Nguyen Nghia H. , Proudfoot James A. , Martin Christopher F. , Sandborn William J. , Kappelman Michael D. , Long Millie D. , Singh Siddharth 
Published: March 2019

INTRODUCTION:
We conducted a cohort study on the impact of obesity on disease activity and Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System (PROMIS) measures in the inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) Partners cohort.

METHODS:
We performed a cross-sectional and longitudinal study within IBD Partners, an internet-based cohort of >15,000 patients living with Crohn's disease (CD) and ulcerative colitis (UC). We included adult patients with IBD, with recorded body mass index (BMI), with at least 6 months of follow-up, excluding patients with BMI < 18.5 kg/m2. We evaluated the independent effect of World Health Organization classes of obesity on risk of clinical relapse or persistent disease activity (using validated disease activity indexes) and PROMIS measures, using multivariate logistic regression and linear regression, respectively.

RESULTS:
We included 7,296 patients with IBD (4,748 patients with CD, 19.5% obese; 2,548 patients with UC with intact colon, 20.3% obese). Obesity was independently, and in a dose-dependent fashion, associated with an increased risk of persistent disease activity or relapse in both patients with CD (class II or III obesity vs normal BMI: adjusted odds ratio, 1.86; 95% confidence interval, 1.30–2.68) and UC (adjusted odds ratio, 2.97; 95% confidence interval, 1.75–5.17). Obesity was also independently associated with higher anxiety, depression, fatigue, pain, and inferior social function scores in patients with CD and UC at baseline and with worsening depression, fatigue, pain, and social function in patients with CD on longitudinal assessment.

DISCUSSION:
Obesity at baseline is independently associated with worsening disease activity and PROMIS measures in patients with IBD.
Janus in governance: Interpellations around an educational policy of community intervention in Portugal
Authors: Antunes Fátima , Barros Rosanna 
Published: March 2019

This article intends to empirically document the ambiguity, even ambivalence, of governance practices[1], through the study of a public policy in Portugal, the Programme InovAction, that stimulates intervention projects in ‘local state of emergency’ territories. In this way, we search to contribute to the debate around the reform of the State and public policies, apprehended through metamorphoses in the coordination of collective action in education. Education, State and governance are viewed as social relationships and sites of social practices; governance is understood as a field in which policies, discourses and practices manifest themselves in neo-liberal hegemonic versions or according to contradictory achievements. The data we mobilize were built on documental analysis and on information obtained through semi-structured interviews (to national, regional and local projects Coordinators, technicians and young people). The unfolding discussion illuminates tensions and contradictions in governance practices of Programme InovAction: the strengthening of collective action may occur simultaneously with the construction of routes and alternative spaces of social exclusion; the reduction of the social responsibility of the school with regards to certain audiences challenges approaches to the construction of a public space of education; the privilege given to known interests has gone side by side with practices to broaden the local governance circle.
Henry David Thoreau on Basic Income: Genius Grants for the Masses
Authors: Ranalli Brent 
Published: March 2019

Abstract
In this essay we examine the work of nineteenth-century American philosopher Henry David Thoreau to see how his thought relates to common arguments for and against Basic Income. We find that Thoreau would be unlikely to champion cash grants as an anti-poverty measure, but that he would endorse a Basic Income variant meant to support the development of human potential.
Further refinement of the Corbelling Theory for the equilibrium analysis of corbelled domes
Authors: Fraddosio Aguinaldo , Lepore Nicola , Piccioni Mario Daniele 
Published: March 2019

Abstract
The aim of this paper is to present a further development of the Corbelling Theory [1] for assessing the structural safety of “false domes” constructions like Trulli, and more generally for corbelled domes. In particular, it is well-known that a corbelled dome of a Trullo is a layered thick shell and that only the thin inner layer (candela) has a structural role. The proposed procedure extends the capabilities of the approach proposed in [2] to more general load conditions, including the infill. The effectiveness of the proposed approach is discussed through the analysis of a paradigmatic case study of a Trullo located in Alberobello. Since the geometry of the construction plays a fundamental role in the structural behavior, the starting point of the analysis was an accurate 3D-laser scanner survey of the dome. The obtained results give some interesting insights about the role of the infill load on the equilibrium of such kind of corbelled domes.
Assessment of Decentralized Electricity Production from Hybrid Renewable Energy Sources for Sustainable Energy Development in Nigeria
Authors: Oyedepo Sunday Olayinka , Uwoghiren Theophilus , Babalola Philip Olufemi , Nwanya Stephen C. , Kilanko Oluwaseun , Leramo Richard Olufemi , Aworinde Abraham K , Adekeye Tunde , Oyebanji Joseph A. , Abidakun Olatunde A. 
Published: March 2019

Abstract
This paper presents technical and economic assessment of a hybrid energy system for electricity generation in rural communities in the six geopolitical zones of Nigeria. The study was based on a 500 rural household model having an electric load of 493 kWh per day. To simulate long-term continuous implementation of the hybrid system, 21 years (1992 – 2012) hourly mean global solar radiation and wind speed data for the selected sites were used. The mean annual wind speed and solar radiation for the locations ranged from 2.31 m/s for Warri to 3.52 m/ s for Maiduguri and 4.53 kWh/m2 for Warri to 5.92 kWh/m2 for Maiduguri, respectively. These weather data were used for simulation with the Micro-power Optimization Model software HOMER. From the optimum results of the hybrid system,Warri has the highest NPC and COE of $2,441,222 and $0.721/kWh, respectively while Maiduguri has the least NPC and COE of $2,225,387 and $0.658/kWh, respectively for the 21 years project lifespan. The high value of COE for Warri is due to its low renewable energy resource while low COE for Maiduguri is due to its high renewable energy resource. The Northern part of the country has ample renewable energy resource availability and with a strong political will, optimal utilization of these renewable resources (solar and wind) can be actualized. Researchers, Industrialists, Policy Makers and the Nigerian government should therefore seize this opportunity in developing a sustainable energy through utilization of abundant renewable energy resources in the country.
Seasonal evaluation of surface water quality at the Tamanduá stream watershed (Aparecida de Goiânia, Goiás, Brazil) using the Water Quality Index
Authors: Silva Débora Pereira da , Pitaluga Douglas Pereira da Silva , Scalize Paulo Sérgio , Santos Hebert Oliveira 
Published: March 2019

AbstractFreshwater is an essential natural resource for humanity, however, its quality has been compromised as a result of natural and anthropogenic interference. The objective of the present study was to determine the Bascarán Water Quality Index (WQIB) for the Tamanduá stream in the municipality of Aparecida de Goiânia, Goiás, Brazil, and relate it to the limits established by CONAMA resolutions nº357 [1] and nº274 [2], for Class 2 freshwater bodies. The study was carried out at three sampling points proximate to urban parks, with samples collected in both the dry and the rainy seasons with the measurement of flow. The physical, chemical and biological parameters were analyzed as recommended inStandard Methods[3]. Parametric descriptive statistics were used for data analysis. TheWQIBresults classified the water as acceptable (24%), normal (48%), improper (20%) and unpleasant (8%), with turbidity, DO and total coliforms responsible for decreasedWQIBin the rainy season. The parameters pH, apparent color and DO do not conform with CONAMA resolution nº357 [1] while water resources for bathing were classified as excellent according to CONAMA resolution nº274 [2].
Dynamic safety system for collaboration of operators and industrial robots
Authors: Malm Timo , Salmi Timo , Marstio Ilari , Montonen Jari 
Published: March 2019

Abstract
There is an increasing need to have a safety system, which allows safe collaboration of operators and industrial robots. Industrial robots are powerful and therefore dangerous impacts and crashes need to be prevented by keeping safe distance between moving robot and the operator. Safe distance can be achieved by monitoring the position and speed of the robot and the position of the operator. Separation distance, speeds and performance of the control system, sensors and actuators are regulated by standards, which must be followed. VTT has developed a dynamic safety system, which monitors the speed and separation between persons and the robot in order to keep the stopping distance of the robot small enough to avoid impacts. The dynamic safety system enables safe continuous working beside the robot and automated restarting after a safety-rated monitored stop. An assistance system is applied to switch safety modes of the robot according to separation distance. Configuring and validating the safety system are safety-critical and time-consuming phases of design. Therefore, a configuration tool is required to get a coherent configuration, which support validation process.
Fundamental Rights and Merit Goods: The Case of the VAT Exemptions in the Public Interest
Authors: Scarcella Luisa 
Published: March 2019

AbstractThis contribution aims at providing both a current example of how a collaboration in tax matters between economists and lawyers could be highly beneficial in tax matters and how fundamental values can step up in this conversation. In particular, the following analysis focuses on the exemptions for public interests listed in Article 132 of the EU Value Added Tax Directive (from now on VAT Directive) which refer to some of the traditional merit goods as so considered by economists. The same exemptions could be also read under the light of the European Fundamental Rights Charter which covers not only civil and political rights but also socio-economic ones. Moreover, since the entry into force of the Lisbon Treaty, we can find “social justice” as one of the core values that the Union is committed to promote and which therefore should guide the Union’s policies. However, economic studies have shown that there might be some downsides to the adoption of VAT exemptions, especially in terms of social and redistributive goals. VAT exemptions aimed at ensuring those merit goods/fundamental rights might erode the tax base and backlash on the wider goal of social justice. From a legal perspective, they lead to several interpretative issues. In spite of its theoretical interest and practical importance, there is still not too much literature on this topic and none addressing this issue from a fundamental rights and values perspective. The purpose of this paper is to be a starting point for further discussions on how economic and legal studies together can provide better solutions on how to handle merit goods in VAT by keeping in mind the broader picture of a fair tax system and legal principles, such as those enshrined in the Charter of Fundamental Rights of the European Union.
Magnesium porphyrazine with peripheral methyl (3,5-dibromophenylmethyl)amino groups – synthesis and optical properties
Authors: Wieczorek Ewelina , Piskorz Jaroslaw , Popenda Lukasz , Jurga Stefan , Mielcarek Jadwiga , Goslinski Tomasz 
Published: March 2019

Abstract
Novel magnesium(II) porphyrazine with peripheral methyl(3,5-dibromophenylmethyl)amine groups was synthesized in a multi-step procedure starting from commercially available diaminomaleonitrile. All intermediates and the final macrocycle were characterized using UV–Vis, FT-IR, MS and various NMR techniques. The absorption and emission properties of the macrocycle were evaluated in N,N-dimethylformamide, dimethyl sulfoxide, and dichloromethane. The potential photosensitizing activity was evaluated by assessing the ability of the macrocycle to generate singlet oxygen in dimethyl sulfoxide and N,N-dimethylformamide.
Adenomyosis: genetics of estrogen metabolism
Authors: Artymuk Natalia , Zotova Olga , Gulyaeva Lyudmila 
Published: March 2019

Abstract

Background
To analyze the allelic variants of genes of enzymes involved in estrogen metabolism: CYP1A1, CYP1A2, CYP19 and SULT1A1 using polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism-restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP) analysis of women with histologically confirmed adenomyosis and women without proliferative diseases of pelvic organs was performed. We studied the following polymorphisms: CYP1A1 M1, T264 → C transition in the 3′-noncoding region; CYP1A2*1F, C734 → A transversion in CYP1A2 gene; C → T transition (Arg264Cys) in exon 7 of CYP19; SULT1A1*2, G638 → A transition (Arg213His) in the SULT1A1 gene.

Materials and methods
The study included 804 patients. Group I (experimental group) consisted of 268 women with adenomyosis. Inclusion criteria were: histological verification of adenomyosis, consent of patients to participate in the study. Group II (control group) – 536 women without proliferative diseases of the uterus. Inclusion criteria were: lack of proliferative processes of the uterus histologically confirmed by ultrasound examination, patient’s consent to participate in the study.

Results
We found the significant association of C allele, T/C and C/C genotypes of the CYP1A1 gene (CYP1A1 M1 polymorphism), A allele, C/A and A/A genotypes of the CYP1A2 gene (CYP1A2*1F polymorphism) and the T allele, C/T and C/C genotypes of the CYP19 (Arg264Cys polymorphism) gene with the risk for adenomyosis.

Conclusions
Patients with adenomyosis had increased frequency of C allele, T/C and C/C genotypes of the CYP1A1 gene, A allele, C/A and A/A genotypes of the CYP1A2 gene and T allele and C/T and C/C genotypes of the CYP19 gene and, on the contrary, decreased frequency of the mutant allele and heterozygous and mutant homozygous genotype of the CYP1A2 gene compared to women without proliferative diseases of the uterus.
Pulse Inputs Affect Timings of Spikes in Neurons with or Without Time Delays
Authors: Wang Jiaoyan , Zhao Xiaoshan , Lei Chao 
Published: March 2019

Abstract
Inputs can change timings of spikes in neurons. But it is still not clear how input’s parameters for example injecting time of inputs affect timings of neurons. HR neurons receiving both weak and strong inputs are considered. How pulse inputs affecting neurons is studied by using the phase-resetting curve technique. For a single neuron, weak pulse inputs may advance or delay the next spike, while strong pulse inputs may induce subthreshold oscillations depending on parameters such as injecting timings of inputs. The behavior of synchronization in a network with or without coupling delays can be predicted by analysis in a single neuron. Our results can be used to predict the effects of inputs on other spiking neurons.
Limits of Solutions to the Isentropic Euler Equations for van der Waals Gas
Authors: Wang Jinhuan , Pang Yicheng , Zhang Yu 
Published: March 2019

Abstract
In this paper, we consider limit behaviors of Riemann solutions to the isentropic Euler equations for a non-ideal gas (i.e. van der Waals gas) as the pressure vanishes. Firstly, the Riemann problem of the isentropic Euler equations for van der Waals gas is solved. Then it is proved that, as the pressure vanishes, any Riemann solution containing two shock waves to the isentropic Euler equation for van der Waals gas converges to the delta shock solution to the transport equations and any Riemann solution containing two rarefaction waves tends to the vacuum state solution to the transport equations. Finally, some numerical simulations completely coinciding with the theoretical analysis are demonstrated.
Überlegungen zur Dolmetscherausbildung an chinesischen Germanistikabteilungen
Authors: ZHANG Ning 
Published: March 2019

Zusammenfassung
Dieser Beitrag liefert eine kritische Bestandsaufnahme der germanistischen Dolmetscherausbildung in China, wobei der Schwerpunkt auf der Ausbildung ‚Master of Translation and Interpreting‘ (MTI) im Sprachenpaar Deutsch-Chinesisch liegt. Zudem wird erörtert, wie sich die Dolmetscherausbildung unter den bestehenden Voraussetzungen optimieren lässt. Schließlich werden konkrete Vorschläge zur curricularen Gestaltung der Dolmetscherausbildung im MTI-Format vorgestellt. Dabei wird ebenso die klassische Dolmetscherausbildung innerhalb des chinesischen Germanistikstudiums zur Sprache kommen.
Collective Reputation and Quality in Online Platforms
Authors: Winfree Jason A. , McCluskey Jill J. 
Published: March 2019

Abstract
This article provides a conceptual framework to understand benefits and costs of private minimum quality standards, increasing seller reputation or warranties when there is a collective reputation for online platforms. Our framework uses a dual reputation model where consumers have a quality expectation based on the reputation of the platform and the reputation of the seller. We also analyze the benefits and costs of various types of fees associated with online platforms and find that the optimal fee structure depends on whether quality concerns or market power concerns are greater. Fees that are fixed, or only depend on quantity, increase market power, but do not hurt product quality. Therefore, they should be used if collective reputation is the main concern. Fees that depend on prices exacerbate bad quality incentives for firms, so they should only be considered if quality is not a concern for consumers. The optimal quality standard depends on the fee structure, as well as the level of compliance to that standard.
Post- to Pre-Tax Discount Rates: Not a Simple Conversion
Authors: Hayler Richard 
Published: March 2019

Abstract
It is widely accepted that financial markets tend to make assessments of value on expectations of post-tax cash flows, since that is what equity investors receive. There is however, from time to time, a need to ascertain and apply a pre-tax discount rate to discount pre-tax cashflows. Examples include (i) the assessment of regulatory returns and (ii) impairment testing of cash generating units. This paper highlights the implicit assumptions inherent in the most commonly applied shorthand method of determining pre-tax discount rates before considering modifications to create a more realistic assumption set. The paper concludes with the derivation of a shorthand formula for finite life project cashflows, which often require a pre-tax discount rate. The author agrees that while all the cash flows should be modelled on a post-tax basis and then back solved, using an iterative approach, to find the actual pre-tax rate, where a shorthand is required the formulae discussed in this paper can be applied, provided the limitations are understood.
Die heilige Berührung. Zum taktilen Sinn von Eucharistie und Abendmahl
Authors: Wallach Steffen 
Published: March 2019

Zusammenfassung
Der vorliegende Beitrag widmet sich Eucharistie (kath.) und Abendmahl (ev.) als einem Fest, bei dem Brot und Wein als Medien der (Selbst-)Berührung fungieren. Er nimmt dabei Bezug zur Philosophie von Jean-Luc Nancy – dies jedoch nicht, weil Nancy das Sakrament als den wirkungsmächtigsten Fall eines den Körper verdrängenden Denkens beschreibt, sondern weil die Essays des Postphänomenologen es erlauben, das kirchliche Ritual als eine dem gemeinschaftlichen Vollzug zugedachte Reflexion über den/die Körper zu beschreiben.