bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Direct factor IXa inhibition with the RNA-aptamer pegnivacogin reduces platelet reactivity in vitro and residual platelet aggregation in patients with acute coronary syndromes
Authors: Staudacher Dawid L , Putz Vera , Heger Lukas , Reinöhl Jochen , Hortmann Marcus , Zelenkofske Steven L , Becker Richard C , Rusconi Christopher P , Bode Christoph , Ahrens Ingo 
Published: April 2017

Background:Residual platelet reactivity is a predictor of poor prognosis in patients with acute coronary syndromes (ACSs) undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention. Thrombin is a major platelet activator and upon initiation of the coagulation cascade, it is subsequently produced downstream of factor IXa, which itself is known to be increased in ACS. Pegnivacogin is a novel RNA-aptamer based factor IXa inhibitor featuring a reversal agent, anivamersen. We hypothesized that pegnivacogin could reduce platelet reactivity.Methods:Whole blood samples from healthy volunteers were incubated in vitro in the presence and absence of pegnivacogin and platelet reactivity was analysed. In addition, platelet aggregometry was performed in blood samples from ACS patients in the RADAR trial featuring the intravenous administration of pegnivacogin as well as reversal by anivamersen.Results:In vitro, pegnivacogin significantly reduced adenosine diphosphate-induced CD62P-expression (100% vs. 89.79±4.04%, p=0.027, n=9) and PAC-1 binding (100% vs. 83.02±4.08%, p=0.010, n=11). Platelet aggregation was reduced (97.71±5.30% vs. 66.53±9.92%, p=0.013, n=10) as evaluated by light transmission aggregometry. In the presence of the RNA-aptamer reversal agent anivamersen, neither CD62P-expression nor platelet aggregation was attenuated. In patients with ACS treated with aspirin and clopidogrel, residual platelet aggregation was significantly reduced 20 min after intravenous bolus of 1 mg/kg pegnivacogin (100% versus 43.21±8.23%, p=0.020).Conclusion:Inhibition of factor IXa by pegnivacogin decreases platelet activation and aggregation in vitro. This effect was negated by anivamersen. In ACS patients, platelet aggregation was significantly reduced after intravenous pegnivacogin. An aptamer-based anticoagulant inhibiting factor IXa therefore might be a promising antithrombotic strategy in ACS patients.
Future Special Education Teachers Perceptions of Rural Teaching Environments
Authors: Bell Teri L. , Bull Kay Sather , Barrett Jeanne M. , Montgomery Diane , Hyle Adrienne E. 
Published: April 2017

For many rural communities, the recruitment and retention of special educators has emerged as a prominent concern. The purpose of this study was to assess the attitudes of future special educators regarding urban, suburban, and rural teaching environments. Specifically, research objectives focused on social, cultural, personal and professional attitudes, future career decisions, and their relationship to teaching locale. Findings indicate that, generally, special education students had chosen their career field for altruistic reasons. The variables that drew beginning teachers to school districts were care for students, parental involvement and educational resources. Districts which could provide these should have few recruiting problems, no matter where they were located. However, if all other things are equal, the majority (60%) desired suburban placements, 23% desired rural placements and urban placements came in last. Students who grew up in rural areas were more likely to favor returning to rural areas to teach than those from urban or suburban areas, but only 20% of rurally raised students would prefer returning to rural districts. Salaries do not seem to be an issue for any except those who want to teach in urban areas.
Voices in Rural Special Education: Retrospectives, Prospectives, Possibilities
Authors: Berkeley Terry R. , Bull Kay S. 
Published: April 2017

There is a richness of history, tradition, customs, and lore about rural America and rural schooling. Education in rural locales has had a significant and positive impact on education in suburban and urban areas. The same can be related about rural special education. In this article, retrospective views of the past and prospective thoughts about the future in the mix that occurs in rural education and rural special education were joined as voices to celebrate the successes and challenges confronting professional school people as they go about their daily work with students with disabilities in integrated settings and in separate classrooms. Teaching, working, writing, and living in a rural locale either for part of one's life or for all of one's life adds a degree of realism and practicality no matter how much one can be influenced by city life. In particular, for the one author while in the city, I always feel that I am from away, and while in New Hampshire, the country, I never feel that I am here enough. For both of the authors of this article, rural roots, deep or not as firm, color our appreciation and caring for a way of life too few people speak about and too few other people know about. It is in this spirit that we hope these thoughts are considered.
The microbiome in respiratory medicine: current challenges and future perspectives
Authors: Faner Rosa , Sibila Oriol , Agustí Alvar , Bernasconi Eric , Chalmers James D. , Huffnagle Gary B. , Manichanh Chaysavanh , Molyneaux Philip L. , Paredes Roger , Pérez Brocal Vicente , Ponomarenko Julia , Sethi Sanjay , Dorca Jordi , Monsó Eduard 
Published: April 2017

The healthy lung has previously been considered to be a sterile organ because standard microbiological culture techniques consistently yield negative results. However, culture-independent techniques report that large numbers of microorganisms coexist in the lung. There are many unknown aspects in the field, but available reports show that the lower respiratory tract microbiota: 1) is similar in healthy subjects to the oropharyngeal microbiota and dominated by members of the Firmicutes, Bacteroidetes and Proteobacteria phyla; 2) shows changes in smokers and well-defined differences in chronic respiratory diseases, although the temporal and spatial kinetics of these changes are only partially known; and 3) shows relatively abundant non-cultivable bacteria in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis, cystic fibrosis and bronchiectasis, with specific patterns for each disease. In all of these diseases, a loss of diversity, paralleled by an over-representation of Proteobacteria (dysbiosis), has been related to disease severity and exacerbations. However, it is unknown whether dysbiosis is a cause or a consequence of the damage to bronchoalveolar surfaces.Finally, little is known about bacterial functionality and the interactions between viruses, fungi and bacteria. It is expected that future research in bacterial gene expressions, metagenomics longitudinal analysis and host–microbiome animal models will help to move towards targeted microbiome interventions in respiratory diseases.
Aspirin Use and Colorectal Cancer Survival According to Tumor CD274 (Programmed Cell Death 1 Ligand 1) Expression Status
Authors: Hamada Tsuyoshi , Cao Yin , Qian Zhi Rong , Masugi Yohei , Nowak Jonathan A. , Yang Juhong , Song Mingyang , Mima Kosuke , Kosumi Keisuke , Liu Li , Shi Yan , da Silva Annacarolina , Gu Mancang , Li Wanwan , Keum NaNa , Zhang Xuehong , Wu Kana , Meyerhardt Jeffrey A. , Giovannucci Edward L. , Giannakis Marios , Rodig Scott J. , Freeman Gordon J. , Nevo Daniel , Wang Molin , Chan Andrew T. , Fuchs Charles S. , Nishihara Reiko , Ogino Shuji 
Published: April 2017

Purpose Blockade of the programmed cell death 1 (PDCD1, PD-1) immune checkpoint pathway can improve clinical outcomes in various malignancies. Evidence suggests that aspirin (a widely used nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug) not only prolongs colorectal cancer survival, but can also activate T cell–mediated antitumor immunity and synergize with immunotherapy through inhibition of prostaglandin E2 production. We hypothesized that the survival benefit associated with aspirin might be stronger in colorectal carcinoma with a lower CD274 (PDCD1 ligand 1, PD-L1) expression level that resulted in lower signaling of the immune checkpoint pathway. Patients and Methods Using data from 617 patients with rectal and colon cancer in the Nurses’ Health Study and the Health Professionals Follow-Up Study, we examined the association of postdiagnosis aspirin use with patient survival in strata of tumor CD274 expression status measured by immunohistochemistry. We used multivariable Cox proportional hazards regression models to control for potential confounders, including disease stage, microsatellite instability status, CpG island methylator phenotype, long interspersed nucleotide element-1 methylation, cyclooxygenase-2 (PTGS2), and CDX2 expression, and KRAS, BRAF, and PIK3CA mutations. Results The association of postdiagnosis aspirin use with colorectal cancer–specific survival differed by CD274 expression status ( Pinteraction < .001); compared with aspirin nonusers; multivariable-adjusted hazard ratios for regular aspirin users were 0.16 (95% CI, 0.06 to 0.41) in patients with low CD274 and 1.01 (95% CI, 0.61 to 1.67) in patients with high CD274. This differential association seemed consistent in patients with microsatellite-stable or PIK3CA wild-type disease and in strata of PTGS2 expression, CDX2 expression, tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes, or prediagnosis aspirin use status. Conclusion The association of aspirin use with colorectal cancer survival is stronger in patients with CD274-low tumors than CD274-high tumors. Our findings suggest a differential antitumor effect of aspirin according to immune checkpoint status.
Predictors and Prevalence of Pain and Its Management in Four Regional Cancer Hospitals in India
Authors: Doyle Katherine E. , El Nakib Shatha K. , Rajagopal M.R. , Babu Sunil , Joshi Geeta , Kumarasamy Vidya , Kumari D. Priya , Chaudhuri Prabir , Mohanthy Sumita , Jatua Debasish , Lohman Diederik , Amon Joseph J. , Palat Gayatri 
Published: April 2017

Purpose More than 1 million new occurrences of cancer are diagnosed in India annually. Among patients with cancer, pain is a common and persistent symptom of the disease and its treatment. However, few studies to date have evaluated the prevalence of pain and the adequacy of pain management in Indian hospitals. This cross-sectional study aimed to assess the prevalence and sociodemographic patterns of cancer pain and pain management among a sample of inpatients and newly registered outpatients at four large regional cancer centers in India. Methods A sample of 1,600 patients with cancer who were current inpatients or newly registered outpatients were recruited and administered a questionnaire that was based on the Brief Pain Inventory. The survey tool included questions on demographics, medical history, and extent of clinical pain experienced. In addition, a pain management index score was created to link the severity of cancer pain with medication prescribed to treat it. Results A total of 88% of patients reported pain in the past 7 days, and approximately 60% reported that their worst pain was severe. Several demographic and medical characteristics of the study population predicted severe pain, including the following: lower educational level, outpatient status, and debt incurred as a result of illness. A total of 67% of patients were inadequately treated with analgesics. Inadequate pain management was associated with both treatment hospital and patient type, and patients who reported debt as a result of their illness were more likely to have inadequate pain management. Conclusion A majority of Indian patients with cancer experience significant pain and receive inadequate pain management. Improvement of pain management for Indian patients with cancer is needed urgently.
Gel-State Dependencies of Brown Patterns of Mn–Fe-Based Prussian Blue Analogues Studied by Combined X-ray Spectroscopies
Authors: Hayashi Hisashi , Abe Hitoshi 
Published: April 2017

Abstract
The gel-state dependencies of brown patterns of Mn–Fe-based Prussian blue analogues (PBAs) formed in water-glass gels by reaction–diffusion (RD) processes have been studied by using X-ray fluorescence and X-ray absorption near-edge structure spectroscopies. Three tubes containing admixtures of 0.25 M [Fe(CN)6]3− and 0.30 M acetic acid (A and B) or boric acid (C) in water-glass (9.1 (A) and 7.4 (B and C) mass%) were brought into contact with 0.20 M MnSO4 solution. Tube A formed periodic (but not genuine Liesegang) bands, whereas tubes B and C formed light-brown bands in the turbid zone (TZ). A lowered amount of water-glass (A → B) resulted in a more fluctuant distribution of the PBAs. [Mn(H2O)6]2+ ions were also present in the TZ of tube B and their content increased with distance from the gel-junction after stopping the RD process. Addition of boric acid (C) suppressed the RD processes in the gel, slowing down the formation of PBAs. It is likely that the areas of low PBA content in the TZ of tubes B and C generate the light-brown bands. FEFF calculations suggest that the most likely local structures of the predominant PBAs in tubes A/B and C are Mn(NCFe)2O4K2 and Mn(NCFe)2O4, respectively.
Engaging creativity: Employing assessment feedback strategies to support confidence and creativity in graphic design practice
Authors: Visser Irene , Chandler Lisa , Grainger Peter 
Published: April 2017

Abstract
Creativity is valued in graphic design practice. However, in design education, it is often hindered by assessment processes when students focus on grade outcomes or become attached to a limited set of concepts drawn from pre-existing knowledge. This article presents a case study from an Australian university, drawing on surveys, focus-group discussions and reflections to examine the implications of assessment feedback on creativity in graphic design pedagogy. Curriculum design and assessment strategies that support student confidence in experimentation and creative capacity, as well as the roles of both educators and students, were considered. The study highlights the benefits of face-to-face feedback throughout the assessment process but recognizes the challenges around the practice. It is suggested that, by rethinking how this form of feedback can be effectively incorporated to support graphic design pedagogy, these challenges can be overcome.
Reflective didactic strategy to integrate semiotic theory and creative practice in graphic design education
Authors: de la Cruz L. Arturo , Mejía G. Mauricio 
Published: April 2017

Abstract
Educators generally accept that semiotics theory should be taught in design; however, there is need of more evidence and documented practices about how to incorporate semiotics into design education. Existing references propose techniques to use semiotics as source of inspiration and as an analysis tool. In this study, the authors examined how a reflective didactic strategy, one that uses semiotic theoretical reflection in several analytical and creative activities, stimulates learning and bridges semiotic theory and design practice. Even though students’ theoretical knowledge about semiotics increased modestly, they were more aware about how design artefacts convey meaning to the audience, which is the main reason semiotics are part of the design curriculum. This study shows that a reflective didactic strategy supports learning applied semiotics, which helps students to understand the central role of theory for a legitimized design practice.
Das Alte Testament in christlicher Perspektive
Authors: Oberdorfer Bernd 
Published: April 2017

Abstract
According to Notker Slenczka, Jesus redefined the early Jewish understanding of God so radically that the Old Testament could not remain an adequate expression of the Christian idea of God. Moreover, in the light of historical criticism, the messianic promises of the OT could no longer be read as prophetic references to Jesus, either. The OT could hence only be seen as revelation to Jews; for Christians, however, it is valuable as paradigmatic expression of human reality and their necessity of salvation only, and to them authentic information about redemption is provided only by the New Testament. The essay discusses this position and defines a possible Christian view on the relation between Old and New Testament based on the insight that Jesus’ redefinition of the image of God can only be understood in the light of the history of God’s self-revelation to Israel, of which Jesus is a part; from a Christian perspective, the words, actions and fate of Jesus then also shed new light on the history of God’s self-revelation to Israel.
Die Kirche und das Alte Testament oder: Die Hebräische Bibel zwischen Lust, Last und Leidenschaft
Authors: Deeg Alexander 
Published: April 2017

Abstract
This contribution starts with the peculiar ambivalence of how modern German Protestantism deals with the so-called ›Old Testament‹: Delight in Old Testament reading and preaching as seen in the present revision of the lectionary is contrasted by a certain skepticism of scholarly theology against the Old Testament as a part of the Christian canon. The essay assesses both positions critically and demonstrates how reading the Old Testament permanently questions Christian identity vis-à-vis Israel. For sermons on the Old Testament, the point is to preach in a self-evident and at once Israel-sensitive way.
Factors influence abroad or home post graduates training among medical students: experience from Sudan
Authors: Gismalla Mohamed , Abdallah Ahmed , Mohammed Mohammed Alnoor , Mahjoub Taha Sami 
Published: April 2017

Backgrounds:Â Commonly, doctors migrate for postgraduate study in African and Middle-east countries to western countries. In this study, we would like to know the percentage of graduates who intended to study abroad and determine the factors of their traveling.Material and methods: This is cross-sectional questionnaire survey. Medical students were asked about their future specialty preference, reasons, and site of training. Also, some demographic data were collected. The data was analyzed by SPSS. P value of < 0.05 was considered significant.Â Result and Discussion: 197 students responded to our survey and filled the questionnaire properly. Participants knew about future specialty from the teacher, the internet, senior college and advice from a family member with rate 83 (42.1%), 42 (22.8%), 41 (21.3%), and 27(13.7%) respectively. One hundred five (53.3%) of the responders preferred to get their specialty training outside Sudan while the remainder 92(46.7%) preferred local training.The commonest specialty selected among both group are medicine and surgery respectively. Obstetrics and gynecology are selected mainly among students who prefer local training 14 out of 15 totally, with statistically significant (p-value = 0.0001). Residency has significant related to the site of training with (P value 0.03). International recognition and advanced facilities are the commonest cause of traveling abroad among the students. While freeÂ hands onÂ training and social reasons are the most common causes of home postgraduates training.Conclusion:Â More than fifty percent of the participant prefers abroad post-graduates training. The factors which influents site training can be defined as "Pull and Push" factors.
Sensorlose Positionsregelung eines hydraulischen Proportional-Wegeventils mittels Signalinjektion
Authors: Braun Tristan , Reuter Johannes , Rudolph Joachim 
Published: April 2017

Zusammenfassung
Es wird eine Methode zur sensorlosen Positionsbestimmung bei elektromagnetisch betätigten Aktoren vorgestellt. Dabei
werden basierend auf einer Signalinjektion die positionsabhängigen Parameter bei der injizierten Frequenz bestimmt und
daraus über ein geeignetes Modell die Position des Magnetankers ermittelt. Die Eignung des Verfahrens zur sensorlosen
Positionsregelung wird an einem bidirektionalen Proportionalventil anhand praktischer Versuche demonstriert.
Establishing consensus-based, assay-specific 99th percentile upper reference limits to facilitate proper utilization of cardiac troponin measurements
Authors: Greene Dina N. , Tate Jillian R. 
Published: April 2017

AbstractImplementation of the 99th percentile as the upper reference limit for cardiac troponin (cTn) assays is a seemingly lucid recommendation, but, in reality, is incredibly complex. Lack of harmonization between cTn assays diminishes the ability to have a single medical decision point across manufacturer assay/instruments. Moreover, even within a single cTn assay there are several published values corresponding to the “99th percentile”. Variability in the determined value is primarily a function of population selection including: sample size, age, sex, exclusion criteria, and statistical methods. Given the complexities associated with this value, some countries have taken an expert consensus approach to endorsing harmonized, assay-specific, cTn 99th percentile values. The purpose of this manuscript is to highlight the intricacies associated with selecting a cTn 99th percentile and to review the approach that Australia used to endorse a nationwide upper reference limit for the Architect STAT hs-cTnI assay.
The effectiveness of biodrying waste treatment in full scale reactor
Authors: Dębicka Marlena , Żygadło Maria , Latosińska Jolanta 
Published: April 2017

AbstractThe differences between the composting, stabilization and drying processes were discussed. The law criteria for mechanical-biological treatment plant were presented. The purpose of the article was to assess the effectiveness of biodrying MSW (municipal solid waste) in a full scale reactor taking into account the degree of biological decomposition of organic matter and its suitability for RDF (refuse derived fuel). Therefore the microbial activity was measured as the O2/96 h uptake. CO2/96 h production and the respiration activity AT4 for untreated and biodried waste were compared. The decomposition of organic matter was measured by loss on ignition (LOI) and total organic carbon (TOC). The product after the biodrying process was assessed according to the EURITS and PN-EN 15359 criteria for the quality of RDF (residual derived fuel). The result 8.48 MJ/kg of calorific value shows that bio- dried waste is ranked below the EURITS minimum level and can be classified as fifth class by PN-EN 15359 requirements. The amount of chlorine, mercury and lead fulfil the EURITS criteria. The microbial activity after processing in the biodrying reactor expressed as oxygen uptake exceeded the permissible level of 10 mg O2/g d.m. in the time range ten months. The regulatory parameters TOC < 20% d.m. and LOI < 35% d.m. criteria were not met.