bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Activated protein C light chain provides an extended binding surface for its anticoagulant cofactor, protein S
Authors: Fernández José A. , Xu Xiao , Sinha Ranjeet K. , Mosnier Laurent O. , Sanner Michel F. , Griffin John H. 
Published: August 2017

Key PointsProtein S anticoagulant cofactor sensitivity and PAR1 cleavage activity were assayed for 9 recombinant APC mutants. Residues L38, K43, I73, F95, and W115 on one face of the APC light chain define an extended surface containing the protein S binding site.
Rectangular cone b-metric spaces over Banach algebra and contraction principle
Authors: George Reny , Nabwey Hossam A , Rajagopalan R , Radenović Stojan , Reshma KP 
Published: August 2017

AbstractRectangular cone b-metric spaces over a Banach algebra are introduced as a generalization of metric space and many of its generalizations. Some fixed point theorems are proved in this space and proper examples are provided to establish the validity and superiority of our results. An application to solution of linear equations is given which illustrates the proper application of the results in spaces over Banach algebra.
Targeting ALK With Crizotinib in Pediatric Anaplastic Large Cell Lymphoma and Inflammatory Myofibroblastic Tumor: A Children’s Oncology Group Study
Authors: Mossé Yael P. , Voss Stephan D. , Lim Megan S. , Rolland Delphine , Minard Charles G. , Fox Elizabeth , Adamson Peter , Wilner Keith , Blaney Susan M. , Weigel Brenda J. 
Published: August 2017

Purpose Fusions involving the ALK gene are the predominant genetic lesion underlying pediatric anaplastic large cell lymphomas (ALCL) and inflammatory myofibroblastic tumors (IMTs). We assessed the activity of the ALK inhibitor crizotinib in patients who had no known curative treatment options at diagnosis or with relapsed/recurrent disease. Methods In this study, 26 patients with relapsed/refractory ALK-positive ALCL and 14 patients with metastatic or inoperable ALK-positive IMT received crizotinib orally twice daily. Study objectives were measurement of efficacy and safety. Correlative studies evaluated the serial detection of NPM-ALK fusion transcripts in patients with ALCL. Results The overall response rates for patients with ALCL treated at doses of 165 (ALCL165) and 280 (ALCL280) mg/m2 were 83% and 90%, respectively. The overall response rate for patients with IMT (treated at 100, 165, and 280 mg/m2/dose) was 86%. A complete response was observed in 83% (five of six) of ALCL165, 80% (16 of 20) of ALCL280, and 36% (five of 14) of patients with IMT. Partial response rates were 0% (none of six), 10% (two of 20), and 50% (seven of 14), respectively. The median duration of therapy was 2.79, 0.4, and 1.63 years, respectively, with 12 patients ceasing protocol therapy to proceed to transplantation. The most common drug-related adverse event was decrease in neutrophil count in 33% and 70% of the ALCL165 and ALCL280 groups, respectively, and in 43% of patients with IMT. Levels of NPM-ALK decreased during therapy in most patients with ALCL. Conclusion The robust and sustained clinical responses to crizotinib therapy in patients with relapsed ALCL and metastatic or unresectable IMT highlight the importance of the ALK pathway in these diseases.
Differential Roles of the Right and Left Toe Perfusion Index in Predicting the Incidence of Postspinal Hypotension During Cesarean Delivery
Authors: Xu Zifeng , Xu Tao , Zhao Puwen , Ma Rui , Zhang Mazhong , Zheng Jijian 
Published: August 2017

BACKGROUND:
Aortocaval compression by the gravid uterus, low baseline vasomotor tone, and spinal anesthesia-related sympathetic blockade contribute to spinal anesthesia-induced hypotension during cesarean delivery. The finger perfusion index (PI) can predict spinal hypotension by reflecting baseline vasomotor tone, but cannot directly reflect aortocaval compression by the gravid uterus. This study aimed to examine whether baseline toe PIs predict the incidence of maternal hypotension and reflect aortocaval compression by the gravid uterus during cesarean delivery under spinal anesthesia.

METHODS:
One hundred parturients undergoing elective cesarean delivery were enrolled. The relationship between baseline toe PI and the incidence of hypotension after induction of spinal anesthesia was quantified using area under the receiver operator curves, and results compared for the right and left toe PIs.

RESULTS:
The area under the receiver operator curves for left and right toe baseline PIs were 0.81 (95% confidence interval, 0.71–0.88) and 0.76 (95% confidence interval, 0.66–0.84), respectively. After induction of spinal anesthesia, the toe PIs did not change in parturients with hypotension, but increased significantly among those who did not develop hypotension.

CONCLUSIONS:
Our study demonstrated that baseline toe PIs were inversely associated with the incidence of postspinal hypotension during cesarean delivery. Continuous monitoring of toe PIs during induction of spinal anesthesia might help to predict the development of postspinal hypotension and reflect the aortocaval compression by the gravid uterus.
Analysis of Molecular Configuration and Conformation by (Electronic and) Vibrational Circular Dichroism: Theoretical Calculation and Exciton Chirality Method
Authors: Taniguchi Tohru 
Published: August 2017

AbstractThe configuration and conformation of a molecule affect its bioactivity, reactivity, physical properties, etc., but the analysis of such stereostructures is often difficult and time-consuming. Having envisioned the usefulness of VCD (vibrational circular dichroism) spectroscopy and theoretical VCD/ECD (electronic circular dichroism) calculations in the field of natural product chemistry, the author has applied these techniques to various natural products and other organic molecules. This account describes the author’s studies on molecular structural analysis by means of VCD/ECD theoretical calculations as well as exciton chirality methods. Advantages and limitations of these techniques are also briefly discussed.
Constraint-induced movement therapy in hemiplegic cerebral palsy: A national survey of its use by UK physiotherapists
Authors: Tucker Rachael , Moffatt Fiona , Drummond Avril 
Published: August 2017

Background/aims: There is an emerging evidence base into the use of constraint-induced movement therapy in hemiplegic cerebral palsy. However, there is little evidence of its use in the UK. This study conducted a national survey of physiotherapists to explore their use of constraint-induced movement therapy in hemiplegic cerebral palsy and to identify barriers and facilitators to its use. Methods: An online survey was distributed to members of the Association of Paediatric Chartered Physiotherapists within the UK. At this time, there were approximately 2300 members on the professional database. Participants were asked about their experience and views regarding constraint-induced movement therapy use/training, including their beliefs regarding delivery of the therapy in the UK health system. Findings: Responses were from 121 therapists from 12 regions of the UK, working across the National Health Service, private sector and education, based in inpatient, outpatient, community and school settings. Fifty-three percent had never used constraint-induced movement therapy, although 73.6% felt it was an appropriate treatment. Most therapists felt they did not have enough training to use constraint-induced movement therapy. Barriers included ethical issues, resources and training. Facilitators to its use included treatment modification, support of others and outcome appraisal. The ethical and legal ramifications of restraint were a common concern, which prevented therapists from using constraint-induced movement therapy. Family compliance influenced therapists' decision to use constraint-induced movement therapy. Conclusions: There is evidence to suggest physiotherapists in the UK are using constraint-induced movement therapy to some extent in this patient group and that there is established clinical interest. Further research is needed to clarify ethical and legal ramifications of restraint.
Focus group methodology. Part 2: Considerations for analysis
Authors: Plummer Prudence 
Published: August 2017

Background/Aims: Qualitative research is often criticised for its lack of scientific analysis considerations. In particular, the criticisms of qualitative research relate to issues of representativeness and generalisability of the findings, reliability, and validity. The purpose of this article is to discuss these concepts in the context of focus group data and explain how trustworthiness has been proposed as a more suitable criterion for evaluating qualitative research. Methods: Analytical concepts for qualitative research are defined, and suggestions based on the literature are given to enhance trustworthiness of focus group data and reporting. Conclusions: Focus group methodology is a highly effective technique for gathering rich, in-depth accounts of people's thinking, experiences, and attitudes. Focus groups are not just group interviews; rather, they require careful planning and design and have unique analytical and reporting procedures to ensure credibility of the findings.
Temporal and spatial variability in concentrations of phosphorus species under thermal pollution conditions of a dam reservoir – the Rybnik Reservoir case study
Authors: Kostecki Maciej , Tytła Malwina , Kernert Joanna , Stahl Katarzyna 
Published: August 2017

AbstractThe research objective was to study temporal and spatial relations between specific phosphorus species as well as to examine total phosphorus content in the bottom sediments of an anthropogenic, hypertrophic limnic ecosystem Rybnik Reservoir, functioning under thermal pollution conditions. The chemical extraction procedure for the speciation of bioavailable phosphorus forms was used. It was found that available algae phosphorus was the most dominant phosphorus species in both sediment layers (83%), while the lower share was readily desorbed phosphorus form (0.1%). The phosphorus species concentrations depended on the organic matter concentration. The differences between phosphorus species contents in the upper (5 cm) and lower (15–20 cm) sediment core layers were low. The biologically active sediment layer extended from the sediment surface to at least 20 cm depth of the sediment core. Distributions of the concentrations within the year and at specific sampling points resulted from the variability observed for particular points and transformation intensity. Furthermore in the following study, the reaction rate constant for the increase and decrease in the concentrations of the phosphorus species in sediments was given. It was indicated that the speed of the phosphorus species transformations was affected by the environment temperature. In the heated water discharge zone (water temp. 17–35°C) the concentrations of selected speciation phosphorus forms increased more than in the dam zone (5–25°C). It was also found that the abundance of the bottom sediments with phosphorus species was related to the oblong and transverse asymmetry of reservoir depth.
Application of environmetric methods to investigate control factors on water quality
Authors: Boyacioglu Hülya , Boyacioglu Hayal 
Published: August 2017

AbstractIn the study, environmetric methods were successfully performed a) to explore natural and anthropogenic controls on reservoir water quality, b) to investigate spatial and temporal differences in quality, and c) to determine quality variables discriminating three reservoirs in Izmir, Turkey. Results showed that overall water quality was mainly governed by “natural factors” in the whole region. A parameter that was the most important in contributing to water quality variation for one reservoir was not important for another. Between summer and winter periods, difference in arsenic concentrations were statistically significant in the Tahtalı, Ürkmez and iron concentrations were in the Balçova reservoirs. Observation of high/low levels in two seasons was explained by different processes as for instance, dilution from runoff at times of high flow seeped through soil and entered the river along with the rainwater run-off and adsorption. Three variables “boron, arsenic and sulphate” discriminated quality among Balçova & Tahtalı, Balçova & Ürkmez and two variables “zinc and arsenic” among the Tahtalı & Ürkmez reservoirs. The results illustrated the usefulness of multivariate statistical techniques to fingerprint pollution sources and investigate temporal/spatial variations in water quality.
Evaluation of the impact of explanatory variables on the accuracy of prediction of daily inflow to the sewage treatment plant by selected models nonlinear
Authors: Szeląg Bartosz , Bartkiewicz Lidia , Studziński Jan , Barbusiński Krzysztof 
Published: August 2017

AbstractThe aim of the study was to evaluate the possibility of applying different methods of data mining to model the inflow of sewage into the municipal sewage treatment plant. Prediction models were elaborated using methods of support vector machines (SVM), random forests (RF), k-nearest neighbour (k-NN) and of Kernel regression (K). Data consisted of the time series of daily rainfalls, water level measurements in the clarified sewage recipient and the wastewater inflow into the Rzeszow city plant. Results indicate that the best models with one input delayed by 1 day were obtained using the k-NN method while the worst with the K method. For the models with two input variables and one explanatory one the smallest errors were obtained if model inputs were sewage inflow and rainfall data delayed by 1 day and the best fit is provided using RF method while the worst with the K method. In the case of models with three inputs and two explanatory variables, the best results were reported for the SVM and the worst for the K method. In the most of the modelling runs the smallest prediction errors are obtained using the SVM method and the biggest ones with the K method. In the case of the simplest model with one input delayed by 1 day the best results are provided using k-NN method and by the models with two inputs in two modelling runs the RF method appeared as the best.
Optimisation of the conservation of rare and vulnerable plant species in the perspective of climate change in Lithuanian (nature) reserves
Authors: Ignatavicius Gytautas , Toleikiene Monika 
Published: August 2017

Abstract
Nature reserves are one of the most important measures in saving biodiversity, however, during the climate change, a real danger arises, that these territories would not be able to fulfill the objectives. In order to mitigate negative effects of climate change in protected areas it is necessary to create and apply management programs, based on future ecosystems needs. The main aim of presented study was to evaluate sensitivity of rare and vulnerable species to climate change in order to suggest measures for better management of nature reserves in the future.
According to scientific literature, 12 biological and ecological plant characteristics determining sensitivity of species (limiting factors) have been detected. 73 plant species that are protected in Lithuanian reserves were evaluated qualitatively according to limiting factors of climate change. As the result, it was offered to apply additional protection measures to 47 species in the light of climate change. Groups of plant species that should be affected highly negatively or highly positively were identified. 16% of plant species protected in nature reserves were evaluated as very sensitive to climate change and the condition of these plants may worsen. On the other hand, 14 plant species were given as least sensitive to negative effects and future climate is more favorable to species growth and spread than the existing. The highest danger is predicted for Silene chlorantha (Willd.) Ehrh., and the best condition is predicted for Mentha longifolia (L.) Huds. Dactylorhiza incarnata (L.) Soó.
The study also gives recommendations for the protection of rare plants in the future. Different management measures are taken into account: mitigation of the direct effect of climate change (I), improvement of an existing level of rareness (II), respecting the relation to physical and biological environment (III), consideration of spread and geographical limits (IV). Three management intensity levels were suggested according to species sensitivity.
Microbiota of anaerobic digesters in a full-scale wastewater treatment plant
Authors: Świątczak Piotr , Cydzik-Kwiatkowska Agnieszka , Rusanowska Paulina 
Published: August 2017

AbstractAnaerobic digestion is an important technology for the bio-based economy. The stability of the process is crucial for its successful implementation and depends on the structure and functional stability of the microbial community. In this study, the total microbial community was analyzed during mesophilic fermentation of sewage sludge in full-scale digesters.The digesters operated at 34–35°C, and a mixture of primary and excess sludge at a ratio of 2:1 was added to the digesters at 550 m3/d, for a sludge load of 0.054 m3/(m3·d). The amount and composition of biogas were determined. The microbial structure of the biomass from the digesters was investigated with use of next-generation sequencing.The percentage of methanogens in the biomass reached 21%, resulting in high quality biogas (over 61% methane content). The abundance of syntrophic bacteria was 4.47%, and stable methane production occurred at a Methanomicrobia to Synergistia ratio of 4.6:1.0. The two most numerous genera of methanogens (about 11% total) wereMethanosaetaandMethanolinea, indicating that, at the low substrate loading in the digester, the acetoclastic and hydrogenotrophic paths of methane production were equally important. The high abundance of the orderBacteroidetes, including the classCytophagia(11.6% of all sequences), indicated the high potential of the biomass for efficient degradation of lignocellulitic substances, and for degradation of protein and amino acids to acetate and ammonia.This study sheds light on the ecology of microbial groups that are involved in mesophilic fermentation in mature, stably-performing microbiota in full-scale reactors fed with sewage sludge under low substrate loading.
Lp -L 2 estimates for solutions of the wave equation associated to the Grushin operator
Authors: Thangavelu Sundaram , Dogga Venku Naidu 
Published: August 2017

AbstractThis article deals with{L^{p}}-{L^{2}}estimates for solutions of the wave equation associated to the Grushin operator{G:=-\Delta-|x|^{2}\frac{\partial^{2}}{\partial t^{2}}}on{\mathbb{R}^{n+1}}. We make use of the{L^{p}}boundedness of Riesz transforms for the Grushin operator in studying the wave equation.
Souvenirs for the Capital
Authors: Strand Kendra 
Published: August 2017

Abstract
Around 1350, a wandering lay priest called Sōkyū (dates unknown) left his home of Tsukushi in northern Kyushu, and embarked upon a journey through what is now the Tōhoku region of Japan. The “East Country”, as Sōkyū and his peers in the Imperial Palace call it, was considered a remote and wild land. It nonetheless held a romantic appeal for certain place names that had long been famous in the poetic canon. These famous place names, or utamakura, provide the basic structure for Souvenirs, and it soon becomes clear that one great motivation for Sōkyū’s journey is to view the landscapes of those celebrated places, and to better understand the origins and history of their names. The journal begins by introducing a man who “turned away from the mundane world”, and then shifts immediately to Sōkyū’s first-person perspective. The journey is here within the realm of formal Buddhist practice. Sōkyū’s determination to “follow into the past the tracks left under trees and over rocks” is founded upon the view that wandering supports ascetic practice and facilitates a purposeful rejection of the comforts of the material world. In the translation that follows, each utamakura is rendered into English, followed by its full Japanese name, only when that name’s meaning is highly relevant to Sōkyū’s poetry. Names of provinces, temples, and shrines, as well as utamakura sites mentioned in passing, are left in the Japanese, with an indication of the type of geographical feature they represent.
University Newspaper Editorial: The Starting Point of the Student Movement
Authors: Perkins Chris 
Published: August 2017

Abstract
The editorial translated below appeared in the University Newspaper (Daigaku Shinbun), published out of Tokyo Imperial University, on 11 October 1945. It is a very early example of the reemergence of the Japanese student movement after years of repression under the wartime regime. The central issue animating the editorial is the question of how to guard against the rise of “liars and opportunists,” who will use the language of democracy to further their own interests. For the writer, the answer is a vigorous association of progressives, with students at its heart. But for students to be able to play their proper, indeed historically mandated role in such a movement, they first need to acquire the correct political subjectivity. This is the starting point of the student movement.
Rites of Blind Biwa Players
Authors: Khalmirzaeva Saida 
Published: August 2017

Abstract
Not much is known about the past activities of blind biwa players from Kyushu. During the twentieth century a number of researchers and folklorists, such as Tanabe Hisao, Kimura Yūshō, Kimura Rirō, Nomura (Ga) Machiko, Narita Mamoru, Hyōdō Hiromi and Hugh de Ferranti, collected data on blind biwa players in various regions of Kyushu, made recordings of their performances and conducted detailed research on the history and nature of their tradition. However, despite these efforts to document and publicize the tradition of blind biwa players and its representatives and their repertory, it ended around the end of the twentieth century. The most extensively documented individual was Yamashika Yoshiyuki 山鹿良之 (1901–1996), one of the last representatives of the tradition of blind biwa players, who was known among researchers and folklorists for his skill in performing and an abundant repertory that included rites and a great many tales. Yamashika was born in 1901 in a farmer family in Ōhara of Tamana District, the present-day Kobaru of Nankan, Kumamoto Prefecture. Yamashika lost the sight in his left eye at the age of four. At the age of twenty-two Yamashika apprenticed with a biwa player named Ezaki Shotarō 江崎初太郎 from Amakusa. From his teacher Yamashika learned such tales as Miyako Gassen Chikushi Kudari 都合戦筑紫下り, Kikuchi Kuzure 菊池くづれ, Kugami Gassen くがみ合戦, Owari Sōdō 尾張騒動, Sumidagawa 隅田川 and Mochi Gassen 餅合戦. After three years Yamashika returned home. He was not capable of doing much farm work because his eyesight had deteriorated further by then. Yamashika decided to become a professional biwa player and dedicate his life to storytelling. However, in order to do so he had to increase the number of pieces in his repertory. For about a year Yamashika followed a performer named Mori Yoichi 森与一. Yamashika learned from him such tales as Ichi no Tani 一の谷, Ko-Atsumori 小敦盛, Azekakehime あぜかけ姫, Shuntokumaru 俊徳丸 and Oguri Hangan 小栗判官. Yamashika learned hashira-date 柱立て, which is performed during the Watamashi わたまし, from a performer named Kyōbutsu 教仏, and sanjū-butsu (or sanjū hotoke) 三十仏 from Sakamoto Saichi 坂本さいち. Yamashika kept learning stories and pieces for ritual performances from other biwa players and ritualists throughout his early performing life. From around 1970, he became one of the most popular biwa players from Kyushu due to his many public performances organized by local and central organizations, and publications that elucidated some aspects of the performer’s life and the tradition he represented and practiced throughout his life. The translation of one ritual piece from his repertory, Watamashi わたまし, is presented in this paper.