bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Early clinical experiences with nintedanib in three UK tertiary interstitial lung disease centres
Authors: Toellner Hannah , Hughes G. , Beswick W. , Crooks M. G. , Donaldson C. , Forrest I. , Hart S. P. , Leonard C. , Major M. , Simpson A. J. , Chaudhuri N. 
Published: November 2017

AbstractBackgroundNintedanib has been shown to slow disease progression in patients with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF). It was approved by the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) in January 2016 for IPF patients with a forced vital capacity (FVC) of 50–80% in the United Kingdom (UK).AimTo report real world data about our early clinical experience using nintedanib in 187 patients with a multi‐disciplinary (MDT) diagnosis of IPF in a manufacturer funded patient in need scheme (three UK centres) prior to NICE approval.MethodsAll patients with a MDT diagnosis of IPF from December 2014 to January 2016 commenced on nintedanib were included. Demographic details, adverse events (AEs) and where available lung function results were retrospectively collected from clinical letters.Results187 patients (76% males) with a median age of 72 years (49–89) were treated with nintedanib. The average pre‐treatment FVC was 81.1 ± 19.8% and diffusion capacity of the lungs for carbon monoxide was 43.9 ± 15% (n = 82). Fifty percent of patients started nintedanib because they were ineligible for pirfenidone due to an FVC > 80%. The median treatment course was 8 ± 4 months. The majority of patients experienced 1–3 AEs with nintedanib (52%, n = 97). The most frequent AEs were diarrhoea (50%), nausea (36%), reduced appetite (24%), tiredness (20%) and gastro‐oesophageal reflux (18%). The majority of AEs resulted in no change in treatment (64%, n = 461). 21% (n = 150) of AEs resulted in a dose reduction and 13% (n = 94) necessitated discontinuation of treatment. 1 in 5 patients discontinued treatment either temporarily or on a permanent basis during the monitoring period. In a select cohort of patients, a statistically significant greater proportion of patients remained stable or improved and a lower proportion declined, as depicted by FVC changes of > 5% after nintedanib commencement (P < 0.05 using Chi squared test).ConclusionsNintedanib is well tolerated and has an acceptable safety profile. Only 8% of those reporting diarrhoea discontinued treatment either on a temporary or permanent basis. There were no signals with respect to increased cardiovascular morbidity or major bleeding risk. This is in keeping with the INPULSIS clinical trial findings but in a real world cohort.
Unexpected Cardiac Computed Tomography Findings in Patients With Postoperative Myocardial Injury
Authors: Grobben Remco B. , van Waes Judith A. R. , Leiner Tim , Peelen Linda M. , de Borst Gert Jan , Vogely Henri C. , Grobbee Diederick E. , Doevendans Pieter A. , van Klei Wilton A. , Nathoe Hendrik M. 
Published: November 2017

BACKGROUND:
Postoperative myocardial injury (PMI) is a strong predictor of mortality after noncardiac surgery. PMI is believed to be attributable to coronary artery disease (CAD), yet its etiology is largely unclear. We aimed to quantify the prevalence of significant CAD in patients with and without PMI using coronary computed tomography angiography (CCTA).

METHODS:
This prospective cohort study included patients of 60 years or older without a history of cardiac disease and with and without PMI after intermediate- to high-risk noncardiac surgery. PMI was defined as any serum troponin I level ≥60 ng/L on the first 3 postoperative days. Main exclusion criteria were known cardiac disease and postoperative ischemic symptoms or electrocardiography abnormalities. Noninvasive imaging consisted of a postoperative CCTA. Main outcome was CAD defined as >50% coronary stenosis on CCTA.

RESULTS:
The analysis included 66 patients. Median peak troponin levels in the PMI (n = 46) and control group (n = 20) were 150 (interquartile range, 120–298) vs 15 (interquartile range, 10–31) ng/L (P < .01). CAD was found in 23 patients with PMI (50%) vs 3 without PMI (15%; relative risk, 3.3; 95% confidence interval, 1.1–9.8). Remarkably, pulmonary embolism was present in 15 patients with PMI (33%) versus in 4 without PMI (20%; relative risk, 1.6; 95% confidence interval, 0.6–4.3). None of the patients died within 30 days.

CONCLUSIONS:
In patients without a history of cardiac disease, PMI after noncardiac surgery was associated with CAD. In addition, a clinically silent pulmonary embolism was found in one-third of patients with PMI. This urges further research to improve clinical workup using imaging and may have important clinical implications.
Mind the (sr)GAP – roles of Slit–Robo GAPs in neurons, brains and beyond
Authors: Lucas Bethany , Hardin Jeff 
Published: November 2017

ABSTRACT
The Slit–Robo GTPase-activating proteins (srGAPs) were first identified as potential Slit–Robo effectors that influence growth cone guidance. Given their N-terminal F-BAR, central GAP and C-terminal SH3 domains, srGAPs have the potential to affect membrane dynamics, Rho family GTPase activity and other binding partners. Recent research has clarified how srGAP family members act in distinct ways at the cell membrane, and has expanded our understanding of the roles of srGAPs in neuronal and non-neuronal cells. Gene duplication of the human-specific paralog of srGAP2 has resulted in srGAP2 family proteins that may have increased the density of dendritic spines and promoted neoteny of the human brain during crucial periods of human evolution, underscoring the importance of srGAPs in the unique sculpting of the human brain. Importantly, srGAPs also play roles outside of the nervous system, including during contact inhibition of cell movement and in establishing and maintaining cell adhesions in epithelia. Changes in srGAP expression may contribute to neurodevelopmental disorders, cancer metastasis and inflammation. As discussed in this Review, much remains to be discovered about how this interesting family of proteins functions in a diverse set of processes in metazoans and the functional roles srGAPs play in human disease.
Al-Pillared-Montmorillonite (AlPMt)/Poly(Methyl Methacrylate)(PMMA) Nanocomposites: The Effects of Solvent Types and Synthesis Methods
Authors: Kizilduman B. K. , Alkan M. , Doğan M. , Turhan Y. 
Published: November 2017

Abstract
Al-pillared-montmorillonite (AlPMt)/poly(methyl methacrylate)(PMMA) nanocomposites were synthesized via melt blending method (MBM) and solution blending method (SBM). FTIR-ATR spectroscopy proved the interaction of AlPMt with PMMA polymer matrix. The thermogravimetric and differential scanning calorimeter analyses showed that the thermal stability and the glass transition temperature (Tg) of polymer matrix shifted to higher temperatures with increasing AlPMt content. Images showed that AlPMt dispersed at nanometer scale in polymer matrix. Contact angle measurements demonstrated that the hydrophilicity of the PMMA increased with incorporation of AlPMt. However, the thermal stability of clay/polymer nanocomposites (CPNs) was significantly changed with CPN preparation method.
Low intensity surplus activated sludge pretreatment before anaerobic digestion
Authors: Suschka Jan , Grübel Klaudiusz 
Published: November 2017

AbstractSewage sludge (municipal, or industrial) treatment is still a problem in so far that it is not satisfactorily resolved in terms of cost and final disposal. Two common forms of sludge disposal are possible; the first being direct disposal on land (including agriculture) and the second being incineration (ash production), although neither of these methods are universally applied. Simplifying the issue, direct sludge disposal on land is seldom applied for sanitary and environmental reasons, while incineration is not popular for financial (high costs) reasons. Very often medium and large wastewater treatment plants apply anaerobic digestion for sludge hygiene principles, reducing the amount to be disposed and for biogas (energy) production. With the progress in sewage biological treatment aiming at nutrient removal, primary sludge has been omitted in the working processes and only surplus activated sludge requires handling. Anaerobic digestion of waste activated sludge (WAS) is more difficult due to the presence of microorganisms, the decomposition of which requires a relatively long time for hydrolysis. In order to upgrade the hydrolysis effects, several different pre-treatment processes have already been developed and introduced. The additional pre-treatment processes applied are aimed at residual sludge bulk mass minimization, shortening of the anaerobic digestion process or higher biogas production, and therefore require additional energy. The water-energy-waste Nexus (treads of) of the benefits and operational difficulties, including energy costs are discussed in this paper. The intensity of pre-treatment processes to upgrade the microorganism’s hydrolysis has crucial implications. Here a low intensity pre-treatment process, alkalisation and hydrodynamic disintegration - hybrid process - were presented in order to achieve sufficient effects of WAS anaerobic digestion. A sludge digestion efficiency increase expressed as 45% biogas additional production and 52% of the total or volatile solids reduction has been confirmed.
Transformations of mercury in processes of solid fuel combustion – review
Authors: Czaplicka Marianna , Pyta Halina 
Published: November 2017

AbstractThe paper presents current reports on kinetics and mechanisms of reactions with mercury which take place in the exhaust gases, discharged from the processes of combustion of solid fuels (coals). The three main stages were considered. The first one, when thermal decomposition of Hg components takes place together with formation of elemental mercury (Hg0). The second one with homogeneous oxidation of Hg0to Hg2+by other active components of exhaust gases (e.g. HCl). The third one with heterogeneous reactions of gaseous mercury (the both - elemental and oxidised Hg) and solid particles of fl y ash, leading to generation of particulate-bound mercury (Hgp). Influence of exhaust components and their concentrations, temperature and retention time on the efficiency of mercury oxidation was determined. The issues concerning physical (gas-solid) and chemical speciation of mercury (fractionation Hg0-Hg2+) as well as factors which have influence on the mercury speciation in exhaust gases are discussed in detail.
Use of DAIME for characterisation of activated sludge flocs
Authors: Gnida Anna 
Published: November 2017

AbstractMonitoring of activated sludge flocs may provide important information for effective operation and control of wastewater treatment. The research objective is to demonstrate methodology for activated sludge image processing aimed to describe morphological characteristics of activated sludge flocs. The proposed software- -based method was presented and verified by analysis of several activated sludge samples. The results show high efficiency of image segmentation and floc recognition of more than 94% floc components. The analysis of a series of 50 pictures gives rapid and reliable results and can be performed in an automatic or semiautomatic mode. Given inherent heterogeneity of activated sludge flocs, multiple and repeated sample images capture (processing of 50 pictures at a time, repeated at least 4 times ) is recommended.
Assessement of Interaction between pH and Different forms of Carbon Dioxide from Naturally Underground Aquatic Ecosystems
Authors: Ivona David , Gabriela Busuioc 
Published: November 2017

Abstract
In this work were evaluated the correlations between different forms of carbon dioxide naturally existing in fountain waters and the pH. Water samples were taken from five wells equally placed on the surface of Picior de Munte area in Dambovita county and were collected in each of the four seasons (spring, summer, autumn and winter). They were evaluated two forms of carbon dioxide (one was the aggressive CO2 and the other was that sequestered in bicarbonates molecules). It was used titration method based on the principle of conversion calcium carbonate in to bicarbonate form. The results showed that both forms of carbon dioxide naturally founding in underground water are related to the pH, and also are varying from a season to the other. For example, both forms of carbon dioxide significantly were influenced by pH in summer and in spring also, the proof being the values of regression index wich was 0.583 and respectively 0.679. That is showing a moderate to strong influence depending on the season.
In autumn and winter, the influence of pH on carbon forms analyzed was lowest one, the regression index value being 0.309 and 0.260.
Also, the influence of carbon dioxide forms on the water pH level varied also from a season to another. Thus, carbon dioxide from bicarbonates strongly influenced the water pH in spring and autumn seasons, so the regression index value was 0.783 and respectively 0.548. But in winter and summer the influence ranged from moderate to weak (R2 = 0.413 and 0.316).
The aggressive carbon dioxide significantly influenced water pH in the summer season, the fact is proved by the value of regression index which was high, 0.857. In the others seasons the influence of aggressive carbon dioxide was insignificant.
Influence of Ecosystem and Technology on the Triticale Harvest Quality in Moldova
Authors: Nitu Iulia , Nitu Adrian Cristinel 
Published: November 2017

Abstract
Lately, both internationally as well as nationally, due to high demand for bakery products has increased the area of culture triticale particularly harsh wheat areas. This is due to the adaptability of this species and its properties. Through this study we wanted to present a statement of quality crop of triticale grown in Moldova.
Ostracizing linguistic forms through metalinguistic comments: The case of ge-dikmek-t
Authors: Dorleijn Margreet 
Published: November 2017

AbstractThis paper considers the relevance of studying metalinguistic comments about the embedding of Turkish infinitives in Dutch morphology. It focusses on bilingual Dutch and Turkish spoken in the Netherlands. Data of computer mediated communication (CMC) is used. The paper reports on an analysis of the (sparse) occurrence of Turkish verb embedding in Dutch and the accompanying metalinguistic comments. For this, an exploration of the internet as well as of a data set compiled form Turkish-Dutch discussion fora consisting of 1.335.592 words was conducted.I am indebted to Dirk Vet, University of Amsterdam, for invaluable help and assistance with technical issues concerning the compilation of the data corpus. Also I would like to thank Maarten Kossmann and Yaron Matras for their valuable comments. Remaining flaws are mine.A comparison is made with the reverse verbal construction in Turkish-Dutch bilingual speech (Dutch infinitives + Turkish infinitiveyapmak‘to do’). The absence of evaluative comments on the latter construction suggests it has been accepted as norm-behavior in the Turkish-Dutch community. Embedding of Turkish verbs in Dutch morphology, by contrast, is not accepted. The paper discusses the extent to which metalinguistic comment can be used as a diagnostic tool to uncover implicit norms of non-standard varieties.
Linguistic precariat: Judith Butler’s ‘rethinking vulnerability and resistance’ as a useful perspective for applied linguistics
Authors: Samata Susan 
Published: November 2017

AbstractIn the twenty years since the publication of Judith Butler’sExcitable Speech, more so sinceGender Trouble(1990), political and cultural landscapes have changed considerably. One general aspect of this change has been a move away from binary oppositions and discrete categories, and towards recognition of multiplicity and plasticity across many areas, including Butler’s central focus of gender, but also perceptions of race, nationality, and language. Butler’s recent publication, ‘Rethinking vulnerability and resistance’ (2016), may also have significance for the field of Applied Linguistics. It is not only the intentional act, for example of promising (Austin 1962) or incitement (Butler 1997), but any utterance has elements of performativity in that it situates a speaker vis-à-vis their surroundings. In any situation that crosses some socio-linguistic boundary, be it across languages, dialects, or markers of class, a delicate calculus of identification and subjectivity is in play. There are echoes here of Bourdieu’s (1991) notion of the types of personal capital, and of Claire Kramsch’ observation that language indexes social relations; ‘Any harmony or disharmony … is registered on this most sensitive of Richter scales.’ (Kramsch 1998: 77) (Italics in original). This paper will discuss the possible application, to language-centred issues facing second generation migrants and others, of Judith Butler’s theory of vulnerability in resistance (Butler 2016). In this theory, vulnerability is framed not as aprima facieneed for protection, but as the very ground for resistance.
How Should One Evaluate the Soviet Revolution?
Authors: Hösle Vittorio 
Published: November 2017

Abstract
The essay begins by discussing different ways of evaluating and making sense of the Soviet Revolution from Crane Brinton to Hannah Arendt. In a second part, it analyses the social, political and intellectual background of tsarist Russia that made the revolution possible. After a survey of the main changes that occurred in the Soviet Union, it appraises its ends, the means used for achieving them, and the unintended side-effects. The Marxist philosophy of history is interpreted as an ideological tool of modernization attractive to societies to which the liberal form of modernization was precluded.
Legitimacy without Liberalism: A Defense of Max Weber’s Standard of Political Legitimacy
Authors: Greene Amanda R. 
Published: November 2017

Abstract
In this paper I defend Max Weber's concept of political legitimacy as a standard for the moral evaluation of states. On this view, a state is legitimate when its subjects regard it as having a valid claim to exercise power and authority. Weber’s analysis of legitimacy is often assumed to be merely descriptive, but I argue that Weberian legitimacy has moral significance because it indicates that political stability has been secured on the basis of civic alignment. Stability on this basis enables all the goods of peaceful cooperation with minimal state violence and intimidation, thereby guarding against alienation and tyranny. Furthermore, I argue, since Weberian legitimacy is empirically measurable in terms that avoid controversial value judgments, its adoption would bridge a longstanding divide between philosophers and social scientists
The Secularization Theory—Not Disconfirmed, Yet Rarely Tested
Authors: Meulemann Heiner 
Published: November 2017

Abstract
Tendencies of secularization-religiosity decreases in Western societies since 1950-have been found abundantly in comparative survey research. They are taken as starting point to examine what the theory of secularization predicts and which predictions have been confirmed. It is shown that the three canonical theories of the change of religiosity-secularization, individualization, and market theory-are identical in their structure und can be integrated as the secularization theory. The secularization theory has been tested in cross-sectional and longitudinal designs, and by macro and multi-level analyses-that is, cross-classfied in four forms. Neglecting cross-sectional macro analyses, there are only 11 publications within the three remaining forms. They confirm a negative effect of social differentiation throughout und a negative effect of cultural pluralization often. Yet they often fail to control for important micro impacts upon religiosity, such as denomination or parenthood. In sum, they show that the secularization theory is by no means disconfirmed, yet rarely tested.
Paths to Modernity and the Secularization Issue
Authors: Schwinn Thomas 
Published: November 2017

Abstract
In the lively debate of the last two decades about the validity of the ‘secularization thesis’, the comparison between Europe and the USA plays a central role. The high level of religiosity beyond the Atlantic has put under pressure the assumption of the loss of importance of religion in modernity, which had been prevalent for a long time. In this debate, the connection between the differentiation theory and sociology of religion, which has already been discussed by the classics of the discipline, has attracted too little attention. This article takes up this desideratum and proposes, following Max Weber, a theory of differentiation which is able to cover the variety of religious processes. This proposed analysis will be made concrete with reference to the different paths to modernity of Europe and the USA and the related importance of religion.
The Demands of Democratic Ownership
Authors: Thomas Alan 
Published: November 2017

Abstract
This paper considers an argument that justice as fairness requires liberal socialism as opposed to a property-owning democracy. It analyses the arguments for departing from Rawls’s principled agnosticism over the choice between liberal market socialism and property owning democracy. It questions the extension of Rawls’s fair value guarantee for the political liberties to all liberty and suggests an alternative interpretation of the kind of predistributive egalitarianism represented by a property-owning democracy.
Strong sequences and partition relations
Authors: Jureczko Joanna 
Published: November 2017

Abstract
The first result in partition relations topic belongs to Ramsey (1930). Since that this topic has been still explored. Probably the most famous partition theorem is Erdös-Rado theorem (1956). On the other hand in 60’s of the last century Efimov introduced strong sequences method, which was used for proving some famous theorems in dyadic spaces. The aim of this paper is to generalize theorem on strong sequences and to show that it is equivalent to generalized version of well-known Erdös-Rado theorem. It will be also shown that this equivalence holds for singulars. Some applications and conclusions will be presented too.
The Effectiveness of Public Subsidies for Private Innovations. An Experimental Approach
Authors: Brüggemann Julia , Proeger Till 
Published: November 2017

Abstract
The effects of public subsidies in supporting innovative activity are subject to long-standing debates. Since empirical findings remain largely inconclusive, this study adds to this debate with counterfactual evidence from a laboratory experiment. In a creative real effort task simulating the innovation process, two distinct means of allocating subsidies are compared to a benchmark treatment without subsidies to identify their effects in fostering innovativeness. Furthermore, subjects’ cooperative behavior in relation to subsidies is investigated. Overall, subsidies lead to a substantial crowding-out of private investment. While the individual revenues increase due to the subsidy, the innovative activity fails to increase and less sophisticated innovations are realized. Consequently, subsidies have no or negative effects on overall welfare, depending on the subsidy specifics. However, subsidies do not influence cooperative behavior. These findings imply that the additional costs of subsidies for innovations might not be warranted by gains from additional innovations and increased welfare.