bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Between Two Pasts
Authors: García Jerez Francisco Adolfo , Müller Juliane 
Published: March 2015

The presence of Evo Morales in the government of Bolivia raised expectations of change with regard to the politics of memory, justice, and the social and economic compensation for victims of the country’s dictatorships between 1964 and 1982. However, according to human rights organizations, these expectations have been only partly fulfilled. This can be explained by three fundamental factors: the government’s pursuit of an alliance with the military in order to accomplish its project, the collapse of the parties and traditional organizations of the left, and the articulation of a new narrative to consolidate the government’s project in terms of indigenous and anti-neoliberal nationalism. The latter two factors have resulted in the systematic political use of long memory (anticolonial resistance) and short memory (the popular protests of the 1990s and 2000s) and the partial displacement of an intermediate memory (the 1952 Revolution) and the memory of the dictatorships. La presencia de Evo Morales en el gobierno de Bolivia generó expectativas de cambio con respecto a la política sobre la memoria, la justicia y la compensación social y económica para las víctimas de las dictaduras del país entre 1964 y 1982. Sin embargo, de acuerdo con las organizaciones de derechos humanos, estas expectativas sólo se han cumplido de forma parcial. Esto puede explicarse a través de tres factores fundamentales: la búsqueda de una alianza con los militares por parte del gobierno para poder llevar a cabo su proyecto, el colapso de los partidos y organizaciones tradicionales de izquierda, y la articulación de una nueva narrativa para consolidar el proyecto del gobierno en términos de un nacionalismo indígena y la oposición al neoliberalismo. Los últimos dos factores han resultado en un uso sistemático de la memoria larga (la resistencia anticolonial) y la corta (las protestas populares de los años noventa y el 2000), así como la dislocación parcial de una memoria intermedia (la Revolución de 1952) y la memoria de las dictaduras.
Process Evaluation of Practice-based Diabetes Prevention Programs
Authors: Carroll Jennifer , Winters Paul , Fiscella Kevin , Williams Geoffrey , Bauch Jean , Clark Linda , Sutton James , Bennett Nancy 
Published: March 2015

Purpose The purpose of this report is to describe lessons learned about the feasibility of recruitment and implementation of low-income adults with prediabetes in primary care clinics into diabetes prevention programs. Methods Mixed methods process evaluation of a pragmatic 2-group pilot comparative effectiveness study of a community-developed Healthy Living Program (HLP) and a Diabetes Prevention Program (DPP) with 58 adults. Results Of the total (n = 1215) assessed for eligibility, 7% (n = 92) were randomized, 58 completed the baseline assessment, and 31 completed the intervention. The process evaluation identified difficulty in systematically screening potentially eligible patients. There were several logistic and staffing challenges with program planning and initial start-up. Conclusions Addressing challenges to feasibility is required for successful translation of evidence-based programs to clinical settings.
Stroke rehabilitation at home before and after discharge reduced disability and improved quality of life: a randomised controlled trial
Authors: Rasmussen Rune Skovgaard , Østergaard Ann , Kjær Pia , Skerris Anja , Skou Christina , Christoffersen Jane , Seest Line Skou , Poulsen Mai Bang , Rønholt Finn , Overgaard Karsten 
Published: March 2015

Objective: To evaluate if home-based rehabilitation of inpatients improved outcome compared to standard care. Design: Interventional, randomised, safety/efficacy open-label trial. Setting: University hospital stroke unit in collaboration with three municipalities. Subjects: Seventy-one eligible stroke patients (41 women) with focal neurological deficits hospitalised in a stroke unit for more than three days and in need of rehabilitation. Interventions: Thirty-eight patients were randomised to home-based rehabilitation during hospitalization and for up to four weeks after discharge to replace part of usual treatment and rehabilitation services. Thirty-three control patients received treatment and rehabilitation following usual guidelines for the treatment of stroke patients. Main measures: Ninety days post-stroke the modified Rankin Scale score was the primary endpoint. Other outcome measures were the modified Barthel-100 Index, Motor Assessment Scale, CT-50 Cognitive Test, EuroQol-5D™, Body Mass Index and treatment-associated economy. Results: Thirty-one intervention and 30 control patients completed the study. Patients in the intervention group achieved better modified Rankin Scale score (Intervention median = 2, IQR = 2-3; Control median = 3, IQR = 2–4; P=0.04). EuroQol-5D™ quality of life median scores were improved in intervention patients (Intervention median = 0.77, IQR = 0.66–0.79; Control median = 0.66, IQR = 0.56 – 0.72; P=0.03). The total amount of home-based training in minutes highly correlated with mRS, Barthel, Motor Assessment Scale and EuroQol-5D™ scores ( P-values ranging from P<0.00001 to P=0.01). Economical estimations of intervention costs were lower than total costs of standard treatment. Conclusion: Early home-based rehabilitation reduced disability and increased quality of life. Compared to standard care, home-based stroke rehabilitation was more cost-effective.
Pharmacodynamic effects of C-domain-specific ACE inhibitors on the renin-angiotensin system in myocardial infarcted rats
Authors: Sharp Sarah , Poglitsch Marko , Zilla Peter , Davies Neil H , Sturrock Edward D 
Published: March 2015

Introduction: The renin-angiotensin system (RAS) is a dynamic network that plays a critical role in blood pressure regulation and fluid and electrolyte homeostasis. Modulators of the RAS, such as angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors, are widely used to treat hypertension, heart failure and myocardial infarction. Methods: The effect of ACE inhibitors (lisinopril and C-domain-selective LisW-S) on the constituent peptides of the RAS following myocardial infarction was examined in rats. Ten angiotensin peptides were analysed using a sensitive LC-MS/MS-based assay to examine both the circulating and equilibrium levels of these peptides. Results: Administration of lisinopril or LisW-S caused a significant decrease in Ang 1–8/Ang 1–10 ratios as determined by circulating and equilibrium peptide level analysis. Furthermore, Ang 1–7 levels were elevated by both ACE inhibitors, but only lisinopril decreased the Ang 1–5/Ang 1–7 ratio. This indicates LisW-S C-domain specificity as Ang 1–5 is generated by hydrolysis of Ang 1–7 by the N-domain. Further corroboration of LisW-S C-domain specificity is that only lisinopril increased the circulating levels of the N-domain ACE substrate Ac-SDKP. Conclusion: LisW-S is able to effectively block ACE in vivo by C-domain-selective inhibition. The LC-MS/MS-based assay allows the evaluation of the pharmacologic impact of RAS inhibitors in different pathophysiological conditions.
Angiotensin II type 2 receptor signaling affects dopamine levels in the brain and prevents binge eating disorder
Authors: Nakaoka Hirotomo , Mogi Masaki , Kan-no Harumi , Tsukuda Kana , Ohshima Kousei , Wang Xiao-Li , Chisaka Toshiyuki , Bai Hui-Yu , Shan Bao-Shuai , Kukida Masayoshi , Iwanami Jun , Horiuchi Masatsugu 
Published: March 2015

Introduction: Binge eating disorder (BED) is associated with dopaminergic activation as food reward, resulting in metabolism-related disorders. Stimulation of angiotensin type 2 (AT2) receptor is reported to inhibit dopamine synthesis. We investigated the possible roles of AT2 receptor-mediated dopamine regulation in the pathogenesis of BED. Materials and methods: Male C57BL/6 mice, type 2 diabetic (KKAy) mice and AT2 receptor-null (AT2KO) mice at eight weeks old were treated with AT2 receptor agonist, compound 21 (C21) or saline for two weeks. Mice were subjected to fasting for two days followed by re-feeding for seven days. Results: Treatment with C21 attenuated the rebound proportion of body weight, food intake and water intake in KKAy mice, but not in C57BL/6 and AT2KO mice. Dopamine concentration in the striatum was further increased by fasting in KKAy and AT2KO mice. Administration of C21 significantly attenuated this fasting-induced increase in dopamine level only in KKAy mice. Dopamine receptor D1, D2 expression in the substantia nigra were markedly lower in KKAy mice compared with C57BL/6 mice, while administration of C21 increased their expression in KKAy mice. Conclusions: Our study suggests that AT2 receptor stimulation may be a new therapeutic approach to improve eating disorder associated with dopamine resistance.
The Pocketable Electronic Devices in Radiation Oncology (PEDRO) Project
Authors: De Bari Berardino , Franco Pierfrancesco , Niyazi Maximilian , Cornetto Andrea Peruzzo , Qvortrup Camilla , Martin Arturo Navarro , Cacicedo Jon , Fernandez Gonçalo , Louro Luís Vasco , Lestrade Laëtitia , Ciammella Patrizia , Greto Daniela , Checkrine Tarik , Youssef Elkholti , Filippi Andrea Riccardo , Poulsen Laurids Østergaard , Alongi Filippo 
Published: March 2015

Purpose: To analyze the impact of mobile electronic devices (MEDs) and apps in the daily clinical activity of young radiation or clinical oncologists in 5 Western European countries (Italy, Germany, Spain, Portugal, and Denmark). Methods: A web-based questionnaire was sent to 462 young (≤40 years) members of the national radiation or clinical oncology associations of the countries involved in the study. The 15 items investigated diffusion of MEDs (smartphones and/or tablets), their impact on daily clinical activity, and the differences perceived by participants along time. Results: A total of 386 (83.5%) of the 462 correctly filled questionnaires were statistically evaluated. Up to 65% of respondents declared to use an electronic device during their clinical activity. Conversely, 72% considered low to moderate impact of smartphones/tables on their daily practice. The daily use significantly increased from 2009 to 2012: users reporting a use ≥6 times/d raised from 5% to 39.9%. Professional needs fulfillment was declared by less than 68% of respondents and compliance to apps indications by 66%. Significant differences were seen among the countries, in particular concerning the feeling of usefulness of MEDs in the daily clinical life. The perception of the need of a comprehensive Web site containing a variety of applications (apps) for clinical use significantly differed among countries in 2009, while it was comparable in 2012. Conclusions: This survey showed a large diffusion of MEDs in young professionals working in radiation oncology. Looking at these data, it is important to verify the consistency of information found within apps, in order to avoid potential errors eventually detrimental for patients. “Quality assurance” criteria should be specifically developed for medical apps and a comprehensive Web site gathering all reliable applications and tools might be useful for daily clinical practice.
Targeting Accuracy of Image-Guided Radiosurgery for Intracranial Lesions
Authors: Huang Yimei , Zhao Bo , Chetty Indrin J. , Brown Stephen , Gordon James , Wen Ning 
Published: March 2015

Purpose: To evaluate the overall positioning accuracy of image-guided intracranial radiosurgery across multiple linear accelerator platforms. Methods: A computed tomography scan with a slice thickness of 1.0 mm was acquired of an anthropomorphic head phantom in a BrainLAB U-frame mask. The phantom was embedded with three 5-mm diameter tungsten ball bearings, simulating a central, a left, and an anterior cranial lesion. The ball bearings were positioned to radiation isocenter under ExacTrac X-ray or cone-beam computed tomography image guidance on 3 Linacs: (1) ExacTrac X-ray localization on a Novalis Tx; (2) cone-beam computed tomography localization on the Novalis Tx; (3) cone-beam computed tomography localization on a TrueBeam; and (4) cone-beam computed tomography localization on an Edge. Each ball bearing was positioned 5 times to the radiation isocenter with different initial setup error following the 4 image guidance procedures on the 3 Linacs, and the mean (µ) and one standard deviation (σ) of the residual error were compared. Results: Averaged overall 3 ball bearing locations, the vector length of the residual setup error in mm (µ ± σ) was 0.6 ± 0.2, 1.0 ± 0.5, 0.2 ± 0.1, and 0.3 ± 0.1 on ExacTrac X-ray localization on a Novalis Tx, cone-beam computed tomography localization on the Novalis Tx, cone-beam computed tomography localization on a TrueBeam, and cone-beam computed tomography localization on an Edge, with their range in mm being 0.4 to 1.1, 0.4 to 1.9, 0.1 to 0.5, and 0.2 to 0.6, respectively. The congruence between imaging and radiation isocenters in mm was 0.6 ± 0.1, 0.7 ± 0.1, 0.3 ± 0.1, and 0.2 ± 0.1, for the 4 systems, respectively. Conclusions: Targeting accuracy comparable to frame-based stereotactic radiosurgery can be achieved with image-guided intracranial stereotactic radiosurgery treatment.
Evaluation of the Dual-Chamber Pen Design for the Injection of Exenatide Once Weekly for the Treatment of Type 2 Diabetes
Authors: LaRue Susan , Malloy Jaret 
Published: March 2015

Background: Exenatide once weekly, an injectable glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonist, has been shown to reduce A1C, fasting glucose, and body weight in patients with type 2 diabetes. Exenatide 2.0 mg is dispersed in poly-(D,L-lactide-co-glycolide) polymer microspheres, which require resuspension in aqueous diluent before subcutaneous injection. A single-use, dual-chamber pen was developed to improve the convenience of exenatide once weekly delivery and tested following Food and Drug Administration (FDA) guidance. Methods: Design development goals were established, and validation tests (dose accuracy, torque/force requirements, usability, and ease-of-use) were performed. Dose accuracy was tested under a variety of conditions. After 10 exploratory studies in 329 patients, the final design’s usability and ease-of-use were tested in untrained health care practitioners (HCPs; n = 16) and untrained/trained patients (n = 30/17). Usability testing evaluated completion of multiple setup, dose preparation, and injection steps. Ease-of-use impression was assessed using a scale of 1−7 (1 = very difficult, 7 = very easy). Results: The dual-chamber pen successfully met development goals and delivered target volume (650 µL ± 10%) under tested conditions (mean 644.7–649.3 µL), with torque and force requirements below prespecified maximum values. In the final user study, most participants (≥87%) correctly completed pen setup, dose preparation, and injection steps. Mean ease-of-use scores were 5.8, 6.3, and 6.5 out of 7 in untrained HCPs, untrained patients, and trained patients, respectively. Conclusion: With self-education or minimal training, participants accurately and precisely suspended, mixed, and delivered exenatide-containing microspheres using the dual-chamber pen with high ease-of-use scores. The dual-chamber pen was FDA-approved in February 2014.
Results of a phase 2 study of pacritinib (SB1518), a JAK2/JAK2(V617F) inhibitor, in patients with myelofibrosis
Authors: Komrokji Rami S. , Seymour John F. , Roberts Andrew W. , Wadleigh Martha , To L. Bik , Scherber Robyn , Turba Elyce , Dorr Andrew , Zhu Joy , Wang Lixia , Granston Tanya , Campbell Mary S. , Mesa Ruben A. 
Published: March 2015

Key Points
Pacritinib reduced myelofibrosis-related splenomegaly and patient symptoms without causing clinically significant myelosuppression. Pacritinib had activity and was well tolerated in patients with preexisting anemia and thrombocytopenia.
Regulatory network control of blood stem cells
Authors: Göttgens Berthold 
Published: March 2015

Abstract
Hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs) are characterized by their ability to execute a wide range of cell fate choices, including self-renewal, quiescence, and differentiation into the many different mature blood lineages. Cell fate decision making in HSCs, as indeed in other cell types, is driven by the interplay of external stimuli and intracellular regulatory programs. Given the pivotal nature of HSC decision making for both normal and aberrant hematopoiesis, substantial research efforts have been invested over the last few decades into deciphering some of the underlying mechanisms. Central to the intracellular decision making processes are transcription factor proteins and their interactions within gene regulatory networks. More than 50 transcription factors have been shown to affect the functionality of HSCs. However, much remains to be learned about the way in which individual factors are connected within wider regulatory networks, and how the topology of HSC regulatory networks might affect HSC function. Nevertheless, important progress has been made in recent years, and new emerging technologies suggest that the pace of progress is likely to accelerate. This review will introduce key concepts, provide an integrated view of selected recent studies, and conclude with an outlook on possible future directions for this field.
The Absence of the Leukotriene B4 Receptor BLT1 Attenuates Peripheral Inflammation and Spinal Nociceptive Processing Following Intraplantar Formalin Injury
Authors: Asahara Miho , Ito Nobuko , Yokomizo Takehiko , Nakamura Motonao , Shimizu Takao , Yamada Yoshitsugu 
Published: March 2015

Background Leukotriene B4 (LTB4) is a potent lipid mediator of inflammation, and its biological effects are mediated primarily through the high affinity LTB4 receptor BLT1. Although numerous studies have reported that LTB4-BLT1 signaling is involved in inflammatory diseases, the role of BLT1 signaling in pain remains undefined. To clarify the role of LTB4-BLT1 signaling in acute inflammatory pain induced by tissue injury, we performed pain behavioral analysis and assessment of local inflammation induced by peripheral formalin injections in BLT1 knockout mice. We examined the phosphorylation of cAMP response element-binding protein (CREB) in the spinal cord both in wild-type and BLT1 knockout mice because phosphorylation of CREB in spinal cord neurons is important for nociceptive sensitization following peripheral injury. We also examined the effect of a BLT1 antagonist on formalin-induced pain responses in mice. Results BLT1 knockout mice exhibited markedly attenuated nociceptive responses induced by intraplantar formalin injections. Edema formation and neutrophil infiltration in the paw were significantly decreased in BLT1 knockout mice compared with wild-type mice. Phosphorylation of CREB in the spinal cord after the intraplantar formalin injection was decreased in BLT1 knockout mice. In addition, mice pretreated with a BLT1 antagonist showed reduced nociception and attenuated CREB phosphorylation in the spinal cord after the formalin injection. Conclusions Our data suggest that LTB4-BLT1 axis contributes not only to the peripheral inflammation but also to the neuronal activation in the spinal cord induced by intraplantar formalin injections. Thus, LTB4-BLT1 signaling is a potential target for therapeutic intervention of acute and persistent pain induced by tissue injury.
Average genome size estimation improves comparative metagenomics and sheds light on the functional ecology of the human microbiome
Authors: Nayfach Stephen , Pollard Katherine S 
Published: March 2015

AbstractAverage genome size is an important, yet often overlooked, property of microbial communities. We developed MicrobeCensus to rapidly and accurately estimate average genome size from shotgun metagenomic data and applied our tool to 1,352 human microbiome samples. We found that average genome size differs significantly within and between body sites and tracks with major functional and taxonomic differences. In the gut, average genome size is positively correlated with the abundance of Bacteroides and genes related to carbohydrate metabolism. Importantly, we found that average genome size variation can bias comparative analyses, and that normalization improves detection of differentially abundant genes.
Recombinant glucagon: a differential biological activity
Authors: Basso Angelina M M , Pelegrini Patrícia B , Mulinari Fernanda , Costa Michelle C , Viana Antonio B , Silva Luciano P , Grossi-de-Sa Maria Fatima 
Published: March 2015

Abstract
In Brazil, there is a growing demand for specialised pharmaceuticals, and the high cost of their importation results in increasing costs, reaching US$ 1.34 billion in 2012 and US$ 1.61 billion in 2013. Worldwide expenses related to drugs could reach US$ 1.3 trillion in 2018, especially due to new treatments for hepatitis C and cancer. Specialised or high-cost pharmaceutical drugs used for the treatment of viral hepatitis, multiple sclerosis, HIV and diabetes are distributed free of charge by the Brazilian government. The glucagon peptide was included in this group of high-cost biopharmaceuticals in 2008. Although its main application is the treatment of hypoglycaemia in diabetic patients, it can also be used with patients in an alcoholic coma, for those patients with biliary tract pain, and as a bronchodilator. Therefore, in order to reduce biopharmaceutical production costs, the Brazilian government passed laws focusing on the development and increase of a National Pharmaceutical Industrial Centre, including the demand for the national production of glucagon. For that reason and given the importance and high cost of recombinant glucagon, the purpose of this study was to develop methods to improve production, purification and performance of the biological activity of recombinant glucagon. Glucagon was recombined into a plasmid vector containing a Glutathione S-transferase tag, and the peptide was expressed in a heterologous Escherichia coli system. After purification procedures and molecular analyses, the biological activity of this recombinant glucagon was examined using in vivo assays and showed a highly significant (p < 0.00001) and prolonged effect on glucose levels when compared with the standard glucagon. The experimental procedure described here facilitates the high level production of recombinant glucagon with an extended biological activity.
Improving accuracy of students’ final grade prediction model using optimal equal width binning and synthetic minority over-sampling technique
Authors: Jishan Syed Tanveer , Rashu Raisul Islam , Haque Naheena , Rahman Rashedur M 
Published: March 2015

Abstract
There is a perpetual elevation in demand for higher education in the last decade all over the world; therefore, the need for improving the education system is imminent. Educational data mining is a newly-visible area in the field of data mining and it can be applied to better understanding the educational systems in Bangladesh. In this research, we present how data can be preprocessed using a discretization method called the Optimal Equal Width Binning and an over-sampling technique known as the Synthetic Minority Over-Sampling (SMOTE) to improve the accuracy of the students’ final grade prediction model for a particular course. In order to validate our method we have used data from a course offered at North South University, Bangladesh. The result obtained from the experiment gives a clear indication that the accuracy of the prediction model improves significantly when the discretization and over-sampling methods are applied.