bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Ming-Era Remittance Systems and Standard Cash in the Xingshi Yinyuan Zhuan
Authors: Liu Xiaoyi 
Published: September 2023

Abstract
The pre-modern Chinese novel Xingshi yinyuan zhuan provides a wealth of information on the use of silver and copper cash in the economy of the late Ming dynasty. An analysis of the text reveals that there was no mechanism for remote remittance in the modern financial sense during this period. Therefore, it is necessary to reexamine several research works which have claimed the existence of remote remittance in financial history studies. Upon scrutinizing the various types of standard cash minted from the Jiajing to Chongzhen eras, it is evident that the popular “yellow-fringed coin” referred to in the Xingshi yinyuan zhuan was actually an umbrella term that encompassed both yellow coins and lathed-rim coins. Furthermore, the decimal conversion coins mentioned in the text that were withdrawn from the market due to unusability were most likely the decuple coins in the Tianqi era universal currency. The political incompetence of the late Ming period also caused the common people to reject the universal currency of the period, which was more valuable than the universal currency of previous periods.
Ethos and Karma: the Construction of Business Ethics and Social Ethics in Popular Novels from the 16th to 18th Centuries
Authors: Zhao Yi 
Published: September 2023

Abstract
The common concept of karma and retribution in the general religious life of Chinese society was not only expressed in the popular literature that has flourished since the Song dynasty, but also reacted to society through the processing, refining, and deepening of popular fiction. Popular novels from the 16th to 18th centuries synchronized with the fresh ideas of New Chan Buddhism, New Daoism, and New Confucianism, which gradually developed an ethos and karma model. It used real life as a metaphor for explaining cause and effect in the construction of new business and social ethics that were urgently needed at the time. The business ethics it reflected and constructed not only included the affirmation of business and the advocacy of hard work to obtain wealth and promote fair competition, but also criticized blindly pursuing profits, especially emphasizing that wealth was determined by destiny and could not be forced. The core of the new social ethics was to establish rules connecting traditional morality and becoming rich, which not only stressed that scholars, farmers, craftsmen, and businessmen should do their parts, but also always put scholarly study as the highest pursuit; while criticizing social injustice, people still strongly desired to pass the imperial examination. This paper examines the great social changes that were occurring in the Ming dynasty, especially in the areas of business ethics and the perception of wealth, through popular literature from Ming China.
The Relationship between Literati Livelihoods and the Development of Novels and Operas in the Canal Region during the Ming and Qing Dynasties
Authors: Xu Yongbin 
Published: September 2023

Abstract
Along the Grand Canal and in adjacent areas, where the pursuit of livelihoods among literati was most concentrated and visible, were important centers for the creation and dissemination of Ming and Qing dynasty novels and operas. To a large extent, the pursuit of livelihoods among literati brought about the birth of a large number of literary works, particularly Ming dynasty and Qing dynasty novels and operas. On the one hand, literati earned a wage through their livelihoods, improved their living environments, and laid a certain economic backdrop for later Ming and Qing novels and operas; on the other hand, through reader acceptance and market feedback, the literati put forward requirements for literary creation that closely aligned with readers and the market, and to a certain degree brought about changes in the subject matter and artistry of novels and operas. It can be said that the fertile Jiangnan region and the Grand Canal gave birth to literary and artistic giants and works that have been passed down through the centuries. The present article is an analysis of the relationship between literati livelihoods and the development of Ming and Qing novels and operas in the Grand Canal region.
Labor Legislation in China: Cyclical Competition between the State and the Market
Authors: Baohua Dong 
Published: September 2023

Abstract
China’s first labor law was passed in 1995 in order to protect the legitimate rights and interests of laborers. It also was the superstructure created to match the developing labor market and employment reform of the Reform Era by “establishing and safeguarding the labor system suited to the socialist market economy.” In 2007, the prc then passed the second foundational labor law, the Labor Contract Law, which took as its purpose the establishment and development of harmonious and stable labor relations. A major distinction between these two laws is that the 1995 Labor Law emphasized market-oriented flexibility while the 2008 Labor Contract Law, by strengthening the role of labor regulation, emphasizes a state-oriented stability. Since the 2008 lcl, all labor legislation and amendments have those two laws as their origin, creating cycles between reliance on the bottom-up spontaneous power of the market and the top-down regulatory power of the state. So far, there have been 3 cycles of legislation and revision of China’s labor legislation; each five years apart in 2008, 2013, and 2018. This cyclical contest reveals the basic realities of China’s political economy. I use the last twenty years of data on labor disputes to highlight the cyclical nature of China’s labor legislation and the social and political forces that drive these cycles.
Functional Properties of the Water Extract from Eriocheir sinensis (Chinese mitten crab) Via Evaluation of Protective Effects on Reflux Esophagitis Model
Authors: Nam Hyeon Hwa , Song Jun Ho , Lee Jun , Moon Byeong Cheol , Noh Sumin , Nan Li , Choo Byung Kil , Kim Joong-Sun 
Published: September 2023

Objectives In the study, we investigated the effects of an Eriocheir sinensis water extract on a reflux esophagitis-induced rat model. Background The crab has been used as a traditional medicine and food source in many countries worldwide for a long time, and the crab contains various useful substances such as chitin, protein, calcium carbonate, etc. Materials and Methods All rats were fasted for 24 h and then orally pretreated with saline, Eriocheir sinensis (100 mg/kg), or ranitidine (40 mg/kg). Reflux esophagitis was induced by pylorus and forestomach ligation. Morphological changes in the mucosal damage in the esophagus were analyzed by the ImageJ program. Also, the expression of the inflammatory proteins and cytokine in the esophagus was measured by western blot assay to demonstrate the protective effects of Eriocheir sinensis in reflux esophagitis model. Histological analysis of esophagus was performed by hematoxylin & eosin (H&E) staining. Results In the reflux esophagitis induction group, the esophageal tissue damage caused by the induction of reflux was 60% of the whole. Eriocheir sinensis administration significantly ameliorated esophageal mucosal damage by 40%, also determined by histological evaluation of reflux esophagitis in rats. Eriocheir sinensis was also found to downregulate the expression levels of proteins such as cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2), tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), and tight junction protein (claudin-5) compared to the reflux esophagitis induction group. In addition, Eriocheir sinensis markedly attenuated the activation of nuclear factor kappa-light-chain-enhancer of activated B cells (NF-κB) and the phosphorylation of the inhibitor of NF-κB (IκBα). Conclusion These results indicated that Eriocheir sinensis suppressed the development of esophagitis and modulated inflammation by regulating NF-κB activation. Based on these findings, we concluded that Eriocheir sinensis can protect the esophageal mucosa from reflux esophagitis.
Does the Multiple Sclerosis Impact Scale-29 (MSIS-29) have the range to capture the experience of fully ambulatory multiple sclerosis patients? Learnings from the ASCLEPIOS studies
Authors: Regnault Antoine , Loubert Angely , Brennan Róisín , Meunier Juliette , Naujoks Christel , Cano Stefan , Adlard Nicholas 
Published: September 2023

Background Trials of disease-modifying therapies (DMTs) for multiple sclerosis (MS) often include patients with minimal disability. Patient-reported outcome instruments used in these trials have often not captured physical and psychological treatment effects concomitant with observed clinical benefits. Objective To examine whether the Multiple Sclerosis Impact Scale-29 (MSIS-29) captures changes in the impact of MS in a sample of patients enrolled in the Phase 3 ASCLEPIOS studies (ofatumumab vs. teriflunomide). Methods Measurement properties (i.e. item fit, reliability, and targeting) of the MSIS-29 were analyzed using Rasch measurement theory (RMT) in data from two phase 3 ofatumumab clinical trials including patients with relapsing-remitting or secondary progressive MS ( N = 1882). Targeting of the MSIS-29 items to the patient population was explored within groups categorized by Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS) scores. Results Under RMT analyses, both the Physical and Psychological Impact scales of the MSIS-29 were not appropriately targeted to the overall sample of patients. In particular, 49% and 30% of patients with an EDSS score ≤ 2.5 had fewer physical and psychological impacts, respectively, than would typically be captured by these MSIS-29 items compared to patients with EDSS scores of ≥ 3. Conclusion The MSIS-29 is commonly used to evaluate the patient-reported physical and psychological impact of MS. However, it may be limited in evaluating changes associated with DMTs in patients with minimal disability.
Group Acupuncture Therapy With Yoga Therapy for Chronic Neck, Low Back, and Osteoarthritis Pain in Safety Net Settings for an Underserved Population: A Feasibility Pilot Study
Authors: Teets Raymond , Nielsen Arya , Moonaz Steffany , Anderson Belinda J , Mah Donna M , Walter Eve , Milanes Mirta , Jyung Hyowoun , Soto Cossio Luz E , Meissner Paul , McKee M Diane , Kligler Benjamin 
Published: September 2023

Background Acupuncture and yoga have both been shown to be effective in chronic pain. Underrepresented populations have poorer pain outcomes with less access to effective pain care. Objective To assess the feasibility of bundling group acupuncture with yoga therapy for chronic neck, back or osteoarthritis pain in safety net settings. Methods This was a feasibility pilot in Bronx and Harlem primary care community health centers. Participants with chronic neck, back or osteoarthritis pain received acupuncture and yoga therapy over a 10-week period. Participants received 10 weekly acupuncture treatments in group setting; with Yoga therapy sessions beginning immediately following the 3rd session. Primary outcome was pain interference and pain intensity on the Brief Pain Inventory (BPI); Outcomes were measured at baseline, 10-week close of intervention, and 24-week follow-up. Results 93 patients were determined to be eligible and completed the baseline interview. The majority of participants were non-White and Medicaid recipients. 78 (84%) completed the intervention and 10-week survey, and 58 (62%) completed the 24-week post intervention survey. Participants received an average number of 6.5 acupuncture sessions (out of a possible 10), and 4 yoga sessions (out of a possible 8) over the 10-week intervention. Patients showed statistically significant improvements in pain at the close of the intervention and at a somewhat lesser rate, at 24-weeks post intervention. Challenges included telephone outreach and site coordination integrating acupuncture with yoga therapy. The trial also had to be stopped early due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Conclusions Bundling acupuncture therapy and yoga therapy is feasible for an underrepresented population with chronic pain in urban community health centers with preliminary indications of acceptability and benefit to participants.
A robust approach to 3D neuron shape representation for quantification and classification
Authors: Jiang Jiaxiang , Goebel Michael , Borba Cezar , Smith William , Manjunath B. S. 
Published: September 2023

AbstractWe consider the problem of finding an accurate representation of neuron shapes, extracting sub-cellular features, and classifying neurons based on neuron shapes. In neuroscience research, the skeleton representation is often used as a compact and abstract representation of neuron shapes. However, existing methods are limited to getting and analyzing “curve” skeletons which can only be applied for tubular shapes. This paper presents a 3D neuron morphology analysis method for more general and complex neuron shapes. First, we introduce the concept of skeleton mesh to represent general neuron shapes and propose a novel method for computing mesh representations from 3D surface point clouds. A skeleton graph is then obtained from skeleton mesh and is used to extract sub-cellular features. Finally, an unsupervised learning method is used to embed the skeleton graph for neuron classification. Extensive experiment results are provided and demonstrate the robustness of our method to analyze neuron morphology.
Combined use of CDAI and blood indices for assessing endoscopic activity in ileocolic Crohn’s disease
Authors: Hu Xiaolin , Li Jiajia , Sun Yunyun , Wu Dacheng , Zhao Tiantian , Ma Maofeng , Chen Jie , Wang Mei , Hou Sicong 
Published: September 2023

Abstract
Background
Mucosal healing has become the primary treatment target for patients with Crohn’s disease (CD). We aimed to develop a noninvasive and convenient tool to evaluate the endoscopic activity in patients with ileocolic CD.

Methods
A retrospective multicenter study including 300 CD patients (training, 210 patients; test, 90 patients) was conducted at two tertiary referral centers. Independent risk factors associated with endoscopic activity were explored, which were then combined into a comprehensive index. The predictive performance was evaluated with the area under receiver operating characteristic curve (ROC). Cohen’s Kappa was adopted to examine the consistency between each indicator and endoscopic activity.

Results
A total of 210 CD patients were recruited in the training cohort. We found that Crohn’s Disease Activity Index (CDAI), C-reactive protein (CRP) and platelet-to-lymphocyte percentage ratio (PLpR) were independently associated with endoscopic activity. Additionally, the comprehensive index generated from the above three indices achieved good discrimination and performed better than CDAI in AUC (0.849 vs. 0.769, P < 0.05). This was further well demonstrated by the external test cohort, which showed good discrimination (AUC: 0.84, 95% CI: 0.744–0.936). Intra-individual comparison revealed the comprehensive index to be superior in the prediction of endoscopic activity. In the subgroup analysis, the AUC of comprehensive index was significantly higher than CDAI especially in inflammatory phenotype (0.824 vs. 0.751, P < 0.05).

Conclusion
Combining CDAI, CRP and PLpR significantly improved the accuracy for predicting endoscopic activity in ileocolic CD, which can help better monitor an endoscopic flare.
Prediction of spontaneous preterm birth using CCL2 and CXCL10 in maternal serum of symptomatic high-risk pregnant women: a prospective cohort study
Authors: Hoffmann Jessica Alana , Gründler Kathleen , Richter Dagmar- Ulrike , Stubert Johannes 
Published: September 2023

Abstract
Introduction
CCL2 and CXCL10 are putative biomarkers for the prediction of spontaneous preterm birth. This study evaluates these markers in a cohort of pregnant high-risk women.

Material and methods
In our prospective study, we included 109 women with signs of preterm labor between 20 + 0 and 31 + 6 weeks of gestation. Inclusion criteria were regular (< 3/30 min) or painful contractions, cervical length < 25 mm or a history of previous preterm birth (PTB). Blood samples were obtained upon first admission to our clinic. Biomarker concentrations were measured using pre-coated sandwich immunoassays (ELISA). Primary study outcome was spontaneous preterm birth < 34 weeks, secondary outcome was delivery < 37 weeks or within seven days after study inclusion.

Results
Sixteen women (14.7%) delivered < 34 weeks and twenty women between 34 + 0 and 36 + 6 weeks (18.4%). Six patients (5.5%) gave birth within seven days after study admission. CXCL10 showed higher medium serum levels in women with PTB < 34 weeks (115 pg/ml compared to 61 pg/ml ≥ 34 weeks; p < 0.001) and < 37 weeks (103 pg/ml vs. 53 pg/ml; p < 0.001). In contrary, lower CCL2 serum levels were associated with PTB < 34 weeks (46 pg/ml vs. 73 pg/ml; p = 0.032) and birth within 7 days (25 pg/ml vs. 73 pg/ml; p = 0.008). The CXCL10/CCL2-ratio further improved the predictive model with a ROC-AUC of 0.83 (95% CI 0.73–0.93, p < 0.001) for delivery < 34 weeks. These corresponds to a sensitivity, specificity and positive predictive value of 0.67, 0.86 and 0.43 at a cut-off of 2.2.

Conclusion
Low maternal serum CCL2 levels are associated with a higher risk of preterm delivery within seven days. High CXCL10 serum levels are more associated with a high risk for preterm birth < 34 weeks. Elevated CXCL10/CCL2-ratio is showing the best predictive performance.

Trial registration number (DRKS-ID)
DRKS00010763, Registration date: September 02, 2016.
The effect of sarcopenia and sarcopenic obesity on survival in gastric cancer
Authors: Şahin Muzaffer Ece Hakan , Akbaş Feray , Yardimci Aytul Hande , Şahin Eren 
Published: September 2023

Abstract
Background
Sarcopenic obesity arises from increased muscle catabolism triggered by inflammation and inactivity. Its significance lies in its role in contributing to morbidity and mortality in gastric cancer. This study aims to explore the potential correlation between sarcopenia, sarcopenic obesity, and gastric cancer, as well as their effect on survival.

Materials and methods
This retrospective study included 162 patients aged ≥ 18 years who were diagnosed with stomach cancer. Patient age, gender, diagnostic laboratory results, and cancer characteristics were documented. Sarcopenia was assessed using the skeletal muscle index (SMI) (cm2/m2), calculated by measuring muscle mass area from a cross-sectional image at the L3 vertebra level of computed tomography (CT).

Results
Among the 162 patients, 52.5% exhibited sarcopenia (with cut-off limits of 52.4 cm2/m2 for males and 38.5 cm2/m2 for females), and 4.9% showed sarcopenic obesity. Average skeletal muscle area (SMA) was 146.8 cm2; SMI was 50.6 cm2/m2 in men and 96.9 cm2 and 40.6 cm2/m2 in women, respectively. Sarcopenia significantly reduced mean survival (p = 0.033). There was no association between sarcopenic obesity and mortality (p > 0.05), but mortality was higher in sarcopenic obesity patients (p = 0.041). Patient weight acted as a protective factor against mortality, supporting the obesity paradox. Tumor characteristics, metabolic parameters, and concurrent comorbidities did not significantly impact sarcopenia or mortality.

Conclusion
Sarcopenia is more prevalent in the elderly population and is linked to increased mortality in gastric cancer patients. Paradoxically, higher body mass index (BMI) was associated with improved survival. Computed tomography offers a practical and reliable method for measuring muscle mass and distinguishing these distinctions.

Trial registration
This study was approved by Istanbul Training and Research Hospital Clinical Research Ethics Committee of the University of Health Sciences (29.05.2020/2383).
Intra-articular temperature monitoring during radiofrequency ablation in ex-vivo bovine hip joints via Fiber Bragg grating sensors
Authors: Longo Umile Giuseppe , De Tommasi Francesca , Salvatore Giuseppe , Lalli Alberto , Lo Presti Daniela , Massaroni Carlo , Schena Emiliano 
Published: September 2023

Abstract
Purpose
Radiofrequency ablation is an increasingly used surgical option for ablation, resection and coagulation of soft tissues in joint arthroscopy. One of the major issues of thermal ablation is the temperature monitoring across the target areas, as cellular mortality is a direct consequence of thermal dosimetry. Temperatures from 45 °C to 50 °C are at risk of damage to chondrocytes. One of the most reliable tools for temperature monitoring is represented by fiber optic sensors, as they allow accurate and real-time temperature measurement via a minimally invasive approach. The aim of this study was to determine, by fiber Bragg grating sensors (FBGs), the safety of radiofrequency ablation in tissue heating applied to ex-vivo bovine hip joints.

Methods
Ex vivo bovine hips were subjected to radiofrequency ablation, specifically in the acetabular labrum, for a total of two experiments. The WEREWOLF System (Smith + Nephew, Watford, UK) was employed in high operating mode and in a controlled ablation way. One optical fiber embedding seven FBGs was used to record multipoint temperature variations. Each sensor was 1 mm in length with a distance from edge to edge with each other of 2 mm.

Results
The maximum variation was recorded in both the tests by the FBG1 (i.e., the closest one to the electrode tip) and was lower than to 2.8 °C. The other sensors (from FBG2 to FBG7) did not record a significant temperature change throughout the duration of the experiment (maximum up to 0.7 °C for FBG7).

Conclusions
No significant increase in temperature was observed at any of the seven sites. The sensor nearest to the radiofrequency source exhibited the highest temperature rise, but the variation was only 3 °C. The minimal temperature increase registered at the measurement sites, according to existing literature, is not expected to be cytotoxic. FBGs demonstrate the potential to fulfil the strict requirements for temperature measurements during arthroscopic surgery.
Do metal implants for total hip arthroplasty affect bioelectrical impedance analysis? A retrospective study
Authors: Ukai Taku , Watanabe Masahiko 
Published: September 2023

Abstract
Background
Evaluation of body composition after total hip arthroplasty (THA) is essential because it can be used to evaluate muscle and functional recovery. Muscle volume and degeneration are evaluated using computed tomography (CT). However, CT evaluation of muscle volume has several limitations, such as radiation exposure and high medical cost. Bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA) has gained attention for resolving these limitations of CT. BIA takes advantage of the microelectric current; thus, metal implants may affect the results. Therefore, this study aimed to elucidate the effects of metal implants on BIA after THA.

Methods
Two groups of patients were assessed (Group 1: 70 patients who underwent unilateral THA and BIA; Group 2: 35 patients who underwent THA and BIA before and after THA). Electric impedance (resistance and reactance) of the operated and non-operated lower limbs was compared in Group 1. The pre- and post-operative impedances of the torso and operated ipsilateral limbs were compared in Group 2.

Results
Regarding electric impedance in Group 1, no significant differences were observed in electrical resistance and reactance between the operated and non-operated lower limbs. Concerning electric impedance in Group 2, postoperative electric resistance of the torso was significantly lower than that preoperatively. However, no significant difference was seen in electric resistance and reactance of the operated ipsilateral limbs preoperatively and postoperatively.

Conclusions
Electrical resistance and reactance of the limbs did not change significantly after THA. BIA is useful for measuring body composition after THA.