nils-herrmann/clean_scirepeval huggingface dataset:
Distribution of Anti Factor Xa Activity in Patients on Edoxaban Therapy for Non Valvular Atrial Fibrillation.
Venue: Circulation journal official journal of the Japanese Circulation Society

The distribution of anti factor Xa activity (AXA) values in non valvular atrial fibrillation (NVAF) patients on edoxaban therapy has not been fully elucidated.  The steady state trough and peak AXA values were measured in 66 NVAF patients. The trough AXA value did not differ significantly between the 60 mg and the 30 mg OD groups (0.17+ 0.13 IU/ml vs. 0.12+ 0.11 IU/ml, respectively; P=0.17) Similarly, the peak AXA value did not differ significantly between the 2 groups (1.45+ 0.81 IU/ml vs. 1.25+ 0.48 IU/ml, respectively; P=0.26)  Recommended dosing should be followed for sufficient efficacy of edoxaban.
A synthesis of terrestrial mercury in the western United States: Spatial distribution defined by land cover and plant productivity.
Venue: The Science of the total environment

A synthesis of published vegetation mercury (Hg) data across 11 contiguous states in the western United States showed that aboveground biomass concentrations followed the order: leaves (26mgkg( 1)~branches (26mgkg( 1)>bark (16mgkg( 1)>bole wood (1mgkg( 1) No spatial trends of Hg in aboveground biomass distribution were detected, which likely is due to very sparse data coverage and different sampling protocols. Vegetation data are largely lacking for important functional vegetation types such as shrubs, herbaceous species, and grasses. Soil concentrations collected from the published literature were high in the western United States, with 12% of observations exceeding 100mgkg( 1) reflecting a bias toward investigations in Hg enriched sites. In contrast, soil Hg concentrations from a randomly distributed data set (1911 sampling points; Smith et al. 2013a) averaged 24mgkg( 1) (A horizon) and 22mgkg( 1) (C horizon) and only 2.6% of data exceeded 100mgkg( 1) Soil Hg concentrations significantly differed among land covers, following the order: forested upland>planted/cultivated>herbaceous upland/shrubland>barren soils. Concentrations in forests were on average 2.5 times higher than in barren locations. Principal component analyses showed that soil Hg concentrations were not or weakly related to modeled dry and wet Hg deposition and proximity to mining, geothermal areas, and coal fired power plants.  Hg distribution also was not closely related to other trace metals, but strongly associated with organic carbon, precipitation, canopy greenness, and foliar Hg pools of overlying vegetation. These patterns indicate that soil Hg concentrations are related to atmospheric deposition and reflect an overwhelming influence of plant productivity driven by water availability with productive landscapes showing high soil Hg accumulation and unproductive barren soils and shrublands showing low soil Hg values. Large expanses of low productivity, arid ecosystems across the western U.S. result in some of the lowest soil Hg concentrations observed worldwide.
Evolution of the Dust Size Distribution of Comet 67P/Churyumov Gerasimenko from 2.2. AU to Perihelion

The Rosetta probe, orbiting Jupiter family comet 67P/Churyumov Gerasimenko, has been detecting individual dust particles of mass larger than 10 10 kg by means of the GIADA dust collector and the OSIRIS Wide Angle Camera and Narrow Angle Camera since 2014 August and will continue until 2016 September. Detections of single dust particles allow us to estimate the anisotropic dust flux from 67P, infer the dust loss rate and size distribution at the surface of the sunlit nucleus, and see whether the dust size distribution of 67P evolves in time. The velocity of the Rosetta orbiter, relative to 67P, is much lower than the dust velocity measured by GIADA, thus dust counts when GIADA is nadir pointing will directly provide the dust flux. In OSIRIS observations, the dust flux is derived from the measurement of the dust space density close to the spacecraft. Under the assumption of radial expansion of the dust, observations in the nadir direction provide the distance of the particles by measuring their trail length, with a parallax baseline determined by the motion of the spacecraft. The dust size distribution at sizes >1 mm observed by OSIRIS is consistent with a differential power index of 4, which was derived from models of 67P's trail. At sizes <1 mm, the size distribution observed by GIADA shows a strong time evolution, with a differential power index drifting from 2 beyond 2 au to 3.7 at perihelion, in agreement with the evolution derived from coma and tail models based on ground based data. The refractory to water mass ratio of the nucleus is close to six during the entire inbound orbit and at perihelion.
Optimization of Life Cycle Extension of Asphalt Concrete Mixtures in regard to Material Properties, Structural Design, and Economic Implications

Design of ACM life cycle is defined with respect to traffic load acting on the pavement and road class for a period of about 20 years. In practice, reconstruction is usually pending until the end of the life cycle after which the reconstruction takes place and the original materials are replaced by new materials. Life cycle of the pavement construction in road structure is significantly longer than that of the ACM; it is therefore necessary to consider ACM from a long term viewpoint, that is, exceeding their life expectancy. This paper describes a methodology which consists of analytical calculations, experimental measurements, and optimization of the ACM life cycle with the use of a rehabilitation action to provide new physical properties of pavement surfacing in different periods of the original life cycle. The aim is to attain maximal economic effectiveness, by minimizing financial costs for rehabilitation and maintenance and economic costs of road user. Presented method allows deriving optimal life cycle from various rehabilitation alternatives for particular ACM with the fact that all the necessary parameters are derived from specific experimental measurements and calculations. The method is applicable to all types of ACM materials; however, for each material, it is necessary to carry out the necessary measurements and tests. The article describes the methodology and case study results for a particular type of ACM material.
RELIABILITY BASED DESIGN OPTIMIZATION OF CONCRETE GRAVITY DAMS USING SUBSET SIMULATION

The paper deals with the reliability based design optimization (RBDO) of concrete gravity dams subjected to earthquake load using subset simulation. The optimization problem is formulated such that the optimal shape of concrete gravity dam described by a number of variables is found by minimizing the total cost of concrete gravity dam for the given target reliability. In order to achieve this purpose, a framework is presented whereby subset simulation is integrated with a hybrid optimization method to solve the RBDO approach of concrete gravity dam. Subset simulation with Markov Chain Monte Carlo (MCMC) sampling is utilized to estimate accurately the failure probability of dams with a minimum number of samples. In this study, the concrete gravity dam is treated as a two dimensional structure involving the material nonlinearity effects and dam reservoir foundation interaction. An efficient metamodel in conjunction with subset simulation MCMC is provided to reduce the computational cost of dynamic analysis of dam reservoir foundation system. The results demonstrate that the RBDO approach is more appropriate than the deterministic optimum approach for the optimal shape design of concrete gravity dams.
Effects of office environment on employee satisfaction: a new analysis

Two large and detailed field studies of the effect of office environment parameters on aspects of environmental and job satisfaction were conducted. The first study focused on open plan offices in nine conventional buildings, whereas the second encompassed open plan and private offices in 24 buildings (12 green and 12 conventional) The data collection for these studies was separated by approximately a decade, but the data collection methods, contexts and analysis procedures were very similar. This offered the opportunity to compare the results of the studies at the workstation level, with the goal of identifying parameters consistent in affecting occupant satisfaction, and of exploring the effects of office type (open plan versus private) and building type (green versus conventional) Satisfaction with acoustics and privacy was most strongly affected by workstation size and office type; satisfaction with lighting was most strongly affected by window access and glare conditions; and satisfaction with ventilation and temperature was most strongly affected by pollutant concentration. Occupants of green buildings rated all aspects of environmental satisfaction more highly. Finally, job satisfaction was most strongly affected by pollutant concentration and office type.
High indoor CO2 concentrations in an office environment increases the transcutaneous CO2 level and sleepiness during cognitive work
Venue: Journal of occupational and environmental hygiene

The purpose of this study is to perform a multiparametric analysis on the environmental factors, the physiological stress reactions in the body, the measured alertness, and the subjective symptoms during simulated office work. Volunteer male subjects were monitored during three 4 hr work meetings in an office room, both in a ventilated and a non ventilated environment. The environmental parameters measured included CO2, temperature, and relative humidity. The physiological test battery consisted of measuring autonomic nervous system functions, salivary stress hormones, blood's CO2 content and oxygen saturation, skin temperatures, thermal sensations, vigilance, and sleepiness. The study shows that we can see physiological changes caused by high CO2 concentration. The findings support the view that low or moderate level increases in concentration of CO2 in indoor air might cause elevation in the blood's transcutaneously assessed CO2. The observed findings are higher CO2 concentrations in tissues, changes in heart rate variation, and an increase of peripheral blood circulation during exposure to elevated CO2 concentration. The subjective parameters and symptoms support the physiological findings. This study shows that a high concentration of CO2 in indoor air seem to be one parameter causing physiological effects, which can decrease the facility user's functional ability. The correct amount of ventilation with relation to the number of people using the facility, functional air distribution, and regular breaks can counteract the decrease in functional ability. The findings of the study suggest that merely increasing ventilation is not necessarily a rational solution from a technical economical viewpoint. Instead or in addition, more comprehensive, anthropocentric planning of space is needed as well as instructions and new kinds of reference values for the design and realization of office environments.
The Role of Extrinsic Motivation on the Relationship between Office Environment and Organisational Commitment

This study proposes that office environment affects organisational commitment and this relationship is moderated by extrinsic motivation. The conceptual model of this study was tested using 250 administration employees in two selected manufacturing organisations in Malaysia. To achieve the aim of this study, a quantitative research design method using survey questionnaires was used. The results show that there was a significant .01) positive, and strong relationship between office environment and organisational commitment. The most influenced dimension of office environment for organisational commitment was workstation setting. However, extrinsic motivation failed to moderate the relationship between office environment and organisational commitment.
Fulminant Amebic Colitis after Corticosteroid Therapy: A Systematic Review
Venue: PLoS neglected tropical diseases

Amebic colitis, caused by intestinal infection with the parasite, Entamoeba histolytica, is a common cause of diarrhea worldwide. Fulminant amebic colitis is the most devastating complication of this infection, associated with both high mortality and morbidity. We conducted a review of the English literature to describe cases of fulminant amebic colitis associated with exposure to corticosteroid medications in order to identify the risk factors for poor outcome and determine difficulties in diagnosis and treatment.  Articles reporting severe and fulminant forms of amebic colitis between 1991 and 2016 were collected. 525 records were screened to identify 24 cases for qualitative analysis associated with corticosteroid use. Cases arose from areas of high endemicity or travel to such areas. Most cases (14 of 24, 58% were given corticosteroids for initially misdiagnosed colitis, mainly inflammatory bowel, resulting in rapid progression of disease. Nearly half of all cases underwent surgical intervention, and 25% of cases died, despite all patients eventually receiving treatment with metronidazole. The odds of death did not differ significantly by prior misdiagnosis, co morbidities, bowel perforation or need for surgery.  Infection with E. histolytica should be considered prior to the administration of corticosteroids, in particular for patients residing in endemic areas or those with appropriate travel history, especially prior to the diagnosis of inflammatory bowel disease. The development of preventative and treatment interventions are needed to improve outcomes of fulminant disease.
Effects of Ultraviolet Light and High Pressure Processing on Quality and Health Related Constituents of Fresh Juice Products.
Venue: Comprehensive reviews in food science and food safety

Fresh juices are highly popular beverages in the global food market. They are perceived as wholesome, nutritious, all day beverages. For a fast growing category of premium juice products such as cold pressed juices, minimal processing nonthermal techniques such as ultraviolet (UV) light and high pressure processing (HPP) are expected to be used to extend shelf life while retaining physicochemical, nutritional, and sensory characteristics with reduced microbial loads. Also, UV light and HPP are approved by regulatory agencies and recognized as one of the simplest and very environmentally friendly ways to destroy pathogenic organisms. One of the limitations to their more extensive commercial application lies in the lack of comparative effects on nutritional and quality related compounds in juice products. This review provides a comparative analysis using 92 studies (UV light: 42, HPP: 50) mostly published between 2004 and 2015 to evaluate the effects of reported UV light and HPP processing conditions on the residual content or activity of bioactive compounds such as vitamins, polyphenols, antioxidants, and oxidative enzymes in 45 different fresh fruit and vegetable juices (low acid, acid, and high acid categories) Also, the effects of UV light and HPP on color and sensory characteristics of juices are summarized and discussed.
The effect of high pressure processing on colour, bioactive compounds, and antioxidant activity in smoothies during refrigerated storage.
Venue: Food chemistry

The effects of high pressure processing HPP (450 and 600 MPa/3 min/20 degC) on the colour, carotenoids, ascorbic acid, polyphenols and antioxidant activity (FRAP and DPPH) of a smoothie were compared to thermal processing (80 degC/3 min) Stability during 45 days at 4 degC was also evaluated. HPP samples showed slight differences (p 0.05) in colour compared to untreated smoothies. Both HPP significantly increased the extractability of lycopene, b carotene and polyphenols compared to untreated samples. After HPP, ascorbic acid was retained by more than 92% of the initial content. The best results for antioxidant activity were obtained when HPP was applied at 600 MPa. FRAP and DPPH showed a high correlation with ascorbic acid (R(2) 0.7135 and 0.8107, respectively) and polyphenolic compounds (R(2) 0.6819 and 0.6935, respectively) but not with total carotenoids. Changes in bioactive compounds during the storage period were lower in the HPP smoothie than in the thermal treated sample.
Novel approaches in improving the quality and safety aspects of processed meat products through high pressure processing technology A review

In recent years, there has been growing consumer demand for the minimally processed and chemical additives free Ready To Eat (RTE) healthier meat products. On the other hand processed and RTE meat products have been notified as the primary cause for food borne outbreaks in different countries that commonly associated with emerging pathogens such as Salmonella Listeria monocytogenes and Escherichia coli species. Scope and approach High pressure processing (HPP) has been renewed as a best non thermal intervention for extending the shelf life and safety of RTE meat products without altering the sensory and nutritional properties. Meat products are complex medium with different physical and chemical compositions that influence the lethality of the microorganisms during HPP. Using high pressure levels (above 600 MPa) for complete sterility of meat products may not be economically feasible more over it may negatively affect the product quality characteristics. The present review aimed to explore the recent research investigations addressed the multi hurdle approaches to increase the effectiveness of HPP at lower processing levels in order to reduce the processing costs and to improve the safety and quality of processed meat products.  The combination of natural antimicrobials (plant bioactive compounds and bacteriocins) and antioxidants (plant phenolic compounds) as additional hurdles through different mechanisms (active and intelligent packaging) during HPP can definitely be an effective and innovative intervention in ensuring the complete safety of processed meat products. Moreover, the development of low salt meat products with optimum quality attributes can be highly possible through HPP technology.
Heterogeneous Silicon/III V Semiconductor Optical Amplifiers
Venue: IEEE Journal of Selected Topics in Quantum Electronics

We report high output power and high gain semiconductor optical amplifiers integrated on a heterogeneous silicon/III V photonics platform. The devices produce 25 dB of unsaturated gain for the highest gain design, and 14 dBm of saturated output power for the highest output power design. The amplifier structure is also suitable for lasers, and can be readily integrated with a multitude of silicon photonic circuit components. These devices are useful for a wide range of photonic integrated circuits. We show a design method for optimizing the amplifier for the desired characteristics. The amplifier incorporates a low loss and low reflection transition between the heterogeneous active region and a silicon waveguide, and we report transition loss below 1 dB across the entire measurement range and parasitic reflection coefficient from the transition below 1 10 3.
Metamorphic III V semiconductor lasers grown on silicon

The epitaxial integration of III V optoelectronic devices on silicon will be the enabling technology for full scale deployment of silicon photonics and the key to improving communication systems. Silicon photonics also offer new opportunities for the realization of ultracompact and fully integrated sensing systems operating in the mid infrared (MIR) regime of the spectrum. In this article, we review recent developments, through several approaches, in the direct metamorphic epitaxial growth of various III V materials based lasers on silicon substrates. We show that GaAs based 1.3 mm III V quantum dot lasers and GaSb based MIR quantum well lasers grown on silicon substrates can operate with low threshold current density and high operating temperature, which hold promise for the future.
Blockchain technology in healthcare: The revolution starts here
Venue: 2016 IEEE 18th International Conference on e Health Networking, Applications and Services (Healthcom)

Blockchain technology has shown its considerable adaptability in recent years as a variety of market sectors sought ways of incorporating its abilities into their operations. While so far most of the focus has been on the financial services industry, several projects in other service related areas such as healthcare show this is beginning to change. Numerous starting points for Blockchain technology in the healthcare industry are the focus of this report. With examples for public healthcare management, user oriented medical research and drug counterfeiting in the pharmaceutical sector, this report aims to illustrate possible influences, goals and potentials connected to this disruptive technology.
Systems Biology Approaches to a Rational Drug Discovery Paradigm.
Venue: Current topics in medicinal chemistry

Ligand and structure based drug design approaches complement phenotypic and target screens, respectively, and are the two major frameworks for guiding early stage drug discovery efforts. Since the beginning of this century, the advent of the genomic era has presented researchers with a myriad of high throughput biological data (parts lists and their interaction networks) to address efficacy and toxicity, augmenting the traditional ligand and structure based approaches. This data rich era has also presented us with challenges related to integrating and analyzing these multi platform and multi dimensional datasets and translating them into viable hypotheses. Hence in the present paper, we review these existing approaches to drug discovery research and argue the case for a new systems biology based approach. We present the basic principles and the foundational arguments/underlying assumptions of the systems biology based approaches to drug design. Also discussed are systems biology data types (key entities, their attributes and their relationships with each other, and data models/representations) software and tools used for both retrospective and prospective analysis, and the hypotheses that can be inferred. In addition, we summarize some of the existing resources for a systems biology based drug discovery paradigm (open TG GATEs, DrugMatrix, CMap and LINCs) in terms of their strengths and limitations.
A quick and robust MHC typing method for free ranging and captive primate species
Venue: Immunogenetics

Gene products of the major histocompatibility complex (MHC) of human and non human primates play a crucial role in adaptive immunity, and most of the relevant genes not only show a high degree of variability (polymorphism) but also copy number variation (CNV) is observed. Due to this diversity, MHC proteins influence the capability of individuals to cope with various pathogens. MHC and/or MHC linked gene products such as odorant receptor genes are thought to influence mate choice and reproductive success. Therefore, MHC typing of wild and captive primate populations is considered to be useful in conservation biology, which is, however, often hampered by the need of invasive and time consuming methods. All intact Mhc DRB genes in primates appear to possess a complex and highly divergent microsatellite, DRB STR. A panel of 154 pedigreed olive baboons (Papio anubis) was examined for their DRB content by DRB STR analysis of genomic DNA. Using the same methodology on DNA of feces samples, DRB variability of a silvery gibbon population (Hylobates moloch) (N 24) an endangered species, could successfully be studied. In both species, length determination of the DRB STR resulted in the definition of unique genotyping patterns that appeared to be specific for a certain chromosome. Moreover, the different STR lengths were shown to segregate with the allelic variation of the respective gene. The results obtained expand data gained previously on DRB STR typing in macaques, great apes, and humans and strengthen the conclusion that this protocol is applicable in molecular ecology, conservation biology, and colony management, especially of endangered primate species.