bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Association of circulating microRNA-122 with presence and severity of atherosclerotic lesions
Authors: Wang Yu-Long , Yu Wen 
Published: July 2018

Objective
MicroRNA (miR)-122 is highly expressed in the liver, where it has been implicated as a regulator of fatty-acid metabolism. A recent study reported that miR-122 plays a role in pathogenesis of atherosclerosis; however, whether it connects with severity of atherosclerotic lesion is still controversial. We therefore investigated the association between miR-122 expression and presence and severity of coronary atherosclerotic plaque.

Methods
During January–November 2017, we included 300 patients with coronary heart disease (CHD) and 100 subjects as the control group. MiR-122 content was detected by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction. MiR-122 level was identified in all subjects, and the Spearman correlation between miR-122 and severity of atherosclerosis was analyzed.

Results
Patients with CHD had higher miR-122 expression than in control group (2.61, 0.91–8.86 vs. 1.62, 0.71–3.45, p < 0.001). Gensini score was significantly associated with miR-122 expression (r = 0.7964, p < 0.001). The odds ratio of miR-122 solely was 0.12 (95% CI [0.05–0.43]) and factors such as cholesterol, triglyceride together with miR-122 level were closely associated with atherosclerosis (all p < 0.001).

Conclusions
The serum level of miR-122 may be used to differentiate between mild and severe coronary atherosclerotic lesion. Use of this marker might allow non-invasive diagnosis the degree of coronary atherosclerosis.
Genetic flow among olive populations within the Mediterranean basin
Authors: di Rienzo Valentina , Sion Sara , Taranto Francesca , D’Agostino Nunzio , Montemurro Cinzia , Fanelli Valentina , Sabetta Wilma , Boucheffa Saliha , Tamendjari Abderezak , Pasqualone Antonella , Zammit-Mangion Marion , Miazzi Monica Marilena 
Published: July 2018

BackgroundThe olive tree is a typical crop of the Mediterranean basin where it shows a wide diversity, accounting for more than 2,600 cultivars. The ability to discriminate olive cultivars and determine their genetic variability is pivotal for an optimal exploitation of olive genetic resources.MethodsWe investigated the genetic diversity within 128 olive accessions belonging to four countries in the Mediterranean Basin (Italy, Algeria, Syria, and Malta), with the purpose of better understanding the origin and spread of the olive genotypes across Mediterranean Basin countries. Eleven highly polymorphic simple sequence repeat (SSR) markers were used and proved to be very informative, producing a total of 179 alleles.ResultsCluster analysis distinguished three main groups according to their geographical origin, with the current sample of Maltese accessions included in the Italian group. Phylogenetic analysis further differentiated Italian and Maltese olive accessions, clarifying the intermediate position of Maltese accessions along thex/y-axes of principal coordinate analysis (PCoA). Model-based and neighbor clustering, PCoA, and migration analysis suggested the existence of two different gene pools (Algerian and Syrian) and that the genetic exchange occurred between the Syrian, Italian and Maltese populations.DiscussionThe close relationship between Syrian and Italian and Maltese olives was consistent with the historical domestication and migration of olive tree from the North Levant to eastern Mediterranean basin. This study lays the foundations for a better understanding of olive genetic diversity in the Mediterranean basin and represents a step toward an optimal conservation and exploitation of olive genetic resources.
Physical properties of polyvinylidene fluoride/multi‐walled carbon nanotube nanocomposites with special reference to electromagnetic interference shielding effectiveness
Authors: Ram Ranvijai , Khastgir Dipak , Rahaman Mostafizur 
Published: July 2018

AbstractThe polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF)/multiwall carbon nanotube (MWCNT) composites, prepared by solution casting technique, can be used as electromagnetic interference (EMI) shielding material. The PVDF matrix shows MWCNT‐dependent EMI shielding effectiveness, skin depth, morphology, mechanical, and dynamic mechanical properties. The transmission electron microscopy and field emission scanning electron microscopy images depict dispersion and distribution of MWCNT in PVDF matrix. The differential scanning calorimetry reveals MWCNT dependent crystalline melting temperature. The MWCNT is acting as reinforcing filler for PVDF matrix. The crystalline melting of PVDF and PVDF/MWCNT composites shows the occurrence of two endothermic peaks. Dynamic mechanical analysis of composites reveals MWCNT‐dependent damping characteristics and storage modulus.
Enantioselective Total Synthesis of Chromanone Lactone Homo‐ and Heterodimers
Authors: Valdomir Guillermo , Senthilkumar Soundararasu , Ganapathy Dhandapany , Zhang Yun , Tietze Lutz F. 
Published: July 2018

AbstractA one pot borylation/Suzuki–Miyaura reaction of the 4‐bromochromanone lactones 21 and 23, respectively, followed by cleavage of the methyl ether moieties gave the homodimeric chromanone lactones 10 and 11. Reaction of a 1:1 mixture of 21 and 23 under otherwise identical conditions gave a 1:1:2‐mixture of the two homodimers 10 and 11 and the heterodimer 12. This is the first example of the preparation of a heterodimeric chromanone lactone. For the enantioselective synthesis of the starting material, phenol 17 was transformed into the chromane 18 using a Wacker‐type cyclisation with 99 % ee and 80 % yield.
Birnbaum‐Saunders distribution: A review of models, analysis, and applications
Authors: Balakrishnan N. , Kundu Debasis 
Published: July 2018

AbstractBirnbaum and Saunders introduced a two‐parameter lifetime distribution to model the fatigue life of a metal, subject to cyclic stress. Since then, extensive work has been done on this model providing different interpretations, constructions, generalizations, inferential methods, and extensions to bivariate, multivariate, and matrix‐variate cases. More than 200 papers and one research monograph have already appeared describing all these aspects and developments. In this paper, we provide a detailed review of all these developments and, at the same time, indicate several open problems that could be considered for further research.
A bivariate optimal replacement policy for a system subject to a generalized failure and repair process
Authors: Lee Hyunju , Cha Ji Hwan 
Published: July 2018

AbstractTraditionally, in the studies of the optimal maintenance policies for repairable systems, the nonhomogeneous Poisson process model, which corresponds to the minimal repair process, has been intensively applied. However, in many practical situations, the repair type is not necessarily minimal. In this article, a new repair process based on a new counting process model (so‐called the generalized Polya process) is introduced. Then, the issue of the optimal replacement problem is discussed. A bivariate preventive replacement policy is developed and the properties of the optimal policy are studied. Illustrative examples are also presented. In addition, a comparison with a conventional replacement policy is performed.
Konzeptionelle Optimierung der Entrauchung von Atrien
Authors: Kanitz Andreas , Zehfuß Jochen 
Published: July 2018

AbstractAtrien stellen durch ihre geometrischen Rahmenbedingungen verbunden mit Anforderungen an ein flexibles und breit aufgestelltes Nutzungskonzept sowie die oft eingeschränkten Möglichkeiten beim Schutz mit Sprinklern besondere Herausforderungen bei der schutzzielorientierten Konzeption der Entrauchung dar.Insbesondere bei einer Führung von Rettungswegen durch Atrien und der Nutzung als Aufenthaltsbereiche oder bei Abweichungen von Bauvorschriften sind spezielle Konzepte erforderlich, damit sichergestellt wird, dass die bauordnungsrechtlich gegebenen Schutzziele erfüllt werden. Der Nachweis, dass diese Konzepte die Schutzziele erfüllen, und eine anlagentechnische Optimierung können mithilfe von Ingenieurmethoden erfolgen.Im vorliegenden Beitrag wird beschrieben, worin die besonderen Herausforderungen bei der Entrauchung von Atrien liegen, welche Einflussparameter existieren und welche ingenieurmäßigen sowie konzeptionellen Lösungswege bestehen. Die beschriebenen Lösungswege berücksichtigen einen in mehrere Phasen unterteilten Projektablauf und die damit einhergehende iterative Lösungsfindung.Beginnend mit der Klärung und Abstimmung konzeptioneller Grundsätze über erste Vorauslegungen mittels einfacher Handrechnungen bis zum Entrauchungsnachweis komplexer Geometrien mittels CFD‐Simulationen wird ein entsprechender Bearbeitungsprozess skizziert.
Effectiveness of a multidisciplinary patient care bundle for reducing surgical-site infections
Authors: Weiser M R , Gonen M , Usiak S , Pottinger T , Samedy P , Patel D , Seo S , Smith J J , Guillem J G , Temple L , Nash G M , Paty P B , Baldwin-Medsker A , Cheavers C E , Eagan J , Garcia-Aguilar J , Afonso A , Aslam A , Baldwin-Medsker A , Burns J , Canny M , Cheavers C E , Cohen N , Eagan J , Evans N , Ferrari C , Fiordaliso C , Fitzpatrick C , Freeman R , Garcia-Aguilar J , Gilbert M , Gonen M , Guillem J G , Hailemariam M , Hammel J , Healy K , Hoskins W , Isaac L , Kim W , Kitzler R , Levine K , Marcelli A , Marx W , Matthews L , Monether C , Nash G M , Nolan S , Ottey H , Patel D , Patterson P , Paty P B , Pottinger T , Prather A , Riffle M , Rodrigue D , Romanoff S , Russo T , Samedy P , Seo S K , Sepkowitz K , Smith J J , Sokoli D , Swift L , Temple L , Usiak S , Vassallo C , Vincenzino A , Wall L , Walters C , Weiser M R , Yeung K 
Published: July 2018

Abstract

Background
Surgical-site infection (SSI) is associated with significant healthcare costs. To reduce the high rate of SSI among patients undergoing colorectal surgery at a cancer centre, a comprehensive care bundle was implemented and its efficacy tested.

Methods
A pragmatic study involving three phases (baseline, implementation and sustainability) was conducted on patients treated consecutively between 2013 and 2016. The intervention included 13 components related to: bowel preparation; oral and intravenous antibiotic selection and administration; skin preparation, disinfection and hygiene; maintenance of normothermia during surgery; and use of clean instruments for closure. SSI risk was evaluated by means of a preoperative calculator, and effectiveness was assessed using interrupted time-series regression.

Results
In a population with a mean BMI of 30 kg/m2, diabetes mellitus in 17·5 per cent, and smoking history in 49·3 per cent, SSI rates declined from 11·0 to 4·1 per cent following implementation of the intervention bundle (P = 0·001). The greatest reductions in SSI rates occurred in patients at intermediate or high risk of SSI: from 10·3 to 4·7 per cent (P = 0·006) and from 19 to 2 per cent (P &lt; 0·001) respectively. Wound care modifications were very different in the implementation phase (43·2 versus 24·9 per cent baseline), including use of an overlying surface vacuum dressing (17·2 from 1·4 per cent baseline) or leaving wounds partially open (13·2 from 6·7 per cent baseline). As a result, the biggest difference was in wound-related rather than organ-space SSI. The median length of hospital stay decreased from 7 (i.q.r. 5–10) to 6 (5–9) days (P = 0·002). The greatest reduction in hospital stay was seen in patients at high risk of SSI: from 8 to 6 days (P &lt; 0·001). SSI rates remained low (4·5 per cent) in the sustainability phase.

Conclusion
Meaningful reductions in SSI can be achieved by implementing a multidisciplinary care bundle at a hospital-wide level.
Aggravated intestinal apoptosis by ClC‐3 deletion is lethal to mice endotoxemia
Authors: Huang Lin‐Yan , Li Yu‐Jie , Li Peng‐Peng , Li Hong‐Chun , Ma Ping 
Published: July 2018

AbstractOur previous study found that ClC‐3 chloride channel functioned differently in the vascular and intestinal inflammation, the loss of ClC‐3 reduced vascular inflammation but exacerbated intestinal inflammation. To furtherly clarify the role of ClC‐3 chloride channels in systemic inflammation, we used LPS‐induced endotoxemia model to investigate the response of wild‐type and ClC‐3 knockout mice to systemic inflammation. The results showed that in the LPS‐induced endotoxemia model, the mortality of mice with ClC‐3 deletion was significantly higher than that of wild‐type mice. The liver and lung inflammations in mice with ClC‐3 deletion were significantly less than those in wild‐type mice, and the levels of TNF‐α and MIP‐2 in serum were lower than those of wild‐type mice. However, intestinal inflammatory cytokines contents and intestinal permeability were higher than wild‐type mice. After transfection of THP‐1 cells with ClC‐3 siRNA, the contents of TNF‐α and IL‐8 in LPS‐induced cell supernatants were significantly decreased. Further experiments revealed that the level of Bax and Cleaved Caspase 3 in intestinal tissue of mice with ClC‐3 deletion was significantly increased, while the level of Bcl2 did not change, which indicated that the intestinal apoptosis was increased after LPS‐induced mice intestinal integrity destruction. Therefore, the regulation of intestinal tissue integrity by ClC‐3 is crucial for maintaining LPS‐induced survival in mice with endotoxemia.
Environmental management decisions in CSR‐based accounting research
Authors: Johnstone Leanne 
Published: July 2018

AbstractThis commentary presents conceptualizations of corporate social responsibility (CSR) in the realm of environmental accounting. By asking what the main theoretical perspectives are within CSR‐based environmental accounting research, and how these have been used, it finds that there have been three clear theoretical waves. These are based on legitimacy, stakeholder and institutional theories, which evidently build upon one another as CSR1 (responsibility), CSR2 (responsiveness) and CSR3 (proactiveness) respectively. Nevertheless, such perspectives are weak, as they remain at the strategic level and do not confront the operational levels of management accounting and control. Thus, structuration theory is proposed as the fourth wave of CSR‐based research by emphasizing that CSR does not rest with either the organizations as agents or the institutions as social structures, but is the product of the two. This informs managers by illustrating that environmental accounting decisions are shaped not only by the external environment, but also from within.
Low frequency electrical muscle stimulation and endothelial function in advanced heart failure patients
Authors: Ennis Stuart , McGregor Gordon , Shave Robert , McDonnell Barry , Thompson Andrew , Banerjee Prithwish , Jones Helen 
Published: July 2018

AbstractAimObtain initial estimates of the change in brachial artery endothelial function and maximal oxygen uptake (VO2peak) with 8 weeks of low‐frequency electrical muscle stimulation (LF‐EMS) or sham in patients with advanced chronic heart failure.Methods and resultsUsing a double blind, randomized design, 35 patients with chronic heart failure (New York Heart Association class III–IV) were assigned to 8 weeks (5 × 60 min per week) of either LF‐EMS (4 Hz, continuous) or sham (skin level stimulation only) of the quadriceps and hamstrings muscles. Four of the five sessions were at home and one under supervision. Ultrasound images of resting brachial artery diameter and post 5 min occlusion to determine flow‐mediated dilation (FMD), a marker of vascular function and peak oxygen uptake (VO2peak) during cardiopulmonary exercise test, were measured before and after LF‐EMS (n = 20) and sham (n = 15) interventions. FMD improved by 2.56% (95% confidence interval: 0.69 to 3.80) with LF‐EMS compared with sham (P = 0.07). There were no notable changes in VO2peak.ConclusionsImprovements in FMD with LF‐EMS may have a clinically meaningful effect as higher FMD is associated with better prognosis. This is a preliminary finding, and a larger trial is warranted.
Thermal Degradation Analysis of Sealed Perovskite Solar Cell with Porous Carbon Electrode at 100 °C for 7000 h
Authors: Baranwal Ajay K. , Kanda Hiroyuki , Shibayama Naoyuki , Masutani Hideaki , Peiris T. A. Nirmal , Kanaya Shusaku , Segawa Hiroshi , Miyasaka Tsutomu , Ito Seigo 
Published: July 2018

AbstractOrganic‐inorganic CH3NH3PbI3‐based perovskite solar cells have received significant research interest; however, thermal stability issue still remains. Carbon‐based triple‐porous‐layer perovskite solar cells without any hole transporting material were selected in order to investigate the internal degradation process by thermal stresses. The sealed perovskite solar cells at 100 °C showed stable performance in the power conversion efficiency up to 4500 h, but the degradation was accelerated after that. By analyzing the perovskite solar cells aged for 7000 h at 100 °C, the results of energy dispersive X‐ray spectroscopy and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy suggest that, although Pb, I, and N were sealed inside of the devices, a plenty amount of CH3NH3+ deactivated in the sealant UV‐curable adhesive at 100 °C, which is the reason of the thermal degradation for the sealed perovskite solar cells.
Taking Time to Incubate: The Moderating Role of ‘What You Do’ and ‘When You Do It’ on Creative Performance
Authors: Madjar Nora , Shalley Christina E. , Herndon Benjamin 
Published: July 2018

AbstractWe explore how the choices available to individuals planning multi‐task work can facilitate the incubation of ideas and enhance creative performance. Using opportunistic assimilation theory, we hypothesize that two considerations can determine the effectiveness of incubation and creative performance. First, we argue that having the discretion to switch tasks when needed, as well as the timing of this discretionary switch between tasks (i.e., earlier versus later in the work process on the main task) is important. Second, the scope of the intervening task (i.e., in the same knowledge domain as the main task versus in a different domain) can lead to more effective incubation and creativity. Results of a laboratory study indicate that participants who made a discretionary switch to an intervening task later in their work process on the main task benefited significantly more in terms of creative performance than those who chose to switch earlier in their work process or chose not to switch tasks. Additionally, participants who worked on an in‐domain intervening task exhibited significantly higher creativity on the main task than those who worked on an out‐of‐domain intervening task. Furthermore, focus of attention on the main task partially mediated these results.
Encapsulation of Piper aduncum and Piper hispidinervum essential oils in gelatin nanoparticles: a possible sustainable control tool of Aedes aegypti, Tetranychus urticae and Cerataphis lataniae
Authors: Silva Laiane S , Mar Josiana M , Azevedo Sidney G , Rabelo Maxwaldo S , Bezerra Jaqueline A , Campelo Pedro H , Machado Marcos B , Trovati Graziella , dos Santos Amanda L , da Fonseca Filho Henrique D , de Souza Tatiane P , Sanches Edgar A 
Published: July 2018

AbstractBACKGROUNDThe encapsulated essential oils (EOs) of Piper aduncum L. and Piper hispidinervum C. DC. in gelatin nanoparticles were evaluated against Aedes aegypti Linn., Tetranychus urticae Koch and Cerataphis lataniae Boisd.RESULTSEncapsulation efficiency of the EOs was measured for absolute concentrations of 500 µg mL−1 (79.2 and 72.7%) and 1000 µg mL−1 (84.5 and 82.2%). The loaded nanoparticles were nearly spherical and well dispersed. The nanoparticles loaded with P. hispidinervum EO had an average size of 100 ± 2 nm, while the nanoparticles containing P. aduncum EO ranged from 175 ± 4 to 220 ± 4 nm. According to zeta potential analysis, the nanoparticles loaded with P. hispidinervum and P. aduncum EOs presented values around −43.5 ± 3 and −37.5 ± 2 mV respectively. The controlled release of EOs was described by the anomalous mechanism of Korsmeyer–Peppas. Both encapsulated EOs reached lethal dosages within 24 h of exposure and total mortality of the tested pests.CONCLUSIONThe present work successfully developed gelatin‐based nanoparticles that served as carriers for the EOs of P. aduncum and P. hispidinervum to be applied as a sustainable control tool of A. aegypti, T. urticae and C. lataniae. The developed loaded nanoparticles presented high encapsulation efficiency and EO concentration release higher than lethal dosages. This indicates that it is feasible to use gelatin‐based nanoparticles loaded with P. aduncum and P. hispidinervum EOs to control the tested pests. © 2018 Society of Chemical Industry
Managing soil functions for a sustainable bioeconomy—Assessment framework and state of the art
Authors: Helming Katharina , Daedlow Katrin , Paul Carsten , Techen Anja‐Kristina , Bartke Stephan , Bartkowski Bartosz , Kaiser David , Wollschläger Ute , Vogel Hans‐Jörg 
Published: July 2018

AbstractBioeconomy strategies have been adopted in many countries around the world. Their sustainable implementation requires a management of soils that maintains soil functions and avoids land degradation. Only then, ecosystem services can be maintained and resources used efficiently. We present an analytical framework for impact assessment that links policy and technology driving forces for soil management decisions to soil processes, soil functional changes, and their impacts on ecosystem services and resource use efficiency, both being targets that have been set by society and are anchored in bioeconomy policy strategies and sustainable development goals. Although the resource use efficiency concept has a long‐term tradition, most studies of agricultural management do not address the role of soils in their efficiency assessment. The concept of ecosystem services has received increasing attention over the last years; however, its link to soil functions and soil management practices is still not well established. This study is the first to conceptually link the socioeconomic processes of external drivers for soil management with the natural processes of soil functions and connect them back to impacts on the social system. Application of the framework helps strengthen the science‐policy interface and to systemically assess and compare the opportunities and threats of soil management practices from the perspective of goals set by society at different spatial and temporal scales. Insights gained in this way can be applied in stakeholder decision‐making processes and used to inform the design of governance instruments aimed at sustainable soil management within a bioeconomy.