bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Human paths have positive impacts on plant richness and diversity: A meta‐analysis
Authors: Root‐Bernstein Meredith , Svenning Jens‐Christian 
Published: October 2018

AbstractWe assess the impacts of human paths, trails, and roads on plant species richness and Shannon diversity. Most reviews of this topic have not considered community‐level measures and have focused on excessive tourism impacts. We found significant positive effects of paths on plant richness and diversity. The effect size for richness was highest when studies included roads (paved) or trails (unpaved). The effect size found for diversity was highest when studies were in grasslands. We also found experimental designs comparing high levels of path use to low levels of path use, near‐to‐path versus far‐from‐path and path‐presence versus path‐absence comparisons obtained the largest effect sizes. There was no evidence that non‐native species explained most increases in species richness or diversity. The effect sizes of human paths on plant communities are comparable in magnitude to those reported for other mammals’ disturbance and ecosystem engineering activities.
Age‐related water uptake patterns of alpine plantation shrubs in reforestation region of Qinghai–Tibetan Plateau based on stable isotopes
Authors: Wu Huawu , Li Xiao‐Yan , Li Jing , Zhang Cicheng , He Bin , Zhang Siyi , Sun Wei 
Published: October 2018

AbstractSea buckthorn (Hippophae rhamnoides L.) plantations play crucial roles in the prevention of soil erosion and control of desertification on the Qinghai–Tibetan Plateau; however, the limited information on the age‐related water uptake patterns of H. rhamnoides and their relationships with associated grasses species weakens our understanding of how these factors influence the management of H. rhamnoides plantations. Therefore, this study investigated the seasonal variations in water uptake patterns of different‐aged H. rhamnoides and their associated species via stable isotopes and leaf water potential analyses. The model results showed that seedling (Hs) and juvenile (Hj) H. rhamnoides extracted water mainly from shallow and middle soil layers throughout the growing seasons, whereas mature H. rhamnoides (Hm) exhibited high plasticity, shifting water source between shallow soil water and groundwater when the former become less available. By contrast, the associated grasses (Taraxacum mongolicum, Thermopsis lanceolata, and Polygonum sibiricum) mainly absorbed shallow soil water across the whole growing seasons, suggesting that direct competition for shallow soil water occurred between grasses and H. rhamnoides. In addition, the obviously higher δ13C values of Hj with more negative predawn (mean Ψpd, −1.37 MPa) and midday (mean Ψmd, −2.23 MPa) leaf water potential indicated the Hj experienced greater water stress relative to Hs and Hm. These results provide new understanding of the seasonal water use strategies of different‐aged H. rhamnoides, which will be important for the successful management of plantations in this region.
Fermentation and germination improve nutritional value of cereals and legumes through activation of endogenous enzymes
Authors: Nkhata Smith G. , Ayua Emmanuel , Kamau Elijah H. , Shingiro Jean‐Bosco 
Published: October 2018

AbstractCereals and legumes are outstanding sources of macronutrients, micronutrients, phytochemicals, as well as antinutritional factors. These components present a complex system enabling interactions with different components within food matrices. The interactions result in insoluble complexes with reduced bioaccessibility of nutrients through binding and entrapment thereby limiting their release from food matrices. The interactions of nutrients with antinutritional factors are the main factor hindering nutrients release. Trypsin inhibitors and phytates inherent in cereals and legumes reduce protein digestibility and mineral release, respectively. Interaction of phytates and phenolic compounds with minerals is significant in cereals and legumes. Fermentation and germination are commonly used to disrupt these interactions and make nutrients and phytochemicals free and accessible to digestive enzymes. This paper presents a review on traditional fermentation and germination processes as a means to address myriad interactions through activation of endogenous enzymes such as α‐amylase, pullulanase, phytase, and other glucosidases. These enzymes degrade antinutritional factors and break down complex macronutrients to their simple and more digestible forms.
Finance and the multinational company: Building bridges between finance and global strategy research
Authors: Puck Jonas , Filatotchev Igor 
Published: October 2018

Research SummaryThis paper argues for, and contributes to, a stronger integration of research on finance and international business/global strategy. We perform bibliometric analysis of journal publications between 2010 and 2016 and show that papers published in the two domains relate to very different underlying literatures which, so far, have had a limited overlap. We further argue based on a qualitative review of the literature that both fields offer substantial novel perspectives, models, and theories to each other that have the potential to enrich our theoretical understanding of relevant research questions in both domains. We map various pathways for further integration of international business/global strategy and finance fields and discuss different ways how to better connect the two fields and their different research perspectives and research methodologies.Managerial SummaryIn this paper we, first, find that publications from the field of finance and from the area of international business/global strategy relate to very different literatures. Second, we show that both fields would indeed offer substantial and relevant novel perspectives to each other. Third, we develop various pathways for a more intense integration of both literatures. Given the relevance of both international business/global strategy and finance perspectives for business practice, we strongly believe that a more intense integration also bears substantial implications for managers. This is as much of the knowledge developed in international business/global strategy and finance did not fully transfer into the respective other field.
Designing for human use: Examples of kitchen interiors for persons with disability and elderly people
Authors: Bonenberg Agata , Branowski Bogdan , Kurczewski Przemysław , Lewandowska Anna , Sydor Maciej , Torzyński Dariusz , Zabłocki Marek 
Published: October 2018

AbstractAround 15% of the global population has a moderate or severe disability. For this reason, a design where the needs of elderly and disabled population are included, should become more common practise and should not be limited only to medical and rehabilitation products. In this study, the inclusive design practices related to the kitchens were applied. All the important stages in a design process, such as market research, planning, concept designing, detailed designing, research (ergonomic assessment), and production preparation were completed. In market research we market research examined the preferences of 216 respondents. Sixty percent of them were either elderly and/or disabled persons (direct users), 40% were caretakers, physiotherapists, and managers of care centres (indirect users). Implementation of obtained results is three kitchen lines with assistive technology solutions, which are the response to the requirements identified as appropriate in meeting the needs of the elderly and disabled kitchen users. The main conclusion of the article is the statement that the needs of seniors can and should be efficiently included in a design process of home interiors. It can be recognised as an important “social” designing criterion which can constitute a good basis for going beyond the traditional design and going toward the sustainable design.
Activation of O2 by Organosilicon Reagents Yields Quantitative Amounts of H2O2 or (Me3Si)2O2 for Efficient O‐Transfer Reactions
Authors: Yamamoto Keishi , Tanaka Shinji , Hosoya Hiromu , Tsurugi Hayato , Mashima Kazushi , Copéret Christophe 
Published: October 2018

AbstractMolecular oxygen is kinetically inert and rarely used as a primary oxidant for low temperature selective oxygenation reactions. Here, we show that O2 is converted into H2O2 in almost quantitative yields (98 %) at ambient temperature and atmospheric pressure in the presence of bis(trimethylsilyl)‐1,4‐cyclohexadiene 1. Similarly, the reaction of O2 with dihydro‐bis(trimethylsilyl) viologen 2 and pyrazine 3 yields bis(trimethylsilyl) peroxide (BTSP) in excellent yields (up to 99 %) at low temperature. Both processes demonstrate that readily available organosilicon reagents enable chemistry typically observed with mono‐oxygenase co‐enzymes, such as FADH2 and FMNH2, in biological systems, or at higher pressure via the industrial anthraquinone process. This efficient synthesis of H2O2 and BTSP directly from O2 is particularly attractive for the preparation of the corresponding O‐17 and O‐18 labeled reagents without the need of large excess amounts of O2. These are showcased in O‐atom transfer reactions to various organic or inorganic substrates, in a two‐step one‐pot process, making the rapid and on‐demand synthesis of large libraries of O‐labeled compounds readily possible.
Emission analysis on compression ignition engine fueled with lower concentrations of Pithecellobium dulce biodiesel‐diesel blends
Authors: Sekhar Sriharikota Chandra , Karuppasamy Karuppasamy , Sathyamurthy Ravishankar , Elkelawy Medhat , Bastawissi Hagar Alm El Din , Paramasivan Paulraj , Sathiyamoorthy Karuppiah , Edison Pandian 
Published: October 2018

AbstractThe present study investigates the effect of Pithecellobium dulce biodiesel (PDBD) blends with diesel fuel on compression ignition (CI) engine emissions. Initially, PDBD was prepared by using a base transesteriﬁcation process. The GC‐MS,
1H NMR, and Fourier transform infrared characterization of PDBD was carried out, and fuel properties were determined. The experiments were conducted on a single cylinder, CI engine using three blended fuels: PDBD5 (5% biodiesel and 95% diesel), PDBD10 (10% biodiesel and 90% diesel), and PDBD20 (20% biodiesel and 80% diesel). The experimental outcomes revealed that 20% of PDBD reduces 19.64% carbon monoxide, 17.64% hydrocarbon, and 6.73% oxides of nitrogen emissions. Furthermore, from this study, it was inferred that the PDBD20 blend could be used as an alternative fuel for CI engines with no modiﬁcations in engine design.
Reciprocating liquid‐assisted system for electronic cooling applications
Authors: Soleimanikutanaei Soheil , Almas Majid , Popoola Olubunmi T. , Cao Yiding 
Published: October 2018

AbstractIncreasing the power density and heat dissipation in electronic equipment and their need for an efficient thermal management system have made the liquid cooling techniques inevitable in recent years. In most applications, liquid cooling systems work in conjunction with more traditional cooling methods, such as conduction and convection heat transfer, using air cooling systems. In this study, the performance of Reciprocating Mechanism‐Driven Heat Loop (RMDHL) for electronic and power electronic cooling applications has been studied and compared with that of a conventional Dynamic Pump‐Driven Heat Loop (DPDHL). A numerical model using moving boundaries in Ansys Fluent commercial code has been developed to generate the reciprocating motion of working fluid with desired frequency and amplitude. The temperature distribution contours and Nusselt numbers show the superior performance of the RMDHL system in terms of heat transfer and temperature uniformity of the heated surface. The results show that, for the same average mass flow rate in the cooling loops the average surface temperature in the RMDHL loop is considerably lower than that of DPDHL especially at higher reciprocating frequency. The results also indicate that similar to the effect of the oscillatory frequency, increasing the amplitude also increases the heat transfer rate in the RMDHL loop. In addition, the Nusselt number shows a linear increment with the increase of both oscillatory amplitude and frequency. Uniform temperature distribution and efficiency of thermal management systems based on RMDHL loop could decrease the resultant thermal stress in electronic devices and increase the reliability of them.
Role of reciprocal interaction between autophagy and endoplasmic reticulum stress in apoptosis of human bronchial epithelial cells induced by cigarette smoke extract
Authors: He Baimei , Chen Qiong , Zhou Dongbo , Wang Lijing , Liu Zhaoqian 
Published: October 2018

AbstractEndoplasmic reticulum stress (ERS)‐induced apoptosis of airway epithelial cells plays an important role in the pathogenesis of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Furthermore, autophagy is closely related to ERS under apoptosis. Here, this study aimed to investigate the role of the reciprocal interaction between autophagy and ERS in the cigarette smoke extract (CSE)‐induced apoptosis of human bronchial epithelial (HBE) cells. Cell apoptosis was detected by flow cytometry analysis. Protein expression was examined by Western blot. The mRNA expression was detected using real‐time quantitative reverse transcription PCR (qRT‐PCR). The results showed that CSE treatment induced apoptosis, autophagy, and expression of ERS‐related proteins in HBE cells. Furthermore, autophagy inhibition by 3‐MA significantly decreased protein expression of GRP78, p‐PERK, and p‐eIF2α and increased CHOP, ATF4, and caspase‐4, whereas ERS inhibition by 4‐PBA led to autophagy suppression. Moreover, the CSE‐induced autophagy was diminished by knockdown of GRP78, PERK, or eIF2α but enhanced by knockdown of ATF4 or CHOP; however, the CSE‐induced HBE apoptosis was enhanced by knockdown of GRP78, PERK, or eIF2α but was attenuated by knockdown of ATF4 or CHOP. Additionally, both sodium hydrosulfide (NaHS) and melatonin attenuated the CSE‐induced apoptosis, enhanced the CSE‐induced autophagy, increased GRP78, p‐PERK, and p‐eIF2α, and decreased CHOP, ATF4, and caspase‐4, via SIRT1/ORP150 pathway. Collectively, this study provided evidence about the role of the reciprocal interaction between autophagy and ERS in CSE‐induced apoptosis of HBE cells. © 2018 IUBMB Life, 71(1):66–80, 2019
Retinal imaging with optical coherence tomography and low‐loss adaptive optics using a 2.8‐mm beam size
Authors: Maddipatla Reddikumar , Cervantes Joel , Otani Yukitoshi , Cense Barry 
Published: October 2018

As data acquisition for retinal imaging with optical coherence tomography (OCT) becomes faster, efficient collection of photons becomes more important to maintain image quality. One approach is to use a larger aperture at the eye's pupil to collect more photons that have been reflected from the retina. A 2.8‐mm beam diameter system with only seven reflecting surfaces was developed for low‐loss retinal imaging. The larger beam size requires defocus and astigmatism correction, which was done in a closed loop adaptive optics method using a Shack‐Hartmann wavefront sensor and a deformable mirror (DM) with 140 actuators and a ±2.75 μm stroke. This DM facilitates defocus correction ranging from approximately −3 D to +3 D. Comparing the new system with a standard 1.2‐mm system on a model eye, a signal‐to‐noise gain of 4.5 dB and a 2.3 times smaller speckle size were measured. Measurements on the retinas of five subjects showed even better results, with increases in dynamic range up to 13 dB. Note that the new sample arm only occupies 30 cm × 60 cm, which makes it highly suitable for imaging in a clinical environment.Figure: B‐scan images obtained over a width of 8 deg from the right eye of a 31‐year‐old Caucasian male. While the left side was imaged with a standard 1.2‐mm OCT system, the right side was imaged with the 2.8‐mm system. Both images were collected with the same integration time and incident power, after correction of aberrations. Using the dynamic range within the images, which is determined by comparing the highest pixel value to the noise floor, a difference in dynamic range of 10.8 dB was measured between the two systems.
Strong Skolem starters
Authors: Ogandzhanyants Oleg , Kondratieva Margarita , Shalaby Nabil 
Published: October 2018

AbstractThis paper concerns a class of combinatorial objects called Skolem starters, and more specifically, strong Skolem starters, which are generated by Skolem sequences. In 1991, Shalaby conjectured that any additive group , where or , admits a strong Skolem starter and constructed these starters of all admissible orders . Only finitely many strong Skolem starters have been known to date. In this paper, we offer a geometrical interpretation of strong Skolem starters and explicitly construct infinite families of them.
Negative Association of Proton Pump Inhibitors With Subsequent Development of Breast Cancer: A Nationwide Population‐Based Study
Authors: Chen Chao‐Hung , Lee Cha‐Ze , Lin Yi‐Chun , Kao Li‐Ting , Lin Herng‐Ching 
Published: October 2018

AbstractAlthough current evidence suggests potential antitumor activity of proton pump inhibitors (PPIs), there is no population‐based evidence of an association between PPI use and subsequent breast cancer risks. We used an observational case‐control study to examine the association between prior PPI use and breast cancer occurrence. Additional analysis examined dose‐response and age‐stratified associations of PPIs with breast cancer. This study used data from the Taiwan National Health Insurance Research Dataset. A total of 64,234 women diagnosed with breast cancer between 2004 and in 2013 were selected as cases. Controls were 64,234 women without cancer who were selected by matching them with cases on the basis of sociodemographic characteristics and widely prevalent comorbidities. Each study subject's claims data were tracked back for 5 years to determine precancer prescriptions of PPIs. Logistic regression modeling was used for the analysis. A total of 11,871 (9.24%) women had used PPIs within the prior 5 years, 8.06% and 10.42% among cases and controls, respectively. Breast cancer patients were 25% less likely to have had prior PPI exposure after adjustment for comorbidities that predispose to PPI exposure (95%CI 0.72‐0.78) in the risk of breast cancer occurrence. A dose‐response effect was also detected, with the highest effect, 35% lower PPI odds (95%CI 0.61‐0.70) among patients in the highest exposure category. Our findings may suggest that women at a higher‐than‐average risk of breast cancer may benefit from PPI prescriptions if they have medical conditions that could benefit from PPIs.
Characteristics, management, and outcomes of congenital biliary dilatation in neonates and early infants: a 20‐year, single‐institution study
Authors: Urushihara Naoto , Fukumoto Koji , Yamoto Masaya , Miyake Hiromu , Takahashi Toshiaki , Nomura Akiyoshi , Sekioka Akinori , Yamada Yutaka , Nakaya Kengo 
Published: October 2018

AbstractBackgroundThe aim of the present study was to investigate the characteristics, management, and outcomes of congenital biliary dilatation (CBD) in neonates and infants (<1 year old) in a single institution over the past 20 years.MethodsFrom 1997 to 2016, 21 patients <1 year old underwent definitive surgery for CBD. Open surgery (OS) was performed between 1997 and 2008, and laparoscopic surgery (LS) has been performed since 2009.ResultsThe bile duct showed cystic dilatation in all patients. Sixteen (76.2%) of the 21 patients were diagnosed prenatally, and the incidence increased with time (OS 63.6%, LS 90%). Fourteen patients (66.7%) were symptomatic before surgery, with jaundice in 11 (52.4%), acholic stool in seven (33.3%), and vomiting in three (14.3%). There were no significant differences in operation time and blood loss, but the postoperative fasting period and hospital stay were significantly shorter in the LS group (P < 0.05). There were no intraoperative complications, but there was one postoperative early complication in one LS group patient, who had bile leakage and was treated with redo hepaticojejunostomy.ConclusionThe incidences of prenatally diagnosed and asymptomatic patients increased with time. Although longer follow‐up is needed, LS for CBD could be safely performed even in neonates and early infants.
Abbreviated MRI Protocols in Breast Cancer Diagnostics
Authors: Deike‐Hofmann Katerina , Koenig Franziska , Paech Daniel , Dreher Constantin , Delorme Stefan , Schlemmer Heinz‐Peter , Bickelhaupt Sebastian 
Published: October 2018

Oncologic imaging focused on the detection of breast cancer is of increasing importance, with over 1.7 million new cases detected each year worldwide. MRI of the breast has been described to be one of the most sensitive imaging modalities in breast cancer detection; however, clinical use is limited due to high costs. In the past, the objective and clinical routine of oncologic imaging was to provide one extended imaging protocol covering all potential needs and clinical implications regardless of the specific clinical indication or question. Future protocols might be more focused according to a "keep it short and simple" approach, with a reduction of patient magnet time and a limited number of images to review. Rather than replacing conventional full‐diagnostic breast MRI protocols, these approaches aim at introducing a new thinking in oncologic imaging using a diversification of available imaging approaches targeted to the dedicated clinical needs of the individual patient. Here we review current approaches on using abbreviated protocols that aim to increase the clinical availability and use of breast MRI for improved early detection of breast cancer.Level of Evidence: 2Technical Efficacy: Stage 3J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2019;49:647–658.
Modified hook‐wire placement technique for localizing multiple pulmonary nodules
Authors: Kadeer Xiermaimaiti , Wang Long , Zhang Lei , Shi Weirong , Chen Chang 
Published: October 2018

BackgroundThe localization of multiple pulmonary nodules is challenging due to a high incidence of pneumothorax after each needle insertion into lung parenchyma. The aim of the current study is to verify the safety and effectiveness of a modified technique utilizing simultaneous Hookwire placement to localize multiple lesions.MethodsThe proposed method comprises a row of metal wires, perpendicular insertion, simultaneous release of Hookwire, and a lateral position to modify a conventional localizing technique. From January 2015 to August 2016, 23 patients were subjected to the modified technique group (Group A), while 53 patients in the conventional group (Group B). Success rates, procedural parameters, and complications were recorded and analyzed.ResultsCompared with Group B, Group A had higher success rate of lesion (96.7% vs 83.5%, P = 0.009), lower numbers of CT scans (2.91 vs 5.59,
P < 0.001), shorter procedure duration (13.83 minutes vs 22.68 minutes,
P < 0.001), and shorter distance between localizers and lesions (4.88 vs 6.29,
P = 0.006). The incidence of pneumothorax in Group A was lower (21.8% vs 54.7%,
P = 0.008), while lung hemorrhage was not significantly different (
P = 0.735). Lesion number and pneumothorax were risk factors for failure in multiple localizations.ConclusionsThe modified Hookwire placement technique was feasible and successful, which was associated with fewer computed tomography scans, shorter procedure duration, and a lower incidence of pneumothorax.