bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Microscale heat transfer and thermal extinction of a wire-grid polarizer
Authors: Im Seongmin , Sim Eunji , Kim Donghyun 
Published: October 2018

AbstractWe explore heat transfer and thermal characteristics of a wire-grid polarizer (WGP) on a microscale by investigating the effect of various geometrical parameters such as wire-grid period, height, and a fill factor. The thermal properties arise from heat transfer by light absorption and conduction in wire-grids. Fill factor was found to be the most dominant geometrical parameter. For TM polarized light, a higher fill factor with thicker wire-grids increased the temperature. The local temperature was found to rise up to Tmax = 354.5 K. TE polarization tended to produce lower temperature. Thermal extinction due to polarimetric extinction by a WGP was also evaluated and highest extinction was observed to be 4.78 dB, which represents a temperature difference ΔT = 54.3 °C. We expect the results to be useful for WGPs in polarization-sensitive thermal switching applications.
Applications of the new ESPEN definition of malnutrition and SARC-F in Chinese nursing home residents
Authors: Yang Ming , Huang Zhaojing , Chen Jing , Jiang Jiaojiao , Zuo Yun , Hao Qiukui 
Published: October 2018

AbstractWe aimed to compare the predictive capacity of malnutrition, sarcopenia, and malnutrition combined with sarcopenia for mortality in nursing home residents. We conducted a prospective study in four nursing homes in China. Nutrition status and sarcopenia were measured according to the new European Society of Clinical Nutrition and Metabolism (ESPEN) definition and SARC-F, respectively. The study population was divided into four groups: malnutrition with sarcopenia (MN+/SA+), malnutrition without sarcopenia (MN+/SA−), sarcopenia without malnutrition (MN−/SA+), and normal nutrition without sarcopenia (MN−/SA−). The participants were followed up for 12 months. We included 329 participants. Thirty-eight participants (11.6%) had MN+/SA+, 38 participants (11.6%) had MN+/SA−, and 93 participants (28.3%) had MN−/SA+. The 1-year mortality was 18.3%, 21.5%, 18.4%, and 47.4% in the MN−/SA−, MN−/SA+, MN+/SA−, and MN+/SA+ groups, respectively. Compared to participants with MN−/SA−, participants with MN+/SA+ were at a significantly higher risk of mortality (adjusted hazard ratio [HR]: 3.19, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.71–5.95); however, MN−/SA+ (adjusted HR: 1.24, 95% CI 0.69–2.22) and MN+/SA− (adjusted HR: 0.95, 95% CI 0.41–2.19) were not predictors of mortality. In conclusion, the coexistence of malnutrition and sarcopenia is a significant predictor of mortality in a study population of Chinese nursing home residents.
Beauvericin inhibits melanogenesis by regulating cAMP/PKA/CREB and LXR-α/p38 MAPK–mediated pathways
Authors: Lee Seung Eun , Park See-Hyoung , Oh Sae Woong , Yoo Ju Ah , Kwon Kitae , Park Se Jung , Kim Jangsoon , Lee Hak Sung , Cho Jae Youl , Lee Jongsung 
Published: October 2018

AbstractMelanogenesis is the process of production of melanin pigments that are responsible for the colors of skin, eye, and hair and provide protection from ultraviolet radiation. However, excessive levels of melanin formation cause hyperpigmentation disorders such as freckles, melasma, and age spots. Liver X receptors (LXR) are nuclear oxysterol receptors belonging to the family of ligand-activated transcription factors and physiological regulators of lipid and cholesterol metabolism. In the skin, activation of LXRs stimulates differentiation of keratinocytes and augments lipid synthesis in sebocytes. However, the function of LXRs in melanogenesis has not been clearly elucidated. In addition, although beauvericin, a well-known mycotoxin primarily isolated from several fungi, has various biological properties, its involvement in melanogenesis has not been reported. Therefore, in this study, we examined the effects of beauvericin on melanogenesis and its molecular mechanisms. Beauvericin decreased melanin content and tyrosinase activity without any cytotoxicity. Beauvericin also reduced protein levels of MITF, tyrosinase, TRP1, and TRP2. In addition, beauvericin suppressed cAMP-PKA-CREB signaling and upregulated expression of LXR-α, resulting in the suppression of p38 MAPK. Our results indicate that beauvericin attenuates melanogenesis by regulating both cAMP/PKA/CREB and LXR-α/p38 MAPK pathways, consequently leading to a reduction of melanin levels.
Identification of novel acetylcholinesterase inhibitors designed by pharmacophore-based virtual screening, molecular docking and bioassay
Authors: Jang Cheongyun , Yadav Dharmendra K. , Subedi Lalita , Venkatesan Ramu , Venkanna Arramshetti , Afzal Sualiha , Lee Eunhee , Yoo Jaewook , Ji Eunhee , Kim Sun Yeou , Kim Mi-hyun 
Published: October 2018

AbstractIn this study, pharmacophore based 3D QSAR models for human acetylcholinesterase (AChE) inhibitors were generated, with good significance, statistical values (r2training = 0.73) and predictability (q2training = 0.67). It was further validated by three methods (Fischer’s test, decoy set and Güner-Henry scoring method) to show that the models can be used to predict the biological activities of compounds without costly and time-consuming synthesis. The criteria for virtual screening were also validated by testing the selective AChE inhibitors. Virtual screening experiments and subsequentin vitroevaluation of promising hits revealed a novel and selective AChE inhibitor. Thus, the findings reported herein may provide a new strategy for the discovery of selective AChE inhibitors. The IC50value of compounds5cand6apresented selective inhibition of AChE without inhibiting butyrylcholinesterase (BChE) at uM level. Molecular docking studies were performed to explain the potent AChE inhibition of the target compounds studies to explain high affinity.
Clinical usefulness of C-reactive protein to albumin ratio in predicting 30-day mortality in critically ill patients: A retrospective analysis
Authors: Oh Tak Kyu , Song In-Ae , Lee Jae Ho 
Published: October 2018

AbstractThis study aimed to examine the prognostic value of C-reactive protein (CRP)/albumin (ALB) ratio among patients who were admitted to the intensive care unit (ICU) in predicting 30-day mortality rate. This retrospective cohort study was conducted by examining the medical records of adult patients who were admitted to the ICU at Seoul National University Bundang Hospital between 1 January 2012 and 31 December 2016. Data from 6,972 individuals were included in the final analysis, and 547 of these individuals (7.1%) died within 30 days after their ICU admission. The multivariable Cox regression analysis revealed that an increase of 1 for the CRP/ALB ratio was associated with an 11% increase in the risk of 30-day mortality (hazard ratio: 1.11, 95% confidence interval: 1.09–1.14, P < 0.001). However, the area under curve of CRP/ALB ratio in receiver operating characteristic analysis was lower than that of Acute Physiologic Assessment and Chronic Health Evaluation (APACHE) II, Charlson comorbidity index, or serum albumin alone. Although an elevated CRP/ALB ratio on ICU admission was an independent risk factor for 30-day mortality rate, the predictive power of CRP/ALB ratio was lower than that of albumin alone, APACHE II, and Charlson comorbidity index.
Baseline resistance-guided therapy does not enhance the response to interferon-free treatment of HCV infection in real life
Authors: Real Luis M. , Macías Juan , Pérez Ana B. , Merino Dolores , Granados Rafael , Morano Luis , Delgado Marcial , Ríos María J. , Galera Carlos , Deltoro Miguel G. , Merchante Nicolás , García Federico , Pineda Juan A. 
Published: October 2018

AbstractHepatitis C virus (HCV) response to direct-acting antivirals (DAAs) may be influenced by the presence of resistance-associated substitutions (RASs). This study aimed to assess if NS5A baseline RAS-guided treatment enhances the rate of sustained viral response (SVR) in naïve HCV-infected patients in clinical practice. All HCV-infected patients who initiated treatment with interferon (IFN)-free DAA-based regimens between March 2016 and May 2017 in 17 Spanish hospitals and who had evaluable SVR 12 weeks (SVR12) after the end of therapy were included. Patients had to be DAA naïve, with the exception of sofosbuvir with/without IFN. In one hospital, participants received therapy guided by the presence of NS5A-RASs (RGT population). Patients enrolled in the remaining hospitals, without baseline RASs testing, constituted the control population. A total of 120 and 512 patients were included in the RGT and control populations, respectively. Nine (7.5%) individuals in the RGT population showed baseline NS5A-RASs. All of them achieved SVR12. The SVR12 rate in the RGT population was 97.2% (three relapses) whereas it was 98.8% (six relapses) in the control population (p = 0.382). Our findings suggest that testing for baseline NS5A-RASs in naïve HCV-infected patients does not enhance the rate of SVR to DAA-based IFN-free therapy in clinical practice.
Biomechanical Evaluation of Wasp and Honeybee Stingers
Authors: Das Rakesh , Yadav Ram Naresh , Sihota Praveer , Uniyal Piyush , Kumar Navin , Bhushan Bharat 
Published: October 2018

AbstractIn order to design a painless and mechanically durable micro syringe-needle system for biomedical applications, the study of insect stingers is of interest because of their elegant structures and functionalities. In the present work, the structure, mechanical properties and the mechanical behavior during insertion of wasp and honeybee stingers have been investigated. The non-invasive imaging tool, micro-computed tomography has been employed to reveal the 3D-structures of wasp and honeybee stingers. A quasi-static nanoindentation instrument was used to measure the nanomechanical properties. Both wasp and honeybee stingers have graded mechanical properties, decreasing along their longitudinal direction starting from the base. The computed tomography images and the measured material properties from nanoindentation were fed into a computational framework to determine the mechanical behavior of the stingers during penetration. The computation results predicted the penetration angle of +10° for the wasp stinger and −6° for the honeybee stinger, which mimics the practical insertion mechanism of both stingers. Based on this understanding, a wasp and honeybee stringer inspired micro syringe-needle design has also been proposed.
Multiple uncertainties require a change of conservation practices for saproxylic beetles in managed temperate forests
Authors: Augustynczik Andrey L. D. , Yousefpour Rasoul , Hanewinkel Marc 
Published: October 2018

AbstractIn Europe, intensive forest management has severely compromised the habitat of forest insects, especially saproxylic beetles, due to the removal of deadwood and veteran trees. The loss of insect diversity may disrupt ecosystem functioning and affect the provision of important ecosystem goods and services in the future. Here we propose a novel approach for the implementation of conservation policies, by optimally allocating forest reserves and deadwood islands under multiple sources of uncertainty and minimizing economic risk. We use the saproxylic beetleLucanus cervusas umbrella species, requiring that deadwood islands were spaced within its dispersal capacity. We show that current management and conservation practices are increasingly inefficient under changing environmental conditions and that the consideration of uncertainty requires a major expansion of conservation areas. Moreover, our results indicate that a strong diversification of management regimes, with a focus on selection forest systems, is required to reduce economic risk of forest management. We conclude that the integration of uncertainty into conservation planning may reduce the trade-off between production and conservation objectives in forest landscapes and is key to increase the efficiency of forest management in the future.
Attenuation of hypertension by C-fiber stimulation of the human median nerve and the concept-based novel device
Authors: Bang Se Kyun , Ryu Yeonhee , Chang Suchan , Im Chae Kwang , Bae Jong Han , Gwak Young Seob , Yang Chae Ha , Kim Hee Young 
Published: October 2018

AbstractHigh blood pressure (BP) is a highly controllable risk factor for cardiovascular diseases; however, awareness of this condition and the rates of controlled hypertension are low. Experimental animal studies have shown that stimulation of the median nerve or PC6 acupoint over the wrist has effects on cardiovascular activities, including reductions in systolic and diastolic BPs. A proof-of-concept study was conducted in humans to investigate whether stimulation of median nerve near PC6 acupoint decreased high BP, identify the optimal stimulation parameters for the BP-lowering effects of median nerve stimulation, and determine the specific peripheral nerves or types of afferent fibers mediating the BP-lowering effects. Median nerve stimulation was carried out bilaterally or unilaterally with different stimulation parameters, and the BP and heart rate were monitored. The afferent mechanisms underlying the effects of median nerve stimulation on hypertension were investigated via microneurography, A-fiber blocking experiments, and localized chemical or electrical stimulation. Bilateral median nerve stimulation at either low or high frequencies produced profound but transient reductions in systolic BP, which were elicited when median nerve stimulation was unilaterally applied at interelectrode distances of 2 and 4 cm. Systolic BP was also reduced by electrical stimulation of the thumb on the palm side. Although microneurographic recordings revealed the excitation of both A- and C-fibers following median nerve stimulation, the median nerve-mediated reductions in BP were not affected by A-fiber blockade, and they were mimicked by the activation of C-fibers with capsaicin. The present results indicate that activation of C-fibers in the median nerve generates BP-lowering effects in humans. Based on our clinical study, an optimized median nerve stimulator was built and combined with a wrist BP monitor for simultaneous BP measurements and median nerve stimulation.
The potential roles of circRNAs in osteoarthritis: a coming journey to find a treasure
Authors: Li Hui-Zi , Lin Zhong , Xu Xiang-He , Lin Nan , Lu Hua-Ding 
Published: October 2018

Osteoarthritis (OA), a common joint disease in elderly, causes serious social and economic burdens worldwide. Previous studies indicated that some differentially expressed circular RNAs (circRNAs) participated in the initiation and progression of OA. These findings suggested that circRNAs may act as promising diagnostic biomarkers and therapeutic targets for OA. In this review, we summarize the biogenesis and biological functions of circRNAs and explore the underlying roles of circRNAs in OA, which may enlighten further studies and contribute to the early diagnosis and intervention of OA.
Perception and reduction of Wi‐Fi interference on NavIC signals
Authors: Jagiwala Darshna D. , Shah Shweta N. 
Published: October 2018

The NAVigation with Indian Constellation (NavIC) system contributes navigation solution all time during all weather conditions, anywhere within India and a region extending about 1500 km around India. The dual‐band NavIC system uses the L5 and S bands for navigation. The existence of real‐time Wi‐Fi signal generates out of band radio frequency interference (RFI) to the S‐band signal of NavIC. This interference has been perceived at particular frequencies of the S‐band signal of NavIC and the reduction algorithm is proposed for this kind of interference which is based on wavelet packet decomposition. The exact spectral location of the RFI is identified and only affected interfered wavelet coefficients are processed to achieve interference reduction. The results have proven a significant amount of reduction of Wi‐Fi interference in the S‐band signal.
SEDIGISM: the kinematics of ATLASGAL filaments
Authors: Mattern M. , Kauffmann J. , Csengeri T. , Urquhart J. S. , Leurini S. , Wyrowski F. , Giannetti A. , Barnes P. J. , Beuther H. , Bronfman L. , Duarte-Cabral A. , Henning T. , Kainulainen J. , Menten K. M. , Schisano E. , Schuller F. 
Published: October 2018

Analyzing the kinematics of filamentary molecular clouds is a crucial step toward understanding their role in the star formation process. Therefore, we study the kinematics of 283 filament candidates in the inner Galaxy, that were previously identified in the ATLASGAL dust continuum data. The 13CO(2 – 1) and C18O(2 – 1) data of the SEDIGISM survey (Structure, Excitation, and Dynamics of the Inner Galactic Inter Stellar Medium) allows us to analyze the kinematics of these targets and to determine their physical properties at a resolution of 30′′ and 0.25 km s−1. To do so, we developed an automated algorithm to identify all velocity components along the line-of-sight correlated with the ATLASGAL dust emission, and derive size, mass, and kinematic properties for all velocity components. We find two-third of the filament candidates are coherent structures in position-position-velocity space. The remaining candidates appear to be the result of a superposition of two or three filamentary structures along the line-of-sight. At the resolution of the data, on average the filaments are in agreement with Plummer-like radial density profiles with a power-law exponent of p ≈ 1.5 ± 0.5, indicating that they are typically embedded in a molecular cloud and do not have a well-defined outer radius. Also, we find a correlation between the observed mass per unit length and the velocity dispersion of the filament of m ∝ σv2. We show that this relation can be explained by a virial balance between self-gravity and pressure. Another possible explanation could be radial collapse of the filament, where we can exclude infall motions close to the free-fall velocity.
α-Glucosidase Inhibitory and Anti-Inflammatory Coumestans from the Roots of Dolichos trilobus
Authors: Jiang Meng-Yuan , Luo Ming , Tian Kai , Li Yan-Hong , Sun Jing-Xian , Lu Ya , Pu Xiao-Yun , Huang Xiang-Zhong 
Published: October 2018

AbstractFour new coumestans dolichosins A – D (1–4) were isolated from the roots of Dolichos trilobus, together with four known compounds: isosojagol (5), phaseol (6), psoralidin (7), and 4″,5″-dehydroisopsoralidin (8). Their structures were elucidated on the basis of spectroscopic data interpretation, mass spectrometric analyses, and the comparison with literature data of related compounds. The anti-inflammatory activity of these compounds (1–8) was evaluated through the inhibition of nitric oxide production in lipopolysaccharide-activated murine macrophage RAW 264.7 cells, in which compounds 1 and 6 displayed moderate inhibitory activity and no cytotoxic effects. In a α-glucosidase inhibitory assay, compounds 1 and 5–8 exhibited appreciable inhibition on α-glucosidase. Especially compounds 1, 7, and 8 showed IC50 values lower than 20.0 µM.
Effect of Potentilla Fulgens L. on Selected Enzyme Activities and Altered Tissue Morphology in Diabetic Mice
Authors: Majaw Suktilang , Challam Sooni , Syiem Donkupar 
Published: October 2018

Introduction The objective of the present study was to investigate the in vitro inhibitory effect of the Potentilla fulgens extract on amylase, α- and β-glucosidase, and lipase, as well as its effect on the ultrastructure of the liver, of the kidneys, and of the eye tissues in alloxan-induced diabetic mice. The present study was designed to get further insight regarding the action of P. fulgens from what has been previously known and reported about this plant.
Materials and Methods Roots of P. fulgens were extracted with 10 volumes of aqueous-methanol solution (1:4), and the prepared extract was used for in vitro inhibitory activity on amylase, α-glucosidase, β-glucosidase, and lipase. Afterwards, the plant extract was intraperitoneally administered for alternated days (250 mg/kg body weight) to diabetic mice for 4 weeks, and an ultrastructural examination of the liver, the kidneys and the eye tissues was performed using a transmission electron microscope (JEM-100 CX II, Jeol Ltd., Tokyo Japan).
Results The P. fulgens extract showed inhibitory activity against all the four enzymes (amylase, α- and β-glucosidase, and lipase), with the highest percentage of inhibition (94.57% ± 0.16 at 1 mg/mL) being observed against α-glucosidase when compared with the standard. The ultrastructural studies revealed a distortion in the structure of the nuclei and of the mitochondria in the kidneys and liver tissues of diabetic mice. Distortion of cell shape and disturbed orientation was observed in the eye lens of diabetic mice. The P. fulgens extract reversed/protected/reduced the ultrastructural alteration observed in the tissues (liver, kidney, and eye lens) of diabetic mice.
Conclusion The inhibitory effect of the P. fulgens extract against the aforementioned enzymes and its protective effect on the tissues of diabetic mice against alloxan-induced diabetes add further insight into the antidiabetic properties of this plant.
Anesthesia for Patients with Prior Stroke
Authors: Karnik Hemangi Sanjay , Jain Ruchi Arunkumar 
Published: October 2018

AbstractAn increasing number of patients with a prior history of stroke present for various types of surgeries. They have varying degree of neurological disability and associated co-morbidities, which pose challenges for their perioperative management. There is paucity in literature about their management guidelines for noncardiac, noncarotid surgeries. The available literature suggests higher risk of perioperative stroke, postoperative neurological deficits, and other morbidities. Measures to reduce perioperative risks are discussed in this review. Prior optimization by improving modifiable risk factors, choosing appropriate timing of elective surgery, and careful titration of anesthesia and close monitoring are needed.
Why invisible boundaries matter: imagined institutions and power
Authors: Ray Tim 
Published: October 2018

ABSTRACTThis paper develops an alternative to Erin Meyer’s influential argument that national culture determines how people in a nation behave, thereby creating invisible boundaries that divide nations according to behavioural stereotypes. Whereas Meyer makes the implicit assumption that we could observe national culture and its effect on behaviour as if from a God’s Eye point of view, we might do better to begin with an Insider’s Eye perspective on whom we could trust to do what. If we take too much for granted, we may miss invisible boundaries that matter; which might have happened when the English executive, Michael Woodford, became president and CEO of Japan’s Olympus Corporation, only to find himself fearing for his life after exposing fraud that his Japanese colleagues thought wise to hide. Woodford’s startling story is used here to consider three conceptual questions. First, how might power mediated by what people imagine influence the evolution of institutional ecologies, together with invisible boundaries that divide insiders from outsiders? Second, why should management theorists move from an objective God’s Eye perspective to Insider’s Eye reflections on power mediated by imagined institutions? And third, if we want to avoid falling foul of invisible boundaries, what should we do?