bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Complex-angle analysis of electromagnetic waves on interfaces
Authors: Oue Daigo 
Published: May 2019

Abstract
Electromagnetic wave is reflected and refracted at interfaces, satisfying Fresnel-Snell law which is required by conservations of energy and momentum. If the incident angle is lower than the critical angle, we can use this Fresnel-Snell law, but the Fresnel-Snell law is modified in the case of existence of dissipation (ñ = n + ik,k > 0) or in the condition of total internal reflection. In the cases, we have to extend the angle of refraction from real number to complex number (

θ
→

θ
˜

=
θ
+
i
ψ
,
ψ
≠
0

). In this paper, by using complex-angle approach, we analyse the behaviour of electromagnetic waves in various kind of interfaces: dielectric - dielectric system, dissipative dielectric - dielectric system, and metal - dielectric system. We show that iso-frequency curves in wavenumber space is opened in the case where n, k > 0, and closed either when n → 0 or when k → 0 (’Lifshitz transition’ of electromagnetic waves). Excess momentum (wavevector) and anomalous circular polarisation emerging with the transition are also discussed.
Greenness trends and carbon stocks of mangroves across Mexico
Authors: Vázquez-Lule Alma , Colditz Rene , Herrera-Silveira Jorge , Guevara Mario , Rodríguez-Zúñiga María Teresa , Cruz Isabel , Ressl Rainer , Vargas Rodrigo 
Published: May 2019

Abstract
Mangroves cover less than 0.1% of Earth’s surface, store large amounts of carbon per unit area, but are threatened by global environmental change. The capacity of mangroves productivity could be characterized by their canopy greenness, but this property has not been systematically tested across gradients of mangrove forests and national scales. Here, we analyzed time series of Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI), mean air temperature and total precipitation between 2001 and 2015 (14 years) to quantify greenness and climate variability trends for mangroves not directly influenced by land use/land cover change across Mexico. Between 2001 and 2015 persistent mangrove forests covered 432 800 ha, representing 57% of the total current mangrove area for Mexico. We found a temporal greenness increase between 0.003[0.001–0.004] and 0.004[0.002–0.005] yr−1 (NDVI values ± 95%CI) for mangroves located over the Gulf of California and the Pacific Coast, with many mangrove areas dominated by Avicennia germinans. Mangroves developed along the Gulf of Mexico and Caribbean Sea did not show significant greenness trends, but site-specific areas showed significant negative greenness trends. Mangroves with surface water input have above ground carbon stocks (AGC) between 37.7 and 221.9 Mg C ha−1 and soil organic carbon density at 30 cm depth (SOCD) between 92.4 and 127.3 Mg C ha−1. Mangroves with groundwater water input have AGC of 12.7 Mg C ha−1 and SOCD of 219 Mg C ha−1. Greenness and climate variability trends could not explain the spatial variability in carbon stocks for most mangrove forests across Mexico. Site-specific characteristics, including mangrove species dominance could have a major influence on greenness trends. Our findings provide a baseline for national-level monitoring programs, carbon accounting models, and insights for greenness trends that could be tested around the world.
Variation in seed longevity among diverse Indica rice varieties
Authors: Lee Jae-Sung , Velasco-Punzalan Marlina , Pacleb Myrish , Valdez Rocel , Kretzschmar Tobias , McNally Kenneth L , Ismail Abdel M , Cruz Pompe C Sta , Sackville Hamilton N Ruaraidh , Hay Fiona R 
Published: May 2019

Abstract

Background and Aims
Understanding variation in seed longevity, especially within closely related germplasm, will lead to better understanding of the molecular basis of this trait, which is particularly important for seed genebanks, but is also relevant to anyone handling seeds. We therefore set out to determine the relative seed longevity of diverse Indica rice accessions through storage experiments. Since antioxidants are purported to play a role in seed storability, the antioxidant activity and phenolic content of caryopses were determined.

Methods
Seeds of 299 Indica rice accessions harvested at 31, 38 and 45 d after heading (DAH) between March and May 2015 and differing in harvest moisture content (MC) were subsequently stored at 10.9 % MC and 45 °C. Samples were taken at regular intervals and sown for germination. Germination data were subjected to probit analysis and the resulting parameters that describe the loss of viability during storage were used for genome-wide association (GWA) analysis.

Key Results
The seed longevity parameters, Ki [initial viability in normal equivalent deviates (NED)], −σ−1 (σ is the time for viability to fall by 1 NED in experimental storage) and p50 [time for viability to fall to 50 % (0 NED)], varied considerably across the 299 Indica accessions. Seed longevity tended to increase as harvest MC decreased and to decrease as harvest MC increased. Eight major loci associated with seed longevity parameters were identified through GWA analysis. The favourable haplotypes on chromosomes 1, 3, 4, 9 and 11 enhanced p50 by ratios of 0.22–1.86.

Conclusions
This is the first study to describe the extent of variation in σ within a species’ variety group. A priori candidate genes selected based on rice genome annotation and gene network ontology databases suggested that the mechanisms conferring high seed longevity might be related to DNA repair and transcription, sugar metabolism, reactive oxygen species scavenging and embryonic/root development.
Are model organisms representative for climate change research? Testing thermal tolerance in wild and laboratory zebrafish populations
Authors: Morgan Rachael , Sundin Josefin , Finnøen Mette H , Dresler Gunnar , Vendrell Marc Martínez , Dey Arpita , Sarkar Kripan , Jutfelt Fredrik 
Published: May 2019

Abstract
Model organisms can be useful for studying climate change impacts, but it is unclear whether domestication to laboratory conditions has altered their thermal tolerance and therefore how representative of wild populations they are. Zebrafish in the wild live in fluctuating thermal environments that potentially reach harmful temperatures. In the laboratory, zebrafish have gone through four decades of domestication and adaptation to stable optimal temperatures with few thermal extremes. If maintaining thermal tolerance is costly or if genetic traits promoting laboratory fitness at optimal temperature differ from genetic traits for high thermal tolerance, the thermal tolerance of laboratory zebrafish could be hypothesized to be lower than that of wild zebrafish. Furthermore, very little is known about the thermal environment of wild zebrafish and how close to their thermal limits they live. Here, we compared the acute upper thermal tolerance (critical thermal maxima; CTmax) of wild zebrafish measured on-site in West Bengal, India, to zebrafish at three laboratory acclimation/domestication levels: wild-caught, F1 generation wild-caught and domesticated laboratory AB-WT line. We found that in the wild, CTmax increased with increasing site temperature. Yet at the warmest site, zebrafish lived very close to their thermal limit, suggesting that they may currently encounter lethal temperatures. In the laboratory, acclimation temperature appeared to have a stronger effect on CTmax than it did in the wild. The fish in the wild also had a 0.85–1.01°C lower CTmax compared to all laboratory populations. This difference between laboratory-held and wild populations shows that environmental conditions can affect zebrafish’s thermal tolerance. However, there was no difference in CTmax between the laboratory-held populations regardless of the domestication duration. This suggests that thermal tolerance is maintained during domestication and highlights that experiments using domesticated laboratory-reared model species can be appropriate for addressing certain questions on thermal tolerance and global warming impacts.
Cardiovascular and pregnancy outcomes in women with coronary microvascular dysfunction: a case series
Authors: Pacheco Christine , Wei Janet , Minissian Margo , Shufelt Chrisandra L , Kilpatrick Sarah J , Quesada Odayme , Bairey Merz C Noel 
Published: May 2019

Abstract

Background
Coronary microvascular dysfunction (CMD) is associated with adverse cardiovascular outcomes. Coronary microvascular dysfunction is observed in women of childbearing age, however, the frequency of adverse pregnancy outcomes (APO) is unknown.

Case summary
Women previously enrolled in a single centre prospective CMD registry diagnosed using invasive coronary reactivity testing were included. Among 279 women enrolled, 5 of 47 (10.6%) of childbearing age (18–44 years) subsequently became pregnant, representing a fertility rate of 36.8 births per 1000 women-years. None had history of hypertension, diabetes, or smoking. Four (80%) had a history of prior spontaneous miscarriage. Median age at CMD diagnosis was 32 years (IQR: 32–35). During pregnancy, most reported stable or improved angina, while one reported increased angina frequency, an emergency room visit and accelerated anti-anginal therapy. None experienced gestational hypertension, diabetes, pre-eclampsia, myocardial infarction, or death. Two (40%) experienced APO of preterm delivery and small neonate for gestational age. Following pregnancy, angina severity scores, and/or functional capacity decreased in three women (60%).

Discussion
In this first case-series of five women with CMD who became pregnant, increased angina and accelerated care during pregnancy and post-partum was not commonly observed. Fertility rates were lower than the national average, while prior spontaneous miscarriage and subsequent APO were higher. Further studies are warranted to understand and manage pregnancy in women with CMD, as well as the impact of pregnancy on longer term angina, functional capacity, and outcomes.
Pleiotropic effects of laminar flow and statins depend on the Krüppel-like factor-induced lncRNA MANTIS
Authors: Leisegang Matthias S , Bibli Sofia-Iris , Günther Stefan , Pflüger-Müller Beatrice , Oo James A , Höper Cindy , Seredinski Sandra , Yekelchyk Michail , Schmitz-Rixen Thomas , Schürmann Christoph , Hu Jiong , Looso Mario , Sigala Fragiska , Boon Reinier A , Fleming Ingrid , Brandes Ralf P 
Published: May 2019

Abstract

Aims
To assess the functional relevance and therapeutic potential of the pro-angiogenic long non-coding RNA MANTIS in vascular disease development.

Methods and results
RNA sequencing, CRISPR activation, overexpression, and RNAi demonstrated that MANTIS, especially its Alu-element, limits endothelial ICAM-1 expression in different types of endothelial cells. Loss of MANTIS increased endothelial monocyte adhesion in an ICAM-1-dependent manner. MANTIS reduced the binding of the SWI/SNF chromatin remodelling factor BRG1 at the ICAM-1 promoter. The expression of MANTIS was induced by laminar flow and HMG-CoA-reductase inhibitors (statins) through mechanisms involving epigenetic rearrangements and the transcription factors KLF2 and KLF4. Mutation of the KLF binding motifs in the MANTIS promoter blocked the flow-induced MANTIS expression. Importantly, the expression of MANTIS in human carotid artery endarterectomy material was lower compared with healthy vessels and this effect was prevented by statin therapy. Interestingly, the protective effects of statins were mediated in part through MANTIS, which was required to facilitate the atorvastatin-induced changes in endothelial gene expression. Moreover, the beneficial endothelial effects of statins in culture models (spheroid outgrowth, proliferation, telomerase activity, and vascular organ culture) were lost upon knockdown of MANTIS.

Conclusion
MANTIS is tightly regulated by the transcription factors KLF2 and KLF4 and limits the ICAM-1 mediated monocyte adhesion to endothelial cells and thus potentially atherosclerosis development in humans. The beneficial effects of statin treatment and laminar flow are dependent on MANTIS.
Antiaging Therapies, Cognitive Impairment, and Dementia
Authors: Wahl Devin , Anderson Rozalyn M , Le Couteur David G 
Published: May 2019

Abstract
Aging is a powerful risk factor for the development of many chronic diseases including dementia. Research based on disease models of dementia have yet to yield effective treatments, therefore it is opportune to consider whether the aging process itself might be a potential therapeutic target for the treatment and prevention of dementia. Numerous cellular and molecular pathways have been implicated in the aging process and compounds that target these processes are being developed to slow aging and delay the onset of age-associated conditions. A few particularly promising therapeutic agents have been shown to influence many of the main hallmarks of aging and increase life span in rodents. Here we discuss the evidence that some of these antiaging compounds may beneficially affect brain aging and thereby lower the risk for dementia.
Association Between Muscle Strength, Mobility, and the Progression of Hyperkyphosis in the Elderly: The Kurabuchi Cohort Study
Authors: Sugai Keiko , Michikawa Takehiro , Takebayashi Toru , Nishiwaki Yuji 
Published: May 2019

AbstractBackgroundThe progression of hyperkyphosis is a significant factor in declining general health. The purpose of this study was to investigate whether muscle strength and/or mobility is associated with the progression of hyperkyphosis in elderly people.MethodsAs part of a cohort study of community-dwelling elderly people, handgrip strength and mobility (evaluated with the Timed Up and Go Test: TUG) were assessed at baseline (2005–2006). Kyphosis was also evaluated at baseline and in follow-up examinations 4 years later, with the block method. To exclude the measurement error, the progression of kyphosis was defined as increase of 2 or more blocks. The association of kyphosis progression in each group with handgrip strength and/or mobility was assessed using Poisson regression analysis.ResultsResults on 403 participants were available for the final analysis, and kyphosis progression was observed in 53 (13.1%) of them. Multivariable analysis adjusted for sex, age, baseline block number, bone stiffness, TUG performance, or handgrip strength simultaneously revealed that low handgrip strength (<26 kg in men, <18 kg in women) and low mobility (>13.5 seconds) at baseline were both independently associated with kyphosis progression (adjusted risk ratio [95% confidence interval]: 2.11 [1.06–4.20] and 2.48 [1.26–4.89], respectively).ConclusionsOur study showed that low handgrip strength and low mobility are clearly associated with the progression of kyphosis. Further study is needed on the applicability of these results to preventive measures.
The Ethics of Socially Assistive Robots in Aged Care. A Focus Group Study With Older Adults in Flanders, Belgium
Authors: Vandemeulebroucke Tijs , Dierckx de Casterlé Bernadette , Welbergen Laura , Massart Michiel , Gastmans Chris 
Published: May 2019

Abstract

Objectives
Socially assistive robots (SARs) need to be studied from older adults’ perspective, given their predicted future ubiquity in aged-care settings. Current ethical discourses on SARs in aged care are uninformed by primary stakeholders’ ethical perceptions. This study reports on what community-dwelling older adults in Flanders, Belgium, perceive as ethical issues of SARs in aged care.

Methods
Constructivist grounded theory guided the study of 9 focus groups of 59 community-dwelling older adults (70+ years) in Flanders, Belgium. An open-ended topic guide and a modified Alice Cares documentary focused discussions. The Qualitative Analysis Guide of Leuven (QUAGOL) guided data analysis.

Results
Data revealed older adults’ multidimensional perceptions on the ethics of SARs which were structured along three sections: (a) SARs as components of a techno-societal evolution, (b) SARs’ embeddedness in aged-care dynamics, (c) SARs as embodiments of ethical considerations.

Discussion
Perceptions sociohistorically contextualize the ethics of SAR use by older adults’ views on societal, organizational, and relational contexts in which aged care takes place. These contexts need to inform the ethical criteria for the design, development, and use of SARs. Focusing on older adults’ ethical perceptions creates “normativity in place,” viewing participants as moral subjects.
Glycan diversity in the course of vertebrate evolution
Authors: Suzuki Noriko 
Published: May 2019

AbstractVertebrates are estimated to have arisen over 500 million years ago in the Cambrian Period. Species that survived the Big Five extinction events at a global scale underwent repeated adaptive radiations along with habitat expansions from the sea to the land and sky. The development of the endoskeleton and neural tube enabled more complex body shapes. At the same time, vertebrates became suitable for the invasion and proliferation of foreign organisms. Adaptive immune systems were acquired for responses to a wide variety of pathogens, and more sophisticated systems developed during the evolution of mammals and birds. Vertebrate glycans consist of common core structures and various elongated structures, such as Neu5Gc, Galα1–3Gal, Galα1–4Gal, and Galβ1–4Gal epitopes, depending on the species. During species diversification, complex glycan structures were generated, maintained or lost. Whole-genome sequencing has revealed that vertebrates harbor numerous and even redundant glycosyltransferase genes. The production of various glycan structures is controlled at the genetic level in a species-specific manner. Because cell surface glycans are often targets of bacterial and viral infections, glycan structural diversity is presumed to be protective against infections. However, the maintenance of apparently redundant glycosyltransferase genes and investment in species-specific glycan structures, even in higher vertebrates with highly developed immune systems, are not well explained. This fact suggests that glycans play important roles in unknown biological processes.
The role of the angle of the ascending aortic curvature on the development of type A aortic dissection: ascending aortic angulation and dissection
Authors: Gode Safa , Akinci Okan , Ustunısık Cigdem Tel , Sen Onur , Kadirogulları Ersin , Aksu Timucin , Ersoy Burak , Gurbak Ismail , Duman Zihni Mert , Erentug Vedat 
Published: May 2019

Abstract

OBJECTIVES
Type A aortic dissection (TAD), which consists of an intimal tear in the aorta, necessitates emergency surgery. Various risk factors related to aortic dissection have been defined in the literature. According to our hypothesis, a narrower angle of ascending aortic curvature (AAAC) may be an additional risk factor in relation to aortic dissection due to the increased force applied to the aortic wall.

METHODS
Patients undergoing ascending aortic surgery due to an ascending aortic aneurysm (AsAA) (n = 105) and patients undergoing such surgery because of the occurrence of TAD (n = 101) were enrolled in this study. The AAAC was measured using Cobb’s method; the measurements were made on all patients by just 1 cardiovascular radiologist using 3-dimensional computerized tomographic imaging. This measurement was made indirectly by using the aortic valve and brachiocephalic artery to avoid obtaining misleading data as a result of distortions due to dissection. A statistical comparison was also performed relating the traditional risk factors for TAD to other clinical and echocardiographic parameters: the diameter of the ascending aorta and the AAAC.

RESULTS
The AAAC was found to be narrower statistically in the TAD group (α = 76.2° ± 17.5°) than it was in the AsAA group (α = 92.9° ± 13°) (P < 0.001). Furthermore, mean ascending aortic diameter (P = 0.019), the presence of a bicuspid aorta (P = 0.007) and aortic valve stenosis (P = 0.005) were higher in the AsAA group. According to multivariable analyses, a narrower AAAC is a significant predictor for the development of TAD (odds ratio 0.93, 95% confidence interval 0.91–0.95; P < 0.001). Overall hospital mortality from various causes including stroke, myocardial infarction, bleeding or renal failure was 13% in the TAD group and 7% in the AsAA group.

CONCLUSIONS
According to this study, the AAAC was significantly smaller in aortic dissection patients than in aortic aneurysm patients. This may be related to higher shear stress and elevated pressure on the ascending aorta in patients with a narrower AAAC. Thus, a narrower AAAC may be an additional risk factor in the development of TAD. Therefore, we may need to be more careful in terms of looking for the development of aortic dissection in patients with narrower AAAC.
Microfluidic platform for studying osteocyte mechanoregulation of breast cancer bone metastasis
Authors: Mei Xueting , Middleton Kevin , Shim Dongsub , Wan Qianqian , Xu Liangcheng , Ma Yu-Heng Vivian , Devadas Deepika , Walji Noosheen , Wang Liyun , Young Edmond W K , You Lidan 
Published: May 2019

AbstractBone metastasis is a common, yet serious, complication of breast cancer. Breast cancer cells that extravasate from blood vessels to the bone devastate bone quality by interacting with bone cells and disrupting the bone remodeling balance. Although exercise is often suggested as a cancer intervention strategy and mechanical loading during exercise is known to regulate bone remodeling, its role in preventing bone metastasis remains unknown. We developed a novel in vitro microfluidic tissue model to investigate the role of osteocytes in the mechanical regulation of breast cancer bone metastasis. Metastatic MDA-MB-231 breast cancer cells were cultured inside a 3D microfluidic lumen lined with human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs), which is adjacent to a channel seeded with osteocyte-like MLO-Y4 cells. Physiologically relevant oscillatory fluid flow (OFF) (1 Pa, 1 Hz) was applied to mechanically stimulate the osteocytes. Hydrogel-filled side channels in-between the two channels allowed real-time, bi-directional cellular signaling and cancer cell extravasation over 3 days. The applied OFF was capable of inducing intracellular calcium responses in osteocytes (82.3% cells responding with a 3.71 fold increase average magnitude). Both extravasation distance and percentage of extravasated side-channels were significantly reduced with mechanically stimulated osteocytes (32.4% and 53.5% of control, respectively) compared to static osteocytes (102.1% and 107.3% of control, respectively). This is the first microfluidic device that has successfully integrated stimulatory bone fluid flow, and demonstrated that mechanically stimulated osteocytes reduced breast cancer extravasation. Future work with this platform will determine the specific mechanisms involved in osteocyte mechanoregulation of breast cancer bone metastasis, as well as other types of cancer metastasis and diseases.