bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Strategy to Induce Multiferroic Property in (RTiO3)n/(RVO3)n Superlattices: A First‐Principles Study
Authors: Yao Fen , Meng Junling , Zhang Lifang , Liu Xiaojuan , Meng Jian , Zhang Hongjie 
Published: March 2019

AbstractBy first‐principles calculations, lanthanide contraction is applied on a 1/1 (with symmetric center) and a 2/2 (with non‐centrosymmetric polar structure) RTiO3/RVO3 superlattices to realize quasi‐continuous structural distortion modulation. The strong correlations of microscopic structural distortion, magnetic coupling and charge disproportionation accompanying metal‐insulator transition (MIT) are clarified. It is found that the effect of lanthanide contraction on the 1/1 and 2/2 RTiO3/RVO3 superlattices can induce ferromagnetic to antiferromagnetic transition within ab VO2 plane and the MIT occurs within these superlattices. And the MIT phenomenon is attributed to the charge disproportionation on V sites caused by the magnetic coupling transition. More structural distortion in the 2/2 RTiO3/RVO3 superlattice is necessary than that of the 1/1 RTiO3/RVO3 superlattice to induce the similar magnetic and MIT transition originating from the smaller interface/volume ratio. Based on these results, combining lanthanide contraction and epitaxial strain effects, multiferroic property is realized on 2/2 YTiO3/YVO3 superlattice. Among all the structural parameters, aspect ratio c/a and Ti−O−V bond angles along the [001] direction are found to play the vital roles in the relevant transition process. Therefore, our calculations provide a microscopic guidance to design and synthesize new multiferroic materials.
Pancreatic Blood Flow with Special Emphasis on Blood Perfusion of the Islets of Langerhans
Authors: Jansson Leif , Carlsson Per‐Ola 
Published: March 2019

ABSTRACTThe pancreatic islets are more richly vascularized than the exocrine pancreas, and possess a 5‐ to 10‐fold higher basal and stimulated blood flow, which is separately regulated. This is reflected in the vascular anatomy of the pancreas where islets have separate arterioles. There is also an insulo‐acinar portal system, where numerous venules connect each islet to the acinar capillaries. Both islets and acini possess strong metabolic regulation of their blood perfusion. Of particular importance, especially in the islets, is adenosine and ATP/ADP. Basal and stimulated blood flow is modified by local endothelial mediators, the nervous system as well as gastrointestinal hormones. Normally the responses to the nervous system, especially the parasympathetic and sympathetic nerves, are fairly similar in endocrine and exocrine parts. The islets seem to be more sensitive to the effects of endothelial mediators, especially nitric oxide, which is a permissive factor to maintain the high basal islet blood flow. The gastrointestinal hormones with pancreatic effects mainly influence the exocrine pancreatic blood flow, whereas islets are less affected. A notable exception is incretin hormones and adipokines, which preferentially affect islet vasculature. Islet hormones can influence both exocrine and endocrine blood vessels, and these complex effects are discussed. Secondary changes in pancreatic and islet blood flow occur during several conditions. To what extent changes in blood perfusion may affect the pathogenesis of pancreatic diseases is discussed. Both type 2 diabetes mellitus and acute pancreatitis are conditions where we think there is evidence that blood flow may contribute to disease manifestations. © 2019 American Physiological Society.Compr Physiol9:799‐837, 2019.
A Practical Guide to Genome Editing Using Targeted Nuclease Technologies
Authors: Porter Shaina N. , Levine Rachel M. , Pruett‐Miller Shondra M. 
Published: March 2019

ABSTRACTGenome engineering using programmable nucleases is a rapidly evolving technique that enables precise genetic manipulations within complex genomes. Although this technology first surfaced with the creation of meganucleases, zinc finger nucleases, and transcription activator‐like effector nucleases, CRISPR‐Cas9 has been the most widely adopted platform because of its ease of use. This comprehensive review presents a basic overview of genome engineering and discusses the major technological advances in the field. In addition to nucleases, we discuss CRISPR‐derived base editors and epigenetic modifiers. We also delve into practical applications of these tools, including creating custom‐edited cell and animal models as well as performing genetic screens. Finally, we discuss the potential for therapeutic applications and ethical considerations related to employing this technology in humans. © 2019 American Physiological Society.Compr Physiol9:665‐714, 2019.
Studying Human Neurological Disorders Using Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells: From 2D Monolayer to 3D Organoid and Blood Brain Barrier Models
Authors: Logan Sarah , Arzua Thiago , Canfield Scott G. , Seminary Emily R. , Sison Samantha L. , Ebert Allison D. , Bai Xiaowen 
Published: March 2019

ABSTRACTNeurological disorders have emerged as a predominant healthcare concern in recent years due to their severe consequences on quality of life and prevalence throughout the world. Understanding the underlying mechanisms of these diseases and the interactions between different brain cell types is essential for the development of new therapeutics. Induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) are invaluable tools for neurological disease modeling, as they have unlimited self‐renewal and differentiation capacity. Mounting evidence shows: (i) various brain cells can be generated from iPSCs in two‐dimensional (2D) monolayer cultures; and (ii) further advances in 3D culture systems have led to the differentiation of iPSCs into organoids with multiple brain cell types and specific brain regions. These 3D organoids have gained widespread attention asin vitrotools to recapitulate complex features of the brain, and (iii) complex interactions between iPSC‐derived brain cell types can recapitulate physiological and pathological conditions of blood‐brain barrier (BBB). As iPSCs can be generated from diverse patient populations, researchers have effectively applied 2D, 3D, and BBB models to recapitulate genetically complex neurological disorders and reveal novel insights into molecular and genetic mechanisms of neurological disorders. In this review, we describe recent progress in the generation of 2D, 3D, and BBB models from iPSCs and further discuss their limitations, advantages, and future ventures. This review also covers the current status of applications of 2D, 3D, and BBB models in drug screening, precision medicine, and modeling a wide range of neurological diseases (e.g., neurodegenerative diseases, neurodevelopmental disorders, brain injury, and neuropsychiatric disorders). © 2019 American Physiological Society.Compr Physiol9:565‐611, 2019.
Transcriptome‐Wide Mapping of m6A and m6Am at Single‐Nucleotide Resolution Using miCLIP
Authors: Hawley Ben R. , Jaffrey Samie R. 
Published: March 2019

AbstractThe most prevalent modified base in mRNA, N6‐methyladenosine (m6A), is found in several thousand transcripts, typically near the stop codon, although it can occur anywhere in the mRNA. In addition, the highly similar nucleotide N6,2′‐O‐dimethyladenosine (m6Am), which is difficult to distinguish from m6A, occurs as the first transcribed nucleotide of certain transcripts. Both the m6A and m6Am modifications have been implicated in numerous biological processes, and their precise mapping is crucial to understanding their functions. To address this need, we developed miCLIP, a method that maps both m6A and m6Am at individual nucleotide resolution. Here we describe the miCLIP protocol, with slight improvements to the initially published protocol for both the experimental methodology and bioinformatics analysis. © 2019 by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
A study of corporate social responsibility practices of the top Bombay Stock Exchange 500 companies in India and their alignment with the Sustainable Development Goals
Authors: Poddar Anushree , Narula Sapna A. , Zutshi Ambika 
Published: March 2019

AbstractThis paper highlights the organic link that exists between the corporate social responsibility (CSR) activities undertaken by the Indian corporate sector and their alignment with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) from 2014–2016; the period after mandatory CSR came into existence as per Indian Companies Act. In this study, we identify critical areas pertaining to SDG goals neglected by corporate sector as far as CSR investments are concerned. We find that more CSR investments must be drawn towards climate change, biodiversity, Sustainable consumption and production, marine life and conserving flora and fauna. The sectoral analysis reveals that the companies falling under sectors that have a higher environmental footprint and impact are more concerned about taking up initiatives through CSR. The geographic analysis revealed that efforts need to be made to increase CSR expenditure in seven north‐eastern states, Jammu and Kashmir, and Union Territories. This paper recommends that the system needs to be further reviewed in light of the current observations.
Decline in abundance and apparent survival rates of fin whales (Balaenoptera physalus) in the northern Gulf of St. Lawrence
Authors: Schleimer Anna , Ramp Christian , Delarue Julien , Carpentier Alain , Bérubé Martine , Palsbøll Per J. , Sears Richard , Hammond Philip S. 
Published: March 2019

AbstractEstimates of abundance and survivorship provide quantifiable measures to monitor populations and to define and understand their conservation status. This study investigated changes in abundance and survival rates of fin whales (Balaenoptera physalus) in the northern Gulf of St. Lawrence in the context of anthropogenic pressures and changing environmental conditions. A long‐term data set, consisting of 35 years of photo‐identification surveys and comprising more than 5,000 identifications of 507 individuals, formed the basis of this mark–recapture study. Based on model selection using corrected Akaike Information Criterion, the most parsimonious Cormack–Jolly–Seber model included a linear temporal trend in noncalf apparent survival rates with a sharp decline in the last 5 years of the study and a median survival rate of 0.946 (95% confidence interval (CI) 0.910–0.967). To account for capture heterogeneity due to divergent patterns of site fidelity, agglomerative hierarchical cluster analysis was employed to categorize individuals based on their annual and survey site fidelity indices. However, the negative trend in survivorship remained and was corroborated by a significant decline in the estimated super‐population size from 335 (95% CI 321–348) individuals in 2004–2010 to 291 (95% CI 270–312) individuals in 2010–2016. Concurrently, a negative trend was estimated in recruitment to the population, supported by a sharp decrease in the number of observed calves. Ship strikes and changes in prey availability are potential drivers of the observed decline in fin whale abundance. The combination of clustering methods with mark–recapture represents a flexible way to investigate the effects of site fidelity on demographic variables and is broadly applicable to other individual‐based studies.
Major disturbances test resilience at a long‐term boreal forest monitoring site
Authors: Weldon James , Grandin Ulf 
Published: March 2019

Abstract

The impact of disturbances on boreal forest plant communities is not fully understood, particularly when different disturbances are combined, and regime shifts to alternate stable states are possible after disturbance. A long‐term monitored semi‐natural forest site subject to intense combined storm and bark beetle damage beginning in 2005 provided an opportunity to investigate the postdisturbance development of the vegetation community. Previous studies suggest that a shift from Picea abies to Fagus sylvatica domination was possible.

We analyzed pre‐ and postdisturbance vegetation data to investigate to what extent vascular plant species abundances, diversity, traits, and community composition have changed. We were particularly interested in differences between remaining apparently unaffected areas (potential refugia) and disturbed areas, and in signs of consistent change over time in community composition in response to disturbance that could indicate an impending regime shift.

We found that the vegetation community present in the refuge areas has remained substantially intact through the period of disturbance. Nonrefuge areas diverged from the refuges in community composition and showed increased taxonomic and functional diversity. Despite this, and an increase in deciduous tree species (particularly F. sylvatica), P. abies has shown strong postdisturbance regeneration. The refuges may be important in the apparent ongoing recovery of the disturbed areas to a P. abies‐dominated state similar to that found predisturbance. This fast recovery is interpreted as evidence of a system resilient to a potential shift to a deciduous‐dominated state.

Synthesis: Our results show that even powerful combined disturbances in a system with multiple stable states can be insufficient to initiate a regime shift. Resilience of the P. abies‐dominated forest community is increased by the survival of refuge areas functioning as a form of ecological memory of the previous ecosystem state. The results also demonstrate the value of data generated by long‐term monitoring programs.
Decadal behaviour of a washover fan, Skallingen Denmark
Authors: Aagaard Troels , Kroon Aart 
Published: March 2019

AbstractIn this study, the decadal evolution of a washover fan on the west coast of Denmark is examined from its initial generation in 1990 until 2015. Since its inception, the bare and flat washover fan surface has recovered and accreted slowly due to re‐activation by overwash during surges and due to aeolian activity and dune formation, stimulated by vegetation growth.The volume of sand on the washover has increased steadily at an average rate of about 23 m3/yr per unit length of shoreline, and a total of 175,000 m3 of sand is now deposited on the fan, while at the same time the shoreline has receded by some 250 m. The evolution can be divided into three stages: 1) An initiation phase when storm surge levels and energetic wave conditions caused a breach in the foredunes and overwash processes formed a washover fan with a relatively low elevation above mean sea level; 2) An initial recovery phase during which waves supplied sand to the fan during frequent overwash activity and winds transported this sand into marginal dunes surrounding the fan; and 3) A later recovery phase when the surface of the fan had accreted to a level where vegetation could survive and trap sediment into new foredune growth across the fan. The rate of accretion has been overall linear but scales with neither annual overwash frequency, nor with aeolian transport potential. Instead, the linear accretion is more closely related to the steady onshore migration of nearshore bars that weld to the beach and provide a sand supply for transfer to the fan. The fan evolution demonstrates the importance of washover fans in preserving barrier resilience during transgressional phases caused by increasing mean sea level. © 2019 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Game theoretic efficient radio resource allocation in 5G resilient networks: A data driven approach
Authors: Mudassir Ahmad , Hassan Syed Ali , Pervaiz Haris , Akhtar Saleem , Kamel Hesham , Tafazolli Rahim 
Published: March 2019

AbstractIn recent years, 5G resilient networks have gained significant attention in the wireless industry. The prime concern of commercial networks is to maximize network capacity to increase their revenue. However, in disaster situations during outages when cell sites are down, instead of capacity, coverage becomes predominant. In this paper, we propose a game theory–based optimal resource allocation scheme, while aiming to maximize the sum rate and coverage probability for the uplink transmissions in disaster situations. The proposed hierarchical game theoretical framework optimizes the uplink performance in multitier heterogeneous network with pico base stations and femto access points overlaid under a macro base station. The test simulations are based on a real‐time data set obtained for a predefined amount of time. The data statistics are then manipulated to create practical disaster situations. The solution for the noncooperative game has been obtained by using pure strategy Nash equilibrium. We perform simulations with different failure rates and the results show that the proposed scheme improves the sum rate and outage probability by significant margin with or without disaster scenario.
Human bone marrow‐derived mesenchymal stromal cells in combination with silymarin regulate hepatocyte growth factor expression and genotoxicity in carbon tetrachloride induced hepatotoxicity in Wistar rats
Authors: Aithal Ashwini P. , Bairy Laxminarayana K. , Seetharam Raviraja N. , Rao Mohandas KG. 
Published: March 2019

AbstractBackgroundTo evaluate the antimutagenic potential of combination treatment of human bone marrow‐derived mesenchymal stromal cells (BM‐MSCs) and silymarin and its effect on hepatocyte growth factor levels in CCl4 induced hepatotoxicity in Wistar rats.MethodsHepatotoxicity was induced in adult female Wistar rats using carbon tetrachloride (CCl4). Thirty‐six rats were randomly divided into six groups with six rats in each group: Group 1 (normal control group), Group 2 (received only CCl
4), Group 3 (CCl
4+low dose BM‐MSCs), Group 4 (CCl
4+high dose BM‐MSCs), Group 5 (CCl
4 + silymarin), Group 6 (CCl
4+silymarin+high dose BM‐MSCs). Thirty days after the treatment, blood samples were collected for hepatocyte growth factor estimation. The rats were then killed, bone marrow was extracted for chromosomal aberration assay. Liver tissue was processed for evaluating the DNA fragmentation assay, histopathology, and scanning electron microscopy study.ResultsCombination treatment of silymarin and high dose BM‐MSCs significantly (P < 0.05) restored the plasma hepatocyte growth factor levels which were comparable with normal levels and exhibited significant antimutagenic and antiapoptotic activity by decreasing the frequency of structural chromosomal aberrations and suppressing the DNA fragmentation in liver tissue samples. The combination treatment produced significant hepatoprotective effect which was supported by histopathology and scanning electron microscopy study.ConclusionResults indicate that the treatment of BM‐MSCs in combination with silymarin had a better hepatoprotective and antimutagenic effect and represents a novel strategy for the treatment of hepatotoxicity.
Improving the Pharmacology Curriculum at a German Medical School: A Structured Plan Based on a Student‐Guided Large‐Scale Study
Authors: Steffen Julius , Lenski Markus , Herrmann Florian E. , Mückter Harald , Dimitriadis Konstantinos , Fischer Martin R. 
Published: March 2019

AbstractWith rapid progress in medicine, a thorough understanding of pharmacology remains crucial. Currently, lecturers are implementing competency‐based learning objectives in medical curricula around the world. Advancing teaching modalities need to be integrated into pharmacology courses in a reasonable way. At Ludwig‐Maximilians‐Universität (LMU) Munich Medical Faculty, a systematic evidence‐based approach was used to modernize pharmacology classes. The needs assessment was conducted by final‐year students. It included focus groups and a large‐scale online survey, which was distributed among all medical students at LMU, with 1018 students participating (response rate 20%). Survey results showed that most of the students (92%) aimed to become pharmacology‐adept doctors. Also, a majority (88%) stated that their goal was to understand the material most critical to application of pharmacology concepts as well as prescribing practice. Only 38% of the students reported satisfaction with the current curriculum, and 93% supported modernization. Thus far, pharmacology teaching at LMU Munich had mainly consisted of lectures attended by 200 students. Now, students advocated for a stronger integration of clinical pharmacology teaching into clinical subjects in the last 2 years of medical school. Specifically, they called for classes with smaller groups of students including problem‐based learning as well as video podcasts. These results provided the foundation for change in curriculum at the LMU medical school. In conclusion, a structured approach for curriculum development that considers students’ views is feasible and can reveal their actual goals and demands. The approach has proven successful at LMU Munich and is transferrable to other universities.
Alexander Bain'sMind and Body(1872): An underappreciated contribution to early neuropsychology
Authors: Harper Kate 
Published: March 2019

AbstractAlexander Bain (1818–1903) is well known for his two influential textbooks,The senses and the intellect(1855) andThe emotions and the will(1859). In comparison, Bain'sMind and body: The theories of their relation(1872) has been of limited interest to historians, and it is here where he presents one of the first neural network models. This paper addresses the historical foundations of Bain's neural network model and explores some of his primary influences. Additionally, this study addresses some of the reasons Bain'sMind and Bodydid not receive the historical notice his earlier works garnered.
Creating shared value in an industrial conurbation: Evidence from the North Staffordshire ceramics cluster
Authors: Jackson Ian , Limbrick Lorraine 
Published: March 2019

AbstractThe real benefit of Porter and Kramer's Creating Shared Value may be to assess past events in capitalism rather than to predict the future. The claims by Porter and Kramer that the concept of creating shared value is an effective way of reinventing modern capitalism by releasing an upsurge in innovation is misleading because it maintains self‐interest principally of large corporations at the center of the economic system. The long‐term development of the North Staffordshire Ceramics cluster suggests that firms such as Wedgwood were developing a primitive form of CSV over 250 years ago at the start of capitalism as opposed to a recent way of reinventing modern capitalism. The evidence of competitive forces remains strong and the resilience of firms in the cluster is much more in line with Schumpeterian “perennial gale of creative destruction” than a “wave of innovation and growth” offered by Porter and Kramer.
Enhancing shared value and sustainability practices of global firms: The case of samsung electronics
Authors: Lee Yeon W. 
Published: March 2019

AbstractSamsung became involved in social programs that could effectively tackle the problems at stake while linking them to firm's benefits. Korean firms, particularly the chaebol, urgently adopted the shared value concepts as part of their solutions to ease social tension while garnering efforts to enhance corporate value. Samsung has engaged in sustainability practices that mainly derived from the firm's motivations to improve corporate image. It needs to approach shared value by realigning the firm's value chain activities with social issues, focusing on core areas, and engaging other for sustainable shared value practices.
Synergistic effects of phosphate ionic liquids and octadecylaminen‐oleoyl sarcosinate as lubricating grease additives
Authors: Wang Zeyun , Chang Jun , Wu Wei 
Published: March 2019

AbstractA detailed study on the synergistic effects of phosphate ionic liquids (ILs) and rust inhibitor (octadecylaminen‐oleoyl sarcosinate (T711)) in the complex lithium grease (G) at room temperature and 100°C is presented in this paper. The results indicate that the hybrid additives (T711‐ILs‐G) showed better friction‐reducing and antiwear properties than single additives (T711‐G and ILs‐G). In the case of T711‐ILs‐G, the presence of T711 can prevent rustiness of the worn surface so the ILs can easily react with the exposed substrate surface and form tribological films on the sliding surfaces.