bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Plasma neurofilament light chain is associated with mortality after spontaneous intracerebral hemorrhage
Authors: Hviid Claus Vinter Bodker , Gyldenholm Tua , Lauridsen Signe Voigt , Hjort Niels , Hvas Anne-Mette , Parkner Tina 
Published: September 2019

Abstract

Background
Neurofilament light chain (NfL) is a neuron-specific biomarker with prognostic ability in several types of central nervous system injuries. This study investigates if plasma NfL (pNfL) is elevated early after spontaneous intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) and whether such elevation reflects disease severity and day-30 outcome.

Methods
pNfL was quantified by single molecule array analysis in 103 reference subjects (RS) and in samples from 37 patients with ICH obtained on admission to hospital and at 24-h follow-up. The primary outcome was day-30 mortality. Clinical status on admission was evaluated by standardized scoring systems.

Results
Median pNfL among RS was 9.6 (interquartile range [IQR] 6.2) pg/mL. Upon admission, ICH patients had pNfL of 19.8 (IQR 30.7) pg/mL increasing to 35.9 (IQR 44.5) pg/mL at 24 h (all, p < 0.001). On admission, pNfL was higher among ICH non-survivors than survivors (119.2 [IQR 152.6] pg/mL vs. 15.7 [IQR 19.6] pg/mL, p < 0.01) and this difference was observed also on 24 h follow-up (195.1 [IQR 73.9] pg/mL vs. 31.3 [IQR 27.8] pg/mL, p < 0.01). The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (ROC AUC) for discrimination of day-30 mortality was significant on admission (AUC = 0.83, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.56–1.0) and increased on 24-h follow-up (AUC = 0.93, 95% CI: 0.84–1.0). The odds ratio (OR) for death, by each quartile increase in pNfL was significant both on admission (OR = 4.52, 95% CI: 1.32–15.48) and after 24-h follow-up (OR = 9.52, 95% CI: 1.26–71.74).

Conclusions
PNfL is associated with day-30 mortality after spontaneous ICH when early after the ictus.
Gut microbiome investigation in celiac disease: from methods to its pathogenetic role
Authors: Sacchetti Lucia , Nardelli Carmela 
Published: September 2019

Abstract
Our body is inhabited by a variety of microbes (microbiota), mainly bacteria, that outnumber our own cells. Until recently, most of what we knew about the human microbiota was based on culture methods, whereas a large part of the microbiota is uncultivable, and consequently previous information was limited. The advent of culture-independent methods and, particularly, of next-generation sequencing (NGS) methodology, marked a turning point in studies of the microbiota in terms of its composition and of the genes encoded by these microbes (microbiome). The microbiome is influenced predominantly by environmental factors that cause a large inter-individual variability (~20%) being its heritability only 1.9%. The gut microbiome plays a relevant role in human physiology, and its alteration (“dysbiosis”) has been linked to a variety of inflammatory gut diseases, including celiac disease (CD). CD is a chronic, immune-mediated disorder that is triggered by both genetic (mainly HLA-DQ2/DQ8 haplotypes) and environmental factors (gluten), but, in recent years, a large body of experimental evidence suggested that the gut microbiome is an additional contributing factor to the pathogenesis of CD. In this review, we summarize the literature that has investigated the gut microbiome associated with CD, the methods and biological samples usually employed in CD microbiome investigations and the putative pathogenetic role of specific microbial alterations in CD. In conclusion, both gluten-microbe and host-microbe interactions drive the gluten-mediated immune response. However, it remains to be established whether the CD-associated dysbiosis is the consequence of the disease, a simple concomitant association or a concurring causative factor.
A Tri-band Angularly Stable Frequency Selective Surface with Controllable Resonances for EM Shielding
Authors: Wang Fei 
Published: September 2019

AbstractIn the paper, a tri-band angularly stable frequency selective surface (FSS) with controllable resonances for electromagnetic shielding is proposed. Different from traditional single-layer structure, the FSS proposed is based on cascaded structure that creates three adjustable blocking bands around frequency 5.93 GHz, 7.33 GHz and 9.17 GHz, respectively. The designed FSS has a low profile with thickness of λ0/100, where the λ0 represents wavelength of the first band-stop resonance frequency. Besides, the proposed FSS exhibits stable frequency response up to 70° with respect to different polarizations. Therefore, this FSS is flexible and can be used in electromagnetic shielding field where needs conformal screen. To investigate and understand the operating mechanism better, a equivalent circuit model (ECM) is deduced and given in the Section 2, the calculated results match the full-wave EM simulation results perfectly. Finally, a prototype of this FSS is fabricated and measured, the measurement results are in accordance with the simulation results.
Polarization Reconfigurable Dual-Band Rectangular Slot Antenna
Authors: Saini Rohit Kumar 
Published: September 2019

Abstract
A novel dual-band rectangular slot antenna is presented for dual-sense reconfigurable polarization. A W-shaped microstrip feedline and two rectangular parasitic patches are used to obtain dual-band circular polarization. Further, the feedline is modified so that the senses of polarization at the two bands are opposite. By introducing PIN-diodes in the feed lines, polarization can be switched among left-hand circular polarization (LHCP), right-hand circular polarization (RHCP), and linear polarization (LP). A prototype dual-band dual-sense antenna with f01 = 1.9 GHz and f02 = 3.45 GHz is fabricated in a 1.6 mm thick FR4 substrate. The measured circular polarized bandwidths are more than 7.6 % for the lower band and 5 % for the upper band.
Design of Novel Compact Quad-Band Bandpass Filter with High Selectivity
Authors: Cao Qingchun , Liu Hui , Gao Li 
Published: September 2019

AbstractThis paper presents a compact quad-band bandpass filter. The filter is realized by multi-embedded stub-load resonators. By utilizing multi-embedded structure, the whole filter exhibits a compact size. And due to the multi-section stub-loaded lines, four passbands can be realized and the center frequency of the four passbands can be controlled individually to accommodate different communication protocols. Moreover, by using 0° degree feed structure, there are two transmission zeros locates at left and right side of a passband, which greatly enhance the selectivity. To validate the proposed idea, a quad-band bandpass filter, which operates at 2/2.7/3.45/4.55 GHz is implemented. The insertion loss is smaller than 2 dB and return loss is better than 10 dB. Good agreement between the predicted and measured results demonstrates the proposed idea.
Externalizing Migration Management through Soft Law: The Case of the Memorandum of Understanding between Libya and Italy
Authors: Reviglio Martino 
Published: September 2019

Abstract
The externalization of migration management to third countries is becoming a recurrent phenomenon in international migration management. Soft law instruments emerged as an important strategy to externalize migration management to third countries through international migration agreements. In particular, in the last years the European Union and some member states have adopted bilateral and multilateral migration agreements in order to diminish the arrival of migrants in Europe. These agreements in the form of soft law instruments are problematic because do not follow the ordinary process of law making and thus it is difficult to assess their legal effectivity. The memorandum of understanding signed in February 2017 between Libya and Italy represents an illustrative case of the process of externalizing migration management through soft law. From a critical discussion of the memorandum, many problems in relation to its legal and material validity follow. In particular, the protection of migrants’ human rights in Libya is not guaranteed as the many international organization and NGOs reports indicate.
Effect of service life aspects on carbon footprint: a comparison of wood decking products
Authors: Tellnes Lars G. F. , Alfredsen Gry , Flæte Per Otto , Gobakken Lone Ross 
Published: September 2019

AbstractCarbon footprint over the life cycle is one of the most common environmental performance indicators. In recent years, several wood material producers have published environmental product declarations (EPDs) according to the EN 15804, which makes it possible to compare the carbon footprint of product alternatives. The objective of this study was to investigate the effect of service life aspects by comparing the carbon footprint of treated wood decking products with similar performance expectations. The results showed that the modified wood products had substantially larger carbon footprints during manufacturing than preservative-treated decking materials. Replacement of modified wood during service life creates a huge impact on life cycle carbon footprint, while maintenance with oil provided a large contribution for preservative-treated decking. Hence, service life and maintenance intervals are crucial for the performance ranking between products. The methodological issues to be aware of are: how the functional unit specifies the key performance requirements for the installed product, and whether full replacement is the best modeling option in cases where the decking installation is close to the end of the required service life.
Microwave-assisted direct transformation of lignocellulose into methyl glycopyranoside in ionic liquid
Authors: Kishimoto Takao , Saito Mafuyu , Suzuki Satoshi , Hamada Masahiro , Nakajima Noriyuki , Urabe Daisuke 
Published: September 2019

Abstract
Recently, conversion of lignocellulose into useful substances has attracted increasing attention. In our previous investigations, microcrystalline cellulose was successfully converted to methyl glucopyranosides (MeGlc) by the combined use of ionic liquid (IL) and microwave irradiation under moderate reaction conditions. In this study, lignocelluloses, including softwood, hardwood, and rice straw, were directly converted to methyl glycopyranosides (MG), including MeGlc, methyl mannopyranosides (MeMan), and methyl xylopyranosides (MeXyl) using acid-catalyzed methanolysis under microwave irradiation in ILs. Lignocellulose ball-milling was quite effective as a crucial process of increasing the yield of MG. Under the optimized reaction conditions, the molar yield of MeGlc reached 40% from softwood, which was a comparable yield from microcrystalline cellulose. MeXyl was also obtained in a 48% yield. These results showed that the combination of the dissolution of ball-milled lignocellulose in IL and the microwave-assisted methanolysis was an effective method of converting lignocellulose into a high-value-added substance.
Natural durability of four TunisianEucalyptusspp. and their respective compositions in extractives
Authors: Elaieb Mohamed Tahar , Ben Ayed Sarra , Dumarçay Stéphane , De Freitas Homen De Faria Bruno , Thévenon Marie-France , Gérardin Philippe , Candelier Kévin 
Published: September 2019

AbstractEucalyptustrees have been adapted to the Tunisian climate. Now, they need to be economically valued. TunisianEucalyptushave great technological properties allowing us to use them as wooden material. However, there is large variability in the natural durability between heartwoodEucalyptusspp. The wood sustainability assessment provides reliable parameters to predict the service life of wood-based products. This study aimed to evaluate the wood deterioration of four North Tunisian fast-growingEucalyptusspp. (Eucalyptus maidenii,Eucalyptus saligna,Eucalyptus camaldulensisandEucalyptus gomphocephala) exposed to basidiomycetes (Coniophora puteanaandTrametes versicolor) and termite (Reticulitermes flavipes) attacks. Among the fourEucalyptuswoods,Eucalyptus gomphocephalapresents the highest decay and termite resistance. The fourEucalyptuswood species are classified as very durable against fungal degradation and durable against termite attacks, expect forEucalyptus salignawhich is classified as sensible against termites. The natural durability ofEucalyptusseems to be mainly caused by extractives, and a lot of compounds are involved. Antifungal and anti-termite properties of these compounds were put in perspective with the natural durability of wood. Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) analyses highlighted thatEucalyptusdurability is mostly governed by gallic acid, fatty acid glycerides, fatty acid esters, phenolic compounds, sitosterol, catechin and ellagic acid.
Recovery of Iron and Zinc from Blast Furnace Dust Using Iron-Bath Reduction
Authors: Liu Xing-Le , Liu Zheng-jian , Zhang Jian-liang , Xing Xiang-dong 
Published: September 2019

Abstract
The amount of dust produced from the blast furnace is very large, and this paper proposed a new method for comprehensive utilization of blast furnace dust. Firstly, cold bonded agglomerates directly put into the iron groove were made by blast furnace dust. The cold bonded agglomerates were reduced and melted by the energy of molten iron, and the valuable elements such as Fe reduced into molten iron and zinc existed in rich-Zn dust in the cold bonded agglomerates could be recovered. In order to simulate this process, the reduction behavior of cold bonded agglomerate in the iron bath was studied, and the reduction mechanism were analyzed by Factsage calculation and SEM-EDS. The results showed that: in the slag phase, there were small metallic iron particles dispersed and hard to gather. The main reason for this phenomenon is due to the hindrance role of the carbon residue in the agglomerates, and the problem could be solved through adding magnetite concentrate in cold bonded agglomerates.
Explicating verbs for “laughing with other people” in French and English (and why it matters for humour studies)
Authors: Goddard Cliff , Mullan Kerry 
Published: September 2019

AbstractThis study undertakes a contrastive lexical-semantic analysis of a set of related verbs in English and French (Englishto jokeandto kid, Frenchrigolerandplaisanter), using the Natural Semantic Metalanguage (NSM) approach to semantic analysis. We show that the semantic and conceptual differences between French and English are greater than commonly assumed. These differences, we argue, have significant implications for humor studies: first, they shed light on different cultural orientations towards “laughter talk” in Anglo and French linguacultures; second; they highlight the danger of conceptual Anglocentrism in relying on English-specific words as a theoretical vocabulary for humor studies.
Exergy and Energy Analysis of Coal Gasification in Supercritical Water with External Recycle System
Authors: Wang Cui , Jin Hui , Fan Chao , Luo Kui , Guo Shenghui 
Published: September 2019

Abstract
Supercritical water gasification (SCWG) is a novel and clean technology for lignite translating into hydrogen-rich gas. Previous experimental researches show that the use of external recycle system of liquid residual can improve the energy efficiency, but there is not a theoretical model to figure out the component of which exergy lost most and to provide guidance for further optimization of the existing system. In this paper, the thermodynamic model of liquid residual external recycle system was established, based on which energy and exergy balance of the system was evaluated and the exergy efficiency of the main equipment was calculated. Moreover, the influence of recycle flow ratio (0–37.5 %), gasification temperature (550 °C–650 °C), gasification pressure (23–25 MPa) and slurry concentration (2.73–4.15 %) on the exergy and energy efficiency were analyzed. The results showed that the exergy destruction rate of reactor was the highest, which reached 5.52 kW. Both energy and exergy efficiency increased as recycle flow ratio, gasification temperature and pressure increased. The energy and exergy efficiency of the system reached 70.26 % and 56.86 % respectively at the condition of recycle flow ratio of 30 %, gasification temperature of 650 °C, pressure of 25 MPa and slurry concentration of about 2.93 %.
Thermal Effect on Dynamics of Beam with Variable-Stiffness Nonlinear Energy Sink
Authors: Chen J. E. , Zhang W. , Yao M. H. , Liu J. , Sun M. 
Published: September 2019

Abstract
In this study, we investigate the targeted energy transfer (TET) from a simply supported beam that is subjected to thermal variations and external excitations to a local nonlinear energy sink (NES). We derive the governing equation of motion for the beam with an NES device and study the influences of NES parameters on the vibration-suppressing effect. We obtain the optimized parameters of the NES under constant-amplitude harmonic excitation at room temperature. The optimized NES gradually loses its vibration absorption efficiency as the excitation amplitude and temperature increase. We change the nonlinear stiffness of the NES to mitigate the influence of temperature variation and show that NES efficiency can be enhanced by reducing the nonlinear stiffness. We propose a variable-stiffness NES, and the results demonstrate this NES is best for maintaining efficiency over the whole temperature range. We also analyze the transient responses of the system under impulse loads. Results indicate that, like the performance of the system subjected to harmonic excitation, an NES with relatively low stiffness can better suppress vibration with increasing impulse amplitude and temperature.
Effects of Additional Food on the Dynamics of a Three Species Food Chain Model Incorporating Refuge and Harvesting
Authors: Panja Prabir , Jana Soovoojeet , Kumar Mondal Shyamal 
Published: September 2019

AbstractIn this paper, a three species food chain model has been developed among the interaction of prey, predator and super predator. It is assumed that the predator shows refuge behavior to the super predator. It is also assumed that a certain amount of additional food will be supplied to the super predator. It is considered that the predator population is benefiting partially from the additional food. To get optimal harvesting of super predator the Pontryagin’s maximum principle has been used. It is found that super predator may be extinct if harvesting rate increase. It is observed that as the refuge rate increases, predator population gradually increases, but super predator population decreases. Also, it is found that our proposed system undergoes oscillatory or periodic behavior as the value of refuge rate (m1), harvesting rate (E), the intrinsic growth rate of prey (r), carrying capacity of prey (k) and conservation rate of prey (c1) varies for some certain range of these parameters. It is found that this study may be useful for the increase of harvesting of a super predator by supplying the additional food to our proposed system.
The functional roles of lexical devices in second language learners’ encoding of temporality: A study of Mandarin Chinese-speaking ESL learners
Authors: Ma Li , Martohardjono Gita , McClure William 
Published: September 2019

Abstract
The present study investigates the functional roles of two lexical devices, past-time temporal adverbials and frequency adverbs, in Mandarin Chinese-speaking ESL learners’ encoding of temporality in their English interlanguage. The results of the present study indicate that past-time temporal adverbials are facilitative in Mandarin Chinese-speaking ESL learners’ encoding of past time. Meanwhile, the existence/absence of the matrix agreement, which is a linguistic device that has not been discussed in previous studies, may also lead to learners’ different reactions. The results of the present study also show that the introduction of frequency adverbs is associated with a higher usage rate of the present tense and causes more difficulty in a past tense context. This association is found to exist not only in learners’ data, but also in English native speakers’ data. The present study contributes to our understanding of the development of second language learners’ expression of temporal locations and relations.
Comparison of ocular pharmacokinetics of etoposide and its nanoemulsion after subtenon administration in rabbits
Authors: Patnaik Santosh Kumar , Halder Nabanita , Chawla Bhavna , Maithani Deepti , Thavaraj Vasantha , Biswas Nihar Ranjan , Velpandian Thirumurthy 
Published: September 2019

Abstract

Background
Subtenon anticancer drugs are given as an adjunct to systemic chemotherapy for conditions like retinoblatoma. This study evaluated the ocular kinetics of nano-emulsion formulation of etoposide (NanoEt) and compared it with an equal dose of commercially available alcohol-based etoposide formulation in healthy rabbits.

Methods
A nanoemulsion formulation of NanoEt was developed and then evaluated for its ocular kinetics by subtenon administration in healthy rabbits. After the sterile subtenon administration of the drug, the eyes were enucleated after CO2 euthanasia at time intervals of 2 h, 6 h, 12 h, and 24 h, and ocular tissues, blood, and plasma were separated. The concentration of etoposide in the ocular tissues and blood was quantified using liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry (LC MS/MS).

Results
This study found that subtenon injection of NanoEt showed 24 times higher concentration in rabbit retina compared to an equal dose of conventional marketed formulation. Based on the ocular tissue bioavailability calculations (AUC0-24), the present study revealed that the formulation enhanced 90% ocular bioavailability of etoposide, when it was injected in the form of nano-emulsion in most of the tissues.

Conclusions
NanoEt has better bioavailability compared to the commercial alcohol-based formulation for subtenon injection. Low systemic exposure showed further advantage for its projected use in retinoblastoma (Rb) as an adjunct therapy. Further studies in Rb animal models are required to evaluate its safety and efficacy, for its clinical utility.
Prevention of short-term memory impairment by Bryophyllum pinnatum (Lam.) Oken and its effect on acetylcholinesterase changes in CCl4-induced neurotoxicity in rats
Authors: Anadozie Scholastica Onyebuchi , Akinyemi Jacob Ayodele , Adewale Olusola Bolaji , Isitua Christy Chinwe 
Published: September 2019

Abstract

Background
Short-term memory impairment is a neurodegenerative disease associated with oxidative stress. Bryophyllum pinnatum (Lam.) Oken of the family Crassulaceae is traditionally used in the treatment of diseases, such as cough, wounds, and kidney diseases. This study evaluates the effect of the aqueous extract of B. pinnatum (AEBP) leaves on acetylcholinesterase activity in carbon tetrachloride (CCl4)-induced short-term memory impairment in rats.

Methods
Thirty male Wistar albino rats were used in this study and were divided into six groups (n=5). Group I served as control, group II rats were induced with CCl4, while groups III–V animals were pretreated with silymarin (25 mg/kg body weight), 25 and 50 mg/kg body weight AEBP leaves, respectively, once daily by oral gavage for 14 days prior to a single intraperitoneal injection of CCl4. Animals in group VI received 50 mg/kg body weight AEBP only by oral gavage.

Results
Administration of carbon tetrachloride significantly increased (p<0.05) spontaneous alternation and locomotor function in rats when compared with the control group. Also, the levels of acetylcholinesterase, adenosine deaminase, and malondialdehyde were increased in CCl4-administered rats, with reduction in both enzymatic and nonenzymatic antioxidant levels. However, pretreatment of rats with AEBP leaves, at tested doses, prevented these changes.

Conclusions
The increased antioxidant status and the inhibition of acetylcholinesterase activity show that AEBP leaves improve learning memory and stabilizes memory impairment caused by CCl4.