bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Effect of loop diuretics on skeletal muscle depletion in patients with liver cirrhosis
Authors: Hanai Tatsunori , Shiraki Makoto , Miwa Takao , Watanabe Satoshi , Imai Kenji , Suetsugu Atsushi , Takai Koji , Moriwaki Hisataka , Shimizu Masahito 
Published: August 2018

AimSarcopenia, the loss of skeletal muscle mass, impairs prognosis of patients with liver cirrhosis. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of loop diuretics, which are frequently used to treat hepatic edema/ascites, on skeletal muscle depletion and the prognosis in patients with liver cirrhosis.MethodsThis retrospective study evaluated 226 patients with liver cirrhosis. The skeletal muscle cross‐sectional area at the level of the third lumbar vertebra was measured using computed tomography. The relative change in skeletal muscle area per year (ΔSMA) was calculated, and the association between ΔSMA and therapeutic dosage of loop diuretics was examined.ResultsThe therapeutic dosage of loop diuretics was inversely correlated with ΔSMA by simple (r = −0.27, P < 0.0001) and multiple regression analyses (t = −3.07, P = 0.002). During a median follow‐up period of 49 months, 82 patients died. Overall survival rates were lower in patients treated with loop diuretics at >20 mg than in those who received ≤20 mg (median, 66 vs. 97 months; P = 0.002). Multivariate analysis revealed that loop diuretics of >20 mg (hazard ratio [HR], 1.86; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.03–3.24; P = 0.039) and ΔSMA of ≤−3.1% (HR, 3.87; 95% CI, 2.32–6.60; P < 0.0001) were independently associated with mortality.ConclusionsA higher dose of loop diuretic use was associated with more rapid skeletal muscle depletion and poor survival in patients with liver cirrhosis, independent of the severity of liver disease.
Effect of CaO/MgO ratio on the optical and theoretical parameters of alumino‐borosilicate glasses
Authors: Kaur Mandeep , Kaur Gurbinder , Pandey Om Prakash , Kumar Vishal 
Published: August 2018

AbstractGlass series (10+x)CaO–(10−x)MgO–10SrO–10B2O3–20Al2O3–40SiO2 (x = 0, 2.5, 5, 7.5) has been prepared by melt quenching technique. Influence of CaO/MgO (R) ratio on the properties like density/molar volume has been investigated and correlation has been established between them. The theoretical parameters like electronegativity of metal ion/oxide ion, ionic concentration, interionic distance, optical basicity, and polarizability have also been obtained. The optical properties such as band gap, Urbach energy, and band positions of pristine as well as heat‐treated glasses have been studied using UV‐visible and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), respectively. Electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) spectra are obtained to find the values of spin Hamiltonian parameters (g values) for all the glass samples. It could be observed that with the increase in CaO content or R ratio, heat‐treated glasses exhibit direct band gap within 5.92‐6.01 eV range. The Urbach energy lies within the 0.62‐0.86 eV range for all the heat‐treated glass samples.
Financial service providers: Does it matter if banks don't behave ethically?
Authors: Patterson Zoe , McEachern Morven G. 
Published: August 2018

AbstractThe ethical consumer literature predominantly concentrates on fast‐moving consuming goods and thus, neglects insights to consumer behaviour within ethical services. As the financial services sector continues to grow in the UK, this paper addresses this anomaly by providing further insight into consumers and their ethical banking practices. More specifically, it examines their motivations as well as the trade‐offs and barriers which prevent greater uptake. Using a combination of in‐depth interviews and projective techniques, the research draws on Freestone and McGoldrick's model to reveal a lack of awareness towards ethical financial service providers and sheds light on various perceptions regarding what constitutes an ethical financial service. Additionally, numerous underlying personal benefits of ethical financial services became apparent alongside consumer expectations of customer care. In conclusion, our findings help to create a revised model which identifies more precisely the stages of ethical awareness, motivation and behaviour of ethical consumers both in the context of ethical financial services but also ethical consumption practices in general.
Bank Work Experience Versus Political Connections: Which Matters for Bank Loan Financing?
Authors: Pan Xiaofei , Tian Gary Gang 
Published: August 2018

AbstractThis paper examines how bank lending decisions are affected either by executives’ connections with banks, through their former banking experience, or by their political connections with governments, using a sample of bank loans granted to Chinese listed non‐state‐owned enterprises (SOEs) from 2003 to 2010. We find that bank loans are more closely related to profitability for firms with bank connections, while firms’ political connections weaken this relationship. We further find that the influence of bank connections is more significant for firms from less supported industries or less developed regions. Furthermore, firms with bank connections are less likely to become financially distressed after the initiation of their bank loans and experience higher future stock returns, while firms with political connections experience the opposite outcome. Overall, our results indicate that in the context of a relationship‐based economy like China, firms’ connections with banks create value by alleviating information asymmetry and improving banks’ lending decisions, while political connections result in capital misallocation and subsequent deterioration in performance.
Optical and thermal properties of TiO2‐doped Y2O3 transparent ceramics synthesized by hot isostatic pressing
Authors: Li Xiaokai , Zhu Qiangqiang , Xu Yangyang , Mao Xiaojian , Feng Minghui , Jiang Benxue , Zhang Long 
Published: August 2018

AbstractHighly transparent Y2O3 ceramics using TiO2 as an additive were synthesized by presintering and hot isostatic pressing (HIP). The effects of TiO2 contents and sintering conditions on the optical properties of the final transparent ceramics were investigated. A small amount (0.04‐0.16 wt%) may decrease the densification temperature by about 200°C. The Y2O3 ceramics doped with 0.16 wt% TiO2 revealed a transparency of 82% in the wavelength range 1‐6 μm. The thermal conductivity of the samples is about 11.8 W/m K at 25°C, which is close to that of the undoped Y2O3 ceramics.
Sprouty2 suppresses progression and correlates to favourable prognosis of intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma via antagonizing FGFR2 signalling
Authors: Xu Yun‐Fei , Liu Hong‐Da , Liu Zeng‐Li , Pan Chang , Yang Xiao‐Qing , Ning Shang‐Lei , Zhang Zong‐Li , Guo Sen , Yu Jin‐Ming 
Published: August 2018

AbstractFibroblast growth factor receptor 2 (FGFR2) was demonstrated to correlate to the progression and prognosis of intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (ICC) by numerous evidences. However, as a well‐recognized suppressor of FGFR2 signalling, the clinical significance of Sprouty (SPRY) family of ICC has not been investigated. In our study, the expressions of SPRY1‐4 in 20 pairs of fresh tumour tissues were detected with qPCR, and in 108 cases of paraffin‐embedded tissues with immunohistochemistry. The prognostic value of SPRY family in ICC was estimated with univariate analysis and multivariate analysis. As a result, SPRY2 was identified as an independent prognostic biomarker predicting favourable prognosis of ICC. High SPRY2 expression was correlated with good differentiation of ICC. With silencing SPRY2 expression, we demonstrated that SPRY2 could suppress FGFR2‐induced ERK phosphorylation, migration, invasion and epithelial‐mesenchymal transition (EMT) under FGF1 stimulation. By overexpressing SPRY2‐wide type or SPRY2‐Y55F, the tyrosine‐55 of SPRY2 was demonstrated to be essential in suppressing ERK phosphorylation, tumour invasion and EMT of ICC cells. In conclusion, SPRY2 was correlated with favourable prognosis of ICC via suppressing FGFR2‐induced ERK phosphorylation, invasion and EMT. The phosphorylation of SPRY2‐Y55 was required in this tumour‐suppressing function of SPRY2.
H1/pAIM2 nanoparticles exert anti‐tumour effects that is associated with the inflammasome activation in renal carcinoma
Authors: Chai Dafei , Liu Nianli , Li Huizhong , Wang Gang , Song Jingyuan , Fang Lin , Lu Zheng , Yao Hong , Zheng Junnian 
Published: August 2018

AbstractRenal cell carcinoma (RCC) is a high metastasis tumour with less effective treatment available currently. Absent in melanoma 2 (AIM2) as a tumour suppressor might be used as a potential therapeutic target for RCC treatment. Here, we found that AIM2 expression was significantly decreased in RCC patient specimens and renal carcinoma cell lines (786‐O and OSRC‐2). To establish a safe and effective AIM2 gene delivery system, we formed the nanoparticles consisting of a folate grafted PEI600‐CyD (H1) nanoparticle‐mediated AIM2 gene (H1/pAIM2) as an effective delivery agent. Delivery of H1/pAIM2 in renal carcinoma cells could remarkably increase the expression of AIM2, and subsequently decrease cell proliferation, migration, and invasion as well as enhance cell apoptosis. In order to evaluate the therapeutic efficacy of AIM2 in vivo, H1/pAIM2 nanoparticles were injected intratumorally into 786‐O‐xenograft mice. Administration of H1/pAIM2 nanoparticles could inhibit the tumour growth as evidenced by reduced tumour volume and weight. Furthermore, Blockade of inflammasome activation triggered by H1/pAIM2 nanoparticles using inflammasome inhibitor YVAD‐CMK abrogated the anti‐tumoral activities of H1/AIM2. These results indicated the therapeutic effect of H1/pAIM2 nanoparticles was mainly attributable to its capability to enhance the inflammasome activation. H1/AIM2 nanoparticles might act as an efficient therapeutic approach for RCC treatment.
Timing of erythropoietin modified mesenchymal stromal cell transplantation for the treatment of experimental bronchopulmonary dysplasia
Authors: Zhang Zhaohua , Sun Chao , Wang Jue , Jiang Wen , Xin Qian , Luan Yun 
Published: August 2018

AbstractThe aim of this study is to optimize the timing of erythropoietin gene modified mesenchymal stem cells (EPO‐MSCs) transplantation for bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD). Three weeks post‐operation, the results indicated that the damage of airway structure and apoptosis were significantly decreased, the proliferation was increased in three EPO‐MSCs transplantation groups as compared with BPD mice. Moreover, the inflammation cytokines were improvement in early EPO‐MSCs injection mice than in BPD mice, but there was no significant difference between late injection and BPD groups. Furthermore, the protein expression ratio of p‐p38/p38MAPK was down‐regulation in early mice but not in late transplantation mice. Our findings suggest that EPO‐MSCs maybe attenuate BPD injury in early than in late administration by inhibiting inflammation response through down‐regulation of the p38MAPK signalling pathway.
Helicobacter pylori‐induced exosomal MET educates tumour‐associated macrophages to promote gastric cancer progression
Authors: Che Ying , Geng Biao , Xu Yue , Miao Xin , Chen Ling , Mu Xianmin , Pan Jinshun , Zhang Chen , Zhao Ting , Wang Chao , Li Xiang , Wen Hao , Liu Zheng , You Qiang 
Published: August 2018

AbstractHelicobacter pylori (H. pylori) infection triggers chronic inflammation that has been associated with gastric cancer (GC). Exosomes are small extracellular vesicles that have become the key mediators of intercellular communication. In this study, we investigated exosome‐mediated communication between H. pylori‐infected GC cells and macrophages, focusing on the transfer of activated mesenchymal‐epithelial transition factor (MET). We observed a significant decrease in MET protein expression in GC cells after infection with H. pylori, whereas MET mRNA levels remained unchanged. Intriguingly, MET expression, specifically the phosphorylated active form, was increased in exosomes released from H. pylori‐infected GC cells. Confocal microscopy and Western blotting analyses showed that these exosomes containing MET were delivered to and internalized by macrophages. Indeed, in human GC tissues positive for H. pylori, we also observed that activated MET was highly expressed in tumour‐infiltrating macrophages. After internalization, exosomal MET then appeared to educate the macrophages towards a pro‐tumorigenesis phenotype. This included exosomal MET‐mediated stimulation of proinflammatory cytokine secretion IL‐1β, which subsequently promoted tumour growth and progression in vitro and in vivo. Taken together, these data were the first to demonstrate H. pylori infection‐induced upregulation of activated MET in exosomes and the pro‐tumorigenic effect on tumour‐associated macrophages.
Diffusion of water and caffeine in coffee beans using the hemispherical geometry approach
Authors: Huamaní‐Meléndez Víctor J. , Darros‐Barbosa Roger 
Published: August 2018

AbstractGeometrical, morphological, and shape factors are crucial for the accurate prediction of mass transfer rate of caffeine and water in the extraction of caffeine in aqueous medium from coffee beans. A new expression for the sphericity was deduced considering the hydrated coffee bean as a triaxial semilipsoid with moving boundaries applied to a nonsteady state analytical solution to describe the diffusion phenomena for the hemispherical geometry to best represent the morphology of the coffee bean during the caffeine extraction at varying temperatures from 30 to 60 °C. The sphericity increases with moisture in a power law trend. The hemisphere mathematical model presented an excellent adjustment to the data, with diffusion coefficients between 1.03 ×·10−11 and 9.00 ×·10−10 m2/s for caffeine and 0.69 ×·10−10 and 2.03 ×·10−10 m2/s for water; strongly influenced by temperature with activation energy of 59.93 and 41.24 kJ/mol, respectively, for caffeine and water.Practical applicationsThe decaffeination of coffee beans satisfies an important segment of the coffee market. Currently, many industries use the decaffeination technology based on organic solvents; others extract caffeine in aqueous medium and on a smaller scale the supercritical fluid extraction process. The present research provides important properties and a mathematical model to better represent the mass transfer phenomena, with the associated diffusion coefficients, along with a suitable expression for the size and shape of the coffee beans changing with the process, which can be used for the proper and accurate design and control of the extraction process. The proposed model used the hemispherical geometry approach with a reduced number of variables (e.g., only one equivalent radius), unlike other approaches that need three dimensions to represent the coffee bean size and the associated shape factor, which makes it time consuming, requiring more complex calculations, and not necessarily more accurate.
A novel kimchi container with an atmosphere actively controlled by time‐programmed vacuumizing and CO2 flushing
Authors: Lee Hye Lim , Park Su Yeon , An Duck Soon , Lee Dong Sun 
Published: August 2018

AbstractA kimchi (a Korean lactic acid fermented vegetable) storage container system to actively maintain an internal high CO2 concentration by time‐controlled CO2 flushing was developed and tested to improve the preservation quality and consumer preferences of the product. The proof‐of‐concept was constructed initially with a 2 L glass jar storage at 5 °C and then with a trial storage of prototype 10 L stainless steel container at 5 and 10 °C. The container filled with kimchi underwent an initial four cycles of vacuumizing and CO2 flushing and then timed CO2 flushes in the later storage. The same procedure was used when the container was opened and closed for the partial removal of kimchi during subsequent storage. The developed container system was effective at granting better sensory carbonic flavor of ripened kimchi and inhibiting the growth of spoilage yeasts with the extended storage compared to a simple hermetically closed container (control).Practical applicationsIn these days, household refrigerators are equipped with CO2 cylinder to make carbonated water on site. Food container system connected to the CO2 cylinder can also be used to preserve a variety of food products widening application boundary of the home appliances in people's food life. Container system developed in this study for kimchi, a popular Korean fermented vegetable can be used in specialty refrigerators of high end to enhance the consumer preference and extend its storage life. Benefits are cool carbonic flavor and long product preservation without yeast spoilage.
Effects of high hydrostatic pressure, dense phase carbon dioxide, and thermal processing on the quality of Hami melon juice
Authors: Pei Longying , Hou Sihan , Wang Linlin , Chen Jiluan 
Published: August 2018

AbstractThis article investigates how high hydrostatic pressure (HHP; 400 MPa, 45 °C, 10 min), dense phase carbon dioxide (DPCD; 30 MPa, 65 °C, 15 min), and thermal processing (TP; 85 °C, 10 min) affect the quality of Hami melon juice in storage. After HHP treatment, the total plate counts, yeasts, and molds were undetectable during storage (28 days) while microorganisms were observed at 14 and 21 days in DPCD‐ and TP‐treated samples, respectively. It seems that the total soluble solids (TSS) and the color parameters, that is, a*, b*, and L* were less affected by different processing methods. However, the activity of lipoxygenase (LOX), peroxidase (POD), and polyphenoloxidase (PPO) remarkably decreased after TP, whereas residual activities of these three enzymes (>70%) were detected after HHP treatment. The glucose and fructose of Hami melon juice remained at the same level after HHP treatment, while sucrose decreased in HHP‐treated juice. Additionally, the reduction of organic acids after HHP treatment was less than that after TP. In general, the overall quality of Hami melon juice after HHP treatment was much better than that of the TP‐ and DPCD‐treated juice, suggesting that HHP treatment could be an optimal way to maintain the quality of Hami melon juice.Practical applicationFrom this work, the effects of three different treatments (HHP, DPCD, TP) on the microorganisms, enzyme activities, sugars, organic acids and sensory quality of Hami melon juice was studied, and HHP showed the great potential. Thus, it can be optional new techniques for the industrial production of Hami melon juice.
Effects of Thymus daenensis and Satureja hortensis L. essential oils on quality properties of Iranian Doogh
Authors: Sasanian Negar , Sari Abbas A. , Mortazavian Amir M. 
Published: August 2018

AbstractAntifungal activity of Thymus daenensis and Satureja hortensis essential oils (EOs) (0, 50, 100, and 150 ppm) were evaluated against Aspergillus fumigatus in vitro and in the Food model system (un‐heat and heat‐treated Doogh) during 21 days. In vitro results showed that minimum inhibitory concentration and minimum fungicidal concentration of T. daenensis and S. hortensis oils were 6.25 and 12.5%, respectively. In un‐heat treated samples, both EOs showed a significant inhibitory effects rather than the control group at 25 °C than 4 °C. Treatments containing 100 and 150 ppm of T. daenensis EO on the 21st day and treatment containing 50 ppm of S. hortensis EO on the 15th day had maximum inhibitory effect. No growth was observed in the heat‐treated samples and control group. The findings revealed that both EOs had noticeable antifungal activity and can be considered as a natural preservative in the food industry.Practical applicationsDoogh is a traditional Iranian dairy‐based drink which is the same as other dairy fermented products prone to fungal contamination. As a result, application of chemical and synthetic preservatives is common to control microbial growth and increase the shelf life. But, due to their harmful side effects, much research has been being conducted to find a suitable substitute like plant EOs, as natural preservatives in the food industry. This study assessed the antifungal activity of T. daenensis and S. hortensis EOs and their potential applications in food model system.
Higgler Tactics: Techniques of Intermediary Market Traders in Jamaica
Authors: Tantam William 
Published: August 2018

ResumenBasado en trabajo de campo en Black River, un pueblo rural en Jamaica, este artículo amplifica y actualiza trabajos anteriores sobre higglers (puesteras o vendedoras ambulantes en mercados callejeros) en el Caribe a través de material etnográfico contemporáneo y del análisis detallado de las técnicas de vendedoras intermediarias individuales, y de sus espacios más próximos dentro del mercado. Se sostiene que las tácticas de las vendedoras intermediarias demuestran tanto continuidad con las prácticas que ellas emplearon durante y después del período de la esclavitud de la plantación, como respuestas dinámicas a la precariedad contemporánea de sus subsistencias. En su papel, se demuestra tanto la competencia como la cooperación para asegurar su viabilidad económica en medio de una situación económica precaria. También se presta atención a las técnicas individuales a través de las cuales las vendedoras intermediarias maximizan sus escasas oportunidades.
Arrested Development: Theory and Evidence of Supply‐Side Speculation in the Housing Market
Authors: NATHANSON CHARLES G. , ZWICK ERIC 
Published: August 2018

ABSTRACTThis paper studies the role of disagreement in amplifying housing cycles. Speculation is easier in the land market than in the housing market due to frictions that make renting less efficient than owner‐occupancy. As a result, undeveloped land facilitates construction and intensifies the speculation that causes booms and busts in house prices. This observation challenges the standard intuition that in cities where construction is easier, house price booms are smaller. It can also explain why the largest house price booms in the United States between 2000 and 2006 occurred in areas with elastic housing supply.