bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
MAYA POLITICS AND RITUAL: AN IMPORTANT NEW HIEROGLYPHIC TEXT ON A CARVED JADE FROM BELIZE
Authors: Prager Christian M. , Braswell Geoffrey E. 
Published: November 2016

AbstractWe describe a remarkable artifact discovered during our 2015 excavations at the Maya site of Nim li Punit, Belize. It is a T-shaped jade pectoral worn on the chest by ancient Maya kings during rites in which they scattered copal incense (Figure 1). These rituals are described or depicted on six carved stone monuments (stelae) at the site. What is more, two stelae at the site depict rulers wearing the pectoral. The reverse side of the jade contains a long historical hieroglyphic text. Had the piece been recovered by illegal means and ended up in a private collection, much of the text would make little sense and it could not possibly be ascribed to Nim li Punit. The priceless worth of the Nim li Punit pectoral, therefore, lies not only in its hieroglyphic inscription but also in its known archaeological context and contemporary images of its use. We briefly describe that context and present a translation of the important text on the jade pectoral, which we interpret as a “wind jewel.”
Vitamin A deficiency and determinants of vitamin A status in Bangladeshi children and women: findings of a national survey
Authors: Rahman Sabuktagin , Rahman Ahmed Shafiqur , Alam Nurul , Ahmed AM Shamsir , Ireen Santhia , Chowdhury Ireen Akhter , Chowdhury Fatima Parveen , Rahman SM Mustafizur , Ahmed Tahmeed 
Published: November 2016

AbstractObjectiveUsing data from the national micronutrients survey 2011–2012, the present study explored the status of subclinical vitamin A nutrition and the underlying determinants in the Bangladeshi population.DesignA nationwide cross-sectional study.SettingsThe survey covered 150 clusters; fifty in each of rural, urban and slum strata.SubjectsThree population groups: (i) pre-school age children (6–59 months; PSAC); (ii) school age children (6–14 years; SAC); and (iii) non-pregnant non-lactating women (15–49 years; NPNLW).ResultsNational prevalence of subclinical vitamin A deficiency was 20·5, 20·8 and 5·3 % in PSAC, SAC and NPNLW, respectively. Slum populations had higher prevalence compared with urban (PSAC: 38·1 v. 21·2 %, P<0·001; SAC: 27·1 v. 22·1 %, P=0·004; NPNLW: 6·8 v. 4·7 %, P=0·01). Dietary vitamin A met up to 27·1–46·0 % of daily needs; plant-source vitamin A constituted 73–87 % of the intakes. Multivariable regression analyses showed that higher consumption of animal foods was associated with higher retinol status in PSAC (β=0·27; P<0·001); and living in urban area was related to higher retinol status in NPNLW (β=0·08, P=0·004) and PSAC (β=0·11, P=0·04). Increased intake of leafy vegetables was associated with lower retinol status in SAC (β=−0·08, P=0·02). Vitamin A supplementation in PSAC did not significantly influence serum retinol within one year post-supplementation (P>0·05 for differences in β between <3 months v. 3–6 months, 6–9 months and 9–12 months).ConclusionsPrevalence of subclinical vitamin A deficiency was high in children in Bangladesh. Intakes of animal-source foods and leafy vegetables were associated with higher and lower retinol status, respectively. Increased food diversity through animal-source foods is required.
Estimation of the risk of secondary malignancies following intraoral electron radiotherapy for tongue cancer patients
Authors: Jeong Seonghoon , Yoon Myonggeun , Chung Weon Kuu , Chung Mijoo , Kim Dong Wook 
Published: November 2016

AbstractPurposeTo measure dosimetric characteristics for linear accelerator-based electron beams, which are applied through locally manufactured acrylic tubes for intraoral radiotherapy and to calculate the secondary cancer risk for organs at risk.Materials and methodsSix different acrylic tubes were exposed to a 6-MeV electron beam; they had tips with three angles (0°, 15° and 30°) and two diameters (2·5 and 3·0 cm). Gafchromic EBT2 film was horizontally and vertically inserted in a solid water phantom to measure the dose profiles and percentage depth doses (PDDs). The measured data from radio-photoluminescence glass dosimeters placed on the neck and both eyes were used to estimate the lifetime attributable risk of secondary cancer resulting from intraoral radiotherapy for tongue cancer.ResultsA total of 12 dose profiles were obtained from six different acrylic applicators at 0·5 and 1·28 cm depths. Circular shapes were obtained from 0° applicators, and oval shapes were obtained from 15° and 30° applicators. Absorbed doses at a 0·5 cm depth were higher than those at a 1·28 cm depth. PDD shapes for the six acrylic applicators were similar to those of a normal 6 MeV electron beam. Larger-diameter applicators showed higher PDD than smaller-diameter applicators with the same tip angle. According to our secondary cancer risk estimation, if 100,000 patients received intraoral radiotherapy at 30 years and lived until 80 years, 122 female and 22 male patients would develop secondary thyroid cancer, while 13 female and 18 male patients would develop secondary ocular melanoma or retinoblastoma.ConclusionsDosimetric characteristics for linear accelerator-based intraoperative radiotherapy treatment beam were confirmed. In addition, we found that 0·1% of tongue cancer patients would get secondary malignancies for both eyes and thyroid from this treatment.
End-of-life experiences and deathbed phenomena as reported by Brazilian healthcare professionals in different healthcare settings
Authors: Santos Claudia Soares Dos , Paiva Bianca Sakamoto Ribeiro , Lucchetti Alessandra Lamas Granero , Paiva Carlos Eduardo , Fenwick Peter , Lucchetti Giancarlo 
Published: November 2016

ABSTRACTObjective:The objectives of the present study were to describe and compare the characteristics and reports of end-of-life experiences (ELEs) by healthcare professionals at different institutions and to investigate the influence of religious beliefs on these reports.Method:A multicenter study was carried out in Brazil that included six nursing homes (NHs), a cancer hospital (ONC), and a palliative care (PC) unit. Sociodemographic data, ELE reports (Fenwick's questionnaire), religiosity (the Duke Religion Index), spirituality (the Spirituality Self-Rating Scale), and mental health (the DASS-21 questionnaire) were assessed. The analysis was performed using ANOVA and chi-square tests in order to compare ELE perceptions in these different settings.Results:A total of 133 healthcare professionals (46 ONC, 36 PC, and 51 NH) were interviewed, 70% of whom recounted at least one ELE report in the previous five years. The most common ELEs were “visions of dead relatives collecting the dying person” (88.2%), “a desire to mend family rifts” (84.9%), and “visions of dead relatives near the bed providing emotional comfort” (80.6%). Most healthcare professionals (70–80%) believed that these experiences had a spiritual significance and were not due to biological effects. Comparison among settings revealed that those working in the PC unit had more reports, a greater openness about the issue, and more interest in training. Individual religious beliefs had no influence on perception of ELEs.Significance of Results:Our study revealed that ELE reports are not uncommon in clinical practice and seem to be little influenced by religious or spiritual beliefs. Although strongly reported in all settings, palliative care professionals tend to be more open to this issue and have a stronger perception of ELEs.
Exotic ancient plant introductions: part of Indian ‘Ayurveda’ medicinal system
Authors: Singh Anurudh K. 
Published: November 2016

AbstractIndia is home to some of the oldest civilizations, during which period the local communities domesticated indigenous plant species for food and agriculture and medicinal uses. In this process, they also bio-prospected and/or absorbed potentially valuable exotic plant species, making them integral part of Indian culture, including the traditional medicinal system, theAyurveda. The present paper discusses the absorption of 26 plant species of exotic origin, before 8th century, as evidenced by archaeological sculptural or botanical remains and documentation of such plants in Sanskrit, theVediclanguage. Occurrence and/or introduction of such plants at such distant places in ancient times is visualized as a result of geographical continental fragmentation followed by drift, natural or man-made transoceanic movement, and cultural and trade exchange of plant material over time and space.
Potential of marine algae (sea weeds) as source of medicinally important compounds
Authors: Anand N. , Rachel D. , Thangaraju N. , Anantharaman P. 
Published: November 2016

AbstractScientific research has always been concerned with aspects of human health. There are several systems of medicines besides the globally accepted allopathy, which are based on compounds originating from natural products. Recent research has been centred around validation of the traditional knowledge on medicinal products. The traditional systems in India, China and forklore medicines in other parts of the world have indicated the potential of natural products consist of various chemical compounds that could be used as drugs. The search for drugs against five major dreadful diseases namely, cancer, AIDS, heart disease, diabetes and pulmonary disorders that attack the present day human from natural products has been in progress for some time. Microbes, plants and animals are the sources of natural products. In the past five decades, the research on bioactive chemicals from marine algae has been incited and several compounds with biological activity were isolated from algae. Generally, these are secondary metabolites produced for chemical defence against the biotic pressure of predators, consumers and epibionts. These potential drugs are now attracting considerable attention from the pharmaceutical industries due to the necessity of identifying substances that could be utilized for novel therapeutic purposes. Several compounds such as alginate, carrageenans, sulphated and halogenated polysachcharise and other derivatives have been shown to provide drugs that could be antiviral, anticancer and antimicrobial. The present account is on the potential of marine macro-algae for medicinally important products.
ASEAN Environmental Cooperation, Transnational Private Governance, and the Haze: Overcoming the ‘Territorial Trap’ of State-Based Governance?
Authors: Nesadurai Helen E.S. 
Published: November 2016

AbstractPrivate sustainability standards for palm oil – RSPO certification and especially the POIG/No Deforestation standards – show more promise than ASEAN in addressing the political-economic drivers of the fires/haze in Indonesia. ‘Sovereignty-free’ private actors – global NGOs, philanthropic foundations, and social investors – harnessed transnational markets and used consumer product multinationals and Asian palm oil traders/processers as intermediaries to reach oil palm growers previously shielded from private regulation. Exclusion of state actors gave regulatory entrepreneurs a freer hand to institute more stringent standards. This contrasts with ASEAN regional governance where state control of regional governance deflects global and local pressure for change. There are limitations, however, to the reach of voluntary private standards, which cannot address irresponsible cultivation practices in illegal supply chains and those catering to the domestic market, despite NGOs and other private regulatory entrepreneurs acting as ‘functional equivalents’ of state authorities in driving change. Nevertheless, palm oil's economic importance to Indonesia and the global market transformations underway mean that global private standards have a first-mover advantage. However, central state actors have denounced private standards as intrusions on national sovereignty. While private standards have sparked national conversations on sustainability, the political bargaining between state authority, private regulators, and their proponents is only just beginning.
How Do People Share Their Positive Events?
Authors: Palmer Cara A. , Ramsey Meagan A. , Morey Jennifer N. , Gentzler Amy L. 
Published: November 2016

Abstract. Research suggests that sharing positive events with others is beneficial for well-being, yet little is known about how positive events are shared with others and who is most likely to share their positive events. The current study expanded on previous research by investigating how positive events are shared and individual differences in how people share these events. Participants (N = 251) reported on their likelihood to share positive events in three ways: capitalizing (sharing with close others), bragging (sharing with someone who may become jealous or upset), and mass-sharing (sharing with many people at once using communication technology) across a range of positive scenarios. Using cluster analysis, five meaningful profiles of sharing patterns emerged. These profiles were associated with gender, Big Five personality traits, narcissism, and empathy. Individuals who tended to brag when they shared their positive events were more likely to be men, reported less agreeableness, less conscientiousness, and less empathy, whereas those who tended to brag and mass-share reported the highest levels of narcissism. These results have important theoretical and practical implications for the growing body of research on sharing positive events.
Liver-specific ATP-citrate lyase inhibition by bempedoic acid decreases LDL-C and attenuates atherosclerosis
Authors: Pinkosky Stephen L. , Newton Roger S. , Day Emily A. , Ford Rebecca J. , Lhotak Sarka , Austin Richard C. , Birch Carolyn M. , Smith Brennan K. , Filippov Sergey , Groot Pieter H.E. , Steinberg Gregory R. , Lalwani Narendra D. 
Published: November 2016

AbstractDespite widespread use of statins to reduce low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) and associated atherosclerotic cardiovascular risk, many patients do not achieve sufficient LDL-C lowering due to muscle-related side effects, indicating novel treatment strategies are required. Bempedoic acid (ETC-1002) is a small molecule intended to lower LDL-C in hypercholesterolemic patients, and has been previously shown to modulate both ATP-citrate lyase (ACL) and AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) activity in rodents. However, its mechanism for LDL-C lowering, efficacy in models of atherosclerosis and relevance in humans are unknown. Here we show that ETC-1002 is a prodrug that requires activation by very long-chain acyl-CoA synthetase-1 (ACSVL1) to modulate both targets, and that inhibition of ACL leads to LDL receptor upregulation, decreased LDL-C and attenuation of atherosclerosis, independently of AMPK. Furthermore, we demonstrate that the absence of ACSVL1 in skeletal muscle provides a mechanistic basis for ETC-1002 to potentially avoid the myotoxicity associated with statin therapy.
Atomistic characterization of the active-site solvation dynamics of a model photocatalyst
Authors: van Driel Tim B. , Kjær Kasper S. , Hartsock Robert W. , Dohn Asmus O. , Harlang Tobias , Chollet Matthieu , Christensen Morten , Gawelda Wojciech , Henriksen Niels E. , Kim Jong Goo , Haldrup Kristoffer , Kim Kyung Hwan , Ihee Hyotcherl , Kim Jeongho , Lemke Henrik , Sun Zheng , Sundström Villy , Zhang Wenkai , Zhu Diling , Møller Klaus B. , Nielsen Martin M. , Gaffney Kelly J. 
Published: November 2016

AbstractThe interactions between the reactive excited state of molecular photocatalysts and surrounding solvent dictate reaction mechanisms and pathways, but are not readily accessible to conventional optical spectroscopic techniques. Here we report an investigation of the structural and solvation dynamics following excitation of a model photocatalytic molecular system [Ir2(dimen)4]2+, where dimen is para-diisocyanomenthane. The time-dependent structural changes in this model photocatalyst, as well as the changes in the solvation shell structure, have been measured with ultrafast diffuse X-ray scattering and simulated with Born-Oppenheimer Molecular Dynamics. Both methods provide direct access to the solute–solvent pair distribution function, enabling the solvation dynamics around the catalytically active iridium sites to be robustly characterized. Our results provide evidence for the coordination of the iridium atoms by the acetonitrile solvent and demonstrate the viability of using diffuse X-ray scattering at free-electron laser sources for studying the dynamics of photocatalysis.
Probing atomic structure and Majorana wavefunctions in mono-atomic Fe chains on superconducting Pb surface
Authors: Pawlak Rémy , Kisiel Marcin , Klinovaja Jelena , Meier Tobias , Kawai Shigeki , Glatzel Thilo , Loss Daniel , Meyer Ernst 
Published: November 2016

AbstractMotivated by the striking promise of quantum computation, Majorana bound states (MBSs) in solid-state systems have attracted wide attention in recent years. In particular, the wavefunction localisation of MBSs is a key feature and is crucial for their future implementation as qubits. Here we investigate the spatial and electronic characteristics of topological superconducting chains of iron atoms on the surface of Pb(110) by combining scanning tunnelling microscopy and atomic force microscopy. We demonstrate that the Fe chains are mono-atomic, structured in a linear manner and exhibit zero-bias conductance peaks at their ends, which we interpret as signature for a MBS. Spatially resolved conductance maps of the atomic chains reveal that the MBSs are well localised at the chain ends (≲25 nm), with two localisation lengths as predicted by theory. Our observation lends strong support to use MBSs in Fe chains as qubits for quantum-computing devices.
Treatment with FGFR2-IIIc monoclonal antibody suppresses weight gain and adiposity in KKAy mice
Authors: Nonogaki K , Kaji T , Yamazaki T , Murakami Mari 
Published: November 2016

AbstractExpression of β-Kotho, fibroblast growth factor receptor (FGFR)-1c and 2c, which bind FGF21, is decreased in the white adipose tissue of obese mice. The aim of the present study was to determine the role of FGFR2c in the development of obesity and diabetes in KKAy mice. Treatment with mouse monoclonal FGFR2-IIIc antibody (0.5 mg kg−1) significantly suppressed body weight gain and epididymal white adipose tissue weight in individually housed KKAy mice while having no effect on daily food intake. In addition, treatment with FGFR2-IIIc antibody significantly increased plasma-free fatty acid levels while having no effect on blood glucose or plasma FGF21 levels. Moreover, treatment with FGFR2-IIIc antibody had no significant effect on the expression of uncoupling protein-1, uncoupling protein-2 or peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-γ coactivator 1α in the epididymal white adipose tissue. The treatment with FGFR2-IIIc antibody had no significant effects on daily food intake and body weight gain in individually housed KK mice. These findings suggest that FGFR2-IIIc upregulates the adiposity induced by social isolation in KKAy mice, and that decreased expression and/or function of FGFR2c might be a compensatory response to enhanced adiposity. Inhibition of FGFR2-IIIc function might be a novel therapeutic approach for obesity.
The link between soda intake and asthma: science points to the high-fructose corn syrup, not the preservatives: a commentary
Authors: DeChristopher L R , Uribarri J , Tucker K L 
Published: November 2016

AbstractRecent research conducted by investigators at the National Center for Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Promotion—a division of the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)—found that 'Regular-Soda Intake, Independent of Weight Status, is Associated with Asthma among US High School Students.' On the basis of their review of prior studies, researchers hypothesized that the association may be due to high intake of sodium benzoate, a commonly used preservative in US soft drinks. But a closer look at these prior research studies suggests that there is no strong scientific evidence that the preservatives in US soft drinks are associated with asthma. Importantly, other recent research suggests that the association may be with the unpaired (excess free) fructose in high fructose corn syrup.
Superstrength of nanograined steel with nanoscale intermetallic precipitates transformed from shock-compressed martensitic steel
Authors: Yu Hailiang , Yan Ming , Lu Cheng , Tieu Anh Kiet , Li Huijun , Zhu Qiang , Godbole Ajit , Li Jintao , Su Lihong , Kong Charlie 
Published: November 2016

AbstractAn increasing number of industrial applications need superstrength steels. It is known that refined grains and nanoscale precipitates can increase strength. The hardest martensitic steel reported to date is C0.8 steel, whose nanohardness can reach 11.9 GPa through incremental interstitial solid solution strengthening. Here we report a nanograined (NG) steel dispersed with nanoscale precipitates which has an extraordinarily high hardness of 19.1 GPa. The NG steel (shock-compressed Armox 500T steel) was obtained under these conditions: high strain rate of 1.2 μs−1, high temperature rise rate of 600 Kμs−1 and high pressure of 17 GPa. The mean grain size achieved was 39 nm and reinforcing precipitates were indexed in the NG steel. The strength of the NG steel is expected to be ~3950 MPa. The discovery of the NG steel offers a general pathway for designing new advanced steel materials with exceptional hardness and excellent strength.
Vertical Magnetic Separation of Circulating Tumor Cells for Somatic Genomic-Alteration Analysis in Lung Cancer Patients
Authors: Yoo Chang Eun , Park Jong-Myeon , Moon Hui-Sung , Joung Je-Gun , Son Dae-Soon , Jeon Hyo-Jeong , Kim Yeon Jeong , Han Kyung-Yeon , Sun Jong-Mu , Park Keunchil , Park Donghyun , Park Woong-Yang 
Published: November 2016

AbstractEfficient isolation and genetic analysis of circulating tumor cells (CTCs) from cancer patients’ blood is a critical step for clinical applications using CTCs. Here, we report a novel CTC-isolation method and subsequent genetic analysis. CTCs from the blood were complexed with magnetic beads coated with antibodies against the epithelial cell adhesion molecule (EpCAM) and separated vertically on a density-gradient medium in a modified well-plate. The recovery rate of model CTCs was reasonable and the cell purity was enhanced dramatically when compared to those parameters obtained using a conventional magnetic isolation method. CTCs were recovered from an increased number of patient samples using our magnetic system vs. the FDA-approved CellSearch system (100% vs. 33%, respectively). In 8 of 13 cases, targeted deep sequencing analysis of CTCs revealed private point mutations present in CTCs but not in matched tumor samples and white blood cells (WBCs), which was also validated by droplet digital PCR. Copy-number alterations in CTCs were also observed in the corresponding tumor tissues for some patients. In this report, we showed that CTCs isolated by the EpCAM-based method had complex and diverse genetic features that were similar to those of tumor samples in some, but not all, cases.