bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Polyphenols from Euphorbia pekinensis Inhibit AGEs Formation In Vitro and Vessel Dilation in Larval Zebrafish In Vivo
Authors: Lee Ik-Soo , Jung Seung-Hyun , Kim Jin 
Published: November 2017

AbstractTo identify active compounds in the roots of Euphorbia pekinensis for treatment of diabetic complications, an active column fraction from a 70% EtOH extract of E. pekinensis root was purified by preparative reversed-phase high-performance liquid chromatography, leading to the isolation of a new ellagic acid derivative, 3,3′-di-O-methylellagic acid 4-O-(6ʺ-O-galloyl)-β-D-galactopyranoside (1), along with three known compounds, geraniin (2), 3,3′-di-O-methylellagic acid 4-O-β-D-xylopyranoside (3), and ellagic acid 3,3′-dimethyl ether (4). The structure of the new compound was established by extensive spectroscopic studies and chemical evidence. The inhibitory effects of isolated compounds 1–4 on advanced glycation end-products (AGEs) formation were examined. All compounds exhibited considerable inhibition of AGEs formation and IC50 values of 0.41 – 12.33 µM, compared with those of the positive controls aminoguanidine (IC50 = 1122.34 µM) and quercetin (IC50 = 27.80 µM). In addition, the effects of 2 and 4 on the dilation of hyaloid-retinal vessels induced by high glucose (HG) in larval zebrafish were investigated; both compounds significantly reduced the HG-induced dilation of hyaloid-retinal vessels relative to the HG-treated control group.
The SPARTACUS Trial: Controversies and Unresolved Issues
Authors: Beuschlein Felix , Mulatero Paolo , Asbach Evelyn , Monticone Silvia , Catena Cristiana , Sechi Leonardo , Stowasser Michael 
Published: November 2017

AbstractAdrenal vein sampling (AVS) is considered the gold standard for the differential diagnosis in patients with primary aldosteronism (PA). The distinction between unilateral and bilateral disease dictates the targeted therapeutic approach with surgery for aldosterone producing adenomas and medical therapy for patients with bilateral hyperplasia. Thereby, this diagnostic step is crucial in clinical care. As AVS is an invasive, not well standardized procedure that is restricted to few specialized centers, several attempts have been made to simplify diagnostic algorithms. In this clinical scenario, the recently published SPARTACUS trial aimed at answering the question whether AVS in fact is superior for differential diagnosis in comparison to imaging of the adrenal glands. In this multicenter study, patients were randomized to be treated according to AVS results or based on abdominal imaging only. Clinical outcome in both patient groups after one year was reported as not different. While the study results found broad interest, it also stirred considerable controversies. This review provides an overview on the different views regarding the outline of the SPARTACUS trial and the interpretation of its results.
Inter-Day Reliability of Finapres® Cardiovascular Measurements During Rest and Exercise
Authors: Waldron Mark , David Patterson Stephen , Jeffries Owen 
Published: November 2017

AbstractThis study evaluated the inter-day test-retest reliability of the Finapres® finger pulse pressure measuring device during rest and exercise. Eight male participants visited the laboratory twice for evaluation of the inter-day reliability of the Finapres® finger-pulse pressure device to measure: heart rate (HR), stroke volume (SV), cardiac output (Q̇) and mean arterial pressure (MAP) at rest, and treadmill walking at 3 km/h on 1% and 5% inclines. There were no systematic biases for any of the variables between days. The coefficient of variation (CV%) and 95% limits of agreement (95% LoA) was smallest for MAP (CV%=1.6–3.2%; LoA total error=4.6–12 mmHg) and HR (CV%=3.2–3.9%; LoA total error=6.8–11.9 b/min), increasing with exercise intensity (gradient). The pattern of error was different for Q̇, with decreasing CV% (4.8–3.8%) and LoA (4.2–5.7 L/min) from rest to 5% gradient, with the larger errors occurring for resting SV (CV=7.4%; LoA total error=21.5 ml). The device measures MAP and HR reliably between days; however, error increases at higher intensities. The measurement of SV is less reliable, probably owing to underlying algorithmic assumptions.
Epitranscriptomic profiling across cell types reveals associations between APOBEC1-mediated RNA editing, gene expression outcomes, and cellular function
Authors: Rayon-Estrada Violeta , Harjanto Dewi , Hamilton Claire E. , Berchiche Yamina A. , Gantman Emily Conn , Sakmar Thomas P. , Bulloch Karen , Gagnidze Khatuna , Harroch Sheila , McEwen Bruce S. , Papavasiliou F. Nina 
Published: November 2017

Significance
RNA editing is an enzymatic modification that leads to single-nucleotide changes in mRNA. Editing is particularly robust within cells of the immune lineage. Here, we focus on the macrophage and demonstrate that genetic inactivation of the RNA-editing enzyme Apobec1 affects protein levels of genes that underlie macrophage-specific behaviors including phagocytosis and transendothelial migration. We further show that loss of Apobec1 leads to an overabundance of proinflammatory monocytes, a hallmark of many chronic diseases. These data provide the first view of the consequences of editing for gene expression and cellular function. Overall, epitranscriptomic changes catalyzed by RNA editing might be important biomarkers of diseases associated with inflammation (e.g., neurodegenerative diseases), for which an association with DNA mutation has been lacking.
Functional properties of anti-inflammatory substances from quercetin-treated Bifidobacterium adolescentis
Authors: Kawabata Kyuichi , Baba Nobuyuki , Sakano Taiken , Hamano Yoshimitsu , Taira Shu , Tamura Akira , Baba Seigo , Natsume Midori , Ishii Takeshi , Murakami Shigeru , Ohigashi Hajime 
Published: November 2017

Abstract
The genus Bifidobacterium is well known to have beneficial health effects. We discovered that quercetin and related polyphenols enhanced the secretion of anti-inflammatory substances by Bifidobacterium adolescentis. This study investigated characteristics of the anti-inflammatory substances secreted by B. adolescentis. The culture supernatant of B. adolescentis with quercetin reduced the levels of inflammatory mediators in activated macrophages. Spontaneous quercetin degradant failed to increase anti-inflammatory activity, while the enhancement of anti-inflammatory activity by quercetin was sustained after washout of quercetin. Physicochemical treatment of the culture supernatant indicated that its bioactive substances may be heat-stable, non-phenolic, and acidic biomolecules with molecular weights less than 3 kDa. Acetate and lactate have little or no effect on nitric oxide production. Taken together, the anti-inflammatory substances secreted by B. adolescentis may be small molecules but not short chain fatty acids. In agreement with these findings, stearic acid was tentatively identified as a bioactive candidate compound.
The Fresh Start Mindset: Transforming Consumers’ Lives
Authors: Price Linda L , Coulter Robin A , Strizhakova Yuliya , Schultz Ainslie E 
Published: November 2017

Abstract
This article introduces the fresh start mindset, defined as a belief that people can make a new start, get a new beginning, and chart a new course in life, regardless of their past or present circumstances. With historical roots in American culture and neoliberalism, and with contemporary links to liquid modernity and global consumer culture, this mindset structures reasoning, experience, and everyday language, and guides behavior across self- and other-transformative consumption domains. We develop a six-item scale (FSM) to measure the fresh start mindset and situate it within a broader nomological network, including growth mindset, personal capacity for change, optimism, future temporal focus, internal locus of control, self-efficacy, perseverance, resilience, and consumer variety seeking. Individuals with a stronger (vs. weaker) fresh start mindset invest in transformative change through changing their circumstances, including their own consumption choices (e.g., buying a new pair of sunglasses and getting a new self); they also are more supportive of transformative programs that assist those who are challenged to get a fresh start (i.e., disadvantaged youth, at-risk teens, veterans, and tax-burdened adults). Our work significantly contributes to transformative consumer research with attention to self-activities and programs for vulnerable populations that enable new beginnings.
Pop III i-process nucleosynthesis and the elemental abundances of SMSS J0313−6708 and the most iron-poor stars
Authors: Clarkson O , Herwig F , Pignatari M 
Published: November 2017

Abstract
We have investigated a highly energetic H-ingestion event during shell He burning leading to H-burning luminosities of log (LH/L⊙) ∼ 13 in a 45 M⊙ Pop III massive stellar model. In order to track the nucleosynthesis which may occur in such an event, we run a series of single-zone nucleosynthesis models for typical conditions found in the stellar evolution model. Such nucleosynthesis conditions may lead to i-process neutron densities of up to ∼1013 cm−3. The resulting simulation abundance pattern, where Mg comes from He burning and Ca from the i process, agrees with the general observed pattern of the most iron-poor star currently known, SMSS J031300.36−670839.3. However, Na is also efficiently produced in these i-process conditions, and the prediction exceeds observations by ∼2.5 dex. While this probably rules out this model for SMSS J031300.36−670839.3, the typical i-process signature of combined He burning and i process of higher than solar [Na/Mg], [Mg/Al], and low [Ca/Mg] is reproducing abundance features of the two next most iron-poor stars HE 1017−5240 and HE 1327−2326 very well. The i process does not reach Fe which would have to come from a low level of additional enrichment. i process in hyper-metal-poor or Pop III massive stars may be able to explain certain abundance patterns observed in some of the most metal-poor CEMP-no stars.
Resetting the International Monetary (Non)System
Authors: Ocampo José Antonio 
Published: November 2017

AbstractThis book provides an analysis of the global monetary system and the necessary reforms that it should undergo to play an active role in the twenty-first century. As its title indicates, its basic diagnosis is that it is an ad hoc framework rather than a coherent system—a ‘non-system’—which evolved after the breakdown of the original Bretton Woods arrangement in the early 1970s. The book places a special focus on the asymmetries that emerging and developing countries face within the current system, and therefore on the development dimensions of the global monetary system and of global monetary reform. The book proposes a comprehensive yet evolutionary reform of the system that includes: (i) provision of international liquidity through a system that mixes the multi-currency arrangement with a more active use of the IMF’s Special Drawing Rights (SDRs), the only true global currency that has been created; (ii) stronger mechanisms of macroeconomic policy cooperation, including greater cooperation in exchange rate management, and freedom to manage capital flows as a complement to counter-cyclical macroeconomic policy and other instruments of financial regulation; (iii) additional automatic balance-of-payments financing facilities, and the complementary use of swap and regional arrangements; (iv) a multilateral sovereign debt workout mechanism; and (v) major reforms of the system’s governance, based on a more representative apex organization, more equitable participation of emerging and developing countries in decision-making, and a network of global, regional, inter-regional, and sub-regional organizations.
Reforming the (Non)System
Authors: Ocampo José Antonio 
Published: November 2017

AbstractThis chapter proposes a comprehensive yet evolutionary reform of the global monetary non-system that evolved out of the breakdown of the original Bretton Woods arrangement in the early 1970s. The recent North Atlantic financial crisis showed how dysfunctional the current international monetary and financial architecture is for managing today’s global economy, and led to calls to reform it. Proposals for reform in this chapter include: (i) a global reserve system that mixes the multi-currency arrangement with an active use of the International Monetary Fund’s Special Drawing Rights; (ii) stronger mechanisms of macroeconomic policy cooperation, including management of the exchange rate system and capital account regulations; (iii) additional automatic balance-of-payments financing facilities, and the complementary use of swap and regional arrangements; (iv) a multilateral sovereign debt workout mechanism; and (v) major reforms of the system’s governance.
Considerations in Framing the Environmental Dimensions of Jus Post Bellum
Authors: Bruch Carl 
Published: November 2017

Abstract
This chapter seeks to place the environmental provisions of jus post bellum in the broader context of environmental peacebuilding. In considering the efforts to articulate a new body of jus post bellum, particularly as it relates to natural resources and the environment, it presents three key observations. First, there is a large and diverse body of experience related to environmental peacebuilding that can inform the development and framing of jus post bellum, including through state practice and customary international law. This experience argues for a broad view of the environment in jus post bellum. Second, notwithstanding the importance of the environment to post-conflict peacebuilding, most programming in conflict-affected countries pays little thought to law—and even less to international law. This is unfortunate, as there is a growing body of relevant international law from various sources. Third, the space for political dialogue on environmental peacebuilding has expanded dramatically.
The Ability of Environmental Treaties to Address Environmental Problems in Post-Conflict
Authors: Sjöstedt Britta 
Published: November 2017

Abstract
This chapter examines how international environmental law pertains in the transition phase from armed conflict to peace (post-conflict). Environmental treaties have the ability to fill an institutional and a normative gap in a post-conflict context, which is often characterized by institutional collapse and low priority of environmental protection work. Most environmental treaties have treaty bodies that can ensure that the treaties apply to protect the environment, also after armed conflict, and could therefore be of relevance in the search for a framework of jus post bellum. The argument is supported by describing the application of the World Heritage Convention in relation to the armed conflicts taking place in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC). In the DRC, the treaty bodies established under the Convention have provided various means to protect the natural World Heritage Sites. Other similar environmental treaties may have an important role in the jus post bellum.
The Environment and Armed Conflict
Authors: Stefanik Kirsten 
Published: November 2017

Abstract
Armed conflict is inherently destructive of the environment. It can cause serious and irreversible damage and threaten the health and livelihoods of individuals and the planet as a whole. International environmental law (IEL) cannot and is not relegated to peacetime, but continues to apply and interact with international humanitarian law (IHL). Therefore, principles of IEL must play a role before, during, and after conflict. This chapter focuses on general principles of IEL, specifically intergenerational equity and the precautionary principle. It demonstrates that these principles can and should be used to interpret and apply existing IHL for civilian and environmental protection. It concludes with a look at peace agreements and truth commissions, arguing that despite limitations of their past use they can provide fertile ground for building sustainable peace.
Standard-setting Practices for the Management of Natural Resources in Conflict-Torn States
Authors: Dam-de Jong Daniëlla 
Published: November 2017

Abstract
Natural resources have financed a number of armed conflicts in the last decades. Restoring governance over these natural resources to the government is an essential component of strategies to enable a transition to durable peace for resource rich states which have suffered from armed conflict. The UN Security Council has played a key role in efforts to break the link between natural resources and conflict financing, including by setting standards for the proper management of natural resources. This chapter identifies the standards that have been developed by the Security Council in relation to Liberia and the DRC and examines their implementation in the mandates of peacekeeping operations and in programmes set up by regional and international organizations. It is argued that the Security Council through its standard-setting helps to shape the normative content of the applicable jus post bellum.
Eco-Struggles
Authors: Gillett Matthew 
Published: November 2017

Abstract
This chapter examines the provisions of international criminal law applicable to serious environmental harm, particularly during non-international armed conflicts ('NIAC'). After describing incidents of serious environmental harm arising in armed conflicts, the analysis surveys the provisions of international criminal law applicable to environmental harm during NIACs, including war crimes, crimes against humanity, genocide, and aggression. It then examines the basis for extending to NIACs the protection against military attacks causing excessive environmental harm (set out in Art. 8(2)(b)(iv) of the Rome Statute), which is currently only applicable in IACs. The examination of this possible amendment of the Rome Statute covers a broad range of instruments and laws forming part of international and national legal codes, all addressing grave environmental harm. Finally, the analysis turns to accountability for environmental harm as a facet of jus post bellum, emphasizing the interconnected nature of environmental harm and cycles of violence and atrocities.
Electrowetting: the switch on the wettability
Authors: Mugele F. 
Published: November 2017

Abstract
The present lecture notes provide first a brief review of basic principles of wetting, followed by a discussion of the physics of electrowetting (E.W.). In particular we discuss the origin of E.W. from a macroscopic perspective of global energy minimization and from a microscopic perspective taking into account the local force balance on the drop surface.
Introduction to molecular simulations in soft matter
Authors: Barrat J.-L. , de Pablo J. J. 
Published: November 2017

Abstract
We describe the main features of the coarse-grained models that are typically useful in modelling soft interfaces, from force fields to the continuum descriptions involving density fields. We explain the theoretical basis of the main numerical methods that are used to explore the phase space associated with these models. Finally, three recent examples, illustrating the spirit in which relatively simple simulations can contribute to solving pending problems in soft matter physics, are briefly described. Clearly, a short series of lectures can offer, at best, a biased and restricted view of the available approaches. Our aim here will be to provide the reader with such an overview, with a focus on methods and descriptions that ‘bridge the scale’ between the molecular scale and the continuum or quasi-continuum one. The objective to present a guide to the relevant literature—which has now to a large extent appeared in the form of textbooks.
Plural Agency
Authors: Ludwig Kirk 
Published: November 2017

AbstractChapter 2 reviews the multiple agents analysis of plural action and the account of shared intention and we-intentions of participants in joint intentional action developed in From Individual to Plural Agency (OUP 2016). It shows how to project the event analysis of individual action sentences to plural action sentences in light of their ambiguity between a plural and collective reading so as to show that only individual agents are involved. For a group of people to do something is for each of them to contribute to bringing something about. Shared intention, on the account, is a matter of each member of a group having a we-intention directed at the group bringing something about in accordance with a shared plan. The chapter reviews what joint intentional action comes to give this account of shared intention. Finally, it reviews the nature of conditional intentions, which play a role in the account of conventions and status functions.
Status Functions and Conventions
Authors: Ludwig Kirk 
Published: November 2017

AbstractChapter 9 argues first that the assignment of a status function to an object or type of object for use on repeated occasions constitutes a convention. The relevant notion of convention is that of collective acceptance by a group of a solution to a coordination problem. This is contrasted with David Lewis’s account of convention. Next, it provides an analysis of collective acceptance as a matter of members of a group having either appropriately interlocking we-intentions directed at particular objects or appropriately interlocking conditional we-intentions directed at objects or types of objects. Finally, it explains, in light of this, in what sense a status function is an intention dependent function, that is, a function that cannot be performed by an object having it unintentionally.
Advanced Monte Carlo methods
Authors: Allen Michael P. , Tildesley Dominic J. 
Published: November 2017

Abstract
This chapter describes the ways in which the Monte Carlo importance sampling method may be adapted to improve the calculation of ensemble averages, particularly those associated with free energy differences. These approaches include umbrella sampling, non-Boltzmann sampling, the Wang–Landau method, and nested sampling. In addition, a range of special techniques have been developed to accelerate the simulation of flexible molecules, such as polymers. These approaches are illustrated with scientific examples and program code. The chapter also explains the analysis of such simulations using techniques such as weighted histograms, and acceptance ratio calculations. Practical advice on selection of methods, parameters, and the direction in which to make comparisons, are given. Monte Carlo methods for modelling phase equilibria and chemical reactions at equilibrium are described.
Mesoscale methods
Authors: Allen Michael P. , Tildesley Dominic J. 
Published: November 2017

Abstract
Coarse-graining is an increasingly commonplace approach to study, as economically as possible, large-scale, and long-time phenomena. This chapter covers the main methods. Brownian and Langevin dynamics are introduced, with practical details of the solution of the modified equations of motion. Several techniques which aim to bridge the gap to the hydrodynamic regime are described: these include dissipative particle dynamics, multiparticle collision dynamics, and the lattice Boltzmann method. Several examples of program code are provided. In the last part of the chapter, the derivation of a coarse-grained potential from an atomistic one is considered using force-matching and structure-matching, and the limitations of these approaches are discussed.