bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Metformin promotes the survival of transplanted cardiosphere-derived cells thereby enhancing their therapeutic effect against myocardial infarction
Authors: Yue Rongchuan , Fu Wenbin , Liao Xiang , Lan Cong , Liao Qiao , Li Liangpeng , Yang Dezhong , Xia Xuewei , Chen Xiongwen , Zeng Chunyu , Wang Wei Eric 
Published: January 2017

Abstract
Background
Transplantation of cardiosphere-derived cells (CDCs) has been shown to exert a therapeutic effect in patients with myocardial infarction (MI). However, poor survival of transplanted CDCs limits their beneficial effect. Metformin (MET) activates AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) which is associated with cell survival. The aim of this study is to determine whether MET improves CDC survival in the transplantation microenvironment and enhances the therapeutic effect of CDC transplantation against MI.

Methods
CDCs were isolated and expanded from transgenic β-actin-GFP mice. CDCs were pretreated with MET and intramyocardially injected into wild-type C57 mouse heart with MI injury. The survival of CDCs was quantified, and the infarct size and cardiac function of treated hearts were evaluated.

Results
CDC transplantation modestly reduced infarct size and improved cardiac function in the post-MI heart, which was further improved by MET treatment. MET pretreatment significantly increased the survival of CDCs transplanted into the myocardium. MET also reduced CDC apoptosis induced by oxidative stress in vitro. The anti-apoptotic effect of MET was blocked by the AMPK inhibitor compound C. MET increased AMPK phosphorylation and upregulated endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) in CDCs under oxidative stress, which might be associated with the anti-apoptotic effect of MET.

Conclusions
MET improves the survival of transplanted CDCs in the myocardium, thereby enhancing their therapeutic effect against MI injury. The pro-survival function of MET on CDCs might be associated with an AMPK-eNOS-dependent mechanism.
An exploratory study of ESL writing by junior secondary students in China: text type, register and textual features
Authors: Xuan Winfred Wenhui 
Published: January 2017

AbstractWhile interest in L2 writing research has increased exponentially in recent years, research on adolescent L2 writing remains relatively scarce. Drawing on the framework of functional text analysis, namely context-based text typology and register theory, the present study aimed to explore Chinese adolescent L2 writing from the perspective of writing as meaning making. Ten instances of writing tasks written by a class of 50 junior secondary students from Guangzhou, China were collected. Context-based text typology and field, mode tenor from register theory were used to analyze the participants’ writing. The findings revealed that recommending was the dominant text type in the students’ writing because of the influence of the exam-driven culture. Moreover, tenor awareness was lacking in the students’ writing. Relevant Chinese secondary L2 writing curriculum design and pedagogy recommendations are provided.
Optimization of machining parameters and wire vibration in wire electrical discharge machining process
Authors: Habib Sameh 
Published: January 2017

Abstract
Background
Wire Electrical discharge machining (WEDM) has higher capability for cutting complex shapes with high precision for very hard materials without using high cost of cutting tools. During the WEDM process, the wire behaves like a metal string, straightened by two axial pulling forces and deformed laterally by a sum of forces from the discharge process. Major forces acting on the wire can be classified into three categories. The first is a tensile force, pulling the wire from both sides in axial direction and keeping it straight. The second is the dielectric flushing force that comes from circulation of the dielectric fluid in the machining area. The third category consists of forces of different kinds resulting from sparking and discharging. Large amplitude of wire vibration leads to large kerf widths, low shape accuracies, rough machined surfaces, low cutting speeds and high risk of wire breakage. Such tendencies for poor machining performance due to wire instability behavior appear with thinner wires.

Methods
The present work investigates a mathematical modeling solution for correlating the interactive and higher order influences of various parameters affecting wire vibration during the WEDM process through response surface methodology (RSM). The adequacy of the above proposed model has been tested using analysis of variance (ANOVA).

Results
Optimal combination of machining parameters such as wire tension, wire running speed, flow rate and servo voltage parameters has been obtained to minimize wire vibration.

Conclusions
The analysis of the experimental observations highlights that the wire tension, wire running speed, flow rate and servo voltage in WEDM greatly affect average wire vibration and kerf width.
Management of peripheral neuropathy induced by chemotherapy in adults with cancer: a review
Authors: AL-Atiyyat Nijmeh , Obaid Abdullah 
Published: January 2017

Aim: To identify which of the examined agents or modalities were effective in the management of chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy (CIPN). Methods: PubMed, CINAHL, Medline, Science Direct and Ovid databases were used to search keywords. The literature search identified 59 potentially relevant studies; after removing duplicates and reviewing titles a total of 26 articles were examined. In the end, a total of 18 studies met the inclusion criteria. Findings: The preliminary data for using lafutidine, acupuncture and sweet bee venom pharmacopuncture indicate that they may be useful in CIPN management. The use of duloxetine was effective and supported as a management of CIPN; likewise the use of scrambler therapy significantly decreased CIPN pain. However, the use of electroacupuncture and topical amitriptyline and ketamine was not supported. Conclusion: The use of duloxetine was effective in CIPN management. Further studies with larger sample size are needed.
Including personal development in palliative care education to address death anxiety
Authors: Melo Carol Gouveia , Billings Jenny 
Published: January 2017

Background: Death anxiety may interfere with health care workers' (HCW) relationship with patients and their families. Aims: Evaluate an intervention to address death anxiety and improve HCW skills dealing with patients/families in palliative and end-of-life care. Design: Quasi-experimental mixed methods approach with a pre-test/post-test design. Participants: 208 HCWs receiving the intervention and working in end-of-life care, in and out of palliative care units, were invited to answer quantitative and qualitative questionnaires. In the end, 150 returned with quantitative answers and of these, 94 with qualitative answers as well. Additionally, out of the 150 participants, 26 were recruited for interview. Results: Pre-and post-test results revealed a significant reduction in levels of death anxiety, an increase in existential wellbeing, and a significant improvement in HCWs' perception of the quality of their helping relationship skills with patients/families. Content analysis provided an understanding of the difficulties experienced by the HCWs and the positive impact of the intervention. Conclusion: An intervention to address death anxiety and help relationship skills can reduce the use of avoidance mechanisms and improve HCW self-perceived psycho-existential support to patients/families.
When is overground endoscopy indicated and what can it tell us?
Authors: Pollock Patrick J 
Published: January 2017

The development of overground endoscopy is an exciting addition to the veterinary surgeon's arsenal when investigating dysfunction of the upper portion of the respiratory tract of the horse. The equipment, of which there are a number of versions, allows the operator to acquire real time images of the upper portion of the respiratory tract under normal exercising conditions. To date a large number of horses from all the common equestrian disciplines have been examined and an array of abnormalities have been detected. The equipment is safe, reliable and well tolerated. In addition to its use for the purpose of investigation and diagnosis of obstructive airway disease, overground endoscopy has allowed the clinician to review the efficacy of therapeutic interventions and take a critical, evidence-based approach to treatment of the many dynamic diseases that affect the equine upper airway. It would be reasonable to conclude that overground endoscopy is now the gold standard technique for investigation of horses with clinical signs of poor performance or abnormal respiratory noise, and that the knock on positive effect on equine welfare as a result of the introduction of the technique is significant.
Adolescents’ opinions and thoughts about consanguineous marriages: A Turkey sample
Authors: Özpulat Funda , Kabasakal Esma , Taşdelen Baş Melike 
Published: January 2017

Background: Family is the core of social life. Consanguineous marriage means the blood relation between spouses, in other words cognation. Consanguineous marriage is a comprehensive phrase and socio-economic reasons lie behind consanguineous marriages. Consanguineous marriages are observed more commonly in societies having a closed economy and societies living a nomadic life.Objectives: This study is conducted so as to find out adolescents’ thoughts and opinions with regard to consanguineous marriages.Methods: This study, conducted between dates of March 12th, 2015 – February 15th 2016, is a descriptive type. Research was conducted as a two-centre study in Akşehir District of Konya and Yenimahalle district of Ankara. Total number of participant students in the research is 2073 students.Findings: The percentage of adolescents’ whose parents made consanguineous marriage is 12,1%. The rate of students who have consanguineous marriage among their relatives is 50,8%. Many of the health problems caused by students’ relatives who made consanguineous marriage are physical disabilities. Demand of family is mainly pointed (56,3%) out as the reason of consanguineous marriage.Conclusion: When dominant attitude of families on marriages are considered, it is suggested to include parents while holding public health education programs. When it is considered that adolescents access necessary information through school classes, it is of importance for the Ministry of National Education to display more sensitivity on this matter. Adölesanların akraba evliliklerine ilişkin görüş ve düşünceleri:Türkiye örneğiÖzet: Aile, toplumsal hayatın çekirdeğidir. Akraba evliliği, eşler arasında kan bağı bulunmasını yani aynı atadan gelme durumunu ifade etmektedir. Akraba evliliği, geniş kapsamlı bir deyimdir ve aile içi evlenmelerin asıl temelinde sosyo-ekonomik nedenler yatmaktadır. Kapalı ekonomide yaşayan toplumlarda, aşiret ve göçebe hayatı yaşayan toplumlarda akraba evlilikleri daha sık görülmektedir.Amaç: Bu çalışma, lise öğrencilerinin akraba evliliklerine ilişkin görüş ve düşüncelerini saptamak amacıyla yapılmaktadır.Metod: Bu tanımlayıcı türedeki araştırma 12 Mart 2015- 15 Şubat 2016 tarihleri arasında 2073 lise öğrencisiyle yapılmıştır.Bulgular: Annesi ve babası arasında akraba evliliği bulunanların oranı %12,1’dir. Akrabası arasında akraba evliliği bulunanların oranı % 50,8’dir. Ailesinde veya akrabasında akraba evliliği yapanlarda sağlık problemi oluşanların çoğunluğunu fiziksel engellilik oluşturmaktadır. Akraba evliliğine tamamen karşı olanlar %36,3’tür. akraba evliliğinin kaynağı olarak çoğunlukla (%56,3) aile isteği gösterilmiştir.Sonuç ve Öneriler: Akraba evliliğinde aile rolünün baskın olduğu göz önünde bulundurulduğunda toplum eğitim programları aracılığıyla ailelerin bilinçlendirilmesi önerilmektedir. Adölesanların gerekli bilgiye çoğunlukla okul derslerinden erişmesi bakımındanMilli Eğitim Bakanlığı’nın konuya gereken hassasiyeti göstermesi önemlidir.
Relative Nielsen Numbers, Braids and Periodic Segments
Authors: Wójcik Klaudiusz 
Published: January 2017

Abstract
The aim of this paper is to establish a connection between the method of period segments and the relative Nielsen fixed point theory. We prove that if W is a periodic segment over

[
0
,
T
]

{[0,T]}

for the T-periodic semi-process Φ, then the Poincaré map P has at least

N
⁢

(

m
W

,

W
0

∖

W
0

-
-

¯

)

{N(m_{W},\overline{W_{0}\setminus W_{0}^{--}})}

fixed points with trajectories contained in W, where

N
⁢

(

m
W

,

W
0

∖

W
0

-
-

¯

)

{N(m_{W},\overline{W_{0}\setminus W_{0}^{--}})}

is the relative Nielsen number defined by Zhao. It is also shown that if the sequence

N
⁢

(

m
¯

n

)

{N(\overline{m}^{n})}

is bounded and

N
∞

⁢

(
m
)

>
1

{N^{\infty}(m)>1}

, then the Poincaré map has infinitely many periodic points. We prove that there exists a compact set

I
⊂

W
0

{I\subset W_{0}}

, invariant for the Poincaré map, such that the topological entropy

h
⁢

(

P
|

I

)

{h(P|_{I})}

is bounded from below by

log
⁡

N
∞

⁢

(
m
)

-

h
⁢

(

m
¯

)

{\log N^{\infty}(m)-h(\overline{m})}

. In particular, if

h
⁢

(

m
¯

)

=
0

{h(\overline{m})=0}

, then

h
⁢

(

P
|

I

)

≥

log
⁡

N
∞

⁢

(
m
)

.

{h(P|_{I})\geq\log N^{\infty}(m).}

We adapt the result obtained by Jiang to get a concrete example of a braid-like periodic segment with

N
∞

⁢

(
m
)

>
1

{N^{\infty}(m)>1}

.
Sparse signal recovery using a new class of random matrices
Authors: Au-Yeung Enrico 
Published: January 2017

Abstract
We propose a new class of random matrices that enables the recovery of signals with sparse representation in a known basis with overwhelmingly high probability. To construct a matrix in this class, we begin with a fixed non-random matrix that satisfies two very general conditions. Then we decompose the matrix into pieces of sparse matrices. A random sum (involving Bernoulli random variables) of these pieces of sparse matrices is used to construct the final matrix. We say that the random matrix is the randomized Bernoulli transform of the original matrix. The random matrix is not created by filling all its entries with random variables, as in the case of Gaussian or Bernoulli matrices. Therefore, as a benefit, far fewer number of random variables are needed to generate this new type of random matrices. We prove that the number of samples needed to recover a random signal is proportional to the sparsity of the signal, up to a logarithmic factor, and hence this number is nearly optimal.
What does it mean to be an English teacher in Brazil? Student teachers’ beliefs through narratives in a distance education programme
Authors: Costa Ribas Fernanda , Manzan Perine Cristiane 
Published: January 2017

Abstract
This paper aims to investigate the beliefs of student teachers on a distance teacher education course about being an English teacher in Brazil. The theoretical framework of this paper is based on studies about beliefs in language teaching and learning (Barcelos and Kalaja 2011. Introduction to beliefs about SLA revisited. System 39(3). 281–289), and distant teacher education (Borg et al. 2014. The impact of teacher education on pre-service primary English language teachers. London: British Council). Data were collected in a supervised teaching practicum course in an English Language and Literature Distance Programme provided by a federal public university in Brazil. The data stem from visual narratives and meta-narratives posted on two online discussion forums. It is expected that the results of this study will contribute to advancing research on the use of visual materials in the investigation of beliefs, and that they will foster the debate on the contributions of visual narratives to teachers’ reflections, particularly in distance teacher education settings.
A study of the original material of Lithothamnion engelhartii Foslie (Corallinales, Rhodophyta)
Authors: Athanasiadis Athanasios 
Published: January 2017

Abstract
Eight collections of the type material of Lithothamnion engelhartii from Cape Jaffa and Kingston (South Australia) were re-examined and two disparate entities were shown to be included. Some specimens exhibit embedded conceptacles in the thallus where the perithallium dominates. The other specimens lack embedded conceptacles and the thallus is formed by unattached-superimposed lamellae where the hypothallium prevails. The lectotype selected here fits the second description and is in agreement with most other type specimens and recent material collected at Eyre Peninsula (South Australia). The lectotype specimen displays dorsiventral organization lacking perithallial protuberances. The hypothallium is polystromatic with coaxial to non-coaxial regions and forms a relatively thin ascending perithallium. Subepithallial cells are elongate and support single flattened epithallial cells. Multiporate conceptacles are bisporangial, develop in dense aggregations, and do not become embedded in the thallus (except via superimposition of new lamellae). Pore canals are conical to pyriform and develop differentiated cells lining the canals along the base. Syntype material exhibits simple spermatangia, and this character, together with the presence of elongate basal pore cells and the lack of a predominantly coaxial hypothallium, suggests an affiliation with the temperate species of Leptophytum from the NE Pacific.
Moisture Diffusivity of Seedless Grape undergoing convective drying
Authors: Hermassi Imène , Azzouz Sofien , Hassini Lamine , Belghith Ali 
Published: January 2017

Abstract
Seedless grape (Sultana grape) is a very important commercial fruit grown in large quantities in Tunisia. This product is characterized by a high initial moisture content (the initial wet basis moisture content of the fruit is more than 80 %), and thus a high shrinkage during drying. The mature seedless grape is a spherically shaped fruit. Thermo-physical properties and drying kinetics of seedless grape is essential for the optimization of its drying processes. This paper is composed of two parts, the first one is reserved to the experimental study of seedless grapes, such as the establishment of the desorption isotherms which were determined at 40, 50, 60 and 70 °C by using static gravimetric method and these desorption data were fitted by GAB model. Then we were interested in measurement of the axial hydrous shrinkage of a grape berry and it was expressed as a function of moisture content. Indeed, the drying kinetics under different controlled conditions of air temperature and relative humidity were realized. In the second part, the moisture diffusivity of the seedless grape was determined by minimizing the sum of square of deviations between the predicted and experimental values of moisture content of convective drying kinetics. The adopted approach was based on a numerical solving of the conservation equation of the solid phase and the equation of diffusion/convection of liquid phase for spherical geometry, coupled by the solid phase velocity due to shrinkage. The moisture diffusivity of seedless grape increased with temperature and was correlated by an Arrhenius-type equation. Indeed, the effect of moisture diffusivity was expressed by an exponential function. The moisture diffusivity of seedless grape ranged between 3.5610−10 (m2/s) and 12.610−10 (m2/s). Activation energy was found equal to 57.76 kJ/mol.
A family of irretractable square-free solutions of the Yang–Baxter equation
Authors: Bachiller David , Cedó Ferran , Jespers Eric , Okniński Jan 
Published: January 2017

Abstract
A new family of non-degenerate involutive
set-theoretic solutions of the Yang–Baxter equation is constructed.
All these solutions are strong twisted unions of multipermutation
solutions of multipermutation level at most two. A large subfamily
consists of irretractable and square-free solutions. This subfamily
includes a recent example of Vendramin [38, Example 3.9], who
first gave a counterexample to Gateva-Ivanova’s Strong Conjecture
[19, Strong Conjecture 2.28 (I)]. All the solutions in this
subfamily are new counterexamples to Gateva-Ivanova’s Strong
Conjecture
and also they answer a question
of Cameron and Gateva-Ivanova [21, Open Questions 6.13 (II)(4)]. It is proved that the natural left brace structure on
the permutation group of the solutions in this family has trivial
socle. Properties of the permutation group and of the structure
group associated to these solutions are also investigated. In
particular, it is proved that the structure groups of finite
solutions in this subfamily are not poly-(infinite cyclic) groups.
Financial Development & Commercial Advantage
Authors: Cezar Rafael 
Published: January 2017

Abstract: The article seeks to clarify the relationship between financial development and the marginal variation in the proportion of exporting firms (extensive margin) and the volume exported by each economic sector (intensive margin). We develop a theoretical model with two countries facing different levels of financial restrictions and input costs, several sectors differentiated by their dependence on external finance and heterogeneous firms producing with a combination of inputs. The model shows that financially developed countries experience a commercial advantage in financially dependent sectors and countries with more competitive cost structures experience an advantage and specialize in low financially dependent sectors. This relationship is true even within the manufacturing sectors. The model also indicates that financial development only affects trade in financially constrained sectors.
Br2- or HBr-catalyzed synthesis of asymmetric 3,3-di(indolyl)indolin-2-ones
Authors: Li Yanni , Liang Deqiang , Li Xiangguang , Huang Wenzhong , Yuan Lin , Wang Baoling , Cheng Ping 
Published: January 2017

Abstract
Under the catalysis of 1 mol% of Br2 or HBr at room temperature, indoles undergo a rapid reaction with 3-hydroxy-3-(indol-3-yl)indolin-2-ones to give asymmetric 3,3-di(indol-3-yl)indolin-2-ones with high efficiency and wide substrate scope. This is a rare example of Br2 acting as a Lewis acid catalyst. Theoretical calculations suggest that both the catalytic activity of the catalysts and the stability of reaction intermediates are responsible for the high efficiency of this reaction.
Jenseits von Piraterie und Kaperfahrt. Für einen Paradigmenwechsel in der Geschichte der Gewalt im maritimen Spätmittelalter
Authors: Rohmann Gregor 
Published: January 2017

Zusammenfassung
Gewalthandeln auf See wird auch in der Forschung noch immer oft unter dem populären Rubrum „Piraterie“ zusammengefasst. Dagegen möchte ich für eine grundlegende Revision unserer Maßstäbe für die Untersuchung von „Seeraub“ plädieren. Ausgehend von methodischen Überlegungen und vergleichenden Blicken auf den wesentlich besser erforschten Mittelmeerraum werden anhand von Beispielfällen aus dem Hanseraum um 1400 die kategorialen Anachronismen, quellenkritischen Unwägbarkeiten und vorwissenschaftlichen Implikationen der bis heute geläufigen Begriffe in den Blick genommen. Sinnvoller wäre es, neutral von Gewalthandeln und Güterwegnahme im maritimen Raum zu sprechen, um dann die Akteure, die Normen, Praktiken und Funktionen ihres Handelns und vor allem den diachronen Wandel dieser Faktoren differenziert erforschen zu können.