bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Controllable preparation and functionally graded programming of carbon aerogel
Authors: Yang Jing , Zhong Jie , Xie Fang , He Xiaoyang , Du Liwen , Yan Yaqian , Li Meiyu , Ma Wuqian , Wang Wenxin , Wang Ning 
Published: April 2020

PurposeThe purpose of this work is to controllably synthesize a carbon aerogel with programmable functionally graded performance via a simple and effective strategy.Design/methodology/approachThis work uses polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) via the controllable sol-gel, lyophilization, and carbonization approach to achieve a programmable carbon aerogel. This design has the advantages of low raw material and preparation cost, simple and controllable synthetic process and low carbonization temperature.FindingsThe thermal stability and microstructure of PVA aerogel can be controlled by the crosslinking agent content within a certain range. The crosslinking agent content and the carbonization temperature are the key factors for functionally graded programming of carbon aerogels, including microstructure, oxygen-containing functional groups and adsorption performance. The adsorption ratio and adsorption rate of uranium can be controlled by adjusting initial concentration and pH value of the uranium solution. The 2.5%25 carbon aerogel with carbonization temperature of 350 °C has excellent adsorption performance when the initial concentration of uranium solution is 32 ppm at pH 7.5.Research limitations/implicationsAs a new type of lightweight nano-porous amorphous carbon material, this carbon aerogel has many excellent properties.Originality/valueThis work presents a simple, low cost and controllable strategy for functionally graded programming of novel carbon aerogel. This carbon aerogel has great potential for application in various fields such as uranium recovery, wastewater treatment, sound absorption and shock absorption.
Sport brands' attraction factors and international fans
Authors: Bodet Guillaume , Geng Hui (Eric) , Chanavat Nicolas , Wang Chengcheng 
Published: April 2020

PurposeThe overall aim of this study is to improve our understanding of the strength of attraction factors of professional football club brands with foreign fans, and of the influence of demographics and individual characteristics on the influence of these factors in the context of sport spectatorship services.Design/methodology/approachThis research was based on a quantitative study surveying 1,160 Chinese fans of English Premier League clubs and its results were produced through exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses. They identify the relative importance of 21 organisation– (e.g. star players, charismatic managers, team kits, partnerships and alliances, etc.), market and environment– (e.g. peer influence, TV coverage, etc.), and experience– (e.g. personal bonds, past attendance, etc.) induced service brand attraction points that were categorised into six main factors: star players, on-the-field performance, brand identity, marketing and merchandising, localism and experience.FindingsOrganisation-induced factors are the most important club brand attraction factors for Chinese fans. ANOVA analysis showed that demographic (i.e. gender, age, and education) and individual (i.e. brand identification and loyalty levels) characteristics influence the importance of attraction factors for fans. For instance, fans who had previously supported a different club brand rated the marketing and merchandising dimensions lower, localism higher, on-the-field performance lower and brand identity lower than those who had always supported the same club.Originality/valueThese results emphasise the importance of segmentation when considering consumer attraction to professional sport brands. They also provide specific practical knowledge that is useful when expanding into new foreign markets.
Implementing supplier management strategies for supply chain sustainability risks in multinational companies
Authors: Juettner Uta , Windler Katharina , Podleisek André , Gander Maya , Meldau Sandrina 
Published: April 2020

PurposeIn a time where stakeholders increasingly demand social, environmental, and economic sustainability, mismanaging suppliers can impose substantial sustainability risks for a company and harm its reputation and business severely. This research explores the implementation of a corporate sustainable supplier strategy designed to cope with such risks from an agency theory perspective.Design/methodology/approachA case study of a multinational enterprise, a provider of leading mobility solutions in the realm of escalators, moving walkways and elevators, is conducted. Data is collected from multiple sources of evidence, including strategy documents, a focus group and semi-structured interviews.FindingsThe study identifies several implementation challenges and coping mechanisms in firstly, the agency relationships between the headquarter and the regional subsidiary units and secondly, the relationships between the regional subsidiary units and their suppliers.Research limitations/implicationsA framework conceptualising the implementation of sustainable supplier strategies is proposed. The framework positions the topic at the interface between supply chain sustainability risk, supplier quality management as well as agency relationships and identifies avenues for further research. The key limitations refer to the single case study methodology and the exclusion of suppliers in the data collection approach.Practical implicationsThe proposed framework can support multinational enterprises in developing corporate sustainability strategies and in implementing them in the supplier network.Originality/valueThe originality of the framework lies in the integrated approach combining supply chain sustainability risk, supplier quality management and triadic agency relationships.
Antioxidant‐related catalase CTA1 regulates development, aflatoxin biosynthesis, and virulence in pathogenic fungus Aspergillus flavus
Authors: Zhu Zhuo , Yang Mingkun , Bai Youhuang , Ge Feng , Wang Shihua 
Published: April 2020

SummaryReactive oxygen species (ROS) induce the synthesis of a myriad of secondary metabolites, including aflatoxins. It raises significant concern as it is a potent environmental contaminant. In Aspergillus flavus., antioxidant enzymes link ROS stress response with coordinated gene regulation of aflatoxin biosynthesis. In this study, we characterized the function of a core component of the antioxidant enzyme catalase (CTA1) of A. flavus. Firstly, we verified the presence of cta1 corresponding protein (CTA1) by Western blot analysis and mass‐spectrometry based analysis. Then, the functional study revealed that the growth, sporulation and sclerotia formation significantly increased, while aflatoxins production and virulence were decreased in the cta1 deletion mutant as compared with the WT and complementary strains. Furthermore, the absence of the cta1 gene resulted in a significant rise in the intracellular ROS level, which in turn added to the oxidative stress level of cells. A further quantitative proteomics investigation hinted that in vivo, CTA1 might maintain the ROS level to facilitate the aflatoxin synthesis. All in all, the pleiotropic phenotype of A. flavus CTA1 deletion mutant revealed that the antioxidant system plays a crucial role in fungal development, aflatoxins biosynthesis and virulence.
God, Fatherland, Home: revealing the dark side of our anthropological virtue
Authors: Goodale Mark 
Published: April 2020

AbstractThe article uses ethnographic research on right‐wing anti‐government movements in Bolivia conducted at the height of social conflict and cultural violence in 2008 and 2009 to reflect more generally on the relationship between anthropological research, ethical commitment, and the politics of knowledge. The article first describes the relevant epistemological and political contexts in which engaged anthropology emerged as an important disciplinary current. It then goes on to consider how and why the author's research on right‐wing political practice in Bolivia diverged from the disciplinary expectations of engaged anthropology. After reflecting on the implications of this shift, the article concludes by arguing for a methodological recalibration that allows anthropologists to take seriously the ideologies and cultural logics of contemporary right‐wing mobilization, particularly social and political movements that are animated by what Edmund Burke described as ‘just prejudice’.
Beneficial effects of Aronia melanocarpa berry extract on hepatic insulin resistance in type 2 diabetes mellitus rats
Authors: Mu Jingjing , Xin Guang , Zhang Bo , Wang Yuehua , Ning Chong , Meng Xianjun 
Published: April 2020

AbstractWe aimed to investigate) the effects of Aronia melanocarpa berry extract (AMBE) on hepatic insulin resistance and its mechanism at the molecular level in high‐fat diet (HFD)‐ and streptozotocin (STZ)‐induced type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) rats. The rats were supplemented with AMBE at doses of 100 and 400 mg/kg body weight (bw) daily for 8 weeks. AMBE significantly reduced blood glucose and serum insulin levels and the homeostatic model assessment for insulin resistance score; improved glucose tolerance; increased hepatic glycogen content; and regulated glucose metabolism enzyme activity, including glucokinase, pyruvate kinase, phosphoenolpyruvate carboxykinase, and glucose‐6‐phosphatase in the liver. AMBE also reduced lipid accumulation and oxidative stress along with inflammation in the hepatic tissue of T2DM rats and improved hepatic function. The phosphoinositide 3‐kinase (PI3K)/protein kinase B (Akt) signaling pathway was activated by AMBE through the elevation of insulin receptor substrate‐2, PI3K, Akt, and glycogen synthase kinase‐3β phosphorylation and glucose transporter 2, which might contribute to the promotion of glycogen synthesis and improvement of hepatic insulin resistance. AMBE shows promise as an ingredient of functional foods for alleviating hepatic insulin resistance in T2DM.Practical ApplicationThe extract from the berries of Aronia melanocarpa (Michx.) Elliott (AMBE), with its relatively high content of polyphenolic compounds, has been shown to exert hypoglycemic effects in animal models of diabetes. Our findings support the use of A. melanocarpa as a functional food additive for the alleviation of hepatic insulin resistance and the management of glucose homeostasis in T2DM.
Do nitrogen sources and molybdenum affect the nutritional quality and nitrate concentrations of hydroponic baby leaf lettuce?
Authors: Rocha Daiane Cristina , da Silva Bruna Franciele Iversen , Moreira dos Santos Jéssica Maria , Tavares Davi Santos , Pauletti Volnei , Gomes Marcelo Pedrosa 
Published: April 2020

AbstractLettuce is one of the most popular vegetables, and the market niche of the baby leaf variety is expanding. The manner in which nitrogen (N) is supplied and the available concentration of the micronutrient molybdenum (Mo) affect N metabolism, with reflects on the nutritional quality of that vegetable. Here, two Mo concentrations (0.06 and 0.12 mg/L) and four proportions (%) of nitrate (NO3−)/ammonium (NH4+)(100/0, 75/25, 50/50, and 25/75) were supplied to hydroponic baby leaf lettuce floating type to evaluate their effects on plant growth and leaf mineral and NO3− compositions. Shoot dry mass did not differ among the different treatments, although fresh mass was lower in treatments with larger proportions of NH4+. Higher leaf concentrations of NO3− were observed in plants treated with 100% N–NO3−, but they were still below tolerable limits for human health. The enzyme nitrate reductase was not found to be sensitive to the nitrogen sources or to Mo concentrations. N proportions and Mo concentrations differently affected macro‐ (C, N, P, K, Ca, Mg, and S) and micronutrients (Cu, Fe, Mn, Mo, and Zn) leaf concentrations. Although treatment with 100% N–NO3− favored higher mineral concentrations in lettuce leaves, the addition of 25% N–NH4+ allowed fresh mass production with the lowest NO3− concentrations. As such, and considering the healthy reduction of NO3− consumption by humans and the maintenance of plant productivity, the 75/25 NO3−/NH4+ proportion is recommended for the hydroponic cultivation of baby leaf var. Mimosa lettuce.Practical ApplicationWe demonstrate a direct link between the constitution of nutrient solution with nitrate accumulation by hydroponic lettuce and indicate the best source of N as well as the concentration of Mn to healthy reduction of NO3− consumption by humans and the maintenance of plant productivity.
Epicutaneous sensitization in the development of food allergy: What is the evidence and how can this be prevented?
Authors: Brough Helen A. , Nadeau Kari C. , Sindher Sayantani B. , Alkotob Shifaa S. , Chan Susan , Bahnson Henry T. , Leung Donald Y. M. , Lack Gideon 
Published: April 2020

AbstractThere is increasing evidence regarding the importance of allergic sensitization through the skin. In this review, we provide an overview of the atopic march and immune mechanism underlying the sensitization and effector phase of food allergy. We present experimental models and human data that support the concept of epicutaneous sensitization and how this forms one half of the dual‐allergen exposure hypothesis. We discuss specific important elements in the skin (FLG and other skin barrier gene mutations, Langerhans cells, type 2 innate lymphoid cells, IL‐33, TSLP) that have important roles in the development of allergic responses as well as the body of evidence on environmental allergen exposure and how this can sensitize an individual. Given the link between skin barrier impairment, atopic dermatitis, food allergy, allergic asthma, and allergic rhinitis, it is logical that restoring the skin barrier and prevention or treating atopic dermatitis would have beneficial effects on prevention of related allergic diseases, particularly food allergy. We present the experimental and human studies that have evaluated this approach and discuss various factors which may influence the success of these approaches, such as the type of emollient chosen for the intervention, the role of managing skin inflammation, and differences between primary and secondary prevention of atopic dermatitis to achieve the desired outcome.
The effectiveness of either ustekinumab or vedolizumab in 239 patients with Crohn's disease refractory to anti‐tumour necrosis factor
Authors: Alric Hadrien , Amiot Aurélien , Kirchgesner Julien , Tréton Xavier , Allez Matthieu , Bouhnik Yoram , Beaugerie Laurent , Carbonnel Franck , Meyer Antoine 
Published: April 2020

SummaryBackgroundThere is no head‐to‐head trial comparing ustekinumab and vedolizumab in patients with Crohn’s disease (CD) refractory to anti‐tumour necrosis factor (anti‐TNF).AimTo compare the effectiveness and safety of ustekinumab and vedolizumab in patients with CD refractory to anti‐TNF in a multicentre retrospective observational cohort.MethodsAll consecutive patients with CD refractory or intolerant to anti‐TNF who initiated either vedolizumab or ustekinumab were included between May 2014 and August 2018. Clinical remission, steroid‐free clinical remission (SFCR) and treatment persistence were assessed at week 48 with intention‐to‐treat analysis and propensity scores weighted comparison.ResultsA total of 239 patients were included, 107 received ustekinumab and 132 received vedolizumab. At week 48, ustekinumab was associated with a higher clinical remission rate (54.4% vs 38.3%; odds ratios, OR = 1.92, 95% CI [1.09‐3.39]) and treatment persistence (71.5% vs 49.7%; OR = 2.54, 95% CI [1.40‐4.62]) than vedolizumab. The rate of SFCR did not differ significantly between ustekinumab and vedolizumab (44.7% vs 34.0%; OR = 1.57, 95% CI [0.88‐2.79]). Subgroup analyses showed that ustekinumab was associated with a higher clinical remission rates at week 48 in patients with ileal location (OR = 3.49, 95% CI [1.33‐9.17) and penetrating behaviour (OR = 6.58, 95% CI [1.91‐22.68]). Regardless of the treatment group, combination therapy at initiation was associated with a higher clinical remission rate at week 48 (OR = 1.93, 95% CI [1.09‐3.43]).ConclusionThis study suggests that ustekinumab is associated with a higher rate of clinical remission and treatment persistence than vedolizumab after 48 weeks of follow‐up, in patients with CD refractory or intolerant to anti‐TNF. The rate of SFCR was not significantly different.
Effects of itraconazole and rifampicin on the single‐dose pharmacokinetics of the nonsteroidal mineralocorticoid receptor blocker esaxerenone in healthy Japanese subjects
Authors: Kirigaya Yoshiaki , Shiramoto Masanari , Ishizuka Tomoko , Uchimaru Hinako , Irie Shin , Kato Manabu , Shimizu Takako , Nakatsu Takafumi , Nishikawa Yasuhiro , Ishizuka Hitoshi 
Published: April 2020

AimsTo investigate the effects of the strong cytochrome P450 (CYP) 3A inhibitor itraconazole and the strong CYP3A inducer rifampicin on the pharmacokinetics of single‐dose esaxerenone, a nonsteroidal mineralocorticoid receptor blocker, in healthy Japanese subjects.MethodsTwo open‐label, single‐sequence, crossover studies were conducted in healthy Japanese males aged 20–45 years. In Study 1 (n = 20), subjects received a single oral 2.5 mg dose of esaxerenone (Days 1, 13), with itraconazole 200 mg twice daily (Day 8) and once daily (Days 9–16). In Study 2 (n = 12), subjects received a single oral 5 mg dose of esaxerenone (Days 1, 13), with rifampicin 600 mg once daily (Days 8–16). The plasma concentration of esaxerenone and esaxerenone metabolites were measured using liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry. Pharmacokinetic parameters were calculated using noncompartmental analysis, and safety was assessed.ResultsEsaxerenone exposure increased when coadministered with itraconazole. Geometric least‐square mean ratios (90% confidence interval) of peak plasma esaxerenone concentration (Cmax), area under the plasma concentration–time curve (AUC) from zero until the last measurable concentration (AUClast) and AUC from zero until infinity (AUCinf) were 1.13 (1.05, 1.20) ng mL−1, 1.47 (1.40, 1.54) ng h mL−1 and 1.53 (1.45, 1.62) ng h mL−1, respectively. Esaxerenone exposure decreased when coadministered with rifampicin. Geometric least‐squares mean ratios (90% confidence interval) of esaxerenone Cmax, AUClast and AUCinf were 0.659 (0.599, 0.724), 0.315 (0.300, 0.332) and 0.312 (0.297, 0.328), respectively.ConclusionItraconazole increased esaxerenone AUCinf by 53.1%, and rifampicin decreased esaxerenone AUCinf by 68.8%. These results suggest that caution is recommended when coadministering esaxerenone with strong inhibitors and inducers of CYP3A.
Diagnostic performance of peripheral leukocyte telomere G‐tail length for detecting breast cancer
Authors: Koi Yumiko , Tsutani Yasuhiro , Nishiyama Yukie , Kanda Miyuki , Shiroma Yoshitomo , Yamamoto Yuki , Sasada Shinsuke , Akita Tomoyuki , Masumoto Norio , Kadoya Takayuki , Takahashi Ryou‐u , Tanaka Junko , Okada Morihito , Tahara Hidetoshi 
Published: April 2020

AbstractThe telomere G‐tail (G‐tail) plays an essential role in maintaining chromosome stability. In this study, we assessed the leukocyte G‐tail length of breast cancer (BC) patients and cancer‐free individuals and evaluated the association between the G‐tail length and the presence of BC. A significant shortening of the median G‐tail length was observed in BC patients compared with cancer‐free individuals and was found in the early phase of BC. Our study indicated that the leukocyte G‐tail length might be a potential biomarker for BC detection.
Germline mutations predisposing to melanoma
Authors: Toussi Atrin , Mans Nicole , Welborn Jeanna , Kiuru Maija 
Published: April 2020

AbstractNearly 15% of melanomas occur in patients with a family history and a subset of these patients have a germline mutation in a melanoma predisposing gene. CDKN2A mutations are responsible for the majority of hereditary melanoma, but many other susceptibility genes have been discovered in recent years, including CDK4, TERT, ACD, TERF2IP, POT1, MITF, MC1R, and BAP1. Additionally, melanoma risk is increased in mixed cancer syndromes caused by mutations in PTEN, BRCA2, BRCA1, RB1, and TP53. While early onset, multiple tumors, and family cancer history remain the most valuable clinical clues for hereditary melanoma, characteristic epithelioid cytology of melanocytic tumors may suggest an underlying BAP1 mutation. Herein, we review the clinical and histopathologic characteristics of melanocytic tumors associated with these germline mutations and discuss the role of genetic counseling.
What is the best indicator of the harmful use of alcohol? A narrative review
Authors: Rehm Jürgen , Crépault Jean‐François , Wettlaufer Ashley , Manthey Jakob , Shield Kevin 
Published: April 2020

AbstractIssuesThe monitoring of the harmful use of alcohol is a key focus of global health efforts, including the Sustainable Development Goals. The current indicator of harmful alcohol use for Sustainable Development Goals is the national adult (15+ years) alcohol per capita consumption (APC) in litres of pure alcohol. Recently, the age‐standardised prevalence of heavy episodic drinking (HED) has been advanced as an alternative indicator.ApproachThis narrative review is composed of a review of advantages and disadvantages of both indicators and an empirical analysis of their associations with alcohol‐attributable health harm.Key findingsAPC is greatly associated with harm and is available for almost all countries on a yearly basis as it is largely derived from routinely collected statistics. HED is based on responses to population surveys not routinely performed for most countries. These surveys commonly exclude heavy drinking populations (e.g. army personnel, institutionalised, homeless). Even when included within the sampling frame, heavy drinkers are less likely to participate than other groups. The questions used to measure HED are susceptible to biases due to issues with respondents' comprehension, recall and misreporting. Furthermore, in a regression analysis of 182 countries, APC was better at predicting alcohol‐attributable harm than HED. APC was also correlated with changes in the alcohol‐attributable burden of disease (from 2010 to 2016), while HED was not.ImplicationsBased on these factors, APC was found to be the preferred indicator.ConclusionsAPC should be retained as the main indicator of the harmful use of alcohol.