bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Adolescents' family obligation and activities in rural and urban Vietnam: Implications for social change
Authors: Park Heejung , Weiss Bahr , Trung Lam T. , Ngo Victoria K. , Lau Anna S. 
Published: May 2020

This study examined how urbanisation may modify adolescents' values and activities concerning family obligation by surveying 572 adolescents (Mage = 15.75, SD = .73) in rural and urban Vietnam. Compared with their rural peers, urban adolescents reported a stronger sense of family obligation but spent less time actually engaging in family assistance, findings that were partly explained by urban households' less financial hardship and higher parental education levels. As expected, stronger family obligation values were associated with greater family assistance activities across rural and urban Vietnam. However, stronger family obligation values were associated with more study hours only in urban Vietnam, indicating that urbanisation may broaden the meaning of family obligation to encompass the academic domain. Additionally, weaker family obligation values were associated with more employment hours only in rural Vietnam, suggesting that rural adolescents with little attachment to the traditional value of family obligation may pursue autonomy through employment outside the home. In traditionally familistic societies undergoing urbanisation, family obligation may take on different meaning depending on adolescents' ecological settings that construct cultural values and behavioural norms.
Dual‐color STED super‐resolution microscope using a single laser source
Authors: Wang Jialin , Zhang Jia , Wang Luwei , Gao Xinwei , Shao Yonghong , Liu Liwei , Yang Zhigang , Yan Wei , Qu Junle 
Published: May 2020

AbstractSTED (stimulated emission depletion) microscopy is one of the most promising super‐resolution fluorescence microscopies，due to its fast imaging and ultra‐high resolution. In this paper, we present a dual‐color STED microscope with a single laser source. Polarization beam splitters are used to separate the output from a supercontinuum laser source into four laser beams, including two excitation beams (488, 635 nm) and two depletion beams (592, 775 nm). These four laser beams are then used to build a low cost dual‐color STED system to achieve a spatial resolution of 75 nm in cell samples.
Self‐assembling hydrogel loaded with 5‐FU PLGA microspheres as a novel vitreous substitute for proliferative vitreoretinopathy
Authors: Yu Zhen , Ma Shisi , Wu Mengfan , Cui Huan , Wu Rong , Chen Sizhe , Xu Chenlin , Lu Xiaohe , Feng Songfu 
Published: May 2020

AbstractThe vitreous substitute for proliferative vitreoretinopathy (PVR) surgery remains an unmet clinical need in ophthalmology. In our study, we developed an in situ formed hydrogel by crosslinking polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) and chitosan as a potential vitreous substitute. 5‐fluorouracil (5‐FU) Poly (lactic‐co‐glycolic acid) (PLGA) microspheres were developed and loaded onto the PVA/chitosan hydrogels to treat PVR. In vitro, PVA/chitosan hydrogels at four concentrations were subjected to morphological, physical, rheological analyses, and cytotoxicity was evaluated together with the characterization of 5‐FU PLGA microspheres. In vivo, pharmacologically induce PVR rabbits were performed a vitrectomy. In the PVA group, 3% PVA/chitosan hydrogel was injected into the vitreous cavity. In the PVA/MS group, 3% PVA/chitosan hydrogel and 5‐FU PLGA microspheres were injected. In the Control group, phosphate‐buffered saline was injected. Therapeutic efficacy was evaluated with postoperative examinations and histological analyses. This study demonstrated that the 3% PVA/chitosan hydrogel showed properties similar to those of the human vitreous and could be a novel in situ crosslinked vitreous substitute for PVR. Loading 5‐FU PLGA microspheres onto this hydrogel may represent an effective strategy to improve the prognosis of PVR.
Omaveloxolone and TX63682 are hepatoprotective in the STAM mouse model of nonalcoholic steatohepatitis
Authors: Reisman Scott A. , Ferguson Deborah A. , Lee Chun‐Yue I. , Proksch Joel W. 
Published: May 2020

AbstractOmaveloxolone is a potent activator of Nrf2, a master transcriptional regulator of a multitude of cytoprotective functions, including antioxidative, anti‐inflammatory, and mitochondrial bioenergetic effects. Some of the most potent known effects of Nrf2 involve hepatoprotective functions. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effects of omaveloxolone and TX63682, a closely related structural analog with similar oral bioavailability, in the STAM mouse model of nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH). C57Bl/6 mice received a single subcutaneous injection of streptozotocin two days after birth and were fed a high‐fat diet from 4 to 9 weeks of age. Omaveloxolone and TX63682 were orally administered at doses of 1, 3, and 10 mg/kg/d from 6 to 9 weeks of age. Consistent with the beneficial effects of Nrf2 on hepatoprotection and improved lipid handling, both omaveloxolone and TX63682 decreased hepatic fat deposition, hepatocellular ballooning, inflammatory cell infiltration, and collagen deposition. Omaveloxolone and TX63682 also improved blood glucose control, as evidenced by reductions in nonfasting blood glucose and glycated hemoglobin A1C concentrations. Reductions in liver and serum triglycerides with omaveloxolone and TX63682 treatment were also observed. Both omaveloxolone and TX63682 decreased leptin and increased adiponectin in serum, which is consistent with the anti‐inflammatory and antifibrotic effects observed in the liver. These results were associated with significant induction of Nrf2 target gene expression in the liver, including NAD(P)H:quinone oxidoreductase 1, sulfiredoxin 1, and ferritin heavy chain 1. Overall, these data suggest that omaveloxolone and related Nrf2 activators may be useful for the treatment of NASH.
Zwitterionic amino acids as precursors for nonmetal cation pentaborate salts
Authors: Sizir Ümit , Yurdakul Ömer , Köse Dursun Ali , Içten Okan 
Published: May 2020

AbstractNonmetal cation (NMC) pentaborate structures were synthesized using the amino acid molecules as cations precursors. Chemical composition analysis, infrared spectroscopy, mass analysis, boron nuclear magnetic resonance, and thermal gravimetric analysis (TGA/DTA) methods were used for structural characterization. The hydrogen storage efficiency of molecules was also determined experimentally. The recorded infrared spectra support the structural similarities of the molecules. Stretchings of pentaborate rings and characteristic peaks of amino acids were detected in infrared spectra. When the thermal analysis curves were recorded, it was found that the structures showed similar decomposition steps. Due to the result of thermal decay, glassy boron oxide (B2O3) formation was observed as the final decomposition products of all molecules. Peaks associated with boric acid, triborate, and pentaborate were observed in the 11B spectra of these salts. Powder X‐ray diffraction spectroscopy supports the presence of BO3 and BO4− groups regarding the presence of pentaborate rings. It also indicates the high crystallinity of the structures. The molecular cavities detected by brunauer–emmett–teller analysis were found to be 3.586, 1.922, 1.673, and 1.923 g/cm3. Low‐molecular cavities can be attributed to the high hydrogen‐bonding capacity of the structures. The hydrogen capture efficiency of the pentaborate salts was found to be in the range of 0.039‐0.
Some new group divisible designs with block size 4 and two or three group sizes
Authors: Abel R. Julian R. , Bunjamin Yudhistira A. , Combe Diana 
Published: May 2020

AbstractGroup divisible designs (GDDs) with block size 4 and at most 30 points are known for all feasible group types except three, namely , and . In this paper we provide solutions for the first two of these three 4‐GDDs without assuming any automorphisms. We also construct several other 4‐GDDs. These include classes of 4‐GDDs of types for where and solutions for 4‐GDDs of types for a wide range of values of satisfying or , including all cases with . Most of the remaining unknown 4‐GDDs of type have .
Increased levels of long noncoding RNA LINC00691 correlate with poor prognosis in non–small‐cell lung cancer patients
Authors: Xie Yan , Hu Xiuhua 
Published: May 2020

AbstractBackgroundAlthough long intergenic non‐protein coding RNA 691 (LINC00691) has been functionally identified in several tumors, the association between LINC00691 and non–small‐cell lung cancer (NSCLC) has not been reported. The objective of our study was to explore the clinical significance of LINC00691 in NSCLC.MethodsRT‐PCR was performed to detect LINC00691 levels in 177 pairs of human NSCLC tissues and matched normal lung specimens. A chi‐squared test was used to analyze the possible influence of LINC00691 on the clinical progress of NSCLC. Kaplan‐Meier methods were used to determine differences in patient survival. The prognostic value of survival variables was evaluated using univariate and multivariate analyses.ResultsWe found that LINC00691 levels were increased in tumor specimens compared with matched normal lung tissues (P < .01). Increased LINC00691 levels correlated with lymph node metastasis (P = .025) and advanced TNM stage (P = .002) in NSCLC patients. Moreover, clinical investigations revealed that NSCLC patients with high LINC00691 expression had a shorter overall survival than those with low LINC00691 expression (P = .0042). Finally, Cox regression assays confirmed LINC00691 as an independent prognostic factor for NSCLC patients.ConclusionsThe aberrant expression of LINC00691 may function as a reliable marker for the progression and prognosis of NSCLC in patients.
Trauma nation: Exposure to traumatic events among South African university students
Authors: Padmanabhanunni Anita 
Published: May 2020

AbstractThe current study investigated exposure to past trauma among South African students at a historically disadvantaged institution (HDI). The student population at HDI's are typically from low‐income communities that were marginalized by apartheid‐era policies and few studies have focused on trauma exposure among this population group. Respondents (N=914) completed the Life Events Checklist and a demographic questionnaire. Logistic regression analysis was conducted to identify gender differences in exposure. 97.6% of the sample reported trauma exposure. The most frequently experienced traumatic events were physical assault (69.3%) and transportation accidents (64.7%). While men were almost twice as likely to report exposure to physical assault (77.2% vs. 67%; β=.53; odds ratio [OR]=1.70; p<.01) and assault with a weapon (59.7% vs. 44.3%; β=.62; OR=1.86; p<.01), women were twice as likely to report unwanted or uncomfortable sexual experiences (32.3% vs. 19.4%; β=−.69; OR=0.50; p<.01) and sexual assault (19.3% vs. 13.1%; β=−.69; OR=0.50; p<.01). It is recommended that psycho‐education on trauma be included in orientation programmes and mental health screening and early referrals for psychological services be implemented.
Microwave‐assisted synthesis of levulinic acid from low‐cost, sustainable feedstocks using organic acids as green catalysts
Authors: Aliko Kinana , Doudin Khalid , Osatiashtiani Amin , Wang Jiawei , Topham Paul D , Theodosiou Eirini 
Published: May 2020

AbstractBACKGROUNDModern day scientific endeavour strives towards global sustainability through the smart utilisation of renewable resources as base materials for chemicals. Until now, the most common commercial process to produce levulinic acid (a mass‐produced platform chemical) depends on a two‐stage mineral acid‐catalysed reaction, which generates harmful environmental waste. In this work, an environmentally friendly levulinic acid production route using less harmful organic acids assisted by microwave heating from biomass feedstocks is reported for the first time.RESULTSUsing aluminum sulfate as a green Lewis acid catalyst and seven organic acids, levulinic acid was successfully produced from barley straw under microwave heating, with maleic acid giving the highest catalytic conversion. A Response Surface Methodology (RSM) approach was used to rapidly and effectively examine the effect of five reaction variables on the productivity of the levulinic acid. A wide range of different biomass wastes (barley straw, brewery waste, olive cake, spent tea leaves and potato, tomato, and mandarin peels) were subsequently screened to produce the levulinic acid. The highest yield of 86 wt% based on cellulose content from mandarin peel (a value comparable to a lengthier ‘non‐green’ route) was achieved under the following optimized reaction conditions: 180 °C, 38 min, 2 M maleic acid concentration, 0.1 g Al2(SO4)3 and 1:22 biomass: maleic acid ratio (g mL−1).CONCLUSIONSThe proposed method is a promising new route towards the green, high yield production of levulinic acid from a variety of agricultural and household lignocellulosic biomass wastes, without the need for pre‐treatment. © 2020 The Authors. Journal of Chemical Technology & Biotechnology published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of Society of Chemical Industry.
Main parameters influencing the design of photocatalytic reactors for wastewater treatment: a mini review
Authors: Sacco Olga , Vaiano Vincenzo , Sannino Diana 
Published: May 2020

AbstractThe research in the heterogeneous photocatalysis to remove different types of pollutants in liquid phase has notably increased in the last years. The main objectives of the research dealing with photocatalysis were: (i) to shift the photoactivity of catalysts in the visible light range or to increase the degradation rate; (ii) the use of the artificial light sources (low pressure lamp, high pressure lamp, LEDs, and optical fibers) and solar light; (iii) photocatalysts recovering and deactivation; (iv) photoreactor configuration; (v) photodegradation of contaminants of emerging concern; and (vi) verification of induced effects from the photocatalytic treatment, such as the induction of bacterial resistance. Here, one of the main problems in the practical application of photocatalysis, which is the photoreactors scale‐up, is addressed with the use of mathematical modeling. In this perspective, this mini review reports a literature exam of the main parameters that are important to take into account for the design and the development of photoreactors for wastewater treatment, and through the use of computational fluid dynamics models (CFD). © 2020 Society of Chemical Industry
Impact of urban sewage sludge on soil physico‐chemical properties and phytotoxicity as influenced by soil texture and reuse conditions
Authors: Hechmi Sarra , Hamdi Helmi , Mokni‐Tlili Sonia , Ghorbel Manel , Khelil Mohamed Naceur , Zoghlami Inès Rahma , Benzarti Saoussen , Jellali Salah , Hassen Abdennaceur , Jedidi Naceur 
Published: May 2020

AbstractUrban sewage sludge (USS) is increasingly applied to agricultural soils, but mixed results have been reported because of variations in reuse conditions. Most field trials have been conducted in cropping systems, which conceal intrinsic soil responses to sludge amendments due to the rhizosphere effect and farming practices. Therefore, the current field study highlights long‐term changes in bare soil properties in strict relationship with soil texture and USS dose. Two agricultural soils (loamy sand [LS] and sandy [S]) were amended annually with increasing sludge rates up to 120 t ha−1 yr−1 for 5 yr under unvegetated conditions. Outcomes showed a USS dose‐dependent variation of all studied parameters in topsoil samples. Soil salinization was the most significant risk related to excessive USS doses. Total dissolved salts (TDS) in saturated paste extracts reached the highest concentrations of 37.2 and 43.1 g L−1 in S soil and LS soil, respectively, treated with 120 t USS ha−1 yr−1. This was also reflected by electrical conductivity of the saturated paste extract (ECe) exceeding 4,000 µS cm−1 in both treatments. As observed for TDS, fertility indicators and bioavailable metals varied with soil texture due to the greater retention capacity of LS soil owing to higher fine fraction content. Soil phytotoxicity was estimated by the seed germination index (GI) calculated for lettuce, alfalfa, oat, and durum wheat. The GI was species dependent, indicating different degrees of sensitivity or tolerance to increasing USS rates. Lettuce germination was significantly affected by changes in soil conditions showing negative correlations with ECe and soluble metals. In contrast, treatment with USS enhanced the GI of wheat, reflecting higher salinity tolerance and a positive effect of sludge on abiotic conditions that control germination in soil. Therefore, the choice of adapted plant species is the key factor for successful cropping trials in sludge‐amended soils.
Dynamical patterning modules and network motifs as joint determinants of development: Lessons from an aggregative bacterium
Authors: Guzmán‐Herrera Alejandra , Arias Del Angel Juan A. , Rivera‐Yoshida Natsuko , Benítez Mariana , Franci Alessio 
Published: May 2020

AbstractDevelopment and evolution are dynamical processes under the continuous control of organismic and environmental factors. Generic physical processes, associated with biological materials and certain genes or molecules, provide a morphological template for the evolution and development of organism forms. Generic dynamical behaviors, associated with recurring network motifs, provide a temporal template for the regulation and coordination of biological processes. The role of generic physical processes and their associated molecules in development is the topic of the dynamical patterning module (DPM) framework. The role of generic dynamical behaviors in biological regulation is studied via the identification of the associated network motifs (NMs). We propose a joint DPM–NM perspective on the emergence and regulation of multicellularity focusing on a multicellular aggregative bacterium, Myxococcus xanthus. Understanding M. xanthus development as a dynamical process embedded in a physical substrate provides novel insights into the interaction between developmental regulatory networks and generic physical processes in the evolutionary transition to multicellularity.
MicroRNA‐23 suppresses osteogenic differentiation of human bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells by targeting the MEF2C‐mediated MAPK signaling pathway
Authors: Jiang Kai , Teng Guo‐Dong , Chen Yan‐Qing 
Published: May 2020

AbstractBackgroundThe present study aimed to determine the role and mechanism of miR‐23 with respect to regulating the osteogenic differentiation of human bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (hBMSCs).MaterialsThe expression of miR‐23 and MEF2C was measured in osteoporosis (OP) patients and healthy controls by a quantitative reverse transcriptase‐polymerase chain reaction (qRT‐PCR). The correlation between miR‐23 and MEF2C was determined by the Pearson correlation coefficient. Moreover, bioinformatic analysis was performed using public databases. Target gene function and potential pathways were further examined. Then, we used a miR‐23 mimic or inhibitor to further explore the potential mechanism of miR‐23.ResultsmiR‐23 is found to be up‐regulated and MEF2C is down‐regulated in OP patients compared to healthy controls. miR‐23 had a negative correlation with MEF2C (r = −0.937, p = 0.001). Bioinformatic analysis revealed that a total of 664 overlapping target genes were found in the TargetScan (http://www.targetscan.org), miRDB (http://mirdb.org) and miRanda (http://www.microrna.org/microrna/home.do) databases. Moreover, Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway analysis indicated that miR‐23 may regulate the mitogan‐activated protein kinase (MAPK) signaling pathway. miR‐23 is down‐regulated and MEF2C is significantly up‐regulated in the osteogenic differentiation of hBMSCs. MEF2C was significantly up‐regulated in the osteogenic differentiation of hBMSCs. Overexpression of miR‐23 significantly down‐regulated alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity and calcium deposition, whereas the miR‐23 inhibitor had the opposite effects. Moreover, overexpression of miR‐23 significantly decreased osteoblast‐related markers (Runx2, Osx, ALP and OCN). Further experiments confirmed that MEF2C is a direct target of miR‐23. Moreover, the miR‐23 mimic enhanced the expression of p‐p38 but had no effect on p‐JNK.ConclusionsmiR‐23 decreases the osteogenic differentiation of hBMSCs through the MEF2C/MAPK signaling pathway.
The Relation Between Property Rights, Farm Size and Technical Efficiency for the Developing Countries' Agricultural Sector
Authors: Dourandish Arash , Saghaian Sayed , Shahnoushi Forushani Naser , Mohammadrezazadeh Nazanin , Kuhestani Sina 
Published: May 2020

AbstractPrevious studies have shown that the quality of property rights, farm size and market imperfections significantly affect agricultural efficiency. This article investigates the interaction between the quality of property rights and size when the countries are heterogeneous in degree of market imperfection, using a multilevel statistical approach for a sample of 84 developing countries. The results show a positive relation between technical efficiency and quality of property rights and a negative relation between farm size and quality of property rights. Furthermore, the results reject the regularly stated inverse relation between farm size and technical efficiency. In addition, the results show that market imperfections significantly affect the relations between technical efficiency and the explanatory variables. According to the results, increasing the farm size in countries with well‐defined property rights reduces agricultural efficiency. On the other hand, in the majority of developing countries with low quality of property rights, the relation between farm size and technical efficiency is statistically significant and positive. © 2020 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.