bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Li2O‐doped MgAl2O4 nanopowders: Energetics of interface segregation
Authors: Bernardes Andre A. , Caliman Lorena B. , da Silva Andre L. , Bettini Jefferson , Guimarães Kleber L. , Gouvea Douglas 
Published: December 2019

AbstractManufacturing nanoceramics is challenging owing to the instability of the grain size resulting from the high driving force toward growth associated with the interfaces. Nanometric ceramics of some oxides have exceptional mechanical and optical properties, eg, magnesium aluminate spinel (MgAl2O4). The production of these fully conformed ceramics requires a precursor powder, which generally contains sintering‐promoting additives. Li salts are typically used as sintering promoters for MgAl2O4, but the interface stability associated with the segregation of the additive is poorly understood. In this study, MgAl2O4 samples containing 0‐2.86 mol% Li ions were synthesized via a simultaneous‐precipitation method in an ethylic medium and subsequently calcined at 800°C in air. The nanopowders exhibited only the MgAl2O4 phase, and the crystallite size was determined by the Li2O concentration. The crystallite size was changed via the chemical modification of the interfaces by the segregation of Li ions. The solubility in the bulk material was very low at the fabrication temperature, and small amounts of Li ions saturated the bulk material and segregated to the grain boundaries (GBs), significantly stabilizing the grain–grain interface compared with the surface. The resulting powder was then aggregated further owing to the initial stage of sintering. The surface excess obtained via the selective lixiviation method confirmed that the segregation to the GBs was greater than that to the surface. Energetics calculations confirmed these results, indicating a high enthalpy of segregation at the GBs () compared with that at the surfaces (). The enthalpy of segregation together with the interface excess allowed us to estimate the reduction in the interface energy with Li+ segregation of 0.8% to the surface and 11.2% to the GBs. The Li+ segregation to the surfaces started by Al3+ substitution, and for powders with ≥1.8 mol% Li ions, Mg+2 was preferentially substituted at the surfaces.
Effects of a scalable home‐visiting intervention on child development in slums of urban India: evidence from a randomised controlled trial
Authors: Andrew Alison , Attanasio Orazio , Augsburg Britta , Day Monimalika , Grantham‐McGregor Sally , Meghir Costas , Mehrin Fardina , Pahwa Smriti , Rubio‐Codina Marta 
Published: December 2019

BackgroundAn estimated 63.4 million Indian children under 5 years are at risk of poor development. Home visits that use a structured curriculum to help caregivers enhance the quality of the home stimulation environment improve developmental outcomes. However, achieving effectiveness in poor urban contexts through scalable models remains challenging. MethodsUsing a cluster randomised controlled trial, we evaluated a psychosocial stimulation intervention, comprising weekly home visits for 18 months, in urban slums of Cuttack, Odisha, India. The intervention is complementary to existing early childhood services in India and was run and managed through a local branch of a national NGO. The study ran from August 2013 to July 2015. We enrolled 421 children aged 10–20 months from 54 slums. Slums were randomised to intervention or control. Primary outcomes were children's cognitive, receptive language, expressive language and fine motor development assessed using the Bayley‐III. Prespecified intent‐to‐treat analysis investigated impacts and heterogeneity by gender. Trial registrations: ISRCTN89476603, AEARCTR‐0000169.ResultsEndline data for 378 (89.8%) children were analysed. Attrition was balanced between groups. We found improvements of 0.349 of a standard deviation (SD; p = .005, stepdown p = .017) to cognition while impacts on receptive language, expressive language and fine motor development were, respectively, 0.224 SD (p = .099, stepdown p = .184), 0.192 SD (p = .085, stepdown p = .184) and 0.111 (p = .385, stepdown p = .385). A child development factor improved by 0.301 SD (p = .032). Benefits were larger for boys. The quality of the home stimulation environment also improved. ConclusionsThis study shows that a potentially scalable home‐visiting intervention is effective in poor urban areas.
Biotechnological production of natural sweeteners and preservatives on tomato paste
Authors: Gallo Marianna , Passannanti Francesca , D'Apolito Elena , Nigro Federica , Salameh Dana , Nigro Roberto 
Published: December 2019

AbstractThere is a growing interest in healthier foods and cleaner labels. In particular, foods containing a lower sugar concentration but with the same organoleptic properties and the same shelf life are becoming a new challenge. To this end, we performed a first set of experimentations on two simple broths (LFM1 and LFM2), which differed in their glucose concentration (250 g/L and 200 g/L, respectively), and a second set of fermentations on two diluted tomato pastes (TP1 and TP2), with the same glucose concentration but different in the presence (TP2) or absence (TP1) of yeast extract. These substrates were fermented by Yarrowia lipolytica ATCC 8661 at 30°C for 192 hr, to understand its ability in simultaneous production of erythritol and citric acid. Although the process should be optimized, in all the cases tested we obtained the erythritol and the citric acid production.Practical applicationThe aim of the present study was the simultaneous production of erythritol and citric acid on a food matrix. This is a preliminary study to obtain, directly by fermentation, a natural sweetener able to give the food product, in particular tomato paste, a sweet taste without adding artificial sweeteners. At the same time, we tried to produce citric acid as a natural preservative to improve shelf life. In this way, we wish to obtain, through several experimentations, semifinished products for the production of vegetal soups and sauces.
Enhancing the properties of gelatin–chitosan bionanocomposite films by incorporation of silica nanoparticles
Authors: Batra Mohit , Malik Gulshan K. , Mitra Jayeeta 
Published: December 2019

AbstractFunctional enhancement of biopolymer was attempted in this work for food packaging application. Incorporation of chitosan (0–9%) and silica (0–10%) nanoparticles (NP's) into gelatin film (Gel) has been tried and their effects on moisture content, tensile strength (TS), elongation at break (%E), wettability, water vapor permeability (WVP), and antimicrobial activities were studied. Morphology of nanoparticles was studied using scanning electron microscopy and transmission electron microscopy. Chitosan NP's showed agglomeration at higher concentration which leads to lower the mechanical as well as barrier properties of the film. However, silica NP's enhanced the properties of bionanocomposite film. TS was increased from 6.05 MPa of pure gelatin film to a maximum value of 38.91 MPa at CS NP's of 5.8% and Si NP's of 7%; however, %E decreased with addition of nanoparticles resulting in brittleness of film. WVP for pure gelatin film was 25.21 g mm/kPa m2 day, which reduced to 3.30 g mm/kPa m2 day after incorporation of 10% Si NP's. Antimicrobial activity was observed against E. coli and S. aureus. Incorporation of CS NP's improved the antimicrobial activity of gelatin film. Si NP's showed improvement in mechanical and barrier properties of Gel–CS films, however, had no effect on antimicrobial activities.Practical ApplicationResearchers community are more concerned of natural biopolymers to reduce the use of synthetic polymers, especially in food packaging. Gelatin is one of the natural biopolymer and have potential to be used as food packaging material. Problem with gelatin and many other biopolymer based film is their poor mechanical and barrier properties. Present study was framed to overcome these problems by incorporating silica and chitosan nanoparticles in gelatin film. The results observed would be useful to develop a biopolymer based nanocomposite film with improved mechanical, barrier and antimicrobial properties, which can be used for active food packaging.
Inducing remission in paediatric Crohn’s disease using nutritional therapies – A systematic review
Authors: McVeigh L. , Payne A. 
Published: December 2019

AbstractBackgroundExclusive enteral nutrition (EEN) is known to be a safe and effective treatment option for managing active Crohn’s disease (CD) in children, although no uniform protocol exists. The aim of this systematic review was to evaluate and compare the clinical effectiveness of aspects of EEN protocols to ascertain whether an optimum regimen can be identified.MethodsA systematic search of the Cochrane Library, PubMed, MEDLINE, EMBASE, CINAHL and AMED was conducted for studies published between 1998 and 2018 that examined paediatric patients being treated with an enteral nutrition protocol to induce remission. Studies that included patients receiving concurrent medication for active disease were excluded. Quality assessment was performed using separate tools for randomised controlled trials, cohort studies and for studies without a control group.ResultsSixteen studies met the inclusion criteria. Of these, six found insufficient evidence to support use of a specific formula. One study examined the route of EEN, finding no difference between oral or nasogastric tube administration with respect to inducing remission. Three examined the use of partial enteral nutrition to induce remission, although conflicting results were seen. No studies explored the effect of length of treatment or energy prescription on remission ratesConclusionsAn optimum enteral nutrition protocol for inducing remission cannot be identified. Further focused research is required by well designed, adequately powered prospective clinical trials to examine aspects of enteral feeding protocols that remain uncertain, including the use of partial enteral nutrition as a potential alternative to EEN.
Development of the Daily Time Management Scale for Use by Working People with Type 2 Diabetes
Authors: Nakao Tomomi , Takeishi Chizuko , Nunoi Kiyohide , Matsuishi Toyojiro , Okamura Hisayoshi , Sato Yuichi , Uchizono Yuji , Mizuno Mika , Yokobori Yumi , Shimizu Yasuko 
Published: December 2019

AbstractAimThe purpose of this study was to develop a scale to assess daily time management capabilities among working patients with diabetes and to test this scale's reliability and validity.MethodsA self‐administered questionnaire survey was conducted among 277 diabetes outpatients, and data from 220 participants (mean age = 54.3 ± 10.2 years, 76.8% male) were analyzed. Questionnaire items were selected through exploratory factor analysis. During the process of developing the questionnaire, opinions were solicited from experts on education for patients with diabetes, and Cronbach's α was calculated as a coefficient of reliability. Correlations with the Instrument of Diabetes Self‐Care Agency (IDSCA) were examined and confirmatory factor analysis was performed to check for validity.ResultsAdequacy of a 4‐factor, 16‐item scale was confirmed. Cronbach's α coefficient was ≥.7 for the entire scale and for the subscale items. There was a significant correlation between total IDSCA scores and various factors (r = .280–.469). However, there was no correlation between the “adjustment of life rhythms” and parts of the IDSCA subscale.ConclusionAlthough some aspects warrant further investigation, the developed scale provides a reliable and valid means of assessing daily time management capabilities among working patients with diabetes, and can thus be applied to help diabetes patients to manage their daily lives.
Ovarian hormones induce de novo DNA methyltransferase expression in the Siberian hamster suprachiasmatic nucleus
Authors: Coyle Chris S. , Caso Federico , Tolla Elisabetta , Barrett Perry , Onishi Kenneth G. , Tello Javier A. , Stevenson Tyler John 
Published: December 2019

AbstractThe present study investigated neuroanatomically localised changes in de novo DNA methyltransferase expression in the female Siberian hamster (Phodopus sungorus). The objectives were to identify the neuroendocrine substrates that exhibit rhythmic Dnmt3a and Dnmt3b expression across the oestrous cycle and also examine the role of ovarian steroids. Hypothalamic Dnmt3a expression was observed to significantly increase during the transition from pro‐oestrous to oestrous. A single bolus injection of diethylstilbestrol and progesterone was sufficient to increase Dnmt3a cell numbers and Dnmt3b immunoreactive intensity in the suprachiasmatic nucleus. In vitro analyses using an embryonic rodent cell line revealed that diethylstilbestrol was sufficient to induce Dnmt3b expression. Up‐regulating DNA methylation in vitro reduced the expression of vasoactive intestinal polypeptide, Vip, and the circadian clock gene, Bmal1. Together, these data indicate that ovarian steroids drive de novo DNA methyltransferase expression in the mammalian suprachiasmatic nucleus and increased methylation may regulate genes involved in the circadian timing of oestrous: Vip and Bmal1. Overall, epigenetically mediated neuroendocrine reproductive events may reflect an evolutionarily ancient process involved in the timing of female fertility.
Effects of resveratrol on bone‐healing capacity in the mouse tooth extraction socket
Authors: Min Kyung-Kon , Neupane Sanjiv , Adhikari Nirpesh , Sohn Wern‐Joo , An Seo‐Young , Kim Ji‐Youn , An Chang‐Hyeon , Lee Youngkyun , Kim Yong‐Gun , Park Jin‐Woo , Lee Jae‐Mok , Kim Jae‐Young , Suh Jo‐Young 
Published: December 2019

AbstractBackground and ObjectiveAfter tooth extraction, the extraction socket undergoes several steps of soft and hard tissue healing. The healing process of the extraction socket is modulated by a range of signaling factors and biochemical agents. It has been reported that resveratrol, a polyphenolic compound, exhibits various biological effects, including anti‐inflammatory, anti‐carcinogenic, antioxidant, and anti‐aging effects, and protects cardiovascular and bone tissues. In this study, we examined the cellular effects of resveratrol on human periodontal ligament (hPDL) cells and osteoblast‐like (MC3T3‐E1) cells and evaluated the bone‐healing capacity of tooth extraction sockets in mice.Material and MethodsResveratrol was applied to hPDL and MC3T3‐E1 cells to detect cell proliferation and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity, and qPCR was employed to understand the gene expression level in vitro. For in vivo experiment, six‐week‐old C57BL/6 male mice were randomly divided into control (n = 15) and experimental (n = 15) groups and maxillary first molars were extracted by surgery. Experimental groups received 50‐µM resveratrol on extraction sockets and analyzed the degree of new bone formation.ResultsTreatment of hPDL and MC3T3‐E1 cells with resveratrol increased the cell proliferation and ALP activity and enhanced the expression of ALP, BMP‐2, BMP‐4, and OC genes. Resveratrol enhanced new bone formation in the lingual extraction socket in mice.ConclusionThese results suggest that resveratrol increases the cellular physiology of PDL and osteoblast including their proliferation and differentiation and may play an important role in bone‐healing capacity after tooth extraction.
Diversification of floral orientation in Lonicera is associated with pollinator shift and flowering phenology
Authors: Xiang Gan‐Ju , Guo You‐Hao , Yang Chun‐Feng 
Published: December 2019

AbstractFloral orientation has been suggested to be a functional floral trait that can enhance reproductive fitness through adaptation to both biotic factors (e.g., pollination) and abiotic factors (e.g., temperature). However, whether those factors drive the diversification of floral orientation needs to be explored through multiple related species. Phylogenetic relationships in Lonicera were identified by incorporating the species’ floral orientation (upward vs. downward) and pollinator types. Furthermore, transitions in floral orientation were evaluated together with pollinator shift, and seven Lonicera species were used to detect the influence of floral orientation on pollination and reproductive success. The relationship between temperature and the angle of floral orientation was investigated. Floral orientation in Lonicera showed that most of the closely related species within the same node displayed a similar pattern of floral orientation, and pollinator shift can lead to transitions between upward and downward orientation. Additionally, the angle of floral orientation increased with flowering phenology from spring to summer, and changing floral orientation significantly decreased pollination and seed production. Moreover, the average daily temperature during flowering phenology was significantly correlated with the angle of floral orientation. Our results indicate that pollinator shift could be an important event, leading to the diversification of floral orientation. Results of field investigations inferred that floral orientation should be a functional floral trait adapted to flowering phenology. Downward‐facing flowers might help decrease heat loss to adapt to cold conditions. This study disentangled the influences of historical events and local adaptation on the evolution of floral orientation.
Hepatitis B in sub‐Saharan Africa—How many patients need therapy?
Authors: Sonderup Mark W. , Dusheiko Geoffrey , Desalegn Hailemichael , Lemoine Maud , Tzeuton Christian , Taylor‐Robinson Simon D. , Spearman C. Wendy 
Published: December 2019

AbstractHepatitis B is endemic in sub‐Saharan Africa with ~60 million people chronically infected. While prevention, through vaccination, is central to elimination strategies, only 11 countries have birth dose vaccination and full vaccine coverage remains at suboptimal levels. Furthermore, to fully realize elimination, those chronically infected need to be identified, assessed for therapy and then linked to care. Given current treatment criteria, the precise quantum of people warranting therapy, according to criteria, is essentially unknown. The issue is further complicated by data to suggest differences in the numbers of people requiring treatment when applying WHO as compared to European Association for the Study of the Liver, EASL, criteria. Optimal determination of treatment eligibility is further hindered by the lack of available tools to adequately assess individual patients. It is conceivable that accurately determining the number of those requiring treatment, given the heterogeneity of hepatitis B in Africa, is difficult. Better studies and data are required. More signifcantly, improved access and availability to the diagnostic tools needed to assess patients in additon to access to drugs are as, if not more important, to achieve elimination.
Good volatility vs. bad volatility: The asymmetric impact of financial depth on macroeconomic volatility
Authors: Hussain Sana 
Published: December 2019

AbstractThis paper explores the possibility that financial depth may have an asymmetric impact on macroeconomic volatility by affecting its “good” and “bad” components in different ways. While “good” volatility refers to positive shocks to gross domestic product, consumption and investment growth, “bad” volatility denotes negative fluctuations in these macroeconomic indicators. Dynamic panel regressions in a sample of 97 countries over the period 1960–2010 provide evidence of asymmetry on three main grounds. First, financial depth reduces good volatility but does not have much impact on bad volatility except that it reduces some bad volatility of consumption. Second, though financial depth reduces both good and bad volatility of consumption, the reduction in the good component is much greater. Third, the impact of financial depth on macroeconomic volatility varies across sectors. Particularly in low‐income economies, financial depth enables better consumption decisions but poorer investment choices. These results have important policy implications.
Conditional gene expression reveals stage‐specific functions of the unfolded protein response in the Ustilago maydis–maize pathosystem
Authors: Schmitz Lara , Kronstad James W. , Heimel Kai 
Published: December 2019

SummaryUstilago maydis is a model organism for the study of biotrophic plant–pathogen interactions. The sexual and pathogenic development of the fungus are tightly connected since fusion of compatible haploid sporidia is prerequisite for infection of the host plant, maize (Zea mays). After plant penetration, the unfolded protein response (UPR) is activated and required for biotrophic growth. The UPR is continuously active throughout all stages of pathogenic development in planta. However, since development of UPR deletion mutants stops directly after plant penetration, the role of an active UPR at later stages of development remained to be determined. Here, we established a gene expression system for U. maydis that uses endogenous, conditionally active promoters to either induce or repress expression of a gene of interest during different stages of plant infection. Integration of the expression constructs into the native genomic locus and removal of resistance cassettes were required to obtain a wild‐type‐like expression pattern. This indicates that genomic localization and chromatin structure are important for correct promoter activity and gene expression. By conditional expression of the central UPR regulator, Cib1, in U. maydis, we show that a functional UPR is required for continuous plant defence suppression after host infection and that U. maydis relies on a robust control system to prevent deleterious UPR hyperactivation.
The impact of transposable elements on the structure, evolution and function of the rice genome
Authors: Akakpo Roland , Carpentier Marie‐Christine , Ie Hsing Yue , Panaud Olivier 
Published: December 2019

SummaryTransposable elements (TEs) are ubiquitous in plants and are the primary genomic component of the majority of taxa. Knowledge of their impact on the structure, function and evolution of plant genomes is therefore a priority in the field of genomics. Rice, as one of the most prevalent crops for food security worldwide, has been subjected to intense research efforts over recent decades. Consequently, a considerable amount of genomic resources has been generated and made freely available to the scientific community. These can be exploited both to improve our understanding of some basic aspects of genome biology of this species and to develop new concepts for crop improvement. In this review, we describe the current knowledge on how TEs have shaped rice chromosomes and propose a new strategy based on a genome‐wide association study (GWAS) to address the important question of their functional impact on this crop.