bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Antigenic activity and epitope analysis of β‐conglycinin hydrolyzed by pepsin
Authors: Hu Jinqiang , Yuan Luyang , An Guangjie , Zhang Junsong , Zhao Xuewei , Liu Yang , Shan Jinjin , Wang Zhangcun 
Published: August 2020

AbstractBACKGROUNDSoybean is among the ‘big eight’ allergenic foods, and β‐conglycinin, the main antigenic protein of soybean, has high levels of antigenic activity. Why the antigenic activity of soybean β‐conglycinin is not eliminated by enzymatic hydrolysis is not clear. In this study, changes in the molecular composition and antigenicity of β‐conglycinin hydrolyzed by pepsin were analyzed and it was determined whether complete sequential epitopes exist in the resulting hydrolysates. The nature and antigenic activity of protein subunits obtained after β‐conglycinin hydrolysis were also assessed by sodium dodecyl sulfate‐polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis and competitive enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay, respectively.RESULTSThe residual antigenic activity of β‐conglycinin was 52%, α′‐ and α‐subunits completely disappeared, the 49 kDa fraction partially disappeared, and peptides measuring 27 and 23 kDa were newly formed after 60 min of enzymatic hydrolysis. Prolonged enzymatic hydrolysis did not result in remarkable changes in these peptides; thus, the peptides show some resistance to enzymatic hydrolysis. The amino acid sequences of the peptide chains were analyzed by matrix‐assisted laser desorption / ionization‐time of flight mass spectrometry and aligned with the related sequences in the corresponding protein and antigen databases. Ten complete sequential epitopes were identified in the residual 49 kDa fraction, of these epitopes, two were from α‐subunits and eight were from β‐subunits.CONCLUSIONThe presence of complete sequential epitopes in hydrolysates obtained from the enzymatic hydrolysis of soybean is an important reason for the incomplete disappearance of the antigenic activity of β‐conglycinin. © 2020 Society of Chemical Industry
The anti‐tussive, anti‐inflammatory effects and sub‐chronic toxicological evaluation of perilla seed oil
Authors: Zhang Hui‐Xing , Tian Yi‐Hong , Guan Jian , Xie Qiang‐Min , Zhao Yu‐Qing 
Published: August 2020

AbstractBACKGROUNDPerilla seed oil (PSO) is the main constituent of perilla seeds currently being used in the food industry, however it also has great clinical potential in the regulation of lung function as a nutrition supplement because of the high content of α‐linolenic acid (ALA). In this study, the pharmacological activities including anti‐tussive, expectorant and anti‐inflammatory effect of PSO were performed. Furthermore, the 90‐day sub‐chronic oral toxicity with a 30 day recovery period was evaluated in Wistar rats.RESULTSThe pharmacological studies demonstrated that PSO inhibited cough frequency induced by capsaicine in mice. PSO also inhibited the leukotriene B4 (LTB4) release from the calcium ionophore A23187‐induced polymorphonuclear neutrophils (PMNs) to some extent. In this sub‐chronic toxicity study, mortality, clinical signs, body weight, food consumption, hematology, serum biochemistry, urinalysis, organ weight, necropsy, and histopathology were used to evaluate the toxicity of PSO. Lower body weight and various negative impacts on liver related parameters without histopathological lesion were observed in the 16 g kg−1 groups. No clinically significant changes were discovered in the 4 g kg−1 group during the test period.CONCLUSIONIn summary, PSO exhibited anti‐tussive and anti‐inflammatory activities in vivo and in vitro. These sub‐chronic toxicity studies inferred that the ‘no‐observed adverse effect level’ (NOAEL) of PSO in Wistar rats was determined to be 4 g kg−1. These results may provide a safety profile and a valuable reference for the use of PSO. © 2020 Society of Chemical Industry
Effect of leaf‐to‐fruit ratios on phenolic and sensory profiles of Malbec wines from single high‐wire‐trellised vineyards
Authors: Ahumada Gastón E , Catania Anibal , Fanzone Martin L , Belmonte Marcelo J , Giordano Carla V , González Carina V 
Published: August 2020

AbstractBACKGROUNDThe single high‐wire system is a free canopy trellis system suitable for warm to hot climates. In a global warming scenario, it arouses as a technological solution since it prevents berry overheating and sunburn. Canopy management practices manipulate leaf‐to‐fruit ratios, affecting berry and wine composition. We aimed to evaluate the phenolic and sensory profiles of Malbec wines from single high‐wire trellised vineyards in a hot region in Mendoza (Argentina) and to assess the effect of varying leaf‐to‐fruit ratios on these attributes. We manipulated leaf‐to‐fruit ratios by varying shoot trimming (experiment 1: 0.45 m, 0.80 m, and untrimmed) and winter pruning severity (experiment 2: 16, 24, 32, and >32 countable buds per meter). We characterized wine attributes by a descriptive analysis, color by the CIELAB space, and global phenolics compounds and anthocyanins by high‐performance liquid chromatography with diode array detection.RESULTSWe found that wines where shoots were trimmed to 0.80 m or left untrimmed had similar and greater intensity of color, violet hue, astringency, and alcohol and a richer aroma profile than wines where shoots were trimmed to 0.45 m. Meanwhile, wines from 16 and >32 buds/m treatments (the latter simulating a box pruning) were similar to each other and had higher color intensity, violet hue, acidity, alcohol, and astringency and a more complex aroma profile than the other pruning treatments.CONCLUSIONSThe best quality wines were achieved by leaving 16 or >32 buds/m and by trimming shoots to 0.80 m or leaving them untrimmed. The modulation of cultural practices in sprawling canopies offers the potential to produce wines with different styles in hot regions. © 2020 Society of Chemical Industry
Effect of Polymer Network Topology on the Electro‐Optical Performance of Polymer Stabilized Liquid Crystal (PSLC) Devices
Authors: Zhou Yong , You Yuxin , Liao Xiaoling , Liu Wei , Zhou Le , Zhang Beibei , Zhao Wei , Hu Xiaowen , Zhang Lanying , Yang Huai , Zhou Guofu , Yuan Dong 
Published: August 2020

AbstractPolymer‐stabilized liquid crystal (PSLC) devices can realize fast switching between transparent and scattering state, and have been widely applied as smart windows and optical shutters. It has many advantages such as high transmittance, high haze value, fast response speed, and low driving voltage. The electro‐optical response of PSLC devices depends on the properties of the liquid crystal molecules and the influence of the polymer network on the motion of the liquid crystal molecules. In this paper, the effect of polymer network morphology on the performance of PSLC devices is systematically studied. By adding mono‐acrylate monomer into the liquid crystal di‐acrylate monomers, the polymer network became softer and sparser after photopolymerization. The threshold voltage and response time of PSLC devices decreased with increasing the mono‐acrylate monomer concentration, but changed to increase after the concentration exceeds 1.8 wt%. This study provides guidelines to optimize of PSLC based optical devices and windows.
Aggregation of incomplete preference rankings: Robustness analysis of the ZMII‐technique
Authors: Franceschini Fiorenzo , Maisano Domenico 
Published: August 2020

AbstractA common group decision‐making problem is that in which: (a) several judges express their subjective preference rankings regarding some objects of interest and (b) these rankings should then be aggregated into a collective judgement. The authors recently developed an aggregation technique – denominated “ZMII” – aggregating these rankings into a ratio scaling of the objects, which represents the solution to the decision‐making problem of interest. This technique also includes a flexible response mode, which tolerates incomplete rankings and can, therefore, be adapted to various practical contexts, such as quality improvement activities, field surveys, product‐comparison surveys, etc.The aim of this article is proposing an original approach to verify the robustness of the ZMII‐technique under the influence of various factors, especially those concerned with the degree of “completeness” of preference rankings (e.g., number of objects identified by judges, whether these objects are ordered or not, etc.). The methodology in use relies on the simulation of several thousand decision‐making problems, in order to organically study the effect of the factors of interest. Results show a certain robustness of the ZMII‐technique, even under relatively “unfavourable” practical conditions, characterized by very incomplete preference rankings. Description is supported by instructive examples.
Clinical Correlates of Functional Motor Disorders: An Italian Multicenter Study
Authors: Tinazzi Michele , Morgante Francesca , Marcuzzo Enrico , Erro Roberto , Barone Paolo , Ceravolo Roberto , Mazzucchi Sonia , Pilotto Andrea , Padovani Alessandro , Romito Luigi M. , Eleopra Roberto , Zappia Mario , Nicoletti Alessandra , Dallocchio Carlo , Arbasino Carla , Bono Francesco , Pascarella Angelo , Demartini Benedetta , Gambini Orsola , Modugno Nicola , Olivola Enrica , Di Stefano Vincenzo , Albanese Alberto , Ferrazzano Gina , Tessitore Alessandro , Zibetti Maurizio , Calandra‐Buonaura Giovanna , Petracca Martina , Esposito Marcello , Pisani Antonio , Manganotti Paolo , Stocchi Fabrizio , Coletti Moja Mario , Antonini Angelo , Defazio Giovanni , Geroin Christian 
Published: August 2020

ABSTRACTBackgroundFunctional motor disorders (FMDs) are abnormal movements that are significantly altered by distractive maneuvers and are incongruent with movement disorders seen in typical neurological diseases.ObjectiveThe objectives of this article are to (1) describe the clinical manifestations of FMDs, including nonmotor symptoms and occurrence of other functional neurological disorders (FND); and (2) to report the frequency of isolated and combined FMDs and their relationship with demographic and clinical variables.MethodsFor this multicenter, observational study, we enrolled consecutive outpatients with a definite diagnosis of FMDs attending 25 tertiary movement disorders centers in Italy. Each patient underwent a detailed clinical evaluation with a definition of the phenotype and number of FMDs (isolated, combined) and an assessment of associated neurological and psychiatric symptoms.ResultsOf 410 FMDs (71% females; mean age, 47 ± 16.1 years) the most common phenotypes were weakness and tremor. People with FMDs had higher educational levels than the general population and frequent nonmotor symptoms, especially anxiety, fatigue, and pain. Almost half of the patients with FMDs had other FNDs, such as sensory symptoms, nonepileptic seizures, and visual symptoms. Patients with combined FMDs showed a higher burden of nonmotor symptoms and more frequent FNDs. Multivariate regression analysis showed that a diagnosis of combined FMDs was more likely to be delivered by a movement disorders neurologist. Also, FMD duration, pain, insomnia, diagnosis of somatoform disease, and treatment with antipsychotics were all significantly associated with combined FMDs.ConclusionsOur findings highlight the need for multidimensional assessments in patients with FMDs given the high frequency of nonmotor symptoms and other FNDs, especially in patients with combined FMDs.
Hot aluminum substrate induced hexagonal‐tetragonal phase transitions in InSe and performance of Al/InSe/Cu2O pn tunneling devices
Authors: Qasrawi Atef Fayez , Kmail Reham Reda 
Published: August 2020

AbstractIn the current study, we have considered the induced phase transitions in Al/InSe thin film substrates and employing them for fabrication of InSe/Cu2O tunneling channels. The InSe substrates are observed to prefer the transition from the hexagonal γ‐In2Se3 to the rarely observed tetragonal InSe. The phase transitions are obtained by the thermally assisted diffusion of aluminum, which was already kept at 250°C in a vacuum media of 10−5 mbar before the compensation of InSe. The tetragonal InSe also induced the crystallization of orthorhombic Cu2O with acceptable level of lattice matching along the a‐axis. The Al/InSe/Cu2O/Au heterojunctions, which are electrically analyzed are observed to exhibit rectifying features with the current conduction being dominated by electric fields assisted thermionic emission (tunneling) through a barrier of width of 5.5 to 14.0 nm and barrier height of 0.19 to 0.30 eV. The ac analyses of the capacitance and conductance spectra of this device have shown that it can exhibit high/low capacitance and frequency dependent conductance switching modes at 0.12 GHz in addition to negative capacitance effect in the range of 0.12 to 1.80 GHz. The features of the device are promising as they indicate the suitability of the device for fabrication of field effect transistors, memory devices, and ultrafast switches.
The prognosis of prechemotherapy blastemal predominant histology subtype in Wilms tumor: A retrospective study in China
Authors: Huang Junting , Zhang Yu , Zhen Zijun , Lu Suying , Zhu Jia , Wang Juan , Sun Feifei , Liu Zhuowei , Gao Yuanhong , Li Hui , Zhang Yizhuo , Sun Xiaofei 
Published: August 2020

AbstractPurpose: This study aimed to retrospectively analyze survival outcomes for Chinese patients with prechemotherapy blastemal predominant histology type Wilms tumors (WTs).Methods: We collected and analyzed clinical data concerning patients aged <15 years with favorable histology (FH) WTs treated at the Sun Yat‐Sen University Cancer Center from December 2005 to May 2016, based on the Children's Oncology Group protocol. Pathological specimens were collected through biopsy or surgical resection before initiation of chemotherapy. We analyzed survival outcomes involving different prechemotherapy histology subtypes.Results: We enrolled 97 patients with FH WTs (median follow‐up, 71.5 months; range, 22.2‐170.7). The total recurrence rate was 17.5%, and the subtype recurrence rates were as follows: blastemal predominant (45.5%), mixed (7.5%), epithelial (14.3%), and mesenchymal (9.5%) (P = .010). Five‐year event‐free survival (EFS) and overall survival (OS) rates were 84.9% and 81.4%, respectively. Respective 5‐year EFS and OS rates for subtypes were as follows: blastemal predominant (54.5% and 68.2%), mixed (90.0% and 88.9%), epithelial (85.7% and 85.1%), and mesenchymal (90.5% and 94.7%). Multivariate survival analyses showed that the blastemal predominant subtype was an independent prognostic factor of EFS (P = .001) and OS (P = .017).Conclusions: Our findings showed that prechemotherapy blastemal predominant WTs had higher recurrence and lower EFS and OS rates. Our findings suggested that, albeit with some deficiencies, blastemal predominant histology WT–diagnosed prechemotherapy may have prognostic relevance. Further research into other potential confounding variables are required to determine whether such patients warrant altered risk‐stratified therapy.
A feasibility study on direct measurements of interaction forces between carbon fiber surfaces and other substances
Authors: Sato Kimiyasu , Ijuin Atsuko , Imai Yusuke , Hotta Yuji 
Published: August 2020

AbstractMechanical properties of carbon fiber (CF) reinforced plastic composites are influenced by physicochemical interactions between CF surfaces and matrix polymers. Poor interfacial adhesion between CF surfaces and matrix polymer molecules caused by inertness of graphitic carbon still remains to be solved. Deeper comprehension of the interfacial properties would promote advancement of technologies enhancing the physicochemical interactions. Versatile methods for evaluation of CF surface properties along with interactions at the CF/polymer interface are required. In the present paper, we propose a method to measure interaction forces between CF surfaces and other substances with the aid of atomic force microscope (AFM). Small CF chips were mounted on AFM cantilevers to measure forces between the CF chip surfaces and other materials. Interaction forces between CF chips with/without ultraviolet generated ozone (UV‐ozone) treatment and epoxy precursor molecules were monitored. It has been widely accepted that the UV‐ozone treated CF surfaces exhibit superior affinity to organic molecules. Results of the interaction force measurements were consistent with the knowledge. This is the first paper reporting direct measurement of interaction forces between CF surfaces and other substances.
Natural compounds from Punica granatum peel as multiple stabilizers for polyethylene
Authors: Xia Huimin , Sui Kun , Ge Tengteng , Wu Fazong , Sun Qiqi , Wang Zhongwei , Song Liang , Huang Xiaowen , Yu Qing 
Published: August 2020

AbstractPunica granatum peel extractive (PPE), a novel stabilizer of polyethylene, is investigated in this study. Oxidation onset temperature (OOT), carbonyl index (CI), melt flow rate (MFR), tensile strength, and elongation at break are used to characterize the effects of PPE, which are also compared with commercial antioxidant (Irganox 1010) with the presence of tetrakis (2,4‐di‐tert‐butylphenol)[1,1‐biphenyl]‐4,4′‐diylbisphosphite (PEPQ). Long‐term and short‐term aging results show that samples modified by PPE or Irganox 1010 (PE‐PPE0.12%‐P and PE‐10100.12%‐P samples) have comparable CI value and stability of OOT. However, compared with PE‐PPE0.12%‐P sample, much higher CI and larger change of MFR is detected for PE‐10100.12%‐P after UV irradiation and five extrusions. It suggests that PPE is better protector for PE against UV light and mechanical shear force. All results indicate that the effect of PPE in protecting PE is comparable or much better than Irganox 1010 and it can be used as multiple stabilizers for PE. Moreover, the stabilities of PE modified with PPE alone (PE‐PPE2%) is also investigated. Results show that PE‐PPE2% sample has good thermo‐oxidative, UV and processing stabilities. All results reveal that PPE is a good candidate of PE stabilizer and it could avoid the usage of PEPQ in protecting PE.
Further optimisation of the denitrifier method for the rapid 15N and 18O analysis of nitrate in natural water samples
Authors: Stock Patricia , Roder Susanne , Burghardt Diana 
Published: August 2020

RationaleThis study aims to develop a simplified denitrifier method for the δ15N and δ18O analysis of nitrate (NO3−) in natural water samples combining the method of Zhu et al (Sci Total Environ. 2018; 633: 1370–1378) and the original denitrifier method of Sigman et al (Anal Chem. 2001; 73: 4145–4153). Unlike in the aforementioned methods, the aerobic cultivation was performed without the addition or removal of nitrate in the liquid medium. We remove the nitrate contained in the nutrient medium as N2O in the gas phase by an additional purging step after incubation overnight before the water sample is injected. This eliminates the need for another preparation step, thus saving working time.MethodsThe δ15N and δ18O values of dissolved NO3− were determined using a Delta V Plus isotope ratio mass spectrometer coupled to a GasBench II sample preparation device that included a denitrification kit.ResultsAfter optimising the influencing factors (i.e., purging gas, purging time, and type of crimp seals), the method yielded high accuracy and precision (standard deviations were generally ≤0.7‰ for δ18O values and ≤0.3‰ for δ15N values), confirming the suitability of this procedure. Finally, the potential applicability of the method was demonstrated by measuring the isotopic composition of NO3− in natural water samples.ConclusionsThe denitrifier method for converting NO3− into N2O for isotope analysis was optimised. This allowed the sample preparation time to be further reduced. The complete working time for sample preparation, including all steps, takes 10 min per vial if 60 vials are prepared in one run. The water samples are ready for isotope analysis on the fourth day after preparation has started. Isotope measurements can be performed up to 14 days after preparation.
Short‐course intrapleural alteplase and DNase in complex effusion with bleeding risk
Authors: Cheong Xiong Khee , Yu‐Lin Ban Andrea , Abdul Hamid Mohamed Faisal 
Published: August 2020

AbstractPleural infection is an important clinical problem with significant morbidity. In poorly draining complex pleural effusions, the current management favours a less invasive image‐guided placement of smaller bore catheters and adjunctive intrapleural fibrinolysis therapy (IPFT). We describe our experience of using IPFT in three patients with different bleeding risks with complex pleural effusions. The first was a 30‐year‐old with transfusion‐dependent β‐thalassemia with haemoglobin of 7.8 g/dL; second was an 87‐year‐old on dabigatran with haemoglobin of 10 g/dL; and the third was an 80‐year‐old with diffuse large B‐cell lymphoma with haemoglobin of 8.6 g/dL. All three patients received three doses of alteplase and deoxyribonuclease (DNase) without any adverse effects of bleeding and had resolution of the effusion. This case series is an addition to the current literature on the safety of IPFT and we highlight the use of IPFT in patients with low baseline haemoglobin and on anticoagulation therapy.
Electrocatalytic Investigation of M@Pd (M=Ni, Co, Cu) Core‐Shell Nanostructure Supported on N, S‐Doped Reduced Graphene Oxide towards Hydrogen and Oxygen Evolution Reaction
Authors: Woldetinsay Mengistu , Femi Olu , Soreta Tesfaye R. , Maiyalagan Thandavarayan 
Published: August 2020

AbstractThe strong affinity of palladium (Pd) towards hydrogen is the main challenge for hydrogen desorption application. Therefore, in this report, we synthesized nickel, copper, and cobalt core and palladium shell nanostructure supported on nitrogen, sulfur‐doped reduced graphene oxide (M@Pd/N, S‐rGO, M=Ni, Cu, Co) by hydrothermal method followed by reduction of the metal nanoparticles using modified polyol method. Using X‐ray diffraction (XRD), Raman spectroscopy, High resolution transmission electron microscope (HRTEM), Field emission scanning electron microscope (FESEM), and X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), the physicochemical properties of the synthesized sample was investigated. The results confirm strong interactions between M@Pd and higher surface area support that could enhance electrocatalytic activity towards hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) and oxygen evolution reaction (OER). Among the synthesized electrocatalyst, Ni@Pd/N,S‐rGO exhibits higher electrocatalytic activity with small over potential 0.035 V and 0.2 V at 10 mA/cm2 and a Tafel slope value of 39 mV dec−1 and 34 mV dec−1 for HER and OER, respectively. The Ni@Pd/N,S‐rGO electrocatalyst demonstrated excellent stability with a negligible current decrease for 12 h. The Cdl calculation shows a result of 2.2 mF μg−1 for Ni@Pd/N,S‐rGO, 1.9 mF μg−1 for Cu@Pd/N,S‐rGO, and 1.5 mF μg−1 for Co@Pd/N,S‐rGO.
Quantitative Detection of Nitrite in Food Samples Based on Digital Image Colourimetry by Smartphone
Authors: Wang Huihui , Jing Xu , Bi Xinyuan , Bai Bing , Wang Xiaowen 
Published: August 2020

AbstractA novel colourimetric method for the detection of nitrite in food samples using digital image colourimetry (DIC) by smartphone is developed. Nitrite directly oxidise 3,3′,5,5′‐tetramethylbenzidine (TMB) to form a yellow TMB diimine (oxTMB). A smartphone was used to capture the image of an inherent colour variation and analyse the image with the RGB (red, green, and blue) model, achieving the quantitative detection of nitrite. Linear response for the detection of nitrite was obtained from 10 μmol L−1 to 440 μmol L−1 and the limit of quantification was 2.34 μmol L−1. The applicability of the method was confirmed by the detection of nitrite in cabbage, pickle, and ham. The recovery was varied in the range from 96.2 % to 108.2 % with a relative standard deviation of less than 5.0 %. The simple, sensitive, and inexpensive method was an alternative for the detection of nitrite in food samples.