bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Chain length‐dependent inulin alleviates diet‐induced obesity and metabolic disorders in mice
Authors: Li Liangkui , Zhang Lu , Zhou Linkang , Jin Meijun , Xu Li 
Published: May 2021

AbstractDietary fiber is regarded to improve host metabolic disorders through modulating gut microbiota. The study was to investigate the effects of inulin with different degree of polymerization (DP) on adiposity, related metabolic syndrome, and the possible mechanisms from the points of gut microbiota and metabolite changes. C57Bl/6J male mice were randomly allocated to normal diet (ND) group, high‐fat diet (HFD) group, two HFD groups with short‐chain inulin (HFD‐S) and medium and long‐chain inulin (HFD‐ML) for 8 weeks. Compared with HFD treatment, ML‐inulin supplementation significantly decreased weight gain, hepatic steatosis, chronic inflammation, and increased insulin sensitivity, energy expenditure and thermogenesis. This could be mimicked by S‐inulin supplementation to some degree although it is not as effective as ML inulin. Also, mice treated with S and ML inulin had a remarkable alternation in the composition of gut microbiota and increased the production of short‐chain fatty acids (SCFAs). However, reduced serum levels of essential fatty acids, vitamins B1 and B3 by HFD were further decreased by both inulin supplementations. ML inulin can prevent HFD‐induced obesity and the associated metabolic disorders, and may be used as novel gut microbiota modulator to prevent HFD‐induced gut dysbiosis and metabolic disorders.
Effects of power ultrasound treatment on the shelf life of button mushrooms: Digital image processing and microbial counting can reveal the effects
Authors: Ganjdoost Maryam , Aboonajmi Mohammad , Mirsaeedghazi Hossein , Asefpour Vakilian Keyvan 
Published: May 2021

AbstractEdible button mushroom (Agaricus bisporus) is the most common commercial‐grade mushroom in the world. The shelf life of button mushrooms is limited to a range between two and four days because of enzymatic browning at medium ambient temperature if it is minimally processed. This study aimed to investigate the effects of power ultrasonics and its interaction with several treatments including H2O2 and O3 on increasing the storage quality of edible button mushroom by controlling enzymatic browning. A 100 W ultrasonic bath with a frequency between 20 and 35 kHz was used during the experiments. The storage quality was studied by examining the changes in color and microbial content over 12 days. The results obtained from the digital image processing and total microbial counting showed that the ultrasonic treatment for 6 min is an appropriate method for controlling the color preservation of mushrooms to improve their shelf life. The maximum changes in RGB band, HSV band, L*a*b* band, and microbial content of the mushroom samples under the ultrasonic treatment were equal to 7%, 12%, 10%, and 11%, respectively. Furthermore, having the color properties and microbial content of the samples, the artificial neural network (ANN) was capable of predicting their storage period with an MSE of 0.011.
Predicational ability of phase angle on protein energy wasting in kidney disease patients with renal replacement therapy: A cross‐sectional study
Authors: Zhou Haiteng , Yao Wenlong , Pan Da , Sun Guiju 
Published: May 2021

AbstractObjectiveTo investigate the ability of phase angle (PA) and body composition for predicting protein energy wasting (PEW) in renal replacement therapy (RRT) patients.MethodsRenal replacement therapy (RRT) patients were enrolled in this study. Body composition was measured by direct segmental multi‐frequency biolectrical impedance analysis method (DSM‐BIA); phase angle (PA), fat‐free mass (FFM), fat mass (FM), mid‐arm circumference (MAC), WC (waist circumference), and ECW/TBW (extracellular water/total body water) were obtained. Biochemicals (serum albumin, triglyceride, and cholesterol) were tested. PEW patients were classified according to ISRNM (The International Society of Renal Nutrition and Metabolism) criteria. Cutoff value of PA and related variables was calculated by ROC analysis. The ability of body composition variables as indicators to predict PEW was evaluated.ResultsSixty‐four patients were enrolled in this study. Thirty‐three patients (52.6%) were males, and forty (62.5%) patients were diagnosed with PEW. The ROC curve showed that the optimal cutoff values of PA, FFMI (fat‐free mass index), MAC, WC, and BMI for PEW risk were 4.45°, 16.71, 29.7 cm, 86.4 cm, and 21.1 kg/m2, respectively. These indicators showed significant association with PEW; meanwhile, the PA and MAC can be used as the predictors for PEW with OR 6.333 (95% CI, 1.956–20.505) and 3.267 (95% CI, 1.136–9.394), respectively. Both groups have a lower BUN/Cr ratio (<20).ConclusionIn the RRT patients, over than 60% patients were diagnosed with PEW. PA, MAC, and other body composition can be used as the independent indicators for predicting PEW in renal replacement therapy kidney disease patients.
Jumps in foreign exchange spot rates and the informational efficiency of currency forwards
Authors: Ibikunle Gbenga , Mollica Vito , Sun Qiao 
Published: May 2021

AbstractIn this paper, we show that forward premiums are significant predictors of innovations in currency spot rates, and currency forward rates lead to price discovery during normal trading periods. Conversely, currency spot rates lead to price discovery during volatile periods. This finding is linked to investors' overreaction to information, which in turn induces jumps in the currency spot rate; positive jumps weaken the contribution of the forward rate to price discovery and their informational efficiency. We also find that the forward premium puzzle is linked to jump‐driven pricing inefficiencies.
Achieving Enhanced Capacitive Deionization by Interfacial Coupling in PEDOT Reinforced Cobalt Hexacyanoferrate Nanoflake Arrays
Authors: Shi Wenhui , Xue Meiting , Qian Xin , Xu Xilian , Gao Xinlong , Zheng Dong , Liu Wenxian , Wu Fangfang , Gao Congjie , Shen Jiangnan , Cao Xiehong 
Published: May 2021

AbstractCapacitive deionization (CDI) as a novel energy and cost‐efficient water treatment technology has attracted increasing attention. The recent development of various faradaic electrode materials has greatly enhanced the performance of CDI as compared with traditional carbon electrodes. Prussian blue (PB) has emerged as a promising CDI electrode material due to its open framework for the rapid intercalation/de‐intercalation of sodium ions. However, the desalination efficiency, and durability of previously reported PB‐based materials are still unsatisfactory. Herein, a self‐template strategy is employed to prepare a Poly(3,4‐ethylenedioxythiophene) (PEDOT) reinforced cobalt hexacyanoferrate nanoflakes anchored on carbon cloth (denoted as CoHCF@PEDOT). With the high conductivity and structural stability achieved by coupling with a thin PEDOT layer, the as‐prepared CoHCF@PEDOT electrode exhibits a high capacity of 126.7 mAh g−1 at 125 mA g−1. The fabricated hybrid CDI cell delivers a high desalination capacity of 146.2 mg g−1 at 100 mA g−1, and good cycling stability. This strategy provides an efficient method for the design of high‐performance faradaic electrode materials in CDI applications.
‘Breaking the silence’: Sexual victimisation in an old age psychiatry patient population in Flanders
Authors: Nobels Anne , Keygnaert Ines , Robert Egon , Vandeviver Christophe , Haekens An , Lemey Lieve , Strobbe Marieke , Van Den Noortgate Nele , Lemmens Gilbert M. D. 
Published: May 2021

AbstractBackgroundSexual violence (SV) is linked to mental health problems in adulthood and old age. However, the extent of sexual victimisation in old age psychiatry patients is unknown. Due to insufficient communication skills in both patients and healthcare workers, assessing SV in old age psychiatry patients is challenging.AimsTo assess lifetime and sexual victimisation in the past 12‐months, correlates and SV disclosure in an old age psychiatry population.MethodsBetween July 2019 and March 2020, 100 patients at three old age psychiatry wards across Flanders participated in a face‐to‐face structured interview receiving inpatient treatment. The participation rate was 58%. We applied the WHO definition of SV, encompassing sexual harassment, sexual abuse with physical contact without penetration, and (attempted) rape.ResultsIn 57% of patients (65% F, 42% M) SV occurred during their lifetime and 7% (6% F, 9% M) experienced SV in the past 12‐months. Half of the victims disclosed their SV experience for the first time during the interview. Only two victims had disclosed SV to a mental health care professional before.ConclusionsSexual victimisation appears to be common in old age psychiatry patients, yet it remains largely undetected. Although victims did reveal SV during a face‐to‐face interview to a trained interviewer, they do not seem to spontaneously disclose their experiences to mental health care professionals. In order to provide tailored care for older SV victims, professionals urgently need capacity building through training, screening tools and care procedures.
When do latecomer firms undertake international open innovation: Evidence from China
Authors: Fu Xiaolan , Li Yawen , Li Jizhen , Chesbrough Henry 
Published: May 2021

AbstractResearch SummaryWhile there is a wealth of literature on the benefits of open innovation (OI), little is known about when do latecomer firms undertake international open innovation (IOI) given the related benefits and challenges. This study examines how the characteristics of firms and their surrounding environment affect their engagement with international collaboration. Demand side factors appear to be more significant drivers of IOI in latecomer firms than the pursuit of technology leadership. Market expansion‐oriented innovation strategy, international orientation, previous collaboration experiences, and technology intensity of the industry are found to be associated with a high degree of IOI; firms with stronger R&D capacity tend to be less open to international collaboration. Findings from this research are helpful for managers interested in using IOI to promote their companies' innovation performance, and to managers of MNEs or policy makers who would like to understand the international innovation strategy of Chinese firms.Managerial SummaryLittle is known about when do latecomer firms undertake IOI. This study uses a national survey data set of manufacturing firms in China, examining how the characteristics of firms and their surrounding environment affect their degrees of international openness in innovation. Heckman's two‐step model is used to test the hypotheses, supplemented with robustness checks. Demand side factors appear to be more significant drivers of IOI in latecomer firms than the pursuit of technology leadership. Market expansion‐oriented innovation strategy, international orientation, previous collaboration experiences, and technology intensity of the industry are found to be associated with a high degree of IOI; firms with stronger R&D capacity tend to be less open to international collaboration. Managerial and policy implications are discussed.
Controllable growth of type‐II Dirac semimetal PtTe2 atomic layer on Au substrate for sensitive room temperature terahertz photodetection
Authors: Yang Yang , Zhang Kaixuan , Zhang Libo , Hong Guo , Chen Chao , Jing Hongmei , Lu Jiangbo , Wang Peng , Chen Xiaoshuang , Wang Lin , Xu Hua 
Published: May 2021

AbstractPlatinum telluride (PtTe2), a member of metallic transition metal dichalcogenides, provides a new platform for investigating various properties such as type‐II Dirac fermions, topological superconductivity, and wide‐band photodetection. However, the study of PtTe2 is largely limited to exfoliated flakes, and its direct synthesis remains challenging. Herein, we report the controllable synthesis of highly crystalline 2D PtTe2 crystals with tunable morphology and thickness via chemical vapor deposition (CVD) growth on Au substrate. By adjusting Te amount and substrate temperature, anisotropic and isotropic growth modes of PtTe2 were realized on the solid and molten Au substrates, respectively. The domain size of PtTe2 crystal was achieved up to 30 μm, and its thickness can be tuned from 5.6 to 50 nm via controlling the growth time. Furthermore, a metal–PtTe2–metal structural device was fabricated to validate the wide‐band terahertz (THz) photodetection from 0.04 to 0.3 THz at room temperature. Owing to the high crystallinity of PtTe2 crystal, the photodetector acquires high responsivity (30–250 mA W‐1 from 0.12 to 0.3 THz), fast response rate (rise time: 7 μs, decay time: 8 μs), and high‐quality imaging ability. Our work demonstrates the feasibility for realistic exploitation of high‐performing photodetection system at THz band based on the CVD‐grown 2D Dirac semimetal materials.image
Front Cover Image
Authors: Li Benxuan , Hou Bo , Amaratunga Gehan A. J. 
Published: May 2021

Indoor photovoltaics have attracted considerable attention due to their great potential for powering low‐power electronics and photonic devices under ambient light. Bo Hou, Gehan A. J. Amaratunga and co‐authors (DOI: 10.1002/inf2.12180) provide an overview and prospect of the recent advances in various indoor photovoltaics.
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Dairy genetics and livestock breeding
Authors: Winters Marco 
Published: May 2021

Background: The 21st century dairy cow is a very different animal from that of the past, even those being milked as little as 20 years ago. Since then, the production of dairy cows has substantially increased, whereas their somatic cell count has declined. Moreover, fertility has improved, foot, leg and udder conformation have seen changes for the better, and many other traits, including lameness, longevity and mastitis, are also moving in the right direction. This is as much a success story for genetics as it is for management and technology. It is impossible to apportion the exact part played by each factor – it will vary from trait to trait – but it is generally accepted that genetic gain has accounted for more than half of the improvement made in milk production over recent decades (Cassell 2001). Indeed, it is more important to continue to make these improvements than just identify the reasons for them, particularly in regards to traits affecting health, welfare and fertility. Genetic tools are playing an increasingly valuable role in this progress and should continue to do so in the future.Aim of the article: This article highlights the genetic tools and trait selection indexes that are currently available to the dairy sector in the UK, and the genetic progress that can be achieved by using them.
Use of low bandwidth network technologies and sensors for operation and performance monitoring of rural development projects: A case study in South Africa
Authors: von Solms Sune , Meyer Johan 
Published: May 2021

AbstractPoor infrastructure maintenance of basic services in developing countries undermine economic development and sustainability. The process of reactive maintenance on equipment are practiced in many rural projects, resulting in a range of challenges, including high cost, shorter life expectancy of equipment and inefficient use of project engagement time by project teams. This paper proposes the use of low data rate sensors for the monitoring of rural infrastructure to assist in the practice of preventive maintenance in rural projects. The paper argues and demonstrates the importance of on‐going operation and performance monitoring of infrastructure to implement preventive maintenance throughout the life cycle of rural infrastructure projects with the use of a case study—a remote village in rural South Africa. The implementation of preventive maintenance practices in rural projects show that project maintenance budgets can be utilized more efficiently when compared to traditional reactive maintenance. In addition to the reduction of maintenance cost, the implementation of preventive maintenance can lead to better life expectancy of equipment as well as safer operating and maintenance conditions for operators and maintenance teams. Findings reveal that the utilization of low data rate sensors for equipment operation and performance monitoring can support rural development as it assists preventive maintenance solutions, replacing reactive maintenance strategies. The paper further aims to assist project teams working in rural projects to improve support and maintenance of deployed infrastructure and equipment to improve the sustainability of these rural projects. The contribution of this paper is the demonstration of how the implementation of low bandwidth network technologies and sensors can be utilized for operation and performance monitoring in deep rural projects without incurring major costs to support the sustainability of these projects.
Utilization of GelMA with phosphate glass fibers for glial cell alignment
Authors: Keskin‐Erdogan Zalike , Patel Kapil D. , Chau David Y.S. , Day Richard M. , Kim Hae‐Won , Knowles Jonathan C. 
Published: May 2021

AbstractGlial cell alignment in tissue engineered constructs is essential for achieving functional outcomes in neural recovery. While gelatin methacrylate (GelMA) hydrogel offers superior biocompatibility along with permissive structure and tailorable mechanical properties, phosphate glass fibers (PGFs) can provide physical cues for directionality of neural growth. Aligned PGFs were fabricated by a melt quenching and fiber drawing method and utilized with synthesized GelMA hydrogel. The mechanical properties of GelMA and biocompatibility of the GelMA‐PGFs composite were investigated in vitro using rat glial cells. GelMA with 86% methacrylation degree were photo‐crosslinked using 0.1%wt photo‐initiator (PI). Photocrosslinking under UV exposure for 60 s was used to produce hydrogels (GelMA‐60). PGFs were introduced into the GelMA before crosslinking. Storage modulus and loss modulus of GelMA‐60 was 24.73 ± 2.52 and 1.08 ± 0.23 kN/m2, respectively. Increased cell alignment was observed in GelMA‐PGFs compared with GelMA hydrogel alone. These findings suggest GelMA‐PGFs can provide glial cells with physical cues necessary to achieve cell alignment. This approach could further be used to achieve glial cell alignment in bioengineered constructs designed to bridge damaged nerve tissue.
Dendritic cells support a proliferative antigen‐specific T‐cell response in the presence of poly(lactic‐co‐glycolic acid)
Authors: Srinivasan Sangeetha , Elizabeth Babensee Julia 
Published: May 2021

AbstractBiomaterials are known to modulate immune cell functions, which subsequently determine the host inflammatory and immune responses. Poly(lactic‐co‐glycolic acid) or PLGA, a biodegradable and biocompatible biomaterial, induces a pro‐inflammatory, mature phenotype in antigen presentation cells, namely dendritic cells (DCs) in vitro. In vivo, PLGA can boost the humoral immune response to a co‐delivered model antigen, a phenomenon known as the PLGA‐adjuvant effect. This study elucidates the link between PLGA's effect on the DC phenotype in vitro and its adjuvant effect in vivo using the CD11c‐DTR mouse model. These mice undergo conditional ablation of DCs upon treatment with diphtheria toxin. To measure immune activation, the mice were first given ovalbumin (OVA)‐reactive T cells from OT‐II/OT‐I mice. Later, the same mice received subcutaneous OVA‐loaded PLGA scaffold implants. In response to the scaffold implants, OVA‐reactive OT‐II CD4+ T cells showed decreased proliferation in the absence of CD11c+ DCs, indicating an attenuation of the PLGA‐adjuvant effect. Furthermore, PLGA may also influence the antigen cross‐presentation function of DCs, as evident with the lowered OVA‐reactive OT‐I CD8+ T‐cell response. Understanding the immunomodulatory ability of biomaterials in the context of DCs will aid in designing improved DC‐based immunotherapies against infectious diseases and cancer.
Using geographic information systems to assess community‐level vulnerability to housing insecurity in rural areas
Authors: Gleason Kristen D. , Dube Matthew , Bernier Elizabeth , Martin Jennifer 
Published: May 2021

AbstractResearch examining homelessness in rural areas has been sparse. The current study aims to expand conceptions of rural homelessness by mapping community‐level risk factors related to housing insecurity. Geographic information systems (GIS) techniques were used to map the distribution of select community‐level risk indicators in the State of Maine. Three methodological choices related to this process are demonstrated: (1) selection and distribution of housing insecurity risk indicators; (2) use of location quotients; and (3) use of spatial lags. After examining and mapping selected risk factors against the location of homeless service supports, four areas in Maine were identified as communities of concern for housing insecurity. Better understanding the extent and location of areas of high need that are resource poor can help service and funding agencies to plan for the more efficient and effective distribution of homeless prevention and mitigation services. Implications for research in rural areas are discussed.
Catalytic Sc(OTf)3 mediated direct asymmetric aldol reaction of (−)‐menthyl isothiocyanatoacetate with aldehydes by using (−)‐menthol as chiral auxiliary
Authors: Bhangare Dattatraya N. , Shinde Rohit G. , Pawar Pushpalata D. , Nikalje Milind D. , Lokhande Mahendra N. 
Published: May 2021

AbstractThis method involves the direct asymmetric aldol reaction of (−)‐menthyl isothiocyanatoacetate 5 with a variety of substituted aromatic aldehydes, which offers a convenient method for the synthesis of intermediate containing biologically relevant α‐amino β‐hydroxyl groups in oxazolidine ring. In this methodology, the products show remarkable diastereoselectivity using Sc(OTf)3 as a catalyst and easily accessible (−)‐menthol as a chiral auxiliary. This approach includes some important aspects such as mild reaction conditions, high yields, and excellent diastereoselectivity with a number of substituted aromatic aldehydes. The optimization and effect of different catalysts were studied at different reaction conditions and it is found that Sc(OTf)3 shows excellent diastereoselectivity at −45°C.
Synthesis and microbial screening of 8‐(benzyloxy)‐5‐(2‐[1,3‐diphenyl‐1H‐pyrazol‐4‐yl]thiazol‐4‐yl)quinolin‐2(1H)‐one derivatives
Authors: Choudhare Tukaram S. , Wagare Devendra S. , Kadam Vijay T. , Netankar Prashant D. 
Published: May 2021

AbstractThe present investigation describe the synthesis of 8‐(benzyloxy)‐5‐(2‐[1,3‐diphenyl‐1H‐pyrazol‐4‐yl]thiazol‐4‐yl)quinolin‐2(1H)‐one derivatives. Quinolin‐8‐ol was transformed by five step synthetic procedures into 8‐Benzyloxy‐5‐(2‐bromo‐acetyl)‐1H‐quinolin‐2‐one. Subsequently, 8‐Benzyloxy‐5‐(2‐bromo‐acetyl)‐1H‐quinolin‐2‐one condensed with 1,3‐Diphenyl‐1H‐pyrazole‐4‐carbothioic acid amide in the presence of acetonitrile to afford 8‐(benzyloxy)‐5‐(2‐[1,3‐diphenyl‐1H‐pyrazol‐4‐yl]thiazol‐4‐yl)quinolin‐2(1H)‐one derivatives. Synthesized compounds were screened for their antimicrobial activity against gram‐positive and gram‐negative bacteria. Most of the synthesized compounds are found to be active against tested bacterial strains and fungal strain.