bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Chemometric optimisation of pressurised liquid extraction for the determination of alliin and S‐allyl‐cysteine in giant garlic (Allium ampeloprasum L.) by liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry
Authors: Peterssen‐Fonseca Darlene , Henríquez‐Aedo Karem , Carrasco‐Sandoval Jonathan , Cañumir‐Veas Juan , Herrero Miguel , Aranda Mario 
Published: March 2021

AbstractIntroductionGiant garlic is a functional food that contains different kinds of bioactive molecules with beneficial effects on chronic noncommunicable diseases like diabetes and cardiovascular conditions. Considering biosynthesis pathways, abundance, and biological activity, alliin and S‐allyl‐cysteine were used as chemical markers of organosulphur compounds present in giant garlic.ObjectiveTo establish a chemometric optimisation of pressurised liquid extraction for the determination of alliin and S‐allyl‐cysteine in giant garlic by liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry (LC–MS/MS).MethodologySamples were blanched (ca. 90°C for 10 min) to inactivate alliinase and γ‐glutamyl transpeptidase enzymes and then freeze‐dried. Chemometric optimisation was performed via response surface methodology based on central composite design (CCD). Organosulphur compound yields were determined applying a validated LC–MS/MS method in multiple reaction monitoring (MRM) mode using the following transitions: for alliin m/z 178 → 74 and for S‐allyl‐cysteine m/z 162 → 41.ResultsAccording to CCD results, under constant conditions of pressure (1500 psi) and time (20 min), the optimal conditions for pressurised liquid extraction of alliin and S‐allyl‐cysteine were 70.75 and 68.97% v/v of ethanol in extraction solvent and 76.45 and 98.88°C as extraction temperature, respectively. Multiple response optimisation for the simultaneous extraction of both organosulphur compounds was established via desirability function. Under these conditions, 2.70 ± 0.27 mg g−1 dry weight (DW) of alliin and 2.79 ± 0.22 mg g−1 DW of S‐allyl‐cysteine were extracted.ConclusionsThese results clearly demonstrated that pressurised liquid extraction is an efficient green technique to extract bioactive organosulphur compounds from giant garlic. Extraction yields were significantly (p < 0.05) higher than those obtained with conventional ultra‐turrax extraction.
Perinatal outcome of twin‐to‐twin transfusion syndrome complicated with incidental septostomy after laser photocoagulation: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Nassr Ahmed A. , Hessami Kamran , Shazly Sherif A. , Espinoza Jimmy , Donepudi Roopali , Sanz Cortes Magdalena , Belfort Michael A. , Shamshirsaz Alireza A. 
Published: March 2021

AbstractAimTo evaluate perinatal outcomes of incidental septostomy (IS) after laser photocoagulation for twin‐to‐twin transfusion syndrome (TTTS), and to compare the outcomes with those who had intact intertwin membrane.MethodsDatabases such as PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus, and Embase were systematically searched from inception up to August 2020. The random‐effects model was used to pool the mean difference (MD) or odds‐ratio (OR) with the corresponding 95% confidence intervals (CIs). Primary outcome was incidence of preterm delivery, and preterm premature rupture of membranes (PPROM), while secondary outcomes included gestational age (GA) at intervention, GA at delivery, neonatal survival, and incidence of pseudoamniotic band syndrome (PABS).ResultsFour studies (1442 patients) met our inclusion criteria. Postoperative identification of IS was associated with earlier GA at delivery (MD = −2.52; 95% CI: −3.22, −1.82; p < 0.00), higher risk of PPROM < 32 weeks (OR = 2.82; 95% CI: 1.80, 4.40; p < 0.001), and preterm delivery < 32 weeks (OR = 4.01; 95% CI: 1.27, 12.63; p = 0.02). No differences were noted in pseudoamniotic band syndrome, at least one or dual neonatal survival rate between IS and non‐IS groups.ConclusionsOccurrence of IS after laser photocoagulation for TTTS is associated with earlier GA at delivery, increased risk for PPROM and preterm delivery <32 weeks' gestation. However, neonatal survival does not appear to be affected by this complication.
Fetoscopic myelomeningocoele closure: Is the scientific evidence enough to challenge the gold standard for prenatal surgery?
Authors: Verweij E. Joanne , de Vries Martine C. , Oldekamp Esther J. , Eggink Alex J. , Oepkes Dick , Slaghekke Femke , Spoor Jochem K. H. , Deprest Jan A. , Miller Jena L. , Baschat Ahmet A. , DeKoninck Philip L. J. 
Published: March 2021

AbstractSince the completion of the Management of Myelomeningocoele Study, maternal‐fetal surgery for spina bifida has become a valid option for expecting parents. More recently, multiple groups are exploring a minimally invasive approach and recent outcomes have addressed many of the initial concerns with this approach. Based on a previously published framework, we attempt to delineate the developmental stage of the surgical techniques. Furthermore, we discuss the barriers of performing randomized controlled trials comparing two surgical interventions and suggest that data collection through registries is an alternative method to gather high‐grade evidence.
Effect of processing techniques and residual solvent on the thermal/mechanical properties of epoxy‐cellulose nanocrystal nanocomposites
Authors: Qiu Ke , Tannenbaum Rina , Jacob Karl I. 
Published: March 2021

AbstractEpoxy nanocomposites reinforced with 0–5 wt% cellulose nanocrystal (CNC) were fabricated by solution casting method. The CNCs were first dispersed in the hardener together with a co‐solvent and subsequently mixed with epoxy monomer using two different protocols: bulk mixing and dropwise mixing. The dropwise mixing resulted in more homogeneously‐dispersed CNCs and provided better mechanical properties, particularly higher tensile strength, tensile modulus, and work of fracture with increasing CNC content. Investigation of various CNC/hardener mixtures with different solvent content showed that the residual solvent in the composite mixture had an impact on the curing behavior of the nanocomposite epoxy and may have lowered its crosslinking density, leading to Tg depression. However, the presence of the solvent was shown to be essential for the preparation of a well‐dispersed CNC phase in the hardener solution, and to form homogenous composite mixtures. Our results show that the reinforcement effect due to higher CNC concentration is more significant than the solvent effect in the hardener system and shows greater improvement in mechanical properties. The CNC component reversed the solvent plasticizing effect through its superior mechanical reinforcing effects, and the dropwise mixing process led to better dispersion compared with the bulk mixing process.
Effects of losing public health insurance on preventative care, health, and emergency department use: Evidence from the TennCare disenrollment
Authors: Tello‐Trillo Daniel Sebastian 
Published: March 2021

AbstractThis paper studies the effect of losing public health insurance eligibility on preventative care, self‐reported health, and emergency department use. I exploit the 2005 TennCare disenrollment in which 190,000 residents–mainly non‐elderly childless adults–lost public health insurance eligibility due to budget cuts. I use two surveys, the Behavioral Factor Surveillance System and the National Health Interview Survey, in a difference‐in‐difference methodology to study the effects of the reform. I find that the reform lead to a 4%–5% reduction in reporting having mammograms and breast exams. An increase of 20% in number of days with health incapacitation and no strong evidence of changes of emergency department visits (nor number of visits). I document margins of heterogeneity of the effects across demographic characteristics. Finally, I explore the margins of symmetry between gaining and losing public insurance by comparing estimates to those from the Affordable Care Act Medicaid Expansions.
Climbing out of a software black hole
Authors: Carter Lynn Robert 
Published: March 2021

AbstractAs we become ever more dependent on computer systems for much of what we do, we are losing the battle with cyber criminals and suffer from poor‐quality offerings. Mission‐critical, life‐critical, and infrastructure‐critical systems should be secure, reliable, and worthy of trust. Yet, that is not our experience. Many firms complain that entry‐level software workers do not have the skills and abilities to do what is required and yet we continue to teach computer science in ways very similar to what we did in the 1970s and '80s. As we spiral downward, it's hard to know precisely where the event horizon might be, so let us deal with it now. It's time for an educational and societal sea change when it comes to computing. Society has demonstrated the willingness to deal with such issues in medicine and other critical domains. Highly‐skilled clinical professors teach new physicians and specialists using the processes, methods, tools, and disciplines learners are expected to use as practicing professionals. It is time for the crucial software domains to leverage these proven methods and stop pushing off to employers these critical aspects of what it means to be a software professional.
Overview of phishing landscape and homographs in Arabic domain names
Authors: Ahmad Humza , Erdodi Laszlo 
Published: March 2021

AbstractIn this paper, we summarize the latest social engineering phishing attack types with the focus on domain name manipulation. Providing a fake domain is a crucial part of phishing attacks that can be carried out with different techniques such as cybersquatting, typosquattings, or homographs. We argue that homographs with special International Domain Names can be very serious threat for many users that can hardly be identified. We present the analysis of phishing attacks with Arabic domains and conclude that because of the linguistic complexity of the Arabic language and the missing support by the industrial tools expose millions of users to sophisticated domain manipulation based phishing attacks. To reduce the future risk of homograph attacks originating from Arabic internationalized domain names (IDNs) we suggest a change to the registration policy. We also present a browser extension to assist against homographs in current Arabic IDN namespace.
Synergetic effect of ground granulated blast‐furnace slag and hooked‐end steel fibers on various properties of steel fiber reinforced self‐compacting concrete
Authors: Zhao Yun , Bi Jihong , Sun Yongtao , Wang Zhaoyao , Huo Linying , Duan Yichen 
Published: March 2021

AbstractThis paper discusses the synergetic effect of ground granulated blast‐furnace slag and hooked‐end steel fibers on the fresh, mechanical, and microstructural properties of steel fiber‐reinforced self‐compacting concrete containing fly ash. A total of 12 mixtures were prepared. Hooked‐end steel fibers at four different volume fractions (0%, 0.3%, 0.6%, and 0.9%) were applied as reinforcement, while the slag contents (0%, 10%, and 30% of the cement weight) was varied; the fly ash content (20% of the cement weight) was kept constant to partially replace Portland cement. The properties of plain and steel fiber reinforced self‐compacting concrete mixtures were tested and compared. The experimental results showed that substituting cement with 10% slag effectively enhanced the workability of the fresh concrete, while replacing cement by 30% slag reduced the passing ability and filling ability. The addition of fibers reduced the workability of self‐compacting concrete. Furthermore, the addition of slag can compensate the effect on the fresh properties caused by fibers. With respect to the mechanical properties, the synergistic effect of slag and hooked‐end steel fibers improved the compressive strength, tensile strength and flexural strength. At the microstructural level, blast‐furnace slag can enhance the bonding performance of the fiber‐matrix interface, thereby improving the mechanical properties.
Preliminary evaluation of probiotic effects on gastrointestinal signs in dogs with multicentric lymphoma undergoing multi‐agent chemotherapy: A randomised, placebo‐controlled study
Authors: Jugan Maria C. , Wouda Raelene M. , Higginbotham Mary Lynn 
Published: March 2021

AbstractBackgroundGastrointestinal (GI) toxicity is a major dose‐limiting factor in dogs undergoing chemotherapy. A proposed mechanism of GI toxicity includes chemotherapy‐driven GI dysbiosis. This study was designed to determine the effects of probiotic administration on GI side‐effects in dogs receiving multi‐agent chemotherapy.MethodsTen client‐owned dogs with multicentric lymphoma were enrolled in a prospective, randomised, placebo‐controlled single‐blinded study. On the first day of the cyclophosphamide doxorubicin vincristine prednisone (CHOP)‐based chemotherapy protocol, dogs were randomised to receive either daily oral probiotic at a dose of 200 × 109 cfu/10 kg (n = 5) or daily oral placebo (n = 5). Complete blood count, faecal score (FS), faecal microbiome analysis (qPCR) and adverse events scores were performed at baseline and on the day of each subsequent chemotherapy dose, as well as 3 days after doxorubicin (days 0, 7, 14, 21, 24 and 28).ResultsOverall, 40% of dogs had an abnormal GI microbiome at baseline, specifically decreased faecal C. hiranonis and Fusobacterium abundances. Dogs receiving probiotics had increased faecal Streptococcus (p = 0.02) and E. coli. (p = 0.01). No dogs receiving probiotics experienced diarrhoea (FS ≥ 3.5) compared to four of five receiving placebo. (F 2.895; p = 0.13)ConclusionGI microbiome dysbiosis was common in this group of dogs with multicentric lymphoma. Probiotics were well‐tolerated, with no negative side effects. Further studies are needed to explore broader microbiome and metabolome changes, as well as clinical benefit.
Separation performance and mechanism of the novel modified polyether sulfone composite nanofiltration membrane for the detection on dissolved organic nitrogen
Authors: Ding Ying , Zhu Jianzhong , Liu Dong 
Published: March 2021

AbstractThe most effective pretreatment method for the detection of dissolved organic nitrogen (DON) is the nanofiltration (NF) by effectively intercepting DON into the concentrated solution, thus increasing the proportion of DON in solution so that achieving accurate detection of DON. The existing NF pretreatment technology for detection of DON has the problem of low accuracy and unclear separation mechanism of mass transfer upon the NF membranes. Based on the problems of NF membrane, the polyether sulfone (PES) composite NF membrane was modified by mesoporous carbon and the basic performance parameters of the modified PES composite NF membrane were characterized by Static contact angle (SCA), Zeta potential, and X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). The results show that the optimum doping amount of mesoporous carbon is in the range of 0.5%–1.0%. Furthermore, the pore size of NF membrane could be controlled effectively by changing doping amount of mesoporous carbon, so as to guide the improvement of membrane pore structure. After the pretreatment of mesoporous material modified PES composite NF membrane, the ratio of dissolved inorganic nitrogen (DIN)/total dissolved nitrogen (TDN) could be reduced to 0.55–0.65 and the pretreatment effect was also affected by screening effect and electrostatic effect. The best retention performance of amino acids is the 1.0%C modified membrane which retention rate of the amino acid is between 32.3% and 94.7%, and the membrane loss of the four amino acids is much smaller than other membranes. The mass transfer process of NF membrane was simulated by steric‐hindrance pore (SHP) model, Teorell–Meyer–Sievers (TMS) model, and Electrostatic Steric‐hindrance (ES) model respectively. According to the simulation software designed by ourselves, the dominant effects of screening and electrostatic effects are simultaneously affected by the pore structure of membranes and the size of the contaminant molecules.Practitioner points

The feasibility of mesoporous carbon with modified PES composite nanofiltration membrane pretreatment for DON measurement in comparison to pure NF membranes was investigated.
The ability of modified PES composite NF membrane with different molecular weight of DON and the relationship between pore radius of membrane and interception pollutant molecular size was discussed.
The influence of screening effect and electrostatic effect on the retention of pollutants was discussed by the SHP model, TMS model and ES model; the simulation software interface is designed and the calculation process of the model is simulated by computer.
The Land of the ‘Fair Go’? Mapping Income Inequality and Socioeconomic Segregation Across Melbourne Neighbourhoods
Authors: Sydes Michelle , Wickes Rebecca 
Published: March 2021

AbstractDespite enduring political rhetoric that promotes Australia as ‘the lucky country’ and ‘the land of the fair go’, recent decades have seen a noticeable increase in levels of income inequality. This growing economic divide has driven housing prices up and left lower-income families unable to access the housing market in inner-city locations. In contrast to other countries, Australia’s socioeconomic segregation does not overlap with ethnic segregation. Australia’s highly regulated immigration program has resulted in a relatively well-educated and employable foreign-born population who largely reside in middle-income neighbourhoods. These particularities make Australia an interesting context to explore patterns of socioeconomic segregation over time. In this chapter, we will utilise both traditional measures of segregation (such as the dissimilarity index) as well more spatialised measures (such as location quotients and Local Morans I) to assess socioeconomic segregation at the local level. Drawing on four waves of census data (2001, 2006, 2011 and 2016), we explore how socioeconomic segregation has changed over time across nearly 500 neighbourhoods in Melbourne. We further examine the degree to which socioeconomic segregation aligns with ethnic segregation patterns and levels in this city. We find patterns of socioeconomic segregation remain relatively unchanging over time in Melbourne. Additionally, our findings highlight important differences in patterns and levels of socioeconomic and ethnic segregation in the Australian context.
Measuring Changes in Residential Segregation in São Paulo in the 2000s
Authors: Feitosa Flávia , Barros Joana , Marques Eduardo , Giannotti Mariana 
Published: March 2021

AbstractResidential segregation is known as one of the most prevalent problems of Latin American and Brazilian cities. This chapter looks into the changes in segregation levels in the Metropolitan Region of São Paulo between 2000 and 2010. This period was marked by economic growth and decreasing social inequalities in Brazil with consequent improvement to the quality of life of lower income classes. Despite those improvements, general patterns of urban segregation in Brazilian cities showed remarkable stability, albeit with important changes in the details of segregation patterns. This chapter explores the spatial relationship between socio-occupational groups using global and local segregation indices. The analysis confirmed a highly segregated distribution of social groups in the Metropolitan Region and revealed increased levels of segregation, with global indices figures for 2010 higher than for 2000. Analysis demonstrated that peripheral areas of the Metropolitan Region became more fragmented and heterogeneous in that period, and revealed that their increased heterogeneity is mainly composed of classes with close social proximity, rather than polarised ones. Results showed that while middle classes became more integrated amongst themselves and with lower classes, the separation between lower and upper classes was not only maintained but also increased during the period. All these findings suggest a reconfiguration of the concentric pattern of segregation that maintained a spatial structure of strong social isolation during the period, although with greater complexity.
Finite element modelling of microstructural changes during equal channel angular drawing of pure aluminium
Authors: Caruso Serafino , Imbrogno Stano 
Published: March 2021

AbstractGrain refinement by severe plastic deformation (SPD) techniques, as a mechanism to control microstructure (recrystallization, grain size changes,…) and mechanical properties (yield strength, ultimate tensile strength, strain, hardness variation…) of pure aluminium conductor wires, is a topic of great interest for both academic and industrial research activities. This paper presents an innovative finite element (FE) model able to describe the microstructural evolution and the continuous dynamic recrystallization (CDRX) that occur during equal channel angular drawing (ECAD) of commercial 1370 pure aluminium (99.7% Al). A user subroutine has been developed based on the continuum mechanical model and the Hall-Petch (H-P) equations to predict grain size variation and hardness change. The model is validated by comparison with the experimental results and a predictive analysis is conducted varying the channel die angles. The study provides an accurate prediction of both the thermo-mechanical and the microstructural phenomena that occur during the process characterized by large plastic deformation.
Functional alterations by a subgroup of neonicotinoid pesticides in human dopaminergic neurons
Authors: Loser Dominik , Hinojosa Maria G. , Blum Jonathan , Schaefer Jasmin , Brüll Markus , Johansson Ylva , Suciu Ilinca , Grillberger Karin , Danker Timm , Möller Clemens , Gardner Iain , Ecker Gerhard F. , Bennekou Susanne H. , Forsby Anna , Kraushaar Udo , Leist Marcel 
Published: March 2021

AbstractNeonicotinoid pesticides, originally developed to target the insect nervous system, have been reported to interact with human receptors and to activate rodent neurons. Therefore, we evaluated in how far these compounds may trigger signaling in human neurons, and thus, affect the human adult or developing nervous system. We used SH-SY5Y neuroblastoma cells as established model of nicotinic acetylcholine receptor (nAChR) signaling. In parallel, we profiled dopaminergic neurons, generated from LUHMES neuronal precursor cells, as novel system to study nAChR activation in human post-mitotic neurons. Changes of the free intracellular Ca2+concentration ([Ca2+]i) were used as readout, and key findings were confirmed by patch clamp recordings. Nicotine triggered typical neuronal signaling responses that were blocked by antagonists, such as tubocurarine and mecamylamine. Pharmacological approaches suggested a functional expression of α7 and non-α7 nAChRs on LUHMES cells. In this novel test system, the neonicotinoids acetamiprid, imidacloprid, clothianidin and thiacloprid, but not thiamethoxam and dinotefuran, triggered [Ca2+]isignaling at 10–100 µM. Strong synergy of the active neonicotinoids (at low micromolar concentrations) with the α7 nAChR-positive allosteric modulator PNU-120596 was observed in LUHMES and SH-SY5Y cells, and specific antagonists fully inhibited such signaling. To provide a third line of evidence for neonicotinoid signaling via nAChR, we studied cross-desensitization: pretreatment of LUHMES and SH-SY5Y cells with active neonicotinoids (at 1–10 µM) blunted the signaling response of nicotine. The pesticides (at 3–30 µM) also blunted the response to the non-α7 agonist ABT 594 in LUHMES cells. These data show that human neuronal cells are functionally affected by low micromolar concentrations of several neonicotinoids. An effect of such signals on nervous system development is a toxicological concern.