bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Effect of LED irradiation on the ripening and nutritional quality of postharvest banana fruit
Authors: Huang Jen‐Yi , Xu Fengying , Zhou Weibiao 
Published: April 2018

AbstractBACKGROUNDWith the ability to tailor wavelengths necessary to the photosynthetically active radiation spectrum of plant pigments, light‐emitting diodes (LEDs) offer vast possibilities in horticultural lighting. The influence of LED light irradiation on major postharvest features of banana was investigated. Mature green bananas were treated daily with selected blue (464–474 nm), green (515–525 nm) and red (617–627 nm) LED lights for 8 days, and compared with non‐illuminated control.RESULTSThe positive effect of LED lighting on the acceleration of ripening in bananas was greatest for blue, followed by red and green. Under the irradiation of LED lights, faster peel de‐greening and flesh softening, and increased ethylene production and respiration rate in bananas were observed during storage. Furthermore, the accumulations of ascorbic acid, total phenols, and total sugars in banana fruit were enhanced by LED light exposure.CONCLUSIONLED light treatment can induce the ripening of bananas and improve their quality and nutrition potential. These findings might provide new chemical‐free strategies to shorten the time to ripen banana after harvest by using LED light source. © 2018 Society of Chemical Industry
Quantification of free sugars, fructan, pungency and sweetness indices in onion populations by FT‐MIR spectroscopy
Authors: Clark Christopher J , Shaw Martin L , Wright Kathryn M , McCallum John A 
Published: April 2018

AbstractBackgroundTo facilitate faster phenotyping of onions (Allium cepa L.), Fourier‐transform mid infrared (FT‐MIR) spectroscopy with partial least squares (PLS) regression modelling was evaluated for the determination of pungency (pyruvate), sweetness (free sugars) and fructan in juice samples (n = 605) expressed from bulbs from breeding populations.ResultsFourier‐transform infrared (FTIR) spectra (range 1700–900 cm−1) were obtained from droplets (30 μL) of unprocessed juice. Goodness‐of‐fit (r2) and prediction errors (standard error of cross validation) for optimal PLS models were: soluble solids (0.997, 0.1 °Brix), pyruvate [0.825, 0.8 μmol g−1 fresh weight (FW)], fructan (0.98, 1.9 mg g−1 FW), glucose (0.941, 1.1 mg g−1 FW), fructose (0.967, 1.0 mg g−1 FW) and sucrose (0.919, 1.7 mg g−1 FW). FTIR models for industry sweetness indices based on glucose or sucrose equivalents were also developed. Because of its very low concentration (0.8–12 μmol g−1 FW) relative to other compounds, pyruvate was the weakest model developed. Fructan could be determined spectroscopically without the need for enzymatic digestion.ConclusionsAll of the chemometric models developed are acceptable for screening purposes. Those for soluble solids, fructan and fructose are also suitable for routine analysis. FT‐MIR can therefore be utilised for the simultaneous determination of pungency, sweetness and fructan in this crop. © 2018 Society of Chemical Industry
Paclitaxel‐Loaded Polylactide/Polyethylene Glycol Fibers with Long‐Term Antitumor Activity as a Potential Drug Carrier for Local Chemotherapy
Authors: Plch Johana , Venclikova Kristyna , Janouskova Olga , Hrabeta Jan , Eckschlager Tomas , Kopeckova Katerina , Hampejsova Zuzana , Bosakova Zuzana , Sirc Jakub , Hobzova Radka 
Published: April 2018

AbstractLocal application of anticancer agents prolongs the presence time and increases the concentration of drug in the target place and therefore may reduce serious side effects compared to drug systemic administration. The preparation of fibrous materials of polylactide (PLA) and polyethylene glycol (PEG) loaded with paclitaxel (PTX, 1 or 10 wt%) is presented. Scanning electron microscopy proves that PTX is homogeneously incorporated into the fibers. The addition of PEG of various molecular weights (6, 20, or 35 kDa) ensures the release of significantly higher amounts of hydrophobic PTX in a prolonged release time compared to the fibers containing PTX only. Present PLA‐PEG fibrous carriers can serve as a drug depot for PTX since they exhibit significant toxicity for cancer cell lines in several‐day experiment. They are promising for local recurrence therapy, where the initial release is efficient to kill tumor cells and continued release can prevent their subsequent proliferation.
Self‐Assembly and Responsive Behavior of Poly(peptide)‐Based Copolymers
Authors: Kumar Avneesh , Hertel Brigitte , Müllen Klaus 
Published: April 2018

AbstractWell‐defined copolymers synthesized by combining poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG) and amino acid based building blocks are investigated with regard to their helical rigidity and self‐assembly. Optical active block copolymers reported here are designed to have a pendant amino acid and polymerizable group, that is, isonitrile in order to induce helix formation and reduce the mobility of polymer chains by forming a hydrogen bond network so that a helix with reasonable rigidity can be obtained. Due to the amphiphilicity and a relatively shorter PEG as a coil, these polymers form micelles as observed under transmission electron microscopy in which copolymers PEG108‐b‐PPIC764 and PEG108‐b‐PPIC1020 appear to be evolving into nanoparticles with a size distribution of 100–200 nm. Circular dichroism spectroscopy is employed to study the nature of the helix and its rigidity. The folding and unfolding of polymer helix as a result of the ability of a selective solvent to form/disrupt hydrogen bonds with the peptide linkage is also discussed to highlight the responsive nature of the polymer.
ICAR ATRP in PEG with Low Concentration of Cu(II) Catalyst: A Versatile Method for Synthesis of Block Copolymer Nanoassemblies under Dispersion Polymerization
Authors: Wang Yixin , Han Guang , Duan Wenfeng , Zhang Wangqing 
Published: April 2018

AbstractA versatile method for synthesis of block copolymer nanoassemblies via initiators for continuous activator regeneration (ICAR) atom transfer radical polymerization (ATRP) dispersion polymerization in a low molecular weight poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG) is discussed. This ICAR ATRP dispersion polymerization uses a low concentration of CuBr2 catalyst, which is stable under atmospheric conditions and is soluble in most polar solvents and employs a polymerization medium of viscous and nonvolatile PEG. Through this ICAR ATRP dispersion polymerization, various block copolymer nanoassemblies, including poly(ethylene glycol)‐block‐polystyrene, poly(ethylene glycol)‐block‐poly(methyl methacrylate), and poly(2‐hydroxypropyl methacrylate)‐block‐poly(methyl methacrylate), have been synthesized. The parameters affecting the size and morphology of the block copolymer nanoassemblies are briefly discussed.
Quantitative susceptibility mapping of articular cartilage: Ex vivo findings at multiple orientations and following different degradation treatments
Authors: Nykänen Olli , Rieppo Lassi , Töyräs Juha , Kolehmainen Ville , Saarakkala Simo , Shmueli Karin , Nissi Mikko J. 
Published: April 2018

PurposeWe investigated the feasibility of quantitative susceptibility mapping (QSM) for assessing degradation of articular cartilage by measuring ex vivo bovine cartilage samples subjected to different degradative treatments. Specimens were scanned at several orientations to study if degradation affects the susceptibility anisotropy. T2*‐mapping, histological stainings, and polarized light microscopy were used as reference methods. Additionally, simulations of susceptibility in layered geometry were performed.MethodsSamples (n = 9) were harvested from the patellae of skeletally mature bovines. Three specimens served as controls, and the rest were artificially degraded. MRI was performed at 9.4T using a 3D gradient echo sequence. QSM and T2* images and depth profiles through the centers of the samples were compared with each other and the histological findings. A planar isotropic model with depth‐wise susceptibility variation was used in the simulations.ResultsA strong diamagnetic contrast was seen in the deep and calcified layers of cartilage, while T2* maps reflected the typical trilaminar structure of the collagen network. Anisotropy of susceptibility in cartilage was observed and was found to differ from the T2* anisotropy. Slight changes were observed in QSM and T2* following the degradative treatments. In simulations, anisotropy was observed.ConclusionsThe results suggest that QSM is not sensitive to cartilage proteoglycan content, but shows sensitivity to the amount of calcification and to the integrity of the collagen network, providing potential for assessing osteoarthritis. The simulations suggested that the anisotropy of susceptibility might be partially explained by the layered geometry of susceptibility in cartilage.
Mitochondrial Respiration is Associated with Lower Energy Expenditure and Lower Aerobic Capacity in African American Women
Authors: Toledo Frederico G.S. , Dubé John J. , Goodpaster Bret H. , Stefanovic‐Racic Maja , Coen Paul M. , DeLany James P. 
Published: April 2018

ObjectiveReasons for the higher obesity prevalence in African American women (AAW) compared with Caucasian women (CW) are unknown. Energy expenditure and maximal aerobic capacity (VO2max) are lower in AAW. It was hypothesized that these differences are explained by skeletal muscle characteristics, particularly mitochondrial content and function.MethodsMultivariate regression analyses were used to examine the relationships between energy expenditure (resting and during a hyperinsulinemic‐euglycemic clamp) and VO2max versus body composition, physical activity, and skeletal muscle mitochondrial measurements in AAW and CW.ResultsIn AAW, VO2max was lower (P < 0.0001). Body‐composition‐adjusted energy expenditure during the clamp was lower in AAW (P < 0.002). Physical activity was similar in both groups. After adjusting for mitochondrial respiration, racial differences in energy expenditure and VO2max were no longer present. Another novel finding was that a thermogenic response to the clamp was observed in CW (+53 ± 22 kcal/d; P < 0.03) but not in AAW (−19 ± 24 kcal/d; P = 0.43).ConclusionsAAW and CW show differences in adjusted energy expenditure and aerobic capacity that are largely accounted for by differences in skeletal muscle mitochondrial oxidative characteristics. Further research is needed to determine whether lower mitochondrial respiration and lower thermogenesis are risk factors for obesity in AAW.
Using prescription claims to detect aberrant behaviors with opioids: comparison and validation of 5 algorithms
Authors: Rough Kathryn , Huybrechts Krista F. , Hernandez‐Diaz Sonia , Desai Rishi J. , Patorno Elisabetta , Bateman Brian T. 
Published: April 2018

AbstractObjectiveCompare and validate 5 algorithms to detect aberrant behavior with opioids: Opioid Misuse Score, Controlled Substance‐Patterns of Utilization Requiring Evaluation (CS‐PURE), Overutilization Monitoring System, Katz, and Cepeda algorithms.Study Design and SettingWe identified new prescription opioid users from 2 insurance databases: Medicaid (2000‐2006) and Clinformatics Data Mart (CDM; 2004‐2013). Patients were followed 1 year, and aberrant opioid behavior was defined according to each algorithm, using Cohen's kappa to assess agreement. Risk differences were calculated comparing risk of opioid‐related adverse events for identified aberrant and nonaberrant users.ResultsAbout 3.8 million Medicaid and 4.3 million CDM patients initiated prescription opioid use. Algorithms flagged potential aberrant behavior in 0.02% to 12.8% of initiators in Medicaid and 0.01% to 7.9% of initiators in CDM. Cohen's kappa values were poor to moderate (0.00 to 0.50 in Medicaid; 0.00 to 0.30 in CDM). Algorithms varied substantially in their ability to predict opioid‐related adverse events; the Overutilization Monitoring System had the highest risk differences between aberrant and nonaberrant users (14.0% in Medicaid; 13.4% in CDM), and the Katz algorithm had the lowest (0.96% in Medicaid; 0.47% in CDM).ConclusionsIn 2 large databases, algorithms applied to prescription data had varying accuracy in identifying increased risk of adverse opioid‐related events.
Effect of hydroxyl‐terminated poly(fluoroalkyl methacrylate) main‐chain length on the microphase separation of waterborne fluorinated polyurethane
Authors: Yang Wei , Pan Peiting , Wang Haibo , Cheng Xu , Du Zongliang 
Published: April 2018

AbstractWaterborne fluorinated polyurethanes (WFPUs) based on hydroxyl‐terminated poly(fluoroalkyl methacrylate)s (HTPFMAs) with different main‐chain lengths were synthesized. The structure of HTPFMA was characterized using1H NMR spectroscopy, measurements of hydroxyl values and gel permeation chromatography. The microstructures of WFPUs were investigated using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, which indicated that hydrogen bonding interactions in hard segments of WFPUs were enhanced by the introduction of HTPFMA and increased with increasing main‐chain length of HTPFMA. The results of X‐ray diffraction demonstrated that increasing the main‐chain length of HTPFMA resulted in an increase of crystallinity in hard segments. Differential scanning calorimetry revealed that the melting temperature of micro‐crystallites in hard segments and the microphase separation increased with an increase of HTPFMA main‐chain length. Dynamic mechanical analysis and scanning electron microscopy also confirmed that HTPFMA with longer main‐chain length can promote the extent of microphase separation of WFPUs between soft and hard domains. The mechanical properties of WFPUs were improved due to the increase of microphase separation with increasing HTPFMA main‐chain length. © 2018 Society of Chemical Industry
Mass Spectrometry Imaging of 3D Tissue Models
Authors: Russo Cristina , Lewis Emily E. L. , Flint Lucy , Clench Malcolm R. 
Published: April 2018

AbstractA 3D cell culture is an artificially created environment in which cells are permitted to grow/interact with their surroundings in all three dimensions. Derived from 3D cell culture, organoids are generally small‐scale constructs of cells that are fabricated in the laboratory to serve as 3D representations of in vivo tissues and organs. Due to regulatory, economic and societal issues concerning the use of animals in scientific research, it seems clear that the use of 3D cell culture and organoids in for example early stage studies of drug efficacy and toxicity will increase. The combination of such 3D tissue models with mass spectrometry imaging provides a label‐free methodology for the study of drug absorption/penetration, drug efficacy/toxicity, and drug biotransformation. In this article, some of the successes achieved to date and challenges to be overcome before this methodology is more widely adopted are discussed.
Shape‐Tunable Selective Synthesis of Bismuth Fluoride Nanostructures for Versatile Applications
Authors: Bharat L. Krishna , Nagaraju Goli , Raju G. Seeta Rama , Han Young‐Kyu , Yu Jae Su 
Published: April 2018

AbstractA facile approach for shape‐tunable synthesis of bismuth fluoride nanoparticles is reported. The approach is based on the homogeneous precipitation of precursor materials in mixed solvents (H2O and ethylene glycol) and only ethylene glycol. The influencing factors on the morphology of the particles, i.e., solvent ratio, F/Bi ratio, and ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid, are studied in detail, and are schematically illustrated. The morphology, crystallinity, structure, and optical properties of the prepared samples are characterized by using a field‐emission scanning electron microscope, transmission electron microscope, X‐ray diffractometer, Fourier transform infrared spectrometer, and spectrofluorometer, respectively. The hollow sphere‐shaped nanoparticle doped with Eu3+ ions exhibit reddish orange emission under ultraviolet illumination due to the symmetric environment around the dopant ions. Subsequently, the effect of dopant concentration on the optical properties is also evaluated. The temperature‐dependent photoluminescence emission spectra reveal good thermal stability. The obtained results provide an efficient strategy for synthesizing the shape‐tunable nanoparticles with excellent optical properties.
Tracheal aspirate VEGF and sphingolipid metabolites in the preterm infant with later development of bronchopulmonary dysplasia
Authors: Hendricks‐Muñoz Karen D. , Xu Jie , Voynow Judith A. 
Published: April 2018

AbstractObjectiveVascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and sphingolipid metabolites, sphingosine 1‐phosphate (S1P), and ceramides are important to lung development and repair. We hypothesized specific sphingolipid and VEGF alterations would be associated with BPD development and aimed to investigate the early tracheal aspirate (TA) VEGF and S1P relationship with later diagnosis of preterm infant bronchopulmonary dysplasia, BPD.DesignTA VEGF and lipidomics were measured in TA from Infants <32 weeks gestational age at birth with and without later BPD. BPD was defined using the NICHD severity BPD definition. Clinical demographics and medical course were identified with statistical analysis performed with JMP, Statistical Analysis Software.ResultsThe analysis included 25 infants (9 NoBPD and 16 BPD) with mean gestational age of 27.8 ± 2.5 SD weeks and 25.1 ± 1.9 SD weeks respectively, P < 0.01. Later development of BPD was associated with elevated mean TA VEGF 604.3 ± 150.2 SE pg/mL versus NoBPD 120 ± 34.3 SE pg/mL, elevated S1P, 11.5 ± 2.3 SE pmol/mL versus NoBPD 4.8 ± 0.6 SE pmol/mL, and elevated selected ceramides during the first week of life.ConclusionsAirway VEGF and sphingolipid metabolites were distinctly elevated within the first days of postnatal life in preterm infants with later BPD progression. These biomarkers may be useful as indicators of lung injury development or as targets to decrease BPD risk.
Proteomic Profiling Exosomes from Vascular Smooth Muscle Cell
Authors: Qiu Hong , Shi Songshan , Wang Shunchun , Peng Hong , Ding Shi‐Jian , Wang Lianchun 
Published: April 2018

PurposeVascular smooth muscle cells (VSMC) and endothelial cells (EC) communicate mutually to coordinate vascular development and homeostasis. Exosomes are emerging as one type of the mediators involved in this communication. Characterizing proteins in the exosomes is the critical first step in understanding how the VSMC‐EC crosstalk is mediated by exosomes.Experimental designThe proteins in the human VSMC‐derived exosomes are profiled using nanoLC‐MS/MS based proteomics. The identified proteins are subjected to gene ontology analysis. The VSMC‐derived exosomes are also assessed for proangiogenic activity in vivo.ResultsFour hundred and fifty‐nine proteins are identified in the VSMC‐derived exosomes. Gene ontology analysis revealed that the exosome proteins are involved in 179 cellular components, 120 molecular functions, and 337 biological processes, with cell–cell adhesion and platelet activation/coagulation ranked at the top. VSMC‐derived exosomes do not display a proangiogenic activity in the in vivo angiogenesis assay, suggesting that the major function of VSMC‐derived exosomes is to maintain vessel homeostasis.Conclusion and clinical relevanceThe analyses obtained a systematic view of proteins in the VSMC‐derived exosomes, revealed the potential regulatory functions of the exosome in VSMC‐EC communication, and suggest that dysregulation of VSMC‐derived exosome‐mediated functions may disturb vessel homeostasis thereby contributing to vascular diseases.
Miscibility, Glass Transition Temperature and Mechanical Properties of NC/DBP Binary Systems by Molecular Dynamics
Authors: Lan Guanchao , Jin Shaohua , Li Jing , Wang Junying , Lu Zhiyan , Wu Nana , Li Lijie , Wang Dongxu 
Published: April 2018

AbstractMolecular dynamics (MD) simulations were performed to research the miscibility, glass transition temperature (Tg) and mechanical properties of nitrocellulose/dibutyl phthalate (NC/DBP) binary systems. The solubility parameters (δ) of NC and DBP were calculated to predict the miscibility. NC and DBP are miscible as a result of a small Δδ(<2.0 MPa0.5) between the two components. The free volumes (VF) and density (ρ) of NC/DBP system were simulated to study theTg. It is found that theVFandρof NC/DBP changes regularly with the increase of DBP mass fraction and the transition occurs at the turning point. The simulation results demonstrate that DBP makes significant contribution to the reduction of theTgof NC. Additionally, the mechanical properties of NC/DBP systems including Young's moduli (E), Bulk moduli (K), Shear moduli (G) and Poisson's ratio (v) were calculated. The results reveal that with the increase of DBP mass fraction the ductility of NC/DBP improves while the brittleness decreases. Overall, a new and systematical method is proposed to study the miscibility,Tgand mechanical properties of polymers.
Spray particle drift mitigation using field corn (Zea mays L.) as a drift barrier
Authors: Vieira Bruno C , Butts Thomas R , Rodrigues Andre O , Golus Jeffrey A , Schroeder Kasey , Kruger Greg R 
Published: April 2018

AbstractBACKGROUNDHerbicide particle drift reduces application efficacy and can cause severe impacts on nearby vegetation depending on the herbicide mode of action, exposure level, and tolerance to the herbicide. A particle drift mitigation effort placing windbreaks or barriers on the field boundaries to reduce off‐target movement of spray particles has been utilized in the past. The objective of this research was to evaluate the effectiveness of field corn (Zea mays L.) at different heights as a particle drift barrier.RESULTSApplications with a non‐air inclusion flat fan nozzle (ER11004) resulted in greater particle drift when compared with an air inclusion nozzle (TTI11004). Eight rows of corn were used as barriers (0.91, 1.22, and 1.98 m height) which reduced the particle drift for both nozzles, especially at shorter downwind distances. Applications with the ER11004 nozzle without corn barriers had 1% of the applied rate (D99) predicted to deposit at 14.8 m downwind, whereas this distance was reduced (up to 7‐fold) when applications were performed with corn barriers. The combination of corn drift barriers and nozzle selection (TTI11004) provided satisfactory particle drift reduction when the D99 estimates were compared with those for applications with the ER11004 nozzle without corn barriers (up to 10‐fold difference).CONCLUSIONThe corn drift barriers were effective in reducing particle drift from applications with the ER11004 and the TTI11004 nozzles (Fine and Ultra Coarse spray classifications, respectively). The corn drift barrier had appropriate porosity and width as the airborne spray was captured within its canopy instead of deflecting up and over it. © 2018 Society of Chemical Industry