bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Spinal cord involvement by atrophy and associations with disability are different between multiple sclerosis and neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder
Authors: Nakamura Y. , Liu Z. , Fukumoto S. , Shinoda K. , Sakoda A. , Matsushita T. , Hayashida S. , Isobe N. , Watanabe M. , Hiwatashi A. , Yamasaki R. , Kira J. ‐i. 
Published: July 2019

Background and purposeThe cervical and thoracic cross‐sectional spinal cord area (CS‐SCA) in multiple sclerosis (MS) correlates with disability, whilst such a correlation remains to be established in neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder (NMOSD). Our aim was to clarify differences between MS and NMOSD in spinal cord segments where CS‐SCA is associated with disability.MethodsThe CS‐SCA at C2/C3, C3/C4, T8/T9 and T9/T10 vertebral disc levels was measured in 140 MS patients (111 with relapsing–remitting MS and 29 with progressive MS) and 42 NMOSD patients with anti‐aquaporin‐4 immunoglobulin G. Disability was evaluated by Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS) scores. Multivariate associations between CS‐SCA and disability were assessed by stepwise forward multiple linear regression.ResultsThoracic CS‐SCA was significantly smaller in NMOSD patients than in MS patients even after adjusting for age, sex and disease duration (P = 0.002 at T8/T9), whilst there was no difference in cervical CS‐SCA between the two diseases. Cervical and thoracic CS‐SCA had a negative correlation with EDSS scores in MS patients (P < 0.0001 at C3/C4 and P = 0.0002 at T8/T9) whereas only thoracic CS‐SCA correlated with EDSS scores in NMOSD patients (P = 0.0006 at T8/T9). By multiple regression analyses, predictive factors for disability in MS were smaller cervical CS‐SCA, progressive course, older age and a higher number of relapses, whilst those in NMOSD were smaller thoracic CS‐SCA and older age.ConclusionsThoracic CS‐SCA is a useful predictive marker for disability in patients with NMOSD whilst cervical CS‐SCA is associated with disability in patients with MS.
The influence of defect and temperature on the fatigue behaviours of Al‐Si‐Cu‐Mg‐Ni alloy
Authors: Liu Haiquan , Pang Jianchao , Wang Meng , Li Jianping , Guo Yongchun , Li Shouxin , Zhang Zhefeng 
Published: July 2019

AbstractHigh‐cycle fatigue (HCF) properties of two Al‐Si‐Cu‐Mg‐Ni alloys with different defect sizes named as alloys A (smaller ones) and B (bigger ones) were investigated at 350°C and 425°C, respectively. The results indicate that fatigue strengths of both alloys decrease as the temperature increases. Fatigue cracks originated from pores and oxide films at both temperatures. They propagated preferentially through cracked matrix at 350°C and debonded interface and grain boundary at 425°C. Alloy A exhibits higher fatigue life and fatigue strength than alloy B at 350°C due to its smaller pore sizes. However, it has slightly worse fatigue properties than alloy B at 425°C because the fatigue crack initiation is controlled by oxide film at this temperature and is not affected by its size. This indicates that there is a transition of predominant initiation site from pores to oxide films when the temperature increases. The fatigue strength estimated through defect size is consistent with the experimental results at 350°C, while unsuitable at 425°C.
Effects of climate and land‐use change scenarios on fire probability during the 21st century in the Brazilian Amazon
Authors: Fonseca Marisa Gesteira , Alves Lincoln Muniz , Aguiar Ana Paula Dutra , Arai Egidio , Anderson Liana Oighenstein , Rosan Thais Michele , Shimabukuro Yosio Edemir , de Aragão Luiz Eduardo Oliveira e Cruz 
Published: July 2019

AbstractThe joint and relative effects of future land‐use and climate change on fire occurrence in the Amazon, as well its seasonal variation, are still poorly understood, despite its recognized importance. Using the maximum entropy method (MaxEnt), we combined regional land‐use projections and climatic data from the CMIP5 multimodel ensemble to investigate the monthly probability of fire occurrence in the mid (2041–2070) and late (2071–2100) 21st century in the Brazilian Amazon. We found striking spatial variation in the fire relative probability (FRP) change along the months, with October showing the highest overall change. Considering climate only, the area with FRP ≥ 0.3 (a threshold chosen based on the literature) in October increases 6.9% by 2071–2100 compared to the baseline period under the representative concentration pathway (RCP) 4.5 and 27.7% under the RCP 8.5. The best‐case land‐use scenario (“Sustainability”) alone causes a 10.6% increase in the area with FRP ≥ 0.3, while the worse‐case land‐use scenario (“Fragmentation”) causes a 73.2% increase. The optimistic climate‐land‐use projection (Sustainability and RCP 4.5) causes a 21.3% increase in the area with FRP ≥ 0.3 in October by 2071–2100 compared to the baseline period. In contrast, the most pessimistic climate‐land‐use projection (Fragmentation and RCP 8.5) causes a widespread increase in FRP (113.5% increase in the area with FRP ≥ 0.3), and prolongs the fire season, displacing its peak. Combining the Sustainability land‐use and RCP 8.5 scenarios causes a 39.1% increase in the area with FRP ≥ 0.3. We conclude that avoiding the regress on land‐use governance in the Brazilian Amazon (i.e., decrease in the extension and level of conservation of the protected areas, reduced environmental laws enforcement, extensive road paving, and increased deforestation) would substantially mitigate the effects of climate change on fire probability, even under the most pessimistic RCP 8.5 scenario.
Antimicrobial activity of Arg–Ser–Ser against the food‐borne pathogen Pseudomonas aeruginosa
Authors: Liu Huifan , Li Sufen , Brennan Charles Stephen , Wang Qin 
Published: July 2019

SummaryWe had previously reported a peptide sequence, Arg–Ser–Ser (RSS), which was identified after coincubation of an edible orchid species, Dendrobium aphyllum, with Lactobacillus amylolyticus. In this study, we investigated the potential mechanism of the antibacterial effect of RSS on the pathogen Pseudomonas aeruginosa. The minimum inhibitory concentration of RSS for P. aeruginosa was 6.3%, and the peptide was shown to induce morphological damage to bacterial cells. RSS treatment increased the cell surface zeta potential, hydrophobicity and cell membrane permeability, indicating that the positively charged RSS likely interacted with the negatively charged bacterial membrane. Moreover, leakage of potassium ions and proteins from bacterial cells was increased by RSS by 30 ppm and 13.5 μg mL−1, respectively. In conclusion, RSS treatment caused leakage of cellular components from P. aeruginosa cells, mainly through damaging the cell membrane by electrostatic action. Thus, RSS may be a potent new antimicrobial agent.
Physical, chemical and nutritional characteristics of puffed quinoa
Authors: Zapana Franklyn , de Bruijn Johannes , Vidal Leslie , Melín Pedro , González María Eugenia , Cabrera Gustavo , Williams Pamela , Bórquez Rodrigo 
Published: July 2019

SummaryPuffed quinoa can be used as ready‐to‐eat breakfast food or as an ingredient in snack formulations. In this study, puffed quinoa products with and without starch–chitosan coating were developed by gun, extrusion and microwave puffing at different process conditions (pressure, power, moisture content and energy consumption). Size, bulk density, colour, expansion index, water absorption and solubility, microstructure, mechanical and thermal properties, chemical composition and in vitro digestibility of organic matter and proteins of popped quinoa were assessed. Optimal process conditions for gun puffing were maximum 1.31 MPa after 780 s, 500 r.p.m. and 180 s for extrusion puffing and 1200 W for 60 s applying microwave puffing at 18–20% moisture contents. Gun and extrusion puffing yielded high‐quality popped quinoa with a biological availability of organic matter between 84–88% and 79–90% for proteins. Extrusion and gun puffing are the most promising processes to prepare quinoa snacks.
“I feel that if I didn’t come to it anymore, maybe I would go back to my old ways and I don't want that to happen”: Adapted sex offender treatment programmes: Views of service users with autism spectrum disorders
Authors: Melvin Clare L. , Langdon Peter E. , Murphy Glynis H. 
Published: July 2019

AbstractBackgroundThe cognitive and behavioural profile associated with autism spectrum disorders (ASD) includes difficulties with social interaction, communication and empathy. Each of these may present barriers to effective participation in sexual offending treatment, leading to poorer outcomes.MethodSemi‐structured interviews were conducted with 13 men with autism and an intellectual disability (including the borderline range) who had completed an adapted sex offender treatment programme. Grounded Theory was used to explore the men's experiences of treatment and perceptions of risk.ResultsThe men's perceptions of sexual risk were inextricably linked to constructs of identity and shaped their opinions of treatment effectiveness. Risk of reoffending was conveyed through narratives of changes in self and circumstances and included notions of blame and culpability.ConclusionsThe findings illustrated some clear benefits for men with ASD associated with attending adapted sex offender treatment programmes, including delivery of treatment within groups and opportunities for social development. The study supports the view that difficulties with empathy and cognitive flexibility complicates treatment for sexual offending.
MicroRNA‐92b‐5p modulates melatonin‐mediated osteogenic differentiation of bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells by targeting ICAM‐1
Authors: Li Yuan , Feng Chao , Gao Manqi , Jin Mengyu , Liu Tianyi , Yuan Ye , Yan Gege , Gong Rui , Sun Yi , He Mingyu , Fu Yutuo , Zhang Lai , Huang Qi , Ding Fengzhi , Ma Wenya , Bi Zhenggang , Xu Chaoqian , Sukhareva Natalia , Bamba Djibril , Reiters Russel , Yang Fan , Cai Benzhi , Yang Lei 
Published: July 2019

AbstractOsteoporosis is closely associated with the dysfunction of bone metabolism, which is caused by the imbalance between new bone formation and bone resorption. Osteogenic differentiation plays a vital role in maintaining the balance of bone microenvironment. The present study investigated whether melatonin participated in the osteogenic commitment of bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs) and further explored its underlying mechanisms. Our data showed that melatonin exhibited the capacity of regulating osteogenic differentiation of BMSCs, which was blocked by its membrane receptor inhibitor luzindole. Further study demonstrated that the expression of miR‐92b‐5p was up‐regulated in BMSCs after administration of melatonin, and transfection of miR‐92b‐5p accelerated osteogenesis of BMSCs. In contrast, silence of miR‐92b‐5p inhibited the osteogenesis of BMSCs. The increase in osteoblast differentiation of BMSCs caused by melatonin was attenuated by miR‐92b‐5p AMO as well. Luciferase reporter assay, real‐time qPCR analysis and western blot analysis confirmed that miR‐92b‐5p was involved in osteogenesis by directly targeting intracellular adhesion molecule‐1 (ICAM‐1). Melatonin improved the expression of miR‐92b‐5p, which could regulate the differentiation of BMSCs into osteoblasts by targeting ICAM‐1. This study provided novel methods for treating osteoporosis.
DNA barcode and minibarcode identification of freshwater fishes from Cerrado headwater streams in Central Brazil
Authors: Bagley Justin C. , de Aquino Pedro De Podestà Uchôa , Breitman María Florencia , Langeani Francisco , Colli Guarino R. 
Published: July 2019

AbstractThe extraordinary species diversity of the Neotropical freshwater fish fauna is world renown. Yet, despite rich species diversity, taxonomic and genetic resources for its Cerrado ichthyofauna remain poorly developed. We provide a reference library of 149 DNA barcodes for 39 species/lineages of Cerrado headwater stream fishes from the Brazilian Distrito Federal and nearby areas and test the utility of distance‐based criteria, tree‐based criteria and minibarcodes for specimen identification. Mean Kimura 2‐parameter genetic distances within species to orders ranged 1·8–12·1%. However, mean intraspecificv. congeneric‐interspecific distances (0·9–1·3%) overlapped extensively and distance‐based barcoding failed to achieve correct identifications due toc. 4–12·1% error rates and 19·5% ambiguous identifications related to the presence of singletons. Overlap was reduced and best‐match success rates improved drastically to 83·5% whenCharacidiumbarcodes representing potential misidentifications or undescribed species were removed. Tree‐based monophyly criteria generally performed similarly to distance methods, correctly differentiating up toc. 85% of species/lineages despite neighbour‐joining and Bayesian tree errors (random lineage‐branching events, long‐branch attraction). Five clusters (Ancistrus aguaboensis,Characidiumspp.,Eigenmannia trilineata,Hasemania hanseniandHypostomussp. 2) exhibited deep intraspecific divergences or para−/polyphyly and multiple Barcode Index Number assignments indicative of putative candidate species needing taxonomic re‐examination. Sliding‐window analyses also indicated that a 200 bp minibarcode region performed just as well at specimen identification as the entire barcode gene. Future DNA barcoding studies of Distrito Federal–Cerrado freshwater fishes will benefit from increased sampling coverage, as well as consideration of minibarcode targets for degraded samples and next‐generation sequencing.
Improved stability of (W1/O/W2) double emulsions based on dual gelation: Oleogels and hydrogels
Authors: Sun Rui , Zhang Ming , Xia Qiang 
Published: July 2019

AbstractThe objective of the present study was to improve the stability of (water‐in‐oil‐in‐water) double emulsions by dual gelation, including the gelation of lipid phase through oleogels and the gelation of continuous aqueous phase through hydrogels. Glycerol monostearate (GMS) could be used to form the oleogels and improve the stability of primary emulsions and double emulsions through reinforcing oil film. However, the redundant GMS crystals in both the oil phase and the continuous phase could cause the destabilization of double emulsions. The double emulsions reinforced by oleogels were successfully encapsulated in Ca‐alginate hydrogel beads, and this encapsulation would not influence the integrity of double emulsions. The redundant GMS crystals might cause the leakage of the inner aqueous phase in the encapsulation process, and this leakage was more likely to happen during the mixing step, rather than the crosslinking step. Ca‐alginate hydrogel beads were conducive to the confinement of the encapsulated oil globules.Practical ApplicationsThe potential applications of (water‐in‐oil‐in‐water [W1/O/W2]) double emulsions in food industry are limited by their low stability, including the weakness of the thin liquid oil film and the low thermodynamic stability of oil globules. The combination of oleogels and hydrogels could effectively improve the stability of double emulsions through the reinforcement of the oil film and the confinement of oil globules. This work provides a feasible method to improve the stability of (W1/O/W2) double emulsions, obtaining an applicable delivery system for hydrophilic active ingredients in food industry. The stable double emulsions could be used to encapsulate and control the release of hydrophilic bioactive ingredients and protect sensitive bioactive ingredients from chemical degradation. Otherwise, this system might achieve the co‐delivery of hydrophilic ingredients and hydrophobic ingredients.
Effects of metal oxide nanoparticles with plant extract on viability of foodborne pathogens
Authors: Osaili Tareq M. , Albiss Borhan A. , Al–Nabulsi Anas A. , Alromi Rawan F. , Olaimat Amin , Al‐Holy Murad , Savvaidis Ioannis , Holley Richard 
Published: July 2019

AbstractThe present study tested the antibacterial activity, expressed as minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC), of zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO‐NPs), copper oxide nanoparticles (CuO‐NPs) and their combination with or without rosemary, clove or cinnamon extract against Escherichia coli O157:H7 and Listeria monocytogenes. The NPs were characterized by scanning electron microscopy. The sizes of ZnO‐NPs and CuO‐NPs were in the range of 56–71 and 171–204 nm, respectively. Results showed that ZnO‐NPs had a greater inhibitory effect against both E. coli O157:H7 and L. monocytogenes than CuO‐NPs. The MBC of ZnO‐NPs against E. coli O157:H7 and L. monocytogenes was 300 and 350 μg/mL, respectively, while the MBC of CuO‐NPs was >1,000 and 400 μg/mL, respectively. When combined, ZnO‐NPs and CuO‐NPs had additional inhibitory effects against L. monocytogenes, but not against E. coli O157:H7. In general, the antibacterial activity of the NPs against E. coli O157:H7 and L. monocytogenes was enhanced by rosemary or cinnamon extract. Incorporation of clove extract into the NPs improved the antibacterial effect against E. coli O157:H7, but not against L. monocytogenes. Thus, plant extracts may be useful adjuncts for the synthesis of ZnO‐NPs or CuO‐NPs which can be used to control foodborne pathogens.Practical ApplicationIncorporation of plant extracts in the synthesis of metal oxide nanoparticles (NPs) can be applied to improve the antimicrobial activity of NPs against foodborne pathogens.
Dietary intake of isoflavones is associated with a lower prevalence of subclinical cardiovascular disease in postmenopausal women: cross‐sectional study
Authors: Ferreira L. L. , Silva T. R. , Maturana M. A. , Spritzer P. M. 
Published: July 2019

AbstractBackgroundMenopause has been associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular disease. It has been shown that isoflavones protect vascular endothelial cells against induced oxidative stress injury. Therefore, the present study aimed to investigate the association between the dietary intake of isoflavones and the presence of subclinical cardiovascular disease (CVD) in postmenopausal women.MethodsNinety‐six postmenopausal women [mean (SD) age 55.2 (4.9) years, body mass index (BMI) 27.2 (4.6) kg m−2] completed the study protocol. Habitual physical activity was assessed using a digital pedometer, resting metabolic rate was measured by indirect calorimetry and dietary intake was assessed via a validated food frequency questionnaire. Subclinical CVD was defined as carotid artery intima‐media thickness (C‐IMT) >0.9 mm and/or the presence of one or more atherosclerotic plaques in any of the studied segments.ResultsMean (SD) C‐IMT was 0.74 (0.2) mm, 25% of participants were found to have atherosclerotic plaques and the prevalence of subclinical CVD was 35%. Participants with subclinical CVD were more likely to consume less selenium, magnesium, folate and isoflavones, even after adjusting for total energy intake. A multivariate‐adjusted regression model showed that a BMI >27 kg m–2 was associated with 90% higher risk of having ≥1 plaque and/or C‐IMT >0.9 mm (P = 0.017). Higher oestradiol levels (P = 0.004) and isoflavone intake (P = 0.021) were independently associated with a lower risk of having subclinical CVD.ConclusionsIn the present study, we observed that a higher isoflavone dietary intake was associated with a lower risk of subclinical CVD in postmenopausal women, independent of BMI and endogenous oestradiol levels.
Advancements in nanotherapeutics for Alzheimer’s disease: current perspectives
Authors: Harilal Seetha , Jose Jobin , Parambi Della Grace Thomas , Kumar Rajesh , Mathew Githa Elizabeth , Uddin Md Sahab , Kim Hoon , Mathew Bijo 
Published: July 2019

Abstract

Objectives
Considerable progress has been made in the treatment of Alzheimer’s disease (AD), but all available strategies focus on alleviating symptoms rather than curing, which means that AD is viewed as an unresolvable neurodegenerative disease. Nanotechnological applications offer an alternative platform for the treatment of neurodegenerative diseases. This review aims to summarize the recent nanomedicine and nanotechnology developments for the treatment of AD.

Key findings
A plethora of nanocarriers and nanoparticle prodrugs have been reported to have negligible cytotoxicity in animal models, and these developments have revealed new opportunities for development of new classes of potent drug formulations for AD. Different nanotechnology-based approaches such as polymers, emulsions, lipo-carriers, solid lipid carriers, carbon nanotubes and metal-based carriers have been developed over the past decade, and they have been focusing on both neuroprotective and neurogenerative techniques to treat AD. Studies also reveal that nanotechnological approaches can aid in early diagnosis of AD and enhance therapeutic efficacy and bioavailability.

Summary
Notably, the drugs used conventionally to target the central nervous system have limitations that include an inability to cross the ‘blood–brain barrier’ or the ‘blood–cerebrospinal fluid barrier’ effectively and high drug efflux due to the activity of P-glycoprotein, but these limitations can be successfully overcome when nanocarriers are used for targeted drug delivery in AD.
Geological and geophysical studies of the Agoudal impact structure (Central High Atlas, Morocco): New evidence for crater size and age
Authors: El Kerni Houda , Chennaoui Aoudjehane Hasnaa , Baratoux David , Aoudjehane Mohammed , Charrière André , Ibouh Hassan , Rochette Pierre , Quesnel Yoann , Uehara Minoru , Kenkmann Thomas , Wulf Gerwin , Poelchau Michael , Nguyen Van Binh , Aboulahris Maria , Makhoukhi Samira , Aumaître Georges , Bourlès Didier , Keddadouche Karim 
Published: July 2019

AbstractSince the discovery of shatter cones (SCs) near the village of Agoudal (Morocco, Central High Atlas Mountains) in 2013, the absence of one or several associated circular structures led to speculation about the age of the impact event, the number, and the size of the impact crater or craters. Additional constraints on the crater size, age, and erosion rates are obtained here from geological, structural, and geophysical mapping and from cosmogenic nuclide data. Our geological maps of the Agoudal impact site at the scales of 1:30,000 (6 km2) and 1:15,000 (2.25 km2) include all known occurrences of SCs in target rocks, breccias, and vertical to overturned strata. Considering that strata surrounding the impact site are subhorizontal, we argue that disturbed strata are related to the impact event. Three types of breccias have been observed. Two of them (br1‐2 and br2) could be produced by erosion–sedimentation–consolidation processes, with no evidence for impact breccias, while breccia (br1) might be impact related. The most probable center of the structure is estimated at 31°59′13.73ʺN, 5°30′55.14ʺW using the concentric deviation method applied to the orientation of strata over the disturbed area. Despite the absence of a morphological expression, the ground magnetic and electromagnetic surveys reveal anomalies spatially associated with disturbed strata and SC occurrences. The geophysical data, the structural observations, and the area of occurrence of SCs in target rocks are all consistent with an original size of 1.4–4.2 km in diameter. Cosmogenic nuclide data (36Cl) constrain the local erosion rates between 220 ± 22 m Ma−1and 430 ± 43 m Ma−1. These erosion rates may remove the topographic expression of such a crater and its ejecta in a time period of about 0.3–1.9 Ma. This age is older than the Agoudal iron meteorite age (105 ± 40 kyr). This new age constraint excludes the possibility of a genetic relationship between the Agoudal iron meteorite fall and the formation of the Agoudal impact site. A chronolgy chart including the Atlas orogeny, the alternation of sedimentation and erosion periods, and the meteoritic impacts is presented based on all obtained and combined data.