bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
A framework of Afrocentric hope: Rural South African children's conceptualizations of hope
Authors: Cherrington Avivit M. 
Published: February 2018

AbstractThere is a growing need to explore and understand indigenous knowledge and subjective experiences around hope from children raised in rural African communities. This engagement sought to address the question: What are rural South African primary school children's conceptualizations of hope? A visual participatory methodology (using collage‐making, drawing, Mmogo method, and photovoice) enabled an exploration of hope with 12 children (9‐13 years) attending an aftercare center in rural QwaQwa region of South Africa. Using evidence generated from the study, and drawing on Scioli's theory of integrated hope, this article posits a framework of Afrocentric hope that develops along four interdependent and interrelated levels: contextual, personal, relational, and collective. These interactions are mediated by the spiritual/cultural worldview dimension. Understanding rural South African children's perspectives of hope contributes toward engagements aimed at nurturing, shaping, and strengthening hope in collective‐oriented communities.
Comparability and repeatability of three commonly used methods for measuring endurance capacity
Authors: Baxter‐Gilbert James , Mühlenhaupt Max , Whiting Martin J. 
Published: February 2018

AbstractMeasures of endurance (time to exhaustion) have been used to address a wide range of questions in ecomorphological and physiological research, as well as being used as a proxy for survival and fitness. Swimming, stationary (circular) track running, and treadmill running are all commonly used methods for measuring endurance. Despite the use of these methods across a broad range of taxa, how comparable these methods are to one another, and whether they are biologically relevant, is rarely examined. We used Australian water dragons (Intellagama lesueurii), a species that is morphologically adept at climbing, swimming, and running, to compare these three methods of endurance and examined if there is repeatability within and between trial methods. We found that time to exhaustion was not highly repeatable within a method, suggesting that single measures or a mean time to exhaustion across trials are not appropriate. Furthermore, we compared mean maximal endurance times among the three methods, and found that the two running methods (i.e., stationary track and treadmill) were similar, but swimming was distinctly different, resulting in lower mean maximal endurance times. Finally, an individual's endurance rank was not repeatable across methods, suggesting that the three endurance trial methods are not providing similar information about an individual's performance capacity. Overall, these results highlight the need to carefully match a measure of performance capacity with the study species and the research questions being asked so that the methods being used are behaviorally, ecologically, and physiologically relevant.
Development of the duct system during exocrine pancreas differentiation in the grass snake Natrix natrix (Lepidosauria, Serpentes)
Authors: Kowalska Magdalena , Rupik Weronika 
Published: February 2018

AbstractWe analyzed the development of the pancreatic ducts in grass snake Natrix natrix L. embryos with special focus on the three‐dimensional (3D)‐structure of the duct network, ultrastructural differentiation of ducts with attention to cell types and lumen formation. Our results indicated that the system of ducts in the embryonic pancreas of the grass snake can be divided into extralobular, intralobular, and intercalated ducts, similarly as in other vertebrate species. However, the pattern of branching was different from that in other vertebrates, which was related to the specific topography of the snake's internal organs. The process of duct remodeling in Natrix embryos began when the duct walls started to change from multilayered to single‐layered and ended together with tube formation. It began in the dorsal pancreatic bud and proceeded toward the caudal direction. The lumen of pancreatic ducts differentiated by cavitation because a population of centrally located cells was cleared through cell death resembling anoikis. During embryonic development in the pancreatic duct walls of the grass snake four types of cells were present, that is, principal, endocrine, goblet, and basal cells, which is different from other vertebrate species. The principal cells were electron‐dense, contained indented nuclei with abundant heterochromatin, microvilli and cilia, and were connected by interdigitations of lateral membranes and junctional complexes. The endocrine cells were electron‐translucent and some of them included endocrine granules. The goblet cells were filled with large granules with nonhomogeneous, moderately electron‐dense material. The basal cells were small, electron‐dense, and did not reach the duct lumen.
Intraarticular injection autologous platelet‐rich plasma and bone marrow concentrate in a goat osteoarthritis model
Authors: Wang Zhen , Zhai Chenjun , Fei Hao , Hu Junzheng , Cui Weiding , Wang Zhen , Li Zeng , Fan Weimin 
Published: February 2018

ABSTRACTTo evaluate the effects of intraarticular injections of autologous platelet‐rich plasma (PRP) or bone marrow concentrate (BMC) on osteoarthritis (OA), 24 adult goats were equally divided into control (Ctrl), saline (NS), PRP, and BMC groups, and OA was induced by surgery in NS, PRP, and BMC groups. Autologous PRP and BMC were obtained from whole blood and bone marrow aspirates, respectively. The data revealed, platelets were increased in BMC by 1.8‐fold, monocytes by 5.6‐fold, TGF‐β1 by 7.7‐fold, and IGF‐1 by 3.6‐fold (p < 0.05), and platelets were increased in PRP by 2.9‐fold, and TGF‐β1 by 3.3‐fold (p < 0.05). From the sixth week post‐operation, saline, PRP, and BMC were administered by intraarticular injection once every 4 weeks, three consecutive times. After the animals were sacrificed, inflammatory cytokines in the synovial fluid was measured, and bone and cartilage degeneration progression was observed by macroscopy, histology, and immunohistochemistry. Compared with the NS group, the level of inflammatory cytokines was reduced in the PRP and BMC groups (p < 0.05). Histologically, delayed cartilage degeneration and higher levels of extracellular matrix (ECM) were observed in both PRP and BMC treated groups (p < 0.05). Furthermore, the BMC group showed greater cartilage protection and less ECM loss than the PRP group (p < 0.05). In summary, this study showed that intraarticular injection of autologous PRP and BMC has therapeutic efficacy in a goat osteoarthritis model, with the greater benefit in terms of cartilage protection being observed in the BMC‐treated group than PRP. © 2018 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 36:2140–2146, 2018.
Raman spectrum of oxyorthosilicate Lu2SiO5: Ab initio calculation
Authors: Nazipov Dmitriy V. , Nikiforov Anatoliy E. 
Published: February 2018

AbstractRaman spectra of oxyorthosilicate Lu2SiO5 have been computed in the framework of density functional theory with hybrid functionals using molecular orbitals approximation. Results are compared with existing experimental data. With general agreement with experiment, there are differences in some regions of wavenumbers. Analysis of vibrations has been performed using calculated eigenvectors and isotopic substitution method. Optimized crystal structure parameters are in excellent agreement with the experiment with maximum difference less than 2%. Obtained value of the band gap 6.43 eV is also in a good agreement with the literature data (6 eV).
Statistical analysis of cuboctahedral silver nanocrystals Langmuir–Blodgett film SERS substrate
Authors: Chen Wei‐Liang , Huang Yi‐Hsin , Cheng Hui‐Yu , Kuo Tsung‐Rong , Chang Yu‐Ming 
Published: February 2018

AbstractWith single‐molecule sensitivity, surface‐enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) has promised to be a powerful tool from chemical analysis to biosensors. However, problem with large signal fluctuations for reproducibility has impeded SERS from widespread application. The fabrication of SERS substrate with large and uniform enhancement in combination with an effective target analyte‐transfer process is crucial for applications of SERS for trace molecule detection. In this study, we performed laser‐scanning confocal mapping to characterize 3 SERS substrate samples. The substrate consists of a monolayer of cuboctahedral silver nanocrystals (AgNCs) made with Langmuir–Blodgett technique. The synthesis of the cuboctahedral AgNCs involves the use of polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP) as a shape‐controlling agent that remains on the surface of the nanocrystals. Using PVP as an analyte, we investigate the temporal and spatial variation of PVP SERS signals from the cuboctahedral AgNC Langmuir–Blodgett film. Analyzing the enhancement probability distribution with a model allows quantitative characterization of the cuboctahedral AgNC SERS substrates. The results help to identify important SERS substrate characteristics that influence the performance of the SERS substrate.
Effects of applying oil‐extracted microalgae on the fermentation quality, feed‐nutritive value and aerobic stability of ensiled sweet sorghum
Authors: Chen Lei , Li Junfeng , Dong Zhihao , Yuan Xianjun , Shao Tao 
Published: February 2018

AbstractBACKGROUNDA laboratory‐silo study was conducted to evaluate the fermentation quality, feed‐nutritive value and aerobic stability of sweet sorghum silage with or without oil‐extracted microalgae supplementation. Sweet sorghum was mixed with four microalgae levels (0%, 1%, 2% and 3% on a dry matter basis; control, M1, M2 and M3, respectively) and ensiled for 45 d. Further, the four experimental silages were subjected to an aerobic stability test lasting 7 d.RESULTSAll the silages except M3 silage had good fermentative characteristics with low pH and ammonia nitrogen concentrations, and high lactic acid concentrations and favorable microbial parameters. Meanwhile, oil‐extracted microalgae supplementation improved the feed‐nutritional value of sweet sorghum silage. Fibre (neutral detergent fibre, acid detergent fibre, acid detergent lignin and cellulose) concentrations decreased, while dry matter and crude protein levels markedly increased (P < 0.05). Compared with the control (69.7 h), treatments M2 and M3 improved the aerobic stability of sweet sorghum silage by 43.8% and more than 143% respectively, and decreased the clostridia spore counts during the stage of air exposure.CONCLUSIONSweet sorghum silage produced with 2% oil‐extracted microalgae addition was the most suitable for animal use due to the optimal balance of fermentation quality, feed‐nutritional value and aerobic stability, which merits further in vivo studies using grazing ruminants. © 2018 Society of Chemical Industry
Effects of chronic heat exposure on growth performance, intestinal epithelial histology, appetite‐related hormones and genes expression in broilers
Authors: He Xiaofang , Lu Zhuang , Ma Bingbing , Zhang Lin , Li Jiaolong , Jiang Yun , Zhou Guanghong , Gao Feng 
Published: February 2018

AbstractBACKGROUNDHeat stress often occurs in the modern poultry industry, which impairs growth performance, particularly via reducing appetite. This study was aimed to investigate the mechanism of attenuating appetite by chronic heat exposure in broilers. A total of 144 broilers (28 days old) were allocated to normal control (NC, 22 °C), heat stress (32 °C), and pair‐fed (22 °C) groups.RESULTSChronic heat exposure significantly increased cloacal temperatures and respiration rates, decreased the average daily feed intake and average daily gain, increased feed‐to‐gain ratio compared with the NC group, and elevated the concentrations of ghrelin and cholecystokinin (CCK) both in serum and intestine, as well as peptide YY and somatostatin in intestine on 35‐ or 42‐day‐old broilers. Moreover, heat exposure decreased villi height (VH) and the ratio of VH to crypt depth (CD), while it increased CD in the jejunum on 35‐ and 42 day‐olds, increased (P < 0.05) the concentrations of valine and isoleucine in plasma on 42 days, and upregulated (P < 0.05) the expression of taste receptor type 1 members 1 and 3 (T1R1 and T1R3), CCK, and ghrelin in the intestine on 35‐ or 42‐day‐old broilers.CONCLUSIONChronic heat exposure impairs the performance, intestinal morphology and appetite, which may be correlated with the increased secretion or gene expression of appetite‐related hormones and genes, and the higher expression of nutrient‐sensing receptors (T1R1 and T1R3) in broilers. © 2018 Society of Chemical Industry
Simple method for the determination of personal care product ingredients in lettuce by ultrasound‐assisted extraction combined with solid‐phase microextraction followed by GC–MS
Authors: Cabrera‐Peralta Jerónimo , Peña‐Alvarez Araceli 
Published: February 2018

AbstractA simple method for the simultaneous determination of personal care product ingredients: galaxolide, tonalide, oxybenzone, 4‐methylbenzyliden camphor, padimate‐o, 2‐ethylhexyl methoxycinnamate, octocrylene, triclosan, and methyl triclosan in lettuce by ultrasound‐assisted extraction combined with solid‐phase microextraction followed by gas chromatography with mass spectrometry was developed. Lettuce was directly extracted by ultrasound‐assisted extraction with methanol, this extract was combined with water, extracted by solid‐phase microextraction in immersion mode, and analyzed by gas chromatography with mass spectrometry. Good linear relationships (25–250 ng/g, R2 > 0.9702) and low detection limits (1.0–25 ng/g) were obtained for analytes along with acceptable precision for almost all analytes (RSDs < 20%). The validated method was applied for the determination of personal care product ingredients in commercial lettuce and lettuces grown in soil and irrigated with the analytes, identifying the target analytes in leaves and roots of the latter. This procedure is a miniaturized and environmentally friendly proposal which can be a useful tool for quality analysis in lettuce.
Preparation of bio‐based keratin‐derived magnetic molecularly imprinted polymer nanoparticles for the facile and selective separation of bisphenol A from water
Authors: Hassanzadeh Marjan , Ghaemy Mousa 
Published: February 2018

AbstractIn this study, new bio‐based magnetic molecularly imprinted polymer nanoparticles (∼23 nm) were synthesized from keratin extracted from chicken feathers and methacrylate‐functionalized Fe3O4 nanoparticles for its potential application in separation and removal of bisphenol A from water. The prepared magnetic molecularly imprinted polymer was characterized by Fourier‐transform infrared spectroscopy, field‐emission scanning electron microscopy, thermogravimetric analysis, alternative gradient field magnetometry, and energy‐dispersive X‐ray spectroscopy. The sorption of bisphenol A was investigated by changing the influencing factors such as pH, immersion time, Fe3O4 nanoparticles dosage, and the initial concentration of bisphenol A. Results illustrated that sorption was very fast and efficient (Qm = 600 mg/g) having a removal efficiency of ∼98% in 40 min of immersion. The adsorption process showed better conformity with the Weber−Morris kinetics and the Freundlich isotherm model. The selectivity of bisphenol A by adsorbent was checked in the presence of hydroquinone, phenol, tetrabromobisphenol, and 4,4′‐biphenol as interferences.
Amino acid racemization and its relation to geochronology and archaeometry
Authors: Bravenec Ardith D. , Ward Karen D. , Ward Timothy J. 
Published: February 2018

AbstractAmino acid racemization, used as a method of relative and quantitative dating of fossils, evaluates the degree of postmortem conversion of l to d amino acid enantiomers. While extensively utilized, this method has garnered confusion due to controversial age estimates for human fossils in North America in the 1970s. This paper explains the age controversy and aftermath, current chromatographic methods used in research, mathematical calibration models, and a short synopsis of other dating techniques in geochronology and archaeometry.
Analysis of new psychoactive substances in human urine by ultra‐high performance supercritical fluid and liquid chromatography: Validation and comparison
Authors: Borovcová Lucie , Pauk Volodymyr , Lemr Karel 
Published: February 2018

AbstractNew psychoactive substances represent serious social and health problem as tens of new compounds are detected in Europe annually. They often show structural proximity or even isomerism, which complicates their analysis. Two methods based on ultra high performance supercritical fluid chromatography and ultra high performance liquid chromatography with mass spectrometric detection were validated and compared. A simple dilute‐filter‐and‐shoot protocol utilizing propan‐2‐ol or methanol for supercritical fluid or liquid chromatography, respectively, was proposed to detect and quantify 15 cathinones and phenethylamines in human urine. Both methods offered fast separation (<3 min) and short total analysis time. Precision was well <15% with a few exceptions in liquid chromatography. Limits of detection in urine ranged from 0.01 to 2.3 ng/mL, except for cathinone (5 ng/mL) in supercritical fluid chromatography. Nevertheless, this technique distinguished all analytes including four pairs of isomers, while liquid chromatography was unable to resolve fluoromethcathinone regioisomers. Concerning matrix effects and recoveries, supercritical fluid chromatography produced more uniform results for different compounds and at different concentration levels. This work demonstrates the performance and reliability of supercritical fluid chromatography and corroborates its applicability as an alternative tool for analysis of new psychoactive substances in biological matrixes.
Age‐related hearing loss: Unraveling the pieces
Authors: Tu Nathan C. , Friedman Rick A. 
Published: February 2018

Age‐related hearing loss (ARHL) is the most common cause of hearing loss in the world. The development of ARHL in each individual is multifactorial, involving both intrinsic and extrinsic factors. This review highlights several of the key findings in the ARHL literature and discusses future directions.Level of EvidenceNA.
Association of alterations in smell and taste with depression in older adults
Authors: Hur Kevin , Choi Janet S. , Zheng Melissa , Shen Jasper , Wrobel Bozena 
Published: February 2018

ObjectiveExamine the relationship between depression and changes in smell or taste.Study DesignCross‐sectional analysis of 2011–2012 and 2013–2014 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES).MethodsWe examined 5,275 adults ≥40 years old who completed smell and taste questionnaires as well as a validated depression assessment instrument, the Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ‐9). Analyses incorporated sampling weights to account for the complex sampling design and associations were analyzed using multivariate logistic regression adjusted for related demographics and socioeconomic data.ResultsThe prevalence of altered smell and taste was 23.0% (95% CI: 20.7–25.3%) and 11.9% (95% CI: 10.7–13.1%), respectively. Among those who met criteria for major depressive disorder, the prevalence of altered smell and taste was higher at 39.8% (95% CI: 33.4–46.1%) and 23.7% (95% CI: 18.7–28.7%), respectively. In a multivariate model adjusting for age, gender, education, major comorbidities, smoking history, heavy alcohol use, sinus disease, cold symptoms, and trauma history, adults ≥40 and <65 years old who reported alterations in smell (OR: 1.64, p = 0.004) and adults ≥40 years old who reported alterations in taste (OR: 1.77, p = 0.001) were more likely to meet criteria for major depressive disorder.ConclusionThere is a strong association between major depression and alterations in smell and taste among certain age groups in the general U.S. population. Primary care providers should screen for depression when patients report changes in smell or taste.Level of Evidence4.
Ultracompact Broadband Plasmonic Polarimeter
Authors: Lee Kyookeun , Yun Hansik , Mun Sang‐Eun , Lee Gun‐Yeal , Sung Jangwoon , Lee Byoungho 
Published: February 2018

AbstractPolarization is one of the fundamental properties of light, which is inherited from the vectorial nature of electromagnetic waves. Measuring states of polarizations (SOPs) is widely used for remote sensing applications. A number of ultracompact polarimeters that analyze SOPs at a single detection without splitting of incident beams have been demonstrated recently. However, the development of a broadband polarimeter remains challenging due to the resonant feature of their building blocks. Here, an ultracompact polarimeter that retrieves the SOP of incident light with broad operation bandwidth at near‐infrared wavelengths is proposed. Surface plasmon polaritons (SPPs) excited by X‐shaped aperture arrays are utilized as intensity probes. Full‐Stokes parameters are retrieved by detecting the SPP intensities. The proposed polarimeter is demonstrated experimentally and can measure SOPs at wavelengths from 750 nm to 1050 nm. This work can help to develop more compact polarization‐sensitive optical systems, such as polarimetry, ellipsometry, and optical routers.
Antiplasticizing Behaviors of Glucarate and Lignin Bio‐Based Derivatives on the Properties of Gel‐Spun Poly(Vinyl Alcohol) Fibers
Authors: Lu Chunhong , Ford Ericka 
Published: February 2018

AbstractPetrol and biochemical plasticizers are added to poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA) to improve its processability while tuning its moisture sensitivity. But those additives often reduce the mechanical performance of PVA products. In this study, the antiplasticization and properties of PVA containing additives from biorenewable sources are studied. PVA fibers are gel‐spun having up to 3 wt% glucarate salts and 30% lignin. Glucarate lowers the gel melting temperature of PVA and increases fiber draw ratio. Further, glucarate enhances the mechanical performance of PVA beyond that of neat fibers. Interestingly, the combination of lignin and glucarate causes phase separation among fiber—a PVA/glucarate phase as the fiber core and lignin/PVA phase as the fiber shell. Neat PVA partially dissolves in 85 °C water; whereas, fibers containing glucarate and/or lignin resist dissolution. Thus, the combination of glucarate and lignin can induce high strength and moisture resistance, which are desirable industrial fiber properties.
Silk and Silk‐Like Supramolecular Materials
Authors: Fink Tanner D. , Zha R. Helen 
Published: February 2018

AbstractSilk is a source of marvel for centuries as one of nature's high‐performance materials. More recently, chemical and structural analysis techniques have helped explore the relationship between silk's properties and its hierarchical structure. Furthermore, recombinant protein engineering as well as polymer and organic synthesis techniques have enabled the production of silk‐like materials. It has become apparent that silk is a supramolecular polymer with many of the properties exhibited by well‐known synthetic supramolecular materials, such as block copolymers, liquid crystals, thermoplastic elastomers, and self‐assembling peptides. In this review, the hierarchical structure and supramolecular assembly of silk are discussed in comparison to these synthetic supramolecular systems. By focusing on the connections between chemical structure, nanoscale molecular organization, and material properties, the aim is to provide perspectives on the rational design of advanced soft matter to supramolecular chemists and molecular engineers who look to nature for inspiration.