bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Effect of thermosonication on the quality attributes of star fruit juice
Authors: Nayak Prakash Kumar , Chandrasekar Chandra Mohan , Kesavan Radha Krishnan 
Published: September 2018

AbstractThe effect of pasteurization and thermosonication on the quality of star fruit (Averrhoa carambola) juice was reported in the present study. Freshly extracted star fruit juice was pasteurized and thermosonicated to compare the effect on physiochemical properties, antioxidant activity, total phenolic content (TPC), total flavonoid content (TFC), ascorbic acid levels, microbial populations, and sensorial properties. The results were compared with the raw star fruit juice. The treatments did not show any significant (p < .05) variations in pH, total soluble solids, and titratable acidity. A significant (p < .05) increase in antioxidant activity, TPC, TFC, ascorbic acid content, cloud index, and browning index of thermosonicated juices was observed. Pasteurization and thermosonication treatments also displayed significant effect in the reduction of microbial populations. Thus, findings in this study revealed that thermosonication may be a viable option for fruit juice industry, especially, for star fruit processing.Practical applicationsUltrasound processing is an emerging nonthermal technique which can be utilized in the processing of liquid food products. In general, fruit juices are processed through thermal treatments to keep the safe microbial levels. However, thermal processing adversely affects the quality of food products. The present study demonstrated the application of thermosonication that effectively maintained the quality of star fruit juices. Furthermore, it can be added that, thermosonication may be employed as a suitable technique to improve the quality parameters of star fruit juice.
A new method for classifying nuts using image processing and k‐means++ clustering
Authors: Solak Serdar , Altinişik Umut 
Published: September 2018

AbstractIn this study, nuts are determined using image processing techniques and classified by k‐means and k‐means++ methods in rapid time. Firstly, pixel area (PA) and square area (SA) features are extracted by an image processing technique. Then, the obtained data are classified by the k‐means and k‐means++ clustering methods. We present a new method called the pixel area and square area method (PASAM), which is realized by clustering feature selection of PA and SA values. Our proposed method is applied on numerous real RGB images of nuts for different cases. Experimental results show that k‐means++ clustering based on PASAM is more efficient than other techniques such as k‐means and k‐means++ clustering based on PA and SA. The nuts in the working environment are determined and classified with 100% accuracy by PASAM.Practical applicationsThe proposed research distinguishes small, medium and big nuts based on image processing and PASAM. This method is appropriate to use to separate all vegetables and fruits for which classification is important.
The Effect of Maternal Age on Obstetric Interventions in a Low‐Risk Population
Authors: Einarsdóttir Kristjana , Bogadóttir Hjördís Ýr , Bjarnadóttir Ragnheiður Ingibjörg , Steingrímsdóttir Þóra 
Published: September 2018

IntroductionObstetric interventions appear to increase with advancing maternal age, but limited supporting evidence exists, particularly for young women and specifically for prelabor and intrapartum cesarean birth. The aim of this study was to explore the association between obstetric interventions and maternal age in a low‐risk population.MethodsThe study was restricted to all low‐risk, nulliparous women with singleton, vertex, term births who gave birth in Iceland from 1997 to 2015, identified in the Icelandic Medical Birth Registry. Logistic regression models were used to calculate adjusted odds ratios (aORs) and 95% CIs for the risks of labor induction, instrumental birth, and cesarean birth (prelabor and intrapartum), according to maternal age group. All models were adjusted for gestational age, year of birth, and demographic factors, and the models for intrapartum cesarean birth were also adjusted for dystocia and fetal distress.ResultsFor women aged more than 40 years, the aOR for induction of labor was 4.69 (95% CI, 3.2‐6.8) compared with women aged between 25 and 29 years. In women aged more than 40 years, the increased risks for prelabor cesarean birth and intrapartum cesarean birth were 7.4 (95% CI, 3.0‐18.0) and 3.6 (95% CI, 2.1‐6.0), respectively. The risk of instrumental birth was slightly increased for women aged between 35 and 39 years (aOR, 1.6; 95% CI, 1.3‐2.0), compared with women aged between 25 and 29 years, but not for women aged at least 40 years (aOR, 1.1; 95% CI, 0.7‐1.9). For women aged less than 20 years, the risk of induction of labor (aOR, 0.8; 95% CI, 0.7‐0.9) and instrumental births (aOR, 0.6; 95% CI, 0.5‐0.7) was reduced compared with women aged between 25 and 29 years.DiscussionThe risk of interventions generally increased with increasing maternal age, but the risk of instrumental births was not increased for women aged over 40 years. Also, young women were at a decreased risk of induction of labor and instrumental births.
Detection and genomic analysis of genital group B streptococcus in pregnant Korean women
Authors: Lee Hwan Tae , Kim Suk Young , Park Pil‐Whan , Ahn Jeong‐Yeal , Kim Kyung‐Hee , Seo Ja Young , Jeong Ji‐Hun , Kwoun Woo‐Jae , Seo Yiel‐Hea 
Published: September 2018

AbstractAimGroup B streptococcus (GBS) is a leading cause of life‐threatening bacterial infections among newborns, and neonates born to heavily colonized women may be subject to vertical transmission. We sought to determine an appropriate detection method for genital GBS in pregnant women by comparing culture‐based methods and real‐time polymerase chain reaction (PCR). In addition, we performed molecular serotyping and multilocus sequence typing (MLST) on isolates.MethodsA total of 150 pregnant women were enrolled and underwent vaginal‐rectal swabbing at 16–40 weeks of gestation. GBS was identified by conventional culture and real‐time PCR with or without enrichment. Molecular serotyping and MLST were performed on isolates.ResultsOverall genital GBS positive rate among the 150 study subjects was 17.3%. Direct culture identified 18 (12.0%) positive specimens, enrichment culture 22 (14.6%), direct PCR 24 (16.0%) and enrichment PCR 25 (16.6%). The sensitivity and specificity by direct and enrichment PCR were as follows: for direct PCR, 90.9% and 96.9%, respectively; and for enrichment PCR, 95.5% and 96.9%, respectively. Resistance rates to clindamycin and erythromycin were 33.3% and 19.1%, respectively. Serotype III‐1 was the most common (26.3%), followed by serotype Ib (21.1%), III‐3 (15.8%), V (15.8%), II (10.5%), IV (5.3%) and VI (5.3%). Most common sequence types (ST) were ST‐1, ST‐19 and ST‐862 (15.8%), followed by ST‐2 and ST‐654 (10.5%).ConclusionDirect real‐time PCR using vaginal‐rectal specimen could be used for detecting GBS in emergent conditions. Molecular serotypes III, Ib and V were most common. MLST analysis frequently presented ST‐1, ST‐19 and ST‐862.
Asia & Oceania Federation of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Maternal Fetal Medicine Committee's consensus statements on screening for hyperglycemia in pregnancy
Authors: Tan Tony Y. T. ,   on behalf of Hyperglycemia in Pregnancy Consensus Working Group, Ounjai Kor‐anantakul
Published: September 2018

AbstractThese are consensus statements on screening for hyperglycemia in pregnancy derived from AOFOG MFM Committee's Hyperglycemia in Pregnancy Consensus Working Group during a workshop in Singapore on 13 January 2018.
18F‐FPEB PET/CT Shows mGluR5 Upregulation in Parkinson's Disease
Authors: Kang Yeona , Henchcliffe Claire , Verma Ajay , Vallabhajosula Shankar , He Bin , Kothari Paresh J. , Pryor Kane O. , Mozley P. David 
Published: September 2018

ABSTRACTBACKGROUND AND PURPOSEDopamine and glutamate reciprocally regulate each other in some of the neurocircuits affected by Parkinson's disease (PD). The objective of this pilot study was to explore relationships between these neurotransmitter systems with positron emission tomography.METHODSThe sample consisted of nine patients with PD and eight healthy volunteers (HVs). Dynamic images of the brain were acquired after the IV administration of ∼370 MBq (10 mCi) of [11C]PE2i, a dopamine transporter (DaT) imaging agent, and ∼185 MBq (∼5 mCi) of [18F]FPEB, a selective metabotropic glutamate receptor 5 (mGluR5) antagonist. Multiple volumes of interest were semiautomatically placed on contemporaneously acquired MRI scans. Nondisplaceable binding potentials (BPND) were calculated with the Logan reference tissue model using cerebellar white matter as the reference region.RESULTSThe findings showed that average [18F]FPEB BPND values were slightly more than 20% higher in PD than HVs in several mesocortical regions, including the bilateral putamen (P = .01), hippocampus (P = .02), and amygdala (P = .05). Average [11C]PE2i BPND was significantly reduced by about half or more in patients with PD in the bilateral caudate (P < .001) and putamen (P < .001).CONCLUSIONSmGluR5 seems upregulated in strategic dopaminergic brain regions adversely affected by PD. The findings seem to confirm that DaT tracers are better discriminatory biomarkers for diagnosing PD; however, mGluR5 tracers might deserve further exploration as potential biomarkers of response in clinical trials.
Baseline ASPECTS and e‐ASPECTS Correlation with Infarct Volume and Functional Outcome in Patients Undergoing Mechanical Thrombectomy
Authors: Olive‐Gadea Marta , Martins Nuno , Boned Sandra , Carvajal Jaime , Moreno Maria Jose , Muchada Marian , Molina Carlos A. , Tomasello Alejandro , Ribo Marc , Rubiera Marta 
Published: September 2018

ABSTRACTBACKGROUND AND PURPOSEThe role of Alberta Stroke Program Early CT score (ASPECTS) in predicting which patients are likely to benefit from endovascular therapy (EVT) is not well defined. An automated software (e‐ASPECTS) has been created to solve its poor interrater reliability. We aim to evaluate correlation between radiologist (Rx) and e‐ASPECTS scoring with cerebral blood volume (CBV) infarct core and with final infarct volume; as well as with long‐term functional outcome.METHODSWe included patients with acute ischemic stroke and large vessel occlusion who underwent EVT. We measured baseline radiologist (Rx) ASPECTS and e‐ASPECTS, and baseline CBV infarct core on CT perfusion. Final infarct volume was measured on 24‐hour control CT.RESULTSWe included 184 patients, in which 82.1% of patients achieved complete recanalization. Median Rx‐ASPECTS/e‐ASPECTS was 9 (IQR 8–10 vs. IQR 7.75‐10) and mean CBV lesion was 29.51 (±47.41) mL. Correlation (rs) between ASPECTS and e‐ASPECTS was .44 (P < .01). Both ASPECTS scores correlated with CBV after 180 minutes of symptom onset (rs = –.41 vs. –.54, P < .01) and with final infarct volume in patients with complete recanalization (rs = –.40 vs. –.43, P < .01). In a logistic regression, either Rx‐ASPECTS, e‐ASPECTS, and CBV (OR 1.60 vs. 1.87 vs. .96; P < .05) predicted a low infarct volume. Rx‐ASPECTS and e‐ASPECTS also predicted functional independence (mRS 0–2) at 3 months (1.52 vs. 1.37; P < .05).CONCLUSIONASPECTS and e‐ASPECTS showed a mild correlation with CBV. Rx‐ASPECTS, e‐ASPECTS, and CBV predicted a low infarct volume after thrombectomy in recanalized patients but only Rx‐ASPECTS and e‐ASPECTS predicted functional independence at 3 months.
Lay conceptions of norm‐based approach and avoidance motivation: Implications for the performance‐approach and performance‐avoidance goal relation
Authors: Hangen Emily J. , Elliot Andrew J. , Jamieson Jeremy P. 
Published: September 2018

AbstractObjectivePerformance‐approach goals and performance‐avoidance goals are conceptually distinct, but they are often moderately or even highly positively correlated. The present research examines lay conceptions of approach and avoidance motivation as a moderator of this intergoal relation.MethodStudy 1 (N = 281) assessed whether participants considered norm‐based approach motivation as being the same or different from norm‐based avoidance motivation and tested these conceptions as a moderator of the performance goal correlation. Study 2 (N = 990) measured and experimentally manipulated lay conceptions.ResultsIn both studies, individuals who viewed approach and avoidance motivation as different exhibited a smaller performance goal correlation and lower performance‐based goal adoption than those who viewed approach and avoidance goals as the same. Findings from experimentally manipulated conceptions provided further clarity regarding the precise nature of the relations and mean differences observed. Specifically, moderation was driven by the different condition (where the differences between approach and avoidance were highlighted).ConclusionsThis research sheds light on the nature and magnitude of the focal performance‐based goal correlation and highlights the value of attending to lay conceptions of approach and avoidance motivation as well as lay conceptions of ability.
Synthesis of new anticancer and anti-inflammatory isoxazolines and aziridines from the natural (-)-deltoin
Authors: Znati Mansour , Debbabi Meriem , Romdhane Anis , Ben Jannet Hichem , Bouajila Jalloul 
Published: September 2018

Abstract

Objectives
This work describes the synthesis, the bioactivity and the structure–activity relationship of new derivatives from a natural coumarin.

Methods
(-)-Deltoin 1 and the corresponding isoxazolines and aziridines were characterized by spectroscopic means. The cytotoxic (HTC-116, IGROV-1 and OVCAR-3 cancer cell lines) and 5-lipoxygenase activity of (-)-deltoin 1 and its structural analogues have been evaluated.

Key findings
The phytochemical investigation of the ethyl acetate extract of the flowers of Ferula lutea (Poir.) Maire has led to the isolation of (-)-deltoin 1. A series of new isoxazoline 2a,a′–2f,f′ and aziridine 3a,a′–3e,e′ derivatives have been prepared by 1,3-dipolar cycloaddition. It has been found that the derivatives 2a (IC50 = 3.3 ± 0.1 μm), 3a,a′ (IC50 = 5.9 ± 0.1 μm), 3b,b′ (IC50 = 6.1 ± 0.7 μm) and 3c,c′ (IC50 = 7.3 ± 0.9 μm) bearing a phenyl isoxazoline, a phenylaziridine, a 4-methlphenylaziridine and a 4-methoxyphenylaziridine, respectively, are more cytotoxic than (-)-deltoin 1 (IC50 = 14.3 ± 0.2 μm). The diastereoisomers in mixture (2f,f′) with a 6-chloropyridin-2-yl system have shown the best anti-5-lipoxygenase activity (% inhibition = 53.1 ± 4.8% at 200 μm).

Conclusions
Some analogues have been found more bioactive than deltoin 1. Their activity has been related to the nature of the added heterocycles. It would be interesting to evaluate their in-vivo activity.
Long‐term administration of human albumin improves survival in patients with cirrhosis and refractory ascites
Authors: Di Pascoli Marco , Fasolato Silvano , Piano Salvatore , Bolognesi Massimo , Angeli Paolo 
Published: September 2018

AbstractBackground & AimsIn patients with cirrhosis, the clinical benefit of the treatment with human albumin for ascites is debated, and no data are available regarding refractory ascites. In this study, in patients with cirrhosis and refractory ascites, we assessed the effect of long‐term albumin administration on emergent hospitalization and mortality.MethodsSeventy patients with cirrhosis and refractory ascites, followed at the Unit of Internal Medicine and Hepatology, University and General Hospital of Padova, Italy, were included into the study. Forty‐five patients were non‐randomly assigned to receive long‐term administration of human albumin at the doses of 20 g twice per week (n = 45), in addition to standard medical of care (SOC), and compared to those followed according to SOC. Patients were followed up to the end of the study, liver transplantation or death.ResultsThe cumulative incidence of 24‐month mortality was significantly lower in patients treated with albumin than in the group of patients treated with SOC (41.6% vs 65.5%; P = 0.032). The period free of emergent hospitalization was significantly longer in patients treated with long‐term administration of albumin (P = 0.008). Analysing separately the causes of inpatient admission, patients treated with albumin showed a reduction in the incidence of overt hepatic encephalopathy, ascites, spontaneous bacterial peritonitis (SBP) and non‐SBP infections. In addition, a non‐significant trend towards a reduced probability of hepatorenal syndrome was observed.ConclusionIn patients with cirrhosis and refractory ascites, long‐term treatment with albumin improves survival and reduces the probability of emergent hospitalizations.
Both toxic and beneficial effects of pyocyanin contribute to the lifecycle of Pseudomonas aeruginosa
Authors: Meirelles Lucas A. , Newman Dianne K. 
Published: September 2018

SummaryPseudomonas aeruginosa, an opportunistic pathogen, produces redox‐active pigments called phenazines. Pyocyanin (PYO, the blue phenazine) plays an important role during biofilm development. Paradoxically, PYO auto‐poisoning can stimulate cell death and release of extracellular DNA (eDNA), yet PYO can also promote survival within biofilms when cells are oxidant‐limited. Here, we identify the environmental and physiological conditions in planktonic culture that promote PYO‐mediated cell death. We demonstrate that PYO auto‐poisoning is enhanced when cells are starved for carbon. In the presence of PYO, cells activate a set of genes involved in energy‐dependent defenses, including: (i) the oxidative stress response, (ii) RND efflux systems and (iii) iron‐sulfur cluster biogenesis factors. P. aeruginosa can avoid PYO poisoning when reduced carbon is available, but blockage of adenosine triphosphate (ATP) synthesis either through carbon limitation or direct inhibition of the F0F1‐ATP synthase triggers death and eDNA release. Finally, even though PYO is toxic to the majority of the population when cells are nutrient limited, a subset of cells is intrinsically PYO resistant. The effect of PYO on the producer population thus appears to be dynamic, playing dramatically different yet predictable roles throughout distinct stages of growth, helping rationalize its multifaceted contributions to biofilm development.
Pathways to resilience: adapting to sea level rise in Los Angeles
Authors: Aerts Jeroen C.J.H. , Barnard Patrick L. , Botzen Wouter , Grifman Phyllis , Hart Juliette Finzi , De Moel Hans , Mann Alyssa Newton , de Ruig Lars T. , Sadrpour Nick 
Published: September 2018

AbstractLos Angeles (LA) County's coastal areas are highly valued for their natural benefits and their economic contributions to the region. While LA County already has a high level of exposure to flooding (e.g. people, ports, and harbors), climate change and sea level rise will increase flood risk; anticipating this risk requires adaptation planning to mitigate social, economic, and physical damage. This study provides an overview of the potential effects of sea level rise on coastal LA County and describes adaptation pathways and estimates associated costs in order to cope with sea level rise. An adaptation pathway in this study is defined as the collection of measures (e.g., beach nourishment, dune restoration, flood‐proofing buildings, and levees) required to lower flood risk. The aim of using different adaptation pathways is to enable a transition from one methodology to another over time. These pathways address uncertainty in future projections, allowing for flexibility among policies and potentially spreading the costs over time. Maintaining beaches, dunes, and their natural dynamics is the foundation of each of the three adaptation pathways, which address the importance of beaches for recreation, environmental value, and flood protection. In some scenarios, owing to high projections of sea level rise, additional technical engineering options such as levees and sluices may be needed to reduce flood risk. The research suggests three adaptation pathways, anticipating a +1 ft (0.3 m) to +7 ft (+2 m) sea level rise by year 2100. Total adaptation costs vary between $4.3 and $6.4 bn, depending on measures included in the adaptation pathway.
Molecular tools enabling pennycress (Thlaspi arvense) as a model plant and oilseed cash cover crop
Authors: McGinn Michaela , Phippen Winthrop B. , Chopra Ratan , Bansal Sunil , Jarvis Brice A. , Phippen Mary E. , Dorn Kevin M. , Esfahanian Maliheh , Nazarenus Tara J. , Cahoon Edgar B. , Durrett Timothy P. , Marks M. David , Sedbrook John C. 
Published: September 2018

SummaryThlapsi arvense L. (pennycress) is being developed as a profitable oilseed cover crop for the winter fallow period throughout the temperate regions of the world, controlling soil erosion and nutrients run‐off on otherwise barren farmland. We demonstrate that pennycress can serve as a user‐friendly model system akin to Arabidopsis that is well‐suited for both laboratory and field experimentation. We sequenced the diploid genome of the spring‐type Spring 32‐10 inbred line (1C DNA content of 539 Mb; 2n = 14), identifying variation that may explain phenotypic differences with winter‐type pennycress, as well as predominantly a one‐to‐one correspondence with Arabidopsis genes, which makes translational research straightforward. We developed an Agrobacterium‐mediated floral dip transformation method (0.5% transformation efficiency) and introduced CRISPR‐Cas9 constructs to produce indel mutations in the putative FATTY ACID ELONGATION1 (FAE1) gene, thereby abolishing erucic acid production and creating an edible seed oil comparable to that of canola. We also stably transformed pennycress with the Euonymus alatus diacylglycerol acetyltransferase (EaDAcT) gene, producing low‐viscosity acetyl‐triacylglycerol‐containing seed oil suitable as a diesel‐engine drop‐in fuel. Adoption of pennycress as a model system will accelerate oilseed‐crop translational research and facilitate pennycress’ rapid domestication to meet the growing sustainable food and fuel demands.
Who Cares If They Need Help? The Deservingness Heuristic, Humanitarianism, and Welfare Opinions
Authors: Hansen Kristina Jessen 
Published: September 2018

AbstractCitizens’ welfare opinions are highly susceptible to cues about welfare recipients’ deservingness. Extant research argues that this deservingness heuristic is a universal feature of human help‐giving psychology, implying that all citizens, regardless of their values, are evenly affected by deservingness cues. This article suggests that the deservingness heuristic is much more conditional than previously appreciated. Specifically, its influence on welfare opinions is conditioned by humanitarianism: the belief that others in need should be helped. The more people adhere to this value, the more they need information that signals whether others are genuinely needy. Citizens should thus rely more on the deservingness heuristic the stronger their humanitarian values are. I find support for this argument in three survey experiments (two nationally representative), where citizens are exposed to cues that welfare recipients are either lazy (undeserving) or unlucky (deserving). These findings have important implications for our understanding of citizens’ welfare opinions.