bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Ex‐ante evaluation of promising soybean innovations for sub‐Saharan Africa
Authors: Gbegbelegbe Sika , Alene Arega , Kamara Alpha , Wiebe Keith , Manyong Victor , Abdoulaye Tahirou , Mkandawire Petros 
Published: May 2019

AbstractThis study undertakes an ex‐ante evaluation of the effects of alternative technology and policy options on soybean supply and demand in sub‐Saharan Africa (SSA) to 2050. Current soybean consumption in SSA is dominated by cooking oil followed by soybean cake used as animal feed. Due to weak processing sectors and low soybean yields, the region is currently importing about 70% of its consumption requirements. Based on the results from a geospatial bio‐economic modeling framework, soybean consumption in SSA is projected to more than double by 2050 compared to 2010 due in part to a rising population and rising incomes. On the other hand, supply from domestic production is projected to increase by 80% over the same period. Hence, by 2050, net imports into SSA would be nearly 4 times higher than supply from domestic production. Under a future drier climate, some of the production gains achieved through soybean research and extension would be lost and this would further worsen the soybean demand gap in SSA relative to the baseline. This study shows that relying on conventional breeding alone to increase soybean yields in SSA would not be enough to substantially reduce the future demand gap. A combination of promising innovations affecting the soybean value chain across SSA would be needed to close the soybean demand gap in SSA by 2050 under a drier future climate.
Optimization of microwave‐assisted alkali pretreatment of cassava rhizome for enhanced enzymatic hydrolysis glucose yield
Authors: Sombatpraiwan Sakaya , Junyusen Tiraporn , Treeamnuk Tawarat , Junyusen Payungsak 
Published: May 2019

AbstractThis research establishes the optimal microwave‐assisted alkali pretreatment (MAP) condition of cassava rhizome (CR) using response surface methodology with Box–Behnken design for enhanced enzymatic hydrolysis glucose yield. The pretreatment parameters included microwave power (300–900 W), irradiation time (5–15 min), and NaOH concentration (3%–7% w/v); and the enzymatic hydrolysis was 24 and 48 hr. Quadratic models were generated and statistical analysis performed to validate the adequacy of the models. The results indicated that the optimal MAP condition was 840 W microwave power, 9 min irradiation time, and 3% w/v NaOH concentration. Under the optimal condition, the predicted and experimental glucose yields were 15.39 and 15.82 g/100 g native cassava rhizome (NCR) for 24 hr hydrolysis, and 16.40 and 16.95 g/100 g NCR for 48 hr hydrolysis, indicating good agreement. In addition, this study examined the effect of MAP on the physical characteristics and morphology of NCR and pretreated CR. The results showed significant structural changes in pretreated CR, indicating that MAP enhanced enzymatic accessibility and glucose yield.
Discriminating geographical origins of green tea based on amino acid, polyphenol, and caffeine content through high‐performance liquid chromatography: Taking Lu’an guapian tea as an example
Authors: Su Huan , Wu Weiquan , Wan Xiaochun , Ning Jingming 
Published: May 2019

AbstractSeventy‐three Lu'an guapian tea (LAGP) samples were collected from 11 growing locations in the city of Lu'an, Anhui Province, China. Through high‐performance liquid chromatography, 18 amino acids, along with gallic acid, caffeine, and five catechins, were quantitatively detected. Hierarchical cluster, correlation and principal component analysis, and a support vector machine were used for geographical discrimination. The findings suggested that the differences in tea quality between the inner and outer mountain regions are related to isoleucine, leucine, phenylalanine, and valine contents, with a correlation coefficient of more than 0.85. Principal component analysis combining with support vector machine was a feasible method. The identification rates for the inner and outer mountains were 97.96% in the training set and 95.83% in the prediction set. Furthermore, the identification rates for the three counties were 91.84% and 95.83% in the training and prediction sets, respectively.
A three‐wave longitudinal study of subcortical–cortical resting‐state connectivity in adolescence: Testing age‐ and puberty‐related changes
Authors: van Duijvenvoorde Anna C. K. , Westhoff Bianca , de Vos Frank , Wierenga Lara M. , Crone Eveline A. 
Published: May 2019

AbstractAdolescence is the transitional period between childhood and adulthood, characterized by substantial changes in reward‐driven behavior. Although reward‐driven behavior is supported by subcortical‐medial prefrontal cortex (PFC) connectivity, the development of these circuits is not well understood. Particularly, while puberty has been hypothesized to accelerate organization and activation of functional neural circuits, the relationship between age, sex, pubertal change, and functional connectivity has hardly been studied. Here, we present an analysis of resting‐state functional connectivity between subcortical structures and the medial PFC, in 661 scans of 273 participants between 8 and 29 years, using a three‐wave longitudinal design. Generalized additive mixed model procedures were used to assess the effects of age, sex, and self‐reported pubertal status on connectivity between subcortical structures (nucleus accumbens, caudate, putamen, hippocampus, and amygdala) and cortical medial structures (dorsal anterior cingulate, ventral anterior cingulate, subcallosal cortex, frontal medial cortex). We observed an age‐related strengthening of subcortico‐subcortical and cortico‐cortical connectivity. Subcortical–cortical connectivity, such as, between the nucleus accumbens—frontal medial cortex, and the caudate—dorsal anterior cingulate cortex, however, weakened across age. Model‐based comparisons revealed that for specific connections pubertal development described developmental change better than chronological age. This was particularly the case for changes in subcortical–cortical connectivity and distinctively for boys and girls. Together, these findings indicate changes in functional network strengthening with pubertal development. These changes in functional connectivity may maximize the neural efficiency of interregional communication and set the stage for further inquiry of biological factors driving adolescent functional connectivity changes.
The changing role of Australian primary schools in providing breakfast to students: A qualitative study
Authors: Jose Kim , Vandenberg Miriam , Williams Julie , Abbott‐Chapman Joan , Venn Alison , Smith Kylie J. 
Published: May 2019

AbstractIssue AddressedIn recent years, state governments throughout Australia have provided significant funding to support the expansion of school breakfast programs (SBPs), in response to concerns about children arriving at school hungry. This study investigated how schools have responded to the growing expectation that they provide breakfast for students.MethodsThis qualitative study draws on case studies of five Australian primary schools that operate SBPs. Interviews or focus groups were conducted with 78 children, parents, staff, volunteers and funders and data underwent thematic analysis.ResultsThree key themes were identified: Adjusting to the changing role of schools, SBPs reflecting the school's culture, Schools as an alternative or additional site for breakfast. Some staff and parents expressed unease about SBPs shifting responsibility for breakfast provision from parents to schools but were committed to supporting vulnerable students as part of the broader school culture. SBPs were found to provide an alternative or additional site for breakfast consumption for many children not experiencing food insecurity.ConclusionThe expectation that schools provide breakfast has created some challenges and tensions that have not been fully resolved. The adoption of an inclusive approach, undertaken to ensure students were not stigmatised for attendance, had resulted in concerns about the resources used by the programs as well as over‐consumption of breakfast by some students.So what?Increasingly, Australian schools are providing breakfast for students. Concerns about shifting responsibility and over‐consumption could be addressed if schools were given more advice on program management by government and non‐government funding bodies.
Beneficial effects of n‐hexane bark extract of Onosma echioides L. on diabetic peripheral neuropathy
Authors: Shoaib Ambreen , Badruddeen  , Dixit Rakesh Kumar , Ganash Magdah , Barreto George , Ashraf Ghulam Md , Siddiqui Hefazat Hussain 
Published: May 2019

AbstractOnosma echioides Linn (Boraginaceae) is the most frequently used curative herb widely used for kidney obstruction, sciatic pain, and gout. The present study was designed to investigate the therapeutic effects of n‐hexane bark extract of O. echioides (OE) L. root in vivo against Streptozotocin‐induced diabetic neuropathy in SD rats. For in vivo activity, the experiment was categorized into five different groups (n = 5). Group‐I was considered as nondiabetic/normal control (NC) treated with 0.5% carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC), Group II as diabetic control, Group‐III, IV, and V served as diabetic treated with OE 50, OE 100, and pregabalin at a dose of 50, 100, and 10 mg/kg body weight, orally, respectively. Body weight, blood glucose, oral glucose tolerance test, behavioral studies (motor coordination test, thermal hyperalgesia, cold allodynia, locomotor activity, oxidative biomarkers (thio barbituric acid reactive substances [TBARS], superoxide dismutase [SOD], glutathione [GSH], and catalase), and histopathology of the sciatic nerve were performed. Treatment with OE showed a dose‐dependent increase in neuroprotective activity by improving the myelination and decreasing the axonal swelling of nerve fibers. The verdicts of behavioral activities showed a remarkable effect on animals after the treatment of extract and standard drug pregabalin. In conclusion, our findings supported the traditional application of OE and explored its importance in the management of diabetic neuropathy. Additional clinical experiments may provide novel therapeutic drugs for diabetes and its complications.
Targeted Notch1 inhibition with a Notch1 antibody, OMP‐A2G1, decreases tumor growth in two murine models of prostate cancer in association with differing patterns of DNA damage response gene expression
Authors: Ahmed Aqila A. , Robinson Tyler , Palande Monica , Escara‐Wilke June , Dai Jinlu , Keller Evan T. 
Published: May 2019

AbstractNotch plays a protumorigenic role in many cancers including prostate cancer (PCa). Global notch inhibition of multiple Notch family members using γ‐secretase inhibitors has shown efficacy in suppressing PCa growth in murine models. However, global Notch inhibition is associated with marked toxicity due to the widespread function of many different Notch family members in normal cell physiology. Accordingly, in the current study, we explored if specific inhibition of Notch1 would effectively inhibit PCa growth in a murine model. The androgen‐dependent VCaP and androgen‐independent DU145 cell lines were injected subcutaneously into mice. The mice were treated with either control antibody 1B7.11, anti‐Notch1 antibody (OMP‐A2G1), docetaxel or the combination of OMP‐A2G1 and docetaxel. Tumor growth was measured using calipers. At the end of the study, tumors were assessed for proliferative response, apoptotic response, Notch target gene expression, and DNA damage response (DDR) expression. OMP‐A2G1 alone inhibited tumor growth of both PCa cell lines to a greater extent than docetaxel alone. There was no additive or synergistic effect of OMP‐A2G1 and docetaxel. The primary toxicity was weight loss that was controlled with dietary supplementation. Proliferation and apoptosis were affected differentially in the two cell lines. OMP‐A2G1 increased expression of the DDR gene GADD45α in VCaP cells but downregulated GADD45α in Du145 cells. Taken together, these data show that Notch1 inhibition decreases PCa xenograft growth but does so through different mechanisms in the androgen‐dependent VCaP cell line vs the androgen‐independent DU145 cell line. These results provide a rationale for further exploration of targeted Notch inhibition for therapy of PCa.
Bioaugmentation effect of Aeromonas hydrophila and Pseudomonas putida on kinetics of activated sludge process in treating pharmaceutical industrial wastewater
Authors: Vuković Domanovac Marija , Šabić Runjavec Monika , Meštrović Ernest 
Published: May 2019

AbstractBACKGROUNDPharmaceutical industrial wastewater represents a challenge for biological treatment due to its complex composition. This research investigates the bioaugmentation effect of indigenous bacterial strains on the kinetics of the activated sludge process in the treatment of real high‐strength pharmaceutical industrial wastewater.RESULTSTwo bacterial strains were isolated from pharmaceutical effluent and identified as Aeromonas hydrophila and Pseudomonas putida. The highest removal efficiency of dissolved organic matter from pharmaceutical wastewater was 71.43% within 24 h, obtained by bioaugmented activated sludge with P. putida, at the initial concentration of activated sludge 4.39 ± 0.37 g L−1. The biokinetic parameters of the biodegradation process were calculated using the Endo‐Haldane model, where bioaugmented activated sludge showed higher affinity to pharmaceutical wastewater.CONCLUSIONThe biodegradation process of high‐strength pharmaceutical wastewater showed enhancement through bioaugmentation of activated sludge with indigenous bacterial isolates. Considering the increasingly demand for pharmaceuticals on a global scale, the bioaugmentation potential of A. hydrophila and P. putida could contribute to enhancement of biodegradation through reduction in process time and environmental impact. © 2019 Society of Chemical Industry
Determining the effectiveness of vitamin C in skin care by atomic force microscope
Authors: Dulińska‐Molak Ida , Pasikowska‐Piwko Monika , Dębowska Renata , Święszkowski Wojciech , Rogiewicz Katarzyna , Eris Irena 
Published: May 2019

AbstractThis article presents the results of experiments, which examine cell mechanisms with the goal of confirming the effective action of the active ingredients used in anti‐aging cosmetics. Skin stiffness measurements with the use of an atomic force microscope on two forms of vitamin C (ascorbyl tetraisopalmitate and l‐ascorbic acid) have been presented. The estimated Young's modulus for three types of cells (a control as well as cells treated with two forms of vitamin C) has shown significant differences in the stiffness of the tested cells which was confirmed in the histological staining experiment. The presented results indicate the dependence between collagen synthesis and the stiffness of cells treated with two forms of vitamin C.
Inter‐decadal variations in El Niño–Southern Oscillation impacts on the autumn precipitation in the eastern China
Authors: Yuan Chaoxia , Wang Deng 
Published: May 2019

AbstractBy using the observation, reanalysis data and numerical simulation, the inter‐decadal variations in El Niño–Southern Oscillation (ENSO) impacts on the eastern China (EC) precipitation during its developing autumn in the past 65 years have been investigated. Results show that ENSO is related to the significant dipole precipitation anomalies in EC in the early decades (1951–1981); El Niño/La Niña introduces more/less precipitation in the southern EC, but less/more in the northern EC. However, the significant dipole pattern disappears in the recent decades (1985–2015), mainly owing to loss of the significant positive influences of La Niña on the northern EC precipitation. Comparison of the atmospheric circulation anomalies in East Asia related to La Niña in the two periods shows that there are anticyclonic circulation anomalies in the northeastern Asia near Japan in the first period, while they shift to Mongolia in the second period. Hence, in the first period, the northern EC is under the influences of anomalous southwesterlies along the southwestern flank of the anticyclonic circulation anomalies that advect more moisture from the south to the northern EC and lead to more precipitation there. In contrast, in the second period, the northern EC is under the influences of anomalous northeasterlies along the southeastern edge of the anticyclonic circulation anomalies near Mongolia that impede the northwards transport of moisture and are not conducive to surplus precipitation. The westwards shift of the anticyclonic circulation anomalies may be closely related to the higher SST and thus convective anomalies related to La Niña in the tropical western North Pacific (WNP) east of the Philippines in the second than the first periods. The sensitivity experiment forced by the positive SST anomalies in the tropical WNP comparable to the observed in an atmospheric general circulation model can successfully simulate the anticyclonic circulation anomalies around Mongolia.
Temporal and spatial variations of convection and precipitation over the Tibetan Plateau based on recent satellite observations. Part I: Cloud climatology derived from CloudSat and CALIPSO
Authors: Kukulies Julia , Chen Deliang , Wang Minghuai 
Published: May 2019

AbstractThis sequence of papers, consisting of two parts, examines temporal and spatial variations of convection and precipitation over the Tibetan Plateau (TP) based on recent satellite observations. Here in Part 1, seasonal and diurnal variations of cloud vertical structure and cloud properties have been derived from four combined CloudSat and Cloud‐Aerosol Lidar and Infrared Pathfinder Satellite Observation satellite data sets and compared between three subregions in the TP which are marked by different dominating large‐scale atmospheric circulations and moisture sources. The results show that the plateau is generally dominated by low‐level single‐layer clouds and stratiform cloud types. Cloud occurrence frequencies peak during the summer monsoon season between May and September and are generally higher during daytime compared with nighttime in all the three subregions. The fraction of detected ice cloud layers in the TP domain exceeds 50% during all months and 80% between January and April. While ice cloud layers occur as altostratus clouds in the westerly dominated north and transition zone, high‐level cirrus cloud occurs frequently accompanied by lower level cumulus clouds in the monsoon‐dominated south, especially during nighttime. This study complements previous satellite observations of clouds over the TP and reveals firstly the high contribution of stratiform ice cloud layers in the westerly dominated north, secondly the importance of the monsoon season which outweighs day‐night differences and affects the examined cloud parameters in all regions and finally the significant regional differences of cloud characteristics within the plateau. It is therefore suggested to focus on the relative importance of stratification, mesoscale convective systems and advection in future studies on hydro‐climatic changes in the TP region.
Projected future changes in mean precipitation over Thailand based on multi‐model regional climate simulations of CORDEX Southeast Asia
Authors: Tangang Fredolin , Santisirisomboon Jerasorn , Juneng Liew , Salimun Ester , Chung Jingxiang , Supari Supari , Cruz Faye , Ngai Sheau Tieh , Ngo‐Duc Thanh , Singhruck Patama , Narisma Gemma , Santisirisomboon Jaruthat , Wongsaree Waranyu , Promjirapawat Kamphol , Sukamongkol Yod , Srisawadwong Ratchanan , Setsirichok Damrongrit , Phan‐Van Tan , Aldrian Edvin , Gunawan Dodo , Nikulin Grigory , Yang Hongwei 
Published: May 2019

AbstractThis paper highlights detailed projected changes in rainfall over Thailand for the early (2011–2040), middle (2041–2070) and late (2071–2099) periods of the 21st century under the representative concentration pathways (RCP) 4.5 and RCP 8.5 using the high‐resolution multi‐model simulations of the Coordinated Regional Climate Downscaling Experiment (CORDEX) Southeast Asia. The ensemble mean is calculated based on seven members consisting of six general circulation models (GCMs) and three regional climate models (RCMs). Generally, the ensemble mean precipitation agrees reasonably well with observations, best represented by the Global Precipitation Climatology Center (GPCC) data, over Thailand during the historical period (1976–2005). However, inter‐model variations can be large among ensemble members especially during dry months (December to March) for northern‐central‐eastern parts, and throughout the year for the southern parts of Thailand. Similarly for future projection periods, inter‐model variations in the sign and magnitude of changes exist. The ensemble means of projected changes in rainfall for both RCPs during dry months show distinct contrast between the northern‐central‐eastern parts and the southern parts of Thailand with generally wetter and drier conditions, respectively. The magnitude of change can be as high as 15% of the historical period, which varies depending on the sub‐region, season, projection period, and RCP scenario. In contrast, generally drier conditions are projected during the wet season (June to September) throughout the country for both RCPs where the rainfall reduction can be as high as 10% in some areas. However, the magnitude of projected rainfall changes of some individual models can be much larger than the ensemble means, exceeding 40% in some cases. These projected changes are related to the changes in regional circulations associated with the winter and summer monsoons, which are projected to weaken. The drier (wetter) condition is associated with the enhanced subsidence (rising motion).
Socioeconomic and demographic determinants of postoperative outcome after endoscopic sinus surgery
Authors: Shen Sarek A. , Jafari Aria , Qualliotine Jesse R. , DeConde Adam S. 
Published: May 2019

Objectives/HypothesisSocioeconomic and demographic factors have a significant impact on healthcare utilization and surgical outcomes. The effect of these variables on baseline symptom severity and quality of life (QOL) after endoscopic sinus surgery (ESS) for chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) is not well established. Our goal was to investigate the association of sociodemographic factors on QOL before and after ESS, as reflected by the 22‐item Sino‐Nasal Outcome Test (SNOT‐22) score.Study DesignRetrospective case series.MethodsFrom October 2016 to August 2018, 244 patients with chronic rhinosinusitis who underwent ESS were included. Socioeconomic and demographic data, surgical characteristics, and baseline and postoperative SNOT‐22 scores were recorded. Univariate and multivariate regression were performed to identify determinants of baseline symptom severity and improvement following ESS.ResultsNonwhite patients reported worse baseline symptoms severity (SNOT‐22, 52.06 vs. 43.76, P = .021) compared to white patients, yet lower CRS symptoms at follow‐up (SNOT‐22, 23.38 vs. 28.63, P = .035). Relative improvement was higher in nonwhite patients as well (41.2% vs. 36.5%, Mann‐Whitney U = 1,747, P = .015). In an adjusted multivariate logistic regression model, below‐median income ($71,805 [California]) was associated with worse baseline symptom severity (β = 7.72; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.10, 14.26). Nonmarried patients (β = 6.78; 95% CI: 2.22, 13.48) and white patients (β = 8.45; 95% CI: 0.40, 13.97) had worse QOL at follow‐up.ConclusionsNonwhite patients and those with below‐median income present with more severe CRS symptoms at baseline. However, a greater degree of absolute and relative QOL improvement was found in nonwhite and married patients following ESS. Improved understanding of the significance of socioeconomic and demographic factors and attention to cultural differences/marital status could have a substantial impact on ESS outcomes.Level of Evidence4 Laryngoscope, 130:297–302, 2020