bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Effect of ethanolic extraction, thermal vacuum concentration, ultrafiltration, and spray drying on polyphenolic compounds of tropical highland blackberry (Rubus adenotrichos Schltdl.) by‐product
Authors: Quirós Ana M. , Acosta Oscar G. , Thompson Eduardo , Soto Marvin 
Published: March 2019

AbstractTropical highland blackberry by‐product (BBP) has high amounts of polyphenols including ellagitannins (ET) and anthocyanins (ATC). Information of the effect of different operations on ET is scarce. In this study, pseudo‐first and first order kinetic models and response surface methodology were applied to optimize the extraction of polyphenols from BBP using ethanol, a food grade solvent. Retention of total polyphenols, ET and ATC was analyzed considering their contents before and after the application of thermal vacuum concentration, ultrafiltration, and spray drying. The optimal conditions for extraction were: a 3.4 solvent/BBP ratio, 57.1% ethanol, 60.0°C, and 120 min extraction time. Thermal vacuum concentration showed a higher retention of ET. A higher purity of ET was accomplished with ultrafiltration. These results provide the basis for further research on the development of a powder enriched with polyphenols, mainly ET, from BBP for food and pharmacological purposes.Practical applicationsEllagitannins (ET) are a group of polyphenols found in tropical highland blackberries grown in Costa Rica, mainly in their seeds that are discarded as a by‐product (BBP) during blackberry processing. The production process of an ingredient with high amounts of ET has not been widely reported. In this study, modeling and optimization of an ethanolic extraction of polyphenols from BBP, and the effects of thermal vacuum concentration, ultrafiltration and spray drying on polyphenolic compounds were analyzed. This information will lead to further experiments on the effective recovery of ET in order to produce a nutraceutical product, which is not only complementary to the diet, but may also aid in the prevention and treatment of diseases, or an ingredient to be used in the production of functional foods.
Incidence of development of hepatocellular carcinoma in Japanese patients infected with hepatitis B virus is equivalent between genotype B and C in long term
Authors: Haga Hiroaki , Saito Takafumi , Okumoto Kazuo , Tomita Kyoko , Katsumi Tomohiro , Mizuno Kei , Nishina Taketo , Watanabe Hisayoshi , Ueno Yoshiyuki 
Published: March 2019

AbstractHepatitis B virus (HBV) genotypes B (HBV/B) and C (HBV/C) are the most prevalent genotypes among Japanese patients with hepatitis. Reportedly, HBV/C infection has been associated with more severe disease progression, manifesting as developing cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), than HBV/B infection. However, no long‐term studies have examined the development of HCC in HBV/B‐infected patients in Japan. The aims of our study were to compare the incidence of HCC in HBV/B‐ or HBV/C‐infected patients. A total of 241 patients were followed up among 295 hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg)‐positive carriers. Genotypes of HBV were A in 1% (4/295), B in 61% (179/295), C in 37% (110/295) and D in 1% (2/295) patients, and 96% of HBV/B were infected with subgenotype Bj. The mean age at HCC diagnosis was significantly higher in HBV/B than in HBV/C (67.0 ± 10.0 vs 57.7 ± 8.0 years, P < 0.001). The value of FIB‐4 index was significantly higher in HBV/B than in HBV/C (P < 0.01). The rate of HCC was higher in HBV/C than in HBV/B, and a significant difference was observed until the 20‐year observation period (P = 0.048). However, thereafter, HCC associated with HBV/B increased, and no significant difference was observed between HBV/B and HBV/C. HCC development was consistently observed even in HBV/B infection, especially among elderly patients with advanced fibrosis compared with HBV/C. HBV/B‐infected patients developed HCC later in life, and in the long term, we found no differences in incidence of HCC development rates between these two genotypes.
Antimicrobial‐resistant bacterial infections from foods of animal origin: understanding and effectively communicating to consumers
Authors: Ritter G. Donald , Acuff Gary R. , Bergeron Gilles , Bourassa Megan W. , Chapman Benjamin J. , Dickson James S. , Opengart Kenneth , Salois Matthew Jude , Singer Randall S. , Storrs Carina 
Published: March 2019

AbstractConsumers are increasingly interested in the attributes of the food they consume. This includes what is in the food and how it was raised; and at least some consumers are willing to pay a premium for products with specific attributes. However, the current plethora of labels on the market does not adequately address this issue; rather than providing actionable information, most labels add to the consumer confusion. In addition, there is a tendency toward “absence labels” that can contribute to a negative consumer perception of conventional products that may or may not include the attribute in question. Communication with consumers about the complex and highly technical issue of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is challenging, and experiences from communication efforts about food safety–related issues demonstrate exactly how challenging this is to communicate clearly. General lessons learned from the science of risk communication can help guide efforts to communicate about the challenging issue of AMR. There are efforts underway to chart out a new approach. A new labeled animal production certification program is under development to provide choice for consumers, while reducing consumer confusion, which mandates antibiotic stewardship practices.
Management and clinical outcomes after lung transplantation in patients with pre‐transplant Mycobacterium abscessus infection: A single center experience
Authors: Perez Alyssa A. , Singer Jonathan P. , Schwartz Brian S. , Chin‐Hong Peter , Shah Rupal J. , Kleinhenz Mary Ellen , Gao Ying , Venado Aida , Leard Lorriana E. , Golden Jeffrey A. , Kukreja Jasleen , Greenland John R. , Hays Steven R. 
Published: March 2019

AbstractBackgroundPreoperative Mycobacterium abscessus infection is often considered a contraindication to lung transplantation because of its association with poor outcomes after transplant. Detailed strategies for bridging to transplant, post‐operative management, and data regarding outcomes are lacking.MethodsWe reviewed outcomes in subjects with M abscessus infection who underwent lung transplantation between 2010 and 2018 at the University of California San Francisco. M abscessus infection was defined by American Thoracic Society (ATS) criteria. Data collected included age, FEV1, BMI, LAS, antibiotic regimens, and other management decisions. Time to chronic lung allograft dysfunction (CLAD) and survival were also assessed.ResultsOf 387 lung transplant recipients, seven were infected with M abscessus at the time of listing. All received multiple antibiotics before transplant. While all subjects converted to smear negative for acid‐fast bacilli before listing, five of the seven remained culture‐positive at the time of transplant. After transplant, subjects received a median of 6 months of a multi‐antibiotic regimen. One subject developed a post‐operative M abscessus soft tissue infection that was treated medically. Six of the seven subjects survived the observation period; one died unrelated to M abscessus. Time to CLAD and survival were similar to a contemporary comparator group of CF transplant recipients.ConclusionLung transplant recipients with M abscessus infection have a low incidence of recurrent infection, excellent survival, and freedom from CLAD when an aggressive management and surveillance strategy is utilized. Given these findings, M abscessus infection may not be considered a contraindication to lung transplantation.
Modular organization of murine locomotor pattern in the presence and absence of sensory feedback from muscle spindles
Authors: Santuz Alessandro , Akay Turgay , Mayer William P. , Wells Tyler L. , Schroll Arno , Arampatzis Adamantios 
Published: March 2019

Key points
Locomotion on land and in water requires the coordination of a great number of muscle activations and joint movements.
Constant feedback about the position of own body parts in relation to the surrounding environment and the body itself (proprioception) is required to maintain stability and avoid failure.
The central nervous system may follow a modular type of organization by controlling muscles in orchestrated groups (muscle synergies) rather than individually.
We used this concept on genetically modified mice lacking muscle spindles, one of the two main classes of proprioceptors.
We provide evidence that proprioceptive feedback is required by the central nervous system to accurately tune the modular organization of locomotion.
AbstractFor exploiting terrestrial and aquatic locomotion, vertebrates must build their locomotor patterns based on an enormous amount of variables. The great number of muscles and joints, together with the constant need for sensory feedback information (e.g. proprioception), make the task of controlling movement a problem with overabundant degrees of freedom. It is widely accepted that the central nervous system may simplify the creation and control of movement by generating activation patterns common to muscle groups, rather than specific to individual muscles. These activation patterns, called muscle synergies, describe the modular organization of movement. We extracted synergies through electromyography from the hind limb muscle activities of wild‐type and genetically modified mice lacking sensory feedback from muscle spindles. Muscle spindle‐deficient mice underwent a modification of the temporal structure (motor primitives) of muscle synergies that resulted in diminished functionality during walking. In addition, both the temporal and spatial (motor modules) components of synergies were severely affected when external perturbations were introduced or when animals were immersed in water. These findings show that sensory feedback from group Ia/II muscle spindles regulates motor function in normal and perturbed walking. Moreover, when group Ib Golgi tendon organ feedback is lacking due to enhanced buoyancy, the modular organization of swimming is almost completely compromised.
Theoretical Assessment of Convective and Radiative Heat Losses in a One-Dimensional Multiregion Premixed Flame With Counter-Flow Design Crossing Through Biofuel Particles
Authors: Bidabadi Mehdi , Hosseinzadeh Saman , Sadeghi Sadegh , Setareh Mostafa 
Published: March 2019

Abstract
Due to perspective of biomass usage as a viable source of energy, this paper suggests a potential theoretical approach for studying multiregion nonadiabatic premixed flames with counterflow design crossing through the mixture of air (oxidizer) and lycopodium particles (biofuel). In this research, convective and radiative heat losses are analytically described. Due to the properties of lycopodium, roles of drying and vaporization are included so that the flame structure is created from preheating, drying, vaporization, reaction, and postflame regions. To follow temperature profile and mass fraction of the biofuel in solid and gaseous phases, dimensionalized and nondimensionalized forms of mass and energy balances are expressed. To ensure the continuity and calculate the positions of drying, vaporization, and flame fronts, interface matching conditions are derived employing matlab and mathematica software. For validation purpose, results for temperature profile is compared with those provided in a previous research study and an appropriate is observed under the same conditions. Finally, changes in flame velocity, flame temperature, solid and gaseous fuel mass fractions, and particle size with position measured from the position of stagnation plane, strain rate, and heat transfer coefficient in the presence/absence of losses are evaluated.
Macular thickness amplitude changes when switching from discontinuous to continuous therapy for diabetic macular oedema
Authors: Schechet Sidney A , Adams Olufemi E , Eichenbaum David A , Hariprasad Seenu M 
Published: March 2019

ObjectiveTo investigate if the mean central retinal thickness (CRT) amplitude, measured between visits, is consistently decreased when switching from discontinuous to continuous therapy for diabetic macular oedema (DME) following fluocinolone acetonide (FAc) administration.Methods and analysisIn this retrospective cohort study, all patients with DME treated with FAc at a single centre were included. The primary outcome was CRT amplitude changes measured at each visit prior to and after FAc administration. Secondary outcomes included average number of DME treatments before and after FAc injection, visual acuity and intraocular pressure changes.ResultsNineteen eyes were included. The mean (SD) follow-up after FAc was 399 (222) days. The mean (SD) CRT amplitude before FAc was 194.6 (114.90) µm, and following FAc administration, the amplitude decreased to 70.8 (94.23) µm (95% CI −189.5 to −58.1; p≤0.001). After FAc, the number of treatments required per month significantly decreased from an average of 1 treatment every 2.7 months to every 6 months (p=0.009).ConclusionIn patients with DME, the CRT amplitude values and number of treatments significantly decrease following FAc administration while maintaining vision. Further studies are needed to evaluate the significance of these interesting findings.
(Pro)renin receptor knockdown in the paraventricular nucleus of the hypothalamus attenuates hypertension development and AT1 receptor-mediated calcium events
Authors: Souza Lucas A. C. , Worker Caleb J. , Li Wencheng , Trebak Fatima , Watkins Trevor , Gayban Ariana Julia B. , Yamasaki Evan , Cooper Silvana G. , Drumm Bernard T. , Feng Yumei 
Published: March 2019

Activation of the brain renin-angiotensin system (RAS) is a pivotal step in the pathogenesis of hypertension. The paraventricular nucleus (PVN) of the hypothalamus is a critical part of the angiotensinergic sympatho-excitatory neuronal network involved in neural control of blood pressure and hypertension. However, the importance of the PVN (pro)renin receptor (PVN-PRR)—a key component of the brain RAS—in hypertension development has not been examined. In this study, we investigated the involvement and mechanisms of the PVN-PRR in DOCA-salt-induced hypertension, a mouse model of hypertension. Using nanoinjection of adeno-associated virus-mediated Cre recombinase expression to knock down the PRR specifically in the PVN, we report here that PVN-PRR knockdown attenuated the enhanced blood pressure and sympathetic tone associated with hypertension. Mechanistically, we found that PVN-PRR knockdown was associated with reduced activation of ERK (extracellular signal-regulated kinase)-1/2 in the PVN and rostral ventrolateral medulla during hypertension. In addition, using the genetically encoded Ca2+ biosensor GCaMP6 to monitor Ca2+-signaling events in the neurons of PVN brain slices, we identified a reduction in angiotensin II type 1 receptor-mediated Ca2+ activity as part of the mechanism by which PVN-PRR knockdown attenuates hypertension. Our study demonstrates an essential role of the PRR in PVN neurons in hypertension through regulation of ERK1/2 activation and angiotensin II type 1 receptor-mediated Ca2+ activity. NEW & NOTEWORTHY PRR knockdown in PVN neurons attenuates the development of DOCA-salt hypertension and autonomic dysfunction through a decrease in ERK1/2 activation in the PVN and RVLM during hypertension. In addition, PRR knockdown reduced AT1aR expression and AT1R-mediated calcium activity during hypertension. Furthermore, we characterized the neuronal targeting specificity of AAV serotype 2 in the mouse PVN and validated the advantages of the genetically encoded calcium biosensor GCaMP6 in visualizing neuronal calcium activity in the PVN.
X-Ray Spectrographic Analysis of Nickel Containing Alloys with Varied Sample Forms
Authors: Davis C. Manning , Clark George R. 
Published: March 2019

AbstractTechniques are presented whereby X-ray spectrographic analyses are carried out on alloys and metallurgical products which enter the Laboratory in the form of drillings, millings, or filings. The techniques described include direct analysis, with and without internal standards. Analysis of high temperature alloys without a aeries of chemically analysed standards by these techniques have greatly extended the usefulness of the X-ray spectrograph.
X-Ray Emission Spectrographic Analysis of Bastnaesite Rare Earths
Authors: Lytle Farrell W. , Botsford James I. , Heller Henry A. 
Published: March 2019

AbstractAn X-ray emission spectrographic method of analysis is presented for the determination, of rare earth elements in fractions obtained from bastnaesite ore. The method includes the determination of yttrium, thorium, lanthanum., and the rare earth elements in various complex mixtures. The analysis technique is based upon comparing the samples to synthetic standards approximating the composition of the samples. Working curves are plotted on an absolute intensity basis, with, no correction for background. Examples of working curves and the analyses of typical rare earth concentrates are included. The selection of spectral lines for the various sample matrices is discussed. A special technique is used for samples in which rapid hydration and carbonation occurred.By analyzing synthetic samples of known composition, the accuracy of the method was determined. The error of analysis was about 3 per cent of the amount present in the range from 5 to 100 per cent and about 7 per cent in the 0.2 to 5 per cent range. A maximum of about 40 samples per day may be analyzed for 7 elements each. The advantages and disadvantages of the method are discussed.
Direct Assay for Molybdenum and Ruthenium in Uranium Alloys by X-Ray Emission Spectrometry
Authors: Flikkema D. S. , Schablaske R. V. 
Published: March 2019

AbstractIt has been found possible to determine quickly the concentrations of molybdenum and ruthenium in non-radioactive alloys representative of high burn-up reactor fuels by the method of X-ray emission spectrometry. Preliminary steps of chemical dissolution and separation are not required. The alloys, essentially ternaries of molybdenum and ruthenium with uranium, are being studied because they are considered to typify the alloys which will result from cycling uranium fuel elements through the sequence of fabrication, use and pyro.metallurgical processing.The analytical procedure involves sampling of the ingot by slicing with a silicon carbide wheel at the plane of interest and reducing the surface to the flatness and finish obtained by a five-minute grinding and polishing operation. In the X-ray spectrograph the flat surface is examined for the intensities of its molybdenum and ruthenium K emission lines, with counting times of one to eight minutes. Calibration plots of intensity versus chemically determined weight per cent are established and used for subsequent sets of analyses.
Analysis of Diffusion Couples by X-Ray Absorption
Authors: Ogilvie Robert E. 
Published: March 2019

AbstractWhen two metals are allowed to diffuse into one another, a diffusion aone is formed, the shape of which is determined by the relative diffusivities of the two elements, the time and temperature of the diffusion, and the number of phases existing in equilibrium at the diffusion temperature.An X-ray absorption technique has been developed to analyze such concentration gradients. This involves the preparation of a thin section from a typical diffusion couple parallel to its axis. This is then scanned with a monochromatic X-ray beam and the transmitted X-rays are measured with a Gejger counter. The intensity of the transmitted beam is determined by the composition of the area in question and the absorption coefficients of the two elements.
Part I-Description and Application of Diffraction Method
Authors: Weissmann Sigmund 
Published: March 2019

AbstractA method is described which combines optical microscopy with x-ray microscopy and diffraction analysis. The topographical relationship of the grains of a fine-grained material and the fine-structural details of their surface texture are disclosed by a special technique of reflection x-ray microscopy. The experimental observations made by this technique are being correlated to those made by optical microscopy. The individual grains are subsequently analyzed for their substructure characteristics by a photographic tracer technique and a method based on the principle of the double-crystal diffractometer. Quantitaive information is obtained concerning the lattice misalignment of the grains, the size of subgrains, disorientation angle between subgrains, lattice misalignment existing within the subgrains and the nature of low-angle boundaries. Application of the method to the analysis of inclusions and precipitates dispersed in a polycrystalline matrix is discussed.
Instrumentation for X-Ray Diffraction Studies of Highly Radioactive Samples
Authors: Scotti Vincent G. , Mueller James I. , Little John J. 
Published: March 2019

AbstractWith the advent of nuclear engineering, x-ray diffraction has become an important analytical tool in the study of radiation damage due to neutron and gamma-ray irradiation. The materials under study in this work have rdioactive levels up to 40 R/hr. at 17 centimeters combined β and γ. The activity of the various samples under study may be due to (n, γ) reactions or fission products or both.Data are presented to illustrate the use of sample shielding, detector shielding pulse height discrimination and the combination of all three aids in an effort to attain the most favorable peak to background ratio.
Fluorescent X-Ray Analysis of Highly Radioactive Samples
Authors: Mueller James I. , Scotti Vincent G. , Little John J. 
Published: March 2019

AbstractThis paper describes the use of lead shielding and pulse height discrimination as aids in reducing the background counts due to radioactive samples. The samples under study in this work have radioactive levels up to 40 R/hr. at 17 centimeters combinedβ+γ.Data are presented to illustrate the tiffectiveness of shielding and pulse height discrimination individually and combined.
An Application of the Mutual Standards Concept to X-Ray Fluorescence Spectroscopy: The Analysis of Meteoritic Sulphide Nodules for Eight Elements
Authors: Chodos Arthur A. , Nichiporuk Walter 
Published: March 2019

AbstractThe mutual standards concept has been applied to the X-ray fluorescence spectroscopic analysis of metcoritic Sulphide nodules for Fe, As, Co, Cr, Cu, Ni, V, and Zn. The technique is rapid and requires no addition of internal standards or binders.On a sulphur free basis, concentrations range from 88-100% for Fe, up to 10% for Cr and Ni, up to 1% for Co, Cu and Zn, and up to 0.05% for As and V. Sensitivities vary from. 20 to 80 ppm on 100 mg. samples.Analysis of a large number of chemically synthesized samples indicates accuracies comparable to chemical techniques employed in our laboratory.
X-Ray Emission Spectrographic Analysis of High-Purity Rare-Earth Oxides
Authors: Lytle Farrel W. , Heady Howard H. 
Published: March 2019

AbstractMinor amounts of rare-earth elements (0.01 to 1.0%) in high-purity rare-earth oxides may be determined by a fluorescent X-ray procedure. The analysis of high-purity yttrium, cerium, praseodymium, neodymium, and samarium is described. Basic to the method is accurate determination of spectral line intensity above background. Sample and standard preparation, choice of analytical lines, and utilization of a helium path to increase X-ray intensities are discussed. Precision and accuracy were evaluated by analyzing samples of known composition. The average of five separate determinations showed an average error of about 10 per cent.