bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Nutrient content and nutrient availability of sorghum wet distiller's grain in comparison with the parental grain for ruminants
Authors: Trujillo Ana I , Bruni María , Chilibroste Pablo 
Published: September 2016

AbstractBACKGROUNDThe present study aimed to compare wet sorghum distiller's grain (WSDG) with sorghum grain (SG) in terms of: (i) chemical composition; (ii) in situ rumen degradation kinetics of organic matter (OM) and neutral detergent fiber (NDF); (iii) crude protein (CP) sub‐fractions; (iv) in situ disappearance at 12 and 48 h; and (v) energy values. The WSDG intestinal digestibility (ID) of undegradable crude protein (UCP) was compared to soybean meal (SBM).RESULTSCompared to SG, WSDG exhibited: (i) lower (P < 0.01) dry matter and non‐fiber carbohydrate content, whereas the other chemical components were higher (P < 0.01); (ii) higher (P < 0.01) degradation rates of OM and NDF and lower (P < 0.01) degradable fraction of OM and NDF; (iii) lower (P < 0.05) contents of CP sub‐fractions A, B1 and B2, and higher (P < 0.05) contents of B3 and C; (iv) lower (P < 0.05) protein disappearance at 12 and 48 h and higher UCP; and (v) lower (P < 0.05) energy content. The ID of UCP for WSDG was lower (P < 0.05) compared to SBM.CONCLUSIONThe WSDG as a supplement provides a good source of energy. To enable its use as a protein supplement, further studies should be performed. © 2016 Society of Chemical Industry
The genetics of the bitter taste receptor T2R38 in upper airway innate immunity and implications for chronic rhinosinusitis
Authors: Cohen Noam A. 
Published: September 2016

ObjectiveChronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) refractory to therapeutic intervention may involve a particularly resistant infection known as a bacterial biofilm. Critical to biofilm formation is the microbial process of quorum sensing whereby microbes secrete factors that regulate the expression of microbial genes involved in biofilm formation, persistence, and virulence. Here, we review recent work demonstrating that the bitter taste receptor T2R38, expressed on the apical surface of the sinonasal epithelium, serves a sentinel role in eavesdropping on microbial quorum‐sensing communications and regulates localized innate biocidal defenses. Furthermore, studies investigating whether cilia are necessary for T2R38 expression and function in the upper airway are presented.MethodsPrimary human sinonasal air–liquid interface cultures were used to elucidate cellular pathways responsive to quorum‐sensing molecules, whereas clinical studies investigated the contribution of T2R38 polymorphisms to recalcitrant chronic rhinosinusitis.ResultsT2R38 is stimulated by acyl‐homoserine lactones, gram‐negative quorum‐sensing molecules, and subsequently activates nitric oxide‐dependent innate immune responses. The formation of mature cilia is necessary for T2R38 expression and function, and polymorphisms that underlie T2R38 functionality appear to be involved in susceptibility to upper respiratory infection and recalcitrant CRS.ConclusionTaste receptors are emerging as critical components of early‐phase respiratory innate immunity, detecting molecules used by microbes to communicate and stimulating localized host defenses. Genetic polymorphisms are very common within the taste receptors, and recent linkage studies have demonstrated associations of taste receptor genetics with CRS. Lastly, ciliogenesis, which is often impacted in CRS, is critical for the functional expression of T2R38.Level of EvidenceN/A. Laryngoscope, 127:44–51, 2017
Composites of Polycaprolactone with Cellulose Fibers: Morphological and Mechanical Evaluation
Authors: de Oliveira Aguiar Vinícius , de Fatima Vieira Marques Maria 
Published: September 2016

SummaryIn the present work, alkaline followed by acid treatment was performed on curauá and jute fibers to remove the amorphous portion and to aid fibrillation. X‐ray diffraction revealed that the chemical treatments led to better organization of cellulose microfibrils and consequently an increase in their crystallinity index. Thermogravimetric analysis showed a slight decrease in thermal stability of the chemically treated cellulose fibers, however not to the point of preventing their use as filler in polycaprolactone (PCL) matrixes. SEM micrographs revealed that the chemical treatments reduced the fibers’ dimensions. Composites of PCL were prepared in a twin‐screw extruder, adding different cellulose fibers (treated curauá and jute fibers, commercial cellulose and amorphized cellulose) at 2, 5 and 10 wt.%, maintaining the processing time constant. The results suggest that increasing the fiber crystallinity leads to increased nucleation effect for PCL and that fiber with low crystallinity (amorphized) hinders crystallization of the matrix. Moreover, shorter fibers promote higher nucleation effect in the PCL matrix. SEM micrographs also revealed the presence of nanofibrillated cellulose dispersed in PCL containing chemically treated curauá and jute fibers. Finally, dynamic‐mechanical analysis (DMA) showed an increase in modulus and Tg of the composites containing 5 wt.% fibers.
Assessment of the Morphology and Interaction of PHBV/Clay Bionanocomposites: Uses as Food Packaging
Authors: da Costa Reis Dilson Cristino , Lemos Morais Ana Carolina , de Carvalho Laura Hecker , Alves Tatianny Soares , Barbosa Renata 
Published: September 2016

SummaryThe production of plastic waste has caused serious environmental impacts. Since the conventional polymers represent one of the largest percentages of waste, a possible solution for this environmental problem is the use of nanoclay‐biopolymers for the preparation of food packaging. The objective of this study was to evaluate the morphological structure of poly(3‐hydroxybutyrate‐co‐3‐hydroxyvalerate) bionanocomposites and vermiculite through scanning electronic microscopy (SEM) and to verify their packaging/food interaction through the total migration test. The systems were prepared with natural clay and organophilic clay by melt intercalation technique. The migration test was carried out according to the Resolution 105/99 by ANVISA. The SEM micrographs showed a small number of agglomerates for the natural systems and a more uniform structure for the organophilic systems. The migration results of all systems were within the maximum allowable limit for food packages, indicating a possible use of these materials without causing damage to food security.
Effect of the Content of Organophilic Clays and Impact Modifier on the Mechanical Properties of Poly(lactic acid) PLA Biocomposites
Authors: Cavalcanti Shirley N. , Alves Amanda M. , Agrawal Pankaj , da Silva Moacy P. , Araújo Aylanna P. M. , Araújo Edcleide M. , Mélo Tomás J. A. 
Published: September 2016

SummaryThe aim of this work was to evaluate the effect of clay content and of an impact modifier on the properties of Poly(lactic acid) – PLA/clay biocomposites without and with EG terpolymer. The biocomposites were prepared by extrusion followed by injection molding and characterized by X‐Ray Diffraction (XRD) mechanical properties and Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM). XRD results indicated a poor dispersion of the clay in the PLA/clay biocomposites regardless of the clay type and content. In the presence of EG terpolymer a better dispersion of the clay was obtained for the PLA/EG/OVT biocomposite. EG terpolymer proved to be a good impact modifier for PLA and the biocomposites, being the PLA/EG/OVT biocomposite the one that presented better impact strength. From the morphology analysis by SEM, plastic deformation on the fracture surface of the PLA/EG/OVT biocomposite was observed.
Effect of Cis‐13‐docosenamide in the Properties of Compatibilized Polypropylene/Clay Nanocomposites
Authors: Moreira Jefferson Fernando Mendes , Alves Tatianny S. , Barbosa Renata , de Carvalho Érica Melo , Carvalho Laura H. 
Published: September 2016

SummaryThe importance of obtaining materials with better properties than the pure polymer is increasing worldwide. A strategy often used to obtain better properties is the use of reinforcing fillers in the nanoscale. In this paper, polypropylene (PP) and organophilic montmorillonite (OMMT) nanocomposites were prepared, using maleic anhydride grafted polypropylene (PP‐g‐MA) as compatibilizer in concentrations of 3%, 5%, 15% and 22.5% and erucamide as cointercalant in concentrations of 0.3%, 0.5%, 1% and 1.5%. The nanocomposites were prepared by the melt intercalation method with a single screw extruder. The influence of the concentration of the compatibilizer and the cointercalant on morphological and mechanical properties of the materials were examined by X‐ray diffraction, tensile test and Fourier transform infrared. The XRD results showed that the level of intercalation and/or exfoliation rises with the increase of additive concentrations, best outcomes were obtained from systems with smaller and greater percentages of clay, compatibilizer and cointercalant. The mechanical tests did not show significant rises when the concentration of PP‐g‐MA and erucamide increased. From the FTIR results, characteristic bands of the material and its possible interactions and intercalations were observed.
Efficacy and safety of abobotulinumtoxinA liquid formulation in cervical dystonia: A randomized‐controlled trial
Authors: Poewe Werner , Burbaud Pierre , Castelnovo Giovanni , Jost Wolfgang H. , Ceballos‐Baumann Andres O. , Banach Marta , Potulska‐Chromik Anna , Ferreira Joaquim J. , Bihari Katalin , Ehler Edvard , Bares Martin , Dzyak Lyudmyla A. , Belova Anna N. , Pham Emmanuel , Liu Wenzhong Jerry , Picaut Philippe 
Published: September 2016

ABSTRACTBackgroundApproved botulinum toxin A products require reconstitution. AbobotulinumtoxinA solution for injection is a ready‐to‐use liquid formulation of abobotulinumtoxinA.ObjectivesThe objective of this study was to demonstrate the superior efficacy of abobotulinumtoxinA solution for injection to placebo and to test the noninferior efficacy of abobotulinumtoxinA solution for injection versus abobotulinumtoxinA (dry formulation) in cervical dystonia.MethodsThis was a phase‐3, multicenter, prospective, double‐blind, randomized, active, and placebo‐controlled study (N = 369). Patients with cervical dystonia were randomized (3:3:1) to abobotulinumtoxinA solution for injection 500 U, abobotulinumtoxinA 500 U, or placebo. Following the double‐blind phase, patients received abobotulinumtoxinA solution for injection, open‐label, for up to 4 cycles. The primary outcome was change from baseline at week 4 of the Toronto Western Spasmodic Torticollis Rating Scale total score. Secondary measures included change from baseline or cycle baseline in Toronto Western Spasmodic Torticollis Rating Scale scores.ResultsAt week 4, both products were superior to placebo (Toronto Western Spasmodic Torticollis Rating Scale total score least square mean decrease from baseline, abobotulinumtoxinA solution for injection 500 U −12.5, abobotulinumtoxinA 500 U −14.0, placebo −3.9; P < .0001 vs placebo). The noninferiority limit of 3 points in the Toronto Western Spasmodic Torticollis Rating Scale total score at week 4 was not met for abobotulinumtoxinA solution for injection versus abobotulinumtoxinA. Toronto Western Spasmodic Torticollis Rating Scale total score reductions were maintained for up to 4 cycles of abobotulinumtoxinA solution for injection open‐label follow‐up treatment. Safety profiles of abobotulinumtoxinA solution for injection and abobotulinumtoxinA were similar, with dysphagia and injection‐site pain the most frequent drug‐related adverse events.ConclusionsAlthough the predefined noninferiority criterion was not met, abobotulinumtoxinA solution for injection was similarly effective to freeze‐dried abobotulinumtoxinA in reducing Toronto Western Spasmodic Torticollis Rating Scale total scores with a similar safety profile. AbobotulinumtoxinA solution for injection efficacy was maintained with chronic open‐label treatment, and this novel formulation may add convenience as well as dosing accuracy to treatment with abobotulinumtoxinA. © 2016 International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society
Protective effects of melatonin on bovine sperm characteristics and subsequent in vitro embryo development
Authors: Pang Yun‐Wei , Sun Ye‐Qing , Jiang Xiao‐Long , Huang Zi‐Qiang , Zhao Shan‐Jiang , Du Wei‐Hua , Hao Hai‐Sheng , Zhao Xue‐Ming , Zhu Hua‐Bin 
Published: September 2016

SUMMARYWe aimed to investigate the effect of melatonin on bovine frozen‐thawed semen and its impact on fertilization outcome. Plasma membrane integrity, mitochondrial activity, acrosome integrity, and levels of intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) were measured in spermatozoa treated with different concentrations of melatonin. Melatonin‐treated spermatozoa were then used for in vitro fertilization, followed by analysis of subsequent embryo development and the expression of apoptosis‐ and antioxidant‐related genes. The results revealed that 10−5 and 10−3 M melatonin led to higher plasma membrane integrity, mitochondrial activity, and acrosome integrity, and significantly decreased intracellular ROS levels (P < 0.05). The blastocyst development rate of in vitro‐produced bovine embryos originating from 10−3 M melatonin‐treated spermatozoa was significantly higher, while the incidence of apoptotic nuclei in blastocysts was markedly lower than for embryos from any other group (P < 0.05). CASP3 and BAX mRNA abundance were significantly reduced whereas BCL2, XIAP, and CAT transcript abundance were significantly increased in embryos produced from spermatozoa treated with 10−3 M melatonin; GPX4 expression, however, was comparable in all treatment groups. Thus, 10−3 M melatonin can improve the quality of bovine frozen‐thawed semen. These beneficial effects appear to influence preimplantation embryos, given the correlation with its anti‐apoptotic and anti‐oxidative properties. Mol. Reprod. Dev. 83: 993–1002, 2016 © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Perioperative complications of conduit urinary diversion with concomitant cystectomy for benign indications: A population‐based analysis
Authors: Brown Elizabeth Timbrook , Osborn David , Mock Stephen , Ni Shenghua , Graves Amy J. , Milam Laurel , Milam Douglas , Kaufman Melissa R. , Dmochowski Roger R. , Reynolds W. Stuart 
Published: September 2016

AimsBeyond single‐institution case series, limited data are available to describe risks of performing a concurrent cystectomy at the time of urinary diversion for benign end‐stage lower urinary tract dysfunction. Using a population‐representative sample, this study aimed to analyze factors associated with perioperative complications in patients undergoing urinary diversion with or without cystectomy.MethodsA representative sample of patients undergoing urinary diversion for benign indications was identified from the Healthcare Cost and Utilization Project Nationwide Inpatient Sample from 1998 to 2011. Perioperative complications of urinary diversion with and without concomitant cystectomy were identified and coded using the International Classification of Diseases, version 9. Multivariate logistic regression models identified hospital and patient‐level characteristics associated with complications of concomitant cystectomy with urinary diversion.ResultsThere were 15,717 records for urinary diversion identified, of which 31.8% demonstrated perioperative complications: urinary diversion with concurrent cystectomy (35.0%) and urinary diversion without concomitant cystectomy (30.6%). Comparing the two groups, a concomitant cystectomy at the time of urinary diversion was significantly associated with a complication (OR = 1.23, 95%CI: 1.03‐1.48). Comorbid conditions of obesity, pulmonary circulation disease, drug abuse, weight loss, and electrolyte disorders were positively associated with a complication, while private insurance and southern geographic region were negatively associated.ConclusionsA concomitant cystectomy with urinary diversion for refractory lower urinary tract dysfunction elevates risk in this population‐representative sample, particularly in those with certain comorbid conditions. This analysis provides critical information for preoperative patient counseling.
Non‐invasive characterization of real‐time bladder sensation using accelerated hydration and a novel sensation meter: An initial experience
Authors: Nagle Anna S. , Speich John E. , De Wachter Stefan G. , Ghamarian Peter P. , Le David M. , Colhoun Andrew F. , Ratz Paul H. , Barbee Robert W. , Klausner Adam P. 
Published: September 2016

AimsThe purpose of this investigation was to develop a non‐invasive, objective, and unprompted method to characterize real‐time bladder sensation.MethodsVolunteers with and without overactive bladder (OAB) were prospectively enrolled in a preliminary accelerated hydration study. Participants drank 2L Gatorade‐G2® and recorded real‐time sensation (0–100% scale) and standardized verbal sensory thresholds using a novel, touch‐screen “sensation meter.” 3D bladder ultrasound images were recorded throughout fillings for a subset of participants. Sensation data were recorded for two consecutive complete fill‐void cycles.ResultsData from 14 normal and 12 OAB participants were obtained (ICIq‐OAB‐5a = 0 vs. ≥3). Filling duration decreased in fill2 compared to fill1, but volume did not significantly change. In normals, adjacent verbal sensory thresholds (within fill) showed no overlap, and identical thresholds (between fill) were similar, demonstrating effective differentiation between degrees of %bladder capacity. In OAB, within‐fill overlaps and between‐fill differences were identified. Real‐time %capacity‐sensation curves left shifted from fill1 to fill2 in normals, consistent with expected viscoelastic behavior, but unexpectedly right shifted in OAB. 3D ultrasound volume data showed that fill rates started slowly and ramped up with variable end points.ConclusionsThis study establishes a non‐invasive means to evaluate real‐time bladder sensation using a two‐fill accelerated hydration protocol and a sensation meter. Verbal thresholds were inconsistent in OAB, and the right shift in OAB %capacity–sensation curve suggests potential biomechanical and/or sensitization changes. This methodology could be used to gain valuable information on different forms of OAB in a completely non‐invasive way.
Crystallization and photo‐curing kinetics of biodegradable poly(butylene succinate‐co‐butylene fumarate) short‐segmented block copolyester
Authors: Naghavi Sheikholeslami Sogol , Rafizadeh Mehdi , Afshar Taromi Faramarz , Shirali Hadi 
Published: September 2016

AbstractShort‐segmented block copolymers of poly(butylene succinate‐co‐butylene fumarate) were synthesized and their crystallinity and crosslinking behavior were investigated.1H NMRwas used to characterize the microstructure and composition of the copolyesters. Molecular weight determination was performed using gel permeation chromatography. Based on theDSCresults all copolyesters were crystalline and the degree of crystallinity of the copolymers did not change with butylene fumarate mole fraction due to co‐crystallization of the butylene succinate and butylene fumarate groups. Crosslinked copolyesters showed a lower crystallization rate and degree of crystallinity while the crystallization temperature shifted to higher temperatures compared with uncrosslinked copolyesters due to the formation of nucleating agents by crosslinkages. Photo‐DSCwas used to investigate the crosslinking kinetics forUV‐initiated photo‐curing. Three kinetics parameters including the rate constant (k) and the orders of the initiation and propagation reactions (mandn, respectively) were determined for the quenched and unquenched copolymers. © 2016 Society of Chemical Industry
Thermal fluctuations in a system of microcavity exciton‐polariton condensations
Authors: Bui Dinh‐Hoi , Phan Van‐Nham 
Published: September 2016

AbstractThe exciton‐polariton condensation scenario in a microcavity matter–light system at finite temperature is investigated in the framework of the unrestricted Hartree–Fock approximation applying the two‐dimensional exciton‐polariton model. Treating electron–hole Coulomb interaction and matter–light coupling effects on an equal footing, we analyze the temperature influence on the excitonic and photonic order parameters. In the thermal equilibrium limit, the Kosterlitz–Thouless type phase transition of the exciton‐polariton condensation has been found. Depending on detuning and excitation density one finds that the system either favors the photonic or excitonic condensate. The effect of temperature on a crossover from a BCS‐excitonic to a BEC‐polaritonic condensed state then is discussed.
H∞ output tracking control for a class of switched LPV systems and its application to an aero‐engine model
Authors: Yang Dong , Zhao Jun 
Published: September 2016

SummaryThis paper aims to investigate the problem of H∞ output tracking control for a class of switched linear parameter‐varying (LPV) systems. A sufficient condition ensuring the H∞ output tracking performance for a switched LPV system is firstly presented in the format of linear matrix inequalities. Then, a set of parameter and mode‐dependent switching signals are designed, and a family of switched LPV controllers are developed via multiple parameter‐dependent Lyapunov functions to enhance control design flexibility. Even though the H∞ output tracking control problem for each subsystem might be unsolvable, the problem for switched LPV systems is still solved by the designed controllers and the designed switching law. Finally, the effectiveness of the proposed control design scheme is illustrated by its application to an H∞ speed adjustment problem of an aero‐engine. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Neurotypical subjective experience is caused by a hippocampal simulation
Authors: Faw Matt , Faw Bill 
Published: September 2016

We propose that the phenomenon known to neurologically intact people as ‘Subjective Experience’ is best understood as the activation of various sites in both extrinsic and intrinsic networks by a brand new episodic memory engram (i.e., a complex theta wave coding pattern originating from field CA1 of the hippocampus). Like a media news outlet, the hippocampal complex receives reportage from widely distributed structures around the brain and organizes and binds those reports together into a brand new episodic memory (i.e., a virtual‐reality, movie‐like, unified, contextualized, but vastly simplified summation of what just happened). This memory pattern is then ‘broadcast’ back to structures across the brain (via bidirectional pathways to and from the entorhinal cortex and perirhinal area) for error correction, to expedite predictive processing, and to inform sites in both extrinsic and intrinsic networks of one unified history. It is the cortical activation by the new episodic memory engram that gives rise to the event of experiencing. Because episodic memory is the only unified and contextualized representation of self‐in‐the‐world in the brain, and because it informs most of the major cortices about ‘what just happened,’ it is subjectively misinterpreted as the actual interaction of the body/mind with its environment. This misinterpretation offers insight into many of the distinct and mysterious features of neurotypical subjective experience and the pathologies of consciousness. WIREs Cogn Sci 2017, 8:e1412. doi: 10.1002/wcs.1412This article is categorized under:

Philosophy > Consciousness
Neuroscience > Anatomy