bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Rapid sensory profiling and hedonic rating of whole grain sorghum‐cowpea composite biscuits by low income consumers
Authors: Dovi Koya AP , Chiremba Constance , Taylor John RN , de Kock Henriëtta L 
Published: July 2017

AbstractBACKGROUNDThe challenges of malnutrition and urbanization in Africa demand the development of acceptable, affordable, nutritious complementary‐type foods. Biscuits (i.e. cookies; a popular snack) from whole grain staples are an option. The present study aimed to relate check‐all‐that‐applies (CATA) sensory profiles of sorghum‐cowpea composite biscuits compared to economic commercial refined wheat biscuits with hedonic ratings by low income consumers. In addition, the nutritional composition and protein quality, L*a*b* colour and texture of the biscuits were determined.RESULTSThe CATA method is suitable for rapidly determining which attributes consumers perceive in food products and relating these to acceptability. Consumers preferred the lighter, more yellow wheat biscuits with ginger, vanilla, sweet and cinnamon flavours compared to the stronger flavours (sorghum, beany and nutty) and harder but brittle, grittier, dry and rough textured sorghum or sorghum‐cowpea biscuits. However, a substantial proportion of consumers also liked the latter biscuits. The composite biscuits had higher dietary fibre content and a similar protein quality to the standards.CONCLUSIONSWhole grain sorghum‐cowpea biscuits could serve as acceptable value‐added nutritious complementary snacks for consumers in sub‐Saharan Africa. The biscuits are simple to produce for the creation of viable small enterprises. © 2017 Society of Chemical Industry
Improvement of solid‐phase microextraction efficiency by the application of a carbon‐nanotubes‐based ternary microextraction fiber composite
Authors: Mohammadiazar Sirwan , Fallahpour Nastaran , Roostaie Ali , Ebrahimi Bahram 
Published: July 2017

AbstractIn this study, a novel technique is proposed for preparation of an efficient and unbreakable metal‐wire‐supported solid‐phase microextraction fiber. A sol–gel film was deposited on electrophoretically deposited carbon nanotubes on a stainless‐steel wire. The applicability of the fiber was evaluated through the extraction of some aromatic pollutants as model compounds from the headspace of aqueous samples in combination with gas chromatography and mass spectrometry. The parameters affecting the structure and extraction efficiency of the fiber (including the type of solvent, time, and potential for electrophoretic deposition) and the parameters affecting the extraction efficiency (such as coating type, salt content, extraction temperature, and time) were investigated. The results showed that the film thickness will be increased by increasing the potential and time duration. Finally, the characterization of the deposited film was accomplished by scanning electron microscopy and thermogravimetric analysis. After the optimization of the extraction parameters, the limit of detection of less than 20 pg/mL was achieved, and the calibration curves were all linear (r2 ≥ 0.9737), in the range from 50 to 500 pg/mL. The solid‐phase microextraction fiber has a high mechanical strength; good stability and long service life, making it potentially applicable in the extraction of trace polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons from aqueous samples.
Sediment properties, biota, and local habitat structure explain variation in the erodibility of coastal sediments
Authors: Joensuu M. , Pilditch C. A. , Harris R. , Hietanen S. , Pettersson H. , Norkko A. 
Published: July 2017

AbstractSediment resuspension is a frequent phenomenon in coastal areas and a key driver for many ecosystem functions. Sediment resuspension is often linked to biological and anthropogenic activities, which in combination with hydrodynamic forcing initiate sediment erosion and resuspension, if the erosion threshold (τc) is exceeded. Despite its importance to ecosystem functions very few studies have provided measurements on natural assemblages for subtidal sediments. The aim of this study was to determinate key environmental variables regulating sediment resuspension potential across a sedimentary gradient in a subtidal coastal environment. In order to explore this, we sampled 16 sites encompassing a wide variety in environmental variables (e.g., grain size distribution, macrofaunal communities, vegetation) in the Gulf of Finland, Baltic Sea. A core‐based erosion device (EROMES) was used to determine sediment resuspension potential measures of erosion threshold, erosion rate (ER), and erosion constant (me). Based on abiotic and biotic properties sampled, sediments diverged into two distinct groups; cohesive (“muddy”) and noncohesive (“sandy”) sediments. Results showed that abiotic sediment properties explained 38–53% and 15–36% of the total variation in resuspension potential measures in “muddy” and “sandy” sediments, respectively. In cumulative models, biota accounted for 12–26% and 6–24% to the total variation in “muddy” and “sandy” sediments, respectively. Sediment erodibility and resuspension potential of natural sediments is highly variable from local habitats to a larger seascape scale. Our results underline the importance of biota to resuspension potential measures in spatially variable environments.
Cyanidin‐3‐glucoside increases whole body energy metabolism by upregulating brown adipose tissue mitochondrial function
Authors: You Yilin , Yuan Xiaoxue , Liu Xiaomeng , Liang Chen , Meng Minghui , Huang Yuanyuan , Han Xue , Guo Jielong , Guo Yu , Ren Chenglong , Zhang Qianwen , Sun Xiangyu , Ma Tingting , Liu Guojie , Jin Wanzhu , Huang Weidong , Zhan Jicheng 
Published: July 2017

ScopeObesity develops when energy intake exceeds energy expenditure. Promoting brown adipose tissue (BAT) formation and function increases energy expenditure and may protect against obesity. Cyanidin‐3‐glucoside (C3G) is an anthocyanin compound that occurs naturally in many fruits and vegetables. In this study, we investigated the effect and mechanism of C3G on the prevention of obesity.Methods and resultsDb/db mice received C3G dissolved in drinking water for 16 wk; drinking water served as the vehicle treatment. The total body weight, energy intake, metabolic rate, and physical activity were measured. The lipid droplets, gene expression and protein expression were evaluated by histochemical staining, real‐time PCR, and western blots. We found that C3G increased energy expenditure, limited weight gain, maintained glucose homeostasis, reversed hepatic steatosis, improved cold tolerance, and enhanced BAT activity in obese db/db mice. C3G also induces brown‐like adipocytes (beige) formation in subcutaneous white adipose tissue (sWAT) of db/db mice model. We also found that C3G potently regulates the transcription of uncoupling protein 1 (UCP1) both in BAT and sWAT through increasing mitochondrial number and function.ConclusionOur results suggest that C3G plays a role in regulating systemic energy balance, which may have potential therapeutic implications for the prevention and control of obesity.
A different way to study frequency volume charts in patients with nocturia
Authors: Denys Marie‐Astrid , Goessaert An‐Sofie , Dejaeghere Brecht , Decalf Veerle , Hoebeke Piet , Everaert Karel 
Published: July 2017

BackgroundNocturia results from a mismatch between bladder capacity and nocturnal urine production (NUP), which is determined with a frequency volume charts (FVC).AimThis is the first study that aimed to describe variations in nocturia severity and its associated factors by evaluating FVCs per single 24 h‐period.MethodsThis was a post‐hoc analysis of patients who completed a 72 h‐FVC in prospective, observational studies. The nocturnal polyuria index (NPi) was defined as the ratio of nocturnal and 24 h urine output. Subgroups were defined according to variations in nocturia frequency during the three 24 h‐periods of the FVC (fluctuating/consistent) and to the number of nocturia episodes during a single night (0/1/≥2).ResultsWe analyzed 504 24 h‐FVC, collected by 168 subjects (58% female) with a median age of 60 (50‐68) years. Nocturia frequency fluctuated in 69 (41%) subjects. For the same number of nocturnal voids, we found no differences in NPi and maximum voided volume (MVV) between consistent and fluctuating nocturia frequency. Increasing numbers of nocturnal voids were associated with an increasing NPi in subjects with fluctuating nocturia, while for consistent nocturia, it was linked to an increase in NPi and a decrease in MVV. For both subjects with fluctuating and consistent nocturia, increasing nocturia severity was associated with increasing daytime fluid intake.ConclusionFor the same number of nocturnal voids, bladder capacity, and NUP were similar between patients with consistent and fluctuating nocturia. An increasing number of nocturnal voids in subjects with fluctuating nocturia was linked to more NUP and more daytime fluid intake.
Annual degradation rates of recent crystalline silicon photovoltaic modules
Authors: Ishii Tetsuyuki , Masuda Atsushi 
Published: July 2017

AbstractLong‐term reliability and durability of recently installed photovoltaic (PV) systems are currently unclear because they have so far only been operated for short periods. Here, we investigated the quality of six types of recent crystalline silicon PV modules to study the viability of PV systems as dispersed power generation systems under operating conditions connected to an electric power grid. Three indicators were used to estimate the annual degradation rates of the various crystalline silicon PV modules: energy yield, performance ratio, and indoor power. Module performance was assessed both with indoor and outdoor measurements using electric measurements taken over a 3‐year period. The trends in the results of the three indicators were almost consistent with each other. Although the performance of the newly installed PV modules decreased by over 2% owing to initial light‐induced degradation immediately after installation, little to no degradation was observed in all the PV modules composed of p‐type solar cells over a 3‐year operation period. However, the PV modules composed of n‐type solar cells clearly displayed performance degradation originating from the reduction of open‐circuit voltage or potential‐induced degradation. The results indicate that a more continuous and detailed outdoor actual investigation is important to study the quality of new, high‐efficiency solar cells, such as heterojunction, interdigitated back contact solar cells, and passivated emitter rear cells, which are set to dominate the PV markets in the future. © 2017 The Authors. Progress in Photovoltaics: Research and Applications published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.
Effects of Davallia formosana Hayata Water and Alcohol Extracts on Osteoblastic MC3T3‐E1 Cells
Authors: Wu Chia‐Feng , Lin Yeong‐Shenn , Lee Sheng‐Chi , Chen Cheng‐Yu , Wu Ming‐Chang , Lin Jen‐Shinn 
Published: July 2017

The Taiwanese native fern Davallia formosana Hayata (DFH) is used to treat bone diseases in classical Chinese medicine. We analyzed MC3T3E1 osteoblasts treated with different concentrations of water and ethanol extracts (10, 25, and 50 [both], and 100 μg/mL [DFE only]) using cell viability, expression of osteoblast differentiation markers [bone morphogenetic protein 2 (BMP‐2), collagen 1 (CoL‐1), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), and Runt‐related transcription factor 2 (Runx 2)], and mineralization. These were significantly increased by DFW or DFE after 24‐h incubation compared with the untreated controls. Compared with other treatments, DFW 50 and DFE 100 μg/mL significantly increased MC3T3E1 cell survival. DFW 25 and 50 μg/mL increased bone BMP‐2, CoL‐1, ALP, and Runx2 protein expression, ALP activity, and mineralization more than DFE did. Repeated chromatographic separation of DFW yielded compound (−)‐epicatechin‐3‐O‐d‐allipyranoside (ECAP), which was characterized using 1H and 13C nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy. (−)‐Epicatechin‐3‐O‐d‐allipyranoside (0.01 μg/mL) significantly increased cell survival (118.9%) and mineralization (218.7%) compared with that of the control treatment. We inferred that ECAP could mediate the main activity of DFW in bone formation, likely through BMP‐2‐induced Runx2 transcription, which increased bone cell differentiation factors ALP and CoL‐1 and promoted mineralization. (−)‐Epicatechin‐3‐O‐d‐allipyranoside could be an anti‐osteoporotic agent. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Attitude change when presenting science museum visitors with risk–benefit information
Authors: Phelan Siëlle , Specht Inga , Schnotz Wolfgang , Lewalter Doris 
Published: July 2017

AbstractVisitors to modern science museums are likely to encounter exhibitions presenting conflicting information, such as risks and benefits of new scientific developments. Such exhibitions encourage visitors to reflect upon different sides of a story and to form or adjust their attitudes toward the topic on display. However, there is very little evidence of museum visits influencing visitors’ attitudes. Using a risk–benefit museum text, we set out to explore this blind spot of attitude change in a science museum, with visual and auditory text as information conditions. Our results show a small average change in visitors’ attitude toward the text topic after information (N= 225). No significant differences were found between participants’ attitude change in the two information conditions. We also explored whether participants’ attitude change can be predicted based on presentation modality and four dimensions of attitude strength (prior knowledge, attitudinal certainty, attitudinal importance, and attitudinal ambivalence) that are known to play a role in attitude change. Results indicate that this model explained a small part of the variance, but only ambivalence added statistically significantly to the prediction. Overall, our findings suggest that risk–benefit information can on average change visitors’ attitudes and that prior attitudinal ambivalence can influence that change.
Seismic behavior of coupled shear wall structures with various concrete and steel coupling beams
Authors: Li Guo‐Qiang , Pang Mengde , Sun Feifei , Jiang Jian , Hu Dazhu 
Published: July 2017

SummaryA novel 2‐level yielding steel coupling beam (TYSCB) has been developed to enhance the seismic performance of coupled shear wall systems. The TYSCB consists of a shear‐yielding beam designed to yield first under minor earthquakes and a bend‐yielding beam designed to yield under severe earthquakes. A comparison of seismic behavior of 4 20‐storey coupled shear wall structures with reinforced concrete coupling beams, complete steel coupling beams, fuse steel coupling beams, and TYSCB is presented. The dimensions and force‐displacement curves of these coupling beams are first designed. Nonlinear dynamic analyses on these structures are carried out under minor and severe earthquakes. The seismic behavior of these models is studied by comparing their storey shear forces, storey drift ratios and ductility demands. The results show that the base shear and storey drift of the structure with TYSCB under both minor and severe earthquakes are less than those of structures with concrete coupling beams and complete steel coupling beams. Furthermore, the ductility demand of coupled shear walls with TYSCB subjected to severe earthquakes can be greatly released compared with those using fuse steel coupling beams. This indicates that the proposed TYSCB has a better balance between ductility demand and energy dissipation, compared to traditional steel coupling beams.
PIXE‐based detection of elemental accumulation during direct organogenesis in Blepharispermum subsessileDC.: An endangered medicinal plant of Odisha, India
Authors: Nayak Pranati , Ram Shidharth Sankar , Kalidass C. 
Published: July 2017

Particle‐induced X‐ray emission was used to investigate mineral accumulation during different developmental stages of direct organogenesis from cotyledon explants of Blepharispermum subsessile beginning from shoot bud initiation and formation to in vitro regenerated roots. Mineral uptake and accumulation appeared selective and varied between different stages of shoot bud initiation and formation (Stage 1), proliferation of leafy shoots (Stage 2), and in vitro regenerated roots (Stage 3). The concentrations of 2 macro elements, K and Ca, were found in higher quantity during proliferation of shoot buds to leafy shoots stage suggesting their role in cell division, bud formation, and multiplication of the plant. Most of the micronutrients such as Mn, Fe, Ni, Cu, and Zn were found to be accumulated in higher quantities in in vitro regenerated roots, as they provide the plant with a larger surface area and hence a greater potential for mineral uptake. The results of particle‐induced X‐ray emission test suggest that the information on the accumulation of elements during developmental stages in vitro could be useful for formulating a media for the induction of high‐frequency regeneration of in this important endangered medicinal plant species for its ex situ conservation.
Biotechnological and Novel Approaches for Designing Structured Lipids Intended for Infant Nutrition
Authors: Şahin‐Yeşilçubuk Neşe , Akoh Casimir C. 
Published: July 2017

AbstractHuman milk fat (HMF) is a perfect nutritional source that includes all the required ingredients which are necessary for the growth of infants up to 6 months. Although its composition may differ among mothers or during lactation stage, its unique triacylglycerol (TAG) structure remains constant which is characterized by the presence of palmitic acid (PA) at the sn‐2 position. Previous reports provided convincing information of higher PA and calcium absorption and efficient use of dietary energy when at this specific position in the TAG moiety than when PA is at the sn‐1,3 positions. During the design of structured lipids (SLs) intended for infant nutrition, this unique property is taken into consideration. Human milk fat substitutes (HMFS) enriched with important fatty acids such as omega‐3 and omega‐6 fatty acids are intended to better mimic the functions of HMF as well as provide associated health benefits. The use of microencapsulation technology and novel technologies such as ultrasound technology in conjunction with SL production and enzyme‐catalyzed reactions are evolving and ongoing issues in infant formula production. Therefore, further studies should be directed towards new process improvements in order to increase the functional properties and oxidative stabilities of HMFS. Novel technologies in lipid biotechnology related to HMFS preparation should also be explored.
Liver Disease in Alpha-1 Antitrypsin Deficiency: Current Approaches and Future Directions
Authors: Mitchell Ellen L. , Khan Zahida 
Published: July 2017

AbstractPurpose of ReviewThe aim of the study is to review the liver disease caused by alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency (A1ATD), including pathogenesis, epidemiology, diagnostic testing, and recent therapeutic developments.Recent FindingsTherapeutic approaches target several intracellular pathways to reduce the cytotoxic effects of the misfolded mutant globular protein (ATZ) on the hepatocyte. These include promoting ATZ transport out of the endoplasmic reticulum (ER), enhancing ATZ degradation, and preventing ATZ globule-aggregation.SummaryA1ATD is the leading genetic cause of liver disease among children. It is a protein-folding disorder in which toxic insoluble ATZ proteins aggregate in the ER of hepatocytes leading to inflammation, fibrosis, cirrhosis, and increased risk of hepatocellular carcinoma. The absence of the normal A1AT serum protein also predisposes patients to pan lobar emphysema as adults. At this time, the only approved therapy for A1ATD-associated liver disease is orthotopic liver transplantation, which is curative. However, there has been significant recent progress in the development of small molecule therapies with potential both to preserve the native liver and prevent hepatotoxicity.
A new mapping method to estimate exit sites of ventricular arrhythmias using intracardiac echocardiography and M‐mode for catheter ablation
Authors: Inaba Osamu , Nitta Junichi , Kuroda Syunsuke , Sekigawa Masahiro , Suzuki Masahito , Inamura Yukihiro , Satoh Akira , Isobe Mitsuaki , Hirao Kenzo 
Published: July 2017

AbstractBackgroundCatheter ablation of premature ventricular complexes (PVCs) has been used as a curative therapy in many cases. Intracardiac ultrasound with a magnetic sensor probe has recently become available for catheter ablation. In this study, we assessed a new mapping method, contraction mapping, for determining the optimal ablation sites using intracardiac ultrasound and M‐mode. This study sought to assess the accuracy of the new mapping method using intracardiac echocardiography.MethodsEighteen patients (10 males and eight females; mean age, 63±12 years) with 104 mapping points diagnosed as idiopathic PVCs were included in this study. At the mapping points, the time interval from the onset of the QRS to the onset of the contraction (QRS‐c‐time) and the local activation time were measured using M‐mode with an intracardiac echo probe and using the conventional method. The correlation between the QRS‐c‐time and local activation time were studied.ResultsThe QRS‐c‐time was significantly correlated with the local activation time (activation time=−66.8+0.882 * QRS‐c‐time, R2=0.728, p<0.0001).ConclusionsContraction mapping could help determine the local activation time without the delivery of a catheter to the mapping points.
Hong Kong’s Public Enforcement Model of Investor Protection
Authors: DONALD David C. , CHEUK Paul W.H. 
Published: July 2017

AbstractThe market of a successful financial centre must be efficient, orderly, and fair, which requires that investor protection rules be enforced effectively. While a substantial literature exists promoting privately driven enforcement of investor protection rules, there is a growing consensus that enforcement action by public bodies is likely to be more important for most markets than privately initiated litigation. Hong Kong exemplifies this point. In Hong Kong, public authorities carry almost the entire burden of enforcing corporate and securities laws. Yet Hong Kong functions at a high level of quality globally despite operating a market in which most companies are foreign-incorporated—often originating from jurisdictions with reputations for governance that are middling at best—and trading takes place in multiple currencies. To revisit the debate on the determinants of effective corporate and securities law enforcement, this paper evaluates the enforcement of investor protection laws in Hong Kong. The paper first examines the institutional context, presenting key corporate and securities regulation and explaining avenues for private and public actions. It looks at the powers and competencies of the relevant supervisory authorities, including the stock exchange, which has a quasi-public role in regulating the market. Then, using publicly available data supplemented through interviews with agency staff, the paper presents Hong Kong’s enforcement “inputs” (funding and staffing) and “outputs” (actions and sanctions) for the main public enforcers. We find evidence that the Hong Kong public enforcement model effectively disciplines even its dangerous environment of foreign companies, controlling shareholders, and complex, international groups, and might be able better to do so exactly because of a focus on public, rather than private, enforcement.