bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Municipalities as Frontrunners in Mitigation of Climate Change: Does soft regulation make a difference?
Authors: Kasa Sjur , Westskog Hege , Rose Lawrence E. 
Published: December 2017

AbstractSoft regulatory measures are argued to represent a useful alternative to hard regulation when policy‐makers seek to deal with difficult problems. This article investigates the impact of a national guideline on climate and energy planning adopted in Norway, a soft regulatory instrument, which sought to encourage stronger local climate mitigation policies. To assess the effectiveness of this policy approach the research reported here investigated the impact of the guideline on the institutionalization of local climate policy activity in a set of Norwegian municipalities. Our findings indicate that for municipalities in the early phases of developing their climate mitigation policy the planning guideline contributed to legitimizing climate policy by linking it to other policy areas. For municipalities that had come further in developing their climate mitigation policy, however, the planning guideline made little difference. The findings indicate that even if soft policy instruments might be needed in a situation with complex regulatory issues, it is difficult to achieve results without the support of harder policy measures. This is particularly the case if local authorities face financial constraints and lack manpower in their work in developing effective climate mitigation policy. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd and ERP Environment
Mechanical Energy Harvesting Performance of Ferroelectric Polymer Nanowires Grown via Template‐Wetting
Authors: Whiter Richard A. , Boughey Chess , Smith Michael , Kar‐Narayan Sohini 
Published: December 2017

AbstractNanowires of the ferroelectric co‐polymer poly(vinylidenefluoride‐co‐triufloroethylene) [P(VDF‐TrFE)] are fabricated from solution within nanoporous templates of both “hard” anodic aluminium oxide (AAO) and “soft” polyimide (PI) through a facile and scalable template‐wetting process. The confined geometry afforded by the pores of the templates leads directly to highly crystalline P(VDF‐TrFE) nanowires in a macroscopic “poled” state that precludes the need for external electrical poling procedure typically required for piezoelectric performance. The energy‐harvesting performance of nanogenerators based on these template‐grown nanowires are extensively studied and analyzed in combination with finite element modelling. Both experimental results and computational models probing the role of the templates in determining overall nanogenerator performance, including both materials and device efficiencies, are presented. It is found that although P(VDF‐TrFE) nanowires grown in PI templates exhibit a lower material efficiency due to lower crystallinity as compared to nanowires grown in AAO templates, the overall device efficiency was higher for the PI‐template‐based nanogenerator because of the lower stiffness of the PI template as compared to the AAO template. This work provides a clear framework to assess the energy conversion efficiency of template‐grown piezoelectric nanowires and paves the way towards optimization of template‐based nanogenerator devices.
Reactive security for SDN/NFV‐enabled industrial networks leveraging service function chaining
Authors: Petroulakis Nikolaos E. , Fysarakis Konstantinos , Askoxylakis Ioannis , Spanoudakis George 
Published: December 2017

AbstractThe innovative application of fifth‐generation core technologies, ie, software‐defined networking (SDN) and network function virtualization, can help reduce capital and operational expenditures in industrial networks. Nevertheless, SDN expands the attack surface of the communication infrastructure, thus necessitating the introduction of additional security mechanisms. These major changes could not leave the industrial environment unaffected, with smart industrial deployments gradually becoming a reality, a trend that is often referred to as the Fourth Industrial Revolution or Industry 4.0. A wind park is a good example of an industrial application relying on a network with strict performance, security, and reliability requirements and was chosen as a representative example of industrial systems. This work highlights the benefit of leveraging the flexibility of SDN/network function virtualization–enabled networks to deploy enhanced reactive security mechanisms for the protection of the industrial network via the use of service function chaining. Moreover, the implementation of a proof‐of‐concept reactive security framework for an industrial‐grade wind park network is presented, along with a performance evaluation of the proposed approach. The framework is equipped with SDN and supervisory control and data acquisition honeypots, modeled on and deployable to the wind park, allowing continuous monitoring of the industrial network and detailed analysis of potential attacks, thus isolating attackers and enabling the assessment of their level of sophistication. Moreover, the applicability of the proposed solutions is assessed in the context of the specific industrial application based on the analysis of the network characteristics and requirements of an actual operating wind park.
Influence of steeping duration, drying temperature, and duration on the chemical composition of sorghum starch
Authors: Odunmbaku Lukumon A. , Sobowale Sunday S. , Adenekan Monilola K. , Oloyede Taiwo , Adebiyi Janet A. , Adebo Oluwafemi A. 
Published: December 2017

AbstractThe quest for high‐quality starch that would meet the needs of manufacturers is ever increasing. This study investigated the effect of steeping duration, drying temperature, and duration on the chemical properties of sorghum starch, to possibly alter the characteristics of sorghum starch for food applications. Steeping duration, drying temperature, and drying time of starch isolation were optimized using a central composite design and nine parameters including pH, amylose content, moisture, protein, ash, crude fiber, fat, carbohydrate, and total energy determined. Results obtained showed that most of the parameters were majorly influenced by steeping and drying duration. Steeping duration significantly (p < .05) increased the moisture, protein, and ash content of the sorghum with a corresponding decrease in pH values. The obtained experimental and predicted values of the investigated parameters were similar, with statistical indices indicating the relative validity of the generated models [absolute average deviation (AAD between 0 and 0.20), bias factor (Bf, 1–1.02), and accuracy factor (Af, 1–1.21)]. The varying values of the parameters obtained indicates the potential use of the sorghum starches as thickeners, starch substitutes, and for other desired roles in food processing.
Delmopinol hydrochloride reduces Salmonella on cantaloupe surfaces
Authors: Saucedo‐Alderete Raúl O. , Eifert Joseph D. , Boyer Renee R. , Williams Robert C. , Welbaum Gregory E. 
Published: December 2017

AbstractSince the surfaces of cantaloupes are highly rough or irregular, bacteria can easily attach and become difficult to remove. Appropriate postharvest washing and sanitizing procedures can help control Salmonella and other pathogens on cantaloupe or other melons during postharvest operations. Delmopinol hydrochloride (delmopinol) is a cationic surfactant that is effective for treating and preventing gingivitis and periodontitis. The application of delmopinol to two cantaloupe cultivars was evaluated for reducing the level of inoculated Salmonella. Athena and Hale's Best Jumbo (HBJ) cantaloupe rind plugs (2.5 cm. dia.) were inoculated with nalidixic acid‐resistant Salmonella Michigan (approx. 1.0 × 109 CFU/ml). After 15 min, rind plugs were sprayed with 10 ml of a delmopinol spray solution (0% or 1.0% vol/vol) and held at 35°C for 1 hr or 24 hr. Rind plugs were diluted with Butterfield's phosphate buffer, shaken and sonicated, and solutions were enumerated on 50 ppm nalidixic acid‐tryptic soy agar. The texture quality and color of additional cantaloupes were evaluated, after 1% delmopinol spray treatment, over 14‐day storage at 4°C. A 1.0% application of delmopinol after 1 hr reduced Salmonella concentration by ~3.1 log CFU/ml for both “HBJ” skin rind plugs and “Athena” stem scar rind plugs in comparison to the control (p < .05). No differences were observed in the texture and color (L*, a*, b* values) of 1% delmopinol‐treated cantaloupes as compared to control. Storage of cantaloupes treated with 1.0% delmopinol solution for 1 hr had a greater effect on reducing concentration of Salmonella compared to 24‐hr treatment. A surface spray application of 1% delmopinol on cantaloupes could be an alternative antimicrobial postharvest treatment that could make surface bacteria more susceptible to sanitizers or physical removal.
Ligustrazine suppresses neuron apoptosis via the Bax/Bcl‐2 and caspase‐3 pathway in PC12 cells and in rats with vascular dementia
Authors: Zhao Tengfei , Fu Yingxue , Sun Hao , Liu Xiaoquan 
Published: December 2017

AbstractThe aim of this study was to examine the comprehensive neuroprotective mechanism of ligustrazine, which is extracted from Ligusticum Chuanxiong Hort., against vascular dementia (VD) in rats and apoptosis in oxygen and glucose deprivation (OGD) PC12 cells. Rats were subjected to bilateral common carotid artery occlusion (BCCAO) surgery and administered ligustrazine intragastrically for 6 weeks. At the end of the experiments, the hippocampal biomarkers brain‐derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), monocyte chemotactic protein 1 (MCP‐1), and homocysteine (Hcy) were examined. In experiments in vitro, OGD PC12 cells were treated with ligustrazine for 0.5, 1, 3, 6, 12, or 24 h. The cell‐released biomarkers BDNF, MCP‐1, and Hcy were examined. Microscopy, acridine orange–ethidium bromide (AO/EB) staining, and flow cytometry assays were performed to investigate apoptosis. Cleaved caspase‐3, Bcl‐2 associated X protein (Bax), and B cell lymphoma 2 (Bcl‐2) expression was examined using Western blot assays. The results showed that biomarkers, including MCP‐1 and Hcy, were significantly increased in both the in vivo and in vitro models, while the BDNF level was significantly decreased compared with the sham or vehicle models. Microscopy, AO/EB staining, and flow cytometry analysis showed that severe cell damage occurred in OGD PC12 cells, and apoptosis played a major role in this environment. Further Western blot studies showed that the apoptosis‐related Bax/Bcl‐2 protein ratio and cleaved caspase‐3 were significantly increased in the experiment. However, ligustrazine profoundly suppressed the imbalance of these biomarkers, reduced cell damage, decreased the Bax/Bcl‐2, and downregulated cleaved caspase‐3. Pro‐ and anti‐apoptotic biomarkers of multiple pathways including BDNF, MCP‐1, and Hcy played a joint role in triggering the activation of the mitochondria‐related Bax/Bcl‐2 and caspase‐3 apoptosis pathway in VD. Ligustrazine attenuated VD by comprehensively regulating BDNF, MCP‐1, and Hcy and inactivating the Bax/Bcl‐2 and caspase‐3 apoptosis pathway. Our data provide novel insight into ligustrazine, which is a promising neuroprotective agent for VD disease treatment strategies. © IUBMB Life, 70(1):60–70, 2018
Sterilization of hydrogels for biomedical applications: A review
Authors: Galante Raquel , Pinto Terezinha J. A. , Colaço Rogério , Serro Ana Paula 
Published: December 2017

AbstractDespite the beneficial properties and outstanding potential of hydrogels for biomedical applications, several unmet challenges must be overcome, especially regarding to their known sensitivity to conventional sterilization methods. It is crucial for any biomaterial to withstand an efficient sterilization to obtain approval from regulatory organizations and to safely proceed to clinical trials. Sterility assurance minimizes the incidence of medical device‐related infections, which still constitute a major concern in health care. In this review, we provide a detailed and comprehensive description of the published work from the past decade regarding the effects of sterilization on different types of hydrogels for biomedical applications. Advances in hydrogel production methods with simultaneous sterilization are also reported. Terminal sterilization methods can induce negative or positive effects on several material properties (e.g., aspect, size, color, chemical structure, mechanical integrity, and biocompatibility). Due to the complexity of factors involved (e.g., material properties, drug stability, sterilization conditions, and parameters), it is important to note the virtual impossibility of predicting the outcome of sterilization methods to determine a set of universal rules. Each system requires case‐by‐case testing to select the most suitable, effective method that allows for the main properties to remain unaltered. The impact of sterilization methods on the intrinsic properties of these systems is understudied, and further research is needed. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part B: Appl Biomater, 106B: 2472–2492, 2018.
Effects of sodium benzoate, a commonly used food preservative, on learning, memory, and oxidative stress in brain of mice
Authors: Khoshnoud Mohammad Javad , Siavashpour Asma , Bakhshizadeh Mojgan , Rashedinia Marzieh 
Published: December 2017

AbstractSodium benzoate (SB) is a widely used preservative and antimicrobial substance in many foods and soft drinks. However, this compound is generally recognized as safe food additives, but evidence has suggested that a high intake of SB may link to attention deficit‐hyperactivity disorder in children. Present study investigate the effects of oral administration of different concentrations of SB (0.56, 1.125, and 2.25 mg/mL) for 4 weeks, on the learning and memory performance tests, and also the levels of malondialdehyde (MDA), reduced glutathione (GSH), and acetylcholinesterase activity (AChE) in the mouse brain. The results showed that SB significantly impaired memory and motor coordination. Moreover, SB decreased reduced GSH and increased the MDA level in the brain significantly (P < 0.001). However, nonsignificant alteration was observed in the AChE activity. These findings suggest that short‐term consumption of SB can impair memory performance and increased brain oxidative stress in mice.
In vitro improvement of quail primordial germ cell expansion through activation of TGF‐beta signaling pathway
Authors: Yakhkeshi Saeed , Rahimi Shaban , Sharafi Mohsen , Hassani Seyedeh‐Nafiseh , Taleahmad Sara , Shahverdi Abdolhossein , Baharvand Hossein 
Published: December 2017

AbstractAvian primordial germ cells (PGCs) have valuable potentials to cell‐based approaches for transgenic bird production. In this regard, improvement of avian PGC expansion in vitro is necessary. Among experimental avian species, quail is a good model for transgenic technology, especially due to its short generation time. In the present study, we have examined the proliferative effects of transforming growth factor β (TGF‐β) on the quail PGCs. After isolation of quail PGCs from blood (Hamburger‐Hamilton [HH stages 13‐15]) and gonads (HH stages 28‐30), these cells were cultured on quail embryonic fibroblasts (QEF). Our results indicated th at cultured gonadal‐derived PGCs proliferated 400 times in comparison to 100 times for blood PGCs over 40‐50 days. Upon in vitro exposure to TGF‐β inducers by Activin or the inducer of definitive endoderm 1 (IDE1) small molecule, the number of gonad PGCs significantly increased to 26% and 64%, respectively. In contrast, inhibition of the TGF‐β signaling pathway by SB431542 resulted in a significant reduction in the numbers of PGCs (P < 0.001). Moreover, Phosphorylation of SMAD2/3 in the IDE1 group was higher compared to the Activin‐treated ones. We confirmed the PGC identification with periodic acid‐Schiff (PAS) staining, anti‐SSEA1, β‐catenin, β‐integrin, and Nanog immunofluorescence staining. Exogenously IDE1 treated‐PGCs migrated toward the embryonic gonads after transplantation into the heart of the recipient embryo at HH stages 13‐15. Our results suggested that the application of IDE1 small molecule into the culture of quail PGCs represented a step toward achieving efficient expansion of the avian PGCs.
GATA1 activated lncRNA (Galont) promotes anoxia/reoxygenation‐induced autophagy and cell death in cardiomyocytes by sponging miR‐338
Authors: Yin Guotian , Yang Xiuli , Li Qiong , Guo Zhikun 
Published: December 2017

AbstractThe hypernomic autophagy is associated with various cardiovascular diseases. Long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) are emerging as important regulators in gene expression, which have been involved in multiple physiological and pathological processes. However, the function of lncRNAs and how they functioned in the autophagy in cardiomyocytes were rarely reported. In this study, we report that a lncRNA, named GATA1 activated lncRNA (Galont), can directly interact with miR‐338 and promote ATG5‐mediated autophagic cell death in murine cardiomyocytes. First, we found that Galont was upregulated by anoxia/reoxygenation (A/R) stimulus, and it was able to promote autophagy and cell death in cardiomyocytes exposure to A/R. Then, miR‐338 was identified as a novel suppressor in autophagy and autophagic cell death. Our results from bioinformatic analysis and luciferase reporter gene assay indicated that ATG5 is a target gene of miR‐338. Furthermore, RNA pull‐down assays demonstrated that Galont directly interacted with miR‐338, and thus promoted ATG5 expression and autophagic cell death. Our findings reveal a novel regulatory circuit in the autophagy in cardiomyocytes, which consists of Galont, miR‐338 and ATG5.
Daily hassles score associates with the somatic and psychological health of patients with Crohn's disease
Authors: Sarid Orly , Slonim‐Nevo Vered , Sergienko Ruslan , Pereg Avihu , Chernin Elena , Singer Terri , Greenberg Dan , Schwartz Doron , Vardi Hillel , Friger Michael , Odes Shmuel 
Published: December 2017

AbstractObjectiveTo examine the associations of daily hassles with the somatic and psychological health of Crohn's disease (CD) patients.MethodA cross‐sectional study of 400 self‐selected adult CD patients was performed with completion of demographic, medical, and psychosocial questionnaires: economic status; Patient Harvey‐Bradshaw Index of disease activity; Daily Hassles Scale (DHS); Short Inflammatory Bowel Disease Questionnaire (SIBDQ) and Short‐Form Health Survey (SF‐36 Physical and Mental Health) quality of life measures; Brief Symptom Inventory of psychological stress with summary Global Severity Index (GSI); Family Assessment Device; and List of Threatening Life Experiences. Analyses included correlations, regressions, and Sobel test statistic.ResultsThe patients were aged 38.7 ± 14.1 years, 61% female and 67% working. The Patient Harvey‐Bradshaw Index was 5.52 ± 4.87. The DHS was 88.0 ± 23.2, similar in men and women, higher in smokers, and increased with greater disease activity (p < .001). The most commonly reported hassles were time, social, and work. DHS had significant negative correlations with age, disease duration, and economic status and positive correlations with GSI, SF‐36, and SIBDQ. An increased Daily Hassles score was associated with reduced SIBDQ (p < .001) and SF‐36 Mental Health (p < .001) and increased GSI (p < .001) and Patient Harvey‐Bradshaw Index (p < .001). This effect of DHS on Patient Harvey‐Bradshaw Index was mediated by GSI (Sobel t = 6.09, p < 0.001).ConclusionDaily hassles in CD patients are shown for the first time to be associated with increased psychological stress and disease activity and reduced quality of life and lower economic status. This has psychotherapeutic implications.
Effects of shRNA‐mediated silencing of PSMA7 on cell proliferation and vascular endothelial growth factor expression via the ubiquitin‐proteasome pathway in cervical cancer
Authors: Ren Chen‐Chen , Yang Li , Liu Ling , Chen Yan‐Nan , Cheng Guo‐Mei , Zhang Xiao‐An , Liu Hui 
Published: December 2017

AbstractThis study aims to evaluate the effects of PSMA7 silencing on cervical cancer (CC) cell proliferation and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) expression through the ubiquitin‐proteasome pathway. CC tissues (n = 43) and normal tissues (n = 27) were first collected from patients. Human CC cell line (SiHa) and human normal cervical epithelial cells (H8) were obtained and classified into the normal, blank, negative control (NC), PSMA7‐shRNA1, and PSMA7‐shRNA2 groups, respectively. In situ hybridization was used to detect the expressions of wild‐type and mutant p53 proteins. Immunofluorescence assay was carried out to test the activity of 20S proteasomes. Reverse transcription quantitative polymerase chain reaction and Western blot analysis were both performed to determine the expressions of PSMA7, ubiquitin, P27, P53, and VEGF in sample tissues and cells. 3‐(4, 5‐dimethylthiazol‐2‐yl)‐2, 5‐diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay was used to analyze cell proliferation rates, and flow cytometry was used to analyze the cell cycle and the apoptotic rate. Compared with normal tissues, CC tissues showed increased expression levels of PSMA7, ubiquitin, p53, VEGF as well as increased activity of 20S proteasomes but exhibited a decrease in p27 expression. Compared with the blank and NC groups, the PSMA7‐shRNA1 and PSMA7‐shRNA2 groups all had decreased expression levels of PSMA7, ubiquitin, p53, and VEGF as well as decreased cell proliferation, 20S proteasomes activity, and cell number in the S phase, increased p27 expression, cell apoptosis and cell number in the G0/G1 phase. Our study demonstrated that PSMA7 silencing can suppress CC cell proliferation and VEGF expression in addition to promoting cell apoptosis through inhibiting the UPP signaling pathway.
Medical support with acupuncture and massage therapies for disaster victims
Authors: Miwa Masataka , Takayama Shin , Kaneko Soichiro 
Published: December 2017

AbstractBackgroundAfter the Great East Japan Earthquake and Tsunami Disaster (GEJED) and Joso City Flood (JCF), a number of people were relocated to evacuation centers. In situations following a large‐scale disaster, acupuncture can be applied for various health problems in evacuation centers. In this study, we report the medical support operation for evacuees with acupuncture and massage therapy (AP/MT) and its effectiveness. In addition, we propose an experience‐based guideline for AP/MT in such situations.MethodsWe retrospectively investigated the treatment with AP/MT after GEJED and JCF based on the medical records that were coded. We performed AP/MT for evacuees or supporters in Iwanuma City, Shiogama City, and Natori City after the GEJED (total number of 1042), and in Joso City after the JCF (total number of 110).ResultsThe most common complaints, shoulder, back, and knee pain, were reported in 67.6% of patients after the GEJED and 80.9% of patients after the JCF. Acupuncture and massage therapy (AP/MT) significantly decreased the median Face Scale score of subjective symptoms in evacuees (before, 3.0 vs after, 1.0, P < .001) and supporters (before, 3.0 vs after, 1.0, P < .001) in the JCF.ConclusionsEvacuees and supporters in affected areas could benefit from AP/MT for relief of subjective symptoms. For proper management and safety support, we proposed a guideline of AP/MT for postdisaster situations.