bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Effect of Lactobacillus plantarum ‘KR107070’ and a propionic acid‐based preservative on the fermentation characteristics, nutritive value and aerobic stability of alfalfa‐corn mixed silage ensiled with four ratios
Authors: Wang Musen , Yu Zhu , Wu Zhe , Hannaway David B. 
Published: October 2017

AbstractThe effect of Lactobacillus plantarum ‘KR107070’ and a propionic acid‐based preservative on the quality and aerobic stability of alfalfa‐corn mixed silage ensiled with four ratios was evaluated. A 4 × 4 factorial arrangement was used in a completely randomized design in this study. The chopped alfalfa and corn were made into four alfalfa to corn ratios (containing 20, 40, 60 and 80% corn), each of which was treated with (i) distilled water; (ii) 1 × 106 colony forming units per g of L. plantarum ‘KR107070’; (iii) a chemical additive consisting of 0.24% propionic acid, 0.24% sodium propionate and 0.18% formic acid; (iv) a combination of (ii) and (iii). Treated forages mixture was ensiled with triplicate in a 5‐L polythene bucket for 180 days. At silo opening, the fermentation characteristics of silage were enhanced with a lower pH value, higher lactic acid content and lower ammoniacal nitrogen concentration and its relative feed value decreased, with a higher ratio of corn for all treatments. The application of a chemical additive alone, or in combination with L. plantarum ‘KR107070’, decreased ammoniacal nitrogen concentrations and increased water soluble carbohydrates contents than control or L. plantarum ‘KR107070’ for each silage of four ratios, in addition to enhancing the aerobic stability of 60 and 80% corn silages compared to L. plantarum ‘KR107070’. The 60% corn silage, treated with combining 0.24% propionic acid, 0.24% sodium propionate and 0.18% formic acid with L. plantarum ‘KR107070’, is better in terms of conservation quality and aerobic stability.
Trace Element Behavior in Methane‐Rich and Methane‐Free Groundwater in North and East Texas
Authors: Darvari Roxana , Nicot Jean‐Philippe , Scanlon Bridget R. , Mickler Patrick , Uhlman Kristine 
Published: October 2017

AbstractThere is concern about adverse impacts of natural gas (primarily methane) production on groundwater quality; however, data on trace element concentrations are limited. The objective of this study was to compare the distribution of trace elements in groundwater samples with and without dissolved methane in aquifers overlying the Barnett Shale (Hood and Parker counties, 207 samples) and the Haynesville Shale (Panola County, 42 samples). Both shales have been subjected to intensive hydraulic fracturing for gas production. Well clusters with high dissolved methane were previously found in these counties and are thought to be of natural origin. Overall, groundwater in these counties is of excellent quality with typically low elemental concentrations. Several statistical analyses strongly suggest that most trace element concentrations, generally at low background levels, are no higher and even reduced when dissolved methane is present. In addition, trace element concentrations are not correlated with distance to gas wells. The reduction in trace element concentrations is attributed to anaerobic microbial degradation of methane, is associated with a higher pH (>8.5), and, likely, with precipitation of carbonates and pyrite and formation of clays. Trace and other elements are likely incorporated within the precipitating mineral crystalline network or sorbed. High pH values are found throughout these high‐methane clusters (e.g., Parker‐Hood cluster), even in subregions where methane is not present, which is consistent with a pervasive natural origin of dissolved methane rather than a limited gas well source.
Improved joint health in subjects with severe haemophilia A treated prophylactically with recombinant factor VIII Fc fusion protein
Authors: Oldenburg J. , Kulkarni R. , Srivastava A. , Mahlangu J. N. , Blanchette V. S. , Tsao E. , Winding B. , Dumont J. , Jain N. 
Published: October 2017

IntroductionJoint arthropathy is the long‐term consequence of joint bleeding in people with severe haemophilia.AimThis study assessed change in joint health over time in subjects receiving recombinant factor VIII Fc fusion protein (rFVIIIFc) prophylaxis.MethodsALONG is the phase 3 pivotal study in which the benefit of rFVIIIFc as a prophylactic treatment for bleeding control was shown in previously treated severe haemophilia patients ≥12 years of age (arm 1: 25‐65 IU/kg every 3‐5 days, arm 2: 65 IU/kg weekly and arm 3: episodic). After completing ALONG, subjects had the option to enrol into the extension study (ASPIRE). This interim, post hoc analysis assessed changes in joint health over ~2.8 years in these patients.ResultsForty‐seven subjects had modified Haemophilia Joint Health Score (mHJHS) data at A‐LONG baseline, ASPIRE baseline and ASPIRE Year 1 and Year 2. Compared with A‐LONG baseline (23.4), mean improvement at ASPIRE Year 2 was −4.1 (95% confidence interval [CI], −6.5, −1.8; P = .001). Regardless of prestudy treatment regimen, subjects showed continuous improvement in mHJHS from A‐LONG baseline through ASPIRE Year 2 (prestudy prophylaxis: −2.4, P = .09; prestudy episodic treatment: −7.2, P = .003). Benefits were seen in subjects with target joints (−5.6, P = .005) as well as those with severe arthropathy (−8.8, P = .02). The mHJHS components with the greatest improvement at ASPIRE Year 2 were swelling (−1.4, P = .008), range of motion (−1.1, P = .03) and strength (−0.8, P = .04).ConclusionsProphylaxis with rFVIIIFc may improve joint health over time regardless of prestudy prophylaxis or episodic treatment regimens.
High power line collision mortality of threatened bustards at a regional scale in the Karoo, South Africa
Authors: Shaw Jessica M. , Reid Tim A. , Schutgens Maurice , Jenkins Andrew R. , Ryan Peter G. 
Published: October 2017

Quantifying avian collisions with power lines at large spatial scales is difficult, but such mortality is of serious conservation concern for many bird species worldwide. To investigate effects on the Endangered Ludwig's Bustard Neotis ludwigii and two other bustard species, mortality surveys were conducted quarterly along high‐voltage transmission lines at five sites (total length 252 km) across the Karoo for 2 years and one low‐voltage distribution line site (95 km) for 1 year. Thirty bird species were found, with Ludwig's Bustards constituting 69% and other bustards a further 18% of carcasses (n = 679 birds). Significant explanatory variables of Ludwig's Bustard collisions were season (collisions more likely in winter), rainfall (less likely in drier areas) and year on transmission lines (highlighting variability between years). Season and proximity to roads were significant variables on distribution lines, with collisions more likely during winter and away from roads. Ludwig's Bustard collision rates (corrected for survey biases) were higher on transmission (1.12; 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.40–2.58 bustards/km/year) than on distribution lines (0.86; 95% CI 0.30–1.96), but these smaller lines are four times as extensive in South Africa and so probably kill more birds. Despite being much less abundant, Kori Bustards Ardeotis kori were the second most commonly recovered species, with collision rates of 0.10 (95% CI 0.05–0.19) on transmission lines in the Nama Karoo alone. Collision rates are highly variable but suggest mortality suffered by these two species is worryingly high. This adds to growing concern about the impacts of power lines on bustards globally, so given ongoing expansion to the power grid, collision mitigation measures should be implemented at all new power lines.
Au‐nanoparticle‐decorated SnO2 nanorod sensor with enhanced xylene‐sensing performance
Authors: Feng Caihui , Teng Fei , Xu Yang , Zhang Yajun , Fan Tiehu , Lin Tingting 
Published: October 2017

AbstractIn this work, pure and Au‐nanoparticle‐decorated SnO2 nanorods were prepared via a one‐step hydrothermal method combined with a facile deposition process, and then characterized by X‐ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, high‐resolution transmission electron microscopy, and X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy. The xylene‐sensing performance of the nanorods was also investigated. The results show that Au nanoparticles with an average diameter of 4‐6 nm were immobilized on the surface of rutile SnO2 nanorods. As the amount of Au increased, the surface‐adsorbed oxygen species gradually increased. The 12 mol% Au‐SnO2 nanorods exhibited the highest response to 50 ppm xylene, a lower operating temperature (279 to 255°C), favorable selectivity, and fast response‐recovery speed (3 and 4 seconds, respectively). These properties made the fabricated nanorods good candidates for xylene detection. The possible mechanism for the enhanced xylene‐sensing performance is discussed.
Contribution of different molecular weight fractions to anticancer effect of sweet potato protein hydrolysates by six proteases on HT‐29 colon cancer cells
Authors: Zhang Miao , Mu Tai‐Hua 
Published: October 2017

SummaryThe contribution of different molecular weight fractions to anticancer effect of sweet potato protein hydrolysates (SPPH) by six proteases on HT‐29 colon cancer cells was investigated. SPPH prepared by six proteases showed certain antiproliferation effect on HT‐29 cells. Compared with other five proteases, SPPH by Alcalase exhibited the highest antiproliferation effect with the lowest IC50 value of 119.72 μg mL−1. SPPH by Alcalase was further separated into four fractions (>10, 5–10, 3–5 and <3 kDa), and <3 kDa fractions showed the strongest antiproliferation effect, which was 43.87% at 100 μg mL−1 (P < 0.05). The <3 kDa fractions could cause G2/M cell cycle arrest with increased p21 expression and induce apoptosis via decreasing Bcl‐2 expression, increasing Bax expression and inducing caspase‐3 activation in HT‐29 cells. In addition, <3 kDa fractions could significantly inhibit cell migration of HT‐29 cells. Thus, SPPH might be potentially used as a natural supplement in functional foods.
Development and characterisation of polylactic acid–gliadin bilayer/trilayer films as carriers of thymol
Authors: Zhu Jun‐You , Tang Chuan‐He , Yin Shou‐Wei , Yang Xiao‐Quan 
Published: October 2017

SummaryBiodegradable food packaging promises a more sustainable future. Poly(lactic acid) (PLA) is a promising alternative for petroleum‐derived polymers. However, PLA films suffer from poor barrier properties compared with petroleum‐derived ones. To address this issue, we designed bilayer and sandwich‐architectured trilayer films based on PLA and gliadin. We reported firstly the direct formation of PLA–gliadin bilayer/trilayer films without surface modification on PLA film. The films were compact and uniform, and double/triple layers were combined firmly, preventing delamination. This strategy enhanced mechanical resistance, ductility and moisture barrier of gliadin films and concomitantly enhanced the oxygen barrier for PLA films. Thymol loadings endowed bilayer/trilayer films with antimicrobial activity and antioxidant activity. The antimicrobial activity of the films depended on film types, and gliadin layer presented larger inhibition zone than PLA layer, hinting that the films possessed directional releasing role. This study opens a promising route to fabricate bilayer/trilayer architecture helping to create synergism of the biopolymers.
The ABCs of nonfinancial defined contribution (NDC) schemes
Authors: Holzmann Robert 
Published: October 2017

AbstractNonfinancial defined contribution (NDC) pension schemes have been successfully implemented since the mid‐1990s in a number of European countries such as Italy, Latvia, Norway, Poland and Sweden. The NDC approach features the lifelong contribution–benefit link of a financial defined contribution (FDC) personal account scheme, but is based on the pay‐as‐you‐go (PAYG) format. At its start out, the PAYG commitments of the preceding defined benefit (DB) system are converted into individual personal accounts, allowing for a smooth transition from the DB to the DC format, while avoiding the very high transition costs inherent in a move from a traditional PAYG DB scheme to a fully funded FDC scheme. The NDC approach implemented by the rule book is able to manage the economic and demographic risks inherent to a pension scheme and, by design, creates financial sustainability. As in any pension scheme, the linchpin between financial stability and adequacy is the retirement age; in the NDC approach the individual retirement age above the minimum age is by design self‐selected and by incentives should increase the effective retirement age in line with population ageing. As a systemic reform approach NDC has become a strong competitor to piecemeal parametric reforms of traditional nonfinancial DB (NDB) schemes. While frequent, these reforms are far from transparent and usually too timid and too late to create financial sustainability while providing adequate pensions for the average contributor. This article offers a largely non‐technical introduction to NDC schemes, their basic elements and advantages over NDB schemes, the key technical frontiers of the approach, and the experiences of NDC countries.
Strength of brittle materials in moderately corrosive environments
Authors: Cook Robert F. 
Published: October 2017

AbstractThe strengths of four brittle materials―cordierite glass ceramic, fused silica, silicon, and polycrystalline alumina were measured after exposure to weakly corrosive water and moderately corrosive buffered HF (BHF) solution. Exposure to water did not alter the strengths in subsequent inert strength tests and decreased the strengths in reactive strength tests. Exposure to BHF increased the strengths in both tests, but only after an incubation exposure time. Prior to the incubation time, the BHF had the same effect as water, suggesting that the bond rupture kinetics were unaffected. Examination of strength‐controlling indentation flaws after the incubation time showed clear corrosive effects on the flaw geometry indicative of reductions in the indentation residual stress fields. The implication is that moderately corrosive environments increase the strength or lifetime of a brittle component by reducing the crack driving force via flaw alteration and do not, as perhaps expected, decrease the strength or lifetime through enhanced chemical reactivity.
Optical properties, thermal stability, and forming region of high refractive index La2O3–TiO2–Nb2O5 glasses
Authors: Mao Zhaozhao , Wang Chaoyue , Zheng Xiaojie , Yu Jianding , Xiong Liangming 
Published: October 2017

AbstractThe high refractive index La2O3–TiO2–Nb2O5 glasses were prepared by containerless processing, and the glass‐forming region was determined. The refractive index showed the range from 2.20 to 2.32, and the values were much higher than those of most optical glasses. The completely miscible 30LaO3/2–(70−x)TiO2–xNbO5/2 (0 ≤ x ≤70) system was fabricated to study the compositional dependence of refractive index and optical transmittance. The crucial determinants of the refractive index of oxide glasses, oxygen molar volume, and electronic polarizability of oxygen ions were calculated. The principle of additivity of glass properties was suitable for the calculation of refractive index between glass and compositional oxides. All the glasses were colorless and transparent in the visible to 6.5 μm middle infrared (MIR) region. These results are useful for designing new optical glasses with high refractive index and low wavelength dispersion in wide optical window.
Increased miR‐223 expression in foetal organs is a signature of acute chorioamnionitis with systemic consequences
Authors: Lee JoonHo , Kim Chong Jai , Kim Jung‐Sun , Lee Deug‐Chan , Ahn Sejin , Yoon Bo Hyun 
Published: October 2017

AbstractAcute chorioamnionitis, frequently observed in preterm placentas, is a major risk factor for the development of infection and non‐infection‐related adverse perinatal outcomes. MicroRNAs play important roles in immune cell development and function as well as in the development of cancers and neurologic diseases. We sought to investigate the changes in microRNA‐223 (miR‐223) expression and the functional significance of the changes in miR‐223 expression in foetal organs in the presence of acute chorioamnionitis. Using formalin‐fixed, paraffin‐embedded (FFPE) tissue samples from foetal or neonatal autopsy cases, which are the most practical option to study the changes in several organs simultaneously, miR‐223 expression profiles in foetal thymus, lung and liver were compared between cases with and without acute chorioamnionitis. Total RNA was extracted from FFPE specimens and qRT‐PCR was conducted. miR‐223‐3p expression levels in foetal thymus (2.55‐fold), lung (1.93‐fold) and liver (1.70‐fold) were significantly higher in cases with acute chorioamnionitis than in those without. Transfection of pre‐miR‐223‐3p in Jurkat cells and luciferase assay and ribonucleoprotein immunoprecipitation followed by qRT‐PCR analysis confirmed the binding of miR‐223 to the 3′ untranslated region (3′UTR) of forkhead box O1 (FoxO1) mRNA and the regulation of FoxO1 by miR‐223. We report for the first time that foetuses with inflammation in the chorioamniotic membranes show increased expression of miR‐223 in the thymus, lung and liver. Furthermore, FoxO1 is a target of miR‐223. These findings suggest that post‐transcriptional regulation of genes by miR‐223 is a component of the foetal inflammatory response, which has systemic consequences in the foetus.
Promotion of trophoblast invasion by lncRNA MVIH through inducing Jun‐B
Authors: Zou Yanfen , Li Qian , Xu Yetao , Yu Xiang , Zuo Qing , Huang Shiyun , Chu Yongli , Jiang Ziyan , Sun Lizhou 
Published: October 2017

AbstractPreeclampsia (PE), a pregnancy‐specific disorder, is associated with impaired uterine spiral artery remodelling, which is related to the dysfunction of trophoblast cells. Lately, mounting evidence has indicated that aberrant expression of long non‐coding RNAs (lncRNAs) is associated with various human diseases. The lncRNA MVIH transcript has been shown to decrease the severity of several diseases. However, the biological function of MVIH, which is down‐regulated in placental tissues in PE, has not yet been clarified. Here, we report that MVIH may act as a vital factor in the pathogenesis of PE. In this study, functional analysis revealed that the silencing of MVIH expression via transfection with small interfering RNA (siRNAs) inhibited cell growth, migration, invasion, and angiogenesis in various trophoblast cell lines, and stimulation with MVIH could promote these functions. Mass spectrometry analysis revealed that MVIH could modulate Jun‐B protein expression, which has been reported to potentially regulate cell growth and angiogenesis. Further cotransfection assays were performed, revealing that MVIH and Jun‐B have a synergistic effect on the regulation of angiogenesis and cell proliferation. Taking these findings together, MVIH could be associated with PE and may be a candidate biomarker for its diagnosis and treatment.
CDK7 inhibition suppresses rheumatoid arthritis inflammation via blockage of NF‐κB activation and IL‐1β/IL‐6 secretion
Authors: Hong Honghai , Zeng Yingmin , Jian Wenxuan , Li Lei , Lin Liying , Mo Yousheng , Liu Meiling , Fang Shuhuan , Xia Yong 
Published: October 2017

AbstractRheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic inflammatory disease characterized by joint swelling, joint tenderness and destruction of synovial joints, leading to severe disability. Anti‐inflammatory drugs and disease‐modifying anti‐rheumatic drugs (DMARDs) may improve RA process. However, in most patients the treatment effect is still not satisfactory. Cyclin‐dependent kinase 7 (CDK7) plays a well‐established role in the regulation of the eukaryotic cell division cycle, and recent studies indicated that it exerted anti‐inflammatory effect. In our previous research, we found that inhibition of CDK7 by highly selective inhibitor BS‐181 significantly impeded the development of collagen‐induced arthritis (CIA) mice. However, the underlying mechanism of CDK7 in RA remains to be explored. We elucidated the molecular mechanism of CDK7 inhibition in RA inflammation by administration of CDK7 highly selective inhibitor BS‐181 and siRNA‐CDK7. We found that both IL‐1β, IL‐6, IL‐8 and RANKL transcript levels and IL‐1β/IL‐6 secretion were effectively suppressed by BS‐181 treatment as well as CDK7 knockdown. Furthermore, CDK7 inhibition prevented NF‐κB signalling pathway activation and restrained p65 nuclear translocation. Moreover, CDK7 selective inhibitor BS‐181 also blocked phosphorylation of p65 in MH7A cells. These results strongly indicate that CDK7 inhibition by BS‐181 and siRNA‐CDK7 significantly suppresses rheumatoid arthritis inflammation, which may be via blockage of NF‐κB signalling pathway and IL‐1β/IL‐6 secretion.
Practitioner Review: Current best practice in the use of parent training and other behavioural interventions in the treatment of children and adolescents with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder
Authors: Daley David , Van Der Oord Saskia , Ferrin Maite , Cortese Samuele , Danckaerts Marina , Doepfner Manfred , Van den Hoofdakker Barbara J. , Coghill David , Thompson Margaret , Asherson Philip , Banaschewski Tobias , Brandeis Daniel , Buitelaar Jan , Dittmann Ralf W. , Hollis Chris , Holtmann Martin , Konofal Eric , Lecendreux Michel , Rothenberger Aribert , Santosh Paramala , Simonoff Emily , Soutullo Cesar , Steinhausen Hans Christoph , Stringaris Argyris , Taylor Eric , Wong Ian C.K. , Zuddas Alessandro , Sonuga‐Barke Edmund J. 
Published: October 2017

BackgroundBehavioural interventions are recommended for use with children and young people with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD); however, specific guidance for their implementation based on the best available evidence is currently lacking.MethodsThis review used an explicit question and answer format to address issues of clinical concern, based on expert interpretation of the evidence with precedence given to meta‐analyses of randomised controlled trials.ResultsOn the basis of current evidence that takes into account whether outcomes are blinded, behavioural intervention cannot be supported as a front‐line treatment for core ADHD symptoms. There is, however, evidence from measures that are probably blinded that these interventions benefit parenting practices and improve conduct problems which commonly co‐occur with ADHD, and are often the main reason for referral. Initial positive results have also been found in relation to parental knowledge, children's emotional, social and academic functioning – although most studies have not used blinded outcomes. Generic and specialised ADHD parent training approaches – delivered either individually or in groups – have reported beneficial effects. High‐quality training, supervision of therapists and practice with the child, may improve outcomes but further evidence is required. Evidence for who benefits the most from behavioural interventions is scant. There is no evidence to limit behavioural treatments to parents with parenting difficulties or children with conduct problems. There are positive effects of additive school‐based intervention for the inattentive subtype. Targeting parental depression may enhance the effects of behavioural interventions.ConclusionsParent training is an important part of the multimodal treatment of children with ADHD, which improves parenting, reduces levels of oppositional and noncompliant behaviours and may improve other aspects of functioning. However, blinded evidence does not support it as a specific treatment for core ADHD symptoms. More research is required to understand how to optimise treatment effectiveness either in general or for individual patients and explore potential barriers to treatment uptake and engagement. In terms of selecting which intervention formats to use, it seems important to acknowledge and respond to parental treatment preferences.