bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Minimising food waste: a call for multidisciplinary research
Authors: Alamar Maria del Carmen , Falagán Natalia , Aktas Emel , Terry Leon A 
Published: September 2017

AbstractFood losses and waste have always been a significant global problem for mankind, and one which has become increasingly recognised as such by policy makers, food producers, processors, retailers, and consumers. It is, however, an emotive subject whereby the extent, accuracy and resolution of available data on postharvest loss and waste are questionable, such that key performance indicators on waste can be misinformed. The nature and extent of food waste differ among developed economies, economies in transition and developing countries. While most emphasis has been put on increasing future crop production, far less resource has been and is still channelled towards enabling both established and innovative food preservation technologies to reduce food waste while maintaining safety and quality. Reducing food loss and waste is a more tractable problem than increasing production in the short to medium term, as its solution is not directly limited, for instance, by available land and water resources. Here we argue the need for a paradigm shift of current funding strategies and research programmes that will encourage the development, implementation and translation of collective biological, engineering and management solutions to better preserve and utilise food. Such multidisciplinary thinking across global supply chains is an essential element in the pursuit of achieving sustainable food and nutritional security. The implementation of allied technological and management solutions is reliant on there being sufficient skilled human capital and resources. There is currently a lack of robust postharvest research networks outside of the developed world, and insufficient global funding mechanisms that can support such interdisciplinary collaborations. There is, thus, a collective need for schemes that encourage inter‐supply chain research, knowledge exchange and capacity building to reduce food losses and waste. © 2017 Society of Chemical Industry
Relationship between chronic rhinosinusitis exacerbation frequency and asthma control
Authors: Banoub Raphael G. , Phillips Katie M. , Hoehle Lloyd P. , Caradonna David S. , Gray Stacey T. , Sedaghat Ahmad R. 
Published: September 2017

Objectives/HypothesisTo determine the association between the frequency of acute chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) exacerbations (AECRS) and the degree of asthma control in asthmatic CRS patients.Study DesignCross‐sectional study.MethodsWe prospectively recruited 108 asthmatic CRS patients as participants. Asthma control was assessed using the Asthma Control Test (ACT). The frequency of AECRS was assessed using three previously described indirect metrics for AECRS: the frequency of patient‐reported sinus infections, CRS‐related antibiotics use, and CRS‐related oral corticosteroids use in the last 3 months. CRS symptom severity was measured using the 22‐item Sinonasal Outcome Test (SNOT‐22). Associations between ACT score and metrics for AECRS were performed using linear regression while controlling for clinical and demographic characteristics, including SNOT‐22 score.ResultsACT score was significantly and negatively associated with the frequency of patient‐reported sinus infections (adjusted linear regression coefficient [β] = −1.2, 95% confidence interval [CI]: −2.3 to −0.1, P = .033), CRS‐related antibiotics courses (adjusted β = −1.4, 95% CI: −2.3 to −0.5, P = .004), and CRS‐related oral corticosteroid courses (adjusted β = −1.5, 95% CI: −2.5 to −0.5, P = .004) in the last 3 months, independent of characteristics including SNOT‐22 score. Poor asthma control could be detected using one or more sinus infections (70.6% sensitivity, 47.3% specificity), CRS‐related antibiotics (50.0% sensitivity, 73.0% specificity), or CRS‐related oral corticosteroids (58.8% sensitivity, 71.6% specificity) in the last 3 months.ConclusionsAECRS are negatively associated with the level of asthma control in asthmatic CRS patients, independent of CRS symptom severity. These results highlight AECRS as a distinct clinical manifestation of CRS that should be routinely assessed in CRS patients.Level of Evidence2c. Laryngoscope, 128:1033–1038, 2018
An investigation of the relationship between the performance of polybenzoxazine and backbone structure of hyperbranched epoxy modifiers
Authors: Wang Xin , Wang Jinyan , Liu Cheng , Jian Xigao 
Published: September 2017

AbstractNovel hyperbranched polyether epoxies (HBPEEs) with various backbone structures were synthesized using a one‐pot A2 + B3approach. These highly effective HBPEEs were incorporated into polybenzoxazine (PBOZ) network at various concentrations without cure‐induced phase separation. Effects of backbone structure and loading amount on the curing behavior and mechanical and thermal properties of PBOZ/HBPEE hybrid were investigated. The general trend shows that the impact strength, flexural strength and storage modulus all first increase and then decrease with filler content. For the backbone structure study, HBPEE‐3, which has the highest proportion of benzene rings, can simultaneously improve impact strength, flexural strength and storage modulus. In contrast, HBPEE‐1 and HBPEE‐2, which have fewer benzene rings and smaller intramolecular cavities, perform worse in terms of mechanical and thermal properties. Both backbone structure and loading of HBPEEs play important roles in determining the crosslink density and structures of non‐phase‐separated network. In addition, the simultaneous improvement can be explained by enhanced crosslinking density, structure of modifier, reduced hydrogen bond network and higher fractional free volume according to dynamic mechanical and thermomechanical analyses. © 2017 Society of Chemical Industry
Fabrication of micelles from poly(butylene succinate) and poly(2‐methacryloyloxyethyl phosphorylcholine) copolymers as a potential drug carrier
Authors: Zhang Yucheng , Yi Meijun , Bao Yi , Zhang Shiping 
Published: September 2017

AbstractA series of copolymers of poly(2‐methacryloyloxyethyl phosphorylcholine)‐b‐poly(butylene succinate)‐b‐poly(2‐methacryloyloxyethyl phosphorylcholine) (PMPC‐b‐PBS‐b‐PMPC) were synthesized by atom transfer radical polymerization. The structure of the polymers was characterized by 1H NMR and infrared spectroscopy, and their thermal properties were described using TGA and DSC. In aqueous solutions, the PMPC‐b‐PBS‐b‐PMPC could form micelles with sizes ranging from 108 to 170 nm. In vitro release studies showed that acidic media and a longer PMPC chain benefited doxorubicin (DOX) release. 3‐(4,5‐dimethylthiazol‐2‐yl)‐2,5‐diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) assays indicated that the micelles had low cytotoxicity to HeLa and L929 cells. DOX‐loaded micelles exhibited high cytotoxicity to HeLa cells. Flow cytometry results demonstrated that DOX‐loaded micelles could be internalized by HeLa cells. The in vitro phagocytosis results showed 3.9‐fold and 5.5‐fold reductions compared with poly(lactic acid) (PLA) nanoparticles and PDS55 micelles. These results demonstrate that PMPC‐b‐PBS‐b‐PMPC block copolymer micelles have great promise for cancer therapy. © 2017 Society of Chemical Industry
Interaction of polymers with amyloidogenic peptides
Authors: Abraham Jancy Nixon , Nardin Corinne 
Published: September 2017

AbstractWith this review, the aim was to gather recent representative publications which describe the interaction of polymers with amyloidogenic peptides/proteins. When functional, these take part in for instance bacterial adhesion and biofilm formation. However, several of the peptides/proteins have been identified in various diseases. One of the current approaches to discover a cure against these relies on therapeutics which either prevent or accelerate peptide/protein aggregation and/or clear readily formed aggregates. Owing to the common interest of scientists from all disciplines to identify a cure against the diseases of public health concern, there are overwhelming numbers of publications dealing with these two approaches. Since amyloid aggregation could be regarded as a nucleated polymerization, which is an established mechanism of polymer self‐assembly, we recently tackled the issue of amyloid aggregation using the theories and methods established in polymer science. In this review, we hence focus on gathering relevant and recent publications which describe the role of polymers in modulating the aggregation of amyloidogenic peptides/proteins. © 2017 Society of Chemical Industry
Quantum dynamical studies of ultrafast charge separation in nanostructured organic polymer materials: Effects of vibronic interactions and molecular packing
Authors: Polkehn Matthias , Eisenbrandt Pierre , Tamura Hiroyuki , Burghardt Irene 
Published: September 2017

AbstractWe review recent work employing high‐dimensional quantum dynamical techniques to study ultrafast charge separation in functional organic materials, in view of understanding the key microscopic factors that lead to efficient charge generation in photovoltaics applications. As highlighted by recent experiments, these processes can be guided by quantum coherence, despite the presence of static and dynamic disorder. The present approach combines first‐principles parametrized lattice Hamiltonians, based on Time‐Dependent Density Functional Theory (TDDFT) and/or high‐level electronic structure calculations, with accurate quantum dynamics simulations using the Multi‐Configuration Time‐Dependent Hartree (MCTDH) method. This contribution specifically addresses the mechanism of charge generation in (i) regioregular oligothiophene‐fullerene aggregates, and (ii) highly ordered oligothiophene‐perylene diimide co‐oligomer assemblies. These studies highlight that chemical design of donor–acceptor combinations needs to account for the effects of electronic delocalization and the modified energetics due to molecular packing, as well as multiple transfer pathways and internal conversion channels induced by vibronic interactions.
Undervaluation of directors in the board hierarchy: Impact on turnover of directors (and CEOs) in newly public firms
Authors: Garg Sam , Li Qiang (John) , Shaw Jason D. 
Published: September 2017

Research summary: We examine the consequences of the formalization of the board leadership structure at IPO for board‐level turnover. We introduce the concept of director undervaluation. It indicates the degree to which a director’s qualifications based on normatively accepted criteria for board leadership are not duly reflected in his/her appointments to the board chair and committee chair positions. We find that the higher the average undervaluation of directors on the board (“board undervaluation”), the greater the turnover levels of undervalued directors. This effect is stronger when board interaction frequency is higher. We contribute to the behavioral perspective on corporate governance by introducing justice‐based legitimacy as a key normative institution, and by providing a novel predictor of aggregate turnover of directors (as well as the firm’s CEO).
Managerial summary: Why do outside directors exit the board? We offer a novel answer to this question in the context of newly public firms. We suggest that when directors are passed over for the board chair and committee chair positions despite having higher qualifications than their peers, they have been “undervalued,” and a negative board climate is likely to develop. We find that the higher the average undervaluation of directors on the board, the higher the turnover levels of these undervalued directors. More frequent board meetings exacerbate these turnover levels. Further, these turnover effects are not restricted to undervalued directors—even the CEO is more likely to exit. This study demonstrates the critical importance of developing a legitimate and fair board leadership structure.
Lipid Metabolism is Closely Associated with Normal Testicular Growth Based on Global Transcriptome Profiles in Normal and Underdeveloped Testis of Obese Zucker (fa/fa) Rats
Authors: Datar Jutika , Regassa Alemu , Kim Woo‐Kyun , Taylor Carla G. , Zahradka Peter , Suh Miyoung 
Published: September 2017

AbstractZucker (fa/fa) obese rats often have non‐identical and differently sized paired testes, leaving one testis underdeveloped. Our earlier study found that the underdeveloped testes, > 30% smaller than the normal ones, have a selective decrease in docosapentaenoic acid (22:5n‐6), a dominant fatty acid in the testes. This study was conducted to examine global testicular transcriptome profile in underdeveloped testes relative to developed ones using Rat Gene 2.0 ST Array (Affymetrix, USA). Testes were obtained from 14‐week‐old, sexually mature male obese (fa/fa) Zucker rats. Out of the 1790 transcripts differentially expressed, 1108 and 682 were over‐expressed in the underdeveloped and normal testis, respectively (fold change ≥ 2 and P < 0.05). The ingenuity pathway analysis indicated that transcripts that were under‐expressed in the underdeveloped testis, relative to the normal testes, are involved in triacylglycerol biosynthesis, sphingomyelin metabolism and phosphatidylglycerol biosynthesis. Transcripts that were over‐expressed in underdeveloped testes, relative to normal testis, are involved in the production of nitric oxide and reactive oxygen species, and nuclear factor (erythroid‐derived 2)‐like 2 mediated oxidative stress responses. These data indicate that genes involved in lipid metabolism and oxidative stress play a crucial role in testicular growth and the maintenance of testical health.
Fatty Acid Composition and Contents of Seven Commercial Fish Species of Genus Coregonus from Russian Subarctic Water Bodies
Authors: Gladyshev Michail I. , Sushchik Nadezhda N. , Makhutova Olesia N. , Glushchenko Larisa A. , Rudchenko Anastasia E. , Makhrov Alexander A. , Borovikova Elena A. , Dgebuadze Yury Y. 
Published: September 2017

AbstractIn several Russian northern lakes and rivers, Arctic cisco Coregonus autumnalis, least cisco C. sardinella, peled C. peled, tugun C. tugun, broad whitefish C. nasus, whitefish C. lavaretus and vendace C. albula were sampled in periods of officially permitted commercial fishery. Special attention was paid to contents (mg g−1 of wet weight) of eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) in muscle tissues (filets), which are essential for human nutrition. The highest values of EPA + DHA content in semi‐anadromous fish and freshwater fish were recorded for C. autumnalis from the Yenisei River, 17.60 mg g−1 wet weight, and for C. lavaretus from the Sobachye Lake, 16.61 mg g−1 wet weight, respectively. Intra‐genus variations of EPA + DHA contents of Coregonus species were from 1.87 to 17.60 mg g−1 wet weight. Since the congeneric species were genetically close to each other, the variations in EPA and DHA contents were thought to be caused primarily by ecological factors: migrational capability, type of feeding and trophic status of aquatic ecosystems. In general, the majority of studied species appeared to be of a high nutritive value for humans, although unfavorable environmental conditions could considerably diminish this value.
Genetic Improvement of the Fatty Acid Biosynthesis System to Alter the ω‐6/ω‐3 Ratio in the Soybean Seed
Authors: Kulkarni Krishnanand P. , Kim Minsu , Song Jong Tae , Bilyeu Kristin D. , Lee Jeong‐Dong 
Published: September 2017

AbstractA high ω‐6/ω‐3 fatty acid ratio in the soybean seed adversely affects human health. The objective of the present study was to improve the fatty acid biosynthesis to reduce the ω‐6/ω‐3 ratio by combining the FAD2‐1A and FAD2‐1B mutant alleles with α‐linolenic acid (ω‐3) related alleles from wild soybean. The F2 population comprising 2320 F2:3 lines developed from S08‐14717 × PI 483463 cross exhibited significant variation for fatty acid components. Of these, 114 lines were advanced to the F5:6 generation and genotyped for FAD2‐1A and FAD2‐1B alleles. The lines carrying mutant FAD2‐1A and FAD2‐1B alleles showed ~ 761 g kg−1 oleic, and ~ 50 g kg−1 linoleic acids, which reduced ω‐6/ω‐3 ratios to ~ 0.6. Conversely, the lines carrying FAD2‐1A or FAD2‐1B mutant alleles had 267 or 399 g kg−1 oleic, 327 or 471 g kg−1 linoleic, and 120 or 130 g kg−1 α‐linolenic acids concentration, respectively. The elevated α‐linolenic acid resulted in the reduction of ω‐6/ω‐3 ratios in the range 2.5–3.9. The present study demonstrated that combining FAD2 mutant alleles with α‐linolenic acid‐related alleles from wild soybean reduces the seed ω‐6/ω‐3 ratio.
Zinc status is associated with inflammation, oxidative stress, lipid, and glucose metabolism
Authors: Olechnowicz J. , Tinkov A. , Skalny A. , Suliburska Joanna 
Published: September 2017

Abstract
A number of studies have reported that zinc plays a substantial role in the development of metabolic syndrome, taking part in the regulation of cytokine expression, suppressing inflammation, and is also required to activate antioxidant enzymes that scavenge reactive oxygen species, reducing oxidative stress. Zinc also plays a role in the correct functioning of lipid and glucose metabolism, regulating and forming the expression of insulin. In numerous studies, zinc supplementation has been found to improve blood pressure, glucose, and LDL cholesterol serum level. Deeper knowledge of zinc’s properties may help in treating metabolic syndrome, thus protecting against stroke and angina pectoris, and ultimately against death.
Correlates of school dropout and absenteeism among adolescent girls from marginalized community in north Karnataka, south India
Authors: Prakash Ravi , Beattie Tara , Javalkar Prakash , Bhattacharjee Parinita , Ramanaik Satyanarayana , Thalinja Raghavendra , Murthy Srikanta , Davey Calum , Blanchard James , Watts Charlotte , Collumbien Martine , Moses Stephen , Heise Lori , Isac Shajy 
Published: September 2017

ABSTRACTSecondary education among lower caste adolescent girls living in rural Karnataka, South India, is characterized by high rates of school drop‐out and absenteeism. A cross‐sectional baseline survey (N=2275) was conducted in 2014 as part of a cluster‐randomized control trial among adolescent girls (13‐14 year) and their families from marginalized communities in two districts of north Karnataka. Bivariate and multivariate logistic regression models were used. Overall, 8.7% girls reported secondary school dropout and 8.1% reported frequent absenteeism (past month). In adjusted analyses, economic factors (household poverty; girls' work‐related migration), social norms and practices (child marriage; value of girls' education), and school‐related factors (poor learning environment and bullying/harassment at school) were associated with an increased odds of school dropout and absenteeism. Interventions aiming to increase secondary school retention among marginalized girls may require a multi‐level approach, with synergistic components that address social, structural and economic determinants of school absenteeism and dropout.
Women's Sex Life After Spinal Cord Injury
Authors: Sramkova Tatana , Skrivanova Katerina , Dolan Igor , Zamecnik Libor , Sramkova Katerina , Kriz Jiri , Muzik Vladimir , Fajtova Radmila 
Published: September 2017

Abstract

Introduction
After spinal cord injury (SCI), individuals are typically considered by the general public to be asexual. Handicapped women have more problems with socio-sexual adaptation, stemming from low self-confidence, low self-esteem, and the absence of spontaneity.

Aims
To determine changes in the sexual lives of women after SCI.

Methods
A self-constructed questionnaire was used to map sexual function after SCI. We retrospectively compared sexual function in 30 women with SCI with that in 30 without SCI who led an active sexual life. Descriptive and inductive statistics were applied using the Student paired and non-paired t-tests and the Levene test.

Main Outcome Measures
The main variables were presence vs absence of sexual dysfunction in a group of women after SCI and a comparison of the incidence of sexual dysfunctions in women after SCI with that of a control group.

Results
A significant difference was ascertained in women with SCI in sexual desire (P &lt; .001), lubrication (P &lt; .001), and reaching orgasm before and after injury (P = .030). A comparison of the two groups showed a significant difference in the realization of coital sexual activity (P &lt; .001), erotogenous zones of the mouth (P = .016), nipples (P = .022), and genitals (P &lt; .001), and in the ability to reach orgasm (P = .033). The negative impact of incontinence on the sexual life of women with SCI proved significant (P &lt; .001). Negative factors for sexual activity in women with SCI were lower sensitivity in 16 (53%), spasms and mobility problems in 12 (40%), lower desire in 11 (36%), pain in 4 (13%), and a less accommodating partner in 3 (10%).

Conclusion
Intercourse was the preferred sexual activity in women with SCI. Compared with the period before injury, there was significant lowering of sexual desire, impaired lubrication, and orgasmic ability after SCI. A comparison of the two groups showed a difference in erotogenous zones and in reaching orgasm.
Concomitant vascular and neurodegenerative pathologies double the risk of dementia
Authors: Azarpazhooh Mahmoud Reza , Avan Abolfazl , Cipriano Lauren E. , Munoz David G. , Sposato Luciano A. , Hachinski Vladimir 
Published: September 2017

AbstractIntroductionThe relative contributions of vascular and degenerative pathology to dementia are unknown. We aim to quantify the proportion of dementia explained by potentially preventable vascular lesions.MethodsWe systematically searched for population‐based cohorts before February 2017 reporting clinicopathological data for individuals with and without dementia. We calculated the summary proportion and absolute risk of dementia comparing subjects with and without the pathology.ResultsWe identified 10 studies comprising 2856 subjects. Vascular‐type pathology and mixed pathology are respectively two and three times more likely in demented patients. The summary proportion of dementia is 77%–86% in subjects with mixed degenerative and vascular pathology and 45% in subjects with pure Alzheimer‐type pathology.DiscussionPatients with mixed pathologies have nearly twice the incremental risk of dementia compared with patients with only Alzheimer‐type lesions. Consequently, many cases of dementia could be prevented or delayed by targeting the vascular component.