bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Fenton oxidation products derived from hydroxycinnamic acids increases phenolic‐based compounds and organic acid formation in sugar processing
Authors: Nguyen Danny M.T. , Bartley John P. , Moghaddam Lalehvash , Doherty William O.S. 
Published: December 2017

AbstractThe hydroxycinnamic acids (HCAs), caffeic acid (CaA), p‐coumaric acid (pCoA) and ferulic acid (FeA) are the main phenolic acid colour precursors present in sugar cane juice. The Fenton oxidative degradation products of these HCAs and mixture using Fe2+/H2O2 at pH 4.72 at 25 °C were identified using chromatography and mass spectrometry techniques. Oxalic (≤14 wt%), isobutyric (≤13.5 wt%) and formic acids (≤1.3 wt%) were the main organic acids formed. CaA produced the highest proportion of oxalic and isobutyric acids, while FeA produced the highest proportion of formic acid. The presence of increased proportion of oxalic acid in juice will increase the proportion of calcium oxalate scale in sugar mill heat exchangers. The phenolic‐based products identified include protocatechuic aldehyde and 4‐hydroxybenzoic acid and the basic phenols, p‐allyphenol, p‐vinylguaiacol, trans‐isoeugenol, which when present in juice may react with juice constituents to increase juice colour in subsequent processing.
Formation and stability of emulsions stabilised by Yucca saponin extract
Authors: Ralla Theo , Salminen Hanna , Tuosto Jessica , Weiss Jochen 
Published: December 2017

SummaryYucca saponin extract containing steroidal saponins was examined for its interfacial and emulsifying properties. For this purpose, we produced oil‐in‐water emulsions and tested their stability against environmental stresses (pH, ionic strength, heating and freeze‐thawing). Yucca saponin extract was highly surface‐active and formed negatively charged submicron‐sized emulsions at low surfactant‐to‐oil ratio. The emulsions were stable at pH 5–9 and showed only minor increase in droplet size when heated up to 90 °C. Our results indicate Yucca saponin extract as a new potential natural surfactant that may be used to replace synthetic surfactants in the food and beverage industry for selected applications.
Irrigated Corn Production and Management in the Texas High Plains
Authors: Xue Qingwu , Marek Thomas H. , Xu Wenwei , Bell Jourdan 
Published: December 2017

AbstractCorn is the major irrigated crop in the Texas High Plains (THP) and uses 53% of the total agricultural regional water resource budget. Currently, the declining water level of the Ogallala Aquifer, coupled with irrigation pumping restrictions by regional groundwater conservation districts, is challenging sustainable, high level corn production. The objective of this article is to review production levels and evaluate corn management practices in the THP with reduced or limited levels of irrigation. Long‐term field studies demonstrate that yield and water use efficiency (WUE) have increased significantly over the last forty years while seasonal corn evapotranspiration (ET) under full irrigation conditions has not increased. Among management practices, irrigation remains the single‐most important factor in corn production. With recent advances in corn breeding and genetics, irrigation requirements can be reduced by up to 25% in some years and result in similar yields as compared to irrigation amounts at the 100% ET level. Also, WUE is generally maximized at irrigation levels meeting 75–80% ET demand. Newly developed drought tolerant corn hybrids have been shown to provide yield benefits of 10–15% under limited (reduced) irrigation water levels. At the higher irrigation levels (75–100% ET requirement), corn yield increased as seeding rate increased initially but did not increase further when the seeding rate exceeded 94,000 seeds ha−1. Also, a multi‐year planting date study indicated that high corn yields can still be achieved with a long‐season hybrid when planted in the middle of May and early June. When the planting date is delayed to late June and early July, mid‐ and short‐ season hybrids showed a yield advantage over the long season hybrids.
The Economics of Local Enhanced Management Areas in Southwest Kansas
Authors: Golden Bill , Guerrero Bridget 
Published: December 2017

AbstractThe purpose of this research is to provide input into the water planning process for select subareas in southwest Kansas. Stakeholder input suggests that a reduction in groundwater use may be desirable in order to preserve the Ogallala Aquifer and extend its economic contribution to both the producer and the regional economy. In an endeavor to define the benefits and costs of water conservation policy, this research estimates measures of producer net profits and regional value added and places a monetary value on the conserved groundwater. The results of the models that assume the goal is to maximize producer profits, suggest that the Local Enhanced Management Areas (LEMAs) framework of groundwater management will provide benefits to both the agricultural producer and rural communities. Subarea 1 will receive the greatest benefit, increasing cumulative net revenue by 6.3%, while Subareas 2 and 3 increase cumulative net revenue by 2.1% and 2.7%, respectively. The results suggest that generally, the rural economy receives as much, if not more, benefits from groundwater conservation than the agricultural producer. Subareas 1, 2, and 3 generated 8.3%, 2.7%, and 1.8%, respectively, more cumulative value added under the LEMA scenario as compared to the Status Quo scenario. If Subarea 3 were to manage their groundwater based on implementing a LEMA plan and maximizing value added, cumulative value added would increase from a 1.8% gain to an increase of 18.7%.
First‐principles and crystal‐field calculations of the electronic and optical properties of two novel red phosphors Rb2HfF6:Mn4+ and Cs2HfF6:Mn4+
Authors: Liu Dong‐Xu , Ma Chong‐Geng , Hu Pei‐Wen , Li Zuo , Tian Ya , Su Ping , Brik Mikhail G. , Srivastava Alok M. , Tanabe Setsuhisa 
Published: December 2017

AbstractThe electronic, structural, and optical properties of 2 red phosphors, Rb2HfF6:Mn4+ and Cs2HfF6:Mn4+, are evaluated using the first‐principles and crystal field theory methods. The calculated trigonal splitting of the Mn4+ orbital triplets perfectly matches the experimental excitation spectra. The structural and electronic properties of the mixed compound RbCsHfF6 are also studied theoretically. In the mixed compound, the inversion center symmetry around the Hf site is removed. This symmetry lowering may result in an increase in the Mn4+ 2E→4A2 zero phonon line (ZPL) intensity, which is very weak in the 2 end members. This finding may be of interest for increasing the phosphor luminosity. It is believed that such a mechanism of local site symmetry lowering by preparing solid solutions may be used for other systems as well, to gain ZPL intensity and perhaps to minimize thermal losses, eventually leading to improved phosphor materials.
Formation of structural defects and strain in electrodegraded Fe‐doped SrTiO3 crystals due to oxygen vacancy migration
Authors: Ascienzo David , Kurt Onur , Greenbaum Steve , Bayer Thorsten J. M. , Maier Russell A. , Randall Clive A. , Ren Yuhang 
Published: December 2017

AbstractWe report on our investigation of structural defect and strain formation in electrodegraded reduced and oxidized, Fe‐doped SrTiO3 (Fe:STO) single crystals using optical second harmonic generation (SHG) and confocal Raman spectroscopy. SHG and Raman spectra reveal structural and electrochemical inhomogeneity resulting from the formation of Fe4+/oxygen ion and Fe3+/oxygen vacancy aggregation sites along the degraded anode and cathode interfaces, respectively. We show that mixed Fe3+/Fe4+ states and structural strain gradients are generated across the color fronts. These results, as well as oxygen sublattice differences between the anodic and cathodic bulk, present the color front as an interface between two dominant oxygen bonding distortions. The strain near the color front shows a strong dependence on oxygen vacancy concentration and diffusion within the crystals. Our characterization of structural and electrochemical changes due to electric field‐induced strain and oxygen vacancy migration advances knowledge of electrodegradation in perovskite‐based titanate single crystals.
Why Refugee Burden‐Sharing Initiatives Fail: Public Goods, Free‐Riding and Symbolic Solidarity in the EU
Authors: Thielemann Eiko 
Published: December 2017

AbstractTraditionally, differences in states’ refugee protection contributions have been attributed to the variation in countries’ structural pull‐factors such as their geographic location. However, policy choices, such as Germany's decision to open its borders for Syrian refugees in 2015, can also have a significant impact on the number of arrivals and constitute a puzzle that traditional approaches struggle to explain. This paper demonstrates that viewing refugee burden‐sharing through the lens of public goods theory can provide significant insights about refugee protection dynamics in the EU, in particular in the context of a sudden mass influx of migrants that threatens internal security. By highlighting how free‐riding and burden‐shifting dynamics can undermine the provision of collective goods during a refugee crisis, a public goods approach can advance our understanding of why countries sometimes accept disproportionate responsibilities for forced migrants and how the effectiveness of EU refugee burden‐sharing instruments can, and should, be strengthened.
Role of T helper 17 cells and T regulatory cells in alopecia areata: comparison of lesion and serum cytokine between controls and patients
Authors: Loh S.‐H. , Moon H.‐N. , Lew B.‐L. , Sim W.‐Y. 
Published: December 2017

AbstractBackgroundAlopecia areata (AA) is an organ‐specific autoimmune disease with T‐cell‐mediated attack of hair follicle autoantigens. As T helper 17 (Th17) cells and T regulatory (Treg) cells are crucially involved in the pathogenesis, the role of Th17 and Treg cytokines has not been studied yet.ObjectiveTo determine whether AA is associated with alterations in lesional and serum Th17 and Treg cytokines and studied whether they were associated with clinical type.MethodsScalp skin samples from 45 patients and eight normal controls were obtained for PCR specific for IFN‐γ, TNF‐α, TGF‐β, IL‐1, IL‐2, IL‐4, IL‐10, IL‐12A, IL‐13, IL‐17, IL‐22 and IL‐23. Serum cytokines were measured from 55 patients and 15 normal controls using ELISA.ResultsLesional IL‐17 and IL‐22 were significantly increased in patient group. Moreover, positive correlations were shown between lesional IL‐17, IL‐22 and disease severity. Serum IL‐1, IL‐17, TNF‐α and TGF‐β were significantly increased, and positive correlation was shown between serum IL‐17 and disease severity.ConclusionThese results showed significantly high Th17 cytokines in both lesion and serum in AA patients, which may highlight a functional role of these cytokines in the pathogenesis of AA.
Experimental evolution of infectious behaviour in a facultative ectoparasite
Authors: Durkin E. S. , Luong L. T. 
Published: December 2017

AbstractParasitic lifestyles have evolved many times in animals, but how such life‐history strategies evolved from free‐living ancestors remains a great puzzle. Transitional symbiotic strategies, such as facultative parasitism, are hypothesized evolutionary stepping stones towards obligate parasitism. However, to consider this hypothesis, heritable genetic variation in infectious behaviour of transitional symbiotic strategies must exist. In this study, we experimentally evolved infectivity and estimated the additive genetic variation in a facultative parasite. We performed artificial selection experiments in which we selected for either increased or decreased propensity to infect in a facultatively parasitic mite (Macrocheles muscaedomesticae). Here, infectiousness was expressed in terms of mite attachment to a host (Drosophila hydei) and modelled as a threshold trait. Mites responded positively to selection for increased infectivity; realized heritability of infectious behaviour was significantly different from zero and estimated to be 16.6% (±4.4% SE). Further, infection prevalence was monitored for 20 generations post‐selection. Selected lines continued to display relatively high levels of infection, demonstrating a degree of genetic stability in infectiousness. Our study is the first to provide an estimate of heritability and additive genetic variation for infectious behaviour in a facultative parasite, which suggests natural selection can act upon facultative strategies with important implications for the evolution of parasitism.
Disparate patterns of thermal adaptation between life stages in temperate vs. tropical Drosophila melanogaster
Authors: Lockwood B. L. , Gupta T. , Scavotto R. 
Published: December 2017

AbstractMany terrestrial ectothermic species exhibit limited variation in upper thermal tolerance across latitude. However, these trends may not signify limited adaptive capacity to increase thermal tolerance in the face of climate change. Instead, thermal tolerance may be similar among populations because behavioural thermoregulation by mobile organisms or life stages may buffer natural selection for thermal tolerance. We compared thermal tolerance of adults and embryos among natural populations of Drosophila melanogaster from a broad range of thermal habitats around the globe to assess natural variation of thermal tolerance in mobile vs. immobile life stages. We found no variation among populations in adult thermal tolerance, but embryonic thermal tolerance was higher in tropical strains than in temperate strains. We further report that embryos live closer to their upper thermal limits than adults – that is, thermal safety margins are smaller for embryos than adults. F1 hybrid embryos from crosses between temperate and tropical populations had thermal tolerance that matched that of tropical embryos, suggesting the dominance of heat‐tolerant alleles. Together, our findings suggest that thermal selection has led to divergence in embryonic thermal tolerance but that selection for divergent thermal tolerance may be limited in adults. Further, our results suggest that thermal traits should be measured across life stages to better predict adaptive limits.
Sex‐antagonistic genes, XY recombination and feminized Y chromosomes
Authors: Cavoto E. , Neuenschwander S. , Goudet J. , Perrin N. 
Published: December 2017

AbstractThe canonical model of sex‐chromosome evolution predicts that sex‐antagonistic (SA) genes play an instrumental role in the arrest of XY recombination and ensuing Y chromosome degeneration. Although this model might account for the highly differentiated sex chromosomes of birds and mammals, it does not fit the situation of many lineages of fish, amphibians or nonavian reptiles, where sex chromosomes are maintained homomorphic through occasional XY recombination and/or high turnover rates. Such situations call for alternative explanatory frameworks. A crucial issue at stake is the effect of XY recombination on the dynamics of SA genes and deleterious mutations. Using individual‐based simulations, we show that a complete arrest of XY recombination actually benefits females, not males. Male fitness is maximized at different XY recombination rates depending on SA selection, but never at zero XY recombination. This should consistently favour some level of XY recombination, which in turn generates a recombination load at sex‐linked SA genes. Hill–Robertson interferences with deleterious mutations also impede the differentiation of sex‐linked SA genes, to the point that males may actually fix feminized phenotypes when SA selection and XY recombination are low. We argue that sex chromosomes might not be a good localization for SA genes, and sex conflicts seem better solved through the differential expression of autosomal genes.
Minimally invasive esthetic ridge preservation with growth‐factor enhanced bone matrix
Authors: Nevins Marc L. , Said Sherif 
Published: December 2017

AbstractObjectivesExtraction socket preservation procedures are critical to successful esthetic implant therapy. Conventional surgical approaches are technique sensitive and often result in alteration of the soft tissue architecture, which then requires additional corrective surgical procedures. This case series report presents the ability of flapless surgical techniques combined with a growth factor‐enhanced bone matrix to provide esthetic ridge preservation at the time of extraction for compromised sockets.Clinical ConsiderationsWhen considering esthetic dental implant therapy, preservation, or further enhancement of the available tissue support at the time of tooth extraction may provide an improved esthetic outcome with reduced postoperative sequelae and decreased treatment duration. Advances in minimally invasive surgical techniques combined with recombinant growth factor technology offer an alternative for bone reconstruction while maintaining the gingival architecture for enhanced esthetic outcome. The combination of freeze‐dried bone allograft (FDBA) and rhPDGF‐BB (platelet‐derived growth factor‐BB) provides a growth‐factor enhanced matrix to induce bone and soft tissue healing.ConclusionsThe use of a growth‐factor enhanced matrix is an option for minimally invasive ridge preservation procedures for sites with advanced bone loss. Further studies including randomized clinical trials are needed to better understand the extent and limits of these procedures.Clinical SignificanceThe use of minimally invasive techniques with growth factors for esthetic ridge preservation reduces patient morbidity associated with more invasive approaches and increases the predictability for enhanced patient outcomes. By reducing the need for autogenous bone grafts the use of this technology is favorable for patient acceptance and ease of treatment process for esthetic dental implant therapy.
Enhanced extraction of oleoresin from Piper nigrum by supercritical carbon dioxide using ethanol as a co‐solvent and its bioactivity profile
Authors: Nagavekar Nupur , Singhal Rekha S. 
Published: December 2017

AbstractPepper oleoresin was extracted using supercritical fluid extraction (SCF) from Piper nigrum berries. The conditions for maximum extraction of piperine were arrived at by calculating the solubility parameters of piperine and carbon dioxide using the Hildebrandt solubility equation. The effect of entrainers such as methanol, ethanol, and acetone was evaluated using theoretical modeling. The results predicted therefrom were validated experimentally. SCF at 250 bar/50 °C/60 min gave maximum relative extraction of 61.7 and 87.61% of oleoresin and piperine, while addition of 30% (vol/wt) ethanol as co‐solvent enhanced the yield to 95.9 and 184.7% under similar conditions of SCF extraction as compared to ethanol extraction for 6 hr. The oleoresins obtained showed comparable antioxidant, anti‐inflammatory, and antimicrobial activities with their respective controls. Hence SCF extraction of pepper using ethanol as a co‐solvent promises a rapid and enhanced recovery of oleoresin and its constituents with a good bioactivity profile.Practical applicationsAlthough SCF is a promising alternative for extraction of spice oleoresins, high cost of operation limits the use of this technology. In this work, process intensification of SCF extraction of black pepper lead to one step extraction and purification, along with high yield of oleoresin and the principle component piperine, eventually decreasing the cost of production. Thus, the highly concentrated SCF extracted oleoresins can have better replacement value for whole spices and better distribution in food and pharmaceutical sector.
Household consumption preferences of dairy products and their perceptions of milk safety
Authors: Paraffin Annah Shingirai , Zindove Titus Jairus , Chimonyo Michael 
Published: December 2017

AbstractThe study investigated consumer perceptions of milk safety and consumption preferences of dairy products. Households randomly selected from urban areas (n = 135) and non‐urban areas (n = 135) were surveyed using semi‐structured questionnaires. An ordinal logistic regression was used to estimate probability of households preferring to consume particular milk products and that of milk safety knowledge being important to households. Urban households were 2.8 times more likely to consume fresh milk (p < .05). Households from urban areas were two times more likely to purchase fresh milk from the kiosks, while households from non‐urban areas were five times more likely to buy fresh milk from vendors. The likelihood of appearance, quality and nutritional value of milk products being important to households was higher in urban locations compared to non‐urban locations. Consumers prioritized price and convenience over milk safety. Knowledge and awareness of milk safety issues was more important to urban households.Practical applicationsUnderstanding consumption preferences and consumer perceptions enables regulatory agencies, policy‐makers, and the dairy industry to make informed decisions and to put in place awareness programs on the risks of purchasing potentially contaminated milk through informal markets.
Biofilm formation and genetic characterization of New Zealand Cronobacter isolates
Authors: Gupta Tanushree B. , Mowat Eilidh , Brightwell Gale , Flint Steve H. 
Published: December 2017

AbstractThe study aimed to determine genetic diversity of a collection of New Zealand Cronobacter isolates collected from different sources and their ability to form a biofilm on different materials under different conditions. Isolates were screened for the presence of biofilm associated genes. Furthermore, suppression subtractive hybridization (SSH) was used to identify unique genes, present in a C. sakazakii strain (isolate ES191) which forms a stronger biofilm than the reference strain C. sakazakii BAA894. Results indicated that New Zealand Cronobacter spp. strains were genetically diverse. Biofilm formation was both temperature and nutrient dependent and varied widely within and between clinical, dairy, and environmental isolates. Moreover, C. akazakii adhered more to polyvinyl chloride followed by silicone, polyurethane and stainless steel and all the isolates harbored biofilm related genes. Of the 72 PCR products sequenced from the SSH library, 16 unique gene sequences were identified, of which nine were expressed only in ES191 and were found to be involved in hypothetical protein, energy production, and virulence. This study suggests the choice of enteral neonatal feeding tube material could dramatically influence the attachment, growth, and biofilm formation of C. sakazakii.Practical applicationsThe present study showed variable ability of Cronobacter species to form biofilms in different matrices tested. It was observed that environmental strains have a greater ability to persist and one of these formed stronger and complexed biofilm, which may increase the food safety risk. This calls for undertaking appropriate clean in place treatment regimes well efficient to remove strong and complex biofilms. Research findings of this study showed that both PVC and silicone based tubing represent higher risk materials for the colonization of C. sakazakii and subsequent development of biofilms. Therefore, it is imperative to carefully select a tubing material which is less likely to support the attachment and development of biofilms. However, the most practical means of reducing the risk of C. sakazakii infection is by using sterile ready‐to‐use formula and maintaining a clean environment when reconstituting the formula milk.