bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Effect of thyme oil–alginate‐based coating on quality and microbial safety of fresh‐cut apples
Authors: Sarengaowa  , Hu Wenzhong , Jiang Aili , Xiu Zhilong , Feng Ke 
Published: October 2017

AbstractBACKGROUNDFood preservation is critical for keeping fresh‐cut products fresh, nutritious, safe, attractive and available for consumers. To improve the safety and quality of fresh‐cut fruits, 15 essential oils (EOs) were screened to test the antimicrobial activity against Listeria monocytogenes (LM), Salmonella typhimurium (ST), Staphylococcus aureus (SA) and Escherichia coli O157:H7 (EC O157:H7). The effect of alginate‐based edible coating (EC) incorporating different concentrations thyme oil on fresh‐cut ‘Red Fuji’ apples was investigated.RESULTSResults showed that thyme oil, cinnamon oil and oregano oil were more effective in inhibiting the microbes than other EOs. The result showed that the combined usage of 0.5 µL mL−1 thyme oil incorporated with alginate‐based EC could significantly inhibit the microbial growth, respiration, weight loss, firmness and browning of fresh‐cut ‘Red Fuji’ apples.CONCLUSIONThe edible coating and natural additives like thyme oil could be used to preserve the quality of fresh‐cut fruits. It revealed that EC incorporated with 0.5 µL mL−1 thyme oil can be a safe preservative for fresh‐cut apples. © 2017 Society of Chemical Industry
Measuring consumers' interest in instant fortified pearl millet products: a field experiment in Touba, Senegal
Authors: De Groote Hugo , Kariuki Sarah W , Traore Djibril , Taylor John RN , Ferruzzi Mario G , Hamaker Bruce R 
Published: October 2017

AbstractBACKGROUNDIn Africa, food‐processing industries are emerging fast, especially for cereals. New low‐cost extrusion cookers give small enterprises an opportunity to enter the market for processed cereal products, in particular instant, fortified and flavoured mixes. Before engaging in the marketing of these products, consumers' interest needs to be assessed. This study used a combination of affective tests and experimental auctions with 200 consumers in Touba, Senegal, to evaluate four new products with conventional pearl millet flour as the control: instant pearl millet flour, instant pearl millet flour with added dry mango and carrot powder (naturally fortified), and the previous products with added conventional chemical micronutrient fortificants.RESULTSDuring affective tests, consumers made little distinction between the five products in appearance, aroma, taste and overall appreciation. The experimental auctions showed that, without providing additional information on the products, there was no difference in ‘willingness to pay’ (WTP) between them. However, after that information is provided, consumers were willing to pay a modest premium for instant flour, and a large premium for added mango and carrot extract and for added micronutrients, but were not willing to pay a premium if those micronutrients came from natural sources. Income increased overall WTP, while education increased WTP for instant flour.CONCLUSIONThere is a potential market in low‐income African countries for instant and fortified cereal food products, but likely in the higher income and education groups. The increased cost needs to be compared to the premiums consumers are willing to pay. In the next step, the new and promising products could be tested in pilot markets, with target consumers. © 2017 Society of Chemical Industry
Variations in yield and gluten proteins in durum wheat varieties under late‐season foliar versus soil application of nitrogen fertilizer in a northern Mediterranean environment
Authors: Visioli Giovanna , Bonas Urbana , Dal Cortivo Cristian , Pasini Gabriella , Marmiroli Nelson , Mosca Giuliano , Vamerali Teofilo 
Published: October 2017

AbstractBACKGROUNDWith the increasing demand for high‐quality foodstuffs and concern for environmental sustainability, late‐season nitrogen (N) foliar fertilization of common wheat is now an important and widespread practice. This study investigated the effects of late‐season foliar versus soil N fertilization on yield and protein content of four varieties of durum wheat, Aureo, Ariosto, Biensur and Liberdur, in a three‐year field trial in northern Italy.RESULTSVariations in low‐molecular‐weight glutenins (LMW‐GS), high‐molecular‐weight glutenins (HMW‐GS) and gliadins were assessed by sodium dodecyl sulfate polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS‐PAGE). It was found that N applied to the canopy did not improve protein rate compared with N application to the soil (general mean 138 mg g−1), but moderately increased productivity in the high‐yielding varieties Liberdur and Biensur (three‐year means 7.23 vs 7.13 and 7.53 vs 7.09 t ha−1 respectively). Technological quality was mainly related to variety choice, Aureo and Ariosto having higher protein rates and glutenin/gliadin ratios. Also found was a strong ‘variety × N application method’ interaction in the proportions of protein subunits within each class, particularly LMW‐GS and gliadins. A promising result was the higher N uptake efficiency, although as apparent balance, combined with higher HMW/LMW‐GS ratio in var. Biensur.CONCLUSIONLate‐season foliar N fertilization allows N fertilizer saving, potentially providing environmental benefits in the rainy climate of the northern Mediterranean area, and also leads to variety‐dependent up‐regulation of essential LMW‐GS and gliadins. Variety choice is a key factor in obtaining high technological quality, although it is currently associated with modest grain yield. This study provides evidence of high quality in the specific high‐yielding variety Biensur, suggesting its potential as a mono‐varietal semolina for pasta production. © 2017 Society of Chemical Industry
Evaluation of a Trauma‐Focused Group Intervention for Unaccompanied Young Refugees: A Pilot Study
Authors: Pfeiffer Elisa , Goldbeck Lutz 
Published: October 2017

AbstractRecent research has shown that unaccompanied young refugees (UYR) encounter a wide range of traumatic events during preflight, flight, and resettlement. Although many UYR are resourceful, many develop posttraumatic stress symptoms (PTSS). However, only a small number of vulnerable UYR have access to trauma‐focused interventions. Trauma‐focused group interventions, adapted to the needs of UYR, may be one way of improving their mental health. A total of 29 male UYR between 14 and 18 years of age, mainly from Afghanistan, participated in the evaluation study of a trauma‐focused group intervention entitled Mein Weg (My Way). The intervention included six sessions of psychoeducation, relaxation, trauma narrative, and cognitive restructuring. Pre–post comparisons of PTSS assessed by the Child and Adolescent Trauma Screen (CATS) were used. At study entry, participants endorsed, on average, eight traumatic events. After the group intervention, the participants reported significantly fewer overall PTSS preintervention mean = 27.6, SD = 7.9; postintervention mean = 20.7, SD = 6.3; t(28) = 4.2, p = .001, Cohen's d = 0.97. Improvement was especially pronounced in the domains of reexperiencing and avoidance, as well as negative alterations in cognitions and mood. There were 14 participants preintervention and 7 postintervention who fulfilled the PTSD criteria. This pilot study presented initial evidence of the efficacy of the trauma‐focused group intervention with regard to PTSS reduction.
Hormone receptors analysis in idiopathic progressive subglottic stenosis
Authors: Fiz Ivana , Bittar Zeid , Piazza Cesare , Koelmel Jan Constantin , Gatto Federico , Ferone Diego , Fiz Francesco , Di Dio Diana , Bosse Alexander , Peretti Giorgio , Sittel Christian 
Published: October 2017

ObjectiveIdiopathic subglottic stenosis predominantly affects fertile and perimenopausal women. Estrogens and/or progesterone have been proposed as mediators of its pathogenesis by stimulating collagen deposition within the upper airway. We evaluated the presence and expression of estrogen‐alpha (ER‐α), estrogen‐beta (ER‐β), and progesterone receptors (PR) in idiopathic stenotic patients.Study DesignA retrospective analysis on 42 surgical specimens from idiopathic stenosis female patients (mean age, 52.4; age range, 31–79) and 28 gender‐ and age‐matched controls.MethodsImmunoreactivity of ER‐α, ER‐β, and PR was calculated as the product of intensity (1 = weak, 2 = moderate, 3 = strong) and positive cell percentage (1–4, for < 10/10–50/50–80/ > 80%). This score was calculated on the stenotic and peristenotic tissues. Influence of menopausal status on hormonal expression and stenotic grade was tested.ResultsStenosis showed ER‐α overexpression versus peristenotic tissue and controls (score 6.6 ± 4.4, 0.3 ± 0.5, and 2.2 ± 1.5, respectively; P < 0.001). Overexpression was even more marked for progesterone receptors (score 8.3 ± 3.6, 0.8 ± 0.6, and 1.0 ± 0.7, respectively; P < 0.001). There was no expression of ER‐β in stenosis (score 0), whereas it was normally expressed in peristenotic tissue and controls (score 0.7 ± 0.5 and 0.5 ± 0.5; P < 0.001 vs. stenosis). Expression of ER‐α was higher in postmenopausal stenotic patients (P < 0.01). This subgroup included a higher proportion of Cotton‐Myer grade III stenosis than in premenopausal subjects (P < 0.001).ConclusionAn imbalance between ER‐α, ER‐β, and PR is present in idiopathic stenosis patients. The hormonal background may be involved in inappropriate inflammation and increased stenosis susceptibility. Menopausal changes seem to play a role in both stenosis grade and receptor patterns.Level of EvidenceNA. Laryngoscope, 128:E72–E77, 2018
Application of the Eighth Edition American Joint Committee on Cancer Staging System for HPV‐Related Oropharyngeal Cancer Treated With Transoral Robotic Surgery
Authors: Badhey Arvind K. , Olson Ashley , Kadakia Sameep , Russo Jack , Ting Peter , Khalid Mian , Yao Mike , Teng Marita S. , Genden Eric M. , Miles Brett A. , Chai Raymond L. 
Published: October 2017

ObjectiveAnalyze patients treated with transoral robotic surgery (TORS) in the context of the eighth edition of the American Joint Committee on Cancer (AJCC) staging system.MethodsRetrospective cohort study including 110 human papillomavirus‐related oropharyngeal cancer (HPV+OPC) patients with a minimum 1‐year follow‐up treated with TORS between 2007 to 2016. Kaplan‐Meier methods were used to estimate 3‐year disease‐free survival and assess differences in recurrence.ResultsOne hundred and ten patients with a median follow‐up of 54 months were analyzed. Of those, 85% of patients were male, with a median age of 60. Twenty‐two percent of patients received no adjuvant therapy; 43% received adjuvant radiation; and 35% underwent adjuvant chemoradiation. Extracapsular spread was identified in 24% of patients. Overall survival was 100%, with estimated 3‐year disease‐free survival (DFS) (95% confidence interval) of 87% (77, 93). Under the seventh edition of the AJCC, 5% of patients were stage I; 11% were stage II; 26% were stage III; and 57% were stage IVa. Twenty‐seven patients (25%) were upstaged on final pathology, whereas 15 patients (14%) were downstaged. Under the eighth edition of the AJCC, 94% of patients were stage I for both clinical and pathologic staging systems. Six patients (6%) were upstaged on final pathology, whereas six patients (6%) were downstaged. No factors demonstrated statistical significance for DFS. Within pathologic stage I, Kaplan‐Meier estimates for DFS did not reach statistical significance.ConclusionThe majority of patients undergoing TORS for HPV + OPC are stage I under the eighth edition of the AJCC staging system, with limited pathologic re‐staging compared with the prior system. Oncologic outcomes are favorable for this group. No clinicopathologic features are significant for DFS within pathologic stage I.Level of Evidence2b. Laryngoscope, 128:1133–1139, 2018
Resonant Lattice Kerker Effect in Metasurfaces With Electric and Magnetic Optical Responses
Authors: Babicheva Viktoriia E. , Evlyukhin Andrey B. 
Published: October 2017

AbstractTo achieve efficient light control at subwavelength dimensions, plasmonic and all‐dielectric nanoparticles have been utilized both as a single element as well as in the arrays. Here we study 2D periodic nanoparticle arrays (metasurfaces) that support lattice resonances near the Rayleigh anomaly due to the electric dipole (ED) and magnetic dipole (MD) resonant coupling between the nanoparticles. Silicon and core‐shell particles are considered. Our investigations are carried out using two independent numerical techniques, namely, the finite‐element method and the method of coupled‐dipole equations based on the Green function approach. We numerically demonstrate that choosing of lattice periods independently in each mutual‐perpendicular direction, it is possible to achieve a full overlap between the ED‐lattice resonance and MD resonances of nanoparticles in certain spectral range and to realize the resonant lattice Kerker effect (resonant suppression of the backward scattering or reflection). At the effect conditions, the strong suppression of light reflectance in the structure is appeared due to destructive interference between electromagnetic waves scattered by ED and MD moments of every nanoparticle in the backward direction with respect to the incident light wave. Influence of the array size on the revealed reflectance and transmittance behavior is discussed. The resonant lattice Kerker effect based on the overlap of both ED and MD lattice resonances is also demonstrated.
An Injectable Interpenetrating Polymer Network Hydrogel with Tunable Mechanical Properties and Self‐Healing Abilities
Authors: Wang Yanan , Yu Hansen , Yang Haiyang , Hao Xiang , Tang Quan , Zhang Xingyuan 
Published: October 2017

AbstractIn this work, a versatile and simple strategy to build an injectable interpenetrating polymer network (IPN) hydrogel with tunable mechanical properties and self‐healing ability is reported. The gelation time and mechanical properties can be tuned by pH or the solid content. Due to the exchange of acylhydrazone and boronate ester bonds formed between functionalized prepolymers, the hydrogels can self‐heal at either acidic or basic condition. Furthermore, the pH‐induced IPN to semi‐IPN reversible transition endows the hydrogels with tunable pore structure and mechanical properties. It is hoped that this novel strategy will provide new opportunities in design and preparation of 3D‐printable IPN hydrogels, fostering their use in a wide range of applications such as controlled drug release and tissue engineering.
In Situ Analysis of Chain Orientation Behavior in Thin Film Aromatic Polyimides by Variable Temperature pMAIRS during Thermal Imidization
Authors: Ishige Ryohei , Tanaka Kazuyuki , Ando Shinji 
Published: October 2017

AbstractA variable‐temperature p‐polarized multiple‐angle incidence resolution spectroscopy (VT pMAIRS) technique is developed that enables the in situ analysis of the evolution of molecular orientation in polymer thin films induced by a wide range of temperature changes involving phase transition, chemical reaction, and so on. This technique is used to analyze variations in chain orientation during the thermal curing of thin films (<300 nm) composed of various aromatic polyimides (PIs) on Si substrates. The orientation mechanisms in these thin films are found to be significantly different from those of the corresponding thick films because of lower levels of residual solvent and low shrinkage during solvent evaporation and imidization. Furthermore, the orientation behavior strongly depends on chemical structure; for pyromelliric anhydride‐based PIs, planar orientations of the PI segments spontaneously form with eliminating perpendicularly oriented precursor segments, while those of 3,3′,4,4′‐biphenyltetracarboxylic dianhydride‐based PI segments occur in the film as a result of large tensile stresses induced by the imidization reactions. VT pMAIRS is a powerful tool for the analysis of complex behavior in multicomponent thin films involving morphological changes, chemical reactions, as well as molecular orientations.
Virtual Screening Approach of Bacterial Peptide Deformylase Inhibitors Results in New Antibiotics
Authors: Merzoug Amina , Chikhi Abdelouahab , Bensegueni Abderrahmane , Boucherit Hanane , Okay Sezer 
Published: October 2017

AbstractThe increasing resistance of bacteria to antibacterial therapy poses an enormous health problem, it renders the development of new antibacterial agents with novel mechanism of action an urgent need. Peptide deformylase, a metalloenzyme which catalytically removes N‐formyl group from N‐terminal methionine of newly synthesized polypeptides, is an important target in antibacterial drug discovery. In this study, we report the structure‐based virtual screening of ZINC database in order to discover potential hits as bacterial peptide deformylase enzyme inhibitors with more affinity as compared to GSK1322322, previously known inhibitor. After virtual screening, fifteen compounds of the top hits predicted were purchased and evaluated in vitro for their antibacterial activities against one Gram positive (Staphylococcus aureus) and three Gram negative (Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Klebsiella. pneumoniae) bacteria in different concentrations by disc diffusion method. Out of these, three compounds, ZINC00039650, ZINC03872971 and ZINC00126407, exhibited significant zone of inhibition. The results obtained were confirmed using the dilution method. Thus, these proposed compounds may aid the development of more efficient antibacterial agents.
Soft tissue rheology and its implications for elastography: Challenges and opportunities
Authors: Bilston Lynne E. 
Published: October 2017

AbstractMagnetic resonance elastography and related shear wave ultrasound elastography techniques can be used to estimate the mechanical properties of soft tissues in vivo by using the relationships between wave propagation and the elastic properties of materials. These techniques have found numerous clinical and research applications, tracking changes in tissue properties as a result of disease or other interventions. Most dynamic elastography approaches estimate tissue elastic (or viscoelastic) properties from a simplified version of the equations for the propagation of acoustic waves through a homogeneous linear (visco)elastic medium. However, soft tissue rheology is complex and departs significantly from this idealized picture. In particular, soft tissues are nonlinearly viscoelastic, inhomogeneous and often anisotropic, and their apparent stiffness can vary with the current loading state. All of these features have implications for the reliability and reproducibility of elastography measurements, from data acquisition to analysis and interpretation. New developments in inversion algorithms for elastography are beginning to offer solutions to account for the complex rheology of tissues, including inhomogeneity and anisotropy. There remains considerable potential to further refine elastography to capture the full spectrum of tissue rheology, and thus to better understand the underlying tissue microstructural changes in a broad range of clinical disorders.
Synaptopodin‐2 suppresses metastasis of triple‐negative breast cancer via inhibition of YAP/TAZ activity
Authors: Liu Junling , Ye Liping , Li Qingyuan , Wu Xianqiu , Wang Bin , Ouyang Ying , Yuan Zhongyu , Li Jun , Lin Chuyong 
Published: October 2017

AbstractTriple‐negative breast cancer (TNBC) represents the most aggressive subtype of breast cancer, with a high incidence of distant metastasis; however, the underlying mechanism for this frequent recurrence remains unclear. Herein, we show that synaptopodin‐2 (SYNPO2), a putative tumour suppressor in aggressive cancer, is frequently downregulated in TNBC by methylation of the promoter of SYNPO2. Low expression levels of SYNPO2 correlated significantly with 5‐year metastatic relapse, and predicted poorer prognosis in breast cancer patients. Reintroduction of SYNPO2 inhibited the invasion and spontaneous metastasis of TNBC cells in vivo. Strikingly, downregulation of SYNPO2 is essential for the maintenance of stem cell‐like properties in TNBC cells, leading to efficient distant colonization and metastasis outgrowth. Moreover, we demonstrate that SYNPO2 inhibits the activities of YAP and TAZ by stabilizing LATS2 protein, and transduction of YAP‐S127A abrogates the repressive role of SYNPO2 in metastasis. Finally, immunohistochemical (IHC) analysis of breast cancer patient specimens indicated that the SYNPO2–LATS2–YAP axis is clinically relevant. These findings uncover a suppressive role of SYNPO2 in TNBC metastasis via inhibition of YAP/TAZ, and suggest that SYNPO2 might provide a potential prognosis marker and novel therapeutic strategy. Copyright © 2017 Pathological Society of Great Britain and Ireland. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Effect of nanosize CaCO3 and nanoclay on morphology and properties of linear PP/branched PP blend foams
Authors: Mohammad Mehdipour Narges , Garmabi Hamid , Jamalpour Seifollah 
Published: October 2017

Branched polypropylene (PP) polymer (BPP), two nanoparticles with different aspect ratios, nano CaCO3, and nanoclay (Cloisite 20A), were used for improving the melt strength of linear PP (LPP) and producing microcellular foam via a solid‐state foaming process using supercritical N2 as a physical foaming agent. The effects of BPP and nanoparticles were investigated on the rheological and mechanical properties of the nanocomposite and morphological properties of the foamed samples. The effect of temperature, saturation pressure, and foaming time were studied on the morphological properties of the foams, too. The results showed that the BPP increased the elongation at break of nanocomposite samples, and nano CaCO3 increased tensile strength, elongation at break, and tensile modulus, except at its highest content (15 wt%) and improving the dispersion of nanoclay. The nanoclay improved tensile strength and tensile modulus of nanocomposites, except at its highest content (6 wt%). The nanoclay increased the cell density and reduced the cell size and improved melt strength and cell stability during the foaming process. The nano CaCO3 improved foamability, cell size, and cell density. The simultaneous presence of nanoclay and nano CaCO3 synergistically improved the cell density and decreased the cell size of the foams. The best process conditions were found as 140°C temperature, 80 bar pressure, and 2 h time. The results of the DSC analysis showed that the crystallinity of foamed samples was higher than the nanocomposites and DMTA analysis showed that the tan δ of foamed samples was higher than unfoamed samples. POLYM. COMPOS., 40:E227–E241, 2019. © 2017 Society of Plastics Engineers